Archive (237 life histories found)

Tommy was serving his time as a shipwright and they lived with granny Duncan in Avon Street and came down to Rostrevor at the weekends and Tommy and I sometimes went to Newry by bus and went to the pictures: Savoy, Frontier and another I can't…

In 1992 I started a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management at the Irish Management Institute. This course lasted for three years and I enjoyed the entire experience immensely, except for the examinations. It was about thirty six years since I last…

Following the closure of Browne Brothers in 1986 a former employer, Fred Trenaman, called me and asked if I would help to establish a manufacturing operation making kit form aluminium doors. I happily accepted and started within a week. I worked for…

During the early years of our marriage I worked in Roche's Stores, as I said, a five day nine to six job. In 1972, however a decision was taken to close the Grill Bar and I found myself made redundant. This was a considerable shock, I had been…

As addressed earlier I did not stay long in London and on returning to Dublin I got a job in Alfredo's Restaurant situated in St Mary's Lane just beside the Corporation Fruit and Vegetable market. This was one of the very few high end Italian, or…

As best I can recall I worked in six or seven jobs in the three or four years after I left Cathal Brugha Street. As I said before, jobs were easy to get and the pay was reasonably good. I recall that I worked in The Gresham, The Dolphin, The…

There was, as in other walks of life a rigid class system in catering. Managers were at the top of the tree, Chefs were often next and waiters were lower down. We were paid much better than waiters but they had the advantage of the gratuities or…

Each year there was a grand ball for the Jewish community in Dublin. This ball was traditionally held in the Shelbourne. In advance of the ball the Rabbi called to the kitchen to ensure that all preparations for the meal were Kosher. He selected…

The functions Head Waiter was a Kerryman named Claude Spillane, Claude did not soil his hands by actually serving meals himself. His job was to supervise the waiting staff and ensure that customers were properly provided for. He was a tall man and as…

At the end of two years in Cathal Brugha Street I graduated and found myself in search of a job. My first job was in the Gresham Hotel but I did not stay long. We graduates were not popular as we were considered to be third years commis or…