Balbriggan. History and Photos. Balbriggan.net. No.1 Web site.

Martin, Tony and Ronan.
Three photos for you here today. The first of a boat coming into port, then Martin with Ronan and Tony and the last photo is our Tony doing a balancing act on the wall as he shoots the Harbour. Click to enlarge. 27.01.06

Vintage Car Race 1950's.
Our Roger has sent us this photo showing Hampton St(Skerries Street) looking back towards the town. The occasion was a vintage race from Dublin to Mosney via Skerries. Roger spotted the race, "I can remember taking that for when the old crocks race went through town I rushed back and got my little brownie and snapped some as they went through" but by the time he got back most of the Vintage "Crocks" had gone and he just got the "Slow Coaches". Thanks Roger. 27.01.06

St. Peters & Paul's NS Football Team c1977
Tony,I found this old classic photo of St Peter & Paul's NS football team ( circa 1977 / 1978 ) for you to post on B.Net. Photo was taken at the schools football final in Croke Park and I'm sure they played against ( and beat ) Killester NS. Mr McGinley ( teacher ) was the team manager. All players names are included. Maybe someone can confirm the year it was taken. Can you ask if anyone has a photo of the school team that played in the final ( against Lusk NS ) in Croke Park in 1979. Fergus O'Carroll. Thanks a million Fergus, great photo.

General.
Firstly, we are looking for a photo of a coal boat that got washed up on the rocks in the 1950's. We know the request is a bit vague but it was asked of us recently and we didn't have a pen to write down exactly what was required. So, any photo of a boat, in trouble, in Balbriggan around the 50's please contact us. We are about to remove the buttons on the left hand side on the archive news pages. The reason been, that if you go to the archive news section, read whatever interests you and then you click the news button, you are gone from the archive section and back in the latest news section. We hope this makes sense, if it doesn't, don't worry, all it will mean is that you wont see any buttons in the yellow bar and you will have to use the "Back Button" each time. Apologies for this but the site has become so large it was difficult to forsee this situation. Keep checking the Guest Book, as we update this every few days and we have organised it on a yearly basis as there are now hundreds of entries27.01.06

Balbriggan - Girls Day Out.
May Connolly, Eileen Carton, Ailish Carton, Ita Barnett, Palm Regan,Jane Daly and we think two Davis sisters, these are just some of the names that we recognise, anyone put other names forward. 26.01.06

Last Steam Train to Dublin--In French.
Monique, an English teacher in Paris was so inspired by the photo of the Last Stream Train to Dublin that she translated Rogers Poem as she traveled to work by train. Not only that, she recorded it and sent it to us. To read, and to listen, click on the thumbnail. 24.01.06

Balbriggan Garda Sergeants Retire.
Gardai, Sean Galway and Tom Gallagher both retired from the force recently and one of the team was there to record the occasion. Tom Gallagher was presented with a framed photograph of himself guiding the traffic away from the Luas in Balbriggan. Mr. Noel Conroy Commissioner of An Garda Síochána presented the photo which was composed by our Tony. 22.01.06.

Strange happenings in Balbriggan.
Two members of the team, Martin & Tony were out and about on a cold Sunday morning and they experienced some strange goings on. Rather than trying to explain, we suggest you click on the thumbnail and see for yourself. It's a funny old town. 22.01.06

Mike Hendrick visits Balbriggan.
Cricket enthusiasts will know the name, Mike Hendrick, Derbyshire's bowling coach is a former England international with more than 30 tests to his name. Mike was giving special coaching to the Ireland fast bowlers at North County Academy on Saturday and our Joe was there to capture the moment. Click to enlarge. 22.01.06

A Packed Balbriggan Beach 1980's.
Here's one to warm cockles of your heart on these cold, rainy dark days. It was taken in the mid 80's and the beach is packed, a car in the soft sand and wind surfers everywhere. The photo is courtesy of Barry Geraghty. A reminder to check the guest book as this is updated every few days. 20.01.06

OAP Committee 1961 Photo.
Our good friend, Hoe Guildea, has dropped some photos into the office today and we bring you the first of them now. It's the OAP committee from 1961 and the name V Kenny written on the back. We are not sure if this photo has been seen before. Names in this photo would be appreciated. Click to enlarge. 17.01.06 Update. We have all the names now thanks to Colm Lawless.

