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.These are just some random articles,I’ve gotten from the newspapers back in the day,when life was so simpler,I’ve a few to add so I’ll get to them as I can

“Moy“! reported on 20/8/1960 Dungannon Observer

Residents of the village on Tuesday night,observed the American Echo balloon satellite, above the village, the satellite was clearly visible for several minutes at about 10.40 pm

this must have been quite the sight at this time,the Echo balloon was over 100 feet across here is a bit of reading on them 

 

 

“Moy Trees”! reported on 7/12/1957 Dungannon Observer

 “Moy’s Famous Trees to be cut down and sold for timber”

 The fourteen trees which have ornamented Moy Square for many centuries are to cut down and sold

Mr Maxwell engineer advised Dungannon rural council to do this,at Thursday’s meeting,which he had with representatives of Moy residents,regarding his proposal to give Moy a “new look”

Mr Maxwell  reporting on the proposal to construct a wall  at the north side of the Square,said that the meeting agreed to compromise and decided that not all but just under  two-thirds of the frontage should be covered by a similar permanent fence .This last question was,however to be referred to the local church committee of the church.Mr Maxwell continuing said he would recommend this to the council.

It was also agreed by the meeting that the north side should be widened to give the footpath a width of seven to eight feet at the widest portion.A corresponding saving in the area to be tarmac-adamed would be achieved.

Mr Maxwell suggested that the trees in the square should be cut down for the following reasons :(1)The exposed roots would hamper the tarmac,laying and might be destroyed in that operation leading to the death of the tree:(2)If the trees were unaffected the normal root movement would almost certainly destroy the tarmac surface laid:(3)At least four of the fourteen existing trees are now in a dangerous condition.

The meeting had agreed with him on this point and he would recommend to the council that the final step in the improvement of the Square would be the removal of the trees.He would also ask the Council to consider the question of replanting trees as a border to the main road through the Square.

Mr Maxwell added that he contacted Mr A. Millar of Moy,with a view to the possible arrangement about the removal of the trees,but he considered that the value of  the trees was not enough for the work involved.He suggested that the representatives of the Council could negotiate an agreement with either Mr. Millar or some other sawmill operator.

Clr. E  Gallagher who represents the electrical division of Moy,said the trees had ornamented the Square and were a landmark for centuries,but obviously they would have to be cut down.

Mr Moses Busby who presided,supported the cutting down of the trees,but expressed the hope that the Council would consider replanting trees as the engineer recommended.

After further deliberation a committee was appointed to negotiate for the removal of the trees and it was agreed to proceed with all possible speed with the improvement of the Square.

Here is a picture of Moy fair day,showing the Trees circa 1900 

 

“Standing room only at Moy Ceili” !,reported 11/1/1958 Dungannon Observer 

 

 

“Drunk“!reported  22/9/1927 Tyrone Courier 

Sergeant Kennedy v John Connor,Charlemont,drunk on the 13th July

The Sergeant said the case was adjourned from the last court,to allow the defendant to take the pledge.

Defendant produced a written pledge and was fined 2s and costs

 

“Eileen Donaghy sets up Irish disc record “!reported 26/9/1964 Dungannon Observer 

Eileen Donaghy the singing housewife from Tyrone,has become the first Irish traditional ballad singer to receive a silver disc,to confirm that sales of her records throughout the world have reached 250,000.The award has made for the sale of long and extended play records by Eileen.

The star plans a tour of the United States and Canada,later this year,but first she has several engagements to fulfil in various towns throughout the six counties.

The first  of these is in Lurgan where she tops the bill at a concert in the L.C.A hall on Monday night.Proceeds of this function are in aid of  the Leukaemia Research Fund

On Friday,october 2 ,Eileen will make a personal appearance in Moy where she will top the bill at a concert in the Olympic Cinema,supporting artistes will include Peter Tomelty,Gertie Wine,Marie Cunningham,and other well-known T.V personalities

 

 

“The latest invention” !reported 6/8/1898 Dungannon Courier 

 “A flying bicycle”

 New Orleans,Sunday- A patent has been granted to the inventor of a new kind of bicycle, which he claims,will be able to travel not only over ground,but also over water,and if necessary,to take flight in air.The front wheel is described as spherical in shape and as consisting of two spheres one within the other.In other respects the machine resembles an ordinary bicycle,and is propelled by means of pedals in the usual way.The outer covering of the spheres is rubber.The inner sphere is filled with a certain acid,and the outer sphere with another substance,upon which it will act,the composition of both being kept secret.The rider of the machine has means of controlling the valves,with which the spheres are provided,thus permitting the chemicals to come in contact.The inventor asserts that the gas thus generated is so much lighter than air as to make the machine buoyant,and the supply of gas can be so regulated by the rider that if he wishes to travel on earth he can make his machine so light that it and he together will only weigh 15 pounds,merely sufficent to retain a grip on the ground,and thus obtain great speed.An increase in supply of gas is to make it possible for the bicycle to skim over the surfaces of the water,while a further increase is expected to raise the bicycle clear of the ground altogether,and enable it to fly through the air,when fans attached to the rear wheel will act as propellers.

“Dungannon Drive to aid Cancer Research”!reported 7/12/1957 Dungannon Observer

Speaking at a Whist drive in aid of the cancer research fund in the Castle Ballroom Dungannon,on Friday,Mrs J.H.H Pollock,Drumcairne,said the society spent every penny in research work and their efforts would continue until a real cure for the disease was discovered.She thanked the people of Dungannon district for their financial support.

Prizewinners were as follows-top score,MrPMcKearnan,Coalisland(180)Ladies-1,Miss A. Wallace;2Mrs Jamieson;booby,Miss Keogh Irish St.Gents-1,Mr R McNamee;2,Mr Alan Kearney.Ladies travelling prize,Mrs Gilbert;Gents travelling prize,Mr Harry Mackey.Other prize winners were distributed by Mrs Loane.Mr Jack Gough acted as fear a toighe.The organising committee included:Mrs S.W Hamilton,Mrs W.E.Halliday,Mrs R.J Carson,Mrs G.A Crawford,Mrs Roy Johnston,Mrs J Patton,Mrs T Taylor,Mrs E.F James,Mrs R.C.R Loane,Mrs S Stewart,Mrs J.H.H Pollock,Mrs Moore,Miss Spence,Miss Ferguson,Miss McCrea,Dr T.G Milliken,Surgeon R.C.R Loane,Dr E.F James,and Messrs,J Boyd,J.C Simpson,G Loughlin,W Miller,T.A Dickson,Jack Gough,E Smith,E.N Irwin and V McKay , pictured are members of the organising committee.

 

American Invention Typographer !,reported  28/8/1829 Belfast News Letter

We have examined a curious machine invented by Mr Burt,of Macomb County,called by him a typographer.It’s object is to enable a person tp print with the same rapidity which he can write,and to make one or more impressions at the same time,to the number of  twelve.The letters of the alphabet are stereotyped in a curvilinear groove,and affixed to a rod,on one end of  which moves upon a swivel,and the other is held in the hand.An index is immediately before the eye of the operator,where the letters are also arranged,and a notch corresponding with each letter is cut in a brass plate.The paper to be printed is passed over a bar with a proper edge,covered by cloth,and is moved by a roller;and the person operating has only to put the rod in the notch corresponding with the letters he wishes to print,and the impression is made.The elevation of the rod from the notch moves the paper,just far enough for another impression,and so on until the work is complete.The down right movement not only makes the impression,but keeps the types sufficiently with ink.The operation is as rapid as writing,and far less fatiguing.The machine is not less curious for it’s mechanical ingenuity than for it’s admirable simplicity.Bishop Wilkins said that the time would come,when a man preparing for a journey,would call for his wings as familiary as for his boots.We have no doubt that the time is near,when a man to prepare his epistle,will resort to his Typographer,instead of his pen and ink .

oh how things have come on from 1829

A Claimant to the Irish throne!, reported 11/8/1898 Tyrone Courier

Mr Justin McCarthy,MP,who still remains at Westgate-on Sea in the enjoyment of good health,has been wondering,a London correspondent states what has become of the mysterious lady in New York who used to send him many letters,simply signing herself “Bridget”,but claiming to be by right divine Queen of Ireland.She stated that she had proofs of her claim,both documentary and genealogical;and that she anticipated no opposition from “Victoria” in ascending to the Irish Throne when she furnished her evidence.”Bridget” urged MrMcCarthy to bring the matter under the attention of the Hose of Commons.”When you cable me that my claim is allowed,”she wrote in her last despatch,”I will set sail at once to take possession of my Kingdom,and will appoint you my first Prime Minister.”But the offer,though very tempting,did not include the then chairman of the Irish Party to make any move on this matter.

A gipsy quarrel !, reported 29/9/1927 Tyrone Courier

An exciting incident occurred in Charlemont  on Monday forenoon in which two travelling caravan parties of the gipsy type fought fiercely for over an hour. Apparently the trouble arose over a bargain about an exchange of a caravan.Several kicks and heavy blows were landed between the male and female occupants on either side.The incident arrival of Mr.D.Hughes,J.P,the CPS,and a police Constable,had a salutary effect.When hostilities slightly abated the above named gentlemen entered into the melee taking the part of arbitrators happily with peace and quiet returning.

Caravans  from back in the day

T.V Source of Physical Danger to You!,reported 20/8/1955 Dungannon Observer

Your television screen may be a source of physical danger to you…That is the warning given by Professor Morgens Westergaard of Copenhagen university.”The soft X rays emitted from television screens,”he asserts “cause great concern among radiologists,because we are here probably for the first time dealing with radiations to which large groups of people,and especially children,are submitted for long periods.”Professor Westergaard wants the genetic aspects of this new source of radiations to be looked at carefully.

The British Dental Society also warns that the teeth of many children,are in danger because of television.According to the society,when children sit for long hours watching television with theirs jaws thrust into their hands,they are slowly pushing their teeth out of alignment.And this can lead to serious mouth trouble in later years.These are but two examples of how,although industrialism has brought many technical benefits it brings also insidious effects on human health.A study made in a large industrial city of England shows that deaths from heart failure increase in the winter when the air is more polluted by smoke.This and other research tracing a number of ills to the foul air that city dwellers breathe ,led one speaker at an international congress on pollution to assert that the need for clean air has become the number one public health problem of industrial areas.Another growing problem is noise.Experts estimate that one out of every 30 persons is deaf or suffering from some impairment of hearing.And they agree that the chief cause is the increasing noise that assaults us in factories in the streets,and even in our homes

Anyone living in a hot climate may bless air conditioning,but he should also be aware that investigation has convinced,some medical scientists that sudden changes in temperature, have a harmful effect on the heart and circulatory system.

Drastic changes in altitude-possibly because of fast modern travel-may also be bad for the human system.Recently for example,athletes at the Pan-American Games,who had lived all their lives in low altitude countries,collapsed while trying to perform at Mexico City,which is 7,400 feet above sea level.

Even in making our work easier for us,engineers may not always be doing us a favour ,many Doctors believe that high blood pressure is more common today because more people do work at their desks,or benches and get little exercise,an English study shows that high blood pressure occurs more frequently,among bus drivers who are seated all day than among the conductors who are constantly running up and down the stairs of London’s two-decker buses.

Modern science has helped the farmer raise more food than his ancestors could.However some of the chemicals used by farmers to destroy insects-such as arsenic-can also harm unless carefully washed off fruit and vegetables.Another advance in food processing -quick freeze preservation-has its disadvantages.Frozen orange juice,for example,loses much of the Vitamin C that you get when you eat oranges in the old fashioned way.Without Vitamin C,we are prey to such diseases as scurvy.Carbon monoxide-poisoning is a widespread hazard.This lethal gas pours out of millions of motor vehicles all over the world,and scientists are trying to find out how much general harm it may be doing .These are the hazards of technical progress,which demand active public health policy.

Three Eggs in One !,reported 20/8/1960 Dungannon Observer

When 8 year old Hugh Mills of Tunnel Lodge Dungannon,was on holidays in the country,he was given what appeared to large double-yoke egg to take home with him.On opening it he discovered that in addition to the two yolks there was an ordinary egg complete with shell inside.

A youtube vid showing this in China

Fire!,reported 18/8/1927 Tyrone Courier

On Sunday evening last a serious fire broke out in a neat little cottage on the Dungannon Road near Moy,owned by Mrs Harpur sprit merchant,Charlemont Street Moy.The cottage had been occupied by a Mr Thomas Jamieson up till midday on the previous day.Mr Jamieson locked up the cottage and surrendered the key to the landlady on Saturday evening.Late on Sunday evening smoke was observed coming from the roof and almost immediately flames broke forth.The cottage is situated in a densely populated locality and consequently willing workers soon collected themselves and set about saving the building.Mr Robert Halligan,with commendable activity,extricated a few sheets of the corrugated iron roofing and by continued application of a plenteous supply of water,managed to subdue the flames,which at times threatened complete destruction.Had it not been for the calmness of the weather prevailing at the time and the large number of willing hands,doubtless the building was doomed.

Capture of a Seal at Portstewart by a Magherafelt Merchant!,reported 20/8/1896 Tyrone Courier

On the 9th inst.Mr Greer watchmaker and jeweller,Magherafelt,visited Portstewart for the day.On strolling around by the Castle,his son drew attention to a dark object,which he called a dog.Mr Greer looked in the direction indicated and saw that it was a fine seal,apparently sleeping,on a rock in the shallow part of the water.He made all haste towards the animal and struck it heavily with his stick several times until life was extinct.In the evening he brought it home,and yesterday found it to be two stone four pounds in weight,and three feet six inches in length.One was noticed at Portrush three years ago,but it was not captured.Mr Greer had many visitors to inspect the animal.

THE SUBMARINE RAILWAY BOAT!,reported 30/3/1875,Freeman’s Journal

As the present moment every kind of scheme is being proposed to avert the horrors of the sea-sickness experienced while crossing the Straits of Dover.Some propose to construct boats large enough to convey a whole railway train;others,steamers on various plans,to be beyond the disturbance of the winds and waves.Some propose to build a bridge over the Channel;and others,whose scheme appears to be just now most in favour,to drive a tunnel underneath it.Without desiring to say a word against this last scheme,it is ,nevertheless,well to consider the wisdom of doing what is asked by its promoters namely,giving to them a concession of 99 years,and at the same time positively forbidding the prosecution of any other scheme for crossing the Channel for 30 years,no matter how advantages or how practicable this might prove.Among the plans proposed one which was first brought forward in 1869,and is now again placed before the public,is to lay a railway in the bottom of the sea.A submarine railway boat is to be conveyed from one side to the other.Without saying anything to advocate this plan,or to oppose it,it will be worth giving an account of its principal features.The inventor,Dr J.M.A Lacomme,proposes to lay down across the bed of the Channel a railway to carry two lines of galvanised iron rails,along which it is proposed to run chariots or platforms also of galvanised iron.On this a chariot is to placed,secured by strong screws worked from the inside,a large boat,which,if unsecured,would rise of itself to the surface;by this arrangement the weight to be drawn will be rendered extremely trifling,it being possible so to adjust it as to be no more sufficient to keep the car on the rails-that is to say,suppose the boat to have an ascending force in the water amounting to two tons,the car weighing three tons,will keep it on the rails by the weight of one ton,which will be a small amount to propel.The boat is to be constructed of galvanised iron and hermetically sealed,and it is proposed to light both the inside and the line before the boat by an electric light placed in the bow of the vessel.At the stern is a large tube,the mouth of which is downwards,through which a man in a diving dress can descend,if need be,at any moment.The boat is to be propelled by means of crews at the bow and stern,worked by engines,the motive power being compressed air.This air,of which a sufficient supply is to be conveyed for the journey,will,when released from the engines,to be conveyed into the cabin for the supply of the passengers.On top of the boat is placed a float,which may be released at any moment from the inside,and is furnished with tubes of sufficient length to reach from the deepest part of the Channel to the surface;these tubes are furnished with ball cocks ,so that they will not open till above the surface,and through them a fresh supply of air can be procured if it should happen from any accident to be needed.A submarine station is proposed which would be similar to the boat,and if any difficulty were to occur the boat might be liberated from the car,and then rising in a few seconds to the surface could proceed into port like an ordinary steamer.The inventor calculates that the transit beneath the Channel may be made in an hour,and gives close calculations of the air required for 100 passengers,showing how the quantity for them and for the engines can rapidly be stored(compressed) in reservoirs with in the boat.Provision is also made by ingenious arrangements for getting rid of the vitiated air,and it may be said,in fact,that this scheme appears to be,theoretically,complete.As has been previously observed,however,the success of this plan can only be shown by working it out practically.The particular advantage claimed for the project by the inventor are;-That immense weights may be transported with a very small motive power.That travelling can be accomplished rapidly in the still water,sheltered from winds,waves,fogs,or other annoyances.The risk is reduced to a minimum by the precautions adopted,and especially by power of allowing the boat to rise to the surface in a few seconds.With regard to these advantages,no doubt they appear to exist according to theory;but just as we are without exact information with regard to the rocks beneath the Channel,so are we uninformed as to the condition of the water at the bottom in times of storm,&c.Theoretically the bottom of the sea is calm,but there appears to be evidences in many places of something like deep sea currents,and it is quite possible that in narrow straits,especially where-as is the case between Dover and Calais-the depth is not great,that storms raging in the Atlantic or in the North Sea map produce disturbances by no means anticipated by those who have not been at the bottom on such occasions.Be this as it may ,this plan appears to possess certain merits,and at least deserves to be looked into.

Moy Sports!,reported 29/9/1927 Tyrone Courier

Moy sports were held on Sunday last in a field kindly lent by Mr.B.Laverty. The weather was fairly good and the field was well filled with spectators.There was an unusual number of entries this year in all sections and excellent prizes were awarded the winners.The Rev. Cannon Quinn,PP and Rev. Father Boyle, C.C superintended.The arrangements were admirably carried out by the Sports Committee.The attendance of Blackwatertown Pipers band and Listamlet flute band added much to enliven the proceedings.The results were as follows:-Schoolboys race-1,Hugh McCaffrey;2,Patrick McKearney: 3,William Donnelly.Flat race,100 yds-1,Joe McGrath;2,Joe Sheridan.Flat race.440 yds-1,Arthur O’Neill;2,Charles O’Neill.Half mile-1,Arthur O’Neill;2,Charles O’Neill.Three leg race(schoolboys)-1Bobby Laverty and James Hughes.Cycle race,one mile-1,Arhur McGee;2,John McCourt,Cyle race,2 miles-1,Arthur McGee;2,John McCourt.Cycle race (musical chairs)-Owen Mullan.Pole,and pillow fight-John McCourt.High Jump-Dan Clancy.Challenge cycle race-Owen Mullan.

LADY CHARLEMONT’S CAR IN COLLISION!,reported 7/12/1935,Dungannon Observer

CYCLIST INJURED

Lady Charlemont was involved in a road accident at Unix Bridge,Stewatrstown,last Saturday.The motor car in which she was travelling,rounding a bend came into collision with a cyclist,William Barr,Coalisland.The cyclist was thrown and received injuries to his knee,He was attended by Dr.R.J.Spence Stewarstown and subsequently removed home.The car was driven by Lady Charlemont’s chauffeur.

POTEEN SEIZURE!,reported 30/11/1935,Dungannon Observer

LOCAL MAN CHARGED AND REMANDED

At a special court in Dungannon,on Wednesday,before Mr.J.C.Austin, R.M,Joseph Corrigan Drumconnor,Dungannon was charged with having in his possession a private and concealed still used in illicit distillation and with having 39 gallons of wash and seven pints of illicit spirits.Sergeant Crawford stated that he searched the defendant’s house at Drumconnor that morning and in a room off the kitchen found a complete still in working order.There was also a ten-gallon crockery jar,two 40-gallon barrels,one tin jar,one 2-gallon jar and ten bottles,all of which contained traces of illicit spirits.There was a hand basket containing new corks and sacks,seven pints of illicit spirits in five bottles and the wash.The defendant admitted that he manufactured the illicit spirits.He also admitted ownership of the other articles which the constabulary seized .When arrested he made no statement.Witness also found two books and other papers giving recipes for illicit distillation and defendant admitted ownership of these.Witness described how the apparatus was placed on a donkey cart and brought across the bog road for almost a mile to the country road,and later brought by lorry to Castlecaufield barracks.Accused was remanded,bail being set at £50 with two sureties of £25 each.

FOUR MONTHS FOR POTEEN MAKER!,reported 14/12/1935,Dungannon Observer

At Dungannon court ,Joseph Corrigan,Drumconnor,Dungannon was charged with having in his house a privately concealed still,a cooler and other vessels used in illicit distillation and 39 gallons of wash,6,1/4 pints of illicit spirits,a quantity of barum and a quantity of corks.Mr.M.Doris,Cookstown,appeared for defendant,who pleaded guilty.Sergeant Crawford gave evidence of finding the foregoing articles at defendant’s house,also books relating to the manufacture of spirits.Captain Gossellin caused a laugh in court,when he tested the spirits by pouring some of it on his hand.Mr.Doris,pleading for lencency,on defendant’s behalf,said they couldn’t but admit the seriousness of the offence,but defendant asked him to state he never sold it to young people.He asked their worships to take into account the fact the defendant parents were still alive and the shock it was to them,and the trouble he had saved by pleading guilty.He asked their worships not to make a fine part of the penalty as defendant would be unable to pay anything.Defendant was sentenced to 4 months hard labour.On a summons for keeping a double-barreled gun without a licence,he was fined 2s,6d and costs.

A typical 40 gallon still of the day 

Charges Against a Constable !Alleged Insubordinate Conduct to Sergeant !reported 8/6/1935 Dungannon Observer

POLICE INQUIRY AT MOY

A Police court inquiry was held at Moy Barracks on Thursday.Constable John.J.T.Kellcher was charged with being guilty of insubordinate conduct towards Sergeant R.Bell,in that he about 2 pm,on the 24th day of April,1935,at Moy Barracks,when demanding a half sheet from the Sergeant,made use of the expression:”I will give you something more to think about than speed traps when you get this”or words to that effect.Accused was further charged with being guilty of insubordinate conduct towards Sergeant Bell on the 24th day of April,when referring to the Sergeant he made use of the expression to Constable R.J.Gardiner:”I will give him something which will make him lose a few nights sleep”or words to that effect.A third charge alleged neglect of duty by not submitting until the 24th April,1935 a complaint containing certain allegations regarding the conduct of Sergeant Bell,when on patrol with himself(Constable Kellcher) at Moy about 11.50 pm on 21st April.The court was composed of District Inspector J.R.Moore,Omagh(President).and D.M Stratford.Cookstown.D.I Coulson prosecuted and Mr P.A Marrinan,B.L ( Instructed by Mr Brian .A.Cosgrove.B.A.solicitor) defended.

SERGEANTS EVIDENCE

Sergeant Bell,Moy,examined,stated that on the 24th April,Constable Kellcher applied for eight hours leave of absence on the 25th April which was refused as a motor trap was arranged for that date.The Constable then made the following remark after obtaining a half sheet”I will give you more than speed traps to think about when you get this”.That was 2 o’clock on the 24th April,and when Constable Kellcher returned at 2-5 he handed in half a sheet with a complaint towards him on Easter Sunday 21st April.Cross-examined by Mr Marrinan,witness stated that it would take only a few minutes to write a complaint.He denied that he mentioned the case that evening to Constable R.J.Gardiner when on patrol.He further denied having struck Constable Kellcher on duty on Easter Sunday night ,21st April.Constable R.J Gardiner called for prosecution,stated that on 24th April Constable Kellcher returned to the barrack to relieve him off Barrack Orderly at 2 o’clock and went to the Sergeants office.He returned to the day room with a half sheet and commenced writing on it.When finished writing, Constable Kellcher made the following remarks to witness”I will give him something which will make him lose a few nights sleep”Witness understood the remark to refer to the Sergeant.Cross-examined by Mr.Marrinan witness admitted he did not leave the Barrack on patrol at 2 pm as stated in his diary,but at 2.15 pm.Mr Marrinan-“Is the entry in the diary a lie ?”Witness -“It is”.What time did Kellcher bring back the complaint to the Sergeant?-2.15 pm.Sergeant Bell stated it was 2-5 pm would he be  wrong -“He would”.Did Sergeant Bell mention the matter to you on patrol the evening of the 21st April?-“He mentioned it that evening”.

THE DEFENCE

Constable Kellcher stated that he was struck by Sergeant Bell when on patrol on Easter Sunday night,21st April,at 11.50 pm.There was ill feeling between himself and the Sergeant for sometime,said Constable Kellcher,who denied that he used the remarks alleged,in the presence of the Sergeant or Constable Gardiner,or the latter was present when he wrote the complaint of the Sergeants conduct on the Sunday night.Richard Wright,Moy,stated that on the night of 21st April he was leaving his aunt,Mrs Grimason,home from his fathers house and was passing the “Double Tree” when he heard scuffling.He thought something was wrong and recognised the Sergeant and another man whom he did not know.Mrs Grimason stated she did not see anything out of the ordinary but she did see the two policemen.Mr Campbell,Moy stated he was standing about 50 yds,from the scene heard scuffling and looking closely saw two policemen.The decision will be promulgated.

Result of Moy Police inquiry!,reported 22/6/1935 Dungannon Observer

Following the police court of inquiry into the two charges of insubordination preferred against Constable J.T.Kellcher ,Moy ,and a third charge of neglect of duty,the finding of the court has been promulgated.The constable has been asked to send in his resignation forthwith.

ADVENTURES OF A HARE ! reported 17/8/1935 Dungannon Observer

A Hare raced along the road in front of a lorry travelling towards Seskinore(Tyrone) for more than a mile,and on reaching the village,dashed into the house of Mr McClean,and out through the yard .From there it ran into the house of Mr Greer,the village schoolmaster and upstairs to the drawing room,where junior members of Mr Greer’s family captured it,one receiving a bite in the process,and set it free outside

Nowadays it would be on Youtube just like this Scottish Hare in action well worth the 5 minute watch lol

Bicycle built for four in Dungannon!,reported 10/8/1935 Dungannon Observer

A bicycle built for four caused quite an attraction in Dungannon on Wednesday last.The four young cyclists-Dublin men who are touring Ireland-made a long stop in Market Square.

A bicycle like this 

Three-Years-Old Boy who is 9st!,reported 31/8/1935 Dungannon Observer

WEARS 16 1/2 INCH COLLAR

Heavyweight of family

Aged only 3 1/2 years ,Joe Randazza,of Gloucester (Massachussets),weighs 9 st. 5ibs.Joe was born on Christmas Eve,1931.He is one of six children.The others are entirely normal.He weighed 8 lbs,at birth,and started at once to gain almost 1lb a week.When he was seven months old he was wearing a suit of a size to fit a boy of four.His shirt collar is now 16 1/2 inches,trousers,38 inches and his sneakers ,the only type of shoe he can wear,size 12 1/2.His usual attire is a pair of men’s overalls cut in length but not in breadth.He is bright for his age,he is good natured and plays quietly with his brothers and sisters.

Baby Joe Randazza 

MOY SPECIALS ATTACKED,AMBUSH IN CHARLEMONT,

SERGEANT AND CONSTABLE WOUNDED,FOUR ARRESTS MADE !,reported 3/4/1922 Tyrone Courier

Sunday last was a day full of excitement in Moy and neighbourhood in consequence of the attack on members of the “B” Special Constabulary at Charlemont early that morning resulting in the wounding of Sergeant Crawford and Constable Reid.Prior to the attack the patrol,which consisted of twelve constables and a Sergeant,met two men whom they questioned.The latter,is stated gave rough answers,but were eventually allowed to proceed on their way in the direction of Armagh.The Constabulary then went to the end of their beat at Charlemont,and soon after began the return journey.At the Old Road they noticed figures moving about,and acting on suspicions,Sergeant Crawford,who stepped forward called upon the strangers to halt.Immediately he did so a volley rang out and a percussion bomb was hurled among the Constabulary,fortunately the bomb failed to explode,but Constable Reid was hit on the leg by a bullet.In the rapid exchange of fire which followed Sergeant Crawford was also wounded in the right leg.A few minutes later the ambushers retreated along the Old Road,and the patrol going to Moy,reported the occurrence.A motor car was secured by “B” men who procceded to Dungannon and informed the mobile platoon of the “A”Specials who immediately turned out under command of Lt McConnell,and investigated the affair.District Inspector Walshe was also sent for,and arrived on the scene in a very short time.He divided the party into fours and marched into Charlemont.Here and there he dropped sections of men and ordered them to take cover in the darkness and await results.With the remaining men he returned to Moy.A short time afterwards the Specials in hiding saw a man attempting to leave Charlemont by the back of the houses,but he got a surprise when he fell into the trap laid.He gave his name as McRory and on being searched a large bomb and a loaded revolver was found in his possession.About the same time Thomas Finn,Edward Finn,Frank Finn,and John Campbell all belonging to Charlemont were arrested and brought to Dungannon.Later a number of raids were carried out by large forces from Armagh,Portadown,and Dungannon,the area in which these occurred covering several miles.In one house four rifles several bicycles,parts of rifles,field dressings,and important documents were discovered.It is stated that the owner of this dwelling was not at home when the Constabulary paid their visit.On Sunday night John Campbell and the three Finns were charged at a special court in Dungannon,Colonel Brown presiding with having been concerned in the ambush at Charlemont,and also with having wounded members of the Special Constabulary.John McRory was charged at the same time and place with having a loaded revolver and an effective bomb,in his possession.The accused were remanded after formal evidence to their arrest.

THREE YEARS FOR A BOMB!,reported 20/7/1922 Tyrone Courier

John McRory Charlemont was charged that on 9th April 1922,in Charlemont he had firearms a revolver loaded in 3 chambers and a bomb.A constable deposed that he went with a D.I and another constable on 9th April to Charlemont about 5.30 in the morning .Prisoner came along and they halted him,and found a 6 chamber revolver loaded in three chambers in his left hand side coat pocket.Witness arrested him,and he made no statement.A second constable gave evidence that he was at Charlemont and found a bomb on the prisoner fully loaded.They handed the revolver and bomb to the D.I.The D.I gave evidence of posting the constables who handed over to to him the prisoner the revolver and the bomb.He examined the bomb in presence of prisoner in the barracks.The prisoner said it was very dangerous,and he found it to be charged with high explosive.Prisoner-when I told the D.I it was dangerous I was not endangering life and property then.His Lordship-No,but you were under arrest,and in danger yourself from it.Prisoner-I was a bit off it.The Jury found the prisoner guilty.Prisoner-It is not right to be detaining me here and recruiting for the National Army going on.His Lordship passing sentence of three years penal servitude said that the prisoner had been convicted of carrying a cowardly,despicable and dastardly weapon.He was liable to be flogged for the offence but as it was committed only two days after the Act was passed he would not order flogging in this case but carrying of arms would be put down,and law and order restored in the land.

CARRYING A REVOLVER!,reported  20/7/1922 Tyrone Courier

Daniel O’Rorke ,Creenagh,was charged with having a revolver loaded in four chambers at Creenagh Road,Dungannon,on 28th March last.Defendant refused to plead.A Sergeant of Special Constabulary said he was on duty,on 28th March with others.They halted accused at 11 o’clock,and witness searched prisoner and found on  him a holster and revolver loaded in four chambers .He arrested O’Rorke and cautioned him.Prisoner said “It was a bit unlucky for me,I had the revolver hid in a ditch and was just bringing it home”Witness handed him over to the Mobile platoon.The prisoner had nothing to say to the jury.His Lordship said if the believed the evidence of the Sergeant they must convict the prisoner who had allowed the charge against him to go by default.The Jury found the prisoner guilty.His Lordship said the practice of carrying arms must be put down,and the government of Northern Ireland had passed an Act authorising persons convicted of the offences committed before 7th April,and this offence was on 28th March.He would therefore give a sentence of eighteen months hard labour from that day.

THE RELEASE OF JOHN DALY! REJOICING IN COALISLAND !reported 27/8/1896 Tyrone Courier

Coalisland Saturday:Last night the Nationalists of town and district celebrated the release of John Daly in a very enthusiastic manner.The local bands turned out and paraded the several streets,headed by a torchlight procession.Cheers were given again and again  for Daly Gallagher,Deveany,and the other Political prisoners.A meeting was held afterwards,at which speeches in support of amnesty were delivered .At a meeting of the Robert Cranson branch Irish National Foresters,held in St Patrick’s Hall Coalisland,at 5.30p.m on Saturday,Mr Joseph Quinn,C.R,occupied the chair,when resolutions expressing gratification at Mr Daly’s release were passed.

