Remembering our Past ...1909 Drogheda Independent 14/09/1907
Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 14.09.1907, page 4
ST. MARGARET'S BRANCH
At the annual general meeting of this blanch, held on Thursday week last, it was decided to change the language class night from Thursday to Tuesday ; it was also decided to hold the annual concert au Sunday, October 6th. Work was begun on Tuesday evening last when a good crowd turned in, including some new members. All others who intend joining the branch should do so now, as there is a beginners class started.
SKERRIES BRANCH
The above branch has been doing little or no-thing during the summer months, and will bring its scattered forces to-morrow (Sunday evening) in the " Dun na nGaedeal" for a short entertainment or branch " Ceilid " which is to be the formal opening of another session of hard work and study for the Gaelic revival. All members and intending members are requested to be in attendance at 8 30 sharp. At our monthly committee meeting on Sunday evening last, it was resolved to recommence the class work immediately and to organise a concert in the near 'future. Next meeting on Tuesday every next, at 8.39 sharp.
LUSK BRANCH
Granted fine weather to-morrow, the pro-gramme arranged by above branch should be carried to a successful issue. A start will be made at 3 o'clock with the hurling match—Fiogai v Rathmines—and a rattling good game may be expected. A representative team of Fingallians has been chosen, and selected players are requested to be in attendance at half. past 2, in order that the match may be started punctually at 3. After the hurling a programme of athletic events will be gone through. Tiny include—boys' race, half mile (men), sack race, pole jump, tug-of-war, and a confined bicycle race. Good prizes will be given in each event. To finish up, an aeridheacht will be held. Contributors will include—songs, Messrs M`Glynn, O'Byrne, Grimes, Misses Bryan, Hughes, etc' dances by Messrs Cuffe, Kiernao, etc ; pipe selections by Mr D'Arcy, and recitations by Mr O'Byrne.
BALBRIGGAN BRANCH
On next Monday evening, 16th, at 7.30, the above branch opens the year's work. The present arrangement of classes is as follows :—Monday evening—Lessons on the direct method. Tuesday —Reading, writing. Wednesday—Singing, tonic sol fa. Friday—Irish dancing. Lessons on the direct method will consist wholly, of conversational lessons. Beginners can join this class. The test books will be An t11615 bOitiea part I ; handbook of Irish Mac Henry part I. It is hoped to secure a teacher of dancing shortly. Balbriggan will then be able to remove the stigma of having no step dancers. It is to be distinctly understood that only those who are bona fide members of the language classes will be allowed to attend the dancing class.
Subscription to language and singing classes zd per week. Mr Tomas O'Colman, N T, has kindly consented to teach the language and singing classes. During the winter session arrangements will be made to have readings and lectures on history, music, temperance, economics, etc. The committee gratefully acknowledge the following subscriptions in answer to the recent appeal :—Mr P Cuonsky, Tankerville, ins ; Mr M Sharkey, Drogheda street, 5s ; Mr Wm Cumisky, Drogheda street, 5s. Subscriptions thankfully received and acknowledged by Mr James M‘Glew or Mr T O'Colman.
Remembering our Past ...1907 Freemans Journal 24/08/1907 - Wrestling
Freemans Journal 1763-1924, 24.08.1907, page 19
WRESTLING
DUBLIN wrestling committee. At a mooting of the Co. Dublin Wrestling Committee (G.A.A.) held on Thursday, final azrangotnenta wore completed for the amt./fits on The 'Thatch Grounds to-morrow at 3 p.m. Several well-known wrestlers in the collar-and-elbow style have entered, and followers of the game that wore once familiar on the Phoenix Park when wrestling was in full swing on Sunday evenings will ho round the ring.
