23rd May, 2002
Notice
Board
NOTICE BOARD
Douglas Library
The Internet: Introductory one hour sessions for older people on
Friday May 24th from 10 – 1.00
Places limited so book early. Ph.: 4277110
Douglas Library
Storytelling from “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”
With Lucy from the show. Saturday May 25th at 12 noon. Adm. Free
and all are welcome.
Carrigaline I.C.A. Breast Rancer Research
Will be hosting a walk on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven walkway
on Sunday 9th of June in aid of breast cancer research, as part
of a national Activity day.
This walk is a lovely amenity and to promote this and the charity
Collection will lead walkers on the marathon.
Collection boxes will be available along the route. Please donate
generously. All welcome. Contact Pauline @ 021 437 2673 after 6pm
Passage Table Quiz
Passage Soccer Club have organised a Table Quiz in Aid of the
Belarussian Orphange Project and Local Volunteer Alan McCarthy,
from Ardmore Estate & a student at St. Peter's Community
School.
The Table Quiz will take place in the Soccer Club on Thursday May
23rd. 8.00pm.
Great Prizes & Great Craic Teams of 4. 20. Euro per team.
Please Come Along & Support This Worthy Cause.
Young Alan McCarthy will travel 3,600 km. to help as a volunteer
worker in the Novinki and Draznia Institution in Minsk, Belarus
in the former Soviet Union. Novinki & Draznia are the home to
over 470 children & young adults with Psycho-neurological
disorders. Many of these have been resident in the institution
for over 15 years without a break. Any help or assistance for the
project would be greatly appreciated.
C.I.E.
Male Voice Choir to Celebrate Their 25th Anniversary with Concert
at City Hall, Cork on Saturday, May 25th 2002.
The Band of the 1st Southern Brigade will accompany choir.
Proceeds from Concert will be in aid of Marymount Hospice, Cork.
“There is a great opportunity for people to attend something
very special in City Hall, Cork on Saturday night, May 25th next
and all for a good cause” said Andrew Roche, Business
Development Manager for Iarnrod Eireann in Cork.
The statement was made when Iarnrod Eireann was announcing
details of the C.I.E. Male Voice Choir concert in City Hall, Cork.
The Cork concert is one of a number of concerts being performed
by the C.I.E Male Voice Choir this year to celebrate their 25th
Anniversary. Other concerts have been planned for Waterford and
Galway. “Iarnrod Eireann is particularly delighted to bring
this concert to Cork” said Tim Sheehan, District Manager,
Cork.
The C.I.E. Male Voice Choir was formed in 1977 as a church choir
in Merchant’s Quay, Dublin. Since then the Choir has
branched out into competition singing and has been successful in
many competitions at home and abroad. In 1995 the Choir performed
in Carnegie Hall, New York with the late Frank Patterson, at the
St. Patrick’s Day Concert. The Choir continues to impress
audiences at concerts and competitions throughout Ireland.
Iarnrod Eireann is also delighted to have the Band of the 1st
Southern Brigade, conducted by Capt. Liam Daly, accompanying the
C.I.E. Male Voice Choir on this occasion.
All proceeds from the concert will be in aid of Marymount
Hospice, Cork. Tickets cost €10.00 per person. A Special
Booking Hot-Line is in operation for the sale of tickets and
information (021-4557022 or 4557057 or Mallow 022-21120).
Iarnrod Eireann are asking people to support this concert by
purchasing tickets or alternatively by promoting the concert to
friends and colleagues.
Crime
posing a threat residents and
business interests.
By Maurice Fitzgerald
Crime has impacted on the concerns of local residents and the
business community in the Douglas area. A number of serious
incidents have been detected in Douglas, which have lead to calls
for a stronger Garda presence in the region. There's a growing
need in the public mind for greater feedback from Gardai
regarding criminal prosecutions and crime detection. Regionally
elected Garda chiefs may offer a better scheme of law enforcement
and accountability in relation to public security matters; Gardai
have often commented about the lack of people coming forward with
information'. Regionally elected Garda chiefs may make the force
more approachable and improve crime clear up rates. Criminals
have become experts in their field, with organised individuals
who leave nothing to chance. Criminal behaviour is not just
confined to violent activity; parents need to be aware that child-abduction'
is a very real aspect of criminal behaviour, having terrible
consequences for all concerned. Children of all ages can be
abducted at any time of the day or night, even in the most secure
environment. Public places offer many possibilities to criminals;
where many children are about, and every child can look the same.
The late social hours cause most of the problems regarding
violent incidents, with loitering and boisterism can take place
outside various establishments. Garda have warned licensed
premises, about what comes on to the street after patrons have
consumed drink on their premises. Crime figures are reported to
have fallen, however, the level of violent crime has increased
dramatically. Violent drama on television could be promoting a
violent culture with violent scenes appearing on most soap
opera's. Video shops (legally) sell cassettes with age
restrictions set by the censor's office for suitability; however,
television can produce violent dramas without difficulty. More
warning's need to be given out as to the content of violent
dramas. It's quite supprising what can be shown on soap opera's
even to an adult audience. The time has come to look at the
social aspects of criminal behaviour as well as law enforcement.
