Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 31, 27 November 1896, Page 8

Irish News.

(From Contemporaries.) ANTRIM. — A Shipbuilding Achievement. — Hariand and Wolff launched from the northern end of the Queen's Tsland recently the twin-screw steamer Pennslyvania, built for the HamburgAmerican Steampacket Company. The vessel is the largest ever built by Hariand and Wolff, and a source of gratification to the p?ople of Ireland that the Hamburg- American Company should have considered it to their interest to place so lar^e an order in Belfast and not in Germany. The machinery for the steamer is being constructed by Hariand and Wolff, and is specially designed to avoid all vibration by the adoption of four cylinders and a special arrangement of the cranks, in the merits of which the builders have such confidence that they are at present engaged in the construction of several sets of machinery on the same principle. CORK.— Revival of the Irish Tongue.— The committee intrusted with organism;; the district of Macroom in the interest of a revival of the Irish language fixed a day fora public meeting in Macroom. The deputation appointed to wait on Very llev. Canon Murphy was received most kindly. The committee, in view ot the fact that Canon Murphy is a great Irish scholar, has reason for congratulation on the influence his presence at the meeting will give. He has given the use of the schools for the Irish classes, which Messrs Scannell, O'Shea, O'Mahony and others will instruct gratuitously. An interesting feature m connection with the anxiety to learn the mother tongue was mentioned at the last meeting of the committee by Mr. O'Mahony, the honorary secretary. Many young ladies are very desirous of learning the language, and have expressed their determination to master it. Arrangement-, have been made for the formation of classes for men and boys, and in a short time these classes will be in full swing. Father Peter 0' Leary. Castlelyons. has written a most encouraging letter to the secretary, and expresses the greatest pleasure at the work on hand. Father O' Leary is one of the Irish scholars of the present day. and his encouragement and advice is beyond price. Mr. M. O"Shea. N.T., Carri^aniuia. has promised that a big contingent from Clondrohid will attend the meeting, and steps are beinj; taken by all the national teachers around to organise their districts for the meeting, each teacher, as Mr. O'Shea put it, " making a recruiting sergeant ot himself." The Macroom Railway Company will be asked to give an excursion at reduced fares and everything points to a most --uceesvf ul meeting. The Feast Of St. Finbar.— The celebration of St. Finbar'e Feast was carried out in Cork with much solemnity. The church dedicated to the saint was visited by large numbers. Solemn High Mass. oommenced at 12 on Sunday. Father O'Keeffe was celebrant ; Father Daly, deacon ; Father Fahy, sub-deacon ; and Father Reed, master of ceremonies. In the choir were the Right Rev. Mgr. Maguire. P.P.. Father O'Shea and Father Fidelis, O.S.F.C. The Feast concluded on Tuesday. At Gougane Barra there was a large number of visitors. Father O'Callaghan. C.C.. Mallow, who has just returned from Ivrea, celebrated High Mass. Rev. P. Harley. P.P.. Inehgeelah. Very Rev. Father Bernard. O.S.F.C, Father Corcoran, and Father Hurts were also present. After Mass a relic of l'lessed Thaddeus McCarthy, who was a successor of St. Finbar's. was expose 1 tor visitation. DERRY. — The annual excursions of the Temperance League of Ballinderry and the Society of the Apostleship ot Prayer. Moneymore and Loop, came off a short time ayo. The two parishes had agreed to form one party and visit Cooney Wand, a beautiful spot situated in Lough Neagh, near the junction ot the Cuunties Tyrone and Armagh. After assisting at the s o'clock Ma-s the long procession of cars and brakes began to move from Loop. and. winding its way through Ballyronan, reached Eallmderry. wlicu' the other part of the excursion joined them. After the usual salutations, the w hole excursion, numbering 300, began to move off in the direction of Cooney Island, the Ballinderry Brass Band discoui^m^ sweet miwc After pas&ing Arboe and Washingbay they came to M.i»her\. The stalwart fisherman of Maghery were not lon^ in ha\inu the excursionists on the island. and Miss McKinless, who li\e-ni Lord Chailemont's summer residence on the island, sent the island boat tor the priests. Cooney Island is a fairy spot, shaded b> tall trees, and containing the ruins of an old castle or monastery which should be interesting to antiquarians. Within the last few years Lord Charlemont, the owner, spent much money in erecting a summer residence there, and a reception hall tor visitors. After a tew hours pleasanth spent in picnicing and listening to the bands, the party returned home well pleased with Cooney Island and Maghery They were visited on the island by the Rev. Thomas O'Neill. Lou^h^all. and Lord Charlemont. Revs. Charles Montague. B.illmderry, and Rev. Alexander McPeake, Loop, ga\e much assistance in inaugurating the excursion. DONEGAL.— A Carrick Market for Donegal Tweeds.— The usual monthly market for the sale of the famous •• Donegal tweeds" was held in Carrick recently. One hundred and fifty webs were brought to the market, and ot these ]'M) were sold Is 4d to Is lid per yard. For quality and beauty ot design the goods weie far superior to anything seen at toriner markets. The pieces remaining unsold wvre slightly detective 111 weaving or colouring, but the <^ ro:tt majority ot the "v obs woio pronounced by Mi'>-iv Migeeanl fim.M >y. Dm -4 ii— ;\v > <-\-t ■ isive bnt- or hmx experience — to be tlie best ever produced !>;> the eottaue-w orkers ot Southwest Donegal. That a market at Carrick tor the sale of these beautiful "homespuns" was a long felt want was e\ ident from the large number of producers who patronised it. Formerly the cottage workers of Glencolumbkille and Kilcar had to carry their webs to Ardara, twenty miles ; but by the establishment of the Carrick market, nine months ago, the people have been saved the double journey of forty miles. As prizes for the best webs ot *• homespuns,"

