Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 6, 13 November 1891, Page 9

Irish News.

Antrim.— Tbe Irish News is tbe name of the new paper started in Belfast to combat Parnellism and disunion in the North. Lady Day passed quietly in Belfast. Largo numbers attenied services in the various Catholic churches. Afterwards numerous excursions went to the country by special aad ordinary tra'n, tlnse to Newcastle, Warrenpoint, and Portrush being well patronised. la no case was there any attempt at political display. A. feature of the day was the presence in the streets of a large number of Scotchmen in the picturesque kilt, induced to visit Belfast by the Highland sports at Ballynsfeign.

Armag£n. — The great festival of the Assumption was celebrated in a manner befitting the City of the Primatial See. Masses were well attended, There was no demonstration, and everything passed off quietly. In the early part of the day a large party on brakes and cars, including the O'Brien Flute Band aad the Ballycrummy Flute Band started for Dungannon, and returned home without any mishap to mar tha enjoyment of the day. In Armagh a few days ago an itinerant player on a tin whistlei named Thomas Finnegan, was sent to gaol for one month for being drunk and abusive in the street. Here is what took place between the whistler and the peeler in court :— Prisoner— Didn't you tell the people to give me nothing, as I was a Government spy? Henry Hillock, J.P.— Did you say that 1 No. Prisoner — Do you swear positively that I waß drunk ? Undoubtedly you were drunk. Prisoner—God forgive you (laughter). The prisoner was sentenced to ono month's imprisonment, with hard labour. The prisoner — That is very hard, particularly as I am after doing one month for playing " God Save the Queen " in Newry. I am a man who served his Queen and country, and am the only survivor of the regiment to which I belonged (laughter). CayaUa — At recent Cavan fair there was large turn out of horned stock. Buyers were well represented from the large centres There was over thirty waggons of stock railed special to Bjhast for shipment. Beef, best quality, 57s to 60s per cwt ; scon i-cU93, 52s to 56s ; inferior, 449 or 50s. Mutton, 7d to 8i per pound. Springers, in good condition, £18 to £20 ; second-class, £15 to £17. Best milchers, £14 to £16 ; strippers, £12 to £13 103 ; old cjws, £7 to £9; three-year-olds, £13 to £15 ; two-year ol>is. £9 to £11 ; one-year-olds from £6 to £8 ; weanlings and calves from £2 10s to £4 103. Store pigs from 25s to 35s each ; suckers, from 30a to 40i and 44s per piir.

Clare.— Patrick Fall died in the Kilrush Infirmary recently at the age of 100 years. Tbe deceased resided on Scattery Island and had been a pilot for many years. He had a vivid recollection of the rebellion of '98 and the construction of the fort in Scattery Island in 1813.

A number of ladies and gentlemen of the Antiquarian Society, accompanied by members of the Cambrian ArcLse^logical Association, arrived at Kilrush Pier a few days ago en route for Scattery Island, picturesquely situated oq the Lower Shannon. They were conveyed down the river by the Lower Shannon i ornpiny's (special) steamer Vandeleur and were joined by a fashionable gathering, which included Very Rev. Doctor White, D. Fetherstone, manager ; W. J. Glyno, M. S. Brews, Ballyverra House; H. C. Supple, W. S. Irwin, by whom they were accompanied to the island. The visitors spent some hours on the island, on which there is an ancient round tower and other antiquities.

Cork* — Skibbereen annual horse fair was held last week and was a decided success. There was a good attendance of buyers from Cork, Bindon, Limerick, Millstreet and London. The amjunt of buiness transacted was exceptionally large, and good prices were obtained.

At Youghal one day a week ago a most remarkable demonstration was made in honour of the memory of a deceased Irish patriot lady of the town, Mrs Michael Ahearn, who died suddenly. This lady, since her youtb, whsa she was familiarly called Kate O'Neill, possessed in full the qualities of her relatives, who gave many martyr ß to the Irish cause since one of them, Blather Peter O'Neill, was flogged in Youghal and then transported. There are many of the most prominent " hillside men " of 1867 now in the United States who would have suffered in some of the convict prisons of England were it not for her tact and influence with sheep-owners and sea captains in getting them off disguised. The funeral procession was the largest any person in Youghal ever witnessed, and its length ot carriages and cars, which continued all the way to the burial-place at Bally macoda, was over two miles.

