THE

CORRAN HERALD A Heritage Group Production

Issue No.1 Friday 25th October 1985 PRICE 25p Greetings Ballymote Castle to our Readers EDITORIAL

With great pleasure we bring you today this first issue of the Corran Herald, Ballymote's own news- -letter. Taking its name from the ancient of Corran of which our town is part, this paper aims to inform, promote and publicise the Ballymote area in every aspect of its existence: its culture, its history, its people and personalities, its community :Ind religious life; its industry and agriculture, its tourist potential, and its hopes for the future. We hope that this paper will provide a heightened awareness of our native area and sense of ident- BA LLYMOTE'S ity, of belonging, of pride. We have MOST FAMOUS LANDMARK much to be proud of in our heritage Ballymote from the past : our Castle and NORMAN CASTLE Abbey, our fine Churches, our Community well-built town, the many remains Built c1300 from history and prehistory in the Council area, our music and dance, etc., etc. By Mrs. Preston We invite you to contact us too It is not hard to be proud of these: if you have information about local Ballymote Parish elected its first they .are all around us if only we personalities or happenings of the Community Council in October look and see and admire and past. Every area has always had its 1984. Its first 18 months were plag- respect. "characters" and its own special ued with the growing pains that arc We have much to be proud of lore; these are part of our heritage. the lot of most ventures. The syst- in our present, most of all our Old photographs or groups or em of election was one that broug- people - especially youth. Being individuals or places would be most ht in many who were not even aw- proud of them means supporting welcome for publication - they will are of what a Community Council our schools, helping out youth be returned safe to you. was about and would'nt have been activities, doing all we can to help Also welcome would be any greatly interested anyhow. These their employment prospects and information about old customs and attended a few meetings then drift- their leisure occupations. practices, old beliefs, old super- ed away. It is hoped that future issues of stitions, folk cures and remedies, this paper will have a Letters Page weather lore, or any other topic Some changes in Committee broug- in which you can share your ideas, that you yourself feel to be of ht a change of policy. Sub-comm- suggestions and criticisms in all the interest. ittees were recognised as legitimate above areas. What do you think of and necessary developments. The Ballymote ? What do you think of This paper looks forward hope- organisation had started to broaden the quality of life it offers its fully to a long existence. We hope its outlook. Linc. has a limited and people? What do you think of our that you will help to make that qualified acceptance. Our Heritage services such as phones, sewerage, existence a true reflection and Group started by two council lighting, water supply, roads, etc? If expression of the life and spirit of members has proved a worthwhile you have something you want to the Ballymote area. venture. hunt page 2. say, write to us. Community Council from page 1 Ballymote Branch Library

A survey of the potential of the At a recent meeting of the Club I By James Flanagan area undertaken by a Sub-Commit- was instructed to ascertain whether tee of the Council and financed by the County Council would open a For many years the new Branch AnCo is now complete and will be Branch of the Co Liabraries at was in the charge of the late Jimmy published soon. 14 young people. our Club ...I would be glad to McFadden. His kindly disposition engaged in the exercise received hear from you at your earliest con- sod his friendly but firm relation- expert training in a variety of skills venience". ship with his reading clientele made in the process. The findings of the him an ideal man for the job. His This extract from a letter written Survey should prove invaluable in administration system may have on September 22nd 1948 by the formulating a plan for further been his own, and it was not unkn- secretary of the then Ballymote developments in the own for his filing cards to be held area. Men's Club, with its Club Rooms in together with safet y pins, but thro- the Loftus Hall, marked the first An ambitious sponsored by ugh the years he gently fostered pain stop towards the establishing of a the Council for the development of and encouraged an interest in good Branch Library in Bailymote. One part of the reading. The after-Mass Sunday Corran Park G.A.A. month later it was verified by the grounds to provide some badly visit to the Liabrary for the weekly then Parish Priest, VerYCanon needed amenities for the town is reading supply became a high point Rougheen, that accommodation in now under way. Bad in many peoples' lives. town lighting the Hall would be available free of and water supply for an inadequate all charge provided that the neces- town and country Over the years the level of social are problems sary equipment was supplied by the that so far have not been solved in activity in Ballymote increased and County Council. This was agreed spite of desperate efforts, letter- the Liabrary room came to be used and the Branch LibrPry was writing, deputations, interviews etc. for many other purposes. Gradually opened in the Loftus Hall in A plan for full scale development of it became clear that it was no February 1949. local tourism is being considered. longer a suitable location for the Liabrary, and towards the end of 1984 to County Council made avai- Ballymote New Vocational lable in Ballymote Courthouse a School is now finished In spite of many set-backs the Í plans downstairs room which could be Community Council has proved its arc not yet complete for the old used for Library purposes only. worth and when Election time school, but it will still be used to This enabled a bigger bo..kstock (at comes again a more imaginative provide additional facilities. When present 3,500 volumes) to be prov- election system should attract new work is finished the V.E.C. should ided and to be organised and displa• talent and new ideas be in a position to give good serv- yed much more effectively. This ice. step from the lowest point to the highest point of the town app- ears to have been amply justified because the readership has steadily increased throughout 1985. The Martin McGettrick average number of books issued per week has been 416, a significant Insurance Brokers increase on former years. This reflects the growing awareness O'Connell St Ballymote amongst people in general of the very important role played by Specialist in the following Insurance books in education, entertainment, and in the transmission to us of knowledge of the things and the 1... FAMILY CAR AT KEENEST PRICES ways of the past that form part of 2... HOME INSURANCE AT SPECIAL RATES our heritage- At a recent meeting of Our 3... LIFE & FAMILY PROTECTION Heritage Group a suggestion was 4... SELF EMPLOYED PENSION SCHEME made that the town should have a museum. It seems a good idea. 5... INVESTMENTS AT HIGHEST RATES Accommodation should be the main difficulty, ideas from readers Appointed Brokers for Prudential Life would be. welcome. Another inter- as advertised on T.V. esting suggestion related to the question of a Youth Hostel for AGENTS FOR E.B.S..^ 071/83305 the area. it too seems worth consideration. The Street Where You Live

