'I asked mother to tell my father'

'I asked mother to tell my father'

Maisie McNailly describes her education after finishing secondary school and her determination to become a nurse despite her father's disaproval.

Maisie McNailly

Trinity College Dublin

1950

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Maisie McNailly

Work and Employment

Life Story

Belfast

1950's

I would have liked to have gone to Banbridge Academy, my father was against that. He didn't want me getting any idea of leaving home.An aunt of mine was very interested in me and encouraged me to go to Rathfriland Technical College (as it is now called) for a commerce course. Bookkeeping, shorthand, typing, plus English and maths. I passed all subjects, but wasn't interested in an office job.I always wanted to be a nurse. When I finished my education I told my parents what I wanted to do. My father was very against me going. He wanted me to stay at home and help my mother. I gave in. I worked on the poultry farm and did odd jobs. I found the work interesting and liked country life, but I still hadn't given up on doing nursing.Eventually, after sometime, I applied to the Belfast City Hospital. I contacted the Belfast City Hospital and had an interview with Matron. I was told I would get a place in the next school. A few months later I received a letter informing me to report to Matron on the 3rd September, 1950 for student nurse training. I was delighted when I received the letter of acceptance and a list of items to bring with me, under clothing, three pairs of black stockings, black serviceable shoes, studs, pins, hair clips, scissors, pocket watch with second hand, and money to buy text books. I showed the letter to my mother. She was pleased for me and helped me to get all necessary. Mother was happy for me and had supported me. I asked mother to tell my father. In the end, I think father was proud for me. I didn't let them down. I came home every week and did some odd jobs. I would have taken mother out, and father, if he would come.

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

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)