Ederney Village

06/05/2026

September 30th 1905. TRAGIC SEQUEL TO SPORTS. THE LISNASKEA MYSTERY. Missing Man’s Movements. ACCUSED AGAIN REMANDED. On Monday afternoon the farm labourer, Hugh Creegan, who is charged with the murder of a farmer named John Gardiner, Drumleagues, near Lisnaskea, on the 25th August, was conveyed from Armagh Prison to Lisnaskea by Sergeant Dolan and Constable Brady, and brought up on remand before Mr. J. Gray, R.M.
Gardiner, who lived with his brother, attended sports in Lisnaskea on the 25th August. He left the town about nine o’clock in the evening but did not arrive home that night, and his continued absence on the following day occasioned much anxiety in the mind of his brother, who eventually communicated with the police. District-Inspector Murnane at once took charge of the case, which from the first presented many difficulties. The MOVEMENTS OF THE MISSING MAN were somewhat difficult to trace, but, acting on two small clues—namely, the discovery of Gardiner’s umbrella in a broken condition on Ballindarragh Bridge, and also the finding of some human hair which was adhering to the coping of the bridge, and which hair Gardiner’s brother identified as being similar to that of the missing man, the police confined their search to the dragging of the river, which on the night of the sports was swollen to a considerable height. A week later Gardiner’s body was discovered in the river about six hundred yards from the bridge. A severe contusion was found on the temple, and the medical evidence showed that the man DID NOT BREATH AFTER ENTERING THE WATER. The Coroner's jury returned a verdict to the effect that Gardiner had met his death by violence at the hands of some person or persons unknown. Creegan, the accused, who has grown a black beard since his arrest, is a harmless-looking young fellow, and on his way to and from the prison he chats freely with the police on various subjects.

September 30th 1905. LISNASKEA GUARDIANS. MORE ABOUT THE EGGS, TRAMPS, VACCINATION, AND DOCTORS’ SALARIES. Lisnaskea Guardians met on Saturday, Mr. J. O'Donnell, chairman, presiding. There were also present—Messrs. John Burns, Thomas, Plunkett. Thos. Molloy, E. Gallagher, R. Mallon, and T. R. Kerr.
EGGS.
Mr. Plunkett said he had recently gone through the body of the house and he was informed that no one there got any eggs. He then went to the infirmary and Nurse Power told him that they only received 44 eggs in the day. That would only come to twenty-five dozen in the week, and yet thirty-five dozen were ordered. He therefore wanted to know what was done with the other ten dozen.
The Clerk (Mr. J. O’Reilly Hoey)—I am afraid Miss Power is astray.
The Chairman—Did she put that on paper, Mr. Plunkett?
The Clerk—Forty-four in the day would be 306 in the week.
Mr. Plunkett—Are these the long hundreds or the short hundreds? Are there not six score in a hundred?
Mr. Molloy—No,
The Chairman — There are ten dozen in the hundred. I suppose Miss Power only guessed the number for you.
In reply to a question, the clerk said there were over fifty patients in the infirmary.
Mr. Plunkett — It appears the eggs are the only medicine they get.
Mr. Burns said he supposed the doctor considered that eggs were the best nourishment that could be given to the patients and when he ordered them the guardians had no power to interfere.
Mr. Plunkett—-If it were a man's own private establishment he would be more economical.
Mr. Molloy — The worst of it is that we don't get enough good things to eat {Laughter).
Mr. Plunkett — Who doesn't (laughter)?
Mr. Molloy — Any of us.
TRAMPS
While the list of admissions to the house were being read Mr. Molloy said—Do you hear that, Mr. Plunket, 105 tramps in the week?
A Guardian: They don't get an egg each.
Mr. Plunkett— The producers of wealth should get a fair share of the production, but it is the non-producers that squander all.
Mr. Molloy— They might be producers next year.
Mr. Plunkett—These infirm, old, decrepit people might be producers next year. Do you say that?
Mr. Molloy—Some of them might.
Mr. Plunkett—Maybe the eggs would revive them.
Mr. Burns—We cannot shoot them.
