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BEECHMOUNT BUNGALOWS
At Beechmount Avenue Falls, W. Belfast

1 McAteer, John P., painter
2 Carson, Hugh, woodworker
3 Uprichard, Wm.. civil servant
4 White, William, linesman
5 Gamble, Robert A., postman
6 Malone, Edward J., school attendance officer
7 Bennett, Mrs. Maria
8 Gallagher, John, labourer
9 Smyth, James, labourer
10 Tohill, D., cook
11 Wisdom, Mrs. 7,
12 Scott, S. V.. bus conductor
13 Slattery, P., cook
14 Crossen. Hugh, labourer
15 M’Allister, Mrs. Patrick
16 M’Sherry, J., labourer
17 M’Grillan, 7., fitter
18 Magee, H., joiner
19 M’Hendry, Partk., mehnst
20 Magorrian, J. F., steel eretr.
2t Kennedy, J., postman
22 Creighton, electrician
23 Crossen, J., labourer
24 Hesketh, Thos., labourer
25 Hanna, John. bricklayer
26 Kempton, James, labourer
27 Hamilton, John, labourer
28 Quinn, Michael, labourer
29 Russell, J., porter
30 Sherry, John, breadsecver
31 Brady, T., steward
32 McWilliams, Mrs. Ellen
33 M’Auley, William labourer
34 O’Hare, Patrick, labourer
35 Shannon, George, MN.
36 Crossan, William, MN.
37 McMullan, Francis, presser
38 Ralph, Frederick, labourer
39 Pollock, Wm., inspector
40 Hamill, James, labourer
42 Crows, Mrs. Catherine
42 Conere, Thos., labourer
43 Smart, Mrs. K.
44 Ross, Stanley H., MN.
45 Mitchell, David, labourer
46 M’Goran, Thos., iron moulder
47 Davison, William. labourer
48 M’Cormlck. Hugh, MN
49 Oormnsn, Joseph, labourer
50 Morrison, J., civil srvt.
51 Mulgrew, Jas., labourer
52 Darby, Mrs. Margaret
53 M’Jlroy, A., bus driver
54 M’Kay. William P., labourer
55 Teer, Walter, labourer
56 Fennell, Robt., bus cndctr.
57 Wilson, Henry, labourer
56 M’Caughey, James, docker
59 Fitt, Gerald, clerk
60 Marshall, Mrs. Jane
61 Butler, Mrs. Jane
62 McKenna, J., plumber
63 Bradley, John, labourer
64 Kerr, Leo, postman
65 Torley, Brian, driver
66 Fisher, Mrs. Elizabeth
67 Smyth, Thos., labourer
68 M’Mahon, Mrs. Elizabeth
69 M’Couuel John, labourer
70 Trainor, Patrick J
71 Thompson, Denis, driver
72 Gormley, John, labourer
73 Park, Mrs. Mary
74 Townsley, John F.. labourer
75 Mooney, Mrs. Mary
76 Mullin, James
77 Collins, Mrs. Rose
78 M’Dowell, Augustus
79 M’Donnell, Thos. N., driver
80 Kitchen, Hugh, pipe coverer
81 M’Cabe, Joseph A.. labourer
82 Gilmore, Mrs. Ellen
83 Doherty, Edwd., labourer
84 Flynn, John P., bricklayer
85 Irvine, Thos., labourer
86 Smith, Jos., labourer
87 Kelly, F., teacher
88 Barte, James, bricklayer
89 McMurray, D., glazier
90 Toner, F., bus conductor
91 Devine, E., baker
92 Irvine, T., docker
93 Tracey, W., labourer
94 Armstrong, 35.
95 McMahon. Mrs.
96 Kerr, Jos., driver
97 Millen, Chas., bricklayer
98 Carter, A., labourer
99 Morrison. John, fitter
100 Duffy. W., Corp. offi.
101 Gault, William, lamplghtr.
102 McBrearty, Patk. 3., plmbr.
103 M’Cabe, Francis, glacier
104 Lavery, H. J., clerk
105 McMullan. Matthew, car pk. attendant
106 McEwan, John, dealer
107 Kerr, Jos., machinist
108 Brown, Mrs. Mary .
109 Flynn, Mrs. Sarah
110 McKerr, 3. J.. joiner
111 Tully, Henry
112 Smyth, John, butcher
113 Crawford, John, upholsterer
114 Walsh, Walter, labourer
115 Dennis, Arthur, elec. p
116 Pay, Mrs. Patrick
117 Cunningham. o., postman
118 Finlay, Albert, coachtrlmr.
119 Begley, Chas. J., postman
120 Mullan, Patk., labourer
121 Forsythe, Thomas, checker
122 Mackin, 3., shoemaker
123 Burns, Joseph, seaman
124 Quinn, Mrs. Kathleen
125 Pay, John, driver
126 Morgan, Frank, plumber
127 Christie, Bernard
128 McLaughlin, Michael, terracco worker
129 MLaughlin, James, milk roundsman
130 M’Carthy, Patrick, painter
131 Gault, Edward, labourer
132 Quinn, John, P.O. engnr.
133 M’Donald, Mrs. Mary
134 Canning, Hugh, cabinetmkr.
135 Bradley, Bernard, labrer.
136 Donnelly, B., rigger
137 Collins, Fdn’srd, R.A.F.
138 Quinn, Francis, driver
139 Costello, Mrs. Sarah
140 Orr, Mrs. Mary
141 McCann, Mrs. A.
142 McParland, Mrs. Sarah
143 Russell, Joseph, pipe covr.
144 McDonagh, B., carrier
145 Dougherty, Mrs. Isabella
146 Began, John J., painter
147 Terry, Mrs. Anita
148 McAree, J., bus conductor
149 M’Corry MauCce, labourer
150 Nelson, David, P.O. engr.
151 McCabe, Patrick, plasterer
152 McDonnell, Mrs. Agnes
153 Page, Joseph, machinist
154 Mooney, William, upholstr.
155 Cassidy, Bernard, labourer
156 Flanagan, Mrs. Mary
157 Burns, James, labourer
158 Russell, H., P.O. offl.

