Q What and where was the “Bull’s Eye”? A It was plinth for enabling a gentleman to step on before mounting a horse located at the junction of the Old Mountfield Road and the Mountjoy Road Q Where are Abercorn Cottages? A They are now known as 29-35 Campsie Road and were built for ex-servicemen after First World War. Q Where was the Bank of Ireland located
before it came to it’s present site in 1894? A 31-33 Market Street Q Where is the “Crossroads”? A The junction of the Old Mountfield Road and the Mountjoy Road Q Where is the “Gusset”? A The "V" shaped wedge of land formed at the intersection of the Gortin Road, Mountjoy road and the Killybrack Road Q Where was the “American Laundry”? A They are the only buildings remaining at Knocknamoe Castle and were used by GI troops stationed there during WW2 Q Where is King George V field? A Located at Campsie Crescent. There are plaques with coats of arms on each pillar Q What building was formerly known as the “Meeting House”? A Trinity Presbyterian Church Q What was the former name of King James Bridge? A Campsie Bridge Q Where is Galbraith Terrace? A These properties are now known as 1-10 James Street. Q Where was the site of the hiring fair that was held in Omagh twice a year? A On the Courthouse hill Q Where was Arnold’s Mill? A On the little by-way between the Killyclogher Road and the Lover’s Retreat Q Why is Bell’s Bridge so-called? A It is named after a John Bell who had a bakery beside the bridge when it was first constructed in the 1830’s. The building was demolished in November, 2006 to make way for the new Art Centre Q Which pubs occupy the site of The Montgomery Arms? The Dolphin Bar and McGowan’s Bar A Hog’s Head, Myles McCann and Bogan’s Bar (Market Street) Q Which neighbourhood issued their own Christmas cards in 2006? A Gallows Hill Q Where was Omagh’s first and second Jukeboxes to be found? A The Café Rex which had 45rpm discs and Sam McConnell’s Top Hat café in 1956/7 Q What claim to fame had a former church organist called H F Lyte in Omagh got? A Henry Francis Lyte played in St Columba’s Church of Ireland and was the composer of “Abide with me” He was a pupil in Portora RoyalSchool, Enniskillen in 1810 Q What Amenity came to Omagh in September 1852? A The Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway, later to be called the Great Northern Railway, after amalgamation with other lines Q Where did King James 2nd spend a night in Omagh in April, 1689? A On the site where the Ulster Bank stands. Q Where was the Park Hotel also known as the Park Avenue Hotel? A On the little court on the Mountjoy Road, opposite Scott’s Mills Q When did the Royal Arms Hotel close? A 1999 Q In what year did the Library open? A 1991 Q What and where was “The Top Hat”? A A small café owned by Sam McConnell Q In 1950, in central Omagh where was the Clinic? A Johnston Park Q What implements would you need to play a street game called “Katey Out”? A Two pieces of wood, one about a foot long, the other about the size of a cigar with both ends pointed Q What was the venue for the visit to Omagh by the trumpeter Eddie Calvert in 1958 A The Forester’s Hall Q A maypole once stood in Omagh until the 1950’s where? A Between Westview and Eastview Terraces in Gallows Hill Q Where was Linn Bridge? A Up river from King James Bridge. It carried the railway line Q Where in Old Omagh did the infirmary and the post office stand? A The approximate site of Supervalu and The Northern Bank Q Where was Clabber Brae? A The Upper Derry Road, sloping towards the town Q Which former installation was built by Francis Montgomery in the late 1850’s and abandoned in 1965 and very little of it is seen today? A Omagh Gas Works (1850-1990) Q Where and what was the Lade? A It was a stream that once powered the mill wheels at Scott’s Mills, before entering the Camowen River. Q When was Omagh Leisure Centre opened? A 1982 Q Omagh Technical College used to be where? A It shared the site with Omagh Academy from 1940 Q Which local bank was a victim of a stick-up in 1929? A Bank of Ireland, Campsie Road Q What was St Julian Celebrated for round the town? A The first estate built in the area was St Julian’s Cottages built after WW1 for ex-service men. It was common practice to do this all over the United Kingdom. Q Where in Omagh was the medieval castle of the O’Neills? A Roughly in the area now occupied by the new Community House and Slevin’s Chemist Q When was Campsie bridge first erected? A 1836 When Lawrence’s photographer Bob French came to Omagh in the 1880’s, he took a picture of Campsie bridge on the 12th July, looking towards Campsie Place with an Orange Arch in the background and it features in Dr Haldene Mitchell’s Images of Omagh vol 2, but it is mistakingly described as looking towards Campsie Crescent with the Orange Hall in the background and he nick-named the area Sandy Row. After the bridge was widened, no arch was erected for many years. Now Mountfield LOL erects an arch each year at the Swinging Bars. Q Where can you see 10 wall murals in Omagh? A On the flood walls at the rear of Campsie Crescent Q Where is Wesley Lodge in Omagh A Jack McGinn’s residence Q Where was the old Model Bakery? A Sited along Sedan Avenue