The three LS cups and the medals have attracted some first-class talent, and a good evening's sport, followed by many more, is anticipated are the championships are decided. - The following are the entries for Sunday's contests
- Heavyweights - (Dublin) - S. M'Loughlin v. J. Geraghty (St. Margaret's) ; R. Curtis (Drumcondra) v. John Gallagher. (Dublin)
- Middle weights - Bros (Tallaght) v. P. Hughes (Swords) ; Milea Perry (Tallaght) v. Robert Savage - (Swords); John Ros.siter (Tallaght) v. Fitzpatrick (Malahide); John Poynton (Tallaght) v. Dockrell (Donabate); C. Lawrence (Crumlin) v. Donis Cully (Dublin); John Lynch (Crumlin) v. Farrell (St, Margarets); Wm. King (Crumlin) v Scully St Margaret's.
- Lightweights - John Uealy (Tallaght) c. John Daly (Driurcondral ; John Norton (Tallaght) v. C. Shoridan
Referees--Mes3re. Sa.vagA, lime; Cur! s. "Loughlin, Lawronco, Otyrne, Cully, and St Margarets.'
Remembering our Past ... Language Fund Collection 18-5-1907
Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 18.05.1907, page 4
Craod Colmcille, Sono
The Ceilidh of above brandi will be held on Sunday, May 26th, and in connection with same: there will be hurling and football matches, of which full particulars will be given next week.
ST. MARGARET'S BRANCH
The committee wish to think the following who subscribed to the Language Collection made some time ago in this district :-
- 5s each - Rev'J MiDonnell, CC ; Rev M O'Rourke, C C ; Rev J M‘Donnell, C C; T Boylan, M Dunne, D C; and M M Donnell. +s—NY Reilly.
- 2s 6d - Mrs Lambe, Ryan, D Farrell.
- 2s - H Conner,-.W. Duke, Mrs Carroll, Lumley, Mrs J Duane, Mrs J Gilsenan, C Gilsenan:
- Is 6d - P Owens. is7—E Scully, M Barrett, E Conden. In accordance with the rules of the Gaelic League, £2 of this has been sent in to to the Central Organisation.
*** Several reports, though:in type, have had to be held over because of extreme pressure on our space ..
Remembering our Past ... United Irish League - Meeting at Swords - 09-03-1907
Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 09.03.1907, page 6
United Irish League
MEETING AT SWORDS
On Sunday afternoon a public meeting was held at Swords in support of the Irish P..arty and the United Irish League. A platform a had been erected in the main street, and a crowd number-ing close upon a thousand persons assembled around it.
It was noticeable that the audience consisted very largely of listened to the speeches with the greatest interest. Previous to the meeting the two excellent bands of the town played through the streets and per-formed selections, of National music near the platform. Thr.se were the St Columbkille's Brass and Freed Band and the St Columbkille's Fife and T ...Awn Band.
On the motion of Mr Thomas Reilly, seconded by Mr M`Lean, the chair was taken by Mr Thomas M`Mahon.
Among those present were :--
St Margaret's Branch UIL; M Dunne, D C; C Gilsennan, P Crowley, M M‘Donnell, W Reilly, J Lumley, J Coleman, D Connor, H Connor, D Farrell.
Swords: Messrs F Lawless, B Devine, J Farrell, 0 Kavanagh, J Savage, P Cleary, P Moran, G M`Mahon, T Barnane, E Hughes, P Stafford B Fagan, J Fitzpatrick, R Morgan, C Connor, J Carey, .1 Dempsey, A Fitzpatrick, M M'Co.rmack, Moran, A, Kettle, T Reilly, T M` Clean, J Kettle, P Early, P Canon, M Kane, J Marks, J O'Toole, J Carey, T O'Keefe, 0 Lawlor, P M`Glew, P Carroll, Li Rourke, M‘Gartlan, Connolly, J Duff, P J Kettle, Co C ; P Wilson, P J Quaid, W Lenahan, W Howard, T M(Grane, J O'Toole, P Long, P Lyons, M Kane, E Clarke, M Walsh, P Corrigan, J Brangan.
Balheary: J Bollard, J Bell, P Wilson, J Barrett, IV Byrne, — M'Cloud, J Boylan, T Kelly, T Courtney, J Courtney, M Ennis, R Clarke, M Ennis, J Stafford.
A letter was read from Mr J J Clancy, M P, expressing his regret at his unavoidable absence.
