Fondest Memories
“Fondest Memories”
I was born and raised in the village of Tavanagh. We all lived in a very close community where a huge sense of loyalty prevailed. Everybody was made very welcome when they visited each other.
Life in the west of Ireland in those days was very tough. We did not have the same opportunities as the children living in the towns. We very rarely got the opportunity to play with pupils from other schools. I do believe we never had a visit from a sporting personality. This did not mean that we did not have any dreams
I have very fond memories of my time at Prizon School. When I started school Miss Glynn (RIP) and Miss Doherty (RIP) were the teachers at that time. On the retirement of Miss Doherty, Mr. Keville replaced her. We had the usual weekly visit from the priest. He usually tested our knowledge of the catechism for about 20 minutes. Guard Vaughan (RIP) also called about once a fortnight. He was a very regimental type. He would check the roll book over, look out from under the peak of his cap at the class, and he might then make the odd comment relating to the ‘black hole’ which sent shivers down your spine. I later found him to be a very pleasant gentleman.
Miss Doherty
We very rarely got a visit from the Medical profession. However on the one occasion we did, I shall never forget it. The doctor choose 5 of us at random, to go to hospital to have our tonsils taken out. I shall never know why he choose me as I never had any trouble with mine! He just fired some medical terms at us, which we did not understand. I do believe he had a ‘quota’ to fill! On arriving at the hospital we were greeted by a nurse, she barked out her orders:- bed or else!!!!! That experience has left me terrified of hospitals ever since.
On leaving school lots of young people emigrated. This was particularly hard being so young, and venturing out on their own, but also a terribly sad time for their parents.
Social life was made up of the occasional dance in the Maple Hall Balla, sometimes we travelled further afield, usually two to a bike. There was the odd film to go to see in the cinema in Balla, (now that was a treat).
During the winter months we would have regular card games in McLoughlins in Loughill, theirs was a great house for the games.
In the West of Ireland there were minimal prospects for Secondary Education unless you could pay for it and even less chance of getting a job in the area. I was fortunate that I developed a real passion for tractors at a very early age. This stood me in good stead when I left school.
I started a job driving a tractor ‘carting’ milk to the creamery in Claremorris. To this day my love affair with motors has continued, bringing the odd comment from my wife.
When I got talking to Julie Loftus and a reunion was mentioned, little did I realise our dream would become a reality. The committee has to be commended for their efforts in organising this event
Mayo always holds a special place in my heart, it has a special quality about it, its beauty and generosity overwhelms me. For the future it would be nice if Prizon School were to become a focal point for the people around the area, and then past pupils could visit and enjoy on their return to this special place.