Derry. — The Lady Day anniversary was celebrated in a respectful manner, there being no party demonstration of any kind. Masses were celebrated in St Patrick's Catholic Church, Glen, at nine and eleven o'clock. Both were well attended. Large numbers took advantage cf the facilities afforded by the B. and N.C. Bailway

Company, and patronised the Draperstown horse-races, while others enjoyed the day in the bracing air of Portrush and Portstewart The Maghera fife and drum band paraded the streets playing lively airs before leaving Draperstown. During the entire day not an offensive expression was uttered, and the conduct of those enjoying the holiday bore a striking contrast to that of the crowd who favoured Maghera with their presence on the 12th of July and went through the town playing such " music " as " Kick the Pope," " No Surrender," " Boyne Water," etc. It is to be hoped the inhabitants of Maghera noted the contrast.

A large and enthusiastic meeting of the Nationalists was held in Derry a few nights ago to further the work of registration. The hall, capable of holding 3,000 persons, was packed to its utmost extent.' A powerful address was delivered by T. M. Healy, M.P., who received a hearty ovation. During the progress of Mr Healy 'b speech he was several times interrupted by Mr O'Hanlon, M.P., one of Parnell'a champions. His interruptions were most unfavourably received, and the chairman intimated he would not be allowed to disturb the proceedings, but an opportunity would be afforded him, after the othtr speakers had concluded, to address the meeting. When Messrs Healy and Kenny, M.Pa, had finished, Mr O'Hanlon ascended the platform, but waa received with groans, the audience refusing to listen to him. Ultimately he was compelled to give up the attempt in despair, and feeling deeply the humiliation he endured for the "Chief."

Donegal. — The town of Ardara was honoured a few days ago by a visit from the illustrious prelate of the south, Archbishop Croke, accompanied by Most Bey Dr O'Donnell, Bishop of Bapboe, ttc. The distinguished party drove from the residence of Dr. O'Donnell, and when it became known that they would visit this town the greatest excitement was manifested. The committee of the National Federation had an address to present, but as the party remained only a few minntes this was impossible. The people crowded round the waggonette, and each one strove for the honour of kissing the rings of the two great dignitaries of the Church. A beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Dr Croke by Miss B. B. Gilbride on behalf of the children of Ardara. The Archbiihop returned thanks and carried the bouquet in his hand through the town. The streets were beautifully defor^ted for the occasion, m d arches atd flags were prominently displayed. The Archbicbop gave the assembled crowd his blessing and soon after drove off amirißt tremendous cheers. In the Frosses, Mountcharles, and Donegal districts the revered and patriotic Archbishop of Cushel was enthusiastically received. The priests and people remain united despite the frantic efforts of Parnell and his disruptionist followers, who would gladly ccc it otherwise.

Down.— Maggie MorrisoD, of Saintfield, who avowed that her relatives fought under the Irish standard in 1798, was arrested by Sergeant Loftus on a charge of having used to him abusive and threatening language. The better to guaianteea conviction the " old rebel " was prosecuted under the 34tb of Edward 111., cap. I, Having pleaded guilty she was allowed out (_n her own recognizance of £5 to keep the peace for twelve month?, failing which the spirit of the great and good Edward will demani that punishment be meted out to Maggie.

The Newry and Kilkeel Steamship Company have added another new steamer to their fleet for the Newry trade. This is the fourth boat trading to and from Newry belonging to the compaiy, and she has been named the Carhngford Lough. She is constructed of steel, far in excess of Lloyd's requirements for the highest class, the plating, frames, etc., beitjg of the hard metal, and even ot the same thickness as if of iron, trccoiding to Lloyd's rules. She has been specially designed to go up the liver to Merchants' Quay without lightening, and will carry 250 tons.

Dublin* — The Iri9h mail tram, when opposite the Marine Square, Holyhead, went clean off the rails. The metals were torn up, A letter-sorter and several passengers received slight injuries and, bruises, but happily there were no fatalities.

Fernianagll.— No one was better known than Mrs Elliott, of Trasna Island, iv Lough Erne, familiarly known as Peggy Elliott, " the Queen of Traßna," because of her having been, since the death of her husband in 1839, the ruler of the island, which constituted her farm Mrs Elliott died recently at the age of 108 years. She #as born in the year of Irish Independence, 1782, at the time the|Parliament of Ireland shook off the English yoke, and she must have been married early, for some of her sons were well-matured men. Sh» lost her husband in 1839, over half a century ago, and battled ever since with the world in her island home. She wsb generally known as " Orange Peggy," because of her wearing orange and blue ribbons all the year rouDd, and no figure was more familiar to passengers on the Deverish steamer of long ago than Orange Peggy dancing on the green, waving an Orange handkerchief. The weather was very stormy during the fureral, and the men had trouble in getting the coffin across in the cot from Trasna to Ballycaesidy.

