Grand Irish Entertainment At
Monalour, Melleray Cappoquin
On
the evening of Ascension Thursday, June 3rd a grand All-Irish Entertainment was
held at Moin-na-lobhar under the auspices of the local Irish Class, which was
in charge of the well known Irish Teacher, Mr. Sean Prendergast who is also
conducting very successful Irish classes for the Co. Waterford Vocational
Education Committee at Cnoc-buidhe Carrig-na-gabher and Baile-na-sagarth,
Lismore. The weather proved gloriously
fine for an open-air entertainment as the warm rays of the sun were tempered by
refreshing and heather-scented breeze which blew down from the lofty
Knockmealdown mountains, while the beautiful and stately buildings of the New
Church and Monastery of Mount Melleray provided a delightful setting in the
rich golden rays of the western sun. A
large and substantial stage had been erected in the open, and there was a
wonderfully- large attendance of all the Irish Irelanders from every part of
the wide and rugged area extending from Mount Melleray to Ballysaggart. A stirring Irish Play entitled “The
Heiress", which had been specially written by Mr. Sean Prendergast, was
performed in faultless style by the various characters, who numbered 20, and
all of whom were members of the local Irish class. The rich and cultured "blas" of the
vernacular was a predominent feature throughout, while the splendid acting of
the various artists was a treat to witness and was a tribute to the careful
training they had received from their patient and efficient teacher. Several
stirring Irish songs and choruses figured in the play all of which were rendered
with great purity and sweetness being all the more effective in the clam and
serene surroundings of such a picturesque spot.
Several beautiful Irish dances were also performed by Mr. W. Farrell,
Miss Brigid Tobin, Monalour, Mr. Frank McGrath, Boherberay and others, splendid
music being provided by Mr. John O' Brien (violin), and Mr. Thos McGrath (piano-accordeon). The large and enthusiastic audience present
was delighted with the play and the general Entertainment, and Mr. Sean
Prendergast the clever author of the play, was warmly complimented by all. The stage had been kindly erected by Mr.
Thos Tobin, Monalour, who also kindly gives the use of his house for the Irish
classes, for which the teacher and all the pupils feel deeply grateful.
