From the Archives

25 Years Ago...

2001

Bitter dispute over breast cancer unit delays

The North Eastern Health Board meeting was marked by prolonged and often heated debate over the location of the region’s proposed breast cancer treatment unit, with Drogheda, Cavan and Navan all competing strongly for selection.

The National Cancer Forum had initially recommended Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, a proposal later supported by a working group which also suggested that services could be delivered in Cavan as part of a wider regional network. However, disagreement deepened after a subsequent Board vote appeared to favour Navan.

Chairing figures and senior administrators, including Dr Hugh Dolan and CEO Paul Robinson, agreed that the matter required further consideration.

Dr Teresa Carey of Monaghan appealed for unity, warning that continued disagreement and delay were directly impacting women across the region who needed timely access to cancer treatment services.

She further stressed that local rivalries risked undermining the effectiveness of the entire regional health strategy...

Kerry Group acquisition of Golden Vale sparks uncertainty

Major change in the Irish dairy industry was signalled by Kerry Group’s acquisition of Golden Vale, valued at approximately £200 million, a move that had direct implications for suppliers at Golden Vale North in Bailieborough.

While Golden Vale North was regarded as a well-run and modern facility with strong export markets in food ingredients, uncertainty remained over how integration into Kerry Group would affect supplier terms...

£250k approved for Cavan training and education

In a boost for local development, £250,000 in funding was approved for training and education initiatives in Cavan.

The allocation included £150,000 for Cavan Partnership Company and £100,000 for Maudabawn Cultural Centre, with support provided under the Equality for Women Measure of the National Development Plan.

The funding was designed to expand access to education and training, particularly for women seeking to re-enter the workforce or gain new skills in areas such as information technology, administration and community development...

Neven wins Chef of the Year for second time

Blacklion chef Neven Maguire achieved national recognition by winning the Bushmills Dining Out Chef of the Year award for the second year in succession, becoming the first chef to do so.

The award highlighted excellence in Irish cuisine and the promotion of the country’s culinary reputation.

Already regarded as one of Ireland’s leading young chefs, Maguire had represented Ireland at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest in Lyon, where he placed among the top 15 chefs internationally, further enhancing his growing reputation...

Appointed Pro-Chancellor of University of Ulster

Former Fermanagh District Council Chief Executive Gerry Burns was appointed Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ulster.

In his new role, he was expected to chair key committees and play a significant part in the university’s ceremonial and governance functions.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna welcomed the appointment, describing Burns as a person of integrity and experience with a strong commitment to education and public service, particularly in relation to equality and community development...

Mast case leaves ratepayers facing £20k bill

Controversy continued in Belturbet following a High Court judicial review concerning the erection of a mobile phone mast. Cavan County Manager Brian Johnston confirmed that the resulting legal costs, amounting to approximately £20,000, would have to be borne by local ratepayers.

The case had been taken by Sinn Féin Commissioner Bernard Henry, who questioned the fairness of passing the financial burden onto the local community.

However, the County Manager defended the decision, stating that legal challenges inevitably carry costs and that the Council had been fully vindicated in its handling of the planning process...

What’s on TV

Fair City- In the featured episode, Sarah stands her ground in a tense encounter with Floyd in the Bistro, while Leo informs Malachy that Dolores is pregnant. The storyline continues the programme’s focus on intertwined personal and family dramas in Carrigstown.

Week in Numbers

7,257

The annual cost in Punt of running a small family car in Ireland, according to the AA’s motoring survey. This represented an increase of over 10% on the previous year, driven by rising fuel, insurance and maintenance costs, and equated to approximately 72.57 pence per mile based on 10,000 miles of annual driving (2001).

50 Years Ago...

1976

New York Rose has Cavan parents

Marie Soden, originally from Crosskeys in County Cavan, was selected to represent New York in the International Rose of Tralee competition.

Born in the United States but raised in Cavan from infancy, she returned to New York in 1971 after completing her education at Loreto College, Cavan.

Both of her parents are Cavan natives, with her father from Lattagloghan and her mother from Mullinagavan...

Kingscourt firm joins trade mission to Nigeria

Kingscourt Construction Group Ltd. participated in a national trade mission to Nigeria organised by Córas Tráchtála.

Directors Eugene Murtagh and Laurence Carolan were among eighteen Irish exporters visiting Lagos, the Nigerian capital, as part of efforts to expand Irish trade links and explore new markets in West Africa...

Star-studded line-up for BJD chairty match

Ballyjamesduff hosted a charity football match between the Jimmy Magee Radio and TV All-Stars and a Tony Tighe All-Ireland selection at Percy French Park.

The event attracted a wide range of entertainment and sporting personalities including Jimmy Magee, Brendan Shine, Fr Brian D'Arcy and Mick Leech, alongside former Cavan footballers such as Ray Carolan. Proceeds from the match and associated events were directed towards the Poor Clare Convent in Ballyjamesduff.

Week in Numbers

28

The number of wides recorded in the Ulster Championship semi-final between Cavan and Monaghan at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Despite a scrappy and stop-start contest in front of 23,398 spectators, Cavan emerged victorious on a scoreline of 0–13 to 0–11 to book a place in the provincial final (1976).

100 Years Ago...

1926

Land dispute heard in B'boro court

A tense family dispute over land ownership in Curkish came before Bailieborough District Court, involving Bernard Barry and his brother Patrick Barry. The case centred on allegations that Bernard had forcibly entered land belonging to Patrick and attempted to remove cattle, leading to physical confrontations in the field.

During proceedings, Bernard Barry insisted he had previously paid rent and believed he retained rights to the land.

However, the court relied on Land Commission records confirming Patrick Barry as the registered owner. The presiding Justice repeatedly advised Bernard that he had no legal basis to interfere with the property and encouraged him to seek legal advice if he wished to challenge ownership through proper channels.

Despite his defiant responses and claims of injustice, the court made clear that the documented ownership was legally binding...