I vividly remember Florrie always carrying one of you on her hips around Ivy House. She was a good big sister. I hope you’re all keeping well. Again, Paddy, thanks for getting in touch. Connie
the photos are something else I might have been young but remember loads and the chap on the dumper that round the place
and some old saying like just you wait henry higgins , and two little red curley head twins
Was there a couple of times for short stays in 1970s with my brothers and sisters – took me by surprise when I saw photos of Mount Carmel again. I worked in Holy Angels both times when I was there. My youngest sister was one of the babies.
Hi Frances. Lovely to meet up with you online. Thanks for checking out my website. Yes, I’m sure the photos of Mount Carmel brought some memories flooding back. I posted them for precisely that: for former residents who might like to have pictures from their childhood.
And ah, Holy Angels, who could forget that little roomful of babies? And Miss Carberry’s bedroom at the back. I have a poem entitled
“Holy Angels” in my new collection, “Little Witness”.
Thanks so much for reaching out. I remember your mom Caitriona (and her siblings) well. Your Aunt Josie was my best friend for the longest time before she left Ivy House. Say hi to both of them for me!
1980 I would have been 4,.was there a path way to the national School behind orphanage, we were not allowed to use it ,,I have a few memories. Salt hill in the summer ,does that sound right?
Ard Aoibhainn. It was built in the 1970s–a separate group home set apart from the older buildings, the oldest of which was built in 1875 I believe. Ard Aoibhainn was next door to the National School; its address was Station Road, after the nearby train station.
Yes, Liam, I remember Mary Butler very well. She was very nice. I also remember Salthill, where children who didn’t have a foster family to go to went on holidays in the summer. I had a foster family in Tullamore to go to, but some of my siblings went to Salthill each year. By all accounts, they enjoyed it.
Did you have mary butler as your social worker, she must have had a soft spot for me because she used to take me home to her house to her parents for a weekend here and there
No, Mary Butler wasn’t my social worker, but I recall having good chats with her. I’m glad you have fond memories of her, and of visiting her family at weekends.
Just read some of the comments below, the red headed twins were the Galvins. They came and lived in care in Edgeworthstown with the Kennedys. Sr Dominic also known as May lymam came and worked there for many years. Also is that old picture of you is that sister Kevin?? Mary Butler also came and worked in Edgeworthstown, lovely woman.
You have a good memory, Jason. Yes, that’s Sr. Kevin in the B&W photo of me and fellow Mount Carmel children, December 1970.
And yes, Mary Butler was lovely. You don’t happen to know where she is now, do you? I ask because another former resident–who Mary had been very kind to in childhood–wanted to look her up.
Sr. Dominic (May Lynam) has been teaching in South Africa for years. We exchange Christmas cards each year.
Liam, I’m sure all the memories would come swimming back to you if you were to sit down and think for any length about your time in Moate.
I had dinner with my brother Ferdi tonight, who’s over in NY for a few days, and he said he remembers you.
By the way, I mixed up the names of the houses in an earlier post to you: Ath an Airgead was the house on Station Road; Ard Aoibhainn was directly behind Ivy House (on the left hand side going up to the National School).
I believe I was at ard aoibhann. If memory serves me right when you walked in the main door which was directly across from Ivy House the kitchen on the left hand side a huge kitchen and that but if you walk further down there was a big room with a pool table or snooker table which also has stairs leading to upstairs I could be wrong though. I believe they were doing construction there around the time I left. When I was around 10 or 12 I had detectives come to my house at my foster home ask me questions about stuff that might have happened when I was there. After all the reading I’ve done about the place I can see now why they were asking people questions., I could not remember a single name of any kids I was there except for Mary Butler join a person remember I’m surprised someone would remember my name
It sounds like you were in Ard Aoibhinn during your time in Moate, Liam. I was in Ivy House, but spent a lot of time back and forth to Ard Aobhinn as my best friend Jean Carson–who I’m still friends with today–was in Ard Aoibhinn. Sister Dominic was in charge of Ard Aoibhinn for a long time–you may remember her. She was lovely. She’s in Africa now. We exchange Christmas cards each year. Another boy around your age in Ivy House was Ricky Siggins. You might remember him. There were also the Meehan’s. The Kearney’s.
Hi connie . Maria Hennessy here . Ferdi was tommy carney s friend who used to come to us in Ballycommon outside Tullamore .i worked in the office with sr . Kevin around 1975.
Hi Maria. Thank you for your note. I’m sorry for the delay in responding, but I just came across it now, all these months later. I don’t know how it escaped me. I’ll tell Ferdi you were in touch. Hope all is well. Take care! Connie 🙂
Hi all, was there a worker there from donegal as I would love to meet up with her some day as she was good to me,
It’s well changed in moate now I was there a few weeks ago and asked about it in a cafe and was told by a girl there some one else was enquiring the day before I was in,it shows people still looking
Hi, Paddy. There was a staff member from Donegal in Ivy House: Maria Ward. Dark hair, glasses, big smile. She emigrated to New York. I met up with her once over here many years ago, but have no contact details for her.
Yes, Moate is not the same since they razed Mount Carmel and the convent in the 1990s. It’s all apartments and shops now. I’m sure there are many who go back and visit. It’s only natural to want to know more about your past. As the old saying goes: You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.
Thanks Connie for that, as I asked some of my sisters and it’s a no go area with them let sleeping dogs lie I think is the term, I got my foi from the Hse so I have most of my dates when I was away good to have them, I was in ny a good few times down in wood lawn as I have frends there I might pop out this year for some shopping and bring my daughter with me as she just turned 4 and would love the crack, thanks paddy in mullingar
Everybody is different, Paddy: some people who grew up in care, for a variety of reasons (they mightn’t be able to handle it, for example), don’t want to revisit the past; others, at different stages of their lives (when they’re older, have child, have emigrated or what have you) feel a need to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Myself, in my 20s I couldn’t get far enough away from my childhood in Moate. It wasn’t until my 30s that I had the courage to start digging into the past….and accepting where I’d come from. It’s good to have balance, however: to know when you stop. To know when to leave the past behind and start living in the present.
