�The object was simple, - to keep the boys occupied, give them premises of their own, imbue them with a sense of responsibility by leaving the management of the club as a far as possible in their hands. This would help them bridge the difficult years between boyhood and adulthood,� he added. Other founders were John Quinn, JV Kelly, Patrick Crinion, Peter Curran and Patrick Quinn.

An application to the Christian Brothers for use of their old school at Kilmorey Street was granted, while Bro. McGreevey became president. The club prospered, as finance for equipment was provided; and membership grew to such an extent that it was too great for voluntary helpers.

Later, John Fearon was in charge of boxing, assisted by Tom Tumilty, winning many awards. Eddie Kearns coached athletics; Pat Ahearn taught drama, Sean Hollywood, elocution and Ken Morrow table tennis, while Jack Macken encouraged ceili and skiffle groups, arts and crafts, emphasising the key points of �friendship, sportsmanship, fitness and self-discipline.�

New premises were sought and obtained at Linenhall Square, made available by Newry Urban Council; and a full-time warden, Gerry Brown was appointed, later succeeded by Jack Macken. Gerry, who coached the Down side which won the Sam Maguire Cup in 1968, developed a talented GAA side, which had its headquarters at Charlie McCourt�s shop in William Street.

With Gerry as chairman, Pat Hollywood as secretary and John McAleavy as treasurer, the squad included sets of brothers such as the O�Neills, Bannons, McAteers, McCauls, Taveys, O�Rourkes and Hollywoods, as well as Arthur Ruddy, Paddy McAteer, Sean McCracken, Pat Toal and PJ Smith.

The senior boys committee in 1952 was Paddy and John McAleavey, Pat Hollywood, Frank Bradley, Pat Hughes, Bobby Turley, Jim Gorman, Pat O�Hanlon, Frank McCaul and Jim Pierce. On the Social Committee were Oscar Traynor, Maurice Mathers and Jim Fox.

However, a crisis occurred in 1954, when the Bosco�s 21-year rule eliminated most of the panel from representing the youth club. So Newry Mitchels was formed by Gerry Brown, and went on to win the county senior championship in 1960.

�It would be impossible to measure the untold good which the club has done for the youth of the town, not only for the members but also their companions,� Luke Curran.

�Those who have experienced the problems confronting the children�s courts have marvelled at the absence from those courts of young people, associated with the St John Bosco Club.

Then, in 1963, Fr Arthur Bradley re-introduced Gaelic football into the youth club, with the assistance of Eddie Heaney, Bro Farrell, John McCann, Joe Fearon, Maurice Mathers and the late Peter McParland. And in the squad were such players as Tom Tumilty, Paddy Fox, George McAteer, Colm Powell, Raymond Turley along with Seamus O�Hare.

Indeed, Tom Tumilty was to play a key role in the fortunes of St John Bosco GFC, culminating in the recent presentation of the `Clubman of the Year` Award by Peter McGrath. Born in River Street, and married to Cora Ruddy, Tom�s sons and even grandsons and granddaughters have kept up the Bosco tradition.

An employee of Bessbrook Products, and later Newry and Mourne district council, Tom was assistant to the great John Fearon, as boxing and football coach at the Bosco Club on Chequer Hill. A brother, Peter, has been on the staff of the WIN Industrial Estate, prominent in the Credit Union, as well as Newry and Mourne Co-operative Society, while Michael is a joiner. There are three sisters, - Mena (Mrs Paddy Fox), Bridie (Noel McLaughlin), and Anne, who is Mrs Danny Murphy.

Two of Tom�s sons have played for the Bosco and Newry Town, - Raymond, a teacher, and John (O�Neill Sports), - while Mark, a draughtsman, has been on St Colman�s College teams, and Tom (junior) a plumber, has turned out for the Bosco. A daughter is Mrs Diane Gray. Three grandsons and four granddaughters play for Bosco juvenile sides, while one turns out for Saval.

Other residents of River Street began with the Murphy brothers, fowl-dealers and cousins of TP Murphy; Hugh O�Hare, bookmaker, who was drowned with four others on Carlingford Lough; then the Traynor brothers, - Oscar, (Post Office), Paddy, shoe-shop; Brian (Garda), Bobby (architect), Kevin and Marie. Then followed Sean Heaney, school-principal; and Henry, an eminent librarian; also Willie and Dessie Quinn, along with their sisters, Mrs Mary McShane and Mrs Sarah Smith; The family of hero Raymond Kelly were next, - Robert and William, along with sisters, Mrs Rebecca Morgan, Mrs Rose O�Hare and Mrs Mary Larkin. Then the Cullys, Tom, who wed Marie Murtagh, Marie (Mrs Joe McGrath) and Kathleen, who became Mrs Pearse.

Paddy McGuinness, deputy chief executive of Concern, was born in the next house, along with brothers, Oliver, Francie, Barney, Willie and Peter; also Alice, (Mrs Brian O�Callaghan) and Anita (Mrs Eddie O�Donnell).

Next door lived Mary Dean, married to a Welsh soldier. Her son Liam was killed in a road accident. Mrs Molly Boyle and her two daughters were next, then Peggy and Maura Smith. The Campbell family followed, including Eddie, Frank, Jim, Kathleen, Mena and Una. And finally were the Coulters, Pat and Seamus. The Catholic Boy Scouts also had a hall in the street.

As Abbey past pupil, historian and civil liberties campaigner, Dr Seamus McAteer stated; �Rather than frown on the idiosyncrasy of manner and dress of modern teenagers, should we not remember that our own generation had its quirks and customs, which were frowned on by our parents and other adults.

�We should call for an honest attempt at greater understanding and sympathy, whereby the enthusiasm and generosity of youth can be canalised, so that they can evolve into better citizens. Hundreds of young people have gone out from the St John Bosco Youth Club, better equipped to take their place as responsible members of the community,� pointed out the eminent physician.

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