http://vimeo.com/88597387

(Vimeo: Donal Moloney)

WHILE ON A shoot in rural Ireland recently, professional photographer Donal Moloney was told about an interesting site nearby.

On the advice of a local, he visited an old building once owned by a librarian.

Birdie Higgins had moved out of her house about 14 years ago to take up residence in a retirement home. Her original property was never lived in again.

“Time almost seems to have stood still since her leaving and me arriving,” explained Moloney.

Signs of her life can be seen throughout his images – open packages of soup, a newspaper on the sidetable, a cardigan draped across a chair and abandoned slippers in front of the fire.

There are also hints to her job, with English Literature books open on a table.

Birdie died three years ago, aged 94.

A prayer for those who live alone

Moloney, who has a specific interest using abandoned and derelict buildings in his work, toldTheJournal.ie that he spent three hours exploring Birdie’s house.

“I am used to walking around these old and decayed places but this house was different. I was touched by various things – the Milk of Magnesia, the prunes which were found in every old person’s home. But there is a shot of a clock and Holy Water from Knock…beside them is a little frame for a prayer for those who live alone.

“That got me. I welled up. It was the most touching moment in the house.

“But the whole thing was amazing. The beauty, decay and colour.”