Lorrha Development Association hosts an evening of “Treasured Memories”

THE Heritage Sub-committee of Lorrha Development Association hosted a special event called “Treasured Memories”, an on-going project, which involves the video and sound recording of the life stories of Lorrha men and women who lived through a period that was very different from the Ireland we know today.

As part of the project, the first three videos were aired to a very appreciative audience on Saturday April 1st in Lorrha Community Hall at 7.30pm. Michael Brophy and members of the Heritage sub-committee had been warmly welcomed into the homes of Paddy and Nuala Dermody, Michael and Nancy Liffey and Sheila Dillon, all of whom were eager to share the story of their lives with them.

All the interviewees experienced life during World War Two. “Hardship and scarcity” were used to describe early years. Items such as fuel, razor blades, tyres, tea and sugar were difficult to come by.

Women contributed hugely to the family income by selling eggs, butter and fowl. Visiting neighbours’ houses for a chat, a sing-song or a card-game were popular social outlets in the 40s and 50s.

Gradually, families modernised from horse power to motorisation. In 1952 a new car could be purchased for 300 pounds. Driving lessons consisted of a few excursions around the field. A farm tractor in 1961 cost 600 pounds

Paddy Dermody recalled the 1960s when farmers were in the process of creating a representative body. Their struggle to achieve government recognition was not easy. One protest involved a day-long blockade of Portumna Bridge. The Gardai arrested several people on the Galway side, but only one on the Tipperary side. Later the farmers marched to Leinster House and sat on the steps to progress their cause.

Paddy, Michael and Sheila played significant roles in public life. Paddy Dermody joined Macra na Feirme in the 1950s and was chairman of the GAA in the 1980s. At the time of the planning, building and funding of the new church in Rathcabbin, he was chairperson of the Parish Council. In all, the princely sum of half a million pounds was raised.

Michael Liffey played with a superb juvenile hurling team in the 1950s. He remarked that the players were fit before they even got to the field because of all the walking. They trained in Gerry Moylan’s field, near Sakie O’Brien’s house. Players included Michael Lack, Noel and Jim Lane, Liam King and Phelim Doherty. In 1957 the team won the Tipperary juvenile county final. Tony Reddin was fondly remembered. Michael recounted his ability to hit the ball high into the air and catch it on the way down without moving from his position.

Paddy Dermody noted that a bad harvest could set one back a couple of years. He often sold cattle for less than the purchase price. He had great praise for his wife, Nuala, who supported him during the tough years of farming.

His mother was an active member of Cumann na mBan and from a young age crossed the fields at night to avoid detection while delivering despatches. In Paddy’s opinion, the women of Cumann na mBan did not receive due recognition for their contribution to the struggle for independence.

Sheila Dillon acted in one act and three act plays for decades. She fondly remembered her co-star, Michael O’Meara of the Hill. They took part in Scor competitions with one-act plays. Her most memorable role on the big stage was that of Big Maggie by John B Keane.

Men and women usually met at dances. Michael Liffey recalled his pursuance of Nancy. He once went to a ploughing dance hoping for a chance; unfortunately she was there with another gent. After a marquee in Mullagh, Co. Galway, to the dulcet tones of Maurice Mulcahy, a courtship ensued. They married in 1973, the same year she joined the staff of Rathcabbin NS. The couple will be fifty years married this year. Michael started work in Liffey Mills in 1971 and joined Williams Waller in 1979 later becoming manager in both Borisokane and Roscrea.

Sheila met Bobby Dillon when she was 18. They married a few years later when she was 23. In the late 1950s Bobby and Sheila bought a site in Lorrha from the Hardings and built a shop and a house. They sold petrol, groceries, shoes and bed linen. In 1969, having sold the shop to John Jo Molloy, Bobby and Sheila purchased a site from Jack Burbidge at the Ferry in Portumna. Again, they built a business and a home. In 1998 they sold the shop at the Ferry to Joe Duggan and bought a house in Portumna.

The showing of “Treasured Memories” was well supported and received by the community. Regularly, during the presentation, anecdotes caused laughter and rounds of applause. The event proved to be a special night for the community. More interviews and showings are planned. The night concluded with lots of chat and light refreshments.