Mr. Plunkett—-We are not wanting to have that done, but the working man outside should get as much of the wealth as the non-producer.
Mr. Malloy—It is motor power that is doing the whole work now, not man at all. You must come down to facts.
Mr. Plunkett — Motor power?
Mr. Molloy — Yes and electricity.
Mr. Plunkett— Are you beginning to gibe?
Mr. Molloy—1 am not.
Mr Plunkett — Are you fed by motor-power? (laughter)
The matter dropped.

September 30th 1905. IN DHROLL DONEGAL, ROSSNOWLAGH. The first excursion on the Donegal-Ballyshannon extension took place on Thursday, when a very large number took advantage of cheap fares and visited Rossnowlagh the charming watering-place on this line, a number also visited Ballyshannon.
THE MARKETS.
Pork had another fall in Ballyshannon on Thursday, and although supply was scarce 48s was the highest obtainable.
THE BUNDORAN EXPRESS.
The express train from Belfast and Dublin to Bundoran on the Great Northern Railway will continue to run this year till the end of September.
EEL FISHING.
Eel fishing on the lower, weirs of the Erne near Ballyshannon has not been so successful up to the present this year, but good reports are to hand of Mr. D. Johnston, J.P.’s weir at Belleek, Co., Fermanagh.
THE NEW LINE.
Large numbers of cattle dealers availed themselves of the new extension line to Donegal for Mountcharles fair on Friday but complained of the connection at Donegal.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

September 30th 1905. VICEROY’S NARROW ESCAPE. STARTLING YACHTING ACCIDENT. EXCITING INCIDENT ON UPPER LOUGH ERNE. CAUGHT IN A SQUALL, LORD DUDLEY AND PARTY CLING TO THE BOAT. Rescued by a Motor LAUNCH. CAPTAIN CRIGHTON INJURED. A serious, and what might have proved a fatal, accident took place on Upper Lough Erne, near Crom Castle, Newtownbutler on Thursday afternoon. For the last few weeks the regatta of the Lough Erne Yacht Club has been going on and his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who has been spending a holiday with his brother, the Hon, Cyril Ward, at his charming seat at Rossferry, competed in several of the events with his two new yachts. Early on Thursday morning there was such a strong and variable wind blowing on the lake that a consultation took place as to the advisability of proceeding with the race for colleen yachts which had been fixed for that afternoon.
THE RACE DECIDED UPON. During the forenoon, however, there was a alight abatement noticeable in the force of the wind and the majority of the yachtsmen considered that it would be a pity to postpone what promised to be one of the most interest events on the programme, and it was decided to proceed with the race. The seven entries included a trim craft of Lord Dudley’s and in a few of the yachts some of the more courageous ladies of the party were seated. In Lord Dudley's boat there were, in addition to his Excellency and the crew, Lady Mabel Crichton, whose engagement to Lord Hugh Grosvenor, son of the late Duke of Westminster was announced a short time ago and the Hon. Captain Crichton, son of Lord Erne. The boats sailed away very fast before the strong wind which occasionally almost developed into a gale. All went well for a time, and the distinguished party were in full enjoyment of the unparalleled exhilaration of yachting under such exciting circumstances.
A SERIES OF SQUALLS. But on returning home a series of squalls were experienced. His Excellency's boat was doing remarkably well until approaching the winning buoy, when the spectators on the shore were alarmed to observe that it was getting into difficulties and to all appearance becoming unmanageable, Furious gusts of wind struck the frail vessel which, however, righted herself a couple of times although she was being washed fore and aft by waves. At length a gust of wind stronger than the others caught her broadside on and she quickly filled with water. The greatest excitement was immediately aroused amongst those in the other bouts and on shore, and it was with feelings of immense relief that the occupants were seen to cling to the disabled yacht.
CAPTAIN CRICHTON WOUNDED.
