GlenavyHistory.com

Belfast Newsletter - 30th June 1829

AFFRAY AT GLENAVY

On the evening of St. John's day, 24th inst. There was in Glenavy much rioting, which was renewed again the next morning, and became so alarming in its consequences as to require the Lisburn Police to be sent for. It originated as follows:- On the evening above-mentioned, a drummer and fifer, who had been attending the Masonic procession, were returning home, when they were attacked in the most violent manner and much abused by some Roman Catholics. The Freemasons, finding they could not get home without endangering their lives, took them back and kept them all night. In the morning it was understood that the R.Catholics intended to way lay the drummer and fifer on the way home, and in consequence, about twelve Freemasons thought it their duty to see them safe out of Glenavy. They had not gone far, when the three men came up to them and attempted to pull the drum from the back of the man who was carrying it, and threatened to break it. The Freemasons (who happened to be Protestants) endeavoured to save the drum from being broken, when instantly, thirty or forty men rushed on them from behind the ditches where they had been lying concealed, and beat and abused the Freemasons in a brutal manner, who had to run for their lives; although some of them had taken the precaution to carry arms with them, that they might the better be able to protect the drummer and fifer from the intended assault! This is conciliation! - From a Correspondent.

Belfast Newsletter - Friday August 14th 1829

County of Antrim Assizes - Crown Court - Thursday, Aug. 13

William John Ingram, for an assault on Robert Heaney at Ballymacricket, on 25th June last. - This case occupied the Court the most part of the day, and the Jury retired; after some time the foreman intimated (through the bailiff) to his Lordship that he wished to speak to him - On his being admitted, he stated that there was no likelihood of their agreeing on the case; when his Lordship told them that he could not relieve them at that time as there was a trial going on; but told the foreman to retire, and as soon as the trial then going on was finished, he would consult Counsel, and send for them. The trial being finished, his Lordship and the different Counsellors had a long consultation as to the law that constituted a riot, rioters &c and then sent for the Jury and explained the law on this head to them. The Jury again retired, but shortly after came back, stating they could not yet agree - In the mean time his Lordship and Counsellors had some further discussion on the point at issue, and his Lordship gave further explanations o the Jury, who retired a third time, and had not come to a conclusion at six o'clock when our Reporter left the Court.

Belfast Newsletter - Tuesday 18th August 1829

County of Antrim Assizes - Crown Court - Thursday, August 13

Riot at Glenavy

Wm John Ingram, for a riot and assault, at Ballymacricket, near Glenavy, on 25th June last, and with grievously wounding Robert Heney, Jun.

Robert Heney - On 25th June heard a drum and fife at his door; went out, and saw "a deal of people", men and women, passing by, and seemed as if "haizing through other", heard his sister giving a shout that his father was killed saw his father lying in a drain and three persons on the top of him; one person had hold of a bayonet, and his father had the other end of it - went to assist his father; prisoner came across the road, and struck witness on the head with a sword or bayonet, and wounded him severely - prisoner struck him with a second blow on the side with a large stone - did not see prisoner amongst the party before that - witness had nothing in his hand - had been weaving before these people came up. - Cross ex. - Lives with his father - had been out the day before this, (St. John's Day;) can't say but he was in Glenavy - saw the drum and fife with the Freemasons that day - did not know that they had to pass his house next morning - does not know where the party were going to - his father went out to shear the cow's grass - knows William Morgan who is a neighbour - some more of the neighbours were out - can't say how many - could not swear there not twenty - can't say that his neighbours gave the drummer and fifer a beating - did not see them beat - saw no stones thrown - it was prisoner that struck him - never said it was any other person - there are informations against witness for a riot, and is now under bail to stand trial at the Sessions.

Mary Heney - Is sister to last witness - went out shortly after her brother - saw the party with drum and fife stop at McManus's house - her brother and she went down the road - saw her father falling, and shouted her father was killed, as she had seen weapons in the hands of the boys - saw three boys on her father; her brother went to his assistance, and Ingram struck her brother on the head with a bright weapon - her brother then went across the road bleeding, and Ingram struck him with a stone. - Cross-ex. - Does not know how many persons were with her father - saw only the blows on one side - did not see the other party struck - did not hear that those with the drum and fife were to be beat - her father did not strike anyone.

Hugh McManus - The riot happened opposite his door - saw a party arguing on the road - saw them drawing weapons of bayonets - saw Ingram there - some of his own neighbours were there - went to make peace - Ingram attempted to stab witness with a bayonet - a struggle ensued, and he took the bayonet from Ingram - another person made at him, and Ingram attempted to wrest the bayonet from witness, and cut his hand - many were bleeding. - Cross ex. Did not see Robert Heney strike any one - does not know that the parties passing were beat - some of them were bleeding - the drum and fife party run away, as he thinks, for fear of having the worst of it - but he saw none of them beat - saw no weapons with his party.

