Michael D Higgins recalls his school days in Clare.
A lecturer in Politics and Sociology at University College Galway (UCG), a Hot Press columnist, and a Labour Party TD for Galway West, Michael D Higgins remembers his school days in the 1940s and 1950s.
He attended primary school at the end of the 1940s in County Clare. He walked through the fields to get to the one room school. Pupils of all ages were in one room with two teachers covering all levels of learning. He recalls the fear of the first day at school which still exists to this day.
Born in Limerick, Michael D Higgins left his family at the age of five and was brought up by his aunt and uncle.
My aunt and uncle were very committed to reading and to writing and to learning.
He did not start school until the age of six but had learned to read at home. As time progressed, his aunt and uncle's health deteriorated and he faced many challenges. Despite the challenges, he had a very positive experience at national school and has nothing but praise for his teacher, Willie Clune.
He was way ahead of his time. He was the kind of man who would bring you outside rather than being in a classroom.
Michael D Higgins's father worked in a pub in Limerick in the late 1930s and early 1940s. As a child, Michael D was occasionally given a glass of Guinness.
At second level school, Michael D Higgins was a boarder for three years at St Flannan's College in Ennis. For his final two years, he became a day student and it was at this time that he developed an interest in placing a bet on the horses. While he admits it is a fool's game, he was quite good at it. Michael D Higgins excelled at school and achieved great success in the Leaving Certificate.
This episode of 'Jo-Maxi' was broadcast on 22 February 1989. The presenter is Geri Lalor.
