A Matter of Record - The Donegal Democrat archive and history down the years

Another delve into the history archives of the Donegal Democrat newspaper which was established in June of 1919, writes Michael McHugh.

Donegal Democrat, November 18, 1933 - 90 years ago

Donegal Notes - Market House & Diamond

The Market House premises and the Diamond have been acquired by the Donegal Co Board of Health and there are questions and surmises as to what purpose the buildings will be converted.

The premises are spacious and are suitable for several purposes. The prevailing opinion however is that no matter what the other part of the premises serves, the main hall should be acquired for a technical school.

It would prove admirable for it and the establishment of a technical school in the town would be a filling a vacancy that is long overdue.

The excuse cannot be advanced that there is no suitable building for a technical school.

The Market House premises and Diamond are now in possession of Donegal Co Board of Health and it is indisputable that there is sufficient space to be found if it is decided to establish a technical school

Victory

The victory of the County Gaelic football team over Fermanagh at Enniskillen on Sunday had a welcome reception in the town, which was represented by three players: James McEnhill; Patrick McGowan and Joseph Lawn.

It was the first match in connection with the recently organised Northern Division of the National Football league.

Donegal Democrat, November 13, 1943 - 80 years ago

Our Dublin Letter

Deputy Brian Brady has again been appointed to the Public Accounts Committee of An Dáil. This committee, probably the most important of its kind, is set up each year by An Dail to ensure that monies voted to the different Departments of State have been spent for the purposes for which they were granted.

The accounting Officer of each Department gives the committee full details on all the items of expenditure.

All parties are represented on the Committee and the Chairman is usually a member of the Opposition. - Deputy Dillon is at present the Chairman.

Mr Brady was first appointed to the Committee in 1939 and it is a tribute to him that he has been asked to act as a member in each year since that date.

(Brady, 1903-1949 was a Donegal Fianna Fáil politician who represented the constituencies of Donegal and Donegal West in the Dáil Éireann as a member of Fianna Fáil from 1932 until his passing in 1949).

Donegal Democrat, November 6, 1953 - 70 years ago

Lord Bishop Blessed New Bundoran School

On Wednesday morning his Lordship Most Rev Dr O’Callaghan, Lord Bishop of Clogher blessed and formally opened a new boys’ National School, St Macartan's at Bundoran.

The simple ceremony was the fulfilment of a wish held dear by Very Rev P. Canon McQuaid, and his predecessor the late Canon McGrath - the provision of a modern school which would meet the highest requirements of modern education.

At the school, his Lordship performed the Blessing ceremony and declared the school open.

(Above: Miss Mulhern was offering painting lessons back in the Donegal Democrat of 1923) 

Inside, the Lord Bishop delivered an instructive address to the pupils, parents and teachers. He referred to the close association between the Church and education in Ireland and emphasised the importance of not alone giving religious instruction in the school, but of giving a Christian basis to all education. They could see what happened in other countries where God was obliterated from the curriculum of the schools. These countries were now pagan.

Principal of the School is Mr Owen McGuiness who is assisted by Mrs Cassidy, N.T.

Donegal Democrat, November 8, 1963 - 60 years ago

Big boost for Donegal fishing industry

Of great interest in the Donegal fishing industry is the trial shipment of 14 tons of Irish whiting which left Dublin this week for Spain. This breakthrough in the export of Irish whiting is a major step forward in the efforts being made to increase the market for Irish fish overseas.

Already Irish whiting has found markets on three continents and many other overseas markets are under exploration. Australia and Africa have reacted favourably to the product and markets in Spain and France are now being developed.

Modem freezing facilities at the bigger landing ports are changing the face of fish marketing.

Donegal Democrat, November 16, 1973 - 50 years ago

U21 Championship a face - Co. Board delegate

At a meeting of Donegal Co Board G.A.A. on Tuesday week last, Mr D. Griffin (MacCumhaills) asked who was responsible for the under 21 championship. The young lads had been left all summer without a game and now the whole thing had to be over inside two or three weeks, and what should have been their most important competition turned out to be a farce.

A Matter of Record - The Donegal Democrat down the years

Another look at the marvellous mix of stories and contributions that have made the pages of the Donegal Democrat over the past century, including the Audacious Pirates who Try to Sink Tirconaill Boat, the work on the erection of 12 Labourers cottages at Laghey and for Donegal GAA fans, a writer “Mad with the Selectors” who decides like many others of that time to pick his county team for the 1964 Ulster championship and Lagan Cup

Mr P.J. Ryan presided, owing to an unavoidable delay on the part of Mr T. Walsh, in arriving, said it had been decided to leave it over until the senior championship was completed.

Mr Gerry Griffin (MacCumhaills) said they should be looking to their under-21s for county talent and not to old men. The competition should be run during the summer.

Mr P. Murray (Termon) said a motion to that effect could be tabled for Convention.