By Tom McGettrIck

The landing of the French Expedition at Kilcummin in Killala Ulster Bank Bay to assist belatedly in the 1798 Rebellion had repercussions one hundred years later in Ballymote as BALLYMOTE it had in the County and Country. The Sligo Champion of the time reports,- "The dawn of 1898 was celebrated in Ballymote by a number of tar-barrels and bonfires being lit up in various parts of the Ulster Bank town and at twelve o'clock. mid- II ìe fi lendly Lu 1k night, the new fife and drum band under Mr. P. Dennedy paraded the streets etc.... " '98 Clubs or '98 Manager B. Dempsey Centennial Clubs organised comm- emorations in various parts of the county and these celebrations cont Asst. Manager E. Sweeney inued until the close of the year. There was a St. Patrick's Day Procession in Ballymote lead by the Fife and Drum Band with "two splendid horsemen , Rogers and Sheeran with green sashes and hats, On this great occasion Name boards were to be put up at the head". Prominent organisers Matt Hannon, presided. The follow- on November Day with further of this and other events were H. ing arc named as being present, celebrations. If they were put not Markey, Pres. J. C l arke, Jas Walsh, T.Gallagher, P Barlow, B .Cawley, one now remains. Pearse Road has a S.Carroll, J.McGuinness, Jas Hann- J .Kielty, M . Quigley, Patk . Keav- name plaque. If Castle Road and on, J.P., and J.Gilmartin, Sec. ney, T. Kellegher, J.Walsh, Corran Road were added to the list In the month of May came the J .McGuinness, John Clarke, the names would recall the oldest date fixed for the ill-fated Rising. J Davey, M Rogers, M Gallagher, authentic records of our town's Now one hundred years after, and Jas McGovern. J Gilmartin was story. Ballymote was en fate. There were the secretary. These people have illuminations and bonfires, flags, left us our street—names as they arc banners and bunting; there were to-day many of them are still pictures of Tone and Emmett with remembered. Some of the old I salute you mottoes, "Who Fears to Speak of names, Main St., Jail St., Market Ninety-eight", "God Save ", St., Mill St., etc. still linger on. By Etizabeth Brennan "Remember '98", and others. Ag- This is how the new names were ain the Ballymote Band paraded given as reported at the time, Main Ballymotc, I salute you ! I cast with a banner at the front having St., and Jail St-, from , Patk- aside the capital, to bless this Emmet on one side with "Rem- Coghlan's to J.Reynolds to be Western town! ember the Patriot Dead" and Tone Teeling Street. (Jail Street, had got "Comrade, look not upon the on the other with "Who Fears to its name from the Courthouse or West. 'Twill have the heart our of Speak of Nine-eight". It was held Bridewell which was used as a your breast", warns an unknown aloft between two Pike staffs temporary accommodation for pris- poet. Too late now for me to be (staves). Where arc all or any of the ioners awaiting trial.) From detached ! The fine town of Bally- trappings of that time now ? Mrs.Walsh's corner to the Market -mote has my heart. I claim Herit- On September 9th Sligo Corpor- House, Formerly Market Street to age ! ation had a meeting to rename the be Lord Edward Street. From First impression upon the new- streets of the town and on Septem- J.Coleman's to McManus's to be comer is FRIENDLINESS ! From ber 11th a meeting of the Bally- O'Connell Street. (Where was the oldest inhabitant to the smallest mote Centennial Club congratul- McManus's ?) From John Sheeran's child, no one will pass by on your ated Sligo and passed a resolution, to Keenaghan to be Wolfe Tone wide streets without a wave, a "That at our next meeting we will Street. From Coleman's to Mrs. smile, a "Hallo ! How'rc ye ". In name the day when we will christen Healy's (Formerly Church Street) Ballymote you have progress, well the streets of our town after '98 to Emmet Street. From John stocked shops, a prosocrous cattle men". The day came on the 18th O'Connor's to Thos. Heaver's to be market, an air of quiet agricultural October. Grattan Street. com fort. cont pane 9 VINCENT McDONAGH Ballyrnote By Una Preston & SON The town or living centre of Bally- mote though taking its present name from its frowning Norman BALLYMOTE Castle has origins stretching back into the mists of pre-history. The A LEGENT IN ELECTRICAL SHOPPING coves of Keash still look challeng- ingly out on us as if daring or inviting us to explore the myths FULL RANGES OF COLOUR T.V.'s, and legends that surround them. HI-FI, VIDEO AND ALL ELECTIRCAL Our fields are still studded with GOODS Ring Forts and frequent hill-top cairns tell us that someone of importance in a long gone comm- Main Agents for unity is buried there.

