UNIQUE TALE OF LIFE IN CORPO COTTAGES
I’M AMAZED at the history that sometimes exists in our streets and lanes, and the people that lived in them down the centuries.
From time to time, I hope to look back at some characters that lived in those houses and this week, I decided to start with Corporation Cottages, a charming row of houses at the rear of the Pheasant on Duleek Street (inset).
Thomas O’Brien lived here, in No.12. He was born back in 1873, so saw a lot in his time, he passed away back in the 50s.
He worked with Messrs. McDonnells, building contractors, John Street and was a keen follower of the Louth County team, having been a keen supporter of tho old Tredaghs GFC.
Edward O’Brien, 5 Corporation Cottages, was a British ex-serviceman, having served with Bomber Command as a Flight Sergeant in North Africa during WWII. He must have had some stories to tell.
Mary Jane Faulkner lived at 11 Corporation Cottages at one time. She was an Ardee woman by birth and had two sons, George and Patrick Faulkner and three daughters, Mrs Elizabeth Scanlon, Mrs. Ann Gibney and Mrs Theresa Byrne.
Of course, stories are also told of incidents and over 60 years ago, a young Jane Verdon sustained severe injuries to her arms, legs and thighs when hit by a car at Clough patrick crossroads at Waterunder. She was 14 at the time and cycling on the road.
A wonderful Collon doctor, Dr Hanratty, happened to be passing and assisted with the girl.
Another resident, Patrick Gregory , who lived at No.3 was famously arrested as part of the Magazine Fort raid at the Phoenix Park over 70 years ago.
His parents were Francis and Christina. Christina was educated in the Convent of Mercy Schools, Dublin Road and prior to her marriage was a weaver in the old West Gate Linen Mills. As well as Patrick, they had James and Francis and one daughter, Teresa.
James Clarke, who lived at No.8, caused a real stir in 1966. While excavating at Newgrange, under the leadership of Professor Kelly, he came across an ancient coin in perfect condition.
The coin bore the figure of a Roman head and the lettering “T.R.” on one side, while on the other side there were markings in a zig-zag fashion. Its weight was similar to that of an Irish shilling while its size was slightly bigger than an Irish sixpence. It was despatched to the Dublin museum.
Sydney James Furzer, eldest son of George Furzer, of Kingston, Somerset and grandson of the late James Ward, ex-R.I.C.. Drogheda, was also called the street home.
Patrick ‘Pa’ O’Brien was another who lived here. He worked for the corporation.
Mrs. Monica McGovern lived at 4 Corporation Cottages with husband Francis.
Thomas Woods was deeply associated with the Drogheda Brass and Reed from 1914, being president at one stage. Thomas was a member of the combination and was a bass player.
Deeply Interested In the movement for Irish freedom and after the formation of a native Government he became a Sergt. In the National Army.