The Chairman said the Nationalists of Ireland had cause to rejoice. Times had changed since the voters could be driven to the poll by the land-lords. Now they could return the mea of their choice (applause). After Gavan Duffy left Ire-land a corpse on the dissecting table, a new National spirit came. James Stephens (applause) visited that town, and since that time the National struggle had been steadily carried on. The League and the Irish Party had taken up the fight and had won great concessions for the people. The tenant-farmer no longer feared the landlord (applause). The labourers were getting cottages, and he h9ped that soon the grazing ranches would be cut up and divided among the labourers (loud applause). Although the fight was now carried on in a constitutional way, the men of Ireland should be still actuated by the old spirit of resistance to landlord tyranny and foreign misgovernment (applause).
Mr P J Kettle, Co C, moved the adoption of the following resolutions :—
"That this meeting of the Nationalists of Swords heartily endorse the policy and action of the Irish Party in Parliament under Mr John E Redmond's leadership, and condemn any attempt to interfere with the Party's usefulness by meaningless attempts at faction."
"That we demand the establishment in Ire-land of an Irish Parliament elected on a popular franchise and with full power to administer the internal affairs of the nation."
"That we demand the very fullest benefits for the labourers under the present Labourers Act, and publicly thank the Irish Party for securing the passage of that Act through Parliament."
"That we urge the hearty support of Irish manufactured goods and the language revival movement."
" That the present system of University and Primary Education in Ireland is a source of continual danger to National advancement and a scandal of the greatest magnitude demand-ing immediate attention and sweeping re-form."
Mr Kettle said there was one question in the mind of all present, and they represented not only the people of that large town of Swords, but of the surrounding district. That question was the reform of the gOvernment of the country. No doubt, some progress had been made. But were they satisfied ? Were they content to sit down and do no more ? (" No, no.") No ; they would never be satisfied until their National demand had been fully met, and they would continue to agitate and organise until they had been met to the fullest extent (applause). Take the Land Question. The landlords had been done justice, and more than justice. They had been given a bonus and the power of extorting more than the value of their interest in the land in purchase prices ?
The tenants should have got .a bonus as well as the landlords (laughter and applause.) A Bill was be soon introduced, a sort of Home Rule Bill. If it was not a good Bill, they. must be ready, they must be organised, and then they could immediately express the National voice through that organisation. It ought to be a Bill that would be on a basis that would finally enable us to make Ireland an industrious and prosperous nation, a home. where Irishmen could live and thrive in the future (applause), Some Irishmen were apt to be carried away by the promises of British statesmen. They made fine promises and then they became ambassadors or some-thing of the kind (hear, hear). Never had such promises been made by any of them as by the present Chief Secretary. By the first of May next the evicted tenants were to be restored (hear, bear), and there were promises of a Home Rule Bill, and a University Bill. But let them not be deluded. Let the people be organised so that, if necessary, they could compel them to carry out the promises they had made. Again, on the Labourers' Question, unless we had the population we never could have a prosperous country. We must seek to stop emigration, and the way to do that was to provide a means of livelihood for the people at home (applause).
The labourers had fought like soldiers for the farmers and for the nation. Without them these reforms we had would never have come about. Now that it was their turn, the farmers should not only support the labourers' claims, but should, in common gratitude, make it their duty to see that they got justice without delay under the new Act (applause). Our country was full of reminders of lost industries—monuments of decay. The loss of these industries was partly owing to our own want of thought. We had never asked ourselves the question in the past why should we not encourage the industries of our own country. But that question should be kept to the front in the future when we were spending our own money, over which we had full control. All these things showed the necessity for going beyond mere support of the National movement. . They were reasons why we should join and become active members of the National organisation, so that our wishes might be voiced by the right men in the right way, and the members we sent to Parliament and to other public bodies should be backed up by the combination and organisation of the people in their lab9urs to benefit the people (loud applause).
