From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 21, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 21, 1972

21 March 2012

TYRELLA — Saturday’s Tyrella point-to-point meeting attracted a large crowd in ideal conditions. So many attended in fact that the first race had to be put back ten minutes to enable patrons to get to the course on time.

Local rider Frankie Fitzsimons just missed a double when he lost the members’ race by only a short head on County Down. Despite an objection on the grounds of crossing at the last fence, the result stood. In the last race, riding Great Snow, owned by Brian Hamilton, of Ballynoe, he led his son, Frankie jnr., on Perry Moorhead’s Ribbon Perfume in a thrilling finish.

The open race, sponsored by Rea’s Emporium, was won in easy style by Dromore owner George Wilson’s Twist of Sand, ridden by his son. As usual Raymond Martin had a winner, this time on his father’s horse, Fast Rock, and the winner’s price of 5/2 was popular with the crowd.

After the last race the cups were presented by Miss Beverly Glover, daughter of the joint master, W. J. Glover.

NEWCASTLE — All that is left of a car owned by a Newcastle man is the ignition key. For the rest of the vehicle was used to plant a bomb in Banbridge this week. Mr. John Kearney, of 30 Downs Road, left his 1968 MG outside the Shimna Cafe at 9.50pm on Monday. And he made sure he locked the vehicle.

But the car was gone when he came back at 11.30. It was wrecked by the blast which caused extensive damage in the town’s main shopping centre.

BALLYNAHINCH — Members of the Ballynahinch Civic Week committee met on Monday night to plan the programme for their sixth successive festival week which will commence on May 6. That programme is now well under way and a ploughing match, a mannequin parade, junior and senior talent competitions, dances, novelty races and football matches have to date been planned.

Teams wishing to compete in the five-a-side soccer competition are asked to forward entries by March 31. Forms can be obtained from Mr. B. Reid, 29 Mountview Road, Ballymacarn, Ballynahinch. All entries will be restricted to a ten-mile radius of Ballynahinch and the committee would welcome new members with suggestions at their next meeting to be held on Wednesday night at Mrs. D. Walsh’s home in High Street, commencing at 8pm.

CASTLEWELLAN — Chief Superintendent John M. McAleenan, a native of Castlewellan, has been appointed an Assistant Commissioner of the Garda Siochana. He joined the force in 1935, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1951, inspector in 1958, superintendent in 1961 and became chief superintendent in 1967.

Married with three children, two girls and a boy, the new Assistant Commissioner was educated at St. Malachy’s College and Queen’s University Belfast. He has been mainly attached to administrative posts at Garda Headquarters.

COMBER — One of the greatest names in the entertainment world will be appearing in the Andrews Memorial Hall, Comber, on Eater Monday. Yes! It’s none other than James Young, Ireland’s top comedian who appeared recently on the 24 Hours and Patterson shows.

James Young is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records for having the most successful and longest running one-man show. His wit and humour has gained him world-wide fame and he has sold more LP records in Ireland than the Beatles.

SAINTFIELD — The congregation of First Saintfield Presbyterian Church, at its annual meeting and congregational social evening held in the Guild Hall, looked back on the past, surveyed the present, and looked to the future with vision.

It recognised with tangible appreciation the truly unique record of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Patterson, of Saintfield, who have given over 100 years of joint service as members of the choir.

The Rev. R. J. Magee presided and conducted the devotional exercises. When Mr. and Mrs. Patterson had ascended the platform, Mr. Magee said he was pleased to be given the opportunity to sound a note of gratitude for the way they had used the talent God gave them.

KILLINCHY — ‘Slide Away’ was the title of Killinchy Young Farmers’ Club’s meeting last week when members were invited to show slides they had brought along. Transparencies shown by Jim Stewart, Jennifer Morrow and Ian Morrison proved interesting and took viewers from Canada and America back across Ireland to the Isle of Man, Tunisia and even to Turkey.

ANNSBOR0UGH — The monthly meeting of Annsborough Women’s Institute was held last week when Miss Blackwood welcomed Mrs. Whatmough, of Murlough Nature Reserve, as guest speaker. Mrs. Whatmough showed films of Murlough reserve and gave an interesting talk which was enjoyed by all. Mrs. Jean Kelly gave the vote of thanks to Mrs. Whatmough and handed over a gift to her.The competition for an ornamental box went to Mrs. Wright. The ballot was won by Mrs. D. Greene and the birthday gift went to Mrs. Jean Brown. A cheque was sent to National Trust funds.

KILLYLEAGH — Killyleagh Young Farmers’ Club had their annual parents night last week when members, parents, the president, vice-president and friends gathered together for the evening. Mr. Brian Morrison, club leader, welcomed all guests and called upon Mr. J. P. Mackie, president, to give his remarks, after which Mrs. Mackie presented the awards. Miss Rosemary Lindsay then made a presentation to Mrs. Mackie.

The ladies provided a sit-down supper and the evening concluded with an enjoyable social.