1925

Compulsory education

A draft of the provisions of the proposed Compulsory Elementary Education Bill, 1925, just issued makes interesting reading. The provisions of the Bill come under five main sub-heads, the most important of these being that in regard to school attendance.

The parent of every child between six and fourteen years of age shall be required to cause the child to attend a national school, or other suitable school, on all days on which such school is open for secular instruction and for such time on each day of attendance as is prescribed or sanctioned by the Minister for Education, unless there is a reasonable excuse for non-attendance.

The Bill will also bring an end to the employment of child labour, for another of its provisions states that no child, other than a child in legal employment on the “appointed day” for the coming into force of the Act, shall be employed so as to interfere with his attendance at school on any day on which he is required to attend school.

Parents found guilty of a contravention of this section are liable on summary conviction to a substantial fine for the first offence.

1950

Tribute to Tuam

A splendid tribute to the people of Tuam who invested money, enthusiasm and hard work in the provision of a first-class Gaelic pitch in their town has been paid by the Central Council of the G.A.A. this tribute took the form of fixing the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final for the Tuam venue.

In view of past experience of All-Ireland semi-finals, it seems to be reasonably safe to estimate that this game will be seen by between 20,000 and 35,000. Take the lower of these figures and assume that the average amount spent per head on August 13th, the day of the game, will be 10s. – surely a modest estimate – it will be seen that the one day will bring Tuam a cash turnover of at least £10,000.

This, of course, is only part of the recompense of Tuam’s enterprise. The official opening day brought a handsome reward and Tuam looks forward to many more big games in its new park.

Pictured: A young girl resting while Michael D Higgins signs copies of his first poetry collection, The Betrayal, in Kenny’s Bookshop, High Street, in 1993.
One of Connacht Tribune photographer Joe O’Shaughnessy’s photographs which will be included in the Galway City Museum and Galway International Arts Festival’s photographic exhibition, President Michael D Higgins – Through the Lens. The exhibition, curated by Paul Fahy, Galway International Arts Festival Artistic Director and Eithne Verling, Galway City Museum Director, opens at Galway City Museum during Galway International Arts Festival from July 14-27 and continues until President Higgins reaches his last day as President on November 11.