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A New Parochial Hall in Quin – 1940 Clare Champion Article

Taken from Clare Champion, Nov.2nd, 1940 and published in the first edition of the Quin – Clooney – Maghera Parish magazine 1987

A NEW PAROCHIAL HALL FOR QUIN

Blessing and Opening Ceremony

Tribute by Canon Vaughan.

St. Fineen’s new Parochial Hall in Quin was blessed and opened on Sunday last in the presence of a distinguished gathering of people from the parishes of Quin and Clooney.  Built on the bank of the River Rine and in close proximity to the Catholic Church and the famous abbey of Quin, the new hall is a magnificent structure and is a lasting monument to the zeal and enthusiasm of the people of the united parishes and to the energy of their respected Parish Priest. Very Rev. Canon Vaughan.

As has already been stated in those col­umns, the erection of the Hall was only decided upon in the early part of the present year. A representative committee, under the chairmanship of Very Rev. Canon Vaughan, was formed at a meeting held on the first Sunday in March, and the following week saw the commencement of  the foundation of a

new building, which is second to none in Munster and a building which reflects the greatest credit upon all associated in any way with its erection. It is a credit to the parish and to the parishion­ers who erected it. Its actual cost is about £1,500, but the possible cost, including levelling, filling, labour, etc., is anything up to £3,500.

Very Rev. Canon Vaughan, at the opening cere­mony on Sunday, said there is not a penny of public money within its walls. This is further proof of the generosity, zeal and enthusiasm of the people of the parish, who provided about £2,000 worth of free labour.

 OPENING CEREMONY

The ceremony of blessing and opening the Hall took place after last Mass on Sunday. The day was exceptionally fine and

QUIN HALL COMMITTEE 1940. Standing: James Clune, N.T.; D. Cooney, J. Moylan, Igt. Murphy, M. Hogan, W. Moylan, Rev. Fr. Loughnane, C.C.;. Carmody, D. Hassett, M. Power, J. Woulfe. Sitting: A. Power, W. Cullinan, D. Corbett, Vice-Chairman; Rev. Canon Vaughan, P.P., Chairman; P. O’Halloran, P. J. McInerney, Hon. Secretary and J. Scanlon. Inset: J. Kiely

the large crowd assembled in front of the Hall, as Canon Vaughan addressed them, formed a very impressive sight. The approaches to the Hall were beautifully decorated with flags and bunting. Members of the Committee present included Canon Vaughan and Rev. P. Loughnane, C.C., were Messrs, Dan Corbett, Vice-Chairman; P. J. Mclnerney, hon. sec.; James Scanlan, John Kiely, P. F. O’Halloran, Daniel Hassett, James Clune, N.T.; Ambrose Power, Patrick Armstrong, Patrick Carmody, James Moylan, Michael Power, Michael Hogan, Michael Kelly, Thomas Fahy, Tim Clune, Stephen O’Dea, Wm. McNamara, Patrick Corbett. Thomas O’Loughlin, John
Reynolds, Brendan Kilmartin.
Very Rev. Canon Vaughan assisted by Father Loughnane, having blessed the Hall, addressed those assembled outside.
You have been asked here to-day, he said, to witness and assist at the opening of the new Parochial Hall. The Hall is named after St. Fineen – the Patron Saint of Quin – one of those lrish Saints of the past, of whose birthplace and parentage we know nothing, beyond the fact that the ruins of the old Church alongside this modern building, carry his name down the centuries thereby linking the old with the new and serving as a silent reminder of the ascetic and sacrificing spirit of a time when lrishmen became the glory and wonder of the world, following almost alone the footsteps of the Master.

