oldwarrenpointforum

I remember Nurse Mehagan, don't know
if she participated in any of Mommy's
deliveries or not.
Didn't Nurse O'Hare take over from her
as mid wife?

The "A. Rooney" referred to was Arthur Rooney, who owned a shoe shop in Church Street, around where Raffles is now. He and his wife lived in Irene Terrace, and were the parents of Father Patrick Rooney, late PP of Leitrim, Hilltown, and Sr. Philomena, late of Our Lady's School. I believe there were about ten in the family, some of whom went off to The States. Of those who stayed at home, John, gggrandfather of "The Rooney Family" folk group, lived in the home place in Ballyoughley, Barney lived in a farm above Clontifleece, while Con had a farm on the Moygannon Road. Con was the father of Joe Rooney, whose photo appears elsewhere on the forum, and Mother Paul McAnulty, at one time Mother Superior of the Poor Clares convent in Newry. Kitty Green of Aughnamoira was another sister. Patricia, blessed with that most distinctive Rooney feature, a "Roman" nose, laterally lived in a nursing home in Kilkeel.
The fire in Water Street was spoken about in the family, but I always understood that it was caused in all likelihood by a lit cigarette.
I believe, also, that the family originated from Edentrumley, and, indeed, various members are interred in Mayobridge graveyard. However, the Rooney name is so popular in the area that I doubt it is possible to determine from which branch of the family they come, although I think they were traditionally referred to a "The Cons" as the first son was christened Constantine.

Yes Pat, You are correct. Rose Mehegan was a schoolteacher. She taught with Willie Bradley at Clontifleece School and walked there and back everyday.

Her sister Cissie, probably the Sarah Jane mentioned by you was the midwife.

Your Great aunt Lizzie Larmour and Cissie were competing for the place to train as a midwife and for whatever reason Canon Magennis gave Cissie the reference.

This is all from Aunt Molly Southwell.


The Mehegans had a brother Ted who lived well, just next door to our present home. In the house now occupied by Tommy and Bernadette Barry. He was a painter. He had another brother, maybe called Eugene, but not totally sure on that.

I think Cissie is a pet name for Sarah.

This would make sense. Rose the teacher as shown on the census and Cissie the midwife.

All for now.

Deirdre

Some good info there, Forest and Deirdre. Thanks.
Sister Philomena taught me at the Convent school in Rostrevor, I guess late 40's (Geez, that sounds so long ago) It was!! Father Rooney was a school visitor often and would quiz us on what we had learned.
Deirdre, good to see you again and hear more from Aunt Molly's treasure trove of information.

I just recently saw great aunt Lizzie's obit posted by btq.
viewtopic.php?f=61&t=6097

Thanks Pat. I must have missed out on Lizzie's obit.

From all accounts she was a great lady, did much good and didn't look for earthly reward. So many like her too then and now. Quietly going about their lives and making a difference to others.

Good to hear from you again Pat.

Deirdre

Dukestreet,I've been told the premises in Havelock Place were bought in 1927 so it was in and around then.

The Rooneys taught various generations of Rostrevor children - Sr Philomena's uncle, Dan Rooney, another brother of Arthur, taught in the National School alongside Master Hackett in the 1920's. I have a photo of the 1926 school complement which I would put up if I could only learn how to!!