Story of old Newspapers


Waterford Mail 8 September 1871
This interesting contest came off on Tuesday evening at five o’clock. There was a very large and respectable assembly of the people of the town and surrounding districts distributed along the entire route – viz., from the top of William Street, through the Square, Bridge Street, Causeway, and Abbeyside. For the first race, distance four miles, for a beautiful silver cup, three ran – Messrs Brenan (the winner last year), Shaw and Fitzgerald. The running was excellent; time, twelve minutes. Brenan, who appears to be a general favourite, won easily, amidst great cheers from the assembled crowds, and waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies.
Second and Last Race – For a splendid gold pin. Four started – Messrs James Barr, Shaw, Fitzgerald, and Cooper – over the same course, Barr won. Fitzgerald, who was leading at the time, came to grief at Abbeyside, and Shaw who made a very good run, considering his previous efforts, from which he must have been somewhat exhausted, retired from the contest on the second heat. Considerable excitement was manifested in these sports, and people appeared to be highly amused throughout with the proceedings, which terminated about nightfall.