25 YEARS AGO/1985

Baby rescued from blaze

AN eight-week-old baby boy had a lucky escape when he was rescued by his mother from the family's blazing caravan home on the outskirts of Omagh. The child, Patrick McDonagh, was asleep in the four-berth caravan on the Old Ballygawley Road, at Tattykeel, Omagh.

His mother, Kathleen McDonagh, who was just outside at the time, noticed smoke coming from inside the dwelling. She rushed into the caravan and managed to bring the baby to safety before the structure became engulfed in flames.

The mother and child were taken to the Tyrone County Hospital, but were reported to be uninjured apart from a few minor scrapes. Omagh Fire Brigade arrived at the scene soon after the blaze broke out, but the caravan was already destroyed and they could do little but dampen the smouldering flames.

Bomb scare

A 500LB bomb found in a manhole at Drumnakilly was defused by British Army explosives experts after a three-day operation. The 'all-clear' was given after a controlled explosion had been carried out on the device, which had kept local families out of their homes for two nights. The bomb was discovered on the Drumnakilly Road, between Omagh and Carrickmore, and after initial investigations by security forces it was decided to evacuate people living in six nearby houses the following day. The families stayed with relatives and friends until the alert ended.

RUC detectives said they are convinced that the massive bomb was meant for a passing police, army or UDR patrol.

50 YEARS AGO/1960

Swastika daub in Omagh

POLICE in Omagh are investigating the painting of a swastika on the gable of a house at Holmview Terrace. The sign carried the words 'Juden Raus' (Jews go home).

It is accepted that the defacement of the building was the work of irresponsibles, probably a youth or youths, who were influenced by newspaper reports of similar activity in other centres in Ireland earlier in the week.

Traffic wardens welcomed

THE Tyrone County Education Committee's scheme providing wardens for the protection of school children commenced in a number of towns.

In Omagh, wardens are on duty at the several busy traffic intersections leading to the approaches to schools, and it is a pleasure to see the care and efficiency with which they make the road safe for the little ones crossing.

Through the courtesy of the RUC, constables were on duty at some points during the first few days to instruct the wardens.

By all sections of the community, the provision of wardens, which has been a long overdue measure for the protection of children in an age where traffic has become increasingly heavy, especially in the last ten years, has been received with every satisfaction, as is the manner in which the scheme is working out.

Clad in the regulation long white coat, and bearing a standard in red and white, the warden has already come to be recognised by the little ones as their best friend.

75 YEARS AGO/1935

Police and cow collide

A COLLISION between a police car and a cow near Fivemiletown was described at the Belfast Recorder's Court, when Mary A Hamilton, a widow, of Mullaghmore, Fivemiletown claimed £30 damages for the cow which had its legs broken and had to be destroyed. The Recorder dismissed the case.

William Clifford, a land steward for Mrs Hamilton, gave evidence of driving four cows on the road. Three turned to the left, but the fourth went right and was struck by the police car.

Constable Starrett, the driver of the police car, said he saw a small black cow grazing at the side of the road, and he slowed down to 20 or 25mph. Suddenly more cows came out of a gate onto the road, and one of them ran into the car.

County Inspector Harrison, who was in the car, said one of the cows ran into the car. There were no signs of damage to the car, and he concluded that the cow must have put its foot between the bumper and the front of the car.

Married in New York

IN St Hugh's Church, Brooklyn, New York, the marriage took place of Miss Mary McGale (daughter of Mr and Mrs H McGale, Tattykeel, Omagh), and James L Earley, son of Mr and Mrs P Earley, Long Island, New York.

The ceremony was performed by Rev James E Rock.

The bride was attended by Anna Earley, sister of the bridegroom and the best man was Thomas Earley, brother of the bridegroom.

A reception was subsequently held at the home of the bridegroom's parents.

100 YEARS AGO/1910

Burning incident

A VERY serious burning incident occurred at the house of Peter Campbell, Knockinnis, some miles from Fintona. The damage is estimated at between £150 and £200.

The following are the principal items which were destroyed: Six cows, one horse and the outhouses.

It appears that the occupants of house knew nothing of the burning until they were apprised of the matter by Bernard Campbell, who lives only a short distance from the place of the burning.

From information it appears that Bernard Campbell, on leaving the house at daybreak, found the outhouses of Peter Campbell completely burned, nothing left standing only the walls.

It is not expected that any claim for malicious injury will be lodged, but as the loss is very heavy it is believed that an appeal will be made to the public, as it would be very hard for him to stand against the loss.

Escape from drowning

WHILE a lad named R Marsh was engaged in moving some timber logs in the canal basin in Coalisland, he had a narrow escape from drowning.

He was standing on the log when it turned over, throwing him into the water which was 12 feet deep.

P Corr, who happened to be in the vicinity at the time, at great personal risk jumped into the waterfall, and succeeded in saving the youth from a watery grave.

- Nigel McDonagh