James Murray, Surgeon - Robert Heney came to his house on the morning of 25th, covered with blood, and said he thought he was killed - examined his head - found the skull completely cut through with some sharp weapon - complained of his side - said he had got a blow from a stone - saw a small contusion on his haunch.

For Defence.

James Ingles - On morning of 25th, left Glenavy with a fifer and drummer, and about seven or eight persons -Wm. Heney came up and give them bad language, but they went on, taking no notice - Heney followed, went on a ditch, and gave a huzza - a few minutes after, near McManus's house, seven or eight persons came running up as if to break the drum, some of them had their coats off - those with the drum and fife tried to prevent them - old Robert Heney struck Quigley with a stone on the back - this was the first blow struck - Heney's party then commenced throwing stones, and the others did so also - Heney and Quigley fell too at the ditch and two boys ? Quigley on the head with stones, - does not know young Robert Heney - those who beat Quigley said old Heney was their father - the drummer and fifer had swords - saw no other arms - his party were on their road home - Cross ex. - Saw no arms but the two swords till after the fray was over, when he saw a bayonet with a man named Kerr - did not see Heney wounded - the fight continued about three minutes - Heney's party had the best of it - the other party run away - did not see Heney's sons come out of the house.

Alexander Cardle - On the morning of 25th June saw a drum and fife, and about 7 or 8 men, coming long the road, with some women and children - William Morgan and some other men were working in a field - Morgan and they gave a huzza - they then followed the men with the drum and fife - young Heney came out stripped, and in a fighting-like order- his sister was with him, holding him by the arm - saw 7 men running stripped - witness called to some of them to go back to their work - they overtook the drum party - young Heney made a bolt among them as if to catch the drum - old Robert Heney and his party fell on them with stones - saw Arthur Ingram lying gasping on the ground - Heney's party were the first that struck - saw prisoner then bleeding,, and he and his party run on, and got clear of the other party - prisoner had neither sword or bayonet in his hand - the drum party had the worst of it - ther were only five of that party who engaged Heney's party - believes young Heney was wounded - does not know who did it.

John Simpson - On morning of 25th June was going to his work - saw prisoner at work that morning - saw the drum and fife and the party going along the road - saw a good many persons follow them - old Robert Heney came up and struck Quigley on the back with a stone, before any offence was given - young Heney was there - drum party got the worst- and had to run away - saw young Heney after he was cut - he said it was Arthur or Alexander Ingram that had done it - did not name the prisoner. - Cross ex. - Fifer and drummer had swords - James Kerr had a bayonet - Thomas Quigley had one - there were no more arms - does not know what tunes they were playing - saw prisoner there - he had no weapon in his hand all that day - might have lost sight of prisoner some part of the time - saw Morgan throw stones at the drum party - saw young Heney and the others run forward to the drum like a pack of hounds and shout to "hell with the drum".

Wm. Stevenson, a boy, gave a similar account of the attack on the drum party by Heney and friends.

W. Bush - Is a yeoman drummer - was going home on 25th June from Glenavy - a party run after him, and shouted to knock them and their drum to hell - a rush was made at them - they came down the hill throwing stones - and ran off to save his drum - had a sword - fifer had one - no other swords were with the party - prisoner had no weapon - saw no bayonets with his party - an attempt was made to break the drum - beat the drum that day - was beating for the Masons the day before - drummers and fifers always wear a sword when they play - the tune was the "Protestant Boys" that they were playing - did not draw his sword.

George McGowan -Was with the party going from Glenavy - saw young Heney struck - knows the person who struck the blow - on his oath it was not prisoner who did so.

Surgeon Murray called to character of prisoner, says, he rather thinks that he is "well-disposed and peaceable".

Rev. Daniel Bell, Curate of Glenavy - Has known prisoner for 10 or 15 years - he is a well conducted, peaceable man, not disposed to riot - is a regular attender at Church.

The Jury then retired, as stated in our last number ; and about eleven o'clock at night his Lordship went into Court, when they were ordered before him. The foreman stated when there was no likelihood of their coming to any agreement on their verdict, and his Lordship then consented to withdraw a juror. The prisoner was afterwards held to bail.

South Antrim Elections

Return of Mr William Grey Ellison Macartney … in a 6th paper he was nominated by Arthur H. Pakenham, J.P., Langford Lodge, seconded by James Lorimer, Glenavy. Assenters: Philip Corkin, Crumlin; W J McCluney, Crosshill; John H McCance, Cherryvalley; John Bullick, Ballydonaghy; John Clarke, Killead Rectory; John Henderson, Dundrod; Thomas Johnstone, Tullynewbane & Samuel Cromey, Glenavy.

The Lisburn Standard - Saturday 26th January 1901

DEATH OF THE QUEEN

A Nation in Mourning

. The sad news o the death of our beloved and revered Queen was received in Glenavy with the deepest sorrow and regret. The Bell of the Church is tolled daily, flags are at half-mast high, and the local shops are partially shuttered as manifestations of respect for her Majesty..

