Heenan, Alfred Thompson

Private Alfred Thompson Heenan

was born at Drumanaghan, Seaforde, Co. Down on 3rd August 1897 to John Heenan, Farmer and Matilda Heenan nee Thompson. 

In 1901 Alfred (3) lived in house 1, Drumanaghan, Seaforde, Co. Down with his parents and 8 siblings; Jenni (17), Lillie (13), Robert (5), Thomas H (0), William (7), James R (9), John (11) and David (16). There were also 2 servants in the household; John Mulholland and Annie O'Neill.  

By 1911, their property was known as house 17, Drumanaghan, Seaforde. The undermentioned school article records the property as Drumonaghan House, Clough. Alfred was living with his parents and 4 siblings; Harriett Elizabeth, Johnny, Robert and Thomas Harry. A servant Catherine Lambe also lived in the property.

Alfred was educated at the Royal School, Dungannon. A current teacher, Paul Kerr has kindly given me the following photograph.

"... Heenan playing for our 1st XV in the 1913-14 season ..."

Alfred joined the Northern Bank in 1915 at Falls branch.

Northern Bank, Falls branch

Alfred was based in Falls branch when he enlisted into the 6th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 20174. He later transferred to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment with Service Number 21027.

A T Keenan - Medal Index Card

A T Keenan, Medal Roll

Alfred was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal.

A T Keenan - Pension Card

Alfred was demobilised on 29th May 1919 to 45 Clarendon Street, Londonderry. A Disability Pension Card was created for Alfred Keenan but with little information on it.

He is listed on the Roll of Honour in Clough Presbyterian Church, Downpatrick. Alfred's brother John is also named on the memorial. John's story in this link to a North Irish Horse website.

Clough Presbyterian Church - War Memorial & Roll of Honour
[Courtesy of Ricky Cole via Nigel Henderson]

It is not known whether he re-joined the bank but the following magazine article indicates that he went to live in Canada. where he married Minnie Richardson. The 1911 Irish Census records Minnie Richardson (15) living with her parents at house 5, Castle Hill, Dungannon. 

 "... clipping from our June 1922 school magazine
relating the news of his wedding in Canada ..."

In 1928, A T Heenan is reported as playing rugby for Toronto Irish as Vice-Captain (Belfast News-Letter dated 15th October 1928).

Alfred Heenan and Minnie Heenan had a daughter, Joan who was born on 19th July 1923. An internet site (link now broken) carried the following obituary for Joan Arthur nee Heenan.

ARTHUR, Joan F.

Joan passed peacefully with her family at her side in Baycrest Hospital on June 5th 2012, her 89th year.  Born Regina SK July 19 1923 to Alfred Thompson Heenan and Minnie F Heenan (nee Richardson).  Predeceased by husband Gordon, 45 years married. Survived by son Sean (Jacqueline), daughter Jennifer (Pierre Zakarauskas), grandson Summerton and step grandchildren Andrea, Jordan and Violet, and step great granddaughter Katrina. 

An only child, Joan cherished her extended family, Canadian and UK Irish cousins and Arthur nieces and nephews. A 'people person', Joan very much loved travel, good food, better companionship and conversation, and cherished 45 wonderful years of family and community at the cottage on the Lake of Bays. Long time employee of Canada Packers and very active volunteer all her life, Joan was a member of UCW and board member, Humbervale Christian Outreach Foundation. Though a non smoker, lung cancer presented three years ago. Undaunted Joan continued to live life to the fullest, without complaint, in hospital for only her last week. But most of all we will remember Joan as a loving and kind person; greatly missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday June 13, 1 pm at Humbervale United Church, 1447 Royal York Road, ON, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the Family requests donations to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice. In the spirit of giving Joan donated her body to science and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Please sign your organ donor card in her memory.