And yes you are right if I really sat down and think about it I have tons of small memories ,I remember, red head twins, it would have been probably the same age as me Maybe 5 or 6., going to the dentist, I also remember a young kid there who is sick in a wheelchair passed away. Was there a pig farm in the back of the buildings further back way further back
Aha, see, you do remember the twins! I should’ve read all your posts before I replied. 🙂 There was indeed a farm up past the secondary school. You may recall Jimmy Farrell driving the dumper around picking up rubbish. Mr. O’Brien was another farm laborer. A staff member during your time there might have been a very tall Australian guy–again, I’m sorry, I can’t recall his name.
Liam, rest assured, you’re not a pain at all. Ask all the questions you want–it might help jog your memory. I mightn’t have all the answers for you, though. You know, as I often say to my American husband, that when families get together for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other special occasion, they regale each other with family history, often the same family history over and over again (“remember when Jimmy was 9 and he….” or “remember the time we went to…”). Growing up where we did in Moate, in an orphanage, we don’t have that. We don’t get to tell our histories every year around the family dinner table. We don’t get to reinforce our stories, to pass them along to our children. So ask away, Liam. Your childhood is an important part of your life. It plays a big part in who you become as an adult. We are shaped by our childhood experiences, good and bad.
Not sure if my message went through, I had said that when I was around 10 I had people come to my foster home asking me about my time in moate regarding abuse, if I was or if I had witnessed, never realized that a huge investigation had been going on till I started reading recently. .
I can’t speak to that particular investigation, Liam–I hadn’t heard about it. But I do know that all of my siblings who were in Moate throughout the years, from the 1960s to the 1980s, suffered some kind of abuse, be it physical, psychological, sexual, or emotional. Sometimes all four.
Hi Jason. Thanks for checking in. I’m happy you came across the photos. For better or worse, they’re a part of our childhood. I posted them precisely so that former Mount Carmel children could access them, and perhaps share them with their own families.
I left Ivy House in 1980,but I’m sure you remember some of my younger siblings in Moate. Hope all is well with you. Connie 🙂
My older sister Anne and brothers Alan and Philip would remember a lot of your family,I and two other siblings were too young. I remember Mount Carmel from going back to visit in the mid/late 80’s. I contacted someone who may know Mary Butlers whereabouts but nothing back yet. I visited you page on Facebook and i saw that we have mutual friend in Geraldine Rawlings. She work where i lived in my teens in the 90’s and she may know Mary also.I think she may have worked in Moate years before The last time i remember going there was Winnie Carbarys funeral i think.
It,s brilliant to see people looking up there past and not burying it in the back of there minds thinking it was just me
connie is a bright star for a lot of people
and I hope she knows that as her voice
has power.
Hi Paddy. Good to hear from you again. It was so lovely to see you, your wife and your beautiful daughter at the Tullamore Show last August. I hope you’re all flourishing. Thanks for your kind words. And yes, I do think it’s healthy (& brave) to look into your past and own it. Alas, for a variety of reasons (they’re too fragile, it’s too traumatic, etc.), not everyone can do so. Continue to thrive, Paddy! Connie 🙂
Hi William. Isn’t it funny, at the mere mention of a name, thoughts (of people, of places) from years ago come flooding back. I can see Sr. Kevin’s office vividly.
I hope you’re well. It was a courageous thing you did recently telling your story to the media. It was tough reading. It can’t have been easy for you. Although, I think, in many ways, it’s easier to share your story with the world than keep it locked up inside you. I hope, William, you managed to exorcise some demons and gained some sense of relief or solace. It was horrible what happened to you in childhood–my heart goes out to you. I wish you continued strength and much happiness for the future. Sending a big hug from New York. Connie 🙂
Thanks Connie. It’s not easy and had not been. However if it helps other to share their story or tell / talk to others then great. Thanks for you kind very nice words. I have group photo with Connie and one with is it Sarah. Do you have email or you on Facebook? William x
My father and aunt I believe were raised in an orphanage until they were about 7. Then they were taken in by foster parents. I’m not sure if this is the same place? I’m having a hard time finding any information about his original name (which I know) and his foster family name.
Hi, Maura. Thanks for checking in. I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulty finding information on your father and aunt. Don’t give up–the answers are out there. What years might they have been in Mount Carmel industrial school? If they were admitted through the courts,it would be on record with the Department of Education. Many children, however, were referred by the Dept. of Health or the County Council. Alas, those records can be more elusive, as I found out myself years ago when I started gathering information on my own background. In the end, I contacted the adjoining national school, which is still there, and through their records, found out the year I started school, etc. It was very helpful. Again, best of luck on your journey, Maura. If I can be of any help, don’t hesitate to ask. Connie
hi maura i too went digging and i found loads on the past,
as you have his original name this is a good start and his date of birth, a townland name might help to to narrow your search
try http://www.irishgenealogy.ie and go through every part something might click also the census records
its free and safe to look up too, depending on the time, the hse might have some info too there is a freedom of information act
which you can apply for to get any information the have on him if you know the county where he was from
maybe show some of the photos connie has posted as they might ring bells to
best of luck with search
don’t give up
paddy mcdermott
Blue and white cups and crome and black chairs large steel jugs off milk piano in the sitting room vase with long plants long brown heads like sausage type flowers to the left, a door to the front hall that was never opened
Potato pealing machine at the back door always turn on the water first as youl wast the potatos if you dont,
Left on your own
Brough to a football game
Seen some one from home
I could go with them back to where I live; feck caught
Iv been seen brought kicking and screamin
I am not a football fan anymore
Some bits I remember
lights off go to sleep
I just thought I’d share that with you
P’s the sun is shining
Hi, Paddy! Thank you for your lovely note. Always great to hear from you. Love when you chime in with your recollections. As I said before, “regular” families get to reminisce about their childhoods at the dinner table at Christmas or at family BBQs, but those of us who grew up in institutions don’t have that luxury. It’s important I think to reinforce our sense of identity, our sense of place. And if posting thoughts, recollections, etc. on my site helps, go for it!
