Day 79 #100DaysOfOldDays

Sundays were a day of rest in the 70’s. Not just because Constantine said so, but also because there wasn’t much else to do.

Back then, all families went to Mass most Sundays. Chapels were packed every Sunday morning at 8.30, 10.00, and again at 11.30. There was Mass every morning and every evening too. People stood at the back and outside on Holy days when there’d be no room inside. Some stood at the back every time.

In school the following morning, the teacher would ask who was at Mass. And quiz us on what the gospel was about. Ridiculous carry-on that was!

We went to Killann Chapel a lot because my uncle and aunt lived there and we’d meet up with them, sometimes going to their house for tea after Mass.

We’d dress in our Sunday clothes and shiny shoes. We’d fast for at least an hour before communion. Do people still do that?

Going to Mass on Sundays was normal but as children, we found it very long—which it was back then. It’s about forty minutes these days (depending on the priest) and I’m certain it was much longer than that 50 years ago.

We’d get fidgety near the end. Any messing or giggling, would warrant a dagger look from Mam, and she’d separate the guilty ones. Then someone would drop a coin or a small toy that would roll under the seats. The smallest would be sent down after it—another warning look from the boss! Dad would just pretend nothing was happening and keep his eyes on the priest!

Sunday dinner was a stuffed roast chicken and always Bisto gravy. Dessert was Instant Whip with jelly. Brendan Grace played on the record player during dinner EVERY Sunday. Dad was a huge fan.

If the weather was good, we’d change out of our good clothes to play outside.

Maybe we’d watch the Sunday Matinee. John Wayne, or one of the Carry On films, with Sid James and Hattie Jacques. And of course Barbara Windsor. All the innuendo went way over our heads!

Shops stayed closed, except for the sweet shops. There was no such thing as heading off to big shopping centres for the day. We stayed at home or visited relatives, or the relatives visited us. Gaelic fans went to a football match if there was one on.

Sunday is no longer considered a day of rest for most people. It’s often one of the busiest days of the week.