According to my study program, I
had to do some short courses, as well. I left London for Cork, and went to Swansea by
train and took the cross channel ferry from there. Prior arrangements
had been made for me to stay with an Irish family as a paying guest. I knew in advance I had a place ready for me in Cork.The ferry
arrived in Cork and berthed alongside around 8.00 a.m. that morning. At the
ferry station, I boarded a shuttle service coach and came into the city, and I
took a taxi from there to where I was going to live during my sojourn in Cork
-- Crowley’s place. When I arrived at Crowley’s place in Bishop’s Town
it was about 9.30 a.m. On arrival at the address, I rang the doorbell. A very
pleasant looking lady, possibly, in her mid-fifties opened the door and greeted me. It was
Mrs. Patricia Crowley. While I was paying the taxi driver she had already moved
my bags into the house.
Thereafter, both of us had tea and a very long conversation during which time we exchanged a lot of information. Patricia Crowley, told me that her husband, Michael, was away in their farm in County Kerry. Usually, he left home on Monday mornings and returned either on Thursday or Friday. They had a son and a daughter, who were both married and settled down in the U.S. She went on to say that it was more for company than money that she and Michael decided to register with the College to have a paying guest from time to time. She knew well in advance of my visit and was looking forward to my arrival.
Thereafter, both of us had tea and a very long conversation during which time we exchanged a lot of information. Patricia Crowley, told me that her husband, Michael, was away in their farm in County Kerry. Usually, he left home on Monday mornings and returned either on Thursday or Friday. They had a son and a daughter, who were both married and settled down in the U.S. She went on to say that it was more for company than money that she and Michael decided to register with the College to have a paying guest from time to time. She knew well in advance of my visit and was looking forward to my arrival.
Michael Crowley came home that evening. On my first
meeting with him I thought that he resembled the famous film star, Humphrey
Bogart. I told them that I
would like to go to the "Anchor House," that evening, the only social
club that I knew of in Cork. Immediately Patricia told me that they had already
planned to take me to the Country Club, which was a very exclusive place and
reservations had already been made. I changed my mind and joined them. As time passed by both of them started to treat me as one of
their own. Although according to my agreement I had to pay them 18 pounds a
week, a few days later Patricia told me to only pay 8 pounds a week. She helped with the laundry, ironed
my clothes and also gave me sandwiches to take to College. In short, they
treated me like their own child. From the Crowley’s place to College there was
a good ten-minute walk. Pat (Patricia) one day, told me to take her car as it
was not used much. I politely declined the offer as I did not have a driving
license.
God is so great for getting me to live in Cork with a
family like the Crowley’s. This, I will always remember.
Photo of a house similar to that of the Crowley's
Photos of Cork Regional Technical College
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