The above reads like a poem, with all the vivid imagery and pathos. I love it!
Sorry I’m only getting a chance to approve your comment now–I know you sent it several weeks back. My foster mother passed away and I was home in Ireland for the funeral. So, yes, I got to experience that lovely Irish heatwave a few weeks ago. Never rained a drop the whole time I was home. 🙂
I hope you and your family are flourishing, Paddy. Stay well.
Hi Connie
It’s just paddy chiming in
Just doing the old remising thing on things gone by
When I started school in the 80s I had a super teacher my first one, a real mammy type Jesus she had nerves of steel
As I was a handful but we got on thanks Mrs Dardis I o her a big hug and would love to tell her some day she done a super job and Mrs reeves to ps thanks for the blue toy racing car nice move I still know the story of big bob never forgot it. For the teachers sorry Connie
Right back to me story folks
One day she was off and the class had to be split so we were all put in groups and sent to other classrooms
And of course guess where I was sent to a nuns class Jesus it was a red rag to a bull to me I kicked punched and got away I was not going in no way, been chased by teachers a but I was faster but still very small
And ran and ran home. I wonder what caused this was it my past or the love of my teacher as it is not the norm for a child
At this age, or is it,
With that a few weeks later I was sent off to be assessed but I passed with flying colours
I often wonder did they know or were they ever informed about my past as I could have been written off fairly quick
That would have changed my future if things didn’t work out in old child psychology test assessment but it did
My time in Mount Carmel in moate might have been different to others there I don’t know, but it was not fun for a child or me or any one that experience it
Taken from his or her homes endless times thoughts of emptiness left on your own and this was good for children by the powers of be best interest first and everyone in the same boat that was there
Never offered or helped on my journey in life working since I was 13 barely able to wright and read still not to good at it but trying and not given up strong sole or strong minded I dont know
And went for counselling one time only as the add says (its ok not feel ok) and told by the person o you spent too much time with women, well f— me that was some help
I phoned Caranua too and again told o you did not apply for the redress fund so we can’t help sorry
It’s a pity the pulled the redress fund on all that where in care as it might have helped some people better them self’s a bit like the lotto if you’re not in you can’t win, thanks to some of our government
I would love to see more people come out that where in care homes as we have lost a lot time already and friends and family
We won’t get back ever
I hope Connie posts this on her page as I do this not in rage but to share some of my life which I am not as ashamed and it gets better as I let off steam through hard work and was told that’s a brilliant way of getting it out and not been bitter
As Connie told me keep looking forward don’t let your past hold you back life is what you make it
Thanks
Paddy McDermott.
You speak from the heart, as always. Great to hear from you. You are always welcome to speak your truth. You never know who’ll you’ll touch with your words.
Many people who have passed through Mount Carmel check out the photos on my website (we are all looking to make sense of the past). Although they might never leave a footprint (write a comment, etc.), something you say might resonate with them. Plus, of course, as you said, it’s good for you to get things off your chest.
That’s what I do when I write my poetry.
Your remembrances of your two (kind) teachers are wonderful. Two beacons than shine brightly even today. Years ago, I looked up a teacher who had been kind to me in my adolescence (Mr. Brendan Costello) and wrote him a thank you note. He has passed on now. RIP
And, Paddy, your reaction to being put in the nun’s classroom was perfectly normal given your circumstances. You were a child who, like the rest of us who grew up in care, had suffered/was suffering from trauma. Your body was doing what it was supposed to do: it saw danger and went into survival mode. You had to get out of there.
I’m sorry about your experience of counseling. I found therapy invaluable. I went for 11 years straight. Still do. If you’d ever like to try it again, email me and I’ll give you the name of a woman in the midlands. She’s supposed to be very good.
Getting past your past isn’t easy, Paddy. And you never really do–get past it. You just learn to live with it. To control it, so that it doesn’t control you.
And it’s never a straight road. You have to try several different things to find out what’s right for you.
I’d recommend a book by trauma specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk called “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma”.
From what I’ve read in this book and others, it sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right in your efforts to heal, Paddy. I wish you continued strength and happiness.
Hello my name is patricia geraghty,i lived in ivy house back in 1965 sister mc namare and sister martina were in charge.Iremember the laundry room,when you wet the bed you had to walk over with your sheets and wash them,it was next to the potato shed.We ran away a few of us we ended up in cork,but they found us.
Hi, Patricia. Thanks for checking in. I’m sure the photos of Mount Carmel brought back memories.
I, too, was in Ivy House. We might have crossed paths. I’m sure you did with some of the Roberts clan. And like you, I remember the Laundry and the potato shed well.
Indeed, many ran away from Mount Carmel–“doin’ a bunk”, as we called it. And on their (inevitable) return, they were “flogged” (again, the term we used).
But you and the girls did well to get as far as Cork, fair play to ye! 🙂
hi patricia…i lived in ivy house and chester lodge in the 80’s for abt 8 yrs i loved sr martina….i dnt really remember alot of anyone who lived there tbh.
hello my house was connected to the nun,our dining room led straight to their part.Sister mcnamara office was in our house,sister martina looked after us.The boys dormitory was seperated from us with a door.
