August 16, 2012

Date Published: 16-Aug-2012

 1912

Galway murder mystery

Close upon two weeks have now elapsed since the hapless itinerant school-teacher from Derry, was, to quote the verdict of the Coroner’s jury, “feloniously and wilfully murdered by some person or persons unknown, in a field at Newcastle, Galway.”

The mutilated remains have been removed from the field where, in all probability, the foul deed was committed, placed in the morgue, viewed by the Coroner’s jury, examined by the doctors and then treated to a pauper’s funeral and buried away in the strangers plot at the New Cemetery.

The crime is still a mystery – a dark and dreadful mystery that human ingenuity does not appear able to fathom.

Alleged spy

A tremendous sensation was created in Galway this afternoon when it was leaked that a foreigner had been arrested on the sea-shore on suspicion of being a spy in the employment of a foreign power.

We learn that the gentleman who was placed under arrest is from Belgium and that he has been lodging in a house on the Grattan Road for the last fortnight. The position commands a full view of the Bay and of the depot of the Connaught Rangers in Renmore.

1937

Injured tourist

A returned American was rather seriously injured at Inver races when he was knocked down and trampled on by a horse during one of the races. He was attended by Dr. Kelly for a fractured leg and other injuries and was then removed to Belmullet Hospital.

Summer tan

A sun tan aided by olive oil is costing more this year for olive oil has practically doubled in price since last summer. The reason for the sharp upward trend in price – 120s, a ton compared with about 67s last year – is due to two factors – the Spanish war and the failure of the olive crop last year in some of the Mediterranean countries. A more serious aspect of the rise in price is that hospitals, which are probably the largest users of olive oil, are laced with bigger expenditure than was contemplated at the beginning of the financial year.

The war in Spain and the armament programme in Britain and other countries is also accountable for the increase in the price of glycerine, which is also used largely for medicinal purposes. But as it is necessary for making high explosives the price is now over £100 a ton, against £60 last year.

1962

Man dies at mass

An unknown man collapsed at mass in St. Mary’s Church, The Claddagh this morning and was dead on admission to the Regional Hospital, Galway. Gardai think that the man who was of a stout build and aged 60-65, was visiting Galway. They are checking hotels and guesthouses, but up to the time of going to the press the man’s identity was unestablished.

The Gardai are anxious to interview anybody who may be able to help them in their enquiries.

Cycling drunk

A fine of £10 was imposed on a man at Athenry Court for driving a pedal cycle at Northgate, Athenry, on July 22 while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control over the bicycle.

1987

Luxury hotel

The refurbishment of an old derelict 19th century abbey into a luxury hotel and the development of a golf course on the edge of the city got the go-ahead from Galway County Councillors on Friday. The development at Glenlo Abbey, just half a mile north of Bushypark on the Clifden Road, was passed following weeks of delay which followed councillors’ demands for a full briefing on the details of the project.

It is planned to extend the existing but derelict Glenlo Abbey building and make it into a 20 bedroom hotel surrounded by a nine-hole golf course.

Festival final

The dedication of Galway people was very much in evidence when they turned out in their thousands on Sunday night to witness the fireworks finale of the tenth Galway Arts Festival.

The biggest surprise of the night was that the French group, “Ephemere and Theatre a Louer”, actually went ahead with their street theatre and fireworks display in the worst rain of the summer. The biggest disappointment was that the fireworks display from Fisheries Field was not worth getting wet for because the heavy rain created the most unsuitable conditions for what could have been a spectacular sight.