Coat of Arms For Descendant of Tyrone !reported 23/8/1958 Dungannon Observer

^{O’Hagan 1963 report}

Mr John O’Hagan (45) of Ruskin Street,West Bromwich,Staffs,a descendant of the ancient O’Hagan clan of Tullyhogue,has been granted his own coat of arms.Mr O’Hagan,who in February was elected a high chieftain of the Ancient Brotherhood of Irish Chieftains,is on the staff of West Bromwich Transport Department.He has studied heraldry for many years and applied for the grant of arms because he and his sons Michael(18)and Terence(16) are the last line of his particular branch of the family.The coat of arms bears three silver slippers to signfiy that the clan inaugurated the Princes of Ulster.It also has a Stafford knot in gold and an Irish Wolfhound.

TWENTY-FOUR HOUR O’CLOCK!reported 25/8/1898 Tyrone Courier 

That news that the Great Eastern Railway proposed introducing into their timetables the sensible system of treating the day as a whole,and reckoning the hours consecutively from one to twenty-four,has proved too good to be true.On the Belgium railways(also on the Italian railways),the system is in vogue;the Great Eastern handbook,in which 24 figures,is only printed and published in Belgium for the use of Belgian travellers.The introduction of 24 o’clock into English time-tables,if not into English life generally must come in time.The present custom of dividing the civil day into two periods of twelve hours each,with the troublesome and confusion addition of the letters a.m,and p.m to distinguish the differences between the hours ,is clumsy in the extreme.Bradshaw is the book where the absurdity is best illustrated.The columns are headed “mrn”and “aft” If a man is going on a long journey it will take him all his time to discover whether he arrives at his destination by day or by night.In India 24 o’clock has been introduced by England on all the  railways.They who have traveled by this reckoning of this time,or who have had to work out long journeys,fully appreciate its extreme simplicity.To talk of 17 o’clock or 23 o’clock sounds ludicrous in the ears of people accustomed to a limit of twelve.But it is purely conventional habit.The  same people who laugh at 24 o’clock are amazed when they go aboard ship for the first time at what they call the silly system of chopping up the twenty-four hours into watches.

ILLUMINATED SIGN FOR MOY SHOP!reported 17/8/1957 Dungannon Observer

At Monday’s meeting of Tyrone County Council a letter was read from Mr W.J.K Hobson ,protesting against the objection to his appeal to erect an illuminated sign on his shop in Moy,and stating that if the Council insisted,he would lodge an appeal with the Ministry of Health and Local Government.Mr C.D .Burrows said he could not see why the application was refused.Mr.J.Stewart said in his opinion the refusal was an interference with the liberty of the subject.Illuminated signs were being erected all over the place in urban areas and no one objected,and it was unfair to refuse them in villages.Mr.D.H.Martin said these illuminated signs were unsightly and dangerous,and they were advertising for firms who could well afford to do it in newspapers.After further discussion it was approved of Mr Hobson’s application.

CYCLING WITHOUT HANDS!reported 12/10/1935 Dungannon Observer

Isaac Clayton ,The Square Moy,was summoned for cycling without due care and attention,at Culkeeran,on the 25th September.Constable Gardiner gave evidence of seeing defendant cycling with his hands of the handlebars from a distance over 20 yards.Defendant-I admit the offence.R.M-but you know the danger of it.The roads are very dangerous now and this law is to protect your own life.A fine of 1s and costs were imposed.

LISTAMLET HALL CLASSES STILL GOING STRONG,HALL NOT BURNED AS STATED IN DAILY PAPERS!reported 5/10/1940 Dungannon Observer

A Chara -I would like,through the columns of your paper to correct the erroneous statement which appeared in several daily papers to the effect that Listamlet A.O.H Hall was destroyed by fire on Sunday night last.The fire in question occurred in another hall in Moy district.The Irish language  classes are still being held in Listamlet hall as usual .Mise Le Meas Mor .Padraig O’h Again .

“PITCH AND TOSS” MOY COURT CASES! reported 11/8/1956 Dungannon Observer

Alexander Rainey Charlemont,Moy was fined 10/- for playing “pitch and toss”at Charlemont on June 19th.It was stated by the Constable that he saw a number of men on the Loughall road,among whom was the defendant,tossing two coins.When the Constable went to the spot he found 2 threepenny pieces and 2 pennies on the ground.

NO INSURANCE !reported 29/8/1964 Dungannon Observer

Charles Fox Listamlet Moy,for permitting Eamon Mallon,Curran,Dungannon,to drive his car without insurance,was fined£10 and Mallon was fined £5 for having no insurance.Fox was also fined 10s for allowing Mallon to drive with out a licence.Mallon was fined 10s for having no licence and £1 for having a defective silencer.Mr P.A.Duffy solicitor who admitted the offence,said there was special circumstances in the case.Fox a digger driver,had asked Mallon to drive his car to Killyman from the Tyrone Brickworks,as Fox had to drive the digger Mallon said he had a licence and could drive.Mallon in evidence said he never held a licence but thought he told Fox he had one and could drive.

Sergeant Gives His Blood!reported 10/8/1935 Dungannon Observer

Sergeant McCahey,Public Service Vehicle Inspector for County Tyrone,attended Tyrone County Hospital on Wednesday,and gave half a pint of blood to a woman from Cookstown district,who was dangerously ill.Constable Kirk,Omagh,also volunteered to give blood transfusion.

NEW INSTRUMENTS ON SHOW IN ST.PATRICK’S DAY PARADE!reported 25/1/1958 Dungannon Observer

At a meeting of Dungannon I.N.F Brass and Reed Band on Monday night it was reported that the new instruments will be available for the band’s outing on St Patrick’s Day.Officers elected were as follows:Chairman.Paddy Hughes:Secretary,Sean McCabe:Treasurer,Thomas Campbell:Committee -Bernard McGeary,Michael Hamill,Gerry Cullen,Frank Quinn,Charles Mackle and Kevin Donnelly.It was reported that the band will have their new instruments for the St Patrick’s Day parade.

MAN WITH METAL FACE,COMPLETE CANCER CURE BY RADIUM reported 6/7/35 Dungannon Observer

A 65 year old man has been cured by radium of facial cancer in Pembury (Kent) Hospital,and shortly he will reapear among friends with a partially new face made of painted aluminium .A medical man interested in this remarkable case told a Press Association reporter on Saturday,that no flesh or skin-grafting was done or would be done on the patient.”A complete cure of a particularly vicious growth has been effected by radium alone”,he said,”and I might say that such cures are becoming increasingly common.”The metal face is being made by London experts,who will fit it into position and paint it to match the face”.

“NUF SED” Not just a new thing of shortening our words reported 7/12/35 Dungannon Observer

An advertising for Moy Dance  in 1935,they must have known text messaging was going to be about,in the future lol

Wanted building ground for A.O.H Hall Dungannon!reported 15/6/35 Dungannon Observer

SENSATIONAL AFFAIR NEAR DUNGANNON YOUTHS HELD UP BY MASKED GANG!reported 26/9/1940 Dungannon Observer

BOUND AND LEFT LYING ON GOLF LINKS

A sensational occurrence took place near the County Sanatorium,on the Dungannon-Coalisland road,on Friday night last,when Dungannon youths,whose ages range from 16 to 19,were held up by a gang of armed and masked men,numbering about 14.The young men concerned are -Joseph Hughes,Irish Street,Dungannon;Joseph and Michael McGirr Railway Terrace,Dungannon,Peter Donnelly Anne Street,Dungannon,Patrick Carr,Clare Terrace,Dungannon;Thomas Donaghy,Charlemont Street,Dungannon;and Samuel Dillon,Railway View,Dungannon.The youths who were going to a dance at Liberty Hall Killybrackey,Dungannon,about 8.15 p.m,had just reached the top of the hill,near the Sanatorium,which is in a thickly wooded district,when they were suddenly pounced upon by the group of men who appeared to be elderly,and were wearing masks and clad in old civilian hats and coats.The young men were seized and dragged to the golf links,being brought one by one into the field and severely man-handled;they were bound hand and foot and placed face downwards,their boots being removed.Each of them had their feet tied with rope and when the seventh victim had been dealt with a length of rope was used in order to pinion their arms behind their backs.They were then accused of using derogatory remarks about the I.R.A.and told that they had already been cautioned about ridiculing the I.R.A.They were also warned that they would be shot if they made any attempt to report the matter directly or indirectly to the police,and were told on no account to communicate the warnings they had received to any person.They were further warned that they could look out for themselves if they made any statement to Press representatives.When any of the youths raised his face out of the soft earth he was struck on the head with sticks.Some 3 hours later a youth at one end of the row was able to extract a penknife from his coat pocket and free himself by cutting his bonds.He afterwards liberated the others,one of whom was in a semi-conscious condition.Samuel Dillon had also been severely maltreated.The young men were obliged to walk to Dungannon in their stockinged feet,arriving home shortly before midnight,and Samuel Dillon had to receive medical attention.He was attended by Dr.J.J.Campbell.The seven pairs of shoes were found found on Saturday morning about two fields from where the occurrence took place. Dungannon police under District Inspector W.Duffy and Head Constable Maguire,are investigating the affair.One of the young men told our representative that during their ordeal the hold-up party addressed each other by number.Evidence of the rough treatment the youths received was discovered on Saturday morning by the police who found bloodstains inside the field gate and at the spot where they were placed downwards in the field.

A MOY INSURGENT OF 1798!reported 25/1/1945 Irish News

The picturesque little town of Moy County Tyrone has links with the stirring days of 1798 for it was there that Sam Graves,the Insurgent Chief of the Tyrone border was born in 1758,the son of William Graves,a general merchant in nearby Charlemont.Of the early life of young Graves little is recorded.Like many of the Protestant radicals he joined the Irish Volunteers after 1778,being a member of the Moy Corps in September 1779.The chief of the volunteers,Lord Charlemont the Volunteer Earl-was the local landowner.Edward Harper of Gorsetown,Moy made a report of the state of the district for the government on 7th August 1798 from which we learn some details of Graves connection with the United Irishmen which had been founded in Belfast in 1791.In 1795 denied any chance of reform,the movement was driven underground and began to plan a rising with French military support.Harper states:Samuel Graves of Moy was the Rebel in Chief here and proclaimed on his door on the 6th of December past(for I saw the notice)”A wet winter a dry spring,A bloody summer and no King”This man is somewhat a scholar,he can read in the Latin and speak for hours.I am informed that many Seditious meetings were held in his back room under the guise of a lodge of Free Masons.In May past Mr Knox’s Yeomen raided the lodge in Graves back room but found no documents which may have been removed before hand.They found in the thatch four dozen pikeheads and two stand of flintlock and burned down the house.Graves was not there but his wife was,but would not divulge though ‘tossed on the blanket’ in the Square.Where Graves is I know not now,but it is said he has fled to America.The Dungannon Yeomanry were first corps in Ireland raised by Thomas Knox MP of Dungannon in June 1797 to curb the United Irishmen.The Yeomanry were largely recruited from the ranks of the Orange Order,formed after the Battle of the Diamond in the neighbouring county of Armagh in September 1795.Yeomans corps would play a key role in the suppression of the 1798 rising in Wexford and the North.It would seem that Samuel Graves did not actually go to America as would appear to be a sprit merchant in Clonfeacle,Co.Tyrone in 1821 when he was listed as aged sixty six.Corry the Armagh historian,states he knew ‘Croppy Graves’ well when he was a small boy.He saw him often in Armagh ‘dressed as best become a gentleman’.The year of his death is uncertain but Corry relates he is buried in Clonfeacle Old Graveyard which adjoins Blackwater Chapel,a resting-place then used by both sections of the local community.(This contemporary  report on the impact of the 1798 Rebellion in South Tyrone is interesting.In particular the humiliation of the insurgent’s wife ‘being tossed on the blanket in the Square’ gives us a rare insight into the brutal tactics used by the Yeomanry to obtain information on insurgents in the North)

AN INCREASING POPULATION 3,033,000 NOW IN THE FREE STATE!reported 5/10/1935 Dungannon Observer

Births registered in Dublin during the week ended Saturday last,totaled 228,representing a rate of 27.7 per 1,000,while the number of deaths registered,and there were two suicides.Forty-one of the deaths recorded occurred in hospitals or other institutions.For the twelve principal towns,the deaths from all causes for last week and the past four weeks respectively were represented by the following rates per 1,000 of the population:-11.3 and 12.7;City of Dublin,10.3 and 12.3;Borough of Dun Laoghaire,5.8 and 16.3;Cork,14.6 and 13.0; Limerick, 14.5 and 17.2 and Waterford, 9.8 and 13.2. 20,000 MORE IN A YEAR the population in the middle of 1933 is estimated as 3,033,000 persons comprising 1,545,000 males and 1,488,000 females,showing an increase of 20,000 on the estimate to the middle of last year.This increase is derived from the natural increase due to excess of births over deaths and the excess of immigration over emigration.The natural increase during the second quarter of 1935 was 3,443 for the corresponding quarter of the preceding five years.During the second quarter of this year the number of emigrants to places out of Europe and not within the Mediterranean Sea was 188,and the number of immigrants from these places was 718.The marriage rate for the second quarter of this year was 4.0 per 1,000 of the estimate population,which is 0.4 below the average for the corresponding quarter of the proceeding five years.The rate for Catholics marriages was 4.1 and for all other marriages 3.8 per 1,000.In the North the marriage rate for the first quarter was 5.2 per 1,000.The Birth Rate during the quarter was 19.7 per 1,000 representing 14,913 births registered,this rate being 0.5 below the average for the second quater during the last five years,while the rate in respect of deaths numbering 10,933,was 14.4 being 0.1 above the average.Waterford had the highest death rate,22.5.The death rate in England and Wales during the same period was 12.1 and in Scotland 13.1 per 1,000.

VITAL STATISTICS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND !reported 14/9/1935 Dungannon Observer 

A increase in the birth rate and decrease in the death rate for the year 1934 in Northern Ireland have just been announced by the Register General.Compared with the previous year,the birth rate shows an increase of 764 the rate being 19.8 per 1,000 of the population.The increase in the birth rate follows an increase in the marriage rate of the previous year.The number of birth of males exceeded that of females by 79 per 1,000.The Borough of Derry showed a birth rate of 26.9 per 1,000 whereas Belfast had only 21.9,County Fermanagh was lowest with 16.6 per 1,000.The deaths registered during the same period showed an decrease of 633 as compared with the preceding year.The rate for 1934 is the lowest recorded in Norther Ireland for 34 years.Interesting fact .It is interesting to find in the report that the fall in the death rate from tuberculosis has been such that mortality from cancer now actually exceeds that of tuberculosis.The death rate from cancer is 1.23 per 1,000 for males and 1.34 per 1,000 for females.There was a net movement into Northern Ireland from countries outside Europe of 612 persons.The number of emigrants from Northern Ireland was 838 and the total of immigrants into Norther Ireland was 1,450.

MOY MAN MADE FIRST CROSSING OF AUSTRALIA! reported 25/1/1958 Dungannon Observer

A Tyrone man was the first white person ever to cross the Continent of Australia from south to north and live to tell of his experiences.He was John King,who was born near Moy,on December 15,1838.The cottage of his brother,Tom still stands by the side of the Moy-Benburb road,and although the family have long since left,it is still known locally as “Kings Cottage”.ENDURANCE AND COURAGE .Behind King’s crossing of Australia made in 1860 lies a story of endurance and courage that has become part of Australian history.John King left home when he was only 14 and went to India.His Australian adventure took place when he was 22 and a member of the crack Indian 70th Regiment of Foot,which he had served through the Indian Mutiny.2,000 PRIZE.A prize was offered in Australia for the first man to cross overland from the Southern shore to the Gulf of Carpentaria,and a certain George Landeils was sent to India to buy twenty four camels with a view to making the journey,using them as baggage animals.This was how King became involved in the enterprise.Skilled in handling camels due to be returned to England after an attack of fever he decided that in Australia  he would have a chance of finding both wealth and adventure.He joined up with Landells.The expedition set out on August 20,1860 amid a wave of exploration fever and excitement.It was led by Robert O’Hara Burke a Southern Irishman with Landells as second in command.A young scientist from Flagstaff Magnetic Observatory,named William Wills acted as assistant.Landells at an early stage was dismissed by Burke for drinking,so King who decided to remain with the expedition rather than follow his friend took over the camels.The outward journey was completely successful,but the party was dogged by tragedy on its way back.Despite Kings efforts,Burke and Wills died.SOLE SURVIVOR.Sole survivor of the expedition,he was befriended by natives who kept him alive for the next two and a half months.Then he was found by a rescue party and taken back to Melbourne,his health broken.He never fully recovered,and six years later he developed tuberculious.Despite a partial recovery he died in 1872.On arrival in Melbourne he had been given a hero’s welcome and was presented with a gold watch by the Royal Society of London and with £3,000 by the Victorian Government.On his death the watch went to his nephew,David King of Bessbrook.He in turn passed it on to his son Tom King who is now living in America.Three of the present owner’s brothers ,James and John King,of London and two sisters,Mrs Francis Wright,of Lambeg,Co.Antrim,and Mrs David Alderdice of Mullaglass,can recall seeing the watch when it was in their father’s possession.Another member of the family is Sergeant Thomas Alderdice R.U.C a great grand -nephew of the original John King.

John King

Tom King’s house Benburb road

Blue Plaque in Moy 

plaques

FAMILY CRESTS FOR EILEEN DONAGHY AND THE CLANCY BROTHERS!reported 2/1/65 Dungannon Observer

Plaques bearing the crests of the Donaghy and Clancy families of Moy,were presented to four famous residents at Moy parochial Hall on Wednesday night.The recipients were ballad singer Eileen Donaghy,whose record sales reached the half million mark a few weeks ago,and the well known singing trio”The Irish Ramblers” better known to their friends as the Clancy Brothers -Brendan ,Eugene,and Pat.The presentations were made on behalf of Moy Tir na nOg G.F.C by very Rev P.J Moore.ADM,who congratulated the quartette and referred to their success in the field of entertainment,and wished the artistes continued success in their careers in 1965.The speakers were thanked by Mr Brendan McCaul secretary of Moy G.F.C. MEMORABLE OCCASION .Returning thanks for the honour bestowed on them.Mr Eugene Clancy said it was a memorable occasion for Mrs Donaghy ,his brothers and himself.Referring to the high standard set by Moy in entertainment circles ,he stated that an artiste who could pass muster before Fr Moore and a Moy audience would be successful anywhere.The guests of honour later entertained the large crowd with a short concert programme.

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CARS TO GET THREE LETTER INDEX MARK!reported 25/12/65 Dungannon Observer

The Ministry of Development has authorised the use of three-letter symbols in the index mark,all of the vehicles registered for the first time in N.Ireland.The new symbols are Co.Antrim-AIA,BIA,CIA,and DIA,Co.Armagh-AIB,BIB,CIB,and DIB,Co.Down-AIJ,BIJ,CIJ,and DIJ,Co.Fermanagh-AIL,BIL,CIL,and DIL,Co.Derry-AIW,BIW,CIW,and DIW,Belfast-AOI,BOI,COI,DOI,EOI,GOI,andHOI,Derry City-AUI,BUI.Co.Antrim will be the first local taxation office to use the new symbols since it’s last two letter symbol RZ will soon be exhausted and early in the New Year the symbol AIA followed by an number will be seen on new vehicles registered in the country.

From this type 

To  this type 

50,000 CIGS STOLEN IN MOY !reported 28/8/65 Dungannon Observer

R.U.C Special Branch Investigate.Thieves forced their way into the premises of Messrs Gilpin Bros,at Charlemont Steet Moy,in the early hours of Saturday morning and forced their way out of the shop through the back entrance to make their getaway with 50,000 cigarettes in cartons and small quantities of cigars and tobacco to the value of approximately £600.By a coincidence ,Gilpin Bros had just taken delivery of most of the stolen stock on a previous day.The larceny was discovered on Saturday morning when Mr H.Gilpin was opening the shop.He found that the door had been forced and that the cartons of cigarettes were missing from the store at the back and informed police.The Special branch of the R.U.C,including fingerprint experts,were called in and investigations are still taking place.

If you’re Over 20 Stone,They Want To Hear From You!reported 9/1/65 Dungannon Observer

A slimming biscuit company is anxious to contact all persons in Mid Ulster who weigh more than 20 stone.Doctors at the company Leas Cliff Products Limited are seeking information about refractory obesity and ways of treating it.They are also hoping  to encourage some of those who have given up hope of losing weight,because of lack of success to try again.Those over 20 stone who write to the company will be asked to supply details of their overweight history,which will of course be kept confidential,in particular it is hoped to build up some statistics about this condition and to evaluate hopes for success.CLINICAL TRIALS.One of the Company’s doctors said: Initially we are seeking information and we hope that all who weigh over 20 stone will write to us.We would also like to hear from others who weigh less than 20 stone,but who have given up hope of losing weight.We will naturally try to help them as much as we can,but in cases we must obviously contact each person’s own doctor as well.To start with they should just write to the Medical Department Leas Cliff Products Limited,Sandwich Kent.We will then send a questionnaire and carry on from there.The Doctor also hopes to conduct some clinical trials with grossly overweight persons for Limmits Crackers the latest slimming biscuit.He explained that persons who were very much overweight can experience great difficulty when they try to slim.They often find it very hard to keep to any prescribed diet,and keep on slipping back into incorrect eating habits.Hence the term ‘refractory obesity’.REFRACTORY OBESITY.There are really two types of this.Firstly there are those persons,who are fortunately very rare,whose bodies have become adjusted to a restricted diet.They can live on a much lower Calorie intake than anybody else and dieting has little effect.The second and much more common type includes the  the compulsive eaters.These persons can lose weight and would do so if only they could control their appetites and keep strictly to a low-Calorie diet “The compulsive eaters are the people we wish to contact” said the doctor.IT CAN BE DONE.Those who are over the 20 stone mark can also take encouragement from three remarkable weight losses reported earlier this year.Mr John Martin lost 6 of his 25 stone in six months with the help of a Harley Street Doctor.More amazing was the case of American Alan Teich who slimmed from 37 stone 7 pounds to 14 stone 5 pounds in 18 months.Then there was Will Dorward of Dundee who lost 18 of his 32 stone.Leas Cliff Products Limited also operates a busy advice bureau which is always pleased to help with personal weight problems.”We will answer any query about overweight from anybody”said a spokesman,”Our address is the Advice Bureau Leas Cliff Limited  Sandwich Kent.

ALABAMA DEMONSTRATIONS! SELMA TO MONTGOMERY MARCH !reported 27/3/65 Dungannon Observer

Rev ,Lawrence Murtagh,son of a former Co.Armagh man was among the marchers taking part in the 50-mile march to Montgomery, State Capital of Alabama U.S.A.Fr Murtagh’s parents the late Mr.&Mrs Jimmy Murtagh well known in six county buisness circles:his father having been in Derrymattery House Portadown,and lived in the Greyhound Bar,Obins Street,Portadown,before the family moved to Dublin.The young priest has numerous cousins in Lurgan and Portadown.Mrs M.E McCann Drumgor,who is in her eighties is a great aunt.Fr Murtagh a curate in San Antonio,Texas was ordained at All Hallowes College in 1960 and participated in the previous Selma march,as well as at a similar demonstration in Austin Texas,two years ago.Together with another Texas priest,Rev J.Smith he protected hundreds of negroes from attack by State troopers.The Irish priest was presented with an award of merit by the San Antonio branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People at the Alamo.

Wiki on Selma 

BENBURB MAN STRIKES OIL!reported 18/9/65 Dungannon Observer

An oil drilling project in Alberta Canada is likely to benefit a former Benburb man to the extent that he will become a millionaire.He is Mr Stuart Holmes,owner of a 6,500 acre ranch at Bassano,Alberta.As a very young man,he emigrated almost 40 years ago.He acquired the ranch on which he lived alone for quite a number of years before he got married to a Canadian lady,and it can now be stated definitely that he has indeed “struck it rich”.The oil drilling firm has been carrying out extensive boring operations on the Holmes ranch,and according to latest reports all seven bore holes already opened have been extremely successful and many more will be put down.The owner will be paid thousands of dollars per hole per annum and it is expected this will amount to a huge sum.Eldest son of the late Mr&Mrs William S.Holmes Moyard,Stuart is one of the well-known Holmes brothers all of whom have been very successful in the buisness world.Brothers in Dungannon are Robert,Ernest and Richard all of John Street.David is in Enniskillen and Joe,who was Superintendent of Police in Honk Kong and has retired is on his way home;he will reside near Ballygawley and Stanley is in the home farm at Moyard.Stuart who has only one son paid a visit home last in 1947.

HOW TO GET TO MOY ..YOU SIMPLY FOLLOW THE SIGNS!reported 24/7/1965 Dungannon Observer

A correspondent in  a Belfast newspaper draws attention to the lack of signposts at secondary crossroads in the North of Ireland.”I did an off-beat tour of Tyrone at the weekend”,he says and eventually hit Coalisland.From there I wanted to get to Armagh via Moy.Now you’d think that easy.But not a signpost to tell me the way to either.There was one pointing to Dungannon.But I didn’t want Dungannon-thank you very much all the same!So I took the opposite road to that leading to Dungannon and eventually came to a crossroads.I might have guessed it no signpost.I asked at a nearby shop the road to Moy.”Moy” said the assistant,”never heard of it”.”Well”I asked “where does the road to the left go?”To Loughneagh”she replied,”and the road to the right?”Back to Coalisland”I knew where the road straight ahead went,a sign said ‘Mountjoy Castle”I didn’t want ‘Mountjoy Castle’.So back to Coalisland and in due course to another crossroads.No signpost saying where either Moy or Armagh lay.But there was a sign reading ‘Mountjoy Castle’.So I ignored that one and took the road to the left just hoping for the best.Well you’d never believe it but another cross roads.Ah I thought and a signpost,too.Coming up nearer to it I read with disgust ‘Mountjoy Castle’.By now I was pretty sick of Mountjoy Castle.So I took another road ,again quite at random.By sheer good fortune I landed back at Coalisland.”You’ve guessed it a sign at the entrance to the town said ‘Mountjoy’-oh !why go on ?This time I asked a reasonably intelligent local how to get to Armagh or Moy.”Take the road to Dungannon he said”.But I don’t want Dungannon”Well says he”If you take the road anyway you can always branch off somewhere for Moy”But where to branch off”Don’t know he replied”.Did I ever get to Moy or Armagh?”I eventually landed in Pomeroy!!

31,000 FOXES KILLED IN TYRONE!reported 8/5/65 Dungannon Observer

Mr J.W. Wallace.County Executive Officer,told Tyrone Committee of Agriculture that since the inception of the Fox extermination scheme in 1943 .31,117  foxes had been killed in Tyrone,involving payment of bounty of £13,686.Mr Wallace added that he had not received any reports of wholesale destruction by foxes.It would appear that the fox destruction  position was somewhat similar in other countries.

MOY MAN WITH ‘DAZZLING LIGHTS ‘FINED 10/-! reported 27/5/50 Dungannon Observer

William McCreilly ,Listamlet,Moy was charged at Dungannon Court on Monday with driving without due care and consideration.Defendant who did not appear sent an apology.D.I A.V.Smyth,prosecuted and said that it was another case of driving with glaring headlights.Constable Colbert said that so dazzling was McCreilly’s lights that he had to stop dead while driving the police car.The R.M fined McCreilly 10/- with costs.

‘LISTAMLET’ reported 7/1/50 Dungannon Observer

The annual Christmas dance and ballot was held in Listamlet Hall on Friday,23rd December,music being supplied by Jim Farrell’s dance band.Songs were given at intervals by S.McCaul, Moy and Mick Robinson, Corr .A large crowd of young and old attended from over a wide area.Prizes were won by Mr Hugh Devlin,Coalisland;Miss Mary O’Neill,Bedford;Miss Susan Muldoon,Cookstown,Miss Marion McCaul,Clonmore,and Messrs,Patrick O’Hagan,Dungannon;and Mick Cassidy, Eglish.The duties of M.C were efficiently carried out by Mr C.Fox.

“RED” PETROL CHARGE AGAINST MOY MAN DISMISSED!reported 18/3/50 Dungannon Observer

At Dungannon court Felix.V.Clancy,Aughanlig,Moy was summonsed for using commercial petrol in his motor car on 23rd August last.Mr. B.G Curran solicitor Newry appeared for the defendant.Mr.W.J Gillespie an inspector of Ministry of Fuel and Power said he was carrying out check on motor cars.He saw the defendants car in the the townland of Tamnamore .Defendant was sitting in the front of the car and told witness he was the owner of it.Witness told him he was going to take a sample of the petrol from the tank and he took a pint in the witnesses presence.The petrol was put into three separate bottles and witness gave one of the bottles to the defendant,who made no statement.Defendants brother was in reciept of an allowance of commercial petrol for agricultural purposes.Mr Curran said that the defendant was summoned as being the owner of the car which contained red petrol but he was not present while the sample was being taken from the tank.The regulations laid down that the sample must be taken in the presence of the owner of the car.He asked his Worship to note his remarks on this point.Clacy ,the defendant in evidence stated that he was the owner of the car.In August last he was stopped at Tamnamore by the Inspector but he did not get out of the car.He was shown the samples by the Inspector and he knew it was commercial petrol .He lent the car on a previous night to a man Peter Toal of Moy. Witness had all the petrol he needed as he had got some in the free state (laughter).Peter Toal admitted that he had got the loan of Clancy’s car on the previous night  and returned it next day and got four half units from Clancy to get petrol.About a mile from Tamnamore he met a man and asked him could have petrol .Witness gave the man the four units and the petrol was sucked in to his car by means of a tube.Witness told Clancy next day after the Inspector had taken the samples where he got the petrol.In reply to Capt Fyffe witness said the man took the petrol from his tanks.Although witness was only a mile from Tamnamore he did not go back to Hendersons as he did not know whether Hendersons had private petrol.In dismissing the case his Worship said he could not assume that Clancy  was telling lies as to how he got the petrol.

Back in the day during WWII on the 1st of July 1942 rationing of petrol was introduced in the six Counties and across the water,After that, vehicle fuel was only available to “official” users, such as the emergency services, bus companies and farmers. The priority users of fuel were always,the armed forces. Fuel supplied to approved users was dyed, and use of this fuel for non-essential purposes was an offence,May 1945 WWII ended, but rationing continued,1 June 1945: The basic petrol ration for civilians was restored,alas in Mid-1947: A transport and dock strike, which among other effects caused much loss of imported meat left to rot on the docks, until the Army broke the strike. The basic petrol ration was stopped,then on 1st June 1948: The Motor Spirit (Regulation) Act, 1948 was passed[9], ordering a red dye to be to put into some petrol, and that red petrol was only allowed to be used in commercial vehicles, not in private vehicles. A private car driver could lose his driving licence for a year if red petrol was found in his car. A petrol station could be shut down if it sold red petrol to a private car driver,then in June 1948: The basic petrol ration was restored, at a third of its previous size,and it wasn’t until 26th May 1950 petrol rationing ended.

SMUGGLERS AND POLICEMEN IN BORDER SCENE!reported 25/3/50 Dungannon Observer

An exciting scene occurred on the Monaghan -Fermanagh border on Saturday evening.A party of smugglers with 16 head of cattle,valued about £500,crossed the border into the Six Counties near Clomanisland,about a mile from Clones.They were unexpectedly accosted by Constable Long,R.U.C.,Newtownbutler,who was on cycling patrol duty.When the smugglers saw the policeman they huriedly began turning the cattle back across the border into Co.Monaghan.Constable Long tried to cycle past the cattle so as to hold them in the Six Counties,but a car in which one of the smugglers was travelling knocked the constable of his bicycle and then one of the drovers held him until the cattle were taken back across the frontier.When this was done he too,made good his escape into the Twenty-Six Counties.The occurrence has caused much police activity along the Clones-Newtownbutler portion of the border.Constable Long,who is a young policeman ,only arrived in Newtownbutler from the Depot a few months ago.

