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A saga of a mistaken identity. In NetLetter #1482 under 'Submitted Photos' we had information and photos from Mike Horan, now residing in Ireland, about his time at TCA reservations in Toronto during the 50's and 60's. On reading this, David Edward, recognizing the name, 'Mike Horan', sent in his memory of Mike which we published in NetLetter #1483 under 'Subscriber Feedback'. We were able to connect David & Mike. Following is their email exchange, Good Evening, Mike Horan, The e-mails below may explain what led up to me contacting you. I was part of the 4 year furlough of the 210 pilots back in '61. My wife and I started our married life in the Sutton section of Dublin and when the recall came, we flipped a half crown and ended up coming back to AC in '65. Career planning!! We loved Ireland and Aer Lingus was, at that time, a great company to work for. We made lifelong Irish friends and spent many wonderful trips with them to the Corrib Pub during those 4 years. Our eldest was born at The Rotunda and is a captain on the B-787 with Air Canada. His second son is an A-220 first officer (4th generation AC pilot). We used to alternate visits with Clive & Joan Culleton (our neighbours on LaVista Avenue)....them here and us there every two years and did almost all the Shannon excursions with them on a cruiser over the years. I retired in '98 after 40 years with TCA...Aer Lingus...AC...Air Jamaica...AC and live in Picton, Ontario, midway between YYZ & YUL, on the Bay of Quinte. Hope this finds you well, and I look forward to your response. Editors' Note: David was under the impression the Mike Horan was Jack Horan, who was Station Manager in Shannon. Mike responded to David with the following, Hi David, Greetings from the 'Emerald Isle'. Yes it was brought to my attention that you were attempting to make contact with me and for which I thank you. Unfortunately I was only at a distance aware of Jack Horan, my namesake, when he was Managing TCA affairs in Ireland. I was at that time a passenger agent in YYZ and YQG We have no known relationship, but I understand that he was extremely good at his job and represented Ireland in a most successful way which stands much to his credit. I can understand your wish to renew old friendships but, unfortunately, I cannot help in that regard. Your own career was amazing, well done to you. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. Enjoy your leisure years, well deserved. Cheers, Mike Horan. After receiving the response, David contacted us at The NetLetter. Hi Terry, Thank you so much for doing that sleuthing and sending the pics and links to the Jack Horan saga. I should have twigged to the fact that Jack would be in his 100's today and not have identified Mike Horan as the TCA Shannon Ireland station manager in the 50's & 60's. The nice thing about this is that both you and Mike filled in some blanks in my memory bank of the great 4 years I lived and worked in The Emerald Isle. Cheers......Dave |
