From the Archives

“The effect of this will be far reaching. It will delay and set back in many ways any purposeful attempt at the reform of Local Government”

25 Years Ago

2001

Fatal tank explosion rocks Killeshandra

Processing resumed at the Lakeland Dairies plant in Killeshandra following a tragic explosion that claimed the life of a contractor.

The blast occurred while two contract workers were cleaning a crude oil storage tank.

Martin Kirwan of Crettyard, Co. Carlow died in the incident, while his 19-year-old colleague was transferred to the burns unit at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

Residents described hearing a massive explosion and seeing thick black smoke rise from the plant. Fears of a second blast led to the evacuation of nearby homes and around 60 workers.

Fire brigades from Cavan, Leitrim and surrounding areas brought the situation under control within hours.

Investigations were launched by the Health and Safety Authority, Gardaí and Lakeland Dairies.

The company expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and thanked emergency personnel for their response...

Farnham Estate officially goes on the market

The historic Farnham Estate near Cavan was formally offered for sale following the death of Lord Farnham earlier that year.

The 1,200-acre estate, which had remained in the Maxwell family for almost 400 years, was expected to fetch more than £5 million. Agents hoped to sell the property as a single unit, though smaller lots remained an option.

The estate included Farnham House, extensive woodland and farmland, two lakes, estate cottages and a substantial milk quota.

Local auctioneers expressed hope that at least some of the land would remain in local ownership...

Progress on Bellamont forest walk agreement

A public meeting in Cootehill discussed compromise proposals aimed at resolving the dispute over access to the popular Bellamont Forest Walk.

The proposed agreement involved creating an alternative route through the estate, with commitments to widen and resurface paths and provide seating for walkers.

Estate owner John Coote was reported to be willing to meet local representatives to finalise arrangements.

Community leaders welcomed the more conciliatory atmosphere and expressed optimism that a mutually acceptable solution could be reached without costly legal action...

Cavan loses bid for regional cancer unit

The North Eastern Health Board voted to locate the new Regional Breast Cancer Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda rather than in Cavan.

The decision overturned an earlier recommendation favouring Navan and followed lengthy debate among board members.

While many in Cavan had campaigned for the unit to be based at Cavan General Hospital, the final plan included outreach and follow-up services in Cavan.

Supporters argued that establishing a specialist regional service quickly was the overriding priority...

Showband stars

President Mary McAleese hosted a special reception at Áras an Uachtaráin celebrating Ireland’s showband era. Among those attending were Larry Cunningham, Big Tom, Roly Daniels, Bridie Gallagher and members of several famous showbands.

Guests reminisced about decades spent entertaining audiences throughout Ireland during the height of the dancehall era...

Week in Numbers

69

The number of minutes it took Tara Hayes of Clare to set a new record in the Hind-Rann-Killykeen swim, completing the 3.5-mile course in one hour and nine minutes...

Quote of the Week

“The effect of this will be far reaching. It will delay and set back in many ways any purposeful attempt at the reform of Local Government”

- Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, speaking during debate on legislation ending the dual mandate for TDs and Senators...

What’s on the Box?

Space - BBC1.

A major documentary series presented by actor Sam Neill. Combining cutting-edge computer graphics with spectacular telescope imagery, it explored the origins of the universe...

50 Years Ago

1976

Swarm of bees surrounds hospital motorbike

Staff at St. Felim’s Hospital in Cavan were greeted by an unusual sight when a large swarm of bees settled on a motorcycle belonging to Sister Mary K. Brady.

The insects completely covered part of the vehicle, attracting considerable attention from staff and visitors alike...

Aunt and niece start school together

An unusual family milestone occurred at the Convent of Mercy School in Cootehill when four-year-old Collette Halton and her four-year-old niece, Teresa Halton, began school on the same day.

School authorities said it was the first occasion in the school’s history that an aunt and niece had started their education together...

Border councils seek economic survey

Cavan County Council joined neighbouring authorities in calling on the European Community to fund a comprehensive economic survey of the Border region.

Councillors argued that cross-border cooperation in areas such as industry, tourism and infrastructure offered significant opportunities and could strengthen future applications for development funding...

McDonald re-elected council chairman

Cllr DJ McDonald (FF) was re-elected Chairman of Cavan County Council, defeating P. Kiernan (FG) by 14 votes to 10. Independent and Sinn Féin councillors supported the Fianna Fáil-led ticket, while Fine Gael members backed their own candidates for both chairmanship and vice-chairmanship...

Week in Numbers

60p

The proposed maximum contribution per linear yard offered by Cavan County Council towards road restoration costs associated with group water schemes...

100 Years Ago

1926

Mystery surrounds bogland skeleton discovery

A jury-less inquest in County Leitrim heard evidence relating to the discovery of human remains in Kinlough Bog. Workers cutting turf uncovered what was believed to be the skeleton of a young female.

Medical evidence suggested the remains had been in the bog for a considerable period. Long plaits of hair tied with cord led investigators to believe the body may have been dragged before burial. Coroner Dr O’Carroll concluded the deceased had met a violent death, but no evidence existed to establish her identity or determine how long the remains had been in the bog...