Rita's Memories

Our parents were always careful not to show us any bad example. We did not learn about Northern Ireland's “Troubles” in any sectarian or one-sided manner. If dad had republican sympathies - as we have reason to believe he did! - he made no effort to inculcate these to us. On the contrary, we learned our political attitudes (if any) elsewhere. Dad had friends of both religions. He worked for years with Joe McCullough and was friendly with numerous other Protestants. We were all well into our teenage years before we heard the term Protestant, and never seemed to get a satisfactory answer when we asked just what was a Protestant! We couldn't see how these neighbours were any different from ourselves. In fact, our parents did not speak ill of anyone. Most neighbours became firm friends. None however could compare with Mrs Clarke. Her unselfish devotion and dedication to our mum will long be remembered. At times of need - when a new child was born, or mum was not well - Mrs Clarke would come up the few doors from her own home (she lived where Jimmy Magee now lives) and take over. A few years ago this wonderful lady (who lived out the latter years of her life in the aluminium bungalows of Clanrye Avenue) passed away. The news was carried to mum by Mrs Maura McGuigan (of number 24) who was astonished by mum's violent reaction of grief. Mrs McGuigan did not know just how close they had been.

Rita recalled the time that Eileen McGuigan got married (to become Mrs Hearty) and spent her honeymoon staying in our house in the Meadow and day-tripping from there! It's hard to understand how this was possible, perhaps harder to guess why they would so choose, with so many already living there! Even though they had no money and couldn't afford to go away, why choose such a home? However it shows how friendly and unselfish our parents were. In those days, there was time for people. (On 6 May 1996, while I was composing these words, Eileen Hearty died in Cullyhanna. My mother attended her funeral on 8 May.)

My mother was an absolute wonder. How she raised fourteen children on dad's meagre wages is a mystery. But she did and made a fine job of it (though it may not be my place to say it!). Both mum and dad were convinced of the value of education. When others were encouraging their children to leave school and become wage earners, they insisted we all persist as far as our ability might take us. Wouldn't dad be proud to know that all his fourteen children completed primary and secondary education with credit: that three girls went on to become nurses and all the others to take positions in commerce, industry or professional service: that many became successful in business in adult life or contributed to their partner's such success: that one girl became a school Vice Principal: that three sons won university degrees, one becoming a lecturer in Further Education with a Masters degree: that all fourteen own their own homes as well as other worldly possessions (the trappings of wealth such as cars, that he never could aspire to): that all have produced children of their own, to carry on his line? [He had always said “My girls will have the nicest weddings in the Meadow!”] He would have greater pride in the caring adults he produced who make a real and meaningful contribution to our society. His greatest pride beyond doubt would be in the life's work of his chosen partner, his own Eileen. I remember my mum then was a happy person, although her life was hard. Her happiness came to an abrupt end on 2 June 1962. This story is about to be told. There were to be two more family tragedies, a quarter of a century later. In 1987 our dear brother Michael died. In 1990 our dear brother-in-law Des Fox, the husband of Bernadette, died. These events are too recent to relate: it would be too traumatic for us to open up the scars by discussing them. Instead we pay our tribute to these two great men. May they rest in peace.

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