Saturday 23 February 2013

Early Drama Groups and Ballyshannon Playwrights



Early Drama Groups and Ballyshannon Playwrights

Ballyshannon Amateur Dramatic Club

This blog briefly looks back to early generations of actors and playwrights who laid the foundation for what is still today an important part of Ballyshannon life. The drama movement in Ballyshannon can be clearly traced back to the 1880s when Bernard Kelly of the Port, the first nationalist Member of Parliament for South Donegal, was a member of The Ballyshannon Amateur Dramatic Club and indeed Kelly also wrote poetry. Kelly is buried at St. Joseph’s on the Rock, just beside the Rock Hall which was a popular venue for plays and concerts. No doubt the drama movement goes back much further but records are scarce.

John McAdam and the Rock Hall

John (Pa) McAdam, editor of “The Donegal Vindicator,” produced countless plays in the Rock Hall. He was responsible for the old Dramatic Club who staged “The Colleen Bawn” and “Ara-na-Pogue” in the Rock Hall around 1904. He was an all round producer who taught  the local actors how to talk, walk and more importantly stand still. He devised the costumes and painted the scenery and even acted  parts in the plays.

John (Pa) McAdam was recalled by Gerard Sweeny of The Commercial Hotel in his memoirs:

Pa McAdam, the proprietor of The Donegal Vindicator, a fat little man, usually spent a while each day in our kitchen, with his back to the range, particularly in winter, warming himself. Smoking a big fat cigar, hands in pockets, moving up and down on his heels for exercise, and telling all the news and receiving plenty from the kitchen staff. ---- He was a wonderful character. 

In April 1914 the Ballyshannon Amateur Dramatic Club produced “The Shaughran” with the following cast: A.J. Reaper, P.J. Stephens, Cecil Stephens, J. J. O’ Dowd, Patrick Croal, (father of Premier Players’ producer Patsy Croal), J.J. Stephens, James Kelly, Bernard Brady, Miss E. Stephens, Miss S. Croal, N.T., Miss Bella Lynch and Miss O’ Daly.

The Rock Hall was officially opened on the 25th March 1892 and for many years was the mecca for drama, dance and variety and is recalled with great affection by older residents of the area. It also became a cinema for some time before the days of the Erne Cinema and the Abbey Cinema which both came on stream in 1946.

De La Salle Brothers

In January 1914 the De La Salle Brothers produced “Benson” with the following cast: P.J. Munday, E. Higgins, J. Higgins, W. McGinley, J. Martin, F. McLoughlin, M. Walsh, P. Monaghan, John Cleary, (afterwards producer with the Premier Players founded in 1932), G. Kelly, W. Ward, H. Dolan, Luke McGinley, John Daly, T. Stephens, J. McGowan, Alby Munday and Mrs. P. Connolly. The De La Salle Brothers had only arrived in Ballyshannon in 1912 to open a primary school.

Playwrights

D.V. Stephens

Ballyshannon produced at least three playwrights in the early decades of the 20th century. D.V. (Vincent) Stephens was producer and scenery designer in early drama productions in Ballyshannon. Later in life he organised the Bundoran Drama Festival. His play, “To Whom this Glen”, took first place for manuscript at Cork Drama Festival. He also wrote a radio play entitled “St. Columcille.” Vincent Stephens was also responsible for publishing Canon Maguire’s history of the town called, “Ballyshannon. Past and Present.”

Thomas Ward and the 98 Hall

Thomas Edward Ward of Market Street was a well known Ballyshannon poet and artist who wrote and produced “The Child of the Tempest” in the ’98 Hall. He also painted the scenery. Among the cast were: E.D. McAdam, L. Weir, S. Lee, S Martin and P. Ward. Thomas Ward published 2 books of his poetry. He lived in what is now Sean Ógs bar and the family at one time also owned what is now McGrath’s Bridge Bar. The following is an extract from his poem entitled, “Eventide” (Written in the Harbour Ballyshannon)

Nought but the rippling of the Erne breaks the silence here,
A holy peace reigns over all, the skies above are clear,
Yet clearer are the waters that silently doth flow
Beside the purple meadows where the blossoms gently grow;
Where faded sunbeams scatter their rays out far and wide,
And a clank of weary oars sound o’er the silent tide.

The 98 Hall was built in memory of the centenary of the 1798 Rebellion. It was officially opened by Belfast politician Joe Devlin who was a leader of The Ancient Order of Hibernians (A.O.H.). To commemorate the 150th anniversary of 1798 a plaque was designed by Phil McGroarty, monumental sculptor, from Rossnowlagh . The plaque was unveiled on the front of the building on the 27th December 1948 by Martin Bernard McGowan a former T.D. for Sligo-Leitrim.  