Galvay, — County Gal way Herds' Association started in Loughrea a few months ago and is going rapidly ahead through the

County. A meeting of the Herds of Mid-Galway was held at Corofin recently, at which a large number were enrolled as members. A metting will be held at the Cross Roads, Kilbenin, and at an early date in Milltown.

Menlough races came off on August 15, and were most enjoyable. The course was kindly given by Mr Murphy, who judiciously located it in the midst of a five, prosperous district, thickly dotted with comfortable-looking homesteads. The pretty town of Menlougbi with its fine chapel and schools, its attractive and busy shops, and thriving appearance in general, looked its best, crammed with a gay and fashionable gathering from all parts of Galway. So well arranged had everything been by the committee that all passed off without a hitch. Next year, with more time for preparation and publicity, the Menlough races will compare favourably with many in the country.

Kerry.— The official deepatched to Kerry by the Land Commission to experiment with the " Eclair Bpraying Machine " on potato gardens, where indications of decay appear, visited Castleisland last week and in the presence of several persons interested in the process treated some potatoes growing on a farm belonging to Eugene O'Connor of Caheragh, and found that the disease was not so far advanced as was represented to him.

The police have been withdrawn from Cloonreeds, Inchycorrigane, Boulacullane, and Faha Court. With the exception of Fah» Court, the residence of B. M. Bernard, these places are portions of the Kenmare estate. The number of extra police, however, has not been affected, because the men who occupied them have been kept in the district. M. Leonard, the agent, has still his complement of two police, and the guard at the Killarnay House is kept in the person of a solitary policeman in plain clothes.

It has been stated that the Earl of Kenmare is about to sell the Rathmore portion of his property. Judging from the unprecedented number of persons under distress warrants on this estate it would appear that some very pressing liabilities are to be met by the owner, and possibly the selling of this portion of the estate is connected with them. There is hardly a townland on the estate but distrainings for rent have been made within the last few months, and the tenants are in many instances suffering acutely from such extreme measures.

King's County.— The North Tipperary Farming Society's annual show was held in Birr recently and was well attended. The exhibits of horsea were poor, of cattle fairly good. There was a large collection of improved steam-thrashing machinery and harvesting machinery exhibited by B. W. Fayle of Birr. A new light singleblast thresher for hilly districts and small farms was much admired, as well as the new rotary board divider attached to the Hornby Belfbinder for this season, is a decided step in advance with cutting lodged and tangled corn. The exhibits in butter, honey, etc, were very meagre. An exhibit of cottage industry might advantageously be added to the show. It would be highly interesting and an incentive to further improvement in that direction.

L,eitriin« — One hundred and thirty tenants on the estate of William Robert La Touche purchased their holdings under the Ashborne Act recently. The largest amount advanced to a tenant purchaser was £1,632, to Francis La Touche.

Limerick.— Blight has attacked the potato crop in this county. Continuous rains have compelled the abandoning of all harvest operations, and the oat and hay crops art rotting on the ground.

The Antiquarian Society, numbering ninety members, visited Kilmallock recently, and were entertained at a select dinner, catered for by Messrs O'Sullivan and Clery, hotel keepers.

The Archbishop of Trinidad, the Eight Eev Doctor Flood, has been the guest of the Dominican Fathers, Limerick, portion of laßt week. His Grace celebrated eight o'clock Mass each morning.

Longford. — Maijy Longford men will learn with regret that a well-known resident of the town has been forced to Eeek a home beneath the " Southern Cross " because of his attachment to the Irish cause. W, H. Lynch, the only representative of one of the oldest and moßt respectable Protestant families in Longford, has gone to Australia. Recently, on account of his refusal to supply goods to William Jones of Creagh, Mr Lynch was deprived by T. K. Edgeworth of the office of Assistant Secretary to the Grand Jury. The renewal of his license was opposed on similar grounds, and he would have been deprived of that bad he cot in common with other traders given a guarantee to supply all parties in future. The patriot's course in Ireland is Lot laid in smooth waters.

For some weeks past torrents of rain have fallen over the county, by which a large quantity of hay has been ruined and the potatoes and oats seriously injured. The employment given at this season to the labouring classes having been suddenly interrupted a considerable amount of suffering is the consequence. Ireland is so circumstanced that a fall of rain can bring its people almost to the verge of despair. The weather shows signs of improvement, and, possibly, with a few weeks' change great quantities of crops may be saved.

