Local Interviews - 01 - Father Billy Foley S.M.A. ret.

The first in what the Togher Historical Association hopes will become a frequent feature of the blog , this series actively seeks out and visits the homesteads of people who live in or have some strong association with Togher down through the decades. Their first local interview was with Father Billy Foley S.M.A. ret. at the Retirement Home in Wilton.

Fr. Billy Foley with Billy O'Brien - S.M.A. 

Retirement Home , Wilton

Eamonn Pearse and Fr. Billy Foley

On Tuesday 10th June 2014 at 7.20pm the Blog dispatched Billy O'Brien and Eamonn Pearse for a meeting with Fr. Billy Foley ret. at SMA Home Wilton. The colourful ex-Priest talked candidly and honestly about his life and about many facets of Togher from the past. A remarkable expose on the many dealings the S.M.A. undertook in the Togher region over many decades. Please click on the link below to hear the full unedited interview.

Fr. Billy Foley audio interview in full

After the recorded interview the Team accompanied Fr. Billy Foley to the Dining Room ( parts of this can be heard in the audio recording hence the echo ) where he commented on various photographs on the walls detailing the history of the S.M.A. over the years , some of which can be seen below.

Robert Zimmerman 

Swiss Founder of the S.M.A.

Montage of the Superiors of the S.M.A.

Centenary of the S.M.A. including Eamonn DeValera

Wilton Farm House ( illustration )

bought by the S.M.A. showing laborers

Aerial photograph showing S.M.A. building and 

field prior to construction of Wilton Shopping Centre

Fr. Billy Foley then invited the team to his private quarters for coffee where the discussion continued albeit of a private nature. A very insightful man with a great grasp of World Issues and local affairs he was not afraid to bear his soul and was extremely articulate whilst still remaining humble and down to earth. The team hope to return again in the near future. Before departing a stroll was undertaken around the grounds which can be seen below.

Rear grounds of the S.M.A. Retirement Home

Moonlit Garden Wall looking onto Togher

Private Road at rear of S.M.A. showing Eagle 

Valley and Togher Reservoir in the background

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Togher Historical Association meets the S.M.A.

It was with great sadness that the Blog has learned of the passing of Billy Foley at the Bons Secours Hospital on June 30th 2014. A very likeable , unassuming and amiable man , in the short time the Togher Historical Association knew him , he had left an indelible mark. Gratitude is extended to him for his time with the interview and the knowledge that was freely given. A Chara.

 

 

Fr. Billy Foley's grave