Mary O’Sullivan: Masonry, Family Life,
Stonemasons: Occupational Lore: Family Life:
Mary begins the interview by talking through her earliest memories of Bantry, walking to school and robbing apples and nice and cross teachers. Mary’s then moves on to describe her family, and how she left school at 14, her father was a farm labourer and her mother died at 48 due to cancer. Mary then talks about childhood chores, shopping, baking, cleaning, pony and traps, growing vegetables, turkeys and herbal remedies, chickens, eggs, life pre-electricity. Mary’s mentions sister her staying at home and the loneliness of her father in his later years. She then also describes how she walked to school and fetched water from the river, heating cocoa by the fire, no electricity, Tilley lamps, homework, men playing cards, mother helping neighbours, and how her father did not work the month of February. Cycling to the dances, dances on the weekend, teenagers, music played, people who ran them, before that dances in the home. <br />Mary then describes life during World War Two and how rationing affected them. And strong memories of men returning from the war shellshocked. She then moves on to talk about her father and his love for gardening and helping neighbours. Mary also mentions the death of both her mother and sister to cancer. The second part of the interview relates to Mary’s moving to Cork city marrying into the trade and how being the wife and mother of stonemasons.<br /><br />Mary's son Murty was also interviewed for the project.<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00565_osullivan_2015;</a>
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
Cork Folklore Project
28 July 2016
Interviewee: Mary O'Sullivan
Interviewer: Michael Moore
Cork Folklore Project
<strong><strong>From Stonemason Collection:<br /></strong></strong>
<div class="element-text five columns omega">
<p><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00565_osullivan_2015;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00566_fahy_2015;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00569_fahy_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/181" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00570_steele_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00574_jones_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00577_fahy_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/185" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00583_johnson_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/186" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00589_lysaght_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/193" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00590_varian_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00595_Jones_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00609_Cooney_2017;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/196" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00610_McCarthy_2017;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00611_Buckley_2017:</a></p>
</div>
<p><strong>Published material related to the collection: </strong><br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Archive20-WebEdition.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moore, Michael (2016) ‘A Tale of Two Masons’, The Archive Journal, Vol 20: 8-10. </a></p>
2 .wav Files
English
Sound
CFP_SR00581_osullivan_2016
Cork, Ireland 1930s -2010s
Marcus Bale: Argentina, Alcohol, Buenos Aires, Culture, Folklore, Hanukah, Irish Literature, Jews, Passover, Dance, Drink Culture.
Life History: Cork
Marcus describes his childhood in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina and his subsequent move to Ireland. Subjects covered include Marcus’s Jewish upbringing, how he came to live in Ireland, cultural differences between Argentina and Ireland, as well as to his involvement in acting.
Marcus grew up in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, a densely populated area of Argentina. He came from an upper middle class Jewish family and had three sisters. His two grandmothers came from Lebanon and Syria. He lived in an urban area and as a child was more interested in indoor activity such as reading and playing board games. Where he lived children tended not to play in the street due to the dangers of urban traffic, smoke, and noise pollution. Marcus discusses how his family were more ‘“conservative’” Jewish, which he characterises as falling between Liberal and Orthodox Judaism. They met at his grandfather’s house for Jewish New Year, Passover and Hanukah.
Marcus came to Ireland due to his interest in early Irish literature, Celtic stories, and Irish folklore. He met Dr Diarmuid ÓO Giolláin from the Department of Folklore and Ethnology, University College, Cork, in Argentina and came to study here on the encouragement from of lecturers of European medieval literature within the Classical Studies programme he attended in college. He highlights the difficulties of his first year in Ireland: the culture shock, the drinking culture, and not knowing anyone from his own country. He didn’t understand English as spoken by Irish people and he relates some humorous stories of misunderstandings.
According to Marcus, the weather was a big challenge. Marcus was used to temperatures of over 40 degrees and it took two years before he got used to the rain. He talks at length about the differences in diet and meal times between Ireland and Argentina which reflect the different climates. Marcus also discusses how Argentineans are more direct than the polite Irish. Irish people repeatedly say ‘sorry’ which is not common in his country.
Marcus talks about his involvement in Irish fringe theatre and being a member of the Snatch Comedy Group. He mentions how avant-garde Argentinean theatre styles are in comparison to the more traditional style in Ireland. He explains how the small South American community has grown: how they meet up regularly and about the growing popularity of South American dances such as tango and salsa.
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
Cork Folklore Project
6 September 2004
Interviewer: Marcus Bale.
