Another German Band in Clare? Ballyvaughan 1857
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 11:03 am
The Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser of 27 Aug 1857 mentions a German Band playing in Ballyvaughan. I wonder if this is Herr Pfeiffer’s band (see topic “Herr Pfeiffer’s German Band in Clare 1855-1856": http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 592#p13592), or is it another German band.
SheilaThe Ballyvaughan Sports. The amusement of boat and horse races at the Clare side of the bay, though got up at short notice, induced large parties of the Galway gentry to visit the romantic district of Ballyvaughan, while numerous parties arrived from Ennis, Miltown, Limerick, Ennistymon, New Quay and even from Kilkee.
A perfect calm having prevailed, and while waiting a breeze to fill the sails of the hookers, the canoe races were allowed to take precedence.
The Glanninagh men, well known for their experience and boldness in braving an Atlantic storm beneath the precipitous cliffs of Arran and Blackhead, were the first to enter the lists. Some delay and hesitation were experienced on the part of the Ballyvaughan men, doubting their powers to compete with men whose daring energy and expertness in the management of canoes were considered unrivalled.
Overcoming, however, their reluctance, and having prepared for the struggle, the start was given, when, to the general surprise, and much to the disappointment of their opponents, after a “long pull and strong pull,” the Ballyvaughan men became the victors and secured the prize!
A repetition of similar trials of strength and skill took place with similar results. A post-chase followed next in order, and afforded much amusement.
These and other sports were kept up with such spirit while waiting a breeze for the hooker race, the postponement of which, however, became unavoidable, the calm continuing.
An adjournment then took place to Lissanarde, the hospitable marine residence of Mr. Comyn, where a sumptuous dejeuner was provided, at which the hospitable host, with his accomplished lady, by their welcome and courteous attention, contributed much to the enjoyment of their numerous guests.
Among the company we noticed – Mr. and Mrs. O’Flaherty, Knockbane; Mr. and Mrs. Blake, Glenarde; Mr. and Miss Blake, Menlo Castle; Mr. and the Misses Blake, Furbo; Mr. and the Misses Lambert, Aggard; Mr. and the Misses Bodkin, Kilcloony; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Martyn, Gregans Castle; Mr. J. Martyn, Captain Stacpoole, Ballyalley; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Blake, Hollypark; Mr. and Mrs. Bagot Ballymoe; the Misses Bagot, Rev. P. Daly, Mrs. Lahiff, Ballyturn; Doctor Hogan, Captain Clarke, R.N., and Mrs. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. D’Arcy, Clifden Castle; Mr. Stacpoole, Edenvale; Mr. Finucane, 5th Dragoons; Mr. Blake, Oran Castle; Hon. H. Blake and Mr. Farrell, Dalystown; Mr. and Mrs. Cowen, Captain O’Loghlen, Rev. Mr. Bellew, Mr. O’Reilly, Tycoolly; Mr. and Mrs. Lynch, and Miss Blake Butler, Messrs. McCarthy, O’Geary, Capt. Thunder, W. York, Butler, O’Farrell, Edward Singleton, Esq., &c., &c.
The enjoyments of the table having concluded, dancing commenced, a German band being in attendance, and was kept up to a late hour.
To close the amusements of the first day, a display of fire-works were got up under the direction and management of the Coast Guard party of the Station, and, being kept up to a late hour, gave, by their novelty here, must amusement to the public.
The second day’s sports consisted of a flat and two leap races, each being well contested; the running was prolonged to a late hour in the evening, the intervals between the heats being enlivened by the performances of the Band.
From the success of these sports, together with the pleasure and healthful recreation afforded by a visit to the romantic district, admittedly the Cove of Clare, a numerous attendance may be calculated on, whenever an announcement is made of a renewal of such amusements.