Ballyfair Fete

The July 24, 1926 edition of the Kildare Observer carried a detailed report of the events at the Ballyfair Fete, which had recently been held in that beautiful spot:

‘A most successful fete was held at Ballyfair House, Curragh, on Wednesday, July 14, organised by members of the Ballysax Parochial Committee in aid of the Parochial Hall and School Fund of the United Parishes.’

(Image from O.S. 6 inch/1 mile 1939-40 Revision)

‘Mrs. Cramer-Roberts, who, in the unavoidable absence of Lady Greer in Dublin, very kindly opened the fete, explained to those present in a pretty little speech the object of the fete and and how it deserved support. Miss Vera Madden then presented Mrs. Cramer-Roberts with a bouquet of red and white roses. The fete opened at 2.30 p.m., and No. 3 Army band, which was present through the courtesy of Major General S. M’Keon, G.O.C., Curragh Command, played delightful music during the afternoon.’

‘Mr. J. O’Grady very kindly lent a field for the gymkhana pony races and donkey Derby, and a great crowd assembled to witness the contests. The pony race committee, consisting of Mr. A.J.D. Murray (in command), who with Messrs. J. Jackson jun. ; B. Currie and J. Honey, deserve the greatest credit for their arrangements. Mr. Murray particularly was indefatigable in his efforts to make the afternoon a thoroughly enjoyable one, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts were entirely successful.’

The weather, never a surety, obliged on the day, and the guests had a great variety of games to choose from: ‘Many very successful side shows were run, including nail-driving competition (R. Pearson), balloon football (H Hendy), Aunt Sally (B. White), “blindfold donkey tail” (C. Lawrence), “beheading the chicken” (G. H. Hennessy), Klondyke (J. Kernaghan and J. Sandell), wheel of fortune (S. Rose), croquet game (S. Madden), target golf (Rev. W. Campion), clock golf (Miss Freeman).’

For those who couldn’t bare to see matters come to a close, the celebrations continued into the night: ‘An all-night dance followed. The rooms were crowded, and in every way the dance was a huge success.’

By Kevin Dowling, Kildare County Archives and Local Studies.