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June 21, 2005
COMIC CRIME CAPERS AUGUST 1901
Leinster Leader 24/8/1901 p. 8
A “DEAF AND DUMB” MUTE……………………..
CLEVER ARREST AT KILDARE……………………..
On Wednesday week last Constable Thomas Grady made a very clever arrest at Kildare. It appears that on the previous evening an old man, who signed himself Peter O’Brien, was begging around the town and presented a letter to several shopkeepers, which stated that he was deaf and dumb and a cooper by trade, but at the time out of employment. Constable Grady watched this “gentleman” and noticed that in a couple of shops he asked for rum, and on the following morning he caught him tendering the letter above mentioned. He thereupon placed him under arrest and on being brought before Mr Medlicott, J P, O’Brien was sentenced to three month’s imprisonment. During the hearing of the charge the man pretended to be deaf and dumb but after sentence was passed he was told by the magistrate that he might don his hat, which he did. On returning to barracks he asked the police at what time the train would start, which would take him to gaol. He informed the police that he had been 180 times convicted for the said offence. It will be remembered that about three years ago the same culprit was arrested by Constable Grady at Monasterevan, for a similar offence, and was sentenced to three months. The “mute” is a native of Clare. His real name is Michael McNamara.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:52 PM
Concert at Kildare January 1901
Leinster Leader 26/1/1901
CONCERT AT KILDARE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
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A most entertaining concert was given on Monday last by the boys of the above schools. The Town Hall was very artistically decorated for the occasion. Among those present were the Right Rev. Mons. Murphy V.G., under whose patronage it was held; Rev. Father O’Reilly, Prior of the Carmelite Convent; Rev. Bro. Anthony, Provincial of the Order, and Rev. Bro. James, Superior, Bagnalstown. The reserved seats, the back and all other available space were well filled. The Pianist, Mr. P.J. Sage, Dublin, is entitled to special praise as he contributed largely to make the concert all that could be desired, even by the most fastidious. In general all the boys went through their different parts creditably. Master Michael Doran’s recital of “Brian Boru’s Address” elicited loud applause. As chairman of the “Anti-Nonsense Club” Master Michael Jones deserves to be congratulated. In the two dialogues “The Music Lessons” and the “Rival Politicians” in which Master John Ryan took part he showed his talents to the very best advantage. “The Priest’s Leap” recited by Master Jas. Mullally was exceedingly well received. Very fine likewise was his singing of “Chiming Bells of long ago.” Master John Mullally’s rendering of “We’ll all go a-hunting today” was warmly received. Masters P. Hoogins and J. Woods delivered a Prologue in fine style. The Fourth Standard boys sang “My Land” and “There’s Music in the Air” in excellent time and tune. Three of the chief choruses, “Let Erin Remember,” “The harp that once” and “Happy Land, thy lengthening Story were sung by the boys of the higher standards with great spirit and effect, showing that they were carefully prepared by teachers that were competent to do the work expected from them. Judging from the applause and the impressions made on the people the entertainment proved to be a complete success no matter in what light it might be viewed. The boys did all that could reasonably be expected from them, and certainly this account would lack a most important feature if the good Brothers, that spent so much time and pains preparing the pupil to amuse and entertain their parents and townsfolk were forgotten. If “Honour where honour is due” is a true motto, then the highest eulogium should be given to the Christian Brothers. We hope that entertainments of this nature will be more frequent in Kildare, for they cannot fail to do immense good whether viewed as a means of developing the social and moral qualities of the children, or as a means of imparting pleasing impressions that should be cherished.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:47 PM
June 12, 2005
GORDON BENNETT COMMEMORATION, SUNDAY 5 JUNE 2005
Niamh and John Kelly enjoying the weather and the opportunity of modelling on the running board of one of the lovingly restored cars.
Sunday June 5 saw the commemoration of the Gordon Bennett Race of 1903 with the arrival of vintage and classic cars on the Market Square Kildare Town. This particular part of the weekend long event was organised by Kieran Reid and the local Kildare Vintage and Classic Car Club. It gave locals the opportunity to view these beautiful motor cars close up and some drivers took the opportunity offered by the Representative Church Body to park their 'prize possessions' in the historic grounds of Kildare Cathedral. Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus and Rolls were only some of the more obvious manufacturers names on view. The annual event attracts many visitors from abroad as well as Kildare Laois and Carlow participants and is a welcome attraction for young and old alike.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:42 PM
THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF BARRACK BUILDING JANUARY 1901
Leinster Leader 12/1/1901 p. 5
Entertainment at Kildare.