Q Where was the Melville Hotel? A To the right of the courthouse where the DragonCastle is at the top of High Street Q Where was the White Hart Hotel? A To the left of the courthouse on High Street where the Main Post office is now vacant Q Where is Mountjoy Terrace? A 11-17 Mountjoy Road. The house numbers were etched in each of the glass panels over the front doors. Q Where was the Back Alley? A These were small thatched cottages to the rear of New Brighton Terrace, now demolished. Q The present Hospital Road takes its name from the Tyrone County Hospital, but it wasn’t the first Hospital Road in Omagh, where was it previously located and how did it get its name? A The old Fever Hospital (now known as Glenview Terrace) was along this section of the Kevlin Road and it was once known as the Hospital Road. The name changed to Gallows Hill in 1863 and finally to the Kevlin Road in 1885. Q Where was the area known as Campsie Place? A This is the area between Campsie Bridge and the junction of Campsie Avenue. The address is now known as Market Street. Q Where was “Tintown”? A This nickname was given to the area behind New Brighton Terrace. Q What Omagh firm carried the slogan 'Purity and Quality'? A The Model Bakery (now demolished) located at Sedan Avenue. Q Where was Gracey's egg-packing and plucking? A Originally in John Street / James Street and then near the underpass, close to the present Christian Brothers School and looking over the top of Johnston Park Q What and where was the Golden Slipper? A A cafe (prop Sam McConnell) at the foot of the Kelvin Road Q Where was Brian Gallagher's ice cream parlour? A In John Street. Now part of the Top of the Town bar. Q What is the date of the oldest known map of Omagh? A 1610 Q Where, in the old west ward, was there a dwelling with the inscription 'Teach na Saighde'? (tr. from Irish - The House of the Arrow) A At the foot of Brook Street, across from the Convent gates Q What building is at 50 Brook Street? A The Parochial House Q Where was McGaughey's Row? A Now the Coach Inn car-park Q When did the Town Hall open and when did it close? A 1915 1997 Q Where briefly did the Order of Mercy nuns have a residence in Omagh in the 1940's? A In George's Street. The house is still there. Q What moved from Market Street to High Street to the Mountjoy Road and now will be located on the Derry Road? A Omagh Police Station Q Where did the Royal Flying Corps have its airfield? A At Strathroy Q Which road in Omagh was known as The Old Bog Road? A St. Julian's Road Q What was formerly known as Workhouse Lane? A Woodside Terrace Q What was the former name of the present Hospital Road? A Asylum Road Q What was the area where Dunne's Stores are located? A Irishtown, latterly Spillar's Place. Q Where did the Irish National Foresters assemble before the INF Hall was built? A In Abbey Street. Left hand side leaving the town. Q How long did it take to build the Sacred Heart Church? A 1893-1899 Q Where in Omagh 100 years ago was the Ulster Hall? A On the Dublin Road, on the Omagh side of the Library Q Where at the start of the century was Morgan's meadow? A The site of the Dublin Road Cemetery Q What was the name of the (once inhabited) lane that leads from Castle Street to the playground of the former Christian Brothers schools? And the lane that branched off it to Brook Street? A Castle Lane Fountain Lane Q Where was the Creamery? A To the east of the present Christian Brothers School Q Where, in 1899, was the office of the Omagh Loan Fund? A In John Street, across from the Credit Union, as it happens Q Why were the Reform Stores (later the Oxfam Shop) so called? A 'Reform' in Victorian times meant Temperance, and abstention from strong liquor. Q Where was Cottage Road? A Brookmount Road Q Which store on High Street was formerly the premises of Michael Mullan, greengrocer and publican? A The Fairway Stores which does no longer exist Q Where in High Street was Robert Orr, jeweller and watch maker? A The front offices of the Tyrone Constitution Q Which of our neighbouring mountains was previously known as Sliabh (or Slieve) Truim? A Bessie Bell Q In what year did Nestles factory open? When did it close? A 1942, 2002 Q Where was The Foundry? A On the site of Hacket Villas, off the Kevlin Road Q What was the seating of the old County Cinema? And the Picture House? A 821 / 650 Q Where was the Model School? When did it open? A On the site of the Omagh College. In 1859 Q 2008 is the 135th anniversary of which famous Omagh execution? A The execution of Thomas Hartley Montgomery Q In what year was the James Street entrance to the Loreto Convent opened? A 1930 Q Where was Drybridge Street? A The present Abbey Street Q When was the Abbey Bridge constructed? Replacing the original structure which was built in what year? A 1948 1900 Q In which year was the Meat Factory at Doogary established? A 1963 Q Where did the Boundary Commission (1923-24) take local hearings? A At the former Knocknamoe Castle Q Where was the Butter Market in Old Omagh? A At the rear of CA Andersons in Market Street Q Where was the area known as The Brooke? A At the dip in the Kelvin Road, near the site of the Christion Brothers School Q What was the price of the Ulster Herald when it first came out over 100 years ago? A One penny Q When did the shirt factory open? A 1949 Q When was the Kevlin Road railway bridge demolished? 