Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 25, 27 October 1898, Page 9

Irish News.

ANTRlM.— Attack On a Band.— St. Patrick's Flute Band of Belfast drove in brakes to Randalstown recently, where the members spent an enjoyable day. While passing through Antrim on the return journey they were attacked with stones, although at the time the instruments were out of sight. Two members of the excursion party received injuries.

Good Harvest Expected.— ln Antrim agricultural district, the prospects of an early and abundant harvest are very promising.

Accidentally Shot. — A young: man of the labouring class, named James Rodgers, of Drain's Bay, near Lame, was shot dead by the accidental discharge of his gun, recently, at Carngunnock, while poaohing, as is alleged, on the grounds of William Chaine with his brother, William Rodgers. Deceased was twenty-two years old.

CLARE. — Crime Creating.— At Ennis recently the man Patrick O'Donohue, who was charged in custody with being concerned in firing into a house two years ago, was brought up on remand. The principal witness, a man named Lowrie, contradicted his previons evidence, and as a result the prisoner was discharged. Lowrie was arrested on a charge of perjury.

More Evictions. — The devil's work goes bravely on. Evictions are being carried out in the far West Clare, toward Loop Head, on the property of Mr. Westby and Mr. McDonnell, at a time unparalleled for distress and misery. Michael McMahon, one of the tenants on the Westby property, was evicted with his ten children and his wife, and after the eviction his house was pulled down by the emergency men. Mat Fennell of Kilballyown, with ten in family, was also evicted, and his house wrecked, the windows and doors being pulled out and smashed. John McCarthy of Breaffa, on the same property, was also evicted. Michael Mclnerney of Kilballyowen settled. The tenants evicted have been in receipt of relief from Father Hayes, parish priest, Kilballyowen, and Father Vaughan, parish priest, Carrigaholt, during past seven months. Two families were evicted on Mr. McDonnell's property at Lisheen, near Carrigaholt. The first tenant evicted was Martin Collins, with a family of seven. After the evictions their houses were immediately pulled down, and the poor people were left on the roadside without food or shelter.

Gaelic League. — A. flourishing branch of the Gaelic League exists in Kilmihill. Its officers are : The Rev. Thomas McMahon. pastor of Kilmihill. president ; George Pilkington, secretary ; Jamas Lorigan, treasurer ; James Hogan, teacher ; Thomas Lillis and David Frawley, members of the committee.

CORK. — A Dockyard. — After years of neglect and unfulfilled promises, the Admiralty has at last acknowledged the claims of Haulbowline Dockyard (Cork) to Government patronage. It his been formally constituted a ■ home dockyard for naval purpose-*,' which meams that ships on the Irish station will g-o to Hauibjwliue for repairs and not to Portsmouth as formerly.

DERRY. — Obituary. — The deith took place, recently, at the Convent of Mercy, St. Peter's, Derry, of Miss Mary Bridget Smyth (in religion Sister Mary Malachy Bernard). She was the daughter of James Smyth, of Gibstown, and had only attained her twentyfourth year and second of her religious profession.

DONE&AL.— A Youthful Scholar.— At a competitive examination held in Derry, F. Devlin, a pupil in Aughaclay National School, Malm, secured a very high place on the list of successful candidates for the diocesan scholarships in St. Columb's College. This result is highly ere titable to a boy under twelve years of age.

DOWN.— A Riot Prevented-— Three bands— from R.ithfriland, Ballyroney and Cloughakelt — passed through Castle well in recently. One of the bands returned home by Brvansford. but the other two went back by way of Castle wellan. When opposite the Catholic Church the crowd begau to curse the Pope, m -iking use of the most disgusting and provoking- language. Ttiey attracted the attention of some of the insulted Catholics, who were gathering round, when the Rev. P. Magee, pastor of Kile do. came upon the pcene. He appealed ti the Nationalists to return to their homes. They at once obeyed and a collision was thus avoided.

