John Brogan

 

Johnny Brogan

Full Name: John Brogan.

Occupation: Overseer for Galway County Council.

Favourite T.V. Programme: Glenroe, Late Late Show, Kenny Live and The News.

Favourite Actor/Actress: Mike Lally, Maureen Potter.

First Day at School: I went to Dalgin N.S. I was taken there on the back of the bicycle, this was in the late thirties. It was a mixed school which had 109 pupils on the Roll Book. At first I was taught by Mrs. Tess Ryan and later by her husband Mr. Brendan Ryan.

What was your worst moment at school: I had no bad moments as I liked school and I never missed a day. In my time we had to bring a crib of turf once a year.

Favourite Colour: Blue.

Favourite Singers: Kevin Prendergast, Joe Dolan and Bridie Gallagher.

First Job: In July 1948 I started working for the council drawing water with a donkey and cart, and earned 7 shillings a day. Men that worked with a horse and cart got 12 shillings a day, a ganger earned himself 10 shillings a day. I bought my first bike from Kevin Feeney. In the fifties and sixties I cycled to work to Cortoon and Lavally – some days to Curragh West and sometimes as far as Kilconly and Cloonbar. In 1971 I bought my first car for £80, and I got 10 shillings back for luck. It was an Austin A40.

Persons you most admire: Mother Teresa and the late Monsignor Horan.

Favourite Food: Potatoes, Cabbage. I eat very little meat. My biggest downfall is sweet cake and biscuits – I have a terrible sweet tooth.

Memory of first dance: August 1949 I went to the old hall in Ballindine. Admission then was one shilling and six pence – 1/6, and the music was by Kieran Ansbro Band. I remember there were some houses in the area that held dances – three of which come to mind right now – Joseph Frawley’s, Dalgin, Martin Donoghue, Cloonraine and Patrick Sweeney, Meelick. We often danced the night through until 6a.m.

What is your Greatest Regret: None.

Happiest Moment: Trip to England with my wife Eileen in 1990.

Favourite Saying: “I hope it will last” and “Yep”.

Favourite Pastimes: Céilí dancing and working on the farm.

If you won the Lotto: I would take care of my family first, give some to the poor, retire and have a good time.

John lives in Dillonbrook, has eight in his family – John, Noel, Joseph, Martin and Francis, Mary, Anne and Caroline.

Milltown Newsletter Christmas 1996