tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80120405519978990662024-03-26T23:37:27.261-07:00Ballyshannon MusingsBallyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-41617024240800217502023-03-13T04:46:00.003-07:002023-03-13T04:46:30.886-07:00Remembering St. Patrick in Ballyshannon 2023<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s1600/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s640/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well Ballyshannon<br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;"><b>Happy St. Patrick's Day 2023 to those at home and away with Ballyshannon connections or interests.</b> </b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">Nostalgic memories today include customs and cures at St. Patrick's Well, p</b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">hotos of the town band on St. Patrick's Day and remembering the man from California who gave St. Patrick's statue to our town. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">The present St. Patrick's Well in Ballyshannon was opened in 1929 although pilgrims had visited the site to worship for hundreds of years.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/s960/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/w294-h400/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pray for the Donor" inscription on statue of<br />St. Patrick. Donor revealed below.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span>O</span><span style="color: black; font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">n St. Patrick’s Day 1932 the new statue to St. Patrick was blessed at the Abbey Well by Monsignor McGinley D.D. The statue was donated anonymously.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span>In 1940 the identity of the donor was revealed when Maurice P. Hayes died in that year at Santa Monica in California. His connection with the Ballyshannon area was through his friendship with William Meehan of Durnish Rossnowlagh and he had acted as executor of his will in 1905. Much later he met Fr. Griffith, a nephew of William Meehan, who was a curate in Ballyshannon. The Hayes family came on a trip to Ireland and met Fr. Griffith in Dublin where he told them of the development of the Abbey Well. </span></span><span style="font-family: quot; font-size: 10pt;">Maurice Hayes gave a gift of the statue of St. Patrick which still stands at the Abbey Well with the inscription; “Pray for the Donor.”</span><span> </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span><b style="font-size: 16px; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/s234/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="234" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/w400-h294/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A station at Ballyshannon's St. Patrick's Well<br /><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">The Stations at the Abbey Well</span></b></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">Patterns or festivals were celebrated in honour of the patron saint (patrún) of a district or of some saint associated with the area. The pattern at the Abbey Well was held on the Feast of the Assumption on the 15<sup>th</sup> August each year. It is possible this feast day was chosen because the nearby Abbey of Assaroe was dedicated to Mary. Patterns were important social occasions and, according to tradition, the pattern at the Abbey Well was attended by large crowds up to the nineteenth century with the religious and social events lasting for a few days.</span></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">On arrival at the Abbey Well, the pilgrims on some occasions would have Mass celebrated for them, but for the most part they would have performed the station. The station involved reciting set prayers and moving around beds in a similar manner to Lough Derg at the present time. According to folklore the station at the Abbey Well went as follows: Fifteen pebbles were picked from the river bed or station bed and pilgrims began by saying, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Creed while kneeling at the well. Then going sun wise they knelt at each bed, saying one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s and one Creed. A pebble was tossed into each bed. The round of five beds was completed three times and the station was concluded by taking three sips of water from the well and saying a rosary at the grotto.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/s327/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="327" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/w400-h294/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Despite the religious revival in the 1930s and 1940s, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.33px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">large crowds visiting the Abbey Well gradually waned and nowadays visits to the well are infrequent, except on days like the 15</span><sup style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 11.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"> of August when people still carry on the tradition of visiting the well on the pattern day. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">A feature of the Abbey Well which still attracts great interest from visitors are the rags on the white thorn bushes. Wells were said to have certain cures attached to them and the Abbey Well water was said to be most beneficial for trouble of the eyes. Offerings of coins, medals, flowers and cloth are associated with wells in various parts of the country and the tradition is still practised at the Abbey Well. This tradition of pilgrims with illness or concerns, praying and leaving a piece of cloth on a bush, reminds us that in our modern world there are still echoes of a world which has not fully vanished.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/s1388/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1388" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/w400-h272/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Well in 1947</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Front (l.to r.) Cyril Curran, Leo Masterson (young boy), John McCafferty</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Middle Row: Freddie McDonagh, Patsy O' Donnell, Sean Fox, Jim Dolan,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> P.J. Goan, Tom Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, Jimmy Daly.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Back Row: Bob Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, James Gallogley, Packie McIvor,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jimmy McNulty, John Davy, Pat McGahern, Seamus Gallagher, Jimmy Coughlin.</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/s1925/scan0053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1925" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/w400-h314/scan0053.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Band at Sligo Parade St. Patrick's ' Day 1979<br /> Front (l.to r.) Padraig McGarrigle, Danny McGeever, Seamus Gallagher, Bob Gallagher<br /> Second Row (l.to r.) Jack Grimes, Packie Gallagher, Jimmy Rafferty, Francis Gallagher,<br />Tom Gallagher, Anthony Begley, James Hoey<br /> Third Row (l.to r.) Mickie Gallagher, Fergus Lawlor, Michael Dalton, P.J. Goan, Jim Gallagher<br /> Fourth Row Eamon Gallagher, Cecil Stephens, Michael Gallagher, Eugene McLoughlin<br />John McGahern.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band members at St. Patrick's Day Parade Donegal Town 2012<br />(l.to r.) Danny Carron, Anthony Begley, Tom Gallagher, Michael Donagher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></span></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></b></span></div></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-60409292456096265772022-03-16T11:50:00.000-07:002022-03-16T11:50:15.247-07:00Ballyshannon Memories of St. Patrick's Day 2022<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s1600/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s640/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well Ballyshannon<br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;"><b>Happy St. Patrick's Day 2022 to those at home and away with Ballyshannon connections or interests.</b> </b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">Nostalgic memories today include customs and cures at St. Patrick's Well, p</b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">hotos of the town band on St. Patrick's Day and remembering the man from California who gave St. Patrick's statue to our town. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">The present St. Patrick's Well in Ballyshannon was opened in 1929 although pilgrims had visited the site to worship for hundreds of years.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/s960/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/w294-h400/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pray for the Donor" inscription on statue of<br />St. Patrick. Donor revealed below.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span>O</span><span style="color: black; font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">n St. Patrick’s Day 1932 the new statue to St. Patrick was blessed at the Abbey Well by Monsignor McGinley D.D. The statue was donated anonymously.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span>In 1940 the identity of the donor was revealed when Maurice P. Hayes died in that year at Santa Monica in California. His connection with the Ballyshannon area was through his friendship with William Meehan of Durnish Rossnowlagh and he had acted as executor of his will in 1905. Much later he met Fr. Griffith, a nephew of William Meehan, who was a curate in Ballyshannon. The Hayes family came on a trip to Ireland and met Fr. Griffith in Dublin where he told them of the development of the Abbey Well. </span></span><span style="font-family: quot; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Maurice Hayes gave a gift of the statue of St. Patrick which still stands at the Abbey Well with the inscription; “Pray for the Donor.”</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 16px; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/s234/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="234" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/w400-h294/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A station at Ballyshannon's St. Patrick's Well<br /><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">The Stations at the Abbey Well</span></b></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">Patterns or festivals were celebrated in honour of the patron saint (patrún) of a district or of some saint associated with the area. The pattern at the Abbey Well was held on the Feast of the Assumption on the 15<sup>th</sup> August each year. It is possible this feast day was chosen because the nearby Abbey of Assaroe was dedicated to Mary. Patterns were important social occasions and, according to tradition, the pattern at the Abbey Well was attended by large crowds up to the nineteenth century with the religious and social events lasting for a few days.</span></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">On arrival at the Abbey Well, the pilgrims on some occasions would have Mass celebrated for them, but for the most part they would have performed the station. The station involved reciting set prayers and moving around beds in a similar manner to Lough Derg at the present time. According to folklore the station at the Abbey Well went as follows: Fifteen pebbles were picked from the river bed or station bed and pilgrims began by saying, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Creed while kneeling at the well. Then going sun wise they knelt at each bed, saying one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s and one Creed. A pebble was tossed into each bed. The round of five beds was completed three times and the station was concluded by taking three sips of water from the well and saying a rosary at the grotto.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/s327/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="327" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/w400-h294/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Despite the religious revival in the 1930s and 1940s, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.33px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">large crowds visiting the Abbey Well gradually waned and nowadays visits to the well are infrequent, except on days like the 15</span><sup style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 11.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"> of August when people still carry on the tradition of visiting the well on the pattern day. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">A feature of the Abbey Well which still attracts great interest from visitors are the rags on the white thorn bushes. Wells were said to have certain cures attached to them and the Abbey Well water was said to be most beneficial for trouble of the eyes. Offerings of coins, medals, flowers and cloth are associated with wells in various parts of the country and the tradition is still practised at the Abbey Well. This tradition of pilgrims with illness or concerns, praying and leaving a piece of cloth on a bush, reminds us that in our modern world there are still echoes of a world which has not fully vanished.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/s1388/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1388" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/w400-h272/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Well in 1947<br /> Front (l.to r.) Cyril Curran, Leo Masterson (young boy), John McCafferty<br /> Middle Row: Freddie McDonagh, Patsy O' Donnell, Sean Fox, Jim Dolan,<br /> P.J. Goan, Tom Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, Jimmy Daly.<br /> Back Row: Bob Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, James Gallogley, Packie McIvor,<br /> Jimmy McNulty, John Davy, Pat McGahern, Seamus Gallagher, Jimmy Coughlin.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/s1925/scan0053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1925" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/w400-h314/scan0053.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Band at Sligo Parade St. Patrick's ' Day 1979<br /> Front (l.to r.) Padraig McGarrigle, Danny McGeever, Seamus Gallagher, Bob Gallagher<br /> Second Row (l.to r.) Jack Grimes, Packie Gallagher, Jimmy Rafferty, Francis Gallagher,<br />Tom Gallagher, Anthony Begley, James Hoey<br /> Third Row (l.to r.) Mickie Gallagher, Fergus Lawlor, Michael Dalton, P.J. Goan, Jim Gallagher<br /> Fourth Row Eamon Gallagher, Cecil Stephens, Michael Gallagher, Eugene McLoughlin<br />John McGahern.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band members at St. Patrick's Day Parade Donegal Town 2012<br />(l.to r.) Danny Carron, Anthony Begley, Tom Gallagher, Michael Donagher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></span></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></b></span></div></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: "quot";"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;" /></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-85681394481210553142021-04-15T02:03:00.003-07:002021-04-15T05:21:09.069-07:00On this day 90 years ago a rare event remembered by a Ballyshannon woman. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-OylHayQc8_drcPSAh3IqVnZ0EobEtGmRxDr3OGEjNpl7_qINOjJcOOISe92QYbVTvSj-HGw6IVLHy5OTczNjnpu21pxbzYZ6orDnQyJ6_drGIzaLT8HyfiDcpUNCWckcJHa0A0Ts8zf/s215/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="162" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-OylHayQc8_drcPSAh3IqVnZ0EobEtGmRxDr3OGEjNpl7_qINOjJcOOISe92QYbVTvSj-HGw6IVLHy5OTczNjnpu21pxbzYZ6orDnQyJ6_drGIzaLT8HyfiDcpUNCWckcJHa0A0Ts8zf/w482-h640/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On this very day 90 years ago a rare memory by a Ballyshannon woman of an event which will never be repeated in the town. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">The Mystery of a black coffin solved</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Many years ago a neighbour of mine Brigid Kelly told me that she attended a mass for Fr. Tierney on Wednesday 15th April 1931and that there was a black coffin in the chapel. She had a very keen memory and recalled this solemn event which had a draped coffin in front of the High Altar. This was the first time I had ever heard of a coffin in the chapel with no remains although it may have been familiar to other people. She recalled that there was an air of great sadness in the church and no doubt the coffin in front of the altar added to the touching scene with many in tears. Canon McGrath P.P. Bundoran celebrated the Mass and Monsignor Tierney P.P. Enniskillen presided at the Solemn Office for the Dead with Fr. Timoney from St. Joseph’s as one of the chanters. There were upwards of 40 priests in attendance and some businesses in the town were closed to give employees an opportunity of showing solidarity with this martyred priest. Fr. Tierney is buried in China. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The people of Ballyshannon and many from Bundoran, Belleek and outlying districts packed St. Joseph’s Church for a requiem mass in his memory. Fr. Tierney as some will know served in this chapel from 1911-1917 and was very popular with the parishioners many of whom were at this special ceremony. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzKLZ-jzj0j181Vo_HI7lhC8lCuvWBZKgX__YYghY0N2l3TZPH3fE8N-DPRqFxgoo_ZVvYZqqx3xJfe60o_DhrE_6b0Kk-2i7SsI1dCT_cOhtiZZ4to0yIEE0dHmLciigPPH9r1sc1EzI/s1226/Fr.+Tierney+Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1226" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzKLZ-jzj0j181Vo_HI7lhC8lCuvWBZKgX__YYghY0N2l3TZPH3fE8N-DPRqFxgoo_ZVvYZqqx3xJfe60o_DhrE_6b0Kk-2i7SsI1dCT_cOhtiZZ4to0yIEE0dHmLciigPPH9r1sc1EzI/w640-h336/Fr.+Tierney+Park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tierney G.A.A Park in Ballyshannon in memory of this martyred priest.</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On the 18th February I posted a blog available in the blog archive at the side of this blog which attracted lots of interest . “From Ballyshannon to China a never forgotten event” told the story of Fr. Tierney who was a priest in the Rock who volunteered to serve in China where he was killed 90 years ago in February 1931. He is buried there but the community in Ballyshannon decided to have a Requiem Mass with a difference in his memory. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wDrrJDf0t73ntZyOj21EpoHpOHDtcAdGdImT3bhPEkD7vyi12N6BleYmq5YP3WO6cvVhn_Ib13ZYhpDUujKQrPC8BQROyabT4th755d_XMqlYn6erL43CEkfRbcHuOrDNhGGXCtL7R/s320/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Joseph's Church with the Fr. Tierney<br />Memorial visible<br />inside the railing to the left of front door</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wDrrJDf0t73ntZyOj21EpoHpOHDtcAdGdImT3bhPEkD7vyi12N6BleYmq5YP3WO6cvVhn_Ib13ZYhpDUujKQrPC8BQROyabT4th755d_XMqlYn6erL43CEkfRbcHuOrDNhGGXCtL7R/s640/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9Nv_7I3mb0jwhX7ah46kHA6GvvUGpd8azoQppXgRbXNc7RHS2bwn37_EFwuYJ-m1tSGQ9RMevk3Z3IPsxsFDUFA7nBO17IIWmoOY3HfuDPLbaoIN75t5HpQROf656So4yCiicNF0riK/s2048/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9Nv_7I3mb0jwhX7ah46kHA6GvvUGpd8azoQppXgRbXNc7RHS2bwn37_EFwuYJ-m1tSGQ9RMevk3Z3IPsxsFDUFA7nBO17IIWmoOY3HfuDPLbaoIN75t5HpQROf656So4yCiicNF0riK/w640-h592/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today he is remembered by the Aodh Ruadh club who named their football pitch after him and he is also remembered by a memorial at the entrance to St. Joseph’s Church which was erected by Fr. Munster who also served in St. Joseph’s church in recent years. For more information read the blog archive to the right of this article for 18th February 2021.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNSk97y0wuBX0t4DirYwqQXUy0iqqWumjU_YMKtAJt4eC7AiaRxG-Nafnp09YyslD0upk6tO0qLsIkqshgwz9cU4iMx7WCrx4SHyzD-ObKmX4raPyxAt3AdkZ7sPaQN2QGodYWwzA_pZ/s1181/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="787" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNSk97y0wuBX0t4DirYwqQXUy0iqqWumjU_YMKtAJt4eC7AiaRxG-Nafnp09YyslD0upk6tO0qLsIkqshgwz9cU4iMx7WCrx4SHyzD-ObKmX4raPyxAt3AdkZ7sPaQN2QGodYWwzA_pZ/w426-h640/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Fr. Tierney in St. Joseph's Church<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot";"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman", serif;">and lots more.</span></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-41571479127877899262021-04-03T02:06:00.006-07:002021-04-15T03:56:07.326-07:00On this day 90 years ago a rare event remembered by a Ballyshannon woman. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-OylHayQc8_drcPSAh3IqVnZ0EobEtGmRxDr3OGEjNpl7_qINOjJcOOISe92QYbVTvSj-HGw6IVLHy5OTczNjnpu21pxbzYZ6orDnQyJ6_drGIzaLT8HyfiDcpUNCWckcJHa0A0Ts8zf/s215/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="162" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-OylHayQc8_drcPSAh3IqVnZ0EobEtGmRxDr3OGEjNpl7_qINOjJcOOISe92QYbVTvSj-HGw6IVLHy5OTczNjnpu21pxbzYZ6orDnQyJ6_drGIzaLT8HyfiDcpUNCWckcJHa0A0Ts8zf/w301-h400/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tierney<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On this very day 90 years ago a rare memory by a Ballyshannon woman of an event which will never be repeated in the town. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">The Mystery of a black coffin solved</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Many years ago a neighbour of mine Brigid Kelly told me that she attended a mass for Fr. Tierney on Wednesday 15th April 1931and that there was a black coffin in the chapel. She had a very keen memory and recalled this solemn event which had a draped coffin in front of the High Altar. This was the first time I had ever heard of a coffin in the chapel with no remains although it may have been familiar to other people. She recalled that there was an air of great sadness in the church and no doubt the coffin in front of the altar added to the touching scene with many in tears. Canon McGrath P.P. Bundoran celebrated the Mass and Monsignor Tierney P.P. Enniskillen presided at the Solemn Office for the Dead with Fr. Timoney from St. Joseph’s as one of the chanters. There were upwards of 40 priests in attendance and some businesses in the town were closed to give employees an opportunity of showing solidarity with this martyred priest. Fr. Tierney is buried in China. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The people of Ballyshannon and many from Bundoran, Belleek and outlying districts packed St. Joseph’s Church for a requiem mass in his memory. Fr. Tierney as some will know served in this chapel from 1911-1917 and was very popular with the parishioners many of whom were at this special ceremony. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzKLZ-jzj0j181Vo_HI7lhC8lCuvWBZKgX__YYghY0N2l3TZPH3fE8N-DPRqFxgoo_ZVvYZqqx3xJfe60o_DhrE_6b0Kk-2i7SsI1dCT_cOhtiZZ4to0yIEE0dHmLciigPPH9r1sc1EzI/s1226/Fr.+Tierney+Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1226" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzKLZ-jzj0j181Vo_HI7lhC8lCuvWBZKgX__YYghY0N2l3TZPH3fE8N-DPRqFxgoo_ZVvYZqqx3xJfe60o_DhrE_6b0Kk-2i7SsI1dCT_cOhtiZZ4to0yIEE0dHmLciigPPH9r1sc1EzI/w640-h336/Fr.+Tierney+Park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tierney G.A.A Park in Ballyshannon in memory of this martyred priest.</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On the 18th February I posted a blog available in the blog archive at the side of this blog which attracted lots of interest . “From Ballyshannon to China a never forgotten event” told the story of Fr. Tierney who was a priest in the Rock who volunteered to serve in China where he was killed 90 years ago in February 1931. He is buried there but the community in Ballyshannon decided to have a Requiem Mass with a difference in his memory. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wDrrJDf0t73ntZyOj21EpoHpOHDtcAdGdImT3bhPEkD7vyi12N6BleYmq5YP3WO6cvVhn_Ib13ZYhpDUujKQrPC8BQROyabT4th755d_XMqlYn6erL43CEkfRbcHuOrDNhGGXCtL7R/s320/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Joseph's Church with the Fr. Tierney<br />Memorial visible<br />inside the railing to the left of front door</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wDrrJDf0t73ntZyOj21EpoHpOHDtcAdGdImT3bhPEkD7vyi12N6BleYmq5YP3WO6cvVhn_Ib13ZYhpDUujKQrPC8BQROyabT4th755d_XMqlYn6erL43CEkfRbcHuOrDNhGGXCtL7R/s640/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9Nv_7I3mb0jwhX7ah46kHA6GvvUGpd8azoQppXgRbXNc7RHS2bwn37_EFwuYJ-m1tSGQ9RMevk3Z3IPsxsFDUFA7nBO17IIWmoOY3HfuDPLbaoIN75t5HpQROf656So4yCiicNF0riK/s2048/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9Nv_7I3mb0jwhX7ah46kHA6GvvUGpd8azoQppXgRbXNc7RHS2bwn37_EFwuYJ-m1tSGQ9RMevk3Z3IPsxsFDUFA7nBO17IIWmoOY3HfuDPLbaoIN75t5HpQROf656So4yCiicNF0riK/w640-h592/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today he is remembered by the Aodh Ruadh club who named their football pitch after him and he is also remembered by a memorial at the entrance to St. Joseph’s Church which was erected by Fr. Munster who also served in St. Joseph’s church in recent years. For more information read the blog archive to the right of this article for 18th February 2021.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNSk97y0wuBX0t4DirYwqQXUy0iqqWumjU_YMKtAJt4eC7AiaRxG-Nafnp09YyslD0upk6tO0qLsIkqshgwz9cU4iMx7WCrx4SHyzD-ObKmX4raPyxAt3AdkZ7sPaQN2QGodYWwzA_pZ/s1181/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="787" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNSk97y0wuBX0t4DirYwqQXUy0iqqWumjU_YMKtAJt4eC7AiaRxG-Nafnp09YyslD0upk6tO0qLsIkqshgwz9cU4iMx7WCrx4SHyzD-ObKmX4raPyxAt3AdkZ7sPaQN2QGodYWwzA_pZ/w426-h640/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Fr. Tierney in St. Joseph's Church<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot";"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman", serif;">and lots more.