The Late Gretta Neeson: Not too many around Emyvale would remember a girl called Gretta Neeson, who was a member of the well-known Neeson family, who then resided on Main Street. Gretta died at the young age of 20 and the village, indeed North Monaghan, was stunned at her untimely death. I remember Gretta and I have just come across a cutting from the Northern Standard dated 26th April 1946, which tells of her death and funeral and the widespread mourning at her sudden passing. Gretta was very close to my mother and was our baby- sitter. Once when I was due some injection as a very young person I was kicking up a bit that I did not want the doctor to give me any injection. Gretta tricked me into going out into the back garden and hiding and the doctor would not be able to find me. I did and then Gretta came out and told me I could go into the house now and when I walked in there was the doctor sitting with the needle ready to plunge it into to me. It took me some time to trust Gretta after that but she was only doing what my mother told her to do. At that time we were living in what was known as the Neeson Houses, which are the four houses on the left as you head out at the north end of the village. The Fordes, the Farmers and Hacketts were the other families there. I can recall that some weeks later there was a lot of commotion and crying but I did not understand what it was all about only that I was told that Gretta would not be coming back to our house. Gretta had taken ill a few days earlier and was taken to hospital and went under an operation but the doctors were unable to save her and she passed away. Her cortege from Monaghan General Hospital to Corracrin saw huge numbers in vehicles following but huge numbers walking with the hearse as well. It was described as the largest and most representative funeral to Corracrin as was seen in living memory. The huge crowds were repeated at her funeral Mass next day and it was celebrated by Fr. Dan Treanor. He was assisted by Fr, John McDermott PP Donagh; Fr. Flanagan CC Donagh; and Fr Roger O’Doherty. The chief mourners were: Margaret Neeson (her mother); her father E.J. Neeson was deceased; Dan Neeson (brother); Maureen Neeson (Sister); Katherine Treanor, Carrickroe; Louise Neeson; Mary Ann and Christina Delaney, (aunts living next door); Arthur Delaney (Uncle); Mrs McCrudden, Clarna; Mrs James Ward, Killeshandra; Eileen Treanor, Carrickroe; Patrick Treanor, Carrickroe; Edward Treanor, Armagh, (Cousin). Wreaths came from Mr. and Mrs Peter McMahon (my parents); Miss M McMahon; Annie Kelly; Ted?; Nancy and Robert (Post Office owners). Gretta was described as a modest, upright, religious young girl, loved by all, associated with all the charitable and social functions; and a very popular member of the Emyvale dramatic Troupe. There was ‘deep mourning and enormous attendance at her funeral’ and hundreds of Mass Cards, telegrams and letters of sympathy were received. I wonder how many people ever heard of Gretta or have any memories of her. She has nieces and nephews but not in the immediate area. This photo was taken by my mother in 1944. However it also brings back memories of the death of my niece, Sinead Murphy, when similar scenes were witnessed. If you would like to hear a tribute to Sinead paid by the now late Gay Byrne you can click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTi7ZcaNTs Thanks to Packie for his memories of Gretta and identifying ‘Ted’ as Ted Conroy.