NO MEAN ACHIEVEMENT

The story of the Hall can be briefly told. A meeting of the Parishioners was held on the first Sunday in March. A Committee was appointed, and, on the following week, work commenced on the foundation of the new building. The work proceeded so regularly and quickly that by the end of March, the building was completed for all practical purposes. lt took only seven months – no mean achievement “in the piping times of peace” – and something more when we remember there is a world war, with all the inevitable curtailments of supplies and the difficulty of procuring materials, even of an inferior kind. We came through, however.
It is fortunate for lreland that such materials as cement and slate are now manufactured in this country. It is a pity that more attention is not given to afforestation, to the providing and proper seasoning of native timber to replace the foreign kind, at Ieast the woods for ordinary work, such as roofing, doors, etc. The lack of such, at the moment, may induce our Covernment to face up to this problem with a view to future contingencies.
To go on with the story. Plans were drawn at Mr. Richard Dowling’s office in Ennis. His able assistant, Mr. O’Leary, a young Architect, recently arrived in Ennis, took over the entire responsibility, supervised the lay-out, construction, and spared neither time nor patience in seeing to the erection, in fact, I might say he was almost

too particular in his desire to have every thing as near to perfection as it could be. On my own behalf, and on the Committee’s. I wish to offer him our best thanks for his services to us, and I might add, that if he gives, the same attention and intelligence in planning to other or greater works of this kind, his position as an Architect is guaranteed from this onwards.

ACCOMPLISHED BY LOCAL LABOR

The actual building was accomplished by local labour for the most part. Here at the outset. I must compliment and congratulate the Parishioners on their wonderful co-operation all through. From the very first day, right down to the end, it was only a question of asking a horse, or a car, or a man, or men, for that matter, and they came as requested.
The amount of free labour I could not properly assess. At no time during the seven months was there a day, that, on an average, 3 or 4 or even 5 men were not working on the site, and they are all the more deserving of praise when it is realised that it was the busiest time of the year – from Spring sowing to the end of the Harvest. I should also add that this free offer of labour was not confined to the district around, but we had outsiders from the parishes of Doora and Newmarket-on-Fergus.
To one and all – parishioners, and externs – I am deeply grateful, and the parish itself is grateful for their fine public spirit and for the generosity and enthusiasm which inspired all this voluntary effort.

NECESSITY OF PAROCHIAL HALLS

I will not tire you by putting you the
question or discussing it aloud with myself: “What use is a Parochial Hall?” The fact that you came together as one body and built it, the fact that a Committee had the courage and perseverance to see it through, the fact that it has aroused a certain amount of public interest must surely be an index that such halls are a necessity in the lives of the people. I do not mean to assert that they will solve all or many of the problems that arise in our rural living. They are not meant to do so. If they do nothing else but bring people together, whether for a social entertainment or for recreational or educational or other purposes, they will help to break down prejudices and petty barriers, and I think it about time that a general demolition of that kind should take place in our rural districts.

CO-OPERATION AND SACRIFICES

I now declare the Hall open. It was built by the energy, co-operation and sacrifices of the people of the district of Quin. It actually cost about £1,500. Possible cost – including filling, levelling, edifice labour, anything up to £3,500.  There is not a penny of public money in its walls and there is no provision made for such in the statutes

of our native Government. One would think when so much money is being scattered about in doles etc., that any project having as its object the betterment of the people, “the brightening of the countryside”, as it is called, and incidentally, the relief of unem­ployment – should enlist the practical sup­port of our legislators.
Not only this, but, very soon, I know the Valuation Officer will pay us a visit and then hand over his dossier to the Rate Collector, who will, in due course, send out his notice that so-and-so is due. If it comes to securing a general licence for a dance, the applicant pays £3 – just the same fee as is charged to the man who runs a dance hall, for profit. Is it any wonder, at times, that private initiative is lacking when anomalies, such as I have mentioned, operate. Be that as it may the Hall is a fact. It is there for your benefit, for reasonable recreation for the improvement of your social life, for any other benefits that may accrue to you from it, and they can be many if properly exploited.
I thank the committee in particular for their loyalty and co-operation. I must say it was a pleasure at all times to work with them. I thank also Mr. Dan Clune for the way in which he facilitated us in procuring the site. He acted very decently, and when it came to a question of splitting half a crown, I think he was the decentest man 1 ever made a bargain with (applause). In return for his kindness, 1 propose he be made an honorory life member of the Hall, that he can take part in all its functions, and if he so desires, to indulge in the light fantastic (laughter and applause).
“May the Hall “, concluded Canon Vaughan, “bring brightness and pleasure into your lives and help to foster in you a love of your homes and countryside, and restore some of their simplicity and modera­tion that was such a feature of our Irish life at all times and that permeated the walls of yonder old Abbey, that forms such a splen­did and appropriate background to St.Fineen’s Parish hall < applause).

