St Dympna's Parish Dromore 2012

A Review of 2012 in our parish including
the 25th Anniversary of the opening
of St.Davog's Church

word
It is good thing to stop, pause and reflect now and again.
This is what we have done with this modest booklet, which marks the 25 th year of the
opening of St.Davog's Church. It allows us to record some of the organisations in the
parish that are so important for its life and some of the events of significance to the
past year.
We are very grateful, to all those who have helped and contributed to put it together,
especially to Joanne Colton whose brain child it was and who did so much to bring it
to completion.
We pride ourselves on our independence as individuals, but maybe this reflection
reminds us that we are highly dependent on each other too for so much that enriches
our lives.
This is a close knit and wholesome community of faith and good values. We should
cherish much that knits us together even when away. Maybe also, to our many
people in distant places, it will be a welcome reminder of that very special place that
Dromore is; always home and a place to which we will always be bonded.
May our Church which has become a landmark in Dromore, serve our community for
many years ahead and may our people always be faithful to Christ.
Fr. Patrick Mac Entee P.P.
Canon Thomas Breen P.E.
Pictured is Fr. Mac Entee and Canan Breen with Bishop Duffy, who 25 years ago officiated the
opening of St. Davog's Church.

St.Dympna's Parish, Dromore, 2012
Foreword 1 Lough Derg 42
Construction of St.Davog's Church 4 Bridget OBrien 44
Building & Design Team 9 St.Dympna's Hurling Club 45
Opening of St.Davog's Church 10 Dromore Day Care Centre
Baptisms in St.Davog's in 2012 13 The town through the years 46
7
St. Macartan's PS, Dullaghan 14 Confirmation Class of 2012 48
Dromore Credit Union 15 Bell Tower 50
Tummery Pipe Band 16 Comparing costs of 1972-2012 51
New gardens at St.Davog's 17 Parishes in Clogher Diocese 52
Communion Class of 2012 18 How many do you know? 54
Olympic Torch 20 The story of St.Dympna
St.Dympna's Ladies GFC 21 Dromore Fire Brigade 56
Dromore Playschool 22 Brian Slevin 58
Horse & Man Sculpture 23 Dromore 2000 60
How many do you recognise? 24 Improvements of the A32 61
Tummery Athletic FC 26 Parish & Church Groups 62
Dromore Dramatic Society 27 St. Dympna's Scor Team 63
Weddings in St.Davog's in 2012 28
.X:
Dromore 10k 64
Tummery PS 29 Aerial View of Town 1980s 65
Dromore Youth Club 30 Dromore Creamery 66
Dromore Amateur Boxing Club 31 Curley PS 67
Memories of old chapel 32 Down Memory Lane 68
Townlands in the parish
34
45
55
St.Dympna's PS 70
Drumlish PS 36 Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann 71
Paul McGirr Memorial Trophy 37 Dromore Sports Complex 72
St.Dympna's Mens GFC 38 St.Johns College 73
Dromore Fit Factor 39 Old St.Dympna's PS 74
Deaths in the parish in 2012 40 Eye Well 75
x
Funeral Dinner Ladies 41 Ace Scheme 76
3

weekly bingo was still successful whilst a popular activity of the time was a guest tea
which provided funds as well as promoting community spirit. For those whose needs
outstretched a cup of tea and who wished for something more active, "Daddy Cool and
the Lollipops" provided the music for a well-attended dance in St. Patrick's hall. During
the spring of '83 new ideas were emerging as more people put their minds to the
mammoth venture. Targets were set for weekly collections, a major push was made
to persuade relevant parishioners to sign covenant forms, local man, John Mccann,
competed in the Belfast marathon and received generous sponsorship whilst the novel
idea of a parish auction was broached. On the 24 th June this memorable event was held
in the hall car park. The auctioneer was forced to compete with the sound of impatient
livestock, aggravated youngsters and all manner of engaging sounds as Dromore's own
version of the Continental Market came to town. But the event was a resounding
financial success as well as an enjoyable community occasion.
As 1983 moved onwards, an innovative idea emerged. Dromore had never had a mayor
but inventive thinkers reckoned that a "first citizen' was required. So began one of the
most enjoyable fund raisers of the campaign. The names of Pio Mccann, Noel Hackett,
Liam McQuaid, Dympna Colton and "wee" Tom Maguire emerged as prospective
candidates and the hustings began. Contributions were required for the right to vote,
candidates were "out and about" to rally the electorate and a real sense of electioneering,
albeit local and for fun, was prevalent. The event terminated with a "Lord Mayor's Ball"
which proved to be a tremendous parish occasion. The tension was building as the
Seamus McNulty, Shane McG/one, Mgsr Flood, Fr. Breen turning sod of new Church
5

On 19 th May '85, sketch plans of the
proposed new church were displayed
for the first time. Prior to this, the
land for the preferred site had been
acquired from Brendan O'Reilly at a
nominal fee: later the ground for the
new cemetery was obtained from
Andrew O'Reilly. The elevation of the
site and its accessibility, graveyard
provisions etc. ensured that the new
church would occupy a commanding
presence over the town and its flock. Fr.Breen atthe laying of the first stone
The various experts in engineering put
their minds to work and the time was right for the project to go to tender.
As 1986 progressed, excitement mounted as visible signs of the efforts from previous
fundraising emerged. Site leveling, laying of road and car parks and digging the
foundations began. The main contractors were local firm, Mc Aleer & Teague, as building
progressed, a new vision on the Northern horizon emerged. The work proceeded and
fund raising continued. Another equally successful parish auction took place whilst
a dance was held by Dromore emigrants in distant New York and a substantial profit
ensued.
In 1987, the parishioners watched with increasing satisfaction as the new edifice
continued to grow. Novel concepts emerged via a Dromore Gala Week which included
a barbecue, holidaymaker's Dance, a gala sports day and dance. The completion of
the roof and completion of the Bell Tower were more visible signs of progress and the
venture was fast moving towards fruition. By October, Fr Breen could announce that
five-sixths of the cost of the new church had been raised. Meanwhile many generous
donations towards various liturgical requirements within the church were being made
St.Davog's nearing completion
7
Picture By: Pat Mccarron

Opening of {j}/:. ogs - 6 th December 1987
The following is an extract from the 'The Ulster Herald' on Saturday 12 th December
1987.
"A tower of faith for your children and your children's children" - that was how the
Bishop of Clogher, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Duffy, described the new Church of St.Davog,
Dromore, when he presided at the Mass of Dedication which was attended by an
overflow congregation of clergy and laity on Sunday 6 th December 1987.
The opening of the impressive new church, costing almost flm and situated at
Gardrum Hill, on the Omagh Road, was a joyous occasion for the entire parish and
appropriately the church grounds were decorated with bunting as visitors from far
and wide - many of whom had previous connections with Dromore - were met with a
banner proclaiming the message "Cead Mile Failte".
St.Dympna's Pipe Band, Tummery, formed a guard of honour and played hymns
including 'Faith of our Fathers' during the entrance procession.
During the Mass, the chief celebrant of which was his Lordship, Dr. Duffy, the visiting
Bishops were in the Sanctuary. Rev.Gerry McGee, CC, Dromore and Rev. T.McElvanny,
CC, Fivemiletown were Masters of Ceremonies.
After Bishop Duffy greeted
the congregation, Fr. Breen
introduced him to representatives
of the architects, the builders and
the parish, who formally handed
over the keys of the building.
Throughout the ceremonies -
which included the Blessing and
Sprinkling of Water, the Prayer of
Dedication and the Anointings,
the Depositing of the Relics and
the lncensation and Lighting of
the Altar and the Church - the
combined Dromore Youth and
Adult Choirs, the Shaneragh Folk Group and the St.John's School Choir provided the
music.
Upwards of 80 members of the clergy were present in the congregation, including
representatives of other denominations in the Dromore area.
10
Noel McQuaid & Seamus McCoole

Following the Mass of
Dedication, a delicious
buffet supper was provided
in St.John's Secondary by
the combined kitchen staff
of St.John's and St.Dympna's
PS as well as the senior
girls. This in itself was no
small task, as upwards of
1,000 people were caterd
for. And later many of
the parishoners enjoyed
a dance organised by Pat
O'Donnell in St.Patrick's
Hall, where the music was
supplied by Accord and
Moonlight."
Pictured is Barney McAleer handing over the keys of the Church to Bishop Duffy; Bishop
Duffy during the opening ceremony; Bishop Duffy along with Bishop Daly, Bishop Walsh
and Fr.Breen in the entrance procession.
11

{{5$ cy;
tMm6 -{jjf'atkl ? tn 2012
1. Patrick Enda Turner 22. Lily Elizabeth Sabotic
2. Keeva Dympna Healy 23. Cadhla Rose McDonnell
3. Mary-Kate Brigid Colton 24. Sha Barry Watters
4.
Katie Catherine Little
25. Dervle Bridget Teague
5.
Efle O'Kane
26. Eabha Slevin
6. Kyle Martin Farry 27. Niamh Mary Mccarron
7. Aidan Mccusker 28. Daniel Liam Corrigan
8. Matthew Patrick Molloy 29. Katie Louise McNabb
9. Shona Brid Erin Campbell 30. Anna Fiona McAleer
10. Eva Joan Elizabeth Campbell 31. John Paul Colton
11. Reilly Patrick Murphy-Slevin 32. Slanna Rose Donnelly
12. Jason Ashton Gormley 33. Ellen Sarah Mccusker
13. Vincent Patrick Barrett 34. Jamie Thomas Byrne
14. Mia Rose Molloy 35. Sean Michael Mccusker
15. 6rlaith Margaret Colton 36. Jack Arthur Doyle
16. Sean Colin Grimes 37. Myal Grace Donnelly
17. Enda Seamus Gormley Liam John Mclaughlin
18. Christopher William James Winters 39. Daire Gerald McKenna
19. 40.
20. mas Winters
seph Henry McGoldrick
To dat there have been 101'61:hristenihtn
The last child baptised in St.Dympna's Chapel W8I'
The first children baptised in St.Davogs were ConorMc,QIDII
and Jennifer Teague, Camderry Road
13