Very fortunately a motor launch which had been following the race was within a comparatively short distance when the accident occurred, and it put off in all haste to the scene and took Lord Dudley and his companions on board. Captain Crichton was, however, doubly unfortunate for in his efforts to cut some rope attached to the yacht the knife he was. using slipped and inflicted an ugly gash on his leg. On reaching the shore the Viceregal party were congratulated on their escape, and they proceeded at once to Crom Castle for a change of clothing.
Captain Crichton's wound was afterwards dressed by Dr. Fitzgerald, Newtownbutler, and he is progressing favourably. When the news of the accident reached Enniskillen a feeling akin to consternation was experienced and much gratification was expressed that the party were so lucky in escaping from more serious consequences. Lord Dudley and Lady Mabel Crichton do not appear to be anything the worse for their perilous adventure and his Excellency now treats the whole affair very lightly.
YACHTSMENS ENTHUSIASM DAMPENED.
Had the accident occurred during the racing on the lower lake, which is in parts nine miles wide, it is difficult to say what the result might have been. As it was the scarcely averted tragedy naturally put somewhat of a damper on the enthusiasm of the yachtsmen taking part in the regatta.
PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS TO LORD DUDLEY. Lord Dudley, the Irish Viceroy, who together with Captain Crichton and Lady Mabel Crichton, had such a narrow escape from drowning on Lough Erne has had his fair share of accidents, says the “London Morning Leader." When a boy he slipped from a tree and so injured his knee that he has been slightly lame ever since. A few years ago he was in a yachting accident off the coast of France, when the yacht was run into by a cruiser, and only last summer he was driving his motor car in Donegal containing a large party of friends when the car was over-turned, fortunately without serious consequences.
THE ADVANTAGE OF MOTOR BOATS. Saxon and Celt will unite in congratulating the Lord Lieutenant for Ireland on his escape from drowning in Lough Erne on Thursday, says the “London Daily News.” Lord Dudley, whose proficiency in sport is not the least of the qualities that have made him so popular a Viceroy, is an expert swimmer, but even expert swimmers are not always exempt from the perils that accompany wrecks. It is gratifying to learn that the whole party came well out of the accident with the exception of Captain Crichton, and the wound which he sustained is, happily, not very serious. The rescue of the party just in time from the sinking yacht to which they clung shows the advantage of having a fast motor-boat on hand when water sports are in progress. Lord Dudley is heartily congratulated upon his escape by the “Pall Mall Gazette.” A small sailing craft in a violent and capricious wind, says the paper, is the most uncanny of conveyances, and it is no mystery that the boat should have been overturned after the sailing master had been injured in attending to his duties. The prospect of rescue, too, by other competitors in ………………..

01/05/2026

September 16th 1905. CLONES WATER. Clones Urban Council propose to enlarge the waterworks reservoir so as to secure a sufficient supply of water all the year.
DEATH OF A CRIMEAN VETERAN. On Sunday the funeral took place at Drummully graveyard, Clones, of the remains of Jas. McCracken, a veteran of the Crimea war, who died at his residence, in the townland of Clonisten, on Friday at the age of eighty-four. Deceased had portion of his right hand shot off at Balaclava, and was subsequently discharged with a pension of £25 per annum. This was increased a few years before his death. The funeral was of large dimensions. Rev. Mr. Conway, rector, officiated.
STREET BRAWLS.
One of the street brawls which occur in Cara Street, Clones, periodically took place on Saturday sight, when the respectable inhabitants were kept awake by the noise of fighting on the street. The frequent recurrence of such scenes call for stern measures on the part of the police and magistrates.
INQUEST AT MONAGHAN. At an inquest on the body of' a child named Mary Ellen Rock, who had died from the effects of burns in Monaghan Infirmary, the jury, in accordance with the medical evidence, found a verdict that death was caused by shock, the result of extensive burns on the face, front of neck extending on each side of the axillar, and all over faces of both arms and hands.

