| John
Coyne in Glasgow writes. John used to visit "Camp" (Balbriggan) and set up tent near the martello tower. Anybody remember this. Click on the thumbnail to read more about John Coyne. 21.11.05 |
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| Fingal
fair “Marketplace ’05” We have been asked to remind people that the above fair is taking place this thursday from 5pm to 9pm in the Grand Hotel Malahide. Click on the thumbnail for more details. |
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| A
walk down by the beach to the Lowther Lodge of present day. Brian Howley had a walk down memory lane recently down by the Delvin bridge to the beach where he and his family visited most days during the long hot summers of the 70’s. There now lies the remains of the building known as Lowther Lodge about which Balbriggan Historical Society had a very interesting talk earlier in the year. What has been generating even more interest is the fact that this building now looks onto what is intended to become Bremore Port! Some of Brian’s photos are taken through the porthole windows onto the beach and others are taken inside the walls and show some of the features of this extraordinary house. None of the bones that used to lie just inside the walls are there anymore, long since cleared away!! |
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| Liam
O'Carroll, A request was made for a picture of Liam O'Carroll's shop in Bridge St. and our R & D dept. have just found this image of Liam & Jody Brady standing outside the shop on St Patrick's day 1983. 21.11.05 |
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| Caith
McEnaney Fairley. We received this email from Caith recently "I grew up in Clonard street and it was facinating to see the house I grew up in was partially burned during the Sack of Balbriggan. Ours was the old Costello House. I now live in California with my husband George..." If anyone knows Caith and would like to read more, click the HERE button. |
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HERE |
| 1983,
was a very good year! We are really spoiling you today, seeing as it's a Thursday? 1983 is today's year with photos of BMX racing where Sonopress is now, Corner of Drogheda Street & Station Street to name but two. Click on thumbnail to see other photos of Balbriggan from this year.17.11.05 |
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| Stephen
Roche in Balbriggan. Here's a nice 'scoop' for B.net, and it's Stephen Roche winning his last race as an amateur and it's an old trick question as most people say his last race prior to turning professional was the Ras or Milk Race. In fact it was a Cyclo-cross at Balbriggan in 1983 and it comes courtesy of B/C collection. 17.11.05 |
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| Lowtherstone
House Near Delvin Bridge. Hear's a photo from about 1928, It's Lowertherstown house, which is just before you come to the mouth of the River Delvin if you're walking up the beach. Its now a ruin which we will photograph shortly and bring you. 17.11.05 |
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| Balbriggan.net
Tops with Yahoo. Not only is Balbriggan.net listed by Google as No. 1 Web site on Balbriggan, it's also listed top of the table by Yahoo UK & Irl, Yahoo.fr(France) Yahoo.es(Spain) and every other Yahoo you can think of. It's all down to brilliant photos by Benton & Curtis, Publicity by Martin Fanning, Specialist photos by Brian Howley, 1950's Balbriggan by Roger Turner and our Technical Dept. headed by Tony. Thank you for making us number 1. |
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| Competition
Winner is Darragh McLeer from Balbriggan Well done Darragh on winning € 50.00. We asked a respectable member of the public to act as independent observer. Jim Morrison saw all 29 pieces of paper, numbered 1 to 29 and he picked out number 9. So Darragh, contact us when you can. We thought we would have more entries, judging by the number of hits every day, maybe another competition in the coming weeks. Click on the thumbnail to see photos. 16.11.05 |
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| Matilda
Richardson and Caroline Smith. Here is another photo give to us by Delores Creighton and her family in England. In this photo we see 3 ladies enjoying the sun on the beach. Caroline Smith, Gerry and Matilda Richardson are those in question. More from the Delores Creighton over the coming days. 15.11.05 |
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| Steam
Lorry Crash in Balbriggan. On the 11th of this month, we brought you a photo of 3 workmen with the Cairnes Steam Lorry in the background. In these photos, we show the same lorry, crashed into the bridge opposite where the Central Pub is now. We think it's a Sentinel steam Lorry and if anyone out there has any information on the Lorry or Cairnes Ale, please do contact us. 15.11.05 |
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| Liam
O'Carrols Butchers. We had an email through the guest book from a Megan O'Carroll saying "My grandad used to own the O'CARROLL'S BUTCHERS.If anyone has any pictures of it i would like to see them". As usual. Mr Benton and Mr Curtis went looking through their collection and came up with this. Is there anything they don't have? We hope you enjoy, Megan. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. 13.11.05 |
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| Ring
Commons School Photo c1918. Following on from an email sent by Margaret Cornick in Canada, our research Dept, Jack & Joe, went delving into the archives and came up with this photo. Margaret wrote " ask anyone you know for information on Students at Ring Commons School from about 1910 to 1920 when my mother would have attended.". Well, here you are margaret, we hope you enjoy. 11.11.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Steam-Truck. When Jack Benton was telling was telling one of our I. T. guys about the Steam Truck, he thought he was kidding. But no, it's true. It was like a train, it burnt coal to boil the water with the steam providing the power to turn the wheels. Apparently it carried fizzy soft drinks between Drogheda and Dublin. If we get more info on it, we'll let you know. As usual, click on thumbnail.11.11.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Fire Brigade. What a photo. Circa 1940 of the Fire Brigade in Balbriggan taken on Drogheda St. right where the new development is going on beside "SuperValue". Isn't it great someone took this photo, a moment in time, captured forever and with the advent of the internet, there to share with the millions, ok, the hundreds. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. 11.11.05 |
