News making the headlines in Nenagh 100 years ago

January 24 1925

Beauties of Lough Derg

Lough Derg, on the Shannon, whose shores are a short distance from Nenagh, has become suddenly world famous. I mention the Shannon, not only because it is at present attracting even more attention than the lake, but because we, the sojourners by the lake, have been so often confounded with the remarks: “Of course, then, you have made St. Patrick’s Pilgrimage?”

Sadly, we have explained that our lake is not the holy Lough Derg of the present day, whatever it may have been in the past. Still more sadly we have watched the fading interest of the part of our interrogators and humbly have retired to the obscurity of our position as dwellers on the shores of the “other” Lough Derg.

Lough Derg, on the Shannon, must be known to many of my countrymen as a jewel of many facets, set in the heart of Ireland. The scenery of the lower reaches, before it opens out into the Shannon at Killaloe, is unsurpassable. In its wider portions, with the Clare mountains in the distance and the slopes of Tipperary on the one side and Galway on the other, it is very beautiful.

On the long summer evenings, when it is often possible to enjoy moonlight and sunlight effects from the same boat, the sun dropping slowing behind the Galway hills, while the moon rides in the sky over Tipperary, it is impossible to over-rhapsodise. Such an evening spent on tranquil waters, brings one closer to the realisation of the sheer beauty than is possible to analyse.

But, apart from beauty, what joys has not this lake for those who appreciate her? What procession of them, from the middle of May, when the dapping season opens, right through the summer and autumn, until the storms of winter make trolling impossible! Few who have indulged in these pastimes will lose their memories of them. Besides the sport, and there are fine trout to be had from the lake, trout which rise and feed greedily on the Mayfly during the halcyon days of May and early in June, there are recollections of most perfect days, spent in long drifts from point to point, or hours of constant excitement, when pike and perch were pulled into the boat alternately, jumping and struggled on the spoon. Long days that merged into the shades of evening before we were content to draw in the line and row leisurely to shore.

I wonder if many know of the fine chain of ancient castles which encircle Lough Derg, some of them built on her shores, and others a few miles away, sturdy upright ruins, a few of them in wonderful preservation? Well, indeed these have withstood the onslaughts made upon them, and one hardly wonders when one measures the thickness of their walls. The elements, alas, have ravaged them more successfully. Abandoned to these, the walls of many are crumbled and falling. But others stand, roofless, indeed, but erect, silent memorials of a time which for them has left few records, so savage were the onslaughts, so ruthless the destruction wrought.

- E.J.E. in “Irish Independent”

A Templemore Fire

Armed and disguised men burned a house at Fairy Hill, Templemore, at midnight on Wednesday week. The house was a substantial one built by the Estates Commissioners on the Carden (Barnane) estate twenty years ago and given, with about 25 acres of land, to a man named Stapleton. Stapleton went to reside elsewhere recently. The employee of an extensive grazier was in charge of the house, and when the armed party arrived, they ordered him to get out.

Bernard Berkery, USA

From Troy, New York State, comes an account of the death last month of Mr Bernard Berkery, a native of Templederry. The remains were taken from his residence, 108 Hill Street, and later to St. Mary’s Church, where a Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated. The funeral was largely attended and there was a big number of floral offerings.

January 23 1965

Nenagh’s

Prosperity

That it was one of the reassuring things in Irish history to find towns like Nenagh flourishing and meeting the challenge of the times and proving itself to be a vigorous and viable part of the community.

This was stated by Major Vivion de Valera, TD, when he spoke as the principal guest at the eighth annual dinner-dance of Nenagh Chamber of Commerce at O’ Meara’s Hotel, Nenagh, on Wednesday night week. Mr John Whelan, President, presided over one hundred guests.

In his address Mr Whelan said one of the goals of the chamber was to seek the establishment of new industries in the area. During the past year a sub-committee of the chamber made representations to an outside concern, with a view to the establishment of a factory for the manufacture of textiles. Unfortunately, this factory went to Clonmel instead. The setback did not detract in any way from the merits and dogged work of the sub-committee and of the unsparing efforts of John Murphy, the town clerk.

Succesful Student

Miss Muriel Sheppard, Step Road, Cloughjordan, has been notified of her success in a recent open competitive examination for the recruitment of clerks in Aer Lingus. Holder of a Co Council Primary-Secondary or Vocational Scholarship, Muriel is a full-time day student at Borrisokane Vocational School. She is also on the successful panel for CIE, and holds the Secretarial, General Commerce and Domestic Science Group Certificate. Muriel has shown her versatility in becoming, a short time ago, county champion in a Fish Cookery Competition.

First Dinner Dance

The first Annual Dinner and Céilí under the auspices of Nenagh Éire Óg Hurling and Football Club, held at the Hotel Ormond, Nenagh, on January 13, was a splendid success, over 300 persons being present to enjoy an excellent repast and the very pleasant Irish dancing sessions followed.

The victorious Éire Óg hurling team who won the North championship and who gave such gallant displays in the subsequent games for County honours were presented with their medals, and their efficient trainer, Garda Jim Hughes, to whose efforts a large portion of their success was due, was also made a presentation.

The Frank McGrath Cup, won by Nenagh for the first time, was on display.

Licensed Premises Sold

Mr William Talbot, auctioneer, Nenagh, disposed by private treaty of the seven-day licensed premises of the late Mrs Mary Meahger, 51 Summerhill, Nenagh, to Mr John Ryan, of the Railway Bar, Nenagh. Messrs John McGrath & Son, solicitors, Nenagh, acted for the representatives of the late Mrs Meagher. Mr Michael O’ Meara, solicitor, acted for Mr Ryan.