OCmore edit C52Cnion
Dromore Credit Union started in 1967; it was introduced by the late Fr. Gallagher. It
suited people who did not have a bank account or who in most cases were too poor to
have a bank account. The simple rule was to be a member you had to have the ability
to save consistently for six weeks and then you could apply for a loan. Over the years
the rules are basically the same.
Pictured are the first committee Back Row: Fergus Hughes, Seamus Teague, Paddy Hughes,
Packie McA/oon, John Kelly, Jim Montague, Noel Hackett, Eugene Mccarron.
Front Row: Jim O'Kane, Charles Gormley, Hugh J Colton, Rev Patrick Gallagher, Joe McG/one,
Barney McAleer, Liam McQuaid.
At the beginning it appealed to young couples who got married and were setting
up a home, and would apply for a loan for furniture etc. Fast forward to today the
applications are for a whole range of things, loans for cars and transport topping the
list. There are many benefits from being a member, low repayment rates, good deposit
rates and death benefit of £1000. We are a community based organisation run mostly
by people who give their time freely. We have a healthy share balance of almost
£3.Smillion. On average, we give out £80,000 per month on loans. Family membership
is in excess of 1700 and still rising.
If you are not a member then join us and keep your finances in the parish. We are
grateful to the people who kept us going over the years and our gratitude also goes to
the directors who worked for us in the past.
Current directors are: Tommy McQuaid, Bernadette Maguire, Agatha O'Neill, Patricia
McCuskeF, Marie Garrity, Mairead Quinn, Vera McMackin, Rita McGirr, Michelle
O'Kane, Oliver Teague, Vincent Kennan, John Muldoon, Jim Teague, Martin Curran,
Damien McAleer, Eamon Logue, James Teague, Paddy Hughes, Dermot Montague,
Michael McNulty and Tony Winters.
Tony Winters
15

cgurley School & Eucharistic Gardens
June 2012 saw work progressing on a garden created at the back of the church, it was
dedicated to this, the year of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.
We thank Gerry and Sean Mccusker, Kildrum, for donating their time and use of
machinery in carrying out the work and collecting the large stones which were donated
by Colton Quarries. Plants were donated by members of the parish. The many plants
include Arum Lilies which were purchased in Newport, Co. Mayo and a wild fern was
brought all the way from Brandon Creek, Co. Kerry, the point where St. Brendan set out
on his famous voyage.
The remaining funds from the Curley Jubilee Quilt Account were used to buy the gravel
and additional plants.
17 Kathleen Mccusker

Drumlish Primary School
Kayla Molloy, Eimear Dunne, Ryan Colton, Barry Teague, Conor Colton.
Staff: L McKnight, P McDermott
St. Dympna's Primary School
Back Row: Oran Walsh, Eoin Teague, Oisin Hughes, Dearbhla Conlan,
Amy Barrett, Ciaran Malone, Joshua Farry, Hazel Stakes.
Front Row: Leagh Donnelly, Charlie Gilmqur, Katie Maguire, Eimear McQuaid, Eve Norton,
Jane Mc Grade, Eireann Treadwell. Staff: Mrs Magee, Mrs McGovern, Mrs Kirwan.
Missing from Photograph Toieralach Campbell, Callum Mc Quaid
19

2012 has been another busy year for the ladies club. With the excitement of the
successful Strictly Come Dancing at the end of 2011, it was back to action on the field
not the dance floor this year!
There are 121 registered girls in the club ranging from U8s to Senior. We are the 3rd
largest ladies club in Tyrone and have again this year fielded teams at all age levels in
UlO, U12, U14, U16, Minor and Senior. All underage levels play at Grade 1 level, while
the Seniors are a strong Grade 2 team.
Pride of place this year must go to our Minor Girls who won the Grade 1 League
title and their Managers Paddy Irvine and Sean O'Connor who have taken the girls
through various age groups. Our Seniors reached the semi- finals of both league and
championship but unfortunately, we have lost a lot of players to emigration and the
more experienced opposition won on the day. However we have a very youthful and
skilful bunch of players emerging from Minors and U16 and the future looks good for
the club.
Many thanks must go to all the Managers of the various age groups who have given so
much of their time to the club, also to all the committee members and to the men's
club for the use of the excellent facilities. Hopefully, 2013 will see more success at all
levels for the club.
Back Row: Aoife Goodwin, Mary Muldoon, Leona Bradley, Maria McGale, Nuala McHugh, Katherine Irvine,
Ciara McNabb, Katie McShane, Sinead Donnelly.
Front Row: Aaife Hunter, Shauna Gormley, Emma Smyth, Ciara Teague, Grainne MacRary, Lauren Teague,
Tara O'Neill. Missing from the Photo: Shauna McNabb, Gisin Donnelly, Oonagh McArdle
21
Mary Mac Rory

fl;J£;; ande ulpture
The sculpture, which has become one of
Dromore's landmarks was commissioned by
Dromore 2000 in 2006 and with the aid of
environment improvement funding, was created
from welded steel by a sculptor from Norfolk,
called Harriet Meade. The man and horse
marks the spot where Joe Crozier served the
community, for many years, in his nearby forge,
pictured below. (by Pat Mccarron) It also adds
some credence to a local story that a farmer
in the nineteenth century, seeking to mock the
belief in the curative powers of the eye-well,
brought a blind horse to the spot. The spirits
of the eye-well angered by his cynicism, cured
the horse and left its owner blind. So the legend
goes.
Pictured below is Joe Crozier with
Dolores & Aidan Mccrystal outside
the forge
Right Francie Mccann who was also a
blacksmith in Dromore at the time.
23

many do you recognise?
St.Dympno's GFC, Minor Team 1980
Back Row: Martin Mccann, Adrian O'Neill, John McGoldrick, Eugene McGrath, Barry Goodwin,
Paddy Irvine, John McLaughlin, Kieran O'Neill, Paul Teague, Daniel Mccusker Middle Row:
Brian Murray, Kevin 5/udden, Mark Gallagher, Eugene McGoldrick, Eamon McKenna, Dec/an
Murray, Paul McCaffery, Shane McGlone Front Row: Martin McKenna, Vincent McNabb, Kieran
Mccann, Adrian Mccann, Liam McDermott, Jerome Kelly
Confirmation Class at St.Dympna's 1975
Eugene Gallagher, Jahn O'Dannell, unknown, John O'Neill, Charlene Mccusker, Felix McCaffery,
Oympna McNulty, Martina Mccann, Patrick McBride (RIP}
Clergy: Fr.Gallagher, Bishop Mulligan, Mgsr Flood, Fr.Breen. Altar Boys: Brian McAleer, Stephen Colton
24

Letteree School
Back Row: Tommy McQuaid, Sarah McQuaid, Tommy Armstrong, Kathleen Melley,
Kitty Monaghan, Peggy Nugent, Maureen Quinn, Eileen Mullan, Sarah Armstrong,
Eddie McManus, John Mullan. Middle Row: Tommy Cheyney, Paddy Mullan, Paddy Doherty,
Eileen Doherty, Bridget Mullan, Sarah Doherty, Kathleen McManus, Jane McMackin, Maureen McQuaid,
Nellie Sludden, Nellie McQuaid, Peggy Armstrong, Maureen Mccusker
Front Row: Fran Nugent, Harry Quinn, Tony O'Brien, Joe Mccourt, Willie McQuaid, Daniel Teague,
Pat Teague, Jim Kelly, Harry Mccusker, Sean Nugent, Peter McQuaid.
Dromore Seniors 1944 - Back Raw: Josie Slevin (Corladergan), Calm McElholm, Andy Montague,
Jimmy Curran, Jack Gallagher, Packie Reilly, Tom Curran, Joe Mccusker
Front Row: Jim McGartland, Joe Carney, Dermot Curran, Jack Mccann, Eugene Gallagher, Cahal Pontyz,
George Montague, Tony McDermott
25

intpna's matic ciety
As St.Dympna's prepare for another year of "treading the boards" the group was
greatly saddened with the passing of one of their stalwarts. The death of President
Willie Ward, was a sad blow to everyone connected with amateur drama in the
area. Willie was an affable, talented actor who was associated with the group for
over fifty years. During that time, he portrayed many characters ranging from the
comedy of "Byrne" in "Big Maggie" to the moralistic inspector in "An Inspector Calls".
He carried off every role with aplomb and good humour. He loved his nights away
at festivals in such diverse locations as South Armagh and the West of Ireland and
his pleasure was unbridled when we reached our first All-Ireland Finals in far flung
Tralee. Willie is missed, not only for his diverse talents but also for his bonhomie
which was infectious. Ar dheis De go raibh d'anam uasal.
Currently, the group is in rehearsal for another JB Priestly play (ironically also the
author of "An Inspector Calls"). This is a farcical comedy set in the North of England.
"When we are Married" is a very funny play which has been produced many times
since written in 1937 and had a successful run in London's West End in 2011. Dromore
audiences can enjoy the production in the last week of the year in St.Patrick's Hall.
Back Row: John Mccusker, Anne McGuiness, Pat Mccusker, Eugene Donnelly, Seamus
McNabb, Willie Word, Tom Maguire. Front Row: Lucia Hughes, Dolores Mccrystal, Grainne
O'Hanlon, Carmel O'Neill, Anne O'Neill
Seamus McNabb
27