Twelve years a Cripple a Nun Walks Again!reported 20/5/50 Dungannon Observer

During a Bombay Ceremony at which the statue of Our Lady of Fatima was being exposed before a huge congregation ,a Nun who had been a helpless cripple for twelve years arose from her wheelchair and walked,in Bombay on Saturday.The statue,which left the village of Fatima on a world tour,arrived in Bombay from Karachi last weekend.A huge procession lined the streets as it was taken to the Brabourne Stadium,where it was exposed throughout the night.Sister Beatrice,a 39 year-old crippled Nun,was brought to the Stadium in a car and wheeled to a place near the statue.Suddenly she jumped from the wheelchair and with firm steps walked to the car which had brought her to the ground.At the Convent the Mother Superior told me that more than 12 years ago Sister Beatrice slipped and fell on a tennis court.She made no complaint but months later an anguishing pain in the region of her back confined her to bed.It was then discovered that she had injured her spinal cord.She was subsequently removed to St George’s hospital where she spent ten years,the best Indian and British surgeons in Bombay being unable to effect remedy.Two years ago she was taken back to the convent.The Church authorities have called for all hospital records relating to the once-crippled Nun,who is to be examined by a board of doctors,after which the Bishop of Bombay is expected to issue a statement.

M1 WILL CROSS FAIRY FORT!reported 3/4/65 Dungannon Observer

Photographs ,records and relics of the early Christian period,will record for posterity evidence of a Fairy Fort at Killyliss,Ballygawley,which will disappear under the onslaught of the bulldozer when the roadmakers commence constructing the Dungannon section of the M1 Motorway.Killyliss is a well known landmark and the Ministery of Finance is responsible for the archaeological survey of the site at present being carried out by Miss Kate Finnegan a native of Ballygawley,who is studying archaeology at Queen’s University,Belfast.Excavations began last week and will continue for another fortnight.Nothing very exciting in the manner of archaeological finds have come to light but Miss Finnegan reports the the results have been both interesting and satisfactory.The Fort-a fortified farmstead-is similar to hundreds of others scattered all over the country,but it is one of the very few where diggings have taken place.It was probably in use at some time between the fifth and twelfth centuries,but very little remains of community life have come to light,due no doubt to the poverty experienced by the people in this area at that time.Interesting Finds.Finds recorded by Miss Finnegan include items of pottery a bronze pin similar in design to a Tara brooch remains of burnt animal bone and pieces of of charcoal probably used for cooking purposes.The majority of these items will be cleaned and presented to the Ulster Museum for preservation.

TYRONE MEN IN LONDON!reported 21/9/35 Dungannon Observer 

At a meeting at the Tars Dance Hall,50-52 High Road,Kilburn,London,N.W.6,it was decided to invite Tyrone men and women resident in London to meet at 4 p.m on Sunday,October 13,at the same place,to form a county association.Interested may write to Sean McBride,who consented ta act as temporary secretary at the above address.

WORK PREFERRED TO PRISON !reported 21/9/35 Dungannon Observer

TYRONE HIRED-MAN CHANGES HIS MIND IN COURT

A hired man elected at Cookstown petty sessions on Friday last to go back to work instead of serving a prison sentence.William McCord,of Annaghananam a farmer,summoned,William Heaney of Tirnaskea,for breach of a hiring contract.He stated that Heaney was engaged for the six months ending November next,He left work on 24th August and had refused to return,although witness had paid him 16s more than his wages for the period he had worked.Defendant admitted leaving but said that he had done so because of alleged abuse given by his employer’s brother.He could not server two masters.Mr Hanes,J.P asked defendant if he was prepared to go back to work or repay the amount overpaid but said that he was not.He was sentenced to ten days’s imprisonment,but a short time afterwards he walked into the witness box and told the Magistrate that he would go back to work.His employer intimated his willingness to take him back.

BAND WILL NOT PARADE! reported 7/3/64 Dungannon Observer

At the monthly meeting of Listamlet Division A.O.H a vote of sympathy was passed to Mr Dan McKearney on the death of his wife and to his family on the death of their mother.As a mark of respect it was decided that the band would not take part in the Hibernian Parade on St.Patrick’s Day.

NEW BANKING FACILITIES AT MOY!reported 18/1/64 Dungannon Observer

The Hibernian Bank ,in pursuance of its progressive policy of steady expansion,has opened a Branch Office at Moy.The new office,which is situated above Mr.John Harvey’s premises,in Charlemont Street,commands a corner site overlooking the Square.Business at the Moy office is being supervised by Mr.McCullagh,manager of the Armagh Branch,and hours of attendance are from 11 a.m to 2 p.m on Fridays.The people of Moy are appreciative of this new service,which will prove invaluable to the traders of the town and to the farming community from the populous area surrounding Moy.

KILLYMAN ARMY SCOUT CAR CRASH!reported 19/8/50 Dungannon Observer

Early on Monday morning the 14th of August a “Scout” armoured car belonging to the Kings Dragoon Guards Regiment,got out of control while rounding a bend on the Culnagrew corner on the Dungannon Road and going through the hedge the car turned over on its side precipitating its occupants into the field fortunately no damage to life or limb occurred.

A Scout Armoured car from back then 

TWO TUNNELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!reported 7/3/64 Dungannon Observer

According to Mr Gerry Fitt ,M.P  a Carrickfergus contractor once offered to build a tunnel connecting Ireland and Scotland for the sum of £250.This is how Gerry told the story at Stormont last Wednesday.”A firm in London was not sure if such a project was feasible and to make certain it advertised in papers connected with the building industry asking for tenders.It received three tenders.The highest was for £173,000 16s 4d;the second highest was for £171,000 13s 8d,and the third was for £250 from Patrick Murphy,contractor,Carrickfergus.The directors of the firm had a serious discussion as to whether any of the tenders was acceptable and decided,as Murphy’s tender was the lowest,that one of the directors should go over and consult with him.The director arrived at Carrickfergus,walked along the coast and came to a little brick building with ‘Patrick Murphy Contractor’ written in white washed letters on it.He walked in,found Patrick Murphy mixing up cement and said to him:”We have received a tender from you for building this tunnel.It is a rather keen tender compared with others we received.Do you think you have the equipment for doing such a job?”Patrick replied:Certainly come round here and I will show you my equipment”He took the director round to the back of the building and showed him the picks and shovels lined up against the wall.”Yes said Patrick my brother and I can dig this tunnel economically”.The director asked him how they would do it and Patrick replied “I will get a pick and shovel and start digging from the Irish end and Mick will go over to Scotland in a boat with a pick and shovel and he will start digging from the Scottish end.We will continue digging until we meet and you will have your tunnel”.The director found this story rather unbelievable and said “I have one little worry.What will happen if you and your brother by-pass each other and do not meet?”Patrick’s answer was “I  do not see what you have to worry about,you will have two tunnels for the price of one”.

This is all was needed for the job, could have saved a fortune if the Channel Tunnel directors had called with Patrick and his brother lol

KILLYMAN’S ST MARY’S TEAM CREDITABLE DEBUT!reported 18/4/64 Dungannon Observer

The newly formed St.Mary’s GFC, Killyman made their debut on Sunday when they took on Mountjoy Emmetts in a challenge game.St Mary’s found their feet from the very first minute and gave the more experienced home side a good run for their money.Leading throughout they were unfortunate to fall at the final hurdle and in the last five minutes had to succumb to defeat by a narrow margin of two points.Final scores were Mountjoy 3-7 Killyman 2-8.Henry Mc Cann ,Derrylaughan,was referee ,St Mary’s will make their appearance in competitive football on Sunday week when they meet Benburb in the junior League.

THE SASH MY GRANDFATHER WORE!reported 14/4/64Dungannon Observer

Sir- I have in my possession the Orange sash worn by my grandfather born in 1840 and died in 1882 and we believe initiated into the Order in the early 1860’s.He was a member of Dreemore L.O.L No.364,then working in Killyman District L.O.L No.1.This sash is in perfect state of preservation and clearly shows Lodge number owners name and Orange emblems hand worked on the orange and purple.-S.C. Douglas Culnagrew,Dungannon.

SERIES OF ROBBERIES ON TUESDAY NIGHT!reported 30/9/50 Dungannon Observer 

Brilliant work by head Constable Crawford leads to quick arrest.A series of robberies which took place around Dungannon on Tuesday night of this week were promptly investigated by head Constable Crawford,who,during the night made an arrest and,it is understood that charges in connection with each of the offences will be preferred against a man who already has appeared before a Special Court in Dungannon.As reports of the series of robberies all committed on the same night,began to come into Dungannon Barracks,Head Constable Crawford got on the job and two hours later had made an arrest,

The following were the crimes that took place on Tuesday night                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .

CLONMORE CHURCH-Broken into but nothing stolen.

TAMNAMORE SCHOOL-Broken into but nothing stolen.

KILLYMAN POST OFFICE-Broken into and £1 in coppers and a drawer stolen.

DRUMEENAGH-Clothes stolen from two clothes lines.

TAMNAMORE-Two coats stolen from two cars.

COOLHILL-Garage broken into and tools value £12 stolen.

All the goods were recovered.

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CEILIDHE IN LISTAMLET HALL !reported 29/7/50 Dungannon Observer

Clonmore G.F.C ,held a very successful Ceilidhe in Listamlet Hall on Friday night.During the interval songs were rendered by Miss Mary Lavery,Miss Peggy McDowell,Mr Sean Vallely and Mr Seamus McCall.Mr John Patient was a very capable fear a toighe.The music was supplied by Mr Jimmy Mullen’s Ceilidhe Band.Mr Patrick Mullen on behalf of the Club thanked the A.O.H for the use of the hall and also all those who came and helped to make a success of the Ceilidhe.

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SERIOUS ACCIDENT PREVENTED ON LISTAMLET HILL!reported 25/11/50 Dungannon Observer

Good driving on the part of Mr Joseph McGeary Charlemont,on Thursday night prevented a serious accident at Listamlet. It appears that Mr McGeary was on his way to Killyman in his v8 Ford car.Just as he topped Listamlet Hill he met Listamlet A.O.H Flute Band on the way to Moy for the Manchester Martyrs Commemoration Parade.He immediately applied his brakes.The car toppled over on its side.Mr McGeary the only occupant of the car escaped without injury.The car did get some damage to the mudguards and bonnet,but on being set back off the road by those accompanying the band it was able to proceed under its own power.

A V8 Ford of the day 

HE NEARLY RAN PORTER DOWN AT GUINESS!reported 25/11/50 Dungannon Observer

A man was fined 2/6 at Caledon Petty Sessions on Monday for being drunk on 4th November.His name was James PORTER,of Enagh, Caledon and Constable R.Smith told Mr.J.C Austin,R.M,that  he found Porter staggering across the road in the townland of GUINESS,Caledon.The Constable said he had to swerve to avoid running Porter down with the Police car,Porter was very drunk he added.

lol only in Ireland 

 

13th JULY AND ORANGEMEN IN NATIONALIST PUB!reported 11/11/50 Dungannon Observer

When Mary Ann Morrison,Laraghshankill,Blackwatertown was prosecuted at Moy Petty Sessions on Wednesday on the usual five counts for breaches of the licensing laws at 12-45 a.m on Thursday,13th July,Mr J.G Lennon,solicitor,remarked amid laughter,that the people concerned should not be prosecuted at all as all the men found there were Orangemen,visiting a Nationalist pub.Mr .J.C Austin R.M said that he was glad to see the people were all so friendly.When D.R.Smyth prosecuting for D.I Perris,objected to a plea of guilty on the fifth count(allowing consumption). the R.M Mr J.C Austin said he would accept the plea,as there were not many cases of the kind in the district.A penalty of £5 was imposed.The four men found on the premises Archibald Knips,Drumduff,Blackwatertown,William Knipe(jun),Blackwatertown,Wm Knipe,Derrydaragh Killyleaand Thomas Anderson,Auchatara,Killylea were each fined 10/-.

TYRONE MAN IN THE CENTRE OF EXCITING INCIDENT IN LONDON!reported 31/1/65 Dungannon Observer

A Tyrone man was one of two Irish Workmen who braved smoke and flames to save an English newspaper office after petrol-bombs had been thrown through a window last week.

Hero of the hour was Mr Patrick Mullan of Shanless,Coalisland.The bomb attack a “lay off”warning ,according to the newspaper,happened in the early hours of the morning at the ‘Crystal Palace and Norwood Advertiser’ offices in St Aubyn’s Road ,Crystal Palace.The bombs-petrol filled beer bottles primed with cotton wooll-were thrown through the ground floor window,setting fire to the Advertising Department.But before the fire could take hold,22 year old Mr Patrick Mullan,Shanless ,Coalisland,a labourer working nearby,spotted the smoke and dashed round to the front door.While Mr Mullan’s mate 34 year old Ted Riley,ran to get a pick axe handle to break in Mr Mullan smashed a window in the door and released the catch.With blood pouring from his hand-“I cut it as I smashed the glass”-Mr Mullan raced through the smoke filled office and rooms checking to see no one was in the building.”I didn’t go into the room where the fire was at first” said Mr Mullan who live in Kentish Town”because if I had opened the door it would have caused a draught and then the building would have really gone up.DENSE SMOKE.”It wasn’t until I had come down after checking the rooms that Ted and myself went into the room which was filled with dense smoke and the carpets and desks were on fire.”We quickly stamped and beat the flames out”.Said the Deputy Editor 36 year-old Mr Martin Mason;”If it had not been for the quick action of the two men,I don’t think we would have had any offices left”.The Advertiser was published as usual this week and they hadn’t far to go for a front page story.Coalisland man Pat Mullan’s photograph tops a front page spread that is simply headed ‘Thanks Lads’.

KILLYMAN FALSE TEETH LITTER ROAD AFTER ACCIDENT!reported 21/11/64 Dungannon Observer

A sales representative escaped serious injury when his car somersaulted off the road after crashing into a gate and gatepost near Laghey.Samples of false teeth from the Morris traveller driven by Mr.Black,were scattered over the area after the accident.The car took the gate with it and somersaulted nose over tail,Mr Black was fortunate to escape with only minor bruises.A tractor,driven by Patrick McVeigh,Drumkee,Coalisland,was on the road in the vicinity of the accident.

Combeen may have had a part in it lol 

MOY Tir na nOg BUNDORAN BREEZE !reported 1/8/64 Dungannon Observer

Moy Tir na nOg fotballers, whole liking for steak and mushrooms has often been mentioned in the sports columns of this paper,are to get a whiff of the famous Bundoran breeze.This week-end they head out for the Donegal seaside resort where on Sunday afternoon,they are scheduled to play Ballyshannon in a challenge match.Wouldn’t mind joining them,for these Moy men certainly know how to enjoy themselves.Keeping an eye on the younger members of the party will be club chairman P.B Lavery,and team stalwart,Pat Donaghy.It’s a good job for at least one Tyrone man,that the match is not being played in Ballyshannon ,if it was Ballyshannon confectioner P.P O’Neill would have a bit of a problem in deciding which team to support,for Paddy you see,is a Tyrone man through and through(how could he be otherwise when he has family ties with both Dungannon and Clonoe).Come to think of it I know of three Tyrone men who are in business in Ballyshannon in addition to P.P O’Neill there is Frank O’Neill(whose bottle of Guiness is justifiably famous all over the North-West) and also in the pub trade,John Askin,who hails from Ballygawley.You could do worse than give all three of them a call on your way to or from Bundoran this August week-end.Tell them that O.P.M of the Observer sent you (and the Lord only knows what sort of reception you’ll get).

NO MORE ‘LAW’ IN MOY !reported 12/9/64 Dungannon Observer

It is reported that Moy Petty Sessions  will cease to exist as a separate entity in the near future .The sittings will be transferred to Dungannon by it is  understood October or November.

A HIT AND A MISS FOR EILEEN DONAGHY !reported 19/12/64 Dungannon Observer

About 120 record dealers gathered in Belfast to see Eileen Donaghy presented with a silver disc.But there was one major snag in the ceremony-there was no silver disc.”We just don’t know where it is “said Mr Jack Baverstock Chief of the Fontana Label.Mr Baverstock,who is Eileen’s recording manager was to to have presented her with the silver disc to mark the sale of over 250,000 of her long playing albums.He has been her recording manager for about five years and during that time she recorded ten albums and over 100 songs.Her latest L.P “Donegal Cradle Song” has now been released and she is due to go to London early in 1965 for her next recording session.Mr Baverstock congratulated Eileen on achieving record sales of a quarter of a million and apart from the “disappearance ” of the silver disc the evening was a highly enjoyable occasion.The “presentation”took place in the Culloden Hotel ,Craigavad,and the evening began with a colour slide show which introduced new record releases.The guests were also shown the colour travel film “Ireland Land of Beauty” during which Portaferry tenor Peter Tomelty sings .A feature of the evening was the singing of Belfast’s McPeake family whose L.P “Irish Folk” has been selling well.Several other groups and artistes also performed.Among those present was Mr Darcy Glover,Sales Manager for Philips Records Ltd, London who flew from Paris on Thursday morning to attend the function.

CAPPAGH FAIRY FORT IS DISMANTLED!reported 9/1/65 Dungannon Observer

Work at dismantling the Fairy Fort at Aughnaskea,near Cappagh commenced on Tuesday when the Tyrone County Council Unemployment Relief Scheme of road widening resumed.Mr M.Henderson Assistant County Surveyor,found that the mound consists of solid rock and this is being broken up for road filling purposes.

The Roving reporter gives a good description in this old clip from the time

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THE SWISS GUARDS HAVE RIFLES NOW!reported 4/8/51 Dungannon Observer

After centuries of drilling with spears,swords and daggers,the Swiss Guard are becoming proficient in automatic rifles and machine-guns.The rifles were issued to guards after the war.Last year they were given permission to fire them.But firing is forbidden in the Vatican and the rifles were not even tried out in target practice.So the Holy Father gave permission to the Swiss Guards to practise on an Italian Army rifle range on the outskirts of Rome.When they visit the range they change from 16th century uniforms into civilian clothes.On duty they still carry their long halberds.The only other Papal guards with firearms are plain-clothes members of the Pontifical Gendarmerie,who carry pistols when they police Vatican palaces and gardens.

CIGARETTES AND CANCER !reported 7/7/51 Dungannon Observer

Mr.H.Marquand,Minister of Health,said at Westminister that he had noted the results so far reached by American and British research,showing the alarming increase in carcinoma of the lung and it’s association with heavy smoking of cigarettes.These were being considered by the standing Cancer and Radio Therapy Advisory Committee .Asked for greater publicity for the results of this research,Mr.Marquand replied:”I am satisfied that the results published recently are rather alarming and that is why I have asked the committee to look into it.”Deaths recorded as due to carcinoma of the lungs were 2,121 males and 674 females an 1940 and 3,720 males and 807 females in 1949.

£1,200 FOR PENNY STAMP!reported 27/1/51 Dungannon Observer

One of the world’s rarest stamps,an 1861 woodblock issue of the Cape of Good Hope was sold for £1,200 at Harmers Bond Street ,London,to an English collector who wished to remain anonymous.It was the highest price at a London auction for a single stamp in over ten years.The stamp ,one of the collection of the late Mr.J.W.Schofield,was a penny one which should have been coloured vermillion but was blue because of an error in printing.

ST PATRICK’S DAY IN MOY!reported 24/3/51 Dungannon Observer

St Patrick’s Day passed off quietly in the Moy district.A number of people traveled to Blackwatertown for the Celebrations there.Moy I.N.F Pipe Band paraded the town and later in the day led Listamlet A.O.H Division in the county Demonstration at Newtownstewart.The Division and band are to congratulated on their splendid turn out for the occasion.

MOY TENNIS COURT OPENED!reported 22/9/51 Dungannon Observer

The official opening of the newly constructed Moy Catholic Tennis Court took place on Sunday.The ceremony was performed by Rev P.Moore C.C Moy a large crowd watched exhibition tennis games.Those taking part were Miss Eileen McCabe,Portadown,Miss Claire MacRory,Dungannon,Mr Jack McCabe,Portadown and Doctor Ryan,Dungannon.The players were later entertained to tea.Father Moore in declaring the Court open said that he and Father Soraghan considered that this tennis Court would be a considerable asset towards the provision of additional recreational facilities in the parish.Tennis he said was a healthy and could be quite a vigorous out-door game and they hoped to provide the opportunity especially for the young people to learn and practise it.Father Moore congratulated Mr Charles Walker on the excellent job he had done in laying down of the court.He thanked those who had helped in the formation of the Club and asked for co-operation and support in making it a success.(The tennis court was were the lower yard of St John’s Primary School on the Benburb Road is now.Thanks to Tommy McKearney for telling me this).

EAST MEETS WEST AT U.N HEADQUARTERS !reported 2/6/51 Dungannon Observer

In full ceremonial dress,representatives of the Mohawks Senecas and the Tuscaroras-American Indians who live on reservations on both sides of the border in Eastern Canada and the U.S.A -recently visited United Nation headquarters to ask for aid on complaints involving treaties.Here Miss Emily General (right) of the Mohawk nation talks with Mrs Hansa Mehta,representative of India on the U.N Commission on Human Rights.

‘CAULFIELD’S MYSTERIOUS “GHOST”!reported7/4/51 Dungannon Observer

The whole talk around Castlecaufield these days is about strange noises in the Annaghmakeown area.During the past four or five weeks quite a number of folk passing along this road at night have actually heard mysterious yelling and crying.It appears that these noises,which are suggestive of a fight,start at an old house which hasn’t been tenanted for 20 years and then move quickly over the bogs and fields!One man who lives nearby is supposed to have heard this going on for the past two years,but never mentioned it to anyone until lately.LAST THURSDAY NIGHT A CAR LOAD OF MEN VISITED THE SCENE OF THE “GHOST’S” ACTIVITIES,BUT  ALTHOUGH THEY WAITED PATIENTLY FOR OVER AN HOUR THEY HEARD NOTHING.BUT AGAIN ,A 60 YEARS OLD MAN WHO IS SAID TO BE “VERY SENSIBLE” SAYS HE HEARD CRIES AND YELLS ON TWO OCCASIONS RECENTLY.So if you want to find out yourself ,go out to Annaghmakeown any night around 11.30.It seems that quite a few are making the trip there to hear the “ghost”-or is it a Banshee?

NO GUN CERTIFICATE!reported 17/3/51 Dungannon Observer

Peter McKearney Listamlet Moy,was fined 10s for having a double-barrelled shotgun in his possession on 1st February without a firearms certificate,and his uncle Hugh McKearney,was fined 2s 6d for parting possession with the gun to Peter.Head Constable Crawford said that both men had certificates in respect of another gun,but none for this one.The younger defendant lived with his uncle.

MOY TAXI DRIVER’S LONG RECORD!reported 7/4/51 Dungannon Observer

A Moy taxi-driver ,who had previous convictions between July 1947 and February 1951 for carrying excess passengers,was fined £2,5s at Keady Petty Sessions on Thursday.He was Benedict Joseph Martin,Corr and Dunavally ,Moy.Sergeant Walmsley gave evidence of stopping defendant’s car at Aughnagurgan,Keady and finding that eight passengers were being carried.The car was licensed for six.Imposing the fine the Magistrate stated that defendant had a long record.

THE SUGAR WAS UNDER THE COUNTER IN MOY!reported 3/3/51 Dungannon Observer

Local trader fined £12

At Dungannon Petty Sessions on Monday before Major T.W.Dickie K.C., Archibald McMullan c/o T.A McMullan Bros,Dungannon Street Moy was summoned by the Ministry of Food for obtaining 4cwts of sugar,without a buying permit or a proper authorisation.Eric McMullan the same address was summoned for aiding and abetting.Eric McMullan and Ellen Jane McMullan were summoned for dealing in uncustomed sugar,imported from the Republic of Eire.Mr J.T.McConnell,Divisional Solicitor on behalf of the Ministry of Food,prosecuted in the Customs case.Senator J.G Lennon Solicitor Armagh appeared for the McMullan’s.Captain Fyffe said that as regards the Customs case Senator Lennon had told him Eric McMullan accepted full responsibility  and he (Capt Fyffe withdrew the summons against Ellen Jane McMullan).Mr McConnell said that McMullan said that he bought the sugar from a man in Portadown whom he did not know.The sugar said Mr McConnell was detected inside the bakery below the counter,Capt Fyffe said that Customs prosecution was a sequel to a raid by Police.They found the sugar under the counter.Mrs McMullan said that she accepted responsibility.It was sugar from the Republic of Ireland and said that she had found it.A few days later Eric McMullan  said that he had bought it from a man in Portadown.The single paid duty was approximately £10 the costs were £4.Senator Lennon said that Eric was actually the offender in this case.The brothers ,Eric and Archibald had a small business  in Moy which includes a bakery Eric bought the sugar from a man for £30/-8/0.Within a couple of hours of the delivery of the sugar the Police arrived and found the sugar.Eric bought the sugar because he thought he would be short for Christmas.He thought that the justice of the case would be met by a conviction against Eric who is pleading guilty.The R.M fined Archibald McMullan 1/- on the food summons,for aiding abetting he fined Eric 17- with 6/- costs with £3/15/0 extra for costs,for the Customs case he fined Eric McMullan £12.

PATROL BOAT WAS RAMMED!reported 17/11/51 Dungannon Observer

The story of an incident on Lough Neagh on the night of October 15th last,when it was alleged that a patrol boat rammed by a fishing boat and that two other boats escaped,was related to Major McLean,R,M,at Coagh Petty Sessions on Tuesday.Mick Coney ,Killcanavan,Stewartstown was charged by Mr W.D.Duff chief fishery inspector,of Coagh,with trespass on the lough and also with obstructing the bailiffs in the execution of their duty.Mr Hastings,solicitor ,prosecuting said the patrol boat came on three fishing boats,Coney picked up several stones in his boat and threw them.His boat also rammed the patrol boat,luckily without damage.In the melee the other two boats escaped.Defendants denied throwing any stones but stated he could not avoid ramming the patrol boat.Defendant was fined 20s for trespass and 10s for obstruction.Other defendants fined for trespassing on the Lough on October 17th were  Thomas Campbell,Patrick McConville,John McConville,all of Killycolphy;Francis Teague and Charles Devlin,Lower Back,and John McConville,Killywoolaghen 20s each;Tony Campbell,Killycolpy 25s and costs;Ambrose Taylor,Killywoolaghen,40s and costs,Henry Wylie,Lower Back,Alexander McConville,Killywoolaghen,Felix Conlon,Anneetermore;John Coyle,Aneeterbeg;William John Kelly,Clentorichardson;Joseph Kelly,Joseph Grimes,Annaghmore,Peter Kelly and Patrick Kelly,Ardean 50s each.

CHARLEMONT AND MOY NOTES!reported 24/2/51 Dungannon Observer

During the past ten days Messrs White and Co.Ltd,Belfast ,have commenced work on the laying of a new water pipe line to connect Moy town supply to a new housing estate at Laghey ,Killyman.The last thatched cottage roof in Killyman Street Moy disappeared when Miss Sarah Cassidy had her dwelling reroofed in corrugated iron.

DUNGANNON LAST THURSDAY NIGHT ,THIS GHOST IS AFRAID OF HIS WIFE !reported 27/4/63 Dungannon Observer

An Observer staff reporter has talked to the screaming man with staring eyes who according to descriptive reports in the daily and Sunday newspapers,caused quite a commotion in the tiny hamlet of Dungannon last Thursday night when he appeared on the quiet laneway that leads to Gallows Hill.And what do you think the reporter found?Believe it or not ,a poor old ‘ghost’ who is afraid of his wife.AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HERBERT THE ‘GHOST’.Yesterday I was sitting in my office when the telephone rang.I answered it and a man spoke.HE seemed reluctant to talk,but at the same time I sensed that he had something important to tell me.I was busy but something urged me to bide my time and give the caller a chance to collect his thoughts.He cleared his throat nervously,and then began:I want to confess to being the Donaghmore Road ghost .I laughed thinking for a moment that someone was trying to pull my leg.But his voice had the ring of sincerity.The conversation which followed was this 

“Listen I’m sorry to bother you but …”

“Now what’s this all about “?

“Well you see I’m the Donaghmore Road ghost”

“Your’re what ?”

“I’m the Donaghmore Road ghost “

“You don’t sound anything like a ghost to me “

“I know I don’t,I’m really not a ghost at all but was there that night;and yelled and they thought I was a ghost “

“Hold on .Take your time and tell me the whole story from the beginning .Right.Are you ready ?Fire Away.”

“It was like this.I drove into Dungannon last Thursday morning left the car in the Square and went off to do a bit of business”.

“Had you pigs in the market?”I was fishing for a clue as to his identity.

“We’ll not go into that .Anyway I made a few quid and feeling happy I went in for a quick one .I had a few Indeed to tell you the truth I had more than was good for me “

“TIGHT AS A FIDDLE ;FULL AS A LORD”

“You mean you got tight ?”I wanted to keep him talking.

“Tight as a fiddle full as a lord .By night I wasn’t able to bite my finger”

“Right what happened then?”I was anxious to get along to the relevant details.

“I was in a couple of pubs-at one time or another-and to tell you the truth,I mixed my drinks.In one of them I had a couple of Carlings and a glass or two of John Power.In another I had a we half-un and three or four Guinness.”

“They say it’s bad to mix the drink” ,I wondered when he would get around to the ghostly part.

“It is to be sure.By closing time I didn’t know whether I was coming or going “When I got up to go home the walls started to heave”.

“Allright you were plastered.But what has that to do with a ghost”

“Now just a minute .I’m coming to that”

“Fair enough go ahead “I didn’t want to push him to hard .

“Well as you say I was plastered .When the barman saw the state I was in ,he came over .A decent soul he wanted to know where I came from  and how I was getting home “.

“Aye I can imagine he would”I wondered where he came from too.

“Well when he heard I had a car, he nearly had a fit “

“HE had some sense”

“I suppose he was worried I might try to drive and get nabbed by the police”

“No wonder”I thought there were many worse things that could have happened to him and wondered when he would get around to the ghost.

“Anyway he wanted to call a taxi ,but I wouldn’t hear of it .Imagine me going home in a taxi !The wife would have kilt me”

“Your easily frightened”

“No but you don’t know my wife .Anyway I left the pub and dandered off on my own “

“What happened next ?”This sounded more and more  like a defence to a drunk -in -charge case at Dungannon Petty Sessions .

“I don’t know where I spent the next while .Later I found my self in Ann Street ,heading towards the Donaghmore Road .I made brave headway leaning against the wall and made it around the corner .I stood for a while at the old Foresters Hall and then shaped on down the road.I fell a couple of times but the fresh air was clearing my head a wee bit “

“Go on “I was deeply interested now my man was nearing the spot.

“Near Charlemont Street ,there was no wall so I crossed over the road to the school wall .Then I went on down till I reached the lane .

“Yes Now your coming to the main part of the story .

“I was feeling a bit sick .John Power,Carling and Guinness don’t mix.So I went up the lane .To tell you the truth,I was heart sick .Afterwards I felt better but I stayed on a while.Then,I don’t know what came over me .I just let a gulder out of me “

“You mean you shouted at the top of your voice “

“Aye .But it wasn’t just a shout.It was a gulder”

“Then what happened ?”

“Well,there was a lot of commotion ,so I skedaddled away down the road”

“Not up the lane?” I was thinking of the reports of a figure disappearing into the hedge.

“No fears .I wanted home without getting into any bother so I cleared off”,

“Listen you mean to tell me you started this hullabaloo and then just cleared of home?”

“I did .But I didn’t mean any harm to anybody .How was I to know they’d think I was a ghost ?”

“Why didn’t you own up before now?”

“Well I read the papers and saw the whole thing building up into something big .I was scared stiff .I read about the tall man with staring eyes ,the wild -eyed ghost ,the unearthly screams and the ear-splitting yells.Sure I couldn’t open my mouth about it”.

“But you could have told the police ?”

“Aye .And next thing the wife would have got it .Then I’d have be in a quare fix -questions about the car and the money and the drink.You don’t know my wife .She’s a tarra on the drink .Anyway I didn’t tell anyone”.

As casually as I could I asked him his name .There was silence for a second or two.

“Look I couldn’t give you my full name .Just call me Herbert “.

The phone clicked and the line went dead.

