There were four of them – two from Derrybeg Drive, one from Slieve Gullion Road and one, I think from Killeavey Road.

This poser was put to me this morning on Hill Street – of course, by one of the said servers!

The answer is B McAlinden, Paddy Ward, Gerard Chambers and Seamus McGuigan. The four lads were ‘transferred’ from the Cathedral parish.

...

And while I’m back on my favourite subject of The Meadow, I have another historical document of note. This is the Agreement between the Northern Ireland Housing Trust and one Patrick James Kinney, formerly of The Cottage, Violet Hill, Newry, now (from 22 January 1951) the tenant of 30 Derrybeg Drive. This photocopy was offered to me by Kieran Kinney of Dublin Road. Kieran was a childhood companion. His son Keith is married to my mate’s daughter Sinead Donaghy. 

The rent was agreed at 14/- (70p) a week. The Agreement is detailed on the responsibilities of the tenant – less so on the Trust’s responsibilities. There are a few details of note. Mr Kinney was a plasterer who listed his business address as the premises of T E O’Hare of 17 Hyde Terrace. His signature was witnessed by Essa Haslett, a student of 76 Hill Street.

Some one had to go guarantor. In this case it was Elizabeth Crawley, Grocer of 18 Canal Street Newry. The unused premises to be seen today at this address  – clearly part of the estate of the Mercy Nuns as are several premises in the immediate vicinity – have long  been boarded-up. 

 

The Crawleys, soon after, also took the grocery shop on Clanrye Avenue that served The Meadow. This is now Paddy McCambley’s shop.

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