The Tuam Herald, Saturday, March 27, 1909 Tuam, Co Galway ---------- In announcing that an Irish sermon would be preached after second Mass on St Patrick's Day in Castlebar, the Very Rev Canon Lyons, P. P., speaking after the first Mass on Sunday, said that the Inspector had reported very favourably of the way in which Irish was taught in the schools of the parish, and that was a thing the parish should be proud of, because the Irish language was the native language of the people of Ireland, and to encourage the teaching of Irish in the parish it was his (speaker's) intention in July next to give prizes to the best pupils in Irish in the several classes in the different schools. If the people did not know the Irish language they could not love their country, and everybody should make an effort to learn Irish, at all event they could learn the salutations and short phrases. The people should be proud of their language.. ---------- We understand that a fortnight ago Mrs. Meagher, the gifted writer, paid a visit to the little Convent of the Sisters of Mercy at Achill Sound. She was so impressed with the efforts of the good nuns for the pupils attending their schools, and for the development of industries in the district, that when she returned home she sent to his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam a cheque for £100 to help the struggling Convent to continue the good. ---------- By the death of Mr. James O'Shaughnessy, which took place in the hospital, Galway, on St. Patrick's Day, Galway has lost the last of the old school of musicians, for which it was celebrated more than half a century ago. Mr. O'Shaughnessy was not alone a celebrity on the violin, but he was also a performer on several instruments. He taught several local bands during his time, and by his private tuitions sent forth to the world at large a number of high class musicians. He was also composer of music and an extensive collector of old Irish airs, but was of that retiring disposition that he declined to have his compositions and collections published. He was a member of one of Galway's oldest and most respectable families, and claimed to have been descended maternally from one of the historic tribes of that old city. He lived to a patriarchial age, and retained all faculties to within a few days before his death, and just as the brain-power began to fail he expressed a desire for his violin in order to play one tune for those who were his fellow-patients in hospital, and fell into a state of despondency when this his last request was refused him. The remains of this humble but celebrated musician were consigned to their last resting place in Rahoon cemetery on Thursday. A large circle of friends and well-wishers attended the funeral. ---------- With regret we have to record the death of Mrs. McDermott of Springfield, after a long and painful illness, on Monday, 8th March. Belonging to the ancient and historical family of the Bodkins, one of the tribes of Galway. She was allied in marriage to a member of an equally renowned stock, the McDermott's, of Springfield, who are closely connected with the O'Conors, of regal descent. All those who knew her gentle and ladylike manner, will lament the early demise of "Miss Minnie," as she was familiarly and affectionately known before her marriage and her many amiable qualities will be long remembered in Ballymoe and its neighbourhood. Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul was celebrated on Thursday, 11th inst. in the presence of a large congregation. The celebrant was the Rev O. Donnellan, C.C., Ballymoe; deacon, Very Rev Canon Harte, P. P., Castlerea. The funeral which took place after the Mass (the music of which was rendered by the Drimatemple school choit), was attended by all the principal families of note both in Galway and Roscommon, and the remains, enclosed in a massive coffin, were laid to rest in the ancient family vault in Ballintubber. The chief mourners were, - F. H. McDermott, J. P. (husband) ; Joe and John Bodkin (brothers) ; Owen McDermott, J. P. and J. Bodkin (brothers in law) ; Frank McDermott and Wm. Brown (nephews). The last prayers at the were recited by Rev. Fathers Martin and Donnellan. ---------- District Inspector Egan has been transferred from the Depot to the charge of Claremorris district in room of D. I. O'Connor, who was transferred to the charge of Kanturk district some months ago. This is Mr. Egan's first station. Jim McNamara British Isles Family History Society - USA, Newsletter Editor http://www.rootsweb.com/~bifhsusa