Humans of The Liberties

“I am where I am today because of the safety net that I was able to enjoy from the community where I grew up. I have to mention my aunt first. My aunt is my hero! She is amazing in every way; she raised me after both of my parents died from drugs and alcohol when I was very young. I was lucky to get a second chance and be raised by someone I could look up to. She had two of her own kids and took me and my three sisters, all from different fathers, on with no partner. She raised the six of us all by herself. Not one of us went down the wrong path; no one is on drugs, no one drinks; that's because she always protected us and set us straight. She instilled values in us, and to be honest with you, she was quite strict. We were always scared of her, in a good way. We respected her so much and never wanted to let her down. I have been working in this shop since I was 14. I used to struggle with severe anxiety growing up, but getting the opportunity to work here helped me tremendously to cope. I was slowly exposed to people, most of whom I already knew; it gently took me out of my comfort zone by having to speak to people. It helped me manage small talk, and I truly feel I would not be the person I am today without working here. People come here every day to have chats; anything that happens in the area, we are the first to know about it. Noel’s Deli is not just a corner shop. It is the connection hub for the community where you also get to pick up your milk and your bread.”

“Years ago, when the business was booming, this area was still rough, but I had respect from the community, so I never really had problems. But that night, a gang came in wanting to rob the cash register. These were not local kids; they had no clue about this place. They thought they would have easy money from a takeaway. Six big fellas asking for the money. They hadn’t a clue about the kickboxing studio upstairs... They didn't know about my eight black belts. They didn't know about my involvement in sending local kids to national and international championships. They didn't even bother looking at the pictures on the wall. Six lads asking me to empty the cash register. I ended up fighting them for one hour and 20 minutes. We were all covered in blood, and I asked if this was enough. Someone must have seen the fighting from the outside, and called the police. I never rang the police in my life; if I had a problem, I took care of it. By the time the police arrived, they were all surprised because I ended up sending all of them to St. James Hospital. Before they were taken, I said to them, "You came to the wrong address. This street is controlled by me! I will never let anyone walk over me. I don't let anybody mess with this shop or with this street." I'll tell you what! On the 60th anniversary of this shop, Kevin’s Street Garda Station sent out a group of Gardaí, and they gave me an actual Garda badge for my involvement in the community and for taking care of this street. I knew about the respect of the locals for me, but I would have never thought one day I would get a Garda medal for it. I told them that medal will live in my heart and will remain there forever!”