Belfast Forum
Belfast Boards => Belfast History and Memories => Topic started by: geraldine williamson on September 07, 2010, 05:25:33 PM
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:smile: :smile: :smile:
Hi there, does anybody remember the O'Connor family? Lived at the lower end of Spamount Street. There was a big family of them, mother was Amelia and father Dan. I worked with Doreen, one of the daughters, at the Mater in the mid-fifties. I took off to Coventry and Doreen got married and went to live in America. Correspondence faded as we got older. Would love to know how her and her husband Joe got on in US.
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hello GW I knew Kevin & Brendan the brothers. Would you remember the Reagans, Rileys Mc Williams :hi: and you would have to know the Donnely family. Horse and cart bellmen forever .
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Hi there, nice to hear from you. Yes that would be 2 of Doreen's bros. Whatever became of the family, do you know? There were a few girls. I remember when Doreen was engaged to Joe Bowman, she used to wear her engagement ring round her neck on a chain, the father was very strict, and she always had the newest arrival (brother/sister) in the pram pushing it to look after for her mum. Joe used to walk alongside. Doreen was a lovely wee girl. GW
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Hi there JohnMc, I can't recall any of these name you asked about, Reagans, Rileys or McWilliams etc. Have racked my brains though. The old grey matter ain't what it used to be!
Facing Anna McMullan's house, on the other side of Spamount St, there was a family who had an older girl, I think she was very shy and older than my sis and I. She used to get The Red Star weekly and all those girlie magazines and give them to us when she finished them. Used to talk on the doorstep for many an hour, lovely wee lady she was. Don't know her name, but they let us play ball against her gable wall which led into Trainfield St. Very odd family I think, but nice with it, never bothered with anyone in the streets.
Did you know Chrissie Hall and her mother Rosie, she was a lone mother, also in Trainfield on far side of us. And Martha Walls and her family. She had a sister who was Ellen Walls who suffered "sleepy sickne" and used to go about in old clothes trying to link up with anyone, think she had Parkinson's cause she shook all over. Felt sorry for her but was afraid too... GW
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Hello Geraldine,
Maybe a bit after your time early/mid 60's at that part of Spamount St lived my cousins McKenna's (No 78) other families I knew well at that time were The O Rielly big tall lad called Michael, There was also The McGreevys The McGuigans The Largeys The Morgans. Was The Spa Inn there corner of Trainfield St. I think it was build 1950,s on a bomb site.
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Hi there Dickie. Have tried to do this twice and computer was playing up and blocking me out!!
I went to school with a wee girl called McKenna, can't remember her first name though long before your time, she might even be your aunt..she used to recite Christopher Robin is saying his prayers, for my mother. What a lovely voice she had and so clever. She had long blonde hair (my sis and I had long brown hair) and I used to wish I had blonde hair like her!! Didn't know that other name you mentioned. GW
GW.
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Hello, I know that you are talking about the bottom end of Spamount St and I lived at the other end. I can remember from the bottom the Regans, the daughter was a teacher at the Star of hte Sea boys school. The names that I can recall are Morrissons,( a family of very smart young people), Hanna's( Jim Had a barbers shop )Hylands, and the Mc Cauleys. .Magees, Headings, I went to Jims barbers shop for years. ;)
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I remember Jim Hannas barbers corner of Spamount Street and Glenrosa Street. He moved to King St and is still there as far as I know. There was also a little shop on the other corner and next door lived The Devlins they all got the nickname Topper. I remember at the very bottom was a garage I think it was Esso. The shop at the corner of Spamount St and Leeper St was called Amelias in my day.
There was some good footballers lived in Spamount St and I suppose the best Was Eamon Largey he went on and won the Irish Cup 78/79 with the great Cliftonville side at that time. His Father had a shop at the bottom of Artillery House.
Hello, I know that you are talking about the bottom end of Spamount St and I lived at the other end. I can remember from the bottom the Regans, the daughter was a teacher at the Star of hte Sea boys school. The names that I can recall are Morrissons,( a family of very smart young people), Hanna's( Jim Had a barbers shop )Hylands, and the Mc Cauleys. .Magees, Headings, I went to Jims barbers shop for years. ;)
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Dickie sounds like you were maybe a blow in to Spamount St [ joking !! ] the corner shop you mention belonged to Bob and Rita Mills since Adam was a boy. They retired from there and went to live the good life at Glengormely.The local pub at trainfield st was known as Mc Grans pub with a small walk in /out off licence type place.Tommy Mc Ilveen. a wheel in the Crues FC, lived at 115. opposite Bob,s shop.I have to say here that Bob was very good to our family even though we went to different churches and we lived in a mixed neighbour hood.Bob and Rita were regulars at Mc Grans when the shop closed at night.
Jim Hanna was still going when I last spoke to him circa 2005. I think he was just there to supervise by then, He was a bit of a light in boxing circles.His Dad was on the board of the Mater Hsptl for a long time before the Gov got involved .And I couldn,t not mention the Donnely family who were local coal men since I was a lad . Horse and cart bellmen until time caught up with them and they converted to lorries.Brendan had a horse collar in stained glass above his front door .Lived nearly opposite the Mc Greevy house opposite
So there you are Dickie . A little bit of Spamount . St history . Mind you I still haven,t figured out GW,s name yet . Give me time! And no offence intended with my first para.
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Hi there again JohnMc,ons surprised you don't remember our family, the Williamsons of No 16, next door to the Mooneys who had the factory at the back, used the saw-mill all day long. Never bothered us though. My brothers were Bertie, John and Geraldo (father nick named him this, his name was really Gerald, after himself).Had only one sister called Patsy for short (Patricia). My maiden name is Geraldine (Gerry for short) married name Travers (married a Jim Travers from Scotland) arish Church in Raglan Street 1956. in Coventry at St Marys Parish Church. Didn't put my married name as no one would remember me other than Williamson.
My mother was always working, all day every day, even Sundays at the Training college on the Falls Rd doing the breakfasts for the student girls (no men in them days).
My sister married a Donnelly but they lived at Willowbank Gdns off the Antrim Rd and really thought they were the toffs!! The mother was always looking for a loan to pay the rates (they didn't own the house, bro-in-law did and rented it out to them. They also run that wee pub Little Brown Jug in Belfast.
Small world isn't it? GW
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Hi there again JohnMc,ons surprised you don't remember our family, the Williamsons of No 16, next door to the Mooneys who had the factory at the back, used the saw-mill all day long. Never bothered us though. My brothers were Bertie, John and Geraldo (father nick named him this, his name was really Gerald, after himself).Had only one sister called Patsy for short (Patricia). My maiden name is Geraldine (Gerry for short) married name Travers (married a Jim Travers from Scotland) arish Church in Raglan Street 1956. in Coventry at St Marys Parish Church. Didn't put my married name as no one would remember me other than Williamson.
My mother was always working, all day every day, even Sundays at the Training college on the Falls Rd doing the breakfasts for the student girls (no men in them days).
My sister married a Donnelly but they lived at Willowbank Gdns off the Antrim Rd and really thought they were the toffs!! The mother was always looking for a loan to pay the rates (they didn't own the house, bro-in-law did and rented it out to them. They also run that wee pub Little Brown Jug in Belfast.
Small world isn't it? GW
Geraldine....it is a small world. I knew Brian Donnelly and he immigrated to Canada. His older brother was a member of parliament in N of I. about 1978. They are the same Donnellys who lived in Willowbank.
Jim Hanna cut my hair for about 10 years and then I lfet the area. I now live in Australia and on one of my trips back about 1997 I went to Jim's place on King St and he cut my hair. Jim cut my hair when we had names for haircuts. The D.A., Tony Curtis,Perry Como. When I arrived in his shop in King St I had my hair cut and brushed back and by the time Jim and I reminissed and talked for ages he had given me a Perry Como haircut that he used to give me about 40 years ago. :D
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Hello johnmc no offence taken.
I suppose I was a blow in I was from top end Hillman St. I played about Spamount St with my cousins. Here is a pic of the pub as i remember it. There was a small side bit that sold carry outs.
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz146/dickie_album/SpaInn.png)
Dickie sounds like you were maybe a blow in to Spamount St [ joking !! ] the corner shop you mention belonged to Bob and Rita Mills since Adam was a boy. They retired from there and went to live the good life at Glengormely.The local pub at trainfield st was known as Mc Grans pub with a small walk in /out off licence type place.Tommy Mc Ilveen. a wheel in the Crues FC, lived at 115. opposite Bob,s shop.I have to say here that Bob was very good to our family even though we went to different churches and we lived in a mixed neighbour hood.Bob and Rita were regulars at Mc Grans when the shop closed at night.
Jim Hanna was still going when I last spoke to him circa 2005. I think he was just there to supervise by then, He was a bit of a light in boxing circles.His Dad was on the board of the Mater Hsptl for a long time before the Gov got involved .And I couldn,t not mention the Donnely family who were local coal men since I was a lad . Horse and cart bellmen until time caught up with them and they converted to lorries.Brendan had a horse collar in stained glass above his front door .Lived nearly opposite the Mc Greevy house opposite
So there you are Dickie . A little bit of Spamount . St history . Mind you I still haven,t figured out GW,s name yet . Give me time! And no offence intended with my first para.
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Hello Dickie,
Watch that JMAC. ....He has a beard and is mean looking. I met him a couple of years ago in Perth ( Australia) .but he is an old family friend and a very kind person. ;) I am interested in when you lived in Hillman St. I had many friends ...pre '69 who lived at the top end just before Hallidays rd. The sad thing is that these people dispersed around Newtownabbey and it is hard to trace them. :smile:
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Dickie SJ is full of Belfast Bulldust! He said that about me because he owes me money!
Johnmc
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Hello,
sj I lived in the very top block above halidays rd lived there pre 69. I might know some people you knew any names.
And JMAC do you live in Perth I have a lifelong friend lives in Perth Brian Duffy works as a lift engineer do you know him. I know Perth is a large city and this is improbable.
Hello Dickie,
Watch that JMAC. ....He has a beard and is mean looking. I met him a couple of years ago in Perth ( Australia) .but he is an old family friend and a very kind person. ;) I am interested in when you lived in Hillman St. I had many friends ...pre '69 who lived at the top end just before Hallidays rd. The sad thing is that these people dispersed around Newtownabbey and it is hard to trace them. :smile:
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Hello Dickie,
I went to primary school at the Star of the Sea which was very close. In the top end where you lived I knew the Donaldsons . 2nd door from Hallidays Rd on l.h.s. and further up there ws the Cummings who were a family of six boys and they al went to the Jaffa school. On the r.h.s. there was Tommy Lee...ist door past the shop and then Miss Mc Cormick who taught the piano. Relations of my mothers lived near Miss Mc Cormick and they were called Scullion.Do you remember the Cannings, Mickey and Brian whose parents owned the Academy newsagency opposite the Cliftonville Rd. Just below the Hallidays were great friends of mine, the Shiels...1st door past the shop and on the opposite side was the Cappers. ;) My mum had the small shop beside the entry at the top of Spamount St. ;)
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Hi there Sj, again, you have taken my breath way! I went to Miss McCormack for music lessons, she was a lovely lady and very patient. Manys a happy hour I spent twice a week, learning pianoforte, all the Strauss waltz etc. I played by ear and was always in trouble by not being to point where I was on the music sheet! But sure Paul McCartney plays by ear so I suppose I was in good company.... GW
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Hello sj,
I have very very fond memories of miss McCormack she lived directly facing me in Hillman St. I remember she would bring me into her parlour, where her piano was situated and play for me. She would give me a biscuit and a glass of milk. She must have taken a liking to me because I was the only kid in the street that she allowed into her house. Her friend lived next door Miss Cormican and miss McCormack kept an eye on her, she was an older lady. I was not fornunate enough for my family to be able to afford piano lessons but later in life i found that I had a ear for music. My wife bought me a guitar for my 40th birthday and I taught myself to play t a reasonable standard. Since I have learned to play the tin whistle, harmonica, and am currently struggling with the mandoline. Maybe all those years ago listening to Miss McCormack taught me something.
A few doors down lived The Scullions and I remember them well. I also remember The Donaldsons and I would have played with them and the Cummings. I was a similar age to Edward and it broke my heart when they left Hillman st. One of the older brothers is on friends re-united and lives on York Rd working as an undertaker. I attempted to contact him with no reply. The Cummings eventually had a girl Linda I think was her name she was the youngest.
Thinking back then its very sad that because of the troubles friends were lost when nearly all the protestants left Hillman St. Familys that I grew up with including The Cummings, The Donaldsons, The Mussens, The Toppings, The Muterys all left.
I remember The Cannings very well and they were such a lovely family. Brian I think was the youngest and they lived above the shop. I remember they had a viandra which looked onto the Antrim Rd. There was also a daughter who was very good looking and was really nice. Mr and Mrs Canning were lovely people and I think they moved to Bangor and Brian looked after the shop.
Thanks for reminding me of Miss McCormack, she always wore Black I wonder did she lose a loved on in the war or something and never married I suppose we will never know but she was a lovely lady.
Hello Dickie,
I went to primary school at the Star of the Sea which was very close. In the top end where you lived I knew the Donaldsons . 2nd door from Hallidays Rd on l.h.s. and further up there ws the Cummings who were a family of six boys and they al went to the Jaffa school. On the r.h.s. there was Tommy Lee...ist door past the shop and then Miss Mc Cormick who taught the piano. Relations of my mothers lived near Miss Mc Cormick and they were called Scullion.Do you remember the Cannings, Mickey and Brian whose parents owned the Academy newsagency opposite the Cliftonville Rd. Just below the Hallidays were great friends of mine, the Shiels...1st door past the shop and on the opposite side was the Cappers. ;) My mum had the small shop beside the entry at the top of Spamount St. ;)
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Hi There Dickie
I went to school with a Jim McGuigan who I beleive lived in Spamount Street and from memory he lost a sister in an explosion as I have vauge memories of him being called out of the class on the day it happened.
Would anyone know of his whereabouts??
Thanks
Mucker
f ufHi there Dickie. Have tried to do this twice and computer was playing up and blocking me out!!
I went to school with a wee girl called McKenna, can't remember her first name though long before your time, she might even be your aunt..she used to recite Christopher Robin is saying his prayers, for my mother. What a lovely voice she had and so clever. She had long blonde hair (my sis and I had long brown hair) and I used to wish I had blonde hair like her!! Didn't know that other name you mentioned. GW
GW.
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Hello mucker
I do not live around there anymore but as far as I know Jim stil lives in the new lodge I will try and find his whereabouts. Jim lived 2 doors down from my cousins directly facing Glenrosa st.
Hi There Dickie
I went to school with a Jim McGuigan who I beleive lived in Spamount Street and from memory he lost a sister in an explosion as I have vauge memories of him being called out of the class on the day it happened.
Would anyone know of his whereabouts??
Thanks
Mucker
f uf
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Hello sj,
I have very very fond memories of miss McCormack she lived directly facing me in Hillman St. I remember she would bring me into her parlour, where her piano was situated and play for me. She would give me a biscuit and a glass of milk. She must have taken a liking to me because I was the only kid in the street that she allowed into her house. Her friend lived next door Miss Cormican and miss McCormack kept an eye on her, she was an older lady. I was not fornunate enough for my family to be able to afford piano lessons but later in life i found that I had a ear for music. My wife bought me a guitar for my 40th birthday and I taught myself to play t a reasonable standard. Since I have learned to play the tin whistle, harmonica, and am currently struggling with the mandoline. Maybe all those years ago listening to Miss McCormack taught me something.
A few doors down lived The Scullions and I remember them well. I also remember The Donaldsons and I would have played with them and the Cummings. I was a similar age to Edward and it broke my heart when they left Hillman st. One of the older brothers is on friends re-united and lives on York Rd working as an undertaker. I attempted to contact him with no reply. The Cummings eventually had a girl Linda I think was her name she was the youngest.
Thinking back then its very sad that because of the troubles friends were lost when nearly all the protestants left Hillman St. Familys that I grew up with including The Cummings, The Donaldsons, The Mussens, The Toppings, The Muterys all left.
I remember The Cannings very well and they were such a lovely family. Brian I think was the youngest and they lived above the shop. I remember they had a viandra which looked onto the Antrim Rd. There was also a daughter who was very good looking and was really nice. Mr and Mrs Canning were lovely people and I think they moved to Bangor and Brian looked after the shop.
Thanks for reminding me of Miss McCormack, she always wore Black I wonder did she lose a loved on in the war or something and never married I suppose we will never know but she was a lovely lady.
Hello Dickie,
Those are great memories. One of my best friends durinh primary school and for part of high school was Joe Donaldson . He went to the Star of the Sea school. I have tried for years to contact Raymond Shiels but to no avail. Mickey Canning was the youngest and was about the same age as me and we went to the same school . There was Maureen , a sister who had blondish hair, and was really nice and another older sister. I also tried to contact the oldest Cummins but never got a reply. That top end of Hillman St was great spot for playing soccer. The Donaldsons were related to Joe Mulholland who was the builder and Frank who had the shop on Hallidays Rd was also related. It was a great spot when Frank Carson worked for Joe Mulholland and practiced his jokes on the kids going to school. :D
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I lived at 107 Spamount St. As a kid I hung out (a little) with your brother Geraldo!
Another friend of mine was Jim McFaul from 101 (next door to Mr & Mrs McGarry at the lamppost beside the Blairs!)
My Granny owned McMahons shop - Teesie and Jimmy and my mom Maggie were the children. By the way someone
mentioned Malachy's Butchers on North Queen St although it was commonly called that it was really owned by my
uncle Jimmy! Another interesting memory I have of your family - You were the first people that I knew to get a
television set and we were not allowed in to see it, so Geraldo left the blind up a little and we quietly leaned on
your window sill to peek at it! I remember thinking how are they going to sing on it? (Duh) What ever happened to Geraldo?
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Hello again sj,
Yes the top of Hillman street was great for football. Where the flats garages where a goal post was painted on the wall. We played a game called kemp there, it was one or two touch football.
Down our entry which was closed was Mullhollands Yard and I remember going down and remember the smell of sawdust. Do you remember Mrs Maxwell's shop top of upper meadow street. She was a tall lady and I remember my father sending me to get a bottle of coffee she was the only shop that sold it. I cannot remember the name of it at the moment but it wiil come to me.
Got it, it was called Camp
Hello Dickie,
Those are great memories. One of my best friends durinh primary school and for part of high school was Joe Donaldson . He went to the Star of the Sea school. I have tried for years to contact Raymond Shiels but to no avail. Mickey Canning was the youngest and was about the same age as me and we went to the same school . There was Maureen , a sister who had blondish hair, and was really nice and another older sister. I also tried to contact the oldest Cummins but never got a reply. That top end of Hillman St was great spot for playing soccer. The Donaldsons were related to Joe Mulholland who was the builder and Frank who had the shop on Hallidays Rd was also related. It was a great spot when Frank Carson worked for Joe Mulholland and practiced his jokes on the kids going to school. :D
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Hello again sj,
Yes the top of Hillman street was great for football. Where the flats garages where a goal post was painted on the wall. We played a game called kemp there, it was one or two touch football.
Down our entry which was closed was Mullhollands Yard and I remember going down and remember the smell of sawdust. Do you remember Mrs Maxwell's shop top of upper meadow street. She was a tall lady and I remember my father sending me to get a bottle of coffee she was the only shop that sold it. I cannot remember the name of it at the moment but it wiil come to me.
Got it, it was called Camp
Camp coffee with chickory was one of the range. I played a lot of soccer in the yard at the back of the shops and then a gate was put on it . Mr Canning washed his car in there and it took him all morning ...well it seemed an age.
Dickie what primary school did you go to. ?I vaguely remember the Maxwells who had the shop at Meadow St. Was that before Joe and his wife bought it. He had been a coalman. ? ;) Was the fruit and veg shop at Hillman St and Hallidays Rd called Mauds? I used to queue in Gordons bakery , about 2pm, for the afternoon delivery of bread however it was their sodas and fruit squares that we liked. :swoon:
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Ther was always a gate on the garages in my memory, but yes Mr Canning washed his car in there there was also a water tap for washing cars. Mr Canning drove either a rover or a truimph. And yes remember gordons bakery on hot days they pulled a striped awning down. I remember going to Don's and geting 3d worth of broken biscuits.
Camp coffee with chickory was one of the range. I played a lot of soccer in the yard at the back of the shops and then a gate was put on it . Mr Canning washed his car in there and it took him all morning ...well it seemed an age.
Dickie what primary school did you go to. ?I vaguely remember the Maxwells who had the shop at Meadow St. Was that before Joe and his wife bought it. He had been a coalman. ? ;) Was the fruit and veg shop at Hillman St and Hallidays Rd called Mauds? I used to queue in Gordons bakery , about 2pm, for the afternoon delivery of bread however it was their sodas and fruit squares that we liked. :swoon:
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Does anyone remember a shop in Spamount Street late 1960`s
early 1970`s -think people called Brennan ran it?
jillyfred
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[i see his wife regularly i will pass on details of website etc.
quote author=muckermcd link=topic=32185.msg734523#msg734523 date=1285544565]
Hi There Dickie
I went to school with a Jim McGuigan who I beleive lived in Spamount Street and from memory he lost a sister in an explosion as I have vauge memories of him being called out of the class on the day it happened.
