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Associations
Famous Associations Past and Present
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Throughout the years there have been many notable personalities associated with Strabane District. From Castlederg originated the creator of Irish Coffee, Joe Sheridan. Jimmy Kennedy who penned such favourites as 'Teddy Bears Picnic' and 'Red Sails In The Sunset' spent part of his chldhood at Newtownstewart.Aged 10 he played the piano at the school concert while at 16 he was the church organist.
Celebrated hymnist, Cecil Frances Alexander, is associated with Milltown House, Strabane and the parish of Termonamongan, near Killeter. Landahussy near Plumbridge was the birthplace of the brillant academic James Mc Cullagh who in his day was among the world's leading mathematicians. In the literary field two personalities figure prominently. The first, Strabane born writer Brian O' Nolan who made two pen-names famous; those of Flann O' Brien and Myles Na Gopaleen.
The second, Dr. George Sigerson was born at Holyhill. The eminent Sigerson was also an internationally acclaimed zoologist, surgeon, and social reformer as well as a professor at the National University. Such has been his influence locally and nationally that he has had the distinction of being mentioned in James Joyce's Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake as well as being honoured in the Gaelic games fraternity by lending his name to The Sigerson Cup - the prestigious inter - university football competition - and Strabane's own Gaelic Athletic Club.
Strabane District can also boast many associations of a more contemporary nature. These include The Clipper Carlton who gave birth to the showband era, Declan Kearney from Donemana, who has made important advances in the international fashion scene, Phelim Egan a well known figure in the art world, T.V. and radio personality Hugo Duncan, T.V. news reporter Kieran Tourish, Ann Browne in the field of international development and in helping to alleviate the suffering and oppression of disadvantaged people throughout the world and finally Paul Brady celebrated musician and songwriter.
These are just a few of the many individuals worthy of mention but there are so many others who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the arts, science, politics and sport. These contributions have not just been limited to local and national boundaries, but have been of particular significance in the birth and development of the great American nation.