were given by the Congested Districts Board in Ardara, and as this system could not be extended to Carrick until the market was firmly established, the market in its infancy was competing with Ardara at a disadvantage. Seeing this the local landlords — Messrs. Musgrave, Belfast — came to the rescue. They inaugurated a system of prizes, paying out of their own pocket about JC'i monthly, and this has greatly contributed to the success achieved by Carrick market. The prizes have been divided into ti\ c classes and in each class they range in value from l(»s to 2s r>d. The buyers who attended were Mr. Magee. J.P.. Donegal : Mr. Tnnoney. Donegal ; Mr. Cannon. (Plenties ; J\lr. MeLoone. Killybeus ; Mr. Andrew Heekin. Carrick. It is to be hoped that the Coiiue-tt d Districts Hoard will mhiii ice its way to extend a helping hand to this market. DUBLIN.— Irish Workhouse Reform.— At a meeting of those interested in workhouse reform, held in the Antient Concert Rooms, an association was formed, with its headquarters in Dublin, to promote the improvement of the workhouse system in Ireland, especially as regards the sick, the aged, the children and other helpless classes. The objects of the association are excellent, and meet with the warmest approbation from all who know the glaring defects of the present system. Lord Monteagle. who convened the meeting, received letters expressing approval of the 1 movement from Cardinal Logue, the Archbishop of Cashel, Bishops of Clo^her, Waterford, Ossory, Killaloe, Kildare and Lei<>hliu. Down and Connor, Derry, Galvvay. Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Ferns, Cloyne. Achonry and Raphoe. GALW AY.— Restoration of an old CathedTal.— The rector ot Clonfert, Rev. Canon McLarney, has taken steps that will lead to the restoration of the Cathedral. The Cathedral was founded by St. Brendan in .">.■> B, thirty-nine years before St. A trustine landtd in England, and long belore many of the ancient cathedrals of the present day. Clonfert is one of the smallest cathedrals in the kingdom, and is celebrated for its magnificent twelfth ctntury doorway — one of the finest specimens of HibernoRomanesque work in existence. It is also remarkable for its chancel window — nearly a thousand years old — which is similar in design to that of the Temple Righ at Clonmacnoise. The architect engaged is Mr. Fuller of Dublin, the estimated cost being £1,500 and the subscriptions received or promised up to the present amount to £381 10s 3d. KERRY— A record " take " of Mackerel.— The " take ' of mackerel in a recent week in Dingle amounted to 800,000 for four days and prices ranged from 3s to 6s per 120. A large shed, held at Ballydavid by Mr. Charles Pttrie of Liverpool, who owns fortythree fishing stations round the coast, is a busy hive of industry. In connection with the curing of the mackerel over 200 hands are employed. The fish taken are a good size, and will bring good prices in the American markets. The above " take " is altogether unprecedented in the history of the fishing industry in Dingle. KILDARE.— AnnuaI excursion of the Archaeological Society. — The annual excursion of the County Kildare Archaeological Society took place recently. Members and their friends left Dublin, and were met at Hazlehatch by Lord Walter Fitzgerald, several members of the family and a number of friends, including Sir Peter and Lady O'Brien. The day turned out particularly favourable. On arriving at Ilazi lhatch the party proceeded by c r to St. v\ olstan's, two miles distant, and by permission of Major Claud Cane inspected the ruins When the first of these ancient historic remains was reac 1 ed Mr. George Mansfield of Morristown paid a tribute to the memory of the late Father Denis Murphy, S J., vice-president of the society, who had laboured so long and with invaluable results iv the cause which they had so much at heart. Amid a striking scene of reverence a resolution of regret and of condolence with Father Murphy's relatives was passed in silence. The wonderfully interesting rums ot St. Wolston's were then inspected, and a piper was read by Mr William Kirkpatrick. Among those -ho took part in the excursion were" Lady Mayo, Lord and Lady Droghedji, Most Rev. Mgr. Denis Gar: »-i, president Majnooth College; the Right Rev. Dr ODea, vice-president Maynooth College; Mr. Mansfield, Mr. M. J. Synnott. Major «md Mrs. Uynd, Mr. J. Lock. Mrs an 1 Dr Wooleome Mr. Supple, R.I C ; Mr. L. Dunne, Rev. P. O'Leaiy, Maynooth College; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Green. Mr. and Mrs. Sw\etman. Mr. Commissioner Molloy, Mr and Miss Carroll. Mr. and Mr Davidson Houston, Mr. C 1) Cooper, Mr. Grove W r hite. solicitor; Miss Mai^aret Stokes, Mr. W. Mooney, solicitor, Leixlip C.istle : L idy Henry Fitzgerald, Lady Eva Fitzgerald, La ly M ib< 1 Fit/.gerald. Lord Frederick Fitzurerald, Lord George Fitzgerald. Lord Henry Fitzgerald, Lord Walter Fit/gerald. Lord Desmond Fitzgerald, and the Duke of Leinst r, etc. LIMERICK.— Death of the Rev William Hogan, O.S.A. — We regret to announce the sad and unexpected demise ot this brilliant memb i r ot the Augustinian OrJer This sad event occurred on September '27 111 tbe Consent of the Augustinians, Limerick. Father Holt. m was barely thirty-three years old, and, during his too brief career as a priest, had earned for himself a high reputation as a pulpit orator He had given retreats and missions in almost o\L~ry part of Ireland from Cork to Belfast, and was everywhere held in the highest esteem and reverence. Kather Hogan had bei n ten years onhurxd. Shortly after his ordination he was sent to the house ot his Older in London, where he laboured for over a year, endeariny himself to the people of the mission by the kind ami fatherly interest he took 111 all that concerned them. Later on he was stationed in the house of the Older in Limerick, and yet again in New 11 >ss. He collected for two years in America for the Chun.li ot St Patrick. Rome. At the chapter of the Order, held in Dublin last November, Father Hogan was elected one of the six Definitors who act as the advisers of the Provincial. At the same time he was removed from New Ro-s back to Limerick. It is only a few weeks since he was in London 011 his annual holiday, full of life, health, and good spirits. Father Hogan was a native of Dublin, and was deeply attached to the place of his birth. His

