Date Published: 08-Jun-2011

1911

Potato theft

At Killimore Petty Sessions, a tramp named John Dwyer was charged in custody with the larceny of a bag of potatoes from Francis Haverty of Killimore. James Haverty deposed: I was drawing manure at Ballycahill about six o’clock in the evening when I met a tramp named John Dwyer, whom I now see present and identify. He had a bag of potatoes on his back, and, as I suspected, the potatoes were taken from my pit, I found it freshly opened and a quantity of potatoes gone.

I caught a hold of him and tried to bring him to the police barrack, but he resisted and I sent a neighbour for the police, who arrived in a short time. I examined the potatoes in the bag, and to the best of my belief the potatoes were mine. What made me suspect Dwyer was that I found him at the same pit last year stealing my potatoes.

At this stage, the accused pleaded guilty and begged of the magistrate to deal with him and take into account that he was already three weeks in Galway jail.

The Clerk of the Court handed a list of the prisoner’s previous convictions to the R.M., who exclaimed on seeing it: “Oh my, this is terrible! You have been convicted in Clonmel, Thurles, Youghal, Macroom, Roscrea, Galway, Headford, Ballyhaunis and various other places for all kinds of crimes.

Prisoner: That is a mistake, your worship, it was not me.

He was sentenced to one month in Galway jail with hard labour.

1936

IRA groceries

There was but one claim under the Damage to Property Compensation Act before his lordship, Judge Wyse Power, at Galway Circuit Court on Tuesday. James J. Hession, of Ballagh, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, claimed £200 for goods alleged to be supplied to the I.R.A. – Mr. T.J. Connolly, B.L. (instructed by Mr. T.A. O’Donoghue, solr., Tuam), for appellant, and Mr. R.J. Kelly, S.S., defended.

James J. Hession said he looked after a farm and his wife, since dead, was in charge of the business. The business in Barnadug failed and the books were burned. He could not give the exact figure but he claimed £200, which was less than the correct amount.

Patk. Dunleavy, who was O.C. of the Brigade of the 2nd Western Division and resigned in August 1922, said there was a lot of goods supplied by the applicant to the I.R.A. forces in that area.

Martin Ford, a member of the I.R.A. during 1922 agreed that groceries were supplied to the I.R.A. by applicant. Witness got goods himself in July or June, 1922.

His lordship made a report for £90 with £3 expenses.

Ship in custody

On Friday last, stealing out of the mist to the accompaniment of the booming of the minute-gun, the Free State fisheries protection steamer, Muirchu, put into Clifden bay with the French lobster-fishing boat ‘Paul et Paulette’ in tow. The boats were met by Garda Faherty and Detective Officer O’Shea and later the captain of the French vessel, Jean Marie Drevillon, a native of Camaret, was taken into custody by Sergeant Sarsfield.

The capture of one of them at this time of year and the penalties inflicted will, it is felt, go far towards putting a check to the wholesale robbery of the lobster-beds which yield a livelihood to some of the hardest working and poorest people in the world.

Reports from Inishboffin and other points along the coast state that French boats are still operating everywhere and that damage is being done to the fisheries.

1961

Rubbish bins

The Galway Junior Chamber of Commerce has arranged to present the Corporation with litter boxes for the main streets of the city. The Junior Chamber stated that this will be their first practical contribution towards the Tidy Towns campaign.

They have also announced that the National Bank Ltd., has agreed to the display of Galway’s Sword and Mace on their premises due in normal banking hours and that the Galway jewellery firms of Messrs. Faller, Dillon, Hartmann and Pierce have agreed to donate a plate glass and mahogany display case for the purpose.

It has also been arranged that illustrative leaflets, giving the history of the Insignia, will be available to visitors.

The Junior Chamber are planning a series of entertainments for tourists during the coming season.

Knocknacarra bus

Coras Iompair Eireann has refused an application by Galway Chamber of Commerce to have the Galway-Salthill bus extended as far as Knocknacarra. Ald. P.D. Ryan said the matter could be pressed again in the near future.

For more, read this weeek’s Connacht Tribune.