PFIZERS CHARITY CATWALK
Pfizer's Sports & Social Club
hosted a spectacular fashion show at the Maryborough House Hotel
on Thursday 25th April in aid of Action Breast Cancer. The event
was generously sponsored by Brown Thomas Cork and their latest
Spring/Summer 2002 collection was showcased by the Celia Holman
Lee Agency.
Leading Irish designers Louise Kennedy, Paul Costelloe, Quin
& Donnelly and Helen McAlinden joined international designers
Max Mara, Calvin Klein and DKNY on the catwalk, while new labels
to the store Fenn Wright Manson and Coast greatly impressed the
audience.
Celia Holman Lee was last week voted Ireland's most stylish woman
by VIP magazine readers and she described the Brown Thomas
collection on the night as "...a welcome return to
femininity and casual chic. Designers have embraced ethnic and
folkloric themes creating pretty, girlie pieces with fluid, soft
shapes and finishes."
The glamorous fashion show was attended by over 300 Pfizer
employees including the organising committee of Mike Crowley,
Karen Conway, Catriona Costigan, Marie McCarthy and Liam Cusack.
Well known Area Co-Ordinator of the Irish Cancer Society,
Margaret O’Sullivan was also present on the night to
organise the super raffle, which raised additional funds for
Action Breast Cancer.
Prizes won on the night-included weekends away in Waterville and
Dublin plus dinners in some of Corks finest restaurants.
The highlight of the night was some impressive cat walking by
four male Pfizer employees that had everyone cheering for more!
Chairman of the Pfizer Sports & Social Committee, PJ O'Meara,
thanked everyone for supporting the night "... and in
particular, Brown Thomas Cork, for their generous sponsorship and
advice that made this night such a success and helped us raise
money for such a worthy charity."
All proceeds from the night will be presented to Action Breast
Cancer which raises money to provide nursing homecare and a free
phone 24 hour help line. The national campaign raises over half a
million Euro a year for continued cancer research.
St Luke’s School - CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS
On Friday May 17 while everyone
else was rushing to vote, the pupils of St Luke's School, Douglas
were getting ready for a very important occasion and a very
important visitor. Micheal Martin, Minister of Health and
Children, was coming to officially open their extended and
refurbished school.
Ceremonies began at 11 am with a Service of Thanksgiving at St
Luke's Church, Douglas, with pupils leading both the service and
singing. They then formed an applauding Guard of Honour from the
church to the school, much to the delight of the many parents,
past pupils and guests such as The Lord Mayor, Cllr Tom O
Driscoll, and Deputies Deirdre Clune and Simon Coveney and Father
Liam O’Regan, Parish priest of Douglas.
But all small eyes were on Minister Martin, who in his speech
praised the determination of Principal Miss Mary Roycroft ;
"once she got half way in the door, there was no stopping
her." He commended the new additions to the school, the
administration section, the staff-room, the learning support
room, PA system, new outside fencing and, best of all, the two
'en-suite' classrooms. In his day, 'leaving the room' was often a
welcome break from class, but now there was no excuse to 'dul
amach'!
He could see that St Luke's School was everything a Primary
school should be and he told the pupils their parents had made
one great decision in their lives, to send them to the school and
he asked them also to be conscious of being part of a tradition.
Mr Bill Perrott, Chairman of the Board of Management, thanked the
many people who helped in the extending and refurbishment, and
Bishop Paul Colton, a past pupil of the school who remembers
getting the odd slap, the Lord Mayor and the Principal also spoke
Maire Roycroft paid tribute to her staff and their continuous
"team-work" and dedication. She praised Minister Martin
for highlighting the smaller schools when he was Minister of
Education and Science as, without his action, schools of less
than 8 teachers might have remained "the poor relations."
A presentation was made to Mr Thomas Trinder, oldest living past-
pupil, whose children Ivor, Neville, Jacqui, Lorraine and Glynnis
also all attended St Luke's, and the youngest current pupil, Ceri
Miller made a presentation to the Minister.
Following the speeches, Bishop Colton blessed the building and
Minister Martin, helped by a number of pupils, cut the pink
ribbon and the 'new' school was opened, so now visitors could
view the additions or go to the gym hall for a delicious tea,
during which Minister Martin autographed copies of the History of
St Luke's, on sale for 10 euro.
Earlier in the day, pupils sang "Consider yourself one of us"
and "Congratulations" from the musical "Oliver"
and, certainly, congratulations are due to all for a memorable
day.
MOTORING - ALL NEW VECTRA
by George Thompson
It was with great anticipation
that I waited for the opportunity to drive the New Opel Vectra
since news of its creation late last year and on Tuesday last it
was Richard Treacy of J&P Opel, Douglas Road who created the
opportunity.
