Brotherhoods and Friendly Societies

th th 11 June 2013 _ 9 May 2014 Francis Clements Crossle, 1847 – 1910 and Mourne Museum Collection A medical doctor in Newry, Francis Crossle was a noted historian and geneaologist, and an expert on the history of Freemasonry in Newry. He served as Master of each of the Newry Masonic Lodges and was founder and first Master of the Francis Crossle Lodge No. 83. He was Deputy Grand Master of the Province of Down from 1901 until 1910. Réamhrá an Mhéara Mayor’s Foreword Mar Mhéara Chomhairle an Iúir agus Mhúrn, As Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, tá an-áthas orm réamhrá an leabhrán seo a I am pleased to write the foreword for this scríobh, leabhrán a ghabhann leis an taispeántas publication which complements the new temporary sealadach de chuid Iarsmalann an Iúir agus Mhúrn, exhibition “Brotherhoods and Friendly Societies”, now “Bráithreachais agus Cara-Chumainn” on display at Newry and Mourne Museum.

Cíorann an taispeántas borradh na mbráithreachas The exhibition looks at the growth of fraternal and agus na gcara-chumann agus leagtar béim ar a friendly societies in this area and highlights their n-éagsulacht. diversity.

Fud fad an taispeántais léiríonn an libhré beoga, Throughout the exhibition the vibrant and dáthannach agus na hearraí cuimhneacháin na colourful regalia and memorabilia on display tréithe coitianta éagsúla de na lóistí, chomh maith reflects the many common characteristics of lodges, leis an siombalachas agus na deasghnátha, roinnt symbolism and rituals, some dating back to the acu a théann siar chuig na Meánaoiseanna. Middle Ages.

Go minic bhíodh na heagraíochtaí seo i mbun These organisations often cared for members of the cúram bhaill an phobail a bhíodh i gcruachás agus community who had fallen on hard times and so ar an ábhar sin sa lá atá inniu ann, bailíonn cuid many of the modern societies carry out charitable mhór de na heagraíochtaí seo airgead chun críocha works by raising money for many worthy local carthanúla ar son dea-chúiseanna áitiúla. causes.

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na I would like to thank all the contributors who have rannpháirtithe uile a rinne taighde agus a scríobh researched and written articles for the booklet altanna don leabhrán as ucht a gcuidiú agus a and for their help and cooperation in providing gcomhoibriú le haghaidh sholáthar ábhair don material for the exhibition. taispeántas seo. Councillor John McArdle Comhairleoir John McArdle Mayor, Newry and Mourne District Council An Méara, Comhairle an Iúir agus Mhúrn Mothers’ Union, St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Newry, c.1960 Newry and Mourne Museum Collection Shown at the table from left are Mrs Jones, Mrs Labrom, Mrs Major, Mrs Weir, Mrs Grills, Mrs Furness, Mrs Lowans, Miss Swanzy and Miss Swanzy. The Mothers’ Union is a group within the Church of that undertakes charitable work in support of families. In the Newry and Mourne area a number of Introduction Brotherhoods have flourished, including Brotherhoods and Friendly Societies are Freemasonry, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Loyal multipurpose organisations with origins dating , Royal Black Institution and Irish back to medieval times. These societies were National Foresters. These organisations have their formed for a number of reasons including religion, origins in medieval traditions of craftsmanship and politics, recreation and charitable support. Over the chivalry and while often very different, have similar past three centuries the number of these groups characteristics such as hierarchies, processions has increased significantly, particularly in the late and regalia. Victorian period.

Members of Newry Round Table at a function c.1973 Newry and Mourne Museum Collection Newry Round Table was established in 1959 and closed in 2005. Membership of this organisation, which raised money for charity, comprised professional and business men under the age of 40. The ethos of charity and community also led to the development of societies formed to provide humanitarian and professional support for charities and members. These include the Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel, Soroptimists, Women’s Institute and the Round Table. Church groups have included the Mothers’ Union, Presbyterian Women’s Association, the Knights of Columbanus and the Archconfraternity of the Holy Family.

From the Industrial Revolution onwards, movements for the welfare of factory and mill workers began to emerge. These were formalised as Trade Unions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Using documents and objects, this exhibition gives a brief overview of some of the Brotherhoods and Friendly Societies in the Newry and Mourne area. This material provides a colourful and wide ranging insight into the origins and traditions of these organisations which have made a significant contribution to the community.