Xmery ary hool
These pictures show a sample of the many activities which children from Tummery PS
took part in through the year. P6 and 7 children produced a project on town lands for
display in the Strule Arts Centre. Pl-5 went to Springhill House as part of topic work
on Life Long Ago and as usual we took part in many sporting and other activities.
Dougie's Cottage
Springhi/1 House
Builders of the future
Tummery Girls Football at Cast/ederg
Sean Maguire
29

&omor @ uth cgub
Dromore Youth Club is now entering its 10th year under the current format.
This particular group of committee members, leaders and junior leaders follow in the
footsteps of previous clubs before them, creating an enjoyable and safe environment
for the children of our parish to socialise.
In the youth club year 2011/12 Dromore Youth Club had over 70 registered members,
many of whom attended to participate in the various activities available to them,
socialise with friends or sit back, relax and listen to DJ Quinno preform.
As the Dromore Youth Club is a voluntary organisation that works with children, all the
relevant safety procedures are in place to ensure that our members are in a protected
environment monitored by leaders that have undertaken the relevant child protection
courses.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the members and leaders over the past
decade, without whom the Dromore Youth Club would not be possible.
John McDermott
30

&omore ateurxing ub
The club was founded in October 1987 by Sean Quinn, Kevin
McNabb, Gary Slevin, Millie McLaughlin (RIP), Jim Winters,
Liam Mccullagh, John Hannigan and James Laird (RIP). It
closed in 2009. Over the years the club was very successful;
it started with seven members and had 32 members in 2004.
Down through the years the club have produced Tyrone
Champions, Mid Ulster Champions, Ulster Champions, 9
Counties Champions and All-Ireland Champions.
Pictured left are members in 1987: Shane Hannigan,
Naef Mclaughlin, Ryan Hannigan, Dec/an Quinn, Barry
Campbell, Conor Winters and Justin Donaghey.
Pictured below are Gary Slevin & Killian O'Neill with
members in 2004
In January 1989, Dromore
ABC took part in the
Tyrone Championships
Front Row:
Tyrone Champions Ryan Hannigan,
Dermot Maguire, Conor Winters
and Calm McCullagh. Middle Raw:
Shaun McDermott, Shane Hannigan,
Anthony Healy, Darren Maguire
Bock Row: Millie McLaughlin
(Secretary}, Liam Mccullagh
(Trainer), Brian Mcloughlin, Brian
McAleer (Trainer), Eamonn Donnelly,
Jim Winters '(Trainer)
31

ories of the Old St.pna's cg hapel (Around 1940)
The cold of winter mornings when as altar boys (no altar girls then!) from the village
we ran up the Brae to be in time for week day 8am mass. Cold on the legs as all boys
then wore short trousers. Running back down after mass to get breakfast, then be up
again in time for school in Miss Carragher's or Master H.P. Donnelly's rooms. Infant
room, was Mrs McNulty but pupils there were too young to learn the Latin responses
for the altar.
Six high candles on the main altar. Altar servers went up steps to narrow platform
at the back to light them for Sunday mass. It was scary for small altar servers as the
steps were almost perpendicular and when up it was a long reach to get your taper to
light the candles. The old chapel had three altars and in summer months it was not
unknown to have three masses being celebrated at around the same time by priests
from the parish homes on holidays.
Chapel collection then was not in envelopes. A manned table either side of the front
door. Tables were laden with the old pennies ("wings"!), six pences ("tanners") and
some shillings ("bobs"). Very little above those coins.
Looking towards the altar the right hand side was womens side and the left hand
side the mens side. Husbands and wives parted upon entering the chapel. Very few
ventured to break the unwritten rule of mens and womens sides. All women wore
head coverings, hats or head scarves. On the womens side, below the confessional box
was a long seat known as "Gaper's Row". This seat had its back to the side wall so its
occupants had a view across the chapel. Sunday's two masses found the same middle
aged to elderly females in "Gaper's Row".
At communion time at 8.30am Sunday mass an elderly well-dressed man called
Dan Doherty (lived where the late Eddie & Sheila Kearney lived in Main St.) stood at
the top of the middle aisle to ensure it was "up the sides and down the middle" for'
communicants. As an altar boy you held the paten under the chin of communicants
as they knelt at the altar rail. Seldom would anyone present for communion at the
11.30am mass as communicants fasted from midnight.
The seats under the gallery, about five in number, to the right of the entrance door,
always seemed to have the same male occupants and had a reputation for seats where
an amount of talking went on.
32

Traps came to both Sunday masses, particularly second, and the horse stables were in
a row behind the primary school. Both sides of the chapel avenue lined with bicycles
propped against the hedges. At the time the present car parking area was a small field
so you just had a straight avenue from the road down to the chapel.
George Ferguson of the Rock Farm, Lettergesh, came to second mass on Sunday on
horseback. George on a beautiful horse was suitably attired in heavy tweed coat, cap
and leather leggings. As boys, we greatly admired George as he rode down the avenue
always early for mass. I think, we associated him with cowboys we saw on horseback
in the "grainy" films that from time to time came to the Pavilion (on Fintona Road,
opposite McCaffery's present house or thereabouts).
When there was severe frost and the chapel Brae become frozen the young men
(not boys) of the village used it for sleighing. Sleighs started around present McAleer
& Teague's houses and the target of the experts was to get around corners at the
bottom of Church Street either to right or left. When the brae was like a sheet of ice
on Saturday nights the late Paddy McDermott of Church Street organised a salting of it,
much to the annoyance of the sleighers.
Funerals coming to the chapel - Reilly's hearse drawn by two big black horses and
sitting in the driving seat with the reins the late John Garrity.
As recalled by John Mccusker & Fergus Hughes
33

TOWNLANDS OF THE PARISH
The Parish of Dromore consists of 61 townlands, ranging in size from little over a
hundred acres to well over a thousand acres. The village sits in the centre of the
parish and dates from the mid-eighteenth century.
PARISH OF DRO ORE
■
• Dromore area embraces an area of 24,549 acres including 10 acres of water.
• Highest hill in Dromore is Grennan at 800ft above sea level.
34

lands and theirnings
Aghadarragh Field af the aaktree Greenan The wee sandy place
Aghadu/la (Harper) Field of the assembly hill Kildrum The narrow hill/ridge
Aghee Hugh's field Knockoraven Bilberry hill
Aghlish The burnt field Knocknahorn Barley hill
Aghnamoe Field of the cattle Letteree Hugh's hillside
Bodoney The Church shelter Lisaneden Fort of the hi/lface
Camderry The meadow of the oaktree Lettergesh The streamy hillside
Corna/ea The burial mount of the warriors Longhi/I The long hill
Corba/ly The old homestead Magheragart Plain of the forge/smithy
Corlaghdergan The round hill of the monument Meenagowan The smith's smooth field
ofDeargan Minegar Short hill
Cornamuck The round hill of the pigs Mu/laghbane The fair/white hilltop
Cornamucklagh Round hill of the pig race Mullanboy The yellow nect of land
Corrasheskin The rough marsh Mulnagoagh The hilltop of the cuckoos
Cranny A place of trees New Park The foreigners park
Curley The uneven hill Oughterard The upper height
Dergany The red marsh Po/fore The cold hollow
Derrynaseer The Oakland of the carpenters Rahoney Fort of the marsh
Doocrock Blackish hill Rakeeranbeg Fort of the wee rowantree
Dressage Place of the brambles or briars Shaneragh The old grazing place
Dromore The great ridge Shanmullagh The old hilltop
Drumallard Drumlin of the cursings Skeogue The whitethorn
Drumconnis The ferret's ridge Straduff The black river-holm
Drumlish The scorched hill/ridge Tattycor The inclined hill
Drumsheil Siadhal's hill ridge Tullymagough The hill of McKeogh
Drumskinny Hill/ridge of the knife-edge Tullywee The yellow (sunny) hill
Dullaghan The wee leafy place Tummery The ridge
Edenagon The hill face of the hunting dogs
Esker
The gravel ridge
Go/batty
The foreigners' place
Gardrum
The short drumlin
Glengeen
The pleasant glen
Golan
The wee fork of the river
35

m,;' Mc rr Memorial Trophy
Paul McGirr died on Sunday 15th June 1997, as a result of an accidental collision while
scoring a goal for Tyrone Minors in an Ulster championship game against Armagh in
Healy Park, Omagh. Earlier in the same year, Paul had won an All-Ireland Vocational
Schools medal with Fermanagh.
The Tyrone Association in Dublin through the good offices of Tony McGrath and Mickey
Reid, presented the Dromore GFC club with a beautiful perpetual trophy to be for in
Paul's memory. The trophy of the replica of the Cuchulain statue in Dublin's GPO
mounted on local oak is one that suitably recalls the young athlete and gentleman that
was Paul. The McGirr family requested that it be played fro at youth level.
First played for in 1999, it has become the unofficial Ulster U16 championship. The
champion Under16 clubs of the nine Ulster counties eagerly look forward to coming to
Gardrum Park to compete for this title. Winners and beaten finalists receive specially
commissioned engraved Cuchulain medals. Sponsors of the annual competition are
the Tyrone Association, Dublin and local company A&B Contracts (Adrian & Brigin
O'Neill) and Spires Art (Calm MacRory).
ROLL OF HONOUR
1999: FOUR MASTERS, CO.DONEGAL
2000: CAVAN GAELS, CO.CAVAN
2001: KILLESHILL, CO.TYRONE
2002: NEWRY BOSCO, CO.DOWN
2003: COOKSTOWN, CO.TYRONE
2004: COOKSTOWN, CO.TYRONE
2005: COALISLAND, CO.TYRONE
2006: CAVAN GAELS, CO.CAVAN
2007: BRYANSFORD, CO.DOWN
2008: OMAGH, CO.TYRONE
2010: GLEN WATTY GRAHAMS, CO.DERRY
2011: O'DONOVAN ROSSA, CO.ANTRIM
2012: ST. ENDA'S, CO. ANTRIM
37
John Mccusker

