Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 82 “The Protestant Church in Athenry has been handed over to the townspeople to be converted into a museum. It is 150 years old. It has not been used for services for a number of years and the Church of Ireland Bishop, Dr. John Coote-Duggan has agreed to its transfer to the Town Development Association. The Church known as St. Mary's is built on the site of an older church, dating back to 1289.” 25th August 1973 – Unfortunately we have no info available on activities in the Hall in August 1973 but, in other Athenry news of the time, page 7 of the Tuam Herald of this date, reported as follows, under the heading Won Baking Competition: “Mrs. Eileen Corley, Caheroyan, Athenry, a member of Athenry Guild ICA, won the county final of the National Wholemeal Bread-Baking Competition sponsored by the ESB. She will represent Co. Galway at the provincial finals to be held later in the year.” 21st September 1973 – Unfortunately, due to the absence of records, we have no info available on activities in the Hall in September 1973 but, in other Athenry news of the time, page 1 of the Connacht Tribune of this date, reported as follows, under the heading Final Plans For Athenry's 2 Day Show: “A special meeting of Athenry Agricultural Show Society was held at the weekend and final arrangements were made for the show on Saturday and Sunday. The Society reported a big increase in horse and cattle class entries due mainly to the increased prize money from Bord Na gCapall, CBY Livestock Board and also eight RDS mare premiums...” 26th October 1973 – Unfortunately we have no info available on activities in the Hall in October 1973 but, in other Athenry news of the time, page 6 of the Connacht Tribune of this date, reported as follows, under the heading SALE: “The sale of work organised by the Athenry Development Committee, which was held on Friday night, was very successful. The organisers are grateful to the many subscribers from the town and district and also to the buyers who turned up for the sale. The Charity Walk on Sunday, also organised by the Committee, was well supported and those taking part had an enjoyable time as conditions were ideal.” 8th November 1973 – a Benefit Dance for the Late Billy Kelly (ex Swingtime Aces) was held in the Hall. Music by The Works plus Guests 150 (source: Ticket for the Dance, see also Connacht Tribune 2nd November 1973, page X). Tuam Herald 18th August 1973, page 5, gives some background to the appeal: “A COMMITTEE has been formed to appeal to the public for subscriptions towards the above fund in aid of the widow and six young children of the late BILLY KELLY, who lost his life so tragically over the week-end. As Billy was so popular with all musical and sporting people, and indeed with everybody, it is hoped that everybody will donate as generously as possible...” 7th December 1973 – Presentation College Athenry held an Arts & Crafts Fair and Cake Sale in the Hall on this date (source: Connacht Tribune 7th December 1973, page 20). 11th January 1974 – the Connacht Tribune of this date carried an advertisement on page 17 looking to recruit 2 Assistants for the Town Hall, Athenry. 2nd to 3rd February 1974 – Athenry Drama performed The Year of the Hiker by John B Keane (source: Connacht Tribune 1st February 1974, page 21). 151 8th February 1974 – Newcastle Macra na Tuaithe held a Dance in the Hall with music by The Works, 152 admission 50p (source: Connacht Tribune 8th February 1974, page 44). 1st March 1974 – The Raindrops performed in the Hall on this date, (source: Jimmy Higgins Promotions letter, dated 21st February 1974, signed by Frank Higgins, confirming booking for this date). 24th March 1974 – Clint Eastwood in Coogan’s Bluff was shown in the Hall (source: Form of Agreement with Ron Harris Ireland Ltd, dated 26th February 1974). 150 Raindrops, Big 3 and High Kings, etc. 151 NB: Dublin Repertory Theatre had performed this play in the Hall in May 1964 152 NB: as referenced above, some members of The Works had previously played together in the Swingtime Aces
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