Interviewer: John Mehegan
<strong>Cork 2005 Collection Catalogue Numbers:<br /></strong> <br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/5">CFP_SR00329_mccarthy_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/18">CFP_SR00330_odriscoll_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/19">CFP_SR00331_claffey_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/20">CFP_SR00332_hanover_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/21">CFP_SR00333_desplanques_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/23">CFP_SR00335_sheridan_1996</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/24">CFP_SR00336_steiner-scott_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/25">CFP_SR00337_rot_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/26">CFP_SR00338_stafford_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/27">CFP_SR00339_odonoghue_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/28">CFP_SR00340_hawkins_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/29">CFP_SR00341_ocarroll_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/30">CFP_SR00342_ikebuasi_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/54">CFP_SR00343_ogeallabhain_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/31">CFP_SR00344_geaney_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/32">CFP_SR00345_wulff_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/33">CFP_SR00346_abdoulbaneeva_2004</a>;<br />CFP_SR00347_gunes_2004;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/35">CFP_SR00348_fourie_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/36">CFP_SR00349_henderson_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/37">CFP_SR00350_valdman_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/38">CFP_SR00351_carmody_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/39">CFP_SR00352_osullivan_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/40">CFP_SR00353_mahknanov_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/41">CFP_SR00354_oflynn_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/42">CFP_SR00355_akhter_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/43">CFP_SR00356_walker_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/44">CFP_SR00357_kelleher_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/45">CFP_SR00358_manresa_2004</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/46">CFP_SR00359_wimpenny_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/47">CFP_SR00360_skotarczak_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/48">CFP_SR00361_vermeulen_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/49">CFP_SR00362_owen_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/50">CFP_SR00363_dsouza_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/51">CFP_SR00364_setter_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/52">CFP_SR00365_obrien_2005</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/53">CFP_SR00366_botan_2005</a>:
<strong><br />Published Material;</strong> <br />‘How’s it Goin’, Boy? radio series <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/radio-series/">(six thirty-minute episodes, broadcast 2005 and available on the Cork Folklore Project website)</a>
O'Carroll, Clíona for the Cork Northside Folklore Project (2006) How's it goin', boy? Dublin: Nonsuch Publishing.
1 .wav File
English
Sound
CFP_SR00334_bale_2004
Cork; Ireland; Buenos Aires; Argentina; 2000s;
Jack Johnson: Masonry, Fishing, Working Life
Stonemasons: Occupational Lore:
Jack begins by describing his family background in the mason trade and his own beginnings as a mason.
He then talks about social events and going to dances at The Arcadia club. Jack then mentions his growing up in Monkstown and schooldays. Working at threshing. Starting as a mason and injuring his finger. Jack talks about his time working for Pat Shea “The Gangster”. Also, a Co-worker John Falvey joining the British Army and being killed in Cyprus. Jack fired for standing up to foreman. Working in Dwyer’s factory. Masons “Bronco” Welsh and Joe Dynahan.” Bronco’s brother “The Whistler” and his part in 1916. On Bronco making and selling tools. Masons pawning tools. Having a set of chisels stolen.
Jack then talks about taking pride in his work and the low standards of today’s builders. On the importance of sewer work. Recalling sewer work jobs. Working on his own sewer. Jacks pride in his reputation as a mason. On working with different materials. Jack then speaks of his mother. And relations in West cork. The beginnings of Jacks interest in fishing. Jacks membership of fishing clubs and representing Ireland in Germany. Fishing on the pier. Night fishing and methods of attracting fish. The time Jack caught a record fish. On how he became so good at fishing and his methods. On the lack of overall fishing among Monkstown residents. Being caught in a storm off Ballycotton. Working the drift on a trawler. A near miss with another boat. Giving up boating when his eyesight became bad.
Jack mentions the changes he’s seen. His dislike of the new look Patrick Street.
Moving to England to find work. 1956. and on the infamous criminals Reginald Christie and The Kray Twins. On his wages in England. More on the work he did. The differences between working on sites in England and Ireland. His father working for Kennedy -Callaghan and clashing over the breaks. His father being removed as foreman. On working with his father. When he started working at the beginning. Talking about his brothers and sisters. Friends Jack made on the sites. Characters on the sites and their nicknames. Jack tells a story about his grandfather. On the masons language The Barlog. Working in Irish Steel. Jack speaking about seeing two men killed at Haulbowline and accidents there.