Our ancient graveyards and ruined monasteries speak to us of other pages of our history, some golden age of learning and a measure of wealth, while others you have in Bendix evidence of that mixture of wealth ^c .. and destitution that marked a period of our history, when side TELEFUNKEN by side with impressive monuments there are those pathethic little heaps of stones marking a famine grave or the last farewell of an exile NovVc^ to what remains of his family. TOSHIBA Ballymote as a living centre surviv- ed and outlasted the warring tribes, the heavy onslaughts of the famine years and the drain of YOUR LOCAL emigration and to-day it is like CALOR - KOSANGAS DEALER someone awaking from a long sleep and hating to be disturbed. Yet this First Class Service Guaranteed quiet place has much to offer to DO DROP IN OR GIVE US A CALL tourist or visitor. It's archaeological remains are many and varied dating AT BALLYMOTE (071) X3351 back to the stone age. It's mount- ains with their ever changing colours beckon the climber while THOMAS F. LATIN its un-polluted rivers and lakes tee teeming with fish and often surr- GENERA!- DRAPER OUTFITTER ounded by scenic beauty are an anglers paradise. Its fresh young Boot and Shoe Specialist forests provide scope for the wild life student or for those who enjoy GET YOUR quiet walks. DRAPERY & FOOTWEAR There are coach tours for those who would like to go further afield. FROM The majestic Donegal mountains, the much publicised attractions of the Yeats Country and the sea are T.F. LAVIN all within easy reach. Lord Edward Street BALLYMOTE Phone (071) 83354 every success to pa-tie No- CORRAN HERALD ^ v TNEM From BE^i° Ballymote Traditional Club gE A-Ts KERINS'S HIDEOUT Old Cemetery Restoration By Keenan Johnson Approximately six months ago, the local Heritage Group made enquiries with a number of Gov- ernment Departments, in an effort to have remedial works carried out at the local Franciscan Abbey and cemetery. The members of the Heritage Group were of the opinion that if the Abbey and cemetery were restored and preserved, they would form a very important amenity for the town and the surrounding district. The group eyentually contacted the Engin- eering Department of Sligo County Council, the body responsible for HAPPY FA( AT BALLYMOTE MART the maintenance of the property. It FrankMcDonagh (Harristown), John Golden (Ballinacarrow) was agreed with the Council that Philip Ha!( (Templehouse), John William O'Grady () the project should be submitted for inclusion in the Social Employment Scheme. Under the said scheme, people who are over the age of VIDEO SERVICES twenty-five years and are unem- ployed for a period of twelve LORD EDWARD St, BALLYMOTE months or more, can be employed for 2% days per week on comm- PH. (071)83155 unity projects. The group submitt- ed a plan of development to the County Council which included the following :- No Lights ` Clearince of all weeds, ivy, bushes • Unique Sound (except the decorative ones), trees Weddings * etc. over the whole site. Removal of Concerts the ivy covering most of the Friary • Plays ruins. Attention to the gravestones * Sporting Events inside and outside the Friary ruins. • Tele-Cine Transfer Clearing of all that remains of the Friary walls or reducing them to a safer permanent level. General levelling of the whole area and the New 4 sowing of grass which would be kept in lawn condition. Provision of walks, making each part easily Video Library accessible. Provision of flowerbed area and seats. Attention to surr- (open 7 days) ounding walls and entrance gate. The County Council were very enthusiastic about the idea and sent Official Video for the project to the Department of Labour for approval. The Depart- MARY FROM DUNGLOE ment of Labour has now approved the project and interviews were held by the local Manpower Office WESTERN ROSE for persons to work on the Scheme. • • • • • Work began in September.