September 16th 1905. BELLEEK NOTES. THE LOUGH ERNE FLOODGATES AT BELLEEK. A correspondent writes: - In the midst of tornadoes, inundations and destruction of property in counties in Ireland the Fermanagh farmer looks on in wonderment and with an agreeable surprise that throughout the entire Lough Erne district no serious injury or inconvenience has been caused to crops or lands abutting the lake shore. Some of the contributory rivers, owing to the heavy fall of rain, have risen to an abnormal height, bat the management of the floodgates at Belleek has been so praiseworthy and excellent that the level of the lake remains slightly above summer, and much under winter level, with the result that no damage or hardship whatever has been felt throughout the vast Lower and Upper Lough Erne districts. The Lough Erne Drainage Board are entitled to great credit for this satisfactory state of affairs, and particularly Mr. John McBrien, the popular and efficient keeper of the floodgates at Belleek. Mr. McBrien’s management of these gates during the present critical period is beyond all praise, and the excellent work which he is performing is worthy of commendation.

September 16th 1905. THE RECENT ENNISKILLEN SPORTS. SOME NOTES ON A SPLENDID ATHLETIC MEETING. PORTRAITS OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL FACTORS IN ITS SUCCESS AND OF NOTABLE PRIZES. Even a fortnight after the event, people are still talking of the recent athletic meeting at Enniskillen, and the success which attended the efforts of the gentlemen who organised the sports has been acknowledged on all hands. It was a memorable day in the Island Town. From an early hour in the morning the streets presented an animated appearance. Large numbers poured into Enniskillen from the surrounding districts, and the cheap excursions offered by the Great Northern and Sligo Railway Companies were largely taken advantage of, numerous visitors travelling from Derry, Belfast, Bundoran, Sligo, and intermediate stations. The result was that there was enormous attendance of spectators in the show ground. The atmospheric conditions were decidedly favourable. Though the weather was dull and threatening in the morning, not a drop of rain fell, and at times Old Sol shone. It is no exaggeration to say that the programme submitted was one of the most enjoyable ever witnessed at an athletic fixture in the county. From start to finish every event was followed with absorbing interest. Competition was of the keenest nature. Some of the most prominent Irish athletes took part in several of the races. Few persons are aware of the great amount of work which has to be done in connection with the organisation of an athletic meeting, more especially during the first year. Prizes have to be obtained, entry forms provided, a programme arranged, and then there is the laying out of the ground and the hundred and one little details which must be carefully arrang¬ed. All the preliminary arrangements were in the hands of the capable hon. secs., Messrs. R. G. Ford and J. Callaghan, and they had the assistance of Mr. Joseph Gillen, a very energetic member of the committee. For nearly a fort¬night prior to the sports these three gentlemen were working almost night and day, and deserve to be heartily congratulated on the great success of the meeting.
One of the most interesting events on the programme was the flat race for the half-mile championship of Fermanagh. The prize was a beautiful silver cup (with gold medal) presented by Fermanagh residents in Glasgow. The subscriptions to purchase the cup were collected by the following committee:—Messrs. James Green (Chairman), Michael Cleary, T. Kirke, James Smyth, T. Seery, John Simmons, J. Gillen, and F. Creegan, hon. sec. Their action proves that they are loyal to the old land, and especially to the island town. The trophy, which has to be won three years, was carried off by Mr. P. J. Rudden, Ashwoods, Enniskillen, one of the most prominent young athletes in the district. At the Lisnaskea Sports the previous week Mr. Rudden wan three first prizes. Much interest was also centred in the 440 yards scratch, confined to the members of football clubs who competed in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone League .or Charity CUD Competitions. The first prize in this event, the handsome cup presented by Mr Godfrey Featherstonehaugh, K.C., was won easily by Mr. Harry Mercer, Enniskillen. The proceedings during the afternoon were greatly enlivened by the choice musical programme discoursed by the splendid brass and reed band of the Devenish Branch Irish National Foresters Benefit Society, under the conductorship of Mr. D. Connolly. The prizes were distributed by the Countess of Erne, to whom a vote of thanks was accorded on the motion of Mr. R W. Wilson, F.A.I. The Earl of Erne suitably replied. We are indebted to the proprietors of the “Belfast Evening Telegraph” for the “blocks” of the above illustrations. Portraits of the cups will appear next week.