The Lisburn Standard - Saturday 9th February 1901

GLENAVY

A solemn memorial service was held in this church on the 2nd inst., at 2.30. The service consisted of the office for burial of the dead, with the required alterations, and with the addition of the special prayers appointed to be used in all the English churches on the occasion. The special hymns chosen were - "For all Thy Saints who from their labours rest", "O King of Mercy, from Thy Throne on High", "Peace, Perfect Peace". At the close of the service the Nunc Dimittis was sung, the congregation kneeling, after which the organist played the Dead march in Saul. The officiating clergy were the Rev. J. Boyle-Glover, M.A., vicar, and Rev. T.L. Sloane, B.A. (curate assistant).

The Viceroy and Vicerene in Lisburn

Countess of Aberdeen's Ancestors

It only became publicly known on Thursday forenoon from their Excellencies the Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of Aberdeen had notified their intention o motoring over to Lisburn from Antrim with the object of inspecting the memorial to General Sir John Nicholson in the Cathedral, and to visit the residence where the Dowager Lady Tweedmouth, Sir James Weir Hogg, General Nicholson, and other members of Lady Aberdeen's family lived in former years…

At Glenavy

In passing through Glenavy, the Vice regal party were greatly pleased with the reception given them by the children of the Glenavy School. His Excellency stopped his car, and, asking for the head master, expressed his pleasure at the warmth of the children's greeting, presented Mr. Camp to her Excellency the Countess, and requested that his visit might be marked by the children receiving a half-holiday - a wish that brought forth another expression of enthusiasm. As their Excellencies drove away they were followed by the hearty cheers of the children.

A Lively Sunday in Glenavy

Rumoured Visit of Hibernians

Protestants Muster to Defend Village against Sabbath Desecration.

Exciting Scenes

For several weeks past the inhabitants of Glenavy have suffered from much annoyance and provocation from Nationalist excursionists, who while passing through the village, conducted themselves in such a reprehensible manner, utterly regardless of the sanctity of the Sabbath Day, as to rightly excite the indignation of the loyal and peace-loving populace of that district. Not only did the visitors, during church hours, sing Fenian songs, but taunted and used the most provocative language towards individuals whom they passed on the road. Similar, if not worse behaviour, had recently been experienced in Crumlin. The climax was reached when a rumour was circulated early last week that the Hibernians were going to hold a demonstration on Sunday in the vicinity of Glenavy, through which they would march in procession with bands and flags. This was too much for the Protestant boys, who quickly made up their minds that under no circumstances would they permit a visitation of the kind, and from some source, unauthorised, we were assured, by the Orange Society or Unionist Club, instructions were given for the publication of a small poster, which read as follows:

"Protestants of Glenavy and Crumlin districts, assemble in your thousands at Glenavy on Sunday, August 25th, at nine o'clock a.m. to protest against the invasion of the village and district by Hibernians from Belfast or elsewhere on that date, and to protest against their Sabbath desecration. God save the King!"

Parcels of the posters were forwarded to the outlying districts, but, through the intervention of Dr. Mussen, J.P., the respected District Master of the Orangemen, the exhibition of the bills was promptly countermanded. It was only at the last moment that the Doctor became aware of the existence of the bill, and, realising the gravity of what might follow, he caused messengers to be sent to stop the posting, and recall all available bills. To a great extent his efforts succeeded, but in some places we observed copies posted high up on the trees. The Doctor's anxiety did not end here, for at much personal inconvenience he used his powerful influence to the utmost to prevent a counter demonstration. However, the "Boys" had their back up, and no amount of persuasion could turn them aside from what they believed was their bounden duty to stand firm and resist the invaders, whose insults they were not going to tolerate any longer. They had no desire to quarrel with their Roman Catholic fellow-residents, with whom they had been living peaceably: but they opposed in the strongest manner the desecration of the Sabbath. They freely admitted that they did not mind the holding of sports or demonstrations on week days, but they certainly would not allow them to take place there on Sundays.

