From the pages of the Down Recorder, May 30, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, May 30, 1972

30 May 2012

BALLYNAHINCH — Early estimates of the havoc wrought by the terrorist bomb which exploded in the centre of Ballynahinch on Wednesday night put the cost at more than £100,000.

The bomb, estimated to contain at least 100 lbs of explosives, was planted in a car parked outside McCoubrey’s furniture and hardware shop in High Street. It went off at 9.50pm, wrecking shops in the immediate vicinity and smashing windows within a radius of 100 yards.

Incredibly, no one was seriously injured, although two policemen had to receive hospital treatment for facial lacerations caused by flying glass. Three High Street residents were also slightly injured by glass splinters.

The drama began at 9pm with a 999 call to the Downpatrick exchange stating that a 200 lb bomb had been planted in Dromore Street. Twenty minutes later, a second call emphasised that this was a genuine bomb warning, and not a hoax. At 9.28pm the exchange received a third warning call. This said the bomb wasn’t in Dromore Street, but outside Shaw’s shop in High Street.

Police examined an unattended Zephyr car parked outside McCoubrey’s shop. At that moment it was realised that if there was a bomb, it was probably in this car. The area had already been cordoned off, but several policemen were only 50 yards away from the car when the explosion came.

The full extent of the devastation was not apparent until daybreak. Then it was learned that over 50 shops and houses had been damaged, some seriously.

DOWNPATRICK — The annual excursion to Newcastle, scheduled for July 19, has been cancelled because of the troubles. A highlight of the year for children, the event was first organised in 1928 by the late Archdeacon McWilliams.

The Second World War forced the cancellations of the outings from 1940-45. Now, in the light of the present troubles, the organisers have had to call off this year’s trip. “We just want to be on the safe side,” said a spokesman.

CLOUGH — Two Downpatrick teenagers were killed and three others injured on Sunday afternoon when the car in which they were travelling left the road and toppled down a 20 feet embankment outside Clough.

Killed were Martin Swift (19), son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Swift, Marshallstown New Houses, and Patrick Rice (17), son of Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Rice, Ardmeen Green. The three injured in the accident were Brian Montgomery and John Dobbins, both of Marshallstown, and Colin Robinson, of Ardmeen Green.

ANNSBOROUGH — Downe Hospital surgeons operated for six hours on Monday to save the life of a Castlewellan man who was injured in an accident at Annsborough Mill. Twenty three year-old Patrick McAlarney, of Backaderry, sustained his injuries when he became trapped in a scutching machine.

BALLYKINLAR — Ballykinlar Drama Society held its first annual dinner function in the Donard Hotel, Newcastle, last week in celebration of the group’s public successes over the past three years.

Producer Paddy Bradley thanked the various backstage helpers, who, ordinarily, did not enjoy the same amount of publicity as the actual performers, but whose contributions nevertheless were such an integral part of the whole set-up. Among those to whom he paid special tribute were: Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Mahon, Mr. and Mrs. Malachy Glendenning, Mrs. William Hanna, Mr. Sean Magorrian, Mr. Patsy Maguire, Mr. John Smith and Fr. Forde.

CROSSGAR — “I look on prizes as an irrelevance in the educational system, which goes far beyond the school, and which is likely to show success rather in terms of the opportunities given to every child to develop his particular talents and contribute as a responsible citizen in the community of which he is a member.”

This was stated by Mr. Maurice Hayes, town clerk of Downpatrick, when he addressed students of St. Colmcille’s Secondary School, Crossgar, at their prizegiving on Wednesday.

KILLYLEAGH — The house-to-house collection in Killyleagh and district for Christian Aid this year amounted to £280, an increase of almost £20 over last year’s figure. The sale of meals tickets by some secondary school pupils brought in £16, giving a total of £296. The local organiser, Mr. W. J. Carruthers, is grateful for the willing assistance given by the collectors and for the continuing support of all sections of the people of the area for this worthy cause.

DOWNPATRICK — A concert party arranged by the Downpatrick branch of the Red Cross Society entertained patients at Quoile Hospital on Tuesday night. After a tour of the wards by the entertainers, supper was served and the matron, Miss Anne Patterson, thanked artistes and Red Cross members. Miss Patterson stressed how much the patients had enjoyed the visit.

ARDGLASS — The Rev. W. Trotter, minister of St. Enoch’s Presbyterian Church, Belfast, for the past 17 years, has accepted a unanimous call from the congregation of Ardglass Presbyterian Church. Mr. Trotter succeeds the Rev. W. T. Agnew, who has retired.

TYRELLA — When Down County Education Committee met on Friday last, mention was made that the principal of Tyrella Primary School had requested an extension of previous permission for him to live in a caravan in the school grounds, pending the purchase of a permanent residence in the area. The committee agreed to extend the present arrangement for one year, providing that planning permission was received from the County Council.