Northern Ireland

Edmund McCrory: True gentleman who devoted his life to Co Tyrone school

Edmund McCrory grew up next door to St Mary's PS, Carland
Edmund McCrory grew up next door to St Mary's PS, Carland Edmund McCrory grew up next door to St Mary's PS, Carland

EDMUND McCrory didn’t have far to go to school at St Mary’s PS in Carland, Co Tyrone - he lived just next door.

And as it turned out, he took a very long time to finish school - eventually leaving just two years ago, when he retired after 42 years as building supervisor in November 2016.

He referred to St Mary’s as his ‘home sweet home’ and following his retirement he continued to visit every week. He was loved by everyone in the school and surrounding community.

Edmund was born in March 1940, a second son to proud parents Joseph and Rosaleen and twin to a sister who sadly died a few weeks after birth.

He grew up in a family of six boys and girls in a small house in Lisbuoy, Carland, just off the Dungannon to Cookstown road.

His first job was in the brickyard up the Carland Road where he used to travel each morning by bicycle. He then began in Moygashel factory where he worked at dyeing the cloth.

However, he dedicated over half his life to caring for others, caretaking at both Sperrin View and St Mary’s.

He lovingly cared for the schools, the grounds and all who attended them.

As the years passed, Edmund progressed in his mode of transport from the bicycle to a Morris Minor which he used to bring himself, his mother and his sister Bridie to Mass every Sunday.

He was heartbroken at the loss of his sister Eileen in 1994 and in 2001 by Bridie, whom he still lived with, followed by his mother Rosaleen in 2009.

Edmund enjoyed the simple things in life, and took great pleasure in spending a Saturday driving around Armagh or Cookstown, sampling all things sweet.

People like Edmund McCrory only come along once in a lifetime. He was one of a kind and is remembered fondly by all who knew him.