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Philomena Doyle

Interviewed by Alex Palframan / photos by Emma O’Brien

Alex: How long have you lived in the area?
Philomena: Roughly around 75 years.

Alex: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Philomena: To be honest, it has to be that I have lived in peace and quiet my whole life out in the country.

Alex: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Philomena: Well, when we were younger it was hard and we had to do a lot of things that kids today wouldn’t have to do. We had to work, make hay and rake the turf. We walked 3 miles to school every day, no matter the weather! So yes, the way society and our community is today is nothing compared to what it used to be. Kids today can sit at home and get a lift to school in the warmth of a car.

Alex: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Philomena: Having my family and grandchildren around me brings me joy, and they also helped me through lockdown by shopping for me and cleaning the house.

Alex: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Philomena: Community to me is sort of like cousins or family. I used to, and sometimes still do, make tarts and cakes for my neighbours. I do favours for my neighbours such as give them lifts to town etc. Just friendly gestures.

Alex: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Philomena: To help one another and keep in contact with one another. Family is all you have at the end of the day.

Alex’s experience with the project: “An informative insight into the past!”

Pictured below is Philomena holding the brown bread that she and Alex made together as a creative response to their interview. Also shown are images from Philomena’s shoot with photographer Emma O’Brien.

Philomena Doyle

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