|
Written by Maura Maguire
|
|
Saturday, 07 May 2005 |
|
Showbands: We experienced the pleasure
of live music from visiting bands at our dances and ceidhles. They would all be fronted by a vocalist and
dancers would send up pieces of paper with song requests written on them.

‘Skins’ Collectors: One way to
supplement a family income was to keep one or more pigs in an enclosed area on
an allotment or in a back yard. They
would devour anything and the owners would appeal to neighbours to hand over
their ‘refuse’ – that is, the ‘skins’ of peeled potatoes and vegetables and the
uneaten scrapings off dinner plates. Many complied and there was a steady business. When the new ‘housing estates’ came into
being in the late 50’s-60’s the ‘Rent Lady’ was instructed to ensure that
tenants weren’t keeping pigs in the yard in breach of their tenancy
agreement. Many did anyway.
The Knife
Grinder: This man
with his revolving grinding wheel would make periodic visits to the streets and
housewives would bring their knives and scissors to him for sharpening. It was too, of course an occasion for
gossip!
The
Peddlar: He would
sell items such as lace, ribbon, thread, needles and buttons. He wasn’t in the big league of the Dromintee
Pahvee with his cloths!
Bandstand
in The Park: Brass
bands were still all the rage and a favourite venue was Warrenpoint Park. Also in Warrenpoint in the summer, talent
contests were held where children would dance and sing, recite poetry or play
musical instruments for general entertainment.
|