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.