THE LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS

There was artistry in the Magees of Castle Street. It was evident in their coach-building business. Bella Magee taught music, James and Bob formed a dance band with their nephew, John Gormley, and Bob and Joe opened a photographic studio. This was initially above a confectioner’s shop at the bottom of Main Street and later at the back of their house in Castle Street. They also showed early films in the halls.

In 1976, Bob Magee came to live with his nephew, Paddy. Patsy Reihill and John McElroy, then principal and vice-principal of St. Paul’s Primary School, were interested in old stories about the town. They used to visit Bob and listen to his stories. By chance, Bob mentioned glass negatives that he had from his photographic days. It turns out that Bob threw nothing away.

So began a project to preserve these old photographs. Christy Power designed a light box to enlarge the negatives. Trial and error, long hours in a freezing darkroom, and sometimes “language that the stranger does not know” produced a good body of work. Ads in the local newspapers produced more material. At this time, the only aim of the three people was that the material should be preserved.

In 1979, as part of the Lady of the Lake festival, Patsy, John and Paddy decided to put on an exhibition of the material in the old Technical School. It was a sensation. Their only worry was the safety of the crowds who turned up day after day. The exercise was repeated in 1981 when Brendan Rice had joined the team.

By now, the day of the still photograph was passing and the team were turning their attention to video. They were also sourcing old 16mm film which would become the material for “Light of Other Days” videos. On 12th July 1982, they had gone to Smithboro to borrow some 16mm film of a fancy dress parade from Canon Kirk, latterly parish priest in neighbouring Trillick.

The following day Patsy Reihill’s mother was seriously ill. Father Timoney, John McElroy and Patsy Reihill went to Monaghan to bring Father Seamus Reihill home. On the way home, in a car accident, Patsy Reihill was killed instantly.

When I become involved in returning this exhibition to the town library permanently, I asked Mark Maguire to look after the display. I thought he might have a touch that would enhance it. On reflection, I should have known. His great-grandmother was Magee from Castle Street.

Edward McGarrity

May 2009