'It was almost obligatory then to have a child quickly, otherwise there might be a suggestion of caution or prevention.'

'It was almost obligatory then to have a child quickly, otherwise there might be a suggestion of caution or prevention.'

Billy Gallagher remembers starting his family life with his new wife in an apartment on Merrion Avenue.

Billy Gallagher

Trinity College Dublin

1965

This item is protected by original copyright

This content may be downloaded and used (with attribution) for research, teaching or private study. It may not be used for commercial purposes without permission.

Billy Gallagher

Marriage and Family

Life Story

Co. Dublin, Mount Merrion Avenue

1960's

Family life started on Bloody Monday 1972 (day after Bloody Sunday) at 39 Mount Merrion Avenue. We had rented an unfurnished apartment on the top floor of this very cold and draughty house. It was carpeted (cheaply) and an open fire fireplace. The rooms big and high and impossible to heat. Our furniture consisted of a 3 piece suite bought at auction along the Quays for £17 it was a black/grey flowery moquette affair, neither comfortable nor sprung but adequate. We kept it for 20 years. We had bought a kitchen suite for £80 in Capel Street ' table, 4 chairs and a bench. It is still in everyday use and will see us both out. We had a double bed and a fridge both of which have only been changed once since (fridge twice). I had a little Fiat 128 and a business that was young and growing.Within a year we had a son and heir (Patrick/Sam), it was almost obligatory then to have a child quickly, there might be a suggestion of caution or prevention if otherwise. These latter 2 suggestions were frowned on by Mother Church.

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)