It Happened in…
‘It Happened This Month’ is a brief look at people, events and happenings with a Bailieborough connection –
taken at random from various years, from the Anglo-Celt archives and other sources.
Check back monthly for new updates.
It Happened in January
January 1st 1847
BAILIEBOROUGH UNION
WANTED by the Guardians of the Bailieborough Union, a person competent to fill the situation of MASTER of the Workhouse, (the present Master having tendered his resignation), the Salary will be £30 per annum, with Apartments, Coal, Candles, Rations, etc., as hitherto allowed. The duties of the Master as regulated by the Poor Law Commissioners, with the Security required for the due performance of the same, may be known by personal application to me. Letters of application with Testimonials as to Character and Competency, will be received by me up to 11 o’clock on MONDAY the 4th January 1847, on which day the election will take place at a meeting of the Guardians, (when candidates will require to attend) at 12 o’clock. (By order,) B. LONGMORE, Clerk of the Union, Board Room, 7th December 1846.
January 15th 1847
BAILIEBOROUGH QUARTER SESSIONS
The following are the list of convictions at Bailieborough Quarter Sessions. Owen Toher, larceny of a pair of brogues and two kettles – six months imprisonment at hard labour. Honora Moynagh and Catherine Moynagh, receiving stolen property – three months imprisonment each with hard labour. Farrell Reilly, larceny of timber – one month’s imprisonment. Patrick Boyle, larceny of a gun the property of Henry Maxwell – 7 years transportation. Patrick McDonagh, pig stealing – 10 years transportation.
A Soup Kitchen was established at the meeting of the Relief Committee for the Parish of Bailieborough, on Wednesday last, which it was hoped will be ready to commence operations next week.
January 20th 1872
Kingscourt – FATAL ACCIDENT
Monday. – A sad accident occurred in this town resulting in the death of a man named McCormack and serious injury to another man named Rogers. The deceased was a hearse driver, and when returning through this town to Bailieborough from Iniskeen graveyard, his death was caused by the accidental upsetting of the hearse while turning a sharp corner on the road leading from here to Bailieboro’. There were three persons on the hearse at the time of the accident, one of whom was a woman, who escaped uninjured. The deceased and a man named Rogers, who lies at present in hospital dangerously hurt. At the inquest, held here on Saturday last, on the body of McCormack, the jury returned a verdict of death from concussion of the brain caused by the violent fall. The hearse, belonging to Mrs Farrelly, of Bailieboro’, was literally smashed to pieces.
January 20th 1900
Mr James Traynor will receive orders in Bailieborough and district for PRINTING on behalf of the Anglo-Celt.
TEET ARTIFICIAL
Dentist Strachan. May be consulted every first and third Monday at Mr. Argue’s Hotel, Bailieborough.
Business Announcement
Mr Michael E. Clarke, having purchased the extensive premises of Mr Peter Finnegan in Main St., Bailieborough, begs to give notice to the public that he has taken steps to carry on a first-class business in the Spirit, Grocery and Provision Trade. Jameson’s and Powers’ Whiskeys and Guinness’s XX Porter always in stock. Nothing but a superior quality of Goods will be kept and will be sold at very reasonable profits. The Coal Trade will also receive the best attention and a large supply will be kept of different qualities. A Trial Solicited. Michael E. Clarke, Main St., Bailieborough.
January 6th 1918
Private Bernard King, Corkish, Bailieborough, 14th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Killed in action in World War 1 on January 6th 1918, aged 30 years. Son of Alice King, Corkish, Bailieborough. (Remembered with Honour at Alexandria (Hadra) War Cemetery, Egypt).