Mr Denis Johnston, who had a hearty reception, said be had already addressed a meeting that day at St Margaret's, and there, as here, he was very anxious to support the demand of the the • la tourers of • the district • for the full justice to which they were en=• titled. under the Act . of 4906 ..(applause). They were entitled under that Act to a cottage and an acre of land. That was not an illegal demand. it was simply that the law of the land- should be put into force, and that the monies which are now at the disposal of the district councils should be utilised Witlf.. the least possible delay for the purpose of providing substantial cottages and allotments. He said the labourers deserved well of the 'country (applause). It was the duty of . the farmers now to see that justice was done t9 the labourers.
Not only so, but it was the interest of the farmers to keep the labourers at home, and the best way to do that was to give them cottages and land. If the labourer had a comfortable home and was interested in his own plot, and he had family associations and ties of that kind, he would be slow to break up all these by emigrating. (A Voice—That's the truth). And for another reason the farmer would be well advised to keep the labourer at home. The days of making money by cattle raising and butter-making in Ireland were passing away.
The farmers would have to go back upon tillage (hear, hear). They were being driven slowly, but surely, in that direction, because they were being forced out of the English market for beef and butter by foreign competition. If they had to go back to tillage, what would be the position of the farmers if they had no labourers to assist them ? He did not want to see the pigtails brought over to Ireland to assist in developing Irish land (laughter and applause). The labourer was entitled to a place in the land that gave him birth. The labourers were often evicted tenants, or the sons of evicted tenants, people who had been landholders, and had been driven off the land by bad laws and bad administration. Justice and common sense demanded that they should be restored to the land they had been driven from (loud applause). He proceeded to thank them for the resolution of confidence in Mr John Redmond and the Irish Party.
The labourers had a good right to thank them, because throughout the last session they were engaged in securing and passing this great measure for the labourers. He hoped that their expression of confidence would be followed by the formation of a strong branch of the League in that district—such a branch as would be a proof to Mr Redmond and the Party that they were thoroughly and entirely at their back in this movement (applause). It was the right of every nation to make laws and administer its finances in accordance with the interests of its people. But we were denied that right, and we would be justified in Routing, and fighting in every way, an administration that was organised without the support of the people. We paid twelve millions a year in taxation, paid it directly and indirectly on tea, tobacco, and other articles. How was all this money spent ? (A Voice—On drink).
A very large proportion of it was badly spent, wastefully spent, instead of being available for the promotion of Irish industries, for the drain-ing of the land, for the provision of better housing accommodation for the workers, or for the development of the resources of the country. That system ought to be swept away, and we had a Government in power that was inclined to sweet away at least some of the scandals attached t9 the system. One reason why that meeting was being held was, that when the Government Bill was produced a National Convention would be held to decide whether the measure was to be accepted or rejected, and that Convention should include the representative men of County Dublin, who would voice the opinions of the organised Nationalists throughout the county.
Farmers, labourers, shopkeepers—everyone—was interested in this decision, and the great County of Dublin should be properly represented at this great National Convention (applause). As to the University question, Sir Horace Plunkett had imported Scotsmen to teach the women of Ireland how to get the hens to lay eggs (laughter), and, when attacked for that, said he required men of University attainments for such work, and he could not get men with University training in Ireland. That w as only an excuse because Sir Horace Plunkett was a Unionist and a supporter of the late Government, which was twenty years practically in power, and never took a single step to give the Irish people the opportunity of University education. He (the speaker) held, and he believed they would all agree with him, that the highest education should be in the reach of every man who had brains and genius, whether he was the son of the rich or of the poor, the labourer, the farmer, or the lord, if he was able to pass the examination necessary to his progress.
The genius of a country, no matter in what station it was found, should be utilised for the purpose of developing that country ; but unfortunately in this country the best education had been confined. to one class, and one sect, and the mass of the people had been denied education. He believed the Irish Party had every man and woman in that splendid meeting at their back in sup-porting this reform (applause). But he would appeal to them from a higher standpoint. So far he had spoken of material things. Above all, there was the duty 9f all to assist in building up the Irish nation. We were only three millions now, when we were nine millions sixty years ago. There was no room for differences amongst that remnant of a great race if the work before them was to be accomplished. Let them all work together.
