Interviewed by Kate McEntire / photos by Emma O’Brien

Kate: How long have you lived in the area?
Luie: Since 1953.

Kate: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Luie: I am the second oldest of a family of twelve. At eight months old I went to live with my grandparents in Corglass, and then at the age of ten we moved to Annagh having sold the farm for 800 pounds which went towards purchasing the farm and house in Annagh for 1500 pounds. I attended Legga National School and at weekends I enjoyed going hunting rabbits with my friends. We sold our catch to a man from Cavan who operated a travelling shop in the area. In later years, I enjoyed attending dances in Luke Martins dance hall, Aughamore Lower.

Kate: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Luie: Absolutely. I remember clearly when there were only three cars in the locality. The main mode of transport was horse and trap. People walked everywhere – the roads would be thronged with people walking to mass! Times were tough, there was no running water or electricity in most houses, however people were happy.

Kate: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Luie: My family was the main thing that helped me through lockdown. My wife Margaret and I just recently retired and we were looking forward to travelling and catching up with family and friends, however our plans were halted with the outbreak of Covid in March 2020.

Kate: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Luie: From when I left Latin school, my life has involved dealing with people. Whether it was in my work as an AI technician or as a public servant. I was elected as a county councillor for the first time in 1979 and served the community for 40 years. I am particularly proud of getting village status for Legga and Moyne. I was also the first and only Lord Mayor of Dromard!

Kate: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Luie: I hope to see this capsule opened in ten years time and that Margaret and I will continue to be in good health and able to attend. I am really proud of the young people in our area, and I hope that they will continue to further develop our area.

Pictured below is a photo Kate took of Luie and his wife Margaret during their interview. Also shown are photos from Luie’s shoot with photographer Emma O’Brien.

Luie McEntire