It Happened in December
December 15th 1848
Poor Law Intelligence – BAILIEBOROUGH UNION
The usual weekly meeting of the above Union was held on Friday the 8th inst. Joseph O’Reilly Esq., in the chair. Other Guardians present- James Fitzsimons, Patrick Fitzsimons, Thomas Cranston, Patrick O’Reilly, Peter McIntyre, Henry Gibson, Thomas O’Reilly, Patrick Smith, Peter Daniel, John Clarke, Mathew Farrell and Andrew McElwain. Master’s Report- In hospital during the week 118; discharged, 37; died, 5; total remaining 76. Cost of provisions and necessaries consumed, £75 19s. 6.5d.; weekly average cost of each pauper 1s. 2d.; ditto in infirmary 1s. 2d. Treasurer’s account- Received during the week £274 2s. 3d.; paid during the week £262 19s. 7d., balance on hand in favour of the Union £589 17s. 6d.
December 1st 1894
Bailieboro’ New Pork Market
A pork market was held in Bailieboro’, on Wednesday. 57 dead pigs were offered for sale, and prices ruled from 38s per cwt downwards.
December 27th 1913
A.O.H. Knockbride East Division
Notice to Builders & Contractors. The members of the above named will, at their Meeting to be held on 11th January 1914 consider TENDERS for building (only) of Hall 40 feet by 19 feet, sidewall height 7 feet from floor level, with three large windows. No brick will be used. Attendance and material supplied by Division. Work must be completed by 1st March 1914. Intending contractors to name in their tender two solvent sureties to join in a bond. Tenders to be lodged with the President, Mr J.P. McIntyre, Skeagh, Bailieboro’, on or before 10th January 1914. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. (By Order), E. McCaffrey, Sec.
December 26th 1914
Bailieboro’ War Distress Concert
Friday, New Year’s Night 1915. Commencing at 8 o’clock. Seven distinguished Dublin Professionals, and many popular local artists, will take part. Concert is supported by local Catholic and Protestant clergy, and by local National and Ulster Volunteer Forces.
December 26th 1985
Tierworker Race to Attract Large Entry
Sunday 29th December sees the holding of one of the country’s most attractive winter races, when the local community in conjunction with British Airways sponsorship hold a nine mile road race with the attractive prize of two tickets each to Miami, Florida, for both the first man and first woman over the finish line. The race which is being run to raise money for a worthy cause – an orphanage in dire straits in Dhaka – is expected to attract a large number of competitors for the day. The organisers have also combined an attractive spot prize for all race competitors who finish the course – a fourteen days holiday in a hotel of your choice in Ireland for two – will help ease many weary limbs to the finish. The race will be officially started by T.V. personality, Donncha O’Dulaing at 1.00p.m.
It Happened in November
November 7th 1850
WANTED – A RESPECTABLE LAD, as an Apprentice to the Woollen Drapery Business. Apply to Henry James, Bailieborough.
BAILIEBOROUGH UNION
A Weaver Wanted. The Board of Guardians of the Union, will, on Monday the 18th day of November instant, proceed to elect a MASTER WEAVER to instruct the Boys and Girls in Weaving Linen and Woollen, at a salary of £10 per Annum with Rations and Apartments. Tenders to be dropped in the Tender-box up to 12 o’clock on Monday the 18th day of November instant, candidates are requested to attend. Tenders will also be received for cut stone per square foot. (By order) James G. Adams, Clerk of the chair. Board-room.
November 1st 1890
IMPORTANT SALE. Leasehold interest in Licensed Premises and Drapery Establishment, Main St., Bailieborough. Mrs Rose Farrelly who is retiring from business, will sell her interest in the above premises occupied by her in the MAIN STREET, BAILIEBOROUGH. And held under a lease for twenty one years, twelve years of which are unexpired, at a yearly rent of £30. These premises which have been used as a Hotel are large and commodious, contain a Large Shop, ten other apartments, kitchen & c, with good yard, out offices and garden, situated in the best part of the rising town of Bailieborough, and are well adopted for doing a large Spirit and Drapery business, or would make a comfortable hotel. Vendor has paid licence to October ’90, and will clear rent up to September ’91. The Premises are in good business order and immediate possession can be given. Proposals in writing will be received by me up to the 15th day of November 1890. ROSE FARRELLY, Main Street, Bailieborough.
