Forkhill Life Remembered Hardship and Hope in Turbulent Times

Life was hard in Forkhill during the 50s and 60s. Many rural Ulster areas lacked electricity then. Cars were rare, and social events were limited. Holidays were simply not an option for most. People had to sacrifice a lot, making the most of what they had.

Growing up there meant adapting all the time. Marie McCartan wrote a book about that life. The book is called “Down Longfield.” School wasn’t always kind, and Marie and her friends faced challenges.

Her family moved to a new house, but even then, they couldn’t afford electricity. Life was about surviving, not thriving. They managed despite bad weather.

Marie was ten when they got running water. Some thought water brought floods, but clearly, it helped. Marie said getting water felt like a bonus and was glad to see it more readily available. School could be tough, and even the dentist visits were shocking, she recalled.

Marie and her friends stayed strong, developing into adults despite those setbacks. World events affected Forkhill too. Local soldiers went to the Congo with the UN. People prayed for the soldiers every night.

Later, in the 1960s, Marie studied in Newry. She enjoyed school and made new friends. Our Lady’s treated pupils with respect. Students worked hard, understanding they had a chance to succeed. The teachers tried to help them learn.

Marie finished school in 1969. Then, she trained as a nurse in Belfast, making more new friends. Nursing became her passion. The Troubles were starting; Marie was careful, especially in Belfast.

She loved her work and participated in events. Her mother died thirty years ago, and Marie still remembers her fondly. Her aunts were a nun and a nurse.

Her mother valued education and wanted her daughters educated. Marie taught her kids about faith. Marie now lives on Slieve Gullion. She loves the area very much.

She noticed young people are more interested in music. Music is part of life there. Gaelic football is also important, and last year, Armagh won a big title, exciting people. Marie hopes they win again soon, as her grandson loves watching Armagh win.

Hard times happened in the past, but things are getting better now. Marie hopes everyone enjoys life, believing it will be possible. “Down Longfield” shows life near Forkhill. It shares how people coped, living under curfew in a patrolled border area.

The book tells of resourceful people. Smugglers avoided customs officials and a hall served many purposes, such as a classroom. Old cars were fixed with twine, and a Guinness label became a tax disc. The book shares family life stories, showing life before conflict changed everything.

Marie wrote the book “The Fairy Tree” and the novel “On the Border.” You can buy “Down Longfield” in several stores.