DONNYBROOK FAIR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 January 1939, Page 6

DONNYBROOK FAIR

FAMOUS lIJISH INSTITUTION.

HAPPENINGS ON GAY DAY.

At one time Donnybrook Fair was the greatest institution in Ireland. It was the scene of more broken heads and faction fights than the whole of the other fairs in Ireland together. Professor Dowden wrote: “Here are tents formed of long wattles, in two rows, inclined together at the top, over which, for covering, are spread patchwork quilts, winnowing sheets, rugs, blankets and old petticoats, secured by ropes of hay. “A broomhead or well-worn brush, a watchman's discarded lantern, surmounted by variegated rags torn to ribbons, serve the purpose of a tavern’s ivy bush; a rusty saucepan or old pot, signifies that eating as well as drinking may be had. Down the middle, what a day since had been doors, and now are tables, rest on mounds of clay, and benches, swaying under the sitters when their equilibrium becomes uncertain, run along, supported in like manner.

“When the liquor got the mastery of one convivial fellow, I am told, he would fall off, and the whole row generally followed his example; perhaps 10 or even 20 shillelagh boys were seen on their back, kicking up their heels, some able to get up again, some lying quiet and easy, singing, or roaring, or laughing, or cursing; while others, still on their legs, were drinking, and dancing and setting the whole tent in motion, till all began to long for open air, and a little wrestling, leaping, cudgelling, or fighting upon the green grass. “The tent was then cleared and prepared for another company. An aroma, compounded of mingled turf, whisky, steaming potatoes, Dublin Bay herrings, salt beef, and cabbages filled the air. At dusk a dozen fiddlers would strike up, and a row of perhaps 100 couples would work away at their jig steps till they actually fell off breathless. Matrons would bring the ‘children’ to this paradise of cakes and simple toys, and these infantile revellers would assist the musicians with popgun, and drum and whistle ”