Dramatic Donegal Sea Chase for Poteen a century ago - A Matter of Record

Another perusal into the Donegal Democrat archives recalls a dramatic sea chase between the Civic Guard and an obstinate poteen maker and his curragh cache and later a speeding C.I.E. bus driver whose was said to be in a huury to deliver blood to the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon.  

1924 - April 4 - 100 years ago

Sea Chase for Poteen - A Donegal Coast Adventure

Members of the Civic Guard stationed at Crolly North west Tirconaill, effected a somewhat sensational capture of illicit spirits during the weekend, when after days of patient and constant watching along the coast they had their vigilance rewarded in observing an islander near Ranafast who was about to land with his curragh, which contained several casks of poteen.

Seeing the guards on the beach the canoe man immediately changed his course ignoring the orders of the officers to come ashore.

Procuring a similar craft, the Guards promptly put to sea and quickly gave chase to the fugitive, who by this time had made considerable leeway.

The fact that the latter was an experienced “paddler” proved a great handicap to the peace officers, who were uninitiated in the art of sculling.

ABOVE: A Democrat advert from 100 years ago

After a hot pursuit however, they eventually came alongside the escaping craft and after much ceremony prevailed on the poteen man to accompany them with his canoe ashore, where the precious cargo was discharged and the little vessel and owner detained.

Bull runs amok - Alarm in Tirconaill Village

Whilst a young bull, the property of Mr McHugh, Claggan, Carrigart was being transferred from wagons at Creeslough Station he became furious and despite the attempts of his attendant broke loose and ran through Creeslough streets.

There were a number of people in town and the sudden bolt of the animal caused panic.

He smashed windows and upset furniture in the houses visited.

Eventually the Guards with local assistance succeeded in rounding him up in the Co-operative Yard where the animal was detained until subdued.

1954 - April 9 - 70 years ago

Ardara Teacher retires

48 years service in Gortnacart School

Miss Winnifred Braddon, N.T., Garrowort, Ardara Assistant teacher in Gortnacart N.S. Ardara has retired after 48 years service all of which was spent as assistant at Gortnacart.

Mrs Braddon, who is a native of Magumna, Ardara is the widow of the late Mr P.J. Braddon, a former Principal of Gortnacart N.S. and one of the best known members of the profession in Co Donegal.

To mark the occasion of her retirement Mrs Braddon gave a party to the pupils in Gortnacart school.

ABOVE: A Democrat from April 1954 after the opening of Fr Tierney Park in Ballyshannon and a pioneering Aodh Ruadh GAA team 

Donegal has national monument next to Tara

The Grianan of Aileach is now recognised as the second most important ancient monument in Ireland, coming next to Tara, and thanks to the Donegal Historical Society and the work of the County Manager, Sean D MacLochlainn, it is soon to become a national showpiece.

The County Manager said the developments at Aileach included the making of a motor road, which would mean that buses with parties of visitors would have access the whole way to the fort.

ABOVE: Dress Designer Eileen Hegarty from Kilcar in the Democrat of April 3, 1964

Parking spaces were being provided around the fort. The initial cost would be around £2,000 and he was glad to be able to say that the cost would not come off the rates.Other schemes were being put forward and it was hoped that within the next five years they would have completed a scheme for the preservation of all ancient monuments in the county.

1964 - April 3 - 60 years ago

Was Rushing blood to Ballyshannon Hospital

Blood was urgently needed for a transfusion at the Sheil Hospital Ballyshannon and a C.I.E. driver, in his anxiety to have it delivered, broke the speed limit and found himself in court.

When he appeared at Castlerea charged with the offence his solicitor Mr MG Gannon said the blood container had been over carried and the defendant was rushing to have the delivery expedited.

The defendant from Treacy Avenue in Sligo was allowed off under the Probation Act.