NELL (ELEANOR) SMYTH, NAVAN

Nell Smyth was recorded at Navan Library, where she has been a life-long visitor. She recalls her background and her young years in Navan where her family ran a grocery business on Ludlow Street. She traces her family back to the 19th century in Navan, and talks of the great friendship which existed between her grandfather and Fr. Eugene O’Reilly. Her uncle was a sign writer whose work may still be seen in the town. She discusses her schooldays, old Navan family businesses, the townspeople and some of their occupations, and places such as the Forresters Hall, the CYMS and performances there, some of the plays written by her father, street names, and old cures.