Interviewed by Cian Devoy / photos by Dorothy Hughes

Cian: How long have you lived in the area?
John: 50 years.

Cian: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
John: This is the house where me and my wife Kathleen were blessed to have five beautiful children. We have 12 beautiful grandchildren who regularly come to visit us and shower us with love returned in abundance.

Cian: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
John: Yes, I have! In the 70s things were difficult. Interest rates were sky-high and the troubles in Ireland were profound. Our small estate is laid up with great neighbours who lent to each other. We depended on each other and always helped each other. Now, we got on with the difficulties and overcame obstacles together.

Cian: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
John: Lockdown was so difficult with no normal interactions. However, the arrival of vaccines, which happened very quickly, was a source of great joy. It gave us a chance to defend ourselves against an invisible evil which is so contagious.

Cian: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
John: Community to me is so important. There is on-going dependence on each other and a source of strength going forward. We are ready and available to help each other and give each other advice.

Cian: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
John: I would love to have Covid gone and normal interactions return. We have to stay positive despite all we have gone through.

Pictured below is Cian’s creative response to his interview with John- a photo highlighting all the sports awards John has won over the years. Also shown are photos from John’s shoot with Dorothy.

John Comerford