Twenty years ago the first issue of the `Creggan' appeared on the book stands in South Armagh. This much sought after issue has found its way to many countries around the world. It is now out of print, and is regarded as a valuable collector's item.

This year 2006, the Creggan Local History Society is proud to publish issue number 12. To the contributors who worked so hard researching their articles we owe a debt of gratitude.

We welcome Mervyn Kingston and Gerald Lenox-Conyngham who have produced a fine article on the workings of the Jackson Charitable Trust. Mervyn Kingston was a former Rector of Creggan Parish Church.

Kieran McConville, a regular contributor to the journal has provided two articles, the first one he takes a look at the first 30 years of Dorsey National School. His second is the Search for Missing Friends.

Kevin McMahon has compiled the Tullynavall National School Records from a copy he made of the original many years ago; the original has since been destroyed as a result of a burst water pipe where it was housed.

My own article on the townland of Cregganduff includes a number of census lists, a rental list and a school register relating to the male pupils of Cregganduff National School and its teachers, from the first day it opened in 1887. I am deeply grateful for the help given on the census lists by our member Patrick Devlin.

Another of our regular contributors Len Gourd has produced the fruits of his research with a fine article on Fr. Lennon and the Tenants League.

The Very Revd Patrick McGuckin PP. has given us a rare insight to student life in My time in Maynooth 1954-1961.

We extend a Cead Mile Failte to Very Revd Sandra Pragnell newly appointed Rector of Creggan Parish Church. Revd Sandra conducted the ecumenical service on Sunday 11th September 2005; we publish her sermon in this issue.

Thanks also to Liam Flynn (Printing) and his staff for their courteousness and expertise in the production of this issue of `Creggan'.

Michael McShane
October 2006