Iveagh Grounds Opening
April 14, 1928
The new Iveagh Sports Ground, Crumlin Road, was opened on Saturday by the Earl of Iveagh (inset). A view of the stand – I.I. Photo
The Countess of Iveagh (left) with Mrs. Guinness at the opening of the Iveagh Sports Ground – “I.I” Photo.
– Irish Independent 1905-current, Monday, April 16, 1928; Page: 3
PRINCELY GIFT
Iveagh Family And Brewery Employees
ATHLETIC GROUND OPENED
THE formal opening of the Iveagh grounds, Crumlin Road, took place yesterday afternoon in presence of a great crowd. Sir John Lumsden, speaking as President of St. James’s Gate Athletic Union, welcomed Lord and Lady Iveagh, and expressed appreciation of the gift of the grounds for.the benefit of the employees of Guinness’s Brewery.
Like Sire, Like Son.
Mr. W. McNicholl, of the Traffic Department, associated himself with the welcome to Lord and Lady Iveagh. Gifts of that description could not fail to seal the bonds of loyalty and devotion that always had existed in the ranks of the employees of the brewery. He could assure the Earl and Countess of Iveagh that a new lease of life would be given to the happy relations characterising the working • of the brewery in the past by their, coming oftener amongst them. In following such-worthy footsteps as those of his father. Lord Iveagh would meet with happiness, loyalty, and esteem.
Lord Iveagh, who was received with cheers, said that the last remarks of Mr. McNicholl put a heavy burden on him, because it was not easy to follow the footsteps of his father. It was, indeed, a sad moment for him that day to find himself performing a ceremony which would have been dear to his father’s heart, and a ceremony which he would have enjoyed so much.
There in that splendid ground, continued Lord Iveagh, they would be able to come together and play, together the knew how splendidly they worked together.’ He wished them prosperity in the use of the ground and hoped that it would bring a feeling of comradeship amongst them and intensify that feeling of friendship that they had.
Having praised the efforts of those directly concerned in the preparation, planning, and laying out of the ground, Lady Iveagh declared the ground open amidst applause.
Lady Iveagh and Athletics.
Lady Iveagh, who was called upon to speak, expressed the great pleasure that she felt in taking part in the ceremony, said that the idea that the late Earl of Iveagh had in presenting that ground was the health and welfare of the employees of the brewery.
Outdoor sport conduced to health, and she was sure that when” the ground was axed to its fullest extent the result of the outdoor recreation would bo like the famous apple that keeps the doctor away (laughter and applause). She hoped that the women employees in the brewery would make use of the ground too (applause).
Subsequently Lord and Lady Iveagh had introduced to them the members of the Reception Committee, and were conducted over the ground by members of the Athletic Union Committee before having tea in the pavilion.
Sports took place in the ground later in the evening.
Ideal Dwellings.
Lord and Lady Iveagh accepted an invitation to see the cottages occupied by employees of the brewery and their families on the Crumlin Road before opening the sports ground, and were presented with on address, which was read by Mr. Michael J. Hogan, on behalf of the committee representing the tenants, expressing their appreciation of the kindly interest that his lordship had taken in the housing of tho people. The generosity of his lordship’s family had found exoression in the various phases of public life, such as arts, crafts , etc. The houses which the tenants occupied were in every detail ideally built for comfort and convenience, and the tenants tendered to his lordship their sincere gratitude for the keen interest that he had taken In the matter.
Lady Iveagh was presented with a beautiful bouquet of pink carnations by an infant of one of the tenants.
Lord Iveagh returned thanks for the address and welcome, and said that he hoped to carry on the traditions that his father had founded.
– Sunday Independent 1906-current, Sunday, April 15, 1928; Page: 7
IVEAGH GROUNDS NEW ATHLETIC CENTRE
The Iveagh grounds, Crumlin road, presented by the late Lord Iveajjh as a _sports ground for the. benefit of employees ef Guinness’s Brewery were formally opened on Saturday by Lady Iveagh, M.P., who was accompanied by the Earl of Iveagh. ‘there was a largo attendance. Sir John Lumsden, H.B.E., as President of the St. James’s Gate Athletic Union, welcomed Lord and Lady Iveagh and expressed tie appreciation of the brewery employees of the gift of the the grounds.
WELFARE OF EMPLOYEES.
Lord Iveagh, who was received with cheers, said it was not easy to follow the footsteps of his father. It was, indeed, a sad moment for him that day to find himself performing a ceremony which would have been dear to his father’s heart, and a ceremony which ho would have enjoyed so much. Be wished them prosperity in the use of the ground, and hoped that it would bring a feeling of comradeship amongst them and intensify that fooling of friendship that they .had. Lady lveagh, formally declaring the grounds open, said the idea that the late Earl of Iveagh had in presenting that ground was the health and welfare of the employees of the brewery.
HOMES OF EMPLOYEES.
Lore) and Lady lveasgh visited the cottages occupied by employees of the brewery and their families on the Crumlin Hoad before opening the sports ground, and were presented with an address, which was read by Mr. Michael Hogan, on behalf of the committee representing the tenants, expressing their appreciation of the kindly interest that his lordship had taken in the housing of the people. The houses’ which the tenants occupied were in every detail ideally built for comfort and convenience and the tenants tendered to his lordship their sincere gratitude for the keen interest that ho had taken in the matter.
– Irish Independent 1905-current, Monday, April 16, 1928; Page: 8