A sister’s wedding in the 1970s led to a move to England

Margaret Green (known in Athlone by her maiden name, Boland) is a native of Ballinahown who has been based in England for the last 49 years. A resident of Enfield, North London, she has not been home for Christmas in Ireland throughout that time. Margaret has siblings in Athlone, Moate, Galway and Donegal. She was planning to come home for a two-week visit on New Year's Eve, along with her sister Dolores (based in Connecticut in the US), but due to the pandemic their trip has now been postponed until next summer.

How did your move to England come about?

I came over in 1972, to be bridesmaid for my sister Anne (Anne Boland Lucas) She returned to Athlone in 1989, and sadly passed away in July 2012. I didn't plan on staying when I came over to the wedding, but Anne persuaded me. It took me a long time to settle. I missed my family at home very much.

What has 2021 been like for you?

This pandemic is life-changing, not only for me but for everyone. Some lives have been changed forever. My husband and I were already retired, so we haven’t been affected as much as those in the workforce. We are mostly isolated and only go out when it is necessary. It can often be very depressing. But we have a lot to be thankful for. We have a son with us who is working from home, and thankfully our daughters and grandchildren can visit.

What are your plans for Christmas Day this year?

This year we will all (9 of us) have our Christmas with my eldest daughter, Gemma. She will be doing all the cooking. I usually do it and they come to me. Gemma is quite excited about being host this time.

You mentioned that you haven't spent a Christmas at home in 49 years. Are there any Christmas traditions from Ireland that you miss?

I missed spending Christmas with my Mum, Dad and siblings very much. Every year I would talk about the old times in the auld country. I always make the traditional Christmas pudding and Christmas cake and, of course, not forgetting my Mum's traditional trifle.

I keep the Christmas dinner just as Mum used to do it, and it is enjoyed by all my gang. I know that they would now be disappointed if I changed it.

Is there any message you would like to send to friends or family reading this?

I would like to wish all my family there a very happy Christmas and New Year and I'm hoping to see them all in 2022. We are a large family of McKnights, Rushes, Bolands, Geoghegans, Cunninghams, Mullerys, Doolans and Buckleys.