BETTY O’DWYER, BIRR

Betty O’Dwyer grew up in O’Connell Street, one of Birr’s most interesting places for the collection of folklore. The activities of past times and the colourful characters of the area were discussed. The conversation covered the emigration fare of ten pound to England in 1948, which encouraged people to go abroad. Betty emigrated to Manchester, but stayed there only a short time and when she returned, she worked in Dooley’s Hotel as a waitress and barmaid. She also spoke about some of the businesses in Birr and their long history.