Interviewed by Jessica Behan / photos by Emma O’Brien

Jessica: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Breda: I have fond memories of working with people from the community. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I enjoy the summer holidays here. I enjoy spending time at the river down in the field and taking care of the farm and the vegetable garden.

Jessica: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Breda: People are more stable financially now than they would have been in the 70s. A lot of the elderly community members are dead, so it is hard to deal with that.

Jessica: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Breda: Family visits made me happy during the lockdown. I enjoyed gardening, walking and old time waltzing during the lockdown.

Jessica: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Breda: Community means that we have good neighbours and the parish is friendly. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I stay connected to the community by going to mass on Sundays.

Jessica: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Breda: I would like to live to an older age and still have my friends and neighbours. I hope I can still dance and garden when I am older.

Pictured below is a drawing Jessica did in response to her interview with Breda. Also shown are images from Breda’s shoot with photographer Emma O’Brien.

Breda Buckley