</span></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-79784376162140118192021-03-17T04:05:00.000-07:002021-03-17T04:05:16.607-07:00Ballyshannon Memories on St. Patrick's Day <p><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;"></b></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></b></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s1600/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj6UEcP03HNbM2o7AdH5pcMbvF4yTW8Hreg14BRY9CUZkpTD9KfddiiAOSBYhcKNA3IVpqgb7Bja0VC0gE17YCWqR9Ycf6g8B0Usd95F9iEitUmq2SgkexsfYpjp712VHKlkRpwLPPBri/s640/Rag_Tree_St_Pats_Well.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well Ballyshannon</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;"><b>Happy St. Patrick's Day to those at home and away with Ballyshannon connections or interests.</b> </b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">Nostalgic memories today include customs and cures at St. Patrick's Well, p</b><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">hotos of the town band on St. Patrick's Day and remembering the man from California who gave St. Patrick's statue to our town. </b></p><p><b style="font-family: quot; text-align: justify;">The present St. Patrick's Well in Ballyshannon was opened in 1929 although pilgrims had visited the site to worship for hundreds of years.</b></p><p></p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/s960/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdyGxKpHJX0T1lAfPYLmM9ryCE3C80nHkk7KVEzwOx8EN40dyR3JKmxrPkZLaEuy0Wga8eKSESo6DeXZk23BZXN_wBR9S1zbGu6cN2TyClyGq3jiuXpR1l0XR3euFvL8KxLHvD9fqHB63/w294-h400/Patrick%2527s+statue.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pray for the Donor" inscription on statue of <br />St. Patrick. Donor revealed below.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: quot; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: justify;">O</span><span style="color: black; font-family: quot; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">n St. Patrick’s Day 1932 the new statue to St. Patrick was blessed at the Abbey Well by Monsignor McGinley D.D. The statue was donated anonymously.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span>In 1940 the identity of the donor was revealed when Maurice P. Hayes died in that year at Santa Monica in California. His connection with the Ballyshannon area was through his friendship with William Meehan of Durnish Rossnowlagh and he had acted as executor of his will in 1905. Much later he met Fr. Griffith, a nephew of William Meehan, who was a curate in Ballyshannon. The Hayes family came on a trip to Ireland and met Fr. Griffith in Dublin where he told them of the development of the Abbey Well. </span></span><span style="font-family: quot; font-size: 10pt;">Maurice Hayes gave a gift of the statue of St. Patrick which still stands at the Abbey Well with the inscription; “Pray for the Donor.”</span></div><p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "quot"; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/s234/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="234" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzTzL53I_M5COL2-hAMws2X2yrI8iyKIhAWF5kPDPGWbELXKhkS7yTGZctfbkgQPaEjGDQf7tnc3rMFVxnaOgxkH_AkldMS44Jrc9stHdUWC-7W__Yaxn0g0_DLA9wqGhafUnzXeOt0TV/w400-h294/11265490_1132133090145761_4841228482832031190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A station at Ballyshannon's St. Patrick's Well</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">The Stations at the Abbey Well</span></b></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">Patterns or festivals were celebrated in honour of the patron saint (patrún) of a district or of some saint associated with the area. The pattern at the Abbey Well was held on the Feast of the Assumption on the 15<sup>th</sup> August each year. It is possible this feast day was chosen because the nearby Abbey of Assaroe was dedicated to Mary. Patterns were important social occasions and, according to tradition, the pattern at the Abbey Well was attended by large crowds up to the nineteenth century with the religious and social events lasting for a few days.</span></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">On arrival at the Abbey Well, the pilgrims on some occasions would have Mass celebrated for them, but for the most part they would have performed the station. The station involved reciting set prayers and moving around beds in a similar manner to Lough Derg at the present time. According to folklore the station at the Abbey Well went as follows: Fifteen pebbles were picked from the river bed or station bed and pilgrims began by saying, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Creed while kneeling at the well. Then going sun wise they knelt at each bed, saying one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s and one Creed. A pebble was tossed into each bed. The round of five beds was completed three times and the station was concluded by taking three sips of water from the well and saying a rosary at the grotto</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/s327/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="327" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxX632SmWhDnaVKlCLCWTgy8ULO8QbAjfzw0PL76rtm_Onj78fkJOfuLSU9MmBfYMdwRLIMw5hqoZYotFueAlmNgPnQArOzV6imCjSPkb3RixQBcKt9L4nVSYMXf7E8-i8Lcutv5_ljN/w400-h294/11221590_1132132803479123_1094457495638349643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rag Tree at St. Patrick's Well</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Despite the religious revival in the 1930s and 1940s, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.33px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">large crowds visiting the Abbey Well gradually waned and nowadays visits to the well are infrequent, except on days like the 15</span><sup style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 11.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"> of August when people still carry on the tradition of visiting the well on the pattern day. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">A feature of the Abbey Well which still attracts great interest from visitors are the rags on the white thorn bushes. Wells were said to have certain cures attached to them and the Abbey Well water was said to be most beneficial for trouble of the eyes. Offerings of coins, medals, flowers and cloth are associated with wells in various parts of the country and the tradition is still practised at the Abbey Well. This tradition of pilgrims with illness or concerns, praying and leaving a piece of cloth on a bush, reminds us that in our modern world there are still echoes of a world which has not fully vanished.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/s1388/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1388" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZebNfsalnmYMUeJGhyphenhyphenOgNNsVxZkk_xonKmTGI4pWWvBCD9OmOWS85WWCO6XX_lk4GvtQ0B3NXVpAZ3IRdFAR96paHKuaFXjeu6WbfNYNlUEFNK_vzRiRLF0TzVpGMu-rlDATI0KsjUyn/w400-h272/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Well in 1947<br /> Front (l.to r.) Cyril Curran, Leo Masterson (young boy), John McCafferty<br /> Middle Row: Freddie McDonagh, Patsy O' Donnell, Sean Fox, Jim Dolan,<br /> P.J. Goan, Tom Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, Jimmy Daly.<br /> Back Row: Bob Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, James Gallogley, Packie McIvor, <br /> Jimmy McNulty, John Davy, Pat McGahern, Seamus Gallagher, Jimmy Coughlin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/s1925/scan0053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1925" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9uG8DM393HKB0f8V3Zd9K3A63FV-8q_ogh3AH_7LvzVxMCIUjYGKbp5CFy7nDk73CPhx3X1_5FSYhRQzR7hUrfddLGJ3yPzKVKciiiqWkI0g747XSKZhdD3QsuaWw5zwVKdGIAmjZ6-/w400-h314/scan0053.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Band at Sligo Parade St. Patrick's ' Day 1979<br /> Front (l.to r.) Padraig McGarrigle, Danny McGeever, Seamus Gallagher, Bob Gallagher<br /> Second Row (l.to r.) Jack Grimes, Packie Gallagher, Jimmy Rafferty, Francis Gallagher,<br />Tom Gallagher, Anthony Begley, James Hoey<br /> Third Row (l.to r.) Mickie Gallagher, Fergus Lawlor, Michael Dalton, P.J. Goan, Jim Gallagher<br /> Fourth Row Eamon Gallagher, Cecil Stephens, Michael Gallagher, Eugene McLoughlin <br />John McGahern.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxN4a95kfyl_C4_Rp7WfsEAfKv-1762mVYICu-12Oq5vRRuzqGPOr8g1n7cbysu-92OtmZkg-3NizyUDjVgRmKEVBLmKC3l2eNS6wSCvBkbOh6KTIllsdy0qEyQKzcb4tORaSilPOosrw/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band members at St. Patrick's Day Parade Donegal Town 2012<br />(l.to r.) Danny Carron, Anthony Begley, Tom Gallagher, Michael Donagher</td></tr></tbody></table> Tom Gallagher is the longest serving member in the history of the band.<br /><br /><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot";"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br style="font-size: medium;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><br /></span></div></div></div></span></span></div></div></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-6282239700797895242021-03-09T01:55:00.000-08:002021-03-09T01:55:07.656-08:00On Ths Day. A Memorable Event in Ballyshannon with Rare Photographs<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XPtGNI2mrELYDW3OJNtCkooSynHIWO8YoozK1IZL9jQhGQvTGpyAxggYaddQP3d8CxoOmlWKbSqAg4D_nj-VgotajGowBzsA7kQv2NhMltF68sI9WFuM-PmIVBkVeD2uvMDtVPgqacpH/s1331/Opening+falgtarragh+March+1936+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1331" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XPtGNI2mrELYDW3OJNtCkooSynHIWO8YoozK1IZL9jQhGQvTGpyAxggYaddQP3d8CxoOmlWKbSqAg4D_nj-VgotajGowBzsA7kQv2NhMltF68sI9WFuM-PmIVBkVeD2uvMDtVPgqacpH/w640-h548/Opening+falgtarragh+March+1936+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean T. O Kelly at the opening of Falgarragh Park in March 1936. The Sheil Hospital in the background. Local men have a grandstand view from the wall of the Sheil Hospital.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Do you recognise any local people in these 3 rare quality photographs at the opening of the biggest housing story in Ballyshannon on the 9th March 1936? The opening was beside the Sheil Hospital which will be the biggest building project in our lifetimes. Next blog will be on St. Patrick's Day.</p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">The second largest housing scheme in the Ulster counties of Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan was opened at Falgarragh Park Ballyshannon by Sean T.O’Kelly, Minister for Local Government and Public Health on Monday 9</span><sup style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"> March 1936. Mr. O’Kelly had played an important role in the 1916 Rising, twenty years before, and was later to become the second President of Ireland. On his visit he firstly inspected the new housing scheme at East Rock which had recently been built on the site of the Rock Barracks. Fr. Timoney blessed the houses and the Minister inspected and complimented the workmanship in their construction. He then visited the Mall Hosiery where the proprietor Mr. Swan presented him with a beautiful cardigan made in the factory. He also visited the Mall Quay and surrounding areas where he praised the new seating, shelter and dance platform recently completed as part of the Town Improvement Scheme. He also visited the Mall Laundry where he was welcomed by the proprietors Mr. & Mrs. M. Ward. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><b>This was the end of the era of thatched houses in Ballyshannon in what is known as The Ballyshannon Clearances when sub-standard houses were replaced by new houses.</b></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">The unique photographs in this blog were given to me by Cecil Stephens (junior) whose father also called Cecil was Town Clerk in 1936. Both father and son were great townsmen and local historians. The photographs may have been the work of Mardi Kelly a well-known local photographer who has left great images of The Erne Hydro-Electric Scheme of the 1940s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhv7opv-7jkPYjE6WuMcy0nI2300tmDsCu-fF0FGlpO2HR_fL8gHbzyF5i26_ltGkbgjWsqa3XC_vLyfOIZd7Jg4kMbw9YEwUlWClGm0oaUaCrIHRbiJW1OItY_0kKbmM5nnz3F4Hv_8i/s1574/Opening+falgtarragh+March+1936++2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1574" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhv7opv-7jkPYjE6WuMcy0nI2300tmDsCu-fF0FGlpO2HR_fL8gHbzyF5i26_ltGkbgjWsqa3XC_vLyfOIZd7Jg4kMbw9YEwUlWClGm0oaUaCrIHRbiJW1OItY_0kKbmM5nnz3F4Hv_8i/w640-h464/Opening+falgtarragh+March+1936++2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean T.O' Kelly cutting the tape. On extreme left is Cecil Stephens Town Clerk, Dean McGinley is on the right of Sean T. O' Kelly and Major Myles T.D. is on the left in the light coloured coat. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Official Opening of Falgarragh Park (now called St. Benildus Avenue)</span></b></div></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">At 12.30 Sean T.O’Kelly attended the official opening ceremony of the 80 houses at Falgarragh Park which he described as “the most beautiful he had yet seen”. The Minister remarked on the numbers of houses that needed to be replaced all over Ireland to stop the spread of tuberculosis and infant mortality and welcomed this new housing development in Ballyshannon. Present with the Minister were local clergy Dean McGinley, Fr. McMullin and Fr. McGroarty who blessed the houses. Also present were Cecil Stephens, Town Clerk, Mr. Lysaght Commissioner in charge of the Town Commissioners, M.F. Irwin C.E. Clerk of Works, W.J. Doherty architect of the scheme, reps. of contractor Kilcawley, Maloney and Taylor Ballisadare Co. Sligo, Dr. Gordon, Major Myles T.D. and Brian Brady T.D. The tape of number 77 was then cut by the Minister who inspected the house.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nsiFSJDRI7Hg8Cvlg17OyT36btdDZRqqHntCSsgB2PvNC6KhTy8lpTOARNHWb87nbqnAx2BGsvateKjWfbcNYOs_m4JpdUHO9-P0trmYcWrmt3193Q9og_hyVq-iT0M9Yz4MEiwSGYz/s2048/Anthony+Begley+A3+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nsiFSJDRI7Hg8Cvlg17OyT36btdDZRqqHntCSsgB2PvNC6KhTy8lpTOARNHWb87nbqnAx2BGsvateKjWfbcNYOs_m4JpdUHO9-P0trmYcWrmt3193Q9og_hyVq-iT0M9Yz4MEiwSGYz/s320/Anthony+Begley+A3+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">A fuller account of the housing schemes at Falgarragh, East Rock , Erne Street, Abbey View Terrace and Cluain Barron are contained in the book “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” available in local shops. It also contains the biggest housing changes ever in Ballyshannon in the 1930s which I call the Ballyshannon Clearances. See below for book details. Read also about local incidents in the independence struggle and lots of local history.</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Below is an extract from a poem which has twelve verses and a number of verses are parodies of William Allingham’s “Adieu to Ballyshanny”. The poem was written by Dan McCauley who had fought in World War 1 and whose family, were one of a number of families, who left condemned houses in places like Bachelor’s Walk and the Back Street to live in the new houses which had all modern amenities. The McCauleys had lived on Bachelor's Walk.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn5DLhcD5R1IVIXI1-C4sylMGPj-EQJwgAepwG9qQnvl1XBONaqDiL-CwxGyiZolgegBt_aaN6N-IaPIAvh1DZ1RqYo_X3ewNw3L8odAIJWph6JhayaSctvoCelFRwyF1u2-2ZeRMKv4w/s1557/Scan0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1557" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn5DLhcD5R1IVIXI1-C4sylMGPj-EQJwgAepwG9qQnvl1XBONaqDiL-CwxGyiZolgegBt_aaN6N-IaPIAvh1DZ1RqYo_X3ewNw3L8odAIJWph6JhayaSctvoCelFRwyF1u2-2ZeRMKv4w/w640-h466/Scan0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The Flight to Falgarragh</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">‘Twas in an old thatched cabin</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">With its walls as white as snow,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where mother dear, (God rest her soul),</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Some forty years ago-</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Told me of some noble deeds,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How the great Red Hugh did turn</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Saxon from Tirconaill</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On the Winding Banks of Erne.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ve trod the world ever since,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ve ploughed the seas afar,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ve seen Killarney’s lakes and fells,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And historic Castlebar.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From County Down to Cavan Town,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Through Fermanagh’s leafy fern,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Till I landed at Falgarragh</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On the Winding Banks of Erne.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And now we have a Housing Scheme</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To brighten up the town:</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We’ll clear out all slum dwellings</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And pull the old shacks down,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A brand new house they’re giving us,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> And its Finn Hill turf we’ll burn,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Away in grey Falgarragh</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">By the Winding Banks of Erne.</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s320/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot";"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div><br style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;" /></div></span></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-22139653472304771332021-02-27T01:45:00.000-08:002021-02-27T01:45:54.383-08:00On this Day. From Ballyshannon to China a Never Forgotten Event<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsEunFKAU4_ORO0d_h7cBJwn3HDQzEo6LeAjQAEtVfr3m7HrzNtmbSp7MWZcoyaNQV9GbEqMqRwooAtdHRUFGHnMu6DZEFeJbGsnUJe4TZaYB-QomwATKFmo1WnhOlpRUKEdh_JEqv3xT/s2048/IMG_5502.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsEunFKAU4_ORO0d_h7cBJwn3HDQzEo6LeAjQAEtVfr3m7HrzNtmbSp7MWZcoyaNQV9GbEqMqRwooAtdHRUFGHnMu6DZEFeJbGsnUJe4TZaYB-QomwATKFmo1WnhOlpRUKEdh_JEqv3xT/w640-h404/IMG_5502.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tierney Park on the right , the Workhouse in the centre, and Munday's field on the left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On this day, 28th February, 90 years ago, Ballyshannon was totally gripped by a story unfolding in far off China. </b><b>This blog tells the story and has a very rare image with Ballyshannon links to an event in China still remembered in Ballyshannon today</b><b>. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The name of Fr. Tierney is still remembered by the Aodh Ruadh G.A.A. club in Ballyshannon who have named their main playing field in his memory. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">At St. Joseph’s Church nearby a commemorative stone records details of his life which was erected by Fr. Munster during his period as curate at St. Joseph's Church on the Rock. Inside the church is a photograph of Fr. Tierney and two framed newspaper articles from “The Donegal Vindicator” which I donated recounting his captivity in China. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> • Fr.Cornelius Tierney was a native of Clones in Co. Monaghan. In 1911 he was appointed curate at St. Joseph’s Church on the Rock, where he was to serve until 1917. Fr. Tierney was the first priest to reside in the present parochial house which still stands above the football field. He was active in supporting Gaelic games and the Gaelic League. Fr. Tierney regularly gave Irish classes in the Rock Hall in the 1916 period</div><div style="text-align: justify;">.
• At the age of 45, Fr. Tierney had a strong urge to join the Maynooth Missions to China. After some soul searching he travelled to the Columban Mission House in Hangyang, Hupeh in China. He proceeded to learn the language and began the challenging work of spreading the Gospel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> • Fr. Tierney paid a brief visit to Ballyshannon in 1927 and Bridget Kelly of West Rock, recalled his visit to the local primary school where she was a student. Her mother also told her that in his years as a curate on the Rock, Fr. Tierney was a familiar figure as he cycled to the homes of parishoners</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> • On his return to China in 1928 he was put in charge of the mission at Kien Chang in Kiangsi. There was much unrest in China and Communist resistance was prevalent in Fr. Tierney’s region. Fr. Tierney wrote many letters during his years in China and his final letter, on the 1st November 1930, was to Dr. Mulhern, Bishop of Dromore, who had been parish priest in Bundoran with Fr. Tierney as his curate in St. Joseph’s Ballyshannon. He expressed concern about the unrest in China and indicated that the situation was difficult where he was. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5K3Z-2DU4ZDR0K2y7RZJ4YdrDs4CCOMJnfSvHMTMYh4W80oJL4AAJdFMp0Is7WZLSTzsGFvsgB8n56gHpTV7wInydaOIJ7j3RCRfsxAOtja5neJ5mwwuZfdt-atJZ63DBFr5qqpd43ji/s215/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="162" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5K3Z-2DU4ZDR0K2y7RZJ4YdrDs4CCOMJnfSvHMTMYh4W80oJL4AAJdFMp0Is7WZLSTzsGFvsgB8n56gHpTV7wInydaOIJ7j3RCRfsxAOtja5neJ5mwwuZfdt-atJZ63DBFr5qqpd43ji/w301-h400/Fr.+Tierney.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tierney served in the Rock Church before <br />volunteering for China.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fr. Tierney Captured and died in China</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two weeks after he wrote this letter Fr. Tierney was captured by Communists. His capture is recorded in a letter written by Fr. John Kerr from Kien Chang on Monday 24th November 1930: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>" He was captured on Friday morning, November 14th, at about 6 a.m. at my mission station, Shang Tang Hsu, about 50 li (17 miles) from Kien Chang. He had come to me, some days before, to oversee the building of a house for me, as previously I had been living in the sacristy. ------- The bandits arrived in the early hours of the morning, and lay outside the town to wait for dawn. When they heard the Catholic Church bell ring for Fr. Tierney’s mass they drew up and surrounded the place. At the last minute, a Catholic rushed in to tell the priest to fly. Fr. Tierney was just saying his prayers in preparation for mass. He jumped up from where he was kneeling, snatched his hat and rushed for the door. But it was too late: there was no escape. He was seized by two Communists just about ten yards from the door"</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> • Fr. Tierney was held for ransom by the communists and he was treated harshly. During his captivity he was able to correspond with his colleagues in Latin. The final letter recorded from captivity was received in early December 1930 and in it he expressed thanks for medicines, bread, milk, coffee and clothes which his fellow priests had sent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• According to reliable sources he was released from captivity but was recaptured by bandits. From fellow prisoners it was revealed that <b>Fr. Tierney died on the evening of Saturday February 28th 1931</b> about 2 p.m. and was buried the same evening about 4 p.m. Finally after lengthy negotiations his remains were exhumed and brought to the city of Kien Chang (Maynooth Mission Headquarters, Province of Kiangsi). He was buried after High Mass on Wednesday 1st April 1931. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMYRuzrsm9W2VPia5yrYPz7663fkdGwJVSLOVsZItC3z-7EMvqy7xqP65B0LoIC_ZXHguu7FhtpDvyVtd8WNcYOGvUbSiDJEVzofD2NKDULgnGDUNaxuN350kl47WP_zaypUs8IbxSDVW/s2048/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMYRuzrsm9W2VPia5yrYPz7663fkdGwJVSLOVsZItC3z-7EMvqy7xqP65B0LoIC_ZXHguu7FhtpDvyVtd8WNcYOGvUbSiDJEVzofD2NKDULgnGDUNaxuN350kl47WP_zaypUs8IbxSDVW/w640-h592/Fr+Tierney+China+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Official Opening of Fr. Tierney Park 9th May 1954 </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was fitting that the Aodh Ruadh Club in Ballyshannon perpetuated the courage of this martyr priest by naming the Fr. Tierney Park in his memory. Fr. Tierney had been a great supporter of Gaelic Games and Irish culture. At the official opening, Canon Mc Quaid of Bundoran, assisted by Fr. Mc Elroy of St. Joseph’s Church blessed the new football field. The official opening saw a match between Donegal and Armagh with Donegal winning on a score line of 1-6 to 0-5.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>A Local G.A.A. Anecdote</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An interesting anecdote concerning Major Myles, a local businessman, and Fr. Tierney, curate on the Rock, occurred in 1914. Major Myles was walking up the Rock Road, prior to the outbreak of World War One, when he met Fr. Tierney near St. Joseph’s Church. Major Myles seemed to be in a melancholy mood and Fr. Tierney asked him what was bothering him. His reply was that he had enlisted in the army to fight in the First World War, and he feared that he might not return to Ballyshannon. Fr. Tierney assured him that he would be alright and years later when the local G.A.A club were building the Fr. Tierney Park, Major Myles subscribed generously to Mick Melly for the Park Development, no doubt remembering his conversation many years previously. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fr. Cornelius Tierney is not buried at St. Joseph’s but is interred in China where he died as a missionary priest spreading the gospel message.
