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Dear Mary and all your friends Just a note with Omagh man going home soon, to send a photo of laying of Foundation stone. Lots more to do but it's a start. Your donations are just brilliant, will buy a lot of cement, sand, gravel but the steel will cost a bomb, but sure Portaferry have done all that for us. You have paid for it already. All I can do is ask God to thank you for what you do. Will keep in touch. Regards to all. Love Fr Brian
Fr Brian O’Kane SMA in Ndola, Africa laying the foundation stone for the new church, named Divine Mercy Church, (the first Catholic church in the township). A very happy Fr Brian would like to express his thanks to everyone in the Ards and surrounding areas for their generous help in donations and fundraising for this project.
Liam Gilmore - A vintage Portaferry man.
Above photograph taken on 12/02/2009 Some recollections. Liam was born 9/1/26. His father was Thomas Gilmore of Killydressy and his mother Brigid ‘Getta’ Barns from the Shore. They had 8 children, 3 girls and 5 boys. His grandfather was also called Thomas. He had married Mary Jane Mullen in the early 1870s. He worked as a joiner in Philadelphia and in the mid 1890s returned to Portaferry to work on the building of St. Patrick’s Hall along the Shore. The ceiling of wood was his creation - a work of art. Thomas was responsible for the building of the tower of St. Patrick’s between 1910-12. His name is written on the tower and can be seen to the present day. He later became the foreman at the building of St. Mary’s Girls’ School, which was opened in 1935. Isabel, Liam’s sister used to bring her grandfather his tea in a can. Liam’s father, Thomas, was a joiner also and worked with his father in the workshop in Killydressy, which was the length of the garden. There were two or three apprentices as well and they lived in a shed beside the workshop. Liam went to the boys’ School, the present St. Mary’s , in 1931. His teachers were Miss McNabb of Parson Hall, Messrs Armstrong, McPolin, McMullen and McGuinness, father of Alban McGuinness, MEP. Liam loved Geography, English and Music. Mr. Armstrong was a good singer and his wife played the piano. Along with Kevin McGrath and Hugh Hinds RIP Liam sang ‘The Holy City’, in three part harmony. One of Liam’s first memories was the funeral of Patrick Trainor on the 17th July 1934. It was the first time he had seen a hearse drawn by two horses. There was a delay. Everybody had to wait until Nicky Curran and his son arrived with some tools to take out the front window. It was the only way they could take out the coffin - the deceased was 6 feet 8 inches tall. The same morning two brothers in their twenties, Gerald and James McMullen had gone fishing to the Barr Mouth at 6 am. They were due back for the funeral but never returned. Their bodies were never found and their mother died two weeks later of a broken heart. Liam had to sit an exam in Kirbubbin in his last year in school which he failed on purpose. He didn’t want to go to the Red High in Downpatrick in grey trousers and red blazer. On 6 Oct 1945 Liam and John McGrath went to London to work. When they arrived at Euston Station it was the first time they saw an escalator. Liam noticed a man from Ballinahinch standing with two cases at the top of the escalator afraid to come down. Liam had to go up and help him. John and himself lived in style in St. John’s Wood , Abbey Road. In fact, later made famous by the Beatles. The Labour Government had made this classy accommodation available for workers. All the rooms were in white and they had their own bedroom and bathroom. Early on during their stay, Liam thought he had heard a banshee during the night. John never heard anything. He was a sound sleeper. Later Liam discovered that they were living near a zoo and it was a hyena he had heard. When Liam returned to Portaferry in 1955, he became the producer and director of the concerts in St. Patrick’s Hall. The highlight of the year was the St. Patrick’s Night concert. People queued for hours to get in. A very special concert was ‘The Wearing of the Green’ in 1961. Taking part were Peggy Mullen, Aggy, Lily and Willie McNamara, Willie McCormick, Pat Barns, Betty Mullen - Fr. Watson said her rendition of ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ was the best he had heard - Mary and Lizzy McMullen, Sean Faloona, the McAlea's and Patsy McGrath who sang ‘Kearney Mill’ which was written by Patrick McManus. Patrick also wrote ‘The Walter Shore’ and John McGrath wrote ‘Lough Cuan Shore’. John, the organist in the Church, was