BYGONE DAYS: Large crowd in attendance at society’s annual match outside Belfast

The News Letter noted: “ The weather was stiff and well suited for the purpose. The weather was fine during the early part of the day, but turned out wet towards the close of proceedings. There was a large attendance of interested parties on the ground, together with several strangers. The performance of all the men engaged in the trial of skill was most creditable; and there was very considerable excitement, occasionally, with reference to this issue. In every case, a most satisfactory display of ingenuity and ability was afforded, and the whole proceedings passed off most harmoniously.”

The judges for the day were Messrs Robert Ellis, Leansmount, Lurgan, Patrick Adair, Springhill Bangor, and J Alexander, Sizehill, Ballyclare.

In the evening the members of the society, and a large number of their friends, dined together at Carmichael’s Inn, Dunmurry, at five o’clock.

The News Letter noted: “On no occasion, perhaps, since the society was first originated, has there been brought together such a large and respectable company as those assembled.”

Among the principal parties present, the News Letter correspondent who attended the dinner observed, James Derbyshire, Esq, president of the society, the Reverend Dr Montgomery, Edward Charley of Seymour Hill, James Simms, John McCance of Suffolk, Arthur Aicken, James Hunter of Beechlawn, J Moore of Belfast, R Ellis of Leansmount, S Cowan of Belfast, B Mulligan of Herbert, Derbyshire, J Snowdon of Pinehill, James Ireland, Francis Coates, A Wylie, Thomas Major, William Woods, James M Mercer and Dr Plaine.

The evening was presided over by Mr James Darbyshire and the Reverend Dr Montgomery was vice-chairman.

Rising to give the first toast Mr Darbyshire, he said: “We have all being delighted with the presence of our Sovereign but a short time since; and there are now rumours afloat that Her Majesty will again visit us in Ireland, in which case, the Royal visitor will receive a welcome as would again convey an idea of the warmth, loyalty, and enthusiasm of the Irish heart.”

He then called upon all those present to the toast of “The Queen, and long life, prosperity, and happiness to her.” Which was greeted by the singing of the National Anthem, “sung in good style”.

Mr Darbyshire then gave the toast “The health of Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family”.

The next toast “The Lord Lieutenant, and prosperity to Ireland” was then added with a number of interesting comments from Mr Darbyshire.

He said: “From all the means which I have been able to form an opinion as to Lord Clarendon, I have come to the conclusion, that it is his earnest desire to advance what he believes to be the true interests of the country, irrespective of party and party feeling. His Excellency has been much struck, as well as much gratified, with witnessing the increase in wealth and prosperity of the town of Belfast, and I have no doubt that His Excellency’s best exertions will be directed to this locality – with which our own interests are so intimately connected.”

Mr Ellis was then called by the secretary, “on behalf of himself and brother judges” to give the results from the ploughing match at Mr Wylie’s field.

The following list of prizes was then announced:

Senior class, first prize, Samuel Claussen, plough held by himself; second prize, William Hunter, plough held by Joe Watson; third prize, Samuel Snowdon, plough held by Thomas Stevenson.

Second class, First prize, W McCance, plough held by William McDowell, second prize, Benjamin Thompson, plough held by his son, Adam Thompson.

Junior class, First prize, James Hunter, plough held by Patrick Reid; second prize, Alexander Wylie, plough held by his son.

The chairman then returned his thanks and raised a toast to the judges for their efforts for the day.

In reply Mr Ellis said: “On the part of my brother judges and myself, I wish to express our best acknowledgments.”

The Reverend Dr Montgomery near the end of the speeches at the dinner proposed a toast to the good health of the chairman, Mr Darbyshire.

The Rev Dr Montgomery said: “I pay marked tribute to the interest which has been exhibited by Mr Darbyshire in everything connected with the advancement of the interests of those whom he has been thrown.”