Would anyone know of his whereabouts??
Thanks
Mucker
f uf
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saw jim the other day he lives two doors from my sister on nlr i think its number 170 if i see him again i,ll tell him to look you up on the forum
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My relations lived in 122 Spamont street , the Mallons, funny you should mention the Mc Greevys,I work in a hospital here in Vancouver and I met Michael Mc Greevy last week .
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llo buttercup,
I see geraldine regular I know her husband Roy. The Mc Greevy's I spoke of were Jim and Harry. There was another family who had a Mickey had brothers called Lenny and Ginger.
My relations lived in 122 Spamont street , the Mallons, funny you should mention the Mc Greevys,I work in a hospital here in Vancouver and I met Michael Mc Greevy last week .
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lenny was doing a bit of sparking for newington housing,before mascott took over the contract for their maintenance work
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hi Proguesman, you talked about mulcaughys butchers that was between Greenmount and Lewis sts ,if it was when I was a wee nipper I live in Lewis st ,mid40s to 1950 with my mothers family her name was Lizzy Green, Mulcaughys was our local butcher , I was only about 3maybe 4 at thetime but THE BUTCHER use to put me on there dogs back ,I think the dogs name was PEGGIE. I use to have friend in Spammount st called Jim Spence , and Bill Hamill from Hillman st just at the stumps, cheers Alby.
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My father was born at number 46 Spamount Street in 1916. I have been meaning to visit there and see where he was born. :smile:
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:hi: Hello Daisy I can save you a trip ! Spamount St no longer exists as such. I was born in 111 and all those houses are gone Kind regards Johnmc
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Thank you Johnmc. I'm sorry to hear that part of the Spamount Street no longer exists. I shall have to find some old photos then.
I have so little on my dad's early years. Guess I left it too late to go searching.
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saw jim the other day he lives two doors from my sister on nlr i think its number 170 if i see him again i,ll tell him to look you up on the forum
Hi Kevben if you do see him please give him my email address [email protected] it would be great if i could catch up with him.
Many Thanks
Micky McDonnell
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will do micky as soon as i see him or i,ll leave it with my sister ok m8
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Hi there Kevben, read your reply again...you did a bit of sparking for a housing estate you say. Well now, tell me what I did wrong here.
Mt light on the back bedroom ceiling was shorting, coming on and off, so I went to B&Q and bought a complete ceiling fitment, and as per the internet my son and I fitted it to the ceiling, put the economy bulb in and the shade and switched on the light. It didn't work. Got an electrician in and he said it was the pull switch at the side of the wall, so he "mended it" but it worked for a day and then blanked us again. With your knowledge what do you think is happening, our house is detached and built 1959 and we are only the 2nd family here (only one son and me left I might add, the rest of the family are abroad). Cheers GW.
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Hi there Kevben, read your reply again...you did a bit of sparking for a housing estate you say. Well now, tell me what I did wrong here.
Mt light on the back bedroom ceiling was shorting, coming on and off, so I went to B&Q and bought a complete ceiling fitment, and as per the internet my son and I fitted it to the ceiling, put the economy bulb in and the shade and switched on the light. It didn't work. Got an electrician in and he said it was the pull switch at the side of the wall, so he "mended it" but it worked for a day and then blanked us again. With your knowledge what do you think is happening, our house is detached and built 1959 and we are only the 2nd family here (only one son and me left I might add, the rest of the family are abroad). Cheers GW.
Hi, GW, First of all did you tell the spark that you and your paris bun fitted the ceiling rose because your not allowed to (regulations) and secondly, after you employed the spark and everything was working and the bulb blew(I guess) did you try another bulb, if you try another bulb that you know is working and it doesn,t light, some of your connections in the ceiling rose may not be tightened right, but I again tell you you are not allowed (regulations) to fix any electrical work yourself unless you are approved( and we are not talking school here), by the way I am just in from my quiz night (which we won) so I am slightly inebriated here
and not thinking clearly so try a new bulb first of all failing that you need a new switch which should have been fitted in the first place.
Slan for now ,Apalachie, :smile:
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Hi there Kevben, read your reply again...you did a bit of sparking for a housing estate you say. Well now, tell me what I did wrong here.
Mt light on the back bedroom ceiling was shorting, coming on and off, so I went to B&Q and bought a complete ceiling fitment, and as per the internet my son and I fitted it to the ceiling, put the economy bulb in and the shade and switched on the light. It didn't work. Got an electrician in and he said it was the pull switch at the side of the wall, so he "mended it" but it worked for a day and then blanked us again. With your knowledge what do you think is happening, our house is detached and built 1959 and we are only the 2nd family here (only one son and me left I might add, the rest of the family are abroad). Cheers GW.
Geraldine,
It sounds to me like you need a new switch. It is not a good idea to "mend" switches that are 51 years old :smile:
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Hi there Kevben, read your reply again...you did a bit of sparking for a housing estate you say. Well now, tell me what I did wrong here.
Mt light on the back bedroom ceiling was shorting, coming on and off, so I went to B&Q and bought a complete ceiling fitment, and as per the internet my son and I fitted it to the ceiling, put the economy bulb in and the shade and switched on the light. It didn't work. Got an electrician in and he said it was the pull switch at the side of the wall, so he "mended it" but it worked for a day and then blanked us again. With your knowledge what do you think is happening, our house is detached and built 1959 and we are only the 2nd family here (only one son and me left I might add, the rest of the family are abroad). Cheers GW.
GW! Wait till I tell ya! We got a new light fitting for our scullery, and I swear, the bloody bulbs lasted about 1 week! We replaced them, and honestly, they never last a crack! I blame it on the Government! If ye ask me! ;)
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GW! Wait till I tell ya! We got a new light fitting for our scullery, and I swear, the bloody bulbs lasted about 1 week! We replaced them, and honestly, they never last a crack! I blame it on the Government! If ye ask me! ;)
Hi Sally Ann, are you using the right wattage of bulbs as to many on the one fitting will cause them to constantly blow, by the way I love that word SCULLERY. :smile:
Slan, Apalachie.
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Hi Sally Ann, are you using the right wattage of bulbs as to many on the one fitting will cause them to constantly blow, by the way I love that word SCULLERY. :smile:
Slan, Apalachie.
Are you a plasterer? :D
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Are you a plasterer? :D
Hi Burnsy, no but I was last night when answering those questions :D .
Slan for now, Apalachie.
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;)
Hi Burnsy, no but I was last night when answering those questions :D .
Slan for now, Apalachie.
:good: :D
Good honest answer, so yer from North Belfast
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;)
:good: :D
Good honest answer, so yer from North Belfast
NLR born and reared, got married and moved up the cavehill at 20, still here but sadly on my own. :(
Slan for now, Apalachie.
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Hi Sally Ann, are you using the right wattage of bulbs as to many on the one fitting will cause them to constantly blow, by the way I love that word SCULLERY. :smile:
Slan, Apalachie.
God I love you Apalachie!! :air_kiss: Why didn't I think of that? Oh! Wait! We have used the same Watts of bulbs that came with it, but hey, anyone to blame is my OH! ;) (Sally Ann toddles off, IQ intact! :D )
NLR born and reared, got married and moved up the cavehill at 20, still here but sadly on my own. :(
Slan for now, Apalachie.
Well I hope you are coming to the MEET, next Saturday, 4th Dec, Crown Bar @ 19.00 hours! No excuses now! Just be there or we will give you a hard time on here if you're a no show! :girl_blum:
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God I love you Apalachie!! :air_kiss: Why didn't I think of that? Oh! Wait! We have used the same Watts of bulbs that came with it, but hey, anyone to blame is my OH! ;) (Sally Ann toddles off, IQ intact! :D )
Well I hope you are coming to the MEET, next Saturday, 4th Dec, Crown Bar @ 19.00 hours! No excuses now! Just be there or we will give you a hard time on here if you're a no show! :girl_blum:
Sorry Sally Ann but I currently work as a Taxi Driver so a Saturday is definately a NO NO but you never no you might see me sitting outside were your having your Pow Wow.
Slan for now, Apalachie.
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I have sent numerous e-mails about my wee brother Geraldo RIP, but you don't seem to be receiving them, where am I going wrong? and remember you are not a pest, thanks for taking the interest in Geraldo. GW.
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Does anyone remember a Family called Brennan in Spamount Street?
Probably 1960`s and 1970`s.
Jillyfred
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Does anyone remember a Family called Brennan in Spamount Street?
Probably 1960`s and 1970`s.
Jillyfred
Did they own a shop at the corner of Edlingham St?
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Hello Alapachie,
Yes they did own a shop but I do not know if it was on that corner.
They were Ella and John and one son called Brian.
They lived above the shop.
John died when Brian was about 8. His Mum and Auntie Pearl worked in
the shop up until the 1970`s as far as I know.
Jillyfred
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Hello Mucker,
I was talking to Jim on Friday and he had heard about this post. We had a good old yarn about thegood old days. But he told me that you have got your story mixed up. What happened was a girl called Blakely was sadly killed in an explosion, she was from Newington. The girls brother was in your class and Jim was asked to go home with the lad. Jim gave me his phone number and if Jimm agrees I will give it to you, give me a PM.
Hi There Dickie
I went to school with a Jim McGuigan who I beleive lived in Spamount Street and from memory he lost a sister in an explosion as I have vauge memories of him being called out of the class on the day it happened.
Would anyone know of his whereabouts??
Thanks
Mucker
f uf
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Hi there JohnMc, I can't recall any of these name you asked about, Reagans, Rileys or McWilliams etc. Have racked my brains though. The old grey matter ain't what it used to be!
Facing Anna McMullan's house, on the other side of Spamount St, there was a family who had an older girl, I think she was very shy and older than my sis and I. She used to get The Red Star weekly and all those girlie magazines and give them to us when she finished them. Used to talk on the doorstep for many an hour, lovely wee lady she was. Don't know her name, but they let us play ball against her gable wall which led into Trainfield St. Very odd family I think, but nice with it, never bothered with anyone in the streets.
Did you know Chrissie Hall and her mother Rosie, she was a lone mother, also in Trainfield on far side of us. And Martha Walls and her family. She had a sister who was Ellen Walls who suffered "sleepy sickne" and used to go about in old clothes trying to link up with anyone, think she had Parkinson's cause she shook all over. Felt sorry for her but was afraid too... GW
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The Regan's and Reilly's were my cousins, I'm Maurice O'Connor, we lived at 40 Spamount St, my siblings are,Doreen, Kevin,RIP,Brian,RIP, Raymond,Mona,Yvonne,Imelda,Stella,Colm,Leo and Joan.
Kevin and me both worked at the docks, our father was foreman there and went by the name of Big Dan.
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The Regan's and Reilly's were my cousins, I'm Maurice O'Connor, we lived at 40 Spamount St, my siblings are,Doreen, Kevin,RIP,Brian,RIP, Raymond,Mona,Yvonne,Imelda,Stella,Colm,Leo and Joan.
Kevin and me both worked at the docks, our father was foreman there and went by the name of Big Dan.
Im happy to have found this Site . Im Ray O Connor from # 40 also . I really enjoy the comments in here. I went to the Holy Family school then Hardinge St for a wee while. I then went to sea sailing on the Harpula a Shell tanker on its maiden vogage out of Belfast. I finally settled down in Chicago Ill. and now I bought a place in Sarasota Florida where I am now. I travel between Chicago and Florida several times a year . My Siblings are in California ; Chicago and S. Africa .with several staying in Belfast . A lot of the names mentioned ring a bell but Ive been gone a long time. Good Luck All .
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The Regan's and Reilly's were my cousins, I'm Maurice O'Connor, we lived at 40 Spamount St, my siblings are,Doreen, Kevin,RIP,Brian,RIP, Raymond,Mona,Yvonne,Imelda,Stella,Colm,Leo and Joan.
Kevin and me both worked at the docks, our father was foreman there and went by the name of Big Dan.
Hello Maurice....it is a small world.
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Hello Maurice....it is a small world.
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Hello smamount,
I remember well my father talking about Big Dan O Connor. Your Father gave out the slips (receipts to work) for the boats, I remember my father saying Big Dan would look after him. I was in the Dockers Club a couple of weeks ago and it was a time warp, Brian McCann singing, and Big Dan OHara behind the bar. small world
The Regan's and Reilly's were my cousins, I'm Maurice O'Connor, we lived at 40 Spamount St, my siblings are,Doreen, Kevin,RIP,Brian,RIP, Raymond,Mona,Yvonne,Imelda,Stella,Colm,Leo and Joan.
Kevin and me both worked at the docks, our father was foreman there and went by the name of Big Dan.
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Maurice ; These computers are amazing . You must be my long lost brother ; and Big Dan was my Da living in # 40 . I recall a lot of the names and places mentioned but my memory is foggy . Do you remember me loaning you thrupence for the Duncairn Pics and sixpence for Lyceum ? Let bygones be bygones Ill stay poor . The best of luck to all present and former residents of Spamount St. I miss it . Ray,
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I am new to this site and I really love it. I am Joan (Big Dan O'Connor's youngest daughter) Sometimes I wish I could go back in time as I loved living at #40 Spamount St. I immigrated with my husband Michael and 2 young children to Chicago in 1983.
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I thought that I would never hear from you again after the family in Afghanistan adopted you, mom felt bad about that but the bed could only accommodate 6, I thought I saw you on the news throwing stones at the Brits in Kabul, you were shouting '' Brits out''
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Maurice my Norn Iron brother, I miss you so much, you are still funny.
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Maurice ; These computers are amazing . You must be my long lost brother ; and Big Dan was my Da living in # 40 . I recall a lot of the names and places mentioned but my memory is foggy . Do you remember me loaning you thrupence for the Duncairn Pics and sixpence for Lyceum ? Let bygones be bygones Ill stay poor . The best of luck to all present and former residents of Spamount St. I miss it . Ray,
Hello Ray,
I didn't realise that the Lyceum was so upmarket that it was twice the price of the Duncairn.....or were there better sweets in the Jyceum.
My Dad had a shoemakers ( repairers) shop on Brougham St and my mum a small shop up near Hallidays Rd on the LHS beside the entry into Meadow St. ;) If you remember Sean Mc Cauley he posts on this thread. He lived near Jim Hanna's shop.
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I cant remember Sean Mc Cauley but I do remember the Kennedys Spider and Roy I think who lived near Hannas barber shop . Also the Highlands close by and the Wades. I just heard Davy Saunders died { Stratheden St ] I raised the price of the Lyceaum as I knew the son of the owners while at school . It was easy to sneak into also . I remember a book store at the corner of Spam st . and Lepper st I think. I think maybe the Saxons had it . Im getting too old for this memory stuff .
Lovely weather in Sarasota Florida, Nothing but sun and blue skies. Luck to all . R.
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Hello Ray,
We are in N.E. Australia North of Cairns with a similar climate to Florida. I remember the Hylands and the Morrissons. There was Sammy and a whole crowd of girls. The Mc Manus's, Donnellys ( coal) and Miss Regan taught me at the Star of the Sea. ;)
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Hi SJ, Where in Brougham Street did you Father have a shop ? Are you still coming to the old sod this year ? I think Father Leslie was here but only for a few days. Two new additions to the Family, identical twin Grand Daughters and another Grandchild due next month in Thailand. Hope all is well with you.
Regards ID
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I cant remember Sean Mc Cauley but I do remember the Kennedys Spider and Roy I think who lived near Hannas barber shop . Also the Highlands close by and the Wades. I just heard Davy Saunders died { Stratheden St ] I raised the price of the Lyceaum as I knew the son of the owners while at school . It was easy to sneak into also . I remember a book store at the corner of Spam st . and Lepper st I think. I think maybe the Saxons had it . Im getting too old for this memory stuff .
Lovely weather in Sarasota Florida, Nothing but sun and blue skies. Luck to all . R.
I think you,ll find Davy Saunders is alive and well but his brother Tony died about two and a half years ago
just after another brother(Frankie) was murdered by his girlfriend.
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Im sorry I received in correct Info ; regarding Davie Saunders and Ill make sure sender to me hears about it . Thanks for letting me know. Is Moya still with us ? if you know .
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Hi SJ, Where in Brougham Street did you Father have a shop ? Are you still coming to the old sod this year ? I think Father Leslie was here but only for a few days. Two new additions to the Family, identical twin Grand Daughters and another Grandchild due next month in Thailand. Hope all is well with you.
Regards ID
Bon Jour I.D....Yes I leave here on 21st June and arrive in Dublin on 11th June. In between we visit China , Paris , and Switzerland and then fly to Dublin. We won't visit Leslie in China but go further into the middle to visit a Belfast bloke. Brougham St was like a continuation of the Duncairn Gdns from the traffic lights at the junction of North Queen St / Duncairn Gdns down to York St. His shop was on the R.H.S. ;)
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Hi there Joanie, My name is Geraldine Williamson (married name Travers). Are you related to Doreen O'Connor who also lived in Spamount St?
I worked with Doreen for years at the Mater Hospital and we used to correspond when she got married to Joe Brown and moved to USA.
I moved after I got married in Coventry and even though we both corresponded with Moira O'Donnell who also worked at the Mater, we seemed to lose contact.
I would love to know how Doreen is. She sent me a wedding photo and also one of her first son was born.
I have been trying for years to contact her but until I retired and got a computer at home was unable. I do hope you will reply to this Joanie as it would more than make my day. We were good friends and enjoyed our work as medical secretaries at the Mater. Manys a good laugh we had over the medical terminology.
God Bless.
Cheers GW in Coventry.
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Bon Jour I.D....Yes I leave here on 21st June and arrive in Dublin on 11th June. In between we visit China , Paris , and Switzerland and then fly to Dublin. We won't visit Leslie in China but go further into the middle to visit a Belfast bloke. Brougham St was like a continuation of the Duncairn Gdns from the traffic lights at the junction of North Queen St / Duncairn Gdns down to York St. His shop was on the R.H.S. ;)
that should be 21st May. :swoon: :swoon:
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Im sorry I received in correct Info ; regarding Davie Saunders and Ill make sure sender to me hears about it . Thanks for letting me know. Is Moya still with us ? if you know .
First Ray, Let me apologise, I thought you were talking about Davy the son who is around 60, but now that you mention Moya(who is still with us)I realise you were referring to the father(who did indeed leave the departure lounge last Wednesday,rip). Sorry for the mix up but I hadn,t heard about aul Davy dieing until I read your post this morning and I called my bro who lives down the road and he confirmed it.
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Hi there Sj, Are you one of the O'Connor family who lived in Spamount Street? I have sent a personal message to Maurice regarding my friend, his sister Doreen, who I worked with at the Mater in Belfast. Would love to get in touch with Doreen again who I am told lives in Florida.
Small world, isn't it (like they say in the song!) Cheers GW in Coventry
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Geraldine ; I just now spoke to Doreen via phone. She is currently suffering several Medical problems but I did tell her of your inquiries . Im very bad on the computer and Im lucky I can do this much . I do prefere reg , e mails and if you or any one else care to write me via e mail please do .
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and Im not a blabber mouth . My email addy is . [email protected]
Good Luck to all. R.
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Hi Geraldine, nice to read your reply. Yes Doreen Bowman is my sister, now living in Florida with her husband Joe Bowman. I read my brother Ray has already spoken to her and passed on your message. I hope she gets in touch and you guys can have a good laugh about your days at the Mater.
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Hi there again Joanie, Nice of you to get back to me.
Honestly, I never thought I would ever hear of Doreen again; we had such good times working at the hospital. She was a very clever lady, and her shorthand was superb, we had 5 consultants each, we never had a quarrel or anything amiss, got on like a house on fire, as they say.
I am sorry to hear that she is not too well, hope not too serious. She is the first person I ever saw using Kleenex tissues, they were new out in the 50's; we also had cotton hankies. We used to wash our hankies in the loo and dry them on the big hot pipe by our office-door. I suffered from hayfever and used a lot of cotton hankies, memories are so precious when one gets older.
Must go anyway and let you get on, but again thanks for replying. Looking forward to hearing from Doreen herself, d.v. Cheers, Geraldine Travers-Williamson in Coventry.
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Gerry did you know a wee girl from Trainfield st [ Sally Doherty ] I walked her home once in a while.
Hope she didnt wash her hankies in the Lou as Im gonna have to forget about her but dont really want to . She was a fine wee girl and good people as we say . R.
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Hi there Ray, Yes, I did know the Dohertys, three daughters, and Sally (very good looking wee girl) was the youngest. She has a brother Gerald too. The middle sis was my sister's age (Eileen). They all had long hair and were a lovely family.
Have sent an e-mail to Doreen and do hope she is feeling a wee bit better. She always put her family first, and always wanted to live abroad. The weather in Ireland (and England) is so cold and we never have a decent summer anymore.
