Donegal Democrat History - A Matter of Record

This week’s flashback into the Donegal Democrat archives with Michael McHugh includes the Government’s decision to establish a deep sea port at Killybegs in 1933, tea rationing in WW2, a ‘Major’ player on the Erne Fisheries life is recalled and how the county’s wool and whiting fish off the Donegal coast were being exported to all corners of the globe, showcasing the products and skills of its citizens, to a worldwide audience.

Donegal Democrat, October 7, 1933 - 90 years ago

Killybegs - A Deep Sea Port for County Donegal

The decision of the government to establish a Deep Sea Port in the County of Donegal has directed general attention to one of the most interesting harbours of Ireland with its seafaring folk living largely on the traditions of the active past.

The harbour is a beautifully landlocked one on the north shore of Dobegal Ba, entered from the sea through a wide, deep channel, with deeper water inside in the harbour trite up to the sea wall, which forms part of one side of the village street. At this wall there is a depth of almost 30 feet at ordinary spring tides.

It is about the safest and most compact harbour in the British Isles, an inland sea pond in which half a fleet of war vessels might be an ease while a gale from the westward drives the waves of the Atlantic mountains high only half a mile away, as many as fifty trawlers at one tie sheltering in safety in the harbour for days during a raging storm, being easily entered in any state of tide or weather.

It is history that Killybegs was the western headquarters of the Spanish fleet previous to 1570.

Year after year the boats from Corunna were at the fine port and did a great trade when fast days were the rule, rather than the one exception in the life of the Spaniard.

It was the knowledge gained by those Spanish fishermen that led to so many ships from the Armada to make for the Western Coard of Ireland in 1588.

A couple of hundred years later another great European Power prepared similarly for war by encouraging its seafaring men to become , during times of peace, thoroughly acquainted with the ports and harbours of a prospective country.

Killybegs was in those days, until recently, the centre of the mackerel and herring and still herring curing industry, and also a port of call and coaling station for the British Admiralty.

It was during the Great War that Killybegs was an important centre; the harbour became more and more important as a naval base.

Donegal Democrat, October 2, 1943 - 80 years ago

Tea Rationing - Householders must Register Afresh

As from Saturday, the 2nd October the page in the Ration Book applicable to tea will be Page 19 lettered O.

To obtain the ration of tea as from that date it will be necessary for all householders to register again for tea and they are advised to do so at the shops where they are now registered,

Householders should take immediate steps to secure fresh registration in respect of each member of the household.

This may be done by filling in the name and address of the on the top portion of page 19, lettered O of the Ration Book, of each member of the household and lodging the Ration book at the shop where it is desired to register.

Donegal Democrat, October 2, 1953 - 70 years ago

Death of well known Donegal figure - Major R.L. Moore

The death occurred on Tuesday of last week at Basle, Switzerland of Major Robert Lyon Moore, D.L. formerly of Cliff, Belleek.

Deceased, a member of a very old Derry family, was one of the principal owners of the Erne Estuary until it went out of existence a few years ago when the fishery was taken over by the hydro electric development of the River Erne.

Major Moore left his home at Cliff at that time and went to live in Switzerland.

For many years the fishery was his chief interest and in this capacity he was well known throughout the country.

Major Moore, who had reached an advanced age, served in the South African War with the 3rd Hussars and he also served throughout the 1914-1918 War.

Before the 1921 treaty he was a Deputy Lieutenant for County Donegal and was actively concerned in many East Donegal elections for the Imperial Parliament.

He was one of the pioneers of the Ulster Volunteer Force and was an outstanding figure in Unionist political circles in Derry city. At one time he was Grand Master of the City of Derry Grand Orange Lodge and he was also active in the Apprentice Boys of Derry Order.

Major Moor was a member of the Ballyshannon Board of Fishery. 

Fishing and shooting were his sporting interests and in his early days he had considerable success in hunting big game in Africa.

Major Moore is survived by his wife, who resided with him in Switzerland, and by a nephew Mr R.M.L. Moore D.L. who resides at Molenan.

Donegal Democrat, October 4, 1963 - 60 years ago

Donegal Design “Scarf Fortnight” in Sligo and Donegal

Special displays showing the famous range of scarves and stoles made by “Donegal Design Ltd.” are to be seen at Mullaney of Sligo and Magee of Donegal.

“Donegal Design Ltd.” was started in the Donegal Highlands, near Croly in 1951, by Alan & Joy Hemmings. Since then the firm, now operating from Dublin, has made tremendous progress.

The staff originally numbering 43 has now reached 28. In the early years sales were mainly to visitors in the West. Products are now sold all over Ireland, England and America. Recently skirts and rugs were featured on U.T.V. from Belfast.

Sales have also been achieved in Baghdad (Iraq), Australia, Sweden, Germany and Southern Rhodesia.

Sales in the West of Ireland continue to increase.

The goods, whether of handwoven mohair or fine wool, represent top value and their special “design” appeal gives them a distinct advantage over many competitive items.

Some of the colours thought up in the early days at Crolly, are still being woven, such as Gorse Yellow. Many of these colours are blended in subtle stripe effects, the leading design here being “Irish Forest” awarded a Bavarian State Gold Medal at Munich Handicraft Fair 1962 . . . “for texture, colour, and general conception” . . . . This design is now available in scarves, stoles, and travel rugs.

Donegal Whiting going to Europe and Australia

Shipments of some one hundred tons of Irish whiting from plants in Donegal and Galway to Australia. Irish Whiting will shortly leave this country for France and Spain where new markets are being developed for the product.

Many other overseas markets are, at present, being explored; recently, there was a favourable reaction to a trial shipment sent to East Africa. This marks the initial stages of a breakthrough to establish markets abroad for Irish fish and would not have been possible but for the co-operation in production and marketing now taking place between Bord Iascaigh Mhara, fishermen and trade interests.