From the archives: Christmas entertainment in County Home in the 1920s
By Tom Gillespie
AN edition of The Connaught Telegraph 99 years ago - on January 3, 1925 - reported on ‘Christmas at the County Home’ (Sacred Heart Hospital), Castlebar.
They reported: The Matron and staff of the County Home, with the usual consideration for God’s poor and afflicted, did everything possible to bring the inmates of the institution a ray of Christmas cheer.
On Friday, December 25, a sumptuous feast was provided and on Saturday, St. Stephen’s Day, entertainment was held in the old school, which was very tastefully and seasonably decorated by the Matron and the other Sisters, the whole place being made thoroughly comfortable.
There was no dearth of artists, thanks to Dr. Mongey, and there was a splendid selection of vocal and musical items.
Among those present were: Rev. Paul McLoughlin, P.P., Islandeady; Rev. G.J. Prendergast, C.C., Castlebar, Rev. J. Biggins, C.C., do.; Rev. Fr. Corcoran, do.; Rev. J.A. Jackson, Rector; Miss E. Staunton, a member of the County Board of Health, etc.
The choir of the Brothers' School opened the entertainment with a fine rendering of ‘The Minstrel Boy’.
The Rev. Mr. Jackson revived memories of many of the old people present by his rendering of ‘The Hills of Donegal’, and his next number, ‘Tommy Lad’, was equally pleasing.
Mr. Tommy Gavin sang several solos in his very best style, and contributed very much to the success of the entertainment.
Miss Ray Heaney, an exceptionally talented vocalist and pianist, both sang and played charmingly, and well deserved the applause accorded her. Miss Heaney and Mr. Gavin also sang a number of charming duets.
Miss Irene Gillespie (my aunt), Creagh Villa, another great favourite and a very sweet vocalist, contributed her quota to make the evening pleasant and happy. She sang some of her most popular songs and got a fine reception.
‘Padraig the Pedlar’ was the title of her first song, which was sweetly and feelingly rendered, and was appropriate to the occasion and greatly enjoyed by the audience. ‘When Lights Are Low’ was also rendered in her best style and was much appreciated.
Mr. Anthony Hamrock sang a number of popular songs, and Master O’Callaghan, Newtown, made his debut as a vocalist and got a great reception.
Master James Faulkner treated us to a humorous piece entitled ‘A Vendor of Razors’, and deserved the applause he got, and his brother, Master Alfred Faulkner, acquitted himself creditably.
A selection of traditional airs on the piccolo by Mr. J.J. Collins enlivened the proceedings and pleased the old people immensely.
Some of the inmates themselves added to the enjoyment of the evening. They contributed songs, dances and musical selections, and one small girl surprised all by the richness and sweetness of her voice.
It was remarkably good the way in which inmates entertained those who came to entertain them, and the amount of first-class talent displayed.
Under the conductorship of Brother Stanislaus, the choir closed the entertainment by singing in harmony of the ‘Adeste Fidelis’.
Dr. Mongey congratulated the Matron on the success of her efforts to break the monotony of life for the inmates during the Christmas holidays by providing such a feast of music and song for them.
He thanked the artists for coming there that inclement evening to assist in raising the hearts of God’s poor. They all gave their best, and on behalf of the Matron and those they entertained he wished to return them sincere thanks.
It was a pity, he said, these enjoyable evenings could not be held oftener; however, he hoped they would.
The atmosphere of the workhouse had been wiped out, and they had now a home for the county into which any person could enter without the stigma of pauper.
It was the aim of the Matron and officers, he stressed, to make it a home for the poor in the fullest sense of the term, and by the kindness of the various artists who came there that evening they had proved what could be done in the way of cheering up those who, through no fault of their own, had to come into the institution when they got beyond their labour.
The same edition of The Connaught Telegraph reflected the seasonal time of year in their advertising columns.
Castlebar Golf Club advertised their annual dance which was to be held in the Courthouse, Castlebar, on Tuesday, January 13, 1925. Music was being provided by Mr. James McGowan’s number one band, Dublin (personally conducted). Dancing was from 10 p.m. and admission was ladies 15s and gentlemen £1.
Another ad proclaimed: The Best Musical Treat of the Season - Stephen Garvey’s famous pantomime troupe will stage, for the first time in Castlebar, on January 2 and 4, the beautiful fairy play, entitled ‘The Enchanted Forest’, with all the latest songs, dances and music. Beautiful costumes. Special scenery. Elaborate effects. Full musical accompaniment by Stephen’s Orchestra, specially augmented for the occasion (eight instruments).
The admission prices were 3/-, 1/4, 1/- and reserved seats would not be held after 8 p.m.
Another ad for the St. Helen’s Bar, Castlebar, said they had high-class drinks, purity guaranteed, clean and comfy where there was always a cead mile fáilte.
That pub is still going strong today at Rush Street under the proprietorship of John Moran.
A new opening was also announced: Stephen Garavan begged to notify his numerous friends and the public generally that he was opening the extensive premises of Mrs. S. Feeney, The Bridge, Castlebar, where he had taken delivery of an extensive stock of wines and spirits which included tea and 15-year-old whiskies, five-star ports and sherries, Moet and Chandon and Giesler Champagnes, as well as groceries and provisions.