1916
Boy hero
Not all the deeds of heroism are performed amid the heat and excitement of battle. Little James Finnerty, of Athenry, a lad of nine, by his heroism, on Thursday last, the 28th September, deserves the highest award that it is in the gift of the Royal Humane Society to bestow.
It has been said that the modern schoolboy has degenerated. The simple story we tell below is a conclusive answer, and needs no epic style to adorn it. The deed, we trust, will act as an inspiration throughout the little lad’s career.
On the evening of the 28th September, a little girl named Christina Collins, aged four years, tumbled off Athenry bridge into the river, and was swept away by the current.
A young lad named James Finnerty, aged 9 years, who witnessed the occurrence, ran along the road which adjoins the river, and, as the child was swept from under the archway of a second bridge, 100 yards further down, young Finnerty plunged into the stream, caught the girl by the hair, and between wading and swimming, held her head over the water until both were assisted out by a young man named Cleary.
Had the current taken the child a few yards further, there would have been little hope of rescue. Save for the shock, the child was little the worse of her immersion.
Lucky escape
During the thunder storm in Connemara on Wednesday night week, the lightning entered the house of Mr. MI Connolly, and split a steel hay fork which was standing near the door, and tore up a part of the hearth and broke the hob. The occupants had a miraculous escape.
1941
Salthill’s needs
Vigorous criticism of the Galway Corporation’s attitude towards Salthill was voiced at a meeting attended by about 130 Salthill residents in the Pavilion, Salthill. Many of the amenities essential to the development of a seaside resort were lacking, it was pointed out, and it was held that some of the works undertaken at Salthill had been allowed to deteriorate into eyesores, or had not justified the expense.
Among the improvements suggested were: the cleaning of the foreshore; better sanitary accommodation; the provision of a railing that would make the Promenade safe for pedestrians; the provision of shelters on the Promenade and seats in the Park; the provision of amusements.
Mrs. Emerson (Eglinton Hotel) said of the old Garda barracks at Salthill that she offered to dispose of it to the Corporation so that they could provide up-to-date baths there.
She believed that proper baths at that place – a very suitable place – would be a paying proposition. She got a typewritten reply stating that the Corporation were not interested.
Mrs. Emerson referred to complaints that she had heard about the condition of the bathing boxes and said that the Corporation should have the boxes inspected occasionally to see that they were kept in a sanitary condition.
Tea ration doubles
The Minister for Supplies has decided to double the householder’s tea ration for the week commencing October 19. The new ration will be one ounce per week instead of the half-ounce which has been in operation since mid-April, 1941.
General Election
These rumours about the imminence of a General Election are disturbing. It is not desired by the rank and file of either of the big parties in Dáil Éireann and it most certainly is not desired by the general public, however much they may “grouse” about existing conditions and put the blame on Mr. de Valera’s Government.
Yet we are credibly informed that instructions have been given to the Government organisations to make all needful preparations for a General Election in the immediate future.
There are even rumours that the upheaval may take place next month, though these are discounted in responsible circles.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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