Ms. E.D. McAdam

Miss E.D. McAdam of “The Donegal Vindicator” newspaper who had acted in Ward’s play also wrote a play entitled; “The Hearts of Tyrconnell.” She produced the play to packed audiences in the ’98 Hall. Amongst the cast were: Miss McAdam, Mrs. J.J. Kilfedder, Miss Bella McAllister, Miss May McAllister, J.J. Kilfedder, W. Gallagher, P. Darcy, Danny Downey, B. Lyons and Matt Gilfedder. She was following in the footsteps of her father John (Pa) McAdam, both in drama and also in the newspaper business.

The Ballyshannon Players in the 1930s

Eighty years ago the Rock Hall was the major venue for drama and variety shows in the town. The Ballyshannon Players regularly performed plays by George Sheils including a three act comedy called “The New Gossoon”. The cast included; Mary Monaghan, Ignatius O’ Gorman, Harry Brady, John Cleary, Lily Daly, Seamus Martin, Meg Gillespie, Jim McFadden and Patsy Daly. They certainly gave value for money as along with Sheil’s three act play, a one act farce called “The Duplicity of David” by J. Bernard McCarthy was performed on the 6th January 1933. The cast included Mary Monaghan, Alby Munday, Tommy McGuinness, Mary Fox and Paddy McShea. Audiences got great value for their money in those pre-television days as there were also singers and dancers accompanied by a small orchestra on the programme. The night concluded with The National Anthem.

Modern Times in the Abbey

The Premier Players reached the pinnacle of amateur drama in 1961 when under producer P.J. (Patsy) Croal they won the Open All-Ireland Final with “Old Road” achieving professional standards. There have also been successes in All-Ireland one act competitions. Soinbhe Lally who resides in Rossnowlagh, is a prolific author and has also written plays which have been successfully performed. Amongst her plays have been “The Dark Daughter”, “Donalbain” and a number of plays for national radio.

Jim and Ailis McIntyre, relatives of Thomas (Tommy) Ward, a playwright named above, are currently members of Ballyshannon Drama Society, a group who won the All-Ireland Drama Final for “Steel Magnolias” in 2011. The drama movement still thrives in Ballyshannon and has a proud history with the Annual Drama Festival in the Abbey Centre every March.

Next Blog:  Ballyshannon Links to Two Unusual Olympic Games” will be posted on 9th March.

The Gathering in Ballyshannon: Google “The Gathering in Ballyshannon” for more details of special events you might like to attend later in the year. Lots happening in Ballyshannon in the summertime including:

Music Festivals----------Ballyshannon 400 celebrating the granting of a town charter in 1613---- The Commemoration of the Kildoney Fishermen’s victory on behalf of the people in 1933.

Ballyshannon Musings:  Please let people with an interest in Ballyshannon and surrounding areas know about this site, particularly people who are not living locally and those who are abroad. The site is called Ballyshannon Musings and there are a number of back issues available on the internet. Copy this link and forward http://ballyshannon-musings.blogspot.ie/ The site can be located on the internet (or by connecting to my Facebook page). New items will be posted every fortnight on Ballyshannon Musings during 2013, the year of “The Gathering”.

New Local History Book: “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” by Anthony Begley has newly researched history on the Ballyshannon area in the 19th and 20th centuries including fishing, sport, tourism, social history, flora and fauna, The Independence struggle, The Emergency, buildings, townland history and lots of reminiscences. Contains 500 pages with much material on how to trace your roots. All the gravestone inscriptions in the 3 local cemeteries are recorded and indexed for ease of location. Includes history of all the parish of Kilbarron and the local parts of Mágh Ene parish (formerly Innismacsaint parish).

Available from The Novel Idea Ballyshannon/The Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town 

or can be ordered on line from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com   A limited number of hardbacks also available. Enquiries welcome.




Saturday 16 February 2013

Ballyshannon Musings 20 Countries Connected



Ballyshannon Musings 20 Countries Connected

This past week has seen the greatest increase in the number of hits since the blog commenced. Tales and human interest stories about the Ballyshannon area will continue to be posted for the year of the Gathering.

 20 Countries are now connected with the blog and hopefully you will spread the news to increase the numbers viewing and the number of countries involved. Pass on this link to one or two people and the word will spread. http://ballyshannon-musings.blogspot.ie/
 
Click on the link above if you want to view the latest blogs.