JUST I REMBER ONE GIRLS NAME JCKIE MC CARTYSHE HAD COME FROM DUBLIN,PLUSE WE HAS ONLY ONE COLOURED BOY IT WAS STRANG SEEING HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME,THE CANNON USED TO LET US RIDE THE HORSE,,WE WOULD SPEND OUR MONEY IN THE LITTLE SHOP COLA FLOATS,I MAKE THEM ALL THE TIME NOW SO DOES MY CHILDREN,WE USE TO GO TO GALWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS,WA WEIRD SEING SISTER KEVIN WITH NO VEIL AND VERY SHORT HAIR LOL.aCROSS THE STREET WAS THE HALL BOYS USED TO BOX AND WE WOULD SING ON THE STAGE,
Hi Connie, I happened on your site when looking for photos of the convent in Moate. I was a boarder in the secondary school from 1980 to 1983. I remember the orphanage but we were never told much about it. I remember there was a girl in my class from the orphanage called Breda and I’ve often wondered what became of her. We’d be in class together during the day and once classes were over she’d go back to the orphanage and we’d go to the boarding school.One thing I remember is how the children in the orphanage looked out for each other. I don’t have happy memories of my time there but that said, there were some nuns who were kind.
Was the Maloney twins there back in the days Christopher and Noel Maloney the lived in the convent in moate Westmeath when they were children well noel died when he was 40 and Christopher I think he’s in westmeath or London I am his x wife
Hi, Angela. I can’t say I remember the Maloney twins–perhaps they were after my time. However, someone else looking at this post might recall Christopher and Noel from their time in Moate. (People check in all the time.) I’m sorry to hear about Noel’s passing in the prime of his life. I hope his brother Christopher is doing well. Thanks for visiting my website, Angela. Take care. Connie x
Hi I’m looking for a girl that was in mount Carmel with me her name was Elizabeth Joyce I left before her if anyone knows where she is would you please tell her that I’m looking for her she was my best friend Annie
Hi, Annie! Thanks again for your comment. As you know from our recent email, I’m making an inquiry for you regarding your friend Elizabeth. If/when I hear anything back, I’ll be sure to let you know.
If anyone was in Mount Carmel during the 1960s & remembers Elizabeth Joyce, do please respond to Annie’s message. Thanks! Connie x
Hi, John! I posted your comment. If anyone reaches out to me, I’ll be sure to get in touch with you. I remember mention of Ballaghadereen during my time in Moate (late-60s—1980), but I can’t recall anyone in particular. Perhaps if you mentioned a few names, it might jog people’s memories. Take care, Connie.
Connie Roberts Poet 
July 2, 2015 at 3:52 pm
I ran to railings, when I got the smell of the nuns cooking buns still not sure if I ever got one
also got pinched off the swing or the see saw
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July 2, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Hi Paddy! Thanks for stopping by my website. I’m sure the photos bring back plenty of memories for you. By the way, do you have a sister Florrie?
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July 2, 2015 at 5:22 pm
florrie and Helen and cathy
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July 2, 2015 at 5:28 pm
I vividly remember Florrie always carrying one of you on her hips around Ivy House. She was a good big sister. I hope you’re all keeping well. Again, Paddy, thanks for getting in touch. Connie
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July 2, 2015 at 5:25 pm
and Ann Marie
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July 2, 2015 at 5:32 pm
the photos are something else I might have been young but remember loads and the chap on the dumper that round the place
and some old saying like just you wait henry higgins , and two little red curley head twins
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July 2, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Was there a couple of times for short stays in 1970s with my brothers and sisters – took me by surprise when I saw photos of Mount Carmel again. I worked in Holy Angels both times when I was there. My youngest sister was one of the babies.
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July 2, 2015 at 6:42 pm
Hi Frances. Lovely to meet up with you online. Thanks for checking out my website. Yes, I’m sure the photos of Mount Carmel brought some memories flooding back. I posted them for precisely that: for former residents who might like to have pictures from their childhood.
And ah, Holy Angels, who could forget that little roomful of babies? And Miss Carberry’s bedroom at the back. I have a poem entitled
“Holy Angels” in my new collection, “Little Witness”.
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November 17, 2018 at 1:33 pm
Hi Connie
My mother Catriona Simpson was talking about you today, she was hoping to touch base with you
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November 17, 2018 at 3:02 pm
Hi, Stephen,
Thanks so much for reaching out. I remember your mom Caitriona (and her siblings) well. Your Aunt Josie was my best friend for the longest time before she left Ivy House. Say hi to both of them for me!
Your mom can contact me via my website.
Warmest wishes,
Connie
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March 8, 2016 at 8:59 pm
1980 I would have been 4,.was there a path way to the national School behind orphanage, we were not allowed to use it ,,I have a few memories. Salt hill in the summer ,does that sound right?
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March 8, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Yes, the National School was directly behind the orphanage. It was all part of the one complex.
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March 8, 2016 at 12:04 am
If this is orphanage in moate ,I’m amazed to find these pictures. I lived there late 70s and early 80s.Ivy house is name I always remember.
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March 8, 2016 at 8:38 am
Hi, Liam. Yes, this is the orphanage in Moate. I was there (in Ivy House) till 1980, so we must’ve crossed paths.
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March 8, 2016 at 9:00 pm
What was the name of the orphanage right behind Ivy house which was beside the pathway to national school
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March 8, 2016 at 10:47 pm
Ard Aoibhainn. It was built in the 1970s–a separate group home set apart from the older buildings, the oldest of which was built in 1875 I believe. Ard Aoibhainn was next door to the National School; its address was Station Road, after the nearby train station.