That’s the story .Perhaps it is not as colourful as the one you’ve read in the daily papers .Nevertheless I have a feeling that it is true .

SO MUCH FOR THE “GHOST OF GALLOW’S LANE “POOR FELLOW ,HE HAD A VERY SHORT CAREER.

IRISH MADE AUSTRALIA A ‘NATION!reported 25/5/63 Dungannon Observer

The Irish are credited with many nicknames -“Micks”,”Paddies”,”Shamuses” to mention a few .One-perhaps,the proudest of all -is rarely attributed to them.It is “Digger” a name by which the Australians are known .And most of “the Diggers”who sparked the era of the gold rushes,the most fabulous period in Australian history,were Irish .The discovery of gold at Ophir in February 1851 began an epoch of excitement and expansion unequalled in any country.With the dawn of 1851,the populationof Victoria was 77,345.By 1852 there were 100,000 new arrivals.In 1855 the colony’s population had quadrupled.The newcomers included men of every race,every social and political background.Many were wealthy seeking only adventure;most were hungry seeking opportunity.One authority tell us “9 out of 10 were British and 9 out of 10 British were Irish”.Before these Irish of the Gold Rush era arrived,an Australian was an Aborigine,a convict,or a poorly-paid labourer on the acres of an English landowner.The ‘Diggers’ changed that .They worked hard and they played hard.They doffed their caps to no master.They were fanatically loyal to their friends;overnight they made the Australian a “Digger”-a laughing reckless man with a pick in one hand and a nugget of gold in the other,a man with courage and spirit to match his adopted country’s riches.Roaring through Victoria,they found gold at Mount Alexander,founded a town and called it Castlemaine.When some settled at a village called Sandhurst,they thought the name smacked of British militarism,so they changed it to Bendigo in honour of a prize-fighter they admired.In the Buninyong Range,they prospected the richest alluvial goldfield ever discovered and joined camps like Red Hill,The Gravel Pit andEureka into a new town of Ballarat.They brought in fabulous nuggets-the “Sarah Sands”that weighed 1,117 ozs the “Lady Hotham”,1,777 ozs,the “Canadian” 1,319 ozs and the “Welcome” 2,217 ozs.In ten years these ‘diggers’ produced gold worth £125 million and trebled the population of the country.In so doing they died in thousands from typhoid ,dysentry,rockfalls,and “dusted lungs”,the dread ‘miners’ complaint.At Eureka they conducted the world’s first secret ballot to elect,Peter Lalor as leader of a digger army and swore by the Southern Cross”,.. to stand truly by each other and to fight and defend our rights and liberties”.Fight they did on the morning of December 3 ,1854,against three times their number of well -armed troops and police,sent to crush them by Sir Charles Hotham,a martinet,who vowed to bring discipline to the goldfields .They were overcome ,but through the courage of their leaders and Father Patrick Smyth,the devoted chaplain of Ballarat,they won the ‘Miners Rights’ and a voice for the digger in the Government.As one historian puts it :”The diggers had precipitated Australia into nationhood.’

RADAR CARS WILL DRIVE THEMSELVES!reported 12/11/63 Dungannon Observer

Forget any hoary tales you’ve heard about the moving pavement being big news in 2013;it just won’t be so,but air conditioning,diesel or gas-turbine cars will be common-place.Indeed it is probable that the next great scientific advance in car building will make it completely safe for drivers to relax comfortably or even sleep,while their cars speed on over long seeps of cross-country highways.And when they wake up refreshed and yawning their only concern will be to see how long they have slept by the dashboard clock and to scan the speedometer to see how far they have traveled.That is the target road safety engineers and manufacturers are aiming over the next 50 years.Roads as well as parking areas,will run at roof-top level.Recreational centres such as parks and ornamental gardens and ponds will lie at ground level.Since architectural trends are veering towards the circular house and apartment blocks,the idea of roof-top roads and parking spaces dovetails neatly into place.Below the roads will come pedestrian avenues and living quarters,while places of entertainment ,assembly halls,pubs,and shops will be grouped together near the open spaces.But revolutionary though such plans may sound,the main trunk roads of the world will offer an even more startling sight.’Driverless cars’ will cruise along in complete safety,guided by automatic route-finding devices.CODES .No-hands-driving is based on a two-pronged idea;a radar set in the car and a strip of metallic paint along the centre of the highway lane.Projected from the front of the car,the radar beam bounces back to the receiving apparatus and these impulses govern the steering gear.They keep the centre of the car over the strip with no more than a three-inch sway to either side.A significant refinement of this system will be the insertion of coded messages,which will decide what the car will do independently of the driver.The radar beam will scan messages in the same way that a digital computer gives answers to data fed into it.There will be stop codes at cross-roads and the metallic strip will also have slow codes for dangerous curves.Relieving heavy commuter traffic in this new world of 2013 will be completely automatic trains.Computer-operated with full-speed,stop and start instructions fed into the automated control system,the train will not need your fare.But you won’t get on before the robot scanner unit has scrutinised your code credit card in this travel-now-pay-later plan.Rapid transit lines,shifting 70,00 people an hour,will be efficient,cheap and comfortable.Linking major cities will be circular shaped trains powered by gas-turbine engines and capable of 200 miles an hour.These trains will ride on a thin air film.Hovercraft,capable of carrying more passengers and cargo than at present,will be commonplace.They will skim over water at 70 or 100 knots.

RALLY WINNER OWES SUCCESS TO MOY DRIVER!reported 20/4/63 Dungannon Observer

Thanks to the charitable action of Moy driver Ronnie White in handing over the carburetter from his own car,Ballynure,Co.Antrim,man Ian Woodside was able to recover from a mechanical fault to his Austin Healey Sprite and go on to win the International Circuit of Ireland Rally.White ,whose co-driver was his sister Doris was one of the first on the scene after Woodside’s car burst into flames following a hill climb on Monday just outside Limerick.Petrol has escaped from the carburetter which had cracked with vibration.Arriving at the hill top after completing his climb,White,driving a supercharged Sprite similar to Woodsides’s summed up the situation and departed at high speed down-hill,borrowed a fire-extinguisher from officials and the fire was put out.White’s help did not end there,having himself lost valuable time through getting water in his petrol at the water splash,he insisted that Woodside take the carburetter of his car and he took the damaged unit.Woodside then roared away to the next control a driving test some eight miles away.The incident had cost him a valuable 21 minutes,a penalty of 42 marks and his leadership of the rally.Just a few moments after Woodside had completed the test ,officials were confronted with sight of White and his sister pushing their car towards the control officer-the faulty carburetter had packed up after four miles and the couple had pushed the car for TWO MILES.However after a temporary repair with some plastic metal the Moy couple continued the rally and were able to complete the course.And when they crossed the finishing line at Larne on Tuesday they were given a great ovation by the crowd.At the presentation of awards,Woodside publicly acknowledged his help and said:”We owe everything to Ronnie;we couldn’t have continued without the carburetter from his car”.

Ian Woodside pdf

MAN WAS SMUGGLED IN MAIL BAG!reported 23/11/63 Dungannon Observer

Mr Bernard Patrick O’Neill,a native of Magherafelt has died at the age of 63.Mr O’Neill was a member of the Fianna and later the 3rd Northern Division of the Irish Republican Army.Because of his activities he found himself a wanted man in 1920 and to enable him to escape he was put into a Post Office bag and thrown aboard the Dublin train.He stayed in the bag until he was unloaded in Dublin,where he remained ever since.Mr O’Neill spent most of his early life in Belfast and in Whitehead,Co.Antrim.He later entered the family firm of Devine and Sons,fruit importers,and on his arrival in Dublin in 1920 joined the Dublin branch of the firm.

MEAT FACTORY FOR MOY!reported 26/1/63 Dungannon Observer

A new meat factory now in the process of construction in Moy,is expected to open in February.The new concern will,appropriately enough be situated in premises which were formerly a bacon factory.When the factory is completed the firm hope to employ as many local men as possible.Manager of the factory is Mr Mathers,an  Englishman,who has been working in Lurgan.

MOY BRIDES CREATE HISTORY!reported 13/4/63 Dungannon Observer

Two brides in white created history when they walked down the aisle of Moy Presbyterian Church on Friday within an hour and a half of each other.Never before have two weddings being held on the same day in the church let alone in such a short space of time.Average numbers of Marriages in the church over the last 25 years has been two a year.The last guest attending the wedding of Miss Mary E.J Blair,only daughter of Mr and Mrs Fred Blair,The Oaks,Bovean,had just swept away from the church gates as guests began arriving for the wedding of Miss Eleanor Rainey,Charlemont.Miss Blair was married to Mr William Cromie,son of Mr and Mrs T.Cromie,of Cregagh,Belfast.Given away by her father,she wore a full-length gown of rose patterned brocade cut on classical lines with full skirt and back interest created by a bow.A pearl coronet surmounted her shoulder-length bouffant veil and she carried a white bible with spray of yellow roses and freesia.Her friend,Miss Elaine Cherry,who was in attendance wore a full-length gown of daffodil brocade with matching rose in her hair.Her posy was of white roses.Mr David Blair brother of the bride was best man.Rev W.M McMillan performed the ceromony,assisted by Rev J.C Faulkner,Mrs W,Patterson was organist.Guests were entertained at Woodbourne House Hotel,after which the couple left to honeymoon in the Channel Islands.For travelling,Mrs Cromie wore a French navy suit with matching accessories.They will live at Hillside Crescent Stranmillis.Miss Rainey,who married Mr Alexander Scott,of Moygashel,chose for the ceremony a full-length gown of white organza embroidered with satin motifs.The gown had a scalloped neck and hemline.Her bouffant veil was mounted on a pom-pom of net and diamante sprigs and her bouquet was of pink roses and hyacinth tips.Miss Sandra Lee who was in attendance,wore a full-length gown of rose pink nylon organza with embroidered bodice and full-blown rose at the waist.She wore two roses in her hair and carried white and pink carnations.Best man was Mr George Gibson.Rev Faulkner performed the ceremony,and Mrs Patterson was again the organist.Leaving the church the bride received a lucky horeshoe from Jennifer Martin and a lucky black boot from a neighbour,Mrs McKeever.After a reception in the Savoy,Portadown,Mr and Mrs Scott left to honeymoon in Bray.For travelling,Mrs Scott chose an emerald green coat and matching pillbox hat.

DE VALERA THANKS THE R.U.C FOR HELP!reported 9/2/63 Dungannon Observer

President DeValera has paid a personal tribute to the “wonderful assistance” of the R.U.C in helping him to attend the funeral of Cardinal D’Alton.The Commisioner of the Civic Guards,Mr Daniel Costigan,has sent a message to R.U.C Inspector-General,Mr Albert Kennedy,saying that on his return to Dublin.Mr DeValera”expressed his sincere thanks to the officers and men of the R.U.C for the woderful assistance rendered in most difficult conditions which made his journey to and from Armagh possible”.Mr De Valera spoke of the R.U.C help to Mr Costigan himself and the Commissioner also sent to Mr Kennedy “personal thanks to all for a wonderful job of work well done.

PIGEONS MAY SOON WORK IN FACTORIES!reported 16/2/63 Dungannon Observer

Dr Thomas Verhave of San Francisco,believes that pill-testing pigeons will be only one eventual use of birds and animals in jobs normally done by men or machines.And he’s shown what might be achieved.Using a line of specially trained birds,he got them to peck at one of two keys before them,beneath a little inspection window behind which passed a row of new drug capsules from the filling machine.Fixed above the window was a perfect standard pill and when each bird saw a moving pill, that corresponded to this exactly in size and shape,it would peck at key number 1.If a defective pill appears,the pigeon would peck at key number two.Each bird had been individually trained to obtain its food by pecking at the keys,then to differentiate between good and dud pills as they appeared in line .Pigeons ,like most birds have eyesight superior to our own,plus colour vision,which is rare among mammals.Even the slightest dent,mis-shape or variation in colour could be detected by the pigeon,and,of course,each time key number two was pecked,the faulty capsule was rejected.Dr William Cumming of Columbia University ,went one better.He trained 25 pigeons to regognise the letters of the alphabet in each of their written variations.The bird that could read an “a” could tell the basic letter shape no matter who wrote it.He got his birds to watch a clear plastic window behind which ordinary bank cheques were passed.As individual birds recognised their own letters,they pecked at keys,got their food,and the cheques were sorted as well as by computer machine.Birds like pigeons,may one day sort and select industrial and pharmaceutical items over a wide range,even guide difficult manufacturing processes.Chimpanzees can easily be taught to pick fruit,sort a whole host of items,work simple switchboards,even operate punch presses.They can also adjust optically tricky industrial processes like the vat mixing of chemicals for a reaction or the adjustment of the varying pressure between two rollers.According to research scientists,chimps make “beautiful workers ” wherever precise visual and manual adjustments have to be maintained.

USA HAS AN “ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN”!reported 12/1/63 Dungannon Observer

An ‘Abominable Snowman’ is loose in California.The beast eight feet tall,covered with coarse hair and weighing half a ton.It exists all right said zoologist Ivan Sanderson .”We don’t know what it is but it is definitely alive.It seems to be shaped like a human being .It is so big that even ferocious black bears keep clear of it”.Reports of a weird,man-like beast have been circulating in the Bluff Creek area of Northern California for over a century.The Hoopa and Yurok Indian tribes called the animal Bigfoot and even worshipped it as a god.People scoffed at the Bigfoot legend but then over four years ago,strange things started to happen around Bluff Creek.IN A CLEARING.On August 27 1958,Gerald Crews parked his tractor over night in a clearing in the woods.When he returned the next morning huge footprints were circling the tractor.A few weeks later,ten miles from where Crewe parked his tractor,workmen found a 55 gallon drum of fuel missing from a construction job .After a two-hour search,they found the 320lb,fuel drum a quarter of a mile away at the bottom of a hill.Later,three steel girders,weighing  1,000lbs apiece were found in a forest clearing.The girders could not have been brought there by tractor,because no tractor could fit between the trees.

one of these bad boys 

Ivan T Sanderson 

PRISONERS WERE V.I.P.s!reported 18/5/63 Dungannon Observer

The strangest things find their way into the American House of Representatives congressional record in Washington.The latest is the story of how nine Irishmen fared after being transported to Australia together with a nostalgic verse which expressed the longing and resentment of those on whom exile was forced.Entered apropos of nothing really by James A. Burke of Massachusetts ,it deals with the transportation in 1848 of nine young Irelanders.It recounts how before sentence was passed,Thomas Francis Meagher spoke for all and said:”This is our first offence but not our last,If my lord will be easy with us this once we promise on our word as gentlemen to try and do better next time.And next time sure we won’t be fools enough to be caught”.The incensed judge sentenced them to be hanged drawn and quartered ,but this was subsequently commuted to transportation for life to Australia.Twenty five years later Queen Victoria heard that one of the nine ,Charles Duffy had become Prime Minister of Australia and inquired how the others had got on.She was told Meagher was Govenor of Montana that Terence McManus and Patrick Donaghue were Brigadier Generals in the US army;that Richard O’Gorman was Governor General of New Foundland;that Morris Lyene and Michael Ireland were successively Attorneys Generals in Australia;That Thomas Darcy McGee was Minister for Agriculture and President of the Council in Canada and that Thomas Mitchel was prominent in New York politics.What comment the Queen made is not recorded.The congressional record verse runs:O Erin must we leave you Driven by a tyrants hand;Must we ask a mothers blessing From a strange and distant land?Where the cruel cross of England shall nevermore be seen,And where, please God, we’ll live and die still wearing of the green!

MOY RIDING SCHOOL!reported 9/2/63 Dungannon Observer

“When war broke out in 1939 the Moy Fair was already on the way our,and the tremendous development of tractor work on the Six County farms practically sealed the fate of the horse as power on the land”, writes William Bann in the “Belfast Telegraph”.The horses disappeared from streets of Moy,streets were army officers from many  European countries fulfilled their remount requirements.But horselore is hard to eliminate and there is one resident of the picturesque village who is not going to let the renown of Moy fade out entirely.She is Mrs Elizabeth Laverty,who married into one of the best known Moy families whose interest in horses goes back many years.Born in Keady,Mrs Laverty met her husband for the first time when she was out on a horse.In 1960 Mrs Laverty founded a riding school which caters for the needs of the young people of the district.”Every day except Sundays Mrs Laverty and her husband take out the parties of children and adults.”At present there are almost 20 horses in the Laverty stables.”Her husband too,is an expert in the management and handling of horses.”One of Mrs Laverty’s happiest experiences of training a young person was her success with a German girl who after six weeks’coaching was able to jump 4ft 6in. confidently .”Moy Riding School is in membership of the British Riding School’s Association,a body who require high standards before membership is granted,and who insist on periodic inspection of premises.”Her enthusiasm has naturally spread to her family of five.One of these,Mary,has already shown inherent skill with horses in winning several trophies.It will be no fault of the Laverty family if Moy does not figure again in the horse world”.

THE BANSHEE !reported 24/10/64 Dungannon Observer

• “Twas down at Brian Meehan’s we heerd it ,it’s cry weird on the still night air;
• Myself,Brian and his Kate, Pat O’Neill and Johnny Nolan from the Corners were there.
• “Twas after the crack round the fireside whilst enjoying the ould cup o’tay
• When out of the darkness beyont us,rose that heart-boken lamenting cry.

• Sure wasn’t everyone there afeart of ,”Twas a cry not of this place
• But the wall o’ a carrier of evil and the thought showed on every face
• Whilst the flickering lamplight above us cast shadows o’ every shape
• That cry rose again from the darkness, like a captive without an escape.

• “W’eil go hie luk at yon cratur”,said Brian with fear in his eyes,
• “For I’ll no rest content till I see what it meant and what is the reason it cries”,
• We followed Kate home ,myself and the boys,into that pitchcap o’ darkness
• Searching for the source o’ that noise.

• And down by the ould ruins we saw it, a figure as whit as snow,
• Wi long flowing hair past the shoulder,and lit all around by the glow;
• A glow that wasn’t o’ mankind,but something o’ the demons of hell,
• And combing that hair whilst still crying for a reason no one could tell.

• And as we watched it afore us ,it gradually faded from view,
• And all o’ us ran quick for our cabins,to say many a prayer anew;
• A prayer for the repose o’ the sowl,o’ that scion o’ an ould Irish crew,
• For the Banshee had given her warning,death was near,and was certain we knew.

• In the following days we dreaded the news, through the papers we quietly scanned,
• Till a letter arrived for poor Patsy O’Neill,Wi word of his brother Dan.
• In far of Chicago on a building site,he’d been crushed neath a falling wall,
• And the warning we’d had had not been in vain,
• The Banshee had rang true wi’ her call.

(By Brian Heatley)….

THE HORSES WERE DRUNK!reported 28/9/35 Tyrone Courier

A farmer went down to his orchard at Botley,Hants on Wednesday ,to find his horses looking utterly bewildered ,leaning against trees and fencing for support.The animals were absolutely incapable of movement.To be precise,they were drunk.Rotting and fermenting fruit blown from the trees by recent gales was the cause.The abundance of fallen fruit had produced sufficient alcohol to take effect on the horses.

such a sight to see lol 

My late father barreled apples ,and when I was a lad the same happened to a cow we had,she got into the yard and had a feast of rotted apples I still remember her lying against the byre wall lol.

DUNGANNON GAS Co. A HUNDRED YEARS OF PROGRESS!reported 13/7/35 Dungannon Observer

Dungannon Gas Company,one of the oldest gas companies in Ireland has completed a hundred years useful service to the community.The first attempt at the public lighting of streets in Dungannon was in the year 1775(160 years ago).At the very period the Parish Vestry was responsible for the lighting of the town and the maintenance of roadways.On the 5th of September,1775,the Vestry decided to light the streets and decree that the Corporation of Dungannon(the predecessors of the town commissioners) were to raise £12 to be paid to George Hannyngton to erecting lamps in the town,supplying them with “oyl”(as it is quaintly spelt in the records) and pay a person to attend the lighting of them.This George Hannyngton lived in Scotch Street,and was the father of Mr Thomas Knox Hannyngton,the private banker,who erected a palatial residence on Castle Hill,the remains of which are so often erroneously described as the ruins of O’Neill’s Castle.With the formation of the Dungannon Gas Light Company,the public lamps were converted from oil to gas.In 1856 the company were constructed under the title of “The Dungannon Gas Company”.In 18889 it was again reconstructed under the title of “The Dungannon Gas Company,Ltd.”The Gas Company is the largest rate paying concern in Dungannon,as it does not benefit under the Derating Act,and it pays out wages thousands of pounds annualy.Steady progress has been made by the company during the hundred years of its existence.Since the days of the Great War the quantity consumed in Dungannon has more than doubled.

OIL FOUND IN TYRONE!reported 3/4/65 Dungannon Observer

Much interest has been aroused by the fact that pockets of natural gas has been struck by oil drills of the Ambassador and Marathon oil companies,who were granted licences to prospect in 1,400 square miles of Fermanagh and Tyrone last May.So far,there have not been ‘commercial’ quantities,but they have been sufficient encouragement to the drillers and frequent and strong enough to fire the exhaust valves on the rigs.No comment was available from the company concerned.

Jr had been seen in the area lol

FROM HIS LOFTY SEAT !reported 3/4/65 Dungannon Observer

Seven of the nine Ulster counties can be seen on a clear day from the spire of St.Patrick’s Church ,Dungannon.Steeplejack David Nocher,of Serpentine Road Belfast,who has been gliding the cross on top of the 200-feet high spire doesn’t mind heights.The view from up there is magnificent he says.

WILL SCOTLAND REBEL WARNING TO ENGLAND!reported 7/4/51 Dungannon Observer

“If England does not accede to Scotland’s wishes she may soon have a rebellion on her hands,as she had in other colonies,” said Mr Arthur Donaldson of Forfar,a delegate to the National Party Conference in Glasgow on Saturday.Mr Dott (Edinburgh)-If England persists in denying Scotland self-government there may be civil commotion.Referring to the Lia Fail Stone of Destiny,the Conference agreed that the stone should remain in Scotland,and that those who took it should be defended if the need arose.The delegates agreed that conscription of Scots should cease immediately;that emigration from Scotland be fought “tooth and nail”and that the forcing of Scots to take part in the Festival of Britain,when there was neither Britain ,when there was neither fuel,food nor housing,was to be deplored.Six medals are to be made by an Edinburgh firm from Celtic silver donated in response to an appeal by the Conference  for silver to melt down to make medals for the people who removed the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey.

The stone of Destiny

NEW 160,000 MACHINE TO FIGHT CANCER!reported 11/6/60 Dungannon Observer

A 450,000 Dollar (£160,000) cancer fighting electron linear acceleration was unveiled at the University of Chicago on Wednesday.The result of eight years of design and testing,the machine,which weighs 25 tons,is claimed to give the highest degree of control ever achieved over radiation for medical use.It consumes enough power for a town of 100,000 people during each burst of six ten millionths of a second that it operates-and there are 60 such bursts in a second.Its electron beam can penetrate up to nine inches.Dr Lowell Coggeshall,the university’s vice president in charge of medical development said that the instrument”can both guide and rotate the beam over the cancer treatment area.Rather than showering the area with radiation,this machine provides more precise control than has been previously possible”.

from this  

to this

THE CUSTOM OF SHAKING HANDS!reported 11/6/60 Dungannon Observer

The hand-shaking custom comes down to us from time when almost every one carried a sword,knife or club.If a person met someone whom he thought might not be a friend,he immediately grasped his weapon with his right hand,ready to protect himself.But when he met a friend he extended the right hand to show his friend that he did not have a weapon ready for defence.

IT’S A BOY FOR AUDREY HEPBURN!reported 23/7/60 Dungannon Observer

Film actress Audrey Hepburn gave birth to her first baby in Lucerne on Sunday…nine pound boy,to be named Sean.Audrey’s husband,Mel Ferrer,announced the news at the Lucerne Maternity Clinic.Miss Hepburn,who is 31 lost an expected baby last year.She and Mr Ferrer were married in Switzerland in September,1954.Mr Ferrer told reporters that mother and son”are extremely well”.He said that the boy weighed nine pounds and had blue eyes and dark hair.

The happy couple and new born son, Sean

WOMAN DENTIST WAS FORMERLY A MAN!reported 30/7/60 Dungannon Observer

Georgina Carol Turtle a Hove dental surgeon who until 10 days ago was officially a man has now received a copy of the certificate acknowledging that her sex should now read “female”.She had existed for 37 years as George Edwin Turtle who practised as a dental surgeon in Croydon and was at one time a pipe smoking Royal Naval officer.Since she was at school miss Turtle had been convinced that she was not really a man.The feeling grew stronger over the years and she eventually went to a Harley Street specialist,undergoing a plastic surgery operation in the London clinic three years ago.She then ran into difficulty when Somerset House refused to change her her birth certificate which showed that she had been born a boy.It was not until she had produced three sworn affidavits that authorities finally agreed to correct the certificate.

Georgina Somerset with her husband Christopher

ATOMIC KNIFE FOR SURGERY IN FIVE YEARS!reported 4/6/60 Dungannon Observer

In five years time brain surgeons may be using “atomic knifes” to perform operations on human beings according to Mr Cornelius Tobias and Peter Janssen in a report presented to the U.S National Radiation Society at Berkley California.The “atomic knife” is in fact an atomic beam of protons.Applied with precision say the scientists the atomic beam can form brain lesions at selected places,leaving intervening and surrounding body tissues relatively untouched.Use of the technique on the human brain will be delayed about five years,during which time the scientists will be experimenting with animals.

PATIENT HAD 258 OBJECTS IN HIS STOMACH!reported 24/12/60 Dungannon Observer

Surgeons who operated on a patient in Chicago recovered 258 objects ,mostly metal,from his stomach,the American Medical Journal reports.Among the objects were 26 keys,39 nail files,three sets of Rosary beads,a bracelet,a necklace,three chains,a beer can opener,16 religious medals,a knife blade,four nail clippers,three pairs of tweezers,88 coins and a mass of eroded metal sludge weighing more than 3lb.

DUNGANNON RURAL COUNCIL DECIDES TO BUY MOY SQUARE!reported 15/10/60 Dungannon Observer

After many years of wrangling ,argument and fruitless controversy ,Dungannon Rural Council on Thursday decided to purchase Moy Square from the Crown.Originally the Square was owned by Lord Charlemont and later by Moy Markets Committee.It has been a bone of contention for a lengthy period.The Council will pay the sum of £5 /17 /6 to finalise the deal.At yesterday’s meeting of the Council a letter was read from W.J Irwin and Sons solicitors,Dungannon enclosing a demand for payment of 11/ 9 “quit rent” due to the Crown.They stated that by paying 10 years rent in advance the Council could now purchase the Square outright.On the proposal of Mr William Buchanan the Council decided to do this.

THE BLINKING AT KILLYMAN!reported 5/11/60 Dungannon Observer

One May morning in 1926 William Blair,a farmer of Drumcrow,near the town of Dungannon,went as usual to his byre and found that his three cows would not give milk.He decided immediately that somebody had been using the evil eye or as the Ulster expression goes put the ‘blink’ on his cattle.He decided also that the guilty person was Isabella Hazelton who lived nearby and with whom he had not been on friendly terms for some time.Mr Blair sought the advice of two neighbours,a man and his wife Isaac and Sarah McFarland,who examined the cows and agreed that they had been ‘blinked’.They agreed also that the possessor of the evil eye was none other than Isabella Hazelton.The news of the blinking spread round the country like wildfire.People came from all parts to see the cows that had been bewitched.Experts tried to milk them but they were adamant in their refusal.GOSSIP.The gossip soon reached the ears of Isabella Hazelton and her husband.On the grounds that she had been accused of witch-craft,she took legal action.On May 7th,1926,writs for slander were served on William Blair and on Isaac and Sarah McFarland.The writs were served in the joint names of Mrs Hazelton and her husband.Better counsel prevailed and since Mr Hazelton had not been accused of any kind of voodoo,new writs were served in November 1926 in the name of Mrs Hazelton herself.The Killyman “blinking” case became front page news in all the national daily papers.The local Press was wisely much more reserved.There was nevertheless ,considerable interest generally when the case at last came to court on October 7th 1927,before Judge Linehan at the Dungannon Quarter Sessions.I was there that day.FAIRIES.Had Isabella Hazelton the evil eye?.Was she a witch?.Had she cast a spell on the cows of William Blair?those were the legal points at issue.Some of the more sensational reporters from the English papers went much further.They all but discovered fairies at the bottom of every garden around Killyman.They told their readers that witches and Leprechauns were at least as common around Dungannon as Chelsea pensioners in London.The court was packed on the day of the hearing.The first witness,Mr Blair said that his cows had never before refused to give milk and that he could only come to the conclusion that they had been “blinked”.As soon as he reached that decision he began to take counter action.He sent for a very old man Robert McKittrick,of Cormullagh who was an authority on “blinking” and who was so feeble he had to be helped into the witness box.Mr McKittrick explained to the judge that he had always had a charm for “blinking” and that people came to him from all arts and parts to have their cattle  cured from the effects of the evil eye.His remedy was to take a piece of thatch from a house and burn it under the nose of the affected animal.Afterwards a red rag had to be tied on the cows tail to protect it from further harm.”In this case” said Mr McKittrick “I advised a very large red rag because this was one of the most serious cases of ‘blinking’ I have ever came across.CHARM.Another witness,Joseph Toner,gave evidence to the effect that it was always better in circumstances such as were being described to use thatch from the house of the witch herself.He therefore had taken taken the necessary material from the roof of Mrs Hazelton’s house.As soon as it was burned underneath the noses of the cows,they arose at once he said and were able to give milk next day.”Wouldn’t you arise if straw was burnt under your nose?”the judge asked.”I think I would” was the reply.”I’m sure you would” said Isabella Hazelton who was the next witness called.Her case was that she had been made to appear an evil woman and that some of her neighbours were afraid to speak to her in case she put the ‘blink’ on them.She admitted that many people in Ulster believed in charms and that many cattle had been cured from ailments by people who were believed to have a gift.ASSURED.Judge Linehan ruled that a slander had been uttered against Mrs Hazelton but that it was not a serious one.He awarded her £5 and costs.”Mrs Hazelton he said leaves this court with the assurance that I do not believe her to be a witch or to have put the ‘blink’ on the cows of Mr Blair.”Mr Blair thought differently.”My cows were blinked “he told the English reporters “There were witches and fairies in Ireland in the old days,and there are witches and fairies all round the country yet”.

NOVEL ELEVATED CAR PARK WILL BE SEEN IN IRELAND SOON !reported 14/5/60 Dungannon Observer

A car park which can accommodate 40 cars in the space now taken up by six and park and return them in a minute and a half,will shortly be introduced to Ireland it has been announced.The 90 foot car parking device is manufactured by the Butterley Company,Ltd of Derby,England and was invented by a Swiss engineer.It works on the principle of a fun fair big wheel,with car carrying platforms instead of gondolas.To park,the motorist will drive on to a platform,alight put a coin in a slot and press a button.The platform and car will then move up one side of the structure and an empty platform will take its place for the next car.When the motorist returns he presses a button numbered according to the platform on which his own car rests,and his car is returned in one to 1 1/2 minutes.The forty-car units can be set up anywhere and be moved quickly and at a low cost.Mr Frederick J.Mullen ,vice chairman of Dublin Corporation Streets Committee said that they hoped to be able to encourage private firms to take over car parks with the aid of grants from the Road Fund.At present the capacity of Corporation car parks was only 1,200 cars.

link 

FIRST STUDENTS OF MAGHERY NEW IRISH SUMMER SCHOOL!reported 4/6/60 Dungannon Observer

Already scholarships have been awarded to nine Mid Armagh children for the new Irish Summer School at Maghery on the shores of Lough Neagh.Recipients of the awards made through the Armagh branch of the Gaelic League under various scholarship schemes,are -Una McSorley,Cathedral Road,Armagh;Nabla Forde,Drumarg,do;Maeve Gallagher,Dukes Grove,do;Cathleen McStavick,do;Brid McIlvenna,Convent Lodge do;Teresa McGerrigan,Mill Row,do;Maureen Mullen,Longstone House,do;Orlagh Lennon,The Mall,do.Anne McParland Navan Terrace,Armagh.The course at Maghery is designed to cater for children who have little or no knowledge of the language.The emphasis will be on the spoken tongue and in effect the school will be preparatory department of the Gaeltacht Colleges.Children leaving Primary Schools,or in the lower classes of Grammar Schools will find the course of instruction particularly suitable.The school is staffed by trained teachers and classes will be held each day in the local Primary School from 10 a.m to noon and from 2 p.m to 4.30 p.m,excepting Wednesdays and Saturdays when hours of instruction will be from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.The course will include Irish history,singing and dancing as well as language.The local Parochial Hall will be used for indoor games,Ceilidhthe,concerts,etc,and the G.A.A Park will be available for outdoor games.Bathing,under strict supervision,will be allowed.Girl boarding pupils will be accommodated in the Lough Neagh Hotel and boys in houses convenient to it.All meals will be served in the Hotel.A limited number of day pupils will be accepted for the course.NURSE IN ATTENDANCE.A trained nurse will be in attendance and the children will be at all times under the general supervision of the Chaplain and the school principal and staff.It is expected that the children will attend morning Mass and be present at the recital of the Rosary each evening.Children must be in bed not later than 10 p.m.

