25 YEARS AGO/1984
Response to Ethiopian fund
ALREADY in Omagh the response to the Ethiopian Appeal has been "overwhelming," according to the local branch of the Save the Children Fund which was one of the first groups in the town to organise a fundraising street collection. And the plight of the famine-hit people certainly touched the hearts of the local community who, during the two-day bottle collection, donated the fantastic sum of £1,561.
One local businessman made a private donation of £100, whilst others gave as much as they could. Most people gave a pound, several £5 and the sighting of a few £20 notes could also be seen in the collection bottle.
Author praises 'Herald group for GAA coverage
THE author of a new book, 'The GAA in Tyrone, 1884-1984,' has praised the UHe newspaper group's part in having recorded for posterity, the story in Tyrone since the turning of the century. Joe Martin said that without the vast record of events contained in the newspapers, especially prior to the early 1930s, the history of the GAA in Tyrone before this period would have been lost.
"I should add that not alone is it a prime source for the history of the GAA, but it is in fact a veritable mine of information on all aspects of the social, political and cultural life of Tyrone.
"I hope that in years to come, others will feel impelled to delve into its pages and record other aspects of the history of our county which are preserved so faithfully there."
50 YEARS AGO/1950
Storm lashes Tyrone
THE worst storm of the year in Tyrone left a trail of destruction throughout the county. All parts suffered as gusts of 98mph lashed towns and villages. Fortunately, despite the dangers from flying slates and falling trees, no-one was seriously injured. Public transport services running late to and from Omagh and damage to property in Strabane - where two large stained-glass windows above the choir loft of the Church of the Immaculate Conception were broken - are just some of the features of the storm. The roads in the Baronscourt demesne were blocked and workers had to make a detour.
The Ardstraw-Victoria Bridge road was blocked and several trees fell in the picturesque village of Sion Mills. In all areas the electricity supply and telephone services were disrupted for long periods.
Children not going to school
THE parents of six Strabane children are refusing to send their children to two voluntary schools in Strabane because they think that transport convenient to their homes should be supplied.
The children have not been attending school since the beginning of September. A meeting of Tyrone County Education Committee was told that the children were living in a mountainous area, and had to walk two miles to the nearest bus stop.
The Finance Committee recommended that the parents of the children should be prosecuted, but Dr Dickson said that the children had since returned to school and that the parents had been misled by "know-alls."
75 YEARS AGO/1934
Man dies suddenly
A FARMER named John Shiels of Killeter died suddenly in the house of Michael Mannion, Castlederg. Shiels spent the day in Castlederg fair and as Mr Mannion, who owns a hacknay car, was in the habit of leaving him home, a distance of nine miles, he went to Mannion's house about 10pm.
Mr Mannion was absent as that time, and Shiels sat down and was conversing with Mrs Mannion when he suddenly collapsed and died immediately.
Sergeant Flanagan, who resides nearby, was called in and Dr Leary summoned but he could only pronounce life extinct.
The remains were removed to Castlederg District Hospital, and an inquest was not considered necessary.
Tramp sent to prison
AT a special court in Omagh, before J Empey, JP, a tramp named George Kerr was charged with begging. Constable Stewart said he saw the accused begging from door to door in the Campsie area of the town that day.
Mr Empey said, "I had a visit from him myself. (To the accused): Where do you come from?" Accused replied, "I belong to the Six Counties (laughter). I am only a week out of Derry Jail. If you like I will leave the town this evening." (More laughter).
Mr Empey said, "You will have to leave it. You will go back to Derry Jail for another month and don't come back near this town."
100 YEARS AGO/1909
Sport at Castlederg
THE boxing competitions in the Market House at night were in striking contrast to the day's proceedings. The arrangements were perfect in every detail and the various contests were most successful and passed off without a hitch.
It was disappointing that Harry Morgan, the clever Sion Mills boxer, and ex-lightweight champion of the Army and Navy, was unable (owing to an accident at football) to meet 'Young Cyclone Billy Warren' of Belfast, in the ten round contest for £1- a side and a purse of £15. The other contests, however, were most interesting and the spectators got good value for their money. It was real good boxing all through, and no faking. All contests were characterised by science and sportsmanship, and an absence of ill will and brute force.
Girl's second sight
THE servant of a local doctor at Gan, near Pau, an uneducated girl of 19, has shown such powers of 'second sight' as to lead to the arrest of thieves. Dr Meunnier, a friend of the girl's master, was robbed of £120. The money had been taken from his writing table and the police could find no trace of the thieves. The detectives who had heard of the girl's gift asked her master to hypnotise her. This took place and she answered so clearly the thieves were arrested. Two years before when the girl was milking the cows she suddenly rushed into the house declaring that her father had been killed. Next day it emerged that her father had been shot dead at the precise moment of the girl's announcement by the husband of a woman with whom he was in love.
- Nigel McDonagh
