Brianna Hurley has lived in Camphill in Ballytobin for the last number of years. This morning, Brianna came into KCLR’s studio with her dad, John Hurley. She described her heartbreak over how the HSE is taking over Camphill… she says her second home has been taken over by “strangers”.
Here is Brianna’s story in her own words and her letter to the HSE… You can also listen back to her interview by clicking on the link below…
The story of the Golden Era of Ballytobin by Brianna Hurley
“This is how the story begins in the wonderful community. Everybody were the very best of friends and they celebrated all the wonderful festivals and had their own meat from their own animals and grow their own vegetables.
It was one big happy family. It was like the co-workers were like a brother or a sister and co-workers who had kids were the house mother and father. And in some festivals, like Christmas for example, they have a beautiful play in the hall and after the lovely play they would go back to their houses to sit down to a lovely meal in candle light – no electric lights, just the candle light and the cosy darkness from outside.
Everybody in the community was nicely laid back but kept things safe. But not to say that people can’t have a bit of horse play. As is normal for human beings. Everything seemed like heaven until one day something terrible happened. The blond basketball player lived in Ballytobin for 8 years. When she came back there were no more co-workers any more. Everybody was so devastated after the terrible tragedy. Everything was changing rapidly. The family vibe was ripped out of their lives. It was just professional relationships.
The era of special friends and horse play is over and new rules swept the happiness out of the community that was once a lovely friendly eco system.
Eaten up by the black dog, the blond basketball player who was once very happy is now heartbroken. She became ever worse and one day in a basketball match in Madrid, the basketball player said ‘I am going to the 3 pointer of loved ones’. She threw the basketball into the hoop. She disappeared into thin air. That was the end of the basketball player. This is the story of the golden era of Ballytobin.”
Brianna’s letter to HSE:
“I write this story to tell you it is not really fair that no more co-workers are allowed to come any more. They were doing such a good job at taking care of us and having fun with us. I am very upset about the whole thing. I don’t mind if there are some employees. But most definitely, co-workers should keep coming and keep the family atmosphere alive.”
