Countdown to Christmas
THE countdown to Christmas began in earnest with local traders getting ready to meet the traditional 'last-minute' rush, while householders were stocking up with enough supplies of fuel and food to last over the holidays.
And despite the gloomy unemployment situation in this region, it would appear that there is no shortage of money for spending, as shops and businesses throughout the Omagh and Strabane districts report a healthy trade in most sections of the Christmas goods market.
The festive mood is reflected on the streets of almost every local town and village where brightly-lit Christmas trees and decorations have added a welcome splash of colour to the dark December evenings. And in keeping with the seasonal spirit, local Councils and community groups have chipped in to meet the cost.
Omagh could play crucial role after nuclear attack
OMAGH could become the administrative centre of the North in the event of a nuclear attack on the Belfast area. It is believed that in contingency plans drawn up by the Northern Ireland Office, Omagh has been chosen as an alternative headquarters for government - if a nuclear 'strike' meant that this operation could no longer be carried out from Belfast. The NIO has refused to go into details about its proposals for 'The Day After.' But informed local sources, including the Omagh CND Group, are convinced that this area has been pinpointed as the alternative centre for the co-ordination of essential services such as welfare, transport, communications and fuel supplies.
50 YEARS AGO/1958
Indian salesman's rescue bid
AN Indian salesman who, in an effort to rescue a 95-year-old Beragh man from a burning house, received burns to the hair, face and arms, was commended for his gallantry by AF Colhoun, Coroner, at an inquest in Omagh on Hamilton McDowell, retired druggist, Main Street, Beragh.
His residence, in which the salesman had rooms, and a lock-up pharmacy, were gutted by fire in the early hours of November 6.
Damian Datt Takier lived in the same residence as the deceased. He ran up the stairs which were burning, and burst through the bedroom door.
He lifted Mr McDowell's body and could detect no sign of life in him. Due to the heat and the smoke, he had to let go of the body and quickly run out into the street to get some air. Head Constable Irvine, RUC, also commmended Mr Takier for his actions.
Omagh Garda who cheated death several times
AN Omagh man who cheated death several times, Detective Officer Michael McGillion, of the Special Branch, has retired from the Garda after 41 years' service as a policeman.
In his time, Mr McGillion disarmed two men facing him with guns, and one hatchetman; dived fully-clothed into the Liffey to rescue two people; and stopped two runaway horses.
For disarming a man who was aiming a Lee-Enfield rifle at him with only 42 yards separating them, he received the Scott Medal from the then Minister For Justice, G Boland TD.
75 YEARS AGO/1933
Boy's ears boxed
AT Omagh Petty Sessions, John Joseph McCutcheon, a minor, by his father Alexander McCutcheon, Breaghmore, summoned William McKelvey, Drumragh, for assault. There was a cross-case for abusive and threatening language. John McCutcheon, aged 13 years, said he attended Drumragh School. During play-time, he was playing with other boys in the potato pit. Afterwards, when going home from school, he met McKelvey who threw him to the ground and hit him with closed fists. He also kicked him in the sides and called his mother names. McKelvey stated that he met McCutcheon and another boy coming from school. He said McCutheon began pulling faces at him and called him names. Witness said he hit him with an open hand but did not throw him down or kick him.
The Chairman said he was inclined to believe the evidence of McKelvey, and he did not think there was a serious assault. He would find there was a case of technical assault and fined McKelvey 1s and costs.
Blessed Oliver Plunkett
THE faithful of the parish of Drumragh participated in the devotions in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh in honour of Blessed Oliver Plunkett when the sacred relics of the martyred Archbishop of Armagh were exposed.
At 3pm Very Rev Dr McShane placed the relics in the Sanctuary, and for upwards of two hours before the evening ceremonies began large crowds of the faithful visited the church and knelt in prayer at the altar rails.
The sacred edifice was thronged to the doors at the evening devotions.
100 YEARS AGO/1908
Died from excessive drinking
A VERY sad story comes from Augher, of the death of a shoemaker named David Higginbotham, aged 52 years, who dies, leaving a wife and family.
The evidence went to show that he was a man who was in the habit of taking periodical turns of drinking, and it was stated that he was drinking for a week. One night he was attacked with a fit of trembling, and died at two o'clock in the morning.
It was suggested that he had taken poison, but Dr Ross, of Clogher, stated at the inquest that he died from ague, accelerated by drinking and want of food, and he was satisfied he had not taken poison. The jury found a verdict accordingly.
Bank manager killed
A VERY sad motoring accident, unfortunately attended with fatal results, occurred near Irvinestown. It appears that Mr Seaton, manager of Northern Bank, Irvinestown, was out in a motor car in company with Daniel McDonnell, motor agent, Armagh.
The roads were wet and greasy after heavy rain, and in turning a sharp corner some distance outside the town the car skidded, and Mr Seaton, who occupied the front seat, was thrown out, sustaining shocking injuries. Messengers were at once dispatched to Enniskillen and Irvinestown for medical aid; and Dr Kidd and Dr Aiken motored to the spot without any loss of time, but on their arrival they found that Mr Seaton was dead.
The tragic affair has, needless to say, created a very painful sensation.
- Nigel McDonagh
