A letter from Dr Eamon Phoenix to Canon Noel Conway written on 18th November 1994 on the publication of Fr Conway’s book on Friar’s Bush Graveyard in Belfast.
Friar’s Bush is believed to be the oldest Christian burial site in Belfast. A mound inside the cemetery is believed to date from Neolithic times.
The letter reads:
History Dept.
18/11/94
Dear Canon Conway,
I trust this note finds you in good form and making good progress after your illness. I was delighted to hear of your release from hospital shortly after we talked in September.
The book launch took place last month and, I must say, was a tremendous success. The first imprint has almost sold out but I am happy to enclose a copy which I hope you will find interesting and perhaps evocative of our many historico-political conversations over the years.
I’m settling into Stranmillis very well. The staff are friendly (including several past pupils of the College), the students are earnest and I have a bit more time to pursue research. I retain fond memories of St Malachy’s and am still putting s few finishing touches to the Archive Catalogue – so the link is not entirely broken.
I hope you are taking a much-deserved break from the administrative pressures. I met our friend F. X. Martin recently and he was asking about you. Indeed, at the Dublin launch of my book I had the pleasure of meeting Eoin Mac Neill’s surviving daughter, Mrs Eíbhlín Mac Dirvell who was most charming and has placed untapped archives at my disposal!
I’m sure I’ll see you before Christmas. Meanwhile enjoy the break from the Presidency!
All good wishes.
Sincerely,
Éamon
P.S. I was careful to give St Malachy’s a mention in the text!
