One of the first projects I ever did was this series on my grandparents back in 2010.

They met in London back in the 1940s, got married, moved up north to Preston , Lancashire and had a family. In the 70s’s they moved back home

to Ireland. Both were from the west coast - my grandfather was from Belmullet, Co. Mayo and my grandmother grew up just outside

Ennis Co. Clare - which is where they eventually returned to.

I was born in Clare and then moved to Dublin when I was 7. After that, I spent most of my school holidays back with my grandparents. Rosleven was the name of their home, which was just outside Ennis.

My grandfather had a small holding of bullocks that roamed the 5/6 acres. He sowed long furrows of spuds, carrots , cabbages, lettuce and rhubarb in the vegetable garden and in the summer months we feasted on apples and strawberries.

Memories of broken greenhouse windows , washing newly plucked carrots with the outside hose and following my grandfather around “ helping “ him mend fences and walls and whatever else needed to be done. All Summer long I’d build forts with my cousins, Climb trees, save hay, get crucified at hurling camp, all the good stuff.

It was a very special time and I was incredibly close to my grandparents. I was fortunate to have them in my life for as long as I did. I still find strength from their words of encouragement and always on point advice.