The Murphy Family era De Luxe Edition © 2023-2025 Athenry Town Hall 1907-1976
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 2 Figure 1 – image from The Daily Cinema magazine 21st November 1960, No. 8386, page 5. North To Alaska, a 1960 Comedy Western was screened in the Hall on 3rd January 1965, Matinee @ 3pm, Evening Show @ 8.45pm (Connacht Tribune 2nd Jan 1965, page 13).
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 3 Murphy’s Hall Athenry 1907 – 1976 This Town Hall History is dedicated to the Murphy Family of Clarke Street, Athenry Dick & Nora, and their children Patsy, Margie, 1 Joan and Richard By Mary Walsh Love 2 and family Figure 2 – Dick and Nora Murphy out and about (image has been colourised) Figure 3 – Murphy's Hall with Cinema style facade added, on a very quiet Clarke Street (image colourised) 1 Cover photo shows Tom Fahy and Margie Murphy working in the Hall Mineral Bar in 1963 2 Dick & Nora Murphy’s granddaughter, Patsy Murphy Walsh’s daughter, (niece to Margie, Joan and Richard)
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 4 Figure 4 – The Court Jester, a comedy starring Danny Kaye, Angela Lansbury & Glynis Johns was screened in the Hall in 1958 3 Figure 5 – Sample Tickets for Admission to the Hall 3 All together now: “The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle. The chalice from the palace has the brew that is true.”
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 5 A ‘brief’ history of Murphy’s Hall Athenry 1907-1976 Richard (Dick) Murphy (1872 – 1945) Dick Murphy was born in Boyhill House in September 1872 and later lived on Clarke Street, Athenry. The Hall on Clarke Street was built for Dick Murphy by Thomas Cleary & Sons of Abbey Row, Athenry, circa 1907. The Hall was used for many purposes over the years: as a Dance Hall, a Cinema, for Travelling Picture & Drama Companies (Carron, Caslin, Wynne, Kitty Breen, George Mallin, Anew McMaster, Carl Clopet, Ibbs & Pringle etc.), hosting Magic Shows (Benyon), Fashion Shows, Bingo, Auctions, Live Music, Fundraisers, Whist Drives, Fancy Dress Balls, hosting the local Athenry Players, Exhibitions, Blood donations, Féiseanna and Meetings of all sorts... However, what is perhaps less well known, is the role that the Hall played in the 1916 Rising? Dick Murphy had placed it (gratis) at the disposal of the nationalist movement: for Volunteer Meetings and fundraisers, Cumann na mBan activities and political functions. Liam Mellows lectured and drilled the Volunteers there, on military tactics etc. Indeed the Athenry Branch of the Volunteers had been formed in the Town Hall on Sunday 8th February 1914. Dick Murphy became a member at that initial meeting and was later elected to the Volunteer Committee. 4 Prior to the Rising, Dick Murphy was active in the IRB 5 and was one of the leaders of the Athenry branch of the Town Tenants' League (founded 1906 for town tenants and tenant farmers). As per Jimmy Cleary’s account on page 4 of the Connacht Tribune 7th April 1978, titled Athenry Memories of Easter 1916: “On the following day, Easter Monday... Volunteers kept coming into Athenry all day, assembling in the Town Hall.” This is corroborated by the Bureau of Military History, Witness Statement of Frank Hynes, Cross Street, Athenry, Co. Galway: https://www.militaryarchives.ie/collections/online-collections/bureau-of-military-history-1913-1921/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0446.pdf “...I think it was very early in 1914 that we started the Volunteers in Athenry. A meeting of the people of the town was called, and from that meeting a committee was elected. The following are the names of the Committee members - John Broderick (Seán Broderick, later FG TD) Pat Hynes, Tom Cleary, Dick Murphy, Jim Barrett, Stephen Jordan (later FF TD), Larry Lardner, F. Hynes. Dick Murphy had a hall and at the back there was a splendid yard, like a barrack square, for drilling...” Page 1 “On Monday when I came to my dinner I got a message to call down to the hall. When I went down Larry 6 was there and his face was a placard in which trouble could be read easily. He handed me a despatch from Pearse 7 – ‘Going out today at noon; issue your orders.’ There was a kettle of fish! What were we going to do? We notified all the companies we could...” Pages 11-12 Due to the activity at the Town Hall, Dick Murphy was himself detained by the RIC on the Tuesday after Easter Sunday 1916 whilst making preliminary arrangements for the Rebellion. Fortunately his release was procured by fellow Volunteer Stephen Jordan, armed with a rifle: 8 “He was actually under arrest and luckily for him I was just going to attend to the mobilisation myself and bringing my rifle from my house. Without flattery to myself I told the police to drop him; the two of them had him and they let him out... he went into his own house and I went in with him until he got his rifle.” It would be very difficult, if not entirely impossible; to account for every single event in the Hall during the 7 decades of the Murphy Family involvement (and we are definitely not attempting to capture that here) but hopefully the following pages will give some small glimpse of the scope of activity that the Hall hosted during their time at the helm. Unless otherwise stated, the information that follows has been sourced from the remaining Hall Journals, supplemented by any surviving posters, letters, newspapers etc. Where known, we also cite where confirmation of the information provided below can be found in the Connacht Tribune, Tuam Herald, etc, (on www.irishnewsarchive.com). This is provided purely for reference and as supporting documentation. April 2025 4 As reported on Page 4 of the Connacht Tribune 21st February 1914, under the heading Athenry Volunteers. NB: the Notes themselves are dated 20th Feb 1914. Also see: The 1916 Easter Rising in Athenry and County Galway - ATHENRY.ORG 5 As per Connacht Tribune 9th April 1966; Page: 7, “Dick Murphy, although not a member of the Brigade Staff, was present at all conferences and his voice was important because of his position as County Centre of the l.R.B.” Stephen Jordan confirms IRB status in his Witness Statement BMH.WS.0346, page 1 6 This refers to Larry Lardner 7 This refers to Patrick Pearse 8 See Stephen Jordan’s own statement (WA.21) before the Advisory Committee on 09/06/1937, pages 11 & 12. For more on this see Endnotes at the back
