THE next film in our series of 75 interviews turns to the Republic of Ireland.

Tony Maher has been a key figure in the Harlow Irish community since the sixties.

Tony is from Monasterevin in Co.Kildare.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monasterevin

At one stage over 10% of the population of Harlow was of Irish heritage.

One of the many fascinating aspects of Tony’ life is that his parents were born in the 19th century.

It is an amazing fact that these pieces span three centuries.

Tony paints a fascinating picture of post war life in Ireland. He is realistic but also philosophical.

There was hunger but there was also humour.

Aspects of Tony’s life also feature in a book published in 2002 but reprinted thi syear.

To mark the town’s 75th anniversary, Harlow Council and Your Harlow have launched a project which records the diverse history, heritage, and culture of the people and groups which are part of modern-day Harlow.

The Harlow at 75 project is made up of audio-visual recordings of conversations with both individuals and groups that explores their lives abroad before resettling in Harlow. The project reflects that we are a local but global new town and explores themes such as the definition of “Home”.