Let the Gaelic League, of which they were all proud ithad cultivated the National spirit in many ways—and the United Irish League work together; let everybody sink selfish interests in the work of building up a thoroughly organised and united Ireland. Everything depended upoli that. Our industries, our language, our whole National welfare depended upon sinking all little jealousies, and remembering that we were all children 'oft a coon non mother, that mother Ire-land, who now called for our help and loyalty (loud applause). Mr Michael Dunne, D C, urged all to join the League. It was not for creed or class, not for labourers or farmers, but f9r all ; and if the labourers got the majority of a branch they could select their own members for the local boards and Parliament, and carry them by organised force. They had a branch at St Margaret's, and they applied for eleven labourers' cottages at the last Inquiry, and they got 'what they asked for. (A Voice —They are not the same farmers here laughter). The speaker paid a fine tribute to Michael Davitt, as if the founder of the Organisation, quoting the words of Mr Stephen Gwynn, MP:
The convict cripple matched his will against an Empire's might, Banded the weak against the strong, and fought and won the fight." (Loud applause. The resolutions were carried unanimously, and on the motion of Mr Johnston, seconded by Mr Peter Wilson, a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman. The proceedings concluded with cheers for Mr Redmond and the .Irish Party and the *United League. Subsequently a large number of those present took out their cards of. membership of the League.
A Foray into Finegall - Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 02-02-1907 - Page 5
January is not the best month for a cycle rue. This year the weather is so unusually fine I thought it rather bad to have my Pierce stored up waiting for the fine days.
During my Christmas holidays I had been read-ing D'Alton s History of County Dublin and had mapped out a visit to many of the interesting places mentioned by him. A couple of Sundays ago I made up my mind to have a foray through some of the Finegall territory.
Finegall has preserved its ancient name well. Everyone has heard of the stolid Fingallian, who is so hard to stir up and so difficult to stop when set going.
The dark gloomy afternoons in January do not tend to brighten a person's spirits and my impressions of the Dublin roads were not of the best as the unpleasant bumping on a stony road in winter is not conducive to the reflective state of mind necessary to the antiquarian mind.
My first stop was Glasnevin. Now the home of the dead ! Formally the busy seat of a great monastic school. One of Ireland's greatest ancient schools stood here near the Tolka, the huts of the students stood in such clusters near the river as to form a small town.
Finglas was the next place of historic interest. St Patrick visited this place in his journey through Finegall.
Nothing relieves the eye so much as trees in a landscape. When you cross into Finegall you are in a strip of country so decidedly flat as make one feel lonely for a bill to relieve a monotony. There is not a great deal of timber on the road from Dublin ; the land is so fertile that it would not pay to have many woods, where more valuable crops might be grown.
Right along the way I could notice the steady battle of the grass and the tillage right up even to the walls of Dublin.
St Margaret's was my next stopping place. Round this locality there was a famous abbey in olden times called Donoughmore—I think there is no trace of it at the present time. The old well at St Margaret's is very interesting. Approached by a broad footway, it is about ten feet square.
The water bubbles up continuously in the centre and flows away in a small stream. Even in the depth of winter the water of this well is several degrees warmer than water in the fields round about. The new church here is very pretty in design, built of limestone, surrounded by a handsome iron paling, the interior is neat and simple in ornamentation like most country churches.
As I came back from the well I heard the sound of boys voices at play in a field some distance off. Riding past the few houses which make up the village—or " town "as it is tilled locally—I came to the play ground. Hurrah I the lads are hurling. The sight of a hurley stirs up my Gaelic blood. The Hurley has come to be recognised as the badge of Irish lreland. But I bad not expected the Hurley in St Margaret's. Buail amach i•a-Thomais I These were the first words I heard above the noise of the play. Yes, they have Irish too. Irish and hurling go well together. I did not enter the field but was content to remain a hurler on the fence. A strong merry lot of lads brimming over with life racing to and fro, now charging in front of the goal mouth, to be driven back by the watchful goalkeeper. It was great fun to see some of the wee lads pick out the ball when a big scrummage was on, and make off with it down to the other goal and then to see them scamper away when the big boys came thundering down the field in pursuit.
