Interviewed by Malie Corcoran & Hannah Buckley

Malie & Hannah: How long have you lived in the area?
Anne: All of my life. I was born in Mountemple.

Malie & Hannah: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Anne: I used to have to cycle into Moate to get an ice-cream and get home before they melted. I had to cycle in to get my hair cut as well. This was during the summer – we cycled everywhere as it was our only source of transport.

Malie & Hannah: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Anne: It isn’t the same now as it used to be, and I don’t think it will come back. A lot of local shops and businesses have closed, and Covid has made it hard on the elderly.

Malie & Hannah: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Anne: I love to go down to see the cattle every morning and walk through two fields of muck. I love planting in the flower beds when I come home, and I love to see my grandchildren as well.

Malie & Hannah: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Anne: I used to go to bingo and dances with my friends before Covid, but now I can’t do much. I help out with the local football club. I love baking daily – I make fresh bread every morning. I love to visit with my family.

Malie & Hannah: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Anne: I hope everyone is alive and well and looking after the country. I hope the country recovers from the virus and we go back to normal.

Pictured below is a drawing that Hannah & Maile drew as their creative response to their interview with Anne. It depicts things that Anne detailed to them in the interview, including things like her bike, melting ice cream and muddy wellies.

Anne Buckley