From the Archives

25 years ago

2001

Farnham Estate sold to native son

Farnham Estate had a new owner in Cavan-born businessman and pharmacist Roy McCabe, who signed a contract to purchase the 1,200-acre estate.

Mr McCabe, who grew up in Behey near Billis, said he intended to retain the property and had no interest in speculative development. He described the lakes, woods and parklands as “absolutely unique” and his aim was to restore them while preserving the estate’s integrity.

He left Cavan in 1965, later qualifying as a pharmacist in Australia before returning to Ireland and establishing a business in Malahide.

He owned businesses in Dublin, Dundalk, Drogheda and Limerick.

The estate, including more than 100 acres of water, two lakes and a 53,000-gallon milk quota, had been put on the market following the death of Lord Farnham.A local community-led proposal to purchase it had failed, along with several other bids.

The asking price had been £5.2 million, although the final sale figure was not disclosed.

Cavan Civil Defence team wins national title for first time

County Cavan Civil Defence scored a major success in Carlow, winning the top award in the country after months of intensive training.

The team completed eight exercises covering casualty work, search and rescue, radiological search and survey, and road traffic accident procedures. It was the first time a Cavan team had won the prestigious competition.

Clones water supply comes under scrutiny

Clones was urgently seeking funding for a new water supply system, with councillor Pat Treanor highlighting serious problems with the existing service.

He told the Town Commission that snails were being washed through household taps and joked that some residents emerged from their showers dirtier than when they went in.

Area Engineer Donal McElwain said a new filter system had been introduced to reduce suspended solids and would take several weeks to become effective.

Councillors debate pub licensing

Clones Urban District Council debated whether the country’s pub licensing system should be deregulated.

Dr Seamus Clarke argued that anyone deemed suitable should be able to apply for a licence, provided the premises were properly operated. He described the existing system as restrictive and said competition was healthy.

Chairman Ross Mealiff and councillor Packie Quigley favoured retaining the status quo, while other members wanted more time to consider the issue. A decision was deferred.

Cavan Gaels retain minor title

Cavan Gaels retained the Cavan minor football championship for a fourth consecutive year, defeating St Mary’s, Castlerahan-Munterconnacht, by 2-15 to 2-11 at Breffni Park.

The town side dominated the first half and went into the break with a 12-point advantage.

What’s on?

Young people were also catered for with a Halloween youth disco at the Breffni Arms and a foam party featuring DJ Ollie B at Killinkere Leisure Centre.

Kokas niteclub at the Slieve Russell continued its Saturday-night sessions, while Ian Pickins & Crystal were appearing at The Cross in Stradone and Mick Flavin was on at the Longford Arms Hotel.

50 years ago

1976

Concern over future of regional colleges

Members of Monaghan Vocational Educational Committee expressed concern over proposed changes to the management of Regional Technical Colleges.

The CEO, Dr J. G. Hill, described the link between the VECs and colleges as already “tenuous”. Members wanted the VECs to retain strong representation on college boards, particularly because counties such as Monaghan were on the periphery of the areas served.

Cavan defeat Fermanagh in league opener

Cavan began their National Football League Division 2(B) campaign with a narrow 1-13 to 2-9 victory over Fermanagh at Breffni Park.The game was closely contested, with Cavan holding off a late Fermanagh rally. Their next fixture was against Longford.

Monaghan, meanwhile, lost 0-12 to 0-9 against Armagh at Castleblayney. The Farneymen struggled in attack and were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.

Political row follows O’Dalaigh resignation

President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigned from office after a dispute with Defence Minister Paddy Donegan, who had described him as a “thundering disgrace”.

The President said his resignation was the only way available to him to assert his integrity and independence and protect the dignity of the presidency.

Opposition leader Jack Lynch blamed the Government for failing to defend the office of President.

What’s on?

Milltown Hall hosted a PTA social and presentation night with music by Phelim and the Magnets, while Dickie Rock was appearing at the Embassy in Castleblayney.

In Cavan, a major concert celebrating the opening of Vince’s Palace featured Joe Dolan, Twink, Tony & Colm Hughes, the Paddy Cole Band and several other performers.

100 years ago

1926

Teacher sued over alleged assault

A case involving an alleged assault on a six-year-old pupil was heard at Newtownbutler Quarter Sessions.

Thomas Killen, through his father John, sought £50 damages from Josephine Maguire, an assistant teacher at Roteen School.

Evidence was given of bruising to the child’s hands and a lump on his head. The defendant said she had given the boy one ordinary slap on each hand after he insolently said he did not know his lessons because he had to play at home. She denied hitting his head or holding his wrist.

A doctor called for the defence said some of the marks were not caused by slapping, while the principal teacher described Miss Maguire as kind and said the punishment was not unreasonable.

The case was dismissed.