From the Archives

25 years ago

2000

Death in London treated as suspicious

Police in London said they were investigating all circumstances behind the death of 33-year-old from Cavan.

The man had been living and working in the Soho area of London for 15 years.

He collapsed on Rupert Street and was taken to University College Hospital, where he died three days. One line of investigation was a suspected drug overdose.

London Metropolitan Police appealed to the public for witnesses...

Natural Gas for to Kingscourt homes

Residents of Kingscourt were to receive natural gas in their homes for the first time and in time for winter.

Originally intended only for industrial users, the service was expanded after public demand prompted a survey that confirmed local interest.

Bord Gáis said it was laying main pipelines throughout the town, with service expected to be operational by September.

A public meeting would be held to inform residents about how to connect to the network - at no charge.

At the time natural gas was already in use by major local industries including Gypsum Industries, Wellman International, Bailieborough Creamery, and the Brick Yard.

Expansion to homes outside the town limits was expected the following year...

Cavan businessman buys Dublin pub

Cathal Brady, a businessman from Arva, purchased The Cole Porter pub in Rathmines, Dublin, from Sean Quinn for over £3M.

The pub had been withdrawn from auction at £2.4M before being sold privately.

Earlier in the year Mr Brady acquired McDonnell’s pub on Ashe Street in Cavan, adding to his growing portfolio...

Fisheries Inspector pleased by lake health

Matt Nolan, a veteran inspector with the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, reported a marked improvement in the ecological health of Lough Sheelin, a key trout fishery.

He noted clearer water and increased plant life at the lake’s floor due to reduced algae, which contributed to healthier trout populations.

Mr Nolan praised Cavan County Council for implementing stricter bye-laws, which have positively impacted the lake’s condition.

Addressing recent controversy over pike removal, Mr. Nolan explained that pike prey on young trout and needed to be controlled to preserve the lake’s trout stock.

Approximately 3,500 pike were relocated to lakes in Roscommon; while 3,000 injured fish were euthanised and sold to C&D Foods in Edgeworthstown. He stressed that Lough Sheelin was one of only 15 trout lakes of its kind globally and must be protected.

The Fisheries Board planned to introduce a new, non-lethal electrical method to remove pike and roach in future operations.

50 years ago

1975

Fire destroys food market

A devastating fire broke out in Bailieboro, causing an estimated £20,000 in damage to the premises of Brian Halton’s Foodmarket on Main Street.

The blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, began around 2:30am and quickly spread to flats above the store, leaving four families homeless.

The Bailieborough Fire Brigade, led by Chief Thomas McEvoy, responded promptly, with backup units from Cavan, Cootehill, and Kells arriving shortly after.

While three families escaped safely, Noel McDonald and his wife had to be rescued from the second floor.

The fire also spread to neighbouring butcher Eugene Farrell’s premises, damaging the roof and ruining £200 worth of meat...

Rev Brady earns degree

Rev Edward J. Brady, formerly Town Clerk of Cavan, was conferred with a BA degree from University College Dublin.

Son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Brady of Coratober, Cavan, Fr Brady began teaching at the White Fathers' institution in Templeogue, Dublin.

In his time in Cavan, he was well known for his role as producer of the Moonlight Players of Castletara, a prominent rural amateur dramatic society...

IDA supports Cavan Crystal

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) announced that 45 small industrial projects were recently approved, with the potential to create 823 jobs at full capacity. Among the beneficiaries was Cavan Crystal, set to receive funding under this initiative.

The IDA highlighted the strong Irish ownership of the approved ventures, which are projected to generate £2.5M in investment.

Meanwhile, a separate IDA report for the North-East region showed Cavan Town continued to struggle with industrial development due to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of affordable, serviced land.

Cootehill, in contrast, was been a bright spot...

Defects plague housing estate in Clones

Clones Urban Council Chairman Pat McKenna was praised for addressing serious flaws in newly built homes in the Cherry Park estate.

Issues reported by tenants included non-functional oil heating, poorly hung doors, and fireplaces emitting smoke into rooms.

The council had written to the Department of Local Government and the National Building Agency (NBA), requesting urgent inspection and resolution of these problems...

Water Skiing Championships held in Newbliss

The National Water Skiing Championships were held at Annamakerrig Lake near Newbliss, drawing thousands of spectators who witnessed top-level Irish water skiing action.

The event was the result of a major effort by the small but dedicated Annamakerrig Water Ski Club, which successfully designed a competition-standard course on the scenic lake.

A standout feature was the ski jump, built entirely by volunteers, and considered one of the best in Europe.

100 years ago

1925

Two men drown in separate incidents

Two tragic drownings occurred in Leitrim. Thomas Brady, a British soldier, drowned while bathing in Lough Allen near Ballinamore.

He encountered unexpected difficulties and sadly lost his life.

Brady was the son of the late Patrick Brady of Cornamount House.

A second fatality took place near Carrick-on-Shannon.

Charles Rougan, a Civic Guard from Carney, Sligo, drowned while swimming near Rosebank Island.

Accompanied by two fellow guards and two boys, Hogan attempted to swim across the lake. His companions reached shore safely but noticed Rougan struggling halfway across. Despite efforts to rescue him, he sank and could not be saved.