A 103-year-old resident at St. John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy has helped preserve the living history of rural Wexford through a local folklore collection project. Bridie Buckley, a lifelong resident of the Davidstown and Courtnacuddy parish, recorded an interview about her experiences, memories and knowledge of the area.
The initiative forms part of the hospital’s therapeutic and recreational activities programme and is being developed with artist, filmmaker and Folklore.ie founder Michael Fortune. The project gives residents an opportunity to share personal stories while creating an important record of local heritage for future generations.
HSE folklore project celebrates Wexford community history
Born in Courtnacuddy in 1922, Bridie Buckley has lived her entire life in the parish. Her memories offer a valuable insight into rural life in County Wexford, including family, work and community traditions.
Bridie was 38 when her husband, Frank Buckley, died in 1961. She subsequently managed the family homestead with the help of her son Seán and daughter Mary. She celebrated her 100th birthday at a gathering in Davidstown three years ago, surrounded by family members, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Staff at St. John’s say Bridie enjoys reading and word-search puzzles, which she prefers to television. Her interview contributes another personal perspective to Folklore.ie, an online archive containing hundreds of video clips and more than 1,500 additional recordings documenting oral history and place-based traditions.
Why oral history matters in residential care
Mary Fox, Nurse Activities Co-ordinator at St. John’s Community Hospital, said the facility’s varied programme benefits from the participation of residents, families, volunteers and community groups. She highlighted the value of conversation and shared experience in supporting meaningful engagement.
Director of Nursing Deepa George described the partnership with Michael Fortune and Folklore.ie as a valuable connection between the hospital and the wider Wexford community. Community Employment Supervisor Margot Banville-Hogan also noted that residents, staff and friends of the hospital were looking forward to hearing Bridie’s contribution.
Projects of this kind align with the Health Service Executive’s wider focus on person-centred care, dignity and quality of life for older people. They also demonstrate how care settings can support cultural participation alongside clinical and daily living services.
St. John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy
Opened in 2009, St. John’s Community Hospital replaced the former hospital beside it and was purpose-built to accommodate up to 103 long-term residents. Its services include:
- Long-term residential care
- Rehabilitation and transitional care
- Respite services
- A Day Centre for older people in the local community
The residential care centre is organised across four units: Beech, Elm, Ivy and Oak wards. Its activities programme is supported by staff, the Friends of St. John’s Hospital committee, volunteers and two Community Employment Schemes.
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Preserving Ireland’s local memories
Michael Fortune’s work has received national and international attention through recordings about oral history, furniture, farm gates and place-based traditions in Wexford, across Ireland and in Newfoundland, Canada. His work with Folklore.ie helps ensure that memories held by older generations remain accessible beyond the communities where they originated.
Bridie Buckley’s contribution shows that every resident has a story worth hearing. By combining social activity with heritage preservation, St. John’s Community Hospital is helping strengthen connections between older people, families, care staff and the wider community.
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Key takeaway: The HSE-supported folklore initiative in Enniscorthy highlights how oral history can enrich residential care while preserving the unique memories and traditions of rural Wexford.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
