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.