Nostalgia
A few years before World War 2 a flying circus came to our town. This took place in Hanleys field, just opposite the present Primary Schools. It was a red letter day for Ballaghaderreen as flying was very new and except for the very odd plane which flew over from time to time we had never been near aircraft of any kind. As I recall the planes were mostly two seaters except for one that was used for giving sightseeing trips. The Pilots wore heavy leather clothing or huge goggles and looked like something from outer space. It was the first time any of us saw planes looping the loop, flying in formation and parachute jumping. Every one was fascinated and thrilled by what they saw. A few years later we saw the real thing when war started and the bombing began.

For me this was a very exciting time. The LSF was formed, large fields were staked so that enemy planes could not land, army manoeuvers were being carried out and one morning in the early forties our town’s old sports field was taken over and occupied by the Military. I will never forget the number of tents erected on the site. The L.S.F. (Local Security Force) soon to be changed to the L.D.F. – Local Defence Force were out guarding the home of Douglas Hyde, President of Ireland, who lived in Rathra, Tibohine a short distance from Ballaghaderreen. They also patrolled the countryside. This was done on a voluntary basis and is a tribute to their dedication and desire to defend their country if needed.

This brings me to the many travelling shows that came to St. Mary’s Hall, I have vivid memories of shows like Macks Music Hall, Bamboozalum, the Carrickfords, The Baileys, Louis Dalton, Frank O’Donovan, Lyntons and many more. In later years we had McFaddens and The Bohemian Players. We got first class entertainment and got some fine plays that otherwise we would never have seen. I would also like to pay tribute to our own amateur societies who put on plays, musicals and pantomimes. They did a very good job. This brings me to the Circus. We usually got four or five circuses each year – performances at 4.00pm and 8.00pm.

We used to look at the posters and see all the acts listed. We look forward to going to the show and it was the topic of conversation for days before and after the performance. I went to school at the local De La Salle Brothers. At that time when the circus had set up they usually paraded through the town and as our school was at the top of the town the parade had to turn there and go back. The Brothers let us look out at the parade and see the clowns and animals and hear the band. This was simply pure magic. I am sure the Brothers, who were very young themselves, got just as much a thrill as we did. John Duffy and Sons from Dunmanway, Co. Cork always had a first rate, Fossets were another great outfit and are still going strong. They should be supported as you cannot beat a live show. The circus bands were truly professional and made us familiar with some lovely classical music. During the war years circus people had a hard time as they had to move everything with horses. They just did one night stands. Ballaghaderreen at that time was a thriving town it had the name of being the best shopping centre of the West. Certainly they had terrific department stores in Duffs, Flannerys, Gordons, etc. all gone now. Emigration saw to the demise of our town with the cream of our young people leaving to make a living elsewhere. The railway is long gone with just the ticket office remaining –sadly in a derelict condition- where many a youngster bought a ticket never to return.

Things are shaping up a lot better and work and money more plentiful. I hope it’s not too little too late. May God be with the old days.
©John P. Gallagher - February 2001