His memory will live on for generations of Gaelic football players in Fr. Tierney Park and for the local community at St. Joseph’s Church where his memorial is located.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5BUsETZ2kr2CdCZKllnDPdgb1nbrI78KvbH8Rg8VQ6BYbDWcReAeOWYS7T1_zwuRogKVBe10VKl1x3Vs6TdFvpBu-Lz0Q3eLZFanKLEt8EEF6FbAjJZTdxK0JgUdXKL8LHqaUCMk9BAt/s1181/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="787" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5BUsETZ2kr2CdCZKllnDPdgb1nbrI78KvbH8Rg8VQ6BYbDWcReAeOWYS7T1_zwuRogKVBe10VKl1x3Vs6TdFvpBu-Lz0Q3eLZFanKLEt8EEF6FbAjJZTdxK0JgUdXKL8LHqaUCMk9BAt/w266-h400/Fr+Tierney+Cross.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Fr. Tierney at St. Joseph's Church</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-73808174579067090592021-02-20T02:33:00.000-08:002021-02-20T02:33:47.958-08:00From Lover's Walk in Ballyshannon to The Fairy Bridges in Bundoran<p>This is a visual blog with 6 old local photos but be prepared to be surprised. The first image is of the beach in Bundoran from a postcard in 1905 but have a close look at the second image which is supposed to be of the same photo. They say the camera never lies but can you spot changes in this and the other photos. In the Ballyshannon image Lover's Walk I believe was a movable location but perhaps someone can identify it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6cZYFnPvqfYuc4wBpZ8nuTeElmgLQqOQRAgYQiinTJWtLj2jCMT-LN1VpXY6-x3jk3A7RJSO6xBngIm9sFkg0AL4SBxt6unO9p4nBw4KyN_0UWUITybgrwvuXrIPDlPG2odaqcvhoFGE/s1644/STRAND+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1644" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6cZYFnPvqfYuc4wBpZ8nuTeElmgLQqOQRAgYQiinTJWtLj2jCMT-LN1VpXY6-x3jk3A7RJSO6xBngIm9sFkg0AL4SBxt6unO9p4nBw4KyN_0UWUITybgrwvuXrIPDlPG2odaqcvhoFGE/w640-h412/STRAND+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQz9zMVfNx2f1NUlxFfkjTz9qXe7TI9K3geyiA4FDHYUfbnJzGIOzI6nKI7j_Bw-oc_QADhyphenhypheni5raB7vvjrv9cF43OR79KrVfvwYx0mcw_00RO3o0R-Dxz4Of8gFi_U3CkKW2PQrpoF_pT/s1668/STRAND+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1668" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQz9zMVfNx2f1NUlxFfkjTz9qXe7TI9K3geyiA4FDHYUfbnJzGIOzI6nKI7j_Bw-oc_QADhyphenhypheni5raB7vvjrv9cF43OR79KrVfvwYx0mcw_00RO3o0R-Dxz4Of8gFi_U3CkKW2PQrpoF_pT/w640-h392/STRAND+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHkKKOr2HnqXWKiz4vWivEKAiZiXYWpfUz2TVl5x9eNmovlxB83DZkQF-Afza5TwgOob2z0nRxWUuWWvjYw-GrV6ABSr8d46c9Owzap3Yweo3xJCqHxqS5oPPdjRR1Bb_wmlJQHLgesah/s1070/Lovers+Walk+Ballyshannon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHkKKOr2HnqXWKiz4vWivEKAiZiXYWpfUz2TVl5x9eNmovlxB83DZkQF-Afza5TwgOob2z0nRxWUuWWvjYw-GrV6ABSr8d46c9Owzap3Yweo3xJCqHxqS5oPPdjRR1Bb_wmlJQHLgesah/w382-h640/Lovers+Walk+Ballyshannon.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOYHAThRpk1RvregLG0qhA_8eb6H6Vmpf-syOcIhn614lI3l0ixW4GlSSLVVGq181pEvhhENRrwssUSDhLAWOkiXK5LqeATeiZYrg-k8X1UMpfMhuBOha_YkmuRqwB-WEjANU6Y-REkfv/s1656/MAIN+STREET+003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1656" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOYHAThRpk1RvregLG0qhA_8eb6H6Vmpf-syOcIhn614lI3l0ixW4GlSSLVVGq181pEvhhENRrwssUSDhLAWOkiXK5LqeATeiZYrg-k8X1UMpfMhuBOha_YkmuRqwB-WEjANU6Y-REkfv/w640-h404/MAIN+STREET+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Spot the differences in the 2 photos of the Fairy Bridges below.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupZ_s4lk9TTJqXkmr1iTFQqYE02DnsFGAF86Z0PVTLXCFAGFMErFfuY5NZvloxEhnpx9onNJUY8_QLvXyBnQ6AQttMpmEMZmg13PLHN6_JJdS5P3drjaZC-mJDFkmVZHceruc3YLUwUXI/s1692/FAIRY+BRIDGES+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1692" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupZ_s4lk9TTJqXkmr1iTFQqYE02DnsFGAF86Z0PVTLXCFAGFMErFfuY5NZvloxEhnpx9onNJUY8_QLvXyBnQ6AQttMpmEMZmg13PLHN6_JJdS5P3drjaZC-mJDFkmVZHceruc3YLUwUXI/w640-h414/FAIRY+BRIDGES+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvned8VnwIDZy8dPYsNigPBfWf1Y7FwReStzM56PByiFX1g3JFU0g1Bu6WGsPlOznlNt6d2_o0_BVCIVcixrhH6rdmGE4AXWoj-iccbn-hIpDJinUMCbT0QfH3mKc83oEjeAUeUzI8Xtnf/s1668/FAIRY+BRIDGES+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1668" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvned8VnwIDZy8dPYsNigPBfWf1Y7FwReStzM56PByiFX1g3JFU0g1Bu6WGsPlOznlNt6d2_o0_BVCIVcixrhH6rdmGE4AXWoj-iccbn-hIpDJinUMCbT0QfH3mKc83oEjeAUeUzI8Xtnf/w640-h406/FAIRY+BRIDGES+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-16293610053100831152021-02-13T02:29:00.000-08:002021-02-13T02:29:12.847-08:00On this Day. Ballyshannon Remembers and Names 19 Girls shipped to Sydney Australia <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTl6YjYHgXoNg9tmLT-f47dM0gSdL8q2d0-HdJGRMAjbDIXlsNn8sxVcKmg8L2HFgLinN4FrOhO5kMpXYVG13ixkfP9KTqWtBAjEfotH6FolZ75coWHYic_CuBPpXjy9vUq4TGFS3s4ey/s1974/Australian+ambassador+visit+to+Orphan+Girls+memorial.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1974" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTl6YjYHgXoNg9tmLT-f47dM0gSdL8q2d0-HdJGRMAjbDIXlsNn8sxVcKmg8L2HFgLinN4FrOhO5kMpXYVG13ixkfP9KTqWtBAjEfotH6FolZ75coWHYic_CuBPpXjy9vUq4TGFS3s4ey/w640-h427/Australian+ambassador+visit+to+Orphan+Girls+memorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Robert Owen- Jones of the Australian Embassy laying a wreath, on behalf of the Australian <br /> people, at the Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon along with local historian Anthony Begley. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On this Day 13th Februar</b>y we remember and name 19 Orphan Girls aged 14-18 from <b>Ballyshannon, Belleek Mulleek and Kinlough areas</b> who were shipped to Australia. In these challenging times it is worth remembering these girls who faced enormous difficulties, but survived and contributed to Australian society. Can you help to find any relations in the areas above? The Australian Embassy in Dublin visited Ballyshannon to lay a wreath and thank the local community for remembering the girls . They are remembered at the Famine Orphan Girls Memorial, the only one of its kind in Ireland, beside the Workhouse in Ballyshannon. They landed in Sydney on this day 13th February.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Why were 19 girls shipped from Ballyshannon to Australia at the height of the Great Famine?</b> A government scheme called the Earl Grey Scheme shipped 4,000 girls from Irish Workhouses to Australia to make up for a shortfall in Australia of female workers for domestic work and ultimately for marriage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 19 orphan girls had left Ballyshannon in November 1848 and made their way under supervision to Plymouth in England. There they joined up with some orphan girls from other Irish workhouses and made the long journey to Sydney in Australia on board a ship called “The Inchinnan.”
The orphan girls landed in Sydney Harbour on 13th February 1849 after a journey of 106 days. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-AVwPRvDPSERed9Hh4GeGyFxnk4fD2BITRqiZHzjw5G36BdlxwaX4bi5J0tIuRNkz4iLqV1XumeZhXzD5G3wcbkz4O0ctvoMszb6tByCI17MwAvDGpHfrojMB6U1b1e_AltBEA1wJ847/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="296" data-original-width="462" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-AVwPRvDPSERed9Hh4GeGyFxnk4fD2BITRqiZHzjw5G36BdlxwaX4bi5J0tIuRNkz4iLqV1XumeZhXzD5G3wcbkz4O0ctvoMszb6tByCI17MwAvDGpHfrojMB6U1b1e_AltBEA1wJ847/w640-h410/image.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 Orphan girls from Ballyshannon landed in Sydney on 13th February and were placed in Hyde Park Barracks above.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Orphans from Ballyshannon workhouse, along with many of the others, were housed at the Female Immigrant Depot at Hyde Park Barracks at the top of Macquarie Street. The building had previously been a barracks for convicts and had been re-designated as an immigration depot. An orphan committee made up of various sections of the community in Sydney, were now responsible for the welfare of the girls, and they acted as a job placement agency where employers could come and hire out the Ballyshannon girls. The girls would not have known anyone in Australia and were at the mercy of those who employed them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Conditions of employment were set by the orphan committee with <b>rates of pay defined by age, and in all cases, they were lower than the prevailing rate in Australia for female servants</b>. This proved an added incentive to employers who had to be cleared by the orphan committee as being suitable employers for the girls. The committee could also give or withhold permission for an orphan to get married. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Who were these girls and where were they from? Can you help?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 19 girls were from The Ballyshannon area, Belleek and Mulleek areas in Fermanagh and Kinlough in Leitrim and were all inmates in Ballyshannon Workhouse. The girls from Ballyshannon below could be from any of the districts around the town.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary Allingham Belleek</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jane Carberry Ballyshannon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jane Carleton Fermanagh</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ellen Feely Ballyshannon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sally Lennon Belleek or Mulleek</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Margaret and Ann McBride sisters born in Ballyshannon and Belleek</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Letitia and Mary McCrea sisters born in Ballyshannon and Fermanagh</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary Ann and Sarah McDermott sisters Belleek and Ballyshannon </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jane McGowan Kinlough</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary McGowan Kinlough</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary McGuire Mulleek Fermanagh</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ann Muldoon Mulleek fermanagh</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rose Reel U.S.A.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ann Rooney Ballyshannon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Biddy Smith Ballyshannon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Margaret Sweeney Ballyshannon</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Can you help? These girls would still have relatives in the areas listed above. Can you trace any connection? </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There have been lots of connections with relatives in Australia but so far none in the areas above. Further blogs will tell how the girls got on in Australia thanks to contacts with their descendants there.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONFp80GK9XjHi5hxSGCJbQQY7ZsbmTx1ttxq4dHQsiXqxrTDt-8TO3iAfkuxQ-CT8p40-xTaACf8nGw_hGOJFlYjuCky4EskHtiXVtWXXIqS9Ddzy0x6EPB-gnBqq2lLUKWLgwoC_jHJa/s1102/Famine+Memorial+20+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1102" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONFp80GK9XjHi5hxSGCJbQQY7ZsbmTx1ttxq4dHQsiXqxrTDt-8TO3iAfkuxQ-CT8p40-xTaACf8nGw_hGOJFlYjuCky4EskHtiXVtWXXIqS9Ddzy0x6EPB-gnBqq2lLUKWLgwoC_jHJa/w640-h382/Famine+Memorial+20+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon - the only one of its kind in Ireland </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><br style="text-align: center;" /><b><br /></b></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-58086393621427339642020-12-12T01:48:00.000-08:002020-12-12T01:48:19.444-08:00Ballyshannon's Greatest Pioneer and the First Motor Car in Town<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UzmK8eJzEsF6CtcY3KoUtZcFtMDRK4N9hXtzVPYlKNun7FQ5WZp2rrn36AyJbFsXJ4ilhPHuITXrBq5_pZim6AesYV7UmpIi94lDBfo_xcNNxFSv1F9bsZp13x1RCmI_rE139l3XmQ6G/s800/de+dion+1905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="800" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UzmK8eJzEsF6CtcY3KoUtZcFtMDRK4N9hXtzVPYlKNun7FQ5WZp2rrn36AyJbFsXJ4ilhPHuITXrBq5_pZim6AesYV7UmpIi94lDBfo_xcNNxFSv1F9bsZp13x1RCmI_rE139l3XmQ6G/w640-h462/de+dion+1905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first car registered in Ballyshannon in 1905 was a De Dion 6 h.p. car like this one </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first man to register a car in Ballyshannon was probably the greatest pioneer that Ballyshannon has produced and you can read in today's blog about his many achievements and his wonderful cars. The number plate of his 1905 car was IH 19. In 1922 and 1923 he registered two other cars with the same number plate which must have been a real talking point in Ballyshannon a hundred years ago. Check out stylish photographs of his 3 early cars, his pioneering story and a beautiful view of his home in Ballyshannon which is still occupied today.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s320/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Local book for Christmas 2020 See details at <br />the end of this blog<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The first car registered in 1905 in Ballyshannon was by James Sproule Myles West Port Ballyshannon. This was a 6 h.p. De Dion motor car painted white and with the wheels painted red similar to the one pictured above. This certainly cut quite a dash in Ballyshannon over 100 years ago. Major Myles as he became is probably Ballyshannon's greatest pioneer</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>Major James Sproule Myles is remembered as he introduced electricity to Ballyshannon and Bundoran from 1908. and he worked at erecting the poles. </li><li>His military title dated to the First World War when he was awarded a bravery medal at the Battle of the Somme. </li><li>He was elected an independent T.D. in Dail Éireann from 1922-1943. </li><li> He also served on the Town Commissioners, Fishery Board and was on Donegal County Council for over 30 years.</li><li> Sproule Myles played international rugby for Ireland and was a member of the first Irish team to play in Canada in 1899. </li><li> He was also a swimming champion in the North-West region.</li><li> J.S. Myles played an active role in the retention of the Rock Hospital and in the establishment of the first Technical School in County Donegal in Ballyshannon in 1914.</li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf_H84oiK86hLuI9HSC8c9Vv9AYmGBJbgLiy8cZvPhwxrB7wZTh3ab8bsQR23sI-XNeP1LrtQORKa1gxBeGDm-r2SvoPiIc7CGuGOPYmiLwlzYSkatdgu87fF_YiJp5yzfuDXyO42gnI_/s2048/major+Myles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="2048" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf_H84oiK86hLuI9HSC8c9Vv9AYmGBJbgLiy8cZvPhwxrB7wZTh3ab8bsQR23sI-XNeP1LrtQORKa1gxBeGDm-r2SvoPiIc7CGuGOPYmiLwlzYSkatdgu87fF_YiJp5yzfuDXyO42gnI_/w640-h560/major+Myles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpzaQuSdyhNQ-bx4NVuBuy8Mq0ozmb8EdjfH4uXF37JYLXRUAX1O7zzwLthx6RLFPxlzRI4nZiXpqyirWuh2FxCrksljBRTy6ZfgX26FczNa3Hk6c3W8zbbP2VA11P1SVEsWStnT5yO1j/w640-h494/overland+touring+car+1922.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 17.4 Overland 4 seater Touring Car like this was registered by Major Myles in October 1922. He kept the same number plate as before IH 19.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Major Myles was in every way a community leader and when Donegal County Council introduced the first steam roller into Ballyshannon it was Major Myles who taught the men how to drive it.</li><li>He also played a major role in establishing the first fire brigade in Ballyshannon during the Emergency 1939-1945. </li><li>He was also active with the Red Cross and the ambulance. </li><li>His family had their own ships importing coal, timber etc. into Ballyshannon and he was an expert pilot in guiding the ships safely into the Mall Quay. </li></ul></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlwRIGAsiHGwGD4HfuwhPTBlpU1XQG8Ezl_x7n3H-z3hKTeg2YVESaiKaeEANW_rvM25S_ifA5Z2HJAXcegjSajuRoYN0-tb6KVpyMtZWgNwGG-PCnn8-7vBfhL5Sjhgy3SoWA7M2fhzM/s1599/crossley+blue+1923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1599" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlwRIGAsiHGwGD4HfuwhPTBlpU1XQG8Ezl_x7n3H-z3hKTeg2YVESaiKaeEANW_rvM25S_ifA5Z2HJAXcegjSajuRoYN0-tb6KVpyMtZWgNwGG-PCnn8-7vBfhL5Sjhgy3SoWA7M2fhzM/w640-h314/crossley+blue+1923.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In May 1923 Major Myles registered a Crossley Blue motor car like the one in the image.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Major Myles died on 13th February 1956 and is buried at St. Anne's in Ballyshannon. (See "Ballyshannon Genealogy and History" book for all inscriptions on gravestones in this cemetery. All inscriptions for St. Joseph's and Abbey Assaroe are also in the book).</span> </p></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><p style="text-align: left;">The shell of the Myles commercial buildings can be seen at Milltown on the Bundoran road and can also be viewed from the Mall Quay today. This property was sold 50 years ago by John Myles the last of the family in business in the town. Major Myles' home called "Inis Saimer" overlooks the island of the same name and is the family home of Aiden and Sharon McGuinness today.</p></div></div></blockquote><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-eocIFyvPUl_eMxfjXmQJzwO_yOl1cwP5HHh5wgUiXrA4ZT9A7JIpHvGK3_8oC3AJDNQFN1yt0Ww1tO4YcplhhHMYDkMyukCKcS52cT3Dqu0rgHAIBRlMAVRexq-DQjqQBi8G3NxLJhf/s2048/IMG_0901.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-eocIFyvPUl_eMxfjXmQJzwO_yOl1cwP5HHh5wgUiXrA4ZT9A7JIpHvGK3_8oC3AJDNQFN1yt0Ww1tO4YcplhhHMYDkMyukCKcS52cT3Dqu0rgHAIBRlMAVRexq-DQjqQBi8G3NxLJhf/w640-h478/IMG_0901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inis Saimer island (left) and "Inis Saimer" house, former home of Major Myles, in the centre of photo overlooking the island. Photograph taken from the Mall Park in the Autumn of 2020.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI82K4yajnrGLYf4dU_zmOimXJKlATvpbQdvae-5o5ZlLycjviASDnBbDnH4GAgiaSyjwMWc-9W67cPcyKr7JVPI1kRi4Kqv2igryH4V-NejbhCz25FimPtHjYlO3BJE5dBUxzmkmc8L5/s846/christmas+2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI82K4yajnrGLYf4dU_zmOimXJKlATvpbQdvae-5o5ZlLycjviASDnBbDnH4GAgiaSyjwMWc-9W67cPcyKr7JVPI1kRi4Kqv2igryH4V-NejbhCz25FimPtHjYlO3BJE5dBUxzmkmc8L5/w355-h400/christmas+2020.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon at Christmas 2020 courtesy of Ballyshannon Business Chamber</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>For more on Major Myles' life check out "Ballyshannon Genealogy and History" below. </b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><b>Ideal Local gift for Christmas home and away. Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </b></span><b style="text-align: center;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-16909048570531097592020-12-05T01:59:00.001-08:002020-12-05T01:59:50.452-08:00 The Life and Times of a Civilian Shot in Ballyshannon during The War of Independence on this Day<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6CHXBLvqFhLoXAN8v9SgKUzIAK9WEkkT1y4q8cv01lSHEt7OZOVo2lw4rF8TPT8Sto7uYFct8XFOmmiZwips4Od5AKbsMCbR6_ULqy626GDI1e86UzCKt_e8Wlhkl45VbROureKfLxxN/s1692/A.B.+009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1692" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6CHXBLvqFhLoXAN8v9SgKUzIAK9WEkkT1y4q8cv01lSHEt7OZOVo2lw4rF8TPT8Sto7uYFct8XFOmmiZwips4Od5AKbsMCbR6_ULqy626GDI1e86UzCKt_e8Wlhkl45VbROureKfLxxN/w640-h390/A.B.+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;">The scene of the shooting of Tommy Rooney at East Port Ballyshannon on December 5th 1920. The badly wounded man reached the Kane home, down the street, on the left of where the cyclist is, where he died from his wounds. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>On this day 5th December 2020 remembering the life and times of Tommy Rooney the first civilian shot in Ballyshannon during the War of Independence 100 years ago today. The article, with new research, which I have written in this blog below was also printed in The Donegal Democrat on Thursday 3rd December 2020 where it gave great coverage to Tommy Rooney, one of its former employees. If you know anyone who is interested and is not on the internet they can pick up a copy of the paper. </b></span><b style="text-align: center;">More material on this and The War of Independence can be found in the book Ballyshannon Genealogy and History a local book for Christmas.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local book for Christmas for those at home or away.<br />See details at end of blog.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One hundred years ago on the 5th December 1920, Thomas (Tommy) Rooney, a compositor with “The Donegal Democrat,” was shot by a British soldier at East Port Ballyshannon. Tommy was born in Govan, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 31st May 1896, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Eliza, Lizzie) Rooney who had married in Ballyshannon in 1893. By 1899 the family were back living at West Rock in Ballyshannon and they had 5 sons, Patrick, Thomas, James, Michael, John and one daughter, Mary Josephine, who died in her early childhood. Tommy’s 4 brothers were all born in Ballyshannon. After Tommy Rooney left school he worked as a compositor with “The Donegal Independent” a Ballyshannon newspaper which pre-dated “The Donegal Democrat.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He enlisted in the 5th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, as private 22432 on 15th April 1918 but he did not have active service in World War One due to ill-health. He was discharged from the army on 9th August 1919 and was awarded the Silver War Badge which was granted to army personnel who had been honourably discharged due to sickness or wounds. His commanding officer wrote of him; “A very good man who answered his Country’s call, is discharged in consequence of ill health”. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On his return to Ballyshannon Tommy found employment as a compositor in “The Donegal Democrat” which began publication on 16th June 1919. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ballyshannon for the most part had been relatively quiet in the War of Independence with attacks on the Customs Office, the RIC Barracks and a curfew at the Harvest Fair in 1920. Tensions in the community were increased by British military from Finner Camp raiding numerous family homes in the town, where nothing incriminating was found. On Friday 3rd December three men from the East Port area of the town were arrested and were interned in Ballykinlair Camp in County Down, with men from different parts of the country, including men lifted after Bloody Sunday in Dublin a few weeks previously. Those arrested and interned without trial were Seamus Ward of The Bridge End Bar (now McGraths), a County Councillor, and a member of Ballyshannon Town Commissioners, John Kane also a Town Commissioner and F.H. Morgan, a prominent business man in East Port. The following night Saturday 4th December there were a lot of men on the streets at East and West Port and the Bridge End but, according to the military, local people and the local newspapers there was no civil unrest.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlwvGCtBO7bEJ8rFA_0RhUNRhK3hd5IFq7cRfwbTmDQYsZXuzRf-67UDoBxWRIsod3gqegfTCp4CcS8fAKbfUJrO0k-y84vYYPE534k7koJDmLhrMw7iTIllBSicmsnK91FpN9fmZwy8o/s532/margaret+and+John++Kane.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlwvGCtBO7bEJ8rFA_0RhUNRhK3hd5IFq7cRfwbTmDQYsZXuzRf-67UDoBxWRIsod3gqegfTCp4CcS8fAKbfUJrO0k-y84vYYPE534k7koJDmLhrMw7iTIllBSicmsnK91FpN9fmZwy8o/s400/margaret+and+John++Kane.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Margaret Kane East Port who tended to the dying Tommy Rooney<br /> in her home. her husband John was one of 3 local men interned <br />in Ballykinlair internment camp. (Photo courtesy of Phyllis Kane)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><div><b>The Shooting of Tommy Rooney</b> <div><div style="text-align: justify;">Very early on Sunday 5th of December 1920 Tommy Rooney, who had no background in politics,was shot dead by a British military patrol in East Port. A Military Court of Inquiry was held very quickly the following day, Monday 6th December, in the Boardroom of the Ballyshannon Workhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The Court consisted of three military officers who had viewed the body in the Workhouse morgue beforehand. The family had no legal representation at the Inquiry. People who attended the tribunal included Tommy Rooney’s father, Dr. Gordon and evidence was given by Mrs. Margaret Kane, a local man who was at the scene, also a Lieutenant in charge of the military patrol, a police sergeant, the private army soldier who fired the fatal shot and another private soldier. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thomas Rooney (senior) of West Rock Ballyshannon had the sad duty of identifying his son’s body and later informed the inquiry that his son was twenty five years of age and had been a soldier in the Irish Rifles in World War 1. His record showed that he had served honourably and his discharge sheet showed that he was trustworthy and could be recommended to any employer. His son worked for Cecil Stephens and John Downey (founders) in printing works which were the premises of “The Donegal Democrat” in the centre of town. He informed the tribunal that his son had taken no part in any political disturbances in Ballyshannon and never was involved with any civil unrest. Dr. Gordon advised the tribunal that Tommy Rooney had been shot once and that death was most probably due to haemmoraging. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mrs. Kane said that she had been sitting by the fire in her home in East Port when she heard two shots ringing out. As she went to lock the front door, Tommy Rooney pushed it in. It was about 12.10-12.15 a.m. on Sunday 5th December. Deceased said, “Mrs. Kane, I’m shot. ” He fell in her hallway and asked her to get a priest. She wasn’t able to do this because of the dangerous situation on the street but she did get word by the back way to his aunt, Mrs. Fannon, who lived nearby. Tommy Rooney was in a weakened state and was not fit to tell her how the incident had happened. Like all other accounts she told the tribunal that the street had been quiet before she heard the shooting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A local man gave evidence that he saw Tommy Rooney on the street but that he was not speaking to him. He was challenged by a patrol and put his hands up. Tommy Rooney went in the direction of John Kane’s house. Witness said that he heard three shots ring out but that prior to the shooting the area had been quiet.
