�And WF Cunningham worked especially hard for those who resided in the Workhouse. He lobbied on behalf of unmarried mothers confined there, who had to do the washing for the hospital. Life was tough, including country people who were friendless, only for WF. All this he did without remuneration.

�And it was WF, who helped to organise free trips to Cranfield for the poor children of Newry. He collected food parcels, supplied gratis by the business community, and he prevailed upon bus manager Jack Bannon to make free transport available for the trips to the seaside.�

Also `Darkie` McKevitt reported that Cllr Cunningham had only once participated in a Stormont election, when he challenged prominent local solicitor, John Henry Collins for the South Down seat. �Collins� supporters claimed that WF was backed by the Orange Order, and that his politics denied religion.

�It�s a great pity that Newry Urban Council never saw fit to honour their public-spirited member�s untiring work on behalf of those in need. But Cllr Cunningham was a realistic Independent, who knew that the party machines would always be ranged against him.�

No doubt, the philosophy of the Irish National Foresters, - of whose John Mitchel Branch WF was a staunch member, - would have inspired him in all those works of charity. Such dedication and achievements have been recognised by the branch over the past 60 years.

Frank O�Hare, manager of McCann�s Bakery, was elected Chief Ranger of the John Mitchel Branch, and also INF High Chief Ranger. On his appointment, an address of congratulations stated: �We realise the immense obligation we owe for your great services, wise guidance, sense of justice and fair play, as well as charity in word and deed. If the Branch is stronger than ever, that is a source of joy to the living, and a worthy memorial to the pioneers of forestry in the frontier town.�

One of the most satisfactory duties which Frank O�Hare, a native of Mary Street in Newry, had to perform, was when he travelled to Hilltown with the INF Executive Committee in 1936, performing the official opening of the John O�Neill Branch in the village at the heart of the Mournes. Its Golden Jubilee was marked with pride and celebration in 1986.

A distinguished member of the John Mitchel Branch was the late Joe Connellan, who was elected MP for South Armagh in 1929, and South Down MP in 1948. A member of Newry Urban Council, he was also editor of the `Frontier Sentinel.` Succeeded as MP and editor by Max Keogh, he died in 1966.

Acknowledging congratulations from the John Mitchel Branch on an election success, Mr Connellan had responded: �We have witnessed many changes at home and abroad, but our members have remained staunch for an absolutely free and democratic Ireland. It is a source of comfort that the Irish National Foresters will always be on the right side for the cause of Faith and Fatherland.�

Meanwhile, relations between the John Mitchel Branch and near-neighbours, the Christian Brothers had always been close, dating back to when the legendary Bro Dempsey attended the official opening of the Mitchel Memorial Hall in 1907. Most of the local Foresters had been educated by the Brothers, who were congratulated by the Newry Branch on their centenary in 1951.

And a special presentation was made to the esteemed Bro Byrne, when he celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the Christian Brothers. It took the form of a chalice, which would be used at Mass in the new Oratory. Congratulations were also extended to Bro Southwell, son of the late Forester, John Southwell, on his appointment as Provincial of the Christian Brothers in South Africa.

In response, Bro Southwell wrote: �My father was very proud of his association with the Newry Foresters. And one of my treasured possessions is a copy of John Mitchel Branch�s Golden Jubilee souvenir booklet. The INF is one of those organisations, which have made Newry exiles proud of their home-town.�

Of special satisfaction for the Newry Branch was the elevation to archbishop of Fr Frank Carroll, son of their life-long member, Patrick Carroll from Castle Street. Joining the Society of Missions to Africa, Fr Carroll studied theology at Dromantine College, being ordained at Newry Cathedral in 1936.

During his missionary career in Liberia, he was conferred with the `Star of Africa` decoration by President Tubman, in recognition of his work for education, health and social welfare, Archbishop Carroll was responsible for the provision of schools and hospitals, as well as mediating in Church-State relations. Appointed Apostolic Nuncio in 1966. Retiring due to ill-health in 1979, he died at home in 1980.

Incidentally, it was a unique occasion when Peter Fox and his wife, Annie, celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of their wedding. Peter had been Chief Ranger of the John Mitchel Branch, while Mrs Fox had a similar role in the St Brigid�s Ladies� Branch. At the INF presentation, Peter jocularly remarked that he had not always agreed with his wife, but admitted that she was the better Chief Ranger. The Ladies Branch was founded in 1901, flourishing in the 30�s, with Bridie McCourt as secretary. But due to wartime restrictions it faded out, with a brief recovery in the 60�s.

Congratulations were offered on the profession as a nun of Rosaleen Crimmins, who was a member of the St Brigid�s Ladies� Branch. Her father, Paddy, was Sub Chief Ranger, while a brother, John, was Treasurer of the Branch. Paddy�s four sons have been Foresters, - a record for the Branch!

Having such close personal, family and community relationships, allied to an ethos of Unity, Nationality and Benevolence, is it any wonder that the Newry Branch of the Irish National Foresters has chalked up such a record of progress and achievement over the past 120 years.

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