The Donegal political runners from half a century ago - A Matter of Record

Fifty years ago, in the Donegal Democrat of May 24, 1974 the headline ran 'Record numbers contest council elections - 6 women amongst them' 

When nominations close today (Thursday) at noon for the Donegal County Council elections on June 8th the number of candidates is expected to be a record.

There are 28 seats on the Council divided amongst the electoral areas as follows: Buncrana 6; Donegal 6; Glenties 6; Letterkenny 6; Milford 4.

This morning fourteen candidates had been nominated for the four seats in the Milford area and the indicators were that the total numbers would be well in excess of sixty.

ABOVE: The candidates who contested the Donegal County Council elections 50 years ago 

A feature of the contest will be the variation in the political affiliations of the nominees while the main fight will be between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the entry of Sinn Fein (Kevin St.) representatives will add interest to the contest Mr Joe O’Neill, Bundoran publican and one of the most prominent Sinn Fein figures in the north west, is standing for the Donegal area and Mr Hugh Gallagherm Carrigart, a farmer is contesting the Milford area.

Giving an added interest also is the nomination of three women - the first time that a formidable challenge has come from the “fair sex”. 

They are Mrs Dorothy Borland, a national school teacher, nominated by Fianna Fáil for Milford Mrs Conefrey, wife of a member of the Garda Siochana in Glenties, standing for Fine Gael and Mrs B.J.R Barton, Rosbeg, prominent figure in the Irish County Women’s Association, also for the Glenties area.

Mr Neil Blaney’s Independent Fianna Fáil party will have four candidates in the field, himself, his brother Harry and two yet to be named.

ABOVE: Killybegs Band from 1960 courtesy of the Eugene McHugh photo archive

Ironically, names of Mr Blaney’s nominees will appear on the ballot paper without the political affiliation being shown, as under a law introduced by Mr Blaney when Minister for Local government, only standard bearers of registered affiliations are entitled to have the name of the party on the ballot paper.

Fianna Fáil will have 22 or perhaps 24 candidates altogether which is an indication of the determination to capture the majority of the seats.

Beat the Bombs

Following the car bombings in Dublin and Monaghan last weekend, Bundoran’s Main Street will have a no parking zone for the summer season and possibly the whole year round.

The local Gardai have taken this action on their own initiative because they feel that Bundoran could be a possible target for bombers.

Last weekend, the idea was given a test run and according to the Gardai was very well received by the townspeople.

The Gardai stressed however, that it would not be brought into force against the will of the people, if there were objections.

90 years ago, May 26 1934

Prisoners remanded - Justice O'Hanrahan Request to Gardai

Justice O’Hanrahan, at Killybegs District Court on Friday said in view of the surprise received that morning believing that he had nothing to do at Killybegs except a few trivial things, he had no fewer than four prisoners to be taken before him.

He would appeal to the Guards in his District in future if, when a prisoner was sent in custody to a District court, if they would approach the guards in Ballyshannon and tell them, and ask them to convey a message to him.

ABOVE: A Democrat advert from May 26 1934 Melly's Ice creams Ballyshannon

He was not aware until he arrived in Donegal that there was a prisoner for that Court. He had made certain arrangements for the day which would now be entirely upset.

He knew it never occurred to the Guards, who, no doubt, would be only too glad to cooperate with him.

80 years ago, May 27 1944

WW2 Editorial - Vote early

Our advice to everyone who is entitled to exercise the franchise is to avail himself or herself of the privilege and to vote as early as possible. Due consideration should be given to the ballot sheet before actually entering the booth.

There was never any excuse for apathy in voting but now when the future of our country does really depend on the existence of a strong and wise government it would be unpatriotic not to make the little sacrifice demanded by voting for one’s choice.

Many outsiders view this election with feverish anxiety and would like to see it end, according to their aspirations and hopes. Many a lover of Ireland far away from her or by inevitable circumstances prevented from voting will at least expect those who can express their opinions in secret ballot to do so and ensure as far as is possible the security of our country.

Donegal defeat Ulster Champions

Over three thousand spectators witnessed a thrilling game at the Gaelic Park Enniskillen on Sunday last when Donegal defeated the Ulster champions, Cavan in the Dr McKenna Cup competition by 4 goals and 10 points to 3 goals and 7 points.

The result was a first class surprise as despite Donegal’s exceptionally fine display in this year’s competitions, the craft and experience of the Breffni men was generally expected to prevail.

Donegal’s match winner was the red-haired Ballyshannon man, Jack Gallagher, whose display of dazzling football, speed, craft, and leadership in the attack inspired his team in a revival when the splendid Cavan forwards seemed to be weaving the pattern of victory.

Donegal missed the services of Vincent McHugh and Lieut Gallagher from centre field, especially the latter whose cool head would have been useful during the period of Cavan’s big effort to pull the game out of the fire.

Donegal: R. Bonner, M. Gallen, Mick Melly, D. Brennan, J. Forde, Liam Doherty, R. ‘Bob’ Gallagher, Ryan, H. McGovern, Mick Slevin, P.J. Goan, Jack Gallagher, C. Casey, JJ Brady, Hughie Gallagher.

70 years ago - May 28 1954

Bishop’s strong condemnation of Beauty contests

Describing beauty competitions as the last word in frivolity, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr O’Callaghan, Bishop of Raphoe appealed to the congregation at Confirmation ceremonies in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Bundoran, to have no more pf them.

“Don’t have these competitions, I would appeal to you,” he said and added that such things were more aping of the undesirable ways of the pagan world.

“I am greatly afraid that Ireland is getting away from the spirit of the primitive Church when she allows these sorts of functions,” he said.