On Saturday night last the Irish foremen and timekeepers employed at the military barracks in course of erection in Kildare, entertained their English friends in the same employment. A number of guests were invited, and when supper was served at twelve o’clock about fifty sat to table. The health of the strangers was proposed and Mr. Oram foreman, responded in suitable terms. Dancing commenced after supper, the music being supplied by the employes [sic]. Songs were also rendered by Mr. Oram, Mr. White, Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. Studley, Miss Dollard, Miss Farrelly, and Mr. McLoughlin. Proceedings were kept up until the small hours, when the party separated well pleased with their night’s pleasure. Messrs Behan, Hickey, and Murphy, who organised the entertainment, are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:42 PM
RUNAWAY HORSE
Leinster Leader 19/1/1901 p. 8
A RUNAWAY HORSE AT KILDARE
On Saturday last, a race horse, the property of Mr. F. Cullen, Curragh, whilst being exercised bolted and ran at furious speed into Kildare, carrying its rider, a son of Mr. Cullen. When near the Ball-alley a car was approaching and despite the rider’s efforts the horse ran into it. The shaft of the car entered the animal’s body and killed it almost instantly. The rider was thrown from the saddle but escaped uninjured.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:42 PM
June 05, 2005
A Contribution to the History of Kildare
The Grey Abbey Conservation Project intends to publish on this website articles and images relating not only to the history of Grey Abbey but to the history of Kildare Town. Much of this material will be taken from primary sources such as the newspapers, census, directories etc. but will also include material from other histories of the town.
It is intended to publish an article every week and anybody who has material relating to the history of Kildare Town is welcome to contact us to add it to the site.
The first two articles are snippets taken from The Kildare Observer in 1882 on the courthouse and from The Leinster Leader of 1895 which reported on a Gaelic Football match played at Kildare between the Sons of St. Brigid (forerunners of the Round Towers) and Athgarvan.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:22 PM
THE COURTHOUSE KILDARE 1882
The Kildare Observer 23/9/1882 p. 5
The Courthouse, Kildare.
This building, which was in a rather dilapidated condition in the inside, has been completely renovated.
The walls have been coloured and the wood work re-painted. The building is now somewhat more like a court of justice than it was a few months ago, when grim walls and a plentiful supply of cobwebs on the ceiling formed an unpleasant feature of the inside. The work has been done by Mr. P. Dunne, Naas.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:22 PM
Sons of St. Brigid V. Athgarvan 1895
Leinster Leader 17 August 1895 p. 8
Gaelic Athletic Association.
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KILDARE (SONS OF ST. BRIGID) v ATHGARVAN.
The Athgarvan team journey over to Kildare on Sunday to try conclusions with the “Sons.” Notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain during the early part of the day the home team left nothing undone to make the ground (which was kindly given by Mr D Flood), appropriate to the occasion.
The appearance of the renowned nine acres on Sunday, with flags flying at intervals all along the side lines, and point posts, brought back to the mind of every lover of the national game the good old days of the championships, where the best teams of the county concentrated to do battle for the premier place of honour. It was after 4 o’clock when both teams lined up, each fully confident of success. For the first ten minutes the play was very fast, during which time an open occurred for the “Sons” by being awarded a forty yards kick-off, which Moore very scientifically sent into the immediate vicinity of the Athgarvan goal post, which was quickly repulsed. Failing to score, the Athgarvan men took possession of the ball, and rushed it very determinedly up the field, which move was strongly resisted by the Kildare backs, who forced the attack. After some very fine play Athgarvan was favoured with a goal to their credit. On the ball being kicked out both teams went to work with a will, and the ball was kept continually in motion up and down the field, when Coghlan got an open kick-off, which Kildare credited with a point. On sending out the ball again Kildare was quickly favoured with another score. When half time was called the score stood: Athgarvan, 1 goal; Kildare 2 points. On play being resumed the “Sons” seemed to realise their position, and fully resolved not to let their opportunity go,” [sic] went to work with a determination that seemed not to leave victory a moment in doubt. They sent the ball up the field very quickly, invading their opponents territory, and with one rush put the ball out between the goal posts. On the ball being sent in motion again it seemed easy to name the victors, as Kildare was very quickly favoured with two points more to their credit. At this stage, and with fifteen minutes of the time to elapse, the rubber “inside” burst, but was quickly replaced by another. On the men being called on to form up some of the Athgarvan men were missing. On going to look after them they were found dressing, and said they would kick no more. On being pressed by their men to finish the time they refused, which brought the matter to a rather abrupt termination, leaving the Kildare men the victors by 1 goal, 4 points to 1 goal for Athgarvan.
Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:22 PM