From the Archives

25 years ago

2001

Judge threatens to curb late drinking

Judge David Maughan warned at Cavan District Court that he would consider halting all bar extensions in the town if late-night behaviour continued to deteriorate. His remarks followed several applications for weekend extensions.

He approved Friday and Saturday nights but refused to consider Thursdays or possibly Sundays.

Mr O Sullivan, solicitor for the Farnham Arms Hotel, sought extensions for Thursday through Sunday, arguing that the hotel attracted older, more orderly customers. Inspector J O’Hara agreed, and Judge Maughan granted the hotel extensions to 1.30am.

Mr N O’Gorman, applying on behalf of The Imperial for the same nights, was refused Thursday. The judge said ongoing street trouble involving young people had to stop. Mr O’Gorman argued the refusal risked favouring one premises over another.

When asked for the Garda view, Inspector O’Hara said Thursday nights were not problematic; Saturday and Sunday caused more difficulties...

Illegal water connections to be severed

Cootehill Area Engineer Pat Gaynor told the Town Commissioners that illegal connections to the town’s water main would soon be severed. No shutdowns were expected until about five valves were installed, and advance notice would be given through local media.

Leak investigations were scheduled to begin in March and run for three months.

Commissioner John Martin reported that the town had been left with very little water on New Year’s Day and questioned fire safety.

Mr Gaynor explained that two large contractor-owned pipes had burst - an unusual event - and had nearly drained the reservoir. He said the pipes had not been lagged and, although they should have been, he did not have the staff to monitor every site...

Lakeland signed agreement with US firm

Lakeland Dairies confirmed a 50/50 joint venture with Chicago-based Burt Lewis International Corp, forming BL Ingredients.

The deal aimed to add value to Lakeland’s existing food-ingredient sales and establish it as a niche supplier of specialist dairy products in the US consumer market.

Lakeland had already supplied ingredients to Burt Lewis for two years and viewed the partnership as an opportunity for growth in a lucrative sector.

50 years ago

1976

Lane repair scheme cancelled

Cavan County Council agreed to request that the Minister make the county a special case for lane-repair grants, given its strong record on improvement works.

Senator S Dolan said the Council and the General Council of County Councils had sought to raise the employment grant from £17 to £100, and it was “a bombshell” to see it eliminated entirely.

Mr S Lynch said the Rural Improvement Scheme should not be abandoned, as it had benefited Cavan more than any other county.

Senator Dolan said the county had always contributed its share and worked to ensure decent access roads to every home.

Mr P Conaty said it had been gratifying to see the improved lanes and noted the long list of people hoping to have their own roads upgraded...

Shots fired at gardaí

A major manhunt took place near Smithborough after shots were fired at two members of the Garda Special Branch from Monaghan town.

About 100 troops, supported by helicopters, tanks and armoured cars, surrounded an area of dense woodland where two armed men were believed to be hiding.

The incident began when the officers approached what they believed was an unoccupied house between Smithborough and Roslea. They were confronted by two gunmen with automatic weapons and were reportedly disarmed before the men escaped across fields into nearby woods. Reinforcements of uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí and a large military force combed the area under the direction of Chief Supt J.P. McMahon...

Roslea bombs killed cattle

Two valuable heifers were killed when a landmine exploded near a bridge on the Fermanagh–Monaghan border at Rellan, Roslea.

The animals belonged to farmer Murphy of Corragunt. Fears that children had been nearby proved unfounded. Earlier, British troops had announced their intention to demolish the bridge for security reasons, and it was believed a booby trap had been laid, triggered by movement across the field.

Security forces were active throughout the area. A 500lb car bomb was discovered near Roslea RUC barracks and rendered safe by British disposal experts.

Traffic was diverted on both sides of the Border. A bomb scare at Lackey Bridge later proved a hoax.

Locals warned that the already-damaged stone bridge remained extremely dangerous...

Call for immediate start to Cavan hospital

Four Cavan representatives on the North Eastern Health Board urged immediate work on a proposed 100-bed surgical unit at Cavan as the first stage of a general hospital. The CEO, Mr PB Seagrave, said he and the Programme Manager for Hospital Care would meet the Minister regarding the development plan.

Senator S Dolan stressed Cavan’s urgent need and said surgery should be prioritised. Senator AJ O’Brien said conditions at Cavan Surgical Hospital were “next to impossible” and hoped the Lisdarn ward and laboratory would be built quickly.

100 years ago

1926

Girl clerk charged at Newtowngore Post Office

At Mohill District Court, Bridget Kate Maguire (24), post office assistant, was prosecuted for allegedly embezzling £21 4s 1d from Newtowngore Post Office.

Mr Lynch, SS, said she had been under observation and four charges could be brought. Deficits of £11 4s 1d and £14 7s had been made good by her father.

Her solicitor, Mr Canning, said she pleaded guilty but argued the shortages were due to unsuitability for clerical work and difficult conditions caused by repeated raids.

She was discharged under the Probation Act on payment of £3 expenses...

Poteen-making at Lisnaskea

At Lisnaskea Licensing Court, before Captain Gosselin, three men were jailed and a youth fined £6 for offences relating to illicit distillation.

Francis Sweeney was found with 3½ naggins of poteen; Peter McDonnell was caught at a working still with spirits and wash; and Michael Moan Sr and Jr were charged after police discovered distilling equipment in an outbuilding.

Moan Jr, aged 17, was apprehended carrying a still worm.

Sentences ranged from six weeks to three months’ hard labour, with fines of £20 for the adults.