ROBERT GILES, AGE 79, CLARA (Part 1)

Robert Giles originally came from Drogheda. He started work with the Goodbody Company in Dublin, in a distribution centre, in 1949. He explained the background of the Goodbody family and the reasons why they first set up a factory in Clara. Goodbodys were the main employers in the area, who kept cottage weavers occupied locally. When Robert joined them in 1952, the sacks would be hired out to maltsters and farmers for a charge of 11/2 pence a week per bag and there was also a repair service. There were other bag merchants operating, and the name of each company was clearly printed on its bags. Robert’s position was in the sales department, processing orders. He joined the company when it was at its peak, and workers were brought to the factory in double-decker buses and there were 350 weavers working. Robert also explained that the Goodbody family took a personal interest in their staff. This was the first in a two-part interview with Robert Giles. Bord of Goodbody.