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| Sack
of Balbriggan Photos. While trawling through the vast internet, we came across 2 photos of the burning of Balbriggan(The Sack of Balbriggan). On Sept. 20th 1920, Black and Tans, stationed at Gormanston Camp, set fire to numerous houses and businesses in the town in retaliation for the murder of one of their men who was drinking in John D's. Click on the thumbnail. 10.11.05 |
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1982
Balrothery Lads & Teddy Guildea. |
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On
the rocks!...... |
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| Memories
of Balbriggan in the 50's...Part 11: Things to do, Places to see... Our Roger has written another account of 1950's Balbriggan and in this months part Roger tells of his magical train trips to Dublin."The waitress brings the soup and places it down in front of me. I stick me spoon in to try it and, and ouch! Too hot! 'Mum. This soup is too hot.' Now we have a saying in Sheffield when something is too hot: 'Well, waft it with your cap,' Dad tells me, jokingly. So without further ado, little Roger fishes his school cap from his jacket, hanging on the back of his chair, and proceeds to waft it over the steaming soup, much to the disgust of onlookers." Click on thumbnail to read. 06.11.05 |
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| Photographic
Exhibition. Albert Galbraith, originally from North Strand, now living in Balbriggan supplied us with two photos, one with his wife and another in the Boxing ring. Albert is a very skilled artist who had many paintings on display during the festival. Also looking for a mention on B.net is Patrick Marry and his son. We have other photos taken at the exhibition. As usual, click on thumbnail to view. 06.11.05 |
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| Paddy
Creighton outside Tolans. Here is a delightful photo given to us by Delores Creighton. It shows her father-in-law, Paddy, outside Tolans shop(Careys Supermarket) on Hampton Street. Delores has given us over a dozen photos which we will be bringing you over the coming weeks. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge. 05.11.05 |
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| ITV
Now available in Ireland on SKY. ITV1(UTV) ITV2, 3, and 4 are now available in Ireland for those with a SKY satellite receiver. Hopefully, Channel 4 will also follow suit when we will be able to take down our aerials. Our technical department have gone to some trouble to make it as easy possible to receive these stations. Click on the thumbnail to see how easy it is. |
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| Halloween
in Balbriggan.....Fireworks galore. One our team members, Tony, happens to live in the town centre and has an attic conversion with a velux window which provides and ideal vantage point to get photos of fireworks on Halloween night. Tony tells us he took over 100 photos on the night and got about 3 or 4 cracking photos.A tripod is needed and a time exposure of about 20 seconds and a good guess of when the most fireworks are about to explode. click on the thumbnail, we hope you enjoy. 31.10.05 |
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| Fingal
County Council Awards. The Sports,Arts & Cultural Awards Ceremony 2005 was held in the Bracken Court Hotel on Thurs.13th Oct. Today we bring you some of the photographs taken on the night by one of the members of the team.Click on thumbnail to view the rest of photos |
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| Balbriggan
Railway Station Photos. |
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| Drogheda
Street. Here is a photo of Sean Reilly's shop on Drogheda Street, presently we are not sure where on Drogheda Street this shop was, maybe where Corrs is now? Update. We now know this is where "Campbells Shop was" beside Corr's. A reminder that if you have any old photos with a Balbriggan connection, please do contact us by email or Text 086-8054275. On the 23rd of Sept we asked for names of the three girls in the mini skirts. We now have the name of the middle girl thanks to Siobhan Geraghty. Click HERE to reveal name. Update. We think we now have all 3 names. |
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| Last
Steam Train to Dublin. Our special effects dept. have created a photograph of a stream train crossing The Viaduct on its way to Dublin. Team member Roger Turner was so inspired by the photograph that he wrote a beautiful poem about it. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge and read Rogers Poem. 30.10.05 |
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| FINGAL
COUNTY COUNCIL STILL HOPING THAT LIGHTHOUSE AT BALBRIGGAN HARBOUR
CAN BE RESTORED. "Local T.D. and Green Party Leader, Trevor Sargent, has once again sought the restoration of the lighthouse at Balbriggan Harbour which has been without a lantern since 1960." This is part of a press release, released today. If there is one thing about the town that people say to us at B.net, it's "Can the top of the lighthouse not be put back". If FCC would like to see this happen and it's money that's the problem, surely, out there, there are some very wealthy Balbrigganers, at home or abroad whom singularly or collectively could come up with the finance. If you feel you can help restore the second oldest working Lighthouse in Ireland, please contact us here. info@balbriggan.net . Click on the thumbnail to read the statement in full. 26.10.05 |
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| MINISTER
IN CHARGE OF HARBOURS TELLS GREEN PARTY LEADER THAT A REQUEST
FOR FUNDING FOR BALBRIGGAN AND SKERRIES HARBOURS IS BEING EVALUATED |
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Here to
read more |
| Keep
