New book which tells life stories of people in social housing to feature contributions from Cork residents

A new book, telling the life stories of people living in social housing across Ireland, features several contributions from Cork residents.

The Elsie Black Oral History Project is a collection of stories that provides personal accounts of the lives, journeys, relationships, struggles, and achievements of a generation of social housing occupants.

The stories were collected by residents of Clúid, Ireland’s leading approved housing body.

Tracing the housing journeys of residents across seven decades, the stories offer a unique insight into how social housing has evolved, alongside the people and communities it serves.

The book, Beyond the Front Door, which was recently launched in Dublin, features stories from Cork residents, across areas such as Bandon and Carrigtwohill.

Two Carrigtwohill residents, Margaret and William, shared their experiences with social housing.

Margaret details her journey from Youghal to Carrigtwohill, via London, Ladysbridge, and Midleton.

William recalls his world travels after joining the Irish Navy at 17 years old.

William, who is from Ard Carrig in Carrigtwohill, said this project was about “much more than just telling my own story”.

“It gave us the chance to come together, share our memories and reflect on the lives we’ve built in our community over the years,” he said.

“Taking part made me appreciate just how much having a secure home has meant to me and so many others.

“I’m delighted to have been part of something that will keep these stories alive and help people understand the real lives, friendships, and communities behind social housing.”

CEO at Clúid, Averil Power, said the project is an important piece of work that preserves a vital social and cultural record of communities “that are often underrepresented or misunderstood”.

“It is a reminder that history is not only found in official records, but also in the memories of ordinary people whose stories reflect the changing face of housing and society over the last seven decades,” Ms Power said.