Menu card, 1938 Newry and Mourne Museum Collection The Order of the Knights of Saint Columbanus is an Irish Catholic fraternal organisation for lay men dedicated to the service of Christ in daily life. This card is from one of the social events held by the Order to celebrate religious festivals. Golden Jubilee of Annalong Women’s Institute, 1987 Courtesy of Jean Gordon Pictured at a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Annalong Women’s Institute. Front row (left to right): Helen Livingston, Chairperson of the Federation of Women’s Institutes of , Jean Gordon, President of Annalong Women’s Institute, the Duchess of Abercorn, past President of the Federation and Lady Anthony Hamilton, current President of the Federation. In our division we have a management team, A lifelong member of the Ancient which is made up of senior officers including the Order of Hibernians, Division President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 284 Newry management team members. We meet each month and discuss various items including management Councillor Charlie Casey of our licensed premises and correspondence from other divisions. We also facilitate visits by I have been a Hibernian club member since I was Hibernian branches from across Ireland, North 18 or 19 and I have been a divisional member America and . since the late 1980s. The difference between a club member and a divisional member is that a Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Newry Division divisional member is involved in making decisions 284, c.1964/65 on the day to day running of the club and the Newry and Mourne Museum Collection division. The club members are people who avail of Pictured at a function in Newry Town Hall are front row (left to right): N. McDonald, J. Hogan, P. McAlinden, J. Farrell, T. Hogan, the social amenities of the club such as a game of J. McAleavey, W. McMahon. Back row (left to right): J. Hanna, pool, darts or a social drink. S. Magill, H. Marley, P. McAleavey, G. Taylor, D. Hogan, J. Devlin, F. Small. I am currently President of Division 284 and this is my fourth year of office. I see myself as fronting an organisation that is well established in Newry. We are a faith and family based organisation, although the connection between ourselves and the Catholic Church has lessened in recent years.

The Hibernians contribute to the whole community and in 2011 we raised in the region of £10,500 for good causes such as cancer charities.

Membership of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Members of the St. Joseph’s Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe Band, Division 473, Glassdrummond, 1951 has fallen away in recent years; I remember there Courtesy of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 473, were divisions in Glen, and Killeavy but Glassdrummond they no longer meet. Currently in our division we Front row, third from right (seated) is Joseph Higgins who is still an active member of the current band. The Higgins and Davey families have 60 or 70 divisional members and 100 – 120 have been closely associated with the Hibernians in Glasdrummond for club members. We have a close relationship with many years. Glassdrummond AOH Division 473, near Kilkeel which is a very active group.

Many years ago when clubs were thriving more than pubs, we had bars on each of the three floors in the Hibernian Hall in Newry. There was a bar, snooker table and card room on each of the three levels and each floor had a different clientele.

During , the AOH in Newry did not parade. We resumed our parades in the 1990s and we parade on the 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption and on the 17th March, St. Patrick’s Day. Each year a branch of the AOH hosts the main parade and we also may receive invitations Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 284, Newry on parade in Newry on 15th August 2005 from other divisions to attend a church parade. We © William McAlpine do not currently have a band, so when we parade we often join forces with Glassdrummond Pipe Band. still maintain that system of providing support and Irish National Foresters, assistance to those in need. Ballyholland – Branch Fr. John Rooney No. 407 and Branch St. The office bearers of the Branches of the Irish National Foresters have titles such as Chief Ranger, Ita No. 409 Sub Chief Ranger and Senior and Junior Beadles Joan McAteer and Paddy McKevitt and Woodwards. The Beadles traditionally looked after the ‘door’ of the hall and the Woodwards The history of the Foresters dates back to feudal issued quarterly notices for payment of dues. times when serfs and peasants met in secret. Individual members are known as ‘Brothers’ and Their lives and those of their families were at the ‘Sisters’. mercy of the landlords who, on a whim, could and did evict these people from their homes. As A branch of the Irish National Foresters was a consequence, a self help and benevolent society formed in Ballyholland, near Newry, in 1901. was formed by the poor for the poor and so was It was unique in that it was named after Father born the Ancient Order of Foresters which has John Rooney, while he was still alive, a popular now spread throughout the world embracing many parish priest who ministered in Newry at that nationalities. time. Around 70 members were initiated, and a hall was built in 1904 which was used until it was The Irish National Foresters seceded from the accidentally burnt down in 1940. A temporary hall Ancient Order of Foresters in 1870 and today, was erected, with a new hall not being opened until where there are communities of Irish people or 1960. people of Irish descent, you will, more often than not, find a branch of the Irish National Foresters. In 1945 a ladies’ branch was formed which took the The Foresters in this country have continued to name ‘St. Ita’ and was registered under the Friendly flourish in the intervening years. Societies Act of 1896.

