From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 1, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 1, 1972

1 February 2012

DOWNPATRICK — The business and social life of Downpatrick came to a virtual standstill on Wednesday as practically every shop and public house closed its doors as a protest against the 13 Derry deaths on Sunday.

Schools closed and many workers took the day off to attend special Masses. An estimated 750 people attended a rally in the car park where local SDLP members condemned the actions of British paratroops who dealt with Sunday’s Civil Rights meeting.

This was the culmination of three days and nights of demonstrations and silent vigils at the RUC station and the Courthouse. Black flags were paraded through the town on Monday and Tuesday by pupils of St. Patrick’s High, St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s Intermediate Schools, and the local Technical College.

Members of the East Down branch of the Irish National Teachers Organisation held a one hour vigil outside the Courthouse and issued a statement expressing their “disgust at the savagery and undisciplined conduct of British Army units.”

Sixth formers of St. Patrick’s High School observed two minutes’ silence outside the police station on Tuesday and stated: “Sunday’s action was nothing short of genocide. The British soldiers who are supposed to represent law and order and defend life and property, have become little more than a bunch of hired mercenaries.”

Similar sentiments were expressed in most local towns. Forty young people displaying black flags stood in pouring rain for two hours outside the Crossgar RUC station.

Ardglass, Castlewellan and Strangford were also shut down, and Newcastle presented a desolate sight on Wednesday night as gales and lashing rain hit the empty streets while business people kept their doors closed.

Despite the mass of people taking to the streets, there have been no reports of serious incidents. Chief Inspector Austen Anderson head of Downpatrick RUC, said he was more than pleased with the manner in which the protests were conducted.The one day strike had far-reaching effects. Downpatrick Urban Council was closed and streets were covered with litter as essential service workers failed to turn up for duty. Milk and bread were in short supply. Certain banks shut down and taxis failed to operate.

At the Downpatrick protest meeting, speakers included Mr. Owen Adams, secretary of East Down SDLP who presided, Mr. D. Sharvin, Strangford councillor and chairman of East Down SDLP, Mr. John Ritchie, chairman of Downpatrick SDLP; Mr. John Doris, vice-chairman of East Down SDLP and National Executive member; Mr. Dan Rice, Drumaness councillor; Mr. Dermot Curran, chairman of Ardglass and Dunsford SDLP.

A statement by Mr. E. K. McGrady, chairman of the Party, who attended the funerals in Derry, was read by his wife, Patricia.

TOYE — A Royal Air Force helicopter from Aldergrove made a mercy dash to the aid of a sick cow on an island in Strangford Lough yesterday afternoon. The animal is owned by Mr. Robert Thompson, Toye, who also grazes stock on Island Taggart about a quarter of a mile from the nearby shore. Normally the cattle swim to and from the island behind a boat but in the bad weather during the last few days it was impossible to use the boat.

BRYANSFORD — Newcastle Fire Brigade were called to Bryansford late on Monday night. A lorry and tractor belonging to Finlay and Shaw, contractors, Lisburn, who are engaged in a pipe-laying scheme, were completely gutted. Police believe both fires might have been malicious.

ARDGLASS — The monthly meeting of Ardglass Women’s Institute took place in the Fisherman’s Rest. Mrs. Aspinall was in the chair. Despite inclement weather a large number of members attended, but the adverse conditions prevented the guest speaker from keeping his appointment. This left more time for discussion. The competition was won by Mrs. Toon and the birthday prize went to Lady Anderson.

KILLYLEAGH — Children attending Killyleagh Secondary School found their route home cut off by a high tide for two hours on Wednesday afternoon. An onshore gale hurled water on to the road at Seaview and a quantity of seaweed blocked the drains with the result that the carriageway was flooded to a depth of almost two feet.

The only other route from the school via the lough shore was also under water. The children were ferried through the water in relays by a bus and it wasn’t until almost five o’clock that the staff could get their cars through.

CROSSGAR — 1st Crossgar won the annual drill competition run by the Down Battalion of the Boys Brigade in Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church Hall on Friday night.

DOWNPATRICK - The possibility of forming a new Downpatrick and District Community Centre Committee will be discussed at a public meeting to be held in the local Technical College on February 21 and it is anticipated all organisations in the area will send representatives.

Mr. Maurice N. Hayes, chairman of a steering committee formed some time ago, in a recent circular to all organisations, outlines the changes scheduled to take place when the re-organisation of government services takes effect early next year.

Under the re-organisation 45 members at present representing Downpatrick and Newcastle Urban Councils and East Down Rural Council will be replaced by 20 members attending the Down District Council and only three will represent the county town.

BALLYNAHINCH — Ballynahinch Business and Professional Women’s Club held their vice-president’s night last week for Mrs. J. McAllister. The title of the night was ‘youth entertainment evening’.