St. Johns Parish Heritage Group.

Occasional Publication No. 8

St Johns Parish Heritage Group Newspaper Project

Extracts from The Roscommon Messenger 1900 1906.

In 2005 St. Johns Parish Heritage Group commissioned Rural Social Scheme participant Mr. Hugh Tumelty to undertake local newspaper research on its behalf in Roscommon County Library. This booklet was produced from his report.

Original research by Hugh Tumelty 2005 2012 Booklet design and text editing by Liam Byrne 2012. St. Johns Parish Heritage Group 2012. Please note: e & oe. No responsibility accepted for accuracy of transcribed reports. Please check original before use.

Local extracts from The Roscommon Messenger 1900 1906. The Roscommon Weekly Messenger was founded in 1848 by Alexander O'Conor Eccles of Ballingard House and lasted until 1935. It was incorporated into The Roscommon Champion which was founded in 1927 and closed in 2010. ___________________________________ A notice for rates appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated February 3rd 1900. It stated that Roscommon Co. Council intended to make rates on all property in Athlone Rural District No. 2. A list of rates for different types of property appeared with the notice. A advertisement appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of March 3rd 1900. It stated that the thoroughbred Stallion Son of York would serve mares at the stable of Gailey Bay House Knockcroghery. He was the property of Mr. R. F. Payne. The fees were thoroughbred mares 5, all others 2-10, to be paid before November 1st and a grooms fee 2 and 6 to be paid at first service. A history of his pedigree and lineage was also included in the notice. The advertisement was repeated in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger newspaper. A notice that a copy of the annual revision of valuation of property in each townland and urban district in Co. Roscommon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of March 10th 1900. The lists could be inspected during business hours at the office of the Co. Council secretary between 2 pm-4 pm each week day except on Saturday and Sunday or on a bank holiday. The revised lists were drawn up under the Valuation (Ireland) Acts 1857-1874. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper of March 24th 1900. It stated that rates had been made in the Rural District of Athlone no. 2. It gave a breakdown of figures for various types of property to be levied.

A notice for rates appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of March 31st 1900. It stated that rates had been made in the Rural District of Athlone no. 2. An advertisement for a registered Sire appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 7th 1900. It stated that Ashbough a registered sire, the property of Lord Crofton would serve only forty approved mares at Mote Park Roscommon for the season of 1900. The fees were: mares 3-3, owners/tenants mares, 2-2 and a grooms fee of 3 shillings to be paid at first service. A few thoroughbred mares, dams of winners, would be served for free for that season only. Owner would not be accountable for accidents to mares or foals The season would end on July 12th 1900. Service fees to be paid on or before December 1st 1900, or one guinea extra would be charged. Nominations to Ashbough could be secured upon application to John T. Rattray, Mote Park, Roscommon. The notice was repeated in several issues of the newspaper. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of May 5th 1900. It stated that a special meeting of the Knockcroghery Branch of the United Irish League would be held on May 6th 1900. Members were earnestly asked to attend. Delegates from Kilteevan and Rahara were expected to attend. Signed: Thomas Kelly, Secretary. A notice for the transfer of a Certificate for a publicans license appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of May 5th 1900. It stated that Mr. William OBrien intended to apply at the next quarter Licensing Sessions to be held in Roscommon for Athlone division and Co. Roscommon on the 23rd of May 1900 for a Magistrates Certificate to entitle him to sell beer, cider and spirits by retail at his house in Knockcroghery, Parish of Killenvoy, Barony of Athlone North, Co. Roscommon, which premises were formerly licensed in the name of Thomas Shanly. Dated 26th of April 1900. Applicant, William OBrien. Joseph Burke & Son, solicitor for applicant. 3