Free Copy with every Wedding Booked in November PROFESSIONAL•VIDEO PRODUCTION tt

THE CORRAN HERALD PUBLISHED IN BALLYMOTE We would like to take this opportunity of thanking eyeryone who A HERITAGE GROUP PRODUCTION contributed in any way in the production of this first edition of the EDITOR JAMES FLANAGAN "Corran Herald". We look forward to your continued support.... DESIGN, TYPESETTING AND PRINTING Enquiries to Corran Herald, Lord Edward St., BY "FASTPRINT" Ballymote. Phone (071) 83388 Ballymote Boys National School. By Neat Ferry Ballymote historian, J.C. One of Michael Doyle's assist- schoolchildren of all ages. McDonagh, makes reference to ants for a period the 1880's was McDonagh implies that, in 1894, primary education in Ballymote, James Francis Cunningham of during the 17th, 18th and 19th Mr. Michael Doyle was the principal Bunninadden, who later became a centuries in a few scattered inst- teacher of a co-educational school Colonial Secretary for British West ances. In the first instance, in the Loftus Hall. However, the Africa, enjoying the highest rank McDonagh informs us that the register of pupils of Ballymote and salary in the Colonial service eminent Irish catechist and French Boys' National School (1908 - for the year 1984. Catholic intellectual, Dr.Andrcw 1959) clearly shows that Mr. Doyle After the death of Michael Dunlevy D.D. was born in Bally- was principal of that school from Doyle, his colleagues in the teach- mote in 1680 and that he received 1908 until 1913 with responsibility ing profession erected a monument his early education in the town's for the education of boys only. to his memory. The statue, which elusive mud-walled hedge-school. In 1904 the principal of the was expertly executed by the Sligo Dr. Dunlevy's greatest work was Girls' National School was Mrs. sculptors, Diamond Brothers, "The Catechism of Christian Doct- Kelly and her assistant was Miss stands in fron of Ballymote Court- rine", which is a weighty volume of Teresa O'Dowd. The infants school house and bears the following:"To some five hundred pages, written was run by Niss Noreen Daly and the memory of Michael Doyle, this school was also in the Loftus both in English and Irish, and principal teacher of Ballymote contains a pretty full treatise on Hall. school, 1868 - 1913, a founder of Perhaps a change occured bet- both dogma and morals. It ran into the I.N.T.O., General Secretary, ween 1904 which divided a hitherto several editions and having won the 1910 - 1913, and the champion of co-educational school into a Boys' approval of the doctors of the Irish educational advancement. School, a Girls' School and an Sorhonne, was recommended by Erected in grateful remembrance by infants'School. Further research the Irish bishops to their seminaries the reachers of Ireland". into this question is being cond- of the late 18th and 19th centuries. In 1913 Mr.Patrick E.Durkin ucted and the assistance of the In the second instance seas appointed as principal of Department of Education is being McDonagh refers to the 1731 Ballymote Boy's N-S. In 1921 his sought. Perhaps some of the Senior report by the Protestant bishop of manager was Very Rev. Thomas __members of the community might on the state of the rival Canon Quinn P.P. A ciasl, of he able to throw some light on the Catholic Church in that diocese. personalities occurred betwzen the subject. When dealing with the parish of two men and relations hetween Canon Batty Quinn P.P., was Emlaghfad, the bishop states that them deteriorated to such an extent responsible for the erection of the "the parish contains one Mass that a mere dozer. pupils were House, built about six years ago Convent of Mercy school, on the attending the school in the spring (1725) and one Popish school", Captain's Brae in 1915. of 1922. Mr.Loftus was Mr.Durk- For the first half of the 19th At the hegining of the century, an's assistant. in September, 1922 century,McDonagh's sole reference a local businessman, James Canon Quinn opened a rival boys' to primary education in Ballymote McDonagh, donated the site of the school in the Loftus Hall. contains the information that, in present Boys' N.S. to Canon On January 29th, 1923, a 1826, Wood field school had a total Loftus. The new school was built in formed inquiry, which lasted fift- enrolment of 164 pupils of both 1914 by Canon