Cashel's Great Carnival
Post Advertiser, Sept. 10, 1986, Vol. 2 No. 7
On Friday, July 7, 1939 page 6 of the 'Irish Press' was almost completely devoted to advertising for Cashel's Great Carnival. The event was promoted with the object of raising funds necessary for the clearing off of the debt on the new, Christian Brothers School on the Tipperary Road. The accompanying article gave the reasons why the Brothers had moved from Ladyswell to the Tipperary Road. . . . .
"Secondary education of the highest order is available to students in the Christian Brothers' School and in St. Philomena's Academy attached to the Presentation Convent. A few short miles away stands, in unrivalled intellectual pre-eminence, far-famed Rockwell College - foremost among the Boarding Schools and Colleges of Ireland for the past twelve years. Cashel's well appointed Technical Institute - a few brief years in existence - has already proved its usefuless and has sucessfully trained pupils for commercial, industrial and agricultural careers, as well as imparting a thorough knowledge of the hitherto neglected science of Domestic Economy.
Of all the teaching establishments in Royal Cashel, one alone, the Christian Brothers' School, had become unsuited to its important role. The great Body of Religieuse, founded by Brother Rice, came to the city about half a century ago, spacious accommodation having been provided in what was formerly the Charters' School, erected in 1748 and devoted to the education of Protestant Orphan boys. This commanding premises in Ladyswell Street had been vacant and on being handed over to the Cashel corporation, passed into the possession of the Christian Brothers at a nominal yearly rent.
Ever since then, the Brothers have faithfully carried on the sacred work to which, like their glorious founder, they have dedicated their lives. For the past fifty years the building (which to this day is known to the old inhabitants as the Charters School) has resounded to the prayers and the teaching of the Gael and now, in its decrepit, advanced age, it has been replaced by a modern structure which adjoins the Christian' Brothers' residence on the Golden Road. The lack of accommodation and general unsuitableness of the old school fell so short of present-day requirements that necessity compelled the Brothers to erect a school in conformity with modern principles".
The programme for the Carnival Week, which was to begin the following Sunday, had been drafted with the intention of bringing clean, healthful enjoyment to the thousands of patrons who were expected. The entertainment included displays of Sokoi drill by teams from the National Army. Also there was to be a performance by the Number 1 Army Band. A childrens' fancy dress display and a baby show were other features. Firework displays would illuminate the carnival grounds on the Sunday nights. By special arrangement with the Kodak Film Company the entire proceedings were to be filmed in part technicolour. All the secretarial work involved was in the hands of Mr. J.F. Rodoers. N.T.
Perks Amusements were present with all the latest novelties including Honeymoon Express and Indian Theatre and Colone Danny and Partner, in thrilling motor cycle creashes. Stalls and Shows were to be replete with valuable gifts. There was to be clay-pigeon shooting. Finally, there was to be dancing nightly in a spacious marquee.
Most of the page was given over to advertising and all the advertisers got a mention in the text. Rockwell College had the distinction of being the leading residential school in the country for the previous twelve years. Situated in unrivalled scenic and health-giving surroundings Rockwell students had made names for themselves in Church and State and in many continents. .. .
Messrs T. McCluskey and Company. had an extensive business in Boherclough St and a well-known reputation for integrity. He had recently opened an up-to-date garage there. They had one of the largest poultry concerns in the country and they bought pigs at centres in four counties. . .
Mr. William Mullins had one of the oldest and most reputable establishments in the city including hardware, grocery, wines and spirits, agricultural requirements and funeral requisites.
John Feehan carried on a successful hardware and grocery business; James O'Dwyer was the proprietor of a well-known tailoring establishment in Main Sreet. '.
Ryan's Central Hotel was recognised as one of the best in the province. Equipped with hot and cold water services it was a popular rendezvous for tourists visiting the famous Rock of Cashel.
Mr. M.J. Davern had a select wine, spirit and general grocery in Main Street. He was noted for his courtesy and· the high quality of his goods.
A prompt and efficient seivice was available at Messrs M.H. Hannigan and Co. in Main Street. The company ran a garage and general fancy warehouse.
Mrs. M. Ryan and Mrs. M. Burke carried on a large trade in newsagency and stationery. Mr. W. McNamara's licensed grocery had long been noted for the excellence of its goods. The speciality was J.J.& S. Whiskey.
Cashel was a fine place to live in at the time if all the paper said was true!