Robert Hughes was an infant in 1941, living on 43 Parnell Road with his parents and two older sisters. His family home was damaged by the Donore Bombings in January 1941, and the family moved temporarily to Wexford. He speaks about long-term impact of bombing on his family, and also his memories of growing up in Dublin in the 1940’s.
Listen to Robert’s story here:
Duration: 20 mins.
Project Name: North Strand Oral History Project
Miriam Mulligan was aged 3 in 1941, living on North Strand Road. Her family home was destroyed by the bombing, and she herself was pulled from the rubble by the emergency services. Her mother suffered a miscarriage on the night of the bombing. Her family were re-housed in Cabra. She speaks about her parents memories of the bombing, and also of community life in the North Strand in the late 1930’s.
Listen to Miriam’s story here:
Duration: 00:29:39
Name of the Interviewee: Miriam Mulligan
Gerry O’Flaherty was aged 8 in 1941, and living in Crampton Court. He attended the Christian Brothers, O’Connell School on North Richmond Road, which was directly across the road from where one of the bombs fell. Gerry speaks about the reaction of school friends and Christian Brothers to the bombing, about public views on Irish neutrality, and life in Ireland during the Emergency, including rationing and air raid drills.
Listen to Gerry’s story here:
Duration: 00:20:48
Project Name: North Strand Oral History Project (Part 1)
Noel Fitzgerald was aged 21 in 1941. On the night of the bombing, he was standing at the door of his family home at 43 Summerhill Parade. The house collapsed inwards and family members had to be pulled from the rubble by the rescue services. Noel’s grandmother was taken to the Mater hospital, where she died of pneumonia two weeks later. Noel’s family were later rehoused in Cabra.
Listen to Noel’s story here:
Duration:12:37 mins
Project Name: North Strand Bombing Oral History Project (Part 1)
Michael was aged 12 in 1941 and living at Charlemont Parade. Michael speaks about his memories of the bombing and its aftermath, including the reactions of his classmates and stories which circulated regarding the victims.
Listen to Michael’s story here:
Duration: 15:26 mins