From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 11, 1972

11 July 2012

DOWNPATRICK — To mark the centenary of St. Patrick’s Church, Down-patrick, a special Mass was concelebrated when His Lordship the Bishop of Down and Connor presided. The preacher was Fr. McKavanagh, Garron Tower, and former priests of the parish took part in the concelebration ceremonies.

A Boy Scout guard of honour lined the approach to the church as the Bishop, Dr. Wm. Philbin, clergy and altar boys entered the church by the front door and proceeded to the High Altar via the centre aisle. The Mass was relayed to those unable to gain admittance to the church by amplifiers, as were the hymnal choruses by St. Patrick’s Choir.

There is little evidence of organised Catholic life in Downpatrick during Penal times and the priest said Mass where he could. At different times Masses were held on Struel Green and at a barn in Saul Street.

The faithful also met in a rude cabin at the Flying Horse. Later on the lease of a hay-yard was obtained in Stream Street and there the first church to be built in Down-patrick since the Reform-ation was erected and dedicated to St. Patrick in 1787.

This building served the parish for almost a century but as the congregation became larger and more prosperous ti was considered inadequate for the historic parish of Down. Through the efforts of Fr. Patrick O’Kane, the then parish priest, funds were raised for a new building and on March 17, 1868, the Bishop, Dr. Dorrian, laid the foundation stone of the present memorial Church of St. Patrick. The new church was dedicated and opened for worship on June 30, 1872.

KILLINCHY — William R. Neill, from Killinchy, is one of four young Northern Ireland people — all members of young farmers’ clubs — who are taking part in the annual European Rally of Young Farmers on Odense, Denmark. They are the third successive team to be sponsored by the Northern Bank.

BALLYNAHINCH — The Ballynahinch branch of the Combat Cancer Cam-paign met in the White Horse Hotel for its annual meeting. After an interesting and instructive film, ‘Combating Cancer,’ a business meeting ensued at which the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read and passed, Dr. F. J. O’Kane presiding.

Mrs. Olive Mateer, secretary, reported that the group was formed at a meeting in Harmony Hall on February 2. Some people felt there was no need for Combat Cancer in the town as there were already represented the British Empire Cancer Research Committee and the Imperial Cancer Research Group. They believed another group would upset the donations to the two established bodies.

Yet, a few of those present thought that a Combat Cancer group was worth considering for Ballynahinch if, for nothing else, the educational side which the group alone advocated. As a result, a second meeting was convened in March when officer bearers were elected.

Fund-raising events were arranged, including a bring-and-buy sale organised by Mrs. Agnes Brown and Mrs. Pauline Hayward at the Health Clinic. A competition at Spa Golf Club raised £46.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle postal staff are busy arranging something special for a colleague who has retired after 40 years’ service. A presentation will be made to Miss Margaret Ginn, of 10 Silevemoyne Park, in the Donard Hotel next week.

A long family tradition comes to an end with Miss Ginn’s taking a well-earned break. Her father, Edward, was the first postmaster at the resort’s Crown Office.

DOWNPATRICK — The Downpa-trick branch of the Alliance Party has been given an insight into the workings of Proportional Represent-ation and its possible effects on the local government elections due to be held in the autumn.

Mrs. J. Donnelly, vice-chairman, presided, and the speaker, Mr. Keith Jones, pointed out that while PR was not foreign to elections in Northern Ireland, it was felt that with hard grouping and a large list of candidates it was important that voters understand now to exercise their franchise properly.

It was then unanimously decided to contest the Downpatrick, Strangford and Ardglass wards and a list of people willing to go forward for election was approved by the branch, for submission to headquarters. The final decision as to how many Alliance candidates should enter the field will be made later.

BALLYNAHINCH — East Down Rural Council have received 67 claims for criminal injury in respect of damage caused when a terrorist bomb exploded in Ballynahinch five weeks ago. The explosion caused damage estimated at £100,000. The claims have been referred to the council solicitor.

Claims were also received in respect of a house at Island Taggart belonging to Arthur and Juliet Mackie; an armed robbery and Whyte Bros., Castlewellan; and damage to the Bay Inn, Dundrum.

CROSSGAR — Members of Cumberland True Blues held their annual service in Lissara Pres-byterian Church. Breth-ren assembled at the Orange Hall and, headed by Crossgar accordion band, marched to the church where the preacher, the Rev. M. C. Thompson, gave a most inspiring address.

The choir, with their leader, Miss McKeown at the organ, rendered special musical items and two duets were beautifully rendered by Mrs. Grant and Miss McCall. The special collection in aid of Manor House Home, Lisburn, was taken up by Messrs Wm. Whyte, R. Dickson, G. Drury, P. Patterson, J. B. McMillan and E. Cargo.

KILLINCHY — A 72 year-old Killinchy woman sustained fatal injuries when knocked down by a car on the Killyleagh-Comber Road. She was Miss Prudence Craig, of Thorny Hill, who died in Ards Hospital.

SEAFORDE — Clough Accordion Band led Orange Lodges Drumcaw 432, Clough 313 and Seaforde 1043 from Seaforde Orange Hall to the local Presbyterian church for their annual service, which was conducted by the minister, the Rev. S. J. Millar. The special preacher was the Rev. J. D. Caldwell, rector of Dundrum and Kilmegan. Miss Olive Patterson, organist, led Seaforde choir in the praise.

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