Interviewed by Aaliyah Raji

Aaliyah: How long have you lived in the area?
Marrianne: 17 years.

Aaliyah: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Marrianne: A fond memory I have of living here is walking on the beach with my friends, making friends and getting the train to go to work in Dublin.

Aaliyah: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Marrianne: Yes. I have seen this community come from hard times before, especially since the lockdown.

Aaliyah: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Marrianne: Walking with my friends on the beach has helped me through the lockdown. And talking to my friends and grandchildren brings me joy.

Aaliyah: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Marrianne: To me, community means that we all help each other get through hard times and help each other out. I go see my grandchildren play football and I also go to church.

Aaliyah: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Marrianne: Talk to people and try to be helpful towards others.

Pictured below is a drawing of a library that Aaliyah drew as her creative response to her interview with Marrianne! She would love to see a Library built in their town so that people would be able to study in peace.