Batty Quinn P.P. een days, was held in Ballymote sexes and of every denominat- The family of James McDonagh is school to investigate the affair and ion. The teachers were Jackson commemorated on the plinth of the it involved Mr.Durkan, his solicitor, Hawksby, Ann Haw•ksby and Jane Marian statue, which is located department inspectors and I.N.T.O. Ellis. inside the gate of Ballymote Cathol- representatives. The result of the ic Church. Mr. Tom McGettrick has noted inquiry favoured Mr.Durkan in as that an ordinance survey map of The school, which originally much as the manager's request to consisted of two roosts divided by the 1840 period, approximately, have him removed from his post for a partition, was reconstructed and shows a school to have existed on alleged inefficiency was rejected. the site now occupied by the Dory extended by Canon Roughncen As a result of the inquiry the P.P-, in 1949 when a third room home in Newtown. Mr. McGettrick I.N.T.O. decided to institute legal was added on the town end. The also believes that there was a proceedings against four Ballymote school situated in Cumeen. main contractors were Jimmy and people, who had signed a petition Josie Scanlon, Kilmacowen. In After the new Catholic Church against Mr.Durkan. 1976 the Department of Education was dedicated in 1864, the old The trial opened in the King's inspectors reported that the build- chapel, now the Loftus hall Bench, Dublin, on April 29th, 1924 ing was antequated and inadequate became the Catholic National Sch- and it lasted for two days. A verdict to fulfil its function for the future. ool for the town. It seems that all for £500 damages was awarded in October 1984, at a public against two of the defendants and the Catholic children of the town meeting of the parishioners, it was the remaining two were dismissed i.e. boys, girls and infants, attended decided that funds should be raised school in this building until 1914. from the action. An appeal by immediately to finance the propos- However, it is by no means certain the defendants came before the ed extension of the school at an that the building housed a single Court of Appeal on May 21st, estimated cost of £200,000. co-educational school of primary 1924. The yerdict against one of the Ballymote defendants was rev- ersed on the grounds that malice against Mr. Durkan had not been proved. A new trial was ordered in the case of the second defendant. Mr. Durkan and the I.N.T.O. decided not to proceed with the new trial since Mr.Durkan had already been sufficiently vind- icated. Mr. Durkan continued to teach in Ballymote school until September 1924 when he was offered a post as assistant in the Department of Education's model school in Inchicore, Dublin. In September 1934, he was appointed principal of Rathmines Boys' N.S. and in 1939 he was awarded the Carlisle and Blake premium which was regarded as the blue riband of the profession. Group Photographed at Ballymote Mart L to R Fergal Gallagher(Gurteen), Joise Perry (Bunnlnadden) Joe Egan (Ballymotel, Johnny Hannon (Culfadda) This article will be continued in William Owens (Newtownards, Co.Down) & Denls Walsh() the next issue. Baltymote and Districts Comm- -unlty Councll has reached the end of Its first term of office and preparatlons are now belng made for the A-G.M. whlch wltl be hetd on November 19th- A different method of etection Is expected to brlng new tatent and glve Your friend for new Impetus to this useful and very necessary organisatlon. Progress of life a Town By Stan Casey This is our Kallymote, a pictur- esque and historic old town, through the passing years, 1 have ^ grown to love and respect. E •- On a hill overlooking the town is ^^^F the scat of the ancient Parish Enilafad and K ilmorgan. here fflre a countless generations of our ancest- BanK ► ^ ry prayed for a better ireland. The spires of the two Christian Church- es reach to the sky and here too arc the remains of the Franciscan Tertiary Abbey with its beautiful hand-chiselled stone which is un- j 7 i 755' 1- matched in any part of ireland. On - — 4_ the left-wing door a most perfect --^^- ^ /- '000Z)- stone carving of the head of Pope Eugene surmounted by a carved Tiara insignia. Scattered about are BanK Whelan(' the graves of many centuries. Further West is our fine old Castle The bank of a lifetime which is being