While the secession was final, the rules and The Foresters meet every Monday night and hold regulations were transferred from the ancient order. a Mass every three years at Father Rooney’s grave The Irish National Foresters adopted the motto at Hilltown. During the first weekend in June they of Unity, Nationality and Benevolence, and they attend a Mass at the Ballyholland Mass Rock, a have upheld those very laudable aims since their place of worship the Ballyholland Foresters help formation. maintain.

In acknowledging that the advent of the Welfare State reduced the pressure on the work of the Foresters, particularly in this part of Ireland, they The Irish National Foresters Club in Ballyholland has served the community as an outlet for social interaction and entertainment for many years and the members have raised money for many charitable causes including Newry Hospice, Lourdes Invalids and local churches.

Members of Irish National Foresters, Branch St. Ita No. 409 Ballyholland, 1945 Membership certificate, 1901 Courtesy of Irish National Foresters, Branch St. Ita No. 409 Courtesy of Seamus McAteer A ladies’ branch was formed in 1945 in Ballyholland and is now the Irish National Foresters Branch Father only surviving ladies’ INF branch in Ireland. The photograph includes Rooney was founded in 1901. The certificate Sr. Annie McAteer, Chief Ranger (middle row, centre) and Sr. Annie was issued to James McAteer, one of the Sweeney, Sub-Chief Ranger (middle row, third from right). founder members, and is signed by Patrick McAteer, the first Chief Ranger.

Irish National Foresters Convention, Newry, 1901 Courtesy of Irish National Foresters, Branch John Mitchel No. 61 All Ireland Annual Conventions are hosted by a different branch each year and in 1901 was hosted by Branch John Mitchel in Newry. Other local branches have hosted the Convention, including Branch Father Matthew, Rostrevor (1951), Branch St. Ita, Ballyholland (1995) and in 2008 by Branch St. Moninna, Kileavey. The ethos and principles of the Orange Institution Loyal in Newtownhamilton, as in all other Districts, is Orange District (LOL) No. 9 based on Biblical teachings; Loyalty to the Crown, William Copeland Upholding the Law of the Land and Charitable Words and Actions. One recorded example of the The District currently comprises ten private behaviour of true Orangemen was during a night Lodges, including LOL 106 Synotts of severe social and political strife in a certain town, True Blue, LOL 117 Newtownhamilton four Orangemen leaving an Orange Order meeting Whitewater Temperance, LOL 630B Tullyvallen accompanied an elderly Priest to his home which Guiding Star, LOL 1157 Knockavannon and LOL was a mile out of town. 1158 Knocknanin (County Monaghan). Also active in the area are a Junior Lodge and a Ladies The District Lodge and all members, pride Lodge. In the past, there were a further seven themselves on their social standing in the area, working Orange Lodges in the District in localities publicly parading to their annual church services, such as Cloghue near , Osier Hill and displaying their banners and regalia, but also in Camlymacullough, but these lodges no longer the public use of their halls. Many halls have meet. been renovated and brought up to modern day standards and expectations and are used extensively From the officers of the private lodges are elected for public and social events. These activities range the officers of the District Lodge, both these from dancing, keep fit, computer lessons, flower elections take place on an annual basis. The arranging, jewellery making and photography to District reports to, and attends meetings of County talks on farm and home safety. Grand Lodge, which in turn reports to, and attends quarterly meetings of The Grand A lot of charity work and fundraising is conducted Orange Lodge of Ireland. throughout the District, ranging from the Special Needs School at Cootehill, , cancer Traditionally, the District was described as having support charities, orphans throughout Ireland, a “Goodly Heritage”, being able to trace its origins Southern Area Hospice to overseas work such as back to the Battle of the Diamond which occurred the Momoko Hospital project in Uganda. on the 21st September 1795 when the private lodge warrant LOL 117 was granted by James Sloan. The Twelfth Demonstration is Newtownhamilton District was granted District planned for Newtownhamilton in 2013 and we Warrant No. 9 in 1814 by County Armagh Grand pray for God’s Blessing upon all, as the District Lodge and the first recorded District Master was goes from strength to strength. John Simpson, when he signed a proclamation on 5th June 1820. Unfurling of new banner by LOL 117 Newtownhamilton Whitewater Temperance © Allen Hawthrone Banners are an important part of the Orange tradition. The banners depict a range of subjects including religious themes or commemorate people or events important to the local area.