Last year the snow put everybody back, and it was so cold. You lot are in the right place, we never made it to Los Angles as my father died 1950 and it all fell through. He had relatives there then, though my 2nd son Stephen (he is 50 in March) travels to and fro from Brazil to Holland and has apartment in both countries.
Nice to hear from you again, Bye and God Bless
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Ray, just for the record, there was a wash-hand basin in the loo on the 1st floor (where the nuns used as well) and that is where we washed our hankies!!!
What are you like?
Just thought I would mention this, Doreen would never forgive me if she thought I said we washed them in the loo, just the wash-basin. Cheers again and look after yourself, Gerry in Coventry.
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Ger ; Glad you remembered the wash hand basin lol. The weather all over the world this year seems to be crazy . I strongly recommend Florida although the summers here are extremly hot and humid. I met Rinty Monaghans brother who lives here in Sarasota ; Hes a Gentleman . I cant describe my self other being a survivour tg . Life can be hard at times but when the going gets tough ;
The tough get going . Im fortunate to have the Irish Rover Bar around the corner where I can have a chat and maybe a pint of that aul black stuff ; I forget its name . I also stop into the King George bar which is very close also
and have met a few Belfast in there . We all get along very well .
Ta go maith . R.
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:hi: hello Geraldine / first ray
who do you know from the new lodge
page 58
Gerry Doherty 2nd on left front row
from memory the Doherty kids had all got
great hair johnmc
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I spent a lotta time on the New Lodge Rd. Patrickville snooker club with Pat Mc Stravick running it . Its prob long gone. I knew lotta people . The Saxons lived on the top section ; My aul head is gone so cant remember names right now. Also Hardinge St area and that wee section that had steps leading down to it. We called her Big Kathleen Alsip lived down there . She was a good looker.
My Mom passed away while living in the lower end of the New Lodge .
Is Laverys pawn shop still there ? The fish and chip shop and caufilelds groceries . Gotta get out and view my Gulf of Mexico ; I try to view it every day as it reminds me of Greencastle beach lol.
Slan . R.
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Hi there, JohnMac - what a head of hair, you are right!
I remember Gerald he was so shy, I suppose being the only boy with 3 sisters etc. The eldest girl moved away when she married and the middle one Eileen married a guy in uniform, we had just left at the time, but Sally was always by herself or with the mother. I think the father died around that time too. Cheers Geraldine in Coventry
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Hi there Ray, Nice to get your reply again. Is it the Guinness you mean "that aul black stuff"...!! I :smile: don't participate nor do I smoke. never cottoned on to the idea. My sister did though. A glass of wine on high days and holidays is my only tipple.
When did your Mom die then, did she live on the New Lodge Rd, she must have moved after I left for Coventry. When I left there were 8 of your family so there would have been 4 more children after 1955. She was a wonderful woman RIP, looking after all of you. They say behind every successful man, is a good woman and it's true. Your father was a pillar of strength also, I heard many a time people in Belfast saying how good he was to them with work etc. Times were hard enough then.
Has Doreen got a large family? When I last corresponded with her 1957 she had just had her first baby like myself and we both gave birth to sons. Strange how the years fly by, but memories linger.
I worked up until last April 30th, at 75 years of age, but I loved working for the neurosurgeons at the University Hospital here in Coventry, they were good to me too, and the money helped especially after Jim died so suddenly.
Anyway must go, have to cook a risotto for my son and me tonight. Nice hearing from you again.
Bye for now and look after yourself. That picture of Gerald Doherty is on page 58, have you had a look yet?
Gerry.
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Ger Im a real badun ; I do both drink and smoke and some times I even give the wimmin a second glance . Ill never get to Heaven .
Doreen has 4 kids all grown 2 boys and 2 what ya may call ems. All doing well .
Its Sally Doherty Id like to see as I dont know her brother. Yes I remember her hair . Hopefully Doreen will soon chat with you herself as Im a scatter brain and
dont pay lotta attention to things like I should.
Do your remember the Simpsons on Trainfield St ; They had greyhounds .
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Hi Ray, You don't know me as I am not from Spamount Street but as you seem to be rather fond of girls with long hair you may have given me a second glance because I had long blonde hair back in the 60's. The only dog in Trainfield Street that I knew was the O'Prey's dog who was called Skipper ??
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Hi there Ray, I'm sure you're not a badun really, a drink never did anybody any harm so long as they know when to stop..thats the secret!
As for smoking, well I watched my sis-in-law suffocate from smoking at only 45 years of age, smoking since she was about 9, and it was not very pleasant. I was working at the hospital at the time and the powers that be would not even change her bed sheets, they were soaking wet. I had a word in someone's ear and got things moving, even her drip had packed-up. The cardiologist smoked himself, so the Registrar told me, anyway water under the bridge as they say.
My eldest son (54) smokes and partakes of spirits much to my dismay, but he smokes outside, and is pretty sociable when he has a drink, no worries.
Doreen has 2 boys and 2 girls then, a nice size. Did she name any of the boys after her father? I named my first born after my Dad RIP (Gerald). I have just the 2 boys and one girl. My back packed up after Caroline was born so I decided against any more off-springs. I had laminectomy (disc surgery) 1977 but was back on my feet in 3 months d.v. and working again..hard to kill a bad thing as my old mother used to say!!!
Looking forward to hearing from Doreen. Trust she is feeling better. Cheers and take care of yourself, Gerry.
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Hi there Irish dance, I remember that dog Skipper, he was a lovely old thing. Rory and Henry were the 2 sons. The father used to go on his bike same time every day, a hard worked, mother was quiet and bothered with nobody. Lovely family.
We lived on the other side of the OPreys at No 16 Trainfield Street beside the Mooneys who had the wood yard at the back. They also a lovely family, 2 girls and one son also called Gerald.
I bet you have lovely long blonde hair, the Doherty's always had their hair long, the three sisters, they were lovely girls. Ray is the brother of my first best friend Doreen, and we lost touch after I came to Coventry and she to the USA. I remember Doreen when she met her future husband Joe, a painter and decorator by trade, quiet lovely guy. They were fated to end up together too. Great match they were. I remember him buying her Nat King Cole records in the 50's. Yea, memories. Geraldine W. in Coventry.
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Conas a ta tu Irish Dance. My neices in Chicago are Irish dancing and they are quite good Im told .My uncle Desmonds rip . daughter in PA teaches Irish dancing . Desmond was interned or held prisioner on the ship out side Carrick I think with his Bros. Gerry and John . Blond hair hmm . and long . Just had a few pints of that aul Black Stuff Yuk .
Ger. Doreens four are Doreen ; Dan ;laura and Kevin . all doing well TG .
Just got back from an aul den of iniquity where they actually sold booze .
5 $ a pint which I think is cheap by your standards .
No reason to say this but so you know Im a widower .My wife Rip was from Scartaglen near Tralee and Castleisland Kerry . Ive been there a few times and loved it . I have a Lady Friend Sharon by name whose sleeping now and Im starved . Thats Nuff , Good luck to all Yiz . Oh Ive been to Coventry a few times . Gonna wake Herself up ; Im no eejit . R.
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Couldnt wake her up and I was starved so I poured a wee cup of cold water on her face . Not a big aul mug of it. She was furious. She called me an aul git and much more. I dont know what the hell is wrong with wimmin any more. All they wanna do is sleep and eat . To morrow I was just gonna have her scrub the kitchen floor and do the windows but now she will cut the grass and pull the weeds . She did feed me good so maybe Ill let her sleep till 6am. She better be quiet and not wake me up as I like to get my rest .
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Couldnt wake her up and I was starved so I poured a wee cup of cold water on her face . Not a big aul mug of it. She was furious. She called me an aul git and much more. I dont know what the hell is wrong with wimmin any more. All they wanna do is sleep and eat . To morrow I was just gonna have her scrub the kitchen floor and do the windows but now she will cut the grass and pull the weeds . She did feed me good so maybe Ill let her sleep till 6am. She better be quiet and not wake me up as I like to get my rest .
Jes#s Ray all I can say is Sharon is a Saint no way would you last five minutes living with me :air_kiss: Know Scartaglen/Castleisland very well, live not that far away.
Regards ID
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I have her running to day ; Good Nuff for her. Ive eaten twice already . Ill have her polish my shoes then give her a wee break .
I have many fond memories of Tralee and the area. Went up to Bally Seedy Cross once and said a wee prayer .Is the Pike Man statue still standing in the square in Talee if you know ?
JC she wants a break and its only 9pm.
Cant even have a drink with her ; One wee glass of wine and shes out of it and starts singing .
Luck To All .
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I hope she,s singing" Grace"
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Morning Ray, Got reply this morning from Doreen, thanks to yourself and Maurice. Give him my regards.
How;s you? Still waving the big stick?!!! Sure you could could cook a nice meal for that lady of yours and surprise her, maybe you prefer her to cook for you, eh?
Anyway, what iis the food like in your part of the world. here nothing changes, much like Belfast only with the freedom we never experienced at home. People don't ask what religion you are, they just get on with life.
Must go, duty calls and all that. Regards and take care, Gerry.
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Gerry simply put: Im not lazy but I am useless in the kitchen . I mean that . Im basicially a meat and potatoes eater . Herself is a good cook but shes from the mountainous area of PA so I more or less eat country style . Beggars cant be choosers . I could care less what religion a person is . If they are decent people what more would one want . Once one escapes from the narrow mindness in NI they soon begin to enjoy the pleasure of the company other peoples company regardless of religion. Politics is a different story .
Hope you guys have a great day . We have sun sun sun and blue skies.
Good Luck to all. R.
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I may be wrong but ive heard that women speak about 22000 words a day and Men about 10000 . By the time women are finished talking we Men forget
what they were talking about in the first place . God help us. I found its best just to nod my head when are talking and let it all go in one ear and out the other but then my neck gets sore with all the nodding .
Shes off to the big Dept. store with a big long list and will return with all kinds stuff and tell how much money she saved me as every thing was on sale.
In Spamount st . The aul wimmin wearing the shawls stood out side yapping about who knows what ; then when the hard working men were coming up the street the wimmin would disapear into the house ;go into the scullery and stand by the stove with nuttin cooking on it.
The poor hardworking man would end up with a piece of bread and jam .
If lucky maybe a Barney Hughes bap . with a sausage on it.
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Ray, you are so right about the shawls on the women in Belfast! Sally Doherty's mom used to stand for hours after school on the far side of our road talking to the one next door!! My mother hadn't the time God love her as she had 2 jobs to go to, my father had a heart condition and could not work from 1945 till he died in June 1950, he was only 41 RIP. Mom was the bread-winner for the family until my sis and started to work.
I didn't know you were a widower, you must have been devastated at the time, have you any children?
My brother Bertie had the same thing happen to his wife, but he lived with my mother up until she died 1984 RIP. Then my youngest brother Gerald lost his wife to pneumonia in 1991, he contiued to live on his own but one morning his daughter called in to see him, she had a key, and found him dead in the bedroom. It was a terrible shock. He was just turned 60. He had a brain haemorrhage they said at the post mortem. I suppose that's life.
Do you remember Dolores who lived next door to your family in Spamount Street, how is she doing? I remember going to the Orpheus ballroom with her a few times, she had lovely black hair and was such a dreamer at time. Did Dolores emigrate too?
Must go and get the tea on, bye for now and God Bless, Gerry.
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Ger ; as far I know Delorous Reilly and Sis. Joan are alive and kicking but best to ask Doreen about them. They also lived at 44 Spam . st and we in # 40 next door # 42 was my aunt Letia Hunter . More family the Regans in # 50
on our other side # 38 were the Mc Greevy family .
The aul shawl wimmin wee not so bad as when we sat down on the cold granite curb once in a while they got pillows for us. It made us much more comfortabe while we watched the Gallaher girls walking up the street . The Gallaher girls didnt even have a cigarette for us and we dying for one.
Im bad with dates etc of peoples passings as I prob inwardly want to take the easy way out and not be stressed out etc but I do care .
Just had a fine feed of mashed spuds. She had wee green things in it but I was afraid to asked her what they were as I might not get it again .
A mans work is never done ; Might have a wee nap while she does the dishes .
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Hi Ray, Can you remember the names of the Regans (were they related to you?) and the names of the McGreevy's.
The Pikeman is also known as The Croppy Boy as in the song.
Regards ID
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Dancer ; The Regans are family . Lily was my moms sister . the off spring are
Kathleen ' Eileen and Eddie maybe more ? Eddie is St . Mals college . I dont know much more although they are family .
The Mc Greevys are as best as I can remember are . Sally . Bernette [Bernie ]
Jim [MY old friend ] Meritith [ Merit ] and John . I may have for gotten some one .
The Pike Man in Tralee square was designed or what ever by a Reidy . My wifes RIP name but she was an O Sullivan from Scart area .
The North began . The North held on. God bless my native North land.
Ballybunnion has a nice beach but look up Siesta key beach Fld.
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Ger ; as far I know Delorous Reilly and Sis. Joan are alive and kicking but best to ask Doreen about them. They also lived at 44 Spam . st and we in # 40 next door # 42 was my aunt Letia Hunter . More family the Regans in # 50
on our other side # 38 were the Mc Greevy family .
The aul shawl wimmin wee not so bad as when we sat down on the cold granite curb once in a while they got pillows for us. It made us much more comfortabe while we watched the Gallaher girls walking up the street . The Gallaher girls didnt even have a cigarette for us and we dying for one.
Im bad with dates etc of peoples passings as I prob inwardly want to take the easy way out and not be stressed out etc but I do care .
Just had a fine feed of mashed spuds. She had wee green things in it but I was afraid to asked her what they were as I might not get it again .
A mans work is never done ; Might have a wee nap while she does the dishes .
Dolores Reilly was my sister in-law she passed on a few years ago . Her husband Paul my brother just passed on a week ago . Joan her sister is still living.
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Hi there chi,
Thank you for getting in touch, but with such sad news about Dolores RIP.
I remember her very well, she was a lovely person and very talented. I thought a lot of her, but having had to come to Coventry for work etc lost touch. Found Doreen O'Connor through her brothers, lost touch with her too after she married and had her first born. I worked with Doreen at the Mater Hospital for a number of years, but then home conditions had changed with the death of my father RIP and my sis and I came to Coventry, the remainder of the family followed us across. Do you still reside in Belfast?
My husband Jim Travers is also deceased, nearly 15 years now, had heart attack playing a game of squash at the Coventry University, and had just retired from Lloyds Bank here. But things have to move on and we come to terms with them, as they say.
Again, thanks for reply. Regards Gerry Travers in Coventry
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Sorry to learn of your brother Paul . I actually recall him visiting # 44 . I wasnt aware that Dolores has gone to a better place also . May they RIP . R
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Ger ; your right about having to come to terms with certain things and moving on . We must remain strong or we would never survive. It can be difficult ; Sad and our hearts can be breaking but for the benifit of our selves and family and friends we must plough on .
I must tell you this ;That while working my chosen profession I have seen many persons including women and children suddenly depart this life ; co workers also who were my personal friends ;They all met violent deaths.
Life isnt a garden of roses so we should try to smell them when possible.
Alls well with me and hopefully the same with you guys. R.
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Hi there chi,
Thank you for getting in touch, but with such sad news about Dolores RIP.
I remember her very well, she was a lovely person and very talented. I thought a lot of her, but having had to come to Coventry for work etc lost touch. Found Doreen O'Connor through her brothers, lost touch with her too after she married and had her first born. I worked with Doreen at the Mater Hospital for a number of years, but then home conditions had changed with the death of my father RIP and my sis and I came to Coventry, the remainder of the family followed us across. Do you still reside in Belfast?
My husband Jim Travers is also deceased, nearly 15 years now, had heart attack playing a game of squash at the Coventry University, and had just retired from Lloyds Bank here. But things have to move on and we come to terms with them, as they say.
Again, thanks for reply. Regards Gerry Travers in Coventry
Hi Gerry, It's nice to meet you here. This forum is a comforting place to touch base with others from belfast. I don't live in Belfast its been decades since I lived there. I grew up in Ardoyne. I have family that live in different areas of Belfast.
Dolores was a beautiful woman. People touch our lives some stay and some move on. Sorry to hear that your husband is no longer with you. One of my brothers worked for Lloyds in London back in the 60's.
Take care ~ Bridget
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Sorry to learn of your brother Paul . I actually recall him visiting # 44 . I wasnt aware that Dolores has gone to a better place also . May they RIP . R
Thanks Ray.
Eventually we all join our families who passed on before us.
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MY GRANMOTHER MARGARET BRADLEY WAS THE YOUNGEST OF 5 WAS BORN AT 28 SPAMOUNT STREET THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN 1906 ,AT SOME POINT THE BRADLEY FAMILY MOVED TO 147 SPAMOUNT STREET BY 1911 :smile:
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I think the Sharkeys lived about 28 Spam . The Hughes at # 22 [ Ned and Eileen ] Juhn Ericson at # 30 The De Cources at 34 .
Cant remember any one from 1906 yet ; I didnt realise the street was so old.
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I think the Spamount St . thing is pretty well played out . It did well for being a
side St. or what ever its called. I enjoyed it and it brought back a lot of happy memories . R.
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(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz146/dickie_album/newlodgeariel.png)
The street with the church at the bottom is Spamount street.
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It sure is ; and I see Diamonds pub almost next door to it ; Can see the roof top of my house and many more places in the area .
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It sure is ; and I see Diamonds pub almost next door to it ; Can see the roof top of my house and many more places in the area .
Yes a lot of memories .I can see the Duncairn Cinema, Joe O'Neill butchers shop as well. ;)
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And lest we forget Dickie our old Alma Mater sitting proudly just above and facing Diamonds.
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Yes a picture speaks a thousand words. We hung out on the corner of Duncairn Gds and No Queen St just below the Duncairn Pics.
Meadow St and Hillman Sts were 100% Prod .then but we usually got along ok.
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yes Apalachie, interesting thing in the pic is the Park is not built yet. Was the park built on waste ground created during the Blitz.
And yes Ray, when we moved into Hillman St in 1961 we were the only Catholics. We were not allowed out in the street. on Sundays. My father always brought us away on Sundays some weeks picking blackberries some weeks picking cockles and mussels, and most weeks just out for a walk.
And lest we forget Dickie our old Alma Mater sitting proudly just above and facing Diamonds.
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I cant image what it was like to move into Hillman St .in 61. In Spamount St , We occupied oneside of the street and the Prods had the other so it was about 50 50 Id guess. We got along but their was always tension .
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yes Apalachie, interesting thing in the pic is the Park is not built yet. Was the park built on waste ground created during the Blitz.
And yes Ray, when we moved into Hillman St in 1961 we were the only Catholics. We were not allowed out in the street. on Sundays. My father always brought us away on Sundays some weeks picking blackberries some weeks picking cockles and mussels, and most weeks just out for a walk.
Dickie, I believe that you lived in the top of Hillman St where there were a few catholics in the 1950's. The Scullions, Miss Mc Cormick, the Cannings lived at the top, the Donaldsons,and I don't know all of them. There weren't many but for the sake of accuracy I am talking about 1950's. ;)
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Yes SJ sorry you are correct, what I meant to say was we were the only catholic kids in the street and we were not allowed out on Sundays. The people you speak of were not kids running about the street. Sorry did not mean to mis-lead.
Dickie, I believe that you lived in the top of Hillman St where there were a few catholics in the 1950's. The Scullions, Miss Mc Cormick, the Cannings lived at the top, the Donaldsons,and I don't know all of them. There weren't many but for the sake of accuracy I am talking about 1950's. ;)
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Yes SJ sorry you are correct, what I meant to say was we were the only catholic kids in the street and we were not allowed out on Sundays. The people you speak of were not kids running about the street. Sorry did not mean to mis-lead.
Dickie,
Yes you are correct. The Donaldsons had about 5 boys but they had moved by 1961. ;)
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Hi there Ray, Sorry to be a nuisance, but my e-mail is not working.
I wonder if you could contact Doreen for me please. Let her know what is happening because I can not answer her message, it won't let me REPLY. I need to send her Moira's address in Co Antrim. Hope you get this message. Cheers Gerry.
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Gerry Ill do that . Doreen may go home in June and also Bernedette Mc Greevy. I have no further Info . on that . Im bringing my Daughter Tara down here to visit in about a weeks time. She enjoys it here and she can keep me company on my never ending search for the perfect pint of the aul black stuff.
Our weather is back to normal . Sunny and blue skies with a few wee white clouds interfering with it. Good Luck with your computer and your self . R.
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Hi there Ray, Many thanks for that, managed to get Google e-mail working and have sent Doreen that address of Moira's in Co. Antrim. We all worked at the Mater and kinda lost touch through the years. She will be happy to hear Doreen is well as is families.
It's my birthday today Ray, 76 years young if you please!! Caroline is coming over with her partner and I will be seeing Steve on the 11th (it's his birthday on the 28th March so will be having another wee celebration then too, he will be 50, half a century no less). I received 20 beautiful orchids from him yesterday, what a surprise! Had a job finding a big enough vase to display them.
