Pages Past: Runaway horse had been drawing iron and scrap when it took fright and raced off

Westmeath Examiner, September 30, 1905

Disinfecting against diphtheria

The cost of combating the spread of diphtheria was mounting in Mullingar, due to the fact that compensation had to be paid out in cases where articles of clothing or bedding had to be destroyed to stop the disease spreading.

The subject arose for discussion at the fortnightly meeting of the Mullingar Rural District Council the previous Thursday, the Westmeath Examiner of September 30, 1905 reported, noting that at that meeting, Mr Owen Wickham, JP, chairman, presided, and the following were also in attendance – Messrs M Ronan, J Farrell, W Reddy, L Conorton, P Heduan, T Delemere, M Carey, TJ Shaw, N Bardon, Thomas Bennett, T Fagan, P Nolan, P Bracken, and P Scally.

The Local Government Board had written to the council on the costs issue, explaining that they had sought the views of the medical inspector, Surgeon Col D Edgar Flynn, and his opinion was that the council should earnestly consider the question of providing an efficient steam disinfecting apparatus in view of the large amount of claims that had recently been paid for compensation for the destruction of bedding and clothing.

“From the point of view of economy, an important town like Mullingar should possess the means of properly disinfecting bedding and clothing,” the doctor had written.

The outcome of that was that the Local Government Board was now asking the council take steps to provide sufficient disinfecting apparatus.

Mr Ronan said that had been considered some time previously but he recalled that at that time the council decided not to erect a chamber because they came to the conclusion it would actually cost more than the amount given in compensation for the articles destroyed.

The clerk said that for the previous six months, the amount paid by the council for compensation for articles thus destroyed was £122 14s 6d.

On the proposal of Mr Ronan, the matter was postponed for further consideration.

Westmeath Examiner, September 26, 1925

Strange advice

Some strange advice from the Examiner in 1925 under the heading ‘Sallow Complexions’. “It is to be remembered that if tea and coffee are consumed in any quantity, both are apt to produce sallow complexions. Both beverages need to be freshly made, and should not be taken too strong. A glass of hot water, to which the juice of a lemon has been added, sipped at bed-time is a great beautifier. Any drink taken with meals should be sipped slowly. Then there is the question of the amount of food. If you would be beautiful, over-eating must be avoided. Eat enough for bodily needs, though, by all means! Women over thirty frequently put on flesh of the flabby kind, as a result of eating too much; so be careful in your diet.”

Westmeath Examiner, September 28, 1935

Nigerian night at Tang school

The previous Monday night, a wet evening, saw a fascinating lecture on the African missions delivered at Tang school by Dr Shanahan, Bishop of Nigeria. Despite the inclement weather, those present were treated to an eloquent address. The bishop, who had ministered in Nigeria for 30 years, spoke with deep knowledge and conviction, describing the land, its people, its climate, and the many thousands who had embraced the faith during his time there.

He was joined by Rev Fr Fox, a Ballymahon native who had spent five years on the Nigerian mission fields. Fr Fox shared his own experiences of the growing Christian community and spoke of the urgent need for more priests and nuns to serve overseas.

That same week, the parish also turned its attention to Rev J F Murray, CSSp, who was preparing to leave for Nigeria. On the Sunday evening, a committee met in Tang Schoolhouse to finalise arrangements for a farewell presentation. Collections had been successful, and it was agreed to close the fund the following day, ensuring all subscribers could be included.

Westmeath Examiner, September 29, 1945

Singer’s international fame

In the late 1920s, Mullingar-born mezzo-soprano Mae Behan began a singing career that would soon carry her far beyond her native town. Daughter of Mr and Mrs Farrell of Springfield Cottages, and a former pupil of the Presentation Convent, she first came to notice when she won two cups at Feis Lár na h-Éireann in 1929. On that occasion, her young nephew Patrick Dowling also claimed a prize in the boys solo competition.

That same year she left for America, where her clear and devotional singing quickly won acclaim. New York critics praised her performances of sacred and Irish music, noting the purity and feeling of her voice. She sang in venues such as Town Hall to audiences of thousands, and in later years was honoured at a special testimonial concert in Hunter College, celebrating her contribution to Irish song.

A widow of Lt Thomas Behan of the Irish Army, she remained proud of her Mullingar roots and kept close ties with family at home.

Westmeath Examiner, September 24, 1955

Runaway horse

The story of how a runaway horse careered through the streets of Mullingar was told in the edition of September 24, 1955, and the journalist explained that traffic on Mount Street had been “scattered in all directions” on the Monday of that week when the horse escaped.

“The animal had been drawing a trap full of iron and scrap and at the Courthouse it took fright, broke the two shafts of the trap and raced away – the shafts attached and striking it on the legs.

“At the same time, members of Westmeath County Committee of Agriculture were in session in the County Hall, less than a stone’s throw away, and the subject they were dealing with was Clydesdale horses.

“Perhaps it was more than a co-incidence that prompted the run-away horse to head for the hall, damaging three cars on the way.

“Seeing he could not get in by the doors, he altered his course and raced along the footpath, down the Jail Hill, sending children on their way from school scurrying for safety in doorways. The owner gave chase on a bicycle and captured his horse beyond the greyhound track.”

Westmeath Examiner, September 25, 1965

Runaway truck

Ten years on, and a similar story, only this time involving a truck.

“Garda and CIÉ employees were alerted in the early hours of Sunday morning last when it was discovered that an eight-ton CIÉ lorry had been taken from the station at Mullingar. The vehicle was driven out the Clonmore road and back into town again.

“At the Green Bridge, Garda P O’Connor was on duty and tried to stop the vehicle, which crashed into the parapet of the portion of the bridge over the railway, knocking the upper portion of the parapet on to the railway.

“The vehicle continued on a course down towards Dominick Street, and outside Mulholland’s shop crashed into a parked car owned by Miss Antoinette Mulholland. It then collided with a motor car owned by Mr Ambrose Walsh, which was pushed against a scooter owned by Mr Christopher Smyth, Bridge’s Terrace, Mullingar.

“The lorry came to a halt against an ESB pole.

“Later three local youths were questioned about the matter and it is understood charges will be preferred and summonses issued.”