Galway in Days Gone By
Galway In Days Gone By
1917
Gas explosion
An alarming gas explosion occurred in the manhole at the Four Corners on Wednesday afternoon, this being the second time within the last few years that an explosion has taken place at the same point. The explosion is attributed to an accumulation of gas coming into contact with a spark from the electric wires which are in close proximity.
The manhole, and the bricks etc., in which it was set, were hurled into the air a distance of thirty or forty feet. The street was torn up for several feet each side of the manhole, and particles of the debris bespattered the frontage of Grealy’s medical hall up to the second storey, some actually entering the business portion of the establishment.
Fortunately, no serious results followed the terrible occurrence, beyond slight facial injuries to a person named Melvin in the employment of Mr. B. Hynes, who happened to be passing at the time. Many who heard the deafening noise were terrified as to its cause, some viewing the occurrence in their bewilderment as a possible visitation by Zepps. Their minds were, however, soon eased on visiting the scene, which attracted hundreds during the night and on Thursday.
At a meeting of Galway Urban Council, Mr. W.N. Binns, B.E., reported that he happened to be in the vicinity at the time of the explosion, and formed the opinion that it occurred owing to an accumulation of the gas, which became ignited probably by an electric spark in the manhole.
1942
Expensive potatoes
Dear Editor,
The market price for potatoes at the present time in Galway calls for investigation. It may come as a surprise to learn that the price is over 100 per cent above the price on the Dublin market. If the present price continues, the charity organisations in Galway must combine and bring to the city, say, two lorry loads each week at the sell the contents at nett cost.
This importation will ease the situation and enable the farmers to retain their property until say, next July and August when the new crop will be on the market. The Minister states that the supply of potatoes in the country is ample for all requirements.
Yours, A householder.
Ration books
The relatives of all patients at present in the Central Hospital, Galway, are requested to immediately forward all Ration Books, including Tea and Sugar Coupons, belonging to such patients, to the Matron of the Hospital. Failure to comply with this request will mean that the hospital authorities will not be able to procure sufficient tea and sugar for patients.
New butcher’s shop
Mr. Paddy Ryan (of Ryan’s Hotel, Salthill and Loughrea), wishes to announce to his numerous friends that he is opening a high-class victualling and butchering establishment at Henry Street, Galway, in the premises formerly occupied by Hanley’s Drapery. First-class beef and mutton only will be on sale.
Connacht’s poor show
Leinster 14pts Connacht nil. Once again Connacht had to give best to Leinster in Interprovincial Rugby when at Donnybrook, Dublin, on Saturday they were defeated by one placed goal and three tries to nil. Leinster had an attacking out-half with a partner who got the ball away quickly and accurately; centre three-quarters who were hard, straight runners, and a wing three-quarter of tremendous speed. Connacht had a grand pack of forwards, but that was all.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
1923
Gloom after war
The special correspondent of the “Independent”, who has been writing of the aftermath of civil war in the West, notes that a feeling of apathy, due to the uncertainty of events, exists amongst the sorely-tried people of Connemara; that politics are referred to only with disgust and that not more than fifty per cent. of the people would vote at a general election; that poverty and unemployment are rife, and there is a growing tendency towards emigration; and that there are bitter complaints of the huge impost of rates and taxes.
It is only too true that there is enough of material for the pessimist to brood over, and that a feeling of gloom permeates country towns. But it is a poor tribute to patriotism that has survived such horrors to encourage this gloom.
It is the duty of all of us to get this pessimism out of the national body and to rid ourselves of the notion that we have not enough Christianity and moral sense left to restore our people to cheerful and ordered progress and industry.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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1923
Peace negotiations
As we go to press, An Dáil is discussing the Peace negotiations between the Government and Mr. de Valera. It was announced on Wednesday for the first time that such negotiations were begun following Mr. de Valera’s “cease fire” proclamation of April 27, and that by the 30th of the month Senators Andrew Jameson and James Douglas were asked by him to discuss proposals.
They said it was for the Government to discuss; they could only confer. Into the ensuring conferences the Government declined to enter personally, but on May 3 the senators placed before Mr. de Valera the Cabinet’s terms, which were that future issues should be decided by the majority vote of the elected representatives of the people, and that as a corollary and a preliminary to the release of prisoners, all lethal weapons should be in the custody and control of the Executive Government.
Mr. de Valera relied to this on May 7 with a document in which he agreed to majority rule and control of arms, but added that arms should be stored in a suitable building in each province under armed Republican guard until after the elections in September, that the oath should not be made a test in the councils of the nation, and that all political prisoners should be released immediately on the signing of this agreement.
“You have brought back to us,” wrote President Cosgrave, “not an acceptance of our conditions, but a long and wordy document inviting debate where none is possible”.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
1923
State of the parties
Speculation as to parties after the next Irish elections is exceedingly interesting, especially in view of the enlarged franchise.
In Dublin, the view appears to be held by a number of people that Labour will make a great bid for power.
Dublin, however, has a curiously insular habit of thought where matters that concern all Ireland and in which Ireland has a say are concerned. We hope this insularity will rapidly disappear under the new conditions.
The country as a whole is backing the Farmers’ Party, and has not the smallest doubt that it will be the strongest combination in the next Dáil, and that it will oust the purely political parties, the one because it has resorted to force, the other because it has been compelled to use force to supress force, and the Labour Party because Ireland feels that at the back of its policy lurks the danger of Communism.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
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