News making the headlines in Nenagh this month a century ago and 60 years ago

JANUARY 17 1925

Larcency of traps

At Nenagh District Court before Mr J. M. Flood, BL, Sergeant McAvady had Martin Murphy prosecuted for alleged larceny of rabbit traps, the property of George Blackwell, Toomevara. Defendant did not appear.

In stating his case, the sergeant said complaints were made by Mr Blackwell that rabbit traps had been repeatedly stolen from him, and as a result witness ambushed himself in the vicinity where the traps were set, and while so concealed he observed defendant come out of a grove and pick up traps. Going to his house later he found two traps (produced) in his possession. When asked where he got them, he said he found them.

George Blackwell, complainant, said that on the 19th December last, two traps were stolen from the place he had set them. The Guards brought two traps to him, which he recognised as his property. The traps were value for 2/6 each. Complainant said he was missing traps for the past two years. Defendant was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment.

Death of Nenagh Merchant

It is with deep regret we have to announce the death of Mr John O’ Brien, merchant, Mitchell Street, Nenagh, which occurred on Saturday last at an advanced age and fortified and consoled by the rites of Holy Church, of which he was a pious and devoted member.

The late Mr O’ Brien, who carried on business for a long number of years, in which he was highly successful, was well-known for his integrity and straightforwardness in all his dealings with his numerous customers who held him in great esteem for his grand personality and his genial and homely nature. On Sunday evening his remains were removed to St Mary’s of the Rosary, where on the following morning Solemn Requiem High Mass was offered up for the happy repose of his soul. The chief mourners were Mrs Boland (daughter), Mary and Josie Boland (granddaughters), Rody Boland (grandson), Edward Boland (son-in-law) and Ver Rev Canon Cunningham, P.P. (brother-in-law).

Late Patrick McNamara

On Thursday morning High Mass for the repose of the soul of Patrick McNamara, Killarey, Ballina, who was executed at Roscrea on January 15th,1923, was offered up at the Parish Church, Ballina. There was a large congregation present, who afterwards marched to the burial ground and recited the Rosary. The grave was beautifully decorated for the occasion with lattice work and flowers.

Postman Held Up

On Friday morning last Edward Freeman, the postman from Nenagh to Dolla, was held up by two armed men who demanded him to hand over his registered mail. The postman, however, bluffed his assailants by stating that Civic Guards were behind him, and seeing some men coming on the scene, the would-be robbers took to their heels through the fields. The postman was carrying old-age pension money.

Death of John Brindley

We regret to announce the death of Mr John Brindley, Birr Road, Nenagh, which occurred on Sunday morning last after a lingering illness borne with Christian patience and resignation. Deceased was 56 years of age, belonged to an old Turnpike family and was of an industrious and kindly nature and held in high esteem by all his neighbours.  Internment took place in Lisboney cemetery on Monday evening, the coffin being carried on the shoulders of his comrades to the outskirts of the town, testifying to the esteem in which he was held. He leaves a wife and family to mourn his loss.

JANUARY 16 1965

Templederry man’s passing

The death took place during the week of a well-known member of the farming community, Mr Thomas Slattery, of Dawsonsbog. He farmed extensively and was a keen judge of livestock. During the War of Independence he took an active part, and his home was often a refuge for members of the Flying Column. During World War 11 he was an active member of the Local Security Force. He was a keen sportsman and took great interest in Gaelic games up to a short time before he died. He is survived by his two sisters, Annie and Bridget, and his brother Patrick (who is in London), to whom sympathy is tendered.

Street Plebiscite

Ratepayers in Nenagh have received their ballot papers in connection with the plebiscite, which is being taken to see if the inhabitants want to have their street names changed from the old name to the new. The change will take place in any street where four-sevenths of the ratepayers vote in favour of it. Each ballot paper must be signed in the presence of a witness and must be returned to the Town Hall in the stamped addressed envelope provided before 5.30pm on Monday, January 25. It is expected that the results of the plebiscite will be made known at the monthly meeting of the Urban Council on Wednesday, January 27.

Birthday Social

Nenagh Players celebrated their 21st birthday at O’ Meara’s Hotel, Nenagh, on Sunday night. Mr O. Healy presided. The speakers were: Very Rev. E. Murphy, P.P., Silvermines; Messrs David Hodgins, Patrick Chumney, Rev. J. Nelson, C.C.

Mr O. Healy thanked O’ Meara’s Hotel for providing an excellent repast. Mr S. Cleary proved a capable M.C. at the social which followed. The guests included Jim Mooney (producer), P. J. Ryan, Mrs B. Barris and K. O’C Bernal.

Wall Collapses

Mr and Mrs Jim Burke, Ballycarron, Nenagh, had an unusual experience during the week when the back wall of their home collapsed. The couple had been asleep in the front portion of the house and investigating what they thought was a “strong draught” they found the wall had crumbled.

Mr Burke, a forestry worker, along with his wife are at present using a relative’s unoccupied house while waiting for the council to erect a cottage for them.

Killaloe Robbery A sum of money, reported to be over £100, was stolen from the shop premises of Mr John Stritch, Newtown, Killaloe. Extensive investigations are being pursued by the local Garda Authorities.