September 16th 1905. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—I think it right to draw the attention of the public to a matter affecting the welfare of our Ulster towns, especially of Cookstown, to which I wish to particularly direct attention. It is a well-known fact that markets in Cookstown are deteriorating to a more marked extent even than the surrounding towns. Now, many reasons are advanced to account for the dwindling markets of what was at one time admittedly among the foremost market-towns of the North. The spread of creameries is advanced for one, the multiplicity of tea carts through the country districts another, our declining population a third; but in my opinion the most cogent reason of all is seldom mentioned, perhaps it would be unpopular to do so. I refer to the party displays with their unpleasant accompaniments that are occurring periodically of late I might almost say daily in our midst. So frequent are these outbreaks that they have made the name of Cookstown a bye-word throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles. An enviable reputation surely! We find even country folk coming from a distance to the market badly beaten and maltreated. Is it any wonder, then, that parts of the district have ceased marketing in Cookstown and prefer to go for the security of their own person to markets almost as convenient. If the unthinking, the great unwashed urged on by leaders with an underlying motive are allowed to continue their pranks much longer the business people of Cookstown will after a while be sitting up at studied ease viewings the (pleasing?) spectacle, so to speak, of a deserted village.
If for no other reason every man with interest m the town must realise that owing to this condition of affairs the value of property in the town is deteriorating. This ought to awaken them to a sense of their duty at least to themselves. There are fair-minded people of different shades of opinion who have the good sense not to let politics intrude too far into their business relations. Why do these people not join together and put their foot down firmly before the trade of the town has completely disappeared? Ernest and thoughtful people in many parts of Ireland are applying their minds to the task of reviving industries and giving the young people a chance to live in the land of their birth and enrich it with their toil. Would practical matters of this kind not be better employment of leisure time than trying to perpetrate ancient enmities by means of senseless displays of no practical benefit to the country whatever.
As I consider the condition of affairs existing in our midst requires someone to speak, I trust in the interests of the community you will give publicity to this letter in your columns.—Yours truly A COOKSTOWN BUSINESS MAN. Cookstown, Sept. 12, 1905.

30/04/2026

September 9th 1905. NORTH V. WEST. ULADS (ULSTER) CHAMPIONS MEET CONNACHT'S MEN—AND FIND THE WEST'S AWAKE. INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING AND FOOTBALL IN DUBLIN. ULSTER'S CAMÁN MEN MAKE A FINE BATTLE. The long looked-for trial of strength and skill between the proved and selected athletes of Ulster and Connaught took place on Sunday at the famous athletic ground, Jones’ Road, Dublin, when contests in the Railway Hurling and Football Shields competition were decided. Though the day was windy, the rain held off and a great crowd mustered to see the contests. Ulster was beaten but the splendid display made by the hurlers from a province which had hitherto been almost but a “negligible quantity ” in the estimation of Southern proficients in the old historic Gaelic pastime won the admiration of all beholder and more than justified the hope that after the further practice and experience which will come of steady allegiance to the Gaelic ideal, our Northern teams will be as well to the front in the glorious pastimes of the country as were their fathers in the battle for their country's freedom from Beal-an-atha-buidhe and Benburb to Antrim and Ballinahinch. Ulster’ display was more than creditable; it was wonderful when all the circumstances are taken into account; and so all the spectators freely and enthusiastically averred.
The first battle was fought out between THE HURLERS OF ULSTER AND CONNAUGHT.
At 1.45 the teams entered the field. and Connaught having won the toss immediately began to press, and in about seven minute had 1 goal and 2 points to their credit. Then Ulster went forward, and with neat hurling scored a point. Play was more evenly divided after this, and after a grand rally Ulster scored another point. Ulster kept up the pressure, and a free gave them a chance, which their forwards availed of, scaring a goal, thus equalising matters. Connaught then got an innina ? (Penalty?) and after the Ulster goalkeeper had saved he was eventually beaten, thus placing Connaught a goal ahead. The scene was again changed. Ulster compelling their opponents to puck from goal, which they themselves had to do shortly after, and play continued in Ulster ground until Connaught added a point, to which they subsequently added a goal. After the puck out Ulster got a free in the centre, and getting another close in which was badly taken. Connaught sending forward added a point. Shortly after half-time went with the score:—
Connaught—3 goals and 4 points.
