AN APPEAL for the Old Newry Society to organise a photographic and written record of Canal Street, one of Newry�s most historic thoroughfares, was made by Robert McCullough, a noted historian.

This Vintage Car enthusiast, pigeon-fancier, Scouting chief and former fireman is concerned that �an awful lot of our heritage could soon vanish.� Proud owner of three Austin cars, dating from the 3O�s, he also possesses two pumps and trailers, used at Bessbrook and Damolly Mills in the 40�s.

Also, the oldest house in the town, still in use after 246 years, is that containing Sinead�s shop. The proprietor, Bertie Flynn, is playing a prominent role in the regeneration of this important thoroughfare.

One fascinating tale, related by Robert McCullough, was that, following the consecration of Bishop Eugene O�Doherty, - who was to live close-by for over 30 years, - the prelate was driven around the town in a Mercedes, which had belonged to Mrs Wallace Simpson, the American divorcee, whose affair with King Edward almost brought about the downfall of the British monarchy.

The vehicle had been purchased in London by Jimmy Treanor, owner of a Newry Coach-works, after the royal couple had departed for France. He and garage-owner, Eddie McAlinden serviced the Merc, while Robert McCullough gave it a good wash, in preparation for the episcopal �meet the people� tour of the frontier tow.

This disclosure has come as a major surprise to Mrs Margaret McVeigh (nee Fitzpatrick), whose family originated in High Street. Her late father, Tommy and uncle, Anthony Fitzpatrick were founders of the Thomas Davis Pipe Band, which is based in Canal Street.

Margaret�s grandfather, Jimmy McCloy was Bishop O�Doherty�s chauffeur. So she and her brother were often taken for spins in that �sumptuous� limousine, little realising that it had belonged to the famous �Wally� Simpson, and that the future King must often have ridden in it!

Recalling the �great community spirit� in Canal Street, she said that there had been �no mention of politics or religion.� They had great neighbours like the Coles and McNeills.

�If you needed anything, - sugar, soap powder and so on, you just knocked on any any door and asked for it. The key was always in the door; we trusted each other.�

A champion Irish dancer with the Jack Connolly School, her greatest memory was seeing Michael Flatley win the World Championship in Dublin.

Leading personalities, who were born or resided in this locality, included Bishop Brooks, Fathers Jarlath Cushenan, John O'Rourke and Kevin Powell; Ciaran Rafferty, solicitor; John Mallon, Head Postmaster; Henry Cole, building contractor; Paddy Crinion, teacher; Matt O�Hare, who owned the Newry greyhound track, and Richard Holmes of the British Legion.

Other popular residents have been Seanie O�Hanlon of Dunnes Stores; Terry Rafferty; Pat Golding, Maureen McGivern, Pat O�Hare, Colm and Kevin Powell, Mrs Peggy Lynch, Colman Cushenan, Lily O�Hagan, James McNeill, Maggie McCloy, who knitted cardigans; and Lily Donnelly, a teacher at St Joseph�s Primary School, who can remember all her pupils.

Many notable sportsmen also came from this area, including Frank Cole, (boxing), his brother, Malachy, billiards; Benny Davis and his sons, Willie and Jimmy, soccer, and especially the Carnbane League.

A heavy-weight boxer with the St John Bosco Club, Frank Cole would bring the crowd to their feet at Tournaments in the Town Hall, as he tried to land a haymaker on his opponent�s chin.

In GAA circles were two stars from the adjoining Erskine Street, - Eddie Burns, who was in the Down squad, which won the Sam Maguire Cup in 196O, as well as the Newry Shamrocks side, which collected the County Senior Championship in 1961. Also Larry Powell, who won an All-Ireland Championship medal in 1968. Meanwhile, Seanie O�Hanlon was a founder player with Newry Mitchels GFC.

Jimmy McLaughlin, owner of the Sportsman�s Bar, had been goal-keeper for Burren, as well as the Down side. He was suspended by the GAA, when he and a friend were spotted up a tree, watching Newry Town play Glasgow Celtic!

Among the other public houses were the Ship Bar, Sullivan�s later � the Yank�s,� bought by a returned American emigrant, John Cunningham from Kilkeel. Noel Flynn, who had been in the United States, also opened a pub. He was a member of the Cloughmore Male Voice Choir. And, of course, it was outside the Hermitage Bar that leading drug-dealer, �Speedy� Fegan, was shot dead.

A plethora of politicians also resided here, including the Chairman of Newry and Mourne Council, Billy McCaigue; a former Chairman, Danny Kennedy; as well as the Vice-chairman of Newry Urban Council, Billy Baird. Also Councillors Eddie Ruddy, Gerry Mulholland, Aubrey Wylie, Robert Dixon, J.J. Campbell, Jack Bradfield and Joey McCullough.

Eddie Ruddy, a fine musician, played with the Ray Morgan Showband, and later toured with the popular �Crubeen� Folk Group. He was also involved with Newry Mitchels GFC.

Council colleague, Gerry Mulholland was Foreman at Newry Cattle Market, and later Chief Security Officer at Chivers factory, now the W.I.N. Industrial Estate. He played a key role when the Irish Labour Party swept to power in 1958, promoting major housing and other necessary projects.

This congenial personality was also a selector, along with his brother Danny and Eddie Campbell, when Newry United, including Pat Jennings, won the Irish Junior Cup, amid great celebrations.

A Unionist Councillor, Aubrey Wylie, won many plaudits when he took his place in the front rank of the Newry Civil Rights March of 1969, which ended in rioting. His Electrical business was on the site of the former RIC Police Station in Canal Street.

Councillor Charlie Casey reported that his first job had been as messenger-boy at Benny Davis� shop at the top of the street. He recalled that, in earlier times, the Union Jack and bunting had been displayed at Canal Street on the Twelfth of July.

But since the 60�s, he added, the demographic balance had changed, and there was now a majority of nationalists there.

Meanwhile, the Canal Street Heritage Partnership is forging ahead, under the Chairmanship of Bertie Flynn, as a regeneration and conservation project, with the support of the Ulster Architectural and Heritage Society.

Let us hope that Bertie and Robert McCullough�s hopes come through, and that this street, which appeared on the maps of 1763 as a flourishing commercial and residential area, will be preserved and developed to the highest standard.

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