illness was only of a few days' duration and furnished evidence of Jieart mischief. His Order is much the poorer for his loss, and his many friends will miss for long- that warmth of heart and great charm of manner which characterised him. The funeral obsequies took place in Limerick in the presence of a large concourse of priests and people. May he rest iv peace. LOUTH.— Presentation to Most Rev. Dr. McSherry.— The Right Rev. Dr. McSherry, the newly consecrated Bishop of Justimanapolis, was presented with an address and testimonial from the people of Dundalk and from the clergy and people of various places throughout the archdiocese, but more especially from the parishes which had the immediate benefit of Dr. McSherry's ministrations — Clogherhead, Tallonstow and Ardee. The presentation was made in the parochial house, Dundalk, by the following gentlemen, deputed by the general committee : James Carroll, chairman of Town Commissioners ; John Connick, chairman of Harbour Commissioners ; H. O'Connell, president of St. Vince t de Paul Society ; Thomas Roe, chairman of Burial Board ; James Norton, president of Dundalk Total Abstinence Society ; Thomas Brown, president male branch of Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception ; Joseph M. Johnston and Robert Mooney. Resides his Lordship, Dr. McSherry, there were present : Rev.'B. Donnellan, Adm. ; Itev. P. Murtasrh, Rev. P. Finegan, and Rev S. J. Brown. The deputation was introduced by M. James Carroll. He then called on Mr. Joseph M. Johnson, honorary secretary, to read the address. The honourable treasurer, Mr. H. O'Connell, then handed Dr. McSherry. a cheque (or £<ioo. which he said was the spontaneous offering of the people. His Lordship, who spoke with deep emotion, returned thanks.

