A unique event previously highlighted in Looking Back, relating to 25 years ago, were 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 1920s. The writer, Samuel Beckett, died in Paris on December 23, and the painter William Scott, died at his home in Somerset, on December 28.

The photographs appeared in The Impartial Reporter, January 4, 1990.

25 YEARS AGO - Jan 19, 1990: William Scott ‘comes home’ - Tributes at Funeral - The Enniskillen boy who became a painter of world renown was laid to rest on Monday in Breandrum cemetery, scarcely a stones-throw from the Model School where his talents as an artist were first recognised. William Scott, who died at his home in Bath, Somerset, on December 28, was buried in the family plot alongside his father, William, a housepainter and sign writer, who lost his life tragically in 1927 when a ladder suddenly snapped as he was helping to fight a fire in Kirkpatrick’s drapery shop in Enniskillen - leaving a widow and ten young children. Friends and relatives and distinguished representatives of the art world came to the funeral.

High Sheriff - MAP - The new High Sheriff of Fermanagh, Lord Anthony Hamilton, was sworn in by the Clerk of the Courts, George Balfour, on Monday. He is the younger son of the Dowager Duchess of Abercorn - the former Lady Kathleen Crichton, of Crom Castle - and the late Duke of Abercorn, who died ten years ago. Lord Anthony went to Eton College and afterwards worked in London until 1974 when he returned to Ulster, joining the staff of the National Trust, taking charge of the administration of Castle Coole and Florence Court.

Fire Chief Honoured - MAP - Since last week I have discovered that some more New Year Honours have come to people in Fermanagh. One of them, Paddy McGowan, who grew up in the Derrygonnelly area, has been awarded the M.B.E. principally for his devotion to duty with the Northern Ireland Fire Service, being sub-officer in charge at Omagh. Mr. McGowan told me he regards it as an honour to the firemen.

Ruth’s Award - A former pupil at Enniskillen Collegiate School has won a major scholarship in modern languages. She is Ruth Walmsley, Tullycaldrick, Kesh, who completed her “A” levels at the Collegiate last June and is now at Queen’s University taking Modern Languages. She has been given a special entrance award - the Reid-Harwood scholarship by the University. The scholarship, of which only one is awarded each year, is for modern language students.

50 YEARS AGO - Jan 14, 1965: Enniskillen Train Driver Hurt - The driver of a diesel train from Omagh to Belfast, Mr. William Hawthorne, of 31, Drumcor Hill, Enniskillen, was injured last week when a small iron bar was thrown through the windscreen as the train entered Pomeroy station. The bar struck Mr. Hawthorne in the face, although the peak of his cap to some extent saved him. He was able to bring the train to a halt in the station. Another driver, who was travelling on the train, took charge for the remainder of the journey and Mr. Hawthorne was taken back to hospital in Omagh, where it was found that he had a fractured jaw.

“Miss Fivemiletown” - There were over 300 dancers from Fivemiletown, the Clogher Valley and many districts of County Fermanagh at the dance held in St. John’s Parish Hall, Fivemiletown, on Friday evening. The dance was organised by the Fivemiletown Parish Table Tennis Club and the Parish Hall Committee. The highlight of the evening was the selection of “Miss Fivemiletown.” Mr. Robert Fyffe, a member of the social committee, who acted as M.C., welcomed and introduced the judges, three members of the “Impartial Reporter” staff. Miss Elizabeth Robinson, of Queen’s Park, Fivemiletown, was chosen as “Miss Fivemiletown,” and Mr. Joseph Hogg, of Aughinlark, Fivemiletown, as “Prince Charming.” The sash was placed on “Miss Fivemiletown” by Mr. Egbert Trimble. Canon Robert Gracey, rector of St. John’s Parish, expressed thanks to the judges.

Death of Irvinestown P.P. - Very Rev. Bernard Lappin, P.P., who died at his residence at Irvinestown early yesterday (Wednesday) morning had spent all his ministry in Irvinestown. He was in his late sixties.

The Hunt Ball - MAP - Whatever the limitations of the Townhall, this year’s Hunt Ball was adjudged by the 350 or so who attended, “the best ever.” Bobbie Donaldson, the Joint Master, Cecil Sloan, the Hunt Committee Chairman, Maurice Chambers, the honorary secretary, and Angel McManus welcomed and looked after the welfare of the dancers. It was a “full house” - all the tickets were gone before Christmas, I’m told! There were many visiting parties.

The Princess - Fermanagh’s Dairy Princess will be chosen at Enniskillen on 30th April. Interviewing will take place at a private coffee party to avoid embarassment to shy competitors.

75 YEARS AGO - Jan 18, 1940: Co. Surveyor’s Goodbye - Mr. J.P. Burkitt, who is shortly retiring from the position of County Surveyor of Fermanagh, after over 40 years service, said ‘good-bye’ to Enniskillen Rural Council on Tuesday when for the last time as surveyor he attended a meeting of that body. Lord Belmore expressed his appreciation of all that Mr. Burkitt had done for the county in the past 40 years and wished him prosperity and long life in retirement. Mr. James Burns seconded, and the vote of appreciation was passed. Mr. Burkitt, replying, said it was very nice of the Council, and he appreciated it very much.

Blacklion Rector’s New Post - Rev. I. Mayne, B.A., rector of Killinagh, has taken up duty as rector of Elphin, and Head Teacher of Bishop Hodson’s Grammar School there. Although but one year in Killinagh, Mr. Mayne made many friends, and was responsible for improvements to the church and rectory.

Personal - We regret to state that Sir Ronald Ross, Bart., M.P., the officer commanding the North Irish Horse, is lying seriously ill in Fermanagh County Hospital. His wife is watching by his bedside. At the time of going to press the report was no change.

Lantern Lecture - Rev. R.J. Good, Londonderry, and formerly of Enniskillen, gave a lantern lecture on Friday night, entitled ‘The Church Round The Corner,’ in the Methodist Church, Brookeborough. The proceeds were in aid of a Christian Endeavour missionary overseas. Miss Doreen Latimer was the accompanist.

Cavanaleck Church - Rev. Robert M’Causland, who has been the faithful Minister of Cavanaleck Presbyterian Church, Fivemiletown, for the past 13 years, said good-bye to his congregation on Sunday last. By his pleasing personality, kind, sincere and sympathetic manner, he endeared himself to the members of his congregation.

Dr. T.C. Taylor - The death has taken place in Glasgow of Dr. T.C. Taylor, who was for over years medical officer of Brookeborough dispensary district.

Well-known Clones Jockey - The death took place on Saturday, 13th inst., at his residence, Churchill, Clones, of Mr. Patrick Farmer, a well known former jockey.