INF Foresters Lurgan
The Lurgan branch of the INF Social Club, was formed 117 years ago and in 1992 celebrated its centenary with a colourful parade through the town of over 4,000 INF members from all over Ireland and a host of activities to mark the event.
With its motto 'We give in time of need', the club was formed as a benevolent organisation which has helped many families in Lurgan over the years. In fact records show a list of doctors' notes declaring people to be hale and hearty at the time they applied for branch membership. This was to allow them to be eligible later on for a grant to help their family when they died, making sure the branch did not have to pay out too much precious funds to people who already had poor health prospects.
The grand old 'house' in North Street was built back in 1854 and plasterwork denoting the Star of David on one of the upstairs ceilings suggests it was owned at one time by a Jewish family. The Foresters took over the building in 1892 and proudly installed the banner of Lord Russell of Killowen - Sir Charles Russell as he was formerly known, being the first Catholic High Chief Justice of the land.
The banner can still be seen, carefully preserved, as are a number of other items of interest, including another old banner dating back perhaps 100 years, this time depicting 'the Maid of Erin'. Full of architectural interest, the old building is a veritable maze extending way back behind the historic facade looking out on North Street. The old stables are now used to store beer and many of the rooms have been adapted over the years to suit the needs of club members - whether a snooker room, lounge or members' room.
