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.