PETER NOLAN, AGE 80, Church Hill,CLARA

This recording began with an account of the history of the town, and how the name Clara originated. Peter Nolan’s grandfather and father both worked as fitters in the Goodbody jute factory. Peter himself was educated by the Franciscan Brothers, and emigrated to England after the Second World War. He recalled how difficult it had been for his mother to bring up a family in very primitive conditions, in a house with no piped water or electricity, and very few furnishings. His mother also worked in the jute mills. Peter gave a great account of the town itself, its shops and businesses, and the general customs and beliefs of the people in the town. Peter Nolan’s mother.