Nellie Harrison, Danganbeg

 

Nellie Mulry

Photo: Mulry family, Danganbeg

 

Nellie in her Red Cross uniform

Photo: Mulry family, Danganbeg

 

Photo of Nellie in front of Fr. Peter Curran's house

Photo: Mulry family, Danganbeg

 

Nellie Mulry's home

Photo: Mulry family, Danganbeg

Housekeep to Fr. Peter Curran

Nellie Mulry hailed from Danganbeg and worked as a housekeeper for the local priest Fr. Peter Curran from 1939 to 1943. She cycled to the village every morning to collect the Irish Independent newspaper from Jim Fahy’s shop (now The Red Gap). She also often cycled to the Presentation convent, Tuam for the communion breads.

Call to First Aid

In 1940, according to Nellie, the Local Defence Force (LDF), were being prepared in the event of the War spreading to Ireland. Everyone in the LDF had to swear to serve their country if the War did come to Ireland and so it was felt that a First Aid course for everyone involved was essential.

Barnaderg N.S. used by LDF

Florrie O’Sullivan, principal of Barnaderg N.S. granted permission for the school to be used for the classes. An army officer from Athlone barracks came every week for 12 weeks, to give the classes which were attended by approximately 40 people, both male and female. After 12 weeks, each participant had to take a test and you had to score 50% to pass.

Dr. Grace from Abbert and another doctor would check each person on their ability to carry out first aid and unless you got the 50% you failed.

Sergeant Nellie Mulry

Nellie was a sergeant and had 2 corporals under her. She remembers having to arrange parades to the church etc. and selling flags for one penny each at the Derreen Sports, which were held in Daly’s field. Miss Agnes Walsh was the Divisional Officer and supplied the uniforms which were purchased from Martin S. Walsh drapery shop, High Street,T uam, known then as the Hibernian buildings.