Tea, cake and memories: A gathering for Leitrim’s factory women

Are you a woman who worked in a Leitrim factory in the recent past? If so, the Leitrim Women Through Time history project wants to hear from you.

Led by North Leitrim Women’s Centre and Scéal Heritage, Leitrim Women Through Time is a community heritage project currently seeking to connect with women who worked in local factories. Women who worked in, or for any type of factory in the region are invited to join them at their upcoming event in Drumshanbo.

The gathering takes place at The Food Hub, Drumshanbo, at 7pm on Thursday, July 10.

A second event will be held at Sexton’s House, Manorhamilton, on Thursday, July 17, and a third gathering is planned for Ballinamore, with the date to be announced soon.

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Factories where Leitrim women may have worked include Laird’s Jam Factory, Trend Knitwear in Drumshanbo, General Plastics or Shannon Industries in Carrick, and Ballinamore Textiles. You may also have worked from home, knitting for Cyril Cullen or Sarah McGloin, or sewing for Manor Hosiery.

Everyone is invited to enjoy tea and cake while sharing your memories of factory work with other former workers. These gatherings are free and open to all.

For more information, contact the project at 071 985 6220, by email at info@northleitrimwomenscentre.ie or scealheritage@gmail.com, or visit the Leitrim Women Through Time Facebook page.

Leitrim Women Through Time is committed to honouring the contributions of Leitrim women, ensuring that this vital part of the region’s history is remembered. 

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The project also recently gathered stories of rural Leitrim nurses and midwives, highlighting their vital role during times of limited resources. 

These stories were showcased at the National Museum of Ireland on June 28.