A report for a United Irish League meeting held at Portrun appeared in the Roscommon Messenger in a supplement dated May 5th. It was held to organise the district and to protest at the actions of several individuals in the area. People from other parishes attended also. A notice for rates appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper supplement of 23rd of June 1900. It stated that rates were about to be made in Athlone District no. 2. A list of charges for different types of land and property was included in the notice. The notice appeared in several issues of the paper. The audited accounts for the half year for Roscommon Co. Council appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated August 4th 1900. The notice was repeated in several issues of the newspaper. A rates notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 11th 1900. It stated that rates had been made in the Rural District of Co. Roscommon including Athlone no. 2 District. The notice appeared in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger. A notice for an application for a Certificate for a publicans license appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of September 22nd 1900. It stated that Mr. William OBrien of Atteagh, Knockcroghery intended to apply for a Certificate to receive a publicans license at the Annual Quarter Licensing Sessions to be held at Roscommon in and for the division of Athlone, on the 8th day of October 1900. A publicans license would entitle the applicant to sell spirits, cider, liquor or other spirituous products on the premises/house at Knockcroghery town, in Killenvoy Parish, Athlone Barony, Co. Roscommon. Dated 8th of September 1900. William OBrien of Atteagh, Co. Roscommon, Applicant. Joseph Burke & Son, Solicitors for Applicant, Roscommon. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of October 27th 1900. It stated that rates were about to be made on the property in 4

the Rural Districts of Roscommon Co. Council. The Rural Districts included Athlone no. 2 District and Roscommon urban and rural districts. The notice was repeated in several issues of the fore mentioned newspaper. There were no reels of microfiche for the Roscommon Messenger available for the years 1901 and 1902. A report about the new church in Roscommon and the preparations for its dedication appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 18th 1903. The report was very detailed in content. A report for the Lecarrow Petty Sessions held on Wednesday the 10th of June 1903 appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of June 13th 1903. Among the cases heard were a case involving a stabbing and a breach of the licensing laws/act. An advertisement for a thoroughbred sire appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of June 20th 1903. It stated that the thoroughbred sire Son of York would serve mares at Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery for the season 1903. Terms were 3 and the owner would not be accountable for any accidents but every care would be taken. Particulars upon application to R. F. Payne, Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery. A advertisement for the stallion Lord Shannon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of June 20th 1903. Money was to be paid on or before November 1st. The grooms fee of 2 and 6 was to be paid at the first service. The owner would not be accountable for any accidents but every care would be taken. For further particulars applications could be made to R.F. Payne, Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery. An advertisement for the stallion Summer appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of June 20th 1903. It stated that the thorough bred stallion Summer would stand at stud at Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery for the

1903 season. The terms were all mares 3 and grooms fee was 2 and 6. A description of the horse was in the advertisement. Grass could be had at 6 shillings a week with hay and oats at market prices. It was stated that great care would be taken of mares but the owner R. F. Payne would not be accountable for accidents. Dated May 1903. A very detailed report of the dedication of the new Sacred Heart church in Roscommon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper dated June 20th 1903. The report included a description of every aspect of the dedication ceremony music, liturgies, blessing etc. It also included a report of the Bishops address at High Mass on the evening of the dedication. A report of a court case under the Infectious Diseases (Animals Act) appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of June 27th 1903. The case involved a Mr. Patrick Rorke, Knockcroghery. The case was taken on behalf of the King of England. The defendant sold four lambs to a farmer from Elphin. The lambs had sheep scab and were not isolated from the main flock. He failed to notify his vet or the Co. Vestiary Officer that his sheep had scab. The penalty was 20 but the case was adjourned to enable a veterinary surgeon to give an expert opinion. A report of the death and funeral of Mrs. Green from Lecarrow appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of Saturday August 8h 1903. The deceased was the wife of Mr. B. J. Green, The Hill, Lecarrow. The death of Mrs. Green caused widespread shock and sadness in the surrounding area and there were large crowds at the funeral. The remains were interred in St. Johns cemetery on Monday afternoon the 2nd of August 1903. The names of the chief mourners were included in the report. A notice for the Gailey Bay Regatta appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 15th 1903. It was stated that the Regatta would be held on the 19th and 20th of August 1903. It 5