the pianist at all the concerts. The M.C. was Tom Gilmore, Liam’s brother. Liam maintains that the Grave workers’ Concert (voluntary workers - all men) was the best of all time. 90% were never on the stage before and they were all dressed as women. Francis Blair played ‘Stranger on the Shore’. Everybody thought he was brilliant but he was only miming. During the Mission there was one week for the men and one week for the women. John Donaldson was organist for both, but during the women’s mission he played the opening and closing hymns only. He stayed outside during the sermon. The sermon would have been too much for him, perhaps. One evening during the women’s mission Liam happened to be in the graveyard. The bell had stopped ringing so the missioner was on the altar. Mrs. Lennon came through the gate and met Fr. McCrea. She said apologetically, ‘Father, I’m late’ . He said, ‘Anything wrong with your head. Away home with you, woman. Don’t be listening to those two auld men, they would only put your head astray’. Liam wrote three plays and presented them: 1. 'Amid the Dark Ruins' March 59 Fr. Stewart CC 2. "What will you do Love?" 1962 Father McAlea PP 3. "The Strong Ones" Bicentanary St Patrick's Church 1973
Betty Mullen and Liam Gilmore
Liam Gilmore, Lily McCarthy(RIP), Rossie Magean(RIP), Margaret McGrattan, Anthony Moreland(RIP), Hugh McGrath(RIP), Patsy Moreland, Lily Ritchie(RIP), Michael Mageean, Pat Coffee, Davy Mageean(RIP), Harold Ritchie(RIP)
Liam Gilmore, Lily McNamara(RIP), Rossie Mageean(RIP), Anthony Moreland(RIP), Margaret McGrattan
Sean Savage, McCullough Twins, Phil McMUllen, Pat Coffee, Patsy McGrath(RIP), Michael Gilmore(RIP), Anna Magee, Quail Sisters, McNamara Sisters, Wilie McCormick(RIP) Liam Gilmore, John Doaldson(RIP), Phil McMullan, Patsy Smyth, Betty Mullen, Margaret Gilmore(RIP), Joey McAlea, Peggy Mullen, Isolbel Mullan, Rosie Mageea(RIP), Seamus McCormick(RIP), Bety Mullen, Willie McNamara(RIP). A review of one of Liam’s plays. There was a crowded audience at both presentations. Mr John Donaldson and Mr. Phil McMullen supplied the incidental music in their own masterly way. The plot was good and easy to follow - the theme on of every-day life in the kitchen of a farmhouse and the dialogue excellent. The cast of six were very much at home all through the play and were word perfect. The same kitchen scene was used all through; a very good idea on small stage, and lighting was in the capable hands of Harold Ritchie. The cast included, John Brennan, Liam Gilmore, Martha Brennan, Rosa Mageean, Rachel Thompson, Peggy Smith, Paddy Martin, Jim Breen, Nora Dalton, Rosemary Mageean, Anthony Moreland, Patrick Faloona, George McGrattan, with the production by Rosa Mageean and compere, Mr.Tom Gilmore. Another play written by Liam, ‘The Strong Ones’, was staged on the occasion of the Bicentenary of St. Patrick’s Church. (1762 -1962). Members of the cast were, Rosa Mageean, Rosemary Mageean, Patrick Byers, Liam Gilmore, Marie Tweedie, Peggy Smith, Anthony Moreland, Patrick Faloona. Liam gave us details of the concert that took place on the occasion of the formal opening of St. Patrick’s Hall on Tuesday, 18 Aug. 1903. Part 1. ‘When through life unblest we rove’. The Choir. Irish Reel. School Children. An Irish Invitation. Mr J Tomelty. Summer in Ireland. Miss Maggie McMullan. Sel. Irish pipes. Mr O Mealey. Comic Duet, ‘Very Suspicious’. Sarah Agnes O’Prey and Mr A Cord. An Irishman’s Toast. Mr J Carville. Dance, Irish Jig. Mr. M Nally. Part 2. Sweet Vale of Avoca. Sarah Kearns. Erin Dear Erin. W. Breen. Sel. Irish Pipes. Mr O Mealey. Dreams of my own land. Annie Tomelty. Comic Duet. The Happy Policeman. Dance. Irish Step Dance. Mr. M Nally. Are we fairly represented. Mr James Tomelty. Finale. Go where glory awaits thee. Choir. A Poem by Liam Gilmore. Sure I know a wee spot, a place of no fame, A small town in Ireland, I’ll give you it’s name, And deep in my heart, fond memories abound, Of a place called Portaferry, in the ould County down. Sure though I’m an exile, in my memories still, I can stroll in the evening, o’er the old Windmill Hill, And down in the hollow, an old church I see Not far from Portaferry, beside the blue sea. And in that old churchyard, lie friends I hold dear, I think of them now, and I hold back a tear. And I think of my school friends, who like me had to roam, Far away from Potaferry, their dear Irish home. When my life here is over, when my days here are through. Oh dear God in heaven, I request of you, That as I make my journey, to where thy peace is found, Let me pass o’er Portaferry, in the ould County Down.