November 21st 1914
Bailieboro’ War Distress Concert – Wednesday 2nd December
The concert is being organised by a local Committee, comprising clergymen of different denominations, and the services of a Dublin Concert Troupe, consisting of two ladies, three singers of comic songs, a baritone, and a pianist have been secure, and some of the best amateurs of this and adjoining Counties have kindly promised to assist with vocal and instrumental music, recitations, etc.
Purchase a 2s 6d or 1s ticket, and help the dependants of the brave Co. Cavan soldiers fighting in the flooded trenches to preserve Ireland from the horrors of a German invasion, and assist the Belgian Refugees, penniless outcasts from home and country, whose heroic, sons are sacrificing their lives by thousands in defence of Irish as well as Belgian liberty. If you cannot fight, save your credit and honour by finding bread for the kith of the men in the fighting line. “By her sons that face the fire. Where the battle-lines are set, Give your country her desire- Pay your debt!”
Bailieboro’ Ball for Belgians
The Bailieboro’ Castle Ball on Wednesday in aid of the fund for the relief of the Belgian refugees proved a great success. After defraying expenses a sum of nearly £30 will be forwarded to the Relief Committee.
It Happened in October
October 3rd 1914
Anglo Celt Archives – Poets Corner – THE ANNSFORT LASS
Air- “The Colleen Dhas.” by Bridget Quoyle, Urcher, Bailieborough.
There are maidens fair in Killinkere, In Larah and Drumgoon,
And not forgetting sweet Killanne, Where many charmers bloom;
But in vale or on hill, go where you will, You’ll find none to surpass,
The maiden fair with the wavy hair, They call the Annsford Lass.
There is no doubt few colleens, In the Parish of Drumgoon,
But can dance a reel or hornpipe, And lilt a hearty tune.
But there is not one amongst them, Let the tune be slow or fast,
That can trip the light fantastic toe, With the charming Annsfort Lass.
Should e’er you chance to go that way, And I suppose you will,
You’ll see many pretty colleens, Passing to and from Cootehill,
Some beauties rare you may see there, But none that can surpass,
The maiden fair with the wavy hair, They call the Annsford Lass.
There are maidens fair in Killinkere, In Larah and Drumgoon,
And not forgetting sweet Killanne, Where many charmers bloom;
But in vale or on hill, go where you will, You’ll find none to surpass,
The maiden fair with the wavy hair, They call the Annsford Lass.
October 13th 1860
Anglo Celt Archives – A Disgraceful Custom (From our Correspondent)
Coroneary October 9th 1860 – Whatever may be said of horse-racing in general, it must be admitted that the practice which prevails to some extent in this neighbourhood, of running wedding parties into exhibitions of this kind, is much to be condemned, and ought to be exposed to public censure. A wedding here is considered quite a tame affair unless there is a race for a bottle, and even borrowed horses are admitted to share in, the honours of the contest. No sooner is the marriage ceremony concluded, than the party at once proceed to a public house. Here they regale themselves plentifully with whiskey, and also make a distribution of the stuff among the horse-boys and hangers on, who are generally numerous, and comprise the idle and mischievous characters of the surrounding district. This has a very injurious effect, promotes idleness and, often leads to riot and disorder. In this way the principal part of the day is spent, and when the courage of the jockeys has been raised to the proper pitch by copious libations, the race comes off. The parties generally are in an unfit state to attempt any feat of this kind, and the consequence is that the race seldom ends without, serious, and sometimes fatal accidents. All this may be very exciting and amusing to some; but surely those who love to see religion, law, or common decency respected, must grieve to witness such exhibitions.
