The theme of community relations has also been highlighted by architect John Duffy, who has devoted enormous time and energy to helping various community associations get off the ground. The fruits of his labours are evident at Ballybot House.

Tribute is also due for the tremendous efforts by Gerry McAnuff for young folk in athletics; the success of Artie Green, especially for Newry United in the Irish Junior Cup; William Taylor in putting Cleary Celtic on the map, while Martin McGaughey starred for Glentoran.

Meanwhile, Fabian Boyle has had a varied career, - civil servant in Derry; the Irish Army, based in Galway; bus-conductor with London Transport; photo-journalist and editor of a local newspaper for 26 years; and Night News Editor of The Irish News for 16 years.

Maybe the best-known family in 0�Neill Avenue was the Rowntrees, - the eldest son being Jim, employed at McCann�s Bakery for many years, past Chief Ranger of the Irish National Foresters; and chief marshal of Easter Commemoration Ceremonies during the 60�s and 70�s.

Colman, employed by a Newry turf accountant, was an Irish Labour member of Newry Urban Council during the 60s; and later involved in the Civil Rights Movement. A noted hurler, he was also All-Ireland Boxing Champion, as was his brother, Oliver, who died recently.

Another brother, Francis, had an 11-year-old son, who was the first person in he North to be killed by a rubber bullet, when the family was living in West Belfast. One of the Rowntree girls, Mrs Elizabeth Hollywood, is the longest living resident of the Avenue. Her sisters are Mrs Cora Gill, Mrs Sheila Connor and Mrs Margaret McMahon.

One well-known personality is Jim �Darkie� McKevitt, an historian on the local Port, Trustee of the Independent Club, stevedore and trades union leader, who represented many people at tribunals. He has four sons, Michael, Jim, Martin and Paul.

Many swimming tragedies have affected local families. An Award for Bravery was presented to a member of the O�Hanlon family, when 10-year-old Sean jumped into a nearby quarry in a vain attempt to save his friend, Tom Fearon, in 1956. Sean became an ambulance driver. There are also two sisters in the family, Mrs Linda Reilly and Mrs Bridie Kelly.

Members of the Rickard and McKevitt families lost their lives in Newry Canal and a local quarry.

Meanwhile, Oliver McGauley was one of the organisers of the World Angling Competition, held on Newry Canal in the 70�s. His sister, Marie, who was Ulster Dairy Queen, is the wife of vet, Plunkett Devlin. Their daughter is married to the heir of the Smurfit empire.

On the surface, the Avenue seems unchanged over the past half-century. Let�s hope that, despite the major changes in personnel, the community spirit of former times lives on.

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