Extracts from ‘This is your Life’ on the occasion of Liam’s 80th birthday. Moments after Liam was born on 9 Jan. 1926 at 154 Shore Road somebody said, ‘Ah look at him, what a lovely wee baby. What are you gonna call him, Tommy? ‘Ah Getta, I think we’ll call him Liam ‘cause he cannie walk’. And so it was. Liam was the middle of nine children - Brigid, Tommy, Isobel, Hugh, Liam, Michael (died age 33), John, Minnie and Margaret (died age 20). When Liam returned from a stay in England he worked at Kearney where he was surrounded by numerous milkmaids. As a fit young man he enjoyed his sport. In 1957 as goalie in the Junior Final of the Hurling Championship he conceded a goal in injury time. One eye witness claime he deliberately conceded the goal because he was too friendly with the Tullyhornan crowd. Another witness recalls Liam calling to the full-back to leave it but in deflected off Sean Murray’s leg. Liam was MC on the stage in the Square at the welcoming home party for the Down Junior All Ireland Champions in 1964. Liam worked tirelessly not only for the parish as MC but also for the Women’s Institute, Ballywalter Flute Band, Darragh Cross and St. Mary’s Hall, Belfast. In the 60s Liam entertained in the International Bar, owned by Eddie McGrattan In 1967 Liam was a founder member and mainstay of the Gala Committee which became the longest running community festival in Ireland. Liam was involved with the Gala for about 40 years. Liam was praised for his outstanding investment of talent and ability in the Gala, enriching the lives of generations of locals and visitors alike. Liam played a mojor role in creating something money cannot buy - memories. Liam was MC in the Leprechaun Bar from 1977 - 1984. Liam moved to the Quarter Deck in 1984 at the request of Peter Tomelty. He remained there when it became The Fiddlers Green. Throughout the changes of venue Liam had loyal fans who flitted with him. Possibly the most flamboyant was the ‘wee bird’, the late Eilish Ritchie. HISTORIC VISIT OF IRISH PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE TO PORTAFERRY (23RD OCTOBER 2008)
DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2008
St Mary's Primary School 1955 (approx) Back row-left to right L Hinds, Ann Ellison, E Magee, Iosbel Blaney, Margaret Morgan, Kathleen McMullan, R. McGrath Irene Johnston. Front Row, Maureen Madine, Janette Smith, Maried Lennon, Rosallen Weir, Phil McGrath, Teresa Smith, Kathleen Keating, Kathleen Coulter, Anna McGratten, Kathleen Magee.
ALTAR BOYS FROM THE 1950's Back Row (Lto R), Liam Ennis (RIP), Liam Gibson, Aiden Faloona, Gerard Dorrian, Charles Coleman, Eugene Faloona, Jim Graham, Dermot Faloona, Front Row, Edward "Ned" Faloona (RIP), Patrick McManus, Father George Watson PP,(RIP) Brendan Savage, Bernard Keating.
The late James Joseph Smyth, Sacristan of St. Patrick's Church handing over the Key in 1990 after 50 years service.
The Lourdes Grotto erected to commemorate the Marrian Year was solemnly Blessed by His Lordship, Most Rev Dr. Mageean on 31st May 1955 in the presence of a very large congregation. Father Crossin, P.P., Strangford, and Father Gilmartin, C.C., Kircubbin assisted His Lordship as chanters at the ceremony.
Blessing of the Lourdes Grotto. His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Mageean and Father George Watson Parish Priest meeting parishioners.
Erection of New Mission Cross 1st July 1955 The first Mission held in Portaferry Parish was conducted by four Passionist Fathers, Father Leonard Fryer, Father Joseph Carroll, Father Clement Doran and Father Stanislaus Looney, from 17th May till 7th June, 1868. To mark the event a Mission Cross was erected by these Fathers in the Church Yard. After 87 years this Cross had become so decayed that it was in danger of falling. A new Cross to replace it was erected and Blessed on 1st July, 1955, by Father Alexis, C.P., Ardoyne, who, with Father Peter, C. P., who were then conducting the annual Retreat in the Parish.
Marian Year Procession 24th May 1954 The Marian Year Procession was held in Portaferry on Sunday, 24th May, 1954. The neighbouring Parishes of Ardkeen and Ballygalget took part. This procession was considered one of the largest ever held in Portaferry, almost 2,000 taking part in it. The Processionists assembled in the field, on which now stands St. Columba's College, and proceeded via the Ballyphilip Road to St. Patrick's Park, a beautifully decorated statue of Our Lady Of Lourdes was carried by the ladies of The Legion Of Mary. In the park the statue was placed on a prepared platform, where the Rosary was recited by Father George Watson, P.P., and a sermon appropiate for the occasion was delivered by Father Gilmartin,C.C., Kircubbin. The procession re-formed and returned to the Church, where Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament was given.
RIVER OF ROSES AT THE OUR LADY'S GROTTO CEMETERY SUNDAY 17TH JUNE 2007
A book of remembrance was placed at the Grotto on 16th and 17th June and was attended by the Floral Art Club and Family Ministry. Everyone who purchased a rose put the name of their loved one in the Book of Remembrance and contributed £1 to the African Missions. Each rose was placed in the River Of Roses at the feet of Our Lady's Statue at the Grotto. All Money collected will be sent to the African Missions with the Book Of Remembrance for Masses to be said there.
OUR PARISH MISSION MARCH 2008
Fr. Hannan Fr Kelly Fr Cassidy
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