It subsequently transpired that it was a party of gaels, and not the Hibernians, who were coming to a feis, or sports meeting at Feumore, which is situate about 4 miles from Glenavy, and not far from the shore of Lough Neagh. However, the determined attitude adopted by the people of Glenavy made it patent to the authorities that the situation was very serious. Representations to this effect were accordingly made by the police to those responsible for the arrangements in connection with the demonstration at Feumore, and at the request and on the advice of the constabulary it was decided early on Sunday morning that the Belfast contingent, travelling by the 9.5 a.m. train from the Great Northern Railway terminus, should alight at Ballinderry, and proceed thence to Feumore, which is almost equi-distant from either station, there to join the other contingents. At the same time the members of the Neill O'Neill Pipers' Band at Cockhill, whose intention it was to await the arrival of the Belfastmen at Glenavy station at 9.18 a.m., were acquainted by the police of the altered arrangements, but, evidently mistrusting their informants, they decided to adhere to their original intention, and march to Glenavy Station, on the outskirts of the village. On the arrival of the train at Ballinderry at 9.11 a.m. the Belfast Pipers' Band detrained, and accompanied by several men of the Royal Irish Constabulary, they formed up and marched off quietly. At Glenavy, however, at least two hundred Protestant men and youths, ignorant of the changed plans, had assembled at the approach to the station to watch the arrival of the train, and to await developments. When the Cockhill contingent came in sight there was considerable hooting and some shouting, and when the train steamed in the Cockhill men marched up to the other corner of the approach to the station. The police had to exercise considerable tact to ensure that order was kept. As soon as the Neill O'Neill Band and their followers numbering some fifty in all, perceived that they had made a fruitless journey they turned about and marched down the road on the way to Feumore to the accompaniment of a chorus of hooting from the crowd which had assembled. Had it not been for the presence of Dr. Mussen, who stepped between the two parties, and the cordon of police, under District - Inspector Heatley of Antrim and Sergeant Barrett, the opposition to the presence of the demonstrators might have taken a more serious form. However, the Protestant crowd made no attempt to harass the Cockhill party, but simply saw to it that they made no effort to enter the village. On the departure of the band the defenders proceeded in an orderly and becoming manner to the Belfast road, a little beyond and to the right of the parish church, where they halted to await the approach of brake-loads of Hibernians who were expected to come in that way from the city. Fortunately the visitors did not put in an appearance, for their reception would have been of the warmest character, and the small force of police at the command of the District-Inspector could not have averted the collision. There were no incidents worthy of recording. From eleven o'clock until the afternoon in fact the place was so calm and peaceful that the reporters adjourned to the church and attended Divine service, the preacher on the occasion being the Rev. Mr. Clarendon, curate, who preached a sermon particularly appropriate to the times.

As the day advanced the crowd, which had stubbornly remained on the watch, was largely augmented, amongst the new arrivals being many cyclista from the outlying hamlets. The police having circulated that the Belfast Gaels were most likely to entrain at Ballinderry on the return journey, the crowd became more scattered in the early part of the afternoon, though never out of touch with the main body, who could not be induced to move from the village. They were leaving nothing to chance, and were not disposed to place any reliance on rumours. We made a journey to Ballinderry during the day, and had as opportunity of noting the remarkable system of cyclist patrols, with evidently, pickets stationed at every road leading towards the Lough. The plans were so perfect that the "invaders" could not have crossed the border line unobserved. The whole country was watched, and all strangers were closely scruntized. Even the Belfast reporters, notwithstanding that they were in good company, were at times eyed with suspicion. Especially was this case at Ballinderry, when they made their first appearance there. They were promptly challenged, and with equal promptness responded, the result being satisfactory to both sides. Towards evening the crowds concentrated in the vicinity of both Glenavy and Ballinderry stations to await the coming of the Gaels. The return train to Belfast was timed to leave Glenavy at 7.50 p.m. and Ballinderry seven minutes later. At six o'clock in consequence of a message received from Ballinderry, the police were strengthened at Glenavy, and District-Inspector Heatley, who all day had discharged his duty with great discretion and ability, proceeded hurriedly to Ringsend, where he met the Belfast pipers' Band attended by a crowd some 250 strong. Mr Heatley warned them of the danger they would incur if they approached Glenavy in such a manner, and strongly advised the followers to return to their homes, he undertaking that if they did so he would see the Belfast party safely into the train. Luckily his advice was accepted. The contingent from Belfast was then escorted by the police towards the station. The crowd, which had assembled in the main road at the steep approach to the station, greeted them with booing as they turned the corner and came in sight, and as they reached the station stones were thrown. The party sprinted over the last hundred yards or so to the accompaniment of a shower of stones, and as they dashed into the waiting room where the other passengers were assembled, the police turned, and leaping over a fence, ran down the embankment to the main road again, where by dint of pushing and persuasion they managed to get the crowd up the road towards the village. They were greatly assisted by Dr. Mussen, who again did all he could to quell the excited crowd. There yet remained about ten minutes before the train was timed to depart, and during this period , with the gathering gloom, members of the crowd made many attempts to clamber over the station fences and gain the platform. The attitude of the crowd became so menacing that, on the advice of Mr. Sherlow, the intelligent stationmaster, the passengers vacated the waiting room in favour of a smaller room, in which they extinguished the lamps. Here they spent a few anxious minutes while the police, whose numbers were extraordinarily small, were busily engaged keeping the station approaches clear. At length the train arrived, and the passengers dashed across the platform into the nearest compartments. Two of the pipers were struck with stones - one on the chin and another on the side and arm. It was with a sigh of relief that the police and the passengers saw the train move out of the station.

Meanwhile at Ballinderry, an equally determined crowd had gathered, and had occupied the roads from Feumore, but no one was molested. The arrival from Feumore of four members of the Royal Irish Constabulary was greeted with party cries, with booing, and with shouts of "Where are the pipers?" When the train arrived from Glenavy stones were thrown, and six panes of glass were smashed, and one of the missiles striking a passenger on the knee. At the first sign of stone throwing the constabulary advised the passengers to stand, with the result that no one was injured either by falling glass or by stones, and on the train proceeding on its journey matters assumed a normal aspect.