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 6 19th May 1906 – The Tuam Herald 19th May 1906 reported, on page 4, under the heading TOWN HALL FOR ATHENRY, that a Town Hall was much needed in Athenry: “The great want of a suitable building for a Town Hall in Athenry has been sorely felt for some time past, and steps were accordingly taken... to procure one.” 9th September 1907 – It is reasonably assumed that the Hall was in construction in 1907, 9 so we don’t have any info on Hall activities at this time. However in other Athenry news of this period, page 6 of the Kerry News of this date reports as follows, under the heading Town of Athenry to be Sold: “...It is announced to-night that the negotiations for the sale of the town of Athenry under the Land Act have concluded. Mr. Commissioners Bailey and Mr. T. W. Russell, M.P., Vice-President of the Agricultural Department, had interviews today with the town tenants’ representatives of the United Irish League and of the labourers. It was arranged that the town tenants would be included in the sale of the Lambert minors and Rodney estates, a tract of 450 acres having been specially purchased for the object. This tract was cleared of cattle last year, and has since been untenanted. It is expected that these arrangements, which Mr. Briscoe, Secretary of the Town Tenants League was associated, will result in bringing peace to what has recently been a very disturbed district.” 29th November 1908 – It appears that by 1908 the Hall had been built, as the Tuam Herald of 5th December 1908, carried the following report on page 2, under the heading Gaelic Athletic News: “The 41st anniversary of the execution of the Manchester Martyrs was celebrated in Athenry Town Hall on Sunday evening last, under the auspices of the Galway Co Board, GAA.” 3rd July 1909 – Connacht Tribune of this date, on page 8, reported that Kitty Breen’s Farce Company performed in Murphy’s Hall that week: “Miss Kitty Breen’s dramatic concert and farce company performed this week at Murphy’s Hall, Athenry. Miss Kitty Breen is a great favourite.” 8th September 1909 – Tuam Herald, 21st August 1909, reported that an exhibition was to be held in Murphy’s Hall to show the results achieved on the Athenry Labourer’s Plots: “Arrangements will also be made for visitors coming from a distance to make a tour of all the Model Plots by jaunting and motor car.” NB: These plots had been reported in Hansard on 15th March 1906. 14th & 15th January 1910 – Connacht Tribune, 22nd January 1910, page 5, reported on a meeting of the Athenry branch of the Town Tenants Association, in the Town Hall. It also reported on Theatricals in Athenry, staged in the Town Hall featuring Dick Murphy himself, in one of the acting roles: “On Friday and Saturday night last... a local company of amateurs gave renderings of two national and patriotic plays in the Town Hall. One of the pieces was The Wearin’ of the Green which was descriptive of a period in our history of 1798 when the people were in rebellion throughout the country against the rule of England... Mr Richard Murphy, as a rebel leader, was really good and the way in which he got through his part reflects considerable credit on him... Laurence Lardner, 10 as Barney Malone, also took a prominent part, and being a lover of the stage, he got through his duties with excellent effect... On Saturday night The Patriot Priest was also performed with success...” 18th May 1910 – Connacht Tribune, 14th May 1910, page 2, carried the following under the heading United Estates Committee of North, South and East Galway: “A meeting of the Executive Committee of above will be held on Sunday, the 15th May, 1910, at the Town Hall, Athenry. The Chair will be taken at 2 o'clock, p.m., sharp. Important business will be discussed.—John Murphy, Wm. O'Reilly, hon. secretaries.” 19th June 1910 – Connacht Tribune, 25th June 1910, page 8, carried the following under the heading Feis At Athenry: “On Sunday evening, in the Town Hall, a large and distinguished audience was present to witness the various competitions in Gaelic, which were got up under the auspices of the Athenry branch of the Gaelic League... Two of the Irish Pipers in old Irish costume were also present, and attracted a good deal of attention...” 9 Indeed this is corroborated by Joan Murphy’s account (Dick Murphy’s daughter) and also Aggie Qualter’s (see Endnotes at the back for more on this). 10 Larry was Kitty Lardner’s father
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 7 2nd July 1910 – Connacht Tribune of this date carried the following on page 4, under the heading In Athenry and the subheading Theatricals: “We are to have the Kitty Breen Theatrical Co in Athenry next week, and as the company is a popular one, there will be big houses.” 4th December 1910 – Connacht Tribune, 10th December 1910, page 10, reported a meeting in the Town Hall of the United Irish League under the heading Solid As Of Old: “On Sunday a public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Athenry, for the purpose of re-establishing a branch of the United Irish League and placing the National cause on a solid basis. Mr. Martin Finnerty, who was unanimously called to the chair, briefly explained the object of the meeting to a large and enthusiastic attendance. He said it would be an extraordinary thing if, while other places were working for the cause of their county at this momentous crisis,, Athenry, which, in matters patriotic, had been a leading light, and had been regarded as such, should lag behind (applause)... They had come there not to make speeches but to transact business, and they would now proceed to the matter-of-fact portion of the proceedings (applause). An executive and a committee were then appointed... All present then handed in their affiliation fees, and the new branch was pushed off the National river on its trip to the sea of Home Rule.” 11th December 1910 – Connacht Tribune, 17th December 1910, page 5, carried the following under the heading AOH BALL (Ancient Order of Hibernians): “On the Sunday night of last week the annual social ball of the Athenry branch A0H was held in the Town Hall under very successful conditions...” 11 16th to 18th January 1911 – Connacht Tribune 14th January 1911 recorded that George Mallin’s Famous Pantomime Company played 3 nights in the Hall, commencing from Monday 16th January. 12 The Galway Express of January 14th 1911 date contains an advertisement for same: MR. GEORGE MALLIN’S FAMOUS Pantomime Company NEW TOWN HALL, ATHENRY for three nights only Commence MONDAY, JANUARY 16th Seats booked at Murphy’s Hotel 13 26th February 1911 – Connacht Tribune, 4th March 1911, page 4, carried the following under the heading Galway Musicians at Athenry: “Miss Mai Coulter’s popular band attended a highly successful dance held at the Town Hall, Athenry, on Sunday evening. Subsequently, the members of this popular musical combination were accorded the congratulations of committee and guests on the exceptional merit of the dance music rendered during the night.” 