Charlemont Theatricals!

Charlemont Theatricals!

“The Charlemonts”-- Original Name of Ardnaree Sarsfields 1886

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YOUR notice, long and glowing, our hearts with joy set going;

Of Charlemont Theatricals we were pardonably proud,

Received they our ovations, our thanks, congratulations;

We praised them to the heavens, both oft and very loud.

They won our admiration—the language of laudation

Was exhausted in praise of those we idolized;

For what an acquisition it would be to our position

The enormous amount the drama realised.

Paddy Judge, our own “Lader,” his hopes were then at Nader,

Reviewed with deep emotion our monetary state;

How this substantial basis, invincible would make us,

We’d shortly whip creation,  progressing at such rate.

I have a strong impression, there is an old expression—

“Perfection in human joy can not be found at all.”

In midst of jubilation, Paddy met with tribulation,

For words of fatal import were “written on the wall.”

In response to invitation, the whole association

Attended at the audit upon last Sunday eve;

Paddy in anticipation (for our spirit of elevation)

Inquired how much we thought we would probably receive.

The Sec. without oration, or needless ostentation,

The Balance sheet presented, and ran his finger down,

With gently condescension, he just agrees to mention

“The net proceeds of drama amount to half-a-crown!”

A scene of desolation, dismay, and consternation,

Regular pandemonium—my pen can not describe—

Tumult and imprecation, threatening and castigation;

The question that perplexes me—how did all  survive?

Pat threatened dissolution, and dwelt on revolution;

Spoke of restitution, and strange doctrines did propound;

Remarked with bitter feeling, it was a doubtful dealing—

An insult to Charlemonts—this one-eighth of a pound.

The finally did scoff when—Keane, Kemble and Woffington!

Invoked all maledictions on reviewers of the play;

Threatened opposition, “Berney” would have volition

According to a “Plan” known to people now a day.

This well Judged contention, this bickering dissension,

Threats of “exclusive dealing” will place us in a fix,

Mark! An R. M.’s. vocation’s to send such probation

Or show consideration by fining two-and-six.

Now I am most emphatic, in matters quite dramatic

The expenditure is heavy—twenty different ways—

Brushes, and paints, and pencils, and other incidentals

Connected with the proper production of the plays;

Bill of the costumier and also of perfumier,

Minerals, etcetras, and cold supper at Bunree;

Just simple calculation. Touch of manipulation

Will leave balance amounting exactly thirty D!

They should have separation, no reconciliation,

The dissentient Charlemonts each was in a rage,

President’s protestations, Treasurer’s explanations

Were quite ineffectual their anger to assuage.

Pat with determination, demands the resignation

Of President and Treasurer and another few,

But vain solicitations, useless intimidation!

So Paddy and his followers from the room withdrew.

Oh! what a termination to our association!

What mischief will the schism cause, none I’m sure can see—

Which side will make concession—which side will take possession

Of the tables, lamps and forms, ball, banner, and the key?

“ ’Twas I laid the foundation of the association,

Possession I’ll retain,” the President does exclaim.

“Intended desolation! We’ll have an organisation—

A blub of fearless Charlemonts—more worthy of the name!”

Ardnaree Sarsfields

THE Ardnaree Club has its roots in Sligo football, but when the county boundary was redrawn, it was put into Mayo. The first name of the club, around the late 1880s, was The Charlemonts (see poem). It seemed to have been a busy club and not only was it promoting football and athletics it also promoted cricket and tennis. On the social side of the club theatricals proved to be an amusing pastime and many concerts and plays were among its activities. In later years the club became part of the Stephenites and John Forde captained the Stephenites team which won the 1947 Senior Championship. In 1949 the club re-entered the junior ranks and in 1959 the club won the County Junior title, and that year the club had four members on the county senior team.

  On St. Stephen’s Day, 1972, a long and desired ambition was realised when His Lordship, Most Rev. Thomas McDonnell, Bishop of Killala, officially opened the community centre, now known as the Sean Duffy Community Centre.

  Among its most notable players who played for club and county were: John Forde, Fr. Peter Quinn, Joe Corcoran, Jim Fleming, P. J. Gilmartin, Eamon Ralph; Johnny Culkin (skippered the under-21 side to All-Ireland glory), and a host of others who played at minor level.

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During the Town Leagues there were a few other street clubs which took part and many a fine game of football was produced by The Desmonds, The Quay, The Fitzgeralds, Celtic, St. Pat’s, etc.