1962: Man accused of murdering brother-in-law at Drapersfield

May 9 2002

Emergency funding

HUNDREDS of lives may be at risk on Lough Neagh each year due to an alleged shortfall in emergency service funding.

The MAIL learned that last year alone a staggering 4,242 flights arriving to and departing from Belfast International Airport flew over Ireland’s largest inland waterway.

A woman from the loughshore area was being treated in hospital for meningitis. Her condition was described as “satisfactory”.

Magherafelt Army base was handed over to the Stormont Executive for “community use.”

Mid-Ulster soccer starlet Dean Shiels is continuing his education at Highbury – and could soon boast that he plays for the Premiership champions.

A Magherafelt man, who was said by his solicitor to have attempted suicide by driving into a fence, was jailed for six months at the local Magistrates Court.

Deaths: May 7 – Doris Anderson, formerly of Doorless, Cookstown; May 6 – Stanley Gordon, Tullyveagh Road, Cookstown; May 1 – Elizabeth Maneely (Bessie) Harpur, Main Street, Tullyhogue; May 6 – Ernest George Scott, Sinton Court, Cookstown.

25 Years Ago

May 14 1987

Weapon history

WEAPONS used by the eight IRA men killed outside Loughgall police station had been used in murders and attacks on security forces in the Magherafelt district, police revealed.

Sparks are flying in Cookstown over the decision by Northern Ireland Electricity to close its service depot at Oldtown Street.

A bumper package of fun events is in store for the people of South Derry next week when the May Festival swings into action. Magherafelt Council chair Mary McSorley said that to date the festival has been a “resounding success.”

The owners of Navan Quarry, which is beside the historic fort outside Armagh, have been refused permission by planners to install an enclosed conveyor to transfer crushed rock. Turning down the application for Mr Douglas Acheson, of Cookstown, the Planning Office held that the plant would be detrimental to the fort.

The Ulster Bank celebrated 70 years in Draperstown. To mark the occasion the manager and staff gave a small reception for customers and the general public.

Deaths: May 4 – Charlie Keightley, Australia (formerly Cullion, Desertmartin); May 11 – Mary Elizabeth Mayne, formerly Gortalowry Park, Cookstown; May 9 – Thomas Alexander Montgomery, Rockdale Road, Sandholes, Cookstown; May 3 – Edith Maud Nicholl, Sperrin View, Magherafelt; May 7 – Robert John Wilkinson, Northland Road, Moneymore.

50 Years Ago

May 12 1962

Sequel to shooting

A MAN appeared in court at Moneymore accused of murdering his brother-in-law at Drapersfield. James Quinn (28), a first class mechanical engineer in the Royal Navy, was charged with the murder of 26-year-old Reginald Cox, of Sandy Row, Cookstown.

A new £100,000 voluntary intermediate school, which will cater for 280 pupils from the parishes of Ballinascreen and Desertmartin, was officially opened at Draperstown by the Bishop of Derry Most Rev Dr Neil Farren, who also blessed and dedicated the building.

Although the Ministry of Education have not upheld Cookstown Urban Council’s protest against the proposal by County Tyrone Education Committee to amalgamate Dungannon and Cookstown Technical Schools under the one principal in the Dungannon School, the Council are to continue their fight to have the Cookstown School retained as a separate entity.

The urgent need for the provision of new public toilets in Cookstown was stressed at the monthly meeting of the Urban Council by Mr William Graham, who stated that the present toilets in Molesworth Street were a disgrace and should be closed.

Britain’s first satellite was launched into space at Cape Canaveral. The UK 1, a joint Anglo-American effort, was expected to orbit the earth every 99 minutes.

Deaths: May 9 – Latitia Cooke, Ballindrum, Moneymore; May 1 – Arthur Farr, Kingsmills, Ardtrea, Stewartstown; May 5 – Thomas Patrick, formerly of Drumgrass, Cookstown.

75 Years Ago

May 8 1937

New Labour

exchange

WORK began in connection with the erection of a new Cookstown Employment Exchange on a site on the south side of Fair Hill Road. The work was expected to occupy about six months.

Cookstown Urban Council approved of the general speed limit of 30mph for motor vehicles in built up areas.

At a meeting of Cookstown Employment Committee it was revealed that the number of wholly unemployed people in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt areas was 2,332.

Two local exhibitors who carried off awards at the Spring Show of cattle at Ballsbridge were Mrs and Mr W.J. Hogg, of Riverside House, Cookstown.

Rev D.H. Maconachie, BD, of Holywood, who was minister of Brigh Presbyterian Church from 1894 to 1897, retired after 43 years in the ministry.

Deaths: April 24 – Maggie Davison, Lisalbanagh, Magherafelt; April 27 – Annie Cheevers, Gortreagh, Cookstown; May 1 – Jane McKeown, Lindesayville (in her 92nd year); May 3 – Sarah Wilson, Low Cross, Tullyhogue.

100 Years Ago

May 3 1912

Railway route

A MEETING was held in Cookstown to consider the proposed railway from Derry to Cookstown via Claudy and Plumbridge.

Dr Todd, of Derry, who was present, said that the length would be about 54 miles and the estimated cost £350,000. The suggested route was from Plumbridge to Cashel bridge and down the Kildress valley to Tullagh, thence to James Street, and then to cross and connect with the railway in Market Yard. Mr H. Adair, JP, presided.

A four-wheeled horse drawn ambulance, fitted with rubber tyres, was purchased by Cookstown Board of Guardians.

Mid-Ulster Shorthorn breeders were well represented at the Dublin Show and Sale and in face of large entries succeeded in bringing home many honours. Among the prizewinners were Messrs T.J. Crawford, of Limepark; Robert Orr, of Ballysudden; A. Cameron, of Inverton House; Jos. McAleese, Tullyhogue; William Henderson, of Farmhill Coagh; Ezekiel Watters, Ballyblagh,and W. and J. Ekin, Ultimo House, Coagh.

Deaths: David Acheson, Castlecaulfield (aged 71); Archibald Henry, Tyressan; Samuel J. Brown, Moneyhaw.

IF you have an old photograph that you would like published, please contact Stanley Campbell, 14 Rainey Street, Magherafelt; telephone, 02879631780 or email [email protected]