11th & 15th June 1911 – Connacht Tribune 17th June 1911, page 8, reported on a meeting of the County Galway Postmen’s Federation: “POSTMEN’S FEDERATION MEETING AT ATHENRY The annual meeting of the County Galway Postmen’s Federation was held that the Town Hall, Athenry on Sunday 11th inst. There was an exceptionally good attendance...” Page 8 of that Connacht Tribune also reported on Athenry Feis opening in the Hall: “ATHENRY FEIS Athenry, Thursday The Athenry Feis opened in the Town Hall to-day at two o’clock, was successful from every point of view...” 11 See Connacht Tribune 24th December 1910, page 4, for a more detailed report on this. 12 Performing Blue Beard, Ali-Baba and Jack The Giant Killer 13 Dick Murphy’s Stepmother, Mary Jane McDermott Kelly Murphy, owned and ran Murphy’s Hotel on Cross Street (across the road from The Barracks Restaurant). Her son, T McDermott Kelly MRCVS, from Raheen House, was Dick’s stepbrother.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 8 4th November 1911 – Connacht Tribune, 4th November 1911, page 7, carried the following under the heading In Gaeldom: “A meeting of the Galway County Board G.A.A. was held in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Tuesday Oct 24th, Mr. T. Kenny, VP presiding...” 17th December 1911 – Connacht Tribune, 16th December 1911, page 5, carried the following under the heading United Estates Committee: “An important meeting of the above will be held at the Town Hall, Athenry, on Sunday, the 17th inst, at one o'clock, pm sharp, when all delegates are expected to attend.” 6th January 1912 – Connacht Tribune 6th January 1912, page 6, carried the following under the heading PUBLIC MEETING IN ATHENRY: “A public meeting will be held in the Town Hall, Athenry, next Saturday; 6th January at 1.30. A number of prominent Nationalists have promised to be present, and the matters for discussion are of paramount importance to the farmers, ratepayers, etc. It is expected that & large gathering will be present.” 25th to 27th January 1912 – Connacht Tribune 20th January 1912, page 4, reported the imminent return of Mr George Mallin’s Pantomime Company to the Town Hall for 3 nights: “In Athenry, The week-end in Athenry will be made merry in the Town Hall... the enterprising and popular proprietor, Mr Richard Murphy... Mr George Mallin’s Pantomine (sic) Company have secured the spacious building for the night of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, when three of their most artistic plays are to be produced.” 27th March 1912 – Connacht Tribune 30th March 1912, page 8, reported on a meeting of Galway GAA County Board in the Athenry Town Hall on the previous Wednesday (i.e. 27th March), at which it was noted that they had been availing of the Hall rent free for 4 years up until that point (i.e. since 1908) 14 and it was now proposed to pay Dick Murphy a small rent, (“Eventually it was agreed to give him 30s” for each such usage): “...Secretary: Well, this Hall was built purely for private purposes, and for the past four years, Mr Murphy, the proprietor, has been giving it to us free. I suggest that we now give him a small rent for it for the use of our meetings...” 15th June 1912 – Connacht Tribune 22nd June 1912, page 5, reported a production of the Athenry Junior Dramatic Club in the Town Hall: “ATHENRY JUNIOR DRAMATIC CLUB On Saturday night the Athenry Junior Dramatic Club gave their first rendering of a very interesting piece, entitled A Gentleman from Ireland, before a very crowded house... the audience was the largest seen in the Town Hall for a long time past, were held in raptures from beginning to end of the entire performance. The proceedings concluded with a very amusing farce, entitled Black Justice, which had the house in roars.” 15 15th September 1912 – Connacht Tribune 21st September 1912, page 5, carried a report about the Athenry Beekeepers meeting: “A meeting of the Athenry Beekeepers' Society was held in the Town Hall on Sunday, Mr. Wm. O'Reilly presiding. Also present: Messrs. Thomas Crowe, Patrick Mulcahy, Dunsandle; John Monaghan, Carnakelly; Michael Mclnerney, Gloves; Thomas O'Reilly, Athenry; Samuel Stokes, Balleymore; John Connors, Attymon; P. Hynes, Athenry; H Davidson, Castle Ellen. Mr. Crowe (Secretary) gave an outline of how the Society stood financially, and it was 14 Again, this suggests that the Hall had been in operation since at least 1908, which would be consistent with a construction date circa 1907 15 A Gentleman from Ireland was a comedy in Two Acts by Fitz-James O'Brien which was first performed at Wallack's Lyceum New York in 1854.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 9 noted with satisfaction that there was a balance standing to their credit after paying all the demands on the Society. The principal business before the meeting was the purchase of an up-to-date honey extractor...” 10th January 1913 – Connacht Tribune 11th January 1913, page 2, carried the following under the heading In Athenry, subheading Dance: “Miss Eileen Hall gave a very successful dance in the Town Hall on Friday night. The gathering was very large, and local society was well represented. The hall was artistically decorated and Mrs. Charles, of Galway, supplied the music. There was a general consensus of opinion as to the excellence of the floor for dancing.” 24th March 1913 – Connacht Tribune 22nd March 1913, page 2, carried an advertisement for performances by the Athenry Dramatic Club of A Moment of Peril (or The Wren Boys), preceded by a Grand Variety Concert: “ATHENRY DRAMATIC CLUB The above will produce on EASTER MONDAY NIGHT (March 24th) That Grand Irish Drama A MOMENT OF PERIL (Or the Wren Boys) Which will be preceded by A GRAND VARIETY CONCERT” 30th March 1913 – Connacht Tribune 29th March 1913, page 2, carried the following notice of an important meeting of the Athenry Handball Club in the Hall: “The important meeting of the above, announced for 25th inst., has unavoidably been postponed to Sunday, 30th inst., in the Town Hall, at 8.30pm. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. Result of meeting will appear in next issue of this paper. JAMES J DOLAN Hon. Sec.” 28th June 1913 – Connacht Tribune 28th June 1913, page 3, reported on a Relief Fund Concert in the Town Hall: “Connemara Relief Fund A concert in aid of the above Fund will be held in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Saturday night. A select vocal and instrumental programme will be presented...” 8th February 1914 – As reported on Page 4 of the Connacht Tribune, 21st February 1914 under the heading Notes & News, sub heading Athenry Volunteers, (NB: the Notes themselves are dated 20th Feb 1914): 16 “On Sunday last, in the Town Hall, Athenry, the first meeting of the newly formed corps of Volunteers was held. Mr John Brodrick presided, and the principal business was the enrolling of some fifty new members and the election of officers and Committee. The proceedings were most enthusiastic.” 