DUBLIN.— A '98 Celebrant Ordered to Remove His Badge. — Captain Purcell, chief of the Dublin Fire Brigade, ordered one of his brigade to discard the badge he was wearing on the occasion of the wolf c Tone celebration in that city. Captain Purcell, endeavouring to explain his conduct in a letter to the Telegraph, the

journal which brought the curious transaction to light, says that the man in question was wearing a cheap, Brummagem device of tin and cloth, which he (the Captain) was informed was obtained by a child from a penny packet of sweets. The Captain did not consider it proper that the man should be permitted to distinguish himself from the other members of the Brigade by the decoration he had adopted, and ordered its removal. The incident appears to us to point to a case of the petty tyranny generally exercised by those • dressed in a little brief authority.'

Death of a Prioress- — The death is announced of Mother Agnes Pettit, Prioress of St. Mary's Dominican Convent, Kingston. She had bee a several times elected to the position of Prioress, and her death at the comparatively early age of forty-nine is much regretted.

CurioU3 Proceedings. — United Ireland says that recently Mr. Mayhew, maanager of the Central Hotel, South Great George's street, protested in forcible fashion against the noise made at night in the streets by the Tramway employees engaged in converting the, line into electric traction. Mr. Mayhew asked th 9 men to desist they refused, and he turned tne hose upon them, to which the men replied with stones. Ultimately victory rested with Mr. Mayhew, and the men were forced to retreat. It is understood that Mr. Mayhew was acting on legal advice, and that the matter will be the subject of proceedings in the court.

Killed While Going" to Mass. — Recently a child named Laurence Hughes, aged seven years, who resided at Glawney'a Buildings, was kille 1 whilst proceeding to ten o'clock Mass at the Pro-Cathedral, Marl borough street. It appears that the little boy came into collision with a van and was knocked down, the wheel passing over his head. The driver of the van brought the boy to Jervis street, Hospital, in company with Constable 169 0, but on arrival there life was found to be extinct. Dr. Hassard and Mr. Dunne were in attendance, but could do nothing. The driver was arrested.

The Irish Language. — At a recent meeting of the Council of the Society' for the Preservation of the Irish Language, on the motion of Dr. Ryding, seconded by Mr. D. Hurley, a resolution was unanimously passed thanking the teachers of Irish in the various schools and colleges of Ireland, especially the Christian Brothers for their efforts to promote its study and further the movement.

A Popular Priest- — Previous to the departure of the Rev. Father Magennis for missionary work in Australia, the rev. gentle • man was presented with an address, which was handsomely designed by Miss Fitzpatrick, Clonliffe road, Dublin. A magnificent gold croas bearing a suitable inscription accompanied this address. Father Magennia had long resided at the house of his Order, Whitefriar street. His departure was regretted by the numerous friends to whom he was known. [Father Magennis is one of those priests whose safe arrival at Adelaide was notified recently in our columns. Ed. N.Z. Tablet.]

Oifice of S WOrd-Bearer. — United Ireland says: Mr. James E*an, the ex-political prisoner, is a caudidate for the vacant office of sword-bearer to the Dublin Corporation. Mr. Euan's claims to any office for which he is eligible in the gift of a National body needs no advocacy. He suffered for his opinions as an Irishman, the best years of his life were spent in a British dungeon, and he was deprived of all chances of providing for his own future. Under these ciroum* stances the duty of the Corporation is clear, and it is to be hoped it wiil be performed without fear or favour.

FERMANAGH.— A Narrow Escape.— A farmer named John Murphy, of Relan, near Rosslea, has been a lunatic for some weeks. A short time ago he attempted to drown himself in Killavilla Lough. His son sprang iv to save him, but was unable to take him out on account of his struggles. Mrs. Murphy then jumped in and caught hold of her son, while he held on to his father. The three then sank. Henry Monaghan, a boy, plunged in and seized Mri Murphy by theclothes, after they rose to the surface. The three wore then in an exhausted condition. However, with a great dea of trouble, Monaghan was able to tow the threa to the shore.

KILKENNY-— A Centenarian— A labourer named Malay was to be seen reaping wheat with a scythe, recently, though within a month of his 102 nd year ! The old man's dexterity (says People) in latching and manipulating the scythe was truly admirable. And so we saould say it should, if experience counted for anything. But what about the authenticity of the venerable reaper's age ? Careful investigation shows most of these long life stories that we hear about to be wild exaggerations.