Tullyvallen Silver Band at the Demonstration, 2008 © William McAlpine This band is associated with LOL 630B Tullyvallen Guiding Star Temperance, and in 2003 celebrated 100 years of musical tradition. St. Patrick’s Masonic Lodge, Membership, however, fell rapidly throughout _ Freemasonry in the period up to 1824. The No. 77, Newry The Early Years Catholic Church debarred members of that faith Compiled by Alexander Hanna, and from becoming Freemasons which affected over based on the research and publications half the membership of Lodge 77. Also, from May of Francis Crossle (1847 - 1910) 1823 to November 1824 all meetings of Grand Lodge were suspended in consequence of an Act A warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of for the suppression of certain societies in Ireland. Ireland dated 27th December 1737 and numbered Many members fell away during this time who did 77, to William Ponder, James Hollyman and John not afterwards return. By the end of 1824 there Ard, to hold a Lodge in the town of Newry. were only fourteen subscribing members on the roll of Lodge 77. Historic details of Lodge No. 77 during its first 70 years are scant in the extreme as the earliest extant minute book commences on 24th June 1806.

The years 1775 to 1806 are the most puzzling period in the history of Lodge 77. The Grand Lodge Register shows a steady increase of membership until we come to the name of Cornelius Burns, registered 26th March 1775. There were no further registrations until John Clarke, Daniel Turley, Matthew Griffith, Thomas Goodin and John Hanigan, who were all registered on 23rd October 1806. Dr Francis Crossle in his “Sketch of the History of St. Patrick’s Masonic Lodge No.77, Newry” published in 1895 could only state that during this period of 31 years the Lodge had suspended its labours. Further research has shown, however, that the Warrant was never cancelled or returned to Grand Lodge.

During the period 1806 - 1810 Freemasonry in Newry was flourishing, with Lodge 77 admitting no fewer than ninety-six new members of whom Newry Masonic Hall forty-nine were registered in Grand Lodge. © William McAlpine Masonic Lodges in Newry met in various locations before the current Hall in Downshire Road was opened in 1887. Local lodges, including Lodge 77, hold their meetings in this venue. The Lodge continued to meet, but membership Members of St. Patrick’s Masonic Lodge, No. 77, Newry, 1988 Courtesy of St. Patrick’s Masonic Lodge, No. 77 struggled from 1827 to 1850 with an average of 8 Lodge No. 77 is the oldest in Newry as well as in . This members on the roll. New members were initiated photograph was taken to celebrate its 250th anniversary. regularly during this period but withdrew quickly, Under the original Warrant, Lodge 77 has possibly due to the high rates of emigration at that continued to meet to the present day and it is time. the oldest Lodge in Ulster and the sixth oldest in Ireland, having celebrated 275 years of continuous The Lodge however became reinvigorated from working on 27th December 2012. 1850 onwards with the installation of William Sutherland Fraser Murray as Master and many new members being registered with Grand Lodge. Carved stone, 1738 Courtesy of Alexander Hanna This stone came from the 1887 was a very important year for Lodge 77 as on front wall of a house which 27th December it celebrated 150 years in existence. stood in Lower North Street, Newry, formerly known as A special communication of the Lodge was held in ‘Dirty Lane’. According to celebration of the eminent Freemason Bro. Francis Francis Crossle this house Clements Crossle who was installed as Worshipful was the original meeting place of Lodge 77. The stone bears Master. At this meeting Bro. Crossle gave an Masonic symbols and is now eloquent historical address on the rise and progress located in the Masonic Hall of Lodge 77. in Downshire Road, Newry. Mourne Presbyterian Women Ann Blue

Mourne Presbyterian Church Kilkeel, was founded in July 1696 and from the early 1900s there has been a women’s organisation as part of church life. Although the name may have changed, the aim has remained the same, that is: to encourage women to become disciples of Jesus Christ in love and unity through obedience to God’s Word, seeking to serve Him using our gifts and talents and to be involved in local and global mission.

