Interviewed by Hazel Conway / photos by Emilija Jefremova

Hazel: How long have you lived in the area?
Francess: 54 years.

Hazel: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Francess: I remember going to the dances at Boree Log for socialising.

Hazel: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Francess: There was a lot of poverty years ago compared to nowadays.

Hazel: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Francess: Going outside and mixing with friends when it was allowed as it made me feel as if life was back to normal.

Hazel: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Francess: Community means seeing the young people out playing GAA. I stay connected to my family by calling them.

Hazel: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Francess: Keep in touch with your friends and the world will come back to a better place.

Pictured below is a photo of Hazel playing at the monument dedicated to her great-grand Uncle Sailbheaster Mac Conmhaigh. This is her creative response to her interview with Francess. Sailbheaster Mac Conmhaigh was born in Lisseycasey in 1895 and was President of Comhaltas Ceoltoire Eireann from 1961-1964 and was Munster Chairman from 1966-1970.