LIMERICK— Tenants Purchase their Holdings-— The tenants on the extensive property of Mary Hamilton at Oappenahane

have arranged to buy their holdings. The tenants all hold under judical leases from the year 1887. The estate is under the control of the Court of Chancery. The gross rental of the property amounts to £344, and the Poor Law valuation is laid down at £243. The number of tenants on the property is eighteen, and these have secured the proprietorship of their holdings at the rate of seventeen years' purchase on the rental.

KERRY.— A Lost Child-— A boy of seven years, eon of a farmer named James Rahilly, of Callinapisky, was on the day of the great Puck Fair at Killorglin, recently, missed from the town. He waa afterwards discovered by a man named Lyne on Q-lena mountain, near Killarney Lakes, 22 miles distant, having subsisted for a ■week on leaves and berries and a few turnips. The child was handed to the Killarney police, who restored him to his home.

LONGFORD.-A Disappointed Sheriff.— Recently th« sub-sheriff of the County Longford, proceeded to the Black Islands, in Lough Ree, for the purpose of executing a warrant of seizure of of cattle against certain parties for non-payment of rent. The party landed at their destination but to the surprise of the sheriff and police it was found that no cattle were there for them to seize, and it subsequently transpired that they had been removed under cover of darkness to the Roscommon side, by means of ropes placed round their necks. The consequence was that the party had to return without having accomplished the seizure.

LOUTH.— St- Brigid-— A bazaar was opened at Faughart by Cardinal Logue on 25th September last, which had for its object the erection of a church on the site of the birthplace of St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland — a church worthy of the devotion of the Irish people to the Mary of Erin. The idea is to raise on historic ground what will be not only a parish church, but a national temple. The scheme should commend itself to Irish Catholics all over the world.

A Deputy Lieuteuant.— Edmund O'Conor, of Charleville, Dunleer, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of County Louth, in the room of Lord Bellew, who has been appointed Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum for the county.

MAYO.— '9B Demonstration.— Castlebar was the scene of a great Ninety-Eight demonstration recently. There one hundred years ago the British fled before Humbert's handful of Frenchmen, and it was only fitting that Irishmen should, in honouring NinetyEight, pay due deference to the men who forced the British into the humiliating action known as ' The races of Castlebar.' Speeches of vigorous patriotism were delivered by Messrs. Dillon, O'Brien, Field, Miss Gonne, and others, and all distinctions were blotted out in the desire to honour the friends of Ireland, who were at the same time the conquerors of England's cowardly legiona. The spirit of the West seems likely once more to point out to the Irish people the way and means of successf uJ effort against the foes of Irish liberty.

MONAGHAN.— ResuIt of a Railway Accident.— a sad sequel to an accident on the Great Northern Railway occurred recently, in the death from insanity of one of the passengers on the train which met with the accident, in the person of Mrs. McCabe, who lived near Carrickmocross. She was about sixty years of age, and belonged to the farming class.

'98 Celebration- — One of the largest demonstrations ever held in County Monaghan took place in Clones, on August 15, to do honour to the patriots of '98 and open the new '98 hall. It is computed that twenty thousand persons participated in the demonstration. Richard McPhillips, T.C., presided.

SLIGO-— United Irish League-— Recently (says United Ireland'), one of the most important meetings witnessed in the County Sligo for a considerable time was held at Conway's Cross, a district fourteen miles distant from Sligo town, and close to the borders of Roscommon and Leitrim. The meeting was remarkable both in numbers and enthusiasm, and important inasmuch as it marked the establishing of a branch of the United Irish League in the locality. Seven of the principal districts of Sligo, Roscommon, and Leitrim — Ballintogher, Kiliinumery, Collooney, Ballyrush, Highwood, Geenagh, and Riverstown — were represented by bands and contingents, while deputations attended from many others, It should be mentioned that this portion of County Sligo is almost as badly off as Mayo in the matter of large grazing farms, which comprise several thousand acres of the beat land between Conway's Cross and Ballyfarnon. The meeting was commenced shortly alter the arrival of Mr. P. A. M-Hugh, M.P., Mayor of Sligo, who was accorded an enthusiastic receDtion.