1967 Q What part of Omagh was once known as Ardnacrokey? A Gallows Hill. Literally 'ard na gCrocaidh', height of the hangings. Q Where was the Metal Bridge? A At the flyover near the present Convent Primary School Q What distinction has Michael Street? A It is the shortest street in Omagh, even the smallest street in Ireland, consisting of just one house. The developer, a local publican called Michael McGlinchey died about 1890, and if his intention had been to build a longer street, the project never materialised. Q Where was the Omagh Laundry? A Down the entry beside Daly's Bar in High Street. Q What was the original crest of the town of Omagh? A Three lions couchant but it was never officially registered. A It
was a corrugated iron clad building along Sedan Avenue, located where
the Sedan Avenue Retail Park now stands. It belonged to the Tyrone
Agricultural Farming Society. It housed the branch library for many
years, before it moved to its present site at Spillars Place A By law in 1898. The first elections were held in 1899. It disappeared in 1973 when Omagh District Council came into being A In
Market Street, The exact location has not been determined but it was
somewhere between Bogan's Bar and the Community House complex A 1852 Q What is the legend of the Drumragh Pearl? A That a pearl worth the value of seven townlands would be fished out of the Drumragh by a red-haired widow's son. A Up the Old Mount-field Road past the Health Centre, in the vicinity of Beechgrove Park. A 225
ft. Some authorities give it as 215 ft. The discrepancy may arise from
consideration of whether the cross is included or not A On your left as you enter the New Brighton Terrace Car Park from the Kevlin Road. A Just before 1915. A Where the Brookmount Road curves towards the new flyover, on the 'town' side of the Convent Primary School. A In the old church of Saint Peter and Paul in Brook Street, where the school now stands. A A light horse-drawn carriage. A The film's star, Sam Neill, was born in the town where his father was a serviceman. A A fence across Townview Avenue preventing through traffic from the Kevlin Road to the Dublin Road A Beside the present Coach Inn, on the Dromore Road A 1953. A There
were bus-stops on either side of the street near the present
Wellworth's, depending whether you were embarking or dismounting. A September 1990. A A saddlers on Bridge Street corner at the site of the O2 shop A In the vicinity of the present Hogshead Bar, McConnell place. A Molly Sweeny Q The Omagh Hiring Fair took place twice a year, on the the Courthouse Brae in what two months? A In May and November. A A soccer team made up of local printers and newspapermen. Late 1950s, early 1960s. A Approximately 50. For a population of just over 4000. A 1960. Q Where, in 1895, Would You have found: (a) The Grain Market, (b) The Butter Market, and (c) The Potato Market? (a) Close to the GNR Yard in James Street, beside the Convent gates. A Across the street from Scarffe's Entry into High Street. A St.
Columba's Street, St. Michael's Street, St, Patrick's Terrace, St.
Julian's Road and environs, St- Mary's Road, (St. Brigid's Tce., St.
Patrick's St., are now defunct) A After the late John and James Galbraith, formerly of Clanabogan House, in their prime about a century or so ago. A Strathroy. A The late Mr. Norman Wilson. A Newsagents. A Butchers. A 4,000 A In Market Street, just before Campsie Bridge on the right, as you leave the town. A Shirts. A The Munster and Leinster. A As the site of the New Library H.Q. A The Terrace, previously it was known as The Elbow A The Monument Bar, High St A A restaurant A Pre-fabricated
aluminium buildings erected to ease the housing crisis in the years
immediately following World War II. There was a little estate near the
present Centenary Park, another at Watson Park near Nestle's factory
and one near Queen's Parade on the Hospital Road A It was also known as McGaughey's Row. Now the site of the Coach Inn car park. A 1985. You can see the plaque as you enter from High Street. A Towards the top of the Derry Rood. A High Street. The front of the Courthouse occupies the third side. A All hanged in Omagh Jail (1828, 1860, 1881 respectively) A Dentistry. By the late Mrs. Donnellon. A On the corner of Brook Street and Abbey Street A At the Dublin Road corner, on the Library side. Q Who wrote of "The Treacherous waters of Lough Muck"? A Frank McCrory Q Who, according to legend, was Tom Eccles? A The last man to be hanged in Gallows Hill. A A ghostly figure who was occasionally reported seen driving a coach pulled by headless horses. A At Strathroy. It is said that the actual site is now within the Lisonelly Camp complex. A Near Price's Shop, on the Drumragh river Q Where was Omagh's last surviving horse trough? A On Fairmount Road, against the wall of Trinity Church. There is a picture of it in the People of Trinity Book A In Pretoria Terrace. Still there, on the town side of the Convent Primary School. Q What commodity was made in Omagh by the firm of People, Falls in the 