A humorous incident occurred at Glenavy in the morning. A few of the villagers were watching the departure of the Belfast contingent, and noting that they were few in number, speculated as to how the remainder of the anticipated crowd would perform the journey. One of the men noted that at the rear of the train a red flag was flying, denoting that a special train was following. The crowd awaited the arrival of the special, and as it approached one of their number exclaimed, "They are bringing the Hibernians in closed vans!" But the train did not draw up - it was composed of horse boxes, and was proceeding to Antrim to collect horses in connection with the Dublin Show.

Sunday Excursions at Glenavy.

Local Orangemen's protest.

The members of L.O.L. No. 227 Glenavy at their monthly meeting held in the Protestant Hall on the evening of the 31st ult., passed the following resolution:

"That we desire the most emphatic manner to enter our solemn protest against the unseemly and irrelevant manner in which the Lord's day has been for some time past desecrated by the conduct of gangs of outsiders, who, under the guise of excursionists behave in the most disorderly manner, towards the loyal Protestant inhabitants. We resent this behaviour more especially as the village is well known for the spread of goodwill and friendly toleration which pervades the different sections of the community. We would deplore anything that would tend to disturb this friendly feeling and as we believe such reprehensible conduct would do so, we call on the authorities to suppress these invasions otherwise we believe they may lead to breaches of the peace, probably violence."

Signed by Dr. Mussen.

Under the caption "Skirmish between Hibernians and Ulstermen," the "London Daily Chronicle" (Radical) has an amusing paragraph, referring to a Gaelic festival at "Glenary" (meaning Glenavy), "County Down." It tells its readers that the Hibernians were to hold a "Gaelic" meeting, and goes on to say that at Ballinderry shots were "fired in the air and several persons received injuries!" Just imagine that. We must have missed the aerial fusilade, but then we never thought of looking for the merry Hibernians in aeroplanes. Any Gaels we saw were on "Shank's Mare," and right well did they gallop. We were not aware that Glenavy had crossed the Lagan into the County Down. After all, we don't expect accuracy in the English Radical Press regarding Irish happenings.

Wild Sunday Scenes.
Attack upon Excursionists at Glenavy
Station Besieged

Unionist Mob Assails Non-Political Travellers.
Revolver Shots
Passengers' Experience Returning from Aeridheacht.
(from our Reporter)

The spirit generated by recent Unionist oratory is finding expression in more ways than one in rural Ulster. Its latest phase developed yesterday in an attack made upon a body of excursionists engaged on an outing neither political nor religious in character - an aeridheacht and sports held at Feymore, Co. Antrim, on the shores of Lough Neagh and within view of Ram's island. Everything possible was done in advance to organise local feeling in the district against what was wilfully misconstrued into a "Hibernian Invasion," although it was perfectly clear and obvious that the function, which was promoted locally, was not identified with any religious or political body or organisation, and neither in its character nor in any detail of the arrangements gave the slightest excuse for feeling, not to say the violence and turmoil actually evoked on this occasion. The nominal excuse manufactured in advance to be argued on behalf of the mob is a misdirected zeal against what they are supposed to consider "desecration of the Sabbath". It is thus left open to inference that the population of the district consider the attacking of visitors and the creation of riot, a better way of spending the Sunday than participating in a peaceful and pleasant Irish gathering such as held on the Lough shore yesterday afternoon.

A Preliminary Poster

The fact of such a function taking place on a Sunday was quickly seized upon by the extremist Orange and Unionist section; and, under the old pretence of religious qualms of conscience, they made their hostile intentions known in the earlier part of last week by the following "proclamation," which appeared on posters throughout the neighbourhood:

"Protestants of Glenavy and Crumlin districts! Assemble in your thousands at Glenavy on Sunday, 25th August, at 9 o'clock a.m., to protest against the invasion of the village and district by Hibernians from Belfast or elsewhere on that date and to protest against the desecration. God save the King!"

Yesterday the police force in Glenavy and Ballinderry was strengthened by bodies of constabulary from Lurgan, Toomebridge, and other outlying districts, and prior to the arrival of the Belfast train the unusually pastoral environment of both villages was quite transformed in appearance by the number of police on duty. The place looked as it preparing for fierce encounters between opposing parties.

Avoiding Trouble

Acting on the advice of the police, the Pipers' Band from Belfast and other visitors to the aeridheacht from the city did not proceed to Glenavy, but broke the journey at Ballinderry. On arrival, the platform was practically deserted except for a few loungers. The threats of what would happen on their return journey from Feymore were, however, already being whispered abroad, and these threats afterwards proved no idle words. The counter move of the band to avoid coming in contact with a mob at Glenavy proved successful, but it rather incensed the rowdies, who were assembled in hundreds at the last mentioned station. However, they were not left altogether without what they would probably term "fun".