A Military Lieutenant told the Inquiry that he was on patrol with four soldiers in the East Port area, early on Sunday morning, and challenged and searched a group of 20 civilians who were coming from the direction of the bridge. He found no weapons and allowed them to proceed, however he stated that he saw two men in a doorway, one tall and one smaller men. He challenged them and the taller man at once put his hands up. He was in the process of searching the taller man when he heard a noise and saw the smaller man twisting away from the patrol. A soldier told the inquiry that he called on the man to halt, but when he did not stop, he opened fire but couldn’t indicate to the tribunal if he had hit him and could not identify the body. Another private soldier told the tribunal that he was part of the patrol and that a soldier raised his bayonet to challenge the smaller man but the man ran down East Port. He stated that the soldier fired a shot which hit the civilian who doubled up after the shot was fired. That was how he knew that he was hit but the civilian kept on running and disappeared into the darkness. Although Tommy Rooney had been accepted into the army, he was, surprisingly only over 5 foot and was the smaller man who was shot and who left a trail of blood on East Port down as far as Kane’s house. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A police sergeant gave evidence that he was in charge of a patrol from 12.00 to 3.00 a.m and that he heard a report of firearms about 12.15. About 12.45 he saw a number of civilians and there was more activity than normal considering the late hour. His police patrol met a lieutenant and a military patrol on the bridge at Ballyshannon. The military told him that that they had occasion to fire a shot or two in East Port. The police officer stated that he asked were there any casualties and he was informed that only a soldier had grazed his finger. He stated that that there were two shots fired within ten or 15 seconds of each other and that he heard a third shot about 3 a.m. The police officer had not heard that Tommy Rooney had been shot at this period. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tribunal concluded as follows:
“That court having carefully considered the evidence are of the opinion that the deceased, Tommy Rooney:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> a) Met his death from a bullet wound on December 5th 1920, in Ballyshannon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> b) That the bullet which caused the death of Thomas Rooney, junior, was fired by the military in the execution of their duty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> c) That no blame attaches to any person other than the deceased for his death”. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An early newspaper account gave a conflicting account of what had happened. “From the meagre details to hand, it is not clearly known how the tragedy occurred, but some people state that the deceased failed to answer the challenge of “Hands up” while others say there was no challenge issued. The remains were removed to the Workhouse Morgue on Sunday pending an inquiry. Deceased was not a Sinn Feiner and was not in any way identified with politics.”</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuPRZRR7TSYsQBjTTsMXlf5rlSlKr_RpzlbeyrbhYndfW27-zVZh2X6AUw9vH73UUC3_lzyPNtRqXIGClTFAC17dRV7pDTK5EgDrxn18Ex5AOUhTJbXq_a4_Au0Ql3SUU9cLoqmiyNfi1/s1578/scan0027.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuPRZRR7TSYsQBjTTsMXlf5rlSlKr_RpzlbeyrbhYndfW27-zVZh2X6AUw9vH73UUC3_lzyPNtRqXIGClTFAC17dRV7pDTK5EgDrxn18Ex5AOUhTJbXq_a4_Au0Ql3SUU9cLoqmiyNfi1/s400/scan0027.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The military court of inquiry into Tommy Rooney's death was held <br />upstairs in this workhouse building which still stands today.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The remains of Tommy Rooney were removed to St. Joseph’s Church on Monday evening 6th December and Requiem Mass was celebrated the following morning by Rev. J. Trainor. The funeral was attended by a large crowd of people and on Tuesday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. Fr. Trainor officiated at the graveside. Chief mourners were; Thomas Rooney (father), Paddy, James and John Rooney (brothers) and Richard Bromley (stepbrother). Funeral arrangements were by Edward Stephens, undertaker, and two wreaths were sent by the Comrades of the Great War in recognition of his army service. The list of mourners above included Richard Bromley whose father Herbert Bromley had died and whose mother Eliza subsequently married Thomas Rooney (senior).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A grandson of Richard Bromley is John Bromley who coincidentally had a long association with “The Donegal Democrat” and was editor of the paper from 1988-2002. John Rooney followed in the newspaper business and worked as a printer with “ The Irish Press” and successive generations of the Rooney family have worked in the printing business. The Rooney grave is in the graveyard adjoining St. Joseph’s Church where Tommy Rooney and members of the family from Ballyshannon and Bundoran are buried. Michael (Mickey) Rooney St. Brigid’s Terrace Bundoran, died on 28th January 2017 and is interred in this family grave.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The grave can be identified and located as grave number 201 in Ballyshannon Genealogy and History which lists all the inscriptions in this graveyard.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw7ppy4Xp8uLVzgySEh3B_-gDFgxNIzHGZXe-Xyl2P-aiqFSrY6CtUkyZIYBcxnHJbFUZy-cfJibjoi8QK-CpLUxLuOsOiOQNIYlmH7StVEKxGAXy3T9uV9XHMlTF7LBW8gFxjVBcPSLW/s421/Tommy+rooney+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="344" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw7ppy4Xp8uLVzgySEh3B_-gDFgxNIzHGZXe-Xyl2P-aiqFSrY6CtUkyZIYBcxnHJbFUZy-cfJibjoi8QK-CpLUxLuOsOiOQNIYlmH7StVEKxGAXy3T9uV9XHMlTF7LBW8gFxjVBcPSLW/w326-h400/Tommy+rooney+%25282%2529.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Concerns over the Inquiry</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Edward Kelly M.P. a native of Ballyshannon, expressed concern in the Westminster Parliament that in the case of military inquiries, a solicitor for the next of kin should be allowed to appear as at normal inquests. His appeal in parliament on 25th November 1920, before the shooting of Tommy Rooney, was turned down but it highlighted the anxiety felt by families, at the verdicts of military inquests where they had no representation. The impartiality of the military carrying out the investigation into the shooting of Tommy Rooney, which involved one of their own soldiers, was to say the least open to question. The speed with which the inquiry was concluded, a day after the shooting, while people were still coming to terms with the shock of what had happened, left little room for reflection at the time. Edward Kelly M.P. who felt that families should have legal representation at military inquiries, was the last Donegal elected member of parliament to sit in Westminster and represented East Donegal. He was born and grew up on the Mall in Ballyshannon, in the impressive house that is now a shell and is known locally as Condons as they were the last family to live there.
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTlIqHwFFjwCyPDLMz9j9Gi1OrGktrzDqtTUaKFKTV1xBjTfJovpZHQ_PmFWLAoLUofVGX9SSR0eLebEaAtVZbAdRKmiYkUNRI76EyrFdvjSMTNckDsGAnYEoqph_eohRzkmHPa03Ocei/s956/Edward+Kelly%2527s+home+on+the+Mall+Ballyshannon.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="956" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTlIqHwFFjwCyPDLMz9j9Gi1OrGktrzDqtTUaKFKTV1xBjTfJovpZHQ_PmFWLAoLUofVGX9SSR0eLebEaAtVZbAdRKmiYkUNRI76EyrFdvjSMTNckDsGAnYEoqph_eohRzkmHPa03Ocei/s400/Edward+Kelly%2527s+home+on+the+Mall+Ballyshannon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The former home of Edward Kelly M.P. last member of parliament <br />for Donegal to sit in Westminster.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">“The Donegal Democrat” for which Tommy Rooney worked, reported that Mrs. Margtaret Kane had made an Act of Contrition and that the dying Tommy Rooney had repeated the words after her. Mrs. Kane had a most difficult few days, as her husband John was one of the 3 men arrested, on Friday 3rd December, and sent to Ballykinlair internment camp and she also witnessed the death of Tommy Rooney in her home, early on Sunday 5th December. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">John Downey, editor of “The Donegal Democrat,” knew the deceased well as a work colleague and he recorded that Tommy Rooney was “as harmless as a baby and a born humourist. He saw a joke in everything and laughed and his laughter was infectious. The question was asked at the Military Tribunal was he concerned in politics? No he wasn’t. He treated politics as he did many other things as a huge joke.” John Downey’s opinions about Tommy Rooney’s character, was echoed by Ballyshannon’s other newspaper “The Donegal Vindicator” which was located in East Port, beside where Tommy Rooney was shot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This shooting was the subject of debate and speculation in the town and it is worth noting that none of the civilians present at the time of the shooting had weapons or were engaged in disturbances. With the passage of time this event faded in memory but as the centenary approaches on the 5th December 2020, it is fitting to remember what was the first tragic shooting of a civilian in the town of Ballyshannon during the War of Independence . Further local events in The War of Independence can be found in “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h461/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Ideal Local gift for Christmas home and away</span><b style="font-size: medium;">. </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>
</div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-29747460553560832052020-11-28T01:46:00.002-08:002020-11-28T01:52:48.483-08:00Christmas Shopping in Ballyshannon in Bygone Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb7D8kNGCTmdvJB60O6iJvr29UNhChyphenhyphen3_eHM-PkLaVJNr-XBERD0n5k7Tkn24lDXNTgDXtxZoJ8uSP-8w8a8fpq15_9VrMyCsRlH9T1d-z_4D_s2YBUV3VS92uV6BdGNJ78zz0LpxRasa/s2048/Cover+for+website.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb7D8kNGCTmdvJB60O6iJvr29UNhChyphenhyphen3_eHM-PkLaVJNr-XBERD0n5k7Tkn24lDXNTgDXtxZoJ8uSP-8w8a8fpq15_9VrMyCsRlH9T1d-z_4D_s2YBUV3VS92uV6BdGNJ78zz0LpxRasa/w640-h446/Cover+for+website.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">As we look forward to more businesses re-opening in Ballyshannon take a nostalgic trip through the town and its shops at Christmas in a bygone era. Have a look at what Ballyshannon shops had to offer over 100 years ago in a wonderful tour of the town by a journalist of the time. Also check out what Ballyshannon as a town had to offer. Then as now, best to shop local and support those who support us. Thanks to all the businesses, the Business Chamber and all who generously provide the community with a beautiful Christmas tree and street lighting which is appreciated by us all. Looking forward to the switching on of the lights on Monday 30th of November at 6 p.m.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">What was </b><b style="text-align: left;">Ballyshannon like 130 Years Ago?</b></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">The town had a <b>distinctive clock</b> on the newly built Belfast Bank which was built in 1878 at a cost of £4,000. This building later became the Royal Bank. In the 1960s the Royal Bank amalgamated with the Provincial Bank which was next door and the two banks merged into Allied Irish Bank. (A.I.B.) which still operates as a bank today. The building with the clock then became a jewellers. The clock was restored to its former glory in November 2019 thanks to the work of Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, the new owner of the premises Eamon McNulty and the local community.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a <b>Market House </b>close to O'Reilly's Fish Shop. Courts were conducted in the Market House and there was also a dispensary and social activities in the building. The Market House was tossed in living memory. This is an open recreation area today used for craft fairs and music events.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Workhouse</b> was still operating on the Rock beside the Church. The building still survives today but is in a dangerous condition. Sad. The Famine Orphan Girls memorial the only one of its type in Ireland, is open at all times to the public, beside the workhouse and just opposite the main entry to Fr. Tierney Park. It names and remembers 19 orphan girls shipped to Australia from Ballyshannon workhouse at the height of the Famine. The girls were from the areas around Ballyshannon including Kinlough, Belleek, Mulleek and the Ballyshannon area. Why not pay a visit to keep the memory alive?</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Great Northern Railway</b> was thriving on Station Road and there were two trains to Dublin daily. The railway arrived in Ballyshannon 150 years ago in 1867. One hundred and fifty years ago the Sisters of Mercy also arrived in Ballyshannon and are still here today. The G.N.R. railway closed in Ballyshannon 62 years ago in 1957. Two years later in December 1959 the County Donegal Railway in Ballyshannon closed. A great railway town.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></li><li><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t5z0kOeSmtImgBblGrOHI3S37Zctum7dik6alGNBFAFuujsn53O3q_MH881hjnZCuDMee5yA8rbnTSunXUk0Sljl_BTyiapje6IFI4CsQENddNk9B0kNjje9rcKKmxcBhK4CYg7uo2sG/s2048/A.B.+060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t5z0kOeSmtImgBblGrOHI3S37Zctum7dik6alGNBFAFuujsn53O3q_MH881hjnZCuDMee5yA8rbnTSunXUk0Sljl_BTyiapje6IFI4CsQENddNk9B0kNjje9rcKKmxcBhK4CYg7uo2sG/w640-h408/A.B.+060.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GNR station in Ballyshannon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;">There were <b>6 churches</b> open in town- 2 Catholic, 1 Protestant, 1 Presbyterian and 2 Methodist. The second Methodist Church was at the top of the Main Street. Today there are three churches in town. </div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">The town had <b>another iconic clock</b> thanks to the St. Anne's community and the peal of the bells is part of Ballyshannon's heritage. Still has been a regular, welcome and much appreciated sound in 2020. The church which is lit up at night is a welcome beacon for people coming home or passing through town. St. Patrick's Church and St. Joseph's Church also have welcoming bells. which all form part of the town's heritage.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;">There were <b>2 Markets</b> every week in the Market Yard on Thursdays and Saturdays where farmers could sell their produce. The car boot sale takes place in the general area today.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fairs</b> were held on the second day of each month. The Harvest Fair was held on the 16th September and was the biggest social gathering of the year. The cattle, horse and pig fairs were held in and around the Fair Green which today is Allingham Park. Cattle are now sold in the Mart on Station road.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Donegal Independent on the Mall and The Donegal Vindicator on the Port</b> were two newspapers carrying on the tradition of the oldest newspaper town in County Donegal begun in 1831. <b>The Donegal Democrat</b> (still in existence) was <b> </b>founded in Ballyshannon in 1919 and was the last paper to be printed in Ballyshannon. </div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a <b>Coastguard Station, a Brewery and an Excise Office</b> which all harked back to the days of shipping from the Mall Quay in the town. In modern times a micro-brewery has been opened at Dicey Reillys and who can say what other revivals there will be? The Coastguard houses are still visible at West Rock as are warehouse at Mulligans on the Mall and the Distillery buildings visible from the new footbridge.</div></li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="text-align: center;">Like most towns in Ireland, craft trades have disappeared since 1889 including; tanners, boot and shoemakers, weigh-masters in the Market Yard, saddlers, cart makers, hide and butter merchants and Rogan's world famous fly-tying . <b>In modern times</b> g<b>ood to see a number of craft shops and other new business premises opening in the town.</b></div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUAOakiuP14UH7d53WyLHROOwSoe3V-VhV6dX2OxhakzEv8IdZt6FbY7oDlyi8VGJIHGc9aTgMjIXBVGAKUg02SFgSKBLXwW4i0_O42eB8tnIOu-jkDOuU-Xxancga_qmaxniPJfKziLP/s1600/ship37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="840" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUAOakiuP14UH7d53WyLHROOwSoe3V-VhV6dX2OxhakzEv8IdZt6FbY7oDlyi8VGJIHGc9aTgMjIXBVGAKUg02SFgSKBLXwW4i0_O42eB8tnIOu-jkDOuU-Xxancga_qmaxniPJfKziLP/w400-h256/ship37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Christmas in 1889 saw lots of optimism with many business premises and private residences decorated for the festive season. As you journey through the streets of Ballyshannon in 1889 you can’t help but notice the large number of shops in the main thoroughfares. There were a lot more shops in 1889 than in 2020 but some shops were smaller, in some cases a front room in a house. For a more complete list of business premises check out The Ulster Directory of 1880 contained in “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” noted at the end of this blog.</span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shopping in the Port</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In 1889 the Port area in Ballyshannon was a thriving hub of business but alas the street surface left a lot to be desired. The post office and the Vindicator newspaper were on East Port and a host of local business premises were decorated for Christmas. A local correspondent for <i>“The Donegal Vindicator”</i> has left an excellent account of Christmas shopping in the busy town of Ballyshannon in 1889, although space prohibited the reporter listing all businesses:</span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The two Ports, East and West, though somewhat narrow, did their best to enliven the dullness caused by the thick layer of mud always there. At the extreme West Mr. P. Kelly’s premises were tastefully decorated with the orthodox evergreen, Mr. Peter Campbell’s leather warehouse being also tastefully done up. Mr. J. Gillespie’s grocery establishment was also prettily adorned with evergreen. At the Bridge end Mr. James Moohan had his extensive premises fancifully festooned, the decorations from lack of window space being principally inside the shop. Down the East Port Mr. Rapmund has expended great taste in ornamentation, as had also Mrs. Breslin, even the Post Office contriving to throw some brightness on its stern official aspect. Mr. J. Ward’s two establishments were nicely done up, and across the way Mrs. Cunion’s drapery establishment was a glow of everygreen and holly. Next door the “Vindicator” looked dull, gloomy and forbidding, as befits a Nationalist newspaper office in these days of prison dungeons and removeable law. Right over the way, however, Mr. William Maguire’s premises made up for the dark spot by a glow of light and colour, set off with holly and evergreens.Mr. James Brown’s shop was very prettily decorated wiith the usual green. The other shops along the Bridge were all decorated more or less and some of them looked really charming. </span></i></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It becomes evident as you follow the reporter through the main thoroughfares of Ballyshannon, how few of the families who ran businesses in 1889 are still in business today. This indicates, as much as anything does, the massive changes which have taken place in the past 130 years. Can you spot any surviving family business listed in 2020?</span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Far Side</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">One of the great mysteries of life in Ballyshannon is, that no matter what side of the river Erne you were living on, you were said by the locals to be from ‘the far side.’ So crossing the bridge we come to the barracks on ‘the far side’ and the shops on the Main Street. The first building on your left is still called the old barracks, although it had not been used by the military since way before the Great Famine of the 1840s. There was another barracks directly opposite where the C.I.E. and Tourist offices are today but it was in ruins when William Allingham was a boy in the 1830s.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNZKkz-V9dOi46Xz68GkurlKLMrh02K788jn2kt4WftnfVfP2rHec3DSngAuPd0-5fUzg3iyijjvI25l5AzovVcqlt5mAhifVPw-TOb1hyhDbZ6rnJBwKlytatc1Ms2kveA2EzGbShtXt/s1600/Troops+on+the+bridge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNZKkz-V9dOi46Xz68GkurlKLMrh02K788jn2kt4WftnfVfP2rHec3DSngAuPd0-5fUzg3iyijjvI25l5AzovVcqlt5mAhifVPw-TOb1hyhDbZ6rnJBwKlytatc1Ms2kveA2EzGbShtXt/s400/Troops+on+the+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So that you can get your bearings in 2020 the old barracks is occupied by Diarmaid Keon (DKP) auctioneers, a computer shop and Mr. G's today. The premises of Robert Sweeney listed below were located where the Bank of Ireland is today. P.B. Stephens' ‘emporium’ is where Mary McGuinness has the town’s excellent bookshop called ‘A Novel Idea’. Read on to see the businesses up the town. </span><br /><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br /><div class="MsoBodyText" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">The newspaper correspondent having crossed the 14 -arch bridge resumed his descriptions of shops commencing at the bottom of the Main Street. The old barracks on the left of the photograph (with 4 windows visible on the side) is the oldest building in Ballyshannon, built in 1700. It is also home to the two most </span><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">famous ghost stories in the area. The ghostly Green Lady and the Goblin Child also known as 'the radiant child' both had connections to this barracks. The full story of the Green Lady is contained in "Ballyshannon Genealogy and History".</span></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Ideal local history book for Christmas home or away.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Check details at the end of the blog</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">From the Barracks to the Butchers</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Crossing the Erne swollen by recent rains, the first place to catch the eye is Mr. John Cassidy’s licensed premises, and here quite an unusual array of floral decorations were to be seen and next door Mr. Potter had made a pretty show. The premises of Mr. M. Flanagan command attention. They make some thing like a pantomimic transformation scene, and especially after nightfall proved very attractive. Some of the choicest goods in the haberdashery line are here displayed amid a judicious arrangement of evergreens and large featherly plumes of foreign grasses. When lighted up at night the effect is very pleasing and attractive. The interior is also redolent of the festive season. The premises of Mr. Michael Cassidy, butcher, were also adorned in a most artistic manner. In the “barrack” decorations were necessarily confined to the interior, and Mr. Patterson, the courteous manager, must be complimented on the dazzling appearance presented on entering. Mr. John Stephens’ establishment was also handsomely ‘got up’ with evergreens and holly, not to speak of the tempting array of Christmas goods set off to such advantage.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/s2048/A.B.+066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/w640-h408/A.B.+066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Up the Main Street</b></div></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Robert Sweeney’s large premises were decorated in every corner, and the windows displayed great taste in arrangement and style. Every Christmas novelty in the drapery line was procurable here. Mr. McClelland also had his place very beautifully decorated. Only a passing notice can be given to the premises up this fashionable thoroughfare. Mr. Renison’s premises sported a profusion of holly and evergreens, and Mr. Lipsett’s recent battles did not prevent him from flourishing the season’s emblems. Mrs. Mulhern’s premises were tastefully arranged. Returning down the opposite side the nice arrangement of Messrs. Forde companies premises was noted. Mr. John Daly had an abundant show of evergreen interspersed with his Christmas stock of fancy drapery goods, nor was the boot and shoe department neglected. Mr. Hegarty’s jewellery establishment also bore witness to the festive season in the shape of holly and evergreen.</span></i><br /><i><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbKXP_VXeD5xbndLtrILbnI4Trzi0f_nNadq2i7CfXGKvi4H2cyD0QozTCIbnM5qI9HdkctOX9ANWn0wAsLxAtMT7_Eb9aCoKyRXkHfjje4FtBwEf68oFyq5i5-44LrfE6SjL2BM85Ncm/s1600/More+Town.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbKXP_VXeD5xbndLtrILbnI4Trzi0f_nNadq2i7CfXGKvi4H2cyD0QozTCIbnM5qI9HdkctOX9ANWn0wAsLxAtMT7_Eb9aCoKyRXkHfjje4FtBwEf68oFyq5i5-44LrfE6SjL2BM85Ncm/s640/More+Town.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><i><span lang="GA" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Castle Street/The Mall and West Port</b></span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span lang="GA">Crossing over, Mr. P.B. Stephens’ fancy emporium is reached, and a truly dazzling sight meets the gaze. The variety here ranges from the tiny toy to the choicest article in usefulness. Noticeable amongst them being the rarest specimens of parian ware from the world renowned Belleek Pottery. Farther up, the premises of Mr. Edward Stephens are choicely decorated. Floral ornamentations are also seen in the shops of Mr. McNulty, Mr. Mulrine, Mr. C. Campbell, Mr. J. Kelly and Mrs. Gallagher. It would be impossible to chronicle and comment upon all. Down the Mall the attractive premises of Mr. Trimble are tastefully and elaborately decorated with moustached monkeys, mirth provoking clowns and other appropriate emblems, suitable for the establishment. Though somewhat out of the beaten track the premises of Mr. Myles must not be forgotten. The decorations were on a fine scale and thoroughly artistic, obtaining no aid, however, from the nature of his goods, ironmongery and such like, being perhaps the most difficult of all to show off with any effect.</span></i></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">Mr. Lipsett’s ‘recent battles’ above refers to a disagreement which he had over the Inspector Martin plaque which can be seen today in St. Anne’s Church. Inspector Martin was killed in Gweedore in 1889 and is buried beside the entrance porch to St. Anne's Church. Trimble’s on the Mall, named above, were a newspaper family who still print “The Impartial Reporter” in Enniskillen. Ballyshannon had 2 newspaper at the time with McAdam’s </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Donegal Vindicator</i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"> on the Port and Trimble’s </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Donegal Independent</i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"> its rival on the Mall. In 1889 local poet William Allingham died in England and his remains were brought back to his native Ballyshannon in 1889 where he is buried beside St. Anne's Church.