Country Roads
Michael Commins
THE Irish national anthem brought the curtains down on the 56-year history of The Galtymore ballroom in Cricklewood. It was a night when many came to say farewell to a place that held fond memories and was such an integral part of the Irish scene in the London area for over half a century. Many loyal followers of Big Tom and The Mainliners also made the journey from Ireland and parts of England to join the Monaghan band for this most special of nights.
Ann O’Brien travelled over from Tuam and was in the company of her good friend, Kathleen Joyce, formerly from Tourmakeady and who lives in England. Also from Tuam came Gretta O’Dowd and her sister Josephine. They are originally from Co Monaghan.
Nora Neary, a native of the Burren-Ross area, near Castlebar, and who has resided in London for many years, has been a long-time follower of Big Tom and the Mainliners and she was there to meet up with the band and share in the nostalgia of the occasion. A mention too for Phyllis from Ballycroy who has also spent most of her life in the London area and who has been a supporter of Big Tom for 40 years now.
Earlier in the day, I met James Ivers from Kiltimagh in Moran’s Crown Hotel nearby. He sends good wishes to his parents John and Madeline Ivers and all the family back home.
Some weeks ago, I met Tourmakeady native Eddie Gibbons and his wife Maureen from Gorey at the Fleadh Ibiza. This time, they were dancing the night away for the last dance in The Galtymore. Eddie’s sister, Patsy McManus, and her daughter, Michelle, were also in their company and enjoying the celebrations in Cricklewood.
Michael and Maureen Walsh from Killawalla were over in London for the weekend and decided to ramble along and be part of the historic occasion. It was a pleasant surprise to meet them upstairs in The Galty.
Michael Faherty from Renvyle lived in this area of London for 15 years and The Galty was very much a part of his social life in those years. When he heard it was closing down, he decided he had to make the trip back to London to sample the atmosphere and bid a fond farewell to The Galtymore.
Edward McLoughlin’s father came from Carrowreagh, Loughanamon, Claremorris, and he is a first cousin of Gerard McLoughlin, who lives in Carrowreagh. Edward was brought up in London and sends his regards to relations and friends in the general Loughanamon area.
A mention too for Gerard Sherlock from Moygara, Gurteen who jetted out from Knock to attend the closing dances. A long time friend of the big man from ’Blayney, he was delighted to be in attendance on this very special night in London.
Phyllis Kelly and Ann Egan were over from the Ballina area and they send good wishes to Maureen Neary, Argoughan, Ballina.
Catherine Walsh came over to say hello, and she sends good wishes to all the Walsh family in Lisduff, Kiltimagh; Patricia and Aiden Kelly and family in Thornhill, Kiltimagh; and John and Catherine Walsh and family at Walsh’s Filling Station and shop in Kiltimagh.
Gabrielle Morris (nee Hegarty) from Church Road, Belmullet, conveys her regards all her family and neighbours in Belmullet. Her friend, Elaine Ryan from Foxford, says hello to her parents, Finbar and Kieran Ryan, and to all her friends around the Foxford region. Elaine and Gabrielle are members of the nursing profession, and both have been working in the London region for some years.
Hello also to the three Mullen sisters, formerly from Bonniconlon, who came along to enjoy the closing dance. Pauline lives in London, Angela in Gort, while Colette resides in Bonniconlon. Sadie Mullins in London sends greetings to her daughter, Angela Mullins, in Castlebar while Mary and Robert Duffy, now living in England, convey their regards to the folks around Crossmolina.
Hugh and Kathleen Langan made the journey from Katie’s Corner in Ballina to join some friends for the grand farewell dance. They were joined by Breda and Jimmy Jennings and Noeleen Langan. Jimmy is from Ballinastanford, Claremorris, while the Langans are natives of Creeslough in Co Donegal. All were having a whale of a time when I met them towards the end of the night.
Patrick and Breege Lydon were among the many hundreds who made the trip over from Ireland, and it was nice to meet up with them at the dance.
Finally, a mention also for Tommy Irwin from Garranard, Moygownagh, and singer Seamus Moore.
