Headline news from The Nenagh Guardian a century ago and a half century ago
April 25 1925
Cows In The Kitchen
The shocking condition under which a number of people live on the outskirts of Galway were revealed at Galway District Court on Monday, when John Cooke, of Drum, was summoned by the Galway District Council to compel him to abate the nuisance in his dwelling house.
Dr McDonagh, Medical Officer, said that he visited the house and found cows housed in the kitchen. Defendant’s wife sold milk in Galway. There were no windows in the house, which was in a shocking condition. There was no ventilation except what was afforded by the front and back door. It was one of the worst houses in the district; the house was unfit for human habitation. He had seen cleaner stables for animals.
T. F. Jordan, sanitary officer, said when he visited the house, he found a cow in the kitchen and a number of pigs under the bed in the room.
Replying to District Justice McCarthy, witness said the family consisted of father, mother and four daughters. There was only one bed in the room.
Justice: “Is there any sleeping accommodation in the kitchen?”
Witness: “No, that is where the cow is kept. The pigs are kept in the room.”
The defendant, Cooke, stated that two of his daughters were over ten. There was a stand-up bed which he and his wife occupied, while his daughters slept on straw on the floor. The pigs happened to run under the bed from the wad at the time the sanitary officer called.
The Justice said he would adjourn the case for a fortnight, and if at the end of that time defendant had not erected a proper shed for the cow, put windows in the house, and remedied the conditions in the place he would make a closing order.
Killaloe Notes
The members of the Killaloe Irish Dramatic Class held many successful entertainments during the past year or so, but the reception they were accorded in Kilbane on Sunday night last eclipsed all previous ones. The school, which was kindly given for the occasion by Rev. Fr Courtney, P.P., was the venue on Sunday for an entertainment that was highly national and educational. The crowded audience included the parents of the children who so distinguished themselves in the rendering of national songs of Erin, as well they might be, for their mastery of the Irish language, their linguistic and musical training was superb.
‘Gleann Beag Laghach an Cheoil by the Kilbane school children, was the opening chorus and was given in truly charming style. Miss N. Rice’s song, ‘Land of the Golden Dreams’, was exquisitely rendered. The appearance of Mr Fras. Flynn, Killaloe, was warmly applauded and his song ‘Green Isle of Erin’ was enthusiastically received.
‘Cusadh an t-Sugain’ by Paddy Skehan, ‘The Hills of Donegal’, by Miss Birch, Killaloe, and a Four Hand Reel by the Kilbane Children, ‘Love Thee Dearest Love Thee’, by Mr W. O’ Brien, Ballycarney, and ‘Sean Dun na nGall’ by the Killaloe school children were rapturously received. Voilin selections by Mr Jack Hayes were highly appreciated. ‘Tora no Troda’, a bilingual play by the Killaloe Irish Class Dramatic Troupe, was then staged and was greeted by a storm of applause by the audience.
Fishing at Castleconnell
The water rose to a high mark during the week but is now showing a slight decline. The increase should bring up some fish from the lower reaches; very cold and strong wind made fishing almost impossible. On Newgarden, General Corry killed one salmon, 35 lbs; on Prospect, Colonel Leathem killed one salmon, 20lbs; on Doonass, Major W. Gough, 6 salmon, 12, 14, 14, 22, 30, 40lbs; Mr Nugent Adams, 1 salmon 15 lbs; on Worldsend, Col. Roche-Kelly, one salmon, 20 lbs.
April 24 1965
Latteragh Principal Retires
To mark her retirement after 32 years teaching, Mrs Eileen Jones, Principal, Latteragh National School, was presented with an illuminated address and a wallet of notes at a pleasant function at the Old School, Templederry, on Monday evening last, at which the priests of the parish, the parents and several of her past and present pupils met to pay tribute to her sterling work as a teacher and to wish her health and happiness in her retirement after a lifetime of devoted service to her pupils and parish.
The committee in charge of the function were: Mr Michael Ryan, Killavalla, master of ceremonies; Miss May Young, Paschal Boland, Michael Murphy, James Young and Sean Hogan.
An enjoyable social followed, and the supper was provided by the ladies committee. Traditional songs were sung by local vocalists. Miss Mary Howard played a selection of Irish airs and with her sister, Catherine, sang two beautiful songs.
Public Speaking
Congratulations to the Ballymackey Guild ICA on taking second place in the All Ireland Public Speaking Final held in Portlaoise recently. The team was: Chairman, Mrs A. Wellwood; Speaker, Mrs S. Guerin; Proposer, Miss E. Brearton; Seconder, Miss A. Gleeson. Their subject was “Agricultural Grants”.
Victualler’s Sudden Death
The news of the sudden death of Mr Daniel Hackett, William Street, Nenagh, which took place at his victualling premises, Kenyon Street, was heard with a profound sense of shock in the town, and deep sympathy was felt for his young widow and nine children and for his brothers and sisters in their sad affliction.
The late Mr Hackett, who was aged 45 years, had left home in his usual good health that forenoon and was about to attend to a customer in his stall when he collapsed suddenly. Spiritual and medical aid were summoned, but he was found to be dead on removal to the County Hospital.
By the lamented passing of Danny Hackett, the town has lost a general favourite, a keen, industrious businessman who was the soul of honour and integrity. He possessed a courteous, obliging disposition with traits of character which endeared him to all. He took a deep interest in projects to promote the welfare and prosperity of his native town, and was a director of Chilled Meats Ltd., Grange, Nenagh. He was also concerned with community and social endeavours and was vice-chairman of Nenagh Guild, Muintir na Tíre, since its inception. His passing at an early age is regretted in many spheres.