The versatile Tony Bagnal, sports journalist and photographer, played for Hibs, Damolly, Derrybeg, as well as Colmans, along with Oliver and Eric Casey. He also won the Irish Veterans Pentathlon, representing Ireland at International competitions, while a member of Newry Shamrocks AC, of which Willie McCracken, Gerry McAnuff and Tommy Coleman were also athletes.

Meanwhile, the proposal by Newry and Mourne Council to erect a monument to Glasgow Celtic founder, Willie Maley at his birthplace in Linenhall Square, is a reminder of the farce which ensued when fans planned to honour him at his last resting-place in the Scottish city.

After Jim Gorman recited the Rosary, and Slim Smith laid a wreath, Councillor “Brickie” McKevitt gave an Oration. Similar ceremonies took place for several years. Then, one day, a Glasgow woman came along with a pram, and shouted at the Newry supporters:” What are you all doing at my mother’s grave?” In fact, Willie |Maley was buried at another cemetery, 18 miles away!

But there was no doubt about the famous Mountain View side from the `Barracks, `including Gene Farrell, Sonny Casey, Joe Campbell, Michael Mallon, John Lundy, Harry Young and “Mousey” Fitzpatrick. When they won the Bessbrook Cup, bonfires blazed, and there was a parade from the ‘Brook to `the Barracks.’

The estate also produced a talented ladies football team, of which Lottie McKeown was goal-keeper and manager. The squad included Teresa and Kathleen McParland, Lilian Cunningham, Sheila Foy, Rosie Kelly, Lucy Hamill and Marguerite McKeown.

On the musical front were Patricia Grattan and Tony Bagnal, who played with Clippertones and also the pop group, “The Sons of Rest,” who also consisted of Kevin McCamley, Willie Reilly, John Casey and Gerry McEvoy; Kevin McAleenan was founder of the Wolfe Tone Accordion Band, while John Treanor was in great demand as an Elvis Presley lookalike.

Lottie McKeown was guest-of-honour, along with Princess Diana, at a Golden Awards banquet at London’s Hilton Hotel, being runner-up for the William Keown Award. And, on her 9Oth birthday, she was the subject of a “This Is Your Life” tribute in Newry Town Hall, when UTV presenter, Frank Mitchell sprang then surprise, as tributes were paid to her magnificent role in the community.

Linenhall Square was also unique in having two sets of twins in adjoining houses, - Robbie and James Martin, along with Sean and Brian (RIP) McAleenan. Also two brothers were married to two sisters, - Oliver Casey wed Elizabeth Smith, while Charlie was married to Bridie Smith, a professional photographer.

Another unusual aspect was that a resident named O’Hare kept a horse upstairs at his home. Tony Bagnal recalls his shock at seeing the steed looking out through a bedroom window, And a man known as ”Daddy Man” Hamill, an entrepreneur who sold carpets, kept over 100 donkeys on the green.

Incidentally, the local 1798 martyrs, Cochran and Lowans, were held prisoner at `the Barracks,’ before being hanged, drawn and quartered, their heads displayed on a pike at Margaret Square.

While most people would be delighted that this once-deprived area should now present a modern and progressive aspect, there could be a certain nostalgia for the “Good Old Days,” when the area known as `the Barracks’ was a close-knit community. full of colour and character.

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