Sam in Balbriggan, 1995.
We received this email along with some photos, from Fergus O'Carroll and it reads "Firstly , let me congratulate all of the B.Net team on wonderful website, I log on at least once a week for updates and the photos ( especially the old ones ) are just brilliant , keep it up.I saw a photo recently supplied by Roger Cannon of Sam Maguire Cup in 1985 taken in John D's , and it reminded me that I have some photos of when Sam came back to Balbriggan , tens years later in 1995. I dug them out of the attic over the weekend .The photos were taken in the Balrothery Inn, and the Milestone Bar on the day after the final ( nobody went to work ), John O Leary was the captain and he took Sam on a tour of the local hostelries , if you know what I mean !!. It's also the last time the Dubs won the All Ireland.I have some more that were taken in John D's and White Hart on the same day and will get them to you soon.I would like to share them will everyone on B.Net." Thanks a million Fergus, great photos and maybe more to come, here's hoping. Click on John O'Leary to see the photos. 16.01.06

Team member, Roger Turner, with more memories of 1950's Balbriggan
"Sheffield did become a beautiful city. Not, in my opinion, as beautiful as Balbriggan, but beautiful nonetheless" and "Why do you come all the way to Balbriggan when you have this on your doorstep?" and "Balbriggan was then, and will always be, special to me. I think it was because I grew from a babe in arms spending the summers there and it became a way of life."these are just some of the quotes from our Roger in Sheffield whos love of Balbriggan is unique. Roger hasn't been to Balbriggan in over 30 years, but this year is hoping to rectify this and we hope so too. Click on the thumbnail to read "The End of the Line?", part 13 in Rogers memories of 1950's Balbriggan by the sea. 16.01.06

Balbriggan Rugby Photos.
We received these two photos by email from John O'Byrne. They show Balbriggan Rugby Club from about the 1970's and the 1980's and John tells us that he has a lot of the names. We will bring you the names when we receive same. Don't forget, if you have Balbriggan photos that will be of interest to other Balbrigganers, contact us and we will copy, restore, and print you a copy of each photo absolutely free of charge. Become famous by having your photos displayed on Balbriggan.net. 16.01.06

Seamus Lawless & Lawless & Gibbons Funeral & Confreys' Pub.
Today we bring you two historical photographs supplied by Mylene Delahoyde and Colm Lawless.The first photograph is that of Seamus Lawless grandfather of Colm. Seamus along with John Gibbons died at the hands of the Black and Tans during the Sack of Balbriggan which occurred on Monday 20th of Sept 1920. The second photograph is of the funeral cortege passing through the town. A memorial plaque in their honour was erected in the same year which can be viewed at Bridge St. overlooking the Breacon River.The remaining photographs are from a collection from Mylene which depicts people and includes the inside of Confreys Bar which feature Paddy Confrey among others. Balbriggan.Net would like to thank Colm and Mylene for the use of their photographs on our site. Please contact any of the team if you like to display any of your old photographs of Balbriggan people or places. All photographs returned with copies asap. Click on thumbnail to see some great photos. 16.01.06

1974 Photo and we have the names.
A big thank you to Barbara Kenny for these two photos, taken in Portraits in 1974. Barbara has availed of our offer to repair and reprint these in return to allow us to place them on Balbriggan's number one web site. As usual click to see both and view names. 14.01.06

Aerial Photographs by Barry Geraghty.
Two cracking photos taken two weeks ago from 2000 feet showing the Harbour and surrounding areas. This is Barry's second time to get up in a helicopter over the town and he tells us that he has more photos, so watch this space. Click on thumbnail to view. 13.01.06

Loreto Convent Balbriggan. School Reunion Saturday 18th Feb. 2006
Were you at any time part of the class of 1964-1970? If so you are invited to our first reunion. We have managed to make contact with 30 of our classmates but have failed to locate the following:
Marie Downey, Jacqueline Duffy, Margaret Morrissey, Alison O’Regan, Mary White and Alanna Woods.
We would love to hear from you. Bernie Brennan (Bissett) Maura Carr, Liz Jenkinson and Maria White.
berniebissett@gmail.com

