November 17, 2011

Date Published: {J}

1911

Hooker fire

In some altogether unaccountable way the hooker “Albatross”, a boat lying at the Galway Docks, went on fire in the small hours of Saturday morning, and only for the fearless efforts of the police, the outbreak might have been attended with the loss of life.

The craft belongs to a Martin McDonagh, an islander, and his only companion on board was Martin Walsh. Both slept in the hold and both awoke at the same time with a feeling of suffocation. Meanwhile, the police of the Dock station under command of Sergt. McMullen, after a prolonged, arduous and dangerous struggle they worsted the fire and save the boat and the men.

Spiddal assault

At Spiddal Petty Sessions, a man who is partially paralysed, charged another local man with assaulting him.

Complainant swore he was in Cotter’s public house when the defendant came in. There was an argument between them before 10pm when they left for home.

When the defendant overtook witness, he immediately knocked him down, inflicting a wound which had to be dressed by the district nurse. He was unable to go to the barrack to report the matter for some days.

Sergt. O’Neill swore to the state in which he found the complainant, who, he said, lost a great quantity of blood, and who after the assault had to be assisted into the house of a neighbour, where he had to stay several days.

The defendant, who produced no evidence for his defence, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

1935

New fire engine

The Tuam Town Commissioners have got sanction for the raising of a loan of £600 for the purchase of a fire engine for the town. A committee was appointed to draw up a scheme for the control and supervision of the fire engine and the appointment of a fire brigade.

Dole fraud

At Galway District Court on Thursday, before District Justice Sean Mac Giollarnath, a man from Bohermore, Galway, was charged with making a false declaration for the purpose of obtaining unemployment assistance.

Mr. R.J. Kelly S.S. appeared for the complainant, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, and Mr. J.C. O’Donnell, solr., appeared for the defendant.

Mr. Darcy, official of the Unemployment Exchange at Galway, gave evidence of dates on which defendant signed for unemployment assistance, and said that the defendant had been paid 2s. 10d.

Mr. O’Donnell said the facts were admitted. The man was married, with six children, and it would be very serious for him if a heavy penalty was imposed. The Justice fined him 15s.

Pub raid

Martin Glynn, publican, Mary-street, Galway, was charged with a breach of the licensing laws. Supt. S. O Murchadha, conducted the prosecution. Mr. H. St. John Blake, solr., defended.

Sergt. Sharkey said that with Guard McGee, he visited the defendant’s licenses premises at 11.30 on November Night (Oct. 31) and found 25 men, one of whom was bona fide, on the premises – Guard McGee also gave evidence of the visit.

Mr. Blake said that the publican was a bit “soft” or generous. He suggested that the case be adjourned for six months.

The Justice imposed a fine of £2, with endorsement.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.