Cabra History.Com

This book encompasses all those things that are great about Cabra and its people.Writing this book was only made possible through the generosity of many people and families from the area who have submitted their family photographs and stories  to the author. The finished product is a testimony to the love and respect that these people have for their parents and the value that they place on the preservation of their memories of a childhood of yesteryear. The mammy’s and daddy’s were exceptional people who endured great hardships down through the years but never neglected to love their children. Those children are now grown up and have become parents, grandparents and even great grandparents themselves. In this book they share their experiences of life in Cabra through the medium of photographs and stories. These are stories and pictures of a now bygone era that helped to shape the people of Cabra West and the greater Cabra area. Each picture of itself speaks volumes. This is certainly ‘A Time to Remember’ and reflect on the  families, friends and neighbours that helped to make us what we are today. This book will ensure that the names and faces of many families from Cabra will never be forgotten. In due time it will be available to buy in many bookshops. If you would like to purchase a personalised and signed copy from the author contact me through cabrahistory@yahoo.com. The price of the book will probably cost around 15 euro. If you are ordering from outside the Irish Republic please allow for P&P.

Large families were not unusual in Cabra West. In some areas any family with less than eight children was considered to be posh. Each new child was as welcome into the family as the last one. It just meant that the soup got thinner and the spuds on your plate took up less space. The above photograph shows the Hughes family from Dunmanus Road celebrating the 80th birthday of their mother Essie. What a great woman!  Joe and Essie Hughes had eleven children: Joe, Joan, Margaret (Gretta), Barbara, Bernie, Jerry, Pat, Nuala, Eddie, Paul and Tony.

This is where I used to take my children camping when we lived in Waterford. It’s really a piece of Heaven. Regardless of the weather we’d pack up our camping gear and head off to the waterfall. The mountain water was always ice cold but the kids never seemed to mind. When we first camped her in the 1970′s it was wild and overgrown. It certainly is a far cry from the Cabra baths and the noise from the kids splashing each other and jumping into the water. For me this waterfall is full of great memories.

The Addison Lodge Hotel is booked for 8pm on the night of the 17th April 2009 for all those who are interested in a Cabra Reunion. People are welcome to arrive at whatever times suits them best. There is plenty of seating available but to make sure you have one don’t leave it too late to arrive. The hotel will have food served up to 9pm for anyone who wants to avail of it and the bar will be opened of course if anyone has a thirst.  You must pay for both food and drink yourself. There is no free bar on the night. A large area of the hotel is reserved exclusively for this function. If you come with the right attitude you are guaranteed a good night to remember. Don’t forget to bring your sense of humour and a camera to capture the craic and long lost friends of course. A large number of people are expected to turn up on the night. This year is the 70th anniversary of Cabra and this is a good way of celebrating the lives and achievements of those families who made that all possible, our parents. If you want to share a story on the night with everyone let me know well in advance or if you want to bring along some photographs please do. There won’t be a band on the night but I will have some music playing to welcome everyone out. So blue suede shoes, mini skirts, bell-bottoms, teddy boy gear or a white sports coat with a pink carnation, whatever takes your fancy on the night to wear, don’t be shy. If you have any ideas to help make the night a memorable occasion please let me know. Also if you want to volunteer to help out on the night or with the arrangements don’t be shy in coming forward…MC