The group provides fellowship and gives women Mourne Presbyterian Church the opportunity to meet twice monthly when Courtesy of Mourne Presbyterian Women we spend time getting to know each other in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This is a lovely way Of course there is a purpose in all this work for new members in the church to make friends and that is to raise funds to help support our quickly. Throughout the year there are a variety of missionaries, Deaconess’ work and charities as they programmes ranging from cookery demonstrations, reach out to a needy world with practical aid and fashion and home spun talent, to missionaries most importantly, with the good news of salvation, home on furlough giving us an update on their which is, God so loved the world that He gave work. his only Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ( John Also throughout the year we are involved in 3:16). Most members will not serve overseas as catering, either providing dinner for group outings missionaries but as Christians we are called by or funeral teas – a service much appreciated by Jesus to share our faith wherever we are. bereaved families. However the biggest of these is our annual Harvest sale, a very busy day when Although we have our own PW group within we provide hundreds of ‘Mourne fries’, soup, Mourne Presbyterian Church, we are part of a homemade breads and cakes to people in town for much bigger organisation throughout Ireland. the ‘Fair Day’. It may be hard work but it is also a Each year we hold our AGM in the Assembly day of great fun as we try to keep abreast of all the Buildings in and it is wonderful to see the orders. The kitchen is probably the place where we main hall filled to capacity over a two day period really get to know one another at a deeper level as as thousands of women share in fellowship as we we work together. praise and worship God together. Mourne Presbyterian Women, 2010 Courtesy of Mourne Presbyterian Women Pictured on a weekend outing, one of the many social events held by this group throughout the year. which meets on a half yearly basis in various venues What it means to be a member of across and holds regular events. the Royal Black Institution Councillor David Taylor My Preceptory attends three main parades each year; the Scarva Demonstration on the 13th July, I have been a member of the Royal Black the last Saturday in August and our District Institution since I was 18. To qualify for admission Church parade and service which takes place you have to be a member of the Loyal Orange one day after the last Saturday Demonstration Order. My Preceptory, Olive Branch RBP 348, in August. We are accompanied by the Hunter meets in Sheepbridge Orange Hall. I am also Moore Memorial Flute Band, and have had a long Chaplain for this Orange Lodge, but at District and association with this Band. County level it is regularly a common occurrence that an ordained Minister assumes this role. In 2011 the Newry Royal Black District Chapter hosted the last Saturday Demonstration. Each year The Royal Black Institution has a strong Christian the host district is given a sum of money raised on ethos and members have to attend eleven lectures that day to donate to local charities. Newry was which are based on Scriptures from the Holy Bible. given £3,000, which we donated to three charities; This is designed to teach members the learnings to Newry Hospice, a local cancer charity and to the of the Bible and encourage them to live their local RIR Association, as one of our members was lives according to Scripture. There is no set time killed whilst serving in Afghanistan. At a local level in which the lectures have to be completed, but many Preceptories run functions to raise funds for you are encouraged to undertake them in as short charitable organisations. a period of time as work and other commitments dictate.

