New calendar captures Strabane of yesteryear

A NEW calendar has been launched for 2026 by a local community group in Strabane featuring some of the towns most well-known spots in times gone by.

The calendar, which has been compiled by the Reminiscence Group at Fountain Street Community Development Association (FSCDA), was officially launched last Monday night at the centre, with the event attended by project participants, funders and others in attendance.

The theme of this year’s calendar - the fifth successive calendar produced by the group - is 'Ar bhruacha na Moirne' - By the banks of the Mourne (Times may change, but memories linger!).

Including images of Strabane from yesteryear, the calendar, which is on sale now, also features an old photograph of Sion Mills and is sure to evoke memories.

"We wish to kindly acknowledge the active participation of all those who contributed to the production of this calendar via the Reminiscence Group held over several months at the centre," Aodhán Harkin, Neighbourhood Renewal Project co-ordinator, said.

"A special word of thanks to Sean Crawford who co-ordinated the group, to Anne Gilloway, Carmel Conroy, Ann McGowan, Tish Porter, Annie Monaghan, Angela McLaughlin, Annette McCosker, Kathleen Strawbridge, Mary Hegarty, Jacinta Molloy, Eamon McColgan, Graham O’Kane, Aiden Dunne, Elaine Robinson, Gina Devine, Antoinette Brennan, Geraldine McGarrigle, Loretto Gillespie, Joe Gillespie, Isaac Hassan, Anne Hassan, Mary McColgan, Jimmy Mullen, and Aodhán Harkin for their active involvement.

"Thanks also to Gareth Wray (December photo), Sean Crawford, Louise McCreary (John Ormsby’s daughter), Old Strabane and its Memories, Welch Collection, and The Cooper Collection (PRONI), for the kind use of their photographs to be included in this calendar which has made it all possible and are greatly appreciated.

"Apologies if we have omitted anyone who submitted or owned any of the photos used.

"A kind work of thanks also to John and Sean Dudgeon of JD Print for their professional help and advice in the design and compilation of the calendar and to Antaine Ó Fearghail (Tony Farrell) for his expertise on the use of Gaeilge (Irish language) within the calendar.

"Finally, the costs associated with the design and production of the calendar were kindly met through the generosity of The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland with kind thanks to Lottery officer, Lorraine Gallen, for all her help and assistance and to centre manager, Mary Deery, who secured the funding to make the project possible.

"Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir – Thank you very much."

Copies of the calendar will be delivered free of charge to those living in the Fountain Street catchment area and can also be purchased at a cost of £5 at the centre and in several local shops across the town.

These outlets include McCauley’s, Fountain Street, Doran’s Meetinghouse Street, McFadden’s, Bridge Street, Haughey’s, Ballycolman Avenue and McBrearty’s, Melmount Road.

The FSCDA spokesperson added: "They would make ideal stocking fillers or Christmas presents for family at home and abroad."