Ulster—1 goal and 2 points.
On resuming Ulster opened with a goal, the result of a free, and after the puck out Connaught sent forward, but Ulster quickly returned to the attack and a goal, and a point quickly followed. This left Connaught still a point ahead and Ulster shaved the posts several times for the equaliser. A splendid period of play followed, when a free for Ulster gave them the equalising point.
The Connaught men then sent forward, and it splendid set-to in Ulster ground again ended in a point for the Westerns. A puck from the side line for Ulster gave them a chance, but the Connaught defence was sound, and a score was averted and play sent to Ulster ground where the defence was severely taxed; but the Connaughtmen were not to be denied, and a point placed them two ahead, and after Connaught had pucked from goal they again invaded and another point resulted, play being in neutral ground when full time went. Score: Connaught —3 goals and 7 points, Ulster —3 goals and 4 points. (Ed. Teams listed.)
GAELIC FOOTBALL.
The exponents of Gaelic football chosen to do bottle for the province of Queen Maeve and King Connor then took the field. Ulster won the toss and playing with the wind they sent the ball forward, but Connaught were on the alert and transferred, and after Ulster had kicked out their opponents returned to the attack and notched a goal. A free for Connaught was badly taken, the ball going over wide. The game so far was very poor. Of course Connaught had the breeze to contend against, which nullified their efforts to a great extent, but Ulster so far were making poor use of their advantage, and the game was very even. Connaught up to this had the best of the play, when a free for Ulster gave them a chance, but Connaught defence was sound, and Ulster sent the ball wide over. The kick-out was followed by even play. Connaught eventually opened an attack, and getting close in scored a point, making them 1 goal and 1 point to nil. A run by Ulster was spoiled by a foul, and Connaught again went forward, and a point resulted. Hard even play followed, when a fifty free for Connaught was badly taken, but Ulster made nothing of the miss, and everything pointed to an easy win for Connaught. Ulster were awarded a free close in but Connaught defended well, when another free to Ulster was made use of, Sheeran scoring their first point. Connaught then went forward and a neat bit of play ended in a goal. Ulster then sent forward and were awarded a uitv (?) free, which was sent wide, and half time left the score:- Connaught 2 goals and 2 points. Ulster 1 point.
On resuming Ulster opened an attack, and in a minute scored a point. Hard even play followed, when on Connaught sending forward an Ulster back scored a point for them. The Ulster men after this put up a great game and kept their opponents at bay for ten minutes, when a rush gave them a point. Connacht kept up the pressure, and a point was registered, another followed shortly after. Ulster then sent forward, goal going through rather easily. A free for Ulster was well followed up, and after play had been confined to neutral ground for some time Ulster weir awarded a free, which was well defended, and then Ulster were put on the defensive and succeeded in preventing a further score, and transferred play to Connaught ground the latter being compelled to kick from goal. This they followed up and scored a point at the other end after which full time sounded with the score: — Connaught 2 coals and 7 points. Ulster 1 goal and 2 points.
The following were the teams: — Ulster—J. Smith P. Mc Govern, P. McEnrae,
J. Brady, P. Reilly (Cavan). D. Dempsey, M. Sheehan, J. Hamill, W. J. Dunlop, H. McKay,
H. Kane, W. Manning, P. Gallagher (Antrim), R. A. Whyte, P. Sheehan, T. Clarke (Fermanagh). J. O’Kane (Tyrone).
Connaught— R. Marsh (Capt.), C. Hale, A. Corcoran. D. Ryder, P. Heffernan, P. Farmer, J. Feury, T. Murray, W. Boshell, T. Boshell, T. Gilmartin, P. Sweeny (goal), M. Crean (Ballina) Hession, Kilkelly, Kennedy, M. Reapey (Galway). Mr. M. Murtagh refereed both matches.