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March 9, 2016 at 9:25 am
I had a social worker named mary butler.does nat name ring a bell ,did you ever go to salt hill on summer holidays?
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March 9, 2016 at 10:09 am
Yes, Liam, I remember Mary Butler very well. She was very nice. I also remember Salthill, where children who didn’t have a foster family to go to went on holidays in the summer. I had a foster family in Tullamore to go to, but some of my siblings went to Salthill each year. By all accounts, they enjoyed it.
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March 9, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Did you have mary butler as your social worker, she must have had a soft spot for me because she used to take me home to her house to her parents for a weekend here and there
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March 9, 2016 at 4:13 pm
No, Mary Butler wasn’t my social worker, but I recall having good chats with her. I’m glad you have fond memories of her, and of visiting her family at weekends.
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April 11, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Just read some of the comments below, the red headed twins were the Galvins. They came and lived in care in Edgeworthstown with the Kennedys. Sr Dominic also known as May lymam came and worked there for many years. Also is that old picture of you is that sister Kevin?? Mary Butler also came and worked in Edgeworthstown, lovely woman.
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April 11, 2017 at 8:11 pm
You have a good memory, Jason. Yes, that’s Sr. Kevin in the B&W photo of me and fellow Mount Carmel children, December 1970.
And yes, Mary Butler was lovely. You don’t happen to know where she is now, do you? I ask because another former resident–who Mary had been very kind to in childhood–wanted to look her up.
Sr. Dominic (May Lynam) has been teaching in South Africa for years. We exchange Christmas cards each year.
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March 9, 2016 at 7:21 pm
I was 7 year old when I left, so I have very vivid memories, but at the same time I feel like I have tons of small memories of things that happened
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March 10, 2016 at 12:02 am
Liam, I’m sure all the memories would come swimming back to you if you were to sit down and think for any length about your time in Moate.
I had dinner with my brother Ferdi tonight, who’s over in NY for a few days, and he said he remembers you.
By the way, I mixed up the names of the houses in an earlier post to you: Ath an Airgead was the house on Station Road; Ard Aoibhainn was directly behind Ivy House (on the left hand side going up to the National School).
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March 13, 2016 at 12:17 pm
I believe I was at ard aoibhann. If memory serves me right when you walked in the main door which was directly across from Ivy House the kitchen on the left hand side a huge kitchen and that but if you walk further down there was a big room with a pool table or snooker table which also has stairs leading to upstairs I could be wrong though. I believe they were doing construction there around the time I left. When I was around 10 or 12 I had detectives come to my house at my foster home ask me questions about stuff that might have happened when I was there. After all the reading I’ve done about the place I can see now why they were asking people questions., I could not remember a single name of any kids I was there except for Mary Butler join a person remember I’m surprised someone would remember my name
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March 14, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Do I Would Have Been IN Ard Aoibhann.
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March 15, 2016 at 1:40 am
It sounds like you were in Ard Aoibhinn during your time in Moate, Liam. I was in Ivy House, but spent a lot of time back and forth to Ard Aobhinn as my best friend Jean Carson–who I’m still friends with today–was in Ard Aoibhinn. Sister Dominic was in charge of Ard Aoibhinn for a long time–you may remember her. She was lovely. She’s in Africa now. We exchange Christmas cards each year. Another boy around your age in Ivy House was Ricky Siggins. You might remember him. There were also the Meehan’s. The Kearney’s.
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August 10, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Hi connie . Maria Hennessy here . Ferdi was tommy carney s friend who used to come to us in Ballycommon outside Tullamore .i worked in the office with sr . Kevin around 1975.
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April 11, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Hi Maria. Thank you for your note. I’m sorry for the delay in responding, but I just came across it now, all these months later. I don’t know how it escaped me. I’ll tell Ferdi you were in touch. Hope all is well. Take care! Connie 🙂
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March 10, 2016 at 5:49 am
Hi all, was there a worker there from donegal as I would love to meet up with her some day as she was good to me,
It’s well changed in moate now I was there a few weeks ago and asked about it in a cafe and was told by a girl there some one else was enquiring the day before I was in,it shows people still looking
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March 10, 2016 at 8:00 am
Hi, Paddy. There was a staff member from Donegal in Ivy House: Maria Ward. Dark hair, glasses, big smile. She emigrated to New York. I met up with her once over here many years ago, but have no contact details for her.
Yes, Moate is not the same since they razed Mount Carmel and the convent in the 1990s. It’s all apartments and shops now. I’m sure there are many who go back and visit. It’s only natural to want to know more about your past. As the old saying goes: You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.
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March 10, 2016 at 8:58 am
Thanks Connie for that, as I asked some of my sisters and it’s a no go area with them let sleeping dogs lie I think is the term, I got my foi from the Hse so I have most of my dates when I was away good to have them, I was in ny a good few times down in wood lawn as I have frends there I might pop out this year for some shopping and bring my daughter with me as she just turned 4 and would love the crack, thanks paddy in mullingar
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March 10, 2016 at 9:19 am
Everybody is different, Paddy: some people who grew up in care, for a variety of reasons (they mightn’t be able to handle it, for example), don’t want to revisit the past; others, at different stages of their lives (when they’re older, have child, have emigrated or what have you) feel a need to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Myself, in my 20s I couldn’t get far enough away from my childhood in Moate. It wasn’t until my 30s that I had the courage to start digging into the past….and accepting where I’d come from. It’s good to have balance, however: to know when you stop. To know when to leave the past behind and start living in the present.
Best of luck to you, Paddy!
