The Garden Fete and Fancy
Dress Parade 1945
The Fancy Dress and Garden Fete was one of
the highlights of the social life of
Ballyshannon in the not too distant past Keep a close eye on the results of the
Fancy Dress below, also the choir
members, dancers and actors who performed in Ballyshannon in 1945, as some are still very well known in the town in
2012. Others will be recalled with affection. The Garden Fete and Fancy Dress
Parade was an annual occasion when the community came together, dressed up, performed,
enjoyed the fun and raised needed funds
for local charities. Over 600 people attended the Fancy Dress and Garden Fete
at the rear of P.J. Stephen’s premises on Wednesday 25th of July 1945. (The
site is occupied by the Saimer Court Shopping Centre today.) The parade
commenced at the Courthouse and led by
the Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band
under Eddie Lynch bandmaster, made a circuit of the town. The Courthouse
mentioned is now the Tyrhugh Centre on the Mall.
On arrival at the venue the large crowd were
entertained to an open-air concert. Members of Frank O’ Donovan’s troupe opened
the concert, followed by choruses from
the pupils of the Convent schools who sang “ A-Hunting We Will Go” and “Away to
the Woods”. Those participating were: Misses M. Lawn, K. Liddy, B. McGovern, D.
Stewart, B. Cooney, M. Slevin, C. Lynn, H. Gallagher, C. Lawn, N. Curran and A.
McGovern. Ms. Rose Daly, Erne Street, recited, “Biddy’s Trip to Cork” and “
Biddy at the Pictures.” The pupils of
Finner School, under Mrs. Dundas, their teacher, performed a sketch entitled,
“Heads and Heels” The cast were: Misses Joan White, Doreen Regan, Hazel Barr,
H. Hamilton, and Masters Noel Hamilton and Ronnie Moorehead. Finner School also
performed a Maypole Dance with; J. White, D. Regan, H. Barr, H. Hamilton, Sally
McClelland and Peggy Hunter. Ms. Maureen Slevin (later Maureen Kane), West
Port, performed song and tap-dancing
numbers. Thomas and Margaret Gallagher from Bishop Street sang, “ If you ever
go to Ireland” and “The Rose of Arranmore”.
Prizewinners
in the Fancy Dress 1945
Adults: Most Topical- Tyrolean Pair- Maureen
Slevin and Blaithnaid Stephens.
Most Original- Curly Wee, Polly Parrot and
Cuthbert Colt- B. McGill O.S., P. Maguire O.S. and R. Grehan.
Funniest- “Summer 1945” Patrick and John Stephens.
Special award to “Modern Transport”- Michael
McDonagh, Rose Daly, Annie Breslin, Dympna Duffy, Teresa Bromley.
Children: Prettiest Costume- “Hawaiian Pair”-
Anton and Eugene Noonan.
Most original- An tUachtaran agus a Bhean- Helena
Gallagher and Herbert Bromley.
Funniest- “ A Dutch Pair”- Sean and Kathleen
Tiernan.
Firms- “The House of Stephens 1834-1945”-
L.McGrath, B.McIntyre, K.McShea, L.Kerrigan, J.McDonnell. H.Campbell,
G.McCarville, M.McCloskey, B.Loughlin and B.Stephens.
Best Decorated Bicycle- Celine Kennedy.
Tiny Tots- Prettiest- Margaret McShea as “Lady
Pompadour”
Most Original- John Holmes as “An Erne Schemer.”
Funniest- Cecil, Aidan and Liam Stephens as “The
Big Three".
- Next week’s local history blog will describe Christmas shopping in Ballyshannon in 1889. Please tell your friends and particularly those away from home that this local history blog on Ballyshannon can be accessed online with a number of back issues available.
New Local History Book: “Ballyshannon Genealogy and History” by Anthony Begley details the
history of the Ballyshannon area in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Contains 500 pages with much material on tracing your roots, includes many rare
images and modern colour aerial photographs of the area. Available in 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. Enquiries welcome. A limited number of
hardbacks also available.
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