Membership of the Preceptory plays a considerable role in my life as it is a very active organisation and meetings take place on a monthly basis. The internal structures are usually based on an officer team of five, which include the Worshipful Master, Deputy Master, Chaplain, Treasurer and Secretary. The Olive Branch Preceptory is part of Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4. District Hunter Moore Memorial Flute Band at the Scarva Demonstration, meetings occur on a quarterly basis and deal with 1962 © William McAlpine general business relating to the ten Preceptories The oldest of the marching bands in the Newry area, with origins from Newry City, Bessbrook and Warrenpoint going back to 1884. At first it was known as Sheepbridge Flute Band. In June 1908 the band was granted premises by Hunter Moore, a who are members of this District. Newry No. 4 is prominent solicitor in Newry. Following his death in 1923 it was a member of County Down Royal Black Chapter renamed in his honour. Members of Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4, 2005 © William McAlpine Pictured parading in Newry after returning from the Scarva Demonstration on the 13th July 2005. Newry Soroptimist Fashion Show, Newry, 1961 Courtesy of Soroptimist International Newry and Mourne Fundraising for various charities has been an important role of the Soroptimists. In the early years of the Newry branch there were strong links with the Samaritans and fashion shows were a popular form of fundraising for this charity. The first club was established in California in 1921 Soroptimist International and in 1956 a group of women came together to Newry and Mourne charter a club in Newry. The first President was Helen Patterson, Hilary Halliday and Eileen McKinstry and initially the Club held their Jacqueline Turley meetings in members’ homes, progressing to The Ardmore Hotel and now, in recent years, The Sean Soroptimist International is a world-wide volunteer Hollywood Arts Centre. service organisation for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women In the early years the Club focused on raising and girls, in local communities and throughout the funds for local charities, particularly the Samaritans world. which had just been established in Newry and were in need of funding. Some of the fundraisers Newry Soroptimist function, c.1972/3 Courtesy of Soroptimist International Newry and Mourne included a Fashion Show which was held in Pictured at a dinner in a local hotel are back row (left to right); Newry’s premier department store, Fosters, and by T. Mallon, M. Maginnis, W. Gordon, M. Sloan, E. McKinistry, all accounts was a very glamorous occasion. M. Sweeney. Front row (left to right) E.E. Paul, F. Ewen, W. Poole, I. Wylie, T. Norris, K. Ferris, M. Gileece. Members of Soroptimist International Newry and Mourne, 2006 Courtesy of Newry Reporter Thirty years ago, a Public Speaking competition Members are pictured at their Golden Jubilee Dinner in Dromantine was initiated to give girls an opportunity to develop House. The Soroptimist Club of Newry and District gained official their confidence and communication skills. This is status in the worldwide Soroptimist movement in November 1956 still ongoing and many girls have benefitted from We are also very involved in highlighting the participating in this competition. issue of Trafficking and in 2011 hosted a major conference in Newry attended by over 100 Another success over the years has been the delegates from the statutory and voluntary sectors. Christmas Charity Fayre in Newry Town Hall which was established by Margaret Niblock and The chartering of the Newry Club in 1956 gave now organised annually by Margaret McArdle. business and professional women a platform to This event gives local charities an opportunity to support local and international charities. Over the showcase their charity and raise money. years many longstanding friendships have been established. Some of the iconic members have Today our activities are wide and varied. Service is included Renee Wylie, Eithne Doran and Maura the lynchpin of our organisation. Members serve Keenan. The Club has produced three Regional in many organisations such as The Samaritans, Presidents, Edina Rafferty, Sylvia Abbot and Homestart, Victims Support, Women’s Aid and Helen Patterson. School Boards of Governors. More emphasis is now put on fundraising for our international Almost 60 years later the Club is still flourishing. charities. Over the last four years we have helped We continue to promote the aims of Soroptimism raise £1 million to help women and children in the while at the same time having fun and friendship. aftermath of the war in Sierra Leone. The Club is open to all women and we invite new members to join us. Newry Docks, and my mother also suffered poor The development of Trade working conditions as a servant girl. Unions in the Newry and Mourne District In May 1889, the 18 locally active Trade Unions agreed to work together in common interest, Tom Moore forming the Newry United Trades Council. Such developments encouraged Trade Unions Trade Unions were first formed in the 1740s to at a national level and thus emerged the British promote and protect workers’ interests. Trades Union Congress and the Irish Trade Union Through my own personal family history, I have Congress. The regard in which the Newry body first-hand experience of their importance to the was held, was shown by the ITUC holding its 1903 welfare of workers. On two occasions my father and 1925 Congresses in Newry. was severely injured while working as a labourer at