m Mor Naomh Domhnait
The year began with a gala night in Bundoran to celebrate the success of our senior
teams in completing the Senior and Reserve double. The season ahead did not prove
as successful and although we reached our sixth county final in nine years, we were
defeated by a rejuvenated Errigal Ciaran.
Our club and community can be very proud of the players who represent Dromore and
we look forward with confidence that they will bring further success in the near future.
We continue to be well represented on our county teams with Ryan McMenamin,
Cathal Mccarron, Ronan McNabb and Sean O'Neill all playing in the senior team. Young
Ruarai Sludden and Colm O'Neill win Ulster minor championship medals this year.
On the youth front, 2012 has again been a very busy year with over 150 boys playing
gaelic football. Thirty children took part in the Gaelic Start program in February and
March in the Dromore Sports Complex. Coaching and blitzes on Saturday mornings,
have now been running for a number of years for children aged 8-12 and they provide
opportunities to develop skills and friendships in a safe environment. Our 14-18 year
olds played in Tyrone league and championship competitions throughout the year
reaching the knock-out stages at all levels. Pride of place this year goes to our u-13
(pictured below) who were undefeated and won the Tyrone title in October.
Our club also hosted the annual Tyrone Summer Camp in July which was attended by 90
children. Our club year ends every year with the Paul Mc Girr Memorial Competition
which runs for six weeks to the middle of November.
As the club looks forward next year to our 80th anniversary, we can look back with
pride and satisfaction at the progress, we as a club have made in developing facilities
at Gardrum Park for future generations. None of this development would be possible
without the support of our community. Droim Mor Naoimh Domhnait would like to
thank everyone for their support throughout 2012 and wish them a happy and peaceful
Christmas and New Year.
Barry Campbell
38

moreor
2012 saw the launch of the first ever Dromore Fit Factor. The fitness phenomena,
organised by Dromore Sports Complex, had over 180 registered participants who
were involved in everything from early morning runs, Tag Rugby, netball,spinning to
shaking their hips in Zumba.
The town of Dromore was certainly hit with Fit Factor Fever and activities took place
7 days of the week from early morning, 6.30am opening of the gym, and even on
Sundays there were groups out partaking in a 2 hour ramble around the country
roads!
Young and old embraced a new healthier lifestyle but mostly people got involved in
the fun and craic! The real success of Dromore Fit Factor was the volunteers, like the
2012 Olympics, it was those who gave their time freely who really made a memorable
event which everyone was proud to be involved in.
Dromore Fit Factor will return in 2013!
Damian Maguire
39

DEATHS IN THE PARISH IN 2012
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
Willie Ward, O'Neill Terrace
Mary O'Neill, Tummery
Eddie Kearney, Main Street
Ciaran Mccann, Fairview
Therese McNabb, Aughnamoe
Eugene Sheridan, Fairview
Dessie Barnett, Muldoon Park
Elizabeth Garry, Shanaragh
Patrick McGlinchey, Gardrum
John O'Reilly, Omagh
Francis McFadden, Crosshill
Edward Teague, Drumskinney
Patricia Poyntz, Omagh
Ignatius Hughes, Muldoon Park
Francis John Quinn, Tummery Rd
John McKenny, Abbey Court
Mrs Patsy Montague, Main Street
Bridie Taylor, Scotland
Eamon McNaboe, Church Street
Mary McQuaid, Drumlish
Mrs Patsy Murray, Shanmullagh Drive
Geraldine McKenna, Fairview
Pat Donnelly, Tummery
Robert Large, Omagh Road
Kathleen Maguire, Morgan Park
Bella Garrity, Church Street
Joe McQuaid, Killyclogher
Martin Mccusker, Tummery
Charlie McCanney, Capehill
JS1-u;-v-l-v-
l'1 ( l..,._e,.f
"Eternal rest grant unto them, 0 Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

{i]J:.. ick'sMa?i Catering Ladies
In 1991, Dromore parish decided to have refreshments after funerals for families
locally. St.Patrick's Hall was suitable as it could be walked from the chapel and
graveyard. A meeting was held on 16th February 1991, with 21 attending and it was
chaired by Fr.Joe Mccloskey. Marie Mccourt was elected chairperson and Anna Garrity
secretary both of whom have passed away since. Rita O'Neill was elected treasurer
and continues to do so. Ann Colton and Anne Quinn are the current chairperson and
secretary respectively.
On the 21st Feb 1991, they got a loan of £500 from the bingo committee to set up
the kitchen of a small sink and two gas cookers, this was repaid in October 1997. The
first dinner was for 50 people for the family of the late Mrs.Breen on 19th Sept 1991.
Families are charged the cost of the food as the ladies time is given voluntarily.
In 1994, a new kitchen was built and they continued doing four course dinners until
2002. It was then they introduced soup and dessert, with tea and coffee. Since 2009,
they have also provided dinner for the St.Dympna's GFC senior mens team on the
nights of the championship final. In 2011, Peggy McGaughey, Bridie McAleer, Bridie
Mulligan and the late Anna Garrity retired, below is a picture of the ladies together
at their retirement meal. Today, they have 26 members and have done 327 meals to
date. From the donations received and pooled, the ladies are treated to nights out
for a meal.
Current members are: Rita O'Neill, Ann Colton, Anne Quinn, Kathleen Mccann, Rose
Teague, Margaret McQuaid, Winnie Winters, Mary Hannigan, Sissy Maguire, Mary
Mccusker, Bernadette Donnelly, Mary McGrade, Rita McGirr, Patricia McLaughlin,
Maura Winters, Noelle McNulty, Attracta McQuaid, Bernadette McCanny, Mary Ward,
Freda McDonnell, Bernadette Maguire, Patricia McDonnell, Phyllis McAleer, Janet
Campbell, Margaret Mccusker and Katherine O'Donnell. New helpers are always
welcome.
41 Rita O Neill & Ann Colton

ugh&rg - Place of Pilgrimage
Lough Derg - Place of Pilgrimage
St. Patrick's Purgatory, Lough Derg, is among the oldest centres of Christian Pilgrimage in Western
Europe, supposedly dating back to the 16th century. Lough Derg lies about four miles north of
the village of Pettigo in County Donegal, in the Diocese of Clogher. Station Island, the location
of the Pilgrimage is often referred to as Saint Patrick's Purgatory or simply Lough Derg. This is a
special place of peace and personal challenge. The association of the name of St Patrick with
Lough Derg dates back as far as records go and the legends that link him with the place point to
a tradition already firmly established by the twelfth century. While in a cave on the island, Patrick
is said to have had a vision of the punishments of Hell. Hence the place came to be known as St
Patrick's Purgatory.
Each year the traditional three-day pilgrimage begins at the end of May and ends mid-August.
Pilgrims must be at least fifteen years of age, in good health and able to walk and kneel unaided.
The pilgrimage is a three-day fast incorporating a 24-hour vigil. Pilgrims arrive on the island
between 11.00am and 3.00pm, having fasted from the previous midnight. They have one simple
eal of dry toast, oatcakes and black tea or coffee on each of the three days. The central prayer of
the pilgrimage is called a 'station'. Each station involves the repeated praying of the Our Father,
the Hail Mary and the Apostles' Creed, as pilgrims walk or kneel or stand, barefooted. The
greater part of a station is made on the Penitential Beds (these are thought to be the remnants
of beehive cells used by the early monks). Three such stations are made on the first day. Four
more stations are made in common in the Basilica during the night vigil and one is made on each
of the second and third days.
In former times the emphasis was more on the physical penance and hardship of the pilgrimage
exercises. Nowadays those who make the pilgrimage see it as a grace-filled opportunity to get
away from the stress of modern-day living. They talk about the cleansing value of fasting and
see the intensive and concentrated nature of the routine as giving opportunities for prioritising
42

values and being physically and spiritually
renewed. They find that the particular prayerform,
which they often refer to as 'body-prayer',
is very satisfying and expresses in a non-verbal
way what they often cannot put into words.
Walking barefoot serves to emphasize what all
have in common and creates a greater awareness
of community. This is particularly effective in
the celebration of liturgies on the island. The
Sacrament of Reconciliation has always been and
still is, very central to this penitential pilgrimage.
Its celebration each morning in the Basilica is
a moment of joy and hope for penitents and
priests alike. However it is the Eucharist that
most pilgrims experience as the high point of
their pilgrimage. The liturgy of the Roman Missal
is given full expression, with excellent response
from pilgrims. Young people have key roles in the
welcoming and music ministries.
St Patrick's Basilica - Throughout the season
pilgrims are offered opportunities for spiritual
direction and a counselling service is provided
for any who wish to avail of it. One-Day Retreats were introduced at Lough Derg in 1992. The
retreats are particularly suited to those who for various reasons cannot make the Three-Day
Pilgrimage. These are structured days of prayer and contemplation and do not entail fasting or
walking barefooted, and pilgrims are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The
day finishes with a celebration of the Eucharist.
Life of St.Davog - St.Davog is one of the twelve premier saints of Ireland. He was a disciple
of St. Patrick and founded a monastery on Saint's Island, formerly known as Davog's Island in
Lough Derg. He was noted for the austerity of his lifestyle and it was under his auspices that the
pilgrimage to St.Patrick's Purgatory began on Station Island where one of the penitential beds still
bears his name. St.Davog died in his monastery on Saint's Island where a mound inside the old
fort is traditionally regarded as his grave. It is said to have been marked originally by St.Davog's
Cross, which is still preserved at the ladies' hostel on Station Island. According to the old Irish
Calendarium, the
feast of St. Davog is on
the 14 th July. Pictured
is Msgr Flood on a
boat to Lough Derg
with Station Island
in the background,
along with Bellringer
James Monaghan and
boatman Jim Snow in
late 1970's
43

