In 1981, I was ten years old, attending 4th class at Sacred Heart Primary School in Killinarden. My walk to school was never speedy, as I was a bit of a daydreamer, never scurrying out the door or calling for friends because I was happy enough on my own. I was kept company by the breeze that always seemed to blow down from the hills, with black flags* flapping on every lamppost, beating frantically. It was quite a noise, especially when I was running late and there was no one else around—an eerie, relentless sound that reminded me of the fluttering of a crow that once got entangled in our clothesline. The unceasing wind and flapping flags didn’t leave much space for thought. I would think of the previous night’s six-one news, feeling a little angst, looking forward to ending the windy, noisy walk and sitting amongst friends in my own little H Block.
Gary Doyle is a Digital Educator, Photographer, and community Worker with three decades of experience, committed to promoting digital inclusion and empowering people. He is a creative thinker with a broad range of life experiences, bringing his unique perspectives to all activities he undertakes.
On behalf of the Museum of Childhood Ireland and Robert Burns, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our wonderful participants for their time and their stories. We are thrilled to be presenting this project and we hope you will enjoy following along with us.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of the Museum of Childhood Ireland.