would be well organised and an enjoyable event. A report for the Gailey Bay Regatta appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated August 22nd 1903. The report included the names of the various officials and organising committee members. It included the results and names of the race winners and also the prizes for the races on each day. A report of the monthly Petty Sessions held in Lecarrow appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper of September 19th 1903. Among the cases dealt with were a case opposing renewal of a publicans license, a prosecution under the Animal Diseases Act 1900 for sheep scab and a case concerning drunkenness in a public place. A report of the Lecarrow Petty sessions in October 1903 appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of October 17th 1903. The cases were heard and adjourned until the following court session. One case was for trespass in pursuit of game and the second case was for use of threatening or abusive language. A notice for a stray or stolen lamb appeared in the Roscommon Messenger or November 7th 1903. It stated that lamb was the property of Mrs. Michael Morris of Knock in Knockcroghery Co. Roscommon. The lamb had strayed or was stolen. It was marked with some red marker fluid on its back and side, with the letter M over its tail. Information would be thankfully received by Mrs. Morris. A short report about a meeting of the tenants and the land agent of the White Estate in Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated November 7th 1903. The tenants attended a meeting in Mr. Holmes rent office. They wanted to know on what terms their holdings would be sold to them under the new Land Purchase Act. The agents representative informed them that they had no instructions to name any terms. The tenants declined to pay the half-year rent and left the meeting dissatisfied with the interview.

A notice for roads that were put to tender for contract for enhancement/repair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of February 13th 1904. The list of roads included roads in Knockcroghery, Rahara and Lecarrow. A notice for a sire named Blair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated April 23rd 1904. It stated that the horse would stand at stud at Gailey Bay House for the season of 1904. A description of the horse was included in the notice and the fees were all mares 2 and grooms fee was 2 and 6. A notice for the stallion Lord Shannon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 23rd 1904. The stallion would stand at stud at Gailey Bay House for the season of 1904. The fees were mares 1 and grooms fee was 2 and 6 to be paid at first service. The owner would not be responsible for any accidents but every care would be taken. A notice for the letting of land in Knockcroghery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 23rd 1904. It stated that 37 acres of land was to be let at Tobberogue near Knockcroghery. The land was to be let in two divisions of 23 acres and 14 acres respectively. Proposals were to be received by April 12th 1904 and were to be sent to James Connaughton, Cullawina, Four Roads. A report of a football match between Knockcroghery and Kilbride Emmets was printed in the Roscommon Messenger of April 23rd 1904. The match was played on a Sunday. The weather was bad but the football was quite good, however the attendance was poor. The result of the match was Kilbride Emmets 4 points, Knockcroghery 1 point. A report of a G.A.A. match between Castlerea Leos and Knockcroghery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of May 4th 1904. The match was played in Ballintubber. There was a large crowd of spectators in attendance. Castlerea Leos won the match on a scoreline of 2 goals and 3 points to Knockcrogherys 4

points. Mr. John Silk from Castlerea refereed the match. A advertisement for the thoroughbred stallion Blair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of July 9th 1904. It stated that the stallion would stand at stud at Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery for the 1904 season. A description of the horse and its qualities and characteristics were included in the advertisement. The fees were all mares: 2 each and grooms fee of 2 and 6. The horse was bred by W. D. Talbot Crosbie Esq. The advertisement was repeated in several issues of the newspaper. An advertisement for the stallion Lord Shannon appeared in the same newspaper on the same date. The horse was to stand at stud at Gailey Bay House, Knockcroghery in the season of 1904. The fees were mares 1, grooms fee was 2 and 6 to be paid at the first service. The owner would not be accountable for any accidents but every care would be taken. The advertisement appeared in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger newspaper. A report of a public meeting held in Rahara appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated July 9th 1904. The meeting was held to establish a branch of the United Irish League in Rahara. The United Irish League in Co. Roscommon was been re-organised at the time. The chair was taken by Mr. Malachy Donnelly D.C. The organiser was Mr. James Fagan. Mr. Fagan stated that he did regret to hear there was a good deal of apathy in Rahara and that the organisation was not accorded the support it merited. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper. It stated that the Gailey Bay Regatta would be held on the 15th and 16th of August 1904. The advertisement appeared in several issues of the newspaper. A report of a court case concerning a incident at Portrun, Knockcroghery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 6th 1904. 6

