Agnes and Liam McCarthy (part 1)

Agnes McCarthy grew up in Rock Mill, Kildorrery and in the initial part of this recording, she talks about her upbringing during very difficult times. Her father, Mr Stackpool, was a strong farmer and the Stackpool home was blown up by the British Crown forces in 1921 during the Troubles. She was then sent with her sister to Presentation Sisters boarding school in Crosshaven, and afterwards to Loreto School in Fermoy. Agnes speaks about her sadness at having no real opportunities in life. Her mother had died and her father was never at home, so at the age of 18 she moved to Cork city to work in St Finbarr’s Hospital. Her son Liam took up the story, and spoke about growing up in a small house in Church Avenue with nine siblings. His father Tom McCarthy had a good job, as a tradesman. Some years later Agnes opened a small shop, which became a hub of activity in the area. Liam recalls his involvement in the Gilbert and Sullivan Musical Society and he also sang in the choir of Aloys Fleischmann.