</span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">In 1889 few people were seen to be under the influence of alcohol during the festive season and there were no disturbances of any kind.</span><span lang="GA" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span lang="GA" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Business premises in the town closed for Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">unlike in modern times where the holiday is generally much longer . </span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn_5X0jeV9M9Z3CA_-446L2q99nvqiElQkmEoOmGYIhAylFhkLKqLmFzD6scherYpJGHG4jUAzG6q_jM7r_J3YxZk9HdVhvU-rDeUkux3U-tZKu3XD464bXHr0XWKokCHbx-a5w_sqDrd/s960/Christmas+lights+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn_5X0jeV9M9Z3CA_-446L2q99nvqiElQkmEoOmGYIhAylFhkLKqLmFzD6scherYpJGHG4jUAzG6q_jM7r_J3YxZk9HdVhvU-rDeUkux3U-tZKu3XD464bXHr0XWKokCHbx-a5w_sqDrd/w352-h640/Christmas+lights+5.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Ideal Local gift for Christmas home and away</span><b style="font-size: medium;">. </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><u><span style="color: #000120; font-size: small;"></span></u><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/s1600/A.B.+066.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br /></p></span></span></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-65155635585242154562020-11-21T01:30:00.000-08:002020-11-21T01:30:10.124-08:00Christmas in Ballyshannon at the time of the Spanish Flu<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUAOakiuP14UH7d53WyLHROOwSoe3V-VhV6dX2OxhakzEv8IdZt6FbY7oDlyi8VGJIHGc9aTgMjIXBVGAKUg02SFgSKBLXwW4i0_O42eB8tnIOu-jkDOuU-Xxancga_qmaxniPJfKziLP/s840/ship37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="840" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUAOakiuP14UH7d53WyLHROOwSoe3V-VhV6dX2OxhakzEv8IdZt6FbY7oDlyi8VGJIHGc9aTgMjIXBVGAKUg02SFgSKBLXwW4i0_O42eB8tnIOu-jkDOuU-Xxancga_qmaxniPJfKziLP/w640-h413/ship37.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Christmas time in Ballyshannon 100 years ago and the Spanish Flu. Advice on social distancing is not new and has a long history in Ballyshannon and surrounding areas. </span></div><p></p><p><b style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Spanish Flu and "The Angel of Death"</b></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">In the Ballyshannon area there were many topics of conversation and concern one hundred years ago. World War One ended in November 1918 but also in November, a local newspaper “The Donegal Vindicator” was reporting on The Spanish Flu which worldwide, and in the Ballyshannon area, caused more deaths than the war:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">“That dread scourge influenza has been working havoc in Ballyshannon. It came in a mild form at first, and when people has just began to think it had abated, during the past week its ravages became more intense, and the Angel of Death has gathered into its fold three of the inhabitants of the place.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">Three other natives of the district also died from influenza in the same week.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Social Distancing has a long history in Ballyshannon</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">As far back as the cholera epidemic which hit Ireland in 1832 there was local advice by the doctors in Ballyshannon not to congregate at wakes. The disease thrived in confined spaces and while many people followed the advice, others didn't, cholera spread and over 100 people died in the Ballyshannon area alone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"> In 1918 speculation, as to how the Spanish Flu spread worldwide centred on returning soldiers from World War One and in the Ballyshannon area, as Christmas approached, there were a lot of men returning from the Western Front. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">The Spanish Flu spread where ever there were large gatherings of people in confined spaces. Wakes were considered to be a source of spreading the disease and the 1918 General Election held in December 1918 with larger gatherings and movements of people, also assisted the spread. Even though election rallies were held in the open air people packed into areas like The Diamond in front of The Medical Hall, in the photograph below, and congregated for long periods which helped to spread the flu.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/s1600/A.B.+066.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/s640/A.B.+066.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nsiFSJDRI7Hg8Cvlg17OyT36btdDZRqqHntCSsgB2PvNC6KhTy8lpTOARNHWb87nbqnAx2BGsvateKjWfbcNYOs_m4JpdUHO9-P0trmYcWrmt3193Q9og_hyVq-iT0M9Yz4MEiwSGYz/s2048/Anthony+Begley+A3+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nsiFSJDRI7Hg8Cvlg17OyT36btdDZRqqHntCSsgB2PvNC6KhTy8lpTOARNHWb87nbqnAx2BGsvateKjWfbcNYOs_m4JpdUHO9-P0trmYcWrmt3193Q9og_hyVq-iT0M9Yz4MEiwSGYz/s320/Anthony+Begley+A3+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">A Local Gift for Christmas</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">In Ballyshannon Workhouse the number of
inmates rose from 123 in September 1918 to 159 in December of the same year. In
November 1918 due to the large number of patients with influenza extra women
were hired to do the washing. Between September 1918 and June 1919 a total of
35 deaths were recorded in Ballyshannon Workhouse. During the war years 940
soldiers were treated for illnesses in Ballyshannon Workhouse and possibly the
large concentration of patients in confined spaces increased the death rate. It
has been estimated that over 1,000 people died of the Spanish Flu in County
Donegal in 1918-1919. Nationally around 23,000 people died with upwards of
800,000 catching this flu. The number of deaths from the Spanish Flu nationally
were estimated at 23,000 much greater than the combined deaths in the 1916
Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XdP-JGH3KLjjYmiWO0VFvf3EnXnSJIo_GpcqV6P0w1RBuIZcVVy3mVU3xuSahK0IFaljANuqbL2OMhgbb9pVvHF0uOYuuJqi0uT8f3jyXV1Yr7HBfSNjl_WHk7L3siTVvmrYJ51KZUEY/s1600/Ballyshannon+Workhouse+today.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1578" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XdP-JGH3KLjjYmiWO0VFvf3EnXnSJIo_GpcqV6P0w1RBuIZcVVy3mVU3xuSahK0IFaljANuqbL2OMhgbb9pVvHF0uOYuuJqi0uT8f3jyXV1Yr7HBfSNjl_WHk7L3siTVvmrYJ51KZUEY/s640/Ballyshannon+Workhouse+today.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Spanish Flu rampant in Ballyshannon Workhouse and in the wider area<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE;"><b>Primary School closed in Bundoran because of Spanish Flu</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE;">Joseph Murray, local Director of Intelligence for the Irish
Volunteers, was a teacher in Bundoran and recalled how the Spanish Flu allowed
him to canvass in the 1918 Election. “In December 1918, my school was closed
for a long period, due to a serious outbreak of influenza. I was asked to
accept the job of organiser for Sinn Féin in the Killybegs, Teelin, Carrick and
Glencolmcille areas during the General Election Campaign. I agreed to do the
work and took up residence in Killybegs with a sister of P. J. Ward. Ward, who
was elected T.D. and who had a long association with Sinn Fein and later the Volunteer
movement, was appointed O/C of our 4<sup>th</sup> Brigade. Patrick Byrne, a
merchant in Killybegs-an uncle of P. J. Ward and a very good speaker-gave me
great assistance while I was in the area”. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE;">The Spanish Flu continued into 1919
and by March numbers in the workhouse were 140 with 20 patients in the
infirmary. In March 1919 the local newspaper reported on the deaths of two
young people from influenza. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; padding: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b>Christmas Time in Ballyshannon in 1918</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.33px; text-align: justify;">Christmas goods were still in scarce supply in the Ballyshannon shops and there was not as much liquor consumed as in other years, partly because of the cost. Nevertheless the shops put up as good a display as possible in what were difficult circumstances coming just after the end of the World War in November 1918. The local newspaper “The Donegal Vindicator” described the mood in the town at Christmas 1918: </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">“There was some little liquor consumed, but not as much as in other years. Perhaps it does not taste as well, or would the reason be that it is too dear? Anyhow the “Old Coleraine” was better in the bottle, as the election fever is not over yet, and a slight breeze would fan the flame, and neither a Sinn Féin nor Parliamentary “black eye” is very imposing. In the town the festive season was duller than ever, not even an Irish Ceilidh, with French dances, to relieve the monotony. No football, and shooting matches were taboo, as D.O.R.A. (Defence of the Realm Act) had put the kibosh on that kind of sport. A tame game of billiards was the only kind of recreation indulged in. A rural band of “mummers” visited the town. A good number of people came home to the town for the Christmas holidays, but in this respect the defenders of the Empire were in the majority, khaki everywhere you turned”. On Christmas morning the masses in St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Churches were well attended, “and the large numbers who approached the altar rails was edifying. The Altar Committees in both parishes spared neither time nor energy, and the interiors of the Churches reflected credit on the willing workers.” The Christmas congregations in St. Anne’s and the Presbyterian Church were also impressive.</span></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Ideal Local gift for Christmas home and away</span><b style="font-size: medium;">. </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ 5 Members of Parliament from Ballyshannon/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><u><span style="color: #000120; font-size: small;"></span></u><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiC-T7CauaAxEusAyXkvAJb5kN9_hUcPCuwyAHwnzLPpzyORfylwr9RuzNh-QTfBrp16awR6UiPHaow8lvMpueqtl17WHN_YcmfoDmxzQfMHDysGamrc1Yhftf9uL8fJDDKcDj_yqo2s1/s1600/A.B.+066.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br /></p><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-22649235095595580812020-10-31T03:49:00.000-07:002020-10-31T03:49:59.164-07:00Ballyshannon's Most Famous Ghost Story for Halloween<p> </p><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wvKBy7AFKKZXRJIlvDuOuBfxVYY1rmsnrXOWIyrL4sH-s3vQDig66byn69Z49-Lv8W4koJ16d3ffXl3rEr-p2FNDm4c4FvLGkPpYz92CQMy-ILzXt3DOnzyusl_OVCpDuKiPjaYI7ugN/s1600/A.B.+058.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wvKBy7AFKKZXRJIlvDuOuBfxVYY1rmsnrXOWIyrL4sH-s3vQDig66byn69Z49-Lv8W4koJ16d3ffXl3rEr-p2FNDm4c4FvLGkPpYz92CQMy-ILzXt3DOnzyusl_OVCpDuKiPjaYI7ugN/w640-h418/A.B.+058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>The scene of the ghostly appearance was the Barracks on the left of this photo.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></span></b><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">At Halloween it is good to remember the most famous Ballyshannon ghost story of all time and how there were eyewitnesses to the strange events which happened.. The barrack’s building at the bridge in Ballyshannon County Donegal is considered to be the oldest and most interesting building in the town and it was there that a most strange apparition occurred.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f0w5PY7rNlrnldFKod_Lr1UzsZbtnBPlxrckqfE8h4il3w-h5bx6Q28NqnBXu3jxFFxIG0G4xH18LMfN_XaX4WZLCFV79_qgxAkWdYpVUMmf_ABsezxUNXjpatFxQKoDN_sQdVYNGQzg/s2048/Ballyshannon_%2528Barracks%2527_Keystone%2529%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f0w5PY7rNlrnldFKod_Lr1UzsZbtnBPlxrckqfE8h4il3w-h5bx6Q28NqnBXu3jxFFxIG0G4xH18LMfN_XaX4WZLCFV79_qgxAkWdYpVUMmf_ABsezxUNXjpatFxQKoDN_sQdVYNGQzg/w426-h640/Ballyshannon_%2528Barracks%2527_Keystone%2529%255B1%255D.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keystone still visible today at the front of the barracks with the date 1700<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Barracks is a detached six-bay building of two-storeys over a basement and was built in 1700. The building was planned as a T-shaped building and this outline can still be seen today. It is considered it to have been the work of Colonel Thomas Burgh an ancestor of well -known singer <b>Chris De Burgh. </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">The interior of the building has been renovated and reconstructed and today the most authentic features are to be seen on the facade. The barracks was constructed for the British military to protect a very strategic crossing point into Ulster. </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What follows here is the unusual ghost story of the Goblin Child which has been handed down for generations and which was </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">popularised</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> by local poet William Allingham. It deserves to be remembered at Halloween as it has all the hallmarks of a true story.</span></span></span></div><div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">The Goblin Child seen in Ballyshannon by Lord Castlereagh</span></b></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmq4Z78lSE_PrBpf2fKpZDo4s4ojb_UqFILKCLGZs5HLAceLQvfBrybU6GbXhx4hdBbN8R-1eoWyvvc0Ney-WkosGMdbU3lJTZKmSDry3iodZaiDofNyKRw7ozHf6TzUlK8Qt5e7gbscJy/s600/499px-Lord_Castlereagh_Marquess_of_Londonderry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmq4Z78lSE_PrBpf2fKpZDo4s4ojb_UqFILKCLGZs5HLAceLQvfBrybU6GbXhx4hdBbN8R-1eoWyvvc0Ney-WkosGMdbU3lJTZKmSDry3iodZaiDofNyKRw7ozHf6TzUlK8Qt5e7gbscJy/w333-h400/499px-Lord_Castlereagh_Marquess_of_Londonderry.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Castlereagh saw the ghost in Ballyshannon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"> The story of the Goblin Child concerns the supernatural appearance of a boy in the barracks at Ballyshannon, and is one of the most authenticated ghost stories in the area. The tale centres on Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh, who arrived in Ballyshannon barracks following military manoeuvres. Having retired upstairs to his bedroom, in which a fire was still glowing in the fireplace, he went into a fitful sleep. During the night he was awakened from his sleep and claimed that he saw the image of a naked child emerging from the fireplace and coming across to the foot of his bed. The child did not speak and the apparition receded back into the fireplace. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">Robert Stewart later recounted the tale to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish novelist in 1815- “It is certain he related several strange circumstances many years after, at a dinner party in Paris, one of those present being Sir Walter Scott who afterwards referred to it in his writing.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Scott said only two men had ever told him that they had seen a ghost, and that both </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">had ended their own lives. One of these men was Lord Castlereagh.</span><sup style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> </sup></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">Francis Joseph Bigger M.R.I.A placed the ghostly appearance of the boy in the barracks at Ballyshannon in 1796, whilst referring to the apparition as ‘the radiant boy’ and recounted how Lord Castlereagh had told the story to Sir Walter Scott and to the Duke of Wellington. There is also strong anecdotal evidence to locate the strange happening at the barracks beside the river Erne in Ballyshannon. </span></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">The Curse of the Goblin Child</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">Who was Lord Castlereagh? He was born Robert Stewart in Dublin in 1769, the son of a Presbyterian landowner and Member of Parliament, who built Mount Stewart near Newtownards in Co. Down. By a strange coincidence he had a Ballyshannon connection, as he was married to Lady Emily Hobart, who was a relative of William Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish Parliament, who was born in Ballyshannon in 1662. By a strange quirk of location the Speaker’s birthplace was just across the street from the barracks where Robert Stewart saw the apparition. Stewart later rose to prominence as Chief Secretary, War Minister, Foreign Secretary and Leader of the Commons during the Napoleonic Wars. He is remembered in Ireland for his suppression of the 1798 Rebellion and for forcing through The Act of Union. In 1822 he cut his throat at his residence in Kent. An added piece of information about the Goblin Child was that when the boy/child appeared to anyone, that person would rise to high prominence but would have a violent death.<sup><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></sup>Castlereagh’s violent death leaves one to wonder about the curse of the Goblin Child, as Castlereagh rose to high office but then met a violent death.,</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">William Allingham heard the story of the Goblin Child in his Youth</span></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">The account of the story in William Allingham’s narrative poem, "<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Goblin Child of Ballyshannon",</span> graphically describes the appearance of the child to Lord Castlereagh and locates this unusual tale at the barracks in Ballyshannon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The room in which the event occurred in the barracks was, for many years, referred to as Lord Castlereagh’s Chamber. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNuWVVQRo9e2w048qIDmlpmQfP-3lJwHorwvFHmD1czrNyn9WlQspMxAb24rq0Kdto07ahcJxqxZxOAjUlkomtGZ4QfqKe-UcVOcs-Y5rMRYyFK8UTMSqxkrLLQ1SET3mUqYGnsTalfxQ/s1080/Allingham.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="962" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNuWVVQRo9e2w048qIDmlpmQfP-3lJwHorwvFHmD1czrNyn9WlQspMxAb24rq0Kdto07ahcJxqxZxOAjUlkomtGZ4QfqKe-UcVOcs-Y5rMRYyFK8UTMSqxkrLLQ1SET3mUqYGnsTalfxQ/w356-h400/Allingham.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Allingham wrote a poem about Ballyshannon's most famous ghost story<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">It is significant that the Allingham family lived close to the barracks at Ballyshannon, when the apparition occurred in the late 1700’s, and that the poet William Allingham who was born in 1824, published his poem on the occurrence in 1850.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">William Allingham would have been familiar with the story, growing up, and in the extract from his poem quoted below describes the apparition and names of Lord Castlereagh as the person who saw the Goblin Child in Ballyshannon barracks.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><div align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">When<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>suddenly – Oh Heaven! – the fire</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Leaped up into a dazzling pyre,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">And boldly from the brightened hearth</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">A Naked Child stepped forth.</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 336px;"> </div><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;"> With a total, frozen start,</span><br /><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">A bound – a pausing of the heart,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">He saw.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It came across the floor,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Its size increasing more and more</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">At every step, until a dread</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Gigantic form stood by his bed.</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 336px;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Glaring for some seconds’space</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Down into his rigid face –</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Back it drew, with steadfast look.</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Dwindling every step it took,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Till the Naked Child returned</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">To the fire, which brightly burned</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">To greet it: then black sudden gloom</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Sunk upon the silent room,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Silent, save the monotone</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Of the river flowing down</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Through the arches of the bridge,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">And beneath his casement ledge.</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 336px;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 336px;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">This happened when our island still</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Had nests of goblins left, to fill</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Each mouldy nook and corner close,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Like spiders in an ancient house,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">And this one read within the face</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Intruding on its dwelling-place,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Lines of woe, despair, and blood,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">By spirits only understood;</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">As mortals now can read the same</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">In the letters of his name,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">Who in that haunted chamber lay,</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 192px;"><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 11.3067px; margin: 0px;">When<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>we call him – Castlereagh.</span></div><br /><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;">From the 19<sup>th</sup> century to the present day the barracks building at the bridge in Ballyshannon has been used as commercial premises and currently houses an auctioneer’s premises, a computer shop, a cafe and Mr. G's shop. This barracks still stands, beside the bridge over the Erne at Ballyshannon, and has a rich ghostly history.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.1333px; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Green Lady</b></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Local people for generations have identified the Barracks building as the ghostly home of both The Green Lady and The Goblin Child. </b></span><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The story of The Green Lady centres on an officer’s wife who defied her husband by attending a ball in the town. On her return to the barracks an altercation developed with her husband and he threw her to her death down the stairs. The lady had been wearing a green dress and right up to present times local people believe that she haunted the barracks, particularly around the Harvest Fair day in September. </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The story of the Green Lady was carried to Canada by emigrants from Ballyshannon and made its way back to Ballyshannon before it was lost forever. A few years ago Patricia Keane played the role of the Green Lady to a packed audience in the Abbey Centre. The occasion was a talk I was giving at the Allingham Festival on Ghostly Ballyshannon. Soinbhe Lally kindly scripted the short play.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>The full and amazing story of the Green Lady can be found in the local history book "Ballyshannon Genealogy and History" see below for details. </b></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w640-h460/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-36999485293459397142020-10-24T01:49:00.001-07:002020-10-24T01:49:58.297-07:00Memories of a Ballyshannon Music Legend Recalled by Cyril Curran Founder of the Assaroe Céilí Band<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfE82zsKIPJ8oR5SvvnMpMPZcJRmH1BCY_iG8YPuu_gfWohdrgMw5TreuBnFu2PTUefDuoGyHNes3whJ-nH4sF2NEyPpX11CvV4OlG0NRpGycbLJp846oWdcvMLKm_SOOHoxb2e6ISHYm/s1560/Assaroe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1560" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfE82zsKIPJ8oR5SvvnMpMPZcJRmH1BCY_iG8YPuu_gfWohdrgMw5TreuBnFu2PTUefDuoGyHNes3whJ-nH4sF2NEyPpX11CvV4OlG0NRpGycbLJp846oWdcvMLKm_SOOHoxb2e6ISHYm/w640-h450/Assaroe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The Assaroe Céilí Band (front l.to r.) Cathal Flynn, Kevin O'Loughlin, Seamus Sweeney</div><div style="text-align: left;">Back (l.tor.) Cyril Curran, Peggy Kelly, John Tierney, Breege Curran and Patricia Sweeney </div><div style="text-align: left;"> (photo courtesy Eileen Curran Kane)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">About twelve years ago Cyril Curran kindly gave me some of his memories of growing up in the town and how the Assaroe Céilí Band became a national name when I interviewed him for a book I was researching on the history of Ballyshannon, a history he was a special part of. Below are recollections of his early memories.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cyril Curran was a proud native of Ballyshannon and never forgot his roots. He was instrumental in forming the Assaroe Céilí Band who were a household name in music circles in Ireland and Great Britain in their day. <span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">Sincere sympathy to his wife Maureen and family in Corby England and to all the Curran and extended family on his recent passing. May he rest in peace.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><b>Memories of Growing up in Ballyshannon </b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cyril recalled his early years in Ballyshannon and a most novel way of ensuring punctual attendance at the Brothers School on the Rock. The Brothers gave a free day from school work to the first pupil to arrive at the school gate. Cyril was early on the ball and won this award several times, although he is not too sure how it affected his spelling in later life! He believed that, although the school wasn’t open on his arrival, the Brothers might have had binoculars and could have viewed the winner from their attic in College Street.
