Date of Birth: 23rd April 1917

Place of Birth: Oulartleigh, Glenbrien, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 16th October 2008

Summary: Molly Murphy’s long life has been spent entirely in the Glenbrien area of Co. Wexford. She started school at 6 years of age and remembers wearing wooden clogs to protect her feet. She also recalls the fear caused by the infamous Black and Tans. Her mother’s death when Molly was just 12 brought a big change to her life. She left school at 14 and stayed at home to look after her younger siblings. When her father died Molly took over the running of the family farm herself. She remembers bombs being dropped locally during WW2 and seeing the impact crater on Kelly’s land. She got married in 1942 and had 3 girls and 1 boy. Molly recalls some of the “old cures” that were popular at the time – from the contents of the unpleasant liquid she had to drink for her bout of measles to an unusual method for treating chilblains. Molly also talks about the life of Bishop Warren who was consecrated in 1876 and was a relation of hers. About 6 years ago Molly’s house burnt down but fortunately she was rescued from the burning building by her grandson. She talks about today’s convenience foods with everything presented in plastic and believes there is no comparison in taste to the wonderful natural food she was brought up on.