MOY COURTHOUSE “AS BAD AS BELSEN”!reported 14/10/50 Dungannon Observer

“We have heard about Belsen,but courthouses in Tyrone are almost as bad”said Captain W.Fyffe,Crown Solicitor at Moy Petty Sessions on Wednesday when asking for an adjournment in a cattle forfeiture order.”This courthouse is most unsuitable as witnesses would have to wait till 6 o’clock in this case”.Senator Lennon defending solicitor,said he was glad to hear a Tyrone man say that about a Tyrone courthouse.Mr J.C Austin R.M-“I think Armagh would be a more suitable place for the hearing,if we sat here till 6 o’clock we would get pneumonia“.The case was adjourned until 22nd November at Armagh.

MOY GROUP ‘THE IRISH RAMBLERS’ FIRST LP RELEASED!reported 2/5/64 Dungannon Observer

Three brothers who emigrated to America last year have been having tremendous success with records and personal appearances.They are the three Clancy brothers,Pat Brendan and Eugene,from Charlemont,Moy,whose first long playing record”The Patriot Game” has been released in this country by Pye Records under the Golden Guinea label.In the States,the singing brothers are known as “The Irish Ramblers”.They had to adopt this professional name because their own was similar to that of the famous Clancy Brothers who were hitting the high spots in American show business when the Moy group were still playing at Ceilidhthe in their native Tyrone.Their big time came early in 1963 when an American gentleman heard them perform at the Irish Club in Dublin.He invited them to come to the States and they accepted.Since then they have played in such famous clubs as Chicago’s Gate of Horn,New York’s Gerde’s Folk City,The Unicorn in Boston,Philadelphia’s Second Fret and many others,including a memorable evening at Carnegie Hall,the mecca of American show business.Their first L.P includes such patriotic songs as “Sean South of Garryowen”,”The Mountains of Pomeroy”.and the title song “The Patriot Game” which is a traditional Irish air with words by Dominic Behan.This record and other Golden Guinea releases including “Liverpool Lou” by Dominic Behan is obtainable at the Observer Shop ,Irish Street Dungannon.

.

FORGERS MAKE THE NEW FIVERS !reported 4/6/60 Dungannon Observer

Scotland Yard local police Treasury officials and banks are investigating the forging of the new blue £5 notes.Several have been handed into banks in Wimbledon area of London during the last fortnight.The forgeries are of good quality and would deceive most people.There has been no flood of the forged notes and about half a dozen have been passed through banks by shopkeepers.The method of passing the notes is similar to that used recently when forged £5 postal orders were discovered.The G.P.O received seven of them.The serial numbers indicated that probably 100 had been printed.The method used is for the “carrier” to call at a shop after the banks have closed,buy some small article and then “discover” he has no small change and tender the £5 note.It is believed that only a few have been passed at irregular intervals.The forgeries are being examined by experts in an attempt to find out the method used to produce them.If they were engraved they were made from plates produced by a master engraver.

MECHANICAL ASSISTED PEDAL CYCLE MOY !reported 11/11/50 Dungannon Observer

A new type of mechanical assisted pedal cycle made it’s appearance in Moy at the weekend .Mr T.J Twomey principal teacher of Aughanlig Primary School who resides in Dungannon Street Moy is the owner.A small petrol driven engine is fitted to the rear wheel .Except when climbing steep hills no effort is needed on the part of the cyclist,who can travel upwards of 300 miles on one gallon of petrol .

something like this one perhaps 

TULLYHOGUE O’HAGAN OF TULLYHOGUE !reported 21/9/1963 Dungannon Observer

1958 report

Five years ago a cashier in West Bromwich,Corporation transport department applied for his own coat of arms and got it.Now the college of Arms advises in the ‘London Gazette’ he has a double-barrelled surname.Mr John O’Hagan,of Tullhogue ,Ruskin Street West Bromwich,traced back his family history 250 years and found that the clan O’Hagan of Tullyhogue were one-time law-givers to the O’Neills,Princes of Ulster.As the last of his generation in his branch of the clan,he was keen to ensure that the clan did not again fall into obscurity.After many visits to the Royal College of Heralds he received a gold-sealed parchment scroll granting him his coat of arms(which subsequently appeared on his private notepaper)His new surname,assumed last month by deed poll:Tullyhogue O’Hagan.

POLICE VISIT CAPPAGH PUB !reported 27/10/51 Dungannon Observer

A police raid on a Cappagh licensed premises at 11.30 on Saturday,August 11th had a sequel at Pomeroy Court on Tuesday when John Alphonsus Boyle Cappagh,was prosecuted on the usual five counts for breaches of the licensing laws.James Bradley,Corley Castlecaulfield,Charles McGurk,do,Hugh McManus,Enniskeen Island Enniskillen and Patrick McCaul Clonavaddy,were summoned for being found on the premises.McCaul was also summoned for giving a wrong name and address to a policeman.Mr J.P.Murphy,solicitor,Dungannon,who appeared for Boyle stated that as the case had been previosly adjourned he had written on Friday(19th) to his client informing him of the court.The letter was posted on Friday and was not delivered to the defendant until after ten o’clock on the morning of the court(23rd).The defendant had not then time to collect his witness and was submitting a plea on the fifth count of allowing consumption after hours.He (Mr Murphy) intended taking up the matter with the postal authorities.Constable S.Graham gave evidence of finding four men at the back door of the premises at about 11.30 p.m.Boyle was there,also McGurk,Bradley and McCaul.McManus was in the kitchen.Three of the defendants appeared to have drink taken but were not drunk.In the kitchen witness saw four large glasses and two smaller glasses.The glasses appeared to have beer,recently used.The defendants said that they had not been drinking anything.McCaul gave witness his name as “James Hughes” of Clanavaddy witness later found that this was incorrect and McCaul when spoken to later denied that he had been on the premises.District Inspector Simpson said that Boyle had been fined £2 on February 27th on a similar charge.Mr Wm Millar.R.M imposed a fine of £3 on Boyle.The other defendants,none of whom appeared were fined 5s each.McCaul was also fined 10s for giving the false name and address.

DETAILS OF 1690 BATTLE AT MOY!reported 31/12/60 Dungannon Observer

Details of battles between Williamite forces and the Jacobite garrison at Charlemont,Moy are contained in two copies of the ‘London Gazette-one dated March and the other May,1690-which have been presented to Armagh museum by Rev .H. Lamb,Lisnadill.They also give news of King Williams passage through Ulster en route to the Boyne.They would have been destroyed by a furniture dealer a few years ago but for the observations of an Augher garage proprietor,Mr Norman Kyle.He showed them to a schoolteacher,Mr J.J Hamill and they eventually came into Rev .Lamb’s possession.Mr T.G.F.Paterson,curator of Armagh museum,regards them as valuable additions to the historical records of that time.The March issue stated:”The regiment of Lallimote being posted this winter along the river Backwater,near Lough Neagh,they greatly strengthened,the garrison of Charlemont on that side and hindered their having any correspondence with the County of Tyrone.About eight days ago Colonel La Lallimote possessed himself of a small village with in a mile of of Charlemont.The enemy upon notice of it,came out with 300 men to attack us;but though we had not time to entrench ourselves,yet we repulsed them with the loss of three men on their side and one wounded on ours.”We were employed the next day and the following in casting up some little works,and in observing the avenues of the place and the enemy outposts on both sides of the river which we obliged them to abandon,giving them every night new alarms.ATTACK BY BOAT.”On the 12th inst.about 9 o’cock,Col Lallimote marched a party of his regiment,and a small detachment of Col St John’s making in all about 80 soldiers and 30 officers,whom he caused to embark at a place called Dery Galy,in three large boats.”Being come within half a mile of Charlemont he landed his men and marched to the town and,though they were discovered by the light of the moon,yet they passed the Ditch and made themselves masters of the main guard.”Our men divided themselves into two parties,the one marched towards the gate of the castle and hindered the rebels from sallying out;and the other attacked a redoubt lately built within 30 yards of the Counterscarp to cover their bridge,which might contain 30 men and had now in it 15 with a sergeant and after some little resistance entered the same ,killing six and taking the rest prisoners.PLUNDER.The Colonel LA Lallimote with 30 men took another redoubt and we plundered and burnt houses as far as the gate of Armagh,which the enemy had abandoned after this.The day coming on we retired with drums beating by the causey road that leads to Blackwatertown.”There are now about 400 men in Charlemont who want salt,wood,tobacco,and Brandy;and bread and meat begins likewise to be very scarce among them.”The Prince of Wintemburg who commands the Danish forces has just arrived here”.The other issue reported that a party of 500 enemy got into Charlemont.As they were shortly to return to Castleblaney,the Cambon regiment laid an ambush and after two nights of waiting they appeared away to the left where there was only a party of 40 men.The commander let the vanguard through and then ordered his men to open fire on the main party of whom seven or eight were killed.The rest fled in great confusion towards Charlemont leaving behind 100 muskets,five drums etc.The enemy were again sighted where they were  drawn up on a hill 1 1/2 miles from the town and they pursued as far as the Counterscarp.

Charlemont in 1624 

THEY STOLE ACETYLENE PLANT TO CUT HOLE IN SAFE!reported 30/7/66 Dungannon Observer

Thieves were working over time near Dungannon last night.First,they broke into premises of Ulster Plant Ltd.at Gortin,Dungannon and made of with an acetylene plant.Then with the acetylene plant in their possession,they moved across country to a spot on the Moy-Dungannon road.There they broke into the offices of P&B Connolly,sand merchants,and used the acetylene plant to cut a hole in the safe.But there efforts were nof fruitful.All they got in the safe was 300 cigarettes.Detective Sergeant H.McCrum is in charge of Police investigations.Four business premises in Dungannon were raided last week-end and sums of money ranging from£5 to £40 were stolen.The premises were:Mr R.J Busby’s car showroom;Mr W.McNaney’s garage in Ann Street;Mr Tommy Daly’s public house in Irish Street;and Mr Tom Brannigan’s public house and grocery,Ann Street.

CLONMORE CLUB TO BE REVIVED!reported 15/1/66 Dungannon Observer

A famous County Armagh Gaelic Football Club ,Clonmore Emmetts,is to be revived after a lapse of nearly 20 years.All enthusiasts in the district are asked to attend a general meeting on Sunday in Clonmore A.O.H Hall ,and the promoters are making a strong appeal for the support and co-operation of all nationally minded people in the area.It is hoped that every family will be represented at Sunday’s meeting,thus showing that the national spirit has not died in Clonmore.Upwards on forty attended a preliminary meeting on Sunday last,and it is hoped that a junior team will shortly be formed.Clonmore is situated on the borders of Armagh and Tyrone,and the older members can recall the great football days when the O’Neills from Trewmount,Bovean,starred for the club.In those days permission was given to Co.Tyrone players to play for this Co.Armagh club on account of it being a parish team.It had the assistance of famous Tyrone player Frank O’Neill now a hotelier in Carnlough,Co.Antrim,and his cousins Bernard,Edward and Frank O’Neill.Also among the clubs past stars were the Coynes,the Caseys,Malachy Foye,Dungannon;Johnny Foye,Derrycorry;Jimmy McGeown,the Grimleys the Dalys,John Farmer,Seamus Carberry,now resident in Belfast;the Molloys,Mick Taggart,now domiciled in the U.S.A;the Mullan brothers ,and many others who distinguished themselves on field and brought honours to the club.One man who is particulary interested in the revival of the club is Mr Benny Martin,chairman of Collegeland O’Rahilly’s,who played for the club during 1945 and 1946,the year it broke up.Mr Martin told the “Observer” that although he was fully committed to his own club,he would give all the help he could to revive the Clonmore team.As regards his own club,he felt the new team would be a tremendous boost to it.There were a lot of promising young players in the district,but up to now there had not been enough scope for all of them.For this reason he and the other members of O’Rahilly’s were delighted that the Gaelic flag would once again be flying in Clonmore.And what better year for it’s revival than the 1916 Jubilee year.

MILITARY IN DUNGANNON AMMUNITION DISCOVERED IN CARRICKMORE!,reported 4/5/1916 Tyrone Courier

The excitement occasioned in Dungannon by the Dublin rebellion was greatly intensified on Thursday by the arrival in town in motor lorries of a military flying colomn of 300 men,under the command of Colonel Madden.Entering the post office,orders were given prohibiting any telephone or telegraphic business taking place and a sentry was placed on guard at the Belfast Bank.A party motored to Cappagh and mounted guard over the reservoir which provides the water supply for Dungannon and the column,accompanied by District-Inspector Barrington,Dungannon,proceeded to the Sinn Fein stronghold of Carrickmore,where an exhaustive search was made for concealed arms,but with out results.A box containing a very large quantity of ammunition in cases and filled bandoliers was however,discovered in a turf shed attached to a private residence.The box also contained a number of badges inscribed”We will not have conscription”.The column returned to Dungannon,but on that night a party of military,accompanied by District-Inspector Barrington revisited Carrickmore district and succeeded in arresting a man named Haskin,alleged to be a Sinn Fein organiser,who does not belong to the locality .He was handed over to the police authorities and conveyed to Omagh.Another man was apprehended at Portadown.A similar surprise visit was paid on Friday to Cookstown district where it is rumoured a rebel meeting was to take place.There were no indications of any such meeting,and the sodiers returned to Dungannon via Coalisland where several suspected places were visited.On the same evening 246 men of the North Irish Horse under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Maude and accompanied by Lord Massereene and Major Herdman arrived in Dungannon.They remained in Dungannon during the night and departed on Saturday morning.The infantry also went off on Saturday.SEIZURES IN CARRICKMORE C.P.S’s House Searched.On Monday a large force of Police,under the command of District-Inspectors Conlon,Omagh,and Barrington,Dungannon,paid a visit to the  Carrickmore district-the Sinn Fein stronghold in Tyrone-on a search for ammuntion or incriminating documents.Anumber of houses in the Carickmore,Eskaghboy,Greencastle,and Gortin districts were searched during the night and on Tuesday morning and several seizures were made,the nature of which has not been disclosed.Among the houses visited was that of Mr John Ellison Clerk of Petty Sessions,Carrickmore,and is understood a seisure was made there.The passage of so large a body of Police through the country in motors caused much excitement and many absurd rumours gained currency.

MARRIAGE BEFORE DEATH PRISON CELL WEDDING OF REBEL LEADER.!reported 4/5/1916 Tyrone Courier 

The “Daily Sketch” says-There is one woman who bears the name of an Irish rebel to whom the hearts of patriots and rebels alike turn today ;a newly married wife in widow’s weeds, she who on Wednesday last was Grace Gifford  and on Thursday was the widow of Joseph Plunkett,the rebel leader,shot at the dawn of that day in Richmond Barracks ,Dublin.The world was first told the news with cruel brevity in the “Births ,Marriages and Deaths column of the Irish “Times”-PLUNKETT AND GIFFORD -May 3,1916,at Dublin Joseph Plunkett to Grace Gifford.When that announcement appeared the husband was dead and the wife a widow…Mr Stoker is a Dublin jeweller.His shop is in Grafton Street.On Wednesday evening just as he was thinking of shutting up shop a young lady ,well dressed and wearing a veil,hurried in and asked in an agitated voice to see some wedding rings.Her eyes were red with past weeping.It was plainly with difficulty even now that she kept back her tears.Mr Stoker is a kind-hearted man,and he proffered his sympathy.Then the lady quite broke down and told her tale.Taking the best ring to be had she hurried away to the dismal barracks.There at midnight,while the clock ticked away to the inexorable dawn,she was married to the rebel leader.We cannot bear to think upon that scene,we dare not lift the veil from it,and the feelings of the young wife and widow from that moment to this are sacred.Only we want her to know that our deepest love and sympathy are with the poor brave young thing.It was only 24 hours before that the husband of her sister Muriel- Thomas McDonagh-had been shot.Mrs Plunkett is one of a group of pretty and clever sisters,daughters of a Dublin solicitor(a Unionist and Protestant) who have been for long noted figures in the social and artistic life of the capital.

MOY RIFLES OVER 50 YEARS OLD!reported 16/4/66 Dungannon Observer

There were no political implications in the case of a young man charged with the larceny of two rifles,Dungannon Court was told on Wednesday.John Colm Rea,Culrevog Moy,pleaded guilty to the offence which took place at Gorestown on March 14.The rifles are the property of James Pearson,The Square Moy. A similar plea was made in connection with two further charges of having firearms in his possession at Culrevog on March 17 and having no licence in respect of the weapons on the same date.Mr C.Mallon L.L.B,solicitor,said Rea had been looking around an old unoccupied house when he came across the rifles which were over fifty years old and had been used by the Ulster Volunteers.The rifles had been hidden in an attic by the owner of the house who kept them as a souvenir.Rea took them as he thought they were not valuable,and was cleaning them when police arrived.The rifles were each valued at £1,stated Mr Mallon,adding that there was nothing political in the case.He pointed out that this was not an ordinary larceny offence and said that Rea had a completely clear record.District Inspector Laughlin,who prosecuted ,said the rifles were old but were still usable.Rea was fined £10 on the larceny charge and was bound over to keep the peace for 12 months on personal bail of £10.On the other two charges he was fined a total of £1-10.

Aberfan Disaster

COLLECTION IN MOY FOR ABERFAN!reported 5/11/66 Dungannon Observer

Moy Citizens Association on hearing of the tragic disaster in the Welsh mining village of  Aberfan decided to make a collection from the towns people to be sent to the relief fund for the village.A minimum levy of 2/6 was set for each household and the response to the various collectors was most generous.At times such as the Aberfan disaster people’s generosity knows no bounds and the people of Moy do not fall behind in that quality.The total collection has not yet been received and anyone in the district wishing to be associated with it,may give a donation to any of the members of the Moy Citizens Association.

MOY CONTRIBUTION TO DISASTER FUND!reported 19/11/66 Dungannon Observer

Moy Citizen Association collection for the Aberfan disaster Fund Amounted to £60.This collection was taken up at very short notice and the association are very grateful to all who contributed so generously to the collectors,showing once again the great charity of people on behalf of a worthy cause.The money has been sent directly to the Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil and if possible for him to do so,he has been asked to use it for the Moy road district because of the association of names.

On the 21st of October 1966, 144 people, 116 of them children, were killed when a man-made mountain of coal waste slid onto the village of Aberfan in South Wales. The elementary school building was the first structure in its path and the school was demolished by a thousand tons of black mud.The road leading up to Pantglas junior school was called ‘Moy Road’,and because of this Moy Citizens Association took up a collection to send over,

Tip No 7 standing high above the village slipped and descended on Pantglas Junior School and Moy road.

A young survivor stands at the corner of Moy Road; behind her, a scene of complete ruin.

thanks to here and here.

MEMORIES OF THE MOY FAIR !31/12/66 Tyrone Courier 

(By T.J Twomey)

It is not possible for the younger generation living in Moy and it’s neighbourhood today ,to form a correct mental picture of what Moy Fair-now,alas ,only a memory of the past-looked like a half a century ago.It would be difficult for them to conjure up a Moy without stem-rolled roads ,a piped water supply ,telephones electric light,radio and most surprising of all,any motor traffic whatever!Noise as we know it today ,was then non existent  and,except for lowing cattle ,the neighing of horses and shouts of drivers at work in the streets,the atmosphere was peaceful and racy of the soil !Now all this has gone- in the name of progress -and we have lost something that was part of our lives .All over the country the cattle mart has displaced our traditional fairs for better or worse !The problem of cleaning the streets after the fair no longer exists-we are now troubled with litter instead.On the morning of the Moy Fair,all roads led to the town.From early hour ,droves of cattle,with their owners passed leisurely along .’Strings’ of horses ,usually tethered together in half dozens ,clattered along the roads,on their way to Moy Square .Here the trot ,trot,trot of “mans best friend in the past” went on until late in the evening .The Square ,the Jockey Lane and Brickrow re-echoed the sounds of horses hooves .Rolls of notes exchanged hands .The ‘luck penny’ was argued over before the bargain was finally clinched and the drovers were sent of to the local yards with cattle and horse that had changed hands .Many of these animals were driven to Trew and Moy station -now another relic of the past -the railroad to Portadown ,Dungannon,Omagh and Derry.It was difficult indeed to move through the Fair,so dense was the gathering of horses ,cattle and people.The local schools were always close on Moy Fair Day ,and the teachers and children had an enforced holiday .For the latter,however,it was more than a holiday ,as many an honest penny was earned by them ,running messages .For many of the private residents  of the town ,the fair posed a real problem .How to protect the front of their houses from a deposit of  that valuable fertiliser -cow manure-was a monthly headache for them .Many of them had specially built timber crates as protection and these were usually placed in front of their houses the evening before the Fair.The wants of the ‘inner man’ had to be catered for during the Fair ,and it was possible in those days to get a decent meal in almost every house in the town for the modest sum of two shillings or a half a crown .They were all known as “eating houses”,and this source of monthly income was very welcome to all .Present day householders may not realise that the water used then had to be drawn form the local town pumps,five or six in number,the Lough pump and Caulfields pump being famous for their clear,cold spring water.Beef was cheap in those days ,sixpence to one shilling per lb,according to quality and cut ,And of course ,there was steady demand for herrings and Lough Neagh pollen-then one shilling per dozen-as Fair day was always held on the first Friday of each month.It was a busy and tiring day for the housewife and her assistants,and it was not unusual for their preparations to begin long before daybreak.The men,too who were not entirely useless,as they helped to draw the water and wash the dishes !The ‘characters’ that frequented the Moy Fair were varied and interesting .There were the usual cattle and horse ‘drovers’ as they were called .There were trick of the loop men ;three-card trick exponents ;ballad singers,and the occasional travelling violinist .All plied their trade,while the busy Fair went on around them.Many of the older inhabitants of Moy can recall some of the more famous itinerants-“Strabane Annie”,”Peter Bad Luck”,”Joe the Bap”,and well known ballad singer ,”Granuaile”,all of whom have long since passed away to the Great Beyond.They all added variety and spice to this monthly collection of men and animals.Strange to relate,there was no drunkenness after the ,Moy Fair in those days although Guinness stout was only two pence per bottle and a half un of whiskey cost three pence!This surely was a tribute to the integrity and decency of the local publicans whose motto was,and is to this day ,I am glad to say :”Enough is as good as a feast”.The R.I.C,as a result had had few inmates of the “Black Hole” on the Fair nights.The few that transgressed were treated leniently on the next Moy court day by the local Magistrate,the late Henry Tohall.His magnanimity to the less fortunate starta of society was well known and he usually dismissed them with a caution and a fine of a penny and costs !The name of Laverty will be forever associated with with the Moy Horse Fair .The late brothers Bernard Robert(Bob)and Joseph Laverty ,were judges of horseflesh of international fame .For many years their names appeared on the winners list at the annual Dublin Horse Show ,especially in the Hunter Class.Many European Governments sent their representatives to Moy before and during world War 1 to purchase from them horses to be used in their Cavalry Regiments .Their activities in the horse trade gave much local employment in Moy ,in training and” breaking in” their horses .I have happy memories of some of their jockeys especially the late “Micksy” Deighan,Paddy Walsh,and Tommy McComb,whose faces were long  familiar in the Moy Square.It is interesting to note that Mr Gerard Laverty of Killyman Street ,Moy is still carrying on the tradition of his father the late Robert Laverty,Moy .The successful riding school which he and his energetic wife has established  in Moy for some years past ,is keeping alive the interest in hosreflesh in Tyrone and Armagh.Their young daughter ,Mary,bids fair to excel them.She without doubt,is a horsewoman of the future.

Moy Fair circa 1900’s

MOY SOCIAL CLUB IS GIVEN FULL SUPPORT ! 22/1/66 Dungannon Observer

“We intend to make this a club for the community of Moy and later,let it be the axle around which the parish entertainment will revolve .We want this to be a great club”,Mr Joseph Hughes(chairman) told the first annual convention of Moy Social club.”In twelve months time all I want to be able to say is Something done,something accomplished”Quite a large number of people convened in the club-rooms on Sunday for this meeting and the ‘old timers’ of the billiard cue were their full support .Most of them are now members of the club and their fingers are just itching for the cue .One member told an “Observer” correspondent that it was in this same room (ie the old Reading Room),30 years ago that he learned to “pot the ball.”Yes for those who played on the old table a competition is in view .Who would be the king now?Club secretary ,Mr Jackie Duffy ,in his report told the convention that since its inauguration three months ago the club had made progress beyond all recognition.The committee deserve nothing but the highest praise and by their good work ,now have the Club Rooms in a presentable condition.Table tennis tables have been made;a card room furnished ,and in three weeks  time the club would have its own billiard table.He appealed to all to become members and concluded “The club needs you ,and perhaps in six months time when you are standing on the street with nothing to do and nowhere to go you will be able to say ‘I need the club’.Mr.M.P McAnallen,treasurer,referred to numerous expenses.He said that although all work was voluntary,necessities like timber ,paint and furniture for the Club had to be purchased.Nevertheless,the income was balancing the expenditure.The “Observer” understands that the Club intends to cater for most important people in the parish-the youth-and two evenings each week are set aside for 15-16 year olds.A little P.T and a few games of table tennis are on the menu.Later on,it is hoped that the Club will be able to give these boys a training in certain trades by bringing in  qualified instructors.These are only a few ideas that this go-ahead club has in mind for the youth .At present Club membership totals 48 and those who feel they would like to join should contact an official ,before the end of this month.Officers of the Club are as follows ;-

• Chairman, Joseph Hughes

• Vice chairman,Pat Donaghy

• Secretary,Jackie Duffy

• Treasurer,Michael McAnallen

• Assistant secretary,Brian Doherty

• Committee,Gerry Hughes ,Brendan McCaul,Patrick Skelly ,Harry Lavery,Thomas Donahue,Patsy McGarry,Paul Cartmill.

MOY SOCIAL CLUB OPENS ON SUNDAY!reported 26/2/66 Dungannon Observer

The official opening of Moy Social Club will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m ,when exhibition games of Billiard,Snooker and table tennis will be played.The Clubrooms ,newly painted ,are divided into three sections,one for cards and  darts another for billiards and the third for table tennis .The table Tennis section will cater for the 10-15 age group on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m and Saturdays 2.30 to 5 p.m Charlie Lavery ,Mick Donaghy,Jackie Duffy and Aidan O’Brien will share responsibility for the teenagers.Teenagers area asked to bring their P.T equipment (slippers,football boots,shorts and shirts etc) as P.T and football will be included in their games when the weather improves.The adult section will be open each Monday ,Tuesday Wednesday and Friday from 7 p.m to 11 p.m and on Sunday from 12 noon to 1.30 p.m and from 7 p.m to 11 p.m.

ANGLER CATCHES A HARE!1967 Dungannon Observer 

A Cookstown angler had a surprise catch while fishing on picturesque Brantry Lough near Dungannon.He is Mr Denis Henry,a 40 year old Ministry of Agriculture Official ,who was fishing with his 9 year old son Nigel from a boat about a mile out on the lough.On pulling in his landing net Mr Henry was astonished to find entangled in it a hare ,as he tipped the hare into the bottom of the boat he heard hounds baying from the shore.The hare had plunged into the lough to escape from a local hunt .When he got home Mr Henry rewarded the hare for her bravery by setting her free.The courage she showed was fantastic he said, “I couldn’t have killed her although I have shot hares in the past”.

MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING TATTOOED!reported 25/7/64 Dungannon Observer

Tattooing is becoming popular again.Although professional practitioners are fewer these days,more and more people are patronising them.Young and old,of both sexes,though chiefly those under forty,are secretly resorting to tattooist’s studios for small designs and inscriptions of all kinds.Why do people in all walks of life,educated and otherwise,wish to have there bodies adorned in this intimate and permanent manner?.Is it a perverse form of vanity,some psychological quirk or repression breaking forth ,or a deep primeval urge to paint the body as savages do?NAVAL PRACTICE.Tattooists know few of the answers to those questions,though they stoutly resist any suggestion of crankiness.Some people regard human skins etched and tormented in this way as  either disgusting or a sign of emotional immaturity.The devotees of the tattooist’s needle have included many notabilities of the past century or more.Several recent kings of England carried tattoos,among them Edward Vll and George V.This may possibly ,be a result of the British practice of giving future monarchs a naval education,but it scarcely explains the popularity of this kind of thing among other personages.But amorous motives are not the only ones for tatting.Sometimes humor has a part.A rich American approaching senility,had carefully-drawn hinges tattooed over all his joints.

THE CAR THAT WILL RUN ON WATER!reported 7/5/60 Dungannon Observer

Some day you may be able to fill up your cars tank with water and drive away.”Car makers have been experimenting with the idea for some time” said Dr Zarem in Los Angeles “and its practical application may be closer than you think”.Dr Zarem head of Pasadena,California,laboratory for advanced space research and development,told the South-West Metals and minerals conference that the use of water as motor fuel might come about as a by-product of space travel research.Attempts at finding new self-sustained power systems for rocket ships had led to experiments in which water chemically broken down to create electrical energy.He believed that an electrical car could now be produced to run on a regenrative fuel cell which chemically transforms water into power.

TEACHING BY T.V !reported 14/5/60 Dungannon Observer

A single teacher on T.V may soon be able to instruct 100,000 students at once.This is the forecast of Brigadier General David Sarnoff of the Radio Corporation of America.”The day will come when there will be a nationwide television network devoted exclusively to education he said.”Classrooms of 100,00 or more under one gifted instructor will become a matter of course.The ablest teachers will be better paid and will do a better job, for more pupils than ever before.Dr Sarnoff said it would be possible,in this way,for a person who could not go to college to study for a degree in his own home.

PAT DONAGHY HANGS UP HIS BOOTS !reported  8/10/66 Dungannon Observer

Pat Donaghy,Moy’s most loyal and best known player has retired .Before last Sunday’s league match between Moy and Ardboe,he announced that win,loose or draw,this was going to be his last game.What could be more appropriate then than he should go out on a winning note.And this he did .Seldom in fact ,has he played better.His catching in the square was a treat to watch  and on one occasion his kick out from the five yard line landed on Ardboe’s “21”.Moy beat Ardboe 3-6 to 2-5 and Pat Donaghy hung up his boots.It’s not the day or yesterday that Pat first hit the headlines.I remember well the night he applied to the East Tyrone Board for transfer to Dungannon Clarkes,giving as his reason that junior football was to rough.His transfer went through and Pat ,a very likeable fellow ,became a regular on the Clarkes senior XV.There he stayed for quite a while,giving highly creditable displays in some great games.Then the county called and Pat’s fame as a defender of great merit spread far and beyond the confines of Tyrone.Blood they say,is thicker than water and,eventually,Pat returned to Moy where he quickly became a pillar of local Tir na nOgs.Rain,hail or snow,he was there when Moy needed him.In my mind ,Pat Donaghy’s name will always be linked with those of Iron Man Paddy Corey,wing back Brian McSorleyand goalie Thady Turbett.They were a great quartette.Best of luck Pat,Moy team won’t seem the same without you.