19th Century? A Beer. A The Sweeney Brothers. A "Wonderful Tennessee". A At McConnell Place, between the Hogshead and Abbey Bridge. In earlier centuries a pound was used as a place to impound stray animals until their owners could claim Q Which Omagh building was built by the Stack family? A Knocknamoe Castle, which was demolished after it was destroyed by a fire in the 1970s. It was the scene of several bomb attacks in the troubles Q Where, in central Omagh, would you find an Edwardian pillar-box? A In Market Street, outside Bogan's. A The Franciscans. near the present Gaol Square-Castle Place. A Jimmy Kennedy. Bron in 1930, he died in 1984 A Sandstone. A 1965. It site in question was the location of the old Model Primary School A (a) Off Bridge Street; (b) behind Anderson's hardware store in Market Street; (c) near the Convent gates in James Street. A Knock-na-Moe Castle, latterly the Hotel. It was burned to the ground in the troubles A 1894. A Dunmullan Old Church. Unfortunately the headstone it was on was stolen from the site A Aughinleck. A Luke Gardiner, Viscount Mountjoy. A The 1830s. A 1923. Q Who wrote of "The big brown bock of Mullaghcarn"? A W F Marshall Q Where is the Bloody bridge. Why is it so called? A On the Camowen. near Edenderry Church. It is said to have got its name from the number of salmon that were killed there. A In the house that stands at the tip of the "v" between the Killyclogher Road and the Hospital Road.Now replaced by apartments A No 5, St. Patrick's Terrace. A The G.N.R. At the Engine Shed (between Starrs Crescent and St. Patrick's School). A A man called Peter Conway. in 1880. Not Montgomery as is popularly supposed. Q What is the date on the Orange Hall (apart from 1690)? A 1869. A 1859. A The Great Fire of Omagh. A 1881. Q Omagh became the capital town of Tyrone in 1768. Which town was its predecessor? A Dungannon. A At the foot of Market Street near the lights from Slevins to Eastwoods A The Omagh Discussion. A theological debate held
in the Courthouse, Omagh, in 1828 when the heretics were confronted by
this redoubtable trio. A The location of Strule House which was located on the Technical School site; it was demolished when the present SW College was constructed Q Where was Kennel Brae? On the slope between the Silverbirch Hotel and the Woodlock Joinery Workshops A The "v" shaped junction at the Gortin Road and the Killybrack Road A 18-21 yards, depending on the weight A 3-4 lbs A On the name plates of St Patrick's Terrace, St Bridet's Terrace and St Columba's Terrace, where the names are given in Irish as well as English Q Why is Festival Park so named? A To celebrate the Festival of Britain (1951) A From Kirlish, near Drumquin (1814 - 1822) A At the foot of Kevlin Road A Beside the present Coach Inn, in what was known as "McGaugheys Row" A To celebrate the coming of the Christian Brothers to Omagh A Four A "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" in 1961 A August 1965 A 1 - O'Connor Terrace 2 - Mullan Terrace 3 - McClay Park 4 - Cunningham Terrace 5 - O'Kane Park 6 - Hunters Crescent 7 - Starrs Crescent 8 - Clements Villas 9 - Hackett Villas 10 - Rodgera Villas Q Where in Omagh was "Byre Lane"? A It was located off Campsie Avenue, and so-called the row of cow byres along the rear of Campsie Road Q Where was the Rope walk in Omagh? A Somewhere in Brook Street Q Where did Easons Newsagents bookstore sell their wares in Omagh? A At the former GNR Railway Station Q Where was Cranes Entry and what was his profession? A Between High Street and Market Street, leading through to the Back Market - he was a photographer and his studio was located down the entry on the right - opposite the side entrance to Crawford and Wilsons shop Q Where in Omagh was there an amenity called The Fountain? A At the top of High Street, in front of the courthouse. It contained a metal cup, attached to a chain. | Q
When did Desmond's Shirt Factory in Omagh close? A May, 2003 Q How many steps lead up to the Courthouse? A Unlucky for some - thirteen. Q As you look down Omagh's High Street the even numbers are (a) on the left or (b) on the right? A On the left. Q Can you name six places in Omagh, past and present, named in honour of Saint Patrick? A St. Patrick's Street, Terrace, High School, Hall, Park, and Tennis Club. -- That's six. Q Entertainments in Omagh 100 years ago were held in the Assembly Room. A Now known as..The Royal Arms Ballroom - (compiled in 1985) - RAH does not now exist Q And where, in Omagh, was the Ulster Hall? A Near the entrance to the Livestock Mart on the Dublin Road, just beyond the Market Street traffic lights. Q Where was Omagh's biggest turntable? A Used for turning railway engines it was situated where the Playing Fields at St. Patrick's School fringe the former GNR railway line removed 1965. Q The Gasworks, now closed, was established in (a) 1850, (b) 1875, or (c) 1890? A 1850. Q One of the country's oldest weather observation posts is located in Omagh. Where? A At Edenfell, on the Crevenagh Road, Q Where was Omagh's egg market located? A Behind JB Anderson's store which was at Lower Market Street. Q Which building in Omagh is in three streets? A The Courthouse - John St., High St., and