Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 71 are incorporated in the new building, which has been erected on modern lines and has seating for 1,100 people...” 21st June 1968 – Unfortunately, no info is available for activities in the Hall at this time but, in other News, the Connacht Tribune of this date carried the following on page 6 under the heading Departure: 136 “Mr. Norman Payne, who was lead-singer with the local Swingtime Aces showband, left Athenry last week to take up an appointment in Toronto, Canada. He is a native of Athenry, youngest son of Mr. James Payne and the late Mrs. Bridie Payne, Cross Street. He is also nephew of Mrs. C. Taylor, Town House Athenry. Many of his friends and relatives travelled to Shannon to wish him bon voyage.” 13th July 1968 – Unfortunately, no info is available for activities in the Hall at this time but, in other News, the Tuam Herald of this date carried the following on page 5 under the heading Ballad Festival: 137 “Plans are almost complete for Athenry's second annual Ballad Festival which is to be held from August 15th to 18th. The four-day programme includes gymkhana, golf competition, motor rally, clay pigeon shoot, road race, as supporting attractions. The festival is expected to draw crowds from all over the country to Athenry.” 15th to 18th August 1968 – Athenry National Ballad Festival held in the Hall (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 2nd August 1968, page 16). 12th September 1968 – Athenry Agricultural Show Ceili and Old Time Waltz with Music from the Leitrim Ceili Band (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 6th September 1968, page 18). 2nd October 1968 – Athenry Guild ICA Dance (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 27th September 1968, page 20). 22nd November 1968 – the Blood Transfusion Service Mobile Unit visited the Hall on this date (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 8th November 1968, page 10 and Connacht Tribune 15th November 1968, page 7). 24th November 1968 – Nuns’ Question Time (source: Hall Journal notes). 20th December 1968 – Athenry Golf Club Dance (source: Hall Journal notes) 24th January 1969 – Dance held in the Hall with Music from The Swingtime Aces date (source: Hall Journal). 9th February 1969 – Chris Grace & The Raindrops performed in the Hall on this date (source: Hall Journal). 14th February 1969 – St Mary’s GAA held a Dance in the Hall with music by The Coasters Showband, admission 6 shillings, (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 7th February 1969, page 17). 21st & 23rd February 1969 - The Swingtime Aces performed in the Hall on these dates, (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 21st February 1969, page 17). 28th February 1969 – Chris Grace & The Raindrops performed in the Hall on this date, (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 28th February 1969, page 16). 9th, 11th & 12th March 1969 – Athenry Players performed Thy Dear Father, a play in Three Acts by Gerard Healy, on 3 nights in the Hall, including a matinee on Sunday (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 7th March 1969, page 22). 16th March 1969 – Killimordaly Hurling Club held a Pre-Carnival Dance in the Hall with Music from The Coasters Showband, admission 7s & 6d (source: Hall Journal, see also Connacht Tribune 14th March 1969, page 18). 136 Norman had performed in the Hall with the Swingtimes only a couple of months earlier. 137 The Ballad Festival itself was held in the Hall, see August 1968 entry.
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