Athenry 1916:Newspaper accounts in 1914 by Ronan Killeen

Irish Independent 5th June 1914

THE IRISH NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS

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RAPID SPREAD OF THE MOVEMENT

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BOTH PARTIES UNITED IN KINGSTOWN


"Writing to Mr. Jos (Rooney, secretary of the
Organising committee at Athenry, Sir Roger
Casement says - 'The Irish Volunteers
are now the custodians of their country's manhood.
They are the beginning of an Irish Army - and every
man must feel he is entitled as an Irishman, to step
into his ranks without being questioned, as to
his political opinions, any more than to his
religous views.
Any attempt to hold political inquistions on the political
opinions of the Irish volunteers must be treated as
subversive of displine - a thing not to be tolerated
in a military organisation. We want military efficency,
and to build up a native army, relying on Irish courage
virtue and displine'.
Sir Roger and Colonel Moore are expected to attend a great Galway review
on the 29th."

A Timeline of Athenry Waterworks and Sewage Committee 1912-1918 by Ronan Killeen

September 7th 1912: The townspeople of Athenry were pleased to know waterworks and sewerage scheme passed. Three police had contracted Typhoid which had been allegedly due to the bad sanitary conditions of Athenry barracks.

A statement was brought out that the three men contracted it when they jumped into a pond of water and one man could not get a bed in Galway.

February 8th 1913: The following works were to be carried out after the Loughrea District Council invited tenders for the following; construction of a service resovoir,and pump house; providing and laying cast iron pipes; hydrants; engine pumps; and other works according to plans and specifications prepared by Mr. F. Bergin, B. E., 36 Moorland street, Dublin.

March 1st 1913: A clerk of works was set up for Athenry waterworks was set up which consisted of the following members; Very Rev. Cannon Canton; Rev. R. P. Roe, Rev. Burkitt, R. P Nolan Galway Co. Co., P. McDonagh, D. C., Thomas Ruane and J. T. Kelly were appointed to consider all questions connected with waterworks or sewage in Athenry and to report it to the council.

August 1st 1914: A secretary position for the Athenry Waterworks at a salary of £6 a year was advertised. The duties of the person who will be appointed were to conduct correspondence; on behalf the committee and council, keep minutes, and carry out all order of the committee appertaining to the office.

The postage and and other out of pocket expenses will be allowed, and stationary supplied by the council.

August 10th 1918: Athenry waterworks  committee invite instructions to the payment of water rent by the military at Athenry. Mr. McDonagh said the committee thought 30 shillings per month would be a reasonable sum. There were 300 and 400 soldiers in Athenry who were getting their supply of water daily from the Swangate fountain.

Source: Connacht Tribune 1912-1918