More important, a small group of dedicated men and women gathered in the Fr Matthew Hall to “shape the future of Rostrevor’s brave new world.” The Pioneer Council was re-formed, with Monsignor Timothy Boyle as spiritual director, Jack Hanna as president; Susan Cole, secretary; and George Tinnelly as treasurer. Also elected were Bridie McCormack, Josephine Morgan and Jim Parr. Within two years there were 90 members and 93 probationers.

What a versatile personality was chosen as president, as Jack Hanna was not only a dedicated abstainer, but also operated a thriving newsagency, was actor and producer with the Rostrevor Dramatic Society, and also a gifted musician. Indeed, he had played Gaelic football for St Peter’s G.F.C., Warrenpoint and Burren, as well as the county squad, back in the 20’s.

Before moving to Rostrevor on marriage to a local girl, Jack Hanna was a member of the Warrenpoint INF Flute Band, as well as playing saxophone with a dance band. Incidentally, his brother, Frank, was the popular producer with Warrenpoint pantomimes for many years.

Fascinated by drama, Jack would get involved with touring companies, when they arrived in the ‘Point. He would go backstage to see the stars, soak up the atmosphere and chat up the impresario. Invited to do walk-on parts, he later got meaty roles. So, when he settled in Rostrevor, Jack was able to put his experience to good stead, as actor and producer, with the local dramatic society.

In 1937, Jack Hanna took over the newsagency, confectionary and tobacconist premises on the Square, which the family still operate, under the management of son, Kevin. When there had been a wholesale aspect, Kevin was in charge of deliveries throughout the Mourne area. Not only did he inherit his father’s business acumen, but also the interest in sport, music and the Pioneers. And he was elected Northern Ireland President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

Playing for the St Bronagh’s GFC football team, Kevin Hanna was also a member of the Ballad Group, which reached the All-Ireland Finals of the Scor competition. He played the cornet with the Rostrevor INF Silver Band; and was a member of the popular Glen Mona Ceili Band, with Sean Cooper, Eddie Sherry, Brian Hannon and Ann Rooney. Later, Sean Daly, Hugh Magill and Syl Campbell joined.

Under the direction of Jack Hanna and his team, the Rostrevor Pioneers prospered. By the 50’s they had over 230 members, organising socials, - where the Glen Mona Ceili Band entertained, - excursions and pilgrimages to Knock.

The infusion in the 60’s of new blood like Val Murphy and P.J. Kielty, along with Colm Fearon, John Curran, Seamus McVeigh, Martin Parr, Eric McLaughlin, Gertrude Murphy, Mary Rose and Nan Quinn brought a new sense of direction, focussing on attracting young people in the changing environment.

The first Annual Dinner Dance was held in the local G.N.R. Hotel, since demolished in an IRA bomb-attack. An invitation was issued to Paddy Murphy, a Rostrevor student at Queen’s University, to address those present on how young people perceived the Pioneer movement, and how they could be best-equipped to compete with the various influences which target young people in a rapidly-changing world.

30 years later, Paddy Murphy was again the main speaker at that function, this time as Director of the Belfast Institute for Further Education, that imposing structure on Great Victoria Street, - a post from which he recently retired.

The 70’s had begun on a note of celebration, with Silver Jubilee pins presented to Jack Hanna, Charles and George Tinnelly, Joe and George Parr, Peter Ryan, Thomas and Patrick Farrell, James Ryan, Francis Grant, Thomas Collins, Fred Rea, Louis Owens, Fr Crawford, Mrs Curran, Mrs Small, Mrs Gribben, Mrs Quinn, Mrs McDonald, Sarah Fearon, Rose Farrell, Margaret Morgan, Ann Doyle and Margaret McClorey.

However, the “Troubles” intervened, including bomb-attacks which demolished Rostrevor’s two hotels; and also the shooting dead of a young man, Paul Tinnelly, member of a prominent local family. All social and community life had to be suspended for several years.

Finally, in 1976, the local Pioneer Association re-grouped under the direction of Peter McGrath as president. He was assisted by a committee of Joe Connolly, Patsy Tinnelly, Hugh John Murphy and Patsy Cunningham, along with Mary McPolin, Mrs Kielty, Mrs McNally and Mrs Fegan.

The whole emphasis was on the younger generation in the changing social environment, demonstrated by teenage discos, including pupils at the two local primary schools. And today, 30 years later, an uphill battle faces the Rostrevor Pioneer Council, including Monsignor Arthur Bradley; president Jim Rice, vice-president Patrick Murphy, secretary Ita McDonald, treasurer Rose Anne Kielty and PRO, Kevin Hanna.

With alcohol abuse wrecking so many lives, especially of young people, the leadership and objectives of the Pioneer movement were never so essential. And controversy also rages over the role, which drinks’ companies play in so many sports, including the G.A.A.!

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