During the Second World War, an influx of Canadian Airmen arrived in Co. Fermanagh. Based with the Royal Air Force at nearby Castle Archdale, they enjoyed time off base in Irvinestown, in particular at eateries like Ma Bothwell's Eating House.
For only a few shillings, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force and their fellow R.A.F. crew members tucked into steak, eggs, and chips. With food rationing in place across the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland, some of Ma Bothwell’s produce may have been smuggled across the border at Pettigo, Co. Donegal.