Archive (334 life histories found)

A lone coal fire was the only form of heating in schools then and we took turns to pile on coal to keep it glowing. I was lucky enough to be seated on that side of the room, but usually the teacher's desk and blackboard helped block the heat…

My best friends at school were Marie Heaphy, Eileen Kidd, Mary Carthy, Marie Troy, Phyllis Mackey and Betty Spain. We wore a navy gymslip with a blue sash, white blouse and royal blue jumper. The school desks seated two girls and a shared inkwell. …

Playground games played were skipping, chasing, hide and seek and hopscotch. Skipping was an acquired skill and two ropes could be used at the same time. For this game, timing was important. You had to be sharp and watchful so as not to miss your…

At four years of age, I started primary school and attended the Holy Faith Convent in Little Strand Street, Dublin, where I remained until I was fourteen years old. I walked to school with my sister and brother. Being a convent school, we were…