Pat on side line in 1966

with wee Peter McKearney ,Thomas Cavanagh &others

KILLYMAN FORM NEW DRAMATIC SOCIETY! reported 19/3/66 Dungannon Observer

A Dramatic Society has been formed in Killyman and the members will make their debut in the near future when they present “Lovers Meeting” a three act play by Louis D’Alton in Clonmore A.O.H Hall.Producer is Michael Donnelly,who is also featured in the cast which includes Frank McAlinden,John Hagan,Kathleen McAlinden,Eunice Quinn,,Deirdre Farrell,Mary Hughes and Dan McAlinden.Rehearsals  have been going on for the past few months and it is hoped to stage the play in about three weeks time.Only two members of the cast,Michael Donnelly and Deirdre Farrell have had previous acting experience.Michael has appeared in a number of plays in other places,while Deirdre,a pupil of ST Patrick’s Academy,Dungannon was in one of the presentations at the recent Gaelic Drama Festival in Dungannon .

The cast of “Lovers Meeting”   

THE SASH PUZZLED JIM REEVES !reported 29/6/63 Dungannon Observer

Country and Western singer Jim Reeves,who attracted a huge crowd to the Flamingo Ballroom ,Ballymena,on Wednesday night is interested in Irish songs and may consider recording “Kevin Barry”.When asked by a reporter if he would record the ‘Sash’ Jim merely looked puzzled and made no comment.Reeves arrived on stage at 10.30p.m sharp.Exactly 60 minutes later he walked of without even saying goodbye.He had a most appreciative and enthusiastic audience.The Flamingo Ballroom was crowded from door to door.The attendance included many people from Toome,Portglenone ,Moneyglass,Castledawson,Cookstown,and Ardboe.A very hearty welcome was extended to one and all by the genial proprietor Mr Sammy Barr.Jim Reeves introduced teenage pop singer Clodagh Rogers,of Newry,who received a big ovation.Reeves forecast that Clodagh would rise to the very top of the hit parade.This little girl has a terrific  voice and a wonderful personality he said.

Jim Reeves playing in the Flamingo Ballroom  

LEARNING IRISH!reported 24/2/62 Dungannon Observer

The Letterkenny Branch of the Gaelic League has been  told that a branch has been formed in Tel Aviv and it is expected that 300 Jews there will soon be learning Irish.

TYRONE MAN’S SEARCH FOR TITANIC RELIC!reported 27/1/62 Dungannon Observer

A Tyrone man now living in Philadelphia is anxious to recover an ornamental vase which disappeared from his home in Cookstown more than a quarter of a century ago.He is Sam Smyth,whose family lived at Milburn Street Cookstown.The vase is of sentimental value to Mr Smyth who before emigrating,was a marine engineer in the British Navy,as he made it from a small hand pump picked up in the Atlantic following the sinking of the Titanic,near Cape Rose,on April 14,1912.Mr Smyth’s ship found the pump in a deserted collapsible boat near the scene of the disaster.On the suggestion of the ship’s chief engineer he converted it into the vase and retained it as a relic.On going to America he left the vase in his home for safe keeping but it disappeared when the family was moving house.

PROBLEM OF THE POACHERS CLOTHES!reported 21/7/62 Dungannon Observer

The story of how a naked man was seen poaching with a net on the estuary of the River Laune was described by Fishery Inspector J.J Drugan at a meeting of the Kerry Fishery board.Inspector Drugan said that at 2am on June 2,Assistant Inspector Brick and Waterkeeper Guerin,who were posted under Tinahalla Cliff ,saw a naked man out in the water about 25 yards upstream.They ran up in line with the man and saw he was paying out a net one end of which was rested on the shore.The keepers caught which was on the shore and commenced to pull it in.The naked man let go and swam out across the estuary to the bank on the other shore and escaped in the darkness.The net was seized and on the shore where the poacher went out with the net,a pair of pants,coat,shirt,woolen pullover pair of brown shoes and a pair of socks were found.”These articles were also seized as evidence”said the Inspector,”but so far no person has claimed them and it’s unlikely that any person will claim them at this stage.The problem now is what will we do with the clothes?.”We will only have to ask the St. Vincent de Paul Society to take them “said Mr J. Mangan.

JOHNNY PICKERING BAND LEADER DIES SUDDENLY !reported 01/2/64 Dungannon Observer 

One of the best known traditional musicians in Ulster,Mr Johnny Pickering,of Moy,died suddenly at his home this morning.He was found dead by his wife Margaret,about 11 a.m after he had gone downstairs to get some breakfast.Medical aid was summoned,but life was then extinct.He was 44 Mr Pickering was a native of Markethill and his Ceili band was known the length and breadth of Ireland.He was at the peak of his career with many recording,radio and television broadcasts to his credit .He broadcast frequently from Radio Eireann and only a few months ago was host to a recording unit from this station which recorded a get together of tradional musicians in his home.The programme when broadcast rated high with listeners in the popularity polls.With his ceili band he toured England on several occasions and played to huge crowds of exiles at Irish centres in London,Birmingham and elsewhere.He had a recording contract with E.M.I for whom he made a number of records.Mr Pickering was married to to the former Margaret Dillon,of Tullydoey,Benburb.The couple have a baby daughter.Prior to his marriage he played with the Malachy Sweeney Ceili Band and about six years ago formed his own combination.He was also responsible for the formation of the Bluebell Showband.The death of Johnny Pickering will be deeply regretted by lovers of traditional music in all parts of Ireland.We join with all his fans extending deepest sympathy to his wife and family on their great loss.

here we have a early photo of  Johnny Pickering

with the ‘Malachy Sweeney Ceili Band’ courtesy of Eugene Clancy (thanks Gene)

Johnny is standing to the extreme right ,sitting we have Malachy Doris ,Ardboe

and next to him is Johnny’s wife to be Margaret Dillon 

more names to come .

COUNT HUGO O’DONNELL WILL LEARN THE IRISH LANGUAGE ! reported 4/8/62 Dungannon Observer

 A 13 year old Spanish Count is learning the Irish language in the Donegal Gaeltacht. He is Hugo O’Donnell,a member of one of Europe’s leading aristocratic families .His family tree goes back to the days of Nial of the nine hostages.Hugo who is the only son of the Duke of Tetuan has the offical title of the Count of Lucena Spain.He is a descendant of the famous O’Donnell family who went to Spain at the time of “Flight of the Earls”The O’Donnells were immediately accepted into aristocratic circles there and rendered great services to Spain for which they received many honours and  titles including that of the Dukedom of Tetuan.At the Irish race convention in Paris in 1917 Hugo’s grandfather the Duke of Tetuan was elected president .His uncle General Juan O’Donnell was Minister of War in the Cabinet of Queen Primo de Rivera before the Spanish Civil War,During his stay in Donegal he will visit some of the seats of his ancestors the O’Donnell clan.At the time of the Flight of the Earls the O’Donnells controlled a large part of Donegal,but their lands were confiscated by the English and one of many English mercenaries was a man called Basil Brooke.In 1956 the parents of the present Count of Lucena visited Ireland when his father received an honorary degree from National University.The count of Lucena was met in Belfast Mr Derry Corvin leading figure in the Gaelic League and a noted Gaelic scholar.He will be the guest of the Corvin family at Ormonde Park Finaghy before going to Donegal .Speaking perfect English the Count told a reporter that his purpose in going to Donegal was to learn more about his ancestors and the Irish language.”I already know a little of the Irish language but my aim is to become a fluent speaker of the language of a country which I love next to my native Spain” he said.He will tour most of the Irish speaking communities .

a young Hugo in Ireland  with Patrick Denis O’Donnell in 1963 

ANYONE SEEN A LEPRECHAUN ! reported 8/7/67 Dungannon Observer

Well known comedian Birdie Sweeney is reported to have seen a leprechaun.The spectacle was observed by Birdie and a companion,Sammy Kerr,in the garden of a house at Auchnacloy on Monday.The little man lived up to the popular picture of the legendary leprechaun .He was a foot high and wore a red cloak with a pale green hat,and carried a tiny bucket.However,like the little people,he was evasive for when the two men went to investigate,the visitor had disappeared.

The one that got away lol 

MOY FARM BLAZE ! reported 7/7/62 Dungannon Observer

A thatched deep-litter house covered with corrugated iron at the farm of William McCrilly of Listamlet,Moy was destroyed by fire .Dungannon Fire Brigade and neighbours saved a large number of chickens and the out break was confined to one building.

VELCRO REVOLUTION IN ZIP DESIGN! reported12/5/62 Dungannon Observer

A Swiss inventor has produced a revolutionary type of fastener that may well replace the zip we use on clothes and luggage to-day.Basically this new  device consists of tiny hooks of the type that are now in daily use,but they are so small and so numerous that they can do jobs in a way we never previously dreamed of.Paradoxically the idea was for centuries lying right underneath our noses -until George de Mestral began to think  about the tiny burrs that were clinging to his clothes after he had spent a day in the country.HOOKS On examination,he discovered that the burrs managed to hang on to his clothes so securely by means of a series of miniscule hooks .This set him thinking about how man could use the same idea-and Velcro (as the product is now named)was the outcome.It consists of two pieces of cloth with hosts of tiny hooks attached to each of them .Pressed together ,the hooks interlock-and your jersey or briefcase is securely fastened .To open you simply peel the two pieces of cloth apart.Simple though the invention may seem,it took the inventor nearly  a decade to put the idea to concrete form .And he had overcome both indifference and downright scepticism from textile experts who thought the idea ridiculous.de Mestral got the idea in 1948 when he first began to examine some burrs ,but before he could get the first product  made it took him eight years of endless toil.The first product had to be made by hand and consisted of two strips of nylon with thousands of tiny hooks attached.The problem was however to get some textile manufacturer interested enough to back the invention.On almost every side de Mestral met with discouragement.Some manufacturers were doubtful about the invention:others were interested but not sufficiently to invest money in it.Eventually however one of his friends financed his experiments and for days he went without food,sleep and company as he sought a method of gluing the hooks into place .But,one by one,he overcame the difficulties,and a way was found to produce the invention by machine.BEST SELLER .From the beginning  of  mass production ,Velcro was a best seller.The parent company made over £1 million in one year,and de Mestral himself earned large royalties.The interest in de Mestral’s invention spread all over the world,with the result that there are now factories in Britain,Italy,Germany,France,Denmark ,Finland,the United States and Canada.Sports jackets and trousers,shoestraps,handbags,briefcases,and all types of luggage are only a few of the items in which this Swiss genius’s invention plays an important part.

HURRICANE DEBBIE ,CHILD FOUND ALIVE AFTER 24 HOUR SEARCH !reported 23/9/61 Dungannon Observer 

Two year old Pauline Loughrin, Crosscavanagh, Galbally was found on Sunday lying face downwards in a potato field three-quarters of a mile from the home of her grand-parents, Mr and Mrs John Armstrong, Shanmaghery, Pomeroy, from which she disappeared during the storm. She was none the worse for her experience. After 50 police with tracker dogs and 100 civilians had searched all night ,it was Pauline’s cry which attracted Jim McDonald, 12 year old son of Mr and Mrs M.McDonald Lurganeden, to the potato field at 11a.m on Sunday. He was making his way to Mass at Altmore Church and taking a near-cut past a field of Mr Donaghy Shanmaghery thought he heard a faint cry. Not being aware of anything wrong he went on to Church. There he heard of the missing child, so on his way home he told the Donaghy’s of what he had heard in the potato field. Together they made a  search of the field and there found the child huddled among potato the drills. The child was taken to Donaghy’s farmhouse and given a drink of warm milk and found to be little the worse of its terrifying experience. The potato field would be at least a half a mile from the dwelling of  its grandparents and was searched the previous day without results. Mr McDonald said afterwards:”I found her lying downwards in the field about three-quarters of a mile from Mr Armstrong’s hillside farm. Her clothes were covered in muck, but she appeared to be alright “. And on Sunday evening Pauline was fast asleep in her cot, knowing nothing of the trouble she had caused. Her grandfather told how he and Pauline went to close the door of a shed nearby.”Suddenly she was gone”, he said”After searching for hours I called in the police. It is amazing how she got so far from the house”. Overjoyed to hear that Pauline was safe were her grandparents, Mr and Mrs John Loughrin of Crosscavanagh, Galbally, Pomeroy. The search was one of the most intensive ever in the country side and was continued until dark on Saturday and resumed on Sunday morning until the child was found. Prayers were offered in all local Churches on Sunday for the child’s safety.

Some more reading on Pauline’s experience here 

original here 

SOLDIERS ATTACKED IN DUNGANNON SALOON! reported  30/8/1945 Irish News 

At a special court in Dungannon yesterday ,James Loughran ,Listamlet Moy,was charged on remand with assaulting two soldiers ,Lance Corporal Quigley and Fusilier Knox,both of whom are home on leave from Germany.District Inspector Duffy said that since the last court,two of the men had completely recovered .There were three men injured in the fracas but the police could not contact the third man .Lance Corporal Quigley,in evidence stated that he was with Fusilier Knox  and another man when the accused came into McQuaid’s saloon in Georges Street Dungannon .The accused(Loughran)told witness he should be fighting for the IRA and when witness replied he was fighting for the right cause Loughran immediately struck him a blow to the eye .Fusilier Knox came to his assistance and he was struck on both eyes and knocked right out .Witness believed he was struck with a porter bottle.The saloon was spattered with blood .Cross-examined by Mr Neill,solicitor witness denied that there was any reference made by him to the accused about Desert Rats or the Free State Army Constable Dorman,RUC,said accused in a statement said that he was a steeplejack and had come from Moy that night to look for cigarettes when he met the soldiers in a bar .In the course of conversation some mention was made of the fighting in the desert by one of the soldiers and he told them he was in tougher fighting rounding up the IRA in Kerry.One of  the soldiers called him a filthy name and ordered him out of the saloon.Both Soldiers began to attack him and he beat them off before the police came to the scene.Mr W Millar RM held that a bottle had been used in the struggle and sentenced Loughran to fourteen days imprisonment and bound him over to keep the peace for twelve months.

The late John Loughran’s (John was James’s father )house as it stands today on Listamlet Hill

LISTAMLET A.O.H REVIVED DRUMMING CLUB INTEREST!reported  28/9/61 Tyrone Courier 

We understand that Listamlet A.O.H Drumming Club,which flourished away back in the 1920’s and 1930’s,is to be revived shortly and to launch the project on it’s way Loup A.O.H (Moneymore) and Stewartstown brought Lambegs to Moy on Saturday night .The visit aroused considerable interest amongst Lambeg fans with the result that a big crowd turned out to welcome them-and anybody with music in their elbows got an opportunity to display their skills.Out of consideration for  local residents,the visitors ceased competition at a very early hour.A local enthusiast informs us that Listamlet’s famous shell “Sarsfield” is still to the fore and with Hewitt heads in her will be hard to better. 

THE FOX FOOLED THE HOUNDS reported ! 14/4/62 Dungannon Observer 

Wild animal behaviour ,like that of a human beings ,is quite unpredictable,especially if danger is imminent ,so says Archibald Rutledge,who has been studying nature for over 60 years.He once watched a fox,exhausted and closely trailed by baying hounds,elude its pursers by a decision requiring both wisdom and fore thought.The tired animal had emerged from the woods to find its way blocked by a narrow gauge railway with a train approaching.A lightning,risky dash across the tracks looked the only way out.Instead,Rutledge reports in the April Reader’s Digest,the wily creature stopped on top of one of the banks above the track ,let the engine and a few wagons pass then leaped lithely on to one of the open wagons ,filled with logs.The baffled pack appeared on the bank just in time to see their quarry disappear,safely into the distance.

BACKGROUND STORY TO THE MOUNTAINS OF POMEROY!reported 6/10/62 Dungannon Observer

The Irish Rapparees who flourished after the exit of Sarsfield and “The Wild Geese” were forced to the mountains where they carried on guerilla warfare against the Saxon invader.They remained true to the Jocobite Cause long after the Scottish followers of King James and his successors had abandoned the House of Stuart.The Rapparees however had for their main purpose the achievement of freedom for their native land and their interest in the restoration of the Hose of Stuart was only secondary.They where not as the British historians would have us believe a band of irresponsible outlaws who terrorized the countryside but were composed of all classes of Irishmen some of noble lineage who refused to submit to the Williamite regime.The question has often been asked why the Irish people remained constant in their allegiance to the Stuarts,knowing full well of the duplicity of Charles,and the stupidity of James,but the answer is found in the Irish National trait of always being on the side of the underdog.The misfortunes of the Jacobites,Kings and Princes,loomed largely in the romantic Irish mind and threw peculiar sentimental glamour over the Old and young Pretenders,which endeared them to the people of Ireland,who were likewise caught in the malestrom of trial and tribulation at that period in history.The exploits of the Rapparees inpired the poet of Jacobite days and some of the finest of our Irish ballads grew out of the Jacobite Illusion.Such songs as ‘Ned of the Hill’ written in honour of Edmond O’Ryan of Kilmanagh,Co Tipperary,have helped to immortalize the Rapparees.There are a number of Irish ballads eulogizing the Rapparees and though they are not so well known as ‘Ned of the Hill’ yet they have great appeal for Irish Nationalists.Among those songs will be found ‘The Mountains of Pomeroy’ which was written by the late Dr George Sigerson  and is sung to the beautiful air of which Gerald Griffith wrote his exquisite lyric ‘I Love My Love In The Morning’.Since Pomeroy is a district in the great County of Tyrone,where Sigerson was born,it is not surprising to find the poet writing in praise of  an outlaw who flew to Pomeroy mountains and carried on the fight against the invader from his sheltered retreat.’The Mountains of Pomeroy tells of the tragic fate that befell a girl of the Ascending Party ,who forsook her home to be with her outlaw lover “Reynardine”which is the Gaelic term for “The Fox”.It is a grand song,replete with passion for the Old Land in spite of all the vicissitudes the lovers of “Caitlin ni Hualleachain”were forced to undergo.The spirit which could inspire such a song is unconquerable and in God’s good time,that dauntless spirit must prevail to see realized the dream for which so many generations of Irishmen and Irishwomen have worked and suffered and died.The late Dr Sigerson has left some fine songs to posterity but nowhere in all his writing does he surpass his patriotic ballad of “The Mountains of Pomeroy.

The Mountains Of Pomeroy

The morn was breaking bright and fair, The lark sang in the sky, Wheb the maid she bound her goIden hair, With a blithe glance in her eye; For, who beyond the gay green-wood, Was a-waiting her with joy, Oh, who but her gallant Renardine,

On the mountains of Pomeroy. An outlawed man in a land forlorn, He scorned to turn and fly, But kept the cause of freedom safe Up on the mountains high. Full often in the dawning hour, Full oft in twilight brown He met the maid in the woodland bow’r, Where the stream comes foaming down For they were faithful in a love No wars could e’er destroy. No tyrant’s law touched Renardine,

On the mountains of Pomeroy. “Dear love, ” she said, “l’m sore afraid, For the foeman’s force and you They’ve tracked you in the lowland plain And all the valley through. My kinsmen frown when you are named Your life they would destroy ‘Beware,’ they say, ‘of Renardine, On the mountains of Pomeroy.”

“Fear not, fear not, sweetheart,” he cried, “Fear not the foe for me No chain shall fall, whate’er betide, On the arm that would be free! Oh, leave your cruel kin and come, When the lark is in the sky. And it’s with my gun I’ll guard you, On the mountains of Pomeroy.”

The morn has come, she rose and fled From her cruel kin and home; And bright the wood, and rosy red, And the dumbling torrent’s foam. But the mist came down and the tempest roared, And did all around destroy; And a pale, drowned bride met Renardine, On the mountains of Pomeroy.

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new

MY FOOTBALLING DAYS WITH MOY TÍR NA NÓG ,(uncertain of date or newspaper publication thanks to Dominic Vallely for sharing this)

MY footballing days with Moy Tír na nÓg, by T.J. Twomey  1915-1922

• I recall with delight those days long gone by

• When I played Gaelic football with Tír na nÓg ,Moy,

• Of that famous team ,very few remain,

• And their record I think,we will not see again !

       

• They played for the sheer delight of the game,

• Their physical fitness was always the same.

• In Summer or Winter,through mud,slush or snow,

• They played a clean game and put up a good show !

     

• Our “Minister of Finance” was called Peter Tohall ,

• Who paid our expenses and sold us bad coal !

• Our secretary and team mate was “Tiny Tim “

• He played like a “lion” and banged the goals in !

• A forward called “Rabbit” banged goals by the score,

• From yards out Joe Byrne shot points-I’m quite sure.

• The centre full back was a man called Big Dan,

• His motto-“no goals ! just try if you can ! “

• A wee man called “Banty” who played on the wing,

• Seemed to have the ball tied to his toe-on a string !

• When he raced up the field without a puff or a blow ,

• The captains loud voice shouted ” Pass it to Joe! “

• The brothers McVeigh from Killyman Street 

• Were footballers true-head,toe and feet.

• And the Byrnes from Eglish,both Charlie and Pat,

• Could show you the way ,or knock you down flat!

• There were Clancy ,McSorley,with Curran and Finn,

• All Charlemont boys who were put out to win ,

• And Tierney,a full back,strong,bold and fleet.

• A tower of defence,impossible to beat !

• We had many good patrons who came from the Moy,

• Johnny Coleman,Pat Campbell,James and Eddie Conroy

• Master Byrne and Gerry on the sideline would be

• Cheering with Jack McKearney and Johnny Magee!

• Our friends always thought their great team should win

• A cracked rib-no excuse nor a kick to the shin.

• If injured they shouted:”Take him home to his Ma”

• They yelled and catcalled:Chicken,you’re a Ba -Ba!”

• How was their passage,those years that have fled.

• Now we treasure the memory of comrades long dead,

• Who in life “played the game” as good footballers do

• And hand on a glorious tradition-to you!

        T.J Twomey Moy

LIGHT AND BRIGHT !reported 31/7/65 Dungannon Observer 

A Tyrone man who took an interest in greyhound racing decided to buy himself a running dog.He entered it for a number of races but it seemed to have some strange weakness for veering to the left.It would dash out of the trap like a champion and then suddenly move its head towards the left and keep in that direction.In one country racing track it ran of the course completely.The owner had a talk with a man who had a reputation for knowing all about dogs.Said to the man :”The best advice I can give you is to insert something heavy in the right ear ,something like a piece of lead ,and this might help the animal from going left “.”But how could I get a piece of lead into the dogs ear?”asked the owner.”With a revolver “was the reply.

CLAIM TO BE MADE FOR O’NEILL LANDS!reported 3/4/65 Dungannon Observer

At a meeting of Mid Tyrone electors  in Pomeroy at the week-end ,a committee was formed to pursue the claim of the descendants of the O’Neill clan to the confiscated lands .Interest is to be focussed on the historic grounds in Dungannon and the people of the nine counties of Ulster are to be made aware of the situation.

NO BATTLE AT BENBURB SAYS AUTHOR!reported /1967 /Dungannon Observer 

Historians who have been going on visits to Benburb for the last 300 years to witness the scene of the famous battle, have been wasting their time,according to a book now at the printers.In his biography of Owen Roe O’Neill,Mr P.J Keane a native of Kiltimagh.County Mayo ,claims the battle took place three or four miles away on the hill of Mullintor near Minterburn. This he says is the highest arable hill in Ulster,which is why the battle was called Benburb,meaning rough prominent hill.In support of his theory,Mr Keane says he has discovered the burial sites of the English and Scottish  soldiers near the hill of Mullintor.A mass burial ground was discovered in a sand pit in the area 50 years ago but was not connected with the battle of Benburb at the time.Mr Keane,while doing research for his book ,found eye witness accounts of the battle from the Armagh road ,if the battle had been in Benburb it would have been impossible to see it from that point because of the high intervening hills.He claims that ,contrary to popular belief,O’Neill had only 1,500 lightly clad,lightly armed guerrillas to match the heavily armed invading forces which numbered 7,000.Another 3,000 of O’Neills men were engaged in capturing the 1,500 wagon loads of war materials which had been shipped over from England to suppress the rebellion.Mr Keane also does a lot to exonerate the Papal Nuncio Rinucinni ,who excommunicated and censured several prominent Catholics for accepting the 1648 peace with the King.He says that memoirs of Rinucinni ,translated by Thomas Davisis  fiancee,show that his actions were the result of direct instructions from Owen Roe.The book also contains sketches of O’Neills plans to capture Cromwell,and claims that he could have taken Dublin in 1646 ,but refrained from doing so because in did not fit in with his plans.A suggestion which will appear more far fetched nowadays is that the King’s chief counselor,Clarendon,seriously expected O’Neill to invade England .The population of England in those days was 5,000,000,while Ireland’s population was 3,000,000.Mr Keane plans to publish the book himself at the cost of £2,500.He says he already has lots of orders from libraries.

COW’S NINE CALVES IN FOUR YEARS!reported 14/4/62 Dungannon Observer 

A cow the property of Mr Jim Crozier ,Main Street Trillick ,has given birth to nine calves in four years .She gave birth to twin calves,two years running .Last year she gave birth to triplets and for the fourth year she again has given birth to twin calves.All the calves were successfully reared .

DECIMAL COINAGE FOR TYRONE!reported 20/4/68 Dungannon Observer 

Decimal coinage comes to Tyrone next week with the introduction of the new 5p and 10p pieces which are being issued to launch the decimal system in Britain and the Six Counties .The new coins are being issued to banks through London and only a small quantity has been earmarked for the North of Ireland.Made of cupro nickel,they are the first of a range of decimal coins which will be introduced over the next four years.Gradually the existing coins will cease to circulate either by being withdrawn or stopped by the banks as they come in.But there will be for a time a variety of coins circulating in all Ireland .There will be the  existing British coinage,the new decimal coinage,the existing  Irish coins and the new coins the Irish government will be issuing as part of their change-over to decimalisation.The first Northern coins are expected to present a problem for cross-border tourists who will have to change the new “dots” before travelling into the Twenty Six Counties .Residents of border towns like Caledon and Aughnacloy may also come up against it when they visit a pub or make a purchase in a shop on the other side.However, it is expected the publicans or shopkeepers on either side of the Border will not refuse any type of coinage ,if  suitable exchange is possible .After all it’s money and that is what matters nowadays!.

IRISHMEN WANT FALKLANDS WORK !reported 24/8/62 Dungannon Observer

Young single men from the sheep raising areas of the Six Counties are wanted for a 160,000-acre sheep ranch in the Falklands.On Monday Mr J.Burns,M.P estate agent of Maghera,in response to an appeal issued on Saturday, received the first half dozen applications .The wages offered are £500 a year ,but more can be earned.Men are guaranteed good living conditions,with a return passage,and are asked to stay five years.If they decide to return,Mr Burns told a reporter ,they will be in keen demand on any large sheep farm at home ,for they will be then well skilled in shearing and management.The appeal for men from Ireland came following a similar plea in England.It is being sponsored by James Lovegrove Warden Ltd of London,who have the oversight of farms in the Argentine and Kenya.They have made appeals already for men for big ranches in these two countries.Mr Burns said the men would be required to work a 47-hour week in the Falklands and would be sharing rooms ,but it would be a splendid open-air life.CHANCE TO SAVE ,they have a chance to save quite a lot of money there.There is only one worry loneliness.”But if a number of Irishmen get together I can soon see they will overcome that”,he added.  

NEW HURLING CLUB FORMED IN MOY!reported 25/3/61 Dungannon Observer

A new Hurling club was formed at a meeting held in the Parochial Hall in Moy ,on Sunday afternoon last.The club will represent an area which includes the county Tyrone part of Clonfeacle Parish(steps may be taken later to allow Hurling enthusiasts from the county Armagh part of the parish to join)and Eglish.First chairman and secretary of the new club (no name which was finally decided by the meeting) are Messrs Charles Dillon and Brendan McCaul respectively .Other members of the committee are Messrs P.B Lavery (vice-chairman),Jim Byrne (Treasurer),Tom Jordan,Pat Hughes,Hugh Lavery,James Fox,John Murtagh.

HOW THE ENGLISHMAN BECAME A LIMEY ! reported Dungannon Observer 28/1/61

For years Americans have referred to Englishmen as “limeys”.This slang name started in the middle of the 18th century and few realise that it was and is unconscious tribute to a Scots physician whose keen powers of observation saved men of the British Navy considerable misery and opened the way to the discovery of vitamins some 150 years later.One of the great hazards at that time,which confronted the sailor on a long voyage or the soldier on campaign was a disease called scurvy.Whole shipcrews and regiments were incapacitated by it and many died.The gums turned putrid small haemorrhages spotted the skin and a terrible weakness overcame the body.James Lind naval surgeon on the ship “Salisbury” experimented with different diets and found that only oranges lemons cured the sick sailors.Later sailors came to use lime and lime juice as well as oranges,lemons and fresh vegetables to stave of the disease.And so the British sailor became a “limey”.Lind of course didn’t realise that he had been giving the sick sailors vitamin C: for it is lack of food containing this vitamin that causes scurvy.Strangely enough Lind’s discovery did not teach doctors how to cure scurvy in infants.Round about 1890 infant scurvy became a common condition.This coincided with the introduction of pasteurised milk -that is milk heated to a high temperature to destroy germs.But the heat also destroyed the vitamin C .Only in the next 30 years did scientists realise the existence of this vitamin and it’s poor resistance to heat.Scientists were in fact very slow to grasp that proteins ,fats and carbohydrated along with minerals such as iron and calcium are not the only constituents of a diet that could promote health and support life.Then during the Franco Prussian war of 1870 and the siege of Paris,a doctor called Dumas observed the effects of lack of food on the infants of the city during the siege.Milk the effect on infants of the city was disastrous .Dumas said that something essential to life was lacking in the artificial milk.The “something” was of course,the vitamins normally present in natural milk and eggs were scarce and many children died.The French government asked scientists to help and an artificial milk was produced by adding fat to a sweetened solution of albumin.Feeding experiments were carried out on animals with pure protein ,fat and carbohydrate and notes made on how such diets failed to support life.Then it was found that small additions of other substances in very small quantities were essential to life.The name vitamins -after the Latin “vita”meaning “life-was given to these substances long before they were identified.Rickets is another example of how doctors applied a cure to a disease before they knew either it’s cause or how the cure worked.Cod liver oil was widely used to treat rickets in children form many years before it was known to contain vitamins A and D,or that a lack of vitamins A and D in the diet could cause this condition.In spite of all the research that has gone on,cod liver oil is still one of the best sources of vitamin D which is not normally found in large quantities in ordinary food.Children and adults still take it regularly in our northern country where sunshine is too scarce to ensure sufficient supplies of vitamin D .

Elusive Pimpernel Was In Three Places At One Time!reported Dungannon Observer 7/1/61

• They seek him here they seek him there,

• In fact they seek him everywhere

• Is Donnelly in heaven or is he in Hell?

• One thing’s clear-he’s not in jail.

An ‘Obsever’ staff reporter heard two young fellows chanting this rhyme in James Street,Cookstown on Monday.No doubt the Donnelly referred to is the 21-year-old student who,on St Stephen’s Day,made a dramatic escape from Belfast Prison.

DESPITE A MOST INTENSIVE SEARCH IN WHICH PRACTICALLY EVERY AVAILABLE MEMBER OF THE R.U.C AND SPECIAL CONSTABULARY HAS PARTICIPATED, DONNELLY’S WHEREABOUTS ARE STILL UNKNOWN.

Last week-end it appeared as if the Tyrone student had succeeded in breaking the time barrier.”Very authentic”newspaper reports placed him in three different places at the same time.One paper said that he was in New York,another that he was still in Belfast ,and a third,speaking with great authority,stated that he had driven down to Shannon Airport to give a most uncivil welcome to Princess Margaret.

DESPITE AN “EVENING PRESS”LATE NEWS REPORT ON MONDAY THAT DANNY DONNELLY HAD CROSSED THE BORDER AND TAKEN UP TEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN DUBLIN ,THE R.U.C ARE CONVINCED THAT HE IS STILL HIDING SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE CITY OF BELFAST.

In various places throughout Mid-Ulster,Danny Donnelly is now being referred to as the “Irish Pimpernel”.