Some months ago public attention was directed to a case of this kind, which occurred in the townland of Killycloughan, near Coroneary police barracks. A wedding was held in a house at the neighbourhood, and there was a drunken row, at which all the idlers, far and near, attended. Some of the competitors, not content with discussing the merits of their respective nags, must needs introduce a certain prayer for the ‘Pope’. This gave offence, and a few kicks were exchanged, and a riot got up. The consequence was, that some of the foolish defendants of the faith, who would have been better employed at home, minding their proper and lawful business, were brought before the magistrates of the division, and a warrant granted against them. Though the barrister dealt leniently with them, what with this expense, loss of time, and inconvenience of attending the Quarter Sessions at Cootehill, and afterwards at Bailieborough, they paid pretty well for their share of the bottle. It is needless to say the affair excited a great deal, of jealousy and bad feeling, which is hardly forgotten yet. Some thought this case would serve as a warning, and that the people would stop the racing on the public road for the future. But in this they were disappointed, for a short time since another wedding was held in the same neighbourhood, and not only was there a race as usual, but as if to show their entire indifference to the police, or their certainty of escaping with impunity, they came past the barracks, though there was a better and more convenient road which they could have used. The sergeant in charge visited the wedding-house after the race, and took a list of the names of the jockeys from a policeman who was on the party; but it does not appear any proceedings were taken since.
A few days ago there was another exhibition of this kind in the neighbourhood of Ardmone, near Canningstown. After regaling themselves at Mahood’s public-house with a plentiful supply of the real stuff, they had a terrible race for the bottle. But the result of the race was that one of the party rode over a poor man, named Corbet, who received such injuries on the occasion that he has since died, leaving a wife and five young children to lament his loss. At the inquest which was held on Saturday last, by Coroner McFadden, the jury returned a verdict against the brother of the bridegroom, who, it appears, absconded immediately after the deed. It is to be hoped that this lamentable case will have the effect of directing the attention of the proper authorities to the urgent necessity of putting a stop to this disgraceful and dangerous practise.
October 15th 1918
Joseph McGuire, Church St., Bailieborough a private in the 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers was killed in World War 1 on October 15th 1918, aged 21 years. He was son of Elizabeth McGuire.
October 16th 1886
Anglo Celt Archives – The Irish National League – Bailieborough Branch
The weekly meeting of the above branch was held on Sunday 10th inst – Thomas Clarke V.P. in the chair. James Clarke acting secretary was present. It was resolved unanimously: “That we offer unanimously our most heartfelt sympathy to our old, worthy, and patriotic Secretary, Charles Dunne, in his incarceration; and we hereby condemn (as we know all true Nationalists in East Cavan will) the action of Thomas and Mike Carroll of the town of Bailieborough, which has consigned him to a prison cell”.
It Happened in September
September 4th 1846
Anglo Celt Archives – Bailieborough Union
The Board of Guardians of the Bailieborough Union are desirous of entering into a contract for the supply of the following articles to the Workhouse from the 29th of September next to the 25th March 1847. Oatmeal p cwt; White Bread in 2lb loaves, p lb; Whole Meal, Brown Bread in 3lb loaves, p lb; Butter, do; Tea, do; Sugar, do; Cocoa, do; Pepper, do; Tobacco, do; Candles, Dipt do; Indigo, do; White Soap p stone; Brown, do; Soda Ashes, do; Starch, do; Salt (Irish) p cwt; Heth Brooms, p dozen; Wines, p bottle; Whiskey, p pint; Beef, p lb; Veal, p quarter.
There are also desirous of entering into contract for the supply of the following articles, from the 29th of September. Lime per barrel; Straw per ton; Moleskin per yard; Barrigan, do; Blue Calico, do; Grey, do; Drogheda Linen, do; Galway Flannel, do; Shrouding, do; Tape, per bolt; Thread, per lb; Buttons, per gross; Writing Paper, per quire; Quills, per lb; Steel Pens, per dozen; Letter Envelopes, do; Sealing Wax, per lb; Wafers, do; Coffins, in three sizes, per dozen. The above articles to be delivered at the Workhouse in such quantities and at such times as the Board may order from time to time. Tenders addressed to the Chairman marked “Tender………..”, as the case may be, accompanied by samples where practicable, will be received by me up to 12 o’clock on Monday 21st day of September next, after which none will be received. N.B. Sufficient security will be required for the fulfilment of each contract. Signed, B. Longmore, Clerk of the Union. Board-room, 24th August 1846.
