The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-08-23
The Hibernian Picnic.

There is one day in the year upon which
the people of Staunton are never disap-
pointed. The annual picnic of the Cath
Ollie Hibernian Beneficial Society is al
ways looked forward to as season Of gen.
uine pleasure, and never fails to meet the
fullest expectations. Tuesday last was no
exception to the rule. The rather was it
an added evidence that when the Irish
undertake anything, they never stop
short of the completest success. The pic
mic was held at the Fair Grounds, and
at an early, hour the various avenues lead
ing thereto were lined with carriages, bug
gies, wagons and vehicles of every size
and shape Fully thousand people were
Oh the grounds during the day, and mer-
rier, happier throng was never gathered
together. Everything had been provided
that could contribute to the general
enjoyment, and with the heartiest zest was
it enjoyed. There was dancing in the TO-
tunda, boat-riding, croquet, baseball,
mule and horse-racing and numberleSs
other amusements that made the hours
pass swiftly and so pleasantly that all re-
GREETED when the day was done. The va
rious committees were scattered about the
grounds, supervising affairs and seeing
that everything was in trim for the fullest
not onerous, for men, women, boys and
girls, from the white-haired grandsire to
the little three-year-old dot, were making
the best of the day and demonstrating that
the exacting duties of business and domes-
tic cares and tolls, had for season been
laid aside while innocent amusement and
healthful exercise alone held sway.
In the rotunda the dancing was kept up
from early morn till late in the evening.
Just outside were croquet parties, and
various groups from tete-e-tetes to scores,
were seated in the shade or strolling on
the soft. green sward. One of the centres
of attraction was the baseball ground,
where the contest for an elegant ball and
bat, the gift of Father McVerry, was be-
ing waged between ''Our Boys" and the
picked Nine" The game was exciting,
| although one-sided, ''Our Boys winning
| by score of SO to 0. The winners are
| about the best nine of amateurs in the
State, and we venture to say would rank
with many professionals. There was some
fine playing on both sides. the picked
Nine" never giving up, but putting in
their best ticks, though never ''score. y
AT the conclusion of the game the ball and
bat were presented to the victorious side
by Capt. Jas Bumgardner, jr,, in capital
| little speech.
One of the most amusing features of the
day was hotly contested mule race. Six
entries were made, as follows: Stack.
Splitter & Co.'S. ''Puss'' and Mag" John
Sullivan's 'Hibernian' and "Highfyer,' .
Robert Knightley's Rose, and John Fall
Ions Flora" The race was rich and
holly contested, ''Puss" winning in two
straight heats. At last accounts High
tler'' was nearly half around and if the sea-
son proves favorable may get in in time
for fall blowing. The silver cup, given by
the society, was presented to the winner
by Maj. Ed. Mcmahon in a speech as rich
as the racing.
In the evening there was mile dash.
The horses entered were Starlight" by
Mr.. Wilkinson Ely" by Ed. Burke,
and fleet-footed little grey owned by Mr..
Smith. starlight won by half length,
and the grey second. Mike Croghan, the
rider of the grey, gave as fine exhibition
OF horsemanship as was ever seen on the
grounds. Before the first quarter had
been reached his saddle turned, and he
finished the race without stirrup and hold
ing on to half turned Saddle Every
one expected to see him go under, but the
plucky Irishman held on to the last and
came within half length of winning the
race.
1t was late in the evening before the
crowd broke up and the most successful,
picnic in every respect, given by the So
ciety was at an end.