Last weekend The Connacht Tribune had a few interesting pieces. They have a photograph of a new hurley stick created by Gerry Mannion from Ballygar. This has a regular hurley stick with seven holes drilled through the boss or striking end. On the boss is a corrugated patch of material. Should be good for killing flies as well as hurling.
The Tribune have a collection of news items from 25, 50, and 75 years ago. Noticed that in 1954 Myxamytosis effected rabbits were reported in Ahascragh and Mountbellew and the market for rabbits in Ballinasloe had stopped. The rabbit export from Ballinasloe was between 2000 and 3000 rabbits per week and a steady income for many had now been lost.
The Offaly Independent also have a historical column collected from old newspapers and this week they recall a week of Racing and Hurling in Cloghan and Banagher in 1773. The hurling match featured teams from Tipperary and Galway playing at 100 Guineas per team. Was this the start of professional hurling ?
A John Dalton in 1775 willed £10 Sterling to the ten poorest families in Rakara (Shannonbridge)
The two girls carrying out a sponsored walk from Knock to Clonmacnois for the homeless are expected to reach Shannonbridge today. About a week ago they dropped off collection buckets in the shops and pubs and people have been generous in offering the girls food and shelter on their journey.
Heard that Tony Fitzpatrick is getting married in Cork this week and best wishes to Tony and his bride. Tony is brother of Liam ex postmaster.
Weather has been mixed this week with wind rain sunshine mixture helping fishing in the area.