The local pipers' band were also unaware of their Belfast visitors' sudden intention to get out at Ballinderry, and, as had been previously arranged, they marched from their rooms to Glenavy Railway station with the object of accompanying the Belfast contingent to the field. As the time approached for the arrival of the train the waiting crowd had assumed considerable proportions, and a cordon of police, under the charge of District-Inspector Heatley, was drawn across the road, dividing the station from the mob.

Glenavy Scenes

The whistle of the train was the signal for a rush towards the railway premises. This was quickly checked by the police, who drove the yelling crowd back about two hundred yards from the station. When it became known that the Belfast contingent had avoided the rowdies by curtailing their rail journey, the mob became unmanageable. They made every effort to get at the local band, which had meanwhile started to march towards the field. The scene at this period was wild, stones and other missiles being thrown at the heads of the unfortunate musicians who retreated under cover of the police. Dr. Mussen, J.P., coroner for the district, in the face of some danger from the missiles, used his efforts to check the disorder, but without much avail, until at last the band got clear on the way to the field.

The mob then attempted to march towards the catholic Church, but were stopped by the police, who forced them back.

Mob's Movements

They then came along the Belfast Road using vile and violent language, and calling upon all whom they met to declare their religion. A rumour was current amongst them that several contingents en route for the aeridheacht would travel by brakes in Glenavy, and it was under this impression that the crowd occupied the road. During the day the mob, flanked by cyclist "scouts," patrolled the district in the hope of meeting any belated travellers by road from Belfast suspected of being bound for Feymore.

In The Evening
Excursionists Attacked at Glenavy and Ballinderry.

In the evening - after the aeridheacht and sports, which were of a most successful and enjoyable nature - things began to look serious again, both in Glenavy and Ballinderry, when crowds assembled around the railway station. Taking it for granted that the Belfast contingent would walk back to Ballinderry, a crowd of several hundreds waited expectantly for them, relieving the "vigil" by using blasphemous language regarding the Pope and Catholics in general. But they were again outwitted, as the band decided to return to Glenavy. After leaving the field the crowd accompanying the two pipers' bands grew to considerable proportions. They were met by District-Inspector Heatley, who advised the local men to return home, and not give any excuse for a riot. This advice was immediately acted upon, and the Belfast contingent continued their journey.

The arrival of the little band at 8.20 p.m. at glenavy was the signal for an outburst of yelling by a crowd of several hundreds stationed at a cross-roads near the railway station.

Revolver Shots.

Stones, Bricks, and all kinds of missiles were flung at the oncoming band; while revolver shots could be hear repeatedly. The scene became very wild, and, amidst the excitement, the district-inspector rushed forward and shouted "Run for it boys." The little band did run, under a fusillade of stones.

Railway Station Siege.

The station premises were at last reached by the Belfast people, but not before several had received nasty wounds. Amongst those injured are James Taylor and James Clements, who received cuts to the head and body. Refuge was taken in the waiting- rooms, but the mob outside made several attempts to get in through the windows. The lights in the rooms were extinguished, but the police by this time had, by a flank movement, cut off the main body of hooligans from the premises and chased them up the road. This state of siege was, however, maintained until the arrival of the train.

Immediately the train left the platform, showers of missiles crashed against the carriages, and the passengers - amongst whom were a number of women and children - were forced to shelter from the risk of stones or broken glass. Revolver shots were also to be heard, adding to the confusion and terror of the ladies and young people huddled in some of the carriages.

An Adventurous Journey.

A renewal of the attack occurred when the train reached Ballinderry, As the train steamed into this station the passengers were forced to find safe, if sometimes undignified position, sheltered from the flying missiles which came from one side. The roughs here appeared to be ensconced behind every hedge and railing, for stones and bricks came in volleys against the carriages, smashing the glass of the windows. The whistle of the guard was a welcome sound, and at last the train steamed out of "firing distance."

Considerable excitement was evident amongst waiting passengers at stations between Ballinderry and Belfast on witnessing the condition of the carriage. On arrival in Belfast a large crowd had gathered in Great Victoria Street. Up to the present no arrests were reported in connection with the affair either in Glenavy or Ballinderry.

A report of the Aeridheacht and sports appears in our sporting page.

Gaels at Feumore
Enjoyable programme of Sports and Irish Music and Dancing

An enjoyable aeridheacht mor was held yesterday at Feumore, Co. Antrim, when a splendid Gaelic programme of sports and amusements was submitted. The weather, though threatening in the morning, turned out beautifully fine when the proceedings commenced. There was a large attendance from the various districts, and the field presented a very animated appearance, with the coloured costumes of the pipers and the holiday dresses of the ladies. No better spot could have been selected for such a meeting than the broad field which overlooks Lough Neagh and the picturesque island below. A procession, headed by the Belfast Pipers, marched to the field, when the proceedings were opened by Mr. F.J. Bigger, M.R.I.A., who, in an eloquent speech, referred to the necessity of teaching Irish in the schools and also of having a thorough knowledge of the history of the country inculcated into the minds of the young. An excellent sports programme was gone through, the following being the events and winners:-

100 yards open handicap - J. O'Hara,1, P.Lavery, 2. Wm. Lavery, 3.
Long Jump - J. O'Hara 1., J. Hannon, 2., Wm. Lavery, 3.
One mile open handicap - J. Hannon,1, J. Brannon, 2. J. Barnes, 3.
Putting 16lb shot - J. Magee, 1. J. Filbin, 2. W.H. Hickland, 3.