Droim Mor Hurling
An Droim Mor U14 Hurling Team made history by winning the in the U14 Tyrone Feile
Shield competition. The team defeated Killyclogher, Beragh, Omagh and Strabane
along the way. This is the first trophy to be won since hurling was re- established in
the area back in 2001 with the formation of the Naomh Eoin club. The Droim mor U14
Team which reached the Grade A county final in 2007.
These group of boys were very committed all year with training starting in January
under floodlight on the Astro turf pitch. The boys were coached by Brian Mc Carron,
Tiarnan Sludden and Shane Knox.
Brian Mccarron
more {llJ;;Wentre
Dromore Day Centre was opened in July 1993, in the old St.Dympna's school beside
St.Dympna's Chapel. It was renovated and brought back into use by the Ace Scheme
(Action for Community Employment), under the guidance of Fr.Breen and Fr. McGourty.
The Day Centre provides respite for residents of our parish along with nei
parishes for people of all faith who are
housebound or disabled. It is open three
days per week and run by the Western
Health & Social Care Trust, under the
guidance of Ann Meehan. It caters a
maximum of 25 people per day and is a
service that is held in high esteem by all who
benefit from it. Pictured are: Lisa McKenna
(Care Assistant), Ann Meehan (Centre
Manager), Denis Birney (Carer/Driver) and
Sabrina Conwell (Care Assistant).
45

Dromore in the 1900's
0ROMORE WEST END
Wkat wt Iii hack thni. ...
Occupations in Dromore in 1835
Grocers and Spirit Dealers ....... 2 Bakers ..............................•....... 2
Spirit Dealers ............................. 19 Readmakers .............................. 1
Grocers ...................................... 9 Butchers ................................... 1
Milliners ...................................... 1 Huxters ..................................... 2
Surgeons ..................................... 1 Lodging Houses ....................... 1
Shoemakers ................................ 3 Carpenters ................................ 1
General Dealers ........................ 1 Smiths ....................................... 1
Tailors .......................................... 1

L.Ow•l'I CHURCH $Tjlltt:f!'T O"'OMOIIIS. C:O TYlltONE
47
MAIN STREET

cgonfirmation in St.Davog's on 28th April 2012
t---t-..':1\.A,:i.-..:-­
TummeryPS
Back row: William McAuley, Aine Lawlor, Meghan Mccusker, Anita Patterson,
Sarah Mccusker, Conor McGovern.
Front row: Maeve Gallagher, Riona Rafferty, Clara Gormley, Michaela Barrett, C/odagh McNulty,
Anton O'Neill, Darragh McLaughlin. - Staff: Sean Maguire
Drumlish PS -
Back Row: Aisling Teague, Sophie McE/roy, Emma Brogan, Aimee Corry, Erin Eves
Front Row: Aaron Davis, Eilis Maguire, Niamh McDonagh, Catherine Hughes,
Padraig Muldoon. Staff: L McKnight.
48

St.Dympna's PS
Back Row: Mrs Maguire, Sabrina Devine, Nathan Walsh, Sinead Slevin,
Eoghan Donnelly, Michelle Mc Mahon, Miss Mc Namee.
Front Row: Cathal Colton, Mary Cait Mc Quaid, Jarlaith Mc Dermott, Joshua Harpur,
Shannon Sheridan, Ann-Marie Harkin
Dullaghan PS
Back Row: Mairead Curran, Ciarrai Mc Cann, Sarah Teague
Front Row: Rosenna Law, Ross Slevin and Shauna Donnelly
49

@lfe11 Yo:r
Built in 1925 to a design by Professor
Scott, this was initiated by Canon James
E McKenna, PP of Dromore from 1913
until his death in 1931. The large bell
has a fine tone and great clarity and
was rung for the Angelus at 7.30am,
12noon and 6pm. It could be heard
well beyond the bounds of the parish
in suitable weather conditions. The bell
is still in use and is now operated by an
electric motor. In former days it was
rung manually by rope, one of the tasks
of the parish sexton. The bell tower was
painted this year. The inscription on the
bell at St.Dympna's says " St. Dympna
Pray for Us. Parish Church of Dromore.
Diocese of Clogher. Rev. J.E. McKenna,
Parish Priest, 1924".
•;r lfl · .\
',, ';.: 'j
,,.
., • • .',J.
Pictures by Martin McGlone, Pat Mccarron & Colm Maguire
50

cg omparison from 1972 to 2012
Petrol per gallon 0.36p £6.30
Average House £7850 £96000
Pint of Beer 0.125p £3.20
Bottle of Whiskey £3.17 £17.50
Cinema Ticket 0.45p £6.00
TV Licence £12.00 £146.00
Man's Average Weekly Wage £18.82 £350.00
Woman's Average Weekly Wage £12.30 £300.00
2yr old dairy cow £100.00 £1500.00
1 Acre Agricultural land £150.00 £10000.00
Average Petrol Car £860.00 £10250.00
Complete Ladies outfit for wedding £15.00 £????
Complete Boys School Uniform £13.00 £150.00
Loaf of Bread 10p £1.26
Pint of milk
45p
Dozen eggs 20p £1.98
Cigarettes (per 20 packet), Filter tip
£6.34
1st class stamp
60p
2nd class stamp 2.5p 50p
Basic State Pension £6.75 £107.45
5p
27p
3p
Noel McQuoid & Seamus McCoo/e
The first recorded parish priest of Dromore in 1521 was Felin Mc Sorley.
More recent parish priests:
Edward Mc Kenna 1880-1913
James. E Mc Kenna 1913- 1931
Mark Clinton 1931- 1947
John. J Mc Caughey 1947-1964
Thomas Flood 1964 - 1987
Thomas Breen 1987 - 2006
'Patrick Mac Entee 2006- present
Today the catholic population in Dromore is 2,450 and non catholic is about 600.
51

shes of the Diocese of Clogher
r7Donegal
LJ Fermanagh
I Tyrone
rma•h
, .... ,1 0.. f
NAME OF PARISH
Monaghan
Arney (Cleenish)
Aughnamullen East
Tullycorbet (Ballybay)
lnis Muighe Samh (Belleek-Garrison)
Brookeboro (Aghavea-Aghintaine)
Bundoran (Magh Ene)
Carrickmacross (Machaire Rois)
Castleblayney (Muckno)
Clogher
Clones
Clontibret
Corcaghan (Kilmore & Drumsnat)
Derrygonnelly (Botha)
Donagh
Donaghmoyne
Dromore
Ederney (Cul Maine)
Enniskillen
Errigal Truagh
52
PARISH PRIEST
Fr. Owen Joe McEneaney
Canon John Finnegan
Fr. Noel Mcconnell
Fr. Laurence Flynn
Fr. Tiernach Beggan
Fr. Denis Dolan
Fr. Ramon Munster
Mgr Vincent Connolly
Fr. Patrick McHugh
Canon Lawrence Dawson
Canon Larry Duffy
Fr. Paudge McDonnell
Fr. Joseph McCluskey
Fr. Lorean Lynch
Fr. Hubert Martin
Fr. Michael Daly
Fr. Patrick MacEntee
Fr. Brendan Gallagher
Canon Peter O'Reilly
Fr. Sean Nolan

Eskra
Fintona (Donacavey)
lnniskeen
lrvinestown (Devenish)
Killanny
Killeevan (Currin, Killeevan & Aghabog)
Latten (Aughnamullen West)
Lisnaskea (Aghalurcher)
Magheracloone
Newtown butler (Galleon)
Pettigo
Rockcorry (Ematris)
Roslea
Tempo (Pobal)
Trillick (Kilskeery)
Tydavnet (Scotstown)
Tyholland
Fr. Terence Connolly
Fr. James Moore
Fr. Martin Treanor
Fr. Michael McGourty
Fr. Martin Treanor
Fr. Peter Corrigan
Fr. Thomas Quigley
Canon Joseph Mullin
Fr. Thomas Finnegan
Fr. Michael King
Mgr. Richard Mohan
Canon Gerard Ferguson
Canon John McCabe
Fr. John Halton
Canon John McKenna
Fr. Brian Early
Mgr Joseph McGuinness
25.07.10 - Ordination of Rt Rev Monsignor Liam MacDaid as Bishop of C/ogher at
St Macartan's Cathedral, Monaghan, included in the picture is preceding Bishop Duffy.
53

Y Do you know?
Tyrone Juvenile Champions 1950- Back Row: Tommy O'Donnell, Paddy Corey, Fergus Hughes, Fr.Peter
Duffy CC, Terence Slevin, Enda Colton. Middle Row: Charlie Baxter, Seamus McG/one, Ben Traynor, Frank
Poyntz {Capt), Sean Gorman, Willie Ward, Anthony Connolly.
Front Row: Ignatius Hughes, Patsy Mccann, Philip Hartop, Donat Mullan
Dromore Senior Ladies 1997 - Back Row: Bridget Gallagher, Mairead Mccann, Brigdeen
Mccann, Maeveen McNabb, Brigid McGaldrick, Joanne Colton, Anne Colton, Lisa McDermott,
Kitty Colton. Middle Row: Cathy Mccullagh, Raisin Corrigan, Gemma Collins, Triana McNabb,
Paula McA/eer, Carol O'Brien. Front Row: Christine Kelly, Samantha Rafferty, Jolene Mccarney,
Nuala Gormley, Maggie Molloy, Fiona Molloy, Or/a O'Neill, Fiona Corrigan, Kate Gallagher.
54

