Contributed by Joan Keating
The Keating family hail from Cork city. Their family history begins with ties to the iconic Ford Car Factory. Motoring mogul Henry Ford wanted to reward the land of his forefathers and set up the Ford Car Factory in Cork in 1917.
Like many others during that time, the Keatings made a move to East London in the late 1930s, driven by exciting career opportunities presented by the new Ford Factory in Dagenham.
Jeremiah (Jerry) Keating was one of five children. His life was marked by the early loss of his parents while he was still in his thirties, leaving little opportunity for stories or memories to be passed down. Jerry himself died at the age of 56, when his own children were in their late teens/early 20s. The impact of these early losses shaped the family, creating a sense of resilience and self-reliance among the younger generation.
Jeremiah was an avid photographer, capturing moments of family life and the world around him. He transitioned from working at Fords to joining the Merchant Navy. His travels with the Navy took him around the world, with South Africa standing out as his favorite destination—a place he described as ‘absolutely stunning’, despite the hard work he endured in the boiler room.
Rose Hearnden, Jerry’s wife, brought her own unique heritage into the Keating family. A Londoner who converted to Catholicism, Rose embraced her new faith with enthusiasm, though she sometimes struggled with its rituals and traditions. Her conversion added a rich layer to the family’s spiritual life, creating a blend of traditions that would influence their daily lives and celebrations.
Rose was a working mother, balancing her responsibilities at home with a long career as a clerical worker at the local magistrates court. Her dedication to her work outside the home was a source of pride, reflecting the family’s strong work ethic and determination to succeed in their adopted country. The couple had two children, who grew up in a household where Irish traditions, Catholic faith, and a deep sense of community shaped their upbringing.
A poignant memory from those years was the experience of being shunned due to Jerry’s Irish accent—a subtle but persistent reminder of the challenges faced by Irish immigrants in England. However, Jerry’s kindness shone through when the family church brought over children from Northern Ireland, who were at risk of becoming involved in the ‘Troubles’. Jerry made a point of befriending these families, taking them to see the sights of London and making them feel welcome.
Jerry’s parents, who had also made the move to England, lived in Ballards Road, Dagenham. Their home became a cornerstone for the wider family. A number of Iodgers from Ireland helped with the family finances – some of whom turned up for Jerry’s funeral many years later.
Jerry and Rose’s family life in London centered around the community in Wapping, where they first settled after their marriage in 1955. Wapping, with its close-knit Irish community, provided a sense of belonging and continuity for the Keatings. Religious ceremonies were a significant part of life there, with the May altar processions around the flats being a particularly vivid memory for the family.
The Keating family’s story is also marked by the activism of Aunt Eileen, who worked as a seamstress in the Ford Dagenham plant and played a role in the historic Dagenham Strike in 1968 where female workers walked out to protest sexual discrimination, demanding equal pay. The successful strike led to the Equal Pay Act 1970. Her presence on the picket line became a source of family pride, as they occasionally spotted her in television footage about the strike.
The Keating family’s connection to Ireland remained strong, with summer visits every so often. However, the pull of work in England meant that most of the family eventually relocated to London, following the opportunities provided by Fords. The winding down of the Cork factory in the 1970s further solidified this migration, as the family settled into their new lives in England.
When their children were young, the Keatings moved to Stepney, not far from Wapping, to a flat on the 13th floor of a tower block—a move that felt like a step up in the world. The family thrived there for 16 years, with the underfloor heating and a lovely view adding to the sense of comfort and security. Their lives revolved around St Mary’s and St Michael’s parish, where the church provided structure and meaning, marking the high days of May, Christmas and Easter.
For Jerry, the church offered more than spiritual solace; it provided a sense of status and respectability. Wearing his Legion of Mary badge with pride, he found in the church a community where he could belong and be respected, even as he faced the challenges of life as an Irish immigrant in post-war London.
Joan Keating went to the Sisters of Mercy led Bishop Challoner Secondary school and studied at University, graduating with a PhD. She is married to an English man and now lives in Stratford, East London and has three children.
The Keating family’s history is one of perseverance, community, and the enduring connection to their Irish roots, even as they built a new life in England.