RITA FOLEY, AGE 69, KINSEALY

Rita Foley is a native of Malahide. She married Des Foley from Kinsealy whom she had known since they were teenagers. Des was a great footballer for Dublin, he stood for the local elections in 1965 and was elected for North Co. Dublin. He followed his father Paddy Foley’s example when he invested in land in Dunshaughlin. Paddy also ran a courier business in the city and county of Dublin. He had 20 drays pulled by horses, which were in use until the introduction of lorries to the business. Rita remembers her young days in Malahide as she looked through some old photographs and she recalled with pride her prowess at hockey when she played for Loreto School. She is also very proud of the two medals which Des won for football and hurling matches played on the same day! She recalled her husband’s strong friendship with their neighbour, former Taoiseach, the late Charles Haughey.