Cyril has recollections of his youthful days in Ballyshannon. The monthly Fair Day took place on the street, around the Fair Green where the middle man would buy and sell for someone else. The final price was always decided by the buyer who would spit on his hand and slap the hand if the animal was sold. If the deal was done both would go to the pub and if not they would walk off in different directions. Ballyshannon, he recalled, had several Catholic priests including: Father Herbie Bromley, Fr. Gerard Daly, West Rock, Fr. Des O’Donnell, Market Street, Fr. Hugo Dolan a son of Guard Dolan Main Street, Fr. Daly the Mall long passed on, Father Vincent Gallogley, Fr. Rocks, Fr. Benny O’Gorman, Fr. Ambrose O’Gorman and Fr. Tiernan Castle Street. Bob Devitt, he remembered as a traveller who slept out and always carried a sack on his back and was always teased by the children. He would chase them and scold and preach to them. Mr. Nyhan was a retired school master who would throw fistfuls of money to the children in the street. Whitebread was another traveller who just wandered about with a sack on his back and was a regular visitor to the town. Kevin Lapsley he remembered as a great singer who was known as the “Bing Crosby of Ballyshannon”. There was a plane crash outside Ballyshannon. He saw the wreck sometime in 1945. It was out the Rossnowlagh Road near the cemetery.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSPLU2UXcu9NpZXST1H_2bf9iXuag1vMk_YX3phH5loPLq8Nk99GxdZEpWx67y9EFQYuuBwCMGHk87qz68cZgeSEjHdEHJju7c5A9Pf4XJeBqaxSDz5RCdrjNCMAuaZ7D9D3TsUhlOleL/s2048/Castle+Street.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSPLU2UXcu9NpZXST1H_2bf9iXuag1vMk_YX3phH5loPLq8Nk99GxdZEpWx67y9EFQYuuBwCMGHk87qz68cZgeSEjHdEHJju7c5A9Pf4XJeBqaxSDz5RCdrjNCMAuaZ7D9D3TsUhlOleL/s600/Castle+Street.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyril Curran grew up in his family shop in the centre of Ballyshannon beside the Diamond on the left in this old photograph.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>
The Assaroe Céilí Band put Ballyshannon on the Map </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Assaroe Céilí Band was a huge part of the music scene in Ballyshannon and surrounding areas. They also were the first local music group to tour all over Ireland and Great Britain. The founder of the Ballyshannon based band was Cyril whose parents owned a sweet shop in the Diamond area of the town. Cyril recalled how he was introduced to the music scene, which led on to the successful Assaroe Céilí Band. In 1947 he was a regular attender at a boys’ club on the Mall, where a family called Mc Gonigle had previously lived. The house was located at the top of an avenue just past the old Ballyshannon Bakery. John Fitzgerald, a Custom’s officer, started the boys’ club and organized activities. Fitzgerald had a great tenor voice and sang at local concerts. Most nights Cyril and other lads from the town gathered at the club where they sang listened to music and went on hiking activities. As a result of this experience Cyril and a few others decided to form a band. This was the era of Cementation and the ES.B. with quite a few musicians around. Musicians who played locally with him included, Jackie Flynn, Francis Fannon and Mickie Gallagher who was the drummer for a number of years. On one occasion, he performed with a 15 piece band in the 98 Hall, Maureen and Lily Slevin made up part of the Band on that occasion.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZROFro9nZRsQytNh3CZgC4Ko9RhBReEuFh7bEmcah4Js9EHO0D2Jxvml-QExgIzYKn77PpUatRFOJULYCD-K3vMzuxOyAWBeUl_80K1QOaJF34dN-0Ulkui3k-IUbAO4TrG5UpL9YJjXr/s1388/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1388" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZROFro9nZRsQytNh3CZgC4Ko9RhBReEuFh7bEmcah4Js9EHO0D2Jxvml-QExgIzYKn77PpUatRFOJULYCD-K3vMzuxOyAWBeUl_80K1QOaJF34dN-0Ulkui3k-IUbAO4TrG5UpL9YJjXr/w640-h435/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Well 1947<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Front Row l.tor. <b>Cyril Curran</b>, Leo Masterson (young boy), John McCafferty</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Middle Row: Freddie McDonagh, Patsy O'Donnell, Sean Fox, Jim Dolan, P.J. Goan, Tom Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, Jimmy Daly</span></div><span style="text-align: left;">Back Row: Bob Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, James Gallogley, Packie McIvor, Jimmy McNulty, John Davy, Pat McGahern, Seamus Gallagher and Jimmy Coughlin</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In 1952, Cyril started to be more ambitious and advertised in “The Irish Independent” and travelled to venues around the country. In the summer of 1954 he was approached by a promoter, named Phil Solomon, who invited the Assaroe to tour as back-up band to the great Jimmy Shand Scottish Band. At that time Jimmy Shand was a huge star and this was a major breakthrough for the Ballyshannon based band. The 1954 tour took the Assaroe from Cork to Donegal and places in between. Their fee for the entire tour was £325 and they came home with a few pounds in the pocket and the rest is history. The Assaroe were big news after that and toured extensively in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Cross- channel tours were a regular feature with up to three tours a year. On occasions the band travelled to England for a few special dates and Cyril recalled on one occasion, flying over for one special date, to a concert in The Belgrave Theatre in Coventry. The Assaroe were popular on R.T.E. radio and featured regularly with three live broadcasts each year on Céilí House, plus numerous broadcasts on Take the Floor with Din Joe and even broadcast from the Rock Hall.
Many local musicians played with the Assaroe
He recalled the names of some people who played with the Assaroe over the years: Breege Curran Kelly, Eileen Curran Kane, Mickie Gillespie, Francis Fannon, Jackie Flynn, Mickie Gallagher, John Tierney, Larry Hoy, Charlie Lennon, Seamus Sweeney, Patricia Sweeney McGroary, Kevin Loughlin, Peggy Kelly, Charlie McGettigan, Neil McBride, Cathal Flynn, Noel Scott, Tom Gallagher and Vincent McGurn, Corlea.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3ZDqPyU-QntGV7besERfEzMAxfxjqTI3OGkxYrTzVjbnwHSae3wHVWR8BA0CwfPNF5lRcedZRnHn-wtiJ18KMh94JKLB_fJtSBbCP5dZ9vb4hDaYU1QBwbbMIfV_8J9MmxUvlpiW2waZ/s225/charliemcgettigan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3ZDqPyU-QntGV7besERfEzMAxfxjqTI3OGkxYrTzVjbnwHSae3wHVWR8BA0CwfPNF5lRcedZRnHn-wtiJ18KMh94JKLB_fJtSBbCP5dZ9vb4hDaYU1QBwbbMIfV_8J9MmxUvlpiW2waZ/w400-h400/charliemcgettigan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon native and Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan was <br />influenced in his early career by Cyril and the Assaroe Ceilí Band<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Charlie McGettigan who went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest with Paul Harrington credits Cyril Curran as a major influence on his musical career. The Rock Hall played a major part in his early years as he was mesmerised by Cyril Curran, The Assaroe Ceilí Band and local artistes like Micilín Gillespie and those consummate professionals Maureen Kane and Lily Heresy who had the audience in stitches as they played, sang and performed sketches with a local flavour. Mary Mc Gonigle, a glamorous singer with the Assaroe, John Tierney, a shoemaker from College Street and the full Assaroe Band he felt were a most professional outfit , who had music stands, their name on a van and went on tours of England and Scotland. The thrill of Charlie’s short music career, at the time, was when Cyril Curran invited him to play with the Assaroe Ceilí Band at a dance in Rossinver. The regular guitar player was unavailable and Charlie recalls his excitement at hitting the big time! He would have played for nothing but he remembers Cyril Curran meeting him, sometime later, and giving him ten shillings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkrKOK7r-IbqdVLAlKFU2XYKdVbh22-7Ylqco_awbI2NaxRunfozDYosY0ayOJVzuRgOEjV3ft2OgQavqUBACnYmW5taNv5wsXQ6x5oyGIHAUexW_sH0EA571AMGoldRmRCalI087q7yt/s1818/Salmon+Leap+Ballyshannon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1818" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkrKOK7r-IbqdVLAlKFU2XYKdVbh22-7Ylqco_awbI2NaxRunfozDYosY0ayOJVzuRgOEjV3ft2OgQavqUBACnYmW5taNv5wsXQ6x5oyGIHAUexW_sH0EA571AMGoldRmRCalI087q7yt/w640-h357/Salmon+Leap+Ballyshannon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient image of Assaroe falls which Cyril named his Band after<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: times;">The Assaroe Céilí Band always promoted Ballyshannon, displaying a photograph of the Assaroe Falls at their dances. Cyril chose the Assaroe as the name for the band because he grew up close to where the Assaroe Falls once created a musical sound of their own. <span style="text-align: justify;">Cyril Curran was very much a Ballyshannon man who never forgot his roots by the Erne and was a regular visitor to the town. </span>His memory will never be forgotten in his native Ballyshannon. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Sincere sympathy to his wife Maureen and family in Corby England and to all the Curran and extended family . May he rest in peace .</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">Adieu to Belashanny!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> where I was bred and born;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">Go where I may, I'll think of you,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> as sure as night and morn.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">The kindly spot, the friendly town,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> where every one is known,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">And not a face in all the place</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> but partly seems my own;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">There's not a house or window,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> there's not a field or hill,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">But, east or west, in foreign lands,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> I'll recollect them still.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">I leave my warm heart with you,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> tho' my back I'm forced to turn—</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;">Adieu to Belashanny,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: start;"> and the winding banks of Erne!</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"> William Allingham</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-91595046565343670962020-10-20T06:47:00.000-07:002020-10-20T06:47:33.953-07:00Happy Birthday Tom Gallagher- Memories of the Longest Serving Member of Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">H</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMNogMpdp0o_emrtwa8HmrqUDdmn_NEg6by6xzmF_GsdS34oh72G8u6HO53GBXjAphKSmsBNo80zBR_VrTW_CXolQgjQe9ITurZa4Ryzoen2R21ELfMOreLvQaywHjMUJfSjNAKGm2_Oe/s1292/Band+c.1970+Bundoran.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1292" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMNogMpdp0o_emrtwa8HmrqUDdmn_NEg6by6xzmF_GsdS34oh72G8u6HO53GBXjAphKSmsBNo80zBR_VrTW_CXolQgjQe9ITurZa4Ryzoen2R21ELfMOreLvQaywHjMUJfSjNAKGm2_Oe/w640-h277/Band+c.1970+Bundoran.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMNogMpdp0o_emrtwa8HmrqUDdmn_NEg6by6xzmF_GsdS34oh72G8u6HO53GBXjAphKSmsBNo80zBR_VrTW_CXolQgjQe9ITurZa4Ryzoen2R21ELfMOreLvQaywHjMUJfSjNAKGm2_Oe/s1292/Band+c.1970+Bundoran.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band 1970 Bundoran Corpus Christi procession<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Foreground l.to r. Liam Hoey, Michael Rafferty</div><div style="text-align: left;">2nd Row: Bob Gallagher, Anthony Begley, Seamus Grimes, Tom Gallagher, James Hoey, Michael Gillespie, Danny McGeever</div><div style="text-align: left;">3rd Row: P.J. Goan, Dessie Flynn, Eamon Gallagher, Thomas McBride, Michael Gallagher, Paddy Monaghan, Seamus Gallagher, Mickie Gallagher.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxCOlkuR_Viff45l8sQfkZTuGdeEKCSK0v0edbSe1kcQI64jBSzaDjfA9SMinW49tqkat8Z7tRpSRse_9qLIh6IQ3pcsG_iJ8JjVd41iksy28v_NmP_DpU9647_HIjnP5ilj3tYTy1wK3/s1388/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1388" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxCOlkuR_Viff45l8sQfkZTuGdeEKCSK0v0edbSe1kcQI64jBSzaDjfA9SMinW49tqkat8Z7tRpSRse_9qLIh6IQ3pcsG_iJ8JjVd41iksy28v_NmP_DpU9647_HIjnP5ilj3tYTy1wK3/w640-h436/Band+Abbey+Well+1947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Well 1947<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Front Row l.tor. Cyril Curran, Leo Masterson (young boy), John McCafferty</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Middle Row: Freddie McDonagh, Patsy O'Donnell, Sean Fox, Jim Dolan, P.J. Goan, Tom Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, Jimmy Daly</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back Row: Bob Gallagher, Jim Gallagher, James Gallogley, Packie McIvor, Jimmy McNulty, John Davy, Pat McGahern, Seamus Gallagher and Jimmy Coughlin</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2NQsg92BaaVIoojjOoVl82PtDwrDQT4ZhwUoPM_rrPdzbO8wW4nLUwIqFSj51r_V3ik9l9SPB6izLyhnLfeh_6B88beWe0xlQFiiapRoMXSvY4YQWpC2ThiWBzqqtvwuZiQVVjOlwg49/s1890/Band+1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1890" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2NQsg92BaaVIoojjOoVl82PtDwrDQT4ZhwUoPM_rrPdzbO8wW4nLUwIqFSj51r_V3ik9l9SPB6izLyhnLfeh_6B88beWe0xlQFiiapRoMXSvY4YQWpC2ThiWBzqqtvwuZiQVVjOlwg49/w640-h502/Band+1979.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band at St. Patrick's Day Parade Sligo 1979<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FRont l.to r. Padraig McGarrigle, Danny McGeever, Seamus Gallagher, Bob Gallagher</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Second Row. Jack Grimes, Packie Gallagher, Jimmy Rafferty, Francis Gallagher, Tom Gallagher, Anthony Begley, James Hoey</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Third Row. Mickie Gallagher, Fergus Lawlor, Michael Dalton, P.J. Goan, Jim Gallagher</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fourth Row. Eamon Gallagher, Cecil Stephens, Michael Gallagher, Eugene McLoughlin and John McGahern</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Birthday Tom on behalf of all the members of Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band. Thank you for all you did for the band in your 77 years as a playing member. Well done in following a family tradition of service to the Band. Best wishes to Angela and all the family on this special birthday.</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-15681741477685336472020-10-09T02:01:00.000-07:002020-10-09T02:01:33.962-07:008th Anniversary of Ballyshannon Musings this week. Read The Most Popular Local History Blog in the Past 8 Years<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPvbDeHFuY5Z2zEWnfyhEUqjsWl0HLhZS7ShJZUm_uufty-SHq63AcOhM74DW3tU0g9MNV86GVPbpkfwK8wTVjB7UYM3utE8fbsQATio7QGlqm80yC-_h5yotTiM-bB0Sgs-D7XGMNUE7/s2048/Ballyshannon+on+the+winding+banks+of+Erne.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPvbDeHFuY5Z2zEWnfyhEUqjsWl0HLhZS7ShJZUm_uufty-SHq63AcOhM74DW3tU0g9MNV86GVPbpkfwK8wTVjB7UYM3utE8fbsQATio7QGlqm80yC-_h5yotTiM-bB0Sgs-D7XGMNUE7/w640-h426/Ballyshannon+on+the+winding+banks+of+Erne.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sandbar at Ballyshannon was changed completely by the storm on "The Night of the Big Wind"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>To mark the 8th anniversary of the Ballyshannon Musings local history blog this is the most popular blog since it started on 11th October 2012.</b> The Night of the Big Wind left a trail of destruction in Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Rossnowlagh and elsewhere which was the greatest storm recorded in this area. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">All the Ballyshannon Musings local history blogs since 2012 can be found on ballyshannon-musings.blogspot.com and also on my Facebook page and on Ballyshannon Genealogy and History Facebook page. Please share with anyone interested or with anyone not on Facebook who can find the blogs on blogspot above. <b>There have been</b> <b>nearly 250,000 hits or viewings worldwide of Ballyshannon Musings since 2012. Thanks to all who view and share, for their encouragement and interest in the Ballyshannon area and its history.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Night of the Big Wind</b></p><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">This was Ireland’s most famous storm and locally it did a lot of damage in the Ballyshannon, Bundoran and Rossnowlagh areas. After a calm day on Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> January 1839 which was dull, cold, with snow showers, the winds started to pick up on Sunday evening. A westerly gale got stronger by midnight and there were hurricane force winds between 2 and 4 o’clock on Monday morning. As the storm took place in darkness it was more frightening for local people. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Nationwide <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>the depression and the hurricane force winds were raging until things started to calm down around 5 a.m.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">Oíche na Gaoithe Móire as it was called in Irish was used as a point of reference in 1909 when the old age pension was introduced. People who could prove they were over the age of 70 were entitled to a yearly pension of £13. Many people had no written evidence of their age as record keeping was not always the best. If a person could prove that they remembered or were around on the Night of the Big Wind then they got the pension.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzexSz5h0PDcbkcgHJRc-zwfkROfSxRq6ReFiXE1BVOXN1o8owOzXTtDlnFPYdFCioZxKYoy-EL4Tcf2Zi6tgD1_Ie34mEzkwhTkfg6M-9J5As8aGUZ1DImF3pLKb3CoUx9pDDGDH8feQ/s1692/A.B.+034.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1692" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzexSz5h0PDcbkcgHJRc-zwfkROfSxRq6ReFiXE1BVOXN1o8owOzXTtDlnFPYdFCioZxKYoy-EL4Tcf2Zi6tgD1_Ie34mEzkwhTkfg6M-9J5As8aGUZ1DImF3pLKb3CoUx9pDDGDH8feQ/w640-h394/A.B.+034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rossnowlagh suffered great damage on The Night of the Big Wind </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">In the Ballyshannon area the frightening cholera epidemic raged in 1832, followed by the destruction to property caused by the Great Wind in 1839 and the 1840s brought the Great Famine. Small wonder that people at the time felt that the end of the world was near. Two of the churches in Ballyshannon, St. Anne’s and St. Patrick’s had to be rebuilt as a result of the storm. Surviving records only focus on buildings like churches but the damage to private property and agriculture was also very severe. In Bundoran the bathing boxes were nearly all blown down or unroofed. Several private residences were also severely damaged. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">The “The Derry Journal” gave a report on local conditions:</span></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">We have not heard of any lives (man or beast) being lost in the town. The country was not so fortunate----several families buried beneath the ruins of their dwellings. Along the sea coast the destruction of property is melancholy.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSDtPNU942NprJGNzM8FNHsU0EoPB15NvmZYydYd3Tsn6P7KPVz4swrd_o3BbCe4rFBldlY61NXhqPnVxgF1xrPryz90a2-LVgW4zAiJ0AjFoKRBY0fTYv2dC9HiirzV-Wkf0CZf-9Sh/s1600/STRAND+091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSDtPNU942NprJGNzM8FNHsU0EoPB15NvmZYydYd3Tsn6P7KPVz4swrd_o3BbCe4rFBldlY61NXhqPnVxgF1xrPryz90a2-LVgW4zAiJ0AjFoKRBY0fTYv2dC9HiirzV-Wkf0CZf-9Sh/s640/STRAND+091.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bathing boxes destroyed at Bundoran in Night of the Big Wind</td></tr></tbody></table><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">St. Anne’s Church on Mullaghnashee had to be replaced</span></b><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">This church stands on the highest ground in Ballyshannon, overlooking the channel from which the hurricane force winds battered the building. The building was so badly damaged that it was beyond repair. Curiously the only part of the church that was salvaged was the tower (on which there is a clock today). The tower belongs to the earlier church which had been built in 1735. Church services had to be held elsewhere as the huge task of building a new church began. The new church was built speedily by 1841 at a cost of roughly £3,500.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This new building was attached to the original tower, but the new building was wider than the building destroyed on the Night of the Big Wind. This meant that some tombstones had to be removed and a visit to the inside of the church today, reveals two plaques on the south facing wall which refer to this. A plaque to the Allingham family and one to the Major family who would have resided at Camlin, mentions that the people named were buried underneath the new church walls.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw27ccC4CcWUrRBp3tjQMX96RUpNtynsWVgVQWV_pIs-8OjUtt5EF2tNI2fm8y-bvUvnJSdksPjUeJkuhnGqI9XB_oxMwxa_T9HK9diwhbU5hjIppB-UfqCF_U_-FiLjYryOa5fkUbYPc/s2048/A.B.+076+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw27ccC4CcWUrRBp3tjQMX96RUpNtynsWVgVQWV_pIs-8OjUtt5EF2tNI2fm8y-bvUvnJSdksPjUeJkuhnGqI9XB_oxMwxa_T9HK9diwhbU5hjIppB-UfqCF_U_-FiLjYryOa5fkUbYPc/w640-h400/A.B.+076+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> St. Anne's Church without the clock was rebuilt after damage<br />caused by The Night of the Big Wind.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">St. Patrick’s Church had to be rebuilt<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">The roof of St. Patrick’s Church on Chapel Street was very badly damaged and this church was rebuilt with the foundation stone laid in 1842 by Rt. Rev. Dr. McGettigan, three years after the Night of the Big Wind. Daniel Campbell from Pettigo built the new church at a cost of £1,380 with additional costs to window glazers and other sub-contractors. Amongst the fund-raising for the new church was the visit to “The Big Meadow” by Fr. Matthew the great Temperance crusader who drew an estimate crowd of 20,000 to the church and “The Big Meadow”. Even before the Night of the Big Wind, Fr. Cummins P.P. had started to fundraise to rebuild the church which had been built on the site in 1795. The church was in a poor state and undoubtedly the Night of the Big Wind made matters worse and speeded up the building of the present church. Colaiste Cholmcille is now on the site of "The Big Meadow"</span></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXE0GQr5pgvvcdpkCkbINcmVEL7resVOrmpwWU-oDOj4A2lfHrVFzhwfGZUEbSo_46Ms2739JqNL2h5LxMz5MHPsAeP0br2EPQxjBMh4zpViNIb9FjBGoVZ-ntJRL9MojXqxGKchlwfxR/s2048/Patricks+Church.JPG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="2048" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXE0GQr5pgvvcdpkCkbINcmVEL7resVOrmpwWU-oDOj4A2lfHrVFzhwfGZUEbSo_46Ms2739JqNL2h5LxMz5MHPsAeP0br2EPQxjBMh4zpViNIb9FjBGoVZ-ntJRL9MojXqxGKchlwfxR/w400-h309/Patricks+Church.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Church had to be rebuilt after the storm</td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">St. Joseph’s Church Damaged/The Methodist Preaching House on the Mall damaged</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">St. Joseph’s Church on the Rock which had only been built in 1835 suffered much damage and this must have been disheartening to the congregation as they had raised funds for the new building just four years earlier. All this destruction and rebuilding came just as the Great Famine was about to begin in 1844. The present Methodist Church on the Mall (now houses a veterinary practise) was built in 1899 and so the building damaged on The Night of the Big Wind, the Methodist Preaching House on the Mall , was an earlier building.