O’Hanlons : Boru to Bruce

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The O’Hanlons were still the most influential family in the county one thousand years ago, when the last High King of Ireland, Brian Boru paid a memorable visit to them in Armagh in 1004.

A well-earned dunking!

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There was a particular night I remember that was a great bit of craic and at the end of it all, they all drifted off in ones and twos. Then there was just Paddy Watters, Hugh Rafferty and me. 

ASBOs to each and all!

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‘Warrenpoint last Sunday was very lively – quite a number of holiday folk being present not only from the surrounding districts but from Belfast, Portadown, Armagh, Dublin, Dundalk and Cookstown, special trains having been run from all those places which were availed of by a great many sight-seers. 

1st Millennium O’Hanlons

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The early history of Ulster reminds us that the settled Ultonians were defeated in 332 by the three Colla brothers who subsequently divided their conquered territories between them.

Newry Mineral Water Company

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It was one of the few little luxuries we could afford in those days – a bottle or two of ‘Mineral Water’ – and the man called to the door on his way around the estates.

 

Don’t stand downwind of them!

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There was an awful bunch of old-timers used to stand at the corner in those days in Poyntzpass – Eddie Magill, Hugh Rafferty, Paddy Watters, Billy McGivern and the like.

O’Hanlons through the ages

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As a result of running with Redmond O’Hanlon (so to speak!) I received various requests to write further on the O’Hanlon pedigee. Since I have several friends of that name – are you still with us, Jenny, Martina, Gerry, Bernard, Paddy, Sean and Donal, Cathy Lee Rathbun etc? – I decided to accept the challenge.

Ballyholland no more!

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‘An extraordinary scene was witnessed on the platform of the Newry (Edward Street) Station on Monday evening prior to the departure of the last train to Greenore.

Plots of Drama Festival plays

This is the second of two articles on the plots of the plays to be performed at the forthcoming Newry Drama Festival.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane is a deeply disturbing play. 


The Harshaw Diaries assessed

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The launch of Marjorie Harshaw Robb’s book reminded me that I had not yet offered a critique of the historical significance of The Harshaw Diaries. I do so now.

The Harshaw Diaries (1830s – 1860s) offer a small insight into life in Donaghmore ..

Book Launch

The launch of “Dwelling Place of Dragons” by Marjorie Harshaw Robie will take place in Newry Arts Centre on  Tuesday 6th March at 7.30pm.

Number 1 Hits of 1961

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They were the best of times: they were the worst of times …


SONG TITLE                                                    ARTIST                           WEEKS @ 1     WHEN?

Baggin’ a woman!

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It was back in the oul’ days – about eighty or ninety years ago – and there was this chap and he needed a woman. He was about forty he’s self and a little bit past it …