Rare footage captures vibrant lost era
Eamon De Valera see here at the opening of Benburb Priory in 1949
BY ANTHONY QUINN
REMARKABLE film footage offering a fascinating view of Dungannon and Coalisland life from the 1940s has come to light.
The treasure trove of images contained in hours of cine reel were captured by Coalisland man Vincent Daly who for four decades dedicated himself to recording historic and community events in the local district. The footage reveals a bygone world where crowds of enthusiastic people attended AOH and Knights of Malta marches; and religious occasions such as Redemptorist missions, confirmations and communions were celebrated with religious fervour.
The nostalgic images also bring vividly to life the iconic role played by the GAA in local communities by featuring the opening of a number of local grounds including Coalisland MacRory Park and Pomeroy Park
Among the highlights is a clip capturing the excitment of crowds in Dungannon and Coalisland welcoming the homecoming of the victorious 1947 Tyrone Minor team, as well as footage showing Eamon De Valera arriving at Benburb Priory for its official opening in 1949. The future Irish president can be seen conversing with the Very Reverend Dean Quinn.
The public will be able to view the footage at two special exhibition viewings to be held in the Craic Theatre on November 12 and 13. All proceeds will be donated to the roof restoration fund for the Church of the Holy Family.
As well as recording the community’s rich cultural heritage from the vantage point of an eyewitness, Mr Daly operated a mobile cinema shortly after World War II and is credited with bringing the silver screen to towns and villages throughout County Tyrone.
His valuable footage narrowly escaped destruction when a bomb severely damaged the houses in Loughview and Mourne Crescent in the early 1970s.
Vincent’s son, Leo, recounted the story.
“The film reels were gathering dust in the attic of the family home when a bomb went off. Fortunately, my brother Joseph was able to climb through the rubble and rescue them. They were then placed in specially designed boxes and kept until we were able to transfer them to DVD.
“A lot of painstaking work was done by my brother Martin and nephew Liam Lavery in transferring the footage.
“We decided it would be a good idea to show them publicly, as a tribute to my father’s memory, as well as providing an opportunity to raise money for charity.
“The films contain an enormous amount of local history and will no doubt create a considerable degree of local interest. They are divided into 4 sections: Church Functions, Parades, Old Coalisland scenes and GAA events.
“The GAA section is of particular interest, featuring the opening of a number of grounds, including Coalisland McCrory Park, as it was named then, and the home -coming of the victorious Tyrone Minor Team in 1947, Confirmation and Communion scenes from the late 40s, and renowned local characters such as Artie Hughes, the car dealer.”
A selection of the clips is outlined below.
Scenes around the old chapel in Clonoe, in the late 40’s. Appearing first is one of the McCabe brothers, and a young alter boy, John Joe Hagan. Also present is a well known character and car dealer, Artie Hughes.
Corpus Christi Procession at Coalisland Chapel, in the late 40’s,with First Holy Communion children leading the procession, and accompanied by Mrs Jim Shields.
Confirmation scenes with Cardinal Dalton in the 1950’s. Clergy attending include, Fr. Ignatius Regan, Fr. Geatens, Fr. Murphy, Fr. Treacy, and Fr. Charles McAvinchey.
Confirmation in Coalisland in 1964 with Cardinal Conway, with some great shots of the children confirmed on that day.
Redemptorist Mission in Coalisland Chapel in the late 60’s/ early 70’s, when Pat O’Neill was sacristan. Notice the Knights of Malta giving assistance to the aged and infirmed members of the community.
Scenes of Lourdes pilgrims assembling in Coalisland Parochial Centre on two separate pilgrimages years; one of which took place in 1970and the other in 1976.
Eamon De Valera arriving at Benburb Priory for its official opening in 1949. He is seen here conversing with the Very Reverend Dean Quinn at the head of the table.
Lambeg drums on the Dungannon Road, in the late 1940’s, possibly 12th of July or some other church parade.
Coalisland Accordion Band marching down the Dungannon Road in the late 1940’s and later playing carols at the bank corner. Members in attendance include, Dan Shields, Terry Fox, Totton Armstrong, John Frank Corr, Jimmy Hughes, Paddy Hughes, Brian Brannigan and John Joe Cullen.
Foresters Church Parade from Coalisland Chapel in 1947. They can be seen parading down the town, up the Dungannon Road, Newtownkelly, down Platers Hill and into the town centre again. This was a quite alarge parade with many local Foresters of the time present.
Hibernian Parade in the 1950’s, marching from the old Railway Station, down the Derry Road, as seen from the bank corner.
Dungannon Foresters Band parading past Dungannon Chapel in the 1960’s.
Large Republican Rally in Ann Street, Dungannon in the late 50’s.
Knights of Malta parading in Dungannon in the late 60’s/ early 70’s, and taking the salute in the town square.
Coalisland Silver Band emerging from their first bandroom on the lineside, and preparing to take part in a practice parade, in 1960/61, and as is evident, in pre-uniform days. Senior members in view, sharing their experience with the younger members of the day, include, Alex Toner, Leo McGlinchey, Joe McGlinchey, Jim Joe Hughes, Vincent Daly, Paddy Hughes, along with Sean and Frank McCabe.
Another A.O.H. Parade from Coalisland Railway Station, in the 1960’s.
Boys Scouts Parade marching from the top of the Donaghmore Road, Dungannon, down into Ann Street in the late 1960’s.
Fancy Dress Parade in Coalisland in 1964 (or 1966), as viewed from the Bank Corner. Among those enjoying the parade are former Bank Manager, Mr Hanley, Vincent Timlin and John Frank Timlin. Walking with the parade are Pat Quinn, Otto Devlin, Jock Aiken and dance teacher, Peter Hughes. You can also catch a glimpse of well known shop-keeper at the time, Jim Herron, running up with the parade.
Civic Week in Dungannon, in May 1968. People in view include, Vincent and Susan Daly, Mary Daly, Leo McGlinchey and family, Austin Currie, and also Clonoe Pipe
Band members, leader Frank O’Neill, James Jackson, and Jimmy O’Neill. This was one of the biggest parades ever seen in Dungannon with numerous bands and well decorated floats.
Civic Week in Dungannon, in May 1968. People in view include, Vincent and Susan Daly, Mary Daly, Leo McGlinchey and family, Austin Currie, and also Clonoe Pipe
Band members, leader Frank O’Neill, James Jackson, and Jimmy O’Neill. This was one of the biggest parades ever seen in Dungannon with numerous bands and well decorated floats.
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Monday 20 May 2013
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