The case involved persons being found on a licensed premises without just cause. There were between 40 and 50 persons on the premises which could only accommodate a smaller number. There was no room for two invited guests on the premises on the day in question. There was an amusing crossexamination of witnesses in the relevant case at Roscommon District Court. The defendants were Mr. James McDermott a publican in Portrun, Knockcroghery and Mr. George Kelly, Kilteevan, Roscommon. Constable Cummins of Ballymurry Police Barracks, Knockcroghery detected the defendants breach of the Licensing Law on July 4th 1904, a Sunday. The case was dismissed. A report for Gaily Bay regatta appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated August 27th 1904. The report included a list of races and the winners of the races. The punt chase was won by R. Glennon followed by Mr. Walsh and Mr. Ganly etc. A notice for grassland appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of October 8th 1904. It stated that good grass could be procured for cattle and sheep in Knockcroghery before or during the fair. Applications were to be made to Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Knockcroghery. A detailed report of a case heard at the Lecarrow Petty Sessions on the previous Wednesday appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated October 5th 1904. The defendant was described as being a menace to travelling. The defendant was charged with assault of a witness who reported defendants behaviour to a station master and a guard. The defendant was charged with causing a fracas on a Midland and Great Western Railway train. The defendant was sentenced to one month imprisonment and hard labour. He was also fined 20 shillings for breaking a window on the train. A report for the Lecarrow Petty Sessions appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper dated October 15th 1894. The usual number of fines were imposed for 7

drunkenness, trespass etc. Captain Preston and his colleagues presided. Two occasional licenses were granted to two individuals. There was a debate about each license application. The licenses were granted for the hours between 7.30 am until 5 pm on the days in question. When the licenses were signed the Court adjourned. A report of a meeting of the United Irish League held in Rahara appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of October 22nd 1904. The meeting was held after mass on Sunday the 16th of October 1904 for the purpose of reviving the Rahara branch. Mr. Carr the organiser addressed the assembled crowd. He asked why people would not support the United Irish League, now that the road was open to them to improve their lot. He gave an example of a landlord who tried to exploit his tenants by trickery and devious behaviour. He urged the people of Rahara not to be learning their drill when called upon to take their place at the post of duty. New members were signed up and the meeting ended. A report of a case concerning housebreaking and robbery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper of November 19th 1904. The accused man was charged with stealing a donkey and cart and with ransacking a house. The accused complained about his treatment by the police. It was also stated that there was some Christianity in England but none in Ireland. The accused man threatened to appeal to the Lord Lieutenant. A detailed report of the hearing of the Knockcroghery housebreaking and robbery case appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of the 26th of November 1904. The case was heard on November 20th 1904. The accused was before the Magistrate Mr. Brown R.M. and he was cross-examined. The case was prosecuted on behalf of the Crown by Mr. Hughes, the District Inspector. The accused was remanded to Tullamore Jail and returned for trial at the winter assizes.

