From the Archives

25 years ago

2001

Crossdoney development sparks concern

A proposed £10 million housing development in Crossdoney threatened to transform the small village, with plans for 78 homes on around 10 acres.

The development by Creighton Developments Ltd included detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses and apartments. With only around eight houses currently in the village.

But residents raised concerns about the loss of mature trees and woodland, while one objector pointed to the village’s distinctive layout, with existing houses traditionally concentrated on one side of the road.

Sinn Féin councillor Charlie Boylan said villagers had long sought improvements such as footpaths, lighting and speed controls, but insisted they should have a voice in the development of their community.

Developer Wesley Creighton said the existing house would be retained and the project would include a new treatment plant, street lighting and road realignment. He rejected claims that extensive woodland would be lost.

Matthews Pub named Ulster’s best

Matthews Pub in Virginia was celebrating after being named the best pub in Ulster in the Black and White Pub Awards.

Eamonn and Mary Matthews had already won the newcomer award in 1995 and the Cavan county title three years running. The provincial success placed them among the top five pubs in Ireland.

The family business, which had been in the Matthews family since 1869, was judged on efficiency, friendliness, hygiene and its range of drinks. More than 600 pubs entered the competition.

The couple had also recently refurbished the premises and were already looking towards the possibility of taking the national title.

Improvements recommended for notorious crossroads

Monaghan County Council was to introduce a series of short-term safety measures at Swan’s Cross, following the deaths of five members of a family in July.

The report noted that four previous collisions had occurred on wet roads and that excessive speed appeared to be a factor in the severity of the crashes.

However, the consultants warned that the measures might not eliminate the risk of vehicles overshooting the junction. In the longer term, they recommended realigning the crossroads.

McElvaney irate over Minister’s meeting refusal

Tensions were high in Monaghan over the failure of Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to meet a delegation seeking urgent action over a poultry processing plant facing closure.

The plant was in crisis, with around 300 jobs at risk and farmers struggling to find an outlet for their birds. Minister Walsh said he could not order the plant to reopen if it failed to meet EU regulations.

Local representatives expressed frustration at being unable to secure a meeting, with Councillor Hughie McElvaney describing the refusal as a “sop” to the county and branding the Government the “Government of Closure”.

Council has no place to go

Monaghan County Council faced an unusual accommodation crisis after agreeing to vacate parts of Monaghan Courthouse to make more space available for the Courts Service.

Members were warned that they might soon be unable to hold council meetings in the chamber. Alternatives included the Training Room, the council canteen or rotating meetings between towns.

For some the possibility of leaving the courthouse was an historic moment. One long-serving member recalled having already met in four different council chambers during his career.

Week in numbers

Cavan Gaels ended a 23-year wait for the senior football championship title, defeating reigning champions Gowna 0-15 to 1-7 before around 5,000 spectators at Breffni Park. It was the town club’s fifth senior championship success, following victories in 1965, 1975, 1977 and 1978.

What’s on?

The Ramor Theatre was at the centre of activity, with the Bailieborough School of Music presenting a variety show and the Swift Literary Festival bringing together local and visiting performers.

Traditional musicians Trevor Bury and Martin Donohoe were joining pupils from St Kilian’s National School for new work by composer-in-residence Bill Campbell, while Cavan poet and playwright Tom McIntyre was to officially open the festival.

Over at the Corn Mill Theatre, singer-songwriter Charlie McGettigan was sharing the bill with comedian Conal Gallen, while Johnny Loughrey was heading to the Lavey Inn.

50 years ago

1976

Housing loans for single people challenged

The treatment of unmarried people seeking housing loans came under scrutiny at Cavan County Council.

Councillor C. Boylan said single people were being refused loans to purchase existing houses, despite being allowed to borrow to build their own homes.

He argued that young people trying to establish a home before marriage were being unfairly penalised. The council backed his call for the Department to change the rules.

Opening of Mullagh factory extension

Minister for Lands T. J. Fitzpatrick officially opened a major extension to the Mullagh factory of Wellman International.

The company, which manufactured staple fibres for the home-textile industry, now employed 280 people, with 130 new jobs created through the expansion.

100 years ago

1926

Coronea’s new church

Preparations were underway for the solemn dedication of the new Church of the Immaculate Conception at Coronea come October. The new church replaced the old building, erected in 1798, which had long since become unsuitable for worship.

Designed by Dublin architects W. H. Byrne and Son, the handsome new Gothic building featured local green rubble stone contrasted with Newry granite around the belfry, doors and windows.

The church included a spacious nave, sanctuary, gallery, sacristies and baptistry, together with three marble and Caen stone altars made by Dublin craftsman Mr Sharpe.

The dedication sermon was to be preached by Cavan priest Rev. Patrick J. Gannon, SJ, of Milltown Park, Dublin, with music by St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir.