This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: McGahern, McManus, Duignan Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YWC.2ACI/5427 Message Board Post: Researchers with an interest in Cos. Leitrim, Cavan and/or Roscommon might wish to read "Memoir," the late author John McGAHERN's much-acclaimed childhood memoir - (Faber & Faber/2005). It mentions many individuals and families, locations. The following appeared in the on-line "Leitrim Observer" newspaper for 14 April 2006 in their 'Ballinamore News" section: "John McGAHERN's untimely death has brought to a close his long association with South Leitrim. Born in Holles Street Hospital, Dublin in 1934 the first-born child of Frank and Sue McGAHERN (nee McMANUS), Sean (as he was then known) lived as a baby with his mother at her sister's residence in Railway Road (presently Gala Supermarket). His mother a teacher worked in Lisacarn National School. After some time the family rented a bungalow in Knockanroe on the Swanlinbar Road (P.J. DUIGNAN's home place). It was from this house that John aged three and a half left for school along the 'old coach road' (the Dromore-Kiltyhugh Road) with his mother. These journeys to and from school through narrow laneways lingered in his memory and inspired some of his writings. John's father, a guard, stationed at Cootehall paid weekly visits to his family in Knockanroe. Duri! ng this time four of John's sisters were born. By the time John was seven pupil numbers at Lisacarn had fallen and Mrs McGAHERN was placed on a panel. Her next post was in Beaghmore National School near Carrigallen so this ended the McGAHERN family's stay in Ballinamore. There are still a number of people with fond memories of John at Lisacarn."