The Newry Social Security Office Manager then, in the early 1960s was Billy Sterritt from Warrenpoint.
Characters
Kissin’ Cousins
In my notes about my Devlin and Boyle Grandparents, I make some passing references to cousins, of which there were seventy-four, including my five sisters and me.
Orior Road 1950s Electoral List
I haven’t forgotten that this is the 60th anniversary of the Meadow estate. Here is an electoral list from those early days. Some of these residents soon moved to other addresses in The Meadow. I am not aware if any of these good folk survive today.
Real Dockers
The timber boat men were there along with Micky and Francie McGuirk, Robbie McKee, Martin Havern, Artie Green (RIP) and one great worker Smigsey Smith (RIP). As this was my first time Francie McGuirk told me what would happen.
Slow boat
By the third boat we learned that they wanted it unloaded as quickly as possible so we began to slow down, wanting it to last longer than three days because, from what I can now remember it was not really worth all the hassle!
Unloading boats
I remember in the early 60’s on a Monday morning Hughie Green called at our door in Drumalane and asked me if I wanted a couple of days work unloading a timber boat. I had never done it before but being broke, I decided to give it a go.
‘Keep the ‘hate’ in ye”
Occasionally town boys who were not afraid of horses could earn a penny or two for looking after the animals for farmers whose stay in the town of Kilkeel would be brief, or who wished to retire to the nearest hostelry.
Lily McCaul
Lily McCaul was a truly extraordinary woman. I knew her through her children, through U3A and through the Gateway. I also interviewed her for Newry Journal. Like thousands of others, I mourn her passing.
Bridge Street Electors 1950
There will be many names familiar to you among this list. Foremost I note the family (O’Rorke) of our dear friend Clodagh Welsh and of the family she married into. Turlough O’Donnell also figues prominently. The Loys were relations of ours. Who else do you know?