Jeremiah (Jerry) Linehan

In 1929, both Mamie McKenna and Jeremiah Linehan sailed from Cobh Harbor to New York.  After being processed through Ellis Island, Mamie, who was only 9½ years old, settled in Newark, NJ. with her aunt and uncle, Nellie and Jimmy Connell.   It was a long way from her home in Cornenaugh, Ballybay, County Monaghan, where she left her parents John James and Bridie (nee Carroll) brothers Jim, Eugene, Tom, Michael, Phelim, Kevin and her sisters Katty, Rose and Bridie.  Although she was lonely throughout the long voyage to America, she looked forward to seeing her older brothers Patsy who lived in East Orange and Hughie, who had already settled in Newark.

Jerry, who was 21 years old, was born and raised in Boherbue, Lamanaugh, County Cork and settled in Jersey City with his brother Tim and his wife Mary.   He left his parents, Denis, and Julia (nee Fitzgerald) his brothers Tom, Johnny, Denis and Dan, as well as sisters, Annie, Mary and Maggie.  His sister Annie told him, many years later, that their mother never was never the same after he left.

 Life with her Aunt Nellie and Uncle Jimmy was quiet and often lonely as Mamie was the only child.  It was a drastic change from her home in Ballybay which was filled with music, singing and the antics of her brothers and sisters.  She saw her mother only once again, during a brief visit home when she was 16 years old.  She wanted to stay in Ireland, but her father insisted that she return to the US, because of the opportunities that were available to her.

After returning to New Jersey, she entered a convent, where she stayed long enough to know that this was not the life she wanted   She then returned to Newark where she made a home with her brother Hughie and his family.  When she was living with her brother, she worked in an office at Newark airport.  

Jerry went through the gates at Ellis Island as a Linehan and walked out to his new life in America as Lenihan.  The change was made by immigration officials, for reasons unknown, a change shared with immigrants from all over the world.  He made his way, in his new country, as a bartender, first in Boylan’s Tavern in Newark and eventually in McGovern’s, well-known, even in those days, as a “home away from home” to Irish immigrants. 

He played Irish Football in several parks in Newark and surrounding areas with Hugh McKenna and formed a friendship with him that would last throughout his life.

Mamie became known as Mary (still known as Mamie in Ireland) was introduced to Jerry Lenihan by her brother Hughie, in the back room of Mc Govern’s during the early 40’s.  Their courtship was interrupted by WW II, when Jerry volunteered to serve in the US Army/Air Force.  He rose quickly through the ranks and was promoted to Technical Staff Sergeant, which at the time was highest rank to be earned by enlisted men.  His service included tours of duty in North Africa, Italy and France

Mary McKenna married Jeremiah Lenihan on September 7, 1946, in St. Michael RC Church and the newlyweds made their home in Newark.  Jerry soon entered a partnership with Jerry O’Grady and then opened Lenihan & O’Grady’s at 1010 ½ South Orange Avenue, Newark., followed by Linehan’s Tavern at 203 Washington Ave, Belleville and finally Linehan’s Bar and Package Store, 1092 South Orange Avenue, Newark.  Mary assisted Jerry in the tavern business as well as working in food service for over 25 years at Seton Hall University.

Mary and Jerry had 4 children, Sheila, Denis, Mary Ellen and Gerry.  Unfortunately, Mary Ellen did not live long enough see her sister and brothers, as she died in her mother’s arms shortly after birth.

Life in the Lenihan household was filled with evidence of the values they shared: family, faith, country and heritage.  The home was filled with Irish music, dancing and participation in Irish and community activities.  Many a young immigrant lived with them, as they were settling in the US.

Mary and Jerry are best remembered for those gifts they shared privately, such as payment of a tuition bill for a family facing hard times, filling the oil tank of a sick man living in a cold house.  They opened their home, their hearts and their wallets to feed and clothe those in need.  Many, many of their friends, neighbors and strangers were recipients of their generosity, which was never known to others.

St Patrick’s Day was always a time to celebrate, especially the day of the Newark St Patrick’s Day Parade.  For many years, when the Tavern was open, and they were in business, corned beef and cabbage was served to customers and their friends.   After Jerry became ill and the tavern in Newark was sold, the celebration continued in their home on Richelieu Terrace.

The day began with a breakfast at 10 AM and went on until the wee hours of the next morning.    Green pancakes, sausage, green bagels and toast were served for breakfast and all were welcome back after the parade for corned beef sandwiches and a cold beer. In addition to coffee and tea, people would help themselves to a Guinness, Budweiser or whatever they wanted to drink. In the morning, waves of people came in, ate and then gave their seat to the next person.   In the evening people stayed, told stories and sang.  Most members of the Newark Parade Committee and many other friends and family have fond memories of those happy days.  

Mamie McKenna’s home in Cornenaugh was only 1 ½ miles from the border and her sentiments about the “Troubles,” were known to all.  She was especially happy when Michael Flannery, Grand Marshal of the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade, and the founder of NorAid, visited her home on Parade Day, 1983 and she was able to share with him a terrifying childhood memory. 

 Her home was invaded by the Black and Tans who held her father against a wall with a rifle to his head.  Her mother, all his children and neighbors were forced to watch as they searched the farm for weapons.  If any were found, he would be shot and killed instantly.  Luckily enough, none were found until later in the day when her father found many guns in the haystacks, left behind by IRA men who fled the McKenna home upon hearing about the arrival of the despised Black and Tans in the town.

Mary and Jerry Lenihan live on in the minds and hearts of those who love them and miss them.  Jerry died from respiratory problems on October 11, 1981 and Mary died from heart failure on November 10, 2003.  They were “ordinary “people who lived extraordinary lives of kindness, service and generosity.