29th June 1914 – Tuam Herald 4th July 1914, page 2, reported on the Magnificent Muster of the Co Galway Volunteers at Athenry and a Volunteer meeting held afterwards in Athenry Town Hall: 17 “The muster of the Co Galway Volunteers at Athenry on Monday last was a notable event and unique in the annals of this great county... Afterwards a military conference was held in the Town Hall, which lasted for some time, and dealt with administrative and organising matters in the county.” 14th August 1914 – The Butte Independent 19th September 1914, page 1, reported that: 18 “...a meeting of the Committee of the Athenry Corps of the Irish Volunteers was held in the Town Hall on August 14, 1914...” 3rd February 1915 – Athenry Annual Commercial Dance was held in the Hall (source: a Dance Card from the time, see images section at the back). 16 Also see: The 1916 Easter Rising in Athenry and County Galway - ATHENRY.ORG 17 The World News section of the 29th June 1914 Irish Independent, reported on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the catalyst for WW1 18 “The Butte Independent is Irish Newspaper Archives only US printed newspaper”. A weekly US newspaper publication. It was founded and published by Mr J.B. Mulcahy with a geographical coverage in Butte, Silver Bow, Montana, but had a particular interest in Irish news and current affairs.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 10 27th February 1915 – Connacht Tribune of 6th March 1915, page 7, under the heading The Case of Mr Mansfield, carried a very in-depth report on: “The half-yearly meeting of the County Galway National Teachers' Association... in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Saturday...” 28th & 29th April 1915 – Connacht Tribune of 24th April 1915, page 8, carried the following advertisement for a picture screening in the Town Hall on these dates: 19 “Don’t Forget to Visit the Finest Pictures out of London. Also the Great Character Actor, VERNONNE.” 12th & 13th May 1915 – Connacht Tribune of 1st May 1915, page 4 carried the following in relation to performances by Mr Vernonne at Athenry and Clifden: “A large audience assembled at the Town Hall, Athenry, on Wednesday and Thursday, and gave Mr Vernonne a very enthusiastic welcome. He has re-booked Athenry for May 12 and 13...20 Mr. Vernonne delighted ...with his first class and up to date pictures, and his own incomparable songs and sketches... Miss Wren very ably presided at the piano.” 14th May 1915 – Connacht Tribune of 6th March 1915, page 6, reported on: “A meeting of the Galway County Board G.A.A... held in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Friday, 14th inst. Mr. G. Nicolls, Chairman, presided, and the other members present were: Rev. M. Broderick; Messrs. T. Kenny, P. Callanan, P. Donnelly, P. Finnerty, J. Hynes, M. Whelan, J. Haverty, E. Keane, S. Jordan (Secretary), S. Burke (Woodford H.C)...” 12th June 1915 – The quote below, (relating to events in June 1915), is extracted from the Weekly Freeman 1st January 1916, page 10, and Connacht Tribune of 1st January 1916, page 2: “At Athenry Petty Sessions on Friday Stephen Jordan, Athenry was again charged with having been guilty of conduct calculated to prejudice recruiting on June 12 at a picture house performance in the Town Hall, Athenry...” “Evidence was given by Constables Doherty, Stafford, Murphy, Cullinane and Donohue to the effect that on the occasion of an exhibition of pictures they were in the Town Hall and heard the defendant hiss the pictures of King George, Lord Kitchener, and the crowned heads of Allied countries, and cheer pictures of the Kaiser and Turkish troops. Mr R Murphy, proprietor of the Town Hall stated that no lights were thrown, as alleged by the police, from the side which would enable the police to identify anyone... Mr L Lardner stated that he attended the entertainment. He did not hear any observations made by the defendant. The pictures were given a mixed reception of cheers and hisses... Mr John Cleary gave corroborative evidence...” 2nd July 1915 – Connacht Tribune 19th June 1915, page 8, carried an advertisement for an auction in the Town Hall on this date, @ 12 o’clock, of A Valuable Business House with Store, Yard and Garden Attached: “...in which a successful trade has been done... a fine two storey building. It consists of a shop 41 feet by 16, with hall, kitchen and sitting room on the ground floor, all in excellent repair, with counter and shop fittings. The upper rooms consist of a parlour, 5 sleeping rooms also a bathroom. There is a yard, with store and meat garden attached. It is suitable for drapery, grocery, hardware, etc., and is situate in the best part of this thriving town...” 21 26th August 1915 – Cumann na mBan held a meeting in Athenry Town Hall, for the purposes of establishing a local Branch. It was organised and addressed by Miss Elizabeth Bloxham 22 (source: a poster held in the National Library of Ireland as part of their Ephemera Collection): “Women of Athenry come and join the Irishwomen’s Council and take your place in the fight for Ireland’s Liberty.” 2nd October 1915 – Connacht Tribune 2nd October 1915, page 2, carried the following under the heading Domestic Economy: 19 This presumably referred to a slide show of some sort, possibly a Magic Lantern style projector? 20 This presumably refers to Vernonne’s appearances on 28th & 29th April 1915, as cited above 21 The ad doesn’t specify what “the best part” of town is! 22 Elizabeth Bloxham was one of the founding members of the organisation. CnamB image above is from the author’s personal collection.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 11 “Miss Mahon, one of the most popular and successful instructresses under the Department, is at present giving practical demonstrations in cooking, housekeeping, etc., in the Town Hall, Athenry. The classes are well attended and appreciated. Economy was never more necessary owing to the large increase in prices.” 22nd & 24th January 1916 – Connacht Tribune 22nd January 1916, page 8, recorded that the Athenry Junior Dramatic Club would perform The West’s Awake in the Town Hall on these dates, all proceeds in aid of the Athenry branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society. 