HIBERNIAN SOCIAL

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIV, Issue 21, 17 March 1933, Page 5

HIBERNIAN SOCIAL

ANNIVERSARY OF ST. PATRICK.

AN ENJOYABLE EVENING

It has been the custom in this district for many years for the St. John's branch of the Hibernian Society to commemorate the anniversary of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, by holding a social function, which usually takes the form of a dance and cards tournament, and is held alternatively at Leeston and Southbridge. Today is, of course, St. Patrick's Day, but as Friday is an inconvenient day for socials, on account of the late shopping night, the Hibernian Society held its gathering last night, in the Leeston Town Hall. Although there was quite a good attendance, many more would no doubt have been present but for the fact that harvest work is not yet completed.

The cordial welcome and hospitality extended to all who attend this annual function, and particularly to visitors, was very much in evidence last night. Included among the visitors were many representatives of other friendly societies—Druids from Southbridge and Doyleston, Oddfellows from Leeston, Foresters from Dunsandel, besides members of other branches of the Hibernian Society— and all were accorded a most hearty welcome. The Rev. Father Creed, parish priest, Bro. E. R. V. Winter, president of the branch, Bro. W. Bohan, the indefatigable secretary, and the members of St. John's generally view with each other in an endeavour to give the whole of the guests a capital evening's enjoyment, and a fine spirit of friendliness and jollity prevailed.

The ante room was reserved for the card players, all of whom manifested great keenness in the games. This department was under the direct supervision of Father Creed, Bros. J. Carroll, B. Greenan and others, and all spent a very happy time. The most successful players were Mrs P. Slattery and Mr W. J. Ormandy, while the runners-up were Mrs J. Greenan (who had to play off with Mrs Wright) and Mr M. Curran.

The younger generation enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content in the dance hall, to splendid music supplied by Lambie's Band of four players, and Bro. T. D. M. Bradley, who acted as master of ceremonies, kept the dances going briskly throughout. Decorations relieved the usual bareness of the hall and prominent positions were found for the lodge banner in which the harp of Erin figured, and for the well known Irish greeting set out in bold letters, "cead mille failthe" (a hundred thousand welcomes). During the interval between the two parts of the programme Miss Kane and Mr Neville Owens played for extra dances.

Both in quality and quantity the supper, served by the ladies, with the assistance of lodge members, was up to the usual high standard maintained at this very popular annual function. Dancing continued until the early hours of this morning, and all who were present will retain happy memories of the occasion for many months. Among the ladies present were: Mesdames A. D. Carroll, J. T. O'Boyle, M. Slattery, R.J. McMahcn, H. Smith, S. R. Wright, M. Home, C. Bishop, S. D. Ridden, P. Slattery, J. A. Guest, J. Greenan, B. Greenan, Carroll, senr., J. F. O'Brien, C. W. Langdale, J. McMahon, Dearing, P. J. Kelleher, J. H. Jones, J. Smith, McManus, M. Curran, H. Heslop, L. Adams, T. D. M. Bradley, Henley. Misses L. Bohan, Mavis Tulley, Hazel Bishop, C. and S. Moriarty, McCartin. C. O'Gorman, Foley (2), Meta Free, Bowden, Marion McEvedy, Marie Nidd, Pat Kilbride, Kitty Mclnnes, Rita and Eileen Slattery, C. Langdalo, Winnie and Gertie Carroll, Eileen and Veronica Curran, Alice Thompson, Edna Burt, Rickerby (2), Alison Murphy, Henebery, Mary Slattery, Mona Chisholm, Elza Miller, Oliva Lilley, M. Kaill, Alma Smith, M Greenan, L. Ives, C. R. Shannon, Kane, Dot Inwood, Myrtle and Winnie Home, Maggie Bray, Howson.