WHEN fishermen from various nations converge on the historic Newry Canal for the World Angling Championships, they will be restoring that scenic waterway to its previous premier position.

Credit for the pristine condition must go to an enterprising and dedicated group, inspired by Rowan Hand and John Donnelly. They ensured the regeneration of what was described as �the most neglected in Ireland,� � an overgrown channel, with proposals to cover it over, - following the closure of the local port in 1974.

A tremendous impetus came from the report by Enterprise Ulster chairman, Newry-born Pat Shea, recommending restoration of the canal for navigation throughout its 14-mile length. Another fillup came with the decision by councils through which the canal flows, to assume responsibility for its maintenance and development.

But the tastiest fruits of the initiative came when the renovated waterway was chosen as the venue for the World Angling Championships in 1980. Organised by Oliver McGauley, it witnessed an historic handshake between the D.U.P. chairman of Newry and Mourne district council, George Graham, and Louth councillor Tommy Elmore from Omeath, during the prize-giving at the Victoria Locks!

Originally designed to transport coal from Lough Neagh to the South, via Carlingford Lough, all kinds of merchandise were consigned to and from the frontier town. Fishers alone had 12 colliers, operating at the Albert Basin; cattle, potatoes and linen goods were exported via Belfast; while cement was imported from Drogheda, Guinness and whiskey from Dublin, and pottery from Arlow and Belleek.

Indeed, the canal and railway system, which cross-crossed the town, placed this region as fourth in the north, as regards industry and commerce. Trains would travel through the town centre, en route to Warrenpoint, Belfast and Dublin, as well as the Cooley Peninsula. There were level-crossings at Monaghan Street and Francis Street, connecting with Edward Street and Dublin Bridge Stations, while Bridge Street Station catered for visitors to Omeath and Carlingford.

Tapping into the nostalgia aspect, videos about the railways in the Newry region have been produced by Gabby Curran and Mickey Mallon, while a documentary entitled �Clanrye Connection,� narrated by Rowan Hand, has been shown several times on television. Books and articles have been written by historians, Eddie McKee and Michael Boyle, both residents of the Bessbrook area, as well as J.D. Fitzgerald from Armagh.

Of course, trains have an aura of mystery, fascinating people of all ages, whether it was the exotic �Orient Express� or those colourful little locomotives, which used to snake around the coast from the Fathom Line to Greenore. From the illicit romance of �Brief Encounter� to spine-chilling, espionage drama, film-directors have often used railway carriages or stations to create an atmosphere of suspense, excitement or intrigue.

But, real-life trauma and tragedy were often experienced at railway stations in the Newry area, being departure points for young emigrants from villages and townlands, bound for America. One Belfast journal recorded the grief and heartbreak at a local station, as a large group from the Ballyholland area was bidding farewell to family and friends in the 1920�s.

The railway authorities, observing the confusion which might lead to a serious accident or loss of life, had the carriages shunted further up the track. Female relatives �clung to the carriage doors, giving vent to the most piteous cries. As the time of departure approached, the scenes became heart-rending. The emigrants made desperate attempts to shake the hands of their loved ones, who were overcome, surging and crushing around the doors.

�Eventually, the whistle sounded and the train began to move off. Those departing shouted: `Farewell, Newry and Ireland,` and: `Farewell to the cot on the mount,` - a reference to the little cottage at Ballyholland. The women bewailed the separation with agonising cries. And the utmost vigilance was required to prevent them from following the train along the track. The scene was memorable in the annals of the Irish exodus!�

Fortunately, the `American Wake` with such piteous scenes of farewell have become folklore. Nowadays, people from this region, who have settled in `the States,` can travel across the Atlantic in the matter of hours, in order to attend weddings, funerals and even football finals.

But that was impossible for the thousands, who left Newry and Warrenpoint ports in the 1840�s. And it would be the late 1950�s before the first batch of exiles made it back home to Ballyholland, for a tremendous reception and re-union in the local I.N.F. Hall. Most were pensioners, whose parents, other close relatives and friends had passed away.

Of course, the local rail-links also provided a convenient mode of travel for holidaymakers, on both sides of Carlingford Lough. Day-trippers from Belfast and Mid-Ulster could take advantage of weekend excursions. And sun-seeking families from the frontier town would pile into the dusty carriages with buckets and spades, as well as ample swimming-suits, as the engine would begin belching and chugging.

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