MAYO.— Popular reception to the Chief Secretary.— Mr. Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, who is making a cruise around the distressed districts on the western seaboard, was accorded a popular reception at Balmullet. On disembarking he was waited upon by the Rev. Mgr. H.-wson, Mr. F. N. Flynn, clerk ..f the Union ; Mr. John E. Murphy and others, and an address of welcome presented, in which attention was called to the great necessity of opening up their district by a line of railway. Mr. Balfour and his party re-embarked on board the Granuaile. and. after visiting the remote island of Iniskee. an( hon d early in Doogart Bay. Lower Achill, where they came on shore and drove across to the Bay View Hotel, Achill Sound. A meeting was held in the courthouse, and the following local gentlemen wait d on Mr. Balfour and sought an interview with him: Patrick .Sweeney, junr . John .Johnson. Owen Lavelle and Sergeant Harriet. Mr. Sweeney said they waited upon the Chief Secretary to say how grateful the poe>r people of Achill were for the enormous benefit bestowed on them by hisbrother. Mr. James Arthur Balfour. Mr. Balfour said he" had heard of the illegalities in connection with the collection of th ■ seed rate, and he would at once get the inspector to investigate the matter laid before him by the deputation. Mr. Sweeney said that since the extension of the railway to Achill the fishing industry -yvas becoming a very profitable one, and a splendid source ot income to the poor fishermen. The poor fisherman had the greatest difficulty in landing the fish at the Achill Sound railway station for want of a small pier. Mr. B.di'our said that was a matter for the Congested Districts Board. .Mr. Sweeney said the Congested Districts Board are very slow to do anything. Mr. Balfour said he was chairman of the Board and if Mr. Sweeney set forth the wants of the people in writing he would see the matter received attention. Mr. Baltour and his party then drove to Harbys Point, and reembarked, steaming off in the direction of Clare Island. Boffin, and the Connemara coast.

SLlGrO.— Priests and Bishops support the Convention — At a meeting of the priests m Tubbercurry the iollcnwnu resolution was unanimously adopted. — "That we. 'the jinc^ts of the Miyo Deanery ot Achonry cuocese. in conference assembled, under the presidency of our bishop. Dr Lyst«. r . hereby indorse, the resolutions passed at the late Convention m Dublin, and we appeal to our fellow -priests and fellow-countrymen to give effect to these resolutions by uniting together in the interests of our country : and we believe that no union can be permanent or effective except based on principles of majority rule "' The resolution was proposed by Canon Loftus. Ballyniote, seconded by Father OGrady, Collooney. and unanimously adopted. There were present : — Rev Dr. I.ystor! Bishop of Achonry ; Rev. Canon I.owry, Gurteen ; Fathers Mulligan, McDonnell. Coolaney : Hartc, Cnolaney ; (Mirady. Ballymote; Doyle, Tubbercurry : foully, Keach : Caw ley, Reach; Mulligan. Killaville , Devine. Killaville ; Dcmpsey, B.ilhncarrow ; Quinn, Kilmactigue ; Flynn. C.C.. Kilmactigue ; Shmniek. Benda '; Cullen, Achonry : Father O'Connor, Adm.. Ballaghaderin ; Father Henry, Gurteen. Advance SligO. — Sligo can claim the honour of being the first place in the West of Ireland where a steam launch was built, completely fitted up and successfully set afloat. At Coney Island, opposite the Rosso"* Point, may now be seen a vessel built at that spot from the first to the last bolt, and put together by local hands directed by local brains. TIPPERARY.-The Archbishop Croke Memorial Cross — The grand memorial cross, purchased by the people of Cashel to commemorate the jubilee of the great and illustrious Archbibhop, is now complete and ready for erection in the streets of Cashel, for which permission has been obtained from the grand jury. The design of the cross is Celtic, surmounted by a stone-cap The cross stands about 16 feet high from the ground, and is about 4 feet 4 inches across the arms. The first of the two panels on the shaft of the cross represents St. Cormac MacCullinane consecrating his chapel at Cashel, A.D. 900. The second represents St. Ailbe preaching at Emly, a.d. 400. The rest of the cross is covered with Celtic interlacing copied from the best panels of the ancient crosses of Kilklispeen and Monasterboice. One of the designs taken from the latter cross is called the " Serpentine," and is

