Oral history is a field of study and a method of gathering, preserving and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events.

Oral History Association

I have been involved with oral history here in Ireland since 2007.

Projects I have worked on include:

  • 'Remembering Working Life in the Industries of Westmeath' - recording the industrial heritage of Co Westmeath. 
  • ' An Oral History of the Fishing Industry in the South East' - listening to members of the fishing communities in Wexford and Waterford.
  • 'Working Life on the Cork Docks' - Memories of working life in the Cork docklands from the 50's to the 80's.  
  • 'Life and Work in the Cork Breweries' - Stories from workers in both Beamish & Crawford and  Murphy's breweries. 
  • West Cork Oral Heritage
I have provided oral history training workshops to local history and heritage organisations, community groups, and county councils. 

I am a founding member and director of the Oral History Network of Ireland (OHNI) since its inception in 2010 and previously held the roles of both chairperson and treasurer. I am also an accredited trainer with OHNI. 

The Oral History Network of Ireland brings together oral history practitioners for the support and promotion of the discipline of oral history in Ireland. 

I helped to set up West Cork Oral Heritage, a volunteer group who set out to record the memories and recollections of a wide variety of local people throughout the west Cork region.

Over the years, I have been privileged to listen to and record stories from some remarkable people. Here are a few of their stories: 


Jimmy Ross worked on the Cork Docks for many years. He recalls bringing down his father's dinner to the docks when he was a young boy.