A brief report of the Knockcroghery housebreaking and robbery case appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper of December 10th 1904. The case was heard at the Connaught Assizes. The defendant was sentenced to six months imprisonment. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated January 14th 1905. It stated that the Knockcroghery fife and drum band along with a large contingent assembled at Roscommon Railway Station on the previous Thursday night week and gave Mr. Redmond and his colleagues a hearty greeting on their way to Roscommon. A notice about a meeting of the United Irish League Branch of Rahara appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated February 25th 1905. The meeting was held on Sunday February 19th 1905. People gave generously to a collection for the Parliamentary Fund. A further meeting was to be held on the 26th of February 1905 to permit people to contribute to the Parliamentary Fund. Advertisement for three stallions appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 8th 1905. The stallions were Blair, Lord Shannon and Summer. They were to stand at Gailey Bay House in 1905. The mares fees ranged from 1 to 3 and grooms fee was 2 and 6 for all three stallions. The advertisement was repeated in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger. A report of the monthly Lecarrow Petty Sessions appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of April 22nd 1905. There was one case of serious misconduct in a train carriage before the court. The defendant Mr. Peter Lyons was charged for being drunk and disorderly in a railway carriage on a M.G.W.R. train. The defendant did not attend the court when the case was due for hearing several times and bench warrant was issued for the arrest of the accused. One case was before the court for drunkenness. The defendant was fined 1 shilling plus costs. An application to have a young girl committed to 8

an industrial school was referred to the police for enquiry and the court was adjourned. A notice for a meeting in Knockcroghery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper of May 13th 1905. It was stated that Mr. O. J. Donnellan, Co. Councillor, would address the electors of Mote Electoral Division on his own behalf as a candidate for the Councillorship of Roscommon County Division. The meeting was to be addressed by Mr. John Galvin C.C., Mr. D. J. Kelly and others. Mr. Donnellan represented the people of Mote Electoral Division on his own for a period of time due to the untimely death of Mr. Farrell McDonnell. The meeting was to be held on Sunday the 14th May after the last mass. A report of the Monthly Lecarrow Petty Sessions appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of May 13th 1905. The court was held on Wednesday May 10th 1905 before Captain Preston RM and his 3 assistant colleagues. The adjourned railway case was heard and the defendant Mr. Lyons was present in court. The defendant was charged with drunkenness, use of obscene language and interfering with the comfort of railway passengers. The defendant was fined 40 shillings in each case, 6 in all, or in default three months in jail. A notice appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of July 22nd 1905. It stated that the Gailey Bay rowing and sailing regatta would be held on the 9th and 10th of August 1905. The Regatta was to be organised by the Honorary Secretary Mr. M.C. Dignan. If the weather was fine enjoyable sport could be anticipated. A report of a boating accident appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper dated Saturday 12th 1905. The accident occurred at Gailey Bay in Knockcroghery during the annual Gailey Bay Regatta on Thursday the 10th August 1905. Two men and two women were thrown overboard when their boat capsized during a squall at Gailey Bay. One

occupant was an Englishman. He swam ashore and abandoned his comrades. The other man rescued the two ladies and kept them safe from the water. He was commended for his gallantry. A report for the first Knockcroghery Show appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 19th 1905. It was held on Tuesday August 15th. It was a success both in terms of the number and quality of exhibits. The Co. Roscommon committee of agriculture and technical instruction contributed 15 towards the prize money and the balance was made up locally. The classes included vegetables, poultry, honey, butter, crochet and knitting and other home industries. The exhibits were tastefully set out in the National Schools and attracted a good deal of attention during the day. The judges were Miss. Doyle, Miss. Parr and Mr. M. Nicholas, connected with the committee, and Mr. Murray. A full list of the awards was to appear in the following issue of the Roscommon Messenger. A notice for a handball tournament which was to be held in Knockcroghery appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 19th 1905. It was stated that the tournament was postponed until Sunday September 3rd 1905 and play was to commence at 2 pm sharp. A report of an accident involving a jennet and a military motor vehicle appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper, of August 19th 1905. The accident occurred on Sunday August 13th. It stated that a potentially serious accident occurred near Knockcroghery Railway Station. Mr. Gilligan and his sisters, all from Kiltoom were in a trap on the road when a military vehicle turning a corner on the road suddenly came upon them. The jennet Mr. Gilligan was driving became restive. One of the girls became alarmed and tried to jump out and in some way caught the reins to steady herself. The jennet backed against the wall which was 3 feet high at that point, with a drop of several feet into a field. Before the animal could be checked the car was backed clear of the wall with the occupants 9