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March 13, 2016 at 12:21 pm
And yes you are right if I really sat down and think about it I have tons of small memories ,I remember, red head twins, it would have been probably the same age as me Maybe 5 or 6., going to the dentist, I also remember a young kid there who is sick in a wheelchair passed away. Was there a pig farm in the back of the buildings further back way further back
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March 15, 2016 at 1:22 am
Aha, see, you do remember the twins! I should’ve read all your posts before I replied. 🙂 There was indeed a farm up past the secondary school. You may recall Jimmy Farrell driving the dumper around picking up rubbish. Mr. O’Brien was another farm laborer. A staff member during your time there might have been a very tall Australian guy–again, I’m sorry, I can’t recall his name.
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March 13, 2016 at 12:22 pm
I hope I’m not becoming a pain when all my messages it’s just so crazy talking to someone that lived in the same place 35 years later
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March 15, 2016 at 1:29 am
Liam, rest assured, you’re not a pain at all. Ask all the questions you want–it might help jog your memory. I mightn’t have all the answers for you, though. You know, as I often say to my American husband, that when families get together for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other special occasion, they regale each other with family history, often the same family history over and over again (“remember when Jimmy was 9 and he….” or “remember the time we went to…”). Growing up where we did in Moate, in an orphanage, we don’t have that. We don’t get to tell our histories every year around the family dinner table. We don’t get to reinforce our stories, to pass them along to our children. So ask away, Liam. Your childhood is an important part of your life. It plays a big part in who you become as an adult. We are shaped by our childhood experiences, good and bad.
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March 15, 2016 at 10:40 am
Not sure if my message went through, I had said that when I was around 10 I had people come to my foster home asking me about my time in moate regarding abuse, if I was or if I had witnessed, never realized that a huge investigation had been going on till I started reading recently. .
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March 15, 2016 at 2:26 pm
I can’t speak to that particular investigation, Liam–I hadn’t heard about it. But I do know that all of my siblings who were in Moate throughout the years, from the 1960s to the 1980s, suffered some kind of abuse, be it physical, psychological, sexual, or emotional. Sometimes all four.
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July 1, 2016 at 10:08 pm
Hi Coonie, I remember you. Cosh the years. some good times but some such bad times and it abuse.
I was in Ath An Airgead on the station road, but I remember ard abhionn, ivy house, Chester lodge.
I still remember Alot of the families in the houses.
When you see or talking to Jean Carson give my regards please.
Good to see your post here.
William Gorry.
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July 2, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Hi, William,
Lovely to hear from you. Indeed, I remember you from our days in Moate. Thanks for checking out my website.
I’ll definitely pass along your good wishes to Jean.
I hope you’re keeping well.
Best wishes,
Connie
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April 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm
I lived there with family in the early 80’S for a few years, we were the Kennedys. Those photos bring back lots of memories, thank you Connie.
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April 11, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Hi Jason. Thanks for checking in. I’m happy you came across the photos. For better or worse, they’re a part of our childhood. I posted them precisely so that former Mount Carmel children could access them, and perhaps share them with their own families.
I left Ivy House in 1980,but I’m sure you remember some of my younger siblings in Moate. Hope all is well with you. Connie 🙂
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April 13, 2017 at 12:47 pm
My older sister Anne and brothers Alan and Philip would remember a lot of your family,I and two other siblings were too young. I remember Mount Carmel from going back to visit in the mid/late 80’s. I contacted someone who may know Mary Butlers whereabouts but nothing back yet. I visited you page on Facebook and i saw that we have mutual friend in Geraldine Rawlings. She work where i lived in my teens in the 90’s and she may know Mary also.I think she may have worked in Moate years before The last time i remember going there was Winnie Carbarys funeral i think.
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April 13, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Grand. Thanks, Jason. I’ll reach out to Geraldine then.
All the best,
Connie
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April 12, 2017 at 5:37 am
It,s brilliant to see people looking up there past and not burying it in the back of there minds thinking it was just me
connie is a bright star for a lot of people
and I hope she knows that as her voice
has power.
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April 12, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Hi Paddy. Good to hear from you again. It was so lovely to see you, your wife and your beautiful daughter at the Tullamore Show last August. I hope you’re all flourishing. Thanks for your kind words. And yes, I do think it’s healthy (& brave) to look into your past and own it. Alas, for a variety of reasons (they’re too fragile, it’s too traumatic, etc.), not everyone can do so. Continue to thrive, Paddy! Connie 🙂
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April 12, 2017 at 10:43 am
Sorry I remember Maria Hennessy and other lady who used to work for Sr.Kevin in the office.
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April 12, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Hi William. Isn’t it funny, at the mere mention of a name, thoughts (of people, of places) from years ago come flooding back. I can see Sr. Kevin’s office vividly.
I hope you’re well. It was a courageous thing you did recently telling your story to the media. It was tough reading. It can’t have been easy for you. Although, I think, in many ways, it’s easier to share your story with the world than keep it locked up inside you. I hope, William, you managed to exorcise some demons and gained some sense of relief or solace. It was horrible what happened to you in childhood–my heart goes out to you. I wish you continued strength and much happiness for the future. Sending a big hug from New York. Connie 🙂
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April 12, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Thanks Connie. It’s not easy and had not been. However if it helps other to share their story or tell / talk to others then great. Thanks for you kind very nice words. I have group photo with Connie and one with is it Sarah. Do you have email or you on Facebook? William x
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April 12, 2017 at 7:05 pm
I’d love to see the photo, William. My email address is: riobaird@aol.com
I’m also on Facebook: Connie Roberts Poet
Thanks, Connie xo
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August 31, 2017 at 2:43 pm
My father and aunt I believe were raised in an orphanage until they were about 7. Then they were taken in by foster parents. I’m not sure if this is the same place? I’m having a hard time finding any information about his original name (which I know) and his foster family name.
