A Matter of Record - The Donegal Democrat Archive down the years

Donegal Democrat, Friday, October 26, 1923 - 100 years ago

Bundoran Prisoners

Every night during the week numbers of people joined in the public recital of the Rosary for the Republican Prisoners' speedy release.

The sympathy for the poor fellows who are suffering imprisonment without either charge or trial is growing, and it is expected that, in the altered circumstances, the Government may be induced to liberate at least those guilty of no crime.

Curfew

A report has gained currency that a military curfew has been imposed on Bundoran. For this there is not the slightest foundation; in fact the town never was so quiet, and the greatest freedom is allowed.

Football

Killybegs met the local team at Celtic Park, Bundoran, on Sunday last in the first round of the League County Championship.

Many circumstances prevented the success of the fixture. The depletion of: the home team, unfavourable weather and other causes, created the impression that the match would not be brought off, with the result that the number of spectators might be said to be negligible.

In spite of the sodden condition of the pitch both teams put up a plucky fight, and though the game generally might be described as a slogging one there were at times brilliant and thrilling play.

One of the surprises of the game is that no point was scored by either team the match resulting in a draw of one goal each, the leveller having been scored by the old reliable Jim Cassidy.

Above: The launch of the Donegal Times in April 1989 

Donegal Democrat - October 30 1943 - 80 years ago

To the Editor and kind Readers of ‘The Donegal Democrat’, Donegal, Eire

The “wee Donegal Priest”

My dear Friends

September the 23rd will be the anniversary of my ordination. September the 23rd (year unreadable), I was ordained. I am not so young as I used to be.

Please ask our Lord to give me all the graces I need to persevere in his service to the end.

As usual I remember you all in my prayers. The lepers too, pray for you daily.

With kind words to all yours for ever grateful for all your goodness all these years.

B.J. MacLoone

Chaplain

Leper Hospital, Nyenga,

Junja P.O., Uganda

6/8/1943

Who remembers the Avon Lady calling? - From October 1973 

Donegal Democrat - October 23 1953 - 70 years ago

Mainly for Women

Spaghetti to help out the meat

Comparatively speaking few people in Ireland know spaghetti - people tend to think of it as something foreigners eat.

However in these days of high priced meat the housewife could often put up a satisfying mid-day meal by using spaghetti. For instance try this recipe, which requires very little meat:

1lb. Spaghetti; ½ lb minced beef; 2oz. Minced liver; 2oz. Dripping; 1 minced onion (or a smal shred of garlic); 1 meat cube or 1 teaspoon yeast extract; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 teaspoon salt; tiny pinch dried sage or a leaf of fresh sage; 1⁄2 teaspoon made mustard; 1 dessertspoon vinegar; 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper; 1 quart boiling water; 1lb. tomatoes.

(Apart from the obvious reflection of the times in it being targeted at as gender specific and housewives, the most interesting part of this is how Spaghetti was a relative newcomer to the Donegal table and that it was seen as an item that could help save on the meat. And after the method it cooking was described it concluded):

If using an old fashioned, iron frying pan, do not add the vinegar until the sauce is poured over the spaghetti, or it will cause the colour to turn dark. It won’t be spoiled, but it won’t look well.

(I will stick to it being used on the chips, thank you!)

Democrat - October 25 1963 - 60 years ago

US Military honours for Ardara Man

Full United States military honours were accorded on Friday last at the funeral of Mr Patrick Boyle, formerly of Leaconell, Ardara, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1908.

Mr Boyle, whose death took place at St. Anne’s Hospital, Anaconda, lived for two years in Tacoma, Washington, after emigrating.

Later he moved to Anaconda, Montana, where he was employed by the Anaconda Smelting Company, in which he became an executive.

He was a famous athlete in his early years and a playing member of the famous Elks and Eagles baseball teams, until he joined the U.S. forces, with his late brother, Dan, when the U.S. entered World War 1.

As a corporal in the European campaign for his gallantry in the Meuse-Argonne sector he received the highest American honour which was conferred on him at Fort D.A. Russell, Wyoming, before he was demobbed.

Ah the value of the food basket is much more appreciated today than maybe back in 1973 from Foodlands in Donegal Town 

He later returned to work with the Anaconda Smelting Co. and quickly rose to an administrative position.

His ability and leadership played a big art in organising a number of Irish and other societies in the U.S.

His funeral last Friday to St Peter’s Church and later to the family plot in Hill Country with full military honours was a striking manifestation of the popularity of the deceased in the country of his adoption.

The celebrant of the Requiem Mass was Rev Edward Boyle, Arlington, Washington, who also officiated at the obsequies, assisted by his brother, Rev James Boyle, Seattle, two nephews of the deceased.