EXHUMED CROMWELL TO HANG HIM !reported Dungannon Observer 25/3/1961 

On January 30 1691,the anniversary of the execution of Charles 1,the body of Oliver Cromwell was dug up from his grave in Westminister Abbey and,together with some of the bodies of the judges who had sentenced their king to death,were publicly hung up on a common gallows .At the time,it must have been some solace to the people of Ireland to know that the English had given a traitor’s execution to the body of the “Butcher”of Drogheda and Wexford .It is interesting to note that just before Charles 1 faced his executioner on that bitterly cold day in January outside Whitehall Palace,he asked for an extra set of heavy underwear.GREAT SIGH.Dressed in breeches and shirt,the frail King did not want to shiver as he set forth,lest the watching crowd take it as a sign of fear.He died so nobly and piously that after decapitation,when his head was held aloft ,there went up a great sigh of anguish,and to this day the English have never quite forgiven themselves for allowing their monarch to suffer such an ignominious fate.When Cromwell died on September 3,1685,his state funeral cost over £60,000,and he was buried beside kings in Westminster Abbey .His body remained there during the short reign of his weakling son,Richard ,but soon after Charles 11 returned to the throne ,the king’s supporters passed a bill authorising Cromwell’s body to be exhumed and treated as a traitor’s.His corpse was hung from a gibbet at Tyburn,and when taken down the head was cut off.It was carried to Westminster Hall and fixed on the wall ,where it remained for 25 years.Then one night during a storm ,the head was blown down,and a sentry doing his rounds found it.For reasons best known to himself ,the sentry hid Cromwell’s skull in the chimney of his home and did not disclose it’s whereabouts until he was dying,when he gave it to his daughter.The husband of the daughter promptly sold it.Later it was re-sold to a family named Russell,of Cambridgeshire.In 1775 one of the Russell family ,Samuel,being hard-up for cash,paid his rent by exhibiting the “Lord Protector’s”skull for a fee,then sold it to a curio dealer,who in turn sold it to syndicate.This syndicate displayed it for some time in their London showroom in Old Bailey Street.Eventually the skull became the property of the daughter of one of the exhibitors ,who in 1814 sold it to her doctor’s son,one Josiah Henry Wilkinson.BANK VAULT,Successive members of the Wilkinson family kept it safely wrapped in silk in an oak box,and recently in a bank vault .Now,after three centuries of being bought and sold,exhibited publicly and privately as a curio,the Wilkinson family have given Cromwell’s skull to his old college.There the head of the man most despised by the Irish was buried in the grounds of Sidney Sussex College ,Cambridgeshire,where he once studied before setting out on a life of slaughter and oppression.

WASHING MACHINE OPERATES A KIDNEY MACHINE!reported 5/8/1961 Dungannon Observer

A portable artificial kidney which can be operated by a domestic washing machine,has been invented by the surgical staff at Hokkaido University Hospital, Japan.The kidney which weighs only three pounds has already been used to remove a lethal dose of poison from a young person.The impure blood is drawn from the artery and vein through tubes and then is passed through the washing machine.Here a whirling saline solution cleans it and it is pumped back into the body through the artificial kidney.

“GIRL IN FILM” JOE STEWART’S DAUGHTER! 9/5/1970 Dungannon Observer

A former Dungannon girl,Miss Margaret Stewart,has a part in the film “Ryan’s Daughter”,which is currently on location at Dingle,Co.Cork,daughter of the late Mr Joe Stewart,M.P for East Tyrone for many years.Margaret is an elocution teacher.Her stage name is Maggie Stewart.Another Dungannon entertainer heading for the top is country and western singer,Pat Corrigan,who makes his radio debut in Radio 4’s “New Voices”lunchtime programme  on Monday.Pat resides at 55 Donaghmore Road.

RESCUE OF TYRONE MAN WHO INVENTED HELICOPTER “SCOOP”!reported 7/12/1957 Dungannon Observer

The Tyrone man who invented the “helicopter scoop net” for recovering crashed airmen from the sea was himself rescued on Monday night after the helicopter he was flying had crashed half a mile south of Lee-on-Solent.He is Lieutenant-Commander John S.Sproule who is the only son of Mrs Sproule and the late Mr John Sproule formerly of Mulvin,Victoria Bridge.Lieut-Commander Sproule also invented a transport stretcher for use by helicopters.The helicopter Mr Sproule was flying on Monday night was a Whirlwind from Lee-on Solent naval air station.He and another officer-they were the only two on board-clung for an hour to the helicopter in the water before,they were picked up by a harbour launch from Southampton.Mr Sproule was awarded £50 from the Lott Naval Trust Fund for his scoop net invention,and his assistant in the project received £20.

British Pathe News clips on the 1955 testing of the scoop net 

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QUEEN MOTHER TO BE RECEIVED BY POPE !reported 31/1/1959 Dungannon Observer

Queen Elizabeth,the British Queen Mother will be the first member of the British Royal family to meet his Holiness Pope John XX111,when she pays a six day private visit to Rome in April.A British Embassy spokesman said the Queen Mother’s trip had been long intended.”She has always wanted to come to Rome”he said.During her stay the Queen Mother,a noted art lover,is expected to visit the museums of the capital,as well as the ancient Roman Forum and the many Renaissance treasures of architecture and painting.The announcements of the Queen Mother’s trip to Rome was made from Clarence House London.She is expected to be the guest of the President of Italy at dinner.Queen Elizabeth,as Princess Elizabeth,went privately to Italy with the Duke, paid a private visit to Pope Pius X11.Several Protestant and Free Church organisations protested both before and after the visit of the Pope.One of the criticisms was that she wore the long black dress and veil which is traditional for a Papal audience ,and another that it was”unconstitutional”for a prospective British Monarch to have an audience with the Sovereign Pontiff.

CAN COUNT 75,000 BANK NOTES AN HOUR !reported 3/1/1959 Dungannon Observer

A machine,which counts any type of paper currency at the rate of about 75,000 an hour,was installed on Thursday at the head office in Waring Street,of Belfast Banking Company Ldt.The machine is operated electrically and is the first of its kind to be installed in the North.

THEY BOUGHT A HOUSE WITH THERE WINNINGS!reported Dungannon Observer 25/3/1961

A young couple in Wales have just won enough money to  buy a house,so they say it is conclusive proof of the Legend of the 300 year old Wishing Cork Tree.Another couple had a piece of Lucky Cork sent them by a relative and got an empty house two days afterwards.A lady in Doncaster sent for a piece and won £8000 on a penny points pool.A wife gave her doubting husband a piece of Lucky Cork for his birthday and two weeks later he won £1500.A mother sent each of her sons a piece and one won £4000 in a sweepstake.If you would like further particulars send stamped addressed envelope to Wishing Cork Tree,Combe-in -Teignhead,Devon.

.MISSIONARY SOLVES ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN MYSTERY!reported Dungannon Observer 10/01/1959

Father Franz Eichinger,a German missionary,who has just returned to Frankfurt after 13 years in Tibet,claims to have solved the mystery of legendary Abominable Snowman of the Himalayas.He said they are highly religious hermits,who wore no clothing despite the sub-zero temperatures.They are very thin because of their diet and constant fasting.”The one I met spoke the local dialect and a little Chinese.He came down into the valley to cure a child with herb remedies.And the child was cured”.Father Eichinger said.He has a photograph of the “Snowman” at prayer in a tent with the carcase of an eagle in front of him.

ANOTHER MOY!reported Dungannon Observer 7/03/1959

“The Harbour Board has as yet made no decision on the future of the ‘Moy’ which has served on the Boyne for the last 33 years.The  ‘Moy’ was built in 1904.”The foregoing interesting paragraph appeared in a recent edition of a well-known Co.Louth newspaper.It appeared as a footnote to a news item about a new £15,000 dredger soon to be put into operation on the Boyne river.This dredger purchased by Drogheda Harbour Board,replaces one called the “Moy” which river is subject of the above eye-catching note.But there’s still only one “the Moy”.

DOCTOR CLAIMS I HAVE COLD CURE!reported 03/01/1959 Dungannon Observer

A Yugoslav doctor has claimed to have cured about 1,000 people of common colds with a new drug he discovered.He calls it ‘rinitin’.Dr Sredovic,of the Belgrade Veterinary Institute,said that he got the idea when working in Lyons, on foot and mouth disease problems last year.I n an article in the Belgrade newspaper ‘Politicia’ he claimed that the foot and mouth virus was similar to that causing head colds.He decided to experiment further to see if his discovery with certain changes could be applied to sneezing humans.Rinitin,he declared is simple to use-just two drops in each nostril.A Belgrade hospital used the drug in 49 case of chronic head colds.In 43 cases Dr Sredovic claimed complete recovery was noted after 24 hours.In three cases temporary improvement was observed.The doctor claimed that when the drug was applied in the initial stage of a head cold,success was almost 100 per cent.

SEARCHING FOR A BRONZE AGE CANOE!reported 14/2/1959 Dungannon Observer

“Frogman” Ernest Camlin says that if all goes well with him he hopes to “unearth” a 40ft long Bronze Age canoe from Portmore Lough near Lough Neagh soon.The craft it seems was brought to the surface about 80 years ago but for some reason it was sunk again and has remained submerged.Now thanks to the interest of Mr R.T.Martin Glenavy,and Mr John Dornan,Lower Ballinderry,have persuaded Mr Camlin to attempt to locate and refloat the craft for archaeological reasons one more item may be added to the North’s collection of historical treasures.Mr Camlin who has already been to the spot on other jobs,is convinced that the depth of the water is not great,but he will have the problem of glar and silt to deal with in his attempt to bring the craft to the surface when it is located.He says there is a  theory that gold and valuables were sunk in the Lough by members of the O’Neill clan in an earlier ara and he will attempt to locate some of the treasure at the same time.Mr Camlin proposes to use Asdic equipment in his search.

 TRIP TO MOON IN UNDER 3 DAYS! reported Dungannon Observer 12/9/1959

A five-stage rocket 220 feet high may one day carry men on a two and a half day trip to the moon, according to Dr Milton W. Rosen, of the U.S National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He told more than 500 space scientists at the International Astronautical Congress in London of a preliminary design study of a manned lunar flight in 5 to 10 years time. He said the rocket, Nova would be launched by the 9,000,000 lb trust of six giant motors, the first three stages accelerating it to a speed of 36,000 feet per second. Approaching the moon, the space ship would turn under the influence of control jets and four backing rockets would lower it gently to stand on structs with a span of 40 feet. After about 12 days on the moon the crew of two would return to earth in the fifth stage of the rocket, which would use the fourth stage as a landing stand.

BEATING THE DRUM VEXED MRS.BOB HOPE! reported Dungannon Observer 10/10/1964

The beating of a drum outside her hotel room at Moy was  referred to in strong terms by Mrs Bob Hope, wife of the famous comedian, at Dublin Airport.She described it as “horrifying and barbaric”. Mrs Hope who was ending a two-week holiday with a visit to an old friend, Rev James Keane at Our Lady of Benburb Priory, Benburb told a reporter. “My mother and I were having dinner in the only hotel in Moy, when suddenly I heard this beating of a drum. When I looked out, I saw a group of men following another man across the Square, beating the drum continuously”. Mrs Hope said that she took ill at the dinner because of something she had eaten earlier and went to bed. UNABLE TO SLEEP.She went on:”But the pounding went on and on up and down the Square and at 10.40 I was still feeling very ill and unable to sleep. The group stopped right outside my window and began the most horrifying frenzied beating on this drum something I will never  forget. “I asked the hotel people if someone would tell the authorities and make them stop but they said that there was nothing that could be done about it. The terrible thing about it is that in this civilised age and in a country as lovely as Ireland, visitors have to be subjected to such indignities of their human rights.” This was my only unpleasant memory of a wonderful holiday in Ireland, but I was very unhappy with the thought of this break down of authority which was a very disgraceful thing”. Mrs Hope is a founder member of the Legion of Mary in Hollywood. Her mother Mrs J. De Fina said she would never forget the experience. ” It was horrifying”.

DRUMS ANNOY FILM STAR’S WIFE INCIDENT AT MOY ! reported Tyrone Courier 8/10/1964

An irate Mrs Bob Hope, wife of the film star comedian, on Monday hit out at drummers in a Tyrone village who kept her awake on Saturday night. Mrs Hope arrived in the Moy in the middle of an Ancient Order of Hibernians drumming competition.The drum beat went on until nearly midnight underneath her bedroom window in Forrest’s Hotel she said,” A brazen and bigoted infringement of privacy and fundamental human rights” she called the noise of the contest. ” The audacity and brazenness of such a performance simply appals me. I can’t believe that such things can happen in a civilised country.” I am sure that when I tell my husband of my experience here he will scarcely believe me. We both hold the British Government in very high regard, but I feel sure the government of London does not realise that things like this are happening here”. The competition was held by Listamlet A.O.H and there were seven drums in action. The proprietress of the hotel said on Monday: ” Mrs Hope arrived for dinner on Saturday and stayed the night. She was accompanied by her mother, Mrs de Fina and they were completing their first sightseeing tour of Ireland.JUNGLE ” She complained about the drums but there was nothing I could do about it. She said she thought she was in the jungle”. A police spokesman said they did not even  know Mrs Hope was in the Moy. It was an orderly competition and no complaints were made to us,”he added. Mrs Hope flew from Dublin to London on Monday afternoon on her way to join her husband in Australia.

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James Kane, local author and historian has done some research into this story, and has spoken to one of the two drummers of that night, it seems after the drumming competition had finished, the drums were stored in the entry of Joe Hughes pub in Killyman Street, two men, one of whom was a member of Listamlet’s A.O.H  band, and the other a big drumming enthusiast, with a long family connection to the Moy,(who James spoke to), were in Hughes pub and after a few drinks, it was decided to give the Moy another ‘few tunes’, so they got Listamlet’s ‘Owen Roe’ drum and a ‘plain’ drum, and took off from Joe Hughes, drumming together they made their way around the Square, stopping of to play outside Forrest’s Hotel, not to annoy anyone, but just to show of their drumming skills, were it seems they got on the wrong side of Mrs Hope and her mother, it wasn’t reported at the time, but It has been said that Mrs Hope rang the Irish Embassy to try and get them to put pressure on the R . U . C to put a stop to the drummers outside her window. The reason for her visit to the Moy was that Mrs Hope had a close friendship with Father James Keane, O. S . M , founder and first prior of Our Lady of Benburb Priory, Benburb, she had met him in Los Angeles in the early 1940s, she and her mother had been in Ireland for 2 weeks,on Mrs De Fina’s first sightseeing tour of Ireland, they finished it of with a stay in the Moy, Mrs Hope’s grandfather was a Dublin man Henry Kelly and her grandmother was Nora Flynn from Ennis Co. Clare her daughter was named Nora and her son Kelly. The story of the ‘Jungle drums in the Moy’, was talked about from Dublin to New york, with the Irish Times headline reading ‘MRS BOB HOPE THOUGHT NORTHERN IRELAND WAS “LIKE THE JUNGLE”. 

Bob Hope and his Mother-in-law Theresa Kelly De Fina 

Bob Hope, Dolores Hope and children (back L-R) Anthony, Nora, (front L-R) Linda, Kelly 

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PRIEST ANSWERED RUSSIAN’S IN IRISH! reported Dungannon Observer 2/10/1959

The body of Father Thomas P. Cunningham, S.J “parish priest of the Arctic”, whom Eskimos found lying dead from a heart attack, on the floor of his one room cabin at Point Barrow Alaska, was flown by an American Air Force plane for burial at Fairbanks. Father Cunningham, born of Irish parents in New Zealand served as a missionary in Alaska for 25 adventure-filled years.His “parish” extended over 150,000 square miles above the Arctic Circle.Years ago, when he and some Eskimos were on a hunting expedition, their walrus skin boat began to leak.They landed on the Russian-owned Diomede Island, and Father Cunningham was arrested for trespassing. He was released after filling in a Russian language questionaire. He gave his answers in Irish. Father Cunningham became a recognised expert on pack ice. During the second World War, as an Army Force chaplain, he instructed pilots in Arctic survival. Last year, at the request of the Alaskan Air Command, he joined a group of 20 scientists studying Arctic Phenomena on an ice island as part of the International Geophysical Year. He was last of the party to board a rescue plane sent when the ice pack began to break up. An intimate friend of the Arctic Eskimos, Father Cunningham learned their language and wrote an English Eskimo dictionary.

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PRISONER SHOT TRYING TO ESCAPE IN TYRONE!reported Dungannon Observer 24/3/1945

Herbert Lizzars (21), a German prisoner of war, was observed by a sentry breaking away from a County Tyrone camp at 10.30 p.m. on Monday.Refusing to halt, Lizzars was fired on receiving four bullet wounds in the right arm, which was shattered, and a fifth wound in the chest. The German military doctors attached to the camp took him by lorry to Dungannon Hospital, where Dr. J.G. Bell gave blood transfusions and later had him removed to Belfast.

Tyrone Courier report on German prisoner attempted escape!  22/3/1945

While attempting to escape from a prisoner-of-war camp near Cookstown on Monday night, a German prisoner of war, aged 21, was fired on by the military guard and received five bullet wounds. He was attended by two German doctors and by Dr J.G. Bell of Dungannon, and was later removed to a military hospital in Belfast in a serious condition. It is stated that the German had got clear of the heavy barbed wire entanglements when spotted, and as he refused to halt, the sentry opened fire. He received four bullet wounds in the right arm and a fifth in the chest. The right arm was badly shattered, and Dr Bell gave a blood transfusion.

LEPRECHAUN FROM TYRONE GIVING TROUBLE IN AMERICA! reported Dungannon Observer 18/02/1961

The following remarkable correspondence was discussed at Omagh Urban Council on Monday. Mr John McGale, B.A. Town Clerk, said that he had received a letter from

.Mr Harry A. Pyle,The Carlton Plaza, 4740 Roanoke Parkway, Kansas City 12.

It was addressed to the Lord Mayor of Omagh, and read-.

Honorable Sir, My paternal grandmother was born in County Tyrone. She was Ellen Shields, of the the family of General James Shields, who served brilliantly in the Civil War of the United States of America, I am not informed as to the degree of relationship.

“Grandmother ‘had the words’ which removed warts and cured burns. These words she could impart only to a female grandchild. Of such she had none, and the ‘words’ are lost.

“However, she promised that the family leprechaun, which had come to America as a stowaway in the luggage of my great-grandparents, should abide near me at all of my days. The story is too long to repeat here and now, but it has been promised.

“In these later years, the leprechaun has become so actively mischievous that I desperate need to curb him.” Could and would you advise me, or else refer this letter to some knowledgeable person in your county for suggestions? your consideration will obligate me”

Mr. McGale said that he had replied thus:

“I have received your letter of the 28th inst… and I am sorry to learn that your leprechaun has turned mischievous on you. “I suggest that you write about your problem to

Miss Mona Shields, 57 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin.

She belongs to the same family as General  James Shields.” The only suggestion I can make about your leprechaun is that perhaps he is lonely for female company, and if you could import a female leprechaun for him, that might tend to keep him quiet. The council approved of the Town Clerk’s reply.

. possible suitors heading over the Atlantic looking for the Leprechaun with the pot of gold 

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‘SLOT MACHINE COAL’ GOES ON SALE !reported Dungannon Observer 27/5/1961

Mr Alfred Robens, Chairman of the British Coal Board, put four shillings in a coin-in-the-slot machine on Monday and within a few seconds received a 28lb bag of coal. He was demonstrating in London the first automatic coal distributor in Britain. The manufacturers hope it will soon be installed in blocks of flats, garages, housing estates and other areas convenient to the public. The machine, which costs about £700 and is of French design, holds fifty 28lb bags of coal or fifty 14lb bags of smokeless fuel. Specially designed scales show the householder she is receiving the correct weight.

  

BERNADETTE GIVES NEW YORK KEY TO  BLACK PANTHERS! reported Dungannon Observer 7/3/1970

The golden key that Mayor John V. Lindsay presented to Miss Bernadette Devlin was turned over to the Black Panthers on Monday. Mr Eamonn McCann chairman of the Derry Labour Party handed the ceremonial emblem to Mr Robert Bay, who indentified himself as a member of the Panthers. Mr McCann said that the key was being given to the Panthers “as a gesture of solidarity with the black liberation and revolutionary socialist movements in America.” Asked whether he thought that the gesture could alienate many Irish- Americans who contributed to Miss Devlin’s fund-raising campaign last year, Mr McCann replied “If  we alienate a lot of Irish-American hypocrites, so much the better” Mr McCann brought with him a message which he said was from Miss Devlin. In the statement, Miss Devlin said: “To all these common people, to whom this city and this country belong, I return what is rightfully theirs, this symbol of the freedom of New York”.

The symbolic key 

Robert Bay 

Bernadette speaking on the 24th August 1969, she was there in America, to receive the freedom of New York from Mayor Lindsay.

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SHE SANG FOR PRESIDENT KENNEDY! reported Dungannon Observer 13/7/1963

Miss Una Kelly the well known soprano was well in the picture during the visit of President Kennedy to Ireland. A reception at Shannon Airport, she flew by helicopter to the Dublin Embassy and met the President who had with him Mr de Valera and Mr Sean Lamass. She sang the solo “The West Awake” and with the other members of the choir sang “Danny Boy” in which President Kennedy joined. The President requested the girls sing for him again when he was leaving Shannon on Saturday.

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Una Kelly 

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ROUTINE IN EVENT OF H BOMB ATTACK! reported Dungannon Observer 27/7/1963

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If you are in the street: Take cover immediately, Find the nearest strong building. Get inside and into the cellar. Try to stay calm. Everyone else is in the same fix.

In a car in city or suburbs: Drive off the street when you hear the Under Attack siren. Shut off the motor. Leave the keys in the car. Find the nearest building entrance and head for it.

In a car in the country: Get off the road immediately into a field. Take a jack handle and if there are no buildings in which to take cover, find a ditch. Get into it, face down. Dig a hole in the bank with the jack. get into it face first, and stay there. If there is no ditch, dig a hole in a field and stay there, face down until the blast wind dies.

In the office: Sit still. Leave the phone alone. Wait for instructions. Someone should know what to do and take over leadership. It is a fire drill situation- to the air raid shelter or basement. Follow orders. Walk calmly but quickly to get underground.

At home: Follow the prescribed Civil Defence survival routine in getting to your fallout shelter or basement. In the basement lie down along the wall nearest the direction you guess the blast will come from. Get under work benches and heavy tables. Stay away from the middle of a basement where beams are most likely to fall.

  

NO KENNEDY ESTATE !reported Dungannon Observer 18/1/1964

By a party vote, Dungannon U.D.C Housing Committee turned down a proposal that the Ballygawley Road Housing Estate be known as the John F Kennedy Estate. Four unionists voted against the proposal, sponsored by Messrs P. Donnelly and W. Doherty.

Ironic Coincidence! reported Dungannon Observer 29/8/1964

We have often heard the expression that history repeats itself. If this is not exactly true we find many startling parallels. “These are found particularly in the deaths of two of our assassinated Presidents, Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy.

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(a) Both of these Presidents were most concerned with the issue of Civil Rights.

(b) Lincoln was elected in 1860. Kennedy was elected in 1960.

(c) Both were slain on Fridays, and in the presence of their wives.

(d) Their successors, both named Johnson, were Southerners and Democrats, and had previously served as Senators.

(e) Andrew Johnson was born in 1808, Lyndon B. Johnson was born in 1908.

(f) John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln was born in 1839, Lee Harvey Oswald, President Kennedy’s slayer, was born in 1939.

(g) Both Booth and Oswald were Southerners, favouring unpopular causes.

(h) Both assassins were killed before trials could be arranged.

(i) Both Presidents wives lost children through death while residing in the White House.

(j) Lincoln’s secretary’s last name was Kennedy, Kennedy’s secretary’s last name was Lincoln.

ACROSS LOUGH NEAGH BY CAR! reported Dungannon Observer 3/10/1964

The first crossing of Lough Neagh by car has been accomplished by an Irish- born professional wrestler. And the feat caused many raised eyebrows when it was being carried out. the vehicle used by Sean O’Shea, a native of Roscommon, who is now based in Wales, was a German built amphibious car which looks like a conventional type of road vehicle, except for its large twin propellers and ground clearance for rough going ashore. Watched by ferymen Dan Mulholland and a crowd of amazed locals, the car entered the lough at Maghery and soon was making a smooth course for Coney island several miles away. In the water the car operates like a boat, but it certainly hasn’t the appearance of one. “I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Dan. “it’s certainly an amazing sight to see a car driven across Lough Neagh. What will we be having next, I wonder?” As far as O’Shea is concerned the car is nothing unusual. He uses two of the vehicles for ferrying visitors around the coast near Aberystyth, where he has a 40-foot cruiser which he  uses for lobster fishing and three turbo jet speedboats. “The amphibious car is useful for ferrying and saves me a two hour journey overland. Maybe such cars will be familiar sight on Lough Neagh before very long, he smilingly commented before setting off to resume his holiday tour of Ireland.

300 MILES ABOVE THE EARTH RUSSIAN ‘SWIMS’ IN SPACE!reported Dungannon Observer 20/3/1965

Millions of people on Thursday watched a Russian cosmonaut float around in space about 300 miles above the earth-the first man ever to do so. He is Colonel Alexei Leonov (30), father of a small daughter Viktoria. With Colonel Pavel Belyaev(39), he was rocketed into orbit at 10am local time ( 7am G.M.T) in the spaceship Voskhod 11. Voskod means sunrise. Ninety minutes after the launching Leonov stepped out of the spacecraft and ‘swam’ about five yards into nothingness. Pictures of his feat were flashed on television screens some 30 minutes later and showed him emerging slowly from the spaceship, climbing slowly into space, making swimming motions and pulling on the lifeline connecting him with the ship. All the time Voskhod11 was spinning through space at five miles a second. Leonove was wearing a special suit equipped with oxygen and, after his return to the ship, Tass reported he felt well. A television announcer said Leonov left the ship during it’s second orbit. But there was no indication of how long he spent outside it. The television pictures were recorded directly on to tape from space. Moscow television also showed recorded pictures of the two cosmonauts in their spaceship as it passed over the earth. The commentator said they were reporting to the mysterious chief designer, never yet identified by Soviet media, that all systems were working normally. Tass said the two cosmonauts would carry out medico-biological studies on the conditions of space flight and other scientific observations. They would also continue to check the space systems. The two-man spaceship was launched on Thursday morning from a secret base, probably in Soviet Central Asia. Pictures of spaceman Lieutenant Colonel Leonov ‘swimming’ round spaceship Voskhod 11 were seen on local television news programmes on Thursday night. There was a clear view of him coming out of the hatchway of the spaceship to spend 20 minutes in space with the earth spinning by underneath. Then his feet were seen to drift clear. Leonov braced himself with his hands for a few moments on the ship and then drifted clear. The view of him ‘swimming’ was excellent. The lifeline attaching him to the ship drifted out behind him as if in water.

Alexie Leonov in 1965 

Alexey Leonov (left, back row) with fellow cosmonauts in 1965

P&B CONNOLLY TRIUMPH FOR LOCAL FIRM !reported Dungannon Observer 24/9/1960

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COCK-FIGHT 200 YEARS AGO! reported Dungannon Observer 10/8/1963

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An announcement in a Belfast newspaper dated August 1758, stated that there would be a cock fight between the gentlemen of the County of Down and the gentlemen of the County of Armagh in Lurgan. There were to be 31 cocks a side. The owner of each winning cock would receive two guineas and the most succesful owner would gain 40 guineas.

DOUBLE DECKER BUS FIRST IN MOY!reported Dungannon Observer 7/1/1961

People stopped and stared (well mostly anyway) at a new sight along the road between Moy and Dungannon on Monday morning, the first official service double decker bus. In all it’s shining majesty, the new two storey, pale green omnibus rolled into the Square at 8.30am and with expressions on their faces which indicated a mixture of amusement and rather self-conscious thrill, the passengers entered. The more experienced travellers remarked that unlike all other double decker buses they had ever seen, the door and stairs were at the front. With five passengers in the upper deck the bus moved up the Square. Enjoyed by those inside and admired by those outside, the first double-decker drove into the history of  Moy. Next week please God, schoolchildren will receive something to cherish in memory when (to quote a military term) they go back to school “on the double”.

thanks to here for the picture 

NEW POLICE SERGEANT IN BLACKWATERTOWN!reported Dungannon Observer  14/1/1961

Sergeant Flanagan of Blackwatertown R.U.C  barracks, recently transferred to Belfast, has been replaced by Sergt F.J Bradley.

CAR ON BLACK LOUGH!reported Dungannon Observer 6/1/1962

For the first time in five years, there was skating at Black Lough Dungannon. A Dungannon man, P.G McQuaid, accepted a £10 bet that he would drive his Singer Gazelle car over the lake and did so, At the take-off at the bank edge, a passenger became alarmed when the ice cracked and jumped out, but Mr McQuaid blandly drove on.

1962 Singer Gazelle

EXCITEMENT AT BLACK LOUGH MR P.G MCQUAID’S FEAT! reported Tyrone Courier 17/1/1963

Skating was in full swing at the weekend at the Black Lough, Dungannon, and the novelty attracted a large crowd. It was, however, noticeable that the number of skaters was much smaller than in former years, Amongst those participating was 84- year old Mr Bob Benson and it delighted the crowd to see him doing the figure 8 with all his former verve. A big exciting attraction was that of Mr. P.G. McQuaid, the local sportsman, who in his Mini Minor motored out to the island and back without mishap. Spectators lifted the car bodily over the embankment near the sluice gates and “Honest P.G” as he is known to all and sundry, crossed over amid much excitement and applause. His performance was televised by U.T.V. and shown on the Monday evening programme. Skating was also enjoyed on Lough Neagh.

Thanks to the Dungannon Observer of the time for pictures 

   

 

MASS IN ALTAMUSKIN GLEN!reported Dungannon Observer 10/7/1965

The annual ceremonies held on the second Sunday of July take place this Sunday at Altamuskin Mass Rock. By special permission of the Cardinal, Mass will be celebrated in the Glen at 3 p.m. Up until last year Mass had not been celebrated in the Glen for almost 100 years. Previous to last year, the annual ceremonies consisted of a procession form Dunmoyle Church to the Mass Rock, followed by Benediction and a sermon. Guest speaker at this year’s ceremonies will be Rev P. McCrory, CC, Dungannon, who is a native of Dunmoyle.

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WHEN DANIEL O’CONNELL DROPPED IN FOR TEA!reported Dungannon Observer 6/11/1965

A visit of the famous Irish man, Daniel O’Connell, to Dungannon 124 years ago was recalled by the discovery of an ancient teapot at the weekend. Workmen engaged on re-roofing the premises of McRorry’s, Irish Street, uncovered the teapot in the roof space above the famous “Repeal Room”. The teapot, which was made in Belfast in the year 1510 resembles an Aladdin’s Lamp. Tradition has it that Dan O’Connell held a meeting in this building on his arrival in 1841.

