From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 25, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 25, 1972

25 January 2012

CASTLEWELLAN — The attempt on Wednesday morning to blow up Castlewellan police station, in which one man was killed and another critically injured, is being viewed in many quarters as a reprisal for the clampdown by security forces on Sunday’s anti-internment march to Newcastle.

The dead man is Mr. Peter McNulty (47), a farmer, from Burrenreagh, a short distance outside Castlewellan. Oliver Rea (40), who farms adjoining land, was taken to Downe Hospital with severe arm, leg and facial injuries. Yesterday he was moved under heavily armed guard to Musgrave Park Hospital where his condition was said to be critical.

The first bomb blast rocked the sleeping town at precisely three o’clock on Wednesday morning. It was followed almost immediately by another. Both explosions occurred on the roadway close to the perimeter fence at the western corner of the station.

At 3.08am a third bomb exploded at the telephone exchange at Circular Road, causing considerable damage to the building and putting the automatic exchange out of action. This was followed within a few minutes by explosion number four at the Field Study Centre in Bryansford just over two miles away.

Meanwhile, police had discovered an unexploded bomb on the road in front of the station. It was dismantled by Army bomb disposal experts and detonated in a field behind the station at approximately 7.45am. It was said to have contained 10lb of gelignite.

Mr. Patrick McAleenan, principal of St. Malachy’s Secondary School, lives with his wife and five young children opposite the station. In his own words he describes what happened: “I was awakened by the first blast and just as I scrambled out of bed the second bomb went off. There was flying glass everywhere. My first thought was for the children and I checked to ensure they were all right.”

DOWNPATRICK — Residents of Downpatrick’s newest estate at Ballyvange have a number of complaints to air and many feel the time has now come to form a tenants’ committee locally to act as a platform for their problems.

Over 200 houses are occupied at the estate formerly known as the Flying Horse. One resident stated: “The estate looks a quite nice place to live in and it may seem to so passers-by. But if one resides here for some time as I have done he would find things are quite different.”

Said one woman: “I could give you a bagful of complaints mister.”

STRANGFORD — Strangford parents have accepted Ulsterbus’s new schedules, but only for two weeks. At a meeting on Thursday night of last week, the villagers heard the report from the deputation who had consulted with the bus company officials and education authorities.

Mr. Werner Heubeck, Ulsterbus managing director, has been informed of the meeting’s decision and a further meeting of interested parties will be held in the Sailing Club rooms on February 3.

BALLYNAHINCH — The Ballynahinch committee of the Cancer Research Campaign have reported their best ever year which saw the record total of £226 raised at a recent jumble sale. These achievements were made possible by the committee, their helpers, organisers and collectors.

BALLYKINLAR — A Scout and Cub pack is due to be formed in connection with the new regiment at Ballykinlar Camp. Parents who wish their child to join should contact the group leader, Mr. Haydn Warman, headmaster of Ballykinlar School.

CROSSGAR — ‘Positive Steps to Improve Profits’ was the theme of a recent poultry meeting organised by Hy-Line Poultry Farms Ltd. and attended by local egg producers in the War Memorial Hall, Crossgar. Mr. Robin Wylie, managing director Hy-Line Poultry Farms, gave a slide presentation on the Hy-Line parent company’s breeding and research facilities in the United States.

ANNALONG — A scroll and £7 savings certificate were presented to Noel Doran, of Glassdrummond, Annalong, for seven years unbroken attendance at St. Mary’s Primary School. He received his award from Dr. J. McGilton, Deputy Director of Education. The school was also honoured when Mr. Arthur Doran, principal, accepted a £10 certificate from the Very Rev. Canon Murphy, recently retired as parish priest. The gift was presented by Down Education Committee under the well-kept schools’ scheme.

NEWCASTLE — The County Down branch of the Scottish Pipe Bands Association are holding a Highland ball in the Slieve Donard Hotel tonight. Proceeds of the function will be donated to charity.

DOWNPATRICK — The unveiling of a commemorative plaque highlighted Tuesday’s official opening of a new £20,000 extension at Downpatrick Golf Club when 350 members and guests attended a special function organised to introduce patrons to an exciting amenity layout which must now rank as foremost of its kind.

The club captain, Mr. Colm Kelly, briefly outlined the circumstances which had occasioned the decision to extend the facilities. Much thought had gone into the preparation of plans, but, more important, the end product had been achieved within the specified time — a wonderful tribute to the main contractors, Polly Brothers, and the various subsidiary contractors and suppliers.

He welcomed on this occasion Ardglass captain, Mr. Cyril Bradley and Mrs. Bradley, and Spa captain, Mr. J. Carlisle. Mr. Kelly, in the company of the club’s council members, unveiled the wall plaque and there was an exchange of gifts between the captain and lady captain, Mrs. Roisin McCann, and Mr. and Mrs. William Polly.