St Carmel grew up in Ballydehob, in West Cork. She entered the Mercy Order at an early age, initially in Callan. She spoke about the routine in the convent in those days, her time in Ballyraggett Convent, which was one of her most trying times, and finally her assignment to the convent in Thomastown, which housed some local orphan children. Also discussed in this interview are changes in convent life, and Sr Carmel’s experiences in adapting to these changes.
Keywords: Mercy Convent, Thomastown, Ballydehob, Mercy Order, orphanage,