Eileen Jones: Blackpool, Shawlies, Sunbeam,
Life History:
Eileen Jones (b. 1931) was born in Millfield Cottages. When she was 4 years old her family moved to Welsh’s Lane in Blackpool; members of her extended family lived nearby. Her mother was born in 1896. Her father was a builder’s labourer.
There was no secondary school in Blackpool, but some students could stay on in primary school. She left at 14. She praised a teacher, Miss Hourigan, who gave the class a love of the ritual of the mass, and of basic maths and arithmetic, which stood to them in later life.
Eileen worked in the Sunbeam factory, and in Cork Spinning Company. She later got a job in Roches Stores, and she tells the story of how she came to get chosen for the job.
She talks in detail about the neighbourhood of Welsh’s Lane; how visiting strangers were quizzed. Children played out all day, their meals served according to the time kept by a local factory siren.
She recalls some of the words of the rhymes they sang while skipping. She lists the names of the lanes she knew in her youth.
Mentions that Kilcully graveyard had a lot of Traveller graves [Interviewee calls the Travellers ‘gypsies’]
She remembers the names of local shops; and The Co-Op where you earned stamps to exchange for goods.
She talks about a savings bank in St Mary’s Hall; it was a shilling to join.
Eileen remembers the clothes women wore before the war: shawls, kitchen aprons, petticoats. Her grandmother wore a black shawl; Traveller women wore fawn and brown plaid shawls. She tells a story about a woman who collected shawls from the deceased when they were laid out.
When she was born she was not expected to live and was taken close care of. She tells the story of her being christened with a name chosen by the priest.
She worked in the Sunbeam factory. Her supervisor lead prayers during the day. She didn’t like the portrayal of the workers in “The Sunbeam Girls”. The women workers sang as they worked.
Eileen also recalls bonfire night, drinking ‘razza’ and listening to people singing. Workers could go for baths in the Sunbeam factory; few people had baths in their houses.
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
Cork Folklore Project
17 August 2010
Interviewee: Eileen Jones
Interviewer: Breda Sheehan
Cork Folklore Project
<div class="element-text">
<div class="element-text"><strong></strong><strong>Other Interviews in the Colection:</strong> <br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00387_sheehan_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00388_sheehan_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/103" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00389_healy_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00390_kelleher_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00391_crean_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00392_mckeon_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/107" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00393_twomey_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/108">CFP_SR00394_stleger_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/3">CFP_SR00395_speight_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/109" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00396_lane_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00397_obrienoleary_2010</a>;<br /><a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00399_saville_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00400_magnier_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/114">CFP_SR00401_marshall_2010</a>;<a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> CFP_SR00402_marshall_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/116">CFP_SR00403_murphy_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/117">CFP_SR00404_prout_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/118">CFP_SR00405_walsh_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00406_prout_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/120">CFP_SR00407_newman_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00408_newman_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00409_leahy_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/123" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00411_newman_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00412_newman_2010</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/125" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00413_finn_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00414_ohorgain_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00415_oconnell_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00416_sheehy_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00417_mcloughlin_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00418_gerety_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/131" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00419_kelleher_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00420_byrne_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00421_cronin_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00422_ohuigin_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00423_meacle_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00424_horgan_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00425_lyons_2012</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00427_goulding_2011</a>; <br /><br />CFP_SR00491_fitzgerald_2013. <br /><br /><strong>Heritage Week 2011:</strong> <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/139" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00429_casey_201</a>1; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00430_tomas_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/141" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00431_newman_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00432_stillwell_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00433_oconnell_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00434_lane_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00435_montgomery-mcconville_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00436_ocallaghan_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/147" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00437_corcoran_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/148">CFP_SR00438_jones_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00439_ohuigin_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/149" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00440_mccarthy_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/items/show/150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00441_crowley_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/151" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00442_obrien_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/152" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00443_jones_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/153" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00444_mcgillicuddy_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/154" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00445_delay_2011</a>; <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/archivecatalolgue/document/155" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP_SR00446_murphy_2011</a>; <br /><br /><strong>Video Interview:</strong> CFP_VR00486_speight_2014</div>
<div class="element-text"><br /><strong>Published Material: </strong> <br /><br />O’Carroll, Clíona (2011) ‘The Cork Memory Map’, Béascna 7: 184-188. <br /><br />O’Carroll, Clíona (2012) ‘Cork Memory Map: an update on CFP’s Online Project’, The Archive 16: 14. <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/archive16.pdf">https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/research/corkfolkloreproject/archivepdfs/archive16.PDF</a> <br /><br />Dee, Stephen and O’Carroll, Clíona (2012) ‘Sound Excerpts: Interviews from Heritage Week’, The Archive 16: 15-17. <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/archive16.pdf">https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/research/corkfolkloreproject/archivepdfs/archive16.PDF</a> <br /><br />O'Carrol, Clíona (2014) 'The children's perspectives: Place-centred interviewing and multiple diversified livelihood strategies in Cork city, 1935-1960'. Béaloideas - The Journal of Folklore of Ireland Society, 82: 45-65. <br /><br />The Curious Ear/Documentary on One (Cork City Memory Map) <a href="http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/2011/0816/646858-curious-ear-doconone-cork-city-memory-map/">http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/2011/0816/646858-curious-ear-doconone-cork-city-memory-map/</a></div>
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<div class="element-text"><br /><strong>To view the Cork Memory Map Click </strong><a href="https://corkfolklore.org/memory-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Here</strong></a><br /><br /><strong>Click <a href="http://corkfolklore.org/cmm/neatline/fullscreen/cork-memory-map#records/22">here</a> to access Eileen's entry on the Memory Map</strong></div>
1 .wav File
English
Sound
CFP_SR00398_jones_2010
Cork, Ireland, 1930s-2000s
Aoife O'Brien: Grattan Street, Healthcare, Working Life
Ireland; Cork; Northside; Middle Parish; The Marsh; Occupational Lore; Medicine; Family; University; Built Heritage
<p><span>Aoife describes growing up on the Northside near Cathedral Road and playing games with her friends.</span></p>
<p><span>Describes her grandmother who ran a shop on Churchfield Green. Her grandmother was a confidante to many locals. Her grandmother eventually moved into their family home, where Aoife describes how she cooked tripe and drisheen. Aoife also speaks about a typical Christmas day with her family and neighbours visiting. </span></p>
<p><span>Recalls her school days and subsequent courses and jobs before her clerical officer role in Grattan Street, taking over her sister’s role.</span></p>
<p><span>Remembers her first experiences of Grattan Street as a child patient wanting to get glasses. Is reluctant to leave Grattan Street as she has so many memories there. </span></p>
<p><span>Explains her work in administration for the schools vaccination programme. Mentions rare cases of vaccine hesitancy or refusal. </span></p>
<p><span>Describes the quirky character of the Grattan Street Medical Centre building and as a happy place to work despite its defects. It’s location in the centre of the city is also beneficial. </span></p>
<p><span>Aoife talks about her role organising social events for the medical centre staff- Christmas parties and leaving parties. Hope to maintain these traditions when the staff move to St Mary’s Health Campus Gurranabraher. </span></p>
<p><span>Recalls stories from Grattan Street including wasps, pigeons, floods, characters and the boiler.</span></p>
Cork Folklore Project
Cork Folklore Project Audio Archive
16 May 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/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/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>;
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CFP_SR00712_O'Brien_2019;