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Welcome to Beechmount Falls Road

BEECHMOUNT HOUSE.

little is recorded of the very early history of Beechmount House (above),it is known that it at one time was owned by a Rev. Patrick Vance who was the great grandfather of the Sculptor, Albert Bruce-Joy, whose mother was actually born at the house. His father was Dr. William Bruce-Joy who stemmed from two locally well known families, Bruce, founder of the Belfast Academy and Joy the family who founded the “Belfast Newsletter” a female member of this family was also the mother of the Patriot Martyr Henry Joy McCracken. ‘Beechmount House” stood atop a hill surrounded by 31 acres of land, and had many Beech trees around it, hence “Beechmount”, later many local streets got their names from this. In the early 1800’s it had two gate lodges one on the main Falls Road and the other at a service entrance on the ‘Giant’s Foot Lane”, also known as Beechmount Lane, this Lodge House was removed over a hundred years ago, the other was there until quite recently, opposite where the old Broadway picture house was. The next owner of the property was a Lewis Redford, a Belfast Merchant. It was in the late 1800’s that a jeweller, Samuel Riddel bought the house and he and his family lived there in grand style, I remember speaking to old people many years ago who told me of regularly seeing Riddel and his daughters riding down the Falls Road in an open carriage. .“like proper royalty”, the big stone wall that runs along the property facing the Falls Road was built in 1910.It is said that the Riddles originated from Comber, Co Down and were related to the famous Belfast Jewellers and clockmakers Niels. You will see the name Riddel spelt many different ways but I believe “Riddel” is the proper because they built’ and owned ‘Riddel’s Arcade’ a shopping mall off Donegall Place and they would hardly have their name spelt incorrectly on a street named after them. Generally Falls Road Catholic’s believe that Samuel Riddel had it wrote into the deeds of his Beechmount House..’... that this property may never fall into Papish hands’, or words to that effect, personally I would image that that wording had been present in the deeds even before Riddel became the owner of the property, but I won’t spoil a good story for it is a fact, that the same Mr Riddel gave a sum of money to a hospital at Queen’s with a written in provision that no Catholic was to benefit from it, poor Mr Riddel must be turning.. no, rolling, in his grave for in 1932 the Catholic Bishop, Dr. Mageen bought the property and the “Sister’s Of Mercy” moved in after a religious service in September 15th 1932 Riddel’s two daughters lived in the house up to that point. In 1934 a Chapel was blessed and opened at” Beechmount House” and patients were moved from the overcrowded Mater Hospital to the House which was by now called “Our Lady’s Hospital.” eventually having four large and twelve small wards catering for about 140 elderly patients. And now recently an Irish Speaking school has opened up on the grounds poor oul Riddel must be doing Head Stands in his grave.To add insult to injury to the poor wee bigot... the biggest Catholic gathering in the history of Belfast took place on the “Fields” of ‘Beechmount House” on Sunday, 19th June 1954, 100,000 Catholics people assembled to join in the “Rosary Crusade in all people came from 27 different parishes and during the service,Father Peyton, announced that 162,544 people had signed the pledge to recite the Rosary daily. One Hundred buses came in from outside the city, 3,906 invalids were seated at front of the altar that looked down towards the main Falls Road. the crowd were railed in segments according to their Parish, wee Joe Graham was there with his daddy in the St Paul’s Contingent, the crowds were so big that many had to rally in nearby McRoiy Park where a loudspeaker system was linked up, some people were even rallied inside the Broadway Picture house where again some audio system was arranged.. a memorable and historic day, but it must have been a nightmare or yer man Sammy Riddel lying in his grave..,