Time waits for no-one as the song says.
Nice to hear your daughter will be visiting you, do you see much of each other? Does she live near you?
Again thanks for taking the message; look after yourself, Cheers Gerry.
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Happy Birthday Gerry ; I guess your going to John Dossors or the Orphous to celebrate . Maybe even the Floral Hall .
Glad your computer is back up and running ,
We are enjoying some lovely weather now but in a few months the heat will be almost unbearable . My daughter Tara lives about an hours drive from me ; that is when Im home in Chgo . I visit her 3 or 4 times a week .
I had two Dublin friends stop by yesterday to help me with the yard work but Jackeens will be Jackeens and they arrived after I had finished all the work my self. We had a bit of craic all the same. Good Luck . R.
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Hi Ray, Tried to send this twice now!!
Anyway had a lovely day with Caroline and Mark and Gerald.
Steve will be home on the 11th to celebrate again, his birthday is 28 March.
We went to Birmingham and a little Italian restaurant in the centre and had some lovely italian grub, a glass of wine and some coffee. Was just perfect. Then went shopping in House of Frazer and bought a few things. Saw a few sites, more coffee and home again.
Lovely to get your good wishes, Take care and cheers Gerry.
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Happy Birthday Gerry, and I have enjoyed your trip down Spamount St even though it is a bit before my time.
Hi there Ray, Many thanks for that, managed to get Google e-mail working and have sent Doreen that address of Moira's in Co. Antrim. We all worked at the Mater and kinda lost touch through the years. She will be happy to hear Doreen is well as is families.
It's my birthday today Ray, 76 years young if you please!! Caroline is coming over with her partner and I will be seeing Steve on the 11th (it's his birthday on the 28th March so will be having another wee celebration then too, he will be 50, half a century no less). I received 20 beautiful orchids from him yesterday, what a surprise! Had a job finding a big enough vase to display them.
Time waits for no-one as the song says.
Nice to hear your daughter will be visiting you, do you see much of each other? Does she live near you?
Again thanks for taking the message; look after yourself, Cheers Gerry.
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Hi there Dickie, What part of Spamount Street did you live, I lived in Trainfield Street just off Spamount, just past McGrans public house, No 16. Happy times in the 40's and 50's, but as the work was scarce we came to Coventry to get a decent living and been here ever since, the family followed on after my sis and I came 1955.
You must be much much younger than me, would be before your time. Anyway cheers GW in Coventry
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Gerry ; Yiz didnt need phones or computers in those days as all the aul shawl ladies did the message sending and replying . God help us.
I remember when women were not permitted to drink their wee wines at the bar but occupied the snugs in Diamonds Pub and most bars. Good nuff for them . Just kidding Ya.
Im gonna go out back and sit in the sun and watch the grass grow, Its a tough job . Best of luck . R.
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Hi there Ray, I'm GREEN with envy!! You sitting in the sun and me, here, where its -3; have just made a big pot of veggie soup and have a chicken roasting in the oven for dinner tonight...I'm a very busy woman!
Seriously though I don't suppose you or your family would ever come back to the UK, ever. The past winter was so cold, I even bought myself a pair of pink bed-socks for my feet in bed at night-time (I miss my ole hubby Jim RIP, used to put my cold feet on his back and he never complained), but it was so cold, glad I retired from the hospital last year. Getting up at 5am in the frosty mornings did'nt appeal to me any more.
Even this morning when I was going down Sainsbury's supermarket, the temp was minus 3, so it hasn't got any better, mustn't complain though at least its not raining.
Must go and get the roast spuds on, cheers and take care, Gerry.
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Gerry the only Kingdom I could possibly live in is the Kingdom of Kerry .
This country has been my lively hood and bread and butter for so many years .
The people over there and us here do not think alike for many reasons and although Im far from an uppity type person I find it a wee bit ackward to live over there. I have visited Nuneaten a few times . Birmingham also where I was
detained in the air port for a while by you know who !!! ,
This place is heavy occupied by Brits ; Canadians and many other countries Esp. in the winter months of their respective countries and we get along great
Our weather is fantastic but the summers can be unbearable with the heat although we have beautiful beaches etc.
Gotta get out back and watch the aul grass again ; Then off to Venice to fish later ; I did actually catch me a small hammer head shark there . If I knew how to send a Pic . Id mail a Pic of me with my prize catch .
Is it raining yet ? lol . Oh ; I dont know what - 3 is in regards to Temps .
Here the best way I could describle it is ; That to day is a sunny day that could be described as a lovely warm or hot day there.
Hope it doesent rain all day and sun peeks out soon for you guys .
Luck and best wishes . R.
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Hi first Ray,to send a pic, google the word "imageshack", click on the site and an upload box will appear, just above upload there is an image resize box, open it and click on 640x480(message boards). Above this there is a browse button, click on it and it will take you into were you store your photo,s, highlight the pic you want to post by left clicking on it then click open, this will open the upload box again, click upload and after about 30 secs another box will appear with the pic you want to post in it, go down to were it says "Forum code" and highlight this by left clicking it then right click it and click copy. You are now ready to post your pic, go to the forum thread you want to post on and open the post as you would normally, left click then right click and paste. Hey presto your pic is posted. I know this may sound complicated but it,s not, it will take about a minute to do all the above once you have mastered it. Good Luck and happy posting, looking forward to your pic,s.
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Thanks for all the Info Apl; I mean no disrespect but if I could do all that Id apply for a job with the Space Agency lol . I dont have a clue and these computers are beyond me . I think Her Self could possibly do it so Ill ask her .
Every once in a while we have to ask the wimmin to do simple things for us as it makes them feel Impt . lol.
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Had family lived in No78 Spamount Street, mid 60's. Was McGrans Pub what I would cll The Spa Inn corner of Trainfield/Spamount Street.
I see you live in Coventry, i spent many happy summers with my cousins in Coventry as a kid, Charlecote Rd. I remember going to the city centre, there was a clock and Lady Godiva came out naked and a peeping Tom came out and looked.I it still there. I also remember the runs of a blitz Catherdral, I remember that this was a very important site to the people of Coventry.
Hi there Dickie, What part of Spamount Street did you live, I lived in Trainfield Street just off Spamount, just past McGrans public house, No 16. Happy times in the 40's and 50's, but as the work was scarce we came to Coventry to get a decent living and been here ever since, the family followed on after my sis and I came 1955.
You must be much much younger than me, would be before your time. Anyway cheers GW in Coventry
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Hi all, I think my brother Ray might be off this site for a while. He is still in Florida and his daughter Tara is visiting and then they will drive back to Chicago in a few weeks. I am sitting here at my desk at work all in green and no where to go.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone.
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:smile: Hi there Joanie, Cheer up girl, it could be worse!
How is Doreen doing? Had an e-mail from her February, and sent her the address of Moira O'Donnell as she had not been in contact for a while.
Where do you reside Joanie? Are you in USA or living in Belfast?
St Pat;s Day is not really big news here any more, we used to have a sort of carnival but since the big store Owen Owen's shut down no one bothers. The Shamrock Club is not around anymore and the Bamba Club where the Batchelors came to years ago, so not much celebrations here. I bet New York had a ball! They know how to do it..
Well must go, cheers GW in Coventry
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Geraldine, I will let Doreen know you are asking about her. Our whole family keep in touch via e.mail. I know Doreen has had numerous doctor's appointments lately. She has lots of graduations coming up from her grandkids. One or two in Chicago so I will probably see her at her house or go to lunch. I live about 50mls. from Chicago. I very seldom see any family. I see them on occasion if someone comes to visit Chicago from Ireland, California or South Africa. I don't remember many names from Lower Spamount St. except my friends, Devlins, Dickies, Buchanan's, and the Best's. Take care.
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I discovered this site today. I lived in Spamount Street for 20 tears (just what that freudian slip means God alone knows) I meant years of course. The house backed onto Docherty's piggery and the guy who worked there used to serenade them- the pigs that is.
The Spa Inn belonged to Jimmy McGrane - an ould ill mannered man who had a master's degree in 'pig ignorance'.
I do not recognise the name of anybody who is posting although I recognise the names of many who have been recalled. I went to The Star of the Sea with the Donnellys, the Headings, Joe McGuigan (he had an air rifle), and many others from Ludlow Street and Hardinge Street.
Poor Ellen Walls used to appear at my side out of the blue and initially I was terrified but it was a rite of passage to overcome that fear and realise that the human contact gave her some measure of peace. She deserves a prayer for her suffering.
I often got the messages at Bob Mills's shop - Rita made the best soda and potato bread this side of the Equator. Delicious. On a Friday night Bob went in to a City Centre pub and when I was older I occasionally was in the same place.
Stewarts in Duncairn Gardens and the Home and Colonial in North Queen Street were just two of the shops I was regularly required to visit.
Dancing at Dossors, Newington on a Sunday night, the Orpheus, Sammy Leckies, and occasionally at the snooty women's hangout -the Floral Hall- but best of all at the Plaza- all helped me misspend my youth and I did enjoy it for the most part.
Jim Hanna opened his barber's shop after Mrs. Cox - a lovely little woman - stopped using the premises as a general store. The Misses Vokes had the sweet shop on the opposite corner of Glenrosa Street and you had to be well mannered children otherwise they would not serve you . Quite right.
The passage of time can make memories rosier than they were but I have come to some firmly held beliefs. The people in Spamount Strret and the New Lodge were of a stock comparable with any class of people I have ever met in the world. The boys who were at school with me without exception left school (at fourteen) well educated in the Three R's at that little elementary school. I'm grateful for the grounding I had there. Thanks to Miss Mitchell Mr O'Connor, Mr Hegarty and the fearsome head Mr Carville. I don't believe in pride but I am very pleased to have started my life and learnt my values fom my family and among the people in Spamount Street.
Finally, despite the lateness of the hour, I assure you not a drop of drink has fuelled my ramblings in the past. Mores the pity. All the best
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Hi there Bboro, Well, what can I say... what a lot of good memories which I can identify with.
My family, the Williamson's, lived in Trainfield with that piggery at the back of us, and the rats, oh my what a memory especially in the summertime which seemed to go on and on. But I suppose when you are a kid the summers do seem long especially when one is off school for the holidays and there's nowhere to go except the street! We played out day and night and nothing ever happened to us, mammy used to call us in at about 10pm and we'd have a cup of oxo and then off to bed. A good and innocent life. Mass on Sundays etc etc. Newington or St Patricks, depends on how we felt at the time.
Do you remember my brothers? Bertie and John and Geraldo (he was called this, but was Gerald after my dear father). Jim Cairns got in touch recently but I had to tell him that Geraldo had died, here in Coventry, and Bertie also passed away here. John I believe has throat cancer, his wife is very bossy so we don't see much of him. My sister Patsy also died here 1982 from a massive heart attack. RIP to all of them.
I worked at the Mater having qualified as a medical secretary, worked with Doreen O'Connor, and we loved every minute of it, the work was difficult at first but when you are young you learn quickly. I am widowed now and have one daughter Caroline and 2 boys, Gerald and Stephen. Came to Coventry in the 50's and have now made it my home, but my heart will aways be in Belfast. There is no sectarianism here and people are friendly.
You know, you awakened many good memories for me this morning, I also attended the Girls' Star of the Sea. Did you know John McFadden, sister was Pauling, still in Belfast but John lives in Coventry now, is divorced so he told me last time I run into him in town. He wasn't too well and had just got out of hospital. Have not seen him now for a year or two and am wondering. but sure we can't live forever. Just thought you would like to hear from someone from ole Belfast.
Welcome to the forum and keep posting. Cheers and good luck, Geraldine from Coventry.
Let me know if you receive this.
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Very Well said Bboru, my father was reared in Ludlow St and often told me as a kid about the Piggery. He told me his first job was collecting potato skins from all the housewive's and feeding them to the pigs.
I discovered this site today. I lived in Spamount Street for 20 tears (just what that freudian slip means God alone knows) I meant years of course. The house backed onto Docherty's piggery and the guy who worked there used to serenade them- the pigs that is.
The Spa Inn belonged to Jimmy McGrane - an ould ill mannered man who had a master's degree in 'pig ignorance'.
I do not recognise the name of anybody who is posting although I recognise the names of many who have been recalled. I went to The Star of the Sea with the Donnellys, the Headings, Joe McGuigan (he had an air rifle), and many others from Ludlow Street and Hardinge Street.
Poor Ellen Walls used to appear at my side out of the blue and initially I was terrified but it was a rite of passage to overcome that fear and realise that the human contact gave her some measure of peace. She deserves a prayer for her suffering.
I often got the messages at Bob Mills's shop - Rita made the best soda and potato bread this side of the Equator. Delicious. On a Friday night Bob went in to a City Centre pub and when I was older I occasionally was in the same place.
Stewarts in Duncairn Gardens and the Home and Colonial in North Queen Street were just two of the shops I was regularly required to visit.
Dancing at Dossors, Newington on a Sunday night, the Orpheus, Sammy Leckies, and occasionally at the snooty women's hangout -the Floral Hall- but best of all at the Plaza- all helped me misspend my youth and I did enjoy it for the most part.
Jim Hanna opened his barber's shop after Mrs. Cox - a lovely little woman - stopped using the premises as a general store. The Misses Vokes had the sweet shop on the opposite corner of Glenrosa Street and you had to be well mannered children otherwise they would not serve you . Quite right.
The passage of time can make memories rosier than they were but I have come to some firmly held beliefs. The people in Spamount Strret and the New Lodge were of a stock comparable with any class of people I have ever met in the world. The boys who were at school with me without exception left school (at fourteen) well educated in the Three R's at that little elementary school. I'm grateful for the grounding I had there. Thanks to Miss Mitchell Mr O'Connor, Mr Hegarty and the fearsome head Mr Carville. I don't believe in pride but I am very pleased to have started my life and learnt my values fom my family and among the people in Spamount Street.
Finally, despite the lateness of the hour, I assure you not a drop of drink has fuelled my ramblings in the past. Mores the pity. All the best
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:hi: Hello Bboru I guess you must have lived opp the Mc Cafferty family I,d have to be guessing at your name, but I knew all the names you mentioned and you would be the first to name the formidable Mrs " Maggie " Mitchell at the Star of the Sea.Also Mr O Connor who was fond of firing the wooden duster at you if you weren,t paying attention in his class. Did you ever sample the pig tail he kept in the drawer ?Mr Carville . I guess I maybe saw his other side . He used to have myself and another bloke, whose name I won,t put on the forum ,up to his house on the Cliftonville Rd for extra tuiton.He had two good looking daughters .
I have a couple of photos from the Star . You would probably recognise quite a few faces in them. I would have to send them on a PM. If you are interested.
Regards Johnmc
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:smile: Just found this site today and have been trying a number of times to send a message but keep getting confused. My name is Hugh Smyth and I lived at 15 Trainfield Street until I was 17 (to 1966) then moved to the Antrim Rd. Have been living in Germany for the past 40 years. I don't remember Geraldine but I can recall your brother Geraldo. I also went to the Star of the Sea school. Do you remeber the head master Dickie Carvel? Many a canning I received from him. But my favorite teacher was miss reagan. She lived with her mother at the bottom of Spamount St. Alas she is ong gone.
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Hi there Hugh, Welcome to the BF.
I am much older than you, Geraldo was born in Maralin Street off Dawson St not far from Trainfield Street, and my mam had to move to get the extra room! There was 5 of us, my sis Patsy was the eldest, then myself, Bertie, John and Geraldo.
I remember my mam going up to see Mr Carvell and giving him a right slap up on the face for the way he was treating my brothers, he asked them if they went to Mass Sundays, and then if my father and mother attended Mass and of course they told the truth (my mother worked 7 days a week because my father suffered from heart trouble and as far as I can remember was always resting in bed), he died in his sleep 1950 June and is buried in Milltown cemetery. Patsy and I always took the three bros to Mass Sunday and feast days. We attended the Girls' Star of the Sea next door to the Boys'. They were good times in the 50's not like today, too many greedy people in the world!
Glad you found the forum, it can be very informative at times and they are a lovely bunch of folk.
Cheers for now Geraldine in Coventry.
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Hello Geraldine
Responding to your welcome comments. I knew Trainfield Street and its huge cobblestones very well as I walked through it to and fro for five years as I went to school. I am the same age as you and must have been well aware of you and your brothers. We may even have played together. I think your brothers might have been out of sync with me at SOS as none of them were in my class.
I had cousins in the New Lodge Road living a few doors down from the store on Trainfield street corner. Do you remember when the paint store burnt down? What a fire that was. I did know John McFadden - a very familiar name but not Pauline.
On the right hand side of your street facing New Lodge the houses were raised up from street level with small terrace garden areas. I remember being brought round to one of them when an older cousin visited a house to pay her respects. I then saw my first corpse - that of a beautiful woman with auburn hair laid out on immaculate white linen in a double bed. I was 5! So much for life and death in the Belfast of the late Thirties. I too went to Mass at St.Patricks and the posher Newington and also to the oppsite end of the scale - St Josephs at the docks.
I have lived in England for nearly 60 years, starting in Brum and then Solihull for 45 years. I now live in Hampshire. But you never forget your roots.
All the best
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Hello John McC
You are dead on as we used to say. I did live amost opposite to the McCaffertys and remember a nice family. There was a son called Sonny, a very nice girl about my age, but I'm sruggling to recall her name, and the youngest who was wee Josie. I remember that during the war an American sergeant used to visit them and I believe he married an older girl.
Thanks for your offer of the photos. I suspect I already have some which were taken in 1945. I got hold of them about ten years ago and to my astonishment I remembered every boy in the group. I would not have known all their names but when I saw the list of each I knew who they were.
Mr Carville was a florid man given to angry discipline with the cane but although I was a recipient I bear no grudges. We were a rag tail and bobtail group of miscreants who would no doubt have tested Our Lord's patience. In a strange coincidence I was at a relative's wedding in Stirling in 1995 when the bride at the reception said someone would like to meet me. Turned out to be Dan Carville's granddaughter - a charming nurse and friend of the bride - who told me he was still alive and I think in his nineties.
By the way what does PM mean?
All the best
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Hi there again Bboro,
If you lived at No 15 you must remember the Doherty's who lived on your side of the street; Gerald was the son, Eileen, Sally and Marie were the daughters, I think an elder one too who was married and away from home.
Also, Meta Hewitt (Ellen Walls was her mother and suffered from some sort of sleepy-sickness and Martha Walls all lived in the same house, there was another chap, an uncle I think who lived there also called John Walls) but Meta was my sister's age, eighteen months older than myself, and we all played in the street together, skipping, rounders and all the other street games, and before I forget we had a lamp-post outside our door and had manys a good swing on it! Those were the days.
Rosie Hall also lived on your side of the street, a lone parent with one wee girl named Chrissie who was very spoiled and got everything she could wish for at Christmas-time.
Another family who lived on your side were the O'Prey's two sons Rory and Henry, two lovely lads, they had a dog named Touser I think.
You sure brought back some lovely memories for me today. Keep in touch. Cheers Geraldine in Coventry.
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:smile: Hi Geraldine,
had a lot of fun reading some of the recent chats. The O'Preys lived next door to us. Both the sons became school teachers. Henry died a couple of years ago but I believe Rory is still around. By the way their dog was called Skipper. The Walls were a strange lot but I used to play with their grandson Jim Mulholland who spent most of his youth there although he lived off the Cliftonville Rd. I am told that I owe my life to Rosie Hall as she acted as midwife because Dr. Crilly came late (probably the booze as usual). Can you tell me what went on behind the Gateway? It was always a mystery to me.
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Back again Bboro, We'll have to stop meeting like this! Only kiddin, I could probably be your grannie...Yes, behind that gate you asked about, was a private wood-yard owned by Mr Mooney and his family next-door to our house. They were a lovely family, the wife, daughters Mary and Jean and son Gerald (this was a popular name in our street).
The noise of the saw going all day long never annoyed us, it is amazing what one can get used to. We had a back entry but it led out to Mr Mooney's workplace so we never used it except when the bin-men came to empty the bins.
That is a surprise about Rosie Hall, I was unaware she was a "midwife" but she always could turn her hand to anything. She worked in a mill (as did my ole mother) when they were young. I suppose there was no other work available then, my mother never went much to school, but her and my father made sure they educated us five, she even took on evening jobs to pay for education for us. Unfortunately, the boys made nothing of it but when all's said and done they worked in car factories when they came to Coventry and did well for themselves.
Keep in touch, enjoy reading your memories. Take care Geraldine in Coventry.
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I too went to Mass at St.Patricks and the posher Newington and also to the oppsite end of the scale - St Josephs at the docks
Hi Bboru, Regarding the above, could you please tell me why you refer to St. Joseph's as the opposite end of the scale.
