MEMORIES OF CHURCHTOWN

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Michael Leaf

I live in Bergane, a county townland on the Western side of Churchtown. Years ago this house was owned by Jim Kearney. Later Jerry Hallihan lived there. We came to Ireland some sixty years back. My wife Daphne was born in South Africa. However she has Irish roots - they are in Co.Wicklow. That was a factor for choosing Ireland. I was born in Kent and went to South Africa. I was in the Insurance business and I retired about five years ago.

We bought this house about four years ago. I am very happy here. I have got interested in stain glass decoration. I have my own little workshop in my home. I have also done fancy work on plates. One of our best friends in Churchtown is Eileen Ahern O'Connor. We seem to understand each other very well, maybe because she has traveled a lot. She has done an excellent job in the repair of the Community Center.

When I first drove through Churchtown about five years ago, there was very little going on. Since then there has been a transformation.

Daphne Leaf

I suppose my Irish roots were responsible for us coming to Ireland. The climate is much different to that of South Africa. But I think I understand it a bit better now. I am about to do a course in computer work shortly and I am looking forward to the challenge. I also will travel to Wicklow to find out my family tree, the Doyles. I love the Irish songs. I also have visited the McCauley home in Charleville and sang with Johnnie Barrett.

MEMORIES OF CHURCHTOWN

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