Like most newly designed cars of today the Vectra’s new
shape is radical, boxy and robust with a touch of space age
technology. On first impressions I was a little dubious looking
at the rounded lines of the last model which made it more
attractive - or so I thought. As I drove the New Vectra and
stepped out and looked around its features on a number of
occasions, the more the car grew on me. Interior wise it seemed
bland at first but its simplicity only added to the attraction
that belied the ultra sophistication packed into the engineering
of this tried and tested Opel. Plenty of storage spaces within
the cabin with one or two of these spaces cleverly camouflaged in
the seating. Plenty of space and leg room for all passengers
ensuring a comfortable ride on both long and short journeys plus,
all round visibility is excellent together with one of the most
comfortable driver positions I have experienced.
Opel’s Interactive Driving System (IDS) means a fine balance
between the pedal and steering wheel movements providing overall
safety and driving stability offering greater driver control and
a smooth ride in all road situations and conditions (and if you
cast your mind back to Tuesday, road conditions were bad!!!). A
big plus for the new generation Vectra is its list of active
safety features such as Electronic Stability Programme,
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Dualrate Brake Assist,
Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control while passive safety
features includes an array of air bags which has to make this one
of the safest cars on the road.
The New Vectra comes in a choice
of Models - Club, Comfort and Elegance with a variety of engine
sizes, colours and trims throughout the range.
Overall this new generation Vectra is a fine example of modern
technology and safety and should carry on, the Vectra tradition
well into the future.
The car we tested was the Vectra 4 Door Comfort 1.8 XE with a
price tag of 26,300 euro.
Prices begin at 24,350 euro for the 4 Door Club 1.8 XE up to 33,250
euro for the 4 Door Elegance 2.2DTR. As usual the Vectra comes in
both Petrol and Diesel Engine versions.
Ratings....Vectra Comfort 1.8XE
Styling (Interior) ***
(Exterior) ****
Performance ****
Ride & Handling *****
Accommodation *****
Costs ****
Overall Rating ****
Standard Features Include.
> ABS
> Front & Side Air Bags
> CD Hi FI System
> Engine Immobiliser.
> Side Impact Beams.
The History of Douglas by Con Foley
Part 86 THE LAND LEAGUE AND
DOUGLAS FARMERS
Rackrents, evictions, and the callous treatment of tenant farmers
by uncaring landlords, prompted by Michael Davitt, to call a
meeting at Irishtown in his native county Mayo, to protest
against the actions of a local landlord, in April 1879. Form that
meeting the Land War came into being and was officially founded
as the Land League in October of the same year when Charles
Stewart Parnell joined the movement. Their slogan was " keep
a firm grip on your homesteads." Douglas, like the rest of
the country, was in the iron grip of local landlords, and formed
a branch to secure fair rent, fixity of tenure and free sale,
known for short as "the three Fs". There is a very
blurred minute of a meeting held on Nov. 22, 1884 giving the
names of the executive officers and committee; Chairman John
Baggott, V. Chairman B.J.Riordan, Treasurer D. McCarthy,
Secretary Br.-a (Bowan?).
Committee of Management: S. Horgan, Jas. Hergaty, John Driscoll,
Thos. Mulcahy, B. O'Sullivan, Timothy Carey, B. Buckley. Two
members of the Douglas Branch were evicted within the next four
years, Thomas Mulcahy and Timothy Carey, both from Castletreasure.
A Mr. Richards, tenant of Mr. J.T. Cromwall, was also evicted. In
the Cork Archives there is a copy of the Douglas branch of the
National Federation meeting, presided over by Canon Murray, P.P.
Also present at that meeting, presided over by Canon Murray, P.P.
Also present at that meeting were Fr. Tracy, T. Carey, P.L.G. (Poor
Law Guardian), Edmund Mulcahy, M.Murphy, D.Lane, J. Leahy, J.
Colman, J. O'Sullivan, P. Brown, T. Foley (no relation!), F.O'Connor,
D. McGragh, etc. At that meeting a proposition by Mr. Bowen -
"that we call on the Government, through the Irish
representatives, to introduce a clause to the present Purchase
Bill, to have evicted tenants restored to their holdings on fair
terms, as we believe it is the only means that will restore
peace, happiness and unity to this unfortunate country." The
Rev. Fr.Tracy, seconding the resolution, said he had very little
hope that any expression of opinion from a body of Nationalists
would have any effect upon the present Government in bringing the
landlords to their knees, and compelling them to reinstate the
evicted tenants. At that meeting the evicted Mr. Richards said
the people treated him with the greatest kindness, though Mr.
Cornwall sought to make out that they had no sympathy with him.
Mr. T. Carey mentioned that his landlord, Mr. G.K. Sherlock
Brown, Solicitor, Bandon, had advertised his farm for sale at a
rent lower than that which he had been paying for it. His rent
was £93. 15s. and that was posted on the bills as £63. 15s. Two
comments relative to the above; I am happy to relate that the
grandsons of the evicted Thomas Mulcahy are living in the
locality. One grandson, Mr. Jim Mulcahy lives in Ballinlough. His
wife, Maura, is a daughter of the late David O'Driscoll,
principal of Douglas Boys' National School. He retired in 1938.
Secondly, for my Intermediate Certificate Examination, my teacher
of Irish was Mr. Sean Carey, born in Casfietreasure, Douglas. I
am deeply grateful to Mr. Mulcahy and his wife for their interest
and help in my researches.