At the conclusion of the sports an enjoyable programme of dancing and singing was submitted, after which the prizes were presented by Father McBride.

Party Feeling At Glenavy
Protestants Resent Sunday Desecration
Will Stand it no Longer.

The village of Glenavy and the surrounding district was the scene on Sunday of a remarkable state of affairs, which was the outcome of a rumoured invasion of the place by a band of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, whose intention it was said was to hold a demonstration and a sports meeting.

Naturally the prospect of such a gathering on the Sabbath was the source of much indignation among the loyal inhabitants, and seeing that on a number of occasions recently Nationalists had driven through the village during church hours singing and shouting Fenian songs, the inhabitants made up their mind to put a stop to this Sabbath desecration, in their district at any rate.

Accordingly on Sunday morning a number of Protestants assembled at Glenavy Railway Station shortly after nine o'clock to await the arrival of the train from Belfast. Meanwhile the authorities were alive to the possibility of unpleasantness, and, getting into communication with the intending visitors - Gaelic Leaguers and not Hibernians as was at first thought - prevailed upon them to agree to detrain at Ballinderry station and walk to Feumore - the distance being much the same as from Glenavy. The party which was a small one included a number of pipers in Gaelic costume, was accompanied by a few policemen, and met with no interference at Ballinderry, the station and its approaches being deserted.

When a few minutes later, the train stopped at Glenavy it seemed at first as if similar conditions were to be in evidence there. Only a few people got out of the train, and passed down the avenue leading to the main road, which is thirty five feet below the railway level and out of view of the station. At the gate leading from the station there was gathered a crowd of Gaels with pipers waiting for their friends, while facing them, and separated only by a few yards was an assemblage of about 200 of the villagers. In the space between, District Inspector Heatley, Antrim, had a cordon of his men drawn across the road, while Dr. Mussen and he did the utmost in a tactful and friendly way to prevent anything in the nature of disturbance. On being informed that their friends were already on the way to Feumore, the Gaels, who represented the Cockhill fraternity marched speedily away in the direction of Ballymacricket Chapel, to attend the eleven o'clock mass prior to engaging in their sports. The village party returned to the village.

On the return journey the Gaels reached Glenavy station at 7.30 and there was some stone throwing, and the arrival of the train came as a welcome relief. At Ballinderry a large crowd congregated near the station in anticipation of the return of the Gaels. Some shots were fired in the air, and as the train came in there was loud groaning when the uniformed Leaguers were seen in one of the carriages. As the train moved out, the stones were thrown through one or two of the windows, but happily no person sustained any serious injury.

Local Protestants complain of singing and brawling parties of Hibernians and Gaelic Leagurers from Belfast principally, who drive through the village on Sundays and make the air bedious with their curses and party cries.

They say they have stood enough of this vulgarity and will stand it no longer.

Angling

A Day on the Glenavy River

This short note of a day at Glenavy is, I see dated June 3rd, 1889 - just thirty years ago. What a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then! It is with feelings of mingled delight and sadness I look back over these thirty years to that bright morning of early summer, for I was only twenty then. The old-time eagerness to catch trout has not, however departed, but some of the energy, alas, is gone. This on reading over the notes in my diary of this date I am inclined to marvel at the remarkable energy I must have displayed - both as regards the early start, the long bicycle ride, and the walking, climbing, and scrambling I must have gone through on that warm June day. Since then I have frequently fished at Glenavy, and with varying success. I am not certain, however, as to the present condition of this river, but I hope to revisit it one of these days and find out, and I doubt not that - even if the fish are fewer or smaller - the stream will lull me with its magic charm as of yore, and revive many old memories. I was in the habit of writing up, while still fresh in my recollection, notes of the small events which filled up my fishing outings, and I find the following record of this particular expedition :- Wakened by alarm clock at 3.30a.m. A grey morning, and a recent shower has left the garden paths wet and shining. A light breeze is stirring the leaves. Dressing hurriedly, I make myself a hasty breakfast, and am off on my bicycle - rod and landing net strapped along the frame, and basket on my back - on the stroke of 4.30. All well until the far side of Lisburn is reached, when I have to shelter for over twenty minutes from a heavy shower. Roads very wet for next two miles. Arrive Glenavy at 6.30. River appears just right, neither too high nor too low - seemingly clearing after a slight spate. Leave bike at station, and walk down the road to the doctor's gate and cross the little field to the river. Trout rising in the pool at the bend, and so, putting my rod together, I creep over to within casting distance and put my flies just above the rising fish. A rise but short. The next attempt is more successful, and a nice half pounder is safely landed. This has disturbed the pool, but in the shallower water just below there is a determined rise, and another trout of rather over a quarter-pound is basketed. Fishing all the likely spots, I wander about half a mile downwards, and then, as the sport seems to be slackening I decide to try the upper reaches of the river above the village. My little downward stroll has, however, resulted in seven trout. As it is now 8 o'clock, I stop to have a second breakfast at Mrs. Armstrong's inn, and at 9.30 I take the road, though before doing so secure two trout from Larmour's mill-dam, one of them scaling just three-quarters of a pound.

