What it Said in the Papers

1915

The Lyster name in Barnaderg was making history back in 1915 when the Connacht Tribune printed this article:

WITH THE IRISH GUARDS

Amongst the members of R.I.C. who have been accepted for service with the Irish Guards in the present war is Constable M.J. Lyster, of Barnaderg station, one of the most popular members of the R.I.C., a fact that was made obvious by the spontaneous outburst of good wishes, which was showered upon him on the occasion of his departure. On Monday night, 2nd inst; his comrades in Barnaderg and surrounding stations, along with some civilian friends, assembled at the R.I.C. barracks, Barnaderg, for the purpose of paying a well-deserved tribute of their esteem and regard to Constable Lyster.  Sergeant Keane, who presided, referred in eulogistic terms to Constable’s popularity, not alone with his comrades, but with the general public.  Whilst, they regretted his departure from amongst them, they were glad to know that the R.I.C., for the first time in history, was taking its part in the defence of the Empire.  Those present heartly endorsed the remarks of the Sergeant.  Constable Lyster returned thanks.[1]

1937

Law and Order

The District Justice was kept busy with petty crime coming before the court. It could be anything from drunk and dissorderely and neighbours disputes over fencing or the poor parent being held to account for children not attending school. There was the odd case of working an unshod donkey, when maybe the head of the house hadn’t the price of a pair of shoes for a child. The most common fines were for using ‘unlighted cycles’, and the few cases of neighbours fighting over land.

One of the most noticeable and sad cases was at Derreen Court in 1937 when the local Garda Supt. applied to have a young boy sent to an industrial school owing to his persistent refusal to go to school. The boy’s father said he would be soon over the school age and that he wouldn’t be able to contribute anything towards the boy’s maintenance in an industrial school.  The Justice said the boy must get some chance to be educated and trained when his parents won’t give it to him.  The Justice made an order that the boy be sent to Letterfrack Industrial School.[2]

Comers’ Hall

It is believed that Comer’s Hall opened its doors in 1936.  It was a busy place as can be seen from the following advertisements which appeared weekly in the Tuam Herald and Connacht Tribune as far back as 1938.[3]  It would have held a dance every week up to the late 60’s. Plays were held in the hall starting in the 1940’s and Bingo was also played there. It was also used for meetings.

1938

COMHLUCHT SIUCRE EIREANN TEO.
Notice to BEET GROWERS

The Company’s Agricultural Adviser will Address meeting of BEET GROWERS at

Barnaderg-Comer’s Hall, On Wednesday, March 16th at 7.30, 1938

1941

BARNADERG L.D.F
Will be held at

Comer’s Hall-

On Sunday, July 20th.   1941

Admission 2s; Supper extra. [5]

1942

BARNADERG ANNUAL CHRISTMAS * DANCE
A Grand Dance will be held in Comer’s Hall, Barnaderg, on

Sunday night, Dec. 27th.

Music by the usual Dance Band. Dancing from 9 p.m to 4 a.m Admission 2s. (Including Tax)

Owing to St. Stephen’s Day falling on Sarurday we are obliged to hold the Xmas Dance on Sunday night, December 27.

All are welcome to come and enjoy a good night’s dancing. [4]

[1] Connacht Tribune Aug.28th 1915; page 3
[2] Connacht Tribune November 20th1937 page 21.
[3] Tuam Herald August 13th, 1938 page 3
[4] Connacht Tribune Dec. 26th, 1942 page 7.
[5] Connacht Tribune July 19th, 1941, page 4.