From the archives: Hare coursing in Castlebar in the 1940s
By Tom Gillespie
BACK in the 1940s the ‘sport’ of coursing was very popular in Castlebar and attracted a huge following. The location for the event was the Aerodrome Field, between Moneen and the Breaffy Road.
Seventy-three years ago this week - January 1949 - The Connaught Telegraph carried a report on one meeting, which proved ‘an outstanding success’ despite the fact the weather was anything but ideal.
The hares were strong and something of a record was established when there was only one casualty in the first 25 courses.
In the afternoon, however, a light cover of snow carpeted the course, interfering to some extent with the hare’s sense of direction towards the escape and resulting in many dogs getting gruelling tests and in a number of cases run to a standstill.
The paper reported: The grand success of the meeting reflects great credit on all the committee in charge and in this connection we may be pardoned for mentioning the names of the Rev. president, Fr. Morley; the chairman, Mr. Howard; the secretary, Mr. Gavin, and Messrs. John Egan, Paddy Golden, Dermot Coady, Pat Lavelle, Michael Murray, Jim McGowan, Paddy O’Donnell and Frank Ruane, who shouldered the lion’s share of the responsibility and did most of the work.
Early on, through lack of support, it was thought that the meeting would have to be abandoned, and it is to the everlasting credit of the above-named gentlemen that this course was not adopted.
Nothing succeeds like success and it is the intention of the committee to run a two-day meeting next year and thus put the county town once again on the sporting map.
Results:
National Breeders’ Trial Stake No. 1 final: F.J. Cadden’s f d Another Venice (Erris Tanist - Dandy Record) beat J. Dever’s bd d Denver.
National Breeders’ Trial Stake No. 2 final: ~T. Garvey’s f d A Better Pilot (Ruby Robert - Red Shoe Flyer) beat Michael Egan’s bd d Hill. Cat.
Trial Stake - final: S. Durkan’s f b Bunowen Trail (Tanner Trail - Mong Ruadg) beat Mrs. P. Munnelly’s bd b Rattleaway Tan.
All-Aged Stake - final: Michael Gaughan’s f d Rionn Delvin (Clooswan - I Think She’s In) beat P. Roebuck’s d Mayo Stock.
Lough Lannagh Stakes - final: P. McDonnell’s w bd d Davenport Dandy (Gipsy Fire - Annie Laurie) beat Mrs. D. Kenny’s f b Lady Liberty.
Hynes Cup - final: Stake divided between M. Murray’s bd d Windsor Jazz (Have a Jazz - M.P.H.) and Miss B. Egan’s w f b White Star Line (Kildrum Lad - Trembling Heather).
After the meeting a grand dance was held in the Town Hall, when the attendance was large and all present had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENTS
In the same edition of The Connaught Telegraph congratulations were extended to Mr. Joseph (Joe) Bourke, Maryland, Castlebar, who was successful in the final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Association in Dublin.
Son of Mr. Augustus Bourke, proprietor of the County Cinema, Spencer Street, Castlebar, and of Mrs. Bourke, this brilliant young student had the unique distinction of securing second place in all Ireland at the examination and the news of his great attainment will be received with much satisfaction by his numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the county and we join with them in wishing him every success in the future.
The paper reported it understood that he would commence practice in Castlebar in the very near future.
One of the advertisements from Mayo County Council sought a gatekeeper for the District Mental Hospital in Castlebar.
The advertisement read: Applications are invited for the whole-time permanent and pensionable position of gatekeeper in the Mental Hospital, Castlebar.The minimum age limit is 25 years.
Application form with information regarding qualifications, duties and salary may be obtained on application to the Chief Clerk of the hospital.
Completed application forms, with birth certificate, should be addressed to the Chief Clerk so as to reach him not later than 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 1949.
Meanwhile, the following positions were sought in the Wanted section of the paper: Apprentice and improver to dressmaking: only smart and intelligent applicants considered. Mrs. Flynn, Ladies’ Tailor (Spirella Corsetier), Newtown Street, Castlebar.
Messenger boy, over 14 years. Good wages for suitable applicant. Apply: J.P. Ansbro, Main Street, Castlebar.
Petrol pump attendant wanted. Apply Josie Bourke & Son, Ellison Street, Castlebar.
For comfortable house in Manchester, clean pleasant girl for household duties. Must be fond of children. Good food and wages.
Domestic required for one lady. Good cook essential; no washing; good outings and salary; town.
Assistant capable of taking charge of small grocery and general business. Apprentice with time fully worn partly served might do. Applications stating experience and salary expected.