George's St. Q Where was Omagh's last liquor bonding store? A In across the street from Bank of Ireland. Q The only play staged in the Town Hall in 1985 was by a professional company. The leading part was played by an Omagh man. What was the play, and who was the actor? A Gerald McSorley - Northern Star Q When was Cannondale Estate first occupied? A 1955. Q The anchor of the ship that took King James II off to France after his defeat at the Boyne is preserved near Omagh, Where exactly? A In the grounds of the Baronscourt Estate. Q For what are John Holden, and George Conway remembered in the annals of Omagh? A Not as celebrated as T. H. Montgomery they were hanged at Omagh Jail. Conway was the last man to be hanged there (1880). Q The first motor car was first seen in Omagh in (a) 1902, (b) 1904 or (c) 1906) ? A 1902. Q When Halley's Comet last showed up in 1910 which of these Omagh buildings were in existence : The INF Hall, the Munster & Leinster Bank, The Town Hall auditorium? A None of them. Q Omagh Courthouse was restored in 1986. When. was it first built? A 1814-1820. The pillars and portico were added in 1822. Q Which Omagh Street was once called New Street? A John Street. Q Where was Dry Bridge Street? A Abbey Street / Lower Castle Street. Q In what year was the latest bridge over the Strule constructed? A 1966. (The Drumragh Bridge). Q Who was the subject of Benedict Kiley's early study "The Poor Scholar"? A The Clogher born novelist William Carleton. Q Can you locate the former female prison? A In the Military Barrack area beyond the present Gaol Square, on land occupied in former years by Omagh Rural Council and, until recently, by the Roads Service of the DoE. Part of the old prison complex. Q When did the former Urban Council come into existence? When did it cease to function? A 1899. 1973. Q (a) How many councillors did the Urban Council elect for the Town of Omagh? (b) How many are elected today (year 1986) for the town on the Omagh District Council? (A a) Twenty-one. (b) Seven. Q Where was Omagh's main Post Office before it moved to its present site? (question was asked in 1986) A Just down from the Town Hall in the building now occupied by the Anglia Building Society. Q Cannondale and Hacketts Villas opened in the same year. What was that year? A In 1955. Q In what year did the Town Hall open? A In 1914.(does not exist now) Q Which Omagh tavern was formerly known as 'The Military Arms'? A The Hogshead. Q What was the name of the old Church that stood in Brook Street from 1829 and served for the rest of the 19th century? A Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Q How are the names McLaughlin and McCrossan associated with Castle Street? A The blacksmith McLaughlin took the life of the attorney McCrossan in 1864, with a hook that he had allegedly fashioned for the purpose. Q Where was St. Patrick's Hall? A Opposite the Sacred Heart Church Q 'Prospect Terrace' an old Street name in the Hill, has recently been transferred to a new development. Where is it? A At the rear of the new Boots chemists store, High Street. Q Where, in the last century, was New Street? A The present John Street. It was re-named after John Galbraith, son of Sam Galbraith, owner of much property in that area of the town Q And where was Dry Bridge Street? A Abbey Street/Lower Castle Street. Q What occupied the site before the present Courthouse was begun in 1814? A A Prison. Q Dublin is 110 miles from Omagh. How far is that in Irish miles? A 86 Q Old street directories list several Omagh people as being 'scutchers' or 'hacklers' by occupation. With what industry were they connected? A Flax / linen. Q The Reform Stores closed in 1987. Why was it so named? A 'Reform.' then meant Temperance, Abstinence from intoxicating liquors. The original proprietor was a great advocate of the cause, despite being named Porter . Q Can you name 5 Omagh, taverns/restaurants/hotels / past or present, that include the name of an animal in their titles? A The White Hart Hotel, The Bear's Paw, The Hogs-head, the Pink Elephant, The Fox's Lair. Q Where, a century ago, was Henderson's Foundry? A At the site of the present Hacketts Villas, off Kevlin Road. Q When was Cinemascope first introduced into Omagh? A 1955. The film — 'The Student Prince'. Q What height is Mullaghcarn Mountain in (in feet)? A 1778 feet. Q Where,on Omagh's main street, was the Infirmary? A At the site now occupied by Wellworths, the Northern Bank, and the Tourist Information Centre. Q Where, in the last century, would you have found-the Protestant Hall? A Close to the site of the present College of Further Education (the 'Technical' School') It is now the Orange Hall Q In what year was Omagh's main Post Office built? Where was it immediately before that? And before than-again? A 1960. In the premises beside the Town Hall now ,occupied by the Anglia Building Society. Before that it was in Market Street, near the then Wellworths store. Now the post office is located at the rear of Supervalu, which formerly was Wellworths Q What premises formerly occupied the site of the present Town Hall? A The Ulster Bank. Q Four churches occupy the Church St. / James St./John St. area. Can you give their