Joyous scenes as 1,700 turned up to opening of Bundoran's Astoria Ballroom 70 years ago

70 years ago, February 26, 1954 heralded a momentous day for many in the north west as a record crowd descended upon the opening night of the famed Astoria Ballroom in Bundoran, recalled this week in Michael McHugh's weekly Donegal Democrat history column, 'A Matter of Record':

Record crowds at “Astoria” opening

Amazing scenes were witnessed in Bundoran, on Wednesday night, when the new ballroom, the Astoria opened for the first time and received patrons from all over the North-West.

It was estimated that some 1,700 attended and they came from Sligo, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal, as well as other areas, constituting a record attendance for such a function.

At the interval, Mr Phil O’Connell, the young Bundoran businessman, who is the proprietor of the hall and who was introduced to the patrons by Mr E. Quinn, Bundoran’s Information officer, welcomed the dancers and in a short address said he believed the new hall would help to attract bigger tourist business to the resort than ever before.

He thanked all who were associated with the outstanding success of the evening and said his policy would be to provide the best in dancing fare.

Great interest was taken in the hall and its luxurious and modern appointments by the patrons.

The building erected as far as possible by direct labour presents a pleasant example of modern architecture.

The entrance hall, the facade of which is decorated with lines of half moon lights, opens directly onto the comfortably appointed main lounge.

Opening off the lounge are the carefully planned and spacious ladies’ and gentlemen’s cloak and dressing room. Stretching out in front and two steps down from the main lounge is the dance floor, 3,500 square feet of super Canadian maple sprung floor.

Centrally placed on the left is the semi circular band stage, with on either side, sit out lounge accommodation and soda counter.

A wide starway in the tower leads to the balcony restaurant, buffet counter and open air terrace.

The latest sound system has been installed and together with good acoustic design assures perfect amplification of orchestra and vocalists.

There are special lighting effects and temperature and ventilation controls.

McCusker Brothers for Bundoran Ceili Mhor

What promises to be one of the greatest Gaelic functions ever held in the North West is listed for Bundoran most talked of Astoria Ballroom on Sunday next, 28th inst.

The event is being organised by the Bundoran Gaelic Park Committee and as the famous nine McCusker Brothers will supply the music, the social success of the ceili is assured.

No effort is being spared by the organising committee to cater for the exceptionally large crowd expected.Failte roimh gach duine.

100 years ago - February 22, 1924

Daring raid at Killybegs

Killybegs Railway Station goods shed was burgled a few nights ago, and four cases of whiskey taken.

ABOVE: Pictures at the '98 Hall in Ballyshannon a century ago

Entrance was affected by forcing the lock. The Civic Guard have the case in hand and there is a likelihood of several arrests being made when it is expected sensational things will be brought to light in connection with the raid.

90 years ago - February 24 1934

Fewer Free State Deputies - Donegal made Two Constituencies

The text of the New Free State Electoral (Revision of Constituencies) Bill 1934 shows that the measure intends a reduction in the number of Deputies to the Dail from 153 to 136.

Some of the existing constituencies are to be abolished and reconstituted and others are divided.

Instead of one constituency returning eight Deputies, Donegal consists of two - Donegal East with four Deputies and Donegal West with three, which means the loss of one seat.

ABOVE: Gigantic sale on in Glenties in 1954

Donegal East will comprise the administrative County of Donegal, except the portion comprised in the County Constituency of West Donegal.

Donegal West will be the District Electoral Divisions of Annagry, Aran, Ardara, Ballintra (Ballyshannon), Ballintra (Donegal), Ballyshannon Rural, Ballyshannon Urban, Binbane, Bonnyglen, Bundoran Rural, Carrickboy, Cavangarden, Cliff, Clogher, Corkermore, Cross Roads, Crovehy, Crowkeeragh, Crownarad, Sawros, Donegal, Doochary, Dunfanaghy, Dungloe, Dunkineely, Dunlewey, Eanymore, Fintown, Glencolumbkille, Glengesh, Glenleheen, Glenties, Gortahork, Graffy, Grousehall, Haugh, Iniskeel, Inver, Kilcar, Kilgoly, Killybegs, Laghey, Largymore, Lettermacaward, Lough Eske, Maas, Magheclougher, Maghery, Malinbeg, Meenaclaudy, Mountcharles, Mulmosog, Pettigo, Rutland, Townawilly, Templecarn, Tieveskeelta, Tullynaught and the Urban District of Bundoran in the administrative County of Donegal.

Angling

Since the angling season opened on Lough Melvin on 1st inst, Mr Bartley O’Brien of Garrison, that well known and most successful angler, has captured seven splendid fresh run Spring salmon, ranging in weight from 10lbs to 14lbs.

ABOVE: Milford Flour Advert from 1954

Mr G. Lovatt, Technical Instructor, and Mr Brian McCavitt, Irish teacher, tried for trout on the 19th and 20th inst., and were successful in capturing a number of fine trout in quite good condition for so early in the season.

Mrs Lovatt had several good ones on Bundrowes River also.

80 years ago - 26 February 1944

Glenties

Notwithstanding war time conditions Cupid has been responsible for a large number of “victims” in the matrimonial market quite recently.

A large number of weddings have taken place in the Churches of the parish during the past few weeks.

Farmers are now busy preparing the land for the year’s crop.

Foxes have caused much damage to poultry in the Mullanmore district for time past.

ABOVE: That's the turf and the dance sorted for the week that was in it in 1954

There was a large crowd at a dance held in Edeninfagh all on Sunday night. Music was supplied by the local band.

There was also a large attendance at the dance held in St Dominick’s Hall, Glenties on Monday night. The music was by the Orphelian Band, Letterkenny.