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
Cork Folklore Project
11 August 2016
Interviewee: Jack Johnson
Interviewer: Michael Moore
Cork Folklore Project
<strong><strong>From Stonemason Collection:<br /></strong></strong>
<div class="element-text five columns omega">
<p><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00565_osullivan_2015;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00566_fahy_2015;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00569_fahy_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/181" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00570_steele_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00574_jones_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00577_fahy_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/184" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00581_osullivan_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/186" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00589_lysaght_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/193" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00590_varian_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00595_Jones_2016;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00609_Cooney_2017;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/196" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00610_McCarthy_2017;</a> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00611_Buckley_2017:</a></p>
</div>
<p><strong>Published material related to the collection: </strong><br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Archive20-WebEdition.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moore, Michael (2016) ‘A Tale of Two Masons’, The Archive Journal, Vol 20: 8-10. </a></p>
3 .wav files
English, Béarlagair na Saor (Masons Language)
Sound
CFP_SR00583_johnson_2016
Cork, Ireland 1940s -2010s
Philomena Cassidy: Grattan Street, Healthcare, The Marsh
<p>Phil grew up in a tenement on Grattan Street and worked in O’Gorman’s Hat Factory and Dunlop’s before getting married and starting a family. She gives a very detailed description of the lanes, houses, shops and families on Grattan Street and the surrounding area of the Middle Parish.</p>
<p>She discusses a variety of childhood games, a strong sense of community and friendly relationships with neighbours that have lasted a lifetime. </p>
<p><span>Phil recalls the dispensary, subsequently the Grattan Street Health Centre. Inside patients waited on benches for the doctor who tended to their area of the city. She also remembers the dispensary caretaker and pharmacist who lived in the dispensary building. </span></p>
<p><span>Her family’s daily routine is described including going to school, family meals and shopping. Her father was very strict about timekeeping, especially when Phil and her siblings were attending dances. This timekeeping came in useful at work where lateness resulted in docked pay, and where there was no sick pay.</span></p>
<p><span>Rationing in the 1940s is described, including the amounts of various foodstuffs allowed per person, and how it was circumvented by a neighbour who travelled to England.</span></p>
<p><span>Phil speaks of the diseases which we common when she grew up including tuberculosis. She also mentions her relatives who contracted diphtheria and measles and how they were treated. Refers to the vaccines for these diseases too.</span></p>
<p><span>Phil would have liked to stay working in Dunlop’s after her marriage as she enjoyed working with the people there but it was not an option. Nonetheless she enjoyed being with her own children at home and watching them grow, something she thinks happens less today.</span></p>
<p><span>Specific pawn shops and their locations are also recalled, how they functioned and their role in helping people make ends meet. </span></p>
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
4 September 2019
Cork Folklore Project
<strong>Other Interviews in this Collection </strong><br /><br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00696_O'Regan_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00704_Collins_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00706_Higgisson_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00712_O'Brien_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00713_Kearney_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00714_Cunning_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00717_Ward_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00727_OhUigin_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/249" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00728_Scanlan_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00729_Mulcahy_2019</a>;<br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/252" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00760_Morrissy_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/253" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> CFP_SR00762_OConnell_2019</a>;
1 .wav file
English
Sound
CFP_SR00732_Cassidy_2019;
Don Morrissy: Grattan Street, Healthcare, Working Life
<span>Ireland; Cork; Dublin; Middle Parish; The Marsh; Grattan Street; Occupational Lore; University; </span>
<p><span>Don recalls his entrepreneurial great-aunt who owned the Grand Hotel in Fermoy. </span></p>
<p><span>Recounts early years in the Grattan Street Dispensary building where his father was the pharmacist. </span></p>
<p><span>Describes growing up on the Mardyke close to St Joseph’s School and Presentation Brothers School which he attended. Talks about the violence of corporal punishment. </span></p>
<p><span>His mother ran a guesthouse in the family home, including preparing all the meals for the customers who were mostly university students and commercial travellers with their own cars which was rare.</span></p>
<p><span>Remembers summer holidays on a cousin’s farm.</span></p>
<p><span>Describes his time in University College Cork as the most important in his life. Discusses student societies, debating and the university grounds.</span></p>
<p><span>Outlines his working life in pensions, career direction, marriage as well as living accommodation.</span></p>
<p><span>Expresses his hopes for building developments in Cork and the emerging opportunities of remote working there. </span></p>
<p><span>Reflects on how his background has formed his outlook on life.</span></p>
<p><span>Describes cycling to collect cream from Bradleys Dairy on Sheare’s Street in an Andrews Kruschen Salts jar. Also mentions his distaste for tripe and drisheen.</span></p>
<p><span>Talks about a hierarchy of respectability in Cork based on types of clothing, with shawlies being the lowest rank.</span></p>
<p><span>Discusses Cork dancehalls in the 1960s including UCC, the Arcadia and the people who organised them.</span></p>
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
Cork Folklore Project
<strong>Other Interviews in this Collection </strong><br /><br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00696_O'Regan_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00704_Collins_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00706_Higgisson_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00712_O'Brien_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00713_Kearney_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00714_Cunning_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00717_Ward_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00727_OhUigin_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/249" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00728_Scanlan_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00729_Mulcahy_2019</a>; <br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/251" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00732_Cassidy_2019</a>;<br /><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/253" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> CFP_SR00762_OConnell_2019</a>;
1 .wav file
English
Sound
CFP_SR00760_Morrissy_2019;