We had a great variety of events and “acts” and the whole town was interested and indeed many became involved in Bonny Baby Competitions and the like. Miss Derrybeg and Little Miss Derrybeg Competitions were great favourites and indeed there remain many now fast-ageing ladies who fondly remember their glory days as winners!

A high percentage of Derrybeg people became involved and took part in the Civil Rights Marches and indeed the post Bloody Sunday Newry March was marshalled from, and began from the Estate. 

Sadly things quickly deteriorated. A few short years later Internment was introduced and the violent protests against that violation of human rights spilled from the town centre into our estate. Clashes with the recently introduced British Army became commonplace and soon there were injuries and fatalities. Almost everyone remembers the shooting dead of young schoolboy Kevin Heatley some thirty-five years ago now, and there is a plaque to his memory embedded in a wall up here still. 

Many families could take it no more and left. There were many boarded-up houses which gave the ‘Beg a run-down appearance.

…. more later ….