</span></div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SRrlC6lZ5P4iMzmR1bhDu9fVBkmh9A9NNmZ93Jb70yWdP6yiBBlZTVPGJgmsXdu8FNUg7AAl1TZZ43bN-axmzqDMN1vsxsF0Pa1jj-FWJ4e2zP2FPT6x-3usnYHfoqU6kk7yiB4dZCgN/s1600/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SRrlC6lZ5P4iMzmR1bhDu9fVBkmh9A9NNmZ93Jb70yWdP6yiBBlZTVPGJgmsXdu8FNUg7AAl1TZZ43bN-axmzqDMN1vsxsF0Pa1jj-FWJ4e2zP2FPT6x-3usnYHfoqU6kk7yiB4dZCgN/s640/Rock_Church_605%255B3%255D.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: justify;"> St. Joseph's Church was only built 4 years when it was badly</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> damaged in the Night of the Big Wind.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">The End of the World feared</span></b><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">On the sandbanks at the bar in Ballyshannon, because of the great movement of sand, the banks were the lowest they had ever been. Boats could now pass to areas where the tide had not reached before. Indeed boats could reach areas a half a mile from where they had ever been before. The shifting of sand saw immense volumes blown nearly two miles up to the town of Ballyshannon. Cartloads of sand could be gathered in the immediate vicinity of the town. At Bundoran the bathing boxes were nearly all blown down or unroofed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">In the countryside any hay or grain was destroyed and this led to a crisis in fodder for animals and anxiety over how people would survive.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.2667px; margin: 0px;">The sea rose to such a height from Bundoran to Rossnowlagh and Coolmore that people did feel that the end was nigh. Houses and barns were torn down and in the<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Rossnowlagh-Coolmore areas there was scarcely a house left standing. </span><span>Local people in Bundoran, Rossnowlagh and Ballyshannon feared that the hurricane was a sign that the end of the world was near. This was a natural enough reaction to the fiercest storm in living memory and the fears of people who found it hard to understand. </span><br /></span></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available signed copies, and inscriptions, for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-57805542920509985252020-10-03T02:30:00.000-07:002020-10-03T02:30:08.487-07:00Remembering Ballyshannon a Town with 3 Cinemas! Those Were the Days.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsmfBlfCrIH2j2LmN2Kezxl2qz0uiKvI7OZwGReWiH2o_14VmtSCtrKqoGyMBaBa8_wvSutGrwi9iu9mkl3NIX3Csz5_mMiesjwz3Uguwa_VmRa74fGYA5SkHeG3WL8P1I2gZbslAuZSJ/s2048/Rock+cinema+1945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsmfBlfCrIH2j2LmN2Kezxl2qz0uiKvI7OZwGReWiH2o_14VmtSCtrKqoGyMBaBa8_wvSutGrwi9iu9mkl3NIX3Csz5_mMiesjwz3Uguwa_VmRa74fGYA5SkHeG3WL8P1I2gZbslAuZSJ/w640-h402/Rock+cinema+1945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out what films were showing this week in October 75 years ago in the Rock Cinema<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seventy five years ago the Cinema was the biggest all year round entertainment attraction in Ballyshannon. It is amazing to recall that there were 3 cinemas in town in the pre-television and pre-computer age. Check out what films were showing on this week in October 1945. The most popular film of the month would take many people by surprise today. Those were the days when the community went to the pictures regularly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">"Casablanca" and "Song of Bernadette"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The big films in October 1945 were "Casablanca" which ran for 3 nights and "The Song of Bernadette" which ran for 6 nights. Normal admission prices were 1 shilling and four pence for the balcony which was a raised platform at the back of the hall, 9 pence and 4 pence. Children under 14 were not admitted to any late night performances under any circumstances.</div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9ekFQqMDXxFs55T61HQSR2IIlRQCuKPbQMDYXarjl10-rzRSqhHiWQS5oWbSDea58uZfy_QdC8F5pK-bnOplqZDr4y5kvQgavcdt0PFom3nrIxQbovLIP3tb5iut6VXJkofM-K_UNKZm/s322/220px-CasablancaPoster-Gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9ekFQqMDXxFs55T61HQSR2IIlRQCuKPbQMDYXarjl10-rzRSqhHiWQS5oWbSDea58uZfy_QdC8F5pK-bnOplqZDr4y5kvQgavcdt0PFom3nrIxQbovLIP3tb5iut6VXJkofM-K_UNKZm/s320/220px-CasablancaPoster-Gold.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kz8iXUwaXk7iya16UB7XAjbPkB9Ou-arXdrwPFkxW6WL-cYoa_D1orsMWauNAsFv93vIrbwJkHAIURaShWnV_MG12aBXdAJtFYpFcA0QYeAmsEmt_DmElufqJbmsouAZYodwSprBKLdG/s1203/800px-The_Song_of_Bernadette_%25281946_poster%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kz8iXUwaXk7iya16UB7XAjbPkB9Ou-arXdrwPFkxW6WL-cYoa_D1orsMWauNAsFv93vIrbwJkHAIURaShWnV_MG12aBXdAJtFYpFcA0QYeAmsEmt_DmElufqJbmsouAZYodwSprBKLdG/s320/800px-The_Song_of_Bernadette_%25281946_poster%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Song of Bernadette" was the most popular film of the month of October and reflected the importance of religion at the time in the lives of the local people. It ran for 6 nights and the admission prices were increased. The film played to packed houses. Sundays were by far the most popular day for films with 3 showings at 3 p.m. 7 p.m. and 9.15 p.m. A shorter film was played before the main feature film and on October 4th the shorter film was on the inauguration of the President of Ireland. This would have been of special interest to locals as Sean T. O' Kelly the new President had opened the houses at East Rock and Falgarragh Park back in 1936. Many locals would have seen him in person at that stage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">The First Cinemas-The Market Yard, The Rock, The Erne and The Abbey</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 13.33px;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63l27Bh6v53Ofker0mGMXRJz-Fpv-Cz1Lwwk5wC6obDxMnv26uu_rcdP1FE_BjK1gPennNH1JjCxumWizlhwzeomSdPoii56RltflTGmMQKPjnyT3b2kTk-tHyafBNdz0brqYhgHCxCtC/s576/The_Rock_Monument__Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="576" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63l27Bh6v53Ofker0mGMXRJz-Fpv-Cz1Lwwk5wC6obDxMnv26uu_rcdP1FE_BjK1gPennNH1JjCxumWizlhwzeomSdPoii56RltflTGmMQKPjnyT3b2kTk-tHyafBNdz0brqYhgHCxCtC/w400-h266/The_Rock_Monument__Hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The Rock Hall today. In the cinema days the ticket hatch <br />was on the front of the building facing the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Rock Hall as well as being a concert venue in the town was also the location of the town’s first permanent cinema. Films were shown earlier in venues, like the eggshed which was located in the centre of the</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="GA">Market Yard, by travelling film companies. The first cinema in town with projection equipment installed was the Rock Hall. John Sweeny of the Commercial Hotel, Major Myles, Paddy Crose and a few interested business people formed the Ballyshannon Cinema Company. They brought in an operator from Glasgow and the cinema played to packed houses, for some years, as people came to the Rock Hall from far and near. During the War of Independence the Bracey Daniel’s Picture Company booked the Rock Hall annually at Easter and showed silent movies nightly. Bracey Daniels (1884-1956) is buried in St. Joseph’s cemetery close to the Rock Hall and is described on his gravestone as an “Irish Cinema Pioneer”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">By the 1930s the four penny matinee on a Sunday was the highlight of the week for young people in Ballyshannon. Mass in the morning and the ‘flicks’ in the afternoon with the Cisco Kid, Tom Mix, Buck Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. The patrons crammed into the hall, sitting on wooden benches, no backs, no arms and noisily greeted their heroes on screen in the ‘talkies’ which had replaced the silent movies. The arrival of the Erne Hydro-Electric Scheme brought great changes to cinema viewing in the town.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBmj4LVgKlWqlz46M7hw0kOLnlwPieC6oExeuTGFUyG-whWat9cFQpQ6SfTtgG1EMTF9b7ZCekw4m4t8PRO6wUJWRUkqUiTVjLKVknSyTwfZrOGoS2B-NQHf-uYzBYohV6_DfDrs2Uh6V/s2048/abbey+arts+centre+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBmj4LVgKlWqlz46M7hw0kOLnlwPieC6oExeuTGFUyG-whWat9cFQpQ6SfTtgG1EMTF9b7ZCekw4m4t8PRO6wUJWRUkqUiTVjLKVknSyTwfZrOGoS2B-NQHf-uYzBYohV6_DfDrs2Uh6V/w400-h255/abbey+arts+centre+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> The Abbey Arts Centre today is the focal point for arts events in <br /> Ballyshannon. It opened as the Abbey Cinema in 1946. <br /> (Image courtesy of Ailis McIntyre Abbey Arts Centre)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">By 1946 two new cinemas opened in the town, The Abbey Cinema and the Erne Cinema</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPA5qAUqno5y3UBWwazjIkIe9YHcGCB819YUe_iLfgM9Lk5fgnk8okL8TlyEJ9tTSZL01-vDspdfCVB4QzYSUEn6X6I32IE_lZewfss6rtLuD3ygPytzpZnDsuYVWknljv_kSgjFE3qfr/s2048/IMG_0894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPA5qAUqno5y3UBWwazjIkIe9YHcGCB819YUe_iLfgM9Lk5fgnk8okL8TlyEJ9tTSZL01-vDspdfCVB4QzYSUEn6X6I32IE_lZewfss6rtLuD3ygPytzpZnDsuYVWknljv_kSgjFE3qfr/w400-h299/IMG_0894.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The former Erne Cinema today. The entrance was on West Port <br />just under the canopy where there is a window now.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">During the Erne hydro-Electric Scheme in the 1940s the Erne Cinema was constructed beside the river Erne and was a massive attraction as it could hold hundreds of patrons. Today it is a shell of a building used as part of the Centra store.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsdY1cv-WWYjOHNNpZtm9DCVbaNBl-S-e_u_MARXAI1KqgFPqQPhNrwz9C_BODKqY4kAVyAdw0kDOLJ9ZtUkS8bxTeQeKRtRJsTnR2XOTClGQKxXmQCllWEsynZgEXN_HVES1VFVlb8CV/s320/IMG_0897.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsdY1cv-WWYjOHNNpZtm9DCVbaNBl-S-e_u_MARXAI1KqgFPqQPhNrwz9C_BODKqY4kAVyAdw0kDOLJ9ZtUkS8bxTeQeKRtRJsTnR2XOTClGQKxXmQCllWEsynZgEXN_HVES1VFVlb8CV/s2048/IMG_0897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The former Erne Cinema viewed from Assaroe road today. <br />Probably one of the largest cinemas in the North-West<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;">The Rock Hall continued for a while as a cinema but its heyday was in establishing cinema in Ballyshannon from the early 20th century. Fortunately the Rock Hall was able to move with the times and meet other needs of the community. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">The Abbey Centre is a beautiful venue today with a number of theatres and is a focal point for the arts including, drama, musicals, pantomimes, bingo and lots more. In 2020 the only venue in Ballyshannon offering cinema films is the Film Club, monthly, in the Abbey Centre.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">"Those were the days my friends we thought they'd never end"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w400-h288/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: quot; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and </b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available signed copies for postage or collection from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-736455306701223842020-09-12T03:25:00.001-07:002020-09-12T03:25:38.574-07:00One of the Most Beautiful Landmarks in Ballyshannon and the Curious Case of the Monk's Head <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbMsMeeGBI0R0aEOpOATIwJl3N0z4tAqm-a8WJXRN7KIY42mVLirEjs9RrkCCvBcz5_KwBVraV57yhnJptb17BtQa9d2JARbnSkntn9GAbZ_qliBIkqFpjMrYuIbBjcNid2xtHRsHWdJO/s1874/Monks_Head.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1874" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbMsMeeGBI0R0aEOpOATIwJl3N0z4tAqm-a8WJXRN7KIY42mVLirEjs9RrkCCvBcz5_KwBVraV57yhnJptb17BtQa9d2JARbnSkntn9GAbZ_qliBIkqFpjMrYuIbBjcNid2xtHRsHWdJO/w625-h518/Monks_Head.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monk's Head</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The recent amazing discovery of a bronze age urn at the construction works at the Sheil Hospital recalls to mind the Monk's Head which was in Catsby Cave close to the Cistercian Abbey of Assaroe in Ballyshannon. Read about Catsby Cave, one of the most beautiful landmarks in Ballyshannon, a poem written in the cave in 1830 that has turned up in Norway, and the mystery of the Monks's Head which has a new home in Rossnowlagh. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the bank of the Abbey River, behind the ruins of Abbey Assaroe and the Abbey graveyard lies the mysterious cavern known as Catsby in a secluded and peaceful location well worth a visit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMKKw4qybXCzf9fns7EFR8iRfteLCAZCv9f4ZcYugMi_OeEDtgT5Sz02t40qRJxhAwnWthudXCvKL8XEpCsQFXe2BktUG6R75-ysoLDCe_ZFjrwwE7hnrpDThQegYp9sa7SZf7YLXFX8-/s640/catsby+.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMKKw4qybXCzf9fns7EFR8iRfteLCAZCv9f4ZcYugMi_OeEDtgT5Sz02t40qRJxhAwnWthudXCvKL8XEpCsQFXe2BktUG6R75-ysoLDCe_ZFjrwwE7hnrpDThQegYp9sa7SZf7YLXFX8-/w625-h469/catsby+.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catsby Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Catsby Cave is associated
with religious ceremonies and the cavern contains two bullauns and an altar hewn
from the rock. Bullauns were traditionally used as baptismal fonts and are
associated with early Christianity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A stone sculptured head was in Catsby until
fairly modern time and some people remember when this stone head was in Catsby Cave. It was removed for safe-keeping to Maynooth College Museum about 70 years ago. It has since been returned to the area and can be viewed at the County
Donegal Historical Museum in the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh. Credit to the Franciscans for providing free accommodation for the Museum and curator Louis Emerson who preserved many artefacts since the museum opened in 1952.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A close examination of
the Monk’s Head, which is said to date to pagan times reveals a number of
features. There are no ears visible on the stone sculpture although it is felt that the
left ear may be hidden under a lock of hair. The head has a hairline also there
is a moustache with chin beard and the head was designed to be built into a
wall. Abbey Assaroe above Catsby was founded in the late 12th century but it is believed that the stone head dates to a much earlier period. Pagan and Christian practices merged in some instances as with wells.The meaning of the place name, Catsby, has never been satisfactorily explained, it is possible that it refers to the steep incline overhead. However Mr. Quinn who reported to the Ordnance Survey in the 1830s called this place 'Cat's Bay' or the bay of the cats !</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>The Priest, the Drummer Boy and Penal Times</span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Local tradition is that Catsby was used as a site to say Mass in Penal times, as it was sheltered and secluded, and any approaching military from the town could be observed. According to folklore, Catsby was the scene of an incident between the
military and a priest at a mine entry beside Catsby.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> “During penal times a
priest was reading Mass there one Sunday. The military who had a barrack in the
town heard of this and came to arrest him but he escaped into the mine. A
drummer boy followed him and the military waited for some time but he nor the
priest never returned and were never heard of since.”</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJDGJDO91ioruldCU02JW9mZTTaILijNWv-vvCo5VLEIZgDHXe7Jzcog6slhyphenhyphenn7ZEJh2L__QcT6baqTy_wUJYfl7m14LNOaL4pFs010HGiRp0GaCycw_EikKkSiAADJVc0xVr3uLAOkSA/s2048/IMG_0889.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJDGJDO91ioruldCU02JW9mZTTaILijNWv-vvCo5VLEIZgDHXe7Jzcog6slhyphenhyphenn7ZEJh2L__QcT6baqTy_wUJYfl7m14LNOaL4pFs010HGiRp0GaCycw_EikKkSiAADJVc0xVr3uLAOkSA/w625-h468/IMG_0889.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Catsby Cave on left and another cave on right which may be the legendary <br />priest's cave. There also was a cave beside the Abbey bridge pictured below.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>A Popular Walk 200 Years Ago</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The walk from the town
to the Abbey and along the bank of the river past the Abbey Mill has always been
popular with local people and Mary Anne Sheil in her diary written in 1844
recalled one such walk with her sisters and a local doctor. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Julia, Caroline,
Dr. Swan and I went a delightful walk to the Abby, sat a long time in the cave
at Catsby, talked over the ancient glories of the Abby. Dr. Swan told us “the
story of a nun”, after a long and very pleasant seat; we took our way through
the village and came home safe at five o’ clock”.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLVM3tBH0GD6xsc0XzCbSaJVsOxRM8IXxes0F-RbXnQfzfK69b_q5y-hHofD_lz0jm95WHzm7bYMvXRYTYYRj-XB-jr7HtDdM1NuYQ7B6BdlXNQq8f7J7twgRSlfXkz0XN2yiTNsUnNhG/s2048/IMG_0884.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLVM3tBH0GD6xsc0XzCbSaJVsOxRM8IXxes0F-RbXnQfzfK69b_q5y-hHofD_lz0jm95WHzm7bYMvXRYTYYRj-XB-jr7HtDdM1NuYQ7B6BdlXNQq8f7J7twgRSlfXkz0XN2yiTNsUnNhG/w625-h468/IMG_0884.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Abbey bridge and river near Catsby Cave<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>A Poem on Catsby Discovered in Norway 200 Year's Ago</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A poem written in Catsby
Cave Ballyshannon, on the 21st December 1830, has been located in a
library in Trondheim in Norway, by a researcher Eva Hov who has provided me with much material, since 2006, on a branch of the Allingham family who went to live in Norway. Eva has visited Ballyshannon on a number of occasions since 2006 and today is one of the foremost authorities on the poet William Allingham's family roots. In my earlier book "Ballyshannon and Surrounding Areas. History, Heritage and Folklore" (now out of print) there is a chapter on the discoveries Eva made in Norway and local Ballyshannon links that we established.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The poem was written by Mary Anne Allingham (an aunt of William
Allingham, the Poet) to her nephew in Norway and shows that Catsby Cave was popular with local people over 200 years ago. Many walked from the town on a good afternoon and took in the Mill, the Abbey bridge, St. Patrick's Well and Abbey Assaroe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recent restoration work at the nearby Mill Wheel and the preservation of many valuable carved stones from the Abbey of Assaroe are well worth a look in this beautiful area of Ballyshannon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lines Written in Catsby Cave (1830)</b></div><blockquote></blockquote></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Five years have fleeted o’er me since last I entered here;</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Since last I saw
before me thy cave O! Catsby dear. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">And o’er my bosom stealing as I seat me on
this stone; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">There comes a saddened feeling with the thoughts of days now flown. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet I would not their returning if a wish would bring them back; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But it sets the
heart a mourning to look along life's track.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And see so many hours have wasted
been in vain; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">How many of life's flowers lie withered on the plain </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Summer sun
was shining when I last sat in this cave; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The summer flowers were twining, the
birds sweet music gave. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now the torrent wildly flowing is the music meets my
ear,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And instead of flowers glowing but withered leaves are here. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet, see!
over yon rock streaming in wreaths all brightly green;<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> Like hope, o’er this life
beaming the ivy plant is seen. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tho' all beneath is shaded by winters hand unkind;</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Green ivy keep unfaded like hope within the mind.</div></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> M.A. Allingham</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYK1ewUgYYKzSpxlorEzzHVp1yWqQyB6N4jJSnMFKI7aYsGeYuBD3fGZ2T51Reh8qTDTRzMktcRYgW25Iz6ECsOWRvqKybNt3pijxwxRSMZ9FMYwDn8DHH4gD-yYYTSuf89q8N0-ykZUX/s2048/IMG_0887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYK1ewUgYYKzSpxlorEzzHVp1yWqQyB6N4jJSnMFKI7aYsGeYuBD3fGZ2T51Reh8qTDTRzMktcRYgW25Iz6ECsOWRvqKybNt3pijxwxRSMZ9FMYwDn8DHH4gD-yYYTSuf89q8N0-ykZUX/w625-h468/IMG_0887.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catsby Cave in September 2020<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Next Blog on Wednesday next 16th September:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b> " Memories of the Biggest Day of the Year In Ballyshannon"</b></div><div><br /></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1991/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1991" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/w625-h450/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: quot; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available for postage from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="">Topics include</span></span><span lang="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div><blockquote><br /></blockquote>
</div>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-41389378851681091042020-07-18T02:27:00.000-07:002020-07-18T02:27:08.734-07:00Two Ballyshannon Men and their Amazing Generosity to their Home Town Remembered<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOy7avUX62eqBFWP-l7OPpH1AIHVCME1sj_xFJRFCma1byPEUtoWBBCJv_fjU0EP6LUlCJ0Q_s9K3bcOmqQxf9MCcFN90_hCmRlA6leWu20Mf7RHy-R9Ql2h5X_kehbi0ejpQ4itniMt-/s1600/Sheil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="629" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOy7avUX62eqBFWP-l7OPpH1AIHVCME1sj_xFJRFCma1byPEUtoWBBCJv_fjU0EP6LUlCJ0Q_s9K3bcOmqQxf9MCcFN90_hCmRlA6leWu20Mf7RHy-R9Ql2h5X_kehbi0ejpQ4itniMt-/s640/Sheil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sheil Hospital built in 1894 thanks to Dr. Simon Sheil</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Two
Ballyshannon men who spent their lifetimes working in the local community,
deserve to be remembered for their amazing generosity in providing funding for
facilities which are benefitting the wider area to this day. They left the modern equivalent of over one million euro for the construction of two of the finest buildings in Ballyshannon which are both used for the medical welfare of the wider community in the Ballyshannon area. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">One of the men
died in 1852 and left a substantial sum of money for the building of a convent
in the town which today houses the newly opened HSE Primary Care Health Centre.
