People

Family Fortunes: Sibling rivalries spilled over after the big Tralee toy raffle

At that time toys were in short supply, as people had little money to spend

Ethel Corduff in her Irish dancing costume and her sister Gloria on the tricycle she won

Ethel Corduff
Thu Oct 15 2015 - 11:00

I grew up in Tralee in the 1940s and 1950s. We had a small shop on Upper Castle Street. On lower Castle Street were the larger shops, including Collins, a large newsagent, stationers and toy shop. At that time toys were in short supply, as people had little money to spend; they were mostly sold at Christmas, when Collins would open a display upstairs.

We visited Collins for our comics. One day in summer we were told by our cousin, who worked there, that there was going to be a big raffle with two prizes: a tricycle and a toy motor car with pedals. This was unheard-of, and a source of great excitement among the children in the town. We immediately got our mother to buy tickets, and we started counting the days, continually visiting the shop to look at the prizes. I coveted the tricycle, even though I was too tall.

Finally the day arrived when the prizes were going to be drawn. It was a Wednesday: half-day closing. The shop was packed with children clutching tickets. I was there with my sister and brother.

It took ages for all the tickets to be folded and put in a big box by Bridie Nolan, one of the managers. At last, the prizes were drawn. The first ticket pulled out was for the second prize: the motor car. The ticket belonged to Eddie, my brother. Then, when the excitement had died down, the ticket was drawn for the tricycle. My sister Gloria’s name was called. There was discord all around us and people were muttering “fiddle, fiddle”. I wasn’t happy either and started to cry. Bridie gave me a painting book, but it did not appease me.

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When we got home I cried my heart out. My siblings headed straight to the backyard with their prizes. I was startled by loud cries and, looking out, Eddie was trying to pull Gloria off the bike, as his feet were too big for the car pedals. I was secretly pleased. We would love to receive your family memories, anecdotes, traditions, mishaps and triumphs.

  • Email 350 words and a relevant photograph if you have one to familyfortunes@irishtimes.com. A fee will be paid