The Impartial Reporter, December 14, 1989: As highlighted in a recent Looking Back column, former Northern Ireland International Jimmy Cleary, is pictured coaching boys from the Model Primary School Primary 7 class, as part of the Burton “Striker” competition. Jimmy, formerly of Glentoran, Portadown and Enniskillen Rangers and an I.F.A. coach delighted the 20 boys aged between 10 and 14 with coaching and skills techniques. After an hour’s coaching Jimmy gave the boys a chance to talk and question him about his football career.

25 YEARS AGO - Jan 4, 1990: Samuel Beckett and William Scott - Enniskillen Connections - To have to record the deaths, within a week of each other, of two figures with world-wide reputations, both of whom spent their schooldays in Enniskillen in the Nineteen-Twenties, must surely be a unique event. The writer, Samuel Beckett died in Paris on December 23; and the painter, William Scott, died at his home in Somerset, on December 28.

First Salmon - A glass of whisky and four worms helped Enniskillen angler Dermot McMenamin land the first Irish salmon of 1990 and a new decade. The 40-year-old needed the dram to calm his nerves after the highly prized fish got caught around a tree on the river Drowes in Bundoran. It had grabbed his bunch of four worms on his second cast but it was an hour before he could claim his prize. The 10lbs. 4oz. salmon was eventually on the bank shortly after 9 a.m. The fish was hooked in the aptly named Money Hole as it netted Dermot £700 and Drowes Perpetual Cup. He received £200 from fishery owner Thomas Gallagher and £500 from the sale of the fish to three Bundoran businessmen.

New Year Honour - MAP - As far as I can ascertain only one New Year Honour came in the Fermanagh direction. The BEM has been awarded to Elizabeth Eadie who was personal secretary to Michael Murphy, Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board, until her retirement at the close of 1989, after 15 years service. Now she is looking around hoping to undertake some voluntary work, in addition of course, to looking after her mother, Mrs. Christina McCartney, who is now in her early nineties.

Lakeland Players to Perform Aladdin - The Lakeland Players are on the move again in their third annual pantomime. This year’s production at the Ardhowen Theatre is the well-loved story of Aladdin - and his magic lamp of course!

Chancellor’s 50th Anniversary - (photo caption) - Chancellor G.R. Howe, former rector of Rossorry parish, and his wife, Mary, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination in the Church of Ireland shortly before Christmas with a mantel clock presented by the rector and Vestry of Rossorry Church. Chancellor Howe was ordained as a curate in St. Clement’s Parish Church, Templemore Avenue, Belfast, and also served as a rector at Tubrid before being appointed rector at Rossorry. He retired in 1980.

50 YEARS AGO - Dec 31, 1964: A Christmas Swim - MAP - Every Christmas, one sees pictures in the newspapers of a lot of crazy characters going for a swim in the sea at Brighton, or breaking the ice in the Serpentine, in London. Not the sort of pleasure most of us would seek. I did not envy the members of the Fermanagh Harriers on Boxing Day, when they met in Enniskillen. A miserable, wet, cold, day it was. Even the horses looked as if they would rather have been in a nice comfortable stable! Writing about winter swimmers - when I spoke to the Minister of Agriculture later on Boxing Day, he looked none the worse for his bathe. He had been in a river rescuing sheep that morning. I was able to congratulate him on the birth of his sixth child, a boy. He and his wife Maureen, now have three boys and three girls. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Celebrations in Fermanagh Hospitals and Homes - It was a bright and cheery Christmas in the hospitals and homes throughout County Fermanagh and many parties were held for the patients, staff and residents who had an enjoyable time at the festivities of various kinds. There were illuminated Christmas trees in the foyer and all the wards at the Erne Hospital which were colourfully decorated by the members of the staff, under the supervision of the Matron (Miss D.I. McWilliam). The hospital was visited by the pupils of the kindergarten of Enniskillen Collegiate School, who were accompanied by their teacher, Miss Barbara Chapman. They brought gifts for all the children spending Christmas in the children’s ward. The hospital received many gifts, toys, sweets and money. The students of Enniskillen Technical College, with their master, Mr. C.J. Stuart, also brought gifts to the hospital.

Good-bye - The police in Kesh must bid farewell next month to Head Constable Harry McCullough who is leaving the district to take up duty in Portadown.

Children’s Party at R.U.C. Depot - Over 100 children spent a very enjoyable evening at the party given in the gymnasium at the R.U.C. Depot for the children of the officers and men of the R.U.C. and the U.S.C.

75 YEARS AGO - Jan 4, 1940: Big Fire Near Kesh - The premises of Messrs. Moore, Bros. on the border of Termon, Co. Fermanagh, were completely destroyed by a fire which broke out in the early hours of Monday morning. Nothing was left but the iron posts and sheeting.

Personal - Rev. Chancellor Dagg, M.A., formerly of Fivemiletown, has been transferred from Donaghmoyne, Co. Monaghan, to charge of the parish of Trillick, Co. Tyrone.

Watchnight Services in Enniskillen - A Watchnight Service was held in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, on Sunday night last. There was a very large attendance. Rev. A.J.A. MacQuaide conducted the service and the sermon was preached by the Very Rev. the Dean of Clogher. Appropriate hymns and psalms were sung. A Watchnight Service was also held in the Methodist Church at which there was a large congregation. Rev. James Wisheart conducted the service and the Rev. Harold Sloan was the preacher.

Dance at Augher - War Comforts Funds benefited by a dance in the Carmichael Memorial Hall, Augher. The company numbered about 200. Mr. R. Lundy was M.C., and the music was supplied by Donella Dance Band.

Music Success - The Guildhall School of Music and Drama London - At the above examination recently held in Enniskillen, Miss Mary Switzer, Tullyhommon, successfully passed Pianoforte Lower Grade with honours. This is the third year she has obtained honours, although only 12 years of age. She is a pupil of Miss Gladys Bishop L.G.S.M., Pettigo.

Newtownbutler Stationmaster - Regret is expressed at the departure of Mr. Swarbrigg, stationmaster, who has been transferred on promotion from Newtownbutler to Sion Mills. Mr. Swarbrigg served for six years at Newtownbutler. He has been replaced by Mr. Harris from the Belfast area.

Enniskillen B.B. Entertains - The 1st Enniskillen Company of the Boys’ Brigade held a party in the Guildhall, Enniskillen, on Monday evening (New Year’s Day) at which they entertained old B.B. boys of the R.U.C. Depot and the North Irish Horse, and friends. Games were played and there was community singing. Songs and mouthorgan solos were contributed by members of the North Irish Horse and R.U.C. Depot. An excellent tea was served under the supervision of Mrs. Murray, who had the able assistance of Miss G. Drennan (Life Boy Leader) and Mrs. Maxwell.