- Dympna ron of Victims of Nervous Disorders
St. Dympna was born in the 7th Century to a pagan father and a devout Christian
mother from a noble family. A saintly priest Fr.Gerebran taught Dympna spiritually
and academically and at an early age she devoted her life to Christ and took a vow of
chastity.
At the age of 14 her mother died but the strong faith she had carried Dympna through.
Her father greatly mourned his wife's passing and his advisers persuaded him to take
solace in a 2nd marriage. He asked his counsellors to seek out a lady for him as good
as his 1st wife and they came back and told him there was nobody as beautiful as his
daughter Dympna. He then wanted to marry her but she was not happy about that
and asked for time to consider. During this time she was advised to take herself away
by Fr.Gerebran.
Dympna, Fr.Gerebran, the court jester and his wife took flight from Ireland to Gheel in
Belgium. When her father found out about this he sought persuade her to come back
but she would not and her father cut her head off with a dagger. A large painting the
martyrdom of Dympna hangs in the old chapel.
The glorious crown of martyrdom was accorded to Dympna at the age of 15. The day
of her death was 15th May and consequently her feast day. Her tomb is at Gheel and
her relics are there in a golden reliquary. A relic of St. Dympna (a piece of bone) has
been held by the parish for the last 100 years. Over time she became the patron of
victims of nervous disorders and many people have been known to visit her tomb in
Gheel and have been cured by her intercession.
55

Ma more X ation - 20 Years Protecting the Community
Past and present members of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) based
at Dromore Fire Station in Co Tyrone and the local community, are celebrating the
Station's 20 year milestone. The Station, constructed by local firm Sean Mccourt &
Sons, was officially opened on 30th May 1992 and currently has 12 Personnel, managed
by Watch Commander Camillus Donnelly and Crew Commanders Enda McAleer and
Noel Deazley. It is with regret that one of the original members of the Station, Robert
Large passed away recently. Pictured below are the original crew: Malachy McQuaid,
Enda McAleer, Camillus Donnelly, Seamus Sludden, Gordon Deazley, Stanley Smyth,
Philip Gallagher, Noel Deazley, Robert Large, Levin us McAleer and Aidan Walsh.
The Station is kept busy attending approximately 150 incidents per year, ranging from
road traffic collisions, house fires, wildfires, flooding, animal rescues and chimney fires.
Some incidents the Station has attended over the years include the Omagh Bomb,
numerous house fires and fatal Road Traffic Collisions on roads leading to and from
the village. Fire Personnel support their colleagues in other Fire Stations at incidents.
Recently Dromore Fire Station assisted Omagh Personnel to extinguish a large fire
at Arvalee School. Station Personnel also work to protect the vulnerable groups in
the community to ensure they keep safe from the dangers of fire. They engage in
community development work to deliver fire safety messages/education to the local
community.
This includes the annual safety team talks to all local pS children in the schools, talks to
community groups, leaflet drops, work experience and Local Invention Fire Education
Schemes (LIFE). The Station stores the community defibrillator which Station Personnel
and members of the community are trained to use.
56

You can arrange to have a free Home Fire Safety Check, were local Firefighters will
check your home to help make it fire safe. They check appliances that could cause fire,
help with actions to avoid fire and check that a smoke alarm is working. If necessary,
we will fit a smoke alarm for free. You can arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check
by simply phoning 028 9260 0477, Text phone/Minicom 028 9262 8800 or go to our
website www.nifrs.org for more information.
Eamon McGrath
Pictured are the current Dromore Fire Station personnel in 2012
Back Row: Philip Gallagher, Colin Grimes, Camillus Donnelly, Oliver Donnelly, Dermot Devine,
Seamus Sludden, Enda McA/eer, Niall McNulty, Aidy Walsh
Front Row: Cahal Baxter & Seamus Bradley
Porufation of ([)romort Parish
URBAN
RURAL
Year Population Houses Houses Pop. Tota/Pop.
1831 486 100 9,936 10,601
1841 551 117 1,757 10,550
1851 581 110 1,361 7,510
1861 579 131 1,301 6,611
1871 641 125 1,146 5,867
57

an evin (1921- 2011)
Brian Slevin was the second of four brothers
born in Badoney; Willie, the eldest, Paddy
and Cahal predeceased him. Having served
his time in Omagh in shoe and boot repair,
he returned to Dromore to carry on his
trade. First, in the front room of Fran & Tom
McManus's house in Main St, then across
the street to a new building on the site, of
what had once been Harry O'Neill's forge.
Part of his working day was shoe repair,
the other part was as the betting agent for
Townsend's bookmaker business.
Brian's life embodied the core values of
christian living as over the years, he like no
other enriched our parish community, as he
reached out in so many ways to help and
support so many of us. His day began with morning mass and communion, and after
his working day, it was back to the chapel for private prayer before setting out in his
'beatle' almost every night of his life for Legion of Mary meetings and visiting the sick
and infirm in their homes, care homes and hospitals. Bags of sweets were brought
along and he laughed as he recalled a nurse in Omagh hospital scolding him good
naturedly with "You'll choke some cratur yet with those boiled sweets". His visits were
not just to the sick but to the many whom Brian knew, that his calling in for a chat
would be a help and support. His evenings and nights were christian living in action.
Brian's strong faith and prayer had as its focal point a great devotion to Mary. You felt
that his lifelong attachment to Mary's legion was because to him, Mary, the mother of
Jesus, was not an abstract, heavenly or far away figure but someone whom he knew
intimately, a close friend, very real to his daily living. And with that daily living, Brian's
prayerfulness and devotional side mixed easily and effortlessly, as he went about his
everyday work of shoe repair (not too fond of the leather school bags that mothers
would bring him in the last week of August) and keeping the Dromore punters happy!
His work area and betting office was a as much a social gathering as a business place.
He could be blunt and plain spoken when he felt that the occasion called for it, but no
offence was meant or was taken because this was Brian and everyone, even the losing
punters, knew that his heart was in the right place.
58

Two short stories give a flavour of the "betting office" day; a punter, a man very close
to Brian's heart, was having a bad day and declared to those around him "You couldn't
get money from a red headed man", to which a deep strong voice from behind the
hatch, replied "Don't be coming with ould superstitions, its just that you know nothing
about picking winners." As another, disappointed betting man left one evening Brian's
farewell to him was "You're away, a sadder but not a wiser man. I'll see you tomorrow
with God's help."
Yes, the balance of life was right with Brian. Dromore loved him. As we mourned his
passing, we knew that it had been our privilege to have known and been a friend to a
good man, who for so many years had enlivened and made our parish a better place.
Brian was kit man and close friend of the first St.Dympna's team to reach a county
final in 1946. He was bitterly disappointed when the final was lost. An emotional
meeting is captured in this photograph when the first O'Neill Cup winning St.
Dympna's captain, Fabian O'Neill, brings the cup to Brian's Badoney home in 2007.
John Mccusker
59

DROMORE
2000
Dromore 2000 was formed in 1989 to address problems of
dereliction and poor public services and to help stimulate
business growth in the area. The current board comprises
10 local representatives from across the community.
The group owns and manages Bridge House on the junction of Omagh Road and
Main Street and they act as a point of contact for Omagh District Council and other
Government agencies in matters relating to rural development and grant aid.
They are responsible each year, for the Christmas festivities and the Dromore l0k/Sk
Community Run. This year they also worked with O.D.C. to host the Olympic Torch
reception.
Notable achievements in recent years have been the Town clock, the Horse sculpture
and the very popular Riverside Walk, pictured below with Canon Breen at the opening.
The group has produced a Dromore marketing brochure aiming to promote Dromore
as a vibrant place to live and to do business. Future projects being considered are town
entrance signs, another public walkway, development of the site beside the Playgroup,
building spruce up, assistance in tidying and bringing derelict buildings back into use
and a Dromore web-site.
The group always seek to be directed by public opinion so new ideas and volunteers
are welcome at any time.
60
Dermot MontaguE:.