The walk up the road on such a lovely morning is a pleasant one, and arriving at the point on the river where the water enters the mill-race. I start operations once more, with this result that thirteen sporting fish are added to the bag. It is 1 o'clock when I reach the bridge, where I take a rest and have lunch, being entertained meanwhile by a young farmer with stories of giant trout which he and other have captured with "the worm" when the river was in flood. Above the bridge there is a series of small, rather deep pools, difficult to put a fly over owing to the long grass and weeds - to say nothing of the bushes - surrounding them. However, by crouching down and using a short line I account for nine more trout before reaching the road near Stoneyford. It is now 5 o'clock, so, as I think I might have another try at Larmour's dam before leaving for home. I take to the road and wander slowly towards Glenavy, conversing at intervals with cottagers and pedestrians. On reaching the dam I find the wind has completely died away, leaving a mirror-like surface reflecting the old mill. However, there is a trout rising in a patch of foam just below the neck of the race, close to the hedge, and so, putting my small flies just above rising fish, a splashing rise, and the heaviest capture of the day is hooked and landed. He proves to be just thirteen ounces.

This ends my day's fishing, and my rod is taken down, and the fish - thirty in all - carefully packed in the basket, and I quite ready for the excellent meal of ham and eggs, home-baked bread, and tea provided by my good friend Mrs. Armstrong. It is nearly 10 o'clock when I reach home, tired, but well satisfied with my day at Glenavy. I find it noted that the flies used on this occasion were hare's ear and yellow, "Wickham's Fancy," olive quill, and a small red hackle - the two first-named proving the most successful. There is a charm about fishing a small stream like the Glenavy water that is often not to be found on a larger river. Many anglers prefer fishing lakes or reservoirs, and these certainly have attractions - the chance of larger fish - a less strenuous day, perhaps. Still, there is a feeling of complete rural delight in a long spring or summer day spent among the sweet-scented hedgerows, and along the flowing banks of a gentle little stream like the Glenavy. Such a day is one of the really good things given to man - or, anyhow, given to a fisherman.

Old Izaak.

Representation of the People's Acts

County of Antrim.

The Antrim County Council hereby give notice
that they have applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs (N.I.)
for their confirmation to a scheme adopted by the Council at a Special Meeting held on 25th March, 1929, providing for the rearrangement of certain polling places throughout the county….

Polling district affected: Glenavy

Alterations: Polling place to be in the townland of Ballymacricket instead of the town land of Glenavy.

Glenavy Child Drowned.

Found in Mill Race near Parents' Home.

Within two hours of being reported missing from her home yesterday a little girl only eighteen months old, Julia Coakley, of Glenavy, was found drowned in the Ulster Flock Company' millrace, which runs within ten yards of the home of her parents. The child had apparently been playing near the stream, and was missed about three o'clock. Her parents at first thought she had been taken for a walk by some children who had just returned home from school, but they soon became anxious, and a search was started.

Two hours later she was found by the local blacksmith, Alexander Ferguson, and a county roadman, R. Wilson, in the race about fifty yards from her parents' home. It is believed that the little girl fell in opposite the home and floated down the race.

Dr. West was summoned, and, with the assistance of W. Armstrong, a signalman at Glenavy Station, artificial respiration was tried, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

An inquest will be held today at 3 o'clock in Glenavy by Dr. Reid.

Glenavy Child Drowned.

A two year old child, named Julia Coakley, was accidentally drowned in a millrace, at Glenavy. The child was missed about three o'clock, but it was thought she was with other children. A search revealed that she had fallen into the millrace, and the body was later recovered by Mr. A. Ferguson and Mr. R. Wilson. Dr. West was called, but could only pronounce life extinct.

Child Drowned at Glenavy.

On Tuesday last, after being missed from home about two hours, a little girl, eighteen months old, named Julia Coakley, was found drowned in the Ulster Flock's Company's mill race, which runs within ten yards of the home of her parents.

The child had apparently been playing near the stream, and was missed about three o'clock. Her parents at first thought she had been taken for a walk by some children who had just returned home from school, but they soon became anxious, and a search was started. Two hours later she was found by the local blacksmith Alexander Ferguson, and a county roadman R. Wilson, in the race about fifty yards from her parent's home. It is believed that the little girl fell in opposite the home and floated down the race.

Dr. West was summoned, and, with the assistance of W.Armstrong, a signalman at Glenavy Station, artificial respiration was tried, but the efforts were unsuccessful.