Back to | Map | Westmeath | Moate | William Boland

William Boland

Interviewed by Jasmine Morrissey / photos by Emma O’Brien

Jasmine: How long have you lived in the area?
William: 68 years.

Jasmine: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
William: Walking to school through the fields to Ballinahown Primary School. I remember liking to see all the birds and nature as I passed by. It took 30 to 45 minutes each way walking, and 3-4 families would walk together and chat. I remember saving turf from the bog and doing hurling and football every evening after the work was done.

Jasmine: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
William: Yes- in the 1940s and 50s, during the war and after. There were ration books for food. People were self sufficient and grew their own veg, made their own clothes and killed pigs and rabbits for meat.

Jasmine: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
William: Being determined and positive, walking every day and attending to the sheep and cats helped me though lockdown. Watching all types of movies and shows on TV and being close to my neighbours and family bring me joy.

Jasmine: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
William: Community mean friends and supporting each other. I live on my own so it’s good to talk to someone, like neighbours and family. I visit with extended family once a day and go to chuch every Sunday in Ballinahown with neighbours and my extended family.

Jasmine: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
William: Continue to look after each other, and feed my cats if I’m not still alive.

Pictured below are images from William’s shoot with Emma O’Brien.

William Boland

William_Boland_Slider-1
William-Boland-Slider-2
William-Boland-Slider-3
William-Boland-Slider-4
William-Boland-Slider-5
William-Boland-Slider-6
William-Boland-Slider-7
William-Boland-Slider-8
William-Boland-Slider-9
William_Boland_Slider-1 William-Boland-Slider-2 William-Boland-Slider-3 William-Boland-Slider-4 William-Boland-Slider-5 William-Boland-Slider-6 William-Boland-Slider-7 William-Boland-Slider-8 William-Boland-Slider-9