Dermot O’Meara (b. 1920) (part 1)

Dermot O’Meara followed in his father’s footsteps in qualifying as a solicitor and he joined the O’Meara practice in Mallow town. In this recording, compiled at his home, Dermot relates one of his early memories of being brought by his father to the home of his friend William O’Brien, MP. He recalls the elderly politician as a tall man with a great heart and a deep voice, discussing history and the issues of the day by candlelight with Mr O’Meara Snr. It is an abiding memory, instilled in the impressionable seven-year-old boy at that tender age. Dermot discusses the town of Mallow as it was when he was growing up, the businesses, the people, the way of life, the recreations, and the huge social divisions between the wealthy and the poor. He has wonderful memories of heading off to Tramore for the family summer holidays, and on some memorable occasions, he and his brothers cycled all the way from Mallow to Tramore on long summer days.