Leitrim Days
Deep in the Dromara Hills and on the fringe of the
Mourne Mountains lies the small village of Leitrim, or 'Grey Ridge'.
Leitrim Village - October 2008
Approaching the village, one can't help but be struck by the old world charm of the place. Very little has changed over the years and it was here that Francis Scott and Elizabeth Herron's children spent their early years, with 'Herron's Bar' and the adjoining FS Herron mill also at the hub of local life.
The site of Herron's Bar in Leitrim with the family mill visible in the background.
Indeed, that same mill still flourishes to this day with the sound of it's breathing contrasting with the silence of the village and the surrounding area.
Tom pictured in Leitrim, c. 1950s. In the background is the village shop and pub. The photo on the right shows the same building in October 2008
Only if you have a few hours to spare should you mention the name of Tom Herron in the area, once you initiate a conversation about Tom chances are you could be there for quite a while. Stories of his unofficial laps round the Backaderry Road/Heron's Road/Kilnhill Road/Dromara Road 'circuit' abound as do his 'car runs' to Newcastle and back.
The Mourne Mountains from the top of the Windy Gap with the Slievenaboley/Dromara Road to the left, meandering through the open countryside towards Leitrim
To the people of Leitrim, Tom was much more than a superstar in his chosen sport, he was one of their own, the 'quiet man' of Mourne who never forgot where he came from.
Some of Tom's relatives still live in the area where he spent many happy years growing up and his name is still revered in the village to this day by young and old alike, indeed locals are almost protective of it.
Ashleigh
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" goes the famous line by Percy French.
These beautiful, world famous mountains overlook the seaside resort of Newcastle Co. Down and it was to 'Ashleigh' on the Bryansford Road that the Herrons moved from Leitrim.
Stephen McKeown
October 2008