Exploring the rich multicultural history of Devon.

Ernie

Posted on

15th January 2025

Posted by

Wendy Milne

Posted in

Honiton Community Stories

ERNIE RECALLS LEAVING Ireland for England, a common move due to the lack of work in Ireland. Initially he had no intention of moving but joined a group of lads bound for England impulsively.

Settling in Newport, South Wales, took years, as his heart remained in Ireland. Despite initial struggles due to his small stature, persistence led to employment with McAlpine’s. After nine months, he joined a travelling firm, working across the country for 20 years in challenging conditions but with lucrative pay.

Working on drilling rigs, Ernie tested foundations for projects like the Honiton bypass and the Thames Barrier. Despite the rough living conditions, he enjoyed the work. However, communication issues arose due to his Irish accent, leading him to refine his speech for better understanding.

In Honiton, he found community and work through the church, although he never considered himself deeply religious. Attending Mass brought him satisfaction, a tradition ingrained from youth. Despite his Irish heart, he found similarities between Honiton and Ireland, particularly in community interactions and pub sing songs.

Though his job funded visits to Ireland, he eventually lost contact, focusing on his life in England.

Ernie reflects on the cruelty he faced at school from the Christian Brothers, who were eventually disbanded for their harsh treatment. Despite challenges, he adopted a resilient attitude, facing life’s hardships, including cancer, with a mindset of acceptance and perseverance.

His story highlights the immigrant experience of adapting to a new country while maintaining a strong connection to one’s roots, showcasing the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate such transitions.

Listen to highlights from Ernie’s interview below:

Highlight 1: Finding opportunity in England [00:00:00 – 00:01:43]

Highlight 2: A job in Honiton and my heart in Ireland [00:01:45 – 00:03:44]

Highlight 3: Similarities to Ireland and singsongs [00:03:45 – 00:04:47]

Highlight 4: Whatever happens, happens, Learning to Cope [00:04:49 – 00:05:26]

Listen to Ernie’s full interview here:

Click on the image below to read a full transcript of Ernie’s interview.