Martina Curtin worked on a farm in Co Clare where she sold turf, and livestock, learning the value of hard work and self-reliance. But her journey has taken her from the Banner County to Boston

Entrepreneur Martina Curtin is the first female president of the Irish Cultural Centre in Boston

Entrepreneur Martina Curtin is the first female president of the Irish Cultural Centre in Boston

As the oldest of 11 children, my upbringing was steeped in the practical realities of farm life. I grew up on a working farm in Co Clare, very close to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin and Lisdoonvarna. We sold turf, we had pigs, and the beef cattle went to the mart in September. My mother sold eggs, she baked, and at Christmas we would have turkeys and geese for sale.

I always had that entrepreneurial spirit. When I was going to school, I always had two summer jobs – I was never just happy with one job, I always pushed myself.