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August 31, 2017 at 9:26 pm
Hi, Maura. Thanks for checking in. I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulty finding information on your father and aunt. Don’t give up–the answers are out there. What years might they have been in Mount Carmel industrial school? If they were admitted through the courts,it would be on record with the Department of Education. Many children, however, were referred by the Dept. of Health or the County Council. Alas, those records can be more elusive, as I found out myself years ago when I started gathering information on my own background. In the end, I contacted the adjoining national school, which is still there, and through their records, found out the year I started school, etc. It was very helpful. Again, best of luck on your journey, Maura. If I can be of any help, don’t hesitate to ask. Connie
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September 1, 2017 at 5:45 am
hi maura i too went digging and i found loads on the past,
as you have his original name this is a good start and his date of birth, a townland name might help to to narrow your search
try http://www.irishgenealogy.ie and go through every part something might click also the census records
its free and safe to look up too, depending on the time, the hse might have some info too there is a freedom of information act
which you can apply for to get any information the have on him if you know the county where he was from
maybe show some of the photos connie has posted as they might ring bells to
best of luck with search
don’t give up
paddy mcdermott
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September 1, 2017 at 9:30 am
Thanks for chiming in, Paddy. Good advice! I hope you and family are well. Connie xo
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June 7, 2018 at 5:29 am
Blue and white cups and crome and black chairs large steel jugs off milk piano in the sitting room vase with long plants long brown heads like sausage type flowers to the left, a door to the front hall that was never opened
Potato pealing machine at the back door always turn on the water first as youl wast the potatos if you dont,
Left on your own
Brough to a football game
Seen some one from home
I could go with them back to where I live; feck caught
Iv been seen brought kicking and screamin
I am not a football fan anymore
Some bits I remember
lights off go to sleep
I just thought I’d share that with you
P’s the sun is shining
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June 22, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Hi, Paddy! Thank you for your lovely note. Always great to hear from you. Love when you chime in with your recollections. As I said before, “regular” families get to reminisce about their childhoods at the dinner table at Christmas or at family BBQs, but those of us who grew up in institutions don’t have that luxury. It’s important I think to reinforce our sense of identity, our sense of place. And if posting thoughts, recollections, etc. on my site helps, go for it!
The above reads like a poem, with all the vivid imagery and pathos. I love it!
Sorry I’m only getting a chance to approve your comment now–I know you sent it several weeks back. My foster mother passed away and I was home in Ireland for the funeral. So, yes, I got to experience that lovely Irish heatwave a few weeks ago. Never rained a drop the whole time I was home. 🙂
I hope you and your family are flourishing, Paddy. Stay well.
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July 30, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Hi Connie
It’s just paddy chiming in
Just doing the old remising thing on things gone by
When I started school in the 80s I had a super teacher my first one, a real mammy type Jesus she had nerves of steel
As I was a handful but we got on thanks Mrs Dardis I o her a big hug and would love to tell her some day she done a super job and Mrs reeves to ps thanks for the blue toy racing car nice move I still know the story of big bob never forgot it. For the teachers sorry Connie
Right back to me story folks
One day she was off and the class had to be split so we were all put in groups and sent to other classrooms
And of course guess where I was sent to a nuns class Jesus it was a red rag to a bull to me I kicked punched and got away I was not going in no way, been chased by teachers a but I was faster but still very small
And ran and ran home. I wonder what caused this was it my past or the love of my teacher as it is not the norm for a child
At this age, or is it,
With that a few weeks later I was sent off to be assessed but I passed with flying colours
I often wonder did they know or were they ever informed about my past as I could have been written off fairly quick
That would have changed my future if things didn’t work out in old child psychology test assessment but it did
My time in Mount Carmel in moate might have been different to others there I don’t know, but it was not fun for a child or me or any one that experience it
Taken from his or her homes endless times thoughts of emptiness left on your own and this was good for children by the powers of be best interest first and everyone in the same boat that was there
Never offered or helped on my journey in life working since I was 13 barely able to wright and read still not to good at it but trying and not given up strong sole or strong minded I dont know
And went for counselling one time only as the add says (its ok not feel ok) and told by the person o you spent too much time with women, well f— me that was some help
I phoned Caranua too and again told o you did not apply for the redress fund so we can’t help sorry
It’s a pity the pulled the redress fund on all that where in care as it might have helped some people better them self’s a bit like the lotto if you’re not in you can’t win, thanks to some of our government
I would love to see more people come out that where in care homes as we have lost a lot time already and friends and family
We won’t get back ever
I hope Connie posts this on her page as I do this not in rage but to share some of my life which I am not as ashamed and it gets better as I let off steam through hard work and was told that’s a brilliant way of getting it out and not been bitter
As Connie told me keep looking forward don’t let your past hold you back life is what you make it
Thanks
Paddy McDermott.
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August 2, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Hi, Paddy!
You speak from the heart, as always. Great to hear from you. You are always welcome to speak your truth. You never know who’ll you’ll touch with your words.
Many people who have passed through Mount Carmel check out the photos on my website (we are all looking to make sense of the past). Although they might never leave a footprint (write a comment, etc.), something you say might resonate with them. Plus, of course, as you said, it’s good for you to get things off your chest.
That’s what I do when I write my poetry.
Your remembrances of your two (kind) teachers are wonderful. Two beacons than shine brightly even today. Years ago, I looked up a teacher who had been kind to me in my adolescence (Mr. Brendan Costello) and wrote him a thank you note. He has passed on now. RIP
And, Paddy, your reaction to being put in the nun’s classroom was perfectly normal given your circumstances. You were a child who, like the rest of us who grew up in care, had suffered/was suffering from trauma. Your body was doing what it was supposed to do: it saw danger and went into survival mode. You had to get out of there.
