Billy Gallaher’s parents and guests on their wedding day.
william gallaher, born 1943
manufacturing and selling shirts
Billy was born in Strabane, Co. Tyrone during the second world war. His story describes life in an Irish rural border town during the 1940's and 50's. Billy attended Castleknock Boarding School in Dublin for his secondary education and his stories contain vivid descriptions of life as a boarder in the school. He recalls how a strict Catholic morality influenced courting practices and customs during the 1960's in Dublin. After leaving school Billy joined the family shirt making business which operated from Stabane, Lifford and Dublin. He shares his memories of travelling around Ireland and England selling shirts. His stories also describe the eventual decline of the business and his attempts to establish alternative businesses in the clothing industry.
Click below to view his life story:
Source: This life story of William Gallagher was transcribed, with acknowledgement and thanks, from the Life Histories Archive website of Trinity College Dublin in 2019.