�THEY will have to carry me out of here in a box.� said the most famous resident of Barcroft Park estate in Newry, greyhound owner and breeder, Brendan Matthews.

Ireland�s most successful �doggie-man,� � with four premier Irish Cups and three Coursing Derbies, - this genial sportsman, whose close friends include top politicians and racehorse owners, pointed out that he had lived in the estate since 1963, through the worst of the �Troubles.�

He recalled that, during �the Troubles,� his home was a flashpoint. The entrance sometimes resembled �Checkpoint Charlie,� with military or police vehicles blocking the road, he and his family �often feeling under house-arrest.�

His wife was Anna Hollywood from Killeen, while the family, who were born and reared at Barcroft, consist of Gary, a solicitor; Damian, an accountant; Jacqueline, who is in the video business, while Glenn and Paul are involved with greyhound breeding.

Brendan Matthews paid tribute to residents like Vincent McCormack, Oliver Maguinness, Con Donegan and Tommy Jones, etc., who had �done Trojan work to provide social and recreational facilities, for young and adult alike.�

Like Derrybeg and Mourneview, the people of Barcroft Park have emerged from the crucible of conflict into the tranquillity of relative peace, purchasing their dwellings, and having a sense of pride in their estate. It was stressed that vandalism or drug-pushing were virtually non-existent.

However, a reminder of the �bad old days� came two years ago. The estate was in the headlines when former IRA man, Eamon Collins, was shot dead, not far from his home at Barcroft Park.

Ironically, the victim�s brother, Councillor Noel Collins of the Workers Party, also lived on the estate, and played an active role in enabling the local Community Association to get off the ground.

Another local councillor was Hugh Golding of the Irish Labour Party, a printer, bus-conductor and later a bread-server, as well as a Civil Rights activist. Indeed, one momentous occasion came in 1969, when the Chief Constable of the RUC, Sir Arthur Young visited Barcroft Park, the local security situation being explained by Councillor Golding, and his Party colleague, Councillor Stephen Ruddy.

Also on the Urban Council was local resident, Jim O�Neill, a leading member of the Newry Labour Party. This was formed by Tommy Markey, after he was expelled from the Irish Labour Party, for taking the salute of the Irish Guards. The late Councillor 0�Neill was married to �dynamic� Belle Morgan, lead-singer with her brother Ray�s showband.

Incidentally, Barcroft Park can boast of having the only original community centre still in use; it had the first Resource Centre in the town; a Co-op Shop in the community centre, with food bought in bulk and sold at low price; the only Community Radio Station; and a news-sheet, which was a comprehensive source of news, gossip and entertainment, with a satirical column by Oliver Maguinness and Con Donegan.

Praise for their voluntary contribution to the local community association over the years must also go to Vincent McCormack, Messrs Maguinness and Donegan, Tommy Jones, P.J. Pentony, Christy Roe, Joe and Martin Gilbraith, Dessie McMahon, Charles Matthews, Liam and Jim Blair, J. Fitzpatrick, David and Richard Thomson.

Of the female gender would be Violet Hughes, Rose Bann, Mary and Margaret McLaughlin, Anne Craven, Rose Loughran and Mrs Bannon.

Incidentally, Oliver Maguinness, general foreman with a construction company and fund-raiser for Concern, was one of those responsible for converting the derelict Abbey Secondary School into the thriving Clanrye Abbey Development training and employment complex.

Among other personalities, who were born or resided at Barcroft Park were Father Lowry, Postmaster Willie McGivern, a long-term chairman of Newry Gateway Club; Stevie Mallon, showman Pat McKevitt, bus-driver and union leader, Pat O�Callaghan; Mattsie Cregan of Supervalu; Dominic Ward, painter; Raymie McGuigan, �Dean� Kelly, brother of hero Raymond Kelly, and Damian Tumilty, a familiar figure on his bike.

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