From the Archives
Compiled by Seamus Enright
25 years ago
2001
Monaghan councillors seek urgent meeting with minister
Monaghan County Council was to seek an urgent meeting with Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney TD to discuss the ongoing crisis at Monaghan Poultry Products.
With the plant placed in voluntary liquidation, councillors agreed unanimously at their adjourned monthly meeting to seek an economic development injection for the county. There was also speculation that perhaps personnel at Monaghan Poultry Products could take over the company and form a consortium with some of the growers.
One member said it was a pity the survival plan had not reached the Minister in time.
Long waits at Cavan General Hospital criticised
Cavan County Council asked Minister for Health and Children Micheál Martin TD to provide additional staff for the Accident and Emergency Unit at Cavan General Hospital, amid claims that patients were being left on trolleys for up to 12 to 15 hours.
Members expressed strong support for hospital staff but agreed that lengthy delays and a shortage of beds were unacceptable.
The debate was initiated by Councillor Peter McVitty, who described the waiting times as a disgrace. He recalled an incident involving a young child who entered the unit at 3pm and had still not been seen three hours later.
Bells toll at St Matthew's after Millennium award
St Matthew's church in Maghera had a new bell and community communications system thanks to a £2,000 award from the national millennium committee.
The new system has a variety of chimes and rings before Mass as well as for the Angelus at noon and 6pm. The bell could reportedly be heard up to three miles away when the wind was favourable.
Auctioneer Martin Shortt lands TV award
Virginia auctioneer Martin Shortt has scooped a major television opportunity after his property was selected for Channel 4's A Place in the Sun.
Mr Shortt joined forces with Spanish estate agent Santiago Ros in Costa Cálida, southern Spain, to compete against more than 100 British and Spanish agents. Their property was chosen as one of the final four presented to a British couple searching for a holiday home.
Martin Shortt has offices in Virginia, Oldcastle and Donaghmede in Dublin.
Cavan search for new senior manager intensifies
The search for a new Cavan senior football manager was gathering pace, with an eight-man sub-committee shortlisting potential candidates.
Officials were keen to make an appointment before winter training began and ensure that the new management team was in place for the National League.
Among the names mentioned were former Cavan coach Martin McHugh, Tommy Lyons, Paddy Clarke, John Maughan and former Cavan star Stephen King. McHugh had already turned down the possibility of a return.
Flying visit from Belturbet jockey
Belturbet jockey Frankie McDonald returned to St Bricin's Vocational School last week, where his interest in racing first took hold.
McDonald, who was enjoying success riding in Spain, told students about his career and encouraged them to consider following their ambitions. McDonald, who comes from Grilly, Belturbet, had entered the racing world after his career guidance teacher encouraged him to apply for a place at the Racing School in the Curragh.
Week in numbers: 50,000
The number of gallons of laundered diesel discovered when Gardaí and Customs officers raided a sophisticated plant in the Loughmourne area of Castleblayney.
The two-tier operation was hidden in a slatted shed on a farmyard and was capable of producing substantial quantities of illegal fuel. Garda sources estimated that a tanker load could generate a net profit of £15,000.
What's on?
Kangley's in Bailieborough had Whiskers on Thursday, The Gallaghers- billed as Ireland's newest rebel group- on Saturday and Ginger Morgan on Sunday, with Poitín advertised for the following month.
Crossdoney welcomed Eamon McEntee & Chymes on Saturday night, while ballroom dancing was on offer at the White Horse Hotel in Cootehill. The Garda Ladies Choir was also scheduled to perform in concert at Castlerahan Church.
50 years ago
1976
Council seeks 76 new houses
Cavan councillors decided to seek Department approval for the immediate construction of 76 houses instead of the 40 originally planned.
The Town Surveyor, Mr P Gaffney, said a Department inspector had indicated that a revised scheme for 186 houses had been approved, allowing the first stage to comprise either 56 or 76 homes.
Councillors argued that 76 houses were needed because of the number of recent marriages and the shortage of accommodation.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK:
30 years ago, cattle smuggling was big business along the Border. By 1976, the trade was returning on a large scale following changes in livestock prices.
The devaluation of the Irish “Green Pound” had created a substantial price difference, with cattle fetching between £25 and £30 more in the Republic. Pigs were also regarded as an attractive proposition for smugglers.
Old routes across the Border were being reopened, while Revenue authorities faced the difficult task of policing more than 300 miles of winding frontier roads, mountains and bogland.
What's On?
A dance at Clover House Hotel, Mountnugent in aid of Drumkilly Band will be see entertainment by The Country Times, Admission is 70p. Tierlahood I.C.A. Meanwhile will hold a buffet and dance at Lavey Inn in aid of the Senior Citizens’ Party. Music will be provided by Eddie Owens & Tennessee Trio, with subscriptions of £1.25. No supper will be served after 12. The semi-final of Carling’s Stairway to Stardom Competition finallly will take place featuring Julia Connolly (Cavan), Kevin McKiernan (Cavan), Kathleen McDowell (Cavan), Caroline Reilly (Killeshandra), Mulligan Bros. (Loch Gowna), Helen & Majella (Cavan), Marian O’Reilly (Belturbet), and Michael Masterson (Arva). Admission is 50p.
100 years ago
1926
Alleged embezzlement at Newbliss
A young farm servant, William Drury, aged 17, disappeared after collecting £27 in milk payments from Cloverhill Creamery near Drum.
Drury, a native of Virginia, worked for John McGahey and had been sent to the creamery with milk belonging to his employer and several neighbouring farmers.
His donkey and cart were later found at Drum Cross on the road from Newbliss to Cootehill. The matter was reported to the Civic Guard at Newbliss, who began inquiries to trace the missing youth.