Galway In Days Gone By

1914

Reckless drivers

At the Galway City Petty Sessions, Head Constable Killacky summoned Patk Concannon for driving on the wrong side of the road, and for furious driving, on the night of the 15th inst. Defendant is a local jarvey.

Complainant said defendant drove on the wrong side of the road, within a foot of the path. Two soldiers were standing beside the path, and as they had not time to get out of the way, one of them was struck by the wheel of the car.

Witness added that the drivers of Galway were absolutely reckless, particularly going to and coming from the trains. Defendant was fined 5s. in each case.

Gallant Galway man

Amongst the long list of names mentioned in the Field-Marshal Sir John French’s now-famous despatches for conspicuous bravery in the field, Galway people have noticed with gratification and pride that of Lieut. C.C. Holmes, of Lincolnshire Regiment.

Lieutenant Holmes is a son of Mr. R.W. Holmes, of Claregalway, and has a brother serving with the Grand Fleet in the sister service. The young officer was some time ago reported missing, but everyone will join in the earnest prayer that this gallant Irish soldier may turn up safe and well.

1939

Garda cutbacks

It is strongly rumoured that a number of garda barracks in Connemara will be closed shortly under the Government’s economy drive, and the districts vacated will be divided up among the adjoining garda districts, Leenane, Carraroe, and Roundstone or Carna, are some of the stations about when the rumours circulate.

The authorities, however, should consider the matter carefully before taking any steps in the direction stated, of the proposed economy might only prove a false one.

European liner terminal?

Our Special Dublin Correspondent writes: If this war goes on, and I fear it will, Galway may become the terminal port in Europe for American liners before many months. Everything will depend on the success of the German aerial war on British ships and ports.

The American Government appear to think that at any moment German aircraft are to be expected, if not off the south coast of Ireland, in force, at least near the entrance to the English Channel, where very determined attacks may be made on vessels bound for any of the Channel ports.

American ships have been accordingly warned. Against this, German craft in those waters would certainly be attacked from both the French and British shores, for to get to their objective they would have to fly for hundreds of miles within easy reach of either shore and would, therefore, be very heavily attacked.

The Germans, so far, have refrained from attacks in this quarter, possible for the reason that the dangers and risk of big losses are considered great.

American ships are also stated to regard the port of Liverpool as one of danger, and the “narrow seas” off our south coast are definitely in the danger zone, according to American reckoning.

Galway is, therefore, pointed to as the best and safest port outside the danger zones.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.