From the Archives 17/09/26
25 years ago
2001
Distraught families fear for ‘illegal’ loved ones
Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called for urgent action to help Irish people working illegally in New York missing or unaccounted following the World Trade Centre attacks.
He said some families were struggling to trace loved ones because they had been working under assumed names and feared deportation if they identified themselves to US authorities.
“There are many Irish people working as ‘illegals’ in New York and relatives in Ireland fear that they have been caught up in this tragedy,” he said.
Tributes pour in for John Hume and Seamus Mallon
Politicians in Cavan and Monaghan joined national tributes to SDLP leader John Hume following his decision to retire. Deputy leader Seamus Mallon was also stepping down.
Andrew Boylan praised Hume’s contribution to politics across the island, while Brendan Smith called his departure “the end of an era”.
Hume, who shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble, had gradually withdrawn from frontline politics, with ill health prompting his retirement.
Illicit booze scam uncovered
Gardaí and Customs officers uncovered an illicit vodka operation near Scotstown, seizing 5,000 litres of distilled spirits, 2,000 litres of wash and equipment capable of producing hundreds of litres a week.
The spirit was believed to have been supplied to pubs across several counties on both sides of the Border, with Gardaí and the RUC suspecting paramilitary involvement.
Week in
numbers: £24.65 was the average Irish cattle market price per live cwt reported to Brussels, up 36p on the previous week. The Irish price stood at 75.06 per cent of the Guide Price, compared with a
Community average of
86 per cent
McCabe selected for International Rules
Gowna’s Dermot McCabe was Cavan’s sole representative on the Irish panel for the forthcoming International Rules series in Australia.
One of six Ulster players selected, McCabe had impressed in the 1993 series, particularly at midfield, although he had proved even more effective when switched to full-forward.
Cavan GAA crisis deepens
The Cavan County Board Executive was preparing to meet following the resignation of senior football manager Val Andrews, despite his having won a vote of confidence.
But questions had been raised about his team selection, Bernard Morris’s dual role as selector and substitute, and the wider backroom set-up.
Andrews had been asked to reconsider and his resignation.
Farewell to the Sisters of Mercy, Belturbet
A farewell Mass and presentation were held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Belturbet, for the Sisters of Mercy.
What’s on?
Club Tropicana at the Carraig Springs was promising back-to-back disco nights with DJ Ollie B, while Club OTO at the Farnham Arms had Stevie Dee, Bob Conway and DJ Alan taking turns behind the decks.
In Arva, Eamon McCann was appearing at the Breffni Arms, while Ballyconnell Community Centre welcomed the Killinkere Gospel Singers with support from Maybe James. Younger revellers meanwhile were heading to Sleepers Night Club in the “New Community Centre”, while Bagatelle were back by popular demand at Sharkey’s Hotel in Virginia.
50 years ago
1976
Gowna priest leaves for Malawi
Gowna priest Fr Michael Morris, a member of the St Patrick’s Missionaries in Kiltegan, left for missionary work in Chikwawa, Malawi. He had been ordained in Kiltegan in June.
Oldcastle’s eyesores
Mr M. Lynch urged Meath County Council to tackle what he called “three terrible eyesores” in Oldcastle- weeds around the IDA factory, the dilapidated former salesyard and problems at the Fair Green, where he wanted fencing to prevent unauthorised parking.
He also called for a single group water scheme to serve residents around Ballinacree.
Border bomb scare
Traffic between Clones and Newtownbutler was disrupted after a bicycle left at Clontivern Cross sparked a bomb scare.
Police and Gardaí were alerted before the mystery was resolved: the bicycle had been taken from the home of local man Mickey Reevey and dragged onto the road.
On getting it back, Mickey said: “Someone took the bicycle just for a bit of badness.”
First Leitrim title for Aughawillan
Aughawillan won its first Leitrim Senior Football Championship title after defeating Glencar-Manorhamilton at Carrick-on-Shannon. Leitrim County Board chairman George O’Toole presented the cup to captain Frank Smyth.
Rat infestation problem
Rats were causing misery in Cavan council houses, with councillors hearing that they had eaten wallpaper and had even been seen sitting on a kitchen range.
Councillors discussed the use of poison, while the Chairman suggested rats might be entering houses through the sewerage system.
What’s on?
Mullahoran Parochial Hall was the venue for a presentation to Fr Tom Smith, with music from The Main Attraction. In Killeshandra, a social and presentation for Nurse Maureen Teevan promised music from Eddie Owens and the Tennessee Trio.
There was also a fundraising night at Moyne Community School in aid of the Fr Magee Oratory Fund, featuring Felim and the Magnets, while Butlersbridge had Ian Corrigan and the Country Style on the bill.
100 years ago
1926
Peculiar defence for unburied carcase
John Bergin, Knockntee, offered an unusual explanation at Cavan District Court after being prosecuted for leaving a calf’s carcase unburied.
He said he had been told if an animal was buried on his own land, “the land would get greedy for more”.
The judge asked: “Did you believe that?”
“Well, I heard it,” Bergin replied.
He was fined 15 shillings, with costs and expenses.
Guards’ discovery in graveyard
A revolver, ammunition, a cloth mask and money hidden in a trench coat in a graveyard featured in evidence against Patrick Kearney of Co Meath, accused of holding up van driver Patrick Keelan and robbing him of £9 11s.
Keelan told the court that a masked man had stopped his van at gunpoint, firing two shots before taking money, a cheque and a postal order.
Kearney was returned for trial at the next Circuit Court in Trim.