COUNTY LOUTH
1923 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS. The motor car, while a necessary commodity today, was in the early years of its introduction the cause of some problems mainly involving accidents with horse drawn vehicles and cyclists. The Dundalk Democrat of 11 August 1923, page 3, reported three incidents. The first was of interest to me as it involved not only my namesake but a relative.
"Knocked Down By Motor. A serious accident took place on the Dublin road near Haggardstown on Friday last, when Miss M'Connon, Gaelic Hotel, Blackrock employed as a typist in Mr Barber's office, Dundalk, was knocked down by a motor car and sustained serious injuries necessitating removal to the Louth Infirmary where she is detained." (The cyclist Mary McConnon died in 1955 age 55 years and according to family lore was invalided from the injuries she had sustained in that accident.
The motorist Mr Cecil Lavery B.L died in 1967. He was a native of County Armagh but, in 1935, he became a member of Dáil Eireann by winning a by-election in Dublin North for Fine Gael. In 1948 he was appointed Attorney General and so involved in the drafting of the Republic of Ireland Act that was passed the following year. In 1950 Mr Lavery was made a Judge of the Supreme Court and held that Office for 16 years.) On the same page of the Dundalk Democrat two other motor vehicle incidents were reported all with Blackrock connections:- "Motor Van Burned. A motor van delivering Belfast bread went on fire near Blackrock on Saturday evening last and was totally destroyed. The motor belonged to a man named George Clarke, who gave his address to the Civic Guard, as York St., Dundalk. Clarke stated that the motor commenced to backfire and then burst into flames. A good quantity of bread was also consumed." "Motor Strikes Wall. What might have been a fatal accident occurred opposite the new chapel, Blackrock, on Sunday night last when a Co. Cavan motor, leaving the village dashed against the wall making a large hole in it. The occupants were flung out in all directions, but fortunately casualties were not very serious. Some had minor injuries attended to in a local house. The front of the motor was badly smashed." Link to Home page Link to County Louth Page |
Please send any comments on above Genealogical & Historical Research Service by e-mail to: info@mc-research.com
© MP McConnon, MC Research Service, Seabank, Castlebellingham, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland
Original uploaded 3 August 2009) Last update 27 August 2011. |
