1959: ‘Plucky rescue’ from Irish Sea reported

Fifteen-year-old Alaster Kirk, from The Dean’s House, jumped into the freezing sea and swam across the harbour to save a dog which had fallen through ice.

Alaster, a pupil at Coleraine Inst, sustained cuts to his arms and legs in his efforts to pull the animal to safety.

The same week, the Times announced that all public houses in Northern Ireland were to remain open until 10 o’clock under provision of the Intoxicating Liquor and Licence Bill which received Royal Assent in the Commons.

In response, a statement was issued by the Methodist Church Council on Social Welfare reiterating concern over increased facilities for the consumption of alcohol.