From the Archives
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The fodder crisis in April 1988 in Cavan, Monaghan and adjoining counties was a major one and farmers were desperately in search of food for their animals. Our photographer, Tom Hussey, captured the scene at the farm of Tony Corr, Legaginney, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, where best quality Wexford fodder round - baled barley straw and baled hay was available to the hard pressed farmers who queued in their dozens to acquire the vital commodity. Included in picture with Tony Corr are Francie Halton, Legaginney, Ballinagh; Johnny McGovern, Killeshandra; Tom Kehoe, lorry driver; Oliver Farrell and Jack Heaslip.Image 2 of 3
When the children of the McCollum family were given into the care of an orphanage in Belfast over sixty years previous they remained there until their 16th birthday and, as they left in different years, they lost all trace of one another. In April 1991, one of the brothers, John (70) and living at Corhannagh, Arva, had been seeking information on his family and following an exhaustive search traced his brother, James, who was residing in England. The brothers James and John were re-united after 54 years and the Celt was there to capture the moment.Image 3 of 3
St Clare’s College (Ballyjamesduff) students (from left): Michelle Gaffney, Regina Lynch, Olivia Farrelly and Martin Kiernan, who participated in ‘Youth United 1991’, held in Castleknock College in April 1991. The National Youth Parliament gave the students an opportunity to meet and mix with other young people from a wide variety of colleges, to take part in discussions, group work and social activities.25 Years Ago
2001
Councillors focus on teen drinking problem
Members of Cavan County Council, at their April monthly meeting this week 25 years ago, strongly echoed concerns raised by Judge David Maughan of the District Court that teenage drinking was becoming increasingly out of control.
Cllr Madeleine Argue referred to surveys indicating that many Irish teenagers admitted to consuming five or more drinks in one sitting. While she acknowledged that most publicans acted responsibly, she stressed the need for an effective identity card system to prevent underage drinking.
Several councillors highlighted the scale of the issue. Cllr Gerry Murray described it as a serious problem requiring a co-ordinated response from the Departments of Health, Education, and Justice. Concerns were raised about teenagers staying out until the early hours and attending school “half-dazed” from alcohol.
Deputy Andrew Boylan (FG) questioned where young people were getting the money to fund their drinking, emphasising the role of parents in supervising their children. Others noted that many teenagers were working part-time, giving them disposable income that was often spent on alcohol.
Sinn Fein's Pauline Tully meanwhile called for stricter penalties for those supplying alcohol to minors; while Joe O’Reilly stressed the need to delay the age at which young people begin drinking.
Council members also debated the role of discos, late-night licensing, and Garda enforcement. While some supported alcohol-free discos, others argued that many young people were already intoxicated before attending.
County Manager Brian Johnston concluded that, while publicans and parents had a role to play, young people themselves must also take responsibility for their actions. He noted that excessive drinking had long been an issue in Ireland but had increasingly shifted to later opening and weekend binge patterns...
Furniture workers threaten strike action
Furniture manufacturing firms in Monaghan faced the prospect of industrial action amid an ongoing pay dispute.
The Building and Allied Trades Union (BATU), representing approximately 500 workers in the border region, issued notice of strike action against members of the National Furniture Manufacturers Association.
Union General Secretary Paddy O’Shaughnessy described current wage levels as a “national disgrace”, claiming workers were earning up to £100 less per week than comparable roles in the construction sector.
However, employers argued they had adhered to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and pointed to a Labour Court ruling supporting their position. They warned that many small, family-run businesses could not sustain the increased wage demands. Both sides expressed hope that a resolution could be reached before the strike deadline...
Foot & Mouth Disease
The Secretary of Cootehill Tourism Association, Una Smith, called on the Government to introduce disinfectant tunnels at ports and airports to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.
She said similar systems used in countries such as Belgium and Australia were highly effective and could help reassure farmers concerned about the risk posed by international visitors.
The outbreak had already severely impacted angling tourism in Cavan and Monaghan. With restrictions limiting fishing access and uncertainty among overseas visitors, many anglers were choosing alternative destinations such as Denmark, the United States, and Canada.
Mrs Smith also highlighted widespread confusion abroad, with some tourists unable to distinguish between Ireland and the UK in relation to the disease outbreak. She emphasised that while farmers had shown great cooperation with tourism in the past, they deserved protection from potential risks.
50 Years Ago
1976
Runaway lorry causes major damage in Killeshandra
Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused in Killeshandra when a parked articulated lorry carrying 28 tonnes of fertiliser rolled downhill on Main Street.
The vehicle struck three cars - destroying two - before crashing into a wall at Fletcher’s Saw Mills. The driver had briefly left the vehicle when it began to roll.
The incident occurred shortly before 1pm, and it was noted that, had it happened later, when workers were returning home for lunch, serious injuries could have resulted. Thankfully, no one was hurt...
Farmers seek changes to Harvester Grant
Members of the Cavan Committee of Agriculture called for changes to grant conditions for silage harvesters.
At the time, grants were only available to those harvesting at least 100 acres, a requirement many felt excluded smaller farmers.
Proposals were made to reduce the threshold, with some suggesting 50 acres as a more realistic figure for Cavan farms.
Concerns were also raised that modern agricultural schemes favoured larger operators, while smaller farms struggled to benefit from available supports...
Armed robbery of Mullagh mail van
A post office van carrying mail from several towns in Cavan and Meath was hijacked on the Bailieborough–Mullagh road by three masked and armed men.
The driver was forced to divert onto a side road, where the gang seized seven mail bags before tying him to the steering wheel. He later managed to free himself and raise the alarm.
Gardaí launched an extensive search but were unable to locate the suspects. The vehicle used in the robbery matched the description of a car stolen in Oldcastle the previous night...
Clashes in Ballyconnell
Disorder broke out in Ballyconnell when a group of young people began throwing stones at an army post in the town centre.
Gardaí in riot gear responded with a baton charge, leading to several arrests. Those detained were later released, though prosecutions were expected to follow...
Easter Commemoration in Drumlane
A large crowd attended the County Cavan Easter Commemoration at Drumlane Cemetery, held at the grave of Volunteer Seán McIntyre, killed in June 1921. Wreaths were laid by various republican organisations, including one on behalf of War of Independence veterans. The oration was delivered by George Stagg, brother of the late Frank Stagg, who died on hunger strike.
100 Years Ago
1926
Burglary in Cootehill
A house at Bridge Street, Cootehill, was broken into on a Friday night, with a cash box containing approximately £70 stolen.
The occupants were away at the time, and entry was gained through an upstairs window. The empty cash box was later recovered nearby. Gardaí investigated the crime, noting that dogs on the premises had failed to raise an alarm.