Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 5:00pm

PAGES FROM THE PAST

1860

Church of Ireland minister leaves town

There was a change in the minister at St Peter's Church of Ireland parish during July 1860.

The previous minister Rev Hugh Murray, who was also garrison chaplain in the army barracks, was promoted to the rector of Cavan.

His friends and parishioners held a special reception prior to his departure, where an address and presentation were made in the "primitive Wesley Preaching-House in Northgate Street".

Lord Castlemaine was called to chair the meeting and said he was gratified in being present on the occasion and said he felt great pleasure in presenting the address of recognition and a purse of 200 sovereigns to Rev Murray.

Part of the address was as follows: "We cannot allow you to leave us, without an expression of our feelings towards you. Though our regard for you tells us that we ought to rejoice in your professional advancement, yet, we cannot overcome a deep feeling of regret at the loss which we shall suffer by your departure.

"We thank God that he had continued your ministry in our midst for nearly twenty three years, every one of which years, had strengthened the tie that binds you to your flock."

Rev Murray was replaced by a Rev James Gulley who was promoted from Knocknarea, Sligo, to the living of St Peter's in Athlone.

1910

3,00 gather at Athlone GAA challenge

Over 3,000 GAA fans gathered at The Meadows in Athlone on July 10, 1910, to witness a high-profile gaelic football challenge game between All Ireland champions Keatings of Dublin and Croke Cup holders Ballina Stephenites.

The massive crowd came mainly from Mayo and Galway via special trains from Galway, Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Westport, although a significant travelling support from Dublin was also evident.

The Dublin contingent was accompanied by the Lucan Fife and Drum Band which paraded through the town bringing the team and supporters to the grounds.

The Athlone Brass Band also played on the town's main thoroughfares as well as at the pitch side in The Meadows.

For the record, the Dubliners prevailed on a scoreline of 3-5 to 2-4.

However, there was dissatisfaction that a planned hurling game between sides from Dublin and Galway.

"It is not our purpose or inclination to quarrel with the Central Executive of the Gaelic Athletic Association. For more years than one cares to recall, practically from the inception of the Association, we have lent all the assistance in our power to give to the promotion of Irish games.

However, the paper said that the decision by the executive to refuse a permit for a hurling match in Athlone because of another fixture in Dublin was unfortunate.

"If there is an undue attempt to favour Dublin at the expense of the rest of Ireland, then we see before the Gaelic Athletic Association a sea of trouble."

"We have seldom witnessed such a large assembly of gamesters of every class, from the highly-coloured pavilion of the roulette table to the three-card trick men. The shooting gallery, the aunt sally, the fortune teller with her birds, the ballad seller, and the ballad singer, and other varieties of street musicians and general nuisance were there in abundance."

1960

Oxford students chase Lough Ree monster

The Lough Ree Monster was still making the news in Athlone in early July 1960.

By then, a group of 34 students from Oxford and Cambridge had visited the town for a four-week study on the lake. The group was equipped with am motor boat and echo sound apparatus.

Louth overcome Westmeath in Leinster

In recent weeks, Westmeath and Louth met in the Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final. 50 years ago was the last occasion the teams met at the penultimate round of the provincial championships.

The Westmeath Independent report noted that Westmeath's downfall was due to missed chances.

Westmeath were beaten by 1-8 to 1-1 despite having lead by 1-1 to 0-1 at half-time.

"For most of the 17,000 spectators the game was somewhat of a disappointment, but for those who travelled from all over Westmeath, it was simply agonising.

"Time and again in the first half Westmeath built up attacks and each time they got within site of goal the ball was kicked wide. Thirteen wides and numerous other chances were squandered in the first half and the fact that not a Westmeath forward scored during the game probably gives a clearer view of the game."

Westmeath were further hit by an injury to Mick Carley, their dominant figure at midfield, who was forced to retire early in the second half.

The Westmeath team was B. McCann, M. Conlon, T.J. Finneran (captain), F. Colclough, M. Moran, G. Cooney, M. Carley, N. Bruer, J. L'Estrange, T. Gunn, B. Rabbitte, J. Long, K. Ryan, G. Kane.

Four priests from one family

Two brothers, Rev Francis Corrigan and Rev. Kevin Corrigan, sons of the late Mr and Mrs Michael Corrigan, Tang, Athlone were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John McQuaid at Clonliffe College, Dublin, on Sunday, July 10, 1960, according to the paper.

It said their ordination created a record for the Holy Ghost Order, as they joined two other brothers who were already priests.

Rev Matthew Corrigan was serving in Gambia in West Africa, while Rev Colm Corrigan was on the staff of a high school in Toronto.

The two newly ordained brothers were past pupils of Tang NS and celebrated their first mass in their local church that week.

A reception was later held in the Hotel Mont Vista in Athlone at which the Holy Ghost order was represented.

It was expected the duo would serve in Ireland for a year before being travelling to their allotted missions abroad.