underneath. On observing the accident those in charge of the motor vehicle immediately pulled up and assisted several persons who were standing by to release Mr. Gilligan and his sisters who were pinned under the trap. Fortunately for the three individuals concerned they suffered only a few bruises, owing to the back rail of the vehicle been caught on the wall lessening the pressure on the people. Mr. Gilligan claimed compensation for injury to his trap and harness but the officer in charge of the motor vehicle while expressing regret at the occurrence held he was quite within his right and said the owner of the trap might take his number with a view to any future proceedings he might be advised to take. A report of a funeral appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 26th 1905. It was stated that the death of Mrs. Mary Nixon, the wife of George Nixon took place on Sunday the 20th of August 1905. The deceased was ill for a fortnight prior to her death. She resided in Gailey Bay, Portrun, Knockcroghery. The deceased woman was 83 years old and had earned the esteem and respect of a large circle of acquaintances. The internment took place to Portrun graveyard on Tuesday the 22nd of August at 4 pm. There was a large cortege at the funeral and sympathy was extended to the relatives of the deceased. A notice of an intention to apply for a Certificate for a Publicans License at a Quarter Sessions of the peace appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of September 16th 1905. It stated that Mrs. Mary Ellen McDermott intended to apply for a Magistrates Certificate to entitle her to receive a transfer of a license to sell beer, spirits and cider by retail. The application was to be made at the Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the Division of Athlone and Co. Roscommon of October 12th 1905. The beer, cider and spirits were to be sold by retail at the applicants home in Portrun, of Kilmeane Parish, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The premises was licensed for such sale to Mr. James McDermott, whose interest was duly assigned to the applicant.

The application was dated September 4th 1905 and was signed by: Mary Ellen McDermott, Applicant and Joseph Burke and Sons Solicitors for applicant, Roscommon. An advertisement for grass appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper. It was stated that abundant grass could be had by dealers who would be attending the Knockcroghery Fair. The grass could be had a moderate fee. Applications to be made to P. Dempsey, Knockcroghery. A report for a handball tournament held in Knockcroghery Co. Roscommon appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated September 9th 1905. It was stated that several teams competed and several splendid matches were played. The tournament was held on Sunday the 6th of September 1905. The winners were Mr. J. Mulligan and Conlon from Castlerea who played excellent matches. A large number of spectators attended. A report for the Knockcroghery Fair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper of October 28th 1905. It was reported that the fair held on the 25th and 26th of October 1905 was well supplied with cattle and sheep. Cattle sold very slowly with very little margin over prices paid for them 6 and 12 months earlier. Sheep were bought up briskly at remunerative prices, which were a reduction on previous fairs. A letter of apology appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper, of December 2nd 1905. It concerned two lambs which were supposed to have been stolen from Gort Farm, Rahara. Mr. Daniel Scally from Ballagh, Rahara, was informed by the herd, Mr. Tim Boyle that he believed two lambs had been stolen from the farm. Mr. Daniel Scally wanted to inform Mr. John Scally of the information he had received from Mr. Tim Boyle on the 24th of September 1905. He wanted to give him the opportunity to deny or disprove the charge and wished for him to hear what he had to say and not hear it from other individuals. Mr. Daniel Scally made the statement in good faith and without malice. 10