APPEAL FOR RESPECT

Mr. Dan Corbett, in proposing a vote of thanks to Canon Vaughan, said that Canon Vaughan was not long in the parish when he set about repairing and beautifying the Churches. When that work was finished, he set about building that Hall, the finest of its kind in existence. He would also like to thank the committee, and the parishioners in general for their great co-operation and assistance. They were truly worthy of the deeds of their ancestors. He would make a special appeal to all to respect the Hall, to take a deep interest in its welfare, and by so doing, they would be paving their way to make good and perfect citizens. Mr. Corbett congratulated the people of the parish on having Canon Vaughan sent amongst them, and he expressed the hope that the Canon would be spared many long years to guide the destinies of the ancient and historic parish.

Taken from Clare Champion, Nov.2nd, 1940 and published in the first edition of the Quin – Clooney – Maghera Parish magazine 1987

QUIN DANCE

The dance in the new Parochial Hall in Quin on Sunday night, in celebration of the opening of the Hall earlier in the day, will rank as the most successful and enjoyable
function ever held in the village. From 8 o’clock in the evening, motor cars carrying their loads, began arriving and in less than an hour the Hall was practically full. All
present were loud in their praise of the

general arrangements, including the seating accommodation, catering, the splendid floor and the choice music rendered by the Ennis Caiety Dance Band. The supper arrangements were supervised by Mrs. Weldon, N.T. and a staff of able and willing young ladies who had spent two days getting everything into shape for the big event. The attendance, numbering about 850, came from many parts of the county, a large percentage being from the town and district of Ennis, Tulla, Kilkishen, Crusheen, Newmarket-on-Fergus and other outlying districts were also represented.