"What's he saying at all ?" This remark from a middle-aged man who stood near watching the play. I explained that the lad had said in Irish, " It was a goal."
" Well," he says, " I don't know what's the country comin' to at all.' For the last couple of years its all new fangled notions. Nothin but Irish." " And don't you think," said I, " that tis only right to speak our own lang*age?" " Oh I yes certainly ; but you see if all them lads took to talkin' Irish what would an old chap like me do ?" He said this with such a serious shake of the head, that I could not but laugh.
However I assured him that there was no danger of his being isolated on account of his want of knowledge of Irish as the young fellows would not forget their English by learning Irish.
He entered into a long conversation on the Gaelic Movement and showed a wonderful interest in the working of the League in Finegall. " It was grand he said over at the Feis in Swords last year to see the bands and the dancing and hear the grand singers and story-tellers. Another place they had all kinds of knitting and lacemaking, and bread and butter, that it would do you good to see."
The Gaelic League is doing more than spreading the language ? Indeed it is then. Sure only for the " Irish people" we'd be dead with the lonesome-ness. ' fis well I remember the sad weary nights when I was growing up. " We had no fun at all; we spent our time moseyin round the place in the evening or maybe looking into the fire. " Why now he says the young people have dancing and singing every other night and the hurling on Sun-days. A great change for the better thanks be to God." I was delighted to hear all the good and hopeful news he had to tell of the Gaelic movement. Being old he could not turn his hand to the good work, but still his whole heart was with it. He invited me to wait and see the plays which were to be produced in the ald church that evening by the Gaelic branch. I explained that it would be rather late to ride back to Dublin; but I Would have company back he assured me, struck by his enthusiasm I determined to wait and see the Finegall dramatists. Having some time to wait before the commencement of the performance. I crossed over to the old graveyard. This place appears to be very ancient. A ruined church in the very oldest style occupies the centre of the graveyard. Some of the tombstones date back to 1615. On tI'e inside of one of the church walls is an old slab of slate bearing an inscription in Latin, which is almost impossible to decipher, so chipped and worn is it. From the graveyard you have a fine view of the surrounding country. Great tracts of rich grazing land stretch out on all sides, dotted here and there by the black tillage fields ; the farmhouses are not so numerous as one would wish to see on an Irish landscape. Tillage is going ahead again in this district, more land has been broken during the last few years. Ploughing matches are being held and land is being broken which has not felt the touch of the plough within the memory of living men. Very Good. When Finegall returns to tillage it will be a busy and prosperous country side.
It must be time for the plays now. One does not feel an hour passing when he commences to day dream.
The Gaels of St Margaret's are more fortunate than others in having a fine hall for their classes and entertainments. The old Chapel was handed over to Irish Ireland on the completion of the pre-sent pretty edifice.
The old hall was filled with a good humoured audience, such as one finds in a country place. Under the gay laughing chat, there ran a sup-pressed feeling of expectancy, and why not ? Their own people were turned actors for the first time.
The actors on the bill were—Mr H Thibbs, Master J Duke, Miss M MacDonnell, Mr M McDon-nell, Mr T Colman, P Flanagan, and Mr P Moran. The plays were " Tbe Gombeen Mao," " Charity," and " The Stay. at Home." These tbree plays were written by Mr Phibbs. We have here the re-markable fact of a Gaelic League Branch in a country district actually rising and producing a drama for themselves.. What a wonderful driving force is the Irish Language ?
