Archive (7 life histories found)

Shortly after returning from Kenya I met Monica. She introduced me to a new circle of friends and a range of new interests. Travelling in groups of six to ten we shared many enjoyable occasions, including memorable Saturday night sessions in the…

Two friends from Eldoret, Tom and Ray, asked me to join them for a holiday in Mombasa in December 1964. We agreed that I would provide the transport and they would help with my hotel bills. The road was good as far as Nairobi. From there to Mombasa…

On the day Kenya achieved independence, 12th December 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first President, some local women did an impromptu traditional dance in front of Matunda church. Across the country the relatively low key celebrations passed off…

The Kiltegan presence in Kenya expanded rapidly during the late 1950s and early 1960s. By 1963 there were about 40 Kiltegan priests in the Diocese of Eldoret at any one time. They were all Irish. At that time the diocese stretched from Lake Turkana…

By the end of July 1963 I was beginning to get restless. Maynooth was now history and there was no future for me in Clondaliever. It was a great time to be young and free. Sean Lemass was leading Ireland away from a dull and conservative past into a…