Jean's Journal: Which generation do you belong to?

By Jean Farrell

We read about the different generations and I came across an article that explains which we belong to.

THE SILENT GENERATION:

Those of you who are aged between 79 and 97 belong to ‘The Silent Generation.’ Mary Kenny is one and she wrote, “Life was tough and we had very low expectations. I was told by the nuns that I’d never get a husband because I couldn’t make curtains!” She wrote that there was no pressure to be “sexually hot.” Few had cars and most never travelled far from their own town. The Catholic Church ruled the roost! The three women in the photo belonged to The Silent Generation. They were my mother’s friends.

BOOMERS:

Those of us aged between 61 and 79 are called ‘Boomers.’ Apparently, we are now the best off. Many of us are living the good life. We have homes with a front and back door, generous pensions and free travel.

GENERATION X:

Those aged between 45 and 60 belong to Generation X. They had no mobile phones or pressure from social media as teenagers. Television and videos tapes entertained them. Most could afford their own house.

MILLENNIALS:

These are those aged between 29 and 44. Many were children during the boom years here. They were reared with plenty. A confident Ireland emerged during their youth. Irish businesses boomed. International successes by Irish soccer and rugby teams raised spirits, as did wins by Katie Taylor and more.

Long held attitudes changed greatly for the better. Homosexuality was decimalised. The Catholic Church fell off its pedestal. However, just as they became adults, the crash occurred. Life became tough for them.

GENERATION Z:

These are those aged between 14 and 28. ‘Soft’ is the word often used to describe this generation! They were reared

with access to the whole world in their pocket, via smartphones. Their entire social life can be conducted on the couch, at home. They worry about climate change. Their biggest concern is will they ever be able to afford a home of their own.

GENERATION ALPHA:

These are young, aged 1 to 14. Some of us have grandchildren in this generation. Many don’t watch television at all. They watch their screens instead. Most get mobile phones whilst still in primary school. Too much of this takes them away from the real world. They don’t play out on the street, they go on ‘play-dates.’

All the above is a brief summary of what generation we belong to. However, always remember that people don’t change. It’s the world around them that changes.

Our most basic needs are air, water, food, shelter and safety. Thankfully, we in Ireland, throughout the generations, have had these – unlike what is happening in other countries, very sadly.

Love, connection and a sense of belonging are very important needs too.

For many men and women, their local GAA club is the place where these needs are met. People of all the generations, mentioned above, find their sense of belonging and connection in the many GAA clubs throughout Ireland. Friendships flourish here too, which provides love!

I never had any connection with the GAA. As a child growing up in Athlone town, my brothers played soccer out on the middle of the road. This was in pre-television days, long before English soccer teams were well-known here. They and their pals went to Saint Mel’s park every Sunday afternoon to support Athlone Town soccer team.

This has historical roots. Athlone had been a ‘garrison-town’ for centuries where English soldiers played soccer. Indeed, most of the

towns who still have successful soccer teams were once ‘garrison-town’ too. These are Sligo, Dundalk and more.

When my soccer-playing older brothers went to secondary school, free education was introduced. Many country lads came into town to school. These boys played Gaelic football during lunch-time. My brothers watched in wonder. It was the first time they saw Gaelic football being played!

Some of my grandchildren are hugely involved in their local GAA clubs, as are their parents and grandparents. I really see the great advantages of this for all the generations.

There are over 2,000 GAA clubs in Ireland with more than half a million members in them altogether.

The next most popular associations here are those involved in Amateur drama. Throughout the winter months the many members meet regularly in country halls to practise their next production. There is great comradery amongst the cast and back stage crew. I know this because I am a member of Athlone Little Theatre. We all went to Belfast recently to see a play there and had a great weekend.

Lots of clubs and political parties say that those from Generation X and the Millennial generation are not coming out, at night, to join organisations. And we know why. Some of us have adult children these ages.

They work hard all day and then come home with children (collected from crèches) demanding attention. By the time they are put to bed, their parents are only fit for bed too!

“My children have a better social life that I have,” a Millennial mother said to me lately. “I spend all week on the road with them, taking them here there and everywhere.”

She told me that the height of her social life is chatting to other mothers as they wait for their children at various clubs.

Be sure to get your need for connection and belonging met! Join a club or phone a friend!

jeanfarrell@live.ie