28th January 1916 – Connacht Tribune 22nd January, page 8, also records that a meeting of the Athenry Town Tenant’s Association was scheduled to take place in the Town Hall @ 9.00pm on this day. Easter Week, April 1916 – As set out above in the introduction, the Hall had been used to facilitate preparations for the Rising and also became the assembly point for the Athenry Rising itself. See Endnotes for more on this. Hall Hiatus and intermittent usage in the period 1916 – 1922 There appears to have been something of a hiatus period, following the Rising, in which the Hall was either not in use, or perhaps unavailable to Dick Murphy, for various reasons. It is not entirely clear from the surviving documentation what was happening with the Hall during this period, as we have no Hall Journals from this time and very scant reference to activities in the Hall is to be found in the Irish News Archives. Easter to Christmas 1916 – Activities in the Hall were unavoidably disrupted, by the Rising itself initially and then by the events that followed. In the immediate aftermath of the Rising, Dick Murphy and Stephen Jordan went on the run. It wasn’t until June 1916 that they were apprehended by the authorities 23 and later interned at Frongoch in Wales, where they were detained until their release just before Christmas 1916, as part of a general amnesty. As per the Connacht Tribune of 20th May 1916, page 2, martial law was declared in the Athenry District by Lieutenant Colonel Oats, while various buildings, including the Town Hall, were commandeered by the military authorities. During Dick Murphy’s enforced absence, the Hall was reportedly vandalised, looted and ransacked by those loyal to the Crown, so presumably he returned at Christmas 1916 to find the Hall in a dilapidated state. The extract below is from page 45 of Thomas B Cleary’s (Abbey Row) military pension file (MSP34REF37026). He is referring here to the period in Easter Week 1916 when the majority of the Volunteers had based themselves in Moyode House (image ©The Military Archives): http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R2/MSP34REF37026ThomasBCleary/WMSP34REF37026ThomasBCleary.pdf “...Now the police were getting bold and the streets were cleared of even small children. Loyalists of course could do what they liked. Their children and policemen’s children broke in to the Town Hall, the property of Adjutant Murphy. The floors were torn up looking for arms, and chairs were taken away. A fire was lit in one of the fireplaces & some chairs burned. I was then helpless & decided to go to Moyode to render an account...” 23rd February to 22nd June 1917 – Under the Defence of the Realm Act 1914, Dick Murphy was arrested in the early hours of 23rd February 1917 and deported to England, where he was detained during this entire period. Page 5 of the Freemans Journal of 23rd February 1917, under the heading Martial Law, lists Dick Murphy among those selected for deportation and duly arrested. 24 The Freemans Journal of 26th February 1917 further reports as follows, under the heading Destinations of Deportees: “It is learned that towns in Herefordshire are the destinations of some of the recently deported Gaelic Leaguers. Peadar O'Hanrachain and T. Mac Curtain, Cork, are at Ledbury; Terence Mac Suibhne and Sean O' Nualain of Cork, are at Bromyard; M. Thornton of Spiddal, and P. O'Malley of Galway at Kingston; Seamus O'Doherty, Dublin; 25 Richard Murphy, Athenry and George Nicolls of Galway, at Leominster.” [Emphasis added to quote] 23 See Endnote 4 and also Connacht Tribune 10 June 1916, page 2, Athenry Men’s Escapades” 24 This arrest is also reported in the Tuam Herald of 24th February 1917, under the heading Arrests in Galway. We have the news cutting shown above. 25 NB: Seamus O’Doherty was Irish comedian David O’Doherty’s great grandfather. See Irish Examiner 29th Feb 2016, page 13 for more on this.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 12 Michael Thornton, (aka MÍCHEÁL Ó DROIGHNEÁIN) gives an account of his deportation experience in his military Witness Statement, BMH.WS1718.pdf (www.militaryarchives.ie): “In the month of February, 1917, at four o'clock in the morning, we were all awakened by a loud knocking on the door, together with an order to get up at once... They brought me in a car straight to Renmore Barracks, and handed me up to the military... Later on in the morning, Pádraic Ó Máille was brought in, and, later still, Dick Murphy of Athenry. We were put on a train, with a military escort, and brought on to Arbour Hill Barracks... Next day, we were put on board a ship bound for England... On arrival at Holyhead, we were put on a train and, when we reached Shrewsbury, we were put up in the guardroom of the Military Barracks for the night... Next, day, we were brought as far as Hereford, and handed over to the police... When we arrived in Kington, it was near midnight, and the sergeant of police did not know what to do with us, and he seemed embarrassed... Three of our number, Nicolls, O'Doherty and Murphy, were sent to Leominster...” [Emphasis added to quote] 22nd June 1917 – The Deportation Order was ultimately rescinded by Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Mahon in June 1917 and the Deportees were allowed to return to Ireland. NB: copy of Deportation Order in the images at the back. 13th July 1917 – Connacht Tribune 14th July 1917, page 3, recorded that a meeting of the Galway County Board GAA was held in the Hall. 21st September 1917 – Connacht Tribune 22nd September 1917, page 3, recorded that a meeting of the GAA Galway County Board was held in the Hall. 12th October 1917 – Connacht Tribune 20th October 1917, page 3, recorded that a meeting of the GAA Galway County Board was held in the Hall. 14th September 1918 – Connacht Tribune 31st August 1918, page 6, indicated that a fundraising concert, in aid of the Irish Nurses Fund, was to be held in the Hall on this date. 22nd November 1918 – Connacht Tribune 16th November 1918, page 4, contained an advertisement for an Auction to be held in the Town Hall. 14th March 1919 – The Irish Independent of this date carried the following on page 2, under the heading INCREASED ESTEEM: “Athenry—Enthusiastic scenes greeted the arrival home of Messrs. L. Lardner and Stephen Jordan from Lincoln and Birmingham jails. They were met by an enormous crowd, headed by a band and torch bearers, and they were escorted in procession to the Town Hall. Houses were illuminated and tar barrels burned at many points on the streets. Rev. E. McGough, presiding at a meeting in the hall, said that while the returned prisoners were in jail esteem for them was even greater than before. Their spirit was that which would achieve Ireland's liberation. Messrs. Lardner and Jordan replying, touchingly referred to the death of Mr. Pierse McCann, M.P., whom the chairman referred to as Ireland's latest martyr.” 17th October 1919 – Connacht Tribune 11th October 1919, page 1, carried an advertisement for the sale in the Hall on this date, by Public Auction, of Patrick Madden’s farm “containing 88 acres 3 roods or thereabouts, statute measure...” 20th March 1920 – As can be readily seen, Dick Murphy’s ability to run the Hall, and earn a living from it, was severely curtailed throughout the entire revolutionary period. He seems to have acquired a Ford Model T Motor Car (Reg: IM 814) in March 1920 and appears to have relied on this as an alternative source of income, hiring himself out as a Hackney driver:
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 13 November 1920 to December 1921 – Dick Murphy (by now a married man) was arrested again in November 1920 and this time detained initially in Galway Town Hall (commandeered as a emergency internment camp) until he was later transferred to the Curragh on 3rd March 1921 (see Connacht Tribune 26th March 1921, page 5). He was interned in the Curragh until the general release in December 1921, when the Treaty was signed. Back in Business (getting there slowly anyway) 5th November 1922 – Connacht Tribune 5th November 1922, page 7, recorded that Dances and Entertainments had returned to the Town Hall and that: “...in the near future a theatrical company, it is expected, will have a week’s engagement.” 17th March 1923 – Connacht Tribune of this date, page 9, recorded that a fundraising entertainments night was held in the Hall by the Town Tenants League. 31st December 1924 – Connacht Tribune 13th December 1924, page 4, reported that Dunne’s No.1 Syncopated Band would be performing their music in the Hall on this date, for the Galway Farmers Association Dance. 6th January 1925 – Connacht Tribune 13th December 1924, page 9, carried an advertisement for the Athenry Beagle Hunt Ball in the Hall, with music provided by Dunne’s No.1 Syncopated Orchestra. The same advert is also carried in the Connacht Tribune 3rd January 1925, page 16. 18th February 1925 – Connacht Tribune 31st January 1925, page 24, reported that Dunne’s No.1 Syncopated Band would be performing their music in the Hall on this date, for the Athenry Club Annual Dance. 2nd October 1925 – Connacht Tribune 26th September 1925, page 1, carried an advert for the sale of land by Public Auction in the Town Hall at 2pm. The land in question was situated at Cloran & Mulpit, the property of Mrs MJ Murphy of Murphy’s Hotel Athenry, NB: Mrs Mary Jane (McDermott Kelly) Murphy was Dick Murphy’s stepmother, having married his father, Mr Richard Murphy Snr, in February 1895. 26 1st January 1926 – Connacht Tribune 26th December 1925, page 1, and 2nd January 1926, page 8, carried advertisements for the Athenry Beagle Hunt Ball with Music by the Harmonic Dance Band Athlone. Connacht Tribune 9th January 1926, page 21, reported on the Ball as follows: “The above Ball, held in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Friday night last, was an unqualified success, both in the numbers who attended and the splendid manner in which all the arrangements were carried out. Over one hundred couples, from places as far apart as Galway, Gort, Ballinasloe, Tuam, Ballyhaunis, etc., took the floor at 10.30 pm to the strains of the Harmonic Dance Band from Athlone, and dancing did not cease until 7 am the following morning. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion by the capable committee, and the catering, which could not have been excelled, was carried out by Mrs Hansberry, Athenry. The committee and all concerned are to be congratulated on the success of their venture, and their success is all the more creditable in that this being only their second annual ball...” 12th February 1926 – Connacht Tribune 30th January 1926, page 8, carried an advertisement for an Auction in the Hall of a valuable farm of land at Derrydonnell, Athenry. The Auctioneer was Larry Lardner (see picture opposite). 14th February 1926 – Connacht Tribune 13th February 1926, page 24, carried an advertisement for a Dance in the Town Hall with music from a Special Orchestra. 18th September 1926 – First General Meeting of the recently formed Athenry Rugby Club was held in the Hall (source: Connacht Tribune 18th September 1926, page 5): “The Athenry Rugby Club, which was initiated last year and which met with a fair share of success, hope this year to compete in the Connacht Rugby (Junior) League and also for the Connacht Cup (Junior). It is hoped to have three Rugby teams in all in Athenry this year, and the membership already numbers 52. Many good players are included amongst the number, including one, who wishes to remain anonymous but who is known as ‘the grand old man’ of the game. The first general meeting is being held at the Town Hall to-night (Friday), at 9 o’clock and practice commences on Sunday at Raheen Park.” 2nd January 1927 – Connacht Tribune 25th December 1926, page 2, carried an advertisement for the Athenry Beagle Hunt Ball in the Hall, with music provided by Harmonic Dance Band Athlone. 26 The auction was conducted in the Town Hall by Mr Larry Lardner of Athenry, Auctioneer & Valuer.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 14 12th January 1927 – a Black & White 1925 Silent Motion Picture ‘comedy short’ (2 film reels long) 27 titled Won By Law, starring Wanda Wiley, Bob Reeves, Lillian Worth and Frank Whitson was screened in the Hall (source: A surviving invoice from the European Motion Picture Co. Ltd, dated 15th January 1927). 28 NB: This is the earliest confirmed screening of a motion picture in the Hall. The following synopsis of the movie is from the Lost Laugh magazine Issue #13, page 18: “Wanda is a bored rich girl, so lazy that she sits down to play tennis. She is roused from her apathy when she is sent to the backwoods, and learns to love the outdoor life.” 6th February 1927 – Connacht Tribune 5th February 1927, page 4, carried an advertisement for a Whist Drive and Dance in the Hall on this date, in aid of the NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children) with music by the Rhythm Follies Band, Galway. 20th February 1927 – Connacht Tribune 19th February 1927, page 16, noted that the Athenry Farmers Dance was to be held in the Hall on this date, with music by Mr Charlie Dunne’s Band and catering by the Misses Hanberry. 