Search Results for 'Corrib Hosiery Factory'

In 1895, the Galway Woolen Mills opened in Newtownsmith on land that was owned by Marcella Burke. The project was set up to provide employment, especially for young women, rather than to generate profits. Fr Dooley, the diocesan administrator, was the driving force behind the project and it was known locally as “Fr Dooley’s Mill’ long after he died in 1911. He took over three houses in order to build the mill. The hours were long and the pay was not great, 7/6 for women and 18 shillings for men.

This factory was situated in Newtownsmith in a tall building that later became part of the ESB complex. It was quite a big employer of the day in the city, employing mostly young girls and women.