From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 15, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 15, 1972

15 February 2012

KILLYLEAGH — SEVEN months old Elizabeth Morrison has been the centre of attraction in Downe Hospital this week. She was extremely ill when she was admitted on Friday morning after firemen had saved her life in a blaze at her parents’ home, 6 Comber Gardens, Comber Road, Killyleagh.

“The staff have really taken her to their hearts,” said a hospital spokesman, “and we have been inundated with messages from well-wishers.”

These include painters John Murray, John Blythe and Brendan Hanna, who were working on the estate when they noticed smoke coming from the Morrison home. Grabbing a ladder, they dashed to the back of the house and forced their way into a bedroom where Mr. Alex Morrison and his three year-old son were asleep.

Having rescued father and son, the workmen tried to get Elizabeth from her bedroom where she was asleep in her cot. But they had to retreat in the face of belching smoke and fumes. Yet they were quick witted enough to close all doors as they left and this proved to be a vital factor in preventing a major tragedy as it kept the flames from spreading through the house.

The painters contacted Mr. Andrew Smyth, of 7 Hillfoot Gardens, who made a 999 call from the home of neighbour Mrs. Sarah Smyth, who lives at No. 4.

Downpatrick leading fireman Willie Robinson braved the intense heat and smoke and without using breathing apparatus got into Elizabeth’s bedroom and saved her from the flames. Fireman Ronnie McQuoid and leading fireman Hugh Magorrian gave the child the kiss of life and were later relieved by Dr. David Bain.

Elizabeth was rushed to hospital where she was given immediate emergency treatment in the casualty department and moved to the intensive care unit where she was placed in an oxygen tent.

The cause of the fire is not not yet known. Mrs. Morrison was out of the house at the time of the fire. Her other 12 children were at work and at school.

East Down Council had the family rehoused at Frederick Street on Friday evening. The only casualty in what could have been a tragedy was the family’s pet white poodle Hendrix. The seven month-old pup was asphyxiated when firemen found him.

DOWNPATRICK — Hopes of having a community committee in action in Downpatrick soon have been dashed by a decision to postpone the public meeting at which it was to have been launched. The decision comes after 75 per cent of of the members of the steering committee have said it would be undesirable to proceed in view of the present disturbed circumstances.

Mr. E. J. Malone, community development officer with Down County Welfare Committee, under whose drive the steering committee was formed, hopes that the setback will be only a temporary one.

“The community needs to get together for its own economic, social and cultural good,” he says. Without some form of coming together there will be no cohesion in the future and when reorganisation comes there will be very real cries for help and for advice.”

CASTLEWELLAN — The February meeting of Castlewellan Women’s Institute was ‘Members’ Night’ and a most enjoyable occasion for the many visitors present. Four visitors from Rathfriland were welcomed by the president, Mrs. J. Telford and they were invited to take part in a ‘Twenty Questions’ programme arranged by Mrs. Dorothy Hamilton.

This was followed by old music hall community singing led by Mrs. Marie King, dressed in Victorian style complete with hat. Many favourite songs were enjoyed by the members. To conclude the entertainment, Mrs. Boden and Mrs. Matthews gave a hilarious rendering of ‘There’s a hole in the bucket.’

A delicious supper was served by Mrs. E. Gibson and her team of helpers. Mrs. H. Doherty received the birthday gift, a tin of biscuits donated by Mrs. Telford, and the free raffle was won by Mrs. Spiers

DUNDRUM — Dundrum and District Development Committee have contacted East Down Rural Council to ascertain if the old railway shed at Dundrum, being purchased by the council, would be available to the village as a community centre.

At a recent general purposes committee meeting of the council this was agreed to in principle if Dundrum Development Committee wished at its own expense to fit out the premises.

CROSSGAR — First Crossgar Boys’ Brigade travelled to Cookstown on Saturday afternoon to represent the Down Battalion section in the NI area squad drill finals and gained fourth place. The squad was under the command of Sergeant McNeely who was placed sixth for squad commanders.

SEAFORDE — Mr. Eamonn O’Toole, who for the past five years has represented the electoral division of Seaforde on East Down Rural Council, has resigned, the members were informed at Monday night’s monthly meeting.

The clerk, Mr. Gordon S. Pentland, said Mr. O’Toole had written stating he was sorry he was not able to retain his seat. His reason for resigning was personal and did not reflect in any way on the staff of the council.

DRUMAROAD — An audience of more than 1,000 attended the finals of the Down Scor talent competitons held in Drumaroad Parochial Centre. The Rev. Dr. J. Maguire, parish priest of Drumaroad, welcomed all present.

Tom Mulholland, former county chairman, was the question master. Score keepers were Tony Williamson and Matt Fitzpatrick. Time keeper was Gerry Quinn and Paddy O’Donoghue and Seamus McGrattan were the adjudicators. The Fear a Ti was Harry McEvoy.