President Mary Robinson planting a tree in Villierstown, held by James Villiers-Stuart, on 3 March 1992. Photo by Rory Wyley.
‘The historic old house echoed with the sound of merry
voices and cheerful laughter’
James Villiers-Stuart Comes of Age - Dungarvan
Observer 7 January 1950
The historic house of Dromana…in its long history has
seen many festive occasions but few, if any, equaled that seen on New Year’s
Night when the old mansion rang to the welcome accorded to Mr James Villiers
Stuart at the celebrations held to mark his coming of age and formal taking over
of the property. At 7 o’clock estate
employees and many residents of the district to the number of 300 assembled in
the vicinity of the house. A burst of
cheering heralded the coming of the ‘young master’ and led by the Villierstown
Piper’s Band playing a triumphal march, Mr Villiers Stuart, escorted by his
guests, entered Dromana House.
When all were assembled in the library the evening’s
proceedings began when a presentation was made to Mr Villiers Stuart by the
estate employees…an oak Westminster chiming clock and barometer. The presentation was made by Mr A. Dawson,
estate manager…Mr Thomas Ormond, the oldest employee, also spoke and in
well-chosen words referred ‘to the happy associations that had always existed
between the owners of Dromana and those who were fortunate enough to serve
them. ‘I know’, said Mr Ormond, ‘that this happy state of affairs will long
continue’. Mr Villiers Stuart, replying,
thanked the donors for their beautiful gifts. Referring to the great loss he had sustained
through the early deaths of his beloved parents, Mr Stuart said that his loss
had been tempered by his great friends in Dromana, and most particularly by Mr
Dawson, who had acted towards him with the devotion and generosity of a father,
and Mrs Declan Morrissey, his faithful housekeeper who had mothered him with
great affection.
Speaking of the many problems and difficulties which
faced owners of large properties and the fact that the number of employees was
not as great as in bygone days, Mr Stuart said he hoped to extensively develop
his property and thus give more employment…To two of the older hands, Mr Thomas
Ormond and Mr Michael Morrissey, he paid special thanks, asking each to accept
from him a cheque in recognition of their long and faithful service.
Dancing to the strains of the Villierstown String
Orchestra, then began, and the historic old house echoed with the sound of
merry voices and cheerful laughter…Several of the guests sang, Mrs A O’Connell,
Miss B Carroll, Mr M Ronayne, all of Villierstown. A sumptuous sit-down supper was served. The catering was supervised by Mrs
Reynolds…Dancing continued to the early hours and a memorable night ended with
the singing of ‘Old Lang Syne’ and ‘The
Soldiers Song’.
