This year the Creggan Local History Society is 20 years old and we are celebrating with the publication of the eleventh issue of `Creggan' I feel it is very important to record and publish events of the past in our local area and to bring alive to people of all ages the vibrant historical and cultural heritage within their midst.

Although the society was up and running in November 1984, it was not until July of 1986 that the first journal appeared, introducing for some a whole new world of past traumas and tribulations, others, varying aspects of the parish's colourful past. The `Creggan' journal has made compelling reading for locals and exiles alike, and has often made its way to some of the remote parts of the world. The foundation work of the society was well laid by the early editors John Fee and Kevin McMahon. Their expertise in research, and attracting contributors to the early issues of `Creggan' along with a dedicated committee, was central to its success.

It is also satisfying to know that students at all levels avail of the historical material meticulous researched and written by the various contributors to the journal, and the favourable remarks made by the second and third level institutions where some of the students study. The standard and format of the journal has been recommended to numerous groups anticipating similar work. Looking back over the years the society was deeply honoured by contributors such as; James (Jem) Murphy, Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich, Con Mhic An Ghirr, Hugh Macauley and Michael J Duffy, the writings of T.G.F. Paterson former curator of Armagh Museum all of whom have gone to their eternal reward. Others have taken over the mantle of producing historical facts such as Mary Cumiskey, Len Gourd, Kieran McConville, Kevin McMahon, and the incumbent editor of Seanchas Ard Mhacha Monsignor Raymond Murray is always a `Father' figure in time of need.

Any setback seems to spur the society into working that much harder in their quest to attract a new generation of researchers and historians, and to develop other aspects of the society's work which is necessary to its future.

The development of an archive of historical material, books, tapes, documents, papers, maps, photographs and stone artefacts relating to our district is well in place under the supervision of Kevin McMahon and Michael McShane. A lot of work in this field has been carried out - a lot more is still to be done. Genuine contributions to our archives will be very much appreciated. The society also organises lectures for its members and anyone else interested during the course of winter and spring months. Most of these lectures are usually of a local nature and are delivered by people who are experts in their own field. A special Memorial Lecture is held every year to the memory of Jem Murphy - once described by the Late Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich - as the best local historian he had ever known.

The Ecumenical service held in Creggan Parish Church annually since 1988 has been a feature of the good relations the society enjoys with the Protestant community over the years. This service organised jointly by the society and the Church of Ireland Rector attracted speakers in the calibre of The Very Rev. John Dunlop Minister of Rosemary Presbyterian Church Belfast, Dr. Garret Fitzgerald former Taoiseach, Very Rev Canon Joseph Maguire P.P. Downpatrick, Douglas Gageby former editor of the Irish Times, Most Rev. Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Canon W.J. Marshall C of I Theological College, Dublin, Very Rev. Sean Rogan PP Lisburn, The Late Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich and Rev Michael Murtagh CC Ardee just to name a few, a very impressive list by anyone's standard.

Of the eleven journals published to date, number one and number five are out of print. Number five was reprinted on a number of occasions, this was the Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich Memorial Issue published in 1991, and now takes its place among the `Rare Book' section. Six other books, dealing with varying aspects of history in the Creggan parish, were also published by the society during the first twenty years of existence. This was made possible by the generous subscriptions of our many sponsors over the years. All published material can now be viewed on the society's web site, www.btinternet.com/~cregganhistory/ designed and built by our member Patrick Devlin from Downpatrick.

Local history is not just concerned with things of the distant past and people long gone. Indeed, history is in the making all around us everyday, recording it today is material for future historians to research. It is my sincere hope that this issue of `Creggan' is as interesting and informative as previous issues, and on behalf of the contributors, and all involved with this issue, I thank you the reader for your continued and valuable support.

Michael McShane
August 2004