The people who worshipped there, including myself, were good people no better or no worse than those who attended St. Patricks and Newington. :swoon: :(
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Hi there, St Joseph's was a lovely wee chapel. My uncle Jimmy McKevitt always went there on Sundays, I think the Masses were more convenient times for him.
My sis and I many's a time went to St Josephs chapel when we missed out on the times of the other two. Is it still around these days?
Cheers Geraldine in Coventry.
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Hi there, St Joseph's was a lovely wee chapel. My uncle Jimmy McKevitt always went there on Sundays, I think the Masses were more convenient times for him.
My sis and I many's a time went to St Josephs chapel when we missed out on the times of the other two. Is it still around these days?
Cheers Geraldine in Coventry.
[/quot
Hi Geraldine, St Joseph's alas has been closed for a number of years, the Bishop in his wisdom closed it, a committee was formed to try to get it opened but their efforts fell on deaf ears, they have been meeting for years every Sunday outside the Church and say prayers and ocassionally there is a mass. The committee now have posession of the Church but the Bishop will not allow Mass to be said there ever again. As you know the Germans did some terrible damage in that area and Spamount area during the war but St. Joseph's was never hit and as we say the Germans could'nt close it but the Hirearchy did. I could go on and on but that's for another board not "Lower End of Spamount Street". :cray:
Regards ID
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Irish dance
I don't know what you are going on about. I went to Mass at St Josephs and whether you like it or not the people in the Newington parish were generally better off than either those where I lived in Spamount Street or those who may have lived in St. Josephs parish. You appear to be looking for trouble where none exists. If you are waiting for some kind of amendment by me don't, as they say, hold your breath.
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Ah Irish Dance, So sorry to hear about St Joseph's Chapel, Many's a time my sis and I went there to hear Mass when we missed the other services at St Patrick's and Newington. It seemed to be a very homely little place and I am sorry to hear your bad news.
I wonder what will happen to the building itself???
Cheers and take care, Geradine in Coventry
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bboru,just to add about wot you said about holy family newington,i wouldnt say they were generally better off ,maybe marginally,i keep my wife going about newington as she came from that area,i used to call her a snob because they all had a bed of their own to sleep in lol,and we practically slept on top of each other in st josephs parish,welcome to the thread,yours kevben.
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Hello Geraldine
Responding to your welcome comments. I knew Trainfield Street and its huge cobblestones very well as I walked through it to and fro for five years as I went to school. I am the same age as you and must have been well aware of you and your brothers. We may even have played together. I think your brothers might have been out of sync with me at SOS as none of them were in my class.
I had cousins in the New Lodge Road living a few doors down from the store on Trainfield street corner. Do you remember when the paint store burnt down? What a fire that was. I did know John McFadden - a very familiar name but not Pauline.
On the right hand side of your street facing New Lodge the houses were raised up from street level with small terrace garden areas. I remember being brought round to one of them when an older cousin visited a house to pay her respects. I then saw my first corpse - that of a beautiful woman with auburn hair laid out on immaculate white linen in a double bed. I was 5! So much for life and death in the Belfast of the late Thirties. I too went to Mass at St.Patricks and the posher Newington and also to the oppsite end of the scale - St Josephs at the docks.
I have lived in England for nearly 60 years, starting in Brum and then Solihull for 45 years. I now live in Hampshire. But you never forget your roots.
All the best
Well done Bboru...you've made the transition from the piggery to Brum and then on to Solihull and now enjoying the grandure of Hampshire. You have obviously moved onwards and upwards towards the top end of "posher" social community. I'm so glad to hear that your schooling at SOS taught you the three R's, we also got that in Earl St school and St Joseph's York Road but our teachers also included manners and respect. Glad to hear you say that "you never forget your roots" but I surmise that is said with a little tounge in cheek. How dare you say that the opposite end of the scale was "St Joseph's at the docks". As for your insulting reply to Irish Dance. .ach, I won't even take time to reply. Next time your at Mass!, do as you were taught....examine your conscience.
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:hi: Well now Bboru, or is it BC, as a bloke who also received some education at St Mals I didn,t find it excluded bad manners.
I think maybe the term to describe you might be " Up one,s self "
I think its fairly clear you don,t know anyone from Sailortown or you wouldn,t be stupid enough to disparage them.
Johnmc
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mzBU1k675o
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Kevben
Your jocular comment about what I said about the economic conditions 60 years ago comparing St Josephs and Newington is very appropriate. You have rightly reproved me for the error of my remarks without descending into personal abuse. As you are or were from St. Josephs and have the right to feel aggrieved, along with any other members of the parish, let me say this.
I did not intend to imply that the people in St Josephs were any less worthy than those of Newington or anywhere else. However I regret that my comments could be interpreted that way and withdraw them completely. I apologise to you and the people of St. Josephs to whom my comments gave offence.
Thank you for your welcome to the site although I doubt there will be much interest for me given my unfortunate start.
All the best to you and yours
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Ah Bboro, I think they still welcome you, I understood what you said and it was not meant to be offensive, just the way some people interpreted the remark. They are a lovely bunch here on the BF and I would not like to see you go away from it. Forgive and forget, life is too short.
St Joseph's was more of a homely little chapel, and I am sorry it is not being used anymore.
Stay with us. We will miss you if you don't. It was you who opened up my memories to a lot of old residential neighbours and places that I had evidently forgotten!
Oh, by the way, what does that word jocular mean (I could look it up but prefer to ask you)??? I just have not heard it used before and may find a use for it myself.
Cheers and good luck. Geraldine in Coventry.
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Irish Dance
You sent me a private message which I found rather offensive. I do not know why you felt it could not be published on the site. It was sufficient to show your disapproval without sending me a private message which offended me. However I bear you no ill will. I have posted my reply to a St. Josephs member and have nothing further to say.
JohnMc
You have made sly dig about me and my schooling which has no bearing on my comments about St. Josephs. You may have identified me but you do not KNOW me and I do not know you. So may it remain.
Bread Basket
Your sarcastic remarks about my relative status in life may be excused as you are a parishioner of St. Josephs and and are rightly aggrieved about my ill chosen rmarks. I have said what I have to say about that matter elsewhere on this site.
However your remarks to me, even allowing for your being offended were over the top. I do not live in grandeur and I make no apologies for having improved living conditions compared with 60 years ago.
Why you address venom towards me for living in Hampshire (3 years) is puzzling.
Presumably in your opinion other posters from Illinois, Germany, Australia, Canada and Coventry have not reached the dizzy economic heights such as are conferred on the lucky lucky inhabitants of southern England.
All the best BB and I do mean that.
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Geraldine
Thank you for your warm and in the circumstances very welcome message. I certainly started right carry on with my stupid remarks about ST. J's. Some people rightly offendedhave had areal go at me and I hope I have said enough on the matter.
There used to be a family who lived in your street in the first house I think after McGranes pub. One of the daughters worked in Gallaghers and her mother died very unexpectedly one day. I remember it particularly because I saw her on her way home from Gallaghers the day it happened.
Do you remember the family?
I said jocularly - it means in a joking way. Sorry about that. I used to go shopping in Coventry in the great arcade in the centre. I remember it being built in the Nineties. I had four children one of whom lives in Birmingham.
All the best
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For those who may be interested the following is the PM I sent to Bboru:-
"I was neither looking for trouble or an apology just a simple answer to your post but from your reply you seem to judge a Church by the wealth of the Parishoners which in my opinion is wrong. The Church is of the people and for the people no matter how wealthy or poor they are"
Regards and Peace to you, ID
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Irish Dance
You sent me a private message which I found rather offensive. I do not know why you felt it could not be published on the site. It was sufficient to show your disapproval without sending me a private message which offended me. However I bear you no ill will. I have posted my reply to a St. Josephs member and have nothing further to say.
JohnMc
You have made sly dig about me and my schooling which has no bearing on my comments about St. Josephs. You may have identified me but you do not KNOW me and I do not know you. So may it remain.
Bread Basket
Your sarcastic remarks about my relative status in life may be excused as you are a parishioner of St. Josephs and and are rightly aggrieved about my ill chosen rmarks. I have said what I have to say about that matter elsewhere on this site.
However your remarks to me, even allowing for your being offended were over the top. I do not live in grandeur and I make no apologies for having improved living conditions compared with 60 years ago.
Why you address venom towards me for living in Hampshire (3 years) is puzzling.
Presumably in your opinion other posters from Illinois, Germany, Australia, Canada and Coventry have not reached the dizzy economic heights such as are conferred on the lucky lucky inhabitants of southern England.
All the best BB and I do mean that.
Well done Bboru....there was no need to go to such lengths in your humble reply. Its a great forum where so much can be learnt and taught. I don't get any kick whatsoever of any form of scarcasim, nor do I set out out be rude to anyone about their upbringing or birthplace or their beliefs. However, I do take offence at unfounded remarks or comments which have a derogitory reference.
The song goes something like this
"step right up, dust yourself off and start all over again"
:yahoo:
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Don,t worry (Bboru) we all have our off days and unfortunatley you seem to have started off with one, as another poster said, "we are a forgiving lot on here" so pull up a chair and get stuck into the craic.
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Hello Bboro, Thanks for your e-mail.
I don't recall that family you mention next door to McGrans, some folk one doesn't get to know and others too well!
Hampshire is a lovely area, that is down Southampton way isn't it? My late husband trained down that way for Lloyds Bank and ended up with a good job in Coventry for over 30 years. My geography was never very good, the nuns believed in teaching us more about religion than the other subjects.
The arcade here in Coventry has changed a lot now, we have West Orchards complex with all the popular shops there and car-parks etc. Quite a lot of businesses have closed down or are boarded up in Coventry. A few years ago it was being named "ghost town" but it seems to be picking up again. I love Coventry because it was good to my family, education and work was easy come be in the 60's - how that has changed all over the midlands with the closing of the car factories etc etc.
We had a nosey neighbour in Trainfield Street who lived next-door to us, (the other side was the Mooney's who had the wood-yard business at the back and were a friendly family), who caused my family a bit of stress. Apparently this neighbour went and informed on my father to the authorities saying he was receiving a "sick cheque" every month (which he was entitled to) and his wife (my mam) was working at the University as a kitchen-helper. God help my poor mam she was trying to educate us all, and needed the money to pay school fees etc. God rest her, she had 2 other jobs cleaning.
Anyway, the guy who came to our house to investigate the matter happened to be an old school-friend of my father and told him who informed. I think he felt sorry for us; so it all back-fired on the nosey neighbour. Her husband worked as a tool-maker and she had no reason to go out to work to get the extra money.
Like I say, it all comes home to roost and she got her come-uppance eventually.
I am glad you are still here on the BF, if you gave up I would miss you.
Cheers. Geraldine in Coventry
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Boy oh boy. And folks wonder why there's been so much trouble in Belfast.
This petty bickering is so illustrative of the broader malaise.
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Boy oh boy. And folks wonder why there's been so much trouble in Belfast.
This petty bickering is so illustrative of the broader malaise.
CavehillI haven't heard malaise used since I read Charles Dickins. .In Bburus postings he talks about the S.of S.school. I can remember all those names as can John and I was also in Jim Hanna's shop during the 1st week that it opened. He is still alive and looks well. ;)
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Cavehill
I am sure you should not judge the site by the recent exchanges which started because of ill judged remarks by me. I do not speak with the authority of experience but I imagine most people on it
like the Belfast of my youth, are generally good natured.
All the best
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Cavehill
I am sure you should not judge the site by the recent exchanges which started because of ill judged remarks by me. I do not speak with the authority of experience but I imagine most people on it
like the Belfast of my youth, are generally good natured.
All the best
Welcome Bboru to Bf. I did not live on Spamount st. but my sister in-law Dolores Reilly R.I.P. grew up there. Her parents had a tobacconist/confectioner. My brother R.I.P. and Dolores moved to Spamount St shortly after they got married. I myself no longer live in Belfast. I grew up in north Belfast. :smile:
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Hello Geraldine
That's a sorry tale you have to tell about that malicious neighbour. Impossible to understand what sort of nature or experience causes people to be like that.
I've only lived near Southampton for three years. We moved here to be near family, the bulk of our time being in Birmingham and Solihull. This caused some very hostile comment that I was 'up my ----' as if i was boasting, and sneers by one guy about my having been to St. Malachys.
But I cannot resist giving the verbal equivalent to them of two fingers. Like your husband I did get a good job eventually. I also worked as a factory labourer for twelve months, as a bus conductor for four years, as a door to door salesman, and as a night shift worker packing chocolates. I got a job as a clerk in a big company and went on from there.
In my time I lived in lodgings, in council housing, and with my wife's hard earned help we scraped together enough to buy a small house in a council area in Solihull. I am increasingly furious when I think of the snide comments made implying that I was full of myself. I'd certainly like to meet some of the contributors face to face.
I do not intend to post any further comments on this site so please do not be offended if I do not reply to your comments.
Cheerio and all the best
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Hello Geraldine
That's a sorry tale you have to tell about that malicious neighbour. Impossible to understand what sort of nature or experience causes people to be like that.
I've only lived near Southampton for three years. We moved here to be near family, the bulk of our time being in Birmingham and Solihull. This caused some very hostile comment that I was 'up my ----' as if i was boasting, and sneers by one guy about my having been to St. Malachys.
But I cannot resist giving the verbal equivalent to them of two fingers. Like your husband I did get a good job eventually. I also worked as a factory labourer for twelve months, as a bus conductor for four years, as a door to door salesman, and as a night shift worker packing chocolates. I got a job as a clerk in a big company and went on from there.
In my time I lived in lodgings, in council housing, and with my wife's hard earned help we scraped together enough to buy a small house in a council area in Solihull. I am increasingly furious when I think of the snide comments made implying that I was full of myself. I'd certainly like to meet some of the contributors face to face.
I do not intend to post any further comments on this site so please do not be offended if I do not reply to your comments.
Cheerio and all the best
Unfortunate that people make judgements
of others they know nothing about.
A trait seen throughout many threads. :(
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Hi there Bboru, Been nice knowing you even though for only a short time, and I even spelled your pen-name wrong and you never corrected me on it...there's a true gentleman.
Bye and God Bless. Geraldine in Coventry.
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Kearney. ...101 Spamount St. .anyone know the family?
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Hello Geraldine
That's a sorry tale you have to tell about that malicious neighbour. Impossible to understand what sort of nature or experience causes people to be like that.
I've only lived near Southampton for three years. We moved here to be near family, the bulk of our time being in Birmingham and Solihull. This caused some very hostile comment that I was 'up my ----' as if i was boasting, and sneers by one guy about my having been to St. Malachys.
But I cannot resist giving the verbal equivalent to them of two fingers. Like your husband I did get a good job eventually. I also worked as a factory labourer for twelve months, as a bus conductor for four years, as a door to door salesman, and as a night shift worker packing chocolates. I got a job as a clerk in a big company and went on from there.
In my time I lived in lodgings, in council housing, and with my wife's hard earned help we scraped together enough to buy a small house in a council area in Solihull. I am increasingly furious when I think of the snide comments made implying that I was full of myself. I'd certainly like to meet some of the contributors face to face.
I do not intend to post any further comments on this site so please do not be offended if I do not reply to your comments.
Cheerio and all the best
Bboru. .We can read things into an e-mail that are not in it. The member who was humble in my opinion and who mentioned St Malachy's went to the college himself so he wasn't getting at you. I've enjoyed your information and your honesty so continue to talk to us . ;)
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The Kearney's at 101 Spamount St were real good neighbors of mine - I lived at 107! Actually the only Kearney that I knew lived there was the grandmother (Minnie)? The McFauls, Gracie and Joe (RIP) and their children also lived there. I still stay in touch with Jim who lives in Australia.
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The Kearney's at 101 Spamount St were real good neighbors of mine - I lived at 107! Actually the only Kearney that I knew lived there was the grandmother (Minnie)? The McFauls, Gracie and Joe (RIP) and their children also lived there. I still stay in touch with Jim who lives in Australia.
Hello Poguesman. .good to meet you again...we met on the St Patrick's thread. I live about 25 klms outside Cairns. .another neighbour of yours is here also and he lives in Australaia as well ;) .
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Yes sj
Your neighbor I assume is johnmac. We did communicate and exchanged some photos. Speaking of photos, user names are fine but sometimes it would be nice to know who is behind the 'nom de plume'
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Hi Geraldine, You have not posted on this thread for a while, hope all is well with you ??
ID
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Yes sj
Your neighbor I assume is johnmac. We did communicate and exchanged some photos. Speaking of photos, user names are fine but sometimes it would be nice to know who is behind the 'nom de plume'
Hello jIM,
I thought that I had sent you some photos. .Sam.....p.m. me with your e-mail.
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Hi there ID, I'm alright, but how are you keeping? Sorry I have not been in touch of late.
Have been busy with family commitments, Caroline my only daughter is due to go for an ECT next Friday (say a wee prayer that she will be alright, she is very nervous) because her blood pressure is a bit erratic at the moment. She has a very stressful job and we think it could be adding to this. They have no children, worse luck,(or maybe a blessing in disguise), though not by choice.
How are you keeping. Hope everything is ok with you.
Bye and God Bless Geraldine in Coventry.
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Hi there ID, I'm alright, but how are you keeping? Sorry I have not been in touch of late.
Have been busy with family commitments, Caroline my only daughter is due to go for an ECT next Friday (say a wee prayer that she will be alright, she is very nervous) because her blood pressure is a bit erratic at the moment. She has a very stressful job and we think it could be adding to this. They have no children, worse luck,(or maybe a blessing in disguise), though not by choice.
How are you keeping. Hope everything is ok with you.
Bye and God Bless Geraldine in Coventry.
Hi Geraldine, Good to hear from you and that you are well. Will of course say a prayer for your daughter hope everything go's well for her.
Regards ID
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there was kearneys that lived the bottom of stratheden street bendy an i think his sister was called sally
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there was kearneys that lived the bottom of stratheden street bendy an i think his sister was called sally
Yes, Sally..it was her that I was looking info for.....heard that she died a few years ago and was wondering what had happened to her
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Yes, Sally..it was her that I was looking info for.....heard that she died a few years ago and was wondering what had happened to her
sorry to hear that we knocked about together in our teens rip
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Hi Geraldine, hope everything went well with your daughter. My brother Ray is in Chicago now and I hope to see him next weekend. Take care.
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The weather in Chgo ; is not to my liking at the present time but Ill give
the sun shine state a break for a while. A change is as good as a rest its said. I lost a ten shilling note in Spamount St a long time ago did any one ever find it ?
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sorry to hear that we knocked about together in our teens rip
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God this is my second go at this, hi bread basket and ddmac, the Poguesman has just introduced me to this site and obviously still trying to get the hang of it. Anyway I lived in 101 Spamount St and the Kearneys in Stratheden St were my cousins, Sally did indeed die a few years ago, she was a great girl Jim (bendy) is in Antrim and Patricia still on the Springfield Rd, As for me I left Belfast in 1969 bound for Australia and we have travelled aound a fair bit of this country before settling just south of Perth. I been back in Belfast several times over the years. I walked up Spamount St last year and all our side of the street was gone and had been rebuilt with nice houses. That's progress.
Well I have to agree with the Poguesman about these aliases I am Jim McFaul and a very good day to you Geraldine Williamson
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::) Hello Big Lad,
hope you still remember me Hugh Smyth. I was a good friend of your brother Martin (RIP). Lived in Trainfield St.Have been living in Germany since 1973. I presume you are now retired as you are a few years older than me and I'm retiring this year. Got married to a German girl back in 1975 and have one daughter aged 25 who is now married and living in the Black Forest in the south of Germany. I'm living in Berlin so I don't get to see her that often. How's Brendan doing.
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Hi there Big Lad, Nice to get your regards.
It's funny how we all get together on the Belfast Forum after being separated for many years, I think it is wonderful and wish my brother Geraldo were alive to read both yours and Jim Cairn's replies. Great that you are all happy in Australia and doing well; he would have been saving up to go and see you!
Anyway, keep in touch, you never know who you will meet on BF next...Cheers, Geraldine W. in Coventry.
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Hi there Joanie, Nice to hear from you again.
How is Ray doing after his visit to his daughter? Is she the only family? And how is Doreen keeping, I trust she is well and visiting her siblings, she told me she would be in Donegal August this year d.v. visiting.
My daughter has appointment this Friday at the hospital here in Coventry regarding her blood pressure. I think it could be the stress syndrome as she works in London and travels weekends back to Birmingham where she lives, not so much the travelling but the work which entails doing bank exams which cause the stress.
Must go and let you get on, lots of love Geraldine in Coventry.
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Hello Geraldine and all from Spamount St at one time. Ive returned to Chicago after my winter escape to Florida.
Ive always known it but by reading the chat in BF it shows how near and far we have spred from Spam. St, and Ireland. I must admit I dont know all the names etc ; Think I may be a wee bit older than some . My main cohorts in crime were Michael Martin ; Paddy Mc Ardle ; Jim Mc Greevy . There were a few wee girls but they never did any thing wrong ; just walked around trying to look good .
Good Luck to all . Ray O Connor. # 40 .