extensively restored by the Board of Works. Alongside Joe Masterson this tradition of the past we have a growing business and commerical life with its rapidly increasing MANAGER BALLYMOTE building schemes both State and private, and continuously increasing population. Contlnued on Page 8 from Page 7 My story now relates to a unique KANES V.G. FOODMARKÉT" and distinct effort by a group of Ballymote town and country peo- ple who came together in the upper Ball mote room of Batty Cawley's for the purpose of starting an Industry in HALLOWEEN SPECIALS Ballymote. Also present were the late Mr. Alasdoir MacCabe and the * Rice Krispies 440g 99p late Mr.Frank Mac Gettrick. It was * Batchelor Peas 15 1.4 oz. 28p decided to form a Co-Operative * Batchelor Beans 15'r4o.z. + 20% Free 34p Society to be known as the North * Blue Band .35p West Regional Co-Operative Society * í41.b. Stork 26p eels Ltd., with the object of forming * Kelloggs Corn Flakes 500 g 89p ^ industries at Ballymote and in * Cookeen 29p SP ^ GRPY S the North West Region. A Board of * Block HB Ice-cream 77p GRE^ 39p lb. Directors was formed and at the * Birds Eye Fish Fingers 10's £1.20 first meeting it was decided to have Lyons Green Label Tea 91p k a Livestock Mart as an initial Lyons TeasBags 80's £1.10 project. At a further meeting of the Large Selection of Bracks, Grapes, Nuts also all your 9oard of Directors a Grade A hotel Xmas Baking Ingredients at KEENEST PRICES and a proper water supply was considered a priority for the town and district. Through the efforts of Congratulations to the Society these two projects were successfully established. THE CORRAN HERALD Now the Society devoted its attention to the raising of share' from capital for the building of the Mart. It was decided that this must conic from the farmers in the region. The NORTH FARMERS Project met with some opposition at first but eventually the necess- ary capital was raised and thus the SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY Mart was established. Much oppos- ition was still in evidence at the livestock sales after a few years the BUY NCF Mart was forced to close its doors and remained so for a few years. dir MILK Another project that was being initiated by the Society at this Ile BUTTER time, namely powdered milk and or chocolate crumb had to he aband- MEAT PRODUCTS oned and this industry is now 1Kif established at Ballaghaderreen and • employs almost 300 workers. In in the last few years we have a new their industrial brochure the Soc- The alternative to this unem- iety included promotion of Tourist Nursing Home and an Acot College ployment crisis seems to turn in the Angling for our lakes and rivers. has been established for the pur- direction of private enterprise and, With the essential co-operation of pose of instructing our young hence our young people can make farmers in farming methods. the Inland Fishery Trust , pike were use of the crafts and skills they removed from some of the lakes in We now have a new Vocational have aquired in our schools and School which will be able to cope the area and one lake was stocked colleges. It is to be hoped that with rainbow trout. This venture with the increasing number of expert advice will be available from was a great success at the time and students in the various crafts and the State and their various agencies. skills in addition to the academic it continued to attract many • Finally, it is my earnest wish that subjects. tourists. our unemployed young will find All these efforts are a proof of a that a growing economy will help The setbacks suffered by the steady progress in our area- Yet closure of the Mart were reversed them market the products of their there is not sufficient employment various skills and so take their when the N.C.F. purchased the for our young people. This is due to Mart as a co-operative concern and rightful place in a progressive a difficult economy. The State can community. it is now one of the most successful no longer invite the Multi-Nationals Marts in the West. as there would be too much of a Additional industrial projects financial drain on an already PLEASE SUPPORT have come to Ballymote with a over-burdened Exchequer. I refer of work force of 100 and a good course to industries employing ADVERTISERS prospect of further employment. from 400 1,000. 0 I salute you

