Eleven remarkable men from the Craigavon area have come together to formulate a collection of “deeply personal stories” that they hope will create a space for “connection, for courage, and for change”.
The eleven authors of the new book ‘It Happened to Us’ are all members of Craigavon-based Fitzone HIM (Health in Mind) Group which exists to provide social stimulation, physical activity and health and wellbeing support to men aged 45 and upwards.
Founded by Sean Collins in 2009 Fitzone started life as a “small initiative aimed at tackling childhood obesity” and has since grown into a registered charity and a vital support network for mental and physical well-being. The HIM Men’s Group was born from a simple yet pressing question: “Where are the men?”
Today, they are here. And they are heard.
Two years ago, group member Tony Campbell recognised that the men within this community all had “stories to tell” – each from a wealth of lived experience that for many stemmed from deep-seated trauma and life-changing experiences.
Speaking to Armagh I, Tony explained: “I suggested it and ten guys came with me and put up their hands to say they wanted to be part of it.
“Sean Collins – who is one of the founding members – of the group got creative writer Martell McParland on board to be our mentor and she coached us all the way through really to the point where this month we got the book printed and published.”
Coming up with the idea was perhaps the easy part however, for the introspective journey they all embarked on in the course of putting their stories to paper is nothing short of courageous.
The group worked in separate weekly book meetings alongside their normal Monday night meet ups under the guidance of their experienced mentor.
Said Tony: “We began by telling our stories around the table and there were a lot of tears I can tell you. It was like a counselling session for me anyway. We told our stories and Martelle listened to them and she directed us. The stories are true life there is nothing fabricated but with her expertise we were able to make them better.”
The authors of the book include Vivian O’Dowd who remembers his cousin’s blood-stained belongings, burned by his father in a field after a brutal attack.
Brendan Cassidy who mourns the hijacked peace of his youth and the wife he still misses with every breath.
David Cooney relives the crushing moment he begged to be let go, and the long road to recovery.
Paul McVeigh reflects on a loving family in Aghagallon, shaped – and shaken – by the Troubles.
Eugene Greene – a fireman during the Troubles – speaks of explosions and memories too painful to utter.
Peter Morris shares the joy of music and joining a showband at seventeen—his dream come true.
Jim Conlon weaves humour and heartache, from false teeth in his pockets to soldiers with drawn guns.
Gordon Owens speaks of surviving COVID-19 and the emotional fog it left behind.
Jim Wood recalls the terror of a sudden heart attack and the strength needed to live through it.
Greg McIlwane writes of battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in his raw and haunting poem, “The Warden Without a Warrant.”
And, Tony Campbell remembers his sister Martha – murdered in Springhill – and the grief etched on his father’s face.
Each voice is distinct. Each story, deeply personal. Together, they form a tapestry of pain and perseverance, loss and love, trauma and tenacity.
In sharing their truths, these men reveal something powerful: that storytelling is healing. That speaking from the heart creates space for connection, for courage, and for change.
Together they worked tirelessly to accumulate monies through fundraising to ensure they could get the book through to publication.
Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy attended one of the Fitzone sessions around that time and was so taken aback by the stories she heard that she offered to host the book launch in Craigavon Civic Centre.
The launch went ahead as planned with the Lord Mayor officiating on Monday, May 19. The group were provided light refreshments and listened to guest speakers in what Tony regarded as a “great evening but an emotional evening”.
The team are now preparing for a second launch at member Robin McKeown’s family-owned premises, The Stables in Lurgan at 8pm.
Through purchase of their book the co-authors hope to raise vital funds for Fitzone – which as Tony says “like all charities is struggling to secure funding”.
Copies cost £10 and are available from the Fitzone Unit, Green Shop in Tullygally or by contacting Sean Collins on 07780812312.
The writers believe that ‘It Happened to Us’ but in telling their story… “it belongs to all of us”.
