Dermot Galvin
Interviewed by Ryan Gallagher
Ryan: How long have you lived in the area?
Dermot: 74 years.
Ryan: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Dermot: Swimming in the river Finn and getting on the train to Rossnowlagh four our primary school tour.
Ryan: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Dermot: The economic down turn of the 80s was tougher than this Covid.
Ryan: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Dermot: The family, friends and neighbours we have are what got us through this. Having a mobile phone has kept things a bit normal, with everyone keeping in touch.
Ryan: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Dermot: Community means friends, family and neighbours. Keeping myself inside as much as possible to protect myself and family from the virus. Keeping in touch by phone and my family doing my shopping helps.
Ryan: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Dermot: Keep the flags flying: don’t stop!
Pictured below is a poem that Ryan wrote in response to his interview with Dermot based on his message to the community: “Keep the Flag Flying”.