Next Week-End’s Blog will trace the early history of plays, actors, drama and play writing in the Rock Hall and 98 Hall in Ballyshannon before the Abbey Centre was built.
  
The following 20 Countries are linked to Ballyshannon Musings by family connections with the area or just by an interest in the locality.

Australia
Barbados
Canada
France
Germany
Ghana
Hong Kong/China
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
U.S.A.
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Zambia











Saturday 9 February 2013

The Worst Fire Ever in Ballyshannon in 1849



The fire of 1849 in Market Street was probably the worst fire ever seen in Ballyshannon and is a reminder that much of the housing stock in the town has been altered by fire and clearances. When we look at a streetscape in Ballyshannon today it is important to remember that, at one time, many of the houses were thatched and an outbreak of fire could cause widespread devastation. In 1849 Ballyshannon hadn’t got a fire brigade although there was a barrack engine at the military barracks beside the bridge which was used to stop the spread of fire. (This barracks built in 1700 still stands opposite the tourist office today)

People were just after leaving places of worship on Sunday 5th August 1849 when the fire started. It must have been a shocking scene for those leaving mass in St. Patrick’s Church which was very close to the outbreak of the fire. In those days people met up with friends and neighbours and stood around after mass talking about the week’s news. The military had just passed through the town on their way back from church and as they reached the barrack gates at the bridge, they saw a vast body of smoke further up the hill, above Castle Street. They put away their guns, got on their fatigue clothes and quickly got the barrack engine into working order.

Fire Spreads Rapidly in Market Street

The fire started around 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the premises of William Boner of Market Street who had a tannery at the back of his house. Local people rushed to help and carried water to dampen the fires; horses and carts were also used to bring water to the scene. Several adjoining houses which were thatched caught fire and in a matter of minutes were enveloped in flames. When the military arrived at the scene the fire was spreading like wildfire and 3 dwelling houses were in flames. Worse still sparks lit houses on the opposite side of the street and in less than half an hour three more houses were in flames.

The barrack engine under the command of Captain Stanley and Lieutenant Hogan of the 57th Regiment arrived promptly on the scene. Local police under Sub-Inspector Charles Haydon and Head Constable McCartney and the Revenue police under Captain Scott and Sub-Lieutenant Mc Fadden did their utmost to stop the fire spreading. They were assisted by artillery men, sappers and miners stationed in the town.

Local Heroes

As well as the military and local people mentioned above who put their lives at risk to stop the spread of the fire, one man gets special mention for his role. P. Hoffman was a guest in Cockburn’s Hotel which was on the Main Street opposite the present Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel. He climbed onto the burning roofs and pulled off thatch and bravely went from house to house until all houses in danger were stripped of thatch.

 Fr. Coyle of St. Patrick’s Church (a relative of Francie Coyle, a well known County Council official in Ballyshannon in recent times) and Rev. Tredennick of St. Anne’s Church were to the fore in carrying water to the fire engine. Rev. Tredennick was a member of the family who owned Camlin Castle. Fr. McMenamin, a curate in St. Patrick’s Church, was also courageously involved in stripping the burning roofs of the houses. Every person present young and old helped in a great community effort to save the town.

Properties Destroyed

It was feared that the entire town on the northern side of the Erne would be destroyed. However the fire was contained but the result was that at least nine houses were unroofed in the Market Street area and the rear sheds and office houses of ten or twelve more were destroyed. The smoke of the fire was visible from miles away and was even visible from the sand banks at Bundoran, a distance of three miles.

The people who occupied the houses which were destroyed in the Market Street area included: Mr. Michael Gavigan, grocer, Mr. William Boner, tanner, Mr. Michael McGowan, auctioneer, Mr. William McVity, publican, Mr. Martin McGowan, baker, Mr. Thomas McGowan, baker, Mr. Hugh McManus, butcher, Mrs. Fitzsimon, lodgings house keeper and  Mr. P. McGrath, butcher. It is interesting to note that all of the premises destroyed on Market Street were commercial premises.

The premises of William Stephens, woollen drapers, in Market Street had a fortunate escape as the house next door was burned to the ground. Luckily the police and military fire engines had just got the fire under control by this stage. Today Sean Óg’s bar occupies the premises where William Stephen’s had his Cloth Hall in 1849. None of the destroyed houses were insured. The fire of 1849 had serious consequences for the property of the families involved but as it took place in daylight there were no fatalities. (Our Postmaster today Cecil Stephens is a descendant of William Stephens above).
A meeting of the Town Commissioners on the following Monday proposed a vote of thanks to the military and constabulary for their efforts in extinguishing the fire of 1849. There have been occasional fires in recent years but thanks to better fire prevention and the presence of Ballyshannon Fire Brigade these fires have not caused devastation like the fire of 1849.