Vincent Campbell & The " Pips Orange".
We received this email from Margaret Williams nee Campbell in Pembrokeshire. Hi all at balbriggan.net, I am sending two photos that i hope you will include in your gallery. One is of my ma, Susan Campbell and her sister Mary Guildea with Mary's daughter, Ella. The other is of my brother Vincent (rasher) Campbell and the Pips orange. I check the website every day and will be looking forward to seeing the photos on there. Thanks Margaret for the photos, hope you enjoy seeing them on B.net......What a classic name, "The Pips Orange", we love it. Any more photos Margaret?. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. 10.01.06

Balbriggan Community College.
BCC wish the students taking part in the Young Scientist Competition this week in the RDS the best of luck. Three projects are through to the finals.The students are Anthony Coates, Anthony Murphy, Andrew Guithrie, Martin Thompsonand Jessie White. Thanks to their teachers T. gannon and C o Farrell who gave so much of their time to get them thus far.
Balbriggan Community College Entrance Exam takes place on th 27th January 2006 at 9.15 .This is the latest date for applications for 1st year 2007.

History being made in Balbriggan !
As reported previously the SS Peter & Paul Catholic church repair and refurbishment is now underway. On Sunday night the church was officially closed after evening Mass and will remain closed until all of the work is completed. Other venues have been arranged for Masses and many thanks to all of those involved for their co-operation. One of the venues is St George’s Church of Ireland in Church St and today 9th Jan 10.00 am the Catholic Mass was celebrated for the first time ever. And Balbriggan.net (Brian, Martin and Tony) were there at the official closing and the new beginning to record this historical occasion. And Brian even managed to catch some moving statues when he met three wise men…….Click to view pictures, enjoy !

David Brangan Photo.
This is photo number 58 in "The David Brangan Collection" and it shows a local woman. As in a previous Brangan photo,of a group of woman on Clonard St, the woman looks more like an native American than a local woman.The photo was taken c 1900. Click to enlarge. 09.01.06

O'Dwyers 1970 Photo.
Hear is the third photo taken from the O'Dwyers 2002 Calendar and it shows the winners of the Dublin League, Division 1. The fact that it's an 1970's photo will mean that more locals will be recognised, so as usual, click to enlarge. A reminder to check the guestbook as its updated every few days. 08.01.2006

Wiley & Carvin.
Three photos for you today, first is of Wiley & Carvin(hope the first name is correct) and the other two photos are of the premises that have been demolished on Quay street. We must have a look for a photo of the building before it was knocked. As usual, click on thumbnail to enlarge. 05.01.06

Odwyers 1941 Winners.
Here is the second photo taken from the "O'Dwyers Calendar 2002" and it shows the team that won the 1941 Fingal Feis Cup. Carton, Fanning, Lawless, Corcoran, Bissett and Levins are just some of those featured. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge. 05.01.06

North Fingal ADD/ADHD Parent and Adult Support Group
When- Feb 4th, Where-Bracken Court from 3pm to 5pm.
Click on thumbnail for more details.

Christmas Lights Galore in Balbriggan.
One of the team was unfortunate enough to pick the short straw to see who would go out and take photos of the houses that went to a lot of bother this Christmas. Tony put on his thermals and braved the cold and the rain and has returned to base in one piece. It's a magical time for kids and houses like these make this time even more special. Click on the thumbnail to see if your house is here. 02.01.06

Jet Fighter flies down Bridge street.
Here is a photo that we took last week and didn't put it on the site because we didn't think it would interest anyone. Anyway, our Tony happened to be there with his camera and as luck would have it, he was taking a photo of the hotel when the jet roared by. You never know what you will see in Balbriggan so always have your camera ready.02.01.06

Martello Tower, Balbriggan c1910.
Here is a photo we hadn't seen in a while, It's probably from the Valentine collection(Scottish firm that took postcard photos) and so it dates about 1910. It shows a large crowd gathered on the hill beside the tower with a band playing. If only we knew what the occasion was, but that's the magic of old photographs. 02.01.06 Update on this thanks to Joe Curtis. Click on thumbnail to learn more.

O'Dwyers 1924 Photo.
In 2002, O'Dwyers GAA club brought out a calendar with photographs showing various winning teams down through the years and over the next few days we will bring you the 6 photos that we have. Click here to visit their web site.02.01.06

Newspage December 2005 Click HERE