I’m sorry about your experience of counseling. I found therapy invaluable. I went for 11 years straight. Still do. If you’d ever like to try it again, email me and I’ll give you the name of a woman in the midlands. She’s supposed to be very good.
Getting past your past isn’t easy, Paddy. And you never really do–get past it. You just learn to live with it. To control it, so that it doesn’t control you.
And it’s never a straight road. You have to try several different things to find out what’s right for you.
I’d recommend a book by trauma specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk called “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma”.
From what I’ve read in this book and others, it sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right in your efforts to heal, Paddy. I wish you continued strength and happiness.
Connie xo
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October 30, 2018 at 3:52 pm
Hello my name is patricia geraghty,i lived in ivy house back in 1965 sister mc namare and sister martina were in charge.Iremember the laundry room,when you wet the bed you had to walk over with your sheets and wash them,it was next to the potato shed.We ran away a few of us we ended up in cork,but they found us.
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November 12, 2018 at 12:18 am
Hi, Patricia. Thanks for checking in. I’m sure the photos of Mount Carmel brought back memories.
I, too, was in Ivy House. We might have crossed paths. I’m sure you did with some of the Roberts clan. And like you, I remember the Laundry and the potato shed well.
Indeed, many ran away from Mount Carmel–“doin’ a bunk”, as we called it. And on their (inevitable) return, they were “flogged” (again, the term we used).
But you and the girls did well to get as far as Cork, fair play to ye! 🙂
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December 26, 2018 at 8:32 am
hi patricia…i lived in ivy house and chester lodge in the 80’s for abt 8 yrs i loved sr martina….i dnt really remember alot of anyone who lived there tbh.
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December 26, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Hi, Annette. Merry Christmas. I hope you’re keeping well.
Connie xo
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November 9, 2018 at 1:34 pm
hello my house was connected to the nun,our dining room led straight to their part.Sister mcnamara office was in our house,sister martina looked after us.The boys dormitory was seperated from us with a door.
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November 12, 2018 at 12:25 am
Yes, the industrial school/orphanage was connected to the “Cloister”, the nuns’ convent.
I remember Sr. Kevin’s office well. You didn’t ever want to be called down to it!
Sr. Martina was lovely.
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November 24, 2018 at 2:18 pm
JUST I REMBER ONE GIRLS NAME JCKIE MC CARTYSHE HAD COME FROM DUBLIN,PLUSE WE HAS ONLY ONE COLOURED BOY IT WAS STRANG SEEING HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME,THE CANNON USED TO LET US RIDE THE HORSE,,WE WOULD SPEND OUR MONEY IN THE LITTLE SHOP COLA FLOATS,I MAKE THEM ALL THE TIME NOW SO DOES MY CHILDREN,WE USE TO GO TO GALWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS,WA WEIRD SEING SISTER KEVIN WITH NO VEIL AND VERY SHORT HAIR LOL.aCROSS THE STREET WAS THE HALL BOYS USED TO BOX AND WE WOULD SING ON THE STAGE,
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November 24, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Thanks for your reminiscences, Patricia.
I have fond memories of Jackie McCarthy…
Connie xo
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September 10, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Hi Connie, I happened on your site when looking for photos of the convent in Moate. I was a boarder in the secondary school from 1980 to 1983. I remember the orphanage but we were never told much about it. I remember there was a girl in my class from the orphanage called Breda and I’ve often wondered what became of her. We’d be in class together during the day and once classes were over she’d go back to the orphanage and we’d go to the boarding school.One thing I remember is how the children in the orphanage looked out for each other. I don’t have happy memories of my time there but that said, there were some nuns who were kind.
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September 11, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Thanks for your note, Niamh. I left Mount Carmel in 1980–I’m sorry I can’t recall the Breda you mentioned.
Yes, I crossed paths with those kind nuns too. Plus, I got a great education in the Convent of Mercy. Take care! x
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September 12, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Hi Niamh, I may know Breda your talking about and have contact with her. Do you have contact that I can P.M you (e.g messenger ) William.
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May 13, 2020 at 7:07 am
Was the Maloney twins there back in the days Christopher and Noel Maloney the lived in the convent in moate Westmeath when they were children well noel died when he was 40 and Christopher I think he’s in westmeath or London I am his x wife
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May 14, 2020 at 12:10 am
Hi, Angela. I can’t say I remember the Maloney twins–perhaps they were after my time. However, someone else looking at this post might recall Christopher and Noel from their time in Moate. (People check in all the time.) I’m sorry to hear about Noel’s passing in the prime of his life. I hope his brother Christopher is doing well. Thanks for visiting my website, Angela. Take care. Connie x
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May 14, 2020 at 8:09 am
Hi Angela email me at william@risn.ie I was in moate convent industrial school then. William.
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July 29, 2021 at 12:22 am
Hi I’m looking for a girl that was in mount Carmel with me her name was Elizabeth Joyce I left before her if anyone knows where she is would you please tell her that I’m looking for her she was my best friend Annie
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July 29, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Hi, Annie! Thanks again for your comment. As you know from our recent email, I’m making an inquiry for you regarding your friend Elizabeth. If/when I hear anything back, I’ll be sure to let you know.
If anyone was in Mount Carmel during the 1960s & remembers Elizabeth Joyce, do please respond to Annie’s message. Thanks! Connie x
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August 10, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Anniefleming43@googlemail.com
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February 26, 2023 at 11:20 am
Would anyone remember children from the Ballaghaderreen orphanage being there in the late 60s?
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February 26, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Hi, John! I posted your comment. If anyone reaches out to me, I’ll be sure to get in touch with you. I remember mention of Ballaghadereen during my time in Moate (late-60s—1980), but I can’t recall anyone in particular. Perhaps if you mentioned a few names, it might jog people’s memories. Take care, Connie.
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