Well, now, here is the Gombeen Man. A most greedy looking little fellow who sits gloating over his ill-gotten gains in real miserly fashion. This little play in two acts is full of life, the action never ceases to the end, which comes in a most tragic manner by the Gombeen- Man committing suicide when his misdeeds have been discovered. A very good touch of comedy was the corning of a leprechaun to the Gombeen Man's room. This young gentleman created roars of laughter by his antics. He completely terrified the poor Gombeen Man and cleared him out. The acting by Master J Duke was splendid. This young fellow has got a real good idea of what one would expect a leprechaun to do, iind if I should meet him on the Dub; lin road I would be holding him up for his money. With a little more attention to scenery and some minor points in the-acting, " The Gombeen Man" should take well.
The second play was thd best of the three. The acting of the part of the servant girl by Miss M'Donnell deserves very great credit. Nature was striven-for and wonderfully brought -out. After some practice, Miss M'Donnell should become a clever actress. The other parts were very well filled. The returned American of Mr H Phibbs, and the uncle, M M`Donnell, being very well done and creating some very enjoyable situations. .
"The stay at borne" was not up to the level of the two others, but it was of a different type and was good contrast.
Let us hope that this little company will continue to work on the stage and try and express the life 01,:t exists around it in the towns and country sides of Finegall. There is grere for Finegall. Such was my summing up of my days pleasure. People such as these mean to succeed, They have learned the great lesson which the League preaches wherever it goes—Sinn Fein, Sinn Fein!
There are happy Sunday evenings in Finegan, pleasant dances and tea parties, homely Irish gatherings, which alas, had almost gone before the blast of Angli-cization.
The dark, dreary road to town had now no terrors for me, and I bumped along right joyously, for the mind has a wonderful control over the body, and I had such very pleasant memories of Finegall and a strong fervent belief that the Fingallians are one of our grandest types of people working in the cause of Caethleen Ni Hualacain. A CITY TRAMP.
Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 09-06-1906 - The Fingal Feis
THE FINGAL FEIS,
A meeting of this Féir Committee was held on Sunday last in Donabate, Mr P J Kettle presiding. Correspondence from the adjudicator of the school competitions and decided to start examinations at once, so as to have finished before the first Féir day (17th inst).
Eoghan O'Neacthan has been selected for the literary competitions, and a large amount of business in connection with the Féir concert which will be held in the Town Hall on the 24th was dealt with ; also arrangements as to tents, platforms.
It was decided to hold the next committee meeting in Skerries on Sunday next at 5 0'clock when the stewards will be selected to take charge of the different arrangements on both days of the Féir, and it is unnecessary to say that every member of the committee should be present, as to a very large extent the of the Féir depends on those In charge. Secretaries of branches can render an amount of assistance by seeing that their competitors are at their posts when called on.
The time table has been so arranged as to have 4 different competitions going on continually during the day from about 1 0'clock until 6.30.
The following subscriptions have been sent on through the St Margaret's Branch each— through the St Margaret's Branch each— Rev P M'Donnell, C C, Maynooth ; Mr Michael Dunne, D C; Mr P J Boylan, Mrs J Broughal, Dunbrae; and Mr M MSDonnell, St Margaret's. James M'Donnell, St Margaret's. 2s 6d each—Mrs Lambe, and Mr Christopher Gilsenan, Killeek. Any further subscriptions towards the Féir will be gratefully acknowledged by
An Domnallac
Remembering our Past ...1905 Drogheda Independent 22/07/1905
Conradh Na Gaeilge
ST. Margarets's Branch
The friends of the Gaelic League in St Margaret's have good reason to feel proud of the manner in which the branch has acquitted itself at the Fingal Feis this year.
By the earnest manner in which a large number of the members had worked for some time past, it was generally expected that St. Margaret's should be able to obtain two or three first prizes in the Language Competitions : but as may be seen now, the efforts of our teacher Mr Mullen have not been unavailing.
St Margaret's established a record this year which it will take some time to beat. It is all the more to our credit that ten branches have sent, competitions, some of whom had been learning Irish long before St. Margaret's branch was established.
Tho following is the list of successful competitors:
- In Book I - O'Growney - 1st prize, Thomas Duke,
St Margaret's; 3rd prize, James Reid, St Margaret's. - In Book II - 1st prize, John Wherty, St Margaret's ; special prize, Winnie Deane, St Margaret's.
