By 
25 Years Ago/1996
History made in Rouskey
THE true meaning of Christmas was undoubtedly felt by all in Rouskey, as the community celebrated the village’s first ever Christmas tree lights switch-on, and its first live crib.
The joyous night began with the celebration of Mass by Fr Francis Bradley and Fr Ciaran Devlin in St Mary’s Chapel, where, on the altar, a display of homemade cribs by pupils of St Patrick’s PS, Gortin, was on show.
Another unique occasion was experienced as Fr Bradley blessed the crib containing the little donkey and the middle-eastern sheep.
Rosemary Woods beautifully sang ‘Silent Night’ in German, before being joined by the Ruscaigh Naiscoil. A joyous carol service followed, kept in time by Fr Ciaran Dallat.
Boost for golf clubs
FINTONA Golf Club is to receive a £60,000 grant from the Lottery Sports Fund to upgarde and extend its lock room and shower facilities, while Newtownstewart Golf Club has been awarded £50,000 to contribute towards the provision of changing accommodation and a sprinkler system.
Stole diamond rings
A CANNONDALE home has been broken into, the thief stealing some items of jewellery, including a Claddagh ring; an 18-inch gold chain; a diamond cluster ring; and a gold bracelet. Meanwhile, Hot Go boutique, High Street, was also burgled. A sum of money and some other items were stolen.
50 Years Ago/1971
Death of church leader
THERE is widespread sympathy with the members of the Presbyterian Church in the great loss that they have sustained by the sudden death from heart failure of the Moderator of the General Assembly Right Rev, Dr F Rupert Gibson, which occurred at his home.
The late Dr Gibson had served for several years as minister in Clogher, and his wife (formerly Elizabeth Barnett) is a native of the area. He is survived by his wife and one daughter.
Aged 65, the late Dr Gibson had been very active in promoting peace in the community. The sympathy of a legion of Tyrone friends goes out to the bereaved household.
Churchgoers searched
THERE is considerable resentment in the Creggan district of Carrickmore that many people were kept late for Mass at Creggan Church as a result of military road blocks on all roads in the district.
Troops searching cars caused long queues and consequent delays. Father Donnelly’s car was searched as he drove back from church. At the road block, he lodged a complaint with officers on behalf of the parishioners.
Fatal accident
A CYCLIST has died in Tyrone County Hospital after being injured in a road accident.
Isobel Johnston (38) of Kingarrow, Omagh, was knocked down by a motorcycle while cycling to her home.
75 Years Ago/1946
Received hefty fines
A MAN and his wife were fined a total of £100 at Newtownstewart Petty Sessions by William Miller, RM, for having no residence permits.
Defendants were Patrick and Ellen Kelly, Gallon Upper.
Their daughter, Barbara Kelly, was also prosecuted.
Constable Blair said that he demanded residence permits from the defendants, but they failed to produce them.
Sergeant Sullivan said that the defendants had been residing in the area since 1943.
The RM said, “I will put a ‘whacking’ fine on them, and issue a warrant for it. The man and his wife will be fined £50 each. The summons against the child will be adjourned for one month.”
Qualified as doctor
CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Frank P Campbell, older son of Dr and Mrs P J Campbell, Drumquin, who has passed the final examination of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, and has qualified as a doctor.
Dr Campbell was a former pupil of the Christian Brothers Schools, Omagh, and St Columb’s College, Derry.
Imprisoned for vagrancy
AT a special court in Castlederg before W J Haran, JP, Angela Kelly (18) of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment for vagrancy.
100 Years Ago/1921
Pensioner attacked
EDNATOODRY, Fintona, was the scene of a mysterious occurrence when an aged woman, Sarah Devlin, was attacked in her house by masked men, who subsequently set fire to the building.
It would appear that Mrs Devlin, who is aged about 80, lived alone in a farmhouse, situated a couple of miles from Fintona.
Between 8pm and 9pm, she was working in the kitchen when a masked man, who, it is believed, had gained entrance by forcing a side window upstairs, suddenly rushed at her.
She managed to break away, and proceeded to the house of a neighbouring farmer, where her son is deployed.
On her way, she noticed her house suddenly burst into flames.
Mrs Devlin’s pension book was later discovered several fields away from her house. The house was completely destroyed.
Poteen destroyed
SEVERAL raids for illicit spirits were carried out in the Mountfield and Greencastle districts, and large quantities of poteen were seized and destroyed. Implements used in the manufacture of poteen were also taken away from some farmer’s houses.
Guarded by guns
THE Omagh Courthouse is still guarded by armed police, although all of the officials are at work as usual, and the revision sessions are in progress in the Courthouse.
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