Next Blog will be posted on Monday 25th February 2013 and is calledEarly Drama Groups and Ballyshannon Playwrights” showing how drama has been an important part of the community for well over a century.

The Gathering in Ballyshannon: Google “The Gathering in Ballyshannon” for more details of special events you might like to attend later in the year.

Lots happening in Ballyshannon in the summertime including festivals; Ballyshannon 400 celebrating the granting of a town charter in 1613 and the commemoration of the Kildoney Fishermen’s victory in1933.

Ballyshannon Musings:  Please let people with an interest in Ballyshannon and surrounding areas know about this site, particularly people who are not living locally and those who are abroad. The site is called Ballyshannon Musings and there are a number of back issues available. Click on http://ballyshannon-musings.blogspot.ie/

The site can be located on the internet (or by connecting to my Facebook page). New items will be posted every week or two on Ballyshannon Musings during 2013; the year of “The Gathering”.

New Local History Book: “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” by Anthony Begley has newly researched history on the Ballyshannon area in the 19th and 20th centuries including fishing, sport, tourism, social history, flora and fauna, The Independence struggle, The Emergency, buildings, townland history and lots of reminiscences. None of the material used in the blogs is taken from this book.

The book covers an area roughly from Ballyshannon: To Rossnowlagh, to Belleek, to Finner/ Bundoran to the Loughside and towards Ballintra. Includes all the parish of Kilbarron and the local parts of Mágh Ene parish. The book includes many rare images and modern colour aerial photographs of the area.

Contains 500 pages with much material on how to trace your roots. All the gravestone inscriptions in the 3 local cemeteries are recorded and indexed, with aerial photographs for ease of location.
Available from The Novel Idea Ballyshannon/The Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town or can be ordered on line from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com Price €25 softback plus postage if required. A limited number of hardbacks also available. Enquiries welcome.





Saturday 2 February 2013

Ballyshannon Musings Worldwide Interest



Ballyshannon Musings - Worldwide Interest

Ballyshannon Musings Reaching 18 Countries

Greetings to readers in the 18 countries listed below who are tuning in to Ballyshannon Musings. It is good to know that people with connections or an interest in the area are keeping in touch. The blog will continue for this year of The Gathering with new pieces of local history every fortnight.

Australia
Barbados
Canada
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
U.S.A.
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom


Top 5 Blogs

The 5 most popular blogs at the moment are:
1.        Christmas Shopping in Ballyshannon in 1889
2.        Ballyshannon Fisherman’s Curious Discovery
3.        Farewell to Ballyshannon
4.        Centenary of De La Salle
5.        19th Century Ballyshannon-a Commercial Centre

Ballyshannon Musings site has had a great response at home and abroad and no doubt there are many more people who would enjoy some of the stories and insights. Let friends and relations know about the site. Spread the word and keep reading, as it also encourages the writer to know that there is someone out there! Ballyshannon Musings
ballyshannon-musings.blogspot.com
A link also available on my Facebook page for anyone who wants to get a regular update.

 The Gathering in Ballyshannon –check out local events in the summer which would interest you. Lots happening in the area.
Google:  Ballyshannon-The Gathering, for a host of local events in the summer.
Next Blog will be posted on Monday next 11th February recalling an event over 150 years ago:  “The Worst Fire ever in Ballyshannon” when upwards of 20 properties on the Back Street down as far as the present Sean Ógs were burned or damaged
Back Catalogue of stories and articles available on the site.

New Local History Book: “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” by Anthony Begley details new history of the Ballyshannon area in the 19th and 20th centuries including fishing,
sport, tourism, social history, flora and fauna, The Independence struggle, The Emergency, buildings, townland history and lots of reminiscences. 

None of the material used in the blogs is taken from this book. The book covers an area roughly from Ballyshannon:

To Rossnowlagh, to Belleek, to Finner/ Bundoran to the Loughside and towards Ballintra. Includes all the parish of Kilbarron and the local parts of Mágh Ene parish.
Contains 500 pages with much material on how to trace your roots. All the gravestone inscriptions in the 3 local cemeteries are recorded and indexed, with aerial photographs for ease of location.
The book includes many rare images and modern colour aerial photographs of the area.
Available from The Novel Idea Ballyshannon/The Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town or can be ordered on line from anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com Price €25 softback plus postage if required. A limited number of hardbacks also available. Enquiries welcome.