Reference
X214/12/32
Title
Transcript of interview with Catherine Power, nee McGinley, born 8 January 1933 in Cruckbawn, County Donegal, Southern Ireland.
Date free text
6 March 2009
Production date
From: 1933 To: 2009
Scope and Content
Came from a family of 11 living in a 3 three bedroom bungalow with a turf fire.
Memories of school; took 2 turfs in winter for the school fire, and went barefoot in the summer. Went to the National School. School games. Enjoyed singing and craft. After school worked on the farm - looked after the chickens, household chores etc.
Mother died when Catherine was just 1 so mainly raised by 14 year old sister. Father died when Catherine was aged 17. He was aged 77.
Did not have holidays, never went on a train or bus. Had a horse and cart used for harvest.
Details of siblings and their families; most siblings no longer living. One brother went to Australia, another to Scotland; a sister to America.
Family were all Roman Catholic.
At age 25 went and worked in Glasgow, Scotland and worked in a private house earning £3.50 per week. Was there 9 years. Went to Scotland as two brothers were already living there.
Went to America in 1962 - recalls hearing of the death of Marilyn Munroe. Employer paid fro ticket and Catherine paid him back from her wages. Arrived at aunt's house in Philadelphiaand there were 25 relatives to meet. Stayed 3 weeks. it was the first and last meeting with oldest sister.
After 9 years returned to Ireland, Northern Ireland and spent three years in Newtownards, then decided to go to London, where sister was living. Worked at University College Hospital, then at Holloway Prison for a year. After that, worked for British Rail for 19 years, working in the headquarters restaurant at St. Pancras Station. Lived in a hostel at the station. After 19 years was made redundant. At one point had to move out of the hostel as it closed down, and so moved to the hostel at Luton railway station and commuted to St.Pancras from there.
Following redundancy, got a job at the Laurels Nursing Home and worked there until retirement.
Met husband in London; he worked for London Transport.
Belongs to Luton Irish Forum. Goes to bingo and enjoys line dancing.
Level of description
item