From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 25, 1975

From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 25, 1975

25 March 2015

DOWNPATRICK — Togetherness was the theme in Downpatrick on St. Patrick’s Day. It was sensed beyond the pulpits. Clergy and people of all denominations mixed in a sense of gratitude and welcomed each other’s presence.

Down Council gave lunch in Denvir’s Hotel for clerical dignitaries and they were welcomed by the council chairman, Mr. Edward McGrady.

Among those present were the Archbishops for Dublin and Armagh, the Bishop of Norwich, Dr. Wood, who was the principal guest, a number of Irish bishops, as well as the heads of the principal Protestant churches, and Dr. Patrick Conway, the parish priest of Downpatrick.

The main service of the day took place in Down Cathedral in the afternoon. It was one in which all denominations took part and in which all aspects of life were mentioned in prayer.

Describing himself as a mere English bishop, Dr. Wood said it was not for him to bring any quick solutions or easy answers to problems and pressures faced throughout Ireland.

How wonderful it is for us all to gather today some 1500 years after St. Patrick’s mission at this pilgrimage shrine and to pray together, to think together and work together for peace regardless of all our denominations and traditions,” he said.

BALLEE — A souterrain uncovered at the farm of Mr. Martin Seed, of Ballee, is believed to have been used by early Christians as a shelter from their enemies. The structure was uncovered when Mr. Seed was excavating at his farm. it will be preserved by the Department of Finance Historic Monuments branch.

It is thought that more than 250 souterrains have been uncovered in South Down, a sharp contrast to the northern part of the county where only one is believed to have been found.

CROSSGAR — Down Council workmen have erected a temporary fence around the controversial river which runs beside a Crossgar housing estate. The work began on Wednesday morning — just 12 hours after Crossgar councillor, Mr. William Cochrane, hit out in defence of his council’s attitude to the river.

He said the council had always fully realised the danger of the river and resented any implications that nothing was being done. A four year-old boy almost lost his life a few weeks ago when he fell into the river and was rescued by a passer-by.

KILLYLEAGH — Downpatrick firemen spent over six hours containing a blaze at Killyleagh Flax Spinning Mill last Thursday. A large quantity of flax was destroyed in the blaze and the fire spread to an adjoining dust box. The firemen had to use breathing apparatus to tackle the fire.

NEWCASTLE — It is now 25 years since Newcastle Glee Singers were first formed and over the years they have presented many different shows. This year, however, they certainly have been ambitious in the presentation of ‘No No Nanette.’ Without doubt their choice was an excellent one, playing to capacity audiences all week.

Edna Howard was well cast in the role of Nanette. John Grant, playing opposite her, gave a very good performance, as did the more established members, such as Frank Bradley, Pauline Rodgers, Marcella McMullan and Aline Hanna.

The producer and choreographer was again Angela Bradley. Musical accompaniment was excellent with Mrs. McGrath on piano able to give the songs the necessary lift.

It has been the custom of the Glee Singers for many years now to make the first night a gala occasion with the proceeds going to charity. This year it was the pleasure of the Singers’ chairman, Mr. Pat Rodgers, to present a cheque for £300 to Lord Roden, secretary of the local branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

STRANGFORD — Down Council have agreed to negotiate for the purchase of a community hall in Strangford, at present under the ownership of the local sailing club. Mr. John Ritchie told members that the loss of the hall to private ownership would leave Strangford with nothing.

But he reminded members that the facility fell very far short of the purpose-built community centre that the people had been led to expect. “If in the future when the financial position is easier and if this provision goes through, don’t think it is enough,” he said. “Strangford will be looking for something else.”

DUNDRUM — Dancing has always been the hobby of 18 year-old Barbara Leahy, but on Friday night it earned her a beauty queen tag for the first time. For it was at a dance in the local Orange hall where Barbara was selected as ‘Miss Dundrum’ by Mr. Enoch Powell, MP for South Down.

Barbara, who comes from Newcastle Road, Dundrum, is a student at Newcastle Technical College where she is taking a pre-nursing course.

BALLYNAHINCH — A new SDLP branch was formed at a meeting in Ballynahinch on Wednesday evening and was addressed by Mr. Edward McGrady, who stressed the importance of the role of the branch in building up the strength of the party in the constituency.

Mr. Vincent Laverty, SDLP candidate in the Down Council by-election, thanked the members for the work they were doing on his behalf in the campaign. Councillor P. J. Smyth said he looked forward to welcoming Mr. Laverty as a colleague on the council.

ARDGLASS — More than 400 parishioners of Ardglass and Dunsford parish turned out at St. John’s Hall on Sunday last to mark the end of Father John Fitzpatrick’s eight-and-a-half-year stay at curate of the parish.

Mr. John Doyle, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the parish, presented Fr. Fitzpatrick with a silver salver and a wallet and cheque on behalf of the parishioners.

A concert compered by Mr. Paul Bignall took place after the presentation. Among those taking part were Seamus Madden’s School of Dancers, Gerry and the Highlights, Kingsfield Ramblers, Gerry and Alayna and Brendan and Dick Killen.

TYRELLA — East Down Foxhounds’ point-to-point races held at Tyrella on Saturday proved to be as popular as ever with large crowds and good fields.

The largest field of the day was in the open maiden race when 23 runners went to post. It was won by Beau Sam, owned by David Shillington of Dromara, and provided Jeremy Maxwell with a training double, having won earlier with Persian Blue, owned by Mrs. Bramwell, of Killinchy.

Beau Sam was ridden by 18 year-old David Cantillon, now living at Ballee. After racing the cups were presented by Mrs. John Glover, wife of the master of East Down Foxhounds.

SEAFORDE — Seaforde Young Farmers’ Club’s 18-21 debating team, Patricia Keenan, Judith Hanna and Martin Gibney, finished joint third in their section at the YFCU annual group debating contest in Magherafelt.

HOCKEY — Members, ex-players and guests of Down Hockey Club attended the club’s 75th anniversary celebration dinner. Speakers at the function included officials of the Irish Hockey Union, who had travelled from Dublin.

Hockey came to Downpatrick in 1900 when the first games were played at Saul Camp on the Saul Road. Bt 1906 they had won their way into the Senior League and by 1911 one of its members, W. McCormick, attained international honours.

In 1927 Down won the Irish Junior Cup, beating Clones after a replay, under the captaincy of Jim Clements. In 1945 the cup returned to Downpatrick after they had beaten Craiguenamanagh of Kilkenny in the final. Dr. John Ritchie and Eddie Malone were the scorers.

The following season saw the ground at Strangford Road opened for hockey and Down’s return to the Senior League where they remained until the early 1960s.