Upon due reflection and consideration he found the charge to be without foundation and to be false. He withdrew everything he said concerning it and apologised for any offence it may have caused. Signed: David Scally to John Scally, Tubberdan, Lecarrow. A report of a football match played on the 21st of January 1906 appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper of January 27th 1906. The friendly match was played in Knockcroghery, and it commenced at 4 pm. Kilteevan won the toss and led by 3 points to no score at half time. Knockcroghery played well and scored 3 points in the second half. The match ended in a draw. The return friendly match was to be played in Kilteevan on February the 11th 1906. A detailed report of two court cases among several cases from the Lecarrow Petty Sessions appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of February 24th 1906. One case involved two neighbours concerning wilful damage to property. The plaintiff was Mr. John OBrien and the defendant was Mr. Joseph Dempsey. Mr. OBrien stated he was sitting at the fire at 10.20 pm on the night of Knockcroghery Fair day when he heard a crash followed by a brick which came through a window. He claimed he saw young Dempsey flee across the road by the light from a lamp. The plaintiff said he would make him suffer for what he had done. The Plaintiffs house was attacked a second time and the plaintiff had to remove his children from the upstairs rooms for their own safety. The case for wilful damage was dismissed due to lack of evidence. A defendant was charged with two incidents of assault, including one on the police sergeant in Knockcroghery, on a fair day and night of a fair in Knockcroghery. He was also charged with being drunk in a public place. The defendant was fined 40 shillings for assault on the police sergeant and 5 shillings for drunkenness, plus costs, or he would have to serve two concurrent sentences in prison. The defendant stated he would appeal the cases. Several other cases were heard at the same Petty Sessions. A case was brought

against Mr. G.V. Simmons from Athlone for not having his lights switched on at 24 minutes to six oclock in the evening. The complainant was Constable Cauley who brought the case under the Motor Car Act. The defendant switched on his lights at the barracks in Kiltoom at 11 minutes past six oclock. The defendant was in breach of the Motor Car Act and was fined one shilling for the offence. The court chairman remarked that he had never met a more cautious and careful driver than Mr. Simmons and he fined him 1 shilling. The court then concluded. A notice that land had been poisoned appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of February 24th 1906. The notice stated that the lands of Mr. George Ward of Rahara had been poisoned for the preservation of game from the 24th February 1906. The notice was signed: George Ward. The notice was also repeated in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper. A report of the action of a landlord appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper of March 10th 1906. The report stated that the tenants on the estate of Major Lloyd at Lecarrow, Dysart and Four Roads who with the exception of larger occupiers had been paying their rents yearly, up to that time were noticed by the bailiff that in future they must pay the rent on a half yearly basis, commencing in May 1906, or failing to do so it would result in a process to the May Petty Sessions. The strange alteration to the rule recognised on the property during the occupancy of the oldest tenant was hard to understand and if persisted with it would not tend to a continuance of the feeling that had always existed between the tenants and their landlord. It may be stated that the tenants offered to buy their holdings at twenty one and a half years purchase price in 1905 but the landlord declined although the price was the highest offered for the same class of land in the district. The action of the landlord may have been designed with the object of coercing his tenants into accepting his terms.

A report of a Gaelic football match played between Knockcroghery and Kilteevan appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper dated April 21st 1906. The match was a championship game and it was played at the Lough Grounds in Roscommon. Knockcroghery won the toss and played with the wind. Kilteevan played a good game and scored 4 points in the first half an hour to nil. In the second half an hour Kilteevan played all the time in their opponents ground and when the final whistle sounded the final score was: Kilteevan 3 goals 10 points to Knockcroghery nil. An advertisement for a stallion named Summer appeared in the Roscommon Messenger newspaper. For descriptive particulars the Weatherbys Book was to be consulted vol. xvi page 630. The fees were for all mares 3 and the grooms fee was 2 and 6. An advertisement for the thoroughbred sire Blair also appeared. The horse was got by Clovelly, reputedly the best hackney sire in Ireland. Clovelly was sold by the Hon. Frederick Wrench for 1,000. The fees were all mares 2 each and the grooms fee of 2 and 6. An advertisement also appeared for the thoroughbred sire Lord Shannon. The fees were mares 1 and grooms fee of 2 and 6. All three stallions were to stand at stud at their owners stables at Gaily Bay, Knockcroghery. Every care would be taken of mares going to the sires, but the owner would not be responsible for any accidents. Further particulars upon application to R. F. Payne, Gaily Bay House, Knockcroghery. All the advertisements were repeated in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper. A report of a visit of a relative of a prominent person of Knockcroghery parish appeared in the Roscommon Messenger Newspaper of July 21st 1906. It stated that a Mrs. Ryan and her daughter from Providence, Rhode Island, New York state in the United States of America visited Mrs. Ryans mother Mrs. Moran from Crith in Knockcroghery. They had a pleasant stay with their relatives for