Health Service staff, 1982 Courtesy of Tom Moore Local National Health Service workers campaigning in Newry as part of a national pay dispute. Workers are pictured marching along Monaghan Row from Daisy Hill Hospital. James Fearon, 1874 – 1924 Newry and Mourne Museum Collection Born in Castle Street in Newry, James Fearon was a trade union activist in towns and cities throughout Ireland, including Newry. Often called the ‘Third James’, Fearon was a contemporary and friend of James Connolly and James Larkin. The hall of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union in Newry is named after him. Many stories are told about the courage of local Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade workers and their families in the pursuit of Unions to publically launch its “Better Life for All” better working conditions. An example is the Campaign, a forerunner of the emerging Peace Newry Dockers’ Strike of 1907, led by James Process. Fearon, organiser of the National Union of Dock Labourers. Newry dockers refused to unload coal The government decision in the 1980s to boats from Belfast, in support of dock workers in discontinue support for trade union education was Belfast who had gone on strike after their demand exempted in Northern Ireland in recognition of for union recognition was rejected by employers. Trade Union work in reducing sectarian tension in The Newry action later turned to dealing with local the workplace. grievances which caused great hardship amongst dockers’ families. James Fearon continued to campaign for workers’ welfare in Newry after the strikes ended in February 1908.

After the grim years of the 1930s and World War II, there was a post-war boom with new industries developing in Newry. This led to further local expansion in trade unions including a branch of the National Federation of Building Trade Operatives for labourers, craftsmen and engineers in the 1950s. The 1960s, 1970s and 1980s saw instances of Trade Union activists leading campaigns on unemployment, welfare rights, protection of health services and trade union recognition.

Closures of local manufacturing firms spurred Trade Union representatives to seek support from local interests and Newry & Mourne Co-Operative was established in 1972 with the objective of promoting and creating jobs.

Following several nights of sectarian murders in the district in January 1976, a protest rally was organised by Newry & District Trades Union Council. This provided impetus for the Northern We would like to thank all the organisations and Acknowledgements individuals who contributed to the exhibition Thanks are due to the staff and volunteers of through donations, loans, expertise or memories Newry and Mourne Museum for their assistance in particularly: this exhibition and accompanying booklet: Tony Carroll Louise Canavan Jim Donaldson Joanne Cummins Jean Gordon Alexander Cupples Joseph Higgins Alan Freeburn Christina Joyce Conor Keenan Andrew Kernaghan Greg McAteer Alex Lyons Shane McGivern Gerard Maguire Frances Potts William McAlpine Anna Savage Joan McAteer Dr. Robert Whan Seamus McAteer Mary McDowell We are grateful to Ann Blue, Hugh McKenna Councillor Charlie Casey, William Copeland, Paddy McKevitt Alexander Hanna, Hilary Halliday, Joan McAteer, Margaret McArdle Paddy McKevitt, Tom Moore, Helen Patterson, Samuel Taylor Councillor David Taylor and Jacqueline Turley for Lenny Taylor contributing articles to this booklet. Jacqueline Turley We are grateful to the Northern Ireland Museums Council for funding conservation of a number of artefacts in this exhibition.

Compiled by Noreen Cunningham, Dr. Ken Abraham and Declan Carroll

Invitation card, 1933 Every effort has been made to correctly Newry and Mourne Museum Collection attribute photographs used in this booklet and Publicising a social function held accompanying exhibition. in Sheepbridge Orange Hall, Newry. Dances, concerts, socials and guest teas were often organised by Orange Lodges in their halls. Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 473, Glassdrummond on parade in Kilkeel, 2011 © Annemarie Smith Photograph includes Christina Sloan (centre) and William Davey (extreme right), who are longstanding members of this Division.

Beating the Lambeg Drum at Demonstration at Newry, 1962 © William McAlpine Lambeg Drums are used by the Orange Order at their traditional parades. The origins are not clear, but they may have come to Ulster with English settlers in the 17th century. They are beaten with curved canes and are one of the loudest acoustic instruments in the world. The Lambeg Drums are also played by the Royal Black Institution. Photomontage, 1983 © Seán Hillen Newry and Mourne Museum Collection “Londonewry, A Mythical Town. # 1” 1983 By Seán Hillen, a Newry born artist, this photomontage comprises an image of two Orangemen taken at ‘the field’ outside Newry at the Twelfth Demonstration with an image of Cleopatra’s Needle, an Egyptian obelisk which used to be sited near St. James’s Park in London. The artist chose the latter image because of Egyptian influence on Orange Order symbols.

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