This is a public interview with Kitty Leyden from Tulla, Co. Clare, by broadcaster and Cuimhneamh an Chláir project manager, Paula Carroll.

88 year old Kitty Leyden embodies an important aspect of the oral histories of Co. Clare. She was the youngest of 11, born on a small farm in West Clare. She emigrated to New York and lived her young years in that teeming city. Returning home, she settled in Tulla, and raised 8 children. Hers is the story of the ordinary joys and hardships of women’s lives in mid-20th century rural Ireland. The difference is that she tells it with great humour and insight, and a turn of phrase that only the gifted storyteller has. Whether it’s bareback donkey-riding, West Clare house dances, or living the emigrant life in New York, Kitty Leyden's stories help us connect with our own social history and cultural identity.

This is a live recording for The Clare Oral History Podcast, produced by Cuimhneamh an Chláir. (https://tinyurl.com/y99ket3h).

There will also be a demonstration of Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s Oral History collection at the Digital Repository of Ireland, and how to access the diverse stories of ordinary Clare life recorded in the last 15 years.
The event is free but ticketed. Please see booking link below for tickets. Doors open at 6.30pm. Light refreshments served. Interview starts 7pm sharp. All welcome.

Address
Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre, Co. Clare