your Pets indoors. We have received some emails regarding pets going missing. With Halloween just around the corner, we have to be aware that our cats and dogs become very frightened with fireworks going off on a nightly basis. Please keep your Cats and Dogs indoors for the coming days as at least 3 cats have gone missing in the town. We only hope its nothing sinister.For those who love cats and dogs we can only guess at the pain it causes when our beloved pets go missing. Click on the thumbnail to read on the latest missing cat. |
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| Balbriggan
Photo Group Balbriggan Photo Group, in conjunction with Balbriggan Arts Festival are displaying photographs by the group members. Jack Benton, Pat Costello, Joe Curtis, Martin Fanning, Brian Howley and others have various photographs on display in the premises previously occupied by Xtra-Vision so please come along and see the old photos of the town along with new ones and talk to Jack and the team who will be only to delighted to answer your questions on Digital Photography. Talk to Joe about the history of Balbriggan or Martin about the people of the town. we hope to see you there. |
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| Skerries
RNLI Open Day. |
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| Adrian
Hammond represents Ireland. Our recent photo caption competition winner Adrian Hammond from Fancourt Heights was unable to receive his prize as he was away in the Isle of Man last week representing Ireland in the European 8 ball pool championships. The tournament was held in the Villa Marina complex in Douglas and it attracted teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, France ,Gibraltar, Shetland and hosts Isle Of Man for both men’s and ladies team events along with singles and men’s professional event. Click on thumbnail to read more about this event. |
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| "Snuggles"
missing Cat.....Please Help. From the Hampton Green area since Saturday night.He is 6 months old, neutered, shy but with a cheeky, sweet nature. And not used to the outdoor life.I have posted his Missing posters everywhere - hopefully someone will spot him.He is a tabby black stripes with brown , white front and white little paws. He was wearing a black collar with "I belong to" written on the front, our address inside. Our mobile numbers (087 621 7507 & 086 33 33 071).landline 841 7688. |
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| Balbriggan
Harbour in heavy rain...... Our technical dept. have been on to us today with something they are quite happy about. Apparently, they believe that we only show the town at its best, i.e., beautiful sunshine, blue sky's etc, but here we bring you a photo of the Harbour during heavy rain but with a difference. Have a look 19.10.05 |
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| Memories
of Balbriggan in the 50's. Part 10: Sing as we go........ Team member Roger Turner has penned another account of 1950's Balbrigan. He recalls as a young lad "We would catch the Drogheda Bus outside the post office and ride to Gormanston, then had to walk up this long and winding road... ". Roger now lives in Sheffield and anyone wanting to contact him are very welcome to do so. Click on the thumbnail to read more. Enjoy. 16.10.05 |
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| Naul
Post Office. Following a recent email from Pat Macken, our research department(Jack & Joe) went down to the dungeons and found this photograph. Its "Mr. Macken from Naul outside the old Post Office in Naul circa 1900 which is now the Seamus Ennis centre". Pat, we hope you enjoy this photo. 15.10.05 |
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| Latest
Photos of the Square, and Georges Hill. The work on the Square is eventually coming to an end and it's looking splendid. They have extended the Hotel and built an underground car park, built Civic Offices and extended the Library. We also bring you photos of the apartments on Georges Hill, and the new buildings on Drogheda street. 15.10.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Station Photo. Thanks to our friends, Benton/Curtis, we bring you a cracking photo of Balbriggan station, track side with several employees posing for the camera. We then bring you an up to date photo with today's employees standing in the same place as their predecessors. Click on thumbnail to view both photos. 14.10.05 |
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| Ardgillan
Castle Photos. After the disappointment of Ireland been knocked out of the World Cup, the following day was tremendous and helped to revive the souls. Cloudless blue sky and our intrepid photographer, Mr T. went to Ardgillan to make the most of the beautiful day. Generally not liking Flower/Bird photographs, he decided to go against his grain and he seemed quite pleased with his efforts. Click on the thumbnail to see the photos. 13.10.05 |
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| Skerries
Lifeboat......We are looking for Information on this photo. "On a recent visit to the Lifeboat College in Poole, I was asked by the Film and Image Manager if I could get some information on the attached photo. It is the only old photo they have on file associated with Skerries and the only information they have on it is that it probably dates form ca. 1924 and was taken by W W Blood-Smyth, Dublin. Any additional info on name of Lifeboat & photographer much appreciated. I wonder if any of your site visitors would be able to shed any further light?" Mary Courtney. Click on thumbnail to see photo and more details. 06.10.05 |
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| Smyco
Photographs. For those new to the town, Smyco (Smith & Co) was the main employer in the town for 200 years and had its premises on Station street and were famous for making undergarments. It started in 1780 and closed in 1980 and today we bring you two photos of some of its employees. Click on the thumbnail and see if you recognise anyone. We hope you enjoy. 06.10.05 |
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| 50,000
hits since so far & Canal photo. That's right, 50,000 hits to balbriggan.net in the 2 years we've been on-line. We never envisaged the site would become so popular, long may it continue. Here's a photo we brought you before of Pauline & Fergus Benton(Jack's Kids) feeding the Swans at the Canal and a photo taken recently from the same spot, see the changes. We are experimenting here, when you click on thumbnail both photos should appear in quick succession.06.10.05 |
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| Looking
to rent in Balbriggan over Christmas. |
| Another
previously unseen Balbriggan Photo. This photo is number 54 in David Brangan's glass plate collection.. It's now the National Irish Bank at the junction of Station/Drogheda street. The year of the photo is unknown but we reckon 1920's. We have published several photographs from the Brangan Collection and today we will bring you most of them on a single page along with a recap of the whole sequence of events. click on the thumbnail to see and learn more. |
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| Competition
Winner and updates. In July we received a photo of a man walking on the Beach. It was such an unusual photo that we asked you send in an appropriate caption. We had over 20 entries and have asked our technical dept to pick a winner and the winning caption is “he should have gone to specsavers” sent in by Adrian Hammond in Santry. Adrian wins a Balbriggan photo Key Ring. The other question we posed awhile back is about the two trees that have grown into one and we requested the location of these. Well, they are on Market Green almost beside the Scout Hall. Click on the appropriate thumbnail to refresh your memory. 04.10.05 |
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| Update
on Restoration of Roof of Balbriggan Church. Here we see the slates have now been fully removed, the crane defines the skyline above the church, Sister Anna from the Parish Team keeps a close eye on the work and yes one of the men working on the roof IS REALLY DOING A HANDSTAND ESPECIALLY FOR Balbriggan.net Recently it emerged that when the last major work was done on the church roof on 1937 two men placed a bottle with their names in the roof and one of them is still alive ….one lives quite close to the church ,…….does anyone know their name? We’ll let you know if the bottle is found……..Remember if you want to dedicate a slate to the memory of a loved one then just contact us for details on sponsorourslates@balbriggan.net 03.10.05 BH Click on thumbnail to see photos |
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| St. Teresa's School is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, and the Parents' Association have organised an anniversary disco in the Bracken Court Hotel on Friday 14th October (Over 18's only) Tickets are only €10.00 each and are available in the school each morning between 9 and 10am from the Parents Association. We will also be selling tickets on Thursday 6th October between 7.30 and 8.30pm to facilitate as many people as possible. |
| Roger
Turner's . Memories
of Balbriggan in the 50's. Part 9............. Once again, it's time to bring you another fascinating account of Balbriggan in the 1950's by team member Roger Turner. Roger lives in Sheffield but holidayed in Balbriggan for many years in the 50's. Roger has many photos taken in Balbriggan over the years and has sent us this one of 3 girls standing on the front beach but we don't know who they are. He recognises them but naming them is a different story. Can anyone name these?. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo and click HERE to read part 9 of Rogers memories of Balbriggan. 23.09.05 |
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| Music
Trax....... Local artists performed an acoustic night in Trax beside Balbriggan train station.They hope to continue this gig on a monthly basis. Contact Trax for date of next gig.Click on thumbnail to view more photos. 23.09.05 MF |
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| Yoga
classes in Balbriggan. The classes will take place in AURA Beauty Clinic, 22 Bridge St. Balbriggan on:Tue 11th Oct at 8.30-9.30pm and Wed 12th Oct at 8-9pm.The cost for these 8 week courses is EUR 85. Contact Paula on 087 9889103 or see www.pkyoga.com Places are limited. |
| Killalane
roadraces at the weekend - Balbriggan riders |
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| Balbriggan's
New Actress Sinead Monaghan is Balbriggan's latest shining star in the performing arts. One of the new breed of young stage performers Sinead will be taking part in The Dublin Theatre Festival (Fringe) in the highly acclaimed production of "Womb" by Rachel Rogers. Click on thumbnail to learn more about Balbriggan's newest star.14.09.05 |
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| Smyth
& Co, (Smyco) Broucher from 1945. In June last year, we brought you the first few pages from the 1945 broucher which was kindly given to us by messers Benton & Curtis. Today we bring you pages 9 to 14 of this 32 page publication where there are some great photos showing what it was like inside this world famous factory. Click on thumbnail to view. 12.09.05 |
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| Gormanston
Beach Photos and Butlin's Mosney Photographs.. Beautiful weather on sunday saw Tony head off on a long walk. A quick drive to the Delvin Bridge and then a walk up past Mosney. So we bring you some photos taken from around that area. Talking of Butlin's Mosney, we have come across some more photos of this famous holiday camp. Team member Tony spent a week there in the mid 70's so he has fond memories of the place.Click HERE to see the Butlins photographs or click the thumbnail to see the Gormanston photos. Please enjoy. 12.09.05 |
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| Sea
Rescue 1970's Received this email from Barry Geraghty some time back. "Came across these two from early 1990 I think. The boat was owned by one of the Baxters or crewed by them, it lost power and was washed aground on the back beach. The skerries lifeboat crew and the aircorp helicopter had to rescue the crew. In the process of launching the rescue boat from the beach it was also upturned by the verocity of the storm. You can just about see in one of the photos a crew man being winched to safety." Thanks Barry for the photos. Dont forget, if you have have photos with any Balbriggan connection, please email them to us. Update. We have received two more photos of the "Budding Rose" running aground thanks to the Benton/Curtis collection Click on thumbnail to see 4 enlarged photos.11.09.05 |
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| Smyco
Tokens 1884. We received this email some time back. It reads as follows. "Dear Balbriggan, Your site mentions a company "Smyth & Co" in Balbriggan. Two of the following tokens, dated 1884, are believed to come from this company. Does anyone know anything about them? The Bradley Nottingham token (3 types), counterstamped S&Co Ltd were found at the same company premises in Balbriggan. Again, does anyone know anything about them?, I hope some of your readers can help. Regards Barry Woodside (Stafford, UK, ex Belfast)" can anyone shed any light on this? Update. thanks to Joe Curtis we have some information on these tokens. It also gives us a reason to show another photograph from the David Brangan Collection of the Reading Rooms belonging to Smyco which were on Convent Lane. Click on the thumbnail to read and see enlarged tokens. 11.09.05 |
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| September
Slide Show. No, we haven't abandoned the web site but work must come first. Anyway, a reminder of a photographic exhibition in Ardgillan Castle is on all this week, amazing photographs from the town of St Wendal in Germany. Huge photographs with vibrant colours make this exhibitation a must see.Our resident photographer, Tony, was out and about today and we have put together a few photos for your enjoyment. 06.09.05 |
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| Repairs
and Refurbishment of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church to begin. We have previously brought reports to you of the much needed major renovation and refurbishment of the local Parish Catholic church. Stage 1 of this very challenging project commenced on Monday 22nd August when the scaffolding arrived to begin the repairs to the roof of the Parish church on Dublin St. This Stage will run up to Christmas but the church will remain open while the roof is being renewed. Click on thumbnail to read more. |
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| Bridal
Shop Opens in Balbriggan. Balbriggan Bridal opened it's doors in fine style on Saturday 20th August. Bride and Groom, along with bridesmaids posed outside the shop for photographers before the ceremonial cutting the ribbon to officially open the shop. The bridal party were then taken to the penthouse apartment overlooking the town with a spectacular view of Balbriggans beaches and Wedding Photographers Lynnette McNally & Tony Healy were there to capture the Bridal Shots. Brigid Murphy & Margaret McCord are the people behind the venture and we at B.net wish them well. Team member Martin was there representing B.net. Click on the thumbnail to see the photos. |
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| Trevor
Sargent TD looking for Photos. Local politician Trevor Sargent has sent us a mail "I'm on the lookout for stills from films made on location in Balbriggan, such as 'Sweetie Barrett' with Brendan Gleeson and 'Some Mother's Son'. Suggestions welcome. Trevor ". If anyone can help click HERE to mail Trevor and B.net. 19.8.05 |
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| Skerries
100---Local man Dec Lynch. Keith Sherwin has sent us some photos of local man, Dec Lynch taking part in the Skerries 100 road race. Dec is doing very well and recently got a 1st and 2nd place at Walderstown road races. We wish Dec best of luck and continued success.18.08.05 |
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| Balbriggan.Net
hits Santa Ponsa.Mallorca Aug 05............. Balbriggan.net has left it's mark in Santa Ponsa when Martin presented Seans Bar with a framed photograph of Balbriggan Harbour by Tony with our website www.balbriggan.net clearly visible for all to see.While there Martin also met up with Eric Cantona.Not missing an opportunity Eric was delighted to pose for some photographs for Martin, who in turn signed his autograph for Eric.Funny old world folks. 18.08.05 |
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| Restoring
the Lighthouse....... With the proposed development around Balbriggan, Seal Sanctuary, Bremore Harbour etc, money could surely be found to bring back the Lighthouse to it's former glory. Harry Tuite Snr, who was involved in the domes removal, admitted to B.net that it should never have been taken down in 1960. We have received encouragement from Trevor Sargent TD and Clr May McKoen on this subject with the former sending a letter to the relevant authorities. Let us know why you would like the Lighthouse restored. We need all our regular visitors to B.net to lend a hand and send us an email of encouragement. We at B.net make no apologies for trying to better the visual impact of the town. Send those emails to info@balbriggan.net |
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Roger Turner's .
Memories of Balbriggan in the 50's. Part 8. This man has the memory of an elephant, and the resemblance doesn't end there either, we jest. Part 8: Little Boy Fishing... is a splendid account of 1950's Balbriggan where team member Roger holidayed each year. Isaac's Hole, the Bower, The Devlin Bridge,Jim Hagan, Cardy Rocks are just some of the names that feature in this months Memories of Balbriggan in the 50's. Click on either thumbnail to read. 18.08.05 |
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| Pioneers
Photos---We are looking for names. Here is a photo we came across in the Benton/Curtis collection and it's the pioneers. Unfortunately there's no date on the reverse or do we know where it was taken. We recognise some but contact us if you spot anyone you know. Click to enlarge.18.08.05 |
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| Sewage Works in Balbriggan---Latest News from Fingal C.C. | Click HERE |
| Gaelscoil
Balbriggan---New Web site. We have been asked to bring to your attention the launch of a new web site in the town. Apparently the is huge interest in the town of having children educated through Irish. Spaces are limited but to find out more, click on the logo. We wish gaelscoil Bhaile Brigin the very best. 17.08.05 |
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| When
two become one????? Some of the team here are heavily into Wedding Photography and excellent at it too! But this one is of two trees that seem to have ‘tied the knot’ some years ago and now look like they are really the one. No it is not something our technical department have produced, it is reality……………………but where is it ?? Answer soon…..15.08.05 BH |
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| Do
you remember when the beach was full and the weather was great ?
……….it was the summer of 2005 ! A good summer certainly brings the crowds to the beach. Here are two photos by Brian Howley showing the people enjoying themselves. The beach looks great when the sun shines. click on thumbnail to view. 15.08.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Slide Show. Today we bring you a slide show of Balbriggan. This is aimed at those who have Broadband so be warned if you are using Dial-up it could take several minutes to load. We hope you enjoy. As usual click on thumbnail. 13.08.05 |
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| Coastal
Photos of Balbriggan. These photos are primarily aimed at our surfers abroad . We started off taking a photo up by the sailors Grave, and then of Blackrock Beach along with the rock where the diving board used to go out to and one or two others. Click on the thumbnail to view all. 11.08.05 |
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| Balrothery
National School Photo 1950's How do we do it. Again your local web site brings you another classic photo. This time its an 1950's photo of Balrothery National School with a good percentage of the names thanks to Anthony McMahon who also supplied the photo. We've made the photo as big as we could keeping in mind that not everybody has broadband. Any names or corrections, do please let us know. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. 11.08.05 |
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| Ras
Tailteann Some weeks ago the around Ireland Ras Tailteann cycle race travelled through Balbriggan as it does most years. Brian Howley caught some shots viewed from Drogheda St (Milestone Inn / Harvest Inn area) of the Stage 1 which started in Dublin and finished in Emyvale. Overall winner after the eight stages around Ireland was Chris Newton from the GB Recycling.co.uk team. It is always great to see this race coming through the town given our historical attachment to the sport ( Harry Reynolds and all that ) and presumably the question might be asked is it better to see it in the town or should it now follow the Harry Reynolds Memorial Road route? We think it is far more interesting to see it in the town environment. 10.08.05 BH |
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| Monica
Tolan. Monica runs two beauty Clinics in the town, Hampton and Vauxhall Street. They regularly visit B.net and so thought if fitting to submit a photo. Monica is the daughter of Mona & Jim Murphy, married to Frances Tolan of Coney hill, Balbriggan. B.net are always looking for photographs with a Balbriggan connection, so if you have some please do contact us or Text us on 086-8054275. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. |
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| Who
is this Man, He left Balbriggan 40 years ago. That's right, almost 40 years ago. Team member Tony was out taking photos on Sunday evening when he was approached by this man who asked would it be possible to have his photo taken with his wife and his mother. B.net are always willing to oblige and at present, photos are in the post to this man. We'll give his name in a day or two. Hint Lawless & Gibbons Terrace 09.08.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Lighthouse with Dome---Let's have it back...... Those new to the town may not be aware that there was originally a dome on the lighthouse up until about 1960. It was removed when the Lighthouse was electrified and we can only presume it was removed due to corrosion. If there's one thing that we at Balbriggan.net are asked about more than anything else, it's about replacing the dome. We asked our technical dept to show us what it would look like and they have come up with what you can see. We are aware that the harbour is in need of major repair but wouldn't it be lovely to have the Lighthouse back as it was. Let us know what you think to info@balbriggan.net. Click HERE to email us your views. We will place all messages about the lighthouse on a special page. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge and to read what others have to say about our Lighthouse. Get those comments coming in.. 06.08.05. |
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| Dublin
Lord Mayor, Alfie Byrne with Balbriggan Boy Scouts 1932. Is there no stopping this web site at all, we bring you another Gem of a photo. This time it's the Balbriggan Scouts with Dublin's Lord Mayor, Alfie Byrne. Alfie was Lord Mayor for 9 consecutive years from 1930 to 1939 which helps date this photo which appears to have been taken outside St.Peters & Pauls Church.. We sincerely thank Harry Tuite Snr for this masterpiece. Click to enlarge. 05.08.05 Update, we now know the year was 1932. Eucharist Congrest. |
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| The
Lady Stairs Damaged. We heard a report on the radio that the "Lady Stairs" footbridge had been badly damaged. So we sent one of the team to investigate and right enough the section over the road has been taken down possibly due to been hit by a large vehicle. Pipe-laying is currently going on at this section. We will keep you posted. 03.08.05 |
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| Sheep
Dip in Balbriggan........... Not what you think. Apparently, a pet sheep pulled the wool over over its owners eyes and managed to escape for a time. Barry Geraghty has kindly sent us 3 photos of the event which happened Sunday morning. 31.07.05 |
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| Another
1900's Photo---David Brangan. 2 Photos, then and now. Today's photos is No.1 in David's collection of Lantern Glass Slides of Balbriggan. This photo was taken in the early 1900's and its a view from the viaduct of Cumiskey's Coal Yard with Kincora House(Then the RIC Barracks) in the top right of the photo. We sent Tony out to take a photo from the same angle to compare how things have changed over the century. We sincerely thank David Brangan for allowing us to use his photos. Click on the thumbnail to view both photos. 31.07.05 |
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| Santa
comes to Wavin in 1972. It's been a few months since we brought you some photos from our Wavin collection. Apparently some 240 children in the town got to see Santa in '72 and had lots of minerals, Ice cream, cakes and then a film. No mobile phones, computer games etc, different era. Click on the thumbnail to see if you recognise anyone. 31.07.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Sea Scouts. Here is a photo given to us by Harry Tuite snr and he has supplied about 9 names. So anyone out there who can fill in the missing names or suggest a year the photo was taken, please do contact us. As usual, click on thumbnail to enlarge. 31.07.05 |
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| Balbriggan----Part