Iflayo. — Father O'Connor, parish priest of Achill, who has recently visited London and Dublin, received the highest assurances that the Achill extension line will be worked as well as made. Father

O'Connor went to the founthin-head. One effect of this line will ba the restoration of a large fish supply.

William O'Brien, M.P., accompanied by Mrs O'Brien, arrived in Weatport last week from Connemara. Mr O'Brien will reside for some time in a cottage about seven miles west from Westport, beautifully situated on the shores of Clew Bay, ht the base of Croaghpa trick, and in view of Clare Island, where the plot of his new novel is laid.

OTonaif ban. —The Feast of the Assumption was befittingly observed by the inhabitants of Monaghftn. At the Masses the churches were filled by devout congregations, and after the Mass celebrated at eleven o'clock Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. Th 9 town was filled with holiday-makers, who thoroughly enjoyed the fine weather. The Djnagh Fife and Drum Band and the Tyholland Band marched through the town several timeE, discoursing excellent music.

Queen'B County.— Tne farm from which W. Kidd, Corbally, Ballylinan, was receatly evicted, has, it is alleged, been grabbed by one of the Merediths, who seem to be in the wholesale landgrabbing business about Luggacurren.

The tenants on the Stanhope property at Ballinnkill, who some time ago became the owners of their farms and honses under the Ashbourne Act, are thriving well. There are no arrears of the yearly instalment on the purchase money due. The tenants are now appreciating the happy state of things which the sage counsel and practical patriotism of Father Dempsey effected in their condition.

Xipperary.— A meeting of the Smith-Barry evicted tenants was held in Tipperary a few days ago: The meeting was a thorough success, and the greatest unanimity prevailed. John Vincent Bourke said he begged to propose the following resolution :: — '• That wt pledge ourselves to pay no rent until Smith-Barry retires from the Ponsonby syndicate and makes a full and ample compensation for the intolerable wrongs be has inflicted on us." The resolution was unanimously adopted.

There is a lively dispute now on in Tipperary about the tolls of the batter market. The national batter merchants will not purchase the batter in the Barry market nor pay tolls to Chadwick, the holder. The number of firkins sent in one day last week was 433. Oat of this number tb c Nationalist merchants, or the men who refused to support Mr Chad wick's market, purchased 280. The remaining 153 firkins were purchased in the old market. The sellers, on learning of the turn affairs had taken, declared they wonld not again support the market.

Tyrone.— The Catholics of Cookstown, when celebrating the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, which, of coarse, is not political in the smallest degree, were stoned by the Orangemen. None were injured, however.

Several eviction-made-eaey notices are posted at the police barracks and other plaoes throughout the district. In two of these ejectment notices Anketil Moutray, Killybrack House, ia the plaintiff, and Sir John Msrcus Stewart, Bart ; James Irwin, George Irwin, William Wilson, Thomas Irwin, Caravey, and Jane Irwin, defendants The rents, whatever due, with taxed costs, amount to over £200, and the decree is for the recovery of the lands of Caravey, which are in the possession of the defendants as care-takers only. John Cairns and Thomas Cairns, Drumcallioo, are also under sentence of death.

Wexford.— Some of the Campaign tenants have returned to their holdings, as they cannot stand out, now that the Evicted Tenants' Fund has been exhausted.

"Wicklow.— The annual horse fair was held last week. The number of animals displayed for sale was exceptionally large, bat the quality did not reach the standard of former years. The top prica realised was £80. Father O'Gorman, Coolafancy, hunter (by Bannerette), £60. P. Kinsella, Gorey, mare (by Irishman), £45. Mr Redmond, New Ross, sold a six-year-old colt to Robert Pandin of Clone for £50.

The reverend Mr Hallows, nownotorious as the street preacher of Arklow, Btill continues to conduct his services in the open, contrary to the law. One day recently it took twelve peelers to shake the reverend gentleman from a lamp-post, to which he clung. It will surely lead to bloodshed in Arklow if continued. Here is one of the disagreeable things in the preaching : — While the services were being held on the parade ground a lay gentleman, who accompanied the preachers, commenced reading the Scriptures and preachering from the doorstep of the house of Father Manning. The priest was naturally incensed at what was undoubtedly a preconceived attempt to insult him, and accordingly requested the Bible-reader to betake himself from the door-step. This request was, after some hesitation, complied with, but immediately afterwards a number of his followers came and assumed the position he had just vacated, some of them using anything but complimentary language towards Father Manning.