Mayo memories: Large families took preference in filling council jobs in 1949
By Tom Gillespie
SEVENTY-six years ago commercial activity in Castlebar was very much thriving, according to a copy of The Connaught Telegraph, dated January 8, 1949, when all of the front page was covered with advertisements.
Back then readers could purchase a Ford ‘Prefect’ ex-works for £375 from the Ellison Street garage of Josie Bourke & Son.
Extolling the virtues of the vehicle, his ad read: ‘Economy is the first consideration these days - so Ford engineers have made certain that the ‘Prefect’ gives you really strict economy in petrol consumption and low all-round running costs.
‘But they have given you an adequate zest in performance too: and to make nippy driving safe, you have the superlative ‘centre poise’ suspension, powerful brakes and exceptional visibility and yet you pay less for this splendid two H.P. than you would formerly an eight’.
On the same street, Peter Dever, grocer and provision merchant, in the corner house (pictured), had received a fresh stock of selection honey which were selling for 2/8 each. The building, long since demolished to widen the entrance to Castle Street, was next to Eddie Egan, jewellers.
Peter advised readers that he was also an agent for Morrin’s Dry Cleaners, with van collection on Mondays and deliveries on Fridays.
Photographer W.H. Norris announced that his new modern portrait studio was now open in the Irish House, Ellison Street, with the entrance from Duke Street. A specialist in portraits of children, his photographs were in ‘direct colour’, and he could copy old photographs and he offered portraits in carbon or oil.
It being winter time Heverins of the Irish House advised readers that what they needed this cold weather was warm underwear and Heverin’s have ‘chilprufe’ for all the family.
Also on Ellison Street, Condon’s grocery, confectioner and tobacconist, stationary and toilet preparations were sole agents for Bewley’s Coffee, which was freshly ground while you waited.
Also on Ellison Street, William Irwin & Sons were sole agents for ‘Vantella’ shirts. They came complete with ‘Van Heusen’ collars and cuffs and stocks were limited.
The ad stated: ‘These shirts are up to their pre-war standard and are guaranteed unshrinkable, fast colours and fully cut for supreme comfort’.
On Main Street, Robert Kilkelly had good news for customers. At last, he advertised, 'the Philips battery radio is here. When you hear it you will be delighted you waited for it - and no increase in price either. It is made in Holland by the greatest makers of radio in the world, as sold by your reliable dealer'.
The T. Lavelle & Co. Ltd., advertisement boldly stated: ‘Have you tried frozen turkey?’ It went on: ‘This is the latest delicacy added to our list of frozen foods which includes cauliflowers, peas, beans, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, raspberries, etc.’
The farming community were not forgotten as Thomas Moran & Sons, farmers’ suppliers of Linenhall Street (established in 1916), now had Semsol and North American phosphate in stock for early grass.
In the winter machinery range they had ploughs, horse and tractor, spring tooth harrows and root cutters and all wearing parts were stocked.
In Market Square, tea wine and spirit merchant J.J. Murphy were offering outstanding bargains at exceptional value in ladies’, gents and children’s footwear.
In addition to the above they had received a special consignment of Dunlop wellingtons and ladies' three-quarter lengths.
That edition of The Connaught Telegraph contained six pages and cost two pence and while it published on a Thursday it was dated for Saturday, as it, and other regional newspapers, were for many years to come.
At Castlebar Bacon Company they were advertising the sale of day old chicks - Rhode Island Red, White Leghorns and White Wyandotte’s - hatched from pure-bred Department blood tested stock.
The first hatch, they advised readers, was due on January 14, 1949, and each succeeding Thursday. They sold at 15/- per dozen and cash must accompany orders.
On the social scene, Mayo County Hospital annual staff dance was to be held in the Town Hall, Swinford, on Monday night, February 28, with music by Bert Flynn’s Dance Orchestra. Catering and bar were being provided by Lawler’s of Naas. Dancing was from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and admission was one guinea.
Under the auspices of Fianna Fáil, their annual dance was to be held in the Town Hall, Castlebar, on Sunday night, January 16, with music by Brose Walsh and his Arcadia Ballroom Orchestra. Dancing was from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and admission was 4/-. Two nights earlier Brose Walsh was on stage at The Gaiety Ballroom, Islandeady, for an all-night dance where the admission was 2/-.
On January 9, Billy Newell’s Dance Band was advertised for the Horseshoe Hall, French Hill. Admission was 2/- and dancing was to commence at 8.30 p.m.
The Castlebar and District Post Office annual staff dance was set for Castlebar Town Hall on Wednesday, January 12, in aid of P.O.W.U. benevolent fund. Music was by Jack Ruane and his band. Catering was undertaken by Mr. Jimmy Garvey, Bundoran. Subscription was 7/6 but supper was extra. Tickets were on application from G. Elliott, Castlebar.
Other dance venues advertised were at Aughagower Hall, The Lakeland Hall, Glenisland, Round Tower Hall, Turlough, The Riverside Hall, Clogher, and Reilly’s Hall, Glenisland.
Mayo County Council were seeking flagmen or helpers. Their advertisement read: Mayo County Council are from time to time in a position to offer employment to suitable young boys willing to qualify as engine drivers and who are prepared to serve at least three years as engine drivers’ helpers or flagmen.
Applicants should not be less that 17 years of age on January 1, 1949, and as preference will be given to suitable boys who are members of large families, applicants should set out in their applications the number and ages of children in the family to which they belong.