The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-19
ST, PATRICK'S DAY
IN CITY OF RALEIGH
An Evening Banquet and the
Speeches Made.
A MOST HAPPY EVENT
Under The Abe Direction Of Mr.. Jlhn B. Ken
ney the Descendants and Friends Of
Saint Patrick Gel, b ate IreIano'S
Festal Day.

Erin Go Bragh." the Shamrock, Ire
land and Saint Patrick
The seventeenth of March, the ami
versary of the birth of Ireland's patron
Saint, was most happily celebrated last
night.
The Irish Colony" in Raleigh is not
is made up in enthusiasm.
These gave a banquet last night in
Turner's Cafe, and it was an event
fraught with JOY in every particular. The
celebration was the happy thought Of
Mr.. John B. Kenney, and to his aid came
the other Irish descendants in the city
and their friends.
There was gathered a happy and jovial
party to do honor to the occasion. The
long table in Turner's Cafe was sur
rounded, and on it was placed feast
fit for an epicure, served in the hand
soonest style.
And there was music, too. Levin's or
chestra was on hand, and it rendered
merry airs that went in harmony with
Irelands flags that swung above the
festal board.
There were good things in edibles and
in liquids for those who partook, and
as the feast approached its close there
were toasts most delightfully."- respond
ed to- The banquet was presided over
most admirably by Mr.. John B. Kenney,
and the guests invited to be present were
these:
Rev Thomas Griffin Judge Robert M.
Douglass, Hon. B. r. Lacy, Captain
James Maglenn Mr.. M. B. Barbee, Mr..
NJ. ]. Cummings, Mr.. Patrick Sweeney,
Mr.. w. N. Robbins, Mr.. John r. Ferrall,
Mr.. F. p Hickey Mr. w. A. Linehan,
Mr.. ]. Z. O'Donnell, Mr.. T. