Historic paintings were found in the Watch-house

WHAT do you think of P. L. Cooney’s idea that the Chamber of Commerce Room, in the Whitworth Hall, should be used as a temporary picture gallery ?

Mr. Cooney made this suggestion at the annual general meeting of Drogheda Chamber of Commerce last week. And he said he had in mind three valuable oil paintings —Ancient Drogheda; a picture of Drogheda in 1920 showing the Black and Tans in Ballsgrove, and the gem of the lot, Kate the Navvy. Because they belonged to the ratepayers—they were bought with their money — Mr. Cooney said they should have an opportunity of seeing and appreciating them. He mentioned Cassidy and Markey as being the artistes.

Mr. C. E. F. Trench informed the members that six years ago the paintings, to which Mr. Cooney referred, were found by him in the watch-house in Peter Street. He had them cleaned; two were hung in the public library, and Kate the Navvy was now to be seen in the Corporation Chamber.

Mr. Trench asked -” Who would want to come into the Chamber of Commerce Room to see the pictures ? The room Is always locked and they would not be under supervision.”

No action was taken on Mr. Cooney’s suggestion, but at least you now know where to look for them.