Stories from Old Newspapers

Waterford Standard, 5 September & 3 October 1936

Gossip of the Week by ‘Entre Nous’, Strand Hotel Clonea

5 September

At Clonea…I ran into Mr. Jack Bulfin, who is a cousin to Dan O’Mahony (1912-1950, born in Co. Cork), the world’s wrestling champion. Mr. Bulfin…is manager of the Dungarvan branch of the London and Newcastle Tea Company, and was very interesting on the subject of Dan’s Career. Mr. Bulfin introduced me to his wife, a charming person, whose amazing efficiency with the piano accordion has endeared her to all staying at the popular Strand Hotel (later called Ocean View Hotel). The hotel has now been fitted with the new Calor Gas System, produced by Messrs McMullen Bros, Dublin…The dance hall has also been fitted with the new system gas lighting, and looks very attractive.

3 October

Inhaling the sweet ozone of Clonea recently was Mr. Sean McKeown, who for many years was in the pharmaceutical chemistry business in Waterford. Mr. McKeown was looking his usual healthy self, but rather missed his old Waterford friends and the social life of the city. I hear he is at present in Youghal. While at Clonea, I must write something about the Dungarvan Golfers’ Dance, which was held in the Strand Hotel this week. A rather hectic night, and one which the gay couples contrived to make an event worthwhile remembering. They succeeded! A spirit of gaiety and bonhomie prevailed throughout the dance, accentuated by the lively strains of Chris Sylvester and his band…I must say the dance committee certainly organised a memorable dance and the arrangements were all that they should be.