Choose a side: 9 things you’ll know if you grew up in a border village

Lifestyle

Jan 12, 2017

When it comes to our sense of identity, the second-last line of our address plays a big part in the person we become.

From local traditions to that accent, strangers can easily identify the corner of Ireland we call home from just a quick chat.

Well, at least we imagine that’s the case.

Growing up in a border village throws all sorts of challenges in the mix and can cause endless confusion.

Here are nine things you’ll know all too well if you grew up on the border of multiple counties.

1. Choosing a school will define who you are

While it may come down to which school is closer, whatever choice you make will leave an impression on you.

Your sense of locality will forever be linked to that area and therefore, without even knowing it, you’ve made your choice.

2. You’ll always be a loner on the school bus

Growing up on the border, you’re bound to find yourself an extra 20 minutes from town.

Being the first pick-up on the school bus run will allow you the personal time you may need while you wait for the next kid to join you a little closer to civilisation.

3. No matter how broad, people will always comment on your accent

While you may only live ten minutes over the road, some people will still comment on how different your accent is and how they can “hear the twang”.

You will develop the ability to mimic those around you, choosing the slang you use carefully so to blend into the locality.

4. People will spin out of control when you tell them you have two addresses

Growing up where you did, your parents would have had to work out which address was the most beneficial for you.

Explain that living on the border means you get to choose the closest post office, regardless of its address, and get your post that little bit quicker.

Understanding that this is a case of practicality, people will soon nod in agreement and won’t feel like you’re keeping a dark secret.

5. Summer is the hardest time of the year

With GAA season is full swing, people will demand you spill blood and choose a side.

While your parents may have already made this decision for you when they bought you your first jersey as a child, many will still try and sway your decision.

Best to avoid the conversation altogether and go into hibernation until September.

6. Online shopping will test your patience like nothing ever before

While many will say online shopping is “easier” and “more convenient”, we know better.

Getting a package delivered will usually take weeks as you watch your tracking information go back and forth from “out for delivery” to “returned to depot” repeatedly thanks to confusion around the damn border county.

You will get to know all the couriers and depots within a 40km radius and what companies they work for.

Soon you will have your delivery system perfected and will receive packages with ease.

7. You will become a conversation chameleon

After a while, you will learn that the best way to cope with the inevitable “where are you from?” question is by beating them to the punch and asking first.

With their answer, you will know how to proceed.

Respond with whatever county you feel will create a common ground and watch as a new friendship flourishes.

8. Friends will feel betrayed when they realise it was all a lie

After a period of time, friends are bound to catch you out saying you’re from somewhere else and there will be a sense of betrayal.

At this time they will question many other things about your life. Assure them it was a white lie told innocently to help form the friendship.

When they realise there’s only a five minute difference between the place you said you were from and the place you actually call home, tensions will dissipate.