September 18th 1846
Anglo Celt Archives
Meeting of The Bailieborough Agricultural Society – We have been requested to state, that the annual meeting of this society will take place on Wednesday the 30th inst., and not on 16th October as originally stated.
September 19th 1914
Bailieborough related advertisements from the archives of the Anglo Celt
FINEST TEAS I buy all my Teas by comparison and first hand. I can, therefore, offer the pick of the market at the following prices: 2/6, 2/4, 2/-, & 1/8 per lb. James Byers, Tea Specialist and Family Grocer, The Standard Tea House, Bailieboro’.
Men’s Overcoats: Full-sized Waterproof, 21/- ; guaranteed …….. Kelly’s Drapery, Bailieborough
James Traynor Auctioneer and Land Valuer, Bailieboro.
Bailieborough Rural District
The District Council of above District will on Monday the 28th inst receive tenders for making a sewer in William St., Bailieboro’, from McDermott’s to corner of New Rd., also providing and re-setting stone trap in town, according to specification to be seen at this office. The work must be done to the satisfaction of the Councils Engineer, Mr P.J. Brady, without whose certificate no payment will be made to the contractor. The Council do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. Bond of £50 with two solvent sureties will be required. By Order: Hugh Clarke, Clerk of District Council, Workhouse, Bailieborough. 14th September 1914.
September 28th 1935
Anglo Celt Archives – Lighting of Bailieborough
The Department wrote asking for a certified copy of the resolution of the board regarding the public lighting of Bailieborough. The Secretary said he had sent it on. Mr Farrell said the town was to have been lit by the 1st of April, but that had not been done and the people were up against paying for a lighting charge as from 1st April last. Chairman – better let it go to the 1st April next and start the lighting then. Secretary – I will have some information for you for next meeting.
September 29th 1847
Michael Francis O’Reilly – Brother Potamian 1847 – 1917
Michael Francis O’Reilly was born at Bailieborough on September 29th 1847. He was son of James and Julia (Finnegan) O’Reilly. The exact location of the O’Reilly Family home is uncertain other than Michael Francis was born at Bailieborough. He was born during the Great Famine when many hungry and destitute families were seeking shelter in the local Workhouse. For those who could afford to leave emigration was a better option than to remain in Ireland. James and Julia O’Reilly made a decision which in later years afforded their son Michael a solid education and a career he may never have achieved had they remained in Bailieborough. Accounts differ as to when the family set sail for America, one record says it was the year after Michael’s birth and another states it was 1850. The O’Reilly Family settled in New York and at the age of 12 in 1949 Michael entered a Jesuit Novitiate in Montreal, Canada. He became known as Brother Potamian. Moving to England in 1870, he was appointed to teach at St. Joseph’s, Brother’s College, Clapham, London. In 1883 he presented a thesis entitled ‘The Theory of Electrical Measurements’ for which the college awarded him a Doctor of Science degree. During his years in London Brother Potamian compiled many papers on electricity and magnetism under his own name, M.F. O’Reilly. He returned to Ireland in 1893 and was appointed Professor of Physics at De La Salle College, Waterford where he carried out the first x-Ray in Ireland in 1896.
It Happened in August
August 7th 1915
Thomas Lynch 1891 – 1915
Thomas Lynch was son of Serjeant Major Peter J. Lynch; husband of Mary McCullagh and father of Miss Elizabeth Lynch, 73 William St., Bailieborough. Like many young men from the area Thomas enlisted in the First World War, he joined the 6th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. Private Thomas Lynch lost his life when he was killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey on August 7th 1915, aged 24 years. He is remembered with honour at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission war memorial near Sedd el Bahr, Turkey. The memorial serves the dual function of being a Commonwealth battle memorial for the entire Gallipoli Campaign and a place of commemoration for 20,885 Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave.
