As members of the South Down Choral Society, he and his daughter performed in the Church of the Assumption, Dromalane on April 3, 2005. One son, Kieran, is employed by the Enterprise Agency, while Declan is with the Water Service. Mickey�s sister became Mrs Mickey Waddell of Poyntzpass, a brother, Maurice has been an Apollo Blinds representative, while Vincent resides in Australia.

Meanwhile, that other actor and comedian, the late Sean Canavan from Chapel Street was following in the footsteps of his distinguished father, lamp-lighter and actor/producer, after whom a room in the Newry Arts Centre has been named, as is the premier award at Newry Drama Festival.

Young Canavan�s first stage role was as a five-year-old boy, ringing a hand-bell in the `Auction at Killybuck,` produced by his father. But it was his performance in the title role of `Thompson in Tir na n-Og� which stamped him as a genuine comedy actor, and led to numerous offers. The versatile perfectionist often spent months in writing scripts, putting the cast through their paces, as well as devising ever more imaginative scenes, which made the audience gasp in wonder and delight.

From Chapel Street, Sean moved to Drumalane Park on marriage, and his home was festooned with paintings of famous local landmarks. Another of his projects was producing videos, containing rare film footage of the frontier town in the 30�s and 40�s, in the `rare old times.`

The Top Talent Contests of the early 60�s were described by Sean as �one of the best times in Newry for entertainment; and there was a tremendous community spirit. Such areas as Chapel Street, Ballybot, High Street, the Meadow and Canal Street were competing for honours in singing, dancing, comedy sketches, musical groups and choirs.

Ironically, Sean�s native area of Chapel Street won the initial Best Overall Award, produced by Jack Connolly in 1960. In fact, Sean was in charge of the Ballybot team, which won the prize for Best Producer. In 1963, Ballybot collected the supreme award, while Sean was chosen as Best Actor. But bingo took over, sounding the death-knell for locally produced entertainment.

So Sean Canavan teamed up with Charlie Smyth for Cloghogue Drama Society presentations of Irish plays. And they launched the annual Christmas Pantomimes in aid of Glenn Youth Club at Newry Town Hall. The area had been �the focal-point for entertainment during and after the war,� including the Abbey Players, Newry Stage Society, Iveagh Players and the Newpoint Players, while concerts and talent contests drew packed houses.

�Many rehearsals took place in dingy rooms, having to collect firewood, get oil for the lamp, sprinkle the dusty floor before brushing. Often we had to sit shivering in our overcoats when the fire refused to light. But so popular were the performances, and the crowd so large, that some of the audience had to sit in the wings, with the cast climbing over them to get on the stage.�

That versatile artist was not impressed by the changes in society, such as the �impersonal housing estates, greater mobility, and the ever-increasing pursuit of money and social advancement. Old values, like respect and consideration have almost vanished.�

Meanwhile, Irish dancing was given a tremendous boost by the legendary Arthur Burns. He spent some years in the United States before returning to the frontier town, establishing a school of dancing. Arthur�s achievement in winning the All-Ireland Championship Markiewicz Cup, three years in a row, is recognised in the Newry Arts Centre.

A dramatic incident occurred during the International Festival at Nice in France, when the official band struck up `God save the queen,`when the Newry troupe appeared on stage. Arthur Burns rushed forward, made a protest, and their accompanist, Benignus McCusker of the McCusker Brothers Ceili Band, played `the Soldiers Song`.

Many local and national awards were gained by the Arthur Burns school, including the All-Ireland three-hand reel title won by Jack Connolly, Lily Fox and Mena Loughran. Other award-winners included Nellie Fox, Eileen Savage, Sam Hughes, Tom Daly, Patsy Turley, Phyllis and Gerry McAteer, Bridie Henry, Mickey Brady, Malachy Curtis and Thomas Malone.

Meanwhile, a rundown of residents and premises in Kilmorey Street, about 50 years ago, would commence with McClelland�s greengrocery shop at the junction of William Street and Kilmorey Street. Next was Terry Ruddy�s public house; Tommy Roe the shoemaker; Jack McKenna, potato merchant; the Murtaghs, - Pat, Fr Jack and Fr Raymond with Margaretta; Wards the painters and Mathers; then Joe and Henry Murtagh; and John Murphy, milkman.

The Independent Club followed, then Hollywood�s coal-yard; Leo Devine; Graceys the journalists; Bob Bryson, Mary Teresa and Molly Fitzpatrick; Bridie McCourt, - who had a sweetie-shop at the Frontier Cinema, - Eddie Boyle the taxi-driver; Finnertys, Oliver and Paddy McGuinness; Willie and Eddie McGivern; Tommy Byrne the ice-cream vendor; then the `Tan Opening.`

Starting from the opposite side was the Dublin House public house; Synott the barber; Walls sweetie-shop; McGuigans and Craigs; Tom, Jim and Imelda Murray; Wassons the tailors; Josef Delafaille and later Auguste Toremans; Madge Walls, Paddy and Oscar Traynor, and finally the horse-trough.

No doubt, when the past and present residents of that area, especially the ex-pats, gather for the unique re-union, the ghosts of former days will be flitting about, enjoying the craic!

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