Dressed for Success
We wear clothes for many different reasons: to keep us warm, because we like the different colours and styles and to express our personalities.
The weather influences what we wear too. What would you wear on a warm, sunny day? What would you wear on a cold, wet winter's day? If you were going out to play a game of Gaelic football or tennis, would you dress differently than if you were going to school?
Tennis Courts, Loreto Convent, Navan, 1931.
Black-and-white image of girls playing a tennis match at the Loreto Convent, Navan. Some girls at the sides of the court are looking on. There is a partial view of the convent building to right. The ruin of Athlumney Castle is visible in the background. The long white skirts and tops are typical of women's sportswear of the time. The long hair was also typical of the way schoolgirls wore their hair in that period.
By permission of Meath County Library.Tennis Courts, Loreto Convent, Navan, 1931.
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Tennis Courts, Loreto Convent, Navan, 1931.
Black-and-white image of girls playing a tennis match at the Loreto Convent, Navan. Some girls at the sides of the court are looking on. There is a partial view of the convent building to right. The ruin of Athlumney Castle is visible in the background. The long white skirts and tops are typical of women's sportswear of the time. The long hair was also typical of the way schoolgirls wore their hair in that period.
By permission of Meath County Library.In this photograph, students in Navan, Co. Meath are playing a tennis match in the typical sportswear of the 1930s. As you can see, the skirts they wore then were much longer than tennis skirts are today.
Sometimes, we have to wear certain clothes for a particular purpose. At school, most children have to wear a special uniform that shows which school they attend.
Some adults wear uniforms when they go to work. Can you think of any jobs where it is necessary to wear a uniform?
Workwear
Firefighters in Navan
Firefighters in full uniform carrying out a fire drill in front of Navan Fire Station.
By permission of Meath County Library.Firefighters in Navan
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Firefighters in Navan
Firefighters in full uniform carrying out a fire drill in front of Navan Fire Station.
By permission of Meath County Library.Firefighters wear uniforms. These uniforms are made from special materials that can help protect them from burns. They wear helmets to protect their heads and strong boots to protect their feet. In this photograph, you can see that the uniforms also have yellow reflective strips.
Men Sawing Felled Trees
A group of men are being trained on how to saw up a felled tree. Under Health and Safety Regulations, safety clothing and equipment must be worn.
By permission of Meath County Library.Men Sawing Felled Trees
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Men Sawing Felled Trees
A group of men are being trained on how to saw up a felled tree. Under Health and Safety Regulations, safety clothing and equipment must be worn.
By permission of Meath County Library.This man is chopping wood using a chainsaw. Can you see what he is wearing on his head? It is a helmet with a shield to protect his eyes. He is also wearing earmuffs to protect his ears from the noise of the chainsaw. The men watching him are also wearing protective clothing.
Presidential Visit to Meath County Council
Photograph of President Mary McAleese carrying out an official visit to Meath County Hall. She is accompanied by an Aide-de-Camp in full uniform and a county official in his chain of office.
By permission of Meath County Library.Presidential Visit to Meath County Council
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Presidential Visit to Meath County Council
Photograph of President Mary McAleese carrying out an official visit to Meath County Hall. She is accompanied by an Aide-de-Camp in full uniform and a county official in his chain of office.
By permission of Meath County Library.Do you recognise the woman in this picture? She is the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. She is dressed in a smart suit. She often wears suits like this for important functions. Next to her is a county official. He is wearing a chain of office. When he wears the chain, it means he is on official business.
Farmers at Work
Two Meath farmers gather hay together in stacks, using old manual methods.
Courtesy of Meath Tourism and photographer Harry Weir.Farmers at Work
Courtesy of Meath Tourism and photographer Harry Weir.
Courtesy of Meath Tourism and photographer Harry Weir.
Farmers at Work
Two Meath farmers gather hay together in stacks, using old manual methods.
Courtesy of Meath Tourism and photographer Harry Weir.These two men are farmers. They are gathering hay together in stacks, using old-fashioned methods. They are wearing jackets, trousers and caps. Many older farmers dress this way. The jackets they are wearing were probably once their best, but once they got old and worn they decided to wear them when working. Younger farmers often wear jeans, overalls and fleece jackets.