Men of Muscle, and the Highland Games of Scotland, etc.

OWEN DUFFY OF COUNTY MONACHAN. 41 "There's scarcely r:oom for ye all, we're that busy gettin' in new stock," Duffy would remark, waving his arm around the collection, which comprised everything in the line, from the humble cup and saucer to expensive vases. The dust of years on many of the articles belied Duffy's statement as to "new stock;" but what did he care? Like Mark Tapley he was jolly under all circumstances, and if he were not busy he would not damp the pleasure of meeting friends by detailing his troubles. We remember Duffy as it were but yesterday. Alas, alas, he has gone where there are no business worries, and where we must all follow him. A fine, pleasant man was Owen, honest and truthful, genial and happy in conversation, and witty in repartee. He was an athlete only in one branch, which was putting, but at that he was a champion, especially with the light ball. He putt a genuine r 6lb. ball at Falkirk 48ft. 6in., on ground slightly down hill. He was said to be at his best from '69 until '76, but we have seen him make splendid putting quite ten years later. Duffy did not compete at Aboyne until '83. Perhaps the reason may be found in the fact that it is a stone which is used there, while Owen much preferred an iron ball. However, even when past his prime, and with a missile which did not suit him, he made 35ft. 9in. at the time and place stated with the 22lb. stone, while with the 16lb. his distance was 42ft. 7in. At the Edinburgh Exhibition M'Rae defeated Duffy, but next season, at Renton, the first meeting between the pair afterwards, Duffy made 47ft. 2in. with a r5}lb. ball. M'Rae's putting was very poor on this occasion, being quite 6ft. behind. Duffy has the creditable putt of 39ft. 3in. at the last Glasgow Exhibition, Duncan M'Lennan was second with 37ft. 3in. He has the best putt ever done at Tillietudlem. With a ball 2llb. weight he made 4oft., ground a little down-