Set of photographs #28

Commentary from Participant

Photo 1 – Creamery Can on the kitchen table – Participant #31 said this reminded her of old Ireland. Participant #31explained that she was brought up on a farm when she was a child and remembers the milk going to the Creamery in a milk churn.

Photo 2 – South Tyrone Hospital – Participant #31 explained that the hospital had recently opened a new cancer unit. She spoke about the evolution of the building. At one stage it was a Workhouse – for the totally destitute and now it was turning into a brand new cancer centre.

Tess: This is a lovely illustration of change. Tess mentioned that things do change over time. She mentioned that if the migrant women went back to their home land they would notice something different.

Photo 3: Photo of sign for Union Place – Participant #31 mentioned that this was close to the centre of town. Participant #31 said that the name to her was an English name.

Tess: Probably a commemorative name – linked to the Union in 1800. Or maybe the Poor Law Union, which was the body responsible for the Workhouses in the nineteenth century This was the terrible place where the most destitute people ended up, sometimes unmarried mothers, the old and the disabled. There were Workhouses in many towns.

Photo 4: Donaghmore Road – reminds Participant #31 of a bomb that went off close to McAleers during the troubles. A number of people were killed.

Photo 5: School Blazer – Participant #31 stated that she went to this school and that it was a school very keen on GAA.

Photo 6: Picture Frame made out of Turf: Participant #31 spoke about her memories as a child when she “lived among the turf”. Participant #31 mentioned that she moved away from the farm into Dungannon area but that she always remembered her time on the farm.

Photo 7: Ranfurly House – Participant #31 spoke about the times when English heritage came into Ireland. This building was a police station – belonging to the RUC.

Tess: Tess highlighted that the town of Dungannon was also associated with the “Hill of O’Neill” – Irish/Gaelic tradition. Discussion arose regarding British Empire and how the plans for the barracks got mixed up and they went ahead and built Ranfurly House. Tess highlighted how this building looked formidable when she was a child.

Photo 8: Chapel Spire & View from Hill of O’Neill – Participant #31 spoke about the great view from the top of the hill and that on a clear day you can see all six counties of NI. Participant #31 recalled that during the troubles it was even possible to see the smoke rising from Belfast.

Photo:9 Integrated Uniform and GAA – Participant #31 spoke about the different cultures combining. She spoke of her daughter marrying a protestant.

Photo:10 Tyrone GAA Top – Participant #31 spoke of her love for Tyrone and how she was proud of the Team and their success.

Photo 11: Picture of the Philippines Rough Guide – Participant #31 mentioned that she took this photo as her son had met a Filipino girl who lived in Dubai.

Photo 12: Picture of a Shamrock shaped Eggtimer – Participant #31 spoke about the symbolism of the Shamrock.

Photo 13: Irish Coffee – Again this photo represented Participant #31’s affinity to being Irish.