28th October,1999
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

EMAIL FROMK THE STATES

Hi, calling from the States. I was wondering if any of your readers had heard of the Douglas Cowboys, back in the late 70’s, early 80’s? I was a hane noy meself back in my hay days, curious how they ever got established. May not be appropriate talk for your readers but thought you might be interested. Great web page and nice reading.

John Daly, USA.

DOUGLAS CEILI BAND.

Dear Editor,

Reading in your very interesting “Weekly” of dances in the 60’s, my memories are of the late 50’s and the old crystal ballroom in Carrigaline. These dances were held by the late John Reidy. The hall would be packed to capacity. Many people cycled long distances, covered from head to toe in plastic raincoats. Bicycles were left at the roadside, safe in the knowledge that they would still be there when the dance ended. Many a happy night we spend there dancing to the great msuic of the Douglas Céili band (where are they now?)
Great romances blossomed there, under the spell of the crystal ball, which still weaves its magic in the local GAA pavillion.
Oh yes, those were the days.

A Carrigaline reader

OPERA HOUSE.

Something old, something new! Cork’s working class were great supporters of the old Opera House.
My mothers favourite opera was Maritana. Older readers will fondly recall “In Happy Moments”, “Let Me Like A Soldier Fall”, and, “There Is A Flower That Bloometh”.
On a lighter note, comments from the ‘Gods’ were prices, eg. “You’re tiny hand is frozen,” “Shove it up your jumper!” “A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse”, “Would a donkey do?”, “Pray step forward!”
The night the Opera House burned I had a grandstand view from a friends house on Emmet Place.
On to the new. The architects who designed, and councillors who passed the new building have a lot to answer for. North Wall, least imaginative structure ever built in Cork. Rivalled only by Connolly Hall, an eyesore made even more gruesome. Next door to beautiful banking edifice.
Efforts to enhance present Opera House fruitless! Akin to trying to make silk purse from a sows ear!!

Neil O’Donoghue,
Douglas.

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