In Pictures: new heritage project documents fond memories of Laois town

A Laois artist has documented the memories and 'mis-remembering' of Rathdowney through interviews with the Rathdowney Active Retirement Group.

Originally from Rathdowney, Sandra Kelly lives and works in Waterford as an arts manager, with a background as a visual artist. Ms Kelly enlisted the help of photographer Cassie Kirby to undertake this project.

"I have always wondered how to get back to Laois to work with people," Ms Kelly told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"My first ever college project was an artist talk with the Rathdowney Active Retirement Group, it was such a lovely opportunity. The group are so good and have always been in the back of my mind," she explained.

"I applied for a bursary through Creative Laois under research and development, and was delighted to have been awarded funding. I also received mentorship from Sinead McCann, a fantastic Dublin based artist," she said.

Pictured: Members of the Rathdowney Active Retirement Group

"This project has been a really beautiful opportunity to look at Rathdowney through a new lens. I interviewed the active retirement group on areas around Rathdowney, and could see how memories are unique to each individual. I'm really intrigued by how people can misremember," Ms Kelly explained.

"People will have different memories, even on the colours of shopfronts. It is really interesting how people remember things differently, and I love creating a space for that."

As a gift to thank the retirement group, Ms Kelly enlisted the help of photographer Cassie Kirby to take individual portraits of the members.

Pictured: Rathdowney Active Retirement Group

"The portraits then gave me an idea, and it became a crossover with a heritage based project. I thought it would be really nice to do video interviews with residents of the Rathdowney area," the artist said.

"I realised that I was really interested in the square in particular, with the brewery and how the town has changed.

"Barbrara Maher runs the Rathdowney Active Retirement Group so I have a really strong connection with her, and she agreed to do the video piece with me. I was delighted that John O'Malley also agreed, he grew up in the square and has the pub, so it was really lovely to ask them both about their fond memories of the town, and if there is anything in particular they feel has changed much," she said.

Pictured: Rathdowney square

"Really it was about focusing on community, so its not to say, oh nothing has changed, or things have changed too drastically. It's about allowing that space for people to share their memories of the town. From speaking to people I've noticed a real giddiness when people reminisce on the town, and you can see it in the video too. It's really lovely to see an excitement about the place that you come from," she said.

"Everyone has a different memory of Rathdowney, and they aren't all beautiful and peaceful, but it just allows people that space and celebration which is really important.

"As we continued with the interviews, I thought it was really lovely how the project can celebrate older communities, and also be used as a bridge for new communities and younger audiences. I think this project has really wide scope if it allows itself," Ms Kelly claimed.

The video project was supported by Creative Laois, and entitled 'Forgotten Memories'.

Pictured: Portraits of well known Rathdowney locals John O'Malley and Barbara Maher.

"I went back to the active retirement group with some of the stories I had heard in the videos, and John had told me that there used to be a coffin maker in the square. Back in the day, you could have your shoes fitted, have your dinner and be buried within one small of the town!" Ms Kelly laughed.

"What I loved was bringing this story back and watching them discuss the memories, hearing the, "how do you not remember it when I'm older than you!' chats."

"It was just really interesting to see the excitement within the conversations, the nod to the past without getting stuck in it," she said.

Pictured: O'Malley's Corner, Rathdowney.

"It's a celebration of community, people knowing each other and looking out for each other. It's a celebration of traditions, the past, and hopes for the future, and I'm very excited for people to see it," Ms Kelly finished.

The Rathdowney Active Retirement Group are always open to new members. Keep an eye out on the Leinster Express / Laois Live website for Ms Kelly's video.