This is not so much a story of ‘found’, but ‘returned’. When my first marriage ended I ‘lost’ a number of personal items and historic photographs. I was led to believe that many of the original photos had been destroyed. It appears that this was not the case. Some 25 years later, my eldest daughter visited one day and presented me with an old photo album, which contained images and certificates from my early childhood, through to my later days at secondary school.
To my delight the album still contained many of the early photographs that had been taken by myself, and other family members. Of significant importance to me were two school certificates, one being my Intermediate Certificate and the other my Leaving Certificate.
To my delight the album still contained many of the early photographs that had been taken by myself, and other family members. Of significant importance to me were two school certificates, one being my Intermediate Certificate and the other my Leaving Certificate.
In those days the High School and Technical Schools followed different paths. The High School system generally provided an avenue for students to attend University to study a variety of subjects generally associated with the Degrees in professional employment areas, such as Doctors and Medical Professionals, Scientists and Academics, including School Teachers.
The Technical School system followed a path towards Diploma courses, for such things as aeronautical, electrical and mechanical engineering, trade courses in carpentry, plumbing and gas-fitting as well as apprentice courses. Classes were also offered in accountancy and bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting, dressmaking and dress cutting, although I do not believe that many boys took up the dressmaking courses.
Due to family circumstances I was unable to continue on to complete a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, however the training that I had received at Keon Park Technical School would prove invaluable in my future life. We were indeed fortunate to have Masters who had been tradesmen prior to the war, and upon returning from the war, took up teaching roles instead of going ‘back on the tools’. They were more than willing to pass on their previous experiences and the ‘tricks of the trade’.
The Technical School system followed a path towards Diploma courses, for such things as aeronautical, electrical and mechanical engineering, trade courses in carpentry, plumbing and gas-fitting as well as apprentice courses. Classes were also offered in accountancy and bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting, dressmaking and dress cutting, although I do not believe that many boys took up the dressmaking courses.
Due to family circumstances I was unable to continue on to complete a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, however the training that I had received at Keon Park Technical School would prove invaluable in my future life. We were indeed fortunate to have Masters who had been tradesmen prior to the war, and upon returning from the war, took up teaching roles instead of going ‘back on the tools’. They were more than willing to pass on their previous experiences and the ‘tricks of the trade’.
Barry O’Connor.
August 2024
Barry O’Connor.
August 2024
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