News and events from 100 years ago in Nenagh and surrounding areas
JUNE 6 1925
Killoscully Priest’s Death
Deep regret will be felt by many friends and comrades of the older generation at the news of the death of Father McNamara, a native of Killoscully, and an old pupil of Nenagh Christian Brothers, who died after a long and useful career in the USA. For the past nine years Fr McNamara had faithfully and devotedly ministered to the spiritual needs of his people in Montana and had he been spared until next December, forty years of priestly labour would have been his in the archdioceses of Dubuque.
Born in Killoscully 64 years ago, Fr McNamara came to the USA after the completion of his elementary studies in the Christian Brothers’ Schools in Nenagh, and at 16 years of age was enrolled as an academic student in what then was known as St. Joseph’s College, Dubuque.
Passing of Killaloe Woman
The death of Mrs Eliza Scanlan, Main Street, Killaloe, took place at her residence on May 21st. Her passing is deeply deplored throughout the three counties of Clare, Tipperary and Limerick where she was both well known and beloved. A daughter of the late Mr John Crotty, the then leading merchant in Killaloe, the business which her father so successfully built up was extended under her husband (the late Mr Peter Scanlan) and carefully managed and multiplied by the keen business abilities of her beloved son, the late lamented Mr Micheal Scanlan. The name of John Crotty has been connected with the business for considerably over a century, and no one took such a keep interest in the undertaking as Mrs Eliza Scanlan, who, up to the time of her death, daily took her part in the working of the extensive business premises.
The following were the chief mourners at her funeral: Mrs P. J. Hogan, and Mrs O’ Keeffe (daughters); Mr P.J. Hogan and Mr O’ Keeffe (sons-in-law); Jas. Ml. Teddy, Chrissey and Eiblin Hogan and Maureen and Patsy Scanlan (grandchildlren).
Borrisokane Races
Large crowds enjoyed the Whitsun holiday at Mount Falcon. Old King Sol must have a tender spot in his heart for the Borrisokane Races Committee, for early on Whit Monday last, the date fixed for their annual Race Carnival, he shone out brilliantly to ensure that the arrangements made by a hard-working committee would be appreciated by large numbers of visitors.
The committee had spared no pains to have everything in apple-pie order, and all arrangements having been more than perfected by their capable and zealous secretaries - Messrs J. Egan and T. Guilfoyle - the sun was the only thing wanting to make the fixture a glowing success.
The course, kindly given for the occasion by Mr Babbage, is undoubtedly one of the best “flapper” gallops in the South of Ireland, and this fact would have much to do with the excellent racing which was witnessed on Monday.
Kilboy House
From an advertisement which appeared in the Press during the week, it is noticed that arrangements are being made for the re-building of Kilboy House, Nenagh. As our readers know, this was the seat of the Dunalley family for the past couple of hundred years and was burned down during the troubles a few years ago.
When the compensation claim was being considered, a proposal was submitted on behalf of Lord Dunalley for the re-construction of a modified scale of the original residence.
Since the trouble Lord and Lady Dunalley have been living in England. The greater portion of the landed property is being taken over by the Land Commission, and for some months past inspectors have been at work on the distribution.
We understand it is being arranged, that a certain portion of the demesne will be retained to go with the rebuilt residence.
JUNE 5 1965
Charles Haughey In Nenagh
That he subscribed to the quotation from Dean Swift on the menu card - “whoever can make two ears of corn or two blades of grass grow on a spot of ground where only one grew before, deserves more from mankind and does more essential service to his country than the whole race of politicians put together” - said Mr C. J. Haughey, Minister for Agriculture, when he gave an informal talk at O’ Meara’s Hotel, Nenagh, on Friday night last, when he was the guest of honour at a dinner of the Nenagh Farm Discussion Group.
Mr Jos. Keane, B.Agr.Sc., who presided, welcomed the Minister for Agriculture and said they were delighted to have him as guest of honour and he hoped all their guests would have a pleasant evening.
Proceeding, Mr Keane outlined the formation of the Nenagh Group.
He said the group was established three years ago and includes 12 farmers in the Nenagh area whose farms total 2,200 acres.
The members meet monthly in each farmer’s house in rotation to discuss that farmers problems in confidence and to advise him in the light of the experience of all members how best to tackle these problems.
Borrisokane Defeat Éire Óg
North Tipperary Champions, Éire Óg, came down at the first hurdle in the North Tipperary senior hurling championship at St. Cronan’s Park, Roscrea, on Sunday last, losing by 4-6 to 2-11 to a fighting fit Borrisokane team who gave a sterling display of keen and intelligent hurling.
Éire Óg have only themselves to blame for this defeat, they had enough chances to win the game comfortably.
But all credit to Borrisokane for the manner in which they achieved their well deserved victory.
Éire Óg were beaten by one of their own folk, for Noel McDonnell who scored the winning point in the last minute is a native of Nenagh and played with the Éire Óg club until two seasons ago when he transferred to Borrisokane.
The Nenagh team had further salt rubbed into their wounds as they claimed the winning score was wide.
Goalkeeper Tony Tierney was quite definite the ball was wide and spectators near the goals were of the same opinion.
However, the Borrisoleigh umpires were adamant it was a point and so Borris go on to the area final while Éire Óg will endeavour to regain prestige through the losers’ group.