Interviewed by  Ciara Doyle / photos by Emma O’Brien

Ciara: How long have you lived in your area?
Anne: 40 years

Ciara: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Anne: Children going to school. Parties in the Parish Hall (social services).

Ciara: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Anne: We now have more varied employment and a better education system.

Ciara: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Anne: Walking the dogs. Planting flowers (gardening). Meeting friends. Having chats. The active retirement group. Family visits.

Ciara: What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family and what does community mean to you?
Anne: Community means groups being back together which creates positive mental health. Mass is back. Social services. Active retirement group is back.

Ciara: What message do you want to leave for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Anne: Look on the bright side, things will only get better.

Ciara took inspiration from Anne’s love of gardening and herhusband Hugh’s favourite song ‘Maybe’ by Grizzly Adams. She used a stencil to paint the lyric ‘Here is our life and home’ onto a plant pot that she gave Anne & Hugh as a touching gift at the end of the project. Ciara also made a recording of herself singing Hugh’s special song. See photos of her creative response below alongside portraits of Christine, taken by Emma O’Brien.

Anne Byrne