Growth in Ireland: Safety, Childhood and Experiences
Recalling my childhood in Ireland during the 1970s, one of the most striking aspects was the safety and absence of concerns like mass school shootings, prevalent in the United States. As a middle-class kid, I relished the simple pleasures of a tight-knit family and locality, and enjoyed the quieter years of my youth compared to America and even other European countries.
Safety in Education and Growing Up in Ireland
Unlike in the USA, I didn’t have to worry about the tragic instances of school shootings. My upbringing in Ireland, despite being periurban, was filled with love, routine, and a sense of safety. Growing up in the 1970s, I felt fortunate to have a good and safe upbringing, a luxury not afforded to children in many other parts of the world at that time. Our small community in the countryside offered a secure environment, where I could walk back from school in the afternoons without any fears.
Priorities and Interests
I remember not being particularly inclined towards sports; in fact, I rather disliked them. However, I found a way to make the most of my afternoons and evenings, spending time with friends, playing, and reading in my free time. Despite my aversion to physical activity, I built strong friendships that endured into adulthood.
Childhood Traditions and Hobbies
Life had its simple moments, such as the joy of Halloween, often shared with my dealer cousins from Manchester, UK. Our Halloween celebrations included traditional games like bobbing for apples and pinning the tail on the donkey. Fancy costumes were as simple as plastic bin liners and a Frankenstein mask from the local supermarket. These iconic costumes set the scene for play and fun, capturing the essence of the season.
TV, Radio, and Cultural Differences
A highlight of my childhood was the limited number of TV and radio stations we had. We only had one TV and one radio station, a stark contrast to the three TV channels available in Manchester. The stories of Doctor Who, Wimbledon's Wombles, and the quiz program 'It’s A Knockout' were sources of amazement. The exotic accents of the Manchester cousins made an immediate impact, adding to the charm and wonder of their stories.
Cultural Exchanges and Holiday Memories
One of my fondest memories is of my cousins visiting during their holidays. It was fascinating to experience the life we couldn't fully imagine, and the cultural differences added a layer of excitement, especially with the three TV stations and the variety of programs. Those wonderful Mancunian accents and the fun we shared are still cherished moments.
Life on a Housing Estate
Being raised on a housing estate with a similar demographic offered numerous benefits. The community was filled with kids of the same or similar ages, making it easy to find people to play with. The area was also a hub for various activities such as tennis, football, hurling, cricket, and cycling. Our long summer holidays provided freedom to explore these outdoor activities, and our parents' leniency with our whereabouts added to the enjoyment of these carefree days.
Community Accessibility and Amenities
Despite having limited funds, we were fortunate to have a safe and united community. Our house was equipped with an alarm, and my mother would use a bell to call us home for tea. Our housing estate was a 5-minute walk from Marley Park, a paradise of open fields, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and an adventurous woodland to explore. These spaces were more than just playgrounds; they were places of adventure and discovery.
Overall, growing up in Ireland during the 1970s was a memorable and enriching experience that highlighted concerns of safety, cultural exchange, and the simple joys of childhood.