Still, it was an ideal place for a newsman to reside, right in the heart of a virtual war-zone, rather than in some secluded suburb, divorced from the real world!

But what a transformation has taken place at Derrybeg Park, over the past few years! It is now regarded as the most peaceful estate in the town, re-furbished, and with a complete absence of graffiti or vandalism. The majority of residents have bought their own homes, and have a real pride in their estate.

Back in 1963, a group of pioneers set in motion the creation of a new community, from among a thousand strangers. And it all began from a game of football. A Committee was formed, including Billy Scott, Bobby McAleavey, Dessie McGennity, Davey Morley, Barney Larkin, Jimmy Dalzell, Mervyne Preece and Johnny McCaigue. They decided to raise money, in order to provide a strip for the local team.

Thus was born the Derrybeg Athletic and Social Club. They acquired two surplus Aluminium Bungalows, which had been in use at Clanrye Avenue. Lou Morgan�s skills as a joiner were utilised in the conversion to a community centre. Dances were held and shows staged by Gene Magennis and Mickey McCaul, along with Lottie McKeown.

The Hilton Showband played there, as well as future singing star, Rose |Marie and various pop groups, while Lottie McKeown�s �Dainty Darlings� also entertained. An unofficial pub lent a congenial atmosphere.

But it was the Community Festival which really put Derrybeg on the map. Lasting a week, the events included a Fancy Dress Parade, piano-smashing competition; ladies football match; pram race, involving personalities dressed as babies; athletics, round-the-houses cycle race; talent contest and festival dance, while the Wolfe Tone Accordion Band paraded the estate.

The most sensational aspect came when a man was buried in a coffin for two days, watched by hundreds. Gene Magennis spoke to him down a pipe, while food and cigarettes were lowered into the �grave.�

When the time came for the �resurrection,� stewards and police strove to control the crowd, while TV cameras recorded the occasion. After being borne to the Community Centre, the coffin was placed at the rear of the stage, where the inmate was interviewed by Genie Magennis.

Incidentally, the genial Genie, a widower, was recently married to the former Yvonne O�Hare from the Meadow estate, a talented artist who gives lessons, including senior citizens at Bessbrook. Noted as a Pub Quiz host, the debonair humorist is a popular compere and comedian, having been a goalie and referee.

Maybe one of the most heartening developments was the Derrybeg Brain-Damaged Children�s Committee, of which Lou Morgan was Chairman for 25 years. Other members were Jack Shea, Pat Hickey, Marie Boyle, Lil Quinn and Marie McDonald.

In providing facilities for the disabled, they have installed chair-lifts at Newry Swim Pool, battery-operated wheel-chairs and cars, as well as ramps in public places. Another happy and inspiring aspect of the much-maligned Derrybeg estate!

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