names, and the order in which they were established there (regardless of reconstruction and renovation). A The Church of St. Columba (Church of Ireland); 2, Methodist Church; 3, Second Omagh Presbyterian (Trinity) 4, Sacred Heart Church. Q When (to within 5 years) was the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital established? A 1853. Q Who, or what, were the Gusset, Swifts? A A soccer team of the early 1950s, taking its name from the Gusset, an area now near the Grange Park grounds. Q Can you locate the 'Home and Colonial'? A In High Street, the premises now occupied by the Halifax Building Society. Q Where was the Omagh Branch Library located for many years before it moved to The Show-grounds? A In the Town Hall, I remember getting fined a penny for bringing a book back late Q What, and where was 'The Top Hat'? A A café on the lower Kevlin Rood, near the gate of the present Telecom complex. Circa 1956. Q Where was The Tyrone Bar? A McElroy's Bar , Castle Street, now Benedicts Q Boyce's and Larkin's were in the same street and in the same business. What was the street, and what was the business? A George's Street - Newsagents Q Where in central Omagh, was the YMCA? A In Market Street, near the site of the present Tourist Information Office which is vacant Q Where was Pickering's, and what was the nature of the business? A A confectioners/tobacconist just into the Dublin Road, at J. B. Anderson's corner. Q In what year did The Diamond Bar come into the proprietorship of the Broderick family? A 1937. Q Where was Quigley's Garage? A On Market St., opposite the present Supervalu Q And where was The Creamery? A At the junction of Johnston Park and Kevlin Road. Now Hackett's furniture store, formerly Gracey's poulterers. Q Adrains Drapers, Mullans Off-Licence, and Wilson's Pub all closed in the mid-sixties. For what purpose? A To make way for the new Drumragh Avenue access to Market Street and the Dublin Rood. Q What establishment now occupies the former Reform Stores? A The Oxfam Shop. Q Where was The Select Bar? A Now The Central Bar. High Street, Q What, precisely, now occupies the site of Brian Gallagher's ice-cream parlour in John Street? A The lounge bar in The Top of the Town. Q What and where was Freddie Armstrong's? A A shoemakers at the head of Castle Street, opposite the Sacred Heart Church. Q Where was the Post Office before it moved to its present site? A At the present Anglia Building just below the Town Hall. Q Where does High Street become Georges Street? A Where Dobbin Bros. joins Frank Colton's newsagents. Q What now occupies the stores known as Johnston Bros A The Carlisle Bookshop and Patterson Stewart's Estate agency. Q Where was Kerr's Chemists? A Now Bennets Photo shop, previously Pulsar Travel; on the first floor was Raymond Beck's surveyors office in the late 1960s / early 1970s Q Where was McMillan's Drapery Store? A On the corner of Market Street and Scarffe's Entry. It was Hendley's Confectionery Shop, then a mobile phone shop which is lying vacant Q Where was Omagh's Fire Station located immediately before moving to its present site at the Crossroads? A Just into the Dublin Road Q Can you locate Castle Close? A Off Upper Castle Street, c the river side. Q In which Omagh school did 'Myles no Gopaleen's grandfather teach music? A The Model Primary School now occupied by South West College, previously Omagh Technical College. Q Where was Omagh's branch library before it moved to the Showgrounds? A In the Town Hall, originally the front that was blow away, latterly in the Minor Hall. It is now part of the Library Complex located at Spillar's Place, off the Dublin Road Q Which family is most often associated with The Grange, now the seat of the Omagh District Council? A The Orrs. Q What, apart from townland names, were Corrynarry, Culmore and Cornabracken? A Schools on the fringes of the town. Q Where was the Lilliput laundry office in Omagh? A In High Street, just across from the Bridge Street intersection. Q How many houses are there now in New Brighton Terrace? A 17 houses - 13 on Kevlin Roadand and 4 round the corner. Q Which Omagh church was first built in 1811 and renovated in 1857? A The Methodist Church Q Where, earlier this century, was there a brickworks in Omagh? A Near the site of the GPC Social Club on the Dromore Road, It is thought that the quarrying created the Dump Bank.It is now McGurk's Bar Q Which Northern dramatist and actor made his last stage appearance in Omagh's Town Hall two days before his death in 1965? A Sam Thompson. Q Where was 'The Foundry'? A Where Hackett Villas now stands on Gallows Hill. Q How did the Monument Bar, gets its name? A From the Boer War monument which stood on the Courthouse Hill before being moved to the County Hall grounds in 1964. Q At what was Glenview Terrace originally built? A As a military hospital. About 1837-38. Q Shortly. before the Loreto Order came to Omagh in 1850, the Sisters of Mercy had a community in Omagh. Where was their convent? A In Georges Street, where the Taggart family live Q Why is the Swinging Bars so called? A From. a toll-barrier that did not swing up unless you paid your toll. The toll was levied on horse-drawn traffic to help defray