Deirdre and James describe their lives growing up in Belfast, meeting and marrying in 1972.
They talk about how the conflict impacted their lives.
They also recount how both their fathers had been interned in the 1920s, 1940s and 1950s.
They reflect on the changes to society and life today.
Audio Description
00:00:00.0 00:04:39.0 James and Deirdre’s background, growing up in Belfast in large families.
00:04:39.0 00:09:07.2 Deirdre’s older siblings emigrated for work. Jim’s mother had health problems but his father had to go to England for work.
00:09:07.2 00:13:01.8 Jim didn’t like school always keen to work. Deirdre loved school recalls getting a job in Gallaghers factory.
00:13:01.8 00:15:49.5 Deirdre and Jim meeting n 1968. Married in 1972.
00:15:49.5 00:18:20.1 Jim’s brother killed along with his girlfriend.
00:18:20.1 00:24:07.5 Deirdre’s treatment in work after being seen at Jim’s brother’s funeral. Ostracised, physically attacked then eventually sacked.
00:24:07.5 00:26:27.6 Jim threatened at work, eventually had to leave his work. Both ended up unemployed a few weeks before their wedding.
00:26:27.6 00:28:44.9 Recalling the periods her father was interned. Hardship on mother and family. Jim’s father also interned.
00:28:44.9 00:32:17.7 Deirdre recalling her father’s periods of internment in the 1920s and 1940s. Her mother having to cope.
00:32:17.7 00:33:29.3 Jim recalling the start of the Falls Road Curfew.
00:32:17.7 00:33:29.3
00:33:29.3 00:37:45.4 Deirdre speaks about her experience of the Ballymurphy Massacre. Years later before they heard each others stories.
00:37:45.4 00:40:43.3 Jim describes the period of people being burnt out of their homes. Helping move families from their homes to schools and parish halls.
00:40:43.3 00:42:53.1 Jim’s father interned in Derry Prison and in Crumlin Road Prison in the 1940s. Interned for a week in the 1950s when British Queen was visiting.
00:42:53.1 00:47:04.5 Deirdre describes her time with the Tar Anall 50+ Group. Opened doors and opportunities. Meeting people and sharing experiences.
00:47:04.5 00:51:12.7 Reflecting on society today.