Look the cars ! Three banks, denoting plenty of business, Tennis Court, Golf Course, G.A.A. grou- nds, free fishing within easy dist- ance, excellent schools, chemists, medical help, What more can yoi want ! Pubs, Cafes, and the Castle Hotel, sure ! Allied Irish Banks Here you have historic remains, Lord Edward St. legendary places, fine modern houses, little kindly old houses, Ballymote large welcoming churches, spires and towers to be proud of. And Co.Sligo here also you have organisations PH.(071) 83156 where neither man nor woman, boy or girl, need ever be lonley. I am a Our Full Range of Banking Facilities Include:– minute part of them, but enough to know. SAVINGS ACCOUNTS In this town I suggest that uniquely, there are artists fit for CHEQUE–BOOK ACCOUNTS any community to be proud of, painters, dancers lovers of the LOAN FACILITIES fiddle and flute. The ready laugh, the busy housewife, the wokking Drop In and Enquire About Our Unique New Service farmers, the 'teen-agers whizzing by on bikes with always a backward MASTERPLAN glance for you, and the lovely grin of youth-with, or without a job ! And Spread the Cost of High individual Expensive items For years now I haye come and Evenly Over a 12 Month Period gone - loving you more, Ballymote ! Long time ago a late sister and I THIS facility is only available for ALLIED IRISH BANKS dreamed of living here. We called on you who were interested to Management:- Seamus O'Dowd - Manager participate in the ups and downs of Tony Murphy - Assistant Manager amateur drama, and were not disappointed. You have talent here, Ballymote ! Use it ! *4** You will, I'm sure forgive a Scanlon & Irwin friend for a small suggestion ? 1 Now you have a Heritage Group, think perhaps a little more colour ? Victuallers and here begins a magazine, " The Perhaps bright flowers in street Retail & Wholesale Corran Herald" of your own. Read window boxes, or shrubs in tubs, if it, be inspired by it, chat of homely trees are mot possible, brightly Deep Freeze Speciallsts affairs, like engagements, weddings, along your streets. And what about HAVE YOUR OWN or christenings, not to mention flower-beds about your splendid ANiMAL SIAU(:Ifl ERFD splendid articles by local people on Court House or Loftus Hall ? it has learned cultural matters. You will been suggested to me that children CHEAPEST RATFS find the magazine in newspaper would intercfere. in reply I cannot NO I)EIAY shops, and you will be reminded of help thinking that more trust in solemn things and places, church- youth would solve this prob- EARLY & LATE yards being kept tidy, for therein lem ? Takc the young into your lies respect for your departed loved confidence, or, as an old Gaelic FRESH BREAD ones. saying has it, "Praise youth and she & CONFECTIONERY DAILY LARGE SELECTION OF TOYS will fly to you." (With apologies Pastoral beauty surrounds this DEPOSiTS TAKEN ON XMAS TOYS town, green meadows, wild flowers, that I cannot give you the irish.) To GREETING CARDS, STATIONERY singing birds, soft fertile landscape sum up the point, be happy as well SWEETS, CicS, MiNERALS where the quietude of centuries of a beautiful; prosperous, and friend- broods, in deep-rutted stone, holy ly, Ballymote ! IOURS Mon-Sat 8.45am - 9 00pm wells, places of healing and prayer, May prosperity abound with you Sunday 10.00am - 8.O0pm reminders of saints and of fighting and long continue. May "Peace and men. Put out more flags for them, holy quiet" be always your portion. Ballymote, above the spires and For me, it will never be O 'CONNELL STREET BALLYMOTE towers, the sun-bleached hills of "Good-bye". Only when duty calls, Kcash. Au Revoir ! and "good luck ! BALLYMOTE We wish every success to COMMUNITY CARE By AIfle Banks "The Corran Herald" Ballymotc Community Care Council was founded in 1973 and From Its work has continued unbroken .incc then. Its first Chairperson was Mrs.Teresa Johnson (now living in AUTOMAT + TOOLING LTD Waterford) with Tom Lavin as Secretary and Sean Egan Treasurer. Other Chairpersons since then were Tubbercurry Road, Mrs.Concic Rogers (R.I.P.), Paddy McElvanncy, Alfic Banks, Torn Lavin and present incumbent, Ballymote, Mrs Nance Tighe. The Council has a membership of 15 to 20 and meets on the first Tuesday of every Precision Tool Making month. its primary work is Care of the Aged, and in the formative years, it administered a winter fuel scheme which is now switched to a voucher PERRY'S MACE system. Visitation of the aged and help in the homes cleaning and decoration is high on the list of PRICE FREEZE activities. An annual outing for Senior Citizens to Knock Shrine is • one of the highlights of activities- UNTIL JANUARY '86 Scats were provided at suitable vantage points in the town for the on the following ITEMS benefit of the elderly. Meals on Wheels is another appreciated ser- 500grm Kellogg Corn Flakes - 87p vice, with members rotating each Butter lib - 99p day in bringing hot meals to deserv- ing cases both in and out of town. 1 kg Sugar - 62p A Laundry service for the aged is manned each week by the mem- Calvita Cheese - 65p bers, and it is here and in the 4Ib Chicken - 2.99 delivery of meals that the Council would appreciate new members and volunteers. Best wishes to Ballymote Heritage Society The Council maintained an active campaign until the new Nursing Home and Geriatric PERRY'S BALLYMOTE Hospital was completed at Bally- mote to replace the old one which had been condemned, and was best wishes to 00 instrumental in initiating a Trust O 00 Fund to furnish the Hone- This THE CORRAN HERALD Trust Fund received magnamimous Michael & Carmel contributions and exceeded Date to remember ROGERS £14,000. It has now been applied in 25th Oct.'85 full towards the purchase of beds, [he only source of income is curtains, and rails for wards, tables, voluntary subscription and the On this day the first flight by chairs and an Altar for religious annual fund raising sponsored walk Air Lingus from Knock Airport service, as well as the general on the first Sunday of May. These to Rome cleaning of the premises before its have always enjoyed the goodwill official opening. The fund is still and generous help of the people of open and subscriptions stay be South Sligo. The Council Confid- On this day the first Edition of handed in at Bank of ireland, ently looks forward to continued THE CORRAN HERALD Ballymote. An apparent need is a support in the future and the succ- mortuary Chapel- esful carrying out of its work. Long may both operate

