From the Archives

25 Years Ago

2001

Drugs haul and explosives near Clones

Gardaí uncovered drugs worth an estimated £60,000 and around 100lbs of homemade explosives during extensive searches of Coleman Island, near Clones and close to the Border.

The operation followed the discovery of a homemade bomb, ready for priming, the previous week.

Searches also uncovered cannabis, ecstasy tablets and components for another bomb, including command wires.

A second cache of ecstasy tablets was found nearby two days later. All items were sent for forensic examination.

Asked whether the drugs and explosives were connected, the authorities said only that they had been found in close proximity and investigations were continuing.

The devices were believed to be similar to those used by dissident republican groups...

Youths under influence of violent gang

At Cavan District Court, Judge David Maughan heard evidence of a violent youth gang whose members allegedly carried out unprovoked assaults to prove their toughness to the gang’s leader.

Victims included a young girl who lost teeth after being headbutted and a man who was punched, kicked and chased through a housing estate.

Another 14-year-old was badly beaten and reportedly lived in fear of gang intimidation.

Several youths were placed under strict night-time curfews, with Judge Maughan warning that breaches would result in imprisonment.

Describing one defendant as “the wolf in the pack”, the judge said he was determined to restore public safety and return the streets to law-abiding citizens...

Ó Caoláin condemns splinter groups

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin condemned the activities of armed republican splinter groups believed to be linked to the explosives find in Monaghan.

He described such organisations as unrepresentative of mainstream republican opinion and urged those involved to reconsider their actions.

He also cautioned against speculation regarding any connection between the explosives and nearby drugs discoveries until all facts were established...

Literary honour for Tom McIntyre

Bailieborough-born playwright and author Tom McIntyre received the prestigious Ireland Funds Literary Award, worth £20,000.

The award placed him alongside previous recipients including Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, John B. Keane, John McGahern, Eavan Boland and Edna O’Brien.

McIntyre, whose play The Gallant John Joe was at the time running in Dublin, received the award at UCD’s O’Reilly Hall...

Chinese woodcuts exhibition opens in Cavan

An exhibition of woodcuts by Chinese artist Zheng Shuang was officially opened in Cavan by County Council Chairman Turlough Smith.

Curated by David Barker of the University of Ulster, the travelling exhibition showcased works inspired by China’s landscape, history and culture.

Organisers noted the artist’s wish to be recognised for her work rather than her family connection to China’s last emperor, Pu Yi...

What's on the Box?

Endgame in Ireland. BBC2. The latest instalment in the series examined the political process leading to the Good Friday Agreement. Former US President Bill Clinton discussed his controversial decision to grant Gerry Adams a US visa, a move that helped pave the way for ceasefires and negotiations...

Week in Numbers

443

A record number of pilgrims from the Diocese of Kilmore travelled to Lourdes, accompanied by two bishops and 16 priests, also a record...

50 Years Ago

1976

Bomb scare at Clones hotel

A bomb alert caused major disruption in Clones when an anonymous warning claimed a device had been planted in the Creighton Hotel.

Gardaí, assisted by Civil Defence volunteers, evacuated the area and halted traffic while a thorough search was carried out.

The alert proved to be a hoax after nearly an hour...

Council chairmen re-elected

Pat McKenna was unanimously re-elected chairman of Clones Urban District Council.

In Cootehill, Pat Smith was also returned as chairman.

Then in his 91st year, Smith had been involved in public life since 1910 and had served on numerous local authorities over more than six decades...

Patricia Quinn impresses on track

Ballinamore athlete Patricia Quinn continued her strong season with victory in the 400 metres at Drumcar Sports, defeating local favourite Barbara Watters.

Her performances left her in contention for selection to Ireland’s relay squad for an upcoming international meeting against Wales. Meanwhile, Irish distance star Eddie Leddy narrowly missed another national record at the American AAU Championships...

Success for annual horse show

More than 100 animals were exhibited at the third annual Festival Horse Show, representing a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.

The overall winner of the Cavan Crystal Trophy was James Reilly of Carlanstown, whose mare also claimed the Beaver Dan Trophy in its class...

Week in Numbers

9.9

The millions in planned industrial investment in County Meath, supported by IDA grants, was expected to create 1,275 jobs despite difficult economic conditions...

100 Years Ago

1926

New technical school planned for Clones

Clones Urban Council discussed plans for a new Technical School following recent correspondence from the Monaghan Technical Instruction Committee.

Councillors welcomed the proposal, describing it as a major educational opportunity for local youth.

While some members criticised government policy and emigration levels, there was broad agreement that technical education was essential.

The council resolved to assist in securing suitable premises, with a building on the Newtownbutler Road suggested as a possible location.

A committee was appointed to advance the project...