Last Residence Surname Forename Age DoB Next of Kin Date of Arrival Ship Name Port of Departure Final Destination
Applefort O’Brien Mollie 19 1902 Father, M. O’Brien 17 Oct 1921 Baltic Queenstown Uncle, John O’Brien, 208, Bay Street, Tomkinville, Staten Island, New York
Ardsollus Hehir Christina 16 1904 Grandmother, Mrs Anne Hehir 24 Jul 1920 Baltic Liverpool Aunt, Mrs William Holmes, 50, Falmouth Street, Black Bay, Boston, Massachusetts
Ballyhannon Lyons John 37 1875 Mother, Susan Lyons 12 Jul 1912 Lusitania Queenstown Friend, Michael Clune, 135, Park Place, Brooklyn, New York
Ballyhannon Coffey Annie 18 1888 21 Apr 1906 Oceanic Queenstown Sister, Mary Coffey, 16, Clinton Avenue, Newark, New Jersey
Ballykilty McNamara Thomas 22 1878 28 Apr 1900 Lucania Queenstown Sister, Delia McNamara, 141, Chestnut Street, New Haven, Connecticut
Ballymacloon O’Grady James 24 1885 Mother, Mrs O’Grady 8 Aug 1909 Oceanic Queenstown Sister, Annie O’Grady, ??? Terrace Street, Georgia Statton Island, New York
Ballyquin Moylan John 36 1874 Father, William Moylan 24 Apr 1910 Cedric Queenstown Friend, John Clune, 1927, Johnston Street, Chicago, Illinois
Cahercalla Neylon Bridget 18 1885 26 Jul 1903 Umbria Queenstown Brother, Patrick Neylon, 4, Prospect Place, 41st Street, New York
Carrahan Carroll Bridget 30 1883 Brother, John Carroll 27 Sep 1913 Baltic Queenstown Brother, Patrick Carroll, 14?, Franklin Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Carrahan Carroll Mary 38 1875 Brother, John Carroll 27 Sep 1913 Baltic Queenstown Brother, Patrick Carroll, 14?, Franklin Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Carrahan O’Grady Emily 27 1883 Mother, Catherine O’Grady 27 Sep 1910 Caronia Queenstown Sister, Annie O’Grady, 561, West Una? Avenue, New York
Carrahan Quigney Martin R. 28 1893 Father, John Quigney 24 Apr 1921 Caronia Queenstown Uncle, Michael Quigney, 213, East 3rd Street, Bethlehem
Carrahan Quigney Martin R. 28 1893 Father, John Quigney 12 May 1921 Carmania Queenstown Uncle, Michael Quigney, 213, East 3rd Street, South Bethlehem
Carrowroe Gilmartin Joseph 22 1876 30 Apr 1898 Lucania Liverpool Bertha I. Gilmartin, Chicago
Clomley Murphy John 21 1890 Father, Michael Murphy 13 Apr 1911 Adriatic Queenstown Brother, Martin Murphy, State Hospital, ???? ????, Long Island, New York
Corbally Blake Fredrick 19 181 Father, James Blake 19 Aug 1910 Adriatic Queenstown Brother, Michael Blake, 5339, 40th Street, Brooklyn, New York
Craggataska Pewter Daniel 26 1881 Father, Mr P. Pewter 1 Nov 1907 Adriatic Queenstown Brother, Michael Pewter, 701, Forest Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Craggataska Pewter Ellen 31 1877 Father, Mr P. Pewter 22 Aug 1908 Celtic Queenstown Brother, Michael, 701, Forest Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Craggataska Pewter Mary 28 1879 Father, Mr P. Pewter 1 Nov 1907 Adriatic Queenstown Brother, Michael Pewter, 701, Forest Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Craggataska Pewter Patrick 22 1888 Father, Mr P. Pewter 27 Sep 1910 Caronia Queenstown Brother, Dan Pewter, 10843, Hampton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
Creevagh Bourke Michael 18 1889 Pat McNamara, 8 Oct 1907 Lucania Queenstown Sister, Mrs Conway, 218, South Street, Brooklyn, New York
Creevagh Carmody Margaret L. 23 1899 Mother, Mrs Bridget Carmody 29 May 1922 Celtic Queenstown Sister, Mrs C. P. Kraft, 576, 39th Street, Brooklyn, New York
Creevagh Carmody Mary 17 1896 Father, Thomas Carmody 13 Sep 1913 Campania Queenstown Cousin, P. J. Meaney, State Hospital, Central Islip Road
Creevagh Carmody Mary B. 16 1897 Father, T. Carmody, Creenemont 10 Sep 1913 Olympic Queenstown Cousin, Mr P. J. Meany, State Hospital, Central Islip, Long Island, New York
Creevagh McNamara Margaret 23 1884 Father, Pat Mcnamara 8 Oct 1907 Lucania Queenstown Brother, Patrick McNamara, 1105, Third Avenue, New York