13th November 1927 – Connacht Tribune 12th November 1927, page 11, carried an advertisement for a Grand Concert in aid of the Connemara Disaster Fund, under the patronage of the Very Rev. M. Canon Farragher, PP. 27th November 1927 – Connacht Tribune 3rd December 1927, page 18, reported on a meeting of the Galway Regional Savings Committee held on the previous Sunday under the heading ATHENRY MEETING: At Athenry Town Hall on Sunday, a public meeting under the auspices of the Galway Regional Savings Committee to promote the Free State Savings Movement was held.” 27th November 1927 – Connacht Tribune 3rd December 1927, page 18, reported on a Public Meeting in the Hall to promote the Purchase of Savings Certificates: “At Athenry Town Hall on Sunday a public meeting under the auspices of the Galway Regional Savings' Committee to promote the Free State 'Savings' Movement was held... The following were elected on the local committee, with power to add to their numbers if necessary: Mr. W. V. Higgins, President; Mr. ' M. J. Walsh, B.A., ]ST .T., Secretary; Mr. J. M. Sweeney, Mr. Thomas Monaghan; Mr. O'Regan, N.T.; Mr Maher, Postmaster; Mr. L. Lardner, Mr. Jas. Ruane, Mr. C. Broderick, L.P.S.I.; Mr. Durcan. Mr. John., Brady, Mr. Richard Murphy, Mr. T. J. O'Regan, Mr. P. N. Houlihan, Mr. S. Brodrick, TJ).: Mr. S. Jordan, T.D.; Mr. Allen, X.T., Craughwell; Mr. Frank Healy, Mr. Coen, Sergeant Masterson, Mr. Cagney, and Mr. Tighe. It was decided to hold the first meeting on Wednesday night.” 20th December 1927 – Miss Dorothy Grafton Concert in the Hall on this date, (source: Hall notebook). 19th February 1928 – Connacht Tribune 11th February 1928, page 11, carried an advert for the Athenry Rugby Club Annual Dance in the Town Hall (see also Connacht Tribune 18th February 1928, page 5): ATHENRY RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL DANCE AT Town Hall, Athenry, On SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19th, 1928 Dancing: 10.30. Catering by Hanberry’s, Athenry MUSIC: MISS CORRIGAN’S BAND OF SIX INSTRUMENTS Tickets: Gentlemen 12/6; Ladies 10/-; Double £1 28th April 1928 – Oranmore Drama Group performed a play in the Hall (source: Hall notebook). The play title is unknown unfortunately. 27 Each film reel held about 1,000 feet of film and lasted about 10 minutes of screen time. A 2 reel film short was therefore about 20 minutes long 28 A scan of which we include for reference as one of the images at the end of the main text
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 15 30th May 1928 – The Bowyer Westwood Company performed their Variety Concert in the Hall (source: Hall notebook). As some background info, it is noted that the Kerry News 16th July 1926 had carried the following on page 3 under the heading Return Visit of the Bowyer Westwood Company: “...The Company open on Monday with Il Trovatore. Olive Westwood will appear as Carmen and it is no exaggeration to say that Miss Olive Westwood’s performance of Carmen is the finest to be seen on the stage to-day. The principal role in Maritana will be sustained by the rising young prima donna, Miss Barbara Plummer. We have also no doubt a warm welcome will be extended to Mr Albert Bowyer and Mr M Kemble... All are artistes of merit and ability, on whom we can rely to provide a feast in musical during the coming week...” 9th September 1928 – The Hall hosted the annual ATHENRY SHOW DANCE (source: Connacht Tribune 8th September 1928, page 4) with music from the Midland Melody Band. Connacht Tribune 22nd September 1928, page 5, reported as follows: “Over 90 couples from all over the county attended the dance at the Athenry Town Hall on Sunday September 9, the day following the very successful Athenry Show. The ladies' committee of the show also acted at the dance, and their efforts were rewarded by the very enjoyable night which was spent. Had a continual downpour of rain not fallen all night the attendance would have been even larger. The music was supplied by the Midland Melody Band. “ 26th December 1928 – Connacht Tribune, 15th December 1928, page 5, reported as follows under the heading In Athenry, in relation to a Hall booking for this date: “Galway Drama League intend staging two plays, followed by a short concert, on December 26, in the Town Hall, Athenry, commencing at 8 p.m., sharp. The two-act play which was screened in Galway some time ago was a phenomenal success. Patrons are requested to come early on St. Stephen's Night... seats can be booked in the Town Hall, Athenry, without extra charge, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on December 26. A dance will commence at 11.30 p.m., finishing at 4 a.m. The Olympic Follies will supply the music. A special bus will leave Eyre Square, Galway, on St. Stephen's Night at 10.30 p.m. for Athenry, returning immediately after the dance...” 20th January 1929 – Connacht Tribune 19th January 1929, page 3, reported as follows, in relation to a Hall booking for this date: “A whist drive and dance organised by the Athenry Temperance Society will be held in the Town Hall Athenry, on Sunday night next when a motor car, the gift of a friend, will be offered as first prize.” 19th May 1929 – Connacht Tribune, 18th May 1929, page 5, reported as follows, in relation to a Hall booking for this date: “Athenry Golf Club are holding a grand carnival dance on Sunday night next in the town Hall, Athenry. It promises to be an unqualified success. The music is being provided by the Merry Synco Orchestra, and the supper arrangements are in the hands of a capable ladies' committee.” 8th to 11th August 1929 – The Bowyer Westwood Grand Opera Company performed 4 nights the Hall (source: Hall Notebook and a poster advertising their appearances): The Lily of Killarney, an opera in Three Acts by Julius Benedict 29 Carmen, an opera in Four Acts by Georges Bizet Daughter of the Regiment, an opéra comique in Two Acts by Gaetano Donizetti Faust, an opera in Five Acts by Charles Gounod 3rd October 1929 – Anew McMaster’s Travelling Dramatic Company played the Athenry Hall (source: Hall Notebook but unfortunately the plays performed were not noted on this occasion). However, as per page 5 of the Westmeath Independent of 5th October 1929, McMaster played in Athlone on the following 3 nights, where performances included Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 13th October 1929 – Connacht Tribune 19th October 1929, page 5, reported as follows, in relation to a Hall booking for this date: “On Sunday night the Athenry Golf Club held a very successful whist drive and dance in the Town Hall. There were parties at 27 tables for the whist drive. First prize was won by Miss Donlon, Menlough, and other prizes wont to Miss Daly. Athenry and Mr. J. Kelly, Athenry. A dance followed, and was kept until 29 The libretto, by Oxenford & Dion Boucicault, is based on Boucicault's own play The Colleen Bawn