7: Where The Sun Always Shines... Roger Turner has penned part 7, Memories of Balbriggan in the 50s and this one is well worth a read. Click on the link to learn more of Balbriggan in the 50's. Thanks Roger.26.07.05 |
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HERE |
| How
popular is Balbriggan.net.............138 hits in 24 hours, that's
how popular. From 11am on Monday to 11am on Tuesday we noted that the hits went from 29192 to 29330, that's 138 hits in 24 hours. Jack, Joe, Martin and Tony, take a bow for a job well done. |
| Today's Photos,
Doyle, Tuite, Morrison, Gough. Tony decided to make full use of the continued good weather today and seeing it was his birthday he was in jubilant form. Harry Tuite was his first encounter when Harry called to the house. No sooner had Harry arrived, when along came Jim Morrison, so a great photo of the two was got. Next we meet Des Gough who runs a small shop on the beach and was doing a roaring trade, so we got 2 photos of Des. Next Tony bumps into Pat & Dolores Doyle who inform him that their daughter regularly checks B.net for the latest photos so he had to get a photo of them to surprise her. Next our reporter was informed of the problem of the Jelly fish on the beach and right enough, as far as the eye could see, jelly fish were everywhere. And finally, showing off that he has a remote control camera, Tony includes himself and his dogs to finish off a pleasant day shooting. Click on thumbnail to view photos. 26.07.05 |
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| Des
Darragh Jr. Here is a lovely photo that Des Darragh Sr has sent us that means a lot to him. It's his son, Des with his daughters, Kim and Katie on Balbriggan beach taken about 5 years ago. Enjoy. 25.07.05 |
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| Heat
wave gone big waves back. The great weather we've been having the past few weeks came to an end on Sunday and was captured by Johnny McLeer. If you have any photos with a Balbriggan connection, send them to us by email and we'll put them on the site. Click on thumbnail. 25.07.05 |
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| Leinster
Special Olympics Final. Today we bring you some photographs taken by Martin during the finals at DCU in June. We also have some photos of the festival of Howth in July. Click on thumbnail to view. 21.07.05 |
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| Bracken
River. Can anyone tell us where the source of the Bracken River is? Looking on the latest OS map there seems to be several rivers/streams flowing into the town. Suggestions welcome. 21.07.05 |
| Balbriggan
Harbour from 1970 and Balrothery 1966. Thanks to our friends, Benton & Curtis, they have kindly sent us two photographs for your pleasure. The first is of the harbour showing what was there before the "Laurels, Quayside" was built and the second is McCormack's Pub in Balrothery in 1966 after a fall of snow. Click on thumbnail to view. 21.07.05. |
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| Classic
Photo |
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| Dr.Michael Woods.Charlie Mc Dermott.Martin Fanning.......Competition wins by two of the team........Following photographic competitions in Rush and Howth we are delighted to announce that our very own Jack Benton was a winner in the Rush Arts Festival photographic competition and Martin Fanning was the overall winner in theSpirit of Howth competition run in association with the Howth Festival 2005 where the judge was well known professional photographer Tom Lawlor.Click here for photos.15.07.05 |  |
| Another 1900's
Balbriggan Photo. It's been a while since we published a David Brangan glass plate photo. For those new to the site, we have about 100 photos of Balbriggan which were given to us on glass by David. All the photos are taken around 1900 and David have allowed us to publish certain photographs on B.net. Today's photo is of the salt works of Balbriggan which is now O'Sheas Bar down at the harbour. We've also included a photo of one of the glass plates to show what they look like Click HERE to see other David Brangan photos. 14.07.05 |
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| John
D's Darts Club hits the Bullseye..c1977. These photos will cause a stir if only for the hair-do's. Did people really dress like that in the 70's. Tommy Geraghty very kindly sent us these photos of the Darts team which drank and trained in John D's. Check out these photos and see who you can spot. 14.07.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Choir Photo c1968. Pictures like this don't come around every day and we sincerely thank Tommy Geraghty for this gem. Tommy has made a great effort to put names to all the faces but there are one or two exceptions where he cant remember their christian names. So if you know any of the missing names, please email us by clicking HERE. 14.07.05 |
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| Balbriggan
Drama Group Photos. We bring you about 10 photos today of the Balbriggan Drama Group. Gus Kennedy, Robert Cullen, Monica Cullen, Yvonne Healy, Phyllis Monaghan, Tommy Monaghan are just some of the people featured in these shots. We sincerely thank Gus & Yvonne Kennedy for supplying us with same. We hope you enjoy. |
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| Cattle
on Dublin Street---Is there a photo out there of this? For those of you who haven't read Roger Turners memories of 1950's Balbriggan, may we remind you to do so. So far Roger(now lives in Sheffield) has written 6 accounts of the times he spent in Balbriggan and is currently writing part 9. Roger used to come to Balbriggan on Holidays from England and he describes wonderfully how things were so good here compared to war torn Sheffield. Rogers writes exclusively for Balbriggan.net and in one of his recent articles he talks about the cattle on market day."Now I don't need to tell you about cattle markets, for, like me, I bet you have many memories (both good and bad) of Balbriggan Cattle Market. But whatever else, Market Day for this little English lad in the fifties was memorable. One dog and its farmer set off at first light with a line of walking cattle heading for the market. (I bet that doesn't happen now!) Soon, other farmers would join them, and from early in the morning the lanes and byways leading to Balbriggan would become jammed. Yes, I know all about the shite they left rotting in the street, but that was part of the process. "What are you doing with that old bucket?" "Ah, sure, aren't I just going to shovel some up to put on me rhubarb." "Well, you're welcome to it. I would rather have custard on mine!" So does anyone have any photos of cattle on Market Day. If so please contact us. |
| Check
