Interviewed by Kian O’Malley / photos by Sharon Smith

Kian: How long have you lived in the area?
Patrick: Since 1979.

Kian: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Patrick: I got married in ‘81 in Noggin Church. Having my daughters. Seeing grandchildren moving in as well and doing youth work. I did security in Bosco with 200 kids.

Kian: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Patrick: When the shops were built here. Had a rough start here. Used to clean and being a security guard to earn a dew bob. Seeing Dun Laoghaire being built with shopping centres took away the glamour.

Kian: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Patrick: Going out on walks. Seeing grandchildren and family regularly. Things that brought me joy were football, specifically soccer. I support Man City. No one is sick, everyone’s alive and healthy as well and that’s the way.

Kian: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Patrick: Good neighbours. Mainly now gardening and house and I keep an eye on my brother and neighbours. My grandson Kian keeps an eye on me. Goes to the shop and helps with the gardening, also respectful to women haha.

Kian: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Patrick: I wish there were more youth clubs around in Sallynoggin and such and Dun Laoghaire youth clubs let kids mature and give respect. I hope it gets better for the younger crowd respecting elderly school women- help their parents.

Pictured below are images from Patrick and Kian’s shoot with photographer Sharon Smith.

Patrick O’Malley