Dangan Littleton Patrick 23 1894 Father, Mr Littleton 15 Oct 1917 Philadelphia Liverpool Uncle, Father Hagan, St Paul’s College, St Pauls, Minnesota
Dangan O’Shea Matthew 20 1901 Mother, Mrs B. O’Shea 24 Apr 1921 Caronia Queenstown Aunt, Miss Annie O’Shea, 79, Lowell Street, Lowell, Massachusetts
Feaghquin Moylan William 22 1893 Father, William Moylan 16 May 1915 Saint Paul Liverpool Brother, Mr Moylan, 711, ?iffle Street, Chicago, Illinois
Gurteen Clune Michael 21 1894 Father, Thomas Clune 30 Sep 1915 Saint Paul Liverpool Sister, Mrs Foley, 165, Fuques? Street, Brooklyn, New York
Gurteen Clune Thomas 24 1897 Father, Thomas Clune 10 Oct 1921 Celtic Queenstown Sister, Mrs Foley, 45, Alexis Street, Detroit, Michigan
Kilnacrandy OGrady Minnie 19 1894 Father, Martin O’Grady 14 Nov 1913 Cedric Queenstown Sister, Kate O’Grady, 713, West Madison Street, Bronx?, New York
Knappogue Butler Fitz Walter 36 1877 Blanche Butler 11 Mar 1913 Minnehaha Southampton Arlington Avenue Hotel, New York in transit to Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
Knappogue Butler Robert 30 1883 Blanche Butler 11 Mar 1913 Minnehaha Southampton Arlington Avenue Hotel, New York in transit to Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
Manse O’Grady Francis 25 1890 Father, Francis O’Grady 30 Sep 1915 Saint Paul Liverpool Brother, Joseph O’Grady, 154, East 50th Street, New York
Manse O’Grady Katie 20 1890 Father, Frank O’Grady 3 May 1910 Arabic Queenstown Uncle and Aunt, Mr & Mrs Michael O’Grady, 197, East Street, New Haven, Connecticut
Monanoe Hehir Christina 18 1902 Mother, Mrs P. Hehir 3 Dec 1920 Celtic Queenstown Aunt, Mrs W. Holmes, 89, Falmouth Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Ouin Murphy Katie 22 1878 11 Oct 1900 Germanic Queenstown Sister, Mrs McKenna, Rock Rapid, Iowa
Quin Bridgeman Thos 19 1880 19 Feb 1899 Campania Queenstown Cousin, Thomas McGrath, 101, G???????, New York
Quin Clune Kate 25 1882 Mother, Mrs Andrew Clune 17 Aug 1907 Lucania Liverpool US Resident returning to 209, Rook Street, Marquede?, Michigan
Quin Clune Patrick 23 1887 Father, John Clune 17 Oct 1910 Arabic Queenstown Cousin, Maggie Whelan, ??????, Bronx, New York
Quin Considine Annie 21 1901 Incorrect Manifest displayed 8 Mar 1922 Cameronia Queenstown Incorrect Manifest displayed
Quin Corbett Kathleen 18 1903 Mother, Mrs Corbett 17 Oct 1921 Baltic Queenstown Sister, Miss Corbett, 206, West Miller Street, Elmira, New York
Quin Corbett Mary 17 1896 Father, Patrick Corbett 24 Sep 1913 Oceanic Queenstown Going to Franciscan Convent, Peoria, Illinois
Quin Corbett Patrick 29 1868 9 Jun 1897 Teutonic Queenstown Brooklyn
Quin Corbett Teresa 17 1904 Mother, Mrs Corbett 17 Oct 1921 Baltic Queenstown Sister, Miss Corbett, 206, West Miller Street, Elmira, New York
Quin Corbett Vincent 29 1879 Mother, Mrs Corbett 11 Jun 1908 Umbria Queenstown Brother, J. J. Corbett, Casper, Wyoming
Quin Cullman Wm. 21 1878 6 Oct 1899 Germanic Queenstown Brother, Thomas, 494, Hicks Street, Brooklyn
Quin Dillon Mary 28 1871 19 Feb 1899 Campania Queenstown Cousin, Thomas O’Brien, 241, Rutledge Street, Brooklyn
Quin Donahue Maggie 18 1881 4 May 1899 Aurania Queenstown Aunt, Mrs Moloney, Peekskill, New York
Quin Donohue Fanny 16 1890 24 May 1906 Teutonic Queenstown Sister (Maggie) – Mrs J. Torpey, 1453, Madison Avenue, New York
Quin Gallagher Edward A. 23 1884 25 May 1907 Lucania Queenstown Brother, Dane? Gallagher, 307, West 125th Street, New York
Quin Halloran Brid 21 1878 27 Apr 1899 Majestic Queenstown Manifest would not display
Quin Halpin Annie 25 1879 8 May 1904 Umbria Queenstown No address, New York
Quin Hassett Mary A. 25 1881 19 Jul 1906 Teutonic Queenstown Cousin, Mrs Bridget Gallagher, 11, Pleasant Street, Chicago, Illinois
