Welcome to Episode 11 of the Voices Of Boyle Podcast! 

Today we chat with Mary Cretaro! We’ve been listening to Mary’s great stories from times gone by for years so I’m delighted that we finally convinced her to come on air and chat with me.

Mary spent her early childhood growing up in Killaraght with her mum, dad, sisters (Monica, Pauline and Una) and brothers (Gerry and Vincent). She takes us back to those days and gives great details of attending the local national school and coming into Boyle for big events like the fairs and the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoils (which took place in 1960&1966).

She then takes us on a journey through her time in boarding school, moving to Dublin in her late teens/early 20’s and then we get to her move to Boyle in 1976 when she opened the Little Chick with Loreto.

Mary definitely has a way with words as you’ll hear when she talks about old Christmas traditions and later memories of working over the festive period in the Little Chick (we’re all still longing for a curry chip!!)

We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane with Mary.. I’m sure it will spark some memories of the past in your own life.

Before we sign off on this post, Carlo and myself would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thanks for listening to the episodes during the year and thanks to the guests that have given up their time to chat to us. We have lots more planned for 2023!

At boarding school in Roscommon in the 1960’s. 

21st Birthday

Wedding day

Retirement from the Little Chick after 36 years. 
Photo taken by Sean O’ Dowd

At Carlo & Florence’s wedding. 
Photo taken by Tony Murphy

Siblings – Left to Right – Vincent Queenan, Mary Cretaro, Monica Donnelly, Pauline Queenan, Una Beirne, Gerry Queenan

70th Birthday

At home in Kiltycreighton with Mini.