From the pages of the Down Recorder, April 17, 1979

17 April 2019

EASTER — Down District sampled the start of what could be a record year in tourism when hundreds of thousands of day-trippers thronged into the area over the sun-drenched Easter holiday period.

The first unbroken spell of sunny weather this year brought motorists flocking into the area — and left council tourism officials confident of a summer season boom.

Newcastle was one of the biggest attractions over the holiday weekend and it was Easter Tuesday that

drew the most people as thousands crammed into the resort to see the finish of the Circuit of Ireland Rally at the Slieve Donard Hotel.

Forest parks at Tollymore, Castlewellan and Drumkeeragh were also a magnet, as were National Trust properties at Castleward, Mount Stewart and Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield.

There were many tailbacks of traffic in many local towns, including Dundrum, Clough, Comber and Newtownards, and there bumper-to-bumper delays in bottleneck areas like Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle.

The Strangford ferry had the busiest ever period in its ten-year history as thousands of tourists used the crossing to drive up the Ards, or, coming in the opposite way, along the Lecale coast and into Newcastle.

The two ferries made a total of 109 crossings on Monday alone, the highest ever, and it was an applaudable effort from all their staff that things went off without a hitch.

Down Council’s assistant tourist and recreation officer, Mr Frank Cunningham, was optimistic that this year would break all tourism records, providing the weather was kind.

“We are all very hopeful for a tremendous year and are expecting some of the biggest ever crowds to converge on our resorts and attractions,” he said.

DOWNPATRICK — The programme for the St Patrick’s Festival in Downpatrick in five weeks’ time is taking shape and promises to be a dashing four-day bill to suit all tastes.

“It is far from being just another town festival of bits and pieces,” said organising committee vice-chairman Frank Connolly.

“From the opening procession to the open-air carnival four nights later it will be a fast-paced programme with many unique attractions that have never

been seen in the area before.”

The festival will open on Friday, May 25, with a through-town procession of floats and closes four days later with the carnival in Dunleath Park where the organisers promise that virtually everything that

can happen will happen as long as it is entertaining.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle and District Ladies Circle held a very successful third annual meeting in the Brook Cottage Hotel recently. Two guests from Downpatrick Ladies Circle attended and they were welcomed by the chairman, Angela Flanagan.

The formal part of the evening began with the treasurer’s report from Taire Ogle, who said that after a most successful year almost £1,000 had been donated to various organisations as a result of fund-raising activities. The secretary’s report from Edna Howard outlined the year’s events.

Among those to benefit were Knockevin School in Downpatrick, Royal National Institute for the Blind, Samaritans, Down District Flood Relief Fund and the children’s fancy dress competition organised by the Town Committee.

The new chairman, Helen Carton, received her chain of office and three Christening Cups were presented to Edna Howard, Jeanne Nugent and Angela Flanagan.

BALLYNAHINCH — A bid to reactivate the Mid Down group of the Multiple Sclerosis Society is to be made at a public meeting in Ballynahinch next week.

Society officials say that the need to reform the group has been apparent for some time and they are hoping for a good attendance at the meeting.

The Mid Down group covered Downpatrick, Ardglass, Killinchy, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Carryduff, Crossgar, Killyleagh and Strangford.

KILLOUGH — An open meeting of Killough Festival Committee was held in St Joseph’s

Hall on Monday when it was announced that plans for the festival are well

advanced.

Under discussion during the meeting was a Festival Queen Dance, including a buffet supper. The prize for the Festival Queen is being sponsored by Mark Bohill, of Paul Mark, Downpatrick, and the buffet supper is being sponsored by many local businesses.

The Little Miss Killough competition was also discussed and this has been sponsored by Elizabeth Alexandra, Dromara, and Bobbie Hanvey, Downpatrick. Also discussed at the meeting were folk music and competitions for tractor handling, boxing, cycling and skittles.

PORTAFERRY — A scheme to improve the unsatisfactory sewage disposal facilities in Portaferry will begin in September this year.

The Department of the Environment has announced that a small pumping station will be constructed on the foreshore at Strand Street and a 250mm pumping main will be laid from the station to an outfall near the Walter Rock.

A contract for the supply of pumping plant has already been awarded and tenders for the

construction of the sea outfall are under consideration by the Department.

BALLYGOWAN — Saturday’s good weather brought the crowds out for a mini pipe band contest in Ballygowan. The event was organised by Saintfield Pipe Band and attracted entries from various local bands.The standard was high throughout and among the winners were Glassdrummond band from Ballynahinch, Field Marshal Montgomery juniors from Carryduff and the McNeillstown band from Ballynahinch.

RAFFREY — Raffrey Presbyterian Church Hall was filled to capacity on Thursday night for the local Girls’ Brigade’s 23rd annual display. The event was chaired by the Rev T Anderson.

A wide range of entertainment was provided and this included

CROSSGAR — Crossgar Women’s Institute held a very successful members’ night. The evening’s entertainment included a humorous sketch, games, readings by Mrs Carol Dickson and a popular version of Mr and Mrs.

The baking competition was won by Mrs Ellison with Mrs S McKee second and Mrs F Hutton third. Mrs T Ringland was made a honorary member and also received the birthday gift.

KIRCUBBIN — Almost 50 branches of the Apprentice Boys of Derry gathered in Kircubbin to take part in the traditional Easter Monday demonstration. A very large crowd turned out to watch the parade in the village in warm sunshine.

The Rev Roy Magee, of Dundonald Presbyterian Church, conducted the service. At the conclusion of the address Mr Magee read a statement on behalf of the Apprentice Boys Committees urging loyalists to be sensible in their attitude to the forthcoming general election.

SOCCER — Two early goals set Castlewellan on their way to their first every Harry Clarke Cup success with a 3-2 victory against Downshire Hospital in Easter Monday’s final at Dickson Park, Downpatrick.

Although Downshire managed to pull back the deficit midway through the second half, Castlewellan remained in control and sealed the issue with a well-taken third goal 15 minutes from time.

Conditions were perfect for what was expected to be a thriller. Castlewellan, chasing the Newcastle League Division A title, were keen to win the cup to give them added incentive, while Downshire, chasing the Division B title, wanted to win to underline their credentials for a place in the premier section next year.

However, the match turned out to be a damp squib. Downshire never really got going and, in the final analysis, can’t grumble about the final outcome.

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