From the archives: Shebeens, the first Royal Regiment and Swinford Workhouse

By Tom Gillespie

PRIOR to Christmas in 1854 the Telegraph or Connaught Ranger reported that the Constabulary had undertaken a major clampdown on ‘shebeen houses’ in Castlebar.

They reported: The exertions which are being made by the Constabulary in the town to suppress those dens of demoralisation and infamy called ‘shebeen hoses’ - or, in other words, unlicensed houses where spirituous liquors are retiled - is deserving the highest commendation.

Since the arrival of Head-Constable Abbot in Castlebar his endeavours in this regard have been most zealous and indefatigable, and we feel much gratified in being able to state, that, through his instrumentality, coupled with that of the very efficient body of men under his charge, several of those illicit traffickers have already being made amenable to justice.

We trust this attention to duty on the part of Mr. Abbot will not escape due consideration in the proper quarter; indeed, we have heard it stated that his promotion in the force may be regarded as an almost accomplished fact; and although we should sincerely rejoice at such an event, still we must say we would regret his departure from this locality; his conduct and deportment, since he came here, being such as to gain for him the respect and admiration of the inhabitants in general, by whom he is held in much esteem.

We hope the police will persevere in their very laudable efforts to rid this neighbourhood of those pest-houses, places which are not only a fruitful source of much misery and crime, but are also a serious drawback on the industry of the licensed spirit dealers.

Meanwhile, in the edition of November 29, of that year, the newspaper bemoaned the departure of The 1st Royal Regiment from Castlebar.

They reported: It is with great regret we have learned that the connection which has existed between the 1st Royals and the inhabitants of this town is now being severed by the removal of that distinguished Regiment to another locality, and we hasten to give expression of the feelings of esteem and respect which their praiseworthy and exemplary conduct, in the discharge of their onerous duties, had elicited in the minds of all classes, and the genuine sorrows felt at their departure.

During their sojourn in Castlebar, they have delighted its inhabitants by the elegant and refinement of their manner - attracted their admiration by their strict observance of military discipline, by their talents and acquirements, and by their great excellence in every department.

We understand that a complimentary address from the inhabitants of Castlebar and its vicinity is in progress of signature for presentation to the officers of this gallant and distinguished corps on their departure from this locality.

In the same newspaper on June 20, 1855, the Swinford Board of Guardians requested the Sisters of Mercy to visit the Workhouse, and afford the paupers the benefit of their instruction.

And the editor wrote: Loath as we are to revert to this subject, we can’t help contrasting the conduct of the excellent Board of Swinford Union with that of our Union of Castlebar.

Reckoning many Protestant gentlemen in its numbers, the Swinford Board invited the Sisters of Marcy to their Workhouse.

Alas for Castlebar! Great in political battle, victorious in the popular cause, foremost in the cause of religious liberty and freedom of conscience - the focus of liberality the very centre of Mayo’s independence - yet withal, the only spot whee bigotry and intolerance squeak out its unholy note, -the only place on the Providence, nay, in all Ireland - where the poor immured paupers are denied the consolation of the solace and instruction of the blessed Sisters at their dying moments.

Talk of Russia, or the most barbarous nations. Such a prohibition if not known of preventing any person from visiting the incarcerated inmates of a poorhouse or a prison, such a privilege is not denied criminal.

But here, in this Catholic County, with Catholic ratepayers and Catholic Guardians, too, this monstrous exclusion is suffered to outrage common sene and decency The thing is really absurd, and it is high time that such tom-foolery is put to an end.