Living and working in Rialto
by Tony MacCarthaigh

I have been involved with the Rialto Community since 1974, apart from a few years in another part of the city. During that time I have been living in Rialto and working here in one type or other of community work.

I have come to know very many people over the years and have been involved with lots of families. There is nothing I like more than to walk around the place with my dog, ‘Cracker’, a little Shitsu, and to stop and chat with people who I know and recognise, and who know and recognise me. Meeting people in the local shops or local pubs and have a bit of banter with them never fails to lift my heart and give me nourishment.

Over the years I have been involved with many movements and organisations, ranging from church work, to community development to addiction work. I have been privileged to have met excellent community activists – people like Sheila McGuinness who has done Trojan work in the community for years, and who is now unwell and to whom I wish a speedy recovery.

I believe that there is no place like Rialto. Our big challenge is to preserve its essence in the face of all the massive changes that are taking place. I think we will. I think we have to.

Because of my time in Rialto I find it hard to imagine living in another community. I have put roots here and so has my family. Even though I have originally come from Cork, my connection with Rialto now allows me to emotionally support the Dubs!

I read recently a piece which pondered what Christians meant by the word ‘salvation’ and ‘being saved’. The writer suggested that to be connected is to be saved. I think Rialto offers me an insight into ‘connection’ and ‘salvation’!

 

Over the next few months, we will be profiling residents in Rialto to give an idea of the lived experience of Rialto from a few different perspectives. If you would like to be featured, or know someone who would, contact us at the network office.