Quin Heffeman Lizzie 33 1876 Brother, Michael Heffernan 2 May 1909 Celtic Queenstown Cousin, John Hegarty, 271, Bergin Street, Brooklyn, New York
Quin Hegarty Annie 20 1889 Father, Michael Hegarty 2 May 1909 Celtic Queenstown Brother, John Hegarty, 271, Bergin Street, Brooklyn, New York
Quin Hurley Patrick 18 1888 3 Jun 1906 Lucania Queenstown Sister, Mary Hurley, 1903, Madison Avenue, New York
Quin Hurley Susan 16 1891 Patrick Hurley, Moynuska 5 Oct 1907 Etruria Queenstown Sister, Mary Hurley, 98, Maudinside? Avenue, New York
Quin Lynch Margaret 19 1887 14 Oct 1906 Cedric Queenstown Aunt, Delia Casey, 78, Grand Street, New York
Quin Lynch Maria 20 1887 Father, Patrick Walsh 18 Sep 1907 Oceanic Queenstown Sister, Margaret Lynch, 406, Bellevue Avenue, Newark, New Jersey
Quin Mc….. Susan 30 1868 5 Nov 1898 Campania Queenstown Returning home to Chicago, Illinois
Quin McGrath Patrick 24 1897 Mother, Ellen McGrath 28 Feb 1921 Carmania Queenstown Uncle, Michael Clune, 31, St John’s Place, Brooklyn
Quin McGrath Thomas P. 36 1863 19 Feb 1899 Campania Queenstown US Citizen going home to New York
Quin McNamara Mary 18 1892 Father, John McNamara 27 Sep 1910 Caronia Queenstown Sister, Maggie McNamara, 10843, Hampton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
Quin Moylan Thomas 21 1901 Father, William Moylan 10 Sep 1922 Adriatic Queenstown Brother, Michael Moylan, 1357, West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois
Quin Nihill Michael 28 1885 Friend, Michael White 27 Sep 1913 Baltic Queenstown Sister, Mrs Quinlivan, 198, Abbot? Road, Buffalo, New York
Quin Nihill Patrick 21 1873 25 Apr 1894 Teutonic Liverpool & Queenstown Buffalo
Quin Nihill Thomas 21 1873 25 Apr 1894 Teutonic Liverpool & Queenstown Buffalo
Quin OHalloran Agnes 16 1897 Mother, Mrs O’Halloraan 24 Sep 1913 Oceanic Queenstown Going to Franciscan Convent, Peoria, Illinois
Quin Pewter Mary 23 1878 11 Sep 1901 Oceanic Queenstown Sister, Delia Pewter, 779, ??? Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
Quin Reynolds Edmond 25 1881 24 May 1906 Teutonic Queenstown Brother, Patrick Reynolds, 447, West 16th Street, New York
Quin Roe Mary 26 1866 18 Jun 1892 City of Chicago Liverpool New York
Quin Nihil Ellen 24 1885 Father, Michael Nihil 2 May 1909 Celtic Queenstown Cousin, John Hegarty, 271, Bergin Street, Brooklyn, New York
Quin Gallagher Danl 19 1885 22 May 1904 Etruria Queenstown Brother, Thomas Gallagher, 414, Washington Street, New York
Quin Donahue Mary 19 1881 26 May 1900 Lucania Queenstown Sister, Mary Donohue, 319, Malden Avenue, Peekskill, New York
Quin Carmody Patrick 23 1876 21 May 1899 Umbria Queenstown Cousin, D. ?. Moloney, Bloomingdale Farm, White Plains
Quin Duffy Julia 30 1877 5 May 1907 Baltic Queenstown Sister, Mrs Rose Blake, 238, West 46th Street, New York
Quin Fay Bridgt. 17 1876 2 Mar 1893 Teutonic Liverpool & Queenstown New York
Quin Follagher Thomas 26 1873 21 May 1899 Umbria Queenstown ???, 23, West 52nd Street, New York
Quin Murphy Michael 23 1876 2 Jun 1899 Britannic Liverpool Brother, Thomas, 256, Union Street, Brooklyn
Rathclooney McCormack Susaan 20 1904 Mother, Mrs Mary McCormack 13 Oct 1924 Celtic Queenstown Brother, James McCormack, c/o James Doggett, 136, East 84th Street, New York
Rathclooney Rogers Patrick 47 1873 Sister, Mrs Whelan 21 May 1920 Adriatic Southampton Brother, Mr Rogers, 14, Victoria Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Rineen Talty Joseph 20 1885 27 May 1905 Campania Queenstown Brother, Michael Talty, 43, Van Ranasclair Street, Buffalo, New York
Rineen Talty Bridget 17 1890 17 Jun 1907 Etruria Queenstown Brother, Joseph Talty, 43, Van Ranasclair Street, Buffalo, New York
Toonagh Hennessy James P. 26 1896 Father, John Hennessey 8 Oct 1922 Adriatic Queenstown Friend, Doctor O’Reilly, Bishop’s House, Lincoln, Nebraska