September 16th 1905. BREEZY BUNDORAN. “Bundoran! All change please." Judging by the brilliantly lighted station and the throng of fashionably-dressed people who awaited the arrival of our train, It might have been Brighton, or Eastbourne, or any of the other well-known English watering places, whose names are on everybody’s tongue, says a writer in the Dublin Evening Mail. But it was only Bundoran! Yet how different from the Bundoran we have known. Twenty years ago the name connoted an obscure fishing village situated in the Southern shore of Donegal Bay, inhabited by a hardy race who eked out a precarious livelihood from the bleak stretches of land surrounding it or from the treacherous depths of the ocean. It is true that even then its qualities as a health resort were known for many miles into the country, and during the summer season country folk from the surrounding counties of Fermanagh. Cavan, Sligo, and Leitrim were wont to set off on their farm carts with well-stocked baskets of provisions to Bundoran to “dhrink the say.” But to the outer world it was unknown.
The first step towards the recognition of Bundoran was the construction of the Bundoran Railway, which links up with the Great Northern Company’s main line at Bundoran Junction. But for a long time even this, combined with the unrivalled health-giving qualities of Bundoran failed attract visitors in any considerable numbers. A sporadic and uncertain train service tried the patience of visitors from a distance, while the lack of enterprise of the inhabitants and their propensity for getting all they could and giving as little as possible in return became a bye-word amongst visitors and a standing advertisement to the disadvantage of Bundoran. This short-sighted policy, no doubt, largely the result of inexperience on the part of the people and inability to grasp the rich harvest which was at their hand—prevailed for a time. Little progress was made, and the great potentialities of Bundoran remained undiscovered.
All this is now changed, and the visitor who remembers only the Bundoran of fifteen or twenty years ago will have some difficulty in recognising his old idea in the smart and UP-TO-DATE WATERING-PLACE of to-day. From the east to the extreme west-end of the village, a distance of nearly two miles, excellent hotels and boarding-houses have taken the place of the cabins of the old days, splendid terraces in which the comfort of visitors is admirably catered for, while outwardly they possess considerable pretensions to architectural beauty. Bayview Terrace is a capital specimen of the new Bundoran. It is situated in the central part of the West End, within easy reach of the railway station, and commands a charming view of the entire Donegal Bay.
But amongst the architectural additions to Bundoran in recent years the one which instantly attracts the attention of the visitor is the palatial hotel which has been erected by the Great Northern Railway Company, high above the roaring billows of the Atlantic, it commands a view of the sea and mountain scenery which is; perhaps, without a parallel in the United Kingdom, and has been pronounced by authorities as ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY.
The hotel itself, which is under the capable management of Mr. Cobbe, is appointed and fitted up in the most luxurious fashion. This enterprise on the part of the Great Northern Company has been, as it deserved to be, an unqualified success, both from the point of the company and of Bundoran itself. While in no way interfering with the business of similar enterprises in the town, the new hotel, with its unique attractions, has been the means of bringing to this part of the Western seaboard an entire new clientele. That it is fully appreciated is strikingly shown by the fact that since Easter of the present year there has hardly been an idle room of the fifty or sixty which the hotel possesses.
It is not infrequently objected that while granting its other claims to the patronage of the holiday-maker, that Bundoran offers little if any attraction in the way of amusement. If by that is meant that Bundoran is not a Blackpool, Margate, or a Douglas, then the criticism must be admitted to be just. Those who go to Bundoran seeking the boisterous frivolity of this type of English watering-place will be unquestionably disappointed. Bundoran is for those whose object is to escape the distractions of the city, the eternal iteration of the music hall popular ditty, and the thousand and one other cheap and nasty features which permeate city life, and which are carried to the so-called popular seaside places and reproduced with all their nastiness exaggerated and amplified.
Those who are given to the pursuits of Isaac Walton have within easy cycling distance some of the best waters for trout fishing to be found anywhere in Ireland, notably Lough Melvin. There are driving and cycling tours innumerable, all of which furnish objects of interest to the inquiring mind, be its bent history, antiquities, geology, or botany, Ballyshannon is sacred.