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Hi there Ray, Nice to hear that you are back refreshed and in good form! Joanie got in touch a few times, sounds a lovely wee girl.
Brought my Renault car in for yearly service and guess what, the work and service cost me £455.87p, I was flabbergasted, and I told them too...they reduced it to£455.87p but told me the VAT was added, so say no more I thought pay it and get done. Its a small engine 2-door and with only 10,112 miles on the clock I didn't think it needed that much doing. However, I will shop around next time. Even my neighbour thought this a bit much but you can't argue with mechanics or technicians whatever they call themselves. It's times like these I miss my hubby, he did all this and I usually picked up the tabs!
Must go and let you get on. Cheers Geraldine in Coventry.
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Geri ; Thats a lot of money for a small vehicle with only approx 10000 miles on it. I drive about 15000 miles yearly or more. It could still be on the Mfg . warrante. . I suggest just change the oil about every 6 months unless theres an out standing problem . I have about 150000 miles on my Toyota and I continue to do the round trip Florida thing .
No good crying over spilt milk and hopefully you will continue to operate
the vehicle with enjoyment '
When the bridge is finished you can drive to Belfast and say Hello to all.
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My god it is great to hear from you Hugh, of course I remember your family especially your father (Big Hughie Symth) he used to come into our house as he was mates with my Dad Joe. I believe they used to work together on Construction sites all over England and Ireland. I knew you and Martin were friends, Tell me were you part of the liberation team that freed the Jaunting car donkey somewhere on the West Coast of Ireland. That is a great story!
Brendan is out here in Australia, he lives about 5 hours from me out in the "Mulga" a place called Toodyay.
He is a bit of a mountain man lives of the land, brews his own beer and distills his own rot gut dark rum (vile [censored] but effective) He has just successfully got over his second bout of the big C and is at present down south at a place called Denmark catching his yearly supply of fish from the Salmon run off the coast.
When he gets back I will let him know you were asking about him. Maybe even get him on this site.
How are your sisters I am not sure was it Geraldine and Nora?
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New information on the New Lodge Road Banshee
In the late 1950s The Irish News reported in a small news item that residents on the New Lodge Road had over three nights witnessed a small crouching wailing white figure aka a banshee appear on the waste ground next to Mr Beau Leahey Brassware shop at the corner of Lepper St. On the thrid night one brave bystander hurled a stone at the figure. Still wailing the figure was heard to swear then promptly disappeared and has not been seen since.
An unindentified source living in Australia has told this Forum that the Banshee was a Mister Patrick (Paddy) Haughey hidden under a white sheet while a Mister Bernard (Barney) Saunders provided the wailing. After being struck on the head by the thrown stone which hopefully knocked a bit of sense into him, Haughey removed the sheet and fled with Saunders through a back entry on to Stratheden St.
The unindentified source is quoted as saying " It has been a terrible burden for all these years but I am free at last"
Local residents can now sleep peacefully
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jim rumour also reckons the banshee was parked on Cole,s back yard wall at the time !! johnmc
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G'day Johnmc
The unindentified source says you are probably right as his memory cells have taken a hammering over the years from enormous quantities of Aussie beer but he is grateful for your advice
Take it easy
Jimmy Mc
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Hi big lad,
isn't this Internet wonderful to allow old cronies like ourselves thousands of miles apart to communicate and reminise of days gone by. No I can't remember the Jaunting Cart episode altough I did get up to a lot of mischief in my youth. The New Lodge Banshee I do remember as my Dad and Davy Saunders were involved and I remember the press coming to out house for an interview.
My young brother Roger is also now living in Sydney, Austrailia. Moved there about 4 years ago. Married to lovely girl from Iran and have 2 kids. There were 8 children in our family 2 boys and 6 girls. My two older sisters live in Southport, England whilst the other four all live close together in Glengormly. I recall your dad and mine taking up golf when they retired early but their biggest handicap was the 19th hole. Hope Brendan makes a full recovery and get him to join BF.
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Barney Saunders lived on the corner of Stratheden St and Lepper St ; He musta did his wailing thru the an open winda Davy and Moya were his parents ; both have passed away I believe . Good people may they RIP .
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Davy died a few weeks ago Moya is still alive I believe.
Barney Saunders lived on the corner of Stratheden St and Lepper St ; He musta did his wailing thru the an open winda Davy and Moya were his parents ; both have passed away I believe . Good people may they RIP .
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Its does the aul heart good talking to you guys and girls. If I ever get back I hope I can hook up with Yiz. God Bless All.
Oops if any one is close to Moya Saunders please tell her that Ray O C.
Amelias son still remembers her and wishes her well .
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Does anyone recall the names of the teachers at the Star of the Sea primary school (boys) between 1953 & 1958? I think there were 4 but I can only rember 3 - Carvel, O'Gorman and Miss Reagan. Also who was the headmaster at St. Malachy's at the bottom of the Lodge. I remember he smoked a pipe all the time during lessons and lined up the burned out matches on his desk.
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I went to both a bit after yourself, would the other teacher at the Star have been Herbie Hegarty and would the head in St Mals have been Mr Duffin?
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G'day Hugh,
I am going to pinch your idea and being grateful I wont mention the Socceroos/Germany match a few weeks ago.There was a crowd of us that were shunted from Mills corner to Paddy Loughran's and back again most nights for about 4 years or so from 1957 on. Some have survived some haven't others gone missing in action some were local and some not. following is a list to the best of my knowledge of who is where and any information or corrections would be much appreciated.Nicknames have been used with no offence intended
Surviving: Leo (the lout) Fitzsimmons Belfast, John (the Moon) Kearney Belfast, Seamus (Gitleen) Connolly New York/Belfast, Jim (Cairnsey) Cairns New Jersy, Jim (Big Lad (height not length)) McFaul Australia.
Departed:Davy Storey England, Paddy Foots Canada, Christy McManus Australia, Seamus (Drummer) Robinson Belfast, Bill Shannon Timaru New Zealand,
Missing: Dominc Blackham, Fra O'Neill
The Ladies: Who on occasions graced the corners with their presence;Clare Saunders, Josphine McGreevey, Pauline McManus, Barbara Maxwell, Mary Gillen, Betty Reilly, Annie Devlin, Theresa McAnally.
As a matter of fact one of the above has just made a pot of tea and some toasted ham and cheese sandwiches so I better go
Take it easy
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I think John Kearney and my brothers Colm or Maurice were close .
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Does anybody know when Spamount Street was built? My grandfather and family arrived there in 1911.
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Hi Bboru, Checked the Lennon Wylie site, in 1880 Spamount Street was not listed but it was there in the 1901 Irish Census so it must have been built between 1880 and 1900. Good to see you posting again.
ID
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Thanks Irish Dance
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Hi there Bboru, Glad to see you back on the thread. I knew you would come back to us! Trust you and family are well.
Cheers and good wishes Geraldine in Coventry.
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Hello Geraldine
Thanks for your welcome. I hope you and yours are well and look forward to future posts. I happened to see another post of yours about the notorious murder in Newington in the Fifties. I remember being at mass at Newington the weekend after it happened when I think she was prayed for. I think she lived a few days after the attack but memory may be misleading me.
All the best
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Does anyone recall the names of the teachers at the Star of the Sea primary school (boys) between 1953 & 1958? I think there were 4 but I can only rember 3 - Carvel, O'Gorman and Miss Reagan. Also who was the headmaster at St. Malachy's at the bottom of the Lodge. I remember he smoked a pipe all the time during lessons and lined up the burned out matches on his desk.
Some of the teachers changed about 1955. Carville retired and O' Gorman took his place. Miss Mitchell retired and Miss Regan took her place. Also teaching when I was there was Herbie Hegarty, Mickey Mc Williams, & O'Connor ;)
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Some of the teachers changed about 1955. Carville retired and O' Gorman took his place. Miss Mitchell retired and Miss Regan took her place. Also teaching when I was there was Herbie Hegarty, Mickey Mc Williams, & O'Connor ;)
Yes Sam in your day you wrote on slates with chalk and had to bring your own coal for the fires,lol.
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sj mr carville , known to his pupils as Dickie,after his retirement attended mass is St Patricks every morning . I ran into him quite often in Clifton St on his way there. Like most people you respect , you get respect back. Sit was with " Dickie " Slan
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appalachie no jokes about fires . This boy had the job of raking out the ashes and resetting the fires every day to help my mum out. I missed out on one fire once and was called out of the class to set and light it. Slightly embarrased. johnmc
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sj mr carville , known to his pupils as Dickie,after his retirement attended mass is St Patricks every morning . I ran into him quite often in Clifton St on his way there. Like most people you respect , you get respect back. Sit was with " Dickie " Slan
Sean,
What does it mean " sit was with Dickie" ;)
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:hi: Sam just a misprint It was eant to read---- So it was with---
Sean
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:hi: Sam Another misprint !!!
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:hi: Sam Another misprint !!!
Sean,
Would you read the St Malachy's college thread. I talk about contacting another bloke from Spamount St ...I am talking about Dickie...oops a misprint...you :D
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Good morning first Ray,
just got back and catching up with all the postings, sorry I can't recall your brothers,but in those days John Kearney lived pretty far down Spamount St and I didn't know many people below his house. Wasn't there a little shop further down that side towards North Queen St?
We off travelling again, here, there and back again for the next few months, grey nomads or SKIs is what you are called in OZ. So will check in when I can.
By the way can you recommend any good "Watering Holes" in San Francisco?
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Yes Sam in your day you wrote on slates with chalk and had to bring your own coal for the fires,lol.
You've got the dates wrong....I am younger than Johnmc ;)
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Big Lad ; Your really gettin around. San Fran ; as nice and scenic as it is has never appealed to me.Maybe too many men there who think they are Female . Great sea food though down by Fisher mens wharf area. Gettin back to Belfast my Aunt Mary [ Reilly ] had a wee shop at # 44 Spamount St for a while.
When Im in a strange city or town and Im in search of watering hole I usually use the phone book and look up Irish Pubs etc. you are sure to find a few.
Best of Luck . OOps I still think it was John Kearney who ran around with my Bro .
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Just got back and the following a tale told by someone met who claims to be a reliable witness, next week its California here I come riding on a donkey's bum.
Some memories of the St Patricks 10 oclock Mass
During the 1950s and probably beyond, Sundays 10 oclock mass at St Patricks Chapel in Donegal Street was known as the Schools or Childrens Mass. All the Catholic Primary School children from around the district were supposed to attend, the Star of the Sea, St Malachys and so on. Each school had its own section of seating allocated within the congregation.
In those days the Mass was in the true sense of the word Bedlam; there was the noise of kids talking, slegging, swearing even the occasional fights.
Tough and hardened teachers prowled the aisles, sharp-eyed they would lunged into pews head slapping, arm punching the guilty, real trouble-makers were dragged from their seats frog marched down the aisle and hurled out through the baptistery into Donegal Street which if early enough into the Mass was probably worth the extra 2000 years to be spent in Purgatory.
Once during the mass, a well made paper rocket flew through the incensed filled air; a flight of some 15 rows, it was relaunch again and again across the breath of the church before a teacher from St Malachys captured, crushed and crumpled it while the entire Star of the Sea section groaned AHHHH! for it was in their area that it was just about to land.
The terrifying twin figures of Fathers McKenna and Bradley somehow managed to keep a semblance of control most of the time during the service although there was one occasion when a visiting or new priest in a moment of madness decided to say the Mass.
From the very first In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus the beast that was the young congregation could smell the fresh meat: As the Mass progressed, the head slapping, arm punching, it wasnt me Sir and ejections increased dramatically.
At Benediction the Priests Tantum ergo was met by a meek barely heard response Sacramentum while the much louder majoritys Make my hair grow! signalled the rebellion.
Each verse by the priest, each pause for momentary breath by him was met by an increasing louder and louder AMEN. The innocent were pummelled by the teachers equally as were the guilty until the innocent seeing no quarter given joined in with the uprising.
Then finally on the very right cue the loudest and most defiant AMEN ever heard at a childrens mass rang out, which was then followed by eerie silence. It had been a great victory but it was to prove a hollow victory for the kids were leaderless and having no direction would return again the following Sunday
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BIG LAD YOU HAVE REALLY STARTED SOMETHING NOW... :swoon: ..You describe the children's or school mass with great detail and intensity.I remember that time well.I very rarely went to St Pats as we lived nearer to Newington. The head teacher, Mr Carville , from the Star insisted one Sunday that I attend St Pats even though I told him that I went to church with my parents and they insisted that I went with them....besides it was a shorter walk to Newington. ;)
I had never experienced the noise and singing before that I experienced that morning. The singing was so loud, wonderful, as each school competed with one another as to which could sing the loudest. ::)
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When you speak of the kids shouting “Tantum ergo” "make my hair grow" I think it comes from the jibe at the teacher and St Patrick's organ player Mr Erskine. He was bald headed and his nickname was Ergo. Mr Erskine later became headteacher at St Patrick's Nr Queen St.
Just got back and the following a tale told by someone met who claims to be a reliable witness, next week its California here I come riding on a donkey's bum.
Some memories of the St Patrick’s 10 o’clock Mass
During the 1950s and probably beyond, Sunday’s 10 o’clock mass at St Patricks Chapel in Donegal Street was known as the “Schools’ or Children’s Mass. All the Catholic Primary School children from around the district were supposed to attend, the Star of the Sea, St Malachy’s and so on. Each school had its own section of seating allocated within the congregation.
In those days the Mass was in the true sense of the word Bedlam; there was the noise of kids talking, slegging, swearing even the occasional fights.
Tough and hardened teachers prowled the aisles, sharp-eyed they would lunged into pews head slapping, arm punching the guilty, real trouble-makers were dragged from their seats frog marched down the aisle and hurled out through the baptistery into Donegal Street which if early enough into the Mass was probably worth the extra 2000 years to be spent in Purgatory.
Once during the mass, a well made paper rocket flew through the incensed filled air; a flight of some 15 rows, it was relaunch again and again across the breath of the church before a teacher from St Malachy’s captured, crushed and crumpled it while the entire Star of the Sea section groaned “AHHHH!” for it was in their area that it was just about to land.
The terrifying twin figures of Fathers McKenna and Bradley somehow managed to keep a semblance of control most of the time during the service although there was one occasion when a visiting or new priest in a moment of madness decided to say the Mass.
From the very first “In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus” the beast that was the young congregation could smell the fresh meat: As the Mass progressed, the head slapping, arm punching, “it wasn’t me Sir” and ejections increased dramatically.
At Benediction the Priest’s “Tantum ergo” was met by a meek barely heard response “Sacramentum” while the much louder majority’s “Make my hair grow!” signalled the rebellion.
Each verse by the priest, each pause for momentary breath by him was met by an increasing louder and louder “AMEN”. The innocent were pummelled by the teachers equally as were the guilty until the innocent seeing no quarter given joined in with the uprising.
Then finally on the very right cue the loudest and most defiant “AMEN” ever heard at a childrens’ mass rang out, which was then followed by eerie silence. It had been a great victory but it was to prove a hollow victory for the kids were leaderless and having no direction would return again the following Sunday
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Hi SJ and Dickie
Appeciate the comments, SJ, I need a bit of help with the old memory banks here, when you went to the Holy Family church going through the gates from Newington St? on your left was a wall backing on to the entry of Atlantic Avenue and on the right was I think the Holy Family school then there was a wall with a narrow alleyway and a tin building probably the school hall (this alleyway ran up between the wall and this building) before you got to the chapel grounds and church itself. The reason I am asking is about another wee story about kids who had ran away from home. So any information on this would be valuable.
I'll have to find out how you get photographs on this Forum got some on the aftermath of the bombing of the Spa Inn and others of the new Trainfield St and old Spamount St.
So for now Lads
Take it easy
Big Lad
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Big Lad,
seems like your writing your memoirs. I rember only too well the school masses. Oh how I hated them. St. Pats was, and probably still is a cold, dark dismal intimidating place which stank of old incense and burnt candles. The boring sermons which no kid could understand or paid heed to. What a waste of time.
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Big Lad,
seems like your writing your memoirs. I rember only too well the school masses. Oh how I hated them. St. Pats was, and probably still is a cold, dark dismal intimidating place which stank of old incense and burnt candles. The boring sermons which no kid could understand or paid heed to. What a waste of time.
Hello Hugh,
I agree with you but then so were many churches. Today, ...at least the last time that I was home ( about 4 yrs ago) it had been partially rebuilt due to a fire and looked very different. :swoon:
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Hi SJ and Dickie
Appeciate the comments, SJ, I need a bit of help with the old memory banks here, when you went to the Holy Family church going through the gates from Newington St? on your left was a wall backing on to the entry of Atlantic Avenue and on the right was I think the Holy Family school then there was a wall with a narrow alleyway and a tin building probably the school hall (this alleyway ran up between the wall and this building) before you got to the chapel grounds and church itself. The reason I am asking is about another wee story about kids who had ran away from home. So any information on this would be valuable.
I'll have to find out how you get photographs on this Forum got some on the aftermath of the bombing of the Spa Inn and others of the new Trainfield St and old Spamount St.
So for now Lads
Take it easy
Big Lad
Big Lad as far as I can recall you are correct. Many times on our way to the grove football pitches we would have raced one another up the entry which was the longest and cleanest that I had known and another group would have run up Atlantic Ave. , Tell us your story ;)
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I remember the entry you speak of, if I am correct was the bits of it partially enclosed were probadly extensions to the house were built. I remember going up it on my way to Alexandra Pk. There was a shop on the street were the entrance was, it sold ice lollys called Cavehill's. It was a frozen carton of orange(pyramid shape) with a stick in it. Alexandra Pk was a protestantpark then, and you had to be careful if you were stopped by a gang, they would make you pronounce H and that apparently told them which religion you were.
Big Lad as far as I can recall you are correct. Many times on our way to the grove football pitches we would have raced one another up the entry which was the longest and cleanest that I had known and another group would have run up Atlantic Ave. , Tell us your story ;)
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Dickie,
You might be in the wrong place. As I understand it the entry that was at the back of the houses that fronted Atlantic Ave is one that is being talked about. Also the entry on the other side of the entraance gates to the church from Newington St.....Sam
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I can't remember an entrance at Newington St Sam, are you sure you don't mean Newington Ave which runs off Atlantic. The street is the one that runs up from Limestone Rd.
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apalachie,
I have been talking to the bloke , Sean, who went to school with your Da and who lived near Big Lad. It;s a small world.
There was an entrance to the left of the church gates and the entry ran parallel with Atlantic Ave to the Limestone Rd. Big Lad ,Sean , ;) sends his regards and I know your name but can't put a face to the :smile: name.
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Last post for awhile Fellahs
I have caused some confusion about the alleyway I had mentioned. The one I was checking on was in the Holy Family grounds, it was not very wide as you almost had to turn sideways to get into it, it had the school wall on one side and another building on the other. It seemed a long and narrow and ran parallel with Newington Ave (thanks Apalachie)
I remember one of the kids from Spamount St ran away from home and spent three nights sleeping in there. We use to bring him sandwiches after school (the Star) and nobody even asked him why he had run away.
Take it easy Boys
Hugh with a few too many beers in me I am clearly an unreliable witness or an identified scource
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Hi there Ray, Long time, no see! How the devil are you and yours...I am recovering from Flu for the 2nd time, it has been a hazardous time, following 2 lots of antibiotics I am alive AND WELL AGAIN.
How is Doreen and her brood doing?
Take care and God Bless, Love Geraldine in Coventry x
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Geraldine so sorry but I have to write later . Alls well . Ray.
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Geraldine ;Ive lost contact as Ive been travelling so much ; Mostly driving down to Florida and also Pa .
Many miles have been covered. Im back in Chicago now for all of July I think before my rambles start
again. I never could stay in one place very long . I meet many interesting charectors in my travels but none as interesting as the Belfast crowd after they have had a pint or two .
I hope alls well in the old neighbourhood.
My Bro. Colm is back there now and Doreen will be in Belfast also soon but I dont have dates.
Good Luck to one and all. R.
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Well back in windy wet Perth for a few more weeks,the American West was worth seeing, the Grand Canyon now off the "bucket list". Some good bars there and quickly developed a taste for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I had to show my passport in California and Nevada to get a beer, I thought they were joking but it has to do with age discrimination; Only in America!
San Francisco was interesting, you were right Ray, seen some unusal sights in the Castro district. We enjoyed the stay there but the number of homeless people particularly the old, in and around Tenderloin and Civic Centre was unbelievable. The city of brotherly love?
Why are things so quiet at the lower end of Spamount?
Does anyone remember the iron stump at Glenrosa St and Duncairn Gardens? I read somewhere it was a boundry marker for Lord Duncairn's estate before Spamount St and the others were built.
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Hello Big Lad, Welcome back to Perth. I am happy you enjoyed the American West! I don't know why things are so quiet. The two stumps on Glenrosa St at Duncairn Gdns. I was told once they were to block the traffic of the horses and carriages. I can only assume you were asked for ID and not your pass port when ordering a drink. I left Chicago and am back in Florida there is a heat wave in both places. Good Luck to all. R
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Ok ; Nothing new in Spamount St . Good Luck to all there and also to those who have left . God Bless all . Ray .
