Often, I have been asked to record how and when the Roddy McCorley Society was first formed, and how it took its name.

Liam Higgins recalls how our society was formed

Often, I have been asked to record how and when the Roddy McCorley Society was first formed, and how it took its name. I must return to the mid 1960s, then we had an association called the Andersonstown Republican Club.

We were involved in organising welfare functions, ceilis, parades, discussions and even helping out in elections. At a meeting of all Belfast Republicans in Milltown Boy's Home in 1968, we broke away from what was to become the official Republican movement. Later at a meeting held in my own home in Turf Lodge, our chairman, Seamus Twomey considered changing our name.

After a lengthy discussion and many, many names being put forward, such as Tom Williams, Henry Joy McCracken, Jimmy Hope and others, it was decided on a proposal by Seamus Twomey to call our Society the Roddy McCorley Society. Many people claim to be members of our Society, but on that night eighteen people were present. They were as follows: Seamus Twomey, chairman; Albert Price, chairman (Albert and Seamus would change chairmanship month about); Frank McLaverty; Secretary, Leo Wilson; Treasurer, Laim Higgins; Assistant Treasurer, Felix O'Neill, John Hillis, John O'Rawe, Mickey Poland, Jimmy McIllduff, Paddy McIllduff, Sean Murphy, Jimmy McFaul and Noel McCartney.

We continued to meet in various homes carrying on the good work originally intended. Then came 1969 and due to many influences, we had to disband. It was a sad time for us all. 1969, 1970, 1971 saw some tragic events, internment and the loss of neighbours and friends. In 1972 myself and Pat Monaghan now deceased, were helping organise fundraising for various families, who were experiencing difficult times in visiting their friends and relations in prisons, throughout Ireland and England.

We found we needed help and so I contacted our former chairmen Albert and Seamus and with their blessing, we organised a meeting of any former members we could find and in late June 1972, the present Roddy McCorley Society was formed. Gradually, we grew stronger by inviting some new members. In 1972, we had nothing, only good intentions. In those days we held our meetings in different clubs, pubs, homes, bookmakers, shops, and anywhere people would have us.

A special word of thanks to St Paul's Club and Casement Park, who allowed us to have many functions in their clubrooms. Since 1972, we have come a long way, but by hard work and determination we have achieved much. Our first clubroom was in Corrib Avenue. The club was formed by knocking four garages into one, thus forming a 'Tardis', because people who entered were surprised at the size and comfortable surroundings.

Many happy events occurred in the 'Wee club' as it was affectionately known. A special word of thanks should be said to our neighbours who tolerated us for so long. Corrib Avenue gave us a permanent base to continue our work. In the 'Wee Club' we continued to improve our own rules and regulations, thus finishing up with a great constitution and set of rules second to none. With as much hard work being done, we found ourselves looking for bigger premises.

When Moyard House came on the market, we were very fortunate to acquire it. This was a big achievement for us, as Moyard House was quite a price. But thanks to the McAlinden family, especially Fergus, who helped us a great deal, we bought Moyard. We moved here in 1987 and the moving was a story all on its own, but since then, we have expanded by leaps and bounds.

This society will continue to grow so long as we have people of courage, honesty and the will to work hard. We have roughly 600 new members and they are a credit to our Society. We have many branches within the club: the Handball team, the Golf Society, the Writers Group, all who have achieved much over the years. I have omitted many funny stories concerning our growth, but I am eternally grateful to Pat Monaghan for encouraging me to reform the Roddy McCorley Society.

I am also grateful to the many faithful and trusted friends who came along with us in those early days, who now can see the result of their hard work over the past years.

Is Mise
Liam Higgins