jennifer smart
Apr 8, 2010 - 9:58PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956
no81 joseph mccabe was my grandfater T. Gormley
Apr 12, 2010 - 8:47AM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956
Vol. Martin Forsythe.IRA. was reared at No.121. Martin was shot by Special Branch in Royal Avenue.

Phil. Sheffield
May 24, 2010 - 7:18AM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

Is it true Gerry Fitt M.P lived at Beechmount Bungalows. On the list above I see a Gerald Fitt, a clerk, lived at number 59, was that he.? Paddy
May 24, 2010 - 8:54AM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

Yes that was Gerry Fitt's Bungalow, when he left Tommy and Doris Robinson got his bungalow, many will remember them as great neighbours. There was a humourous story that Tommy one day got a 'sure tip' on the horses but he hadn't any money to back it so he had a brainwave.
He walked round to Hughie Rice's pawnshop opposite the Barracks, took off his shoes and pawned them, walked in his sock soles over to the Bookies Shop in the entry behind Beagon's Bar and put the money he got for his shoes on the hot 'Tip'.
He stood back to await the result and to pick up his winnings , redeem his shoes and rush home to Doris with his prize.... the horse lost!!!!
Poor Tommy had to walk all the way home in his socks .
Needless to say the slaggers gave him more 'Tips' like, "watch you don't walk on any broken glass on yer way home Tommy" Patricia Osborne (nee Bradley)

May 24, 2010 - 9:37AM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

I went to St. John's Primary School in Colinward Street with Joan Finlay from 118 Beechmount Bungalows.
Sadly I believe Joan is no longer with us. I know Joan had a brother Brian and I think 2 sisters Geraldine and Anne. Ann Graham (Nee Mullan)
May 24, 2010 - 7:16PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

Hello Patricia, it was so nice to see some one remember Joan Finlay who sadly passed away some years ago such a lovely girl she was.
I was reared two doors from the family, at 120 Beechmount Bungalows.
Yes you're right she did have a brother Brian and two sisters Geraldine and Anne.
I have the fondest memories too of their mother and father , they were the salt of the earth, great neighbours, kind , gentle souls.
I didn't go to St John's School though, I went to St Catherine's. Dan Corbett
Jun 2, 2010 - 5:23PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956
I remember the Finlay family well and Jimmy Lismore who later lived next door to them. I also remember a terrible fire back in the 60's in one of the Bungalows , I think the family was called McAuley, but no one was hurt thankfully liah morgan
Jun 4, 2010 - 12:11AM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

Originally Posted by Dan Corbett

I remember the Finlay family well and Jimmy Lismore who later lived next door to them. I also remember a terrible fire back in the 60's in one of the Bungalows , I think the family was called McAuley, but no one was hurt thankfully
i lived in the same lane as joan finlay, they were a lovely family, i have some lovely memories of the bugalows, the neighbours were always looking after each other, i went to st marys school in beechmount ave, love this forum geordie mcwilliams
Jun 4, 2010 - 10:21PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

the bungalow that was burned down was no 33 we lived in 32 it happened in 1956 i dont remember the fire cause i was only 2 weeks old THERESA
Jun 7, 2010 - 6:47PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

i remember the other bungalow number 148 opposite the brae when that went up in flames 1965 66 i think Murph Man
Jun 10, 2010 - 8:25PM

QuoteReply Re: Beechmount Bungalows Residents 1956

I hope you weren't playin with matches again Theresa

All old Maps , Photographs and Film, etc,  pertaining to the history and developement of Beechmount are located in RUSHLIGHT MAGAZINE BELFAST HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO ARCHIVES

Contact JoeGraham  Rushlight123@hotmail.com

78 ANDERSONSTOWN PARK BELFAST BT11 8FH

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