However we soon built up a close rapport with our neighbours Mona and Paddy Mallon, Rita and James McKeown, Derek O’Brien and his wife Margaret, Frankie and Bernadette Finnegan, Mary and Margot Carroll – later Mrs Colm Mathers as well as Barney Larkin and his wife Mary (Kelly). 

And there was great craic in the Community Centre especially with such personalities as Julie Murney, Susie Blair, Ellie Mulligan, Una Cregan, Teresa Preece, Margaret Cranney and Patsy McKeown.

The shop on the hill was taken by Peader Markey. Peader pointed out that ‘most residents came from strongly-nationalist and working-class backgrounds. They were a proud people who would not be pushed around or beholden to anyone.

They were very honest. Neither I, nor Leo McKenna the grocer ever had a bad debt. And if anyone was in trouble, the neighbours would all rally round. 

The open door and traditional hospitality was the norm,’ Peader concluded.

… more later …