WilliamOrmiston wasaninspirational character
IT is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr. William George Ormiston, “Glenhome.” Bettystown, which took place in a Dublin hospital recently after a short illness.
The deceased gentleman, who was only 39, was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Ormiston, Townley Hall, Drogheda, but had been resident in the borough since boyhood until a few years ago. In the polio epidemic which struck the town in the 1910s, Willie as he was known, was one of the victims and although he made a good recovery the dread disease left him partially incapacitated. But those who knew him marvelled at his courage in overcoming his disabilities for at the time he became ill, he was only in his teens and was a promising table tennis player and a very athletic young man.
Willie had to forego all the athletic activities common to youth but he never showed resentment. His cheerful courage was an example to all and he led, as far as circumstances would permit, a normal life.
On two sticks he attended at dance halls, there to sit and enjoy the music and carry on animated conversation with those around him.
And there were always people to talk to Willie. Not out of sympathy, for one forgot his disablement and gravitated towards him to enjoy his wit, his humour, his camaraderie and his sound commonsense.
Willie found employment—first with Messrs. Harbinson and later with Messrs. Ushers and in both establishments he fully pulled his weight; was popular with his colleagues and held in the highest esteem by the respective managements.
Just 18 months ago he married and to his young widow, and his brothers, Walter and Andrew, we extend our deepest sympathy in their bereavement.
Two old Drogheda families Messrs Chadwick and Gradwell donated this beautiful pulpit to the memory of Dr. Dixon. The figures in the several panels are a series of statuettes finished with great skill.
One panel contains a group representing St. Joseph standing with a kneeling figure of the late Dr. Dixon clothed in his Pontifical vestments, on the right is the figure of Our Lord receiving the Primate from his Patron, St. Joseph. The whole pulpit is artistically arranged . The pulpit is now transferred from the body of the church to the Sanctuary adding grandeur to the beautiful High Altar surrounded with priceless stain-glass windows depicting chief events of St. Peter’s life.
The rich paintings of Our Lord and the Twelve Apostles, lately renovated by the great artist, Mrs. P. Larkin, were originally painted by a Belgian artist.
The vast improvements in the Sanctuary recently have been carried out by Right Rev. Mgr. Laverty, P.P., V.G.
Dr. Dixon’ was born near Dungannon in 1806 and was Professor of Sacred Scripture in Maynooth for eighteen years. He was appointed Primate and consecrated on November 21st, 1852 by Cardinal Cullen. It is interesting to note that Dr. Dixon brought to Drogheda from Paris in 1855 the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. He gave them a solemn reception in St. Peter’s (old) Church and preached a special sermon He also introduced the Christian. Brothers in to Drogheda in 1857 and the Mercy Nuns to Ardee in 1859.
At a public meeting in Drogheda in 1859, Dr. Dixon expressed sympathy with the Holy Father on the outrages inflicted on him by the Italian revolutionists. Primate Dixon made a remarkable speech in which he denounced Napoleon III. was made up of nine Drogheda and six Dundalk players.
Half-backs Eddie Kearney (Drogheda), and Tony Steen were always a source of worry and, despite trying three different players at out-half. Offaly could never manage to turn the tide.
Louth went into the lead after ten minutes when Tony Steen kicked a nice penalty and then Steen was on the spot to go over for a good try after centre Mick Craig had engineered the opening.
Ned Walker reduced the arrears when he dropped a goal for Offaly, but almost immediately Louth hit back with a really splendid try. Dundalk’s former Irish international, Eamonn Maguire, who had a great match, took a short penalty and burst up to the halfway line before passing to centre Mick Matthews. The ball flashed from Matthews to right-winger Frank Buckley and he went on a 10-yard run which resulted in a wonderful try in the corner.
Despite the disadvantage of playing against the wind, Louth continued to dominate the ‘game and through swinging the ball about had further tries from Steen and Mick Matthews, the latter having his converted with a wonderful kick from practically on the touchline by second-row forward Pat Walsh.
Louth—J. Malone (Dundalk), F. Buckley ( Drogheda), M. Matthews (do). M. Craig (do), G. McGee (Dundalk). T. Steen (do), E. Kearney ( Drog, M. Lynch (do), B. Phillips ( do), F. O’Doherty (Dundalk). P. Walsh (Drogheda), G. Hannigan (Dundalk), E. Maguire (do), S. McCormack ( Drogheda), A. Mullan (do), captain.
West End, 2-3
After being held to two points, 2-1 to 2-3, at half-time, Duleek Street pulled away from their rivals on the turn-over. The West End side had two points to complete their total, but the winners who could well be in the shake up later on, were just too good. D. Kierans, P. McArdle, J. Dowd and Daly shone for them, with L. Campbell, E. McGuinness, D. Dunne, K. McKeown best for the losers.
Clogher, 7-3
Hand Street, 3-1
Clogher, despite their shock defeat by Brugas last week, served up great fare in beating Hand St., at the Gaelic Grounds to keep in the running for under-14 honours.
P. Briscoe, P. Lynch, J. McDonnell and J. Mulroy sparkled for the winners, while G. McKeown, M. Burke, M. Fay and P. Clarke were best for the losers.
Duleek Street, 8-1
Hardmans Gardens, 3-1
This under-16 tie was very onesided with the more experienced St. Mary’s team far too strong all round.
Marian, 5-8
Hardmans Gardens 2-4.
Although they led by only four points at the interval, Marian pulled away in the second half to win decisively. M. Matthews, T. Buckley, S. McCann and M. O’Neill shone for them, with K. McDonnell, T. Byrne, M. Bohan and P. McEnteggart best for the Gardens.
Brughas, 2-5
Hand St., 1-5
After looking like coasting home Brughas had to go all out to hold Hand Street on Sunday night at rhe Gaelic Grounds. The eventual winners led by 2-2 to 0-3 at halftime, but the losers were playing in the closing stages. D. Barrett, M. O’Connell, T. Moore and O. Connor shone for Brughas, with D. O’Brien, J. Flanagan, T. McCormack and O. Winters best for Hand Street.
Marian, 6-2
Duleek St., 5-1
The local derby at Marian Park on Sunday night provided grand c are with Marian gaining two very valuable points. T. Hanlon, P. McArdle, D. Kierans and S. Kierans tried hard _to avert defeat for their side but Crilly S. McCann, J. Kelly and F. Buckley did most to keep the winners in front..