Tenants of Ballymacool Terrace told told to till gardens or face eviction - 100 years ago

At a special meeting of Letterkenny Urban Council, it was reported in the Donegal Democrat of February 29, 1924, with Mr W. Boyle presiding, that Mr J.G. Larkin (clerk) mentioned that he had been notified the tenants of thirteen cottages at Ballymacool Terrace that unless they intended tilling their gardens this season he would sue for possession of the cottages.

He had asked for replies, but had only received one.

It was decided unanimously to determine the tenancies, notice to quit to be served in all cases.

90 years ago - March 3, 1934

Clyhore Pottery

The Clyhore Pottery (Mr John Flynn) is forging ahead and is overwhelmed with orders mainly from Dublin, but the provincial towns are also keen on the product.

If the pressure continues it will be found necessary to extend the existing premises .

In the meantime Mr Flynn is concentrating on ornamental Parian ware, which, as it is the first of its kind to be manufactured in the Free State, enjoys great popularity.

More power to the proprietor, and my earnest wish is that his business shall keep on growing to such an extent he shall be compelled to extend down as far as Kathleen’s Falls.

Donegal Ball in Philadelphia

The most brilliant event of the season in Philadelphia Irish social circles, was the forty second annual Donegal ball held in the magnificent ballroom of the Penn Athletic Club, overlooking Rittenhouse Square.

Nearly 3,000 guests crowded the vast hall to capacity.

This splendid success was a fitting tribute to the hard work put forth by a most energetic committee directed by Patrick J McGee, popular young Philadelphia attorney, Bernard F.X. McClafferty, William F McGinn and Hugh O’Donell.

ABOVE: March 6, 1964 - Donegal Democrat Front Page

The ballroom was lavishly decorated with ferns and palms interspersed with sprigs of heather direct from Donegal.

A beautiful electric sign blazoned its “Welcome to Donegal”.

80 years ago - March 5 1954

Ardara

Mrs Charles Walsh, has a black eyed ewe which for the fifth year in succession, has had twin lamb.

Extensive coastal erosion was caused in the Trybane area, Loughros Point and high seas during the past week.

X-Ray Unit in Donegal

The mass radiography unit, which commenced work in Co Donegal on the 11th January last will conclude its present tour in the county on the 16th March. Continuing from Gortahork the unit will take in Bunbeg, Crolly, Kincasslagh, Burtonport, Dungloe, Lettermacaward, Narin, Portnoo, Glentes, Cloghan and Ballybofey where the final sessions will be held on the ece of St Patrick’s Day.

Storm damage in the north west - Inver house struck by lightning

Thunderstorms of exceptional intensity rolled across the north west last weekend leaving behind a trail of minor damage.

In the Inver district lightning put the telephone and telegraph systems out of commission and interfered with the ESB supply.

Greatest damage was caused however at the home of Mr Joseph Meehan, Mullinabuoys where a radio sitting on a shelf was struck by lightning and thrown to the floor.

Panes of glass were smashed and the woodwork of one wondown was burned by the flash. Delph in the house was also damaged.

A Flash of lightning blasted a hole in rocks at a quarry in the same district and a fuse box in the home of Mr Thomas Burke, Mullinbuoys was destroyed.

The ancient Martello Tower on picturesque Glen Head, Glencolumbkille was damaged by lightning on Friday morning.

Tuesday’s Blizzard

The North West woke up to a white world on Tuesday morning as snow fell in one of the heaviest experiences for twenty years. At places the snow was over 12 inches deep.

ABOVE: The favourite dessert of many past generations - This from the Democrat of March 3, 1954

50 years ago - March 1, 1974

Gunmen threat to two Garda Patrols

Following a fierce gun battle between the Provisional IRA and the British Army near Lifford early on Friday in which hundreds of rounds of rifle ammunition and at least five mortar shells were fired,

Gardai on patrol in the Roughan were held up by armed men in battledress ordered out of their car and threatened.

One of the three men covered in a laneway pointed an automatic rifle at the garda patrol and said: “I’ll let you have it - and that’s no idle threat.

He ordered the gardai to move back. The men moved across country and disappeared.