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eleven months and returned to the United States in late June 1906. A advertisement appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 11th 1906. The advertisement stated that the Knockcroghery show was to be held on the 15th of August 1906. There were to be numerous attractions for people to see. The attractions were to include a bee hive kept with live bees, including a demonstration by a expert form the bee keepers association on the day of the show. There was to be on view from the Dublin Museum a number of birds useful to the agriculturalist, and specimens of lace of interest to ladies. There was to be a draw for a valuable violin (bow and case). Tickets were 3 pence each. A report of a prize won by a local person in the Knockcroghery home industries and poultry show appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of August 25th 1906. The prize was a Orpington cock and hen and it was won by Mr. Thomas OGara from Athleague. The prize was presented by Mrs. Stevens, Kiltoom, Athlone. The prize was limited to the competitor with the smallest valuation who won most first prizes in the show. A advertisement for a handball tournament appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated September 8th 1906. It stated that a handball tournament was to be held in Knockcroghery on Sunday the 16th of September 1906. Play was to commence at 1:30 pm. A notice about the death of Mr. George Hubert McDonnell of Lacken appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of September 27th 1906. It was reported that much sympathy was expressed for Mrs. McDonnell and her family when news of the death of Mr. George Hubert McDonnell became known on Wednesday the 19th of September. The deceased was the son of the late Mr. B. K. McDonnell J.P., Lacken and he was in failing health for some months prior to his death. High Mass was offered up on Friday the 21st September in Rahara

Catholic Church and interment took place in the family burial vault in Kilcommon. A advertisement about Knockcroghery Fair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated October 6th 1906. The advertisement stated that stock owners attending Knockcroghery Fair could have accommodation for their cattle with plenty of grass and hay on application to Patrick Dempsey, Knockcroghery. The advertisement was dated the 26th October 1906. The advertisement was repeated in several issues of the Roscommon Messenger. A advertisement related to Knockcroghery Fair appeared in the Roscommon Messenger of October 13th 1906. It stated that the best refreshment would be found by parties attending the Knockcroghery Fair at P. J. Carrs marquee at the fair green. Beer, minerals and ale were advertised. The report of a death from Culleen, Lecarrow appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated November 17th 1906. It stated that the death of Mr. Peter Fallon, Culleen, took place on the 13th of November 1906 at 63 years of age. The deceased was from the farming class was a brother of Mr. E. Fallon a merchant in Roscommon. The deceased got a severe cold from which he contracted pneumonia and died three weeks later. On Thursday the 15th of November the internment took place in the family burial plot in Killenvoy, the funeral was very large and representative. A report of a meeting of the United Irish League Branch in Rahara appeared in the Roscommon Messenger dated December 29th 1906. It stated that the meeting was held on Thursday the 20th of December. The following members attended; M. Donnelly D.C. Sec, P. Scally, J. Dowd, J. Murray, M. Murray, P. Murray, P. Byrne. After some routine business had been transacted, a discussion took place on the aspect of the fight in Tonglagee between the men of Kilbride and Mr. Beirne from Ballinasloe. Subsequently the following resolution was unanimously adopted; That we view the fight now raging in Kilbride with 12

considerable interest and anxiety. That we deeply sympathise with those brave men in their courageous efforts to secure the land in their locality for their uneconomic holdings, and furthermore that we pledge ourselves to inaugurate a fund in the parish for the purpose of helping to defray their legal costs and expenses. That we call upon the householders of the parish who have not yet contributed to the U.I. League to do so before the new year, or if not that the names of the defaulters will be published. M. Donnelly, Hon. Sec.

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NOTES

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 St. Johns Parish Heritage Group 2012.

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