rovement for the A32 Omagh to Enniskillen road.
Road Service has identified various schemes along this route. Two of these, in the local
area, will improve the quality of the route, enhance road safety and reduce journey
times:-
Shannaragh - The works
are well underway and
involve construction of
2.2 (km) of 7.3 metre
wide single carriageway,
with 1.0m hard strips
and 2.Sm grass verges. It
includes the construction
of 2 priority junctions
and realignment of some
of the local roads to
include access to the A32
A view of the new road on the right and the old road on the left
road from the Capehill,
Derrynaseer and Cavan Roads. A newly constructed, 21m span, bridge over the
Owenreagh River will replace the existing bridge. The works are currently ahead of
schedule and are proposed to be completed by March 2013. Overall cost of scheme is
£7.3m
Drumskinney/Esker - Work was completed in June 2012 on a 1.1km long, 7.3m wide
carriageway with lm wide hard strips and 2.Sm verges. Overall cost of this scheme was
£1.3m.
Design work is well advanced on two further schemes along the A32, at Cornamuck
and at Esker Bog. Roads Service is committed to these schemes on their programme
but they are dependent on the availability of funding.
Other major Road works completed by Road Service in the last year include the
resurfacing Main Street, Church Street and Drumquin Road. The resurfacing of the A32
from Esker Road to the Drumskinney scheme and the 84 from Drumlish School to the
Lack Fingerpost. A portion of the
Galbally Road was reconstructed to
alleviate flooding.
Proposed schemes include
resurfacing the A32, Omagh Road
from Key's to Shannaragh and new
signs approaching the village.
Eugene Montague 61
Pictured is the old Shanaragh bridge was is currently been replaced

h & Church Groups
The Legion of Mary was first established in the parish in the early 1950s. The object of
the Legion of Mary is the Glory of God through the holiness of the members developed
by prayer and active cooperation in Mary and the Church's worth of advancing the
reign of Christ in the world. We meet on a Monday night at 7.30pm in the aratory of
St.Davog's.
Our work involves visiting homes in the parish with the rosary statue, praying the
rosary, distributing miraculous medals, brown scapulatas and leaflets to the family. The
treasures of our Catholic faith, holy mass, sacraments, prayer and Eucharist adoration
are promoted. We also visit the sick in nursing homes. There are six active members
in our group and new members are always welcome.
Choirs. The Senior Choir was established some 70 years ago. The purpose of the
choir is to provide music for all the major liturgical services during the church year.
At present there are 15 members in the choir, many there from the early years. New
members are always welcome. We also have a youth choir and the Harmonise choir.
The Pioneer Association was established in 1947. The purpose of the Pioneer
Association is to promote and raise awareness of the dangers arising from the abuse
of alcohol and drugs. The work includes enrolment of new members of the Pioneer
Association, meeting and attending Diocesan masses and retreats. There is also an
annual dinner dance.
St. Vincent de Paul in Dromore was founded in the 1980s in response to the growing
needs of the community. Since then numerous families have been helped with food,
clothing, household goods and fuel. They have helped with the cost of sending some
parishioners to Lourdes and Knock and the SVP holiday home in Bundoran. Another
facet of their work is visiting parishioners in their own homes and in residential homes
and hospitals.
This work would only be possible through the generous contributions of the community
at our Church door collections and the SVP shop in Omagh.
SVP Helpline - 028 8224 4488.
62

pna's Scor Team -A Proud Achievement
The GAA at national level introduced the Sc6r inter club competitions in the late
1960's. St Dympna's entered the Tyrone competitions in 1969. A young Rosaleen Quinn
(Tummery), still a pupil at St. John's, won the Recitation section reciting, "I am Ireland".
The late Hugo Hughes won instrumental music on the tin whistle and the late Ms.
Phyllis Birney became Tyrone Sc6r champion in solo singing with "Carrickfergus". These
were Dromore St Dympna's and Tyrone's representatives in the Ulster Finals which
were held in Fr. Eustace's, then state of the art Edendork Hall.
In more recent years Seamus Mc Quaid, won the Tyrone title in Recitation on two
occasions. Quiz team of the late Jack Collins, Master Pat Mc Donnell and Pat Mc Cusker
won a Tyrone title, as did a later team of Jack Collins, Pat Mc Donnell and Paul Mc
Caffrey.
In 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 the Instrumental Group won the Tyrone title and this
proud record of our community's musicians was enhanced by the achievement of 2011
when on 8th April in Killarney the group won the All Ireland title. Pictured is the parish
community welcoming them upon their return to Dromore. Hugh Quinn had organised
this talented group over the years of success.
The All Ireland winning group was: Edel Mc Quaid, Catroina Garry, Tomas Quinn,
Fergal Mc Aloan and Stephen Corrigan, assisted on occasions by James Mc Caffrey
and Seamus Mc Donnell.
Hughie Quinn
63

W:more Wommunity 10k Run/Walk
The 4th Dromore Community 10k, sponsored by McDermott's Pharmacy, took place
on Saturday 9th June. There was, once again, a large entry of runners and walkers
including many families.
Stephen Duncan from Omagh Harriers won the men's race with a great time of just
under 32 minutes. The ladies race was won by Denise Toner from Clones with our
own Mai read Mccann finishing in third place.
Following on from Fit Factor many, successfully, completed the lOK, some for the first
time. A great day was had by all. Half of the proceeds from the event were used to
purchase a Hand Cycle machine for the Sports Complex and the remainder will be
donated to future youth activities. Many thanks, to the local businesses that provided
sponsorship.
Dermot Montague
64

al View of Momore Town in 1980s
'([)i/!ou know .... '
Father James E. Mc Kenna was very interested in buildings and maintenance.
His interest in building and maintenance of the parish property is underlined by
the fact that he kept a mobile repair outfit, managed by his colourful "Jack of all
trades" - James McCanny --- for over 50 years sexton and handy man at the beck
and call of the priest. James had his wagon driven by one horse power, ready for
any emergency. The wagon contained all tools, etc. needed, down to a cement
mixer for any emergency repairs needed to any house or school or hall belonging
to the parish and could be on the road, like the fire brigade, in a matter of minutes!
65

&omoreWreamery - Built in 1899
Pictured above is Eddie Montague, Gretta Thompson (nee McDermott),
Mary Maguire (nee McDermott) and George McDermott (Creamery Manager)
The creamery closed
in mid 1940's,
the chimney and
building were
demolished in the
late 1990's
66

cgolumba's PS, Curley
St.Columba's PS, Curley opened in June 1958. The school enjoyed over fifty years
educating children from its surrounding area and beyond. The school was always
involved in the life of the parish. It was well known for its pormotion of football and
the hosting of the 'Curley Blitz'. Schools from around the parish as well as neighbouring
parishes played on its pitch.
St.Columba's had two classrooms and a dining room. A mobile classroom was added
later to accommodate extra pupils. It was on of the first schools in the area to serve
school meals. However, with government cutbacks coupled with a decreasing population,
the closed its door in June 2009.
A book was produced in 1998, called "The Best Days of our Lives", to mark the 40th
Anniversary of the school. It documented the history of Aughnamoe and old Curley
school as well as St.Columba's.
Another book called "Beautiful Dromore"and a Parish Quilt (pictured) was produced
in 2008 to celebrate the jubliee of the school. The quilt was a large piece of work carried
out by parents and staff of the school, depicting the townlands of the parish and
took almost a year to complete. It was displayed in The Ulster American Folk Park as
part of 'Through the Eye of a Needle' exhibition and viewed by over 60,000.
67

QJ:,n ory ne
O'Dwyer Cup Winners 1952 Back Row: Joe McGale, Edward O'Reilly, Enda Colton,
Tommy Carney, John O'Reilly, Barney Barrett, Joseph Colton.
Front Row: Edward McGlone, Kevin McNaboe, Michael Vaughan, Andrew Montague (Captain),
Anthony Connolly, Matt Slevin, James Quinn. lnfront : Charles Baxter and Sean Gorman.
June 1994 - Catering staff at St.John's School complete Food Hyigene Certificates
Front Row: Mary Gallagher, Joyce Sproule, Bridie Mulligan, Paddy McGowan, Maura Winters, Winnie
Winters, Noreen Cunningham. Back Row: Bridie Hughes, Rose Teague, Mary McCormack, Anne Connolly,
Mary Baxter, Maraget Masterson, Noleen McNulty and Kathleen McAleer
68

1987 The chefs pictured prepared and served Irish stew to over 300 in St.Patrick's Hall, proceeds went to the
Church Building Fund. The enjoyable meal was followed by dancing to Accord.
Back Raw: Jim Winters, Donat Mullan, /bar Mullan, Andy Sheridan, John Corrigan, John Kelly and Laurence
Quinn. Front Row: Liam McCullagh, James Laird, Fr. McGee, Fran McGread and Tom Maguire
Dromore Seniors 1977 Back Row: Seamus Donaghey, Aidan Donaghey, Gerard Connolly, Seamus Mc­
Quaid, Mickey McNulty, Tommy Hunter, Hugh Donnelly, John Reilly, Barry Campbell, Vincent O'Neill,
Patsy McNabb, Pat Mccusker, Noel Donaghey and Seamus Hannigan.
Front Row: Dermot Teague, Tommy Fiddis, Francie McMahon, Patsy Donnelly, Ciaran McE/duff, Gerry
Campbell, Brendan Mccusker, John-Joe Campbell, Harry O'Neill, John McGread, John McGrath
Mascots: Paul & Thomas Hunter.
69

- Wv'mpna's ary hool
St. Dympna's Primary School has 174 pupils. As well as the core curriculum subjects,
children also benefit from Irish language lessons, Tin whistle, Ceili and modern dance,
singing lessons and a variety of different sports.
The school has a theme for each month, which aims to make our values more visible
and develop positive qualities within the children e.g. Month of Respect, month of
Kindness, month of Generosity and Compassion.
During the month of March the pupils were
thinking about Compassion to others. There
was a Copper collection for Children in Ethiopia
which raised over £300. We collected clothes
and toys for St Vincent De Paul. Pictured with
some of the donations: Sinead Slevin, Orlaith
Mccarney, Oisin Hughes, Odhran Mc Kiernan
& Ellie Mc Quaid.
As part of the Catholic Schools Week, the
school attended mass on February 1st ( St.
Brigid's /Grandparents Day) Pupils from Year 3 up participated in the mass which was
well attended. Year 6 & 7 pupils had created St. Brigid's crosses in preparation for the
day which were distributed amongst the congregation. Pictured are Conor Mc Donnell,
Mark Maguire, Darragh Mc Mahon, Deon Fullen & Ronan Hughes.
Children in Years 4-7 performed tin whistle at the Strule Arts Centre. The children
also attended the Ceili in the Arts Centre on 14th March in preparation for St. Patrick's
Day. Earlier in the year children in Year 3 attended the Folk Park where they spent a
day at school in the olden days and Year 1 visited Dr.Gurgley's Fun House. The pupils
in Year 2 have been making good use of the new laptops in school and as you can see
are very confident. The new mobile classroom has been fitted with a new Interactive
whiteboard and three new computers which are also being put to good use.
70
Susan McNamee