TIPPERARY — A Martyred Priest.— The Nationalists of South Tipperary met at Clogheen recently to unveil a mountain to one of Ireland's noble martyred priests — Father Nicholas Sheehy. Father Sheehy was one of the brave and devoted pastors who in the dread penal days espoused their people's cause and stood between them and their oppressors. His efforts won him the martyr's crown, fo- be was hanged, drawn, and quartered in Clonmel Gaol a little over a century ago. It is but fitting that in this year of great national commemoration the people of the district where Father Sheehy ministered to their forefathers should take steps to perpetuate his memory. His tomb in Sbanrahen Churchyard, which had fallen into a neglected state, is to be restored and surrounded by a beautiful railing. The ceremony will be made the occasion of a monster demonstration, at which members of Parliament and other prominent speakers will attend.

A Violent Storm. — A thunderstorm swept over Cashel recently Kendal O'Brien, of Golden, lost five cattle, and Vincent Scully, of Castlepark, eight. There were also cattle killed on one of Smith-Barry's farms, ami-several farmers lost ricks of hay. In Rosegreen, the lightning struck the top of the gable of a house occupied by Michael O'DonneU, and rent the wall near the head of one of his sons, hurling stones, martar, and other debris into the bed which he occuDied.

WATERFORD.- Railway Amalgamation.— The halfyearly meeting of the Waterford, Limerick, and Western Railway Company was held at Waterford recently, the Hon. Percy Bernard chairman, presiding. The directors' ' report, which recommended the adoption of the scheme for amalg imation with the Great boutnern and Western waa adopted unanimously. Lord Castledown, who at first disapproved of the amalgamation, wrote consenting to it, should the shareholders be unanimous. Mr. Shaw, the other director, retired, and the adjourned proposed special meeting for their removal was thus rendered unnecessary.

WEXFORD. — Strange Mishap. — Thomas McKeigue, manager of Byrne's pawn office, Eaniscorthy, was returning from Ballyconmgar recently, when he ran into a wall. His face came in contact with a stone which inflicted an irregular gash extending from the chin to the nose, while his arm and side were al so injured Monuments to '98 Heroes.— We gather that three monuments are about to be erected to the memory of those brave men who, one hundred years ago, freely shed their blood in defence of altar and country, and who have handed their names down to posterity as the heroes of '98. The first monument will be erected on the site of the battle of Oulart Hill, on land in the possession of Mr James Cleary— brother of Father Cleary of this paper. It will cost not less than £200. Another one will be erected in the Bull RinoCounty Wexford, by the Borough branch of the County Wexford Centenary Association. Whilst a third is to be erected at New Ross. As far back as the eighties a large Irish cross was erected at Bui lavogue close to the scene of the first rising ; this has recently been re-erected on the site of Father John Murphy's chapel, which was burned down by the Comolin yeomanry on Whit Sunday 1798. GENERALNovel Exhibition.— An interesting exhibition of cotters' manufactures and industries was opened at Foxford recently by the Countess of Fingall. Many of the local nobility and gentry helped the exhibition by their presence, and the function was most successful, and promised increased success for the remaining days durine which it will last. Irish Music— The air of the well-known Scotch song ' Robin Adair ' is one of the innumerable melodies which are palmed off as Scotch, while they are really Irish. ' Eileen Aroon,' which is the original song, has been known for hundreds of years in Ireland while ' Robin Adair ' is a modern invention. It was of this beautiful m«lody that the great musician Handel remarked he would be prouder of having composed it than all of his published works.

Ireland (says the Spectator) has been rendered more accessible, internal facilities of inter-communication have been multiplied good hotels have sprang up all over the country. Twenty years ago, or even less, the tourist's knowledge of Ireland was limited to Killarney, Connemara, and the Giant's Causeway. These famous resorts no longer enjoy a monopoly of attention, thanks to the new railways, coaching routes, and hotels, which have rendered the beauties of Donegal, Sligo, Clare, and Waterford more accessible or more attractive to the tourist and sportsman.