The other benefactor died in 1889 and left a substantial sum of money for the
building of a hospital for the poor which still survives today as the Sheil
Hospital. This hospital is to be extended with a 3 storey extension at the rear
to accommodate 80 new bed units. Both buildings are very important parts of the built heritage in the ancient town of Ballyshannon.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q6JQSf5PzyC-hImkUiIkx6dmhOd9kmo0BnGUNhZXpQEjnqC_JG6QaY4gkEs0bWiG3ToX3oE_ZXOIcYUedyPrKqearW8cYuVN2f6LI_cnc5WHu_4iJRQyFschRnZXc1oxAbMnxHIgOtqH/s1600/Artists-Impression-Sheil-Development-Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="260" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q6JQSf5PzyC-hImkUiIkx6dmhOd9kmo0BnGUNhZXpQEjnqC_JG6QaY4gkEs0bWiG3ToX3oE_ZXOIcYUedyPrKqearW8cYuVN2f6LI_cnc5WHu_4iJRQyFschRnZXc1oxAbMnxHIgOtqH/s640/Artists-Impression-Sheil-Development-Entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist impression of 3 storey extension to the Sheil Hospital with 80 new bed units construction to commence in 2020. ( courtesy of John Hayes HSE)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">Who were these two men who left huge sums of money for the building of a convent and a hospital?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;"> Little did they know that they were laying the foundations for the provision of modern facilities for health care in the community. Without their initial generosity who knows if the recent major projects by the HSE would ever have been developed in Ballyshannon? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">Dr. Simon Sheil is still remembered as the hospital he endowed is named in his memory; but the second man has been largely forgotten and William Stephens deserves to be remembered also, for providing funds for the building of a convent which served the community since the 19</span><sup style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;"> century. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">Many people still remember William Stephens' descendants Cecil Stephens, Postmasrer, at the Hardware and Fancy Goods stores in Castle Street and Brian Stephens in the extensive Drapery store where Saimer Court is today. The impressive Sheil House still stands on College Street at the entrance to the St. Patrick's Church carpark where the HSE offices are today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">The full story of William Stephens and Simon Sheil and their very generous gift to their hometown is contained in this year's Donegal Annual 2020</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-fNZrB1-O3ymxYCcww7LcyneSpimywqOFOxmN21ttcl2-LxY11XaV0gFOsDeNrrzpeLO6CvZxAgX7kTdBBE7t3-L2L5LZvY89TCm3wp_CMKxysabCGF0_LqyMj99AcgBbR4JKruVGSkM/s1600/Convent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="630" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-fNZrB1-O3ymxYCcww7LcyneSpimywqOFOxmN21ttcl2-LxY11XaV0gFOsDeNrrzpeLO6CvZxAgX7kTdBBE7t3-L2L5LZvY89TCm3wp_CMKxysabCGF0_LqyMj99AcgBbR4JKruVGSkM/s640/Convent.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful building was constructed thanks to the bequest of William Stephens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAqOSp59bQud3Zz7XCL1tL55zhXm8Sf_CI-7dDG_QXgdH43W2V6jBg1gKyOJyOCkMqniA3WXgQ8jSEA1i894eikb9gh6vyWeGhP5_lEJRgVj7rODkC2_x3_LvGecjVZBNCFU1gFbC461N/s1600/Convent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAqOSp59bQud3Zz7XCL1tL55zhXm8Sf_CI-7dDG_QXgdH43W2V6jBg1gKyOJyOCkMqniA3WXgQ8jSEA1i894eikb9gh6vyWeGhP5_lEJRgVj7rODkC2_x3_LvGecjVZBNCFU1gFbC461N/s640/Convent.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renovation and additional buildings were recently added to the original Convent in Ballyshannon. the character of the original building is beautifully kept as you can see in this image ( Courtesy of John Hayes HSE)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">Full article with rare photographs and lots of information about both men is contained in the recently published 2020 Donegal Annual entitled "Two Ballyshannon Philanthropist and their Legacy" by Anthony Begley. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The 2020 Donegal Annual has a wonderful selection of stories and history from all parts of County Donegal. Editor Sean Beattie. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify;">The Annual is available in A Novel Idea Ballyshannon and Four Master's Bookshop Donegal Town and also from Una McGarrigle Parkhill Ballyshannon . </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available for postage from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Topics include</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div>
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Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-10506775141499662302020-07-13T03:35:00.001-07:002020-08-09T14:23:20.680-07:00 A JuniorBallyshannon Brass and Reed Band in Balyshannon in 1973 . Can you recognise anyone?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71SlricK4CLg74mgr1BJt47Roz6VIMGStkEacYICxCPikfcqmhlr4k0o0A6OZSK6Ep0J0PKJNCp-ofuD76Hs3_653JRrRgLQoezwM_u7lDYEnkjg62Ukg3AgRaLITNnYyc9iuoYmyG4FD/s1600/Junior+Band+1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1387" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71SlricK4CLg74mgr1BJt47Roz6VIMGStkEacYICxCPikfcqmhlr4k0o0A6OZSK6Ep0J0PKJNCp-ofuD76Hs3_653JRrRgLQoezwM_u7lDYEnkjg62Ukg3AgRaLITNnYyc9iuoYmyG4FD/s640/Junior+Band+1973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Junior Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band in May 1973 in the ESB field on the Knather at the Vocational School Sports Day<br />
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front (l.tor.) Ann Duffy, Christine Gallagher, Kieran McShea, Thomas Downey, Thomas Gallagher, Terence Lawne.</div>
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Middle row (l.tor.) Bernard Monaghan, Patricia Fox, Eleanor McLoughlin, Brenda Fannon, Helen Hoey, Niall Tuohy, Patrick McShane (instructor)</div>
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Back row (l.to.r.) Eileen Hoey, Geraldine McShea, Liam Thomas, Pauric McMahon, Geraldine Monaghan and Bernadette Gallagher</div>
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Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-26287406365595007422020-07-11T03:10:00.000-07:002020-07-11T03:15:00.270-07:00Ballyshannon Imprisonments, Whippings and Transportation to Van Diemen’s Land<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zANhagt-5hLaU5cOZNq7Xvy5FD77Plb3JPg5aY7HhV9-OgU0JlQCCo_LR_Yli7zqj-F7iWyfMox8evkoFb1QjPv9l5YvgHyvCIiGoDEYVUNj7j5sRdOLSzvqTV_dbklyz7D3rBtrYJ76/s1600/More+Town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zANhagt-5hLaU5cOZNq7Xvy5FD77Plb3JPg5aY7HhV9-OgU0JlQCCo_LR_Yli7zqj-F7iWyfMox8evkoFb1QjPv9l5YvgHyvCIiGoDEYVUNj7j5sRdOLSzvqTV_dbklyz7D3rBtrYJ76/s640/More+Town.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> The Market House in the centre of the bottom photograph </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> was formerly the Courthouse. In the middle photograph the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> steps </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">into the Market House are visible. David Carter's shop</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> mentioned </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> below was on </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">the left in Castle Street. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">Note</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> t</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">he different types of transport in the photos. 5 at least! Note</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> also the time taken between two of the photographs</span></div>
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<b>Tough sentences handed down by the courts for thefts in Ballyshannon in the 1800s. A number of people transported to Van Diemen's land (now Tasmania) in Australia for stealing clothes. </b></div>
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<b>Check out the most unusual and incredible crime that inmates of Ballyshannon Workhouse were accused of committing. Unbelievable but true!</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Transported to Van Diemen’s Land</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Theft of property was viewed very seriously in the past and those brought before the courts faced very severe sentences including being transported to Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land). The following five people were from the Ballyshannon area and were transported for various acts of stealing. They were sent to prison in Australia on the other side of the world.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">In 1824 Alicia Leonard and Margaret alias Mary McManus were sentenced to seven years transportation for stealing wearing apparel in Ballyshannon. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">On 7<sup>th</sup> August 1833 Margaret McShee stole three dresses belonging to Margaret McAdam a dressmaker in Ballyshannon. She was before Donegal Assizes in March 1834 and was sentenced to be transported for 7 years.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Ellen Maguire was charged with having stolen goods on her person. She was sentenced to seven years transportation</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">On the 23<sup>rd</sup> of July 1840 at Donegal Assizes, Thomas Mc Cann was arrested for stealing wearing apparel at Ballyshannon on the 14<sup>th</sup> of July. The prisoner pleaded guilty and he said that he was in liquor at the time. His lordship said that in consequence of his being of good behaviour before that date he would sentence him to be transported for seven years! Seven years!</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Prison and Public Whipping through Ballyshannon</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Damage to property could result in a jail sentence and a public whipping through the streets of Ballyshannon as the first case below indicates</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">In 1823 John McGarrigle, James McEntire, Charles Judge, Michael and Owen McGarrigle were charged with pulling down a house near Ballyshannon the property of Mary McGarrigle. All found guilty and were to be imprisoned for a year. They were also to be publicly whipped through the town of Ballyshannon from the Bridge to the Fair Green on the following days- 12<sup>th</sup> April, 21<sup>st</sup> June, and 18th September.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Rose Doherty was found in David Carter’s shop with intention to steal and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. David Carter was the editor of the local newspaper called “The Ballyshannon Herald” and also owned a shop selling a variety of stationery on Castle Street in the town.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Terence McCawley was convicted for stealing a pig and was sentenced to four months imprisonment.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XdP-JGH3KLjjYmiWO0VFvf3EnXnSJIo_GpcqV6P0w1RBuIZcVVy3mVU3xuSahK0IFaljANuqbL2OMhgbb9pVvHF0uOYuuJqi0uT8f3jyXV1Yr7HBfSNjl_WHk7L3siTVvmrYJ51KZUEY/s1600/Ballyshannon+Workhouse+today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1578" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XdP-JGH3KLjjYmiWO0VFvf3EnXnSJIo_GpcqV6P0w1RBuIZcVVy3mVU3xuSahK0IFaljANuqbL2OMhgbb9pVvHF0uOYuuJqi0uT8f3jyXV1Yr7HBfSNjl_WHk7L3siTVvmrYJ51KZUEY/s640/Ballyshannon+Workhouse+today.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">A Bizarre Offence at Ballyshannon Workhouse</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>What charge was brought against some inmates from the Workhouse?</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">A number of inmates from Ballyshannon Workhouse were brought to the court and charged with theft. They had absconded from the workhouse at different intervals and were charged with stealing the workhouse clothes which they were wearing at the time! Life was certainly tough for those poor inmates.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s1600/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWEn1_A-MyX5DWMDJckIYGePlIgaUAUS-vhi3nx1kBKxo-p48Fzl-jXwk7oVEqgQxb-DKDQWDsWe09j6Q2lLqfzhBcGTHQnypYmsUSnNQZo3XH8Uu-mGApYNIx-9pSLkU8BSMm3gWf-u7/s640/Hardback+image+for+facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>Ideal local gift</b> a Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available for postage from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Topics include</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div>
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Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-36086757964090125062020-06-30T01:33:00.001-07:002020-06-30T01:33:46.049-07:00Australia Thanks Ballyshannon Today<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j3IsGUlmd9-2tnoTcqqtQQy0Iv5QYy5jzZyYv6lq8vIxzy9IkYt10xr5UYZJZfTuv0NrGb4CkTvUcgqLG7Sbp9lsuOKb0FkWnFH1ldbIhgSCsboS3l9j99AiGa2g_IZV4eu7g1jPofs4/s1600/orphans+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="643" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j3IsGUlmd9-2tnoTcqqtQQy0Iv5QYy5jzZyYv6lq8vIxzy9IkYt10xr5UYZJZfTuv0NrGb4CkTvUcgqLG7Sbp9lsuOKb0FkWnFH1ldbIhgSCsboS3l9j99AiGa2g_IZV4eu7g1jPofs4/s320/orphans+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU40NSZ4MDpLrnN5X_v1eMTMMRBWDEb64ZPa6kmxPrwoiDAuO62-oif8n6VhrUeIIh66WUeDxirQKmQ5svdZBFp1cy2EEEb0AFcNxV69oRtBWtJiGag7FL5O2drfVpVtTEyJtMZeZx8t5i/s1600/orphans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU40NSZ4MDpLrnN5X_v1eMTMMRBWDEb64ZPa6kmxPrwoiDAuO62-oif8n6VhrUeIIh66WUeDxirQKmQ5svdZBFp1cy2EEEb0AFcNxV69oRtBWtJiGag7FL5O2drfVpVtTEyJtMZeZx8t5i/s640/orphans.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FrUcGsND6FNRdHJuqMHzhcOsK-WvBoMS5p6WDHh7uki6XIX8Q3WrMWps0bxH4R1-TS8M126X801tbQtaosQVoSwQ0Cvonj4QHdZ4ilUQQ8H1Y_5YyrxPGQk10KeCWTxtMbG1mE6bQpnx/s1600/orphans+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FrUcGsND6FNRdHJuqMHzhcOsK-WvBoMS5p6WDHh7uki6XIX8Q3WrMWps0bxH4R1-TS8M126X801tbQtaosQVoSwQ0Cvonj4QHdZ4ilUQQ8H1Y_5YyrxPGQk10KeCWTxtMbG1mE6bQpnx/s640/orphans+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Mr. Robert Owen-Jones Charge d'Affaires in the Australian Embassy laid a <br /> wreath on behalf of the Australian people at the Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon</span></td></tr>
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<b style="text-align: justify;">The Australian
Embassy paid a special visit to Ballyshannon today to thank our community for
remembering the 19 orphan girls who were shipped to Australia from Ballyshannon
Workhouse at the height of the Great Famine. A wreath was laid by Mr. Robert Owen-Jones Charge d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy on behalf of the Australian people at the Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon.</b><br />
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Mr. Robert Owen-Jones Charge d'Affaires in the
Australian Embassy visited a wet and windy Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon
on Monday 29th June 2020 and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Australian
people for remembering these forgotten girls who left Ballyshannon and made new
lives for themselves in Australia. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Jones laid a wreath on behalf of the Australian Government
and the Australian people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Anthony Begley returned thanks to the embassy for recognising the unique Orphan Girls Memorial in Ballyshannon which remembers 19 girls from areas around Ballyshannon in Fermanagh, Leitrim and Donegal who left the workhouse at the height of the Great Famine in 1848. They contributed to Australian society in difficult times and a number of their descendants had visited the memorial in Ballyshannon in the past few years.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Pam Barker a great great grand daughter of one of the orphan girls Mary Ann McDermott had travelled from Sydney to unveil the monument in 2014. Mr. Barney McLoughlin Donegal County Council co-ordinated the embassy visit.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Eight of the orphan girls from the Ballyshannon area are named on the Irish Famine Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney today. All 19 are named and remembered on the memorial in Ballyshannon. Further photos of the event will follow.</span></div>
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<br />Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-42214586431359750762020-06-27T02:40:00.000-07:002020-06-27T02:40:11.317-07:00 A Ballyshannon Landmark. The Allingham Memorial on the Bridge <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Allingham
Memorial on the Bridge</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">125 years ago the Allingham Memorial was placed by townspeople on Allingham Bridge at Ballyshannon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back in 1902 a tourist visiting the town asked the driver of the coach he was travelling in what was the plaque about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tourist: Who was William Allingham?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Carman: He was an old residenther Sir.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tourist: Well why was the tablet put up to him?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Carman: Just an ould residenther in the town sir. Nothing more</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Memorial a Tribute to a Poet who Loved his Hometown</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The memorial as we know was erected as a
tribute to Ballyshannon born poet William Allingham (1824-1889). It was and still is frequently viewed by visitors to the town. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">William Allingham has also been remembered with a plaque on his birthplace on the Mall. The bust of William Allingham which is now to be seen in the main public office of the Allied Irish Bank was originally located outside the bank in 1971. Allingham Park and the Helen Allingham Gallery in the Abbey Centre still recall his memory as does the Allingham Society which has been ongoing in a variety of forms since 1968.</span><br />
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<b>Why was the Plaque placed on the Bridge?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">William Allingham
wished to be remembered on the bridge of 14 arches over the Erne and left the
verse in his own handwriting which you can read on the plaque. The bridge of 14 arches was demolished when the Erne Hydro-Electric Scheme was constructed in the 1940s. The Allingham Memorial was then put on the single-arch bridge as it is today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">William Allingham <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> also wished
that the Memorial should have a view of the Assaroe Falls but sadly today the
only faint trace of the Falls are at the footbridge downstream. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>William Allingham put Ballyshannon on the Map</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The unveiling of the
Allingham Memorial in 1895 was carried out by Mr. Sweeney, Chairman of the Town
Commissioners, who praised the poet for putting his hometown on the map and said that they
were delighted to remember his achievements. He also praised the inclusion of
the harp and the shamrock and other national symbols on the tablet made of Mountcharles stone and welcomed the poet’s
brother Hugh Allingham as a representative of the family. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hugh Allingham
symbolically handed over the memorial to the care of the inhabitants of the
town. Hugh Allingham was manager of the Provincial Bank which is nearby and is
The Allied Irish Bank today.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">William
Allingham’s love of his hometown is obvious in poems such as “Adieu to
Ballyshannon” and “Abbey Assaroe” and he has also written a ghostly poem “The Goblin
Child” about an incident at the Barracks still standing beside the bridge. Many
visitors to the town are familiar with his poem “The Fairies."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Allingham-The Poet of Ballyshannon</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available for postage from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Topics include</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012040551997899066.post-66440178093323589532020-06-19T02:30:00.000-07:002020-06-19T02:30:11.014-07:00On this day 19th June Remembering a Plane Crash in the Abbey Ballyshannon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew of plane who crashed in the Abbey Ballyshannon on this day. (Billy Finn)</td></tr>
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<span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Ballyshannon was to witness a
fatal crash on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday the 19th June,1944<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when an American B24 Liberator Bomber plane
of 422 Squadron crashed due to engine failure in a field at the Abbeylands. The
plane on a ferry flight from Goose Bay, New Foundland to Nutt</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">’</span><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">s Corner Airfield in Antrim carried a crew of ten, of
whom two were killed and six were injured.A local anecdote recalls that this
plane had been searching for a place to land, and had been seen over the bridge
at Ballyshannon. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">The ten man crew appeared to be searching for a
landing place but ignored (or possibly didn’t see) the fishermen’s signal from
the Goochers (a fishing spot in the Erne channel) indicating a safe landing
place.</span><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;"> The plane headed inland over St.
Patrick</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">’</span><span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">s Well, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
scraping noise of the plane as it hit stone ditches, could be heard before it
crashed. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyewitnesses saw the plane in the Erne estuary</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><b>Eyewitnesses to the crash in the Abbey</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Five Ballyshannon children witnessed the final flight of the
American B24 Liberator bomber plane as it searched for a landing spot on a
calm, sunny Monday evening seventy five years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dessie Drummond, Mary Bannigan, Marie, Eddie
and Kathleen McIntyre were at McIntyre’s house on the Whitehill overlooking the
Erne estuary and Kathleen describes what they saw:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “</b>It was a calm, sunny evening when the noise of the plane was
heard overhead. The fishermen on the Goochers signed to the crew of the aeroplane
that they could land there; but the aeroplane continued its journey, turned
into the Abbey Bay and continued up over the fields until it crashed at the
Upper Abbey”. </span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><b>Local people helped the Crash Victims</b></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">The crew were cared
for at the site by Nurse Maureen Kelly , S.R.N. who lived nearby, and by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>members of the Red Cross, the Local Defence
Force, the Gardai and the Irish Military. Hundreds of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the local areas arrived to help and it is recalled that the pilot,
Arthur H. Dittmer, reassured the crowd that there were no bombs or explosives
on board. Sean Gibbons recalls that his grandfather John Gibbons, a well-known taxi driver was present at the crash site. All the crew were taken to the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon where
they were tended to by Dr. Daly, Dr. Gordon, Sister Fidelma, the Sisters of
Mercy and lay staff. The armament<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the
plane consisted of 8 machine guns.The names of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>crew were: Lieutenant Marvin J. Reddick,
Lieutenant Arthur H. Dittmar, Lieutenant Arnold A.Grueber, Sgt. Edward
J.Friedl, Sgt. George H. Smith,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sgt.
Lester M. Clarke, Cpl. James O.E.Harvey, 2nd Lieutenant Wayne R.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Davis, Cpl. Riley M. Cannon and Sgt. Carlos
F. Maestas. Cannon and Maestas died in the crash and their remains along with
the eight survivors were returned to Northern Ireland. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuqOZvJ0lSQblvcuP9yy1LwgrsVz7ftjcEIeIfC988tO9w8PHGtqmZcReTbjUdVBZXkZL9W_86u5RPpmg-vLw6baChfcS-ce7HtFxvh52qluVoH90Xfq9rbzfb-LcpX9wD96nA3WgYyLx/s1600/plaque+at+Abbey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuqOZvJ0lSQblvcuP9yy1LwgrsVz7ftjcEIeIfC988tO9w8PHGtqmZcReTbjUdVBZXkZL9W_86u5RPpmg-vLw6baChfcS-ce7HtFxvh52qluVoH90Xfq9rbzfb-LcpX9wD96nA3WgYyLx/s640/plaque+at+Abbey.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque at Abbeylands on road to Rossnowlagh</td></tr>
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<span lang="GA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;">On the 19th June
2005,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Billy Finn and the members of </span>Historic Ballyshannon<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> unveiled a memorial stone at a gate
pillar close to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the site of the crash
and also presented a citation to the Sheil Hospital who cared for the victims
of all crashes in the area. A subsequent ceremony in Coláiste Cholmcille was
attended by representatives of the American Embassy, Minister Mary Coughlin,
local clergy and people from the area, some of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>whom were present on the day of the crash.<sup> </sup></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1wQtkVj_1PiU8q8HSNAj6oiaY38kH8TpGyIoUXSmtwhjn89ht_3OiXIC-DMd6GgM-oV88nPxVStebg973zGjGy4E4W60OtYqOAr4DhyphenhyphenpozmC7J4JsfML36gh_AaXhEqVukfo2YC14r7-/s1600/Plaque+on+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1wQtkVj_1PiU8q8HSNAj6oiaY38kH8TpGyIoUXSmtwhjn89ht_3OiXIC-DMd6GgM-oV88nPxVStebg973zGjGy4E4W60OtYqOAr4DhyphenhyphenpozmC7J4JsfML36gh_AaXhEqVukfo2YC14r7-/s640/Plaque+on+bridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque on Allingham Bridge Ballyshannon today.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.8px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">Limited edition quality hardback with dust jacket as above available in A Novel Idea and Local Hands Ballyshannon and Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available for postage from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">Topics include</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">: How to go about Tracing your Roots/The first settlers in the area/ Newly researched history of the town of Ballyshannon and the townlands in Kilbarron and Mágh Éne parishes/ Records of the first travellers and tourists to Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Belleek, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra/An aerial guide to place names along the Erne from Ballyshannon to the Bar/Flora and Fauna of the area/ A history of buildings and housing estates in the locality/Graveyard Inscriptions from the Abbey graveyard, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s /Rolling back the years with many memories of the Great Famine, Independence struggle, hydro-electric scheme, Gaelic games, boxing, handball, Boy Scouts, soccer, mummers, characters, organisations, folklore and lots more.</span></div>
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Ballyshannon Musingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079875320499198394noreply@blogger.com1