emblematic of sin under the influence of the cross. The inscription is on the front panel of dye stone. The arms of Archbishop Croke are on the right side, the Cashel arms on the left side, and the baptism of King Angus on back. The whole memorial is wrought in bright Tipperary limestone taken from Mr. O'Shea's quarries near Mulhnahone. The figure of our Saviour carved upon one side is a work of consummate skill. The baptism of King Angus by St. Patrick is the subject on the panels that attracts most admiration. WATERFORD.-The Marquis of Waterford Comes of Age.— The festivities in celebration of the coming of ag of the Marquis of Waterford were held recently. A day was set apart for receiving the employees of the estate, as well as the hands engaged at Dungarvan Brewery and Kilmacthomas factory. Replying to congratulatory addresses presented the young Marquis said that he was glad to find his exertions to forward local industries were appreciated. The party, which numbered 300, were invited to luncheon in the riding school, which was artistically decorated. Following a sumptuous repast, Mr. Weldon Walsh proposed the health of the host, which was drunk amid enthusiasm. Ihe Marquis, in reply, alluded to the remark made by Mr Walsh that good masters make good servants, but he might reverse the sentence with equal truth, and say good servants make good masters The Duke of Beaufort, acknowledging a grateful tribute accorded to Marchioness of Waterford, said his daughter was more Irish than she was English. Her grandmother was sister to the Duke of Wellington, and they might not wonder, therefore, that she took a deep interest in everything that concerned the welfare and prosperity of the Irish nation. During the proceedings the St Joseph's Industrial Band from Clonmel played a selection of sweet music.

GENERAL. The Irish National Foresters.— The Irish National Foresters are progressing by leaps and bounds. From a pamphlet containing an account of the proceedings at the last annual convention we gather that while in ISM the number of members was 2400, and in l.s'.io, 1 1.0.50. during the present year it has reached 18.077. In 1884 the accumulated funds amounted to £1.100; in lS'.Xj to £11.254 ; at the date ot the annual meeting the amount accumulated had reached C2(i.K.-..-,. The income in the same period had risen from CHnhi to CIiO.KK) ; and the total amount paid in benefits from !S!)4 to 18% reached £112.180. These figures illustrate a \ cry satisfactory state of affairs. The progress during the past year was very satisfactory, showing an increase of 1293 members and of £2^47 in funds. Scotland appears to be thestronghoid of the organisation. The income of the Scottish branches amounted la-t year to £12. I'M!, or over forty per cent, of the total. Compared revenue ot £8290 from the Irish branches it pro\os how very active the Order is north of the Tweed. The income' ot the English branches was £3128, of the Australian £:Uo7 : ot the African, £.")49 ; of the North American. £1083 ; and ot the South American, CB9.

The Harvest.— The recent stormy weather has caused incalculable damage to the harvest in Ireland. Scarcely ever was the uncertainty ot agriculture as a means of living more clearly exemplified. A few weeks ago everything went to show that the farmer might e\pe-cr a prosperous harvest. The newspapers teemed with glowing accounts of the condition of the crops. Now the whole scene is changed, and the prospect is most lamentable. The rain and w ind have ruined everything, and it looks as if a terrible disaster has again come upon the Irish farmer.

A Remarkable Athletic Career.— A noted Irish athlete in the person of S. J. Muldowney. of Brarra, has retired. His first appearance was at the Grocers' Sports. Dublin, in 1 MX), where he won the 1 00 yds. 22<>yds and 4-lOyds events, and secured a gold medal for an unbeaten record. In 1891 at the same sports he won no f e\\ er than six events, breasting the tape nine times without defeat, .md securing the Beeston Humber Pneumatic Bicycle, value £25, for the best performance of the day. The same year he won the 100 yds race at Carlow and the 220 yds at Athy. In 1892 he won the 100 yds contest at the County Dublin Sports, Clonturk, beating such men as J. J. Keane of Liverpool, Sykes of Huddersfield, Mangan of Drogheda. J. J. Nolan and Maddock of Dublin. In the same year he won the 100 yds. 220yds and 440 yds races from scatch at the Grocers' Sports, and secured the Bellewstown Cup value for £1.1. At Castlecomer m IX<>4 he ran a dead heat with Williams, without training. in the 100 yds. This was his last appearance until this year, when he ran second in the loOyds- race at Durrow. At Castlecomer he won the 1 00 yds event, and was second in the championship 220 yds race of Lemster. At Mountrath he ran second in the lOOdsrace, and won the 220 yds contest, and his last appearance was at Stradbally w here he won the 100 yds and was only beaten by inches in the 220 yds tor first place. A remarkable feature in his athletic career was that lie never attended a meeting without winning a prize, and at his father's home in Brarra can be seen the numerous trophies he won from time to time.