STEPHEN MARKEY, NAVAN, BORN 1943

Ardmulchan Estate is the place where Stephen Markey spent his childhood, and where his father was employed as a herdsman and dairyman. The family moved to Navan in 1950, and Stephen recalls the reasons for the move. In 1961 Stephen emigrated to Birmingham, where he worked for an engineering company but returned to work in Navan after a short time. In 1974 when mining began at Navan he was employed as a jumbo driller. He recalls his training and gives a great account of the conditions and challenges of the workplace. Shifts were from 8.00am to 4.00pm, 4.00pm to 12.00am and 12.00am to 8.00am. His occupation as a miner gave him great satisfaction, and he says that he cannot imagine any better employment.