BYGONE DAYS: Itchy fingers leads to court after duck shooting at Lough Neagh

In the first batch of cases John Shaw, Ballygrooby, was fined 5s for killing a wild duck, and John McDonnell, Ballytresna; George Drennan, Ballygrooby; George McGonigal, Main Street, Randalstown, and William Magill, Feehogue, were each fined a similar amount for attempting to kill wild duck.

Sergeant Singer, who proved the cases, said he heard shots on the shores of Lough Beg, and later found Shaw in possession of a wild duck which had recently been killed. His gun had been discharged, as were those of Drennan and McGonigal, but McDonnell’s and Magill’s had not been fired.

George McLoughlin, Feehogue, who did not appear, was fined 10s for attempting to kill wild duck. Singer said that he had seen the defendant fire three shots inside a few minutes.

‘HAD SOME LUCK’

Four other men were summoned for a similar offence. Three of them, David M Graham and James Storey, Kemil Hill, Randalstown, and Noel Millar. Lisnagroggan, were each fined 5s, and Sydney Peoples, Lisnagroggan, who did not appear, was fined 10s.

Sergeant Singer said that he had heard shots from a clump of bushes, and when he asked the defendants if they had had any luck, “they more or less collectively replied that they had had some luck”, pointing to two ducks lying out some distance from the shore and saying that the dogs would not go out for them.

Millar admitted to the court that he had shot the ducks, and said that he did not think that a couple of hours before the close season ended would make much difference.

All the others had also shot the birds.

Storey said the sergeant did not catch him the act. To which the RM asked: “What were you there for?” Storey answered: “I was there to shoot wild ducks.” Which was greeted with much laughter. The RM added: “I don’t think the police can produce better evidence than your discharged gun.”

NOTABLE DEBUT AT KILWAUGHTER YFC

It was also reported during this week in September 1945 that Kilwaughter YFC had held their first annual meeting in the Orange Hall which had been attended by “a large and enthusiastic turnout of members”. They had welcomed Mr A McAllister, assistant organiser from headquarters who had presided at the meeting.

Opening the meeting, Mr McAllister referred to the fact that that it was “the first peace time” meeting of the club and as an act of thanksgiving he asked the members of the club to join in singing the National Anthem.

The first annual report was submitted by the secretary, Miss Betty Nelson, which showed that “a very active and varied programme had been carried out, including general knowledge and spelling ‘bees’, debates, public speaking, dramatic work, etc”.

Visits had been paid to and received from several of the neighbouring clubs, “not to mention the many other social functions held”.

Perhaps the most important event was the first annual agricultural show promoted during the summer, which, “despite the inexperience of the members in this respect”, had proved to be an outstanding success. The club treasurer, Mr H Duffin, and the show treasurer, Mr R W Hyde, by their reports revealed that the club was in a strong financial position.

Following the adoption of the reports Mr McAllister congratulated the club on the success they had made of their first season, adding, “that it reflected great credit on the committees and members alike”.

The election of office bearers for the incoming season resulted as follows: President, Mr R W Hyde; vice presidents, Mrs R W Hyde, Mr J Boyd and Mr J Duffin; club leader, Mr W Caldwell; assistant club leader, Mr R Wilson; secretary, Miss Betty Nelson; assistant secretary, Miss Rhoda Boyd; treasurer, Mr T Gilbert; press correspondent, Mr W Crymble; committee, the Misses Lily Holden, Dorothy Craig and Madge Boyd, and Messrs A Clements, T Gingles, J Holden, J Nelson and H Duffin.

At the close of the meeting Mr R W Hyde and Mr H Duffin thanked Mr McAllister on behalf the club, for the efficient way in which he had conducted the meeting.

SHEEPDOG TRIALS AT PLUMBRIDGE

Meanwhile some of the best sheepdogs in Ireland had taken part in trials held at Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, which had promoted by the Irish Working Sheepdog Society. It was reported that there had been “very large attendance”.

Mr J Stewart, of the Ministry of Agriculture, was judge, Mr R A Campbell, JP, course director; and Mr R A Orr, timekeeper.

In the open trial there was keen competition, and two dogs finished with the same number of points. The prize was awarded on time.

Results: Open trial, (single), 1, Mr John Truesdale, Castlewellan (Jed), 53, 2, Mr A P Wilson, Richhill (Dick), 53, 3 Mr R A Dunn, Claudy (Sheila), 50½.

Irish National Championship (doubles): 1, Mr A P Wilson (Dick and Jess), 51½, Mr John Truesdale (Cap and Jed), 43: 3, Mr R A Dunn (Roy and Shiela), 26.