the expense of providing the Campsie Bridge. If you couldn't or wouldn't pay you could have gone round the Crevenagh and crossed the river at King James's Bridge. Q Where was Quigley's Garage? A In Market Street, just across from the present Wellworths. Q Where was the Ulster Bank originally located? A At the site of the Town Hall. Q Can you give the location of a Victorian pillar-box? A At the top of the Derry Road, just across from the Chinese restaurant. Q Where in Omagh would you find a King George VI postbox still in use? A In the wall outside the County Primary School in Campsie Q We all know about the Kelvin Road, but what was Kelvin? A Kevlin or Kivlin is a small townland situated where the Cannonhill Road has a branch leading to the Dublin Road Q Victorian News reports frequently mention the Royal Assembly Hall, where was it? A Where the Royal Arms ballroom was located, now the Main Street complex Q Which Omagh building allegedly mixed its mortar with Boyne water? A Where else but the Orange Hall, formerly the Protestant Hall Q Where within yards of each other can you Eatwell and Cleanwell? A A butcher's and a dry cleaner's in adjacent premises in Campsie Q Which Omagh road has the name as a battle as a battle in the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71? A Sedan Avenue Q In which Omagh Street did Benedict Kiely spend his school-days? A St Patricks Terrace Q Where was St Mary's Primary School? A It doesn't exist, but its name was sometimes erroneously given to the old primary school at Killyclogher Q What practice became allowed in Omagh and throughout Northern Ireland on October 4th, 1987 A Sunday drinking Q Where was the Labour Hall? A On the lower Kevlin Road, where Donnellys Bookmakers was located Q What have the films 'Angels With Dirty Faces', Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' and 'The Andromeda Strain' got in common? A The last films to be projected at The Star, Picture House, and County Cinema respectively. A 1955. Q Where was St. Patrick's Hall? A Close to the Co-op on Georges Steet A 1973. Q Which Royal visitor got a dismal reception in Omagh in 1689? A James II A The Hangman. A The Ulster Bank. A On the Mountjoy Road, near the Fire Station. A James Buchanan. Q What were The Top Hat and The Golden Slipper? A Fish
and Chip Shops. The latter succeeded the former on the lower Kevlin
Road, prop, Mr. S. J. McConnell., and one of the first café's in the
town to have a Duke Box. The first one was the Golden Griddle on High
Street A On George's Street, across from Brodericks Bar A Felix Kearney. Q What was the title of the book published in 1950 giving the history of Scott's Mill? A A Hundred Years A-Milling A Off Castle Street, still extant in the grounds of the Youth and Community Workshop. Q What are the Sperrin mountains made of? A Schist. A On the site of the present Ulster Bank building in High Street A Houston, Texas is named after Sam Houston, a connection of the prominent Blackiston-Houston family, long connected with the Gortin area. A Cannon Hill, although the phrase was taken to cover the whole area south of John Street. A In George's Street. Still commemorated in "The Diamond Bar". A Brewing A In John Street, until a disastrous fire in 1905. It then was located on the Dublin Road, in the old Presbyterian Meeting House, which has been dismantled piece by piece and laken to the folk museum at Cultra. Church House now occupies the site A Stephen mentions that they were at tennis courts where the Crevenagh road joins the Hospital Road at Campsie but I think though that they were on Campsie Road, just before the Swinging Bars A On the streets. They were paving stones. A From the Irish cam crooked, presumably because of the loop in the river at this point. Note also Camowen, Irish cam abhann, crooked river. A March, 1965 A 18,000 A Across the Old Mount-field road from the Health Centre. Q What is the connection between the UDR and an island in the West Indies ? A Santa Lucia, the former army barracks, built about 1835. A The Franciscan Friary, built on the site 14641600 A The monument commemorates the Boer war . The Spion Kop at Anfield commemorates a battle in that war A The White Hart Hotel occupied the site formerly A The grounds are on Sedan Avenue. The battle of Sedan was a great Prussian victory. There is no reason to assume that the road was so-named after the battle. A New Brighton is the Lancashire town, New Brighton Terrace is up on the Hill. A It was formerly owned, and extensively afforested, by third Lord Mountjoy who was killed, at Vinegar Hill in 1798. A Jimmy Kennedy, who wrote the "Isle of Capri" was born in Omagh. A This was the site of the former County Cinema. The first film shown there was "The Four Feathers"; whirling dervishes and all that. A Cannondale and Cannon Hill are reputedly named from the fact that the first cannons seen here were hauled up that hill to attack the besieged Drumragh Church in 1650 or thereabouts. A The river takes its name from the Irish "cam" (crooked) and "abhann" (a river). Shakespeare's river Avon is one of the few names or words that have entered the English language from the Irish. A The poet Alice Milligan is buried there. A General