Interviewed by A.J Breen / photos by Malcolm McGettigan

A.J.: How long have you lived in the area?
Rosie: 85 years.

A.J.: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Rosie: I remember helping on the farm and looking after my adorable pets: Tony the Shetland pony, Neddy the donkey and Susie the goat.

A.J.: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Rosie: Yes, after WW2, and after times of emigration when a lot of young people had to leave to find work.

A.J.: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Rosie: Activities that helped me though lockdown were crocheting cushion cases and hats, looking after my cats and kittens, reading papers and magazines.

A.J.: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Rosie: Community means looking out for neighbours and making sure everyone in the neighbourhood has a friend if they need something. I talk on the phone to everyone on a regular basis.

A.J.: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Rosie: For people to remain good neighbours to one another, and to care for the vulnerable and elderly in society.

A.J’s experience with the project: “It was great! A very fun way to connect with others.”

Pictured below is a drawing that A.J. did in response to her interview with Marie. Also shown are images from Marie’s shoot with photographer Malcolm McGettigan.

Rosie McDermott