Holland, Elizabeth (Betty) nee Connolly

Date of Birth: 29th March 1927

Place of Birth: Ballinlee, Co. Longford

Date Interviewed: 26th June 2009

Summary: Betty Holland’s father was a Garda and the family home in Co. Longford was a model of self-sufficiency. All five children went to boarding school in Monaghan and Betty went on to train as a teacher, qualifying in 1947. She spent a number of years in various schools before arriving in Gorey in January 1955. When she married she was required to give up her career. They moved to Camolin and Betty was allowed to take up teaching again. She taught in Ballyduff N.S., a rodent-infested old building – Betty recalls a rat jumping over her foot one day! Betty is involved with Diocesan Apostolic work helping Irish Missionaries.