G.A.A.in n Ballymote

By Jonn Cunnlngham

Since it's foundation over 100 years ago the G.A.A. has been associated with the parish of Ballymote. People from the area played and officiated at games at every level in the Country. Success was gained at different levels, and the clubs had many players on Sligo teams. Derroon, Emlaghfad, and Keash were great rivals. As time passed by so did many fine players. In 1949 "Conan Park" was opened and this ground has housed many games since then. It is regarded as the best Ba llymote U-12 "sod" in the county and indeed as D. Rogers, D.O'Dowd, F.Donnellan, P.Cassidy, one of the top winter pitches. R.0'Connor. The present state of the G.A.A. N.Clancy, P.Healy, A. Sheeran, T.Scanlon, in the parish, is not so healthy, no E.Donnellan, D.Cannon,D.Heyer, G.Walsh, longer is there a senior team, and even though there is a junior team, A. Scanlon. there is always a problem fielding a F.McCann, N.Friel, R.Lally, D.Cunningham, team, this is due mainly to the fact S.Currid, M.Finan, M.Sweeney, P.Coleman, that employment is scarce, and S.Brennan. immigration is high. Most of the players arc residing elsewhere. There is also a Hurling Club Nevertheless there has been a "St.Nathy's" here and there have market improvement this year been numerous successes at differ- NEW towards training, and with more ent levels, all under-age. There is in Gurteen experience and committnent, the no reason why Ballymote, should future is looking good. not have a well organised club, By Eamonn Sweeney Our under-age teams have the after all they have the facilities to same problems, nowadays , there is match and out-shine most clubs in Seamus Pilkington of Kilfrce, a variety of sports, and most young the County, there is a definate lack Eastern Harps Senior Player, has boys and teen-agers involve them- of interest in the game here, and been chosen as a coach in the new selves with them. However our some past players no longer have G.A.A. coaching scheme. Seamus is under 12 team, have retained the any association with the club- Like qualified to coach and has been County title, they won in 1984, myself "a blow in" the club depe- visiting various National Schools and this looks well for the future. nds on non-native's, there arc throughout the county. "[his type The younger boys have shown exceptions, Neal Farry is a trogen of coaching will hopefully help to tremendous spirit, and dedication worker, Pat McGrath, Joe O'Hara, bring football in Sligo to a higher towards the game, and hopefully Alfie Banks, Tommy Lavin, Bill level. Congratulations arc also due they will continue their success by Donohue, arc all locals who arc to the many school-children from bringing the U-14 and U-16 titles to involved. Brendan Dempsey, has the area who competed with great the town in the future. A great instilled some spirit in the Junior success in the G.A.A. essay compct- loyalty and friendship has develop- team, and Michael Donnellan, rep- -ition, and especially Carn National ed between them, and the support resents us at all levels together with School who won a school award- has risen dramatically since their refereeing and organising- Paddy winning. This looks good, and with Conhcady and Pat Hough, run the mole people getting involved in the Hurling scene, and last but not least club, I can see a great scncc of there is great support from the POLAR WEST pride, admiration and endeavour "Ladies" who arc interested. Hop- returning. ing I left nobody out. 11 The crafts promotion Group Best wishes to Polar West a fish started just a few months ago to *** processing Company who have encourage and commercialise the opened a factory recently in craft skills of town and rural Congratulations to Eoin Quinn, Gurteen. it provides both full time women certainly blazed a trail with Gurteen, on securing a place in the and part-time employment and is their display stand at the recent Journalism Course in the College of an invaluable seryice to the many Ballymote Show. It was an example Commerce, Rathmines, Dublin. fast food services in the Sligo area. that deserves to be copied. There is Eoin is a son of Frances and We wish the owners continued no reason at all why a Trade Show P-J.Quinn, Gurteen, and is a past success in their new venture. A should not play a part in that pop- pupil of St-Nathy's College, more detailed article to follow in ilar annual event- Ballaghaderreen- the next issue. Tie `$aIlymote Art's Group was •started in 1982 to provide a back- ground for the very successful Art BALLYMOTE ARTS GROUP Exhibition of that time. Afterwards it- was decided that it should beco lime a permanent association. Since • ••• ••••• `Then its performances though infre. • tjtient have been very much worth- Other activities of the same nature ybhl2e.: T,he skills and talents of its are in the pipe-line, a children art metrrlierr were used to produce exhibition, an anitque display, and perforMances reminiscent of a more There has been organised tours to more outings to gardens, houses, gracious and leisurely age than ours. some famous gardens and to a very and churches where something out- Flower arrangements, the use of beautiful flower display in St.Nich- standing is to be seen. An organ draperies, lights and greenware used olas Church, Galway. This display recital with flower display is also .c form a setting for combinations could only be described as History planned. On the whole, the Group of song, music, poetry and drama, in flowers and would have to be has contributed something of value with pleasing results very seen to be appreciated. to Ballymote life.

cIinmock (4* ca,gIgpg dwhpgjg lid. Ballymote Co.Sligo

Manufactures & Exporters of Quality Castors Part of Europe's Largest Castor Manufacturing Group Best wishes for the Success of "THE CORRAN HERALD"

CL BALLYMOTE ENGINEERING KEASH RD., BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO. • Phone 071-- 83134 ! 071-- 83279.

1/anaeine I )irrrMr : CON /-1)/1 i\. * * *

* MILLING * TURNING * GRINDING * GENERAL MACHINING * TOOLS & FIXTURES * ' LIGHT PRESSINGS * WELDING N;.ZU^^^