ce.aobh an Droim Mor Comhaltas Ceoltoiri
This thriving branch was founded in on 10th March 1959, when
in St.Patrick's Hall Master Joe Colton chaired the meeting which
established Dromore as the first affiliated branch of C.C.E in Co.Tyrone.
Today, we are happy to say it is one of the strongest branches in Tyrone and we are
indebted to the wonderful people who have worked so tirelessly to uphold the aims of
Comhaltas in promoting own traditional culture in music, song and dance. Throughout
the years we have produced All Ireland, Ulster and County champions. Many have gone
to their eternal reward but the memory of their music survives.
The monthly sessions on the 2nd Saturday from October to March are a wonderful
night's entertainment with a host of talented musicians, singers and story tellers.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the craic with us and in true Dromore hospitality a hard
working tea committee provides refreshments for all present. We are very well aware
of the importance of keeping our rich cultural flame alive and in passing it to the next
generation. We sponsor traditional classes in St.John's each Monday evening from
September. James Mc Caffery, Liam Mc Laughlin and Oonagh Mc Ardle are the tutors
for this year. There is still time to join the class, come along to St.John's at 7pm any
Monday evening.
Dromore has hosted a number of hugely successful fleadhs in Dromore and two in
Trillick. We meet on the second Thursday of each month in the Credit Union Offices
and welcome anyone interested in our work to join us.
This year we have had the honour of being invited to host the Ulster Fleadh. We had
the courage to accept the challenge because of the spirit of the Dromore community
which has supported us so well, in whatever we undertook. We will need as much
support as possible to cater for the large numbers we expect in the town in July 2013.
'Senator Labhras O Murchu'
writing in 2009 said "the
torch was passed from
generation to generation
and we remember with
pride and affection those
who kept the flame alight".
The Dromore branch pay
tribute to all those, who
kept the flame alive in this
parish since 1959.
Florence Corey & Hughie Quinn
Pictured are /acal musicians and committee members who
took part in the 'Trad for Trocaire' this year in Dromoree
71
COMHALTAS

2012 was a massive year of sport with the Olympic Games and Olympic torch coming
to Dromore. The highlight was the Fit Factor which took place over 8 weeks from April
to June. This community health and fitness program was delivered by the generous
volunteers within the community and Dromore Sports Complex.
The Staying Active club is still going strong on Wednesday mornings; this group takes
part in aerobics, dance and fitness suite; and always finishes with a cuppa !
In its first full season the Dromore Sports Complex Snooker team managed to win the
Omagh District Snooker League.
We have been lucky enough to receive funding from Dromore 2000 (proceeds from
Dromore 10K) which were used to purchase a new hand cycle for the fitness suite and
we also received funding from Asda, which was used to purchase equipment for Youth
Club and Twilight Soccer.
The kids Easter Camp had 29 participants, while the Summer Camp had 111 over the
four weeks in July and August taking part in a wide range of activities including Baking,
Art, Mini Olympics and many other sports.
The autumn program saw the introduction of new children's activities with the Dance
Factory, Olympic Club and Aspire Speech & Drama School.
As we look to Christmas, we will see the return of the Dromore Christmas Lights Lantern
walk; last year we had over 100 children take part. It is from the Sports Complex down
to the switch-on of the Christmas lights with Santa and this was followed by a party and
refreshments in the Sports Complex.
We would like to thank the whole community for their continued support and look
forward to seeing you all in 2013.
Damian Maguire
72

(i2/:.Jo hn's Business & Enterprise College
October, November & December
• Joseph Mccusker received an All Star Award for Tyrone
Vocational Schools
• Students took part in the Dutch Exchange to Holland to sample
school life and life with a Dutch family.
• Senior GCSE Prizegiving for past students to receive their Certificates and Awards
• The Annual Shoe Box Appeal received 70 shoe boxes filled with toiletries,
toys etc from the school. All boxes were donated to countries such as Africa & Asia
• Year 12 Students accompanied by staff had their Annual School Formal
• Another Successful Fashion and Variety Show was held with a packed hall of
approx 300 parents, past students, and friends enjoying the entertainment.
• Our Annual Christmas Fair run by the students was a great success. Stalls
included home baked items, bric-a-brac etc.
January & February
• Students visited Paris as part of their Mathematics Study Experience
• St John's Girls U16 Gaelic Football Team reached Semi-finals in the Ulster Schools.
• The Armagh Planetarium Roadshow brought a large inflated dome to the school.
• Refurbished staffroom with new kitchen, flooring, ceiling & furniture was opened.
April, May & June
• 2 nd & 3 rd Year boys reached the Ulster B Hurling Final for the first time.
• Peter Teague received his award for Key Entrepreneur of the Year & Tiernan Sludden
Key Personality of the Year. Peter travelled to Canada to represent the school and NI at the
Young Enterprise International Confeence.
• Megan McBrearty won 1 st place in the Individual Girls 1 st Aid Competitions.
• Clare Mccann, Trillick won 1 st place in Under 12 group Cheoil Fermanagh Fleadh.
• A Thanksgiving Mass was held for Year 12 students.
August
• St John's students surpassed themselves by achieving 100% 5+ GCSE passes in the
A*-C range with 64% of Year 12's achieving 10-12 GCSE pass grades in total.
73 Christine Doherty

--.J
.j:>,.
Old St. Dympna's PS -Approx 1950
Front Row: Leo Campbell, Michael Montague, Kieran McGuinness, Sean Mullan, Michael Traynor, Fintan O'Neill, Brendan Maguire,
Patsy Gormley, Michael Mccrystal, Danny McNulty, Tim Gallagher, Derek Hartop, Oliver West, John Donaghey, John McCrystal,
Eugene Mccann, Sean Campbell, Noel Hunter, Vincent Maguire, John McNu/ty, Enda O'Brien
Second Row (Seanng}: Eugene Mullan, John Mccann, Ann Carney, Ann Gorman, Bernadette Maguire, Celine Hunter, Monica Mccann,
Ann Hartop, Marie McGuinness, Alice McNulty, Toni Thompson, Bridie McCann, Dolores Mccrystal, Frances Campbell,
Elizabeth Traynor, Imelda O'Reilly, Loretta Slevin, Austin McNulty, Pat McDonnell
Third Row: Kathleen Mccusker, Maureen McDonnell, Celine McAuley, James McNulty, Francie Maguire, Sean Slevin, Francie Hunter,
Josephine McNulty, Anne McGuinness, Noe/een Hartop, Mary Montague, Ann McDonnell, Willie Hawkes, Patsy McVeigh,
Eugene McDonnell, Anne Hunter, Jim Montague, Charlie Gormley, Francis Morris, Elizabeth O'Brien.
Back Row: Maura Campbell, Myra Mccann, Calm Gorman, Elizabeth McDonnell, Gretta Mccusker, Michael Traynor, Dec/an O'Neill,
Liam O'Brien, Josie Maguire, Brendan Traynor, /bar Mullan, Phil McCrystal, Norman McKinty, Brendan Hartop, Jean Carney,
Pauline McNu/ty, Josie Slevin, Marie McNulty, Sally Carney.
Teachers: Mary Hughes, Hugh James Colton, Mrs. McNulty and Miss Carragher

TheYQye
A centuries-old tradition links this
rocky escarpment just west of
the village on the Tummery Road,
with a spring which had curative
properties for eye diseases.
Those who used the water to
bathe their eyes would leave a
piece of cloth as a 'token' of their
visit. The site still receives visitors
and claims are still being made
for the beneficial effects of the
water.
<Elucatian in tk Paris!
In 1826, we had 15 schools:
Corbally, (J. Mclaughlin) Coyagh (A. Slevin) Dresoge (A. Mc lver)
Dromore (R. Orr) Dromore (J. Mc Ardle) Dromore (E. Mc Krory)
Drumsheil (M. Mc Girr) Dullaghan (E. Munnagh) Esker (J. Vance)
Galbally (F Walker) Keildrum (P Starrs) Lisanedin (M. Slevin)
Rahoney (M. Mc Carney) Rakeeranbeg (H. Rutledge) Tummery (F. Gallagher)
In 1868, we had 16 schools which overall had 540 pupils.
n 1882, we had 11
And now in 2012, we have 5: St. John's, Tummery, Dullaghan, Drumlish, St.Dympn
":urley closed in 2009.
::,t John's High School opened on 1st Sept 1965
he Blessing of St John's School was on May 10th 1966
The grounds were bequeathed by Patrick McGinn, who died 1941
The Buildltlg and Equipment were from bequest Eugene Mc Grade, who died 1948
in New York.
75

{j}J:. Davog's Ace Scheme
ACE (Action for Community Employment) was set-up in the parish in 1988, shortly
after the new Church was opened.
The scheme was 100% funded by the Dept of Manpower to relieve unemployment.
Initially, there was employment for full time and part-time work for twelve people.
Their first work was the landscaping and planting of shrubs and trees at the Church.
Eddie Kearney, Main St, who passed away earlier this year was in charge of the
scheme until 1992, when Liam McQuaid took over the scheme up until it wound up in
1999.
Other works carried out by the scheme was the refurbishment of St.Dympna's old
school, now the Daycare Centre and planting of trees at Fintona Road on parish land.
The scheme also covered visiting elderly people at home and shopping for them,
painting and decorating the homes, and carrying out works to gardens and lawns.
The scheme was run in the parish by a small committee chaired by Fr.Breen, other
members included Fergus Hughes, Brian O'Brien, Harry O'Neill, Sean Mccourt, Eddie
Kearney and Liam McQuaid.
Aughnamoe School 1965
76