Shannon

New Zealand Tablet, 30 March 1911, Page 589

Shannon

(From our travelling correspondent.) The national spirit of the Irish people of Shannon was fully demonstrated on St. Patrick's Night, when the local theatre was crowded to its utmost capacity by those anxious to hear the beautiful and touching melodies of their native land. Probably in no part of the Dominion was there a better array of talent than that which the local committee (headed by Mrs. Moynihan) had gathered around them to interpret in its true spirit the music of Ireland. The programme opened with an exceedingly well-played pianoforte duet by Masters Moynihan and Curran, followed by a pretty little part song by six young ladies. A violin solo, ' The minstrel boy,' was the contribution of Master Merwood, and the little performer met with a flattering reception. Mr. Bovis and Miss Tauwig created much amusement by their capable singing of the duet, ' Money matters,' and had to respond to an encore. The piccolo solo by Polando Hays was one of the evening's gems, being of exceptional merit. Mrs. Hall roused the patriotic feelings of the large audience by her interpretation of ' The Irish emigrant,' and won for herself an enthusiastic recall. Mr. Toohill (Wellington) sang ' Kathleen Mavourneen,' and rarely has this beautiful number met with more artist-c treatment. 'The Kerry dance' was the number chosen by Miss Mumford, to the delight of her hearers, and she J" ™U. warmly applauded. A sketch by Mrs. Selby and Mr. lining found great favor with the assembly and created much amusement. In their duet, 'How sad it is to say farewell, Mrs. Blythe and Mr. Toohill were very successful. Masters J. Curran and McLeaver sang respectively ' The boy from County Clare' and 'Said I. to Callagh'an' in m W -M., tliat won for eacll or tuem unstinted applause. Mr loohills second contribution, ' Father O'Flynn,' was a very fine number. The Glee Party rendered with much taste Hush thee, my baby,' and Misses Hemmingsen and poster displayed undoubted abilitv in their singiun; of Pretty flowers.' Other items of interest were 'No one knows by Mr. Prosser; a' violin solo by Mr. Hook ■ Twickenham Ferry,' Miss Mumford; and last and perhaps most charming of all, 'Barney O'Hea,' by Mrs. Blythe. The singing of this number fairly brought down the house and earned for the singer the heartiest of encores. Mrs' Koultbee played the accompaniments during the evening in her usual style. s