- In Book III - 1st prize. Mary M'Donnell, St Margaret's ; 2nd prize, John Duke St Margaret's
- In Book IIII - 1st prize. Margaret M'Donnell, St Margaret's.
- In Book V - 1st prize, Luke M'Donnell, St Margaret's. Irish History—1st prize, John Duke, St Margaret's. Story Telling in Irish—let prize, Margaret O'Donnell, St Margaret's; 2nd prize, Luke McDonnell, St Margaret's. Dr Henry's Handbook—1st prize, J Clarke, Lusk ; 2nd prize, Margaret M'Donnell, St Margaret's,
It is generally believed by Gaelic Leaguers that when dancing is introduced to any branch that the study of the language takes a back seat. This maybe true enough where there is a committee who allow the "education of the feet" to get on top and thereby squeeze the study of the language into such a small space that it can hardly be compared to anything except to some of the crops of corn which we occasionally see in our travels around County Dublin; at first when it springs up it is corn, clean, healthy and all right, but call around in about a month or two later on, well, the corn may be there, but it is very difficult to discern it, on account of all the lovely flowers under which it has to struggle for its existence.
In St Margaret's a most successful dancing class has been carried on for the past eight months, and although Mr Phibbs can look with credit on his pupils, it is satisfactory to see that their progress in the language has not been interfered in any way. Of course it would be hard to find a more enjoyable manner of spending an hour or so than in listening to good Irish magic, vocal as well as instrumental, interspersed occasionally with a good horn pipe, jig, or reel, cheering up the old people as well as putting life and vigor into the young. But never the less Gaelic Leaguers should keep before their minds the real aim and object of the Gaelic League.
Remember that we might dance the soles off our boots, sing Irish songs all day long, use all Irish manufacture, and yet, are we Irishmen if we neglect to learn the language of Ireland? Surely, it is not too much trouble for any boy or girl to learn to speak the language of our own ancestors, of St Patrick, St Brigid, and St Colmcille, instead of the language of Cromwell, Queen Elizabeth and Henry the Eighth.
Let us try to make ourselves Irishmen and Irishwomen, and cease imitating the poor little Johnnies and Tommies, which are to be found in almost every town in Ireland. It may not be out of place to mention that the St Margaret's Aeridheacht which is dated for August 13th, is intended, as far as singing, dancing and, instrumental music are concerned, to eclipse anything of the nature previously held in North County Dublin. Certainly our Gaelic League friends can not do better than pay a visit on that day to St Margaret's, which 'although not the capital, must in future be reckoned as one of the chief towns of Fingal.
Runaine
Source: Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 22.07.1905, page 5
Remembering our Past ... Drogheda Independent 1884-current - 29-03-1902
Drogheda Independent 1884-current, 29.03.1902, page 4
ST. MARGARET'S BRANCH U I L COLLECTION FOR IRISH LANGUAGE FUND.
To the editor Drogheda Independent.
Dear sir
Will you please publish the following details of the St. Margaret'8 Branch U I L collection for the Irish Language Fund.
The names of two of the collectors appointed, Messrs John Geraghty and James Smith, were accidentally omitted from the previous list I sent you.
As the account shows they have both been most energetic and successful. Handed in the first night first night 15s 6d; collected by Michael McDonnell, junr, 12s; by John Geragty, 118 6d ; by James Smith, 10s; by James Connor, 9s 6d ; by Thomas Kettle, 98. Total amount, $3 78 Gd, which I have handed to tho treasurer.
Yours faithfully,
Thomas M. Kettle, hon sec.
ST. MARGARETS BRANCH.
The usual meeting of this branch was held on Monday, 24th inst. Mr Michael Dunne, D C, in the chair. The collection for the language Fund was closed, the amount collected being £3 7s 6d. It was decided to bold a public meeting at St. Margaret's, on Sunday, April 13th, to consider the selection of candidate8 for Kilsallaghan and St. Margaret's at the forthcoming Local Government Elections.
Remembering our Past ... United Irish League - St Margarets Branch - 08-03-1902