TYRONE MAN WHO WAS BOXING CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!reported Dungannon Observer 29/1/1966

A Tyrone man, who was one time welterweight boxing champion of the world has died in Philadelphia. He was Mr Tommy Loughran, formerly of Dungate House, Dunamore, Cookstown, who died at the age of 79 years.WORLD FAMOUS. Tommy Loughran was world famous five decades ago when, under the name Tommy Loughrey he won the world title. In a six-year period between 1906 and 1911, he engaged in 113 recorded bouts, winning all of them, many on knock-outs. Until his retirement in 1955, he was a member of the Lower Merion Township police force. It was while thus employed that he took over the management of Harold Johnston, a young boxer starting in professional ranks, and it directed him up to the status of challenger for the world lightweight championship, which he later won. Tommy Loughran- or ‘Young Loughrey’- fought over a range of weights from feather to middle defeating such opponents as Terry McGovern, Harry Lewis and Paddy McFarland, champions of their era. In 1911 the Dunamore boxer travelled to Paris for a title fight and went 15 rounds to draw with George Gunther and lost on a foul to Dixie Kid. HALL OF FAME. In 1960, Tommy Loughran was elected to the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame. This famous Tyrone man has a number of relatives in Pomeroy, Dungannon and Dundalk districts. He lived in Dungate House, Dunamore, which he eventually sold to the McAleer family. Mrs Matilda McAleer still resides there. Tommy met his wife Josephine in Ireland. They returned to America and had a family of 13 children, ten of whom are still alive. Two sons Thomas junr, and Bernard are members of the Lower Merion police force. Deceased was a cousin of the McAleers of Dungannon and Pomeroy. His wife was a cousin of the late Father Soraghan of Moy and a sister is Mother Mary Conception, Convent of Mercy, Granard, Longford. RENDEZVOUS FOR EXILES. The Loughran household, 167 Belmont Hills, Philadelphia, was a rendezvous for exiles from the North of Ireland. They were made welcome and Tommy was ever willing to assist a job seeker from home. Hundreds of Tyrone folk attended the funeral Mass in St Justin’s Church, Penn Valley. Internment took place in Calvary Cemetery. LIKE A NOVEL. Tommy Loughran’s life reads like a novel. For many years he found the going tough in America, with work hard to find and money very scarce. Then he took up boxing and fought his way to fame a fortune. Then he had a notion to look up relatives in Co.Tyrone. That was in 1911. He met a comely girl in Ireland with the same name as his own-Loughran- and after his visit he kept up correspondence with her. LOVE CONQUERED. In 1915, Tommy Loughran sold a poolroom he had bought with boxing earnings, cancelled an engagement to fight in Australia, and abandoned boxing altogether to return to the girl in Ireland. They married and Tommy settled down for four and half years to life as a farmer and cattle trader with his wife’s people in Dungate. They reared 13 children, six of whom were born in Tyrone, including two sets of twins, Ten are still living, seven girls and three boys, as well as 24 grandchildren. Back in Philadelphia, Tommy Loughran joined the Lower Merion police force on August 1st, 1922, and retired on March 1st, 1955.NABBED THREE MEN SINGLE-HANDED. He was assigned to West Mornayunk where he served during his 30 years on the force. Patrolman Loughran made some fine catches during his career. Once he caught three men  single-handed while they were robbing a freight train down near the river, and another time he caught six men trying to do the same thing. They were all convicted. He also captured a couple of men who were stealing dynamite and caps from a quarry to use on bombs in an extortion racket. On another occasion he had a thrilling tussle with a man wanted for 30 robberies. He received a citation for saving a woman from an attacker. It was 3 o’clock on a Christmas morning and officer Loughran, who had a hunch about a certain character trailed the man in the dark until he heard a woman scream. Then he went into action. After his retirement from the force, the former world champion made a success of promoting boxing matches and managing young fighters. Throughout his long career Tommy Loughran never forgot Tyrone and was never happier than when in the company of Tyrone folk. EDITORIAL TRIBUTE. The “Main Line Chronicle” newspaper carried this editorial: Juvenile offences in Belmont Hills were virtually unknown when Officer Loghran patrolled the hilltown. His biggest responsibility was to look after the kids, to see that they never got hurt. They minded him because he was their friend-not just a ‘copper’. “We knew him as Young Tommy Loughrey long before we heard of the Main Line. Some 60 years ago, we kids used to save the picture cards from candy bars and trade them to complete our collections of prized fighters and baseball players. “Young Tommy Loughrey, welterweight champion of the world, was the subject of one of the picture cards we used to save along with pictures in fighting poses of Jim Jeffries, Joe Gans, Kid McCoy, Terry McGovern, and those other celebrities of the ring when we were a schoolboy. “Tommy died peacefully last Sunday, November 7th 1965, in the fullness of his years.”

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Tommy in 1910

 

 

AMERICAN A.O.H CABLEGRAM TO DUBLIN GOVERNMENT! reported Dungannon Observer 3/1/1959

Following is a copy of a cable sent to the De Valera Government in Dublin by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America: New York Daily News article here carries story of your use of aircraft to drop incendiary bombs on Curragh escapees. Irish-Americans shocked and outraged. Also condemn imprisonment without trial of Irish Republicans. We are embarrassed at Foreign Minister Aiken’s vote in United Nations for Red China debate. We are shocked at this latest news”. The cable was signed by Jeremiah J. O’Callaghan National President, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. 

“IRON LUNG FOR DUNGANNON”! reported Dungannon Observer  26/10/1938

Dr F.C Mann. medical officer of Dungannon Union Infirmary, was granted permission by Dungannon Board of Guardians on Thursday to make application to Lord Nuffield for an “Iron Lung”

MOY NOTES! reported Dungannon Observer 10/01/1938

Charlemont village was the scene of heavy fighting on Saturday night, when a large number of men and women of the tramp class, disagreed with each other. The row began in Mr McGeary’s lodging house and took over an hour to finish. Stones and every available weapon were used. A man on a crutch was seen to suffer severely. The lodging house window was smashed.

46 HOUSES FOR REDFORD!reported Dungannon Observer 12/2/1966

A sewage scheme to serve a proposed development at Redford, Dungannon, will cost an estimated £7,225 the Rural Council was told on Thursday. Mr W.R Clarke, engineer, stated that the scheme had been increased in size to cater for further development at the request of the Ministry. A further scheme for the construction of a sewer coming from the Moy direction, and the provision of a pumping station and sewer at the Dungannon end is estimated to cost approximately £4,000. The initial development at Redford includes the erection of 46 houses and a concrete block works which will employ 35 people.

GREAT TRAIN ROBBER WORKED FOR POMEROY MAN! reported Dungannon Observer  6/12/1969

Great train robber Ronald Biggs was once employed by a Tyrone man who never suspected his identity. Mr John Harding, a native of Pomeroy emigrated to Australia seven years ago. He has an interior decorating business and for four months last year he employed Ronald Biggs, who at that time used the Name Terry Cook. Mrs Harding said Biggs was “very quiet and pleasant”. While he was with them he lost his licence for speeding. Her husband said to him that he must be very worried, but Biggs replied that he had got out of tougher spots than that in his time. ” Now we know what he meant” said Mrs Harding. They did not realise who he was until the hunt started and they saw his picture in newspapers. Biggs has been on the run since he escaped from Wandsworth Prison four years ago and is the only convicted Great Train robber still free. The net began to close in after Eric Flower, who escaped with him, was recaptured by Sydney police more than a month ago. Since then, Australian police have followed up scores of tip-offs from people who thought they spotted Briggs. He came close to being captured when police raided his Melbourne home in October and held his wife.

Ronnie Biggs 1964 police mug-shot!

THREE-LEGGED TURKEY! reported Dungannon Observer  20/12/1969

Last week a three-legged turkey was brought into the stores of Messrs Magee Bros, egg and poultry dealers, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan. The turkey was one of a flock purchased from Mrs Deignan of Derradda, Co. Leitrim. The members of the firm have been in business for a long number of years and have never before seen a three-legged bird.

“MURDERED” FARMER TURNS UP ALIVE BROTHER SERVING LIFE SENTENCE!reported Dungannon Observer 14/10/1961

A Sicilian farmer who disappeared seven years ago and whose brother is serving a life sentence for his alleged murder, turned up alive and well near Catania Sicily, on Sunday. Police at Ragua, 45 miles south-west of Catania, said they had detained the farmer, 56 year-old Paolo Gallo. When he disappeared, a bloodstained beret was found on his farm. He had a wife and two children. His brother, Salvatore, was gaoled for life five years ago, protesting that he was innocent throughout the proceedings. A bloodstained shirt and bloodstained shoes were said to have been found by police in Salvator’s house after Paolo disappeared. Salvator’s son, Sebastian, was charged with complicity in murdering Paolo, and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment. A higher court later squashed the sentence against Sebastian for lack of evidence, but confirmed the life sentence on Salvatore. DOUBTS. Doubts arose last July when a witness of a road traffic accident in Sicily gave his name as Paolo Gallo. A Catania newspaper started a campaign for fresh investigation of what it termed the mystery of the “living dead” and Sicilian police reopened the case. They found that Gallo had been living and working on a farm near Ragusa and was the “most assidious” student at a night school.

Paolo 

Salvatore 

‘MANCHESTER MARTYRS’ ALLEN LARKIN AND O’BRIEN REMEMBERED!reported Dungannon Observer 28/11/1964

The streets and roads around Armagh City were thronged with sightseers on Monday evening to witness the commemoration Parade in memory of the Manchester Martyrs. Over 40 lighted torches were carried aloft and mingled amongst the ten bands which participated in the parade. Prior to the commencement of the parade, Mr . P. J, O’Hare Carlingford, spoke about the noble-hearted three, Allen, Larkin and O’Brien. Mr F. G. Matthews, National Secretary, A.O.H, Mr Jim Mackey, Sub-District Chairman, Mr Brian Lavery, County Vice-President, and Mr H. News, County President, also spoke. The bands were from Middletown, Moy I.N.F, Moy A.O.H, Listamlet A.O.H, Edendork, Portadown, Blackwatertown, Grange and Derrytrasna. The committee wish to thank all who participated. 

SPIRIT RATION FOR U.S AIR PASSENGERS! reported Dungannon Observer  16/1/1960

Airline passengers in the United States may now be fined up to 1000 dollars (£357) for drinking spirits from the bottle. Under a new ruling announced by the Federal Aviation Agency, passengers are allowed to bring their own spirits aboard planes but must let the stewardess pour the drinks. She will decide when they have had enough. In Chicago a spokesman for the Airline Pilots Association said last night that the new rules were unworkable and added: “The only real solution to the liquor problem aboard planes is to abolish liquor in flight, as we have long advocated. The regulations in effect endeavour to make the F.A.A enforcement agents out of flight crews and add greatly to the burdens of the stewards or stewardesses”.

THE NEW VISCOUNT CHARLEMONT!reported Dungannon Observer 8/2/1964

The new Viscount Charlemont is 83. He succeeded to the title when the 9th Viscount died aged 76, at his Cheam, Surrey home. The new Viscount, who was formerly Robert Toby Caulfield, has been beachcombing in Australia for the past 20 years. He spends his life wandering around remote patrs of Australia. He fishes a great deal on the Great Barrier Reef, and in summer he camps on a beach near Brisbane. The cousin he succeeds was an honorary vice-president of the National Association of British Manufacturers. A columnist in a Belfast newspaper writes as follows:”Robert Toby St. George Caulfield, a retired bank inspector and now at 83 a Queensland beachcomber, is the 10th Viscount Charlemont.”The news correspondent tells me, came through when the beachcomber was eating a meal in a guest house at Binna Burra, Queensland.”The tenth Viscount likes the sun and is not going to change his way of life just because he is a peer; the Co.Tyrone property he has inherited will not keep him away from the Pacific shores he loves. SUN-SEEKER “The Viscount is a confirmed Queenslander. ‘ I wouldn’t leave Australia for anything’, he says.’ Although I’m approaching 83, I would rather be a sun seeker here than a nobleman in an Irish castle. I’m a beachcomber at heart,’ he confesses.”But he is proud of being a Caulfield_ even if, as he admits, some of his relatives have been more famous than he. But he was a lieutenant in the Australian Army in the First War, and was wounded in the head.” Despite this, Lord Charlemont is in remarkable physical shape. He has a hike before breakfast and can still tackle small mountains. “I have a few years to go yet, and I’m sure my family responsibilities won’t rob me of one day,'” he declares. “However, the tenth Viscount will come to Ireland in the summer to ‘tie up a few ends’ in Tyrone. He was here a few years ago and thinks the estate is ‘beautiful’ and wishes he could move it to Queensland. “As attorney of his estate he has appointed his brother, Mr Richard Caulfield, who is 75 and an apple farmer in Surrey. “My brother is more of a celebrity than I am, ‘”he says. ‘He was a civil engineer and built the first aerodrome in Singapore.”‘Lord Toby’ is reluctant to talk about the future but he thinks his title will cross the Atlantic eventually. ‘My two brothers only have daughters and at their ages-75 and 80- there’s little chance now that they’ll have a son and heir.’ ” Smiling he added: I may even marry some pretty girl and make her a viscountess.’ “

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Robert Toby St George Caulfield, in his Australian  Army days 

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1,500 M.P.H PLANE!reported Dungannon Observer 6/9/1958 

At Columbus (Ohio), on Monday, “The Vigilante,” the United States Navy’s newest fighter has made its first test flight, lasting 45 minutes. Its maximum speeds are thought to be between 1,500 and 2,000 miles per hour.

THE HALF ACRE IN CARRICKMORE (Philadelphia Report by Tom McGuigan Jr) ! reported Dungannon Observer 14/11/1964

I understand that the Tyrone Society of New York owns a half acre plot in Carrickmore. At one time work was begun on a monument  to honour the men of that area who had fought for Irish Freedom, but it came to grief. I would like to see a statue of Joe McGaritty erected on that site. Certainly Joe was not only Carrickmore’s, but Tyrone’s most illustrious son. I am sure that every Tyrone man in the United States would contribute to such a fund, and I would be proud to be a part of it. 

Tyrone Man Worked With Michael Collins and Sam Maguire! reported Dungannon Observer 25/4/1964

A Tyrone man has died who worked with Michael Collins and Sam Maguire. Mr Patrick McDonnell, Copney Creggan whose lamented death took place recently, was a retired Civil Servant who went to London at the turn of the century and worked in the Savings Bank and General Post Office there.
His associates at the office included two men who were to become key figures In Ireland’s fight for freedom.
One was Michael Collins, who in a few years was to take his place among the Irish Leaders and go down in history as General Michael Collins.
Working with Paddy McDonnell also was the famous Sam Maguire, to whose memory the G.A.A’s, All Ireland trophy is dedicated.
At the outbreak of the 1914 War, Paddy was called to the British Army and served in France throughout the war.
Returning to London he went as a sorter on the Irish Mail train travelling daily from London to Holyhead.
He used to recall travelling on the same train that brought Roger Casement to his trial and execution in London, Several times during the journey, Paddy saw Casement in custody of detectives.
On retiring, Mr McDonnell resided in Dublin, later returning to his native home.
He was regarded by all who knew him as a kindly and charitable gentleman. May his soul rest in peace

DUBLIN JAIL BID ESCAPE! reported Dungannon Observer 10/02/1962

An official private inquiry will be held into the attempted escape of three political prisoners in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, on Saturday night.The prisoners, Michael McEldowney, of the Six Counties, serving eight an  year sentence , Cathal Goulding, Dublin and Patrick Ryan Limerick, both serving six months, bound and gagged a warder and cut through the bars of a window before being discovered as they tried to scale an inner prison  wall. The last escape attempt was in May 1958, when political prisoners, armed with iron bars and chair legs, fought with warders.

FIRST PROSECUTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND! reported Dungannon Observer  17/02/1962

Eamon Mallon, of Carricklane, Middletown, who admitted removing the British Egg Marketing Board’s marks form 1,440 Northern Ireland eggs and then taking them into the Republic, was fined £10 at Armagh’s Petty Sessions on Thursday. Sergt, McPhillips, in evidence said he saw Mallon at Words Crossroads, close to the Border: he had in his possession four cases of eggs. Mallon ran off but when called upon to halt he came back. Mallon told witness that a man had asked him to bring the eggs from Armagh to the Border to be taken into the the Twenty Six Counties. Mallon later admitted buying four cases of eggs, although witness could only find four. Mr J.A. Low, an inspector of the Egg Marketing Board, said he examined the eggs and formed the opinion that the stamp had been removed from the eggs. Witness had a conversation with Mallon, and he admitted buying the eggs at the Fane Valley egg store in Armagh and removing the stamp. The Crown Solicitor, Mr R.Wilson, said at the time the eggs, would have fetched 6/ to 7/ per dozen across the Border and were being bought in Northern Ireland at 3/6 per dozen. It was the first prosecution of this kind in the Six Counties. In England this type of case was more common where people stupidly believed that the eggs without the stamp were fresher and would pay more for the eggs from which the Board’s stamp had been removed.

JUDGE LINEHAN’S CRIER KILLED!reported Tyrone Courier  4/5/1916

The “Dublin Independent ” states that Mr. Murphy, County Court Judge Linehan’s crier, was shot dead in St Stephen’s Green on Easter Tuesday. He was passing the Unionist Club, and raised his hand to salute a friend in a window, when he was sniped.

LOCAL SINN FEIN PARADES,COALISLAND CONFERENCE BROKEN UP!reported Tyrone Courier 27/4/1916

Dungannon and Coalisland districts were the scenes of great excitement on Saturday evening and Sunday in consequence of the advent of large parties of Sinn Feiners from Dublin, Belfast and other centres. A number of them bore arms. At 12.45 on Saturday afternoon the first party of Dublin representatives arrived in Dungannon by the ordinary tram, and marched to Coalisland where they were met by local leaders. The first Belfast contingent arrived at 7 p.m, accompanied by pipers and marched to Coalisland. A further large contingent from Belfast arrived by the midnight mail train, and having paraded in Market Square at one o’clock on Sunday morning they, too marched to Coalisland. A portion of them was billeted for the night in the Coalisland Volunteer Hall, another party was accommodated in Annaghaboe, while others were put up by sympathisiers in private houses in Annaghmore and Sprindg Island, in the Coalisland locality. On Sunday a further contingent from Belfast arrived in Cookstown by the Midland route and drove to Dungannon, whence they marched to Coalisland. Other representatives from Belfast and various Ulster centres came to Coalisland in motors, and altogether some 140 members were present. The Edendork company, marched to Coalisland and local leaders from Donaghmore, Cappagh, Carrickmore, and Eglish, were in attendance. A private conference was held at noon, and at 1.15 p.m a motor arrived from Dublin, and the message which its occupants conveyed appeared to have a very depressing  effect on the conference, which immediately broke up. It had been intended to camp out in the vicinity  of Coalisland during the night and march to Cappagh, a stronghold of the movement, at daybreak on Monday. On receipt of the news from Dublin, however, the Belfast and Dublin representatives were paraded, and marched to Cookstown, a distance of eight miles.

SCENES AT COOKSTOWN TWO ARRESTS. A Cookstown correspondent says: A party of Sinn FeinVolunteers marched from Coalisland to Cookstwon on Sunday afternoon, when the orders from”chief of staff” were received from Dublin cancelling the parade. Although each individual Volunteer was directed to obey this order in every particular, about one hundred of them decided to march to Cookstown to catch the 4-20 train on the Midland railway. Shortly after three o’clock it was evident that there was something unusual astir, as small advance parties began to reach Cookstown and busied themselves, though fruitlessly to secure bikes or other vehicles to meet the main body, who it was feared would not arrive in time for the train. When the procession, marching in sections of fours, reached Killymoon Street, one of the most Nationalist streets in Cookstown, several shots were fired. On passing the police barracks two arrests were made, and eventually the main body reached the railway and entrained for Belfast without further mishap. In the evening a special  Court was held by Mr H. Alfred Mann J.P when John Dillon, 49 Gibson Street, Belfast, was charged that at Gortalowry, Cookstown , on 23rd April, he did feloniously, unlawfully and maliciously shoot at certain persons unknown with intent to maim. Jeremiah Hurley, 9 Amelia Street Belfast, was charged that unlawfully he did assult and wilfully obstruct Head Constable O’Neill in the execution of his duty, apprehending John Dillon , who was then charged with shooting at certain women with intent to maim. The accused were remanded for eight days, and on Monday afternoon were admitted to bail, Dillon in £50 and two sureties of £25 each, and Hurley in £20 and two sureties of £10 each. The sureties were James Mayne, law clerk, Cookstown, and Mr Dermot Barnes, draper St James’s Park, Falls Road Belfast.OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT .The following is the offical announcement issued by the Dublin Headquarters Staff cancelling the Easter arrangements .

April 22 1916— Owing to the very critical position, all orders, given to Irish Volunteers for tomorrow (Ester Sunday) are herby rescinded and no parades, marches or other movements of Irish Volunteers will take place. Each individual Volunteer will obey this order strictly in every particular. Eoin MacNeill Chief of Staff Irish Volunteers.

GERMAN ATTEMPT TO LAND ARMS, VESSEL SENT TO THE BOTTOM !reported Tyrone Courier 27/4/1916

The Secretary of the Admiralty announced on Monday that during the period between April 20 and April 21 an attempt to land arms and ammunition in Ireland was made by a vessel under the guise of a neutral merchant ship, but in reality a German auxiliary, in conjunction with a German submarine. The auxiliary was sunk, and a number of prisoners were made amongst whom was Sir Roger Casement. The press Association adds :- Sir Roger Casement was in the British Consular Service for eighteen years and was appointed British Commissioner to investigate the methods of rubber collection and treatment of the primitive Indian tribes in the region known as Putumayo on the Upper Amazon, a region dominated by the Peruvian Amazon Company. Publication of his report in July 1912, which revealed the systematic perpetration of appalling atrocities committed by Peruvian agents of the Company, occasioned profound indignation throughout the civilised world. He relinquished the Consul Generalship at Rio de Janeiro in 1913 and afterwards took an active part in the Home Rule controversy in Ireland on behalf of the Nationalist cause. Shortly before or a little after the outbreak of the war he was in America and gave voice to pro- German views. He subsequently went to Germany and was reported to have been received by high state officials in Berlin, who welcomed him for his anti- British sentiments. Reports from British prisoners of war incarcerated in Germany have made grave accusations against Sir Roger Casement of attempting to induce Irish soldiers in prison camps to renounce their allegiance to the British cause. SIR ROGER IN MILITARY CUSTODY IN LONDON. Sir Roger Casement was brought to London on Sunday morning.He was met at Euston by officers from Scotland Yard, and is now detained in military custody. It is understood that evidence as to his proceedings in Germany since the outbreak of war will be produced at his trial.

THE IRISH REVOLT, 12 LEADERS SHOT, 67 IMPRISONMENTS TO DATE, HEAVY LOYALIST CASUALTIES! reported Tyrone Courier 4/5/1916

The rebellion, which caused the death of 124 members of the police force, military and loyal volunteers, and 100 innocent civilians, in addition to the wounding of 388 of the crown forces and an unknown number of civilians, has now been crushed, and 12 of the leaders have paid the extreme penalty for their crime, and the trials are going on at speedily, the damage estimated at over £3,000,000, is being repaired. The police are still engaged all over the country arresting the commanders and local leaders and as practically no arms have been surrendered in this locality, as commanded by Sir J. Maxwell’s order, many of the Irish Volunteers are incurring increased and more serious liabilities.The train service is now running to Dublin, but the telegraph and telephone communications are still off. English letters to Ireland are no longer  censored and save to Dublin all postal and wire facilities are open. The mid-day-train services, Belfast and Dublin to Derry and Cookstown and from Derry and Cookstown to Belfast and Dublin, are still suspended. The police are now granting permits for the purchase of petrol to doctors, veterinary surgeons, and other professional men.

PAYING FOR THEIR TREASON 81 INSURGENTS DEALT WITH. The following is a complete up to the present of the trials of the rebels by field general court martial:-

Convicted and Shot- Thomas. J . Clarke, P. H Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh, Joseph Plunkett, Edward Daly, Michael O’Hanrahan, William Pearse, John McBride, Cornelius Colbert, Edmund Kent, Michael Mallon, J.J Houston.

Sentenced to death, but commuted to penal servitude for life by the General Officer Commanding in Chief – Thomas Hunter, William Cosgrave, Constance Georgina Markieviez, Henry O’Hanrahan.

Sentenced to death, commuted to penal servitude- George Plunkett, John Plunkett, Thomas Bevan, Thomas Walsh, Finian Lynch, Michael Mervyn, Denis O’Callaghan, P.E .Sweeney, Patrick McNestry, Peter Clancy, William Tobin, George Irvine, John Doherty, J.J Walsh, James Melinn, J.J Reid, John Williams, Francis Fahy, Richard Davys.

Sentenced to death, but commuted to eight years penal servitude- John McGarry, James O’Sullivan.

Sentenced to death commuted to five years penal servitude- Vincent Poole, William P. Corrigan, Philip B. Cosgrave.

Sentenced to death commuted to three years penal servitude- R.Kelly, W.Wilson, J.Clarke, J.Marks, J.Brennan, P.Wilson, W.Meehan, F.Brooks, R.Coleman, T.Peppard,J.Norton, J.Byrne, T.O’Kelly, John Dourney, James Burke, James Morrisscy, Maurice Brennan, Gerald Doyle, Charles Bevan , John O’Brien, Patrick Fogarty, John Faulkner, Michael Brady, James Dempsey, George. Levins, John F.Cullen, J. Dorrington, W.O’Dea, P.Kelly.

Sentenced to penal servitude for 20 years ten remitted- James J.Hughes.

Sentenced to penal servitude for 10 years Peter Doyle.

Sentenced to ten years penal servitude seven remitted- Michael Scully

Sentenced to three years- Edward Duggan, Pierce Beasley, Joseph Maguinness.

Sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour – J.Wilson.

Sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour, one year remitted- E Roach, J Crenigan, William Derrington.

Acquitted and released- John R.Reynolds and Joseph Callaghan.

REBELS CAREERS

Thos. J.Clarke, who was a native of Dungannon, the son son of a Sergeant Clarke, of the Mid-Ulster R.G.A. He was implicated in the Clan-na Gael movement in 1887 and spent 15 years in gaol. Clarke was one of the signatories of the Irish Proclamation.

“Major” McBride who was also been executed fought during the Boer war with the Irish contingent on the side of the Boers. The Countess Markievicz, better known as Countess Gore-Booth, who has been sent to penal servitude for life, has been one of the leading figures in the rebellion. Her husband, Count Markievicz, a Polish artist, is now fighting for Russia. The Countess was an assistant of James Larkin and organiser of relief in the Dublin Labour troubles in 1913. Several other of the rebel leaders sentenced were members of various professions in Dublin

Results of Trials at a Glance

81 insurgents have now been dealt with as follows 

• Executed …..12

• Life sentences …..4

• Ten Years …..21

• Eight Years …..2

• Five Years …..3

• Three Years ….33

• Two Years ….1

• One Year …..3

• Acquitted …..2   —-total 81

Fate of Other  Leaders

The O’Rahilly, a prominent rebel was killed outside the General Post Office while tring to escape after the troops had routed the Sinn Feiners. It is understood that James Connolly was wounded during the fighting and is a prisoner. The arrest has taken place of Mr John Mc Neill, President of the Sinn Fein Volunteers. On the Saturday night before the rebellion Mr McNeill sent out a notice postponing indefinitely the Volunteer parade arrange to take place on Easter Sunday, but he disappeared when the rebellion broke out.

Count George Noble Plunkett, along with the Countess, has been arrested in Dublin. His son, Joseph Plunkett, was shot, and another son, John, has been sentenced to ten years penal servitude

Mr Sheehy- Skeffington, is stated to have been shot in Portobello Barrcaks on the 26th April

Military and Police Casualties. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Asquith said- I may, perhaps, take this opportunity of stating the number of casualties sustained by the troops and the Royal Irish Constabulary during this affair

• Officers……. Killed 17 , Wounded 46, Missing 0

• Other ranks…..Killed 86 , Wounded 311, Missing 9

• Royal Irish Constabulary….. Killed 12, Wounded 23, Missing 0

• Dublin Metropolitan Police…..Killed 3, Wounded 3 , Missing 0

• Royal Navy…..Killed 1, Wounded 2 ,Missing 0

• Loyal Volunteers…..Killed 5, Wounded 3 ,Missing 0

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HISTORIC OCCASION IN KILLYMAN PARISH!reported Tyrone Courier&Dungannon Observer 24/5/1967 

The following article appeared in the “Nationalist” a Tipperary newspaper tells the story of the Killyman visit which created quite a sensation in the town and neighbourhood: On Monday last at Kilshane near Tipperary town there was a highly unusual do-it-yourself operation carried out in record time by a task force of some 25 stalwarts who came 200 miles from over the border. The men, mostly farmers but including some artisans and labourers and two company directors, were all members of the Church of Ireland parish of Killyman, near Dungannon in Co.Tyrone. For some time they’ve had a problem up there in the North-the bell in Church of St Andrew was cracked and has hung silent ever since, Meanwhile, down south in Kilshane there was a peal of eight bells which have also hung silent for years because the lovely little church there on the former Low estate was closed for public worship in March, 1961, and its consecration removed in 1964, Since St Andrews in Killyman needed a bell and Kilshane didn’t, the Church of Ireland authorities arranged for a transfer. I am told that at one stage the possibility of transferring the bells to Tipperary town was considered, but the estimate for having this done was decidely off- putting. The Killyman people solved that problem by doing it with voluntary workers-some however, with considerable experience of the work involved.Rev, D.W.G. Griffith Rector of Killyman, who led the operation, told me that having journeyed to Tipperary at the week-end they started in Kilshane at 8 a.m, on Monday and with an hour and a half off for lunch, they had the bells loaded on a lorry and everything cleared up by 4.30 p.m.Considering that it had been estimated that the job might take four days and that the eight bells high in the steeple weighed a total of two tons, they had every right to be pleased with their achievement. The visitors availed of the unexpected free time which their success afforded them to do some sight- seeing in the district, but reassembled at Kilshane Church on Tuesday afternoon where they were greeted by the Bishop of Cashel,Right Rev: W.C.de Pauley,DD, and the Archdeacon of Cashel, Venerable G.S. Hogg, Tipperary. Later the visitors were guests at a reception in Tipperary where they met the local Church Wardens and Select Vestry. On Wednesday morning the truck set out from Tipperary to bring the bells 200 miles to their new home. Mr Mervyn Potts was driver and was accompanied by Mr Jim Hayes. When they got there, Mr Fred Dukes, who is secretary of the Bell Ringers Association, will supervise the work of rehanging and re-tuning the bells. They are over 100 years old and were donated to Kilshane by the Low family who once occupied the residence.

Kilshane Church as it is now, circa 2013 thanks to Google maps 

LISTAMLET WELL !reported Tyrone Courier 10/10/ 1927 

DUNGANNON PETTY SESSIONS, OVERCROWDING OF BUS AT LAGHEY!reported Mid-Ulster Mail 17/9/1927

Overcrowding of a bus at Laghey, William Charleton, Market Square, Dunganon , was prosecuted by District Inspector Miller for overcrowding a bus. Constable Spellman said on the 14th August he stopped the bus at Laghey Corner and found there were 25 passengers in the bus, which was licensed to carry 14. Three passengers were standing in the bus. Defendant said he was doing a run for Mr Winters. He stopped just opposite the Police Barracks at Laghey. D.I . Millar said he happened to be standing outside the barracks at that particular time. The Chairman-The Constables are always at the right place at the wrong time, and never at the wrong place at the right time.(Laughter). A fine of £1 and 2s. 6d. for each additional passenger was imposed.Passengers Fined. David Kelso, Perry Street, was prosecuted for travelling in an overcrowded bus was also liable to be prosecuted, because there was no room for him. Mr Stewart- That is not his fault. We have fined the bus man and now you are taking this man up. I think that is most unfair. D.I. Millar said the Act provided for that and stated that any person found travelling in an  overcrowded bus could also be prosecuted. Mr Stewart- Yes, but you have summoned the other man. It was the bus man who allowed it. D.I. Millar said he did not press for a penalty as it was the first case that had been brought up. Mr Stewart- Withdraw it, and it will be a warning to others. D.I .Millar said he would not withdraw it. A fine of 1s and costs was imposed. Henry Newell, Church Street, Dungannon, who was prosecuted  for a similar offence, was also fined 1s and costs. A similar fine was imposed on Ed Patton, Market Square, Dungannon for travelling in the overcrowded bus. Margaret Charleton, the owner of the bus was fined 20s. 6d. for each extra passenger.

LARGEST POLLAN CAUGHT IN LOUGH NEAGH! reported Dungannon Observer  27/2/1965

What is thought to be the largest pollan ever taken from Lough Neagh has been caught by two fishermen. Weighing  1, 3/4 lbs, the pollan was discovered in a catch made by Messrs, Michael Coleman and Kevin Doyle in the Ballyronan area of the lough early on Monday morning. Mr Coleman has been fishing for 30 years and has never seen a pollan of this size. The average weight of such fish is one pound, so this big ‘un has set up a record. Pictured with the fish is Mr Paddy Coleman Drumeenagh, Magherafelt, who rates it’s market value at 2/6. 

STEVE MCQUEEN ARRESTED!reported Dungannon Observer 1/7/1972 

Actor Steve McQueen failed to make the great escape as he was apprehended by a policeman. Sheriff Matt Dillon stood by, the arrest came after police saw a car making circles in a street in Anchorage, Alaska in the early morning. Bystanders said McQuen jumped out of the car and addressed the arresting officer: “Hi I’m Steve McQuuen and I’m having a good time in your little two-bit town”. “Hi I’m a policeman and you’re under arrest,” came the reply. Standing by was James Arness, television’s Marshall Dillon, who was with McQueen when he was arrested. McQueen later pleaded innocent to a charge of reckless driving and left town to go fishing .

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