the Guest Book. A reminder to regularly check the Guest Book. Here is a question that Estelle Scott has posted recently. "Does anyone remember or have photos of a hosiery factory with the name 'SCOTT' written on the roof? My husband's ancestors came from Balbriggan to Nottingham and were all Frame Work Knitters. We think Walter Scott probably returned to his family in 1891. Joseph Scott born about 1836 and his father James came from there.I know the factory was there in the 1960's. Thank you if you can help at all" |
| Roxy
the dog brings home the catch from the sea !! One of the team from our technical department, Mr T, has a very soft spot for small dogs, so soft in fact that he has 2 himself. Anyway, this is Roxy retrieving the stick that Brian has thrown. Two great photos here which we hope you enjoy. |
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| Make
TRAX for your coffee by the railway! Here we see the former site of Sunlight Studios and the wall which proudly commemorates some of the famous award winning medals which were won by Smyco for their fine hosiery. It has now become a haunt for the coffee drinking public whether they are bleary eyed commuters on the nearby trains or just visiting for a leisurely lunch. |
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| Something
high rising behind the Station Masters House ! While walking around Balbriggan Brian Howley decided that the view through the garden gate of the Station Masters house was curious and would become even more and more curious as time moved on! The following is a progression of photos taken from EXACTLY the same spot starting in early 2003 and progressing right up to present date…..obviously the building referred to is the high rise apartment building which now dominates the view around the Railway station. Also shown is view from High St Hill. |
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| What
type of bells will ring in the Chapel Street apartments? The recent development of apartments in Chapel Street is on the site of some very historic buildings all of which have had various kinds of bells ringing down through the years. Firstly the church bell pealed as the original building started off as the Roman Catholic Church from 1780 approx up to 1842. The shape of this building was Cruciform (like a cross). After this the building served as the local National School up to the 1930’s when SS Peter & Paul’s was completed. The residents of Chapel St were by now used to listening to the school bell ringing out. Next the building was used as an abattoir and the ringing bells around the necks of the cattle approaching the famous gates didn't’t spell out a positive message for them! Around this time the Fire Brigade station was started and again the residents began to hear a different bell, that of alarm when the fire tender was called into action! Time was called on both of these buildings last summer and the new apartments have been built in double quick time and one now wonders what kind of bells the residents of Chapel St will be listening to in the coming months………perhaps early morning alarm calls for commuters??? |
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| Ardgillan
Castle Concerts. Sure enough, the minute we ask for photos of the recent concerts at Ardgillan, Brian Howley springs into action with some great photos of the said concerts. The first night saw Mel C, Status Quo, and Meat Loaf in action and the next night was the Devlins, Zutons and Moby. Brilliant weather added to the occasion and the view was supposed to be spectacular with Quo apologising for the view in jest. We sincerely thank Brian Howley for the brilliant photos he got and we bring you a selection of them, we hope you enjoy. |
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| DJ
has had his chips ! Where once we all had our Friday night ‘chippie’ meal (in Drogheda Street between the Supervalu complex and the Milestone Inn).has now been all changed. In these photos one day we see the ‘Bag of Bargains’ shop and also the aforementioned DJ’s chipper and the next day we see it no more. All making way for an enlarged Supervalu store and other business premises in the near future. Watch this space! |
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| REM
Gig at Ardgillan-photos. John Maguire has very kindly sent us some photos from the gig of the year. A great time was had by all. If anyone has other photos especially of the stage, do contact us. |
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| Petra
Ariel Skyvova--Fingallian Holy Wells. Petra has written this book and it is published by Fingal County Council Libraries. We recently received a copy and our initial reaction is very positive, we had no idea there were so many Holy wells in Fingal. For those living in Balbriggan, the book is available in McGovers's(Vision Radio). We wish petra well(no pun intended) in her venture. Click on the icon to learn more about this publication. 10.07.09 Item 105-05 |
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| Balbriggan
Arts Festival Website. Pauline o'Hare has requested that we place a link to Arts Festival web site which we are only too delighted to do. Click HERE. |
| St.
Teresa's Parents Association. I am writing on behalf of St. Teresa's Parents Association. Our school will celebrate its 30th Anniversary this coming October, and we would like to appeal for any old photos or funny stories regarding the school. If anybody can help will they please contact the school direct. Many thanks. Patricia McGarrigle. |
| Balbriggan
Through Rose-Tinted Specs Memories of Balbriggan in the Fifties.
By Roger Turner. Roger has now written part 6 of his memories of Balbriggan. Click HERE to read his account. |
| Gerry
Guildea on Live 8, 2012 Olympics and London Bombings. Gerry and Amanda have sent us a photo of themselves at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park enjoying the biggest & best gig ever!. Thanks guys.Update. 09.07.05. Item 101-05 |
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| Confreys
Pub/Shop. Here are two gems showing the inside of this once famous Shop/Pub. It stood where the Deli Burger stands now and was run by 3 brothers, their names we will have shortly. The pint was apparently the best in the town and no matter what you were looking for in the shop, they had it, even if it ment going down the cellar. It's sad that its gone and we believe the brothers are living in the Drogheda area..We sincerely thank Tom Cullen, Fancourt Heights for allowing us to use these shots. 09.07.05 Item 100-05 |
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| Tesco
Workers Enjoy a drink in De Bruns. One of the team was taking some photos in DeBruns to launch the fact they now boast wireless Broadband. While there, Tony was threatened with physical injury if he didn't take a photo of the girls. Isn't fear a wonderful thing. We hope you all had a good time. Click on thumbnail to see photo enlarged.99-05 |