From its legacy as a linen town, Lurgan evolved as a great manufacturing town with great facilities such as Lurgan Park. Despite the bad times, its people are some of the most charitable in the world, neighbourly and kindly. The town has been blessed with beautiful churches and great schools. Lurgan is home to some of the best of musical talent from traditional Irish music to rock and roll. There is also Lurgan Champagne and who remembers the old toilets in the centre of town. Many of our old buildings where memories are made have now gone such as the old Lyric Cinema in Union Street but many remain. Grateful to Old Lurgan Photos for their help on this project.
5. The public toilets in the centre of Lurgan, Co Armagh getting a facelift in the 1980s
The public toilets that once were situated in Market Street opposite Fa Joe’s Pub having a facelift in the early 1980’s. The toilets were underground in the centre of the main street and accessed via a staircase. Many who felt the need to use these toilets spoke of a strong stench emanating from them. In the 60s there was an attendant who was locally known as the 'submarine commander'. For decades it was also seen as the invisible dividing line between two sides in Lurgan and was sadly also the scene of some anti-social behaviour and fighting. Now gone, the new Linen Man and Woman statues has replaced it above ground. Photo: Photo courtesy of Old Lurgan Photos
6. 'Stuck at the gates' - traffic queues at the railway crossing in William Street Lurgan are a regular ocurrence
'Stuck at the gates' is a regular phrase used in Lurgan when the railway crossings at William Street, Lake Street and Bells Row are closed. The railway station opened on 18 November 1841. The railway line cuts through the north of the town dissecting three routes into Lurgan including the main road to and from the M1 motorway. Calls have been made for generations to have a flyover or tunnel created for cars at the William Street junction to halt the traffic congestions when the level crossings are closed. Lurgan Train Station is due for a major upgrade in the next five years. During the Troubles and occasionally since it has been the scene of rioting and anti-social behaviour. Photo: Geoffrey Cousins
7. Sureline Coaches Lurgan
Many will remember Sureline Coaches in Lurgan with its distinctive brown and orange colours. It was set up in 1965 as a new private company and operated a fleet of 16 buses from Lurgan to surrounding towns and villages. Sureline intended operating certain passenger services which were about to be withdrawn by the Ulster Transport Authority. At the head of the new enterprise were Mr Sidney Cairns, company director of an engineering firm, and UTA bus driver Mr Joe English. Services were to operate to Dromore, Banbridge, Donaghcloney, Waringstown, Gilford, Tandragee, Bleary, Blackersmill, Aghagallon, Aghalee and Trummery. Best news of all was that there would be a reduction in fares of more than eight per cent when the company began operations in the new year. Castles of High Street would be acting as agents and coaches were also to be made available for private hire and school use. Photo: Courtesy of Old Lurgan Photos
8. Danny Doran's shop in Edward Street sold everything from a needle to an anchor
A shop that could be referred to an ‘Institution’ in Lurgan. Danny Doran’s in Edward Street. This photo is from around twenty-five years ago with Danny standing outside his shop chatting to Tony Lavery in period costume on his bike. Danny was a great character, who amazed his customers in how he could lay his hand on what you asked for. Danny worked in his shop well into his eighties. From a needle to an anchor…Danny had it. It is now run by his daughter Catherine with the same efficiency and great service. Photo: Courtesy of Old Lurgan Photos