Aughinleck, after whose connection Aughinleck's Holm is named. A Centenary Park, opened in 1961, commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the Brothers coming to the town. A The Castle was requisitioned during World War II by the U.S. Army Tradition has it that General Eisenhower planned part of the Normandy invasion here. Q Omagh hostelries of yesteryear. Where was Q In what year did they start building St. Lucia Barracks? A 1835 A Two lions, two bulls A Paddy McAlinney in the film "A night to remember" (1958) , Gerard McSorley "S.S. Titanic" (1977) A Off Castle Street and we[ into what is now the play ground of St. Columcille's School. A The Manor of Arleston. (a) Cannondale A (a) 1955, (b) 1951, (c) 1970 (a) McCaughey's Row A (a) On the Dromore Road on what now is the Coach Inn car park (b) Parallel to Castle Street, coming out of brook Street (c) At the Kevlin Road entry to the new car park adjacent to the site which was Henderson's Foundry A 1821 A In the grounds of Omagh Golf Club, on the crest of Cannon Hill, but I think that there may have been another one on the site of Taggart's shoe shop in Scarffes Entry A Behind John Street, on ground now occupied by the GPO. A The left. Q What was the year of the raid on Omagh barracks? A (October) 1954. A J.B. Andersons at the corner of Market Street and the Dublin Road Q What is. or was "Cope and Carley?" A A sort of somersault. A child crouching on all fours and then describing circular activity. A very popular child's game A Cartiers A Beer. from a brewery at Lisnamallard. A At the corner of Bridge Street and High Street on the site now occupied by Pollocks Estates Agents. There was an un-regulated X-Ray machine in the shop where you could put your foot in and look at your feet through your shoes to see how they fitted, next door to that was Kenny Kinloch's Butchers on Bridge Street Q What part of Omagh was known as "The Pads?" A The area now occupied by St. Columbcille's School. A Strule, West, Fairgreen, Killyclogher, Dergmoney, East, Drumragh. A The (National) Fire Service Firemen. A 1867. Q Can you recall how many windows there were on the old, front of the Town Hall, and the year it was demolished? A Eleven - 1975 Q The new police station is located on the Derry Road Can you name four other locations in Omagh which were formerly police stations? A The last location was on the Mountjoy Road, previously to that stations were at the foot of Market Street, at Bridge House between the bus depot and Bell's Bridge, at the Chinese Restaurant which was previously the Melville Hotel. A On the Dublin Road near Eastwood's corner, subsequently in George's Street before it closed in the 1960's; It is now occupied by the tile centre A Brookmount Road, on the stretch approaching Charleton's Garage, (now defunct) A " Hamilton, Omagh" on Kevlin Road at the entrance to The Alley. Q What was the "rabble"? A It was the hiring fair that was held in front of the courthouse A 300 feet from the top of the courthouse steps A Campsie Crescent Q What and where is the Monk's Well? A An opening in the wall of the old prison / monastery on the Strule and is best viewed from the plaque on Abbey Bridge. Some said that it led to an underground passage that takes you under the river, and up near the Grange Manor. Q Where was the first Presbyterian Church in Omagh located? A On the Dublin Road where Church House is now located. Previously to
that, the Montgomery Printing Works occupied the
premises and when it closed, the old building was
dismantled and re-constructed at the Ulster Folk Museum
at Cultra near Bangor A At the foot of St. Patricks Street on the left, going up, just where
the metal plate bearing the street name now is fixed. Others
locate it as being in what is now the grounds of Trinity
Presbyterian Church, but the former is more likely A On the steeples of the Sacred Heart Church. The man and lion are above the left entrance, whilst the calf and eagle are above the right entrance, symbolising Matthew , Mark, Luke and John Q Where in central Omagh was the old Church of Ireland graveyard? A Between the present St Columbas Church of Ireland and former Co-op on Georges Street
(a) The Arundel Bar (a) In John Street, now "Top of the Town" Q What is the connection with the former Culmore School and Omagh Goal? A The last man to be hung in Omagh Jail was George Conway. His remains were buried in unsanctified ground in the prison. The stone which marked his grave, upside down with the engraving GC 1880 is still to be seen in the wall to the right of the gate that took you into the grounds It can now be seen embedded in the front boundary wall of the former Culmore Primary school - http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1531802 Q Where was the original site of Omagh Academy? A At the Northern Bank Q Which American General has a restaurant named after him in Omagh? A Ulysses S Grant, Civil War General who received the Confederate surrender at Appatamox, 1865. Later President of the US. Q What is the connection between the monument at the County Hall and Liverpool football ground? A The monument commemorates the Boer War. The Spion Kop at Anfield commemorates a battle in the war. |