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 'Herrons 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 and Dromara Roads 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. 

One local man remarked, "Tom was born and brought up here, and when he was laid to rest on that sorrowful day - well he simply came home."