This is the seventeenth issue of 'Creggan'. I am extremely honoured and humbled to be in my 23rd year as editor of a local history journal, which has reached the four corners of the globe, and has been used by many as a source of research for their own needs.

There are four contributors to this issue; all with a life-long interest in local history, their research and historical information all drawn from parishes within the South Armagh area.

Mary McCooey Long-time member of the society Mary has researched a fine piece of local history; an area in which, she grew up in and remembers all the stories that her grandmother told her as a young girl. With her own research Mary has put together a very interesting article, Around by the gap of Mountnorris.

Gearóid Trimble A native of Crossmaglen living in Belfast. Gearóid is an active Irish language enthusiast; has penned a great article on another Irish language enthusiast long forgotten in Crossmaglen. John Hannon was born on the 27th January 1867 in Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim but it was in Crossmaglen where he spent most of his life; arriving when he was just six years old with his parents and two brothers. Gearóid also has articles published with Glór Gaeilge Oirhdeisceart Uladh. Baile Atha Cliath; Coiscéim and in County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal.

Kieran McConville A native of Cullyhanna, Co. Armagh. Appointed chairman of the Creggan Local History Society 2016; retired librarian with SELB and formerly librarian in the Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library & Archive. Lectured to the society as well as contributing a number of articles for Creggan. Reviews and articles in Seanchas Ard Mhacha. His article in this issue, the Installing of a `Blue Plaque' in honour of Cardinal Murphy Farley a native of Newtownhamilton in the Parish of Lower Creggan.

Michael McShane A founder member of the Creggan Local History Society and incumbent editor of Creggan. Author of Tombstone Inscriptions of Creggan Parish - St. Patrick's Cemetery Cullyhanna, Co. Armagh. 2002. Made contributions to previous issues of Creggan. This issue I have offered no less than six pieces along with the Obituary Notice and photographs of the late Don Carlos O'Neill -12th Marquis de la Cranja. 5th Marquis de la Norte and Conde de Benejiar who departed this life on 7th January 2016. The editor is grateful to the Armagh Observer newspaper where much of the research was done for the 150th Anniversary of St. Michael's Church Newtownhamilton. The editor is also grateful to Rev Fr, Declan O'Loughlin for additional information for `A Storied Rock in South Armagh'. The recording of School Registers and Landlord Estate Rentals are most important for their survival for future generations. The Melbourne Advocate Newspaper was a great source of information on the death of Dean Donaghy and the execution of Ned Kelly. A photocopy of this paper was sent to me by Mr Eugene Tumelty whom I met at his mother's funeral in Cullyhanna. He informed me that he was going to Melbourne soon and would do some research on the death of Dean Donaghy and would forward on to me whatever he got. True to his word he did just that, and I am ever so grateful.

Acknowledgement: I take this opportunity to congratulate Mary Cumiskey on her retirement from the Chair of the Society. Mary has been an outstanding stalwart and served the Creggan Local History Society with distinction for 31 yrs. Mary was never opposed during all those years as chairperson and was held in the highest esteem by all the members. Her contributions to Creggan were immense and has left a lasting legacy to the journal and the society, may you have a wonderful retirement Mary.

Michael McShane (Editor) August 2016