I twice promised to return to list the early residents of Linenhall Square and I am finally returning to fulfil that promise.
Reminiscence
Hugh Mallon
My story on ‘The Hobbies’ brought back to Martin Auden memories of his grandfather, Mr Hugh Mallon who frequented the ‘Housey Housey’ each night. As Martin added, ‘Hugh was there more for the social aspect than for the prize money’. This is my own story of Hugh Mallon who I remember from those early Bingo days.
Hughie Interred
Hughie’s friend, who was with him at the end, came to the funeral. He had tried to lift the car off his shattered chest. Ignoring everyone else as he entered, he headed straight for the small bedroom when Hughie’s body lay at rest. He left soon after.
Kilkeel horse sales
On market days and fair days our little streets were crowded with farm horses and carts. In the big stable yards behind the public houses the dealers sold their animals to the country men. We were much more interested …
Change must come!
I like many “liberal” Irish Protestants, admired Gaelic games and sportsmen like the eminent Sean O’Neill (whom Newry rightly honours among its greatest sons) and the remarkable Sean Hollywood – but the sad reality is that I could not feel that there was any real place for me in the GAA.
Petie McKeown’s Smuggling Days
‘Did you do any smuggling in your youth, Petie?’
I did to be sure. I smuggled cattle across the border for the McMahons amongst others. And for John (Jock) Quinn.
Belgians from Newcastle!
Summertime!
Bare feet, well water, spricks, burning whins, sunburn, going to bed late… these are the things I remember best about my childhood.
Yes, a strange childhood then during the War years. Ration books, coupons, margarine, fresh eggs, country butter.
St Vincent de Paul
In those difficult War Years, it was the young married couples with small children that got it hardest to survive.