'I married the boy next door'...it's not something that you hear that often, but for Pat and Mary Griffin that is how they met and they shared their stories and memories with The Avondhu ahead of the Lios Mhuire estate reunion in Clogheen on Saturday, June 29. The organisers welcome one and all to the reunion to enjoy nostalgic games, listen to the music of the good 'ole days and think back to when times were simpler.

Pat grew up in number 1, while Mary grew up in number 8 and they will be married 26 years this October. United over a flagon of cider during the August bank holiday weekend, Pat and Mary spoke to The Avondhu about how times have changed, but emphasised that Clogheen has always remained the same in their eyes.

While many residents have lived in the estate all their lives, Pat and Mary lived in Dublin before moving to England. They moved back to Clogheen to Pat's home place in 1996 before they had their son Patrick who is now 13.

Deirdre Morrissey is one of the youngest residents from their time and Mary remembered waiting for Deirdre to be brought home from the hospital, so that they could meet Lios Mhuire's newest resident at the time. 

"We couldn't wait to see her and we were already arguing about who would get to take her for walks," Mary said.

Speaking to The Avondhu from the same table which Pat used growing up, he spoke of the games they used to play, from getting briar twigs out of the old creamery to make their own hurdles, to playing rugby and hurling.

Some of the most interesting memories for Pat and Mary include DeValera's visit to Clogheen in the mid 60's and Pat said that a picture was taken of him on his father's shoulder on the day of the visit.

Then in 1984, the people of Clogheen saw Ronald Regan grace their streets on his visit to Ballyporeen, as the whole village was swarmed by CIA officers, helicopters and men in trench coats and sunglasses.

From being away for so many years, Pat and Mary said that for many years, there would have been people who they would only have met at weddings and funerals, but the reunion is giving people a reason to come back to Clogheen.

On the day of the reunion, they will also be erecting a plaque to commemorate and immortalise all those who have passed from 1954-2013. All events are completely free and everyone is welcome. 

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