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 16 3.30 a.m. to the strains of the full Empire band, Galway. Over 60 couples took part, and the dancing was enjoyed by everybody.” 24th November 1929 – Athenry Golf Club held their Second Annual Dance in the Hall. Music by the Empire Dance Band, Galway (source: advertisement in Connacht Tribune 9th November 1929, page 11). 26th & 27th December 1929 – Connacht Tribune 4th January 1930, page 9, reported that Athenry Dramatic Club performed in the Hall on these dates: “On two successive nights, December 26 and 27, the members of the Athenry Dramatic Club gave a very enjoyable entertainment in the Town Hall, Athenry. The programme consisted of a play and comedy sketch, which were preceded by a concert. The main feature, entitled Andy Blake or The Irish Diamond, was an interesting production, depicting scenes of the middle of last century... The popular comedy, The Coiner, concluded each night’s performance and served to crown a wonderful performance. The proceeds of the entertainment were devoted to the building fund for the new Temperance Hall...” 30 2nd March 1930 – Athenry Rugby Club Dance in the Hall (source: Connacht Tribune 22nd February 1930, page 11): ATHENRY RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB WHIST DRIVE AND DANCE IN THE Town Hall, Athenry, On SUNDAY, MARCH 2nd, 1930 VALUABLE PRIZES: MUSIC BY MISS CORRIGAN’S DANCE BAND Tickets: WHIST 2/6 DANCe 3/6 16th & 17th March 1930 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed The Rebel Chief in the Hall (source Connacht Tribune 15th March 1930, page 11): “NEW SCENERY, NEW COSTUMES, AND SPECIAL LIGHTING EFFECTS. PLAY PRECEDED BY SHORT VARIETY CONCERT” 26th December 1930 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed a play in the Hall called The West’s Awake or The Dawn of Freedom by Malacha Muldoon, Ballaghadereen (source: Hall Journal & Notebook). 2nd to 4th January 1931 – Dorothy Grafton Repertory Company performed 4 nights (source: Hall Journal): Napoleon & Josephine, historical drama (Dorothy Grafton played Empress Josephine) Sonny Boy, adapted by GP White from The Singing Fool (1928) starring Al Jolson The Face at the Window, a play by F. Brooke Warren (French Detective P Goufett) 6th January 1931 – Our Boy’s Club Athenry performed Right O’Way in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 29th to 30th January 1931 – Jack Downes Imperial Scots Concert Party performed their Concert (source: Hall Journal). 4th February 1931 – Father Prendergast CC of Athenry parish booked the Hall for a Concert on this date (source: Hall Journal). 16th to 17th February 1931 – Richard & Lillian Carrickford Dramatic Company performed 2 nights in the hall performing Madam X and also, The Desert Song (source: Hall Journal). 9th to 15th March 1931 – The Bowyer Westwood Company performed their Variety Concert & Opera on 7 nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). NB: The legendary Brendan Bowyer (Do The Hucklebuck and the Royal Showband etc.) was a grandson of Albert Bowyer and Olive Westwood. Page 30 of the Christmas Supplement to the Waterford News and Star, 9th December 2008 carried the following in a piece about Brendan: 31 30 Andy Blake or The Irish Diamond is a Two Act comedy by Dion Boucicault. The Coiner was a One Act comedy by Bernard Duffy first performed in 1916. 31 The Beatles, in their pre-fame days, played support to Brendan and the Royal Showband at Liverpool’s Pavilion Theatre, Lodge Lane on 2nd April 1962.
Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 17 “The remarkable and inspiring life of Brendan Bowyer began on October 12, 1938. The eldest of four, Brendan has three sisters, Olive, Patricia and Alison... He was born into a musical family. His father, Stanley, was born in Yorkshire but moved to Ireland with his parents who ran the Bowyer Westwood operatic touring company...” 17th March 1931 – Connacht Tribune 14th March 1931, page 7, reported as follows, in relation to a Hall booking for this date: “The Kilconieron Camogie Club will hold their first annual dance in the Town Hall, Athenry, on St. Patrick's Night. Nothing is being left undone to make this dance a real success; and a most enjoyable night is expected. The catering is placed in the hands of a committee of Athenry ladies and members of the camogie club. The music will be supplied by the Arcade Dance Band.” 6th to 12th April 1931 – Frank O’Donovan’s Show of Shows Variety Concert Party performed 7 nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 32 31st May 1931 – Our Boys Club Athenry performed a play titled The Right O’Way in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 28th to 29th June 1931 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed The Shaughraun in the Hall (source: Hall Journal), a play written by Irish playwright Dion Boucicault, which was first performed at Wallack's Theatre, New York, on 14th November 1874. 9th September 1931 – Connacht Tribune 29th August 1931, page 2, carried an advertisement for a SALE BY AUCTION in the Town Hall: “In pursuance of the Land Purchase Acts, by instructions of the Irish Land Commission under their Conditions of Sale, on WEDNESDAY, 9th Day of SEPTEMBER 1931, By Mr. Laurence P. Lardner, Auctioneer at the Town Hall, Athenry, at the hour of one o’clock.” 20th to 27th September 1931 – Mr Merry’s Variety Concert, a travelling company, performed 7 nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 11th to 12th October 1931 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed The Lord Mayor in the Hall (source: Hall Journal), a Dublin Comedy in Three Acts, by Antrim born Edward McNulty (1856 – 1943). 33 20th to 25th October 1931 – J Carron’s Travelling Talking Picture Show was in the Hall for 6 nights (source: Hall Journal). 26th to 27th October 1931 – Morrelle’s Travelling Variety Show performed in the Hall for 2 nights (source: Hall Journal). 1st November 1931 – Jack Downes Imperial Scots Concert Party performed their Concert Show (source: Hall Journal). 8th November 1931 – Connacht Tribune 7th November 1931, page 28, carried an advertisement for the Athenry Rugby Club Annual Dance in the Town Hall with music by PW Leamy and his band (source: Hall Journal). 25th November 1931 – Connacht Tribune 14th November 1931, page 1, advertised the upcoming Athenry Coursing Club Dance in the Hall (confirmed by the Hall Journal) with music supplied by Dick McDermott’s High Class Band, (eight instruments). 21st to 27th December 1931 – Bracey Daniels Travelling Variety & Cine Show performed 7 nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 6th & 7th March 1932 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed in the Hall, a 5 Act play, called The Honour of an Old Solider, written & directed by Mr Maher, 34 then Athenry Postmaster, (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 5th March 1932, page 18). 14th to 17th March 1932 – Gabriel Travelling Company performed their Variety Show & Concert in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 32 See Frank O’Donovan below note at 12th to 14th July 1943 entry 33 First performed in the Abbey on 13th March 1914, as per Irish Playography, www.irishplayography.com 34 NB: The surname is spelt Meagher in the Connacht Tribune piece
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