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Does anyone remember the shop in Spamount Street which two sisters ran.
One was called Ella Brennan and the other Pearl Calderwood.
I think Mrs Brennan,her husband and young son lived above the shop at one time.
jilly
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Does anyone remember the shop in Spamount Street which two sisters ran.
One was called Ella Brennan and the other Pearl Calderwood.
I think Mrs Brennan,her husband and young son lived above the shop at one time.
jilly
It was on the corner of Edlingham St/Spamount St, diagonally facing Desi the Butchers, unfortunately the Brennans left just after the start of the troubles so I can't remember them too well.
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It was on the corner of Edlingham St/Spamount St, diagonally facing Desi the Butchers, unfortunately the Brennans left just after the start of the troubles so I can't remember them too well.
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Thank you Apalachie.
I kinow they lived above the shop from the early 50`s.The man died when the boy was 8,he and his Mother continued to live above the shop for many years-I guess they may have stopped living there -but I think the 2 sisters still ran the shop still in the early 70`s,then gave it up.
Many thanks for your reply.
jilly
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Not long back from two weeks in Belfast the excuse being a wedding and catching up with family. A lot has changed in the town with the exception of the weather which while London had their hottest September day ever , the north of Ireland and west of Scotland had this ongoing drizzle that is not even rain but stills soaks in.
We done the usual pilgrimage to the Cave Hill due to the wet conditions and I suppose the passing of years we forsake the climb from the Castle to Napoleon’s nose taking the easier path from the Hightown Road to McArt’s Fort a round trip of one and a half hours including a lingering look of the town I love so well. Anyway to say the least weather conditions were varied cold wind then rain followed by bright sunshine back then to the cold wind and the last half mile back through a really low rain cloud which poured on our shoes.
The city centre is as cosmopoltian as most places these days, the Armenian lady selling issues of “the Issue” at the corner of North St and Royal Avenue to the Romanian accordionist playing outside Castle Court whose entire musical repertoire was the “Blue Danube”
White, asian and black kids playing football in Upper Hillman St all swearing in broad Belfast accents. Brilliant!
Each Saturday, all two of them I would walk from the Limestone Rd along North Queen St up Spamount St along Lepper St and down the New Lodge on my way to the Monico Bar to meet up with my brothers in law for an afternoon of drinking and donating my money to a Mister A MacLean a registered Turf Accountant.
Spamount St is no longer the one of our memories; where our house stood is now a suburban estate called Fortfield Gardens. Lower Spamount St has trees and nicely decorated front gardens, one with statues of 1940s children playing with a bicycle wheel and hoop.
And so there it is, an old uncle of mine who lived in California once said to me “Jimmy the curse of the emigrant is while he is away he can’t wait to get home and as soon as he home he can’t wait to get away again”
If anyone can tell how to put photographs on this Forum I have some of what used to be Lower Spamount St
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Big Lad I have walked in your foot steps. I did all the walking you did including the Napoleans Nose part . It was an un forgetable experience with the very changable weather up there .
I feel the same way ; Its always nice to get home but its nice to get away again . Maybe Please God Ill return again next year .
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Big Lad, I take it you have all your pic's on your pc,good, then here goes,
Google the word "imageshack" and click on it when it opens,
click on were it says "browse",
this will take you into your photo gallery of your pc,
choose the pic that you want to post and click were it says "open" on bottom left,
a new screen appears, click "upload", after about a minute a screen appears containing several links, click on were it says "forum code", this should highlight the link, "right click and copy".
When you have done this, go back to the Belfast forum page were you want to post the pic and open as you would normally when replying to anyone, once there "right click and paste" and your pic should appear when you post your reply.
I know it may sound complicated but it is very easy, you can even copy down the words I have put in inverted comma's as a step by step guide to help you, Good Luck.
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How are you doing? and how is Doreen and families? Love Gerry in Coventry x
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Gerry alls well here and I sincerely hope its the same with you .
Doreen is doing ok and I think her daughter is visiting her her now.
My sister Joan and her husband Mike are to visit me here in Florida in Early December I believe. Ill Prob. drive down and bring Doreen here and we will have a get to gether . Best of luck . Ray .
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Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
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You are a genius Apalachie still it took me two goes. This is taken from North Queen St and the next is where I used to live at 101 Spamount St the Last one from Mills corner where I spent many a happy night
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Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
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(http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/7941/pa080059.jpg) (http://)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
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You are a genius Apalachie still it took me two goes. This is taken from North Queen St and the next is where I used to live at 101 Spamount St the Last one from Mills corner where I spent many a happy night
My God, what a change to Spamount Street! I remember it well in the 40/50's when I used to take a short cut to the Duncairn Gdns from Trainfield Street (happy days long gone, but thank God for the memories)and also Lepper St and Churchill St onto the Antrim Road en route to the Mater Hospital where I worked....Those were the days my friend etc etc. Gerry in Coventry x
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Gerry alls well here and I sincerely hope its the same with you .
Doreen is doing ok and I think her daughter is visiting her her now.
My sister Joan and her husband Mike are to visit me here in Florida in Early December I believe. Ill Prob. drive down and bring Doreen here and we will have a get to gether . Best of luck . Ray .
Hi there Ray, Glad to know that everyone is well. I thought Doreen could drive? I know I only started in my sixties (I was 62 years of age when I learned and passed 2nd time!) I don't know where I would be without the car. Have had 4 new ones in the last 9 years or so. I drive a wee Reno Sports which I find easy. Have just insured it and am waiting for the Road Tax and MOT to come end November d.v. My 3 kids all drive. I made sure they all had "wheels" Love to you all, Gerry x
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The Pics of Spamount St are great but its certainely not the Spam St that I spent my younger days. So few people and kids out .
My Sis. Doreen was involved in a very bad car accident when back in Belfast a few years ago and she is very apprehensive about being in cars now. Im the opposite and drive thousands of miles each year .
Good Luck to all in Beal Feirste ; The city of my child hood.
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Well done Big Lad, told you it was easy. You should have taken one of the wee corner shop there at Lepper St or a few of the houses further up the street as they are still the same as they were years ago but hopefully they too will be disappearing in a few years time. Good luck with your posting pic's.
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A bit of travel advice if you are going back next year Ray,there is free internet in the Central Library ( if you still have your library card) also the best value for coffee and scones is the wee cafe there. Grab a daily newspaper while there pretend you're reading and listen to the craic, great value!
If your into family history the GRO in Chichester St can be expensive, the new PRONI building near the Odyssey is well worth a look.
I am hoping to get back myself around September next year and as I said the last time "this is the last time"
Apalachie mentioned and my brother in law who lives in upper Spamount St told me all those houses from Lepper St to Edlingham St will be gone in the next few years including Stratheden St.
I not sure but I think that "Sweetie shop" on the corner of Edlingham St and Spamount St was owned by the Gillen Family who lived opposite Mary Gillen used to work there in the early sixties a good looking girl who was strongly fancied by one Fra O'Neill from the top of the New Lodge
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Thanks for the advice Big Lad but seriously speaking I doubt seriously if Id be fit enough for a walking tour that
I know it would take to take it all in .Lots of time for me to decide on a trip . Right now Im just enjoying the ocean views of our Gulf coast and weather which is always good. Good Luck . R.
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I guess all intrist in Spamount St has fallen by the way side but It will remain in my heart forever. Good Luck to all.
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Hi there Ray, How's you? Happy New Year to you and yours.
What are you doing with yourself these days?
Had e-mail from Doreen, she sounds very positive about her life which is good. Me, we are all as well as can be expected! I only wish times were better for the young unemployed here.
I hear they are coming from Ireland looking for work, no chance; too much capitalism in this world of ours.
Good news about the Stephen Lawrence case, at least justice has been seen to be done. Reminds me of "Robert the painter" years ago in Belfast, he got away scot-free. .on this note I will bid you adieu. Look after yourself Ray, Cheers Gerry in Coventry
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Good to hear from you Gerry ; Alls well here also and going ok . Im back in
Florida for the winter months up North . Wasnt that Robert the painter from
Meadow st and he was arrested for killing the Lady up in Newington area. ?
Things in this country are bad also but supposingly getting better if you can believe what they say , Must go . Good Luck as always . Ray .
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Well I think Im gonna do it. I may be back in good old Belfast some time this summer . Ill walk Spamount St bottom to Top and also the New Lodge area . Ill need a rest or two so I might sit on Yer winda sill but dont be alarmed its only me. God Bless Yiz all . Ray O ' C.
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:hi: Big lad/first ray would you happem to know if Brendan Donnely the coal man is still with us?
The family originally lived above the O Connor household but Brendan later on in life bought a house nearly opposite your house, FR.
Slan sean
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Yes Sean they lived at 54 Spam St and we in # 40 . I have heard nothing over the years in regards to them . Hopefully Ill pick up on the gossip etc if and when I get home. Good luck . R.
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hi everyone just came across this thread spent the last 40mins reading all the posts i spent many a happy hour in spamount st early 70s. joanie would you have been the same joan who chummed around with us tony strong topper devlin r i p. tommy denvir and myself frankie hawkins to name but a few. :) i may be wrong but would love to know if you are the same person
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:hi: Big lad/first ray would you happem to know if Brendan Donnely the coal man is still with us?
The family originally lived above the O Connor household but Brendan later on in life bought a house nearly opposite your house, FR.
Slan sean
ALMOST CERTAIN PAUL IS ONLY ONE ALIVE , HAVE BEEN TOLD BRENDY AND JOE BOTH DECEASED
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Johnny there was also a Bro . Billy and a Sister Joan I believe but I know nothing of the family . On another note Ill be home some time in later July maybe Ill bumb into you guys some where over there . R.
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:hi: MOONDOG/RAY tHANKS FOR THAT INFO. i KNEW THEM ALL AND THEY WERE A VERY NICE FAMILY.
BELL MEN FOR EVER. " OLD JOE" USED TO GIVE BRENDAN AND MYSELF A SPRASSIE ON A SAT NIGHT TO GO TO THE DUNCAIRN. SORRY TO HEAR THEY ARE NEARLY ALL PASSED ON
REGARDS JOHNMC
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Johnny and Moondog I just left Siesta Key Beach and enjoyed views of the Gulf of Mexico . It brought back memories of the old Greencastle as we knew it lol. God help us Greencastle was like a Cesspool as I remember . No offence meant to residents of Greencastle . Good Luck to all . R.
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Hi there Ray,
Just received a personal message from a "Derekp" (who is now offline) regarding Roberta (Stronge) Agnew" telling me that she had died on Easter Monday..what a shock Ray as my sis Pat and I knew her well in the 50's, think your Doreen also knew of her. She was exceptionally beautiful and had 3 sisters. We all came to Coventry together to look for better jobs etc. Do you know who this Derekp is by any chance?
I think she has a brother living South of England who was in touch with me last year telling me she was alive and living in Glengormley.
just wanted to send my condolences etc.
Trust you are all well and enjoying the sunshine, need I say more about our weather here, sun and showers typical UK weather for April! Cheers Gerry x Regards to Doreen and Joe too.
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Hello,
My name is Malcolm McPhail and I used to live 34 Spamount Street with my Granny Louie DeCourcy and mum Lillian. My Great granny lived across the street but I can't remember the exact number of her house. Maggie McKenna was next door to us, then the McGreeveys and the O'Connors. I used to hang about with Leo O'Connor when we were kids and can remember being invited into Leo's house for dinner on more than 1 occasion. I recognise some of the names that are on the forum.
Unfortunately mum passed away 4 years ago and my uncles Jim and Alec are no longer with us. Jim died in a boating accident in New Zealand some years ago and Alec died about 6 years ago in his house in Joanmount Gardens.
Regards to you all,
Mal
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Hi there, Welcome to the BF. My brothers (all deceased a few years ago) knew a Jim McPhail, his name was Geraldo Williamson and he went to the Star. My other brothers John and Bertie Williamson also went to the Star. We lived in Trainfield St No. 16. My eldest sis Patsy is also deceased.
Do you remember the Cairns and the O'Connors at No 40.I worked as a med/secretary at the Mater with Doreen O'Connor, her father Big Dan worked at the shipyard and they had a lovely family. Ray, her brother, is one of the team in the BF here but has not been on since March.
A lot of people emigrated all over the world, think the troubles had a lot to do with it. I live in Coventry UK now and have only retired from the Walsgrave New Hospital April last year. Am enjoying my retirement. Cheers Geraldine Travers (nee Williamson)
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My uncle Jim was a DeCourcy, my mum married my father back in 1955 I think, but he left us when I was about 18 months old and mum never bothered to get my surname changed even when she remarried several years later.
She used to work in the launderette on the corner of Brougham St and North Queen St. Yes I remember Big Dan O'Connor. Him and my grandad Jimmy DeCourcy were good friends.
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:hi: Hello Bboru I guess you must have lived opp the Mc Cafferty family I,d have to be guessing at your name, but I knew all the names you mentioned and you would be the first to name the formidable Mrs " Maggie " Mitchell at the Star of the Sea.Also Mr O Connor who was fond of firing the wooden duster at you if you weren,t paying attention in his class. Did you ever sample the pig tail he kept in the drawer ?Mr Carville . I guess I maybe saw his other side . He used to have myself and another bloke, whose name I won,t put on the forum ,up to his house on the Cliftonville Rd for extra tuiton.He had two good looking daughters .
I have a couple of photos from the Star . You would probably recognise quite a few faces in them. I would have to send them on a PM. If you are interested.
Regards Johnmc
Hello again! Trust you are well and enjoying life. Remember me, Geraldine Williamson (Geraldo's sis) from Trainfield Street. I have been on/off BF recently (over 2 years now) because of illnesses and 2 major surgeries but d.v. feeling right as rain just now. Did you ever send the pic of The Star of the Sea school Johnmc? My computer crashed twice since last hearing from you and I lost the majority of the important stuff. If you still have that pic I would love to have it. My email address is listed here too, would love to hear from you again. Cheers and God Bless, Geraldine :)
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does anyone remember the kearney family in spamount street
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Yes Dannybell, I remember the Kearneys, Lived facing Glenrosa St. John was a mate of mine, along with Jim McFall, Bill Shannon and others. Sister Kathleen entered the Poor Clares 'tho I did hear she came out some years later. John had an older brother who did a stint in the Merchant Navy. Last I heard John had a successful shop fitting business.
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My mother's family lived on Spamount St. until they were forced out by the troubles. My great aunt lived all her life on the street until then. Her mother and father had lived in the house from before WW I. My aunt lived next door to her in the house she, along with my mother and two brothers had been born in before WW II. Her cousin also lived there from around the 50's.
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My grandparents (Heading) lived in Spamount St approx 1937-1947, give or take, then from the early 1950s through to the late 1970s, when their house was compulsorily purchased by the Housing Executive. I think they were in number 88 for most of that time.
Geraldine, my great grandparents (Quigley) were from Trainfield St. They were there in 1901 at the time of the census, and originally came from the Randalstown area probably in the period following the influx to Belfast post-famine.
I believe the O'Connors you mention were connected with the O'Connor's coal business at the bottom of the Cliftonville.
Of course little of the neighbourhood is left now. Listening to my dad and my aunts talking about it, it really was a different era. The world was much smaller then, and neighbours all knew each others business and helped each other out, and were always in and out of each other's houses. My grandmother used to have to put the snib on the door in order to get a few moment's peace.
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It has been a long time since I have posted anything on this Forum, I have been travelling a fair bit or as it is said here " been waltzing Matilda all over.Home again for a wee while. I sincerely hope that Geraldine, Ray, Moon dog and others kind enough to comment on my ramblings are still out there as i am still looking for information on some great characters I grew up with. Let's see what happens!
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It has been a long time since I have posted anything on this Forum, I have been travelling a fair bit or as it is said here " been waltzing Matilda all over.Home again for a wee while. I sincerely hope that Geraldine, Ray, Moon dog and others kind enough to comment on my ramblings are still out there as i am still looking for information on some great characters I grew up with. Let's see what happens!
Ah! Back again I see, and welcome. How's you and what you been up to? Take care now, Gerry (Geraldine but Gerry to my good friends on BF!) ::) xx
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Well I think Im gonna do it. I may be back in good old Belfast some time this summer . Ill walk Spamount St bottom to Top and also the New Lodge area . Ill need a rest or two so I might sit on Yer winda sill but dont be alarmed its only me. God Bless Yiz all . Ray O ' C.
How you doin' Ray? Miss all your topics...take care Gerry (Mater Hospital in Belfast) ;)
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Hi All,
I never lived in Spamount St, but my Aunt Elieen and my Uncle Gorden Lewis and their two children Gorden and Colin lived there around 1956,they then moved to Seaview just near Skegoniel Av
hope everyone is well
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Hi All,
I never lived in Spamount St, but my Aunt Elieen and my Uncle Gorden Lewis and their two children Gorden and Colin lived there around 1956,they then moved to Seaview just near Skegoniel Av
hope everyone is well
Hello Barry,
I lived a number of doors from Gordon, the son, but a few years older. I walked into the post office at Carrickfergus in the mid eighties and there he was looking almost the same except for the hair. Gordon's family and our family lived at the top end of Spamount St almost on Halliday's Road. ;)
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Hi, its nice to hear that you remember them,
Gorden lives near Hazel Bank
and Colin lives near the Crues ground
Their Parents Gorden and Elieen have both passed, both into their early seventies.
I am their cousin Barry and I have lived in England since 1971.
Been in the Duncairn picture house a few times.
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I will be there this year. .Was Gordon the Franchisee of the post office in Carrick? Has he retires now?
I recognise some of those names from Lower Spamount. The Headings, Morrissons ( Sammy ) ,Mc Greeveys,O'Connor, Hanna, Mc Faul,& Cairns.
Went to the Star of the Sea , Bearnageeha & St Malachy's college. Real pity that it is almost impossible to trace anyone from the area. Had real good friends from Uppr Hillman St called Raymond Shiels & David Capper.but cannot trace them ;)
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I am not sure about the post office bit but you could be right,
Retired ?.
you could be right about too Gorden would be around 67/68
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Anyone remember Reilly's sweetie shop :)
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Anyone remember Reilly's sweetie shop :)
I don't Chi. .was it in the lower end of the street. :)
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I don't Chi. .was it in the lower end of the street. :)
Yes
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Where abouts. .below which street....I mean Lepper or Edlingham St? What is your interest ;)
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Sam --there was a Reilly family lived about two doors above the OConnor family on the r/h side going down
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Sam --there was a Reilly family lived about two doors above the OConnor family on the r/h side going down
Hi there, I knew Dolores Reilly who was some sort of "cousin/relative" I think to Doreen O'Connor who I worked with at the Belfast Mater Infirmorum Hospital Crumlin Road, I heard 2 years ago from someone on BF that Dolores had that died. I am wondering if this is the person you are asking about. Gerry (Geraldine but Gerry to my friends on BF). :)
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Thanks Sean,
How are you keeping? I am off to Belfast and England in June ;)
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Hi there, I knew Dolores Reilly who was some sort of "cousin/relative" I think to Doreen O'Connor who I worked with at the Belfast Mater Infirmorum Hospital Crumlin Road, I heard 2 years ago from someone on BF that Dolores had that died. I am wondering if this is the person you are asking about. Gerry (Geraldine but Gerry to my friends on BF). :)
Hi Gerry I mentioned to you
that Dolores was my sister in-
law and she died a few years
ago RIP. :smitten: :angel:
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Where abouts. .below which street....I mean Lepper or Edlingham St? What is your interest ;)
whats .with.... the .dots :D
I had a cousin that
lived on Lepper St. :)
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It's like getting blood from a stone Chi. ..Give us a clue? :D
I like Dots. .especially Dot / Dash? ::) ::)
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It's like getting blood from a stone Chi. ..Give us a clue? :D
I like Dots. .especially Dot / Dash? ::) ::)
sj title of thread is lower end of Spamount st
Reilly's store was lower end of Spamount st
sorry if you were confused what section of
lower Spamount St I was referring to ???
sj have a safe trip to Belfast and enjoy your
time there :party:
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Chi,
Spamount St was a very long street. The top, middle and two sections of the lower end but certainly a long lower end below Lepper St. I don't remember all the shops but certainly not confused about which end is which. ::)
There were shops on the junction of it and Lepper St, also junction of Trainfield St . Then more on the left where Jim Hanna had a barbers shop. Where was Reilly shop or is it a secret? :o
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Chi,
Spamount St was a very long street. The top, middle and two sections of the lower end but certainly a long lower end below Lepper St. I don't remember all the shops but certainly not confused about which end is which. ::)
There were shops on the junction of it and Lepper St, also junction of Trainfield St . Then more on the left where Jim Hanna had a barbers shop. Where was Reilly shop or is it a secret? :o
I think it was # 49
There were lots of huckster
shops in the older neighborhoods :)
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Sam--Mc Grann,s pub was on the corner of Spamount and Trainfield St.When I was young I
Used to see the ladies going into the snug part in Trainfield St and wondered what a " snug " was .