Other soldiers from the Bailieborough area who died during the month of August in WW1 are as follows: Serjeant Robert Boyd, son of Thomas & Fanny Boyd, Corglass, Bailieborough. He was a Serjeant in the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He died on August 17th 1917, aged 28. Private Thomas Gormley, son of Terence & Mary Gormley, Tullanskea, Bailieborough. Husband of Kate Gormley. Private in the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. He died on August 9th 1916, aged 36. Lance Serjeant Henry John Griffith son of Francis and Margaret Griffith, Bailieborough. Husband of Annie Griffith. Member of C Coy 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He died on August 7th 1917. Private James King, son of John and Susan King, Kinnea, Drumeague, Bailieborough. Member of the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Died on August 21st 1915, aged 25.
August 12th 1945
Consecrating and Blessing of Bailieborough Convent
Bishop Finnegan, Bishop of Kilmore, Cavan was the only Bishop in Ireland in 1945 who was willing to allow a Missionary Novitiate in his diocese. A house was purchased for the first Rawalpindi Novitiate in Virginia. After a short while this house was deemed too small and a larger house was purchased in Bailieborough. In 1840 Sir John Young (Lord Lisgar) had Tandragee House erected on the Virginia Rd., for his agent, Thomas Chambers who administered his estate and collected rents. It later became a private residence and was owned by Isaac Broome JP and by Charles Hourican. The Presentation Sisters purchased Tandragee House and nine acres of land in 1945 for the sum of £1,750. Sister Gabriel Monks returned from Rawalpindi and took over possession of the property. On August 12th Dr Lyons blessed and consecrated the building and said mass in its little chapel. Fifteen Sisters came to live in the convent during 1945/46.
August 28th 1920
East Cavan News – Meath Chronicle
For the first time since the Local Government Elections, no meeting of the Bailieborough Guardians was held on Monday for want of a quorum. – Bailieborough Petty Sessions adjourned as a mark of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr Isaac Broome J.P., The Villa, Bailieborough. – A party of the ‘Black and Tan’ police visited Bailieborough on Monday and remained in the town for a few hours. – The L.G.B. Auditor attended at the Bailieborough Workhouse on Tuesday and audited the accounts of the Union and Rural Division. No objection had been raised to his activities. The accounts audited, however, covered a half year of the period in which the old guardians held office. – The enormous expenditure on the roads in Co. Cavan, particularly in the Bailieborough Rural District, in which the colossal expenditure of £7,000 was made in three months, will be considered at a financial meeting of the County Council on the 31st inst. It is thought, however that £4,000 of the latter expenditure was that spent over and above last year’s estimate owing to the enormous amount of damage occasioned to the roads of the rural district by the abnormal floods in June 1919. – Sergeant Clarke, who so narrowly escaped being shot in Dundalk, is a son of Mr James Clarke, Toneyfoyle, Bailieborough, an ex-member of the Bailieborough Board of Guardians and Rural District Council. – In a brass and reed band competition at Cavan on Sunday, under the auspices of the County Board, A.O.H. Ballyjamesduff A.O.H. Band came first, with 96 marks. Bailieborough A.O.H. were second with 86 marks. Miss Gilsenan, Oldcastle who acted as judge, warmly complimented both bands on the high standard of music displayed.
August 31st 1918
Very Rev. Cannon Vincent Duffy 1918 – 1981
Vincent Duffy was born at Lear, Bailieborough on August 31st 1918. He was son of Francis and Margaret Duffy and brother of Benny Duffy, Merchant, Main St., Bailieborough. Vincent received his early education at St Anne’s Boys National School, Bailieborough; St Patrick’s College, Cavan and St Patrick’s College Maynooth. He was ordained in Maynooth on June 18th 1944. Appointed curate in Ballinaglera in 1944, he went to Edinburgh two years later. In 1950 he became Bursar of St Patrick’s College, Cavan, he remained there until 1964, when he went to Lavey as a curate. After further curacy duties in Killashendra and Clifferna, he became parish priest of Kilmainhamwood in 1980 and in 1985 he moved to Knockbride. His funeral took place on August 10th 1991 following Concelebrated Mass in St Brigid’s Church, West Knockbride, he was buried in the adjoining cemetery.