Looked very secretive!
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Sean. .No need to bring sex into the conversation??? :D
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Hello Sam----at the time I,m talking about I was too young [ sex ? ] and the ladies were way far too o;d !.
I had found out later old Mr Mc Grann didn,t like ladies in the main bar
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Did I tell ypu that Joe Mc Williams died ? :)
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Hi Sam, I believe Reilly's sweet shop was on the same side as McGann's Pub but below Glenrosa St heading toward North Queen St.
BTW I too will be in Belfast June 15 to the 27th. Also JohnMc I'm sad to report that I have lost three sisters in the last 20 months,
Eithne first followed by Cecelia and then Frances, so this will be my fourth trip in about 2 years!
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Hello Jim--how very sad to hear about your sisters. I remember your family quite well.
Is Margaret still with us?I still have some of your family photos.
Do you have any family still in Belfast
Sean
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Jim I am really sorry to hear about your sister. I think that they went to the Star of the Sea school. It's amazing that the three of us went to the same primary school and sixty years later we are talking to one another on this forum. In Sean's case it is a bit longer?? ::) ::)
Thanks for letting me know where the shop was and unfortunately I will have left Belfast by the time that you arrive. Sean was thinking about a trip this year but don't know when he is travelling. Good luck and have a great time on holiday. The area has changed a lot but up the top end it is generally the same except the school has gone and so has the Lyceum. :)
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Johnmc, Yes Margaret lives in Andersonstown, Gerry lives in Turf Lodge and Marie lives in the Malone Rd.
I'm told that David Carroll still grieves deeply since Frances passed away. They lived in Antrim.
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Hello Jim --when you visit in June can you pass on my regards. I,ve been up and down the old/new Spamount St
but no sign of any of the old residents.
You could maybe tell Margaret and Marie that Ella and Jean are still with us . They have lived in Manchester for quite a few years now
I,ve been in Australia since 1970. I haven,t mentioned a surname but I,m sure they will know who you are talking about.
Davy and Frances .Pretty laid back ,from what I recall.YHA members from way back.
Regards Sean
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Good afternoon Gerry, Poguesman and all, sorry about the delay but “Keek Happens”
Anyway for all us exiles a little bit of news on Spamount St. A few years ago I dandered up lower Spamount St which was unrecognizable from when I left[/font]
In 1969. However Spamount St from Lepper St to Edlingham St remained much the same. This is where one Billy Wilson lived a few doors up from Lepper St corner opposite Bob Mills’ shop. Billy had Down’s Syndrome and was taunted mercilessly by the local kids (sadly I admit to being one), Yelling “Buck-a-Boo “ was sure to cause Billy to give chase. Billy being handicapped was no match for the young speedsters. I don’t know what happened to poor Billy after ’69.
So anyway mid Spamount St is up for redevelopment with most maybe all of the locals gone. My brother in law now moved to North Queen St. Now from what I can gather as reported in one of the papers redevelopment ceased a few months ago due the non payment of “security money”
On that happy note
Let me wish one and all a Happy St Patrick’s Day.
Don’t be drinking anymore or any less[/font]
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Good afternoon Gerry, Poguesman and all, sorry about the delay but “Keek Happens” [/font]
Anyway for all us exiles a little bit of news on Spamount St. A few years ago I dandered up lower Spamount St which was unrecognizable from when I left[/font]
In 1969. However Spamount St from Lepper St to Edlingham St remained much the same. This is where one Billy Wilson lived a few doors up from Lepper St corner opposite Bob Mills’ shop. Billy had Down’s Syndrome and was taunted mercilessly by the local kids (sadly I admit to being one), Yelling “Buck-a-Boo “ was sure to cause Billy to give chase. Billy being handicapped was no match for the young speedsters. I don’t know what happened to poor Billy after ’69.[/font]
So anyway mid Spamount St is up for redevelopment with most maybe all of the locals gone. My brother in law now moved to North Queen St. Now from what I can gather as reported in one of the papers redevelopment ceased a few months ago due the non payment of “security money” [/font]
On that happy note [/font]
Let me wish one and all a Happy St Patrick’s Day.[/font]
Don’t be drinking anymore or any less[/font]
I met Billy , who I think was a Glens supporter about 1981 in hospital and he was still alive and looked well ( looked exactly the same ). I was actually pleased to see him. I was always kind to Billy.( I was from the top end of Spamount St ) and although he didn't seem to know me he appreciated talking about his life in that area. Unfortunately Billy had to move as the areas of Belfast changed dynamics and lived around Rathcoole or Monkstown but Down syndrom people don't live to a ripe old age so he might have passed on. ;) Have a great St Patrick's Day. ...Did you know that Joe Mc Williams , the artist ,passed away before Christmas . He was originally from Trainfield St .
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Thank you for that SJ, I am not being funny but I honestly cannot ever remember Billy Wilson actually talking as such.
You also quite right, upper Spamount St kids did seem to have a lot more humanity; north of Lepper St?
Take it easy
Now off to the local version of an Irish pub (God help us)
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My in-laws the O'Reillys lived in 81 Spamount Street. I also worked with a girl called Betty Hughes from the lower end.
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Thank you for that SJ, I am not being funny but I honestly cannot ever remember Billy Wilson actually talking as such.
You also quite right, upper Spamount St kids did seem to have a lot more humanity; north of Lepper St?
Take it easy
Now off to the local version of an Irish pub (God help us)
Not many people gave him a chance as he was hard to understand :)
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SJ, I have to agree with Big Lad regarding Billy Wilson. Having grown up in Lower Seamount St I was very familiar with Billy and never once did I have a meaningful dialogue with him. Wonder if we are actually remembering the same person as the Billy that I knew was, like myself a big Crusaders supporter. Some other memories of Billy was his frequent 'skipping' and he seemed to be fastidious about wiping/blowing his nose! His family were very active/supporters of the Orange Order and fierce loyalists. I recall going to their side of the street for a 'party' celebrating the Coronation of the Queen. Although they had a strong protestant demeanor rumor was that Billy's dad was originally a catholic and on his deathbed a priest was 'smuggled in' to administer the Last Rites.
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Poguesman---you are spot on about Billy. The only person, apart from family, that seemed to understand him was Bob Mills in the corner grocers shop.
Billy shopped there quite often. Didn,t bother you if you didn,t bother him
SJ--MY COLLISION WITH fR lARKIN OCCURED BEFORE HE BECAME PRESIDENT
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Hello Jim & John,
What a memory or it's the medication. There weren't many Downsyndrom boys on Spamount but I remembered him. When you are bored in a hospital you talk to the walls but I did do most of the talking but he was pleased when I mentioned Spamount St. I was in Billy's company a few times as most of my friends knew him ....I think that Billy might have gone to Mountycollyer school but that is just a guess as most of my friend when there. I never knew anyone who was a Crues fan. .I always got claustrophobia when I went to their ground.
Sean The teacher / priest whom I was referring to on the St Malachy's site was the tall priest who had black hair and who took a swipe at you if you got too close to him. He became head of the languages dept. :) I'll take a walk for both of you in June down Spamount St.
Doing some genelogy and discovered that my grandparents came from Ballymena to live in Spamount ( at 107 ) where my aunt Peggy was born and then moved mid 40's to Brougham St where he had a shoerepair shop and living premises. We lived at the top l.h.s. almost on Hallidays road. :o
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how do you save something you have written but go to check back on another post. I must have had two paragraphs done and then lost that lot. "the machines are winning!!!"
Anyway start again SJ two items; first up , when I was a lad 103 Spamount St was a Mrs McGary or was that 99, anyway someone will let me know, 105 was a great lady and her family Bridie Fitzsimmons (I will post more on Bridie another time) 107 was the Poguesman's family and 109 the Blackhams.
Secondly I did not know the Mcwilliams the poet/artist you mentioned but did know a Charly McWilliams, a country man who lived in Tranfield St who moved later to Stratheden St. A great guy who worked with my old man when the Kilroot Power station was being built.
Don't want get too far ahead as I liable to hit the wrong button and lose all this.
Anyhow next time up "How John ( the Moon ) Kearney got his nickname
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how do you save something you have written but go to check back on another post. I must have had two paragraphs done and then lost that lot. "the machines are winning!!!"
Anyway start again SJ two items; first up , when I was a lad 103 Spamount St was a Mrs McGary or was that 99, anyway someone will let me know, 105 was a great lady and her family Bridie Fitzsimmons (I will post more on Bridie another time) 107 was the Poguesman's family and 109 the Blackhams.
Secondly I did not know the Mcwilliams the poet/artist you mentioned but did know a Charly McWilliams, a country man who lived in Tranfield St who moved later to Stratheden St. A great guy who worked with my old man when the Kilroot Power station was being built.
Don't want get too far ahead as I liable to hit the wrong button and lose all this.
Anyhow next time up "How John ( the Moon ) Kearney got his nickname
Hello bigman,
Samuel Caulfield lived at 107 Spamount St on 17th August 1923 when his youngest daughter Margaret was born. When he moved to Brougham St I am not entirely sure but he died there in 1950. I think that he maybe moved before Jim's family moved into 107. Jim could confirm the date. Joe Mc Williams ancestors lived in Carnmoney St and appear on the 1901 census and then his father moved to Trainfield St at some stage and he was probably born in Trainfield St.. He was President of the Ulster Society and painted the paintings that depict the Orange Band dancing at the front of St Patrick's Church. He is famous for more than just that painting but tended to paint the Troubles from a particular perspective.
In relation to going back and looking at a previous post. .you can scroll down the page using the buttons at bottom R.H.S. of the page and see previous posts on the same page. If that isn't what you want to do minimise your page , open up a new browser and you will find what you want by goinging into the site again. .or if you have windows 10 type what you want to do into the space on the bottom l.h.s. of the screen and click search and the help will appear. ::) :D
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hEllo Poguesman,
Isn't the above post scarey. Imagine my grandfather living in a house that your family later lived in. I could never understand how my mother who lived at Brougham St would know many people from that section of Spamount St. I knew the Blackhams as well but she knew amongst other, The Morrissons( Sammy, Mary & Rita were three of the children whom I knew & Betty), Mc Greeveys, Hylands, Hannas, O'Connors, O'Preys, Headings, Donnelly's coal and Connors coal....she knew all those wimmin. :)
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Hi Malcolm ,did u ever come on any photos of Jim ,talking to some people who say his wife is in a retirement home.these folk lived near the family 1girl 4 boys Jim n Tui had,imagine that,when I knew him he was18 n I was 16.At time he died they had 10 Grandchildren,flip,We've 3 kids n 5 grandkids,enough for us ,Regards.
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Hi everybody, does anyone know whatever happened to Bhoro? he used to keep in touch via BF but my computer crashed a few times and I now am retrieving some of my old posts from a while back. Also Big Ray who lives in 40 Spamount Street. They both seem to have disappeared. Cheers Gerry in Coventry ???
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Hi everybody, does anyone know whatever happened to Bhoro? he used to keep in touch via BF but my computer crashed a few times and I now am retrieving some of my old posts from a while back. Also Big Ray who lives in 40 Spamount Street. They both seem to have disappeared. Cheers Gerry in Coventry ???
Hey everyone who knew of Big Ray, I heard from his niece Doreen Jr. (daughter of Doreen and Joe Bowman) to let us all know that he died day before his sister Doreen 27th December 2018. His sister Doreen died on 28th December 2018. R.I.P. to them both. I wasn't sure if I had already informed BF pals. Gerry in Coventry. :(
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Hello Geraldine.....thanks for that information. :)
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Hi Geraldine, I'm the niece of Doreen Bowman, nee O'Connor. She and her husband Joe emigrated to Chicago in the 1950s. She passed away in December 2017. She was a lovely lady and is greatly missed by her extended family.
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Hi Geraldine, I'm the niece of Doreen Bowman, nee O'Connor. She and her husband Joe emigrated to Chicago in the 1950s. She passed away in December 2017. She was a lovely lady and is greatly missed by her extended family.
Thanx for this...I knew from her daughter Doreen Jr. that her Mamma had died 28th Dec/17. I always kept in touch with Doreen (RIP) as we worked together in the Mater Hospital for over 5 years, we were buddies and I well remember when she got married. Do you have any of her wedding photos? She did send me one of her and Joe (how is he by the waY?) but I have mislaid this but may be in the attic along with family members of my own clan.
Do you live in Belfast?
Bye for now and God Bless...Gerry (Geraldine but Gerry to all my friends!) xx.
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Thanks Gerry - my mum (Mona, Doreen's sister) has a framed copy of Doreen's wedding photo at home in Belfast but I live in Cork - I'm Bronagh. Joe is elderly and frail. That's lovely that you stayed in touch with Doreen: she was a wonderful person.
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Thanks Gerry - my mum (Mona, Doreen's sister) has a framed copy of Doreen's wedding photo at home in Belfast but I live in Cork - I'm Bronagh. Joe is elderly and frail. That's lovely that you stayed in touch with Doreen: she was a wonderful person.
Ah Bronagh, what a lovely name. Yes she was a beautiful person as i remember when we worked together. I remember Mona when she was growing up, Doreen shared a bed with Mona as the the family had 2 houses for such a wonderful large family. I remember when Doreen had her 1st born and still have the photo, my son also born around the same time here in Coventry UK. I just wonder if Mona would allow you to put a pic on BF for me to copy, no worries if not, but Doreen had the perfect wedding, Joe was a good looker too and she was besotted with him as he with her. In the beginning she used to wear her engagement ring on a chain around her beck because of her father seeing it!! Those were the days indeed. They made the perfect couple. Looking forward to hearing from you once again, love hearing about Doreen though. Take care and God Bless Gerry xx
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Hi folks,
I’ve just joined. I’ve become interested in Spamount Road due to the fact that my (deceased) father was born there 104 years ago and I walked there a couple of days ago to look at the house. It’s 188 which I guess would be classed as “upper”. It was bricked up but flanked by well maintained properties on either side. I asked a young woman who was passing if she knew any recent history of the property which she didn’t. I didn’t “knock on” at neighbouring houses but wondered if anyone knew any recent history about the place?
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Hello V 6 iS THIS THE 1ST TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TO SPAMOUNT ST. .sorry to shout.? What was your father's surname as I was born at 243 which is not too far away but on the other side of the street. I live in Australia but Lennon.com have street directories that we could look at and see who the neighbours were and what the occupations were at the time. I can still remember the names of many neighbours although I haven't lived ther since about 1964. My parents left about April 1969 when the whole area was beginning to become embroiled in turmoil and the troubles were just around the corner. It was basically a working class area stuck between the Catholic New Lodge and the Protestant Tigers Bay which was on the other side of the Duncairn Gdns . There were schools in the area and work, hospital, and pubs close and the Jewish area was near the Cliftonville Rd so it had an interesting mix of people. Almost forgot it had a cinema on the corner of New Lodge Rd and Hallidays road and churches close by.Did you ever live there? What age are you? Oh ...welcome to this forum ;) Best of luck.
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And this area was Upper Spamount St.????? :)
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It was the first time I’d been. My Father’s surname was Timmins. His father had been a barman and went to fight in WW1 “for home rule” and only survived the war by a matter of months. Having been born in England myself, it’s a little hard to determine the invisible sectarian boundaries of areas but in childhood my father, his brothers and Granny had to leave because of threats from a unionist mob. I don’t think they returned, though I know they tried to on one occasion. From murals at the lower end of the street I’d guessed it was a nationalist area, though, I guess, it is quite a long street! The course of the street now is broken by a new set of houses being built - between 188 and the lower end. Looked pretty smart with 188 a bit of a blot in the middle, a shame really. Interesting to hear there was a jewish community round there as well.
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V6 2.....The address would be Upper Spamount St but that is not what was on the street directory. If you look for Lennon whyte street directories, Belfast you can look at who lived in the house at vaious stages in it's life and the occupation of the tenant. The area was originally part of an estate owned by an industrialist.
As a child I remember the house as it was near a vacant lot . If you went up Spamount St you would get to the Cavehill area by travelling up the Cliftonville Road and through the Jewish area. The Synagogue was at Carlisle Circus which was at the bottom of the Crumlin Road and near the Mater hospital. Going down the Antrim Rd from Spamount St was St Malachy's college and it's seminary.
It's great to find places that your ancestors visited. I take it that he didn't go to primary school in the area. There was a Catholic school on the Hallidays Rd near the top of Spamount St while there were two Protestant schools nearby. One on the New Lodge Rd and the other on Hillman St. Are you doing some Genelogy. If you are ...you can look at ( not all ) graves on the Milltown Cemmetery site if you have the details. :) where other relations would be buried.
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Thanks, SJ. My interest was peaked by thoughts of my grandad who’s anniversary (death) is next year and I have located his grave in Milltown cemetery where it is still immaculately tended by the groundsmen, greatly to their credit. Daddy would likely have been at the Catholic primary school. Thanks for the link to Lennon Whytes, the neighbours either side are identified in 1912, 18 and 24. Names of people at that end of the street seem to show mixed denomination.
I still have a lot of family in Belfast but more the Falls Road area and I tend to have more contact with my mother’s side. My other Granda, Granny and a brother are buried in Milltown as well. Daddy did a lot of the geneology work going back across generations but it is only from my grandfather’s time that Belfast came into play.
It’s great to find out about the school, cinema and synagogue. My father’s childhood was quite fractured, some spent out in the country near Portglenone before returning to Belfast for work but I think Spamount Road was no longer in the picture at that stage.
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Thanks V6 2. .My own grandfather came to Belfast in the late 1800's where there were job opportunities. School records are kept at the Diocese of Down & Connor and the name of the school was " Star of the Sea" , Hallidays Road in case you are interested in getting or looking at some records. ;) . Good luck.
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Very useful, thanks. On a more thorough search of Lennon Whyte, I see the family there in 1918 but not 11 or 24. I also found Daddy, Granny, my other Granda and Daddy’s brother in west Belfast addresses in the 50s and 60s which was of particular interest to one of my sisters regarding neighbours she knew in childhood. I may well look up Star of the Sea records when next in Belfast, though I suspect that has to be done in person?
I was wrong to start the family clock in Belfast with Granda as Granny’s family were already there, called Mulholland. I searched for that name in 1918 records but couldn’t nail down great grandparents’ address. There was a “Mrs Mulholland” less than a mile away (my great grandfather would have been alive though) and one or two other possibles with his name but not occupation. Since he was in the RIC he may not have wanted to identify that of course.
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That is great news. There were also Mulhollands in Spamount St however they lived in the number 100's and I only know that they lived there in 1940's but my father knew Joe Mulholland much earlier and he also lived in Spamount St . He was a builder who employed people and had a builders yard beside the school. Later his daughter married and lived on the Whitewell Rd. Every little helps.? ;)
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Mmmm thanks
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Hello V 6 iS THIS THE 1ST TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TO SPAMOUNT ST. .sorry to shout.? What was your father's surname as I was born at 243 which is not too far away but on the other side of the street. I live in Australia but Lennon.com have street directories that we could look at and see who the neighbours were and what the occupations were at the time. I can still remember the names of many neighbours although I haven't lived ther since about 1964. My parents left about April 1969 when the whole area was beginning to become embroiled in turmoil and the troubles were just around the corner. It was basically a working class area stuck between the Catholic New Lodge and the Protestant Tigers Bay which was on the other side of the Duncairn Gdns . There were schools in the area and work, hospital, and pubs close and the Jewish area was near the Cliftonville Rd so it had an interesting mix of people. Almost forgot it had a cinema on the corner of New Lodge Rd and Hallidays road and churches close by.Did you ever live there? What age are you? Oh ...welcome to this forum ;) Best of luck.
Hi there, remember me? Williamsons of 16 Trainfield Street, Geraldo's sister Geraldine ( but Gerry to all my BF pals). The cinema you mention was named The Lyceum and manys a good film we all shared here, Saturdays were special matinee for the kids there, but remember also The Capitol cinema on the Antrim Rd where I saw The Jolson Story....(oh those precious memories). How you keeping? take care and God Bless Gerry
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Hello Sam---would you know if the " workhouse " and the " poor house " are one and the same?
And on the corner of Clifton St and North Queen St ?
Any records available?
Sean
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Hello Sean,
The building on the corner of N.Q.St was the Belfast Charitable Society and the Workhouse and I know another workhouse is the Belfast City hospital. There are some books ( not now in print ) but your best source would be to contact .www.belfasthistoryproject.com. .or....glenravel local history. .they say to go to your facebook page and search for Belfasthistory project. Another way would be to find Northbelfasthistorical society. You can download information from www.belfasthistory free. :) You could also search for Belfast Charitable Society . I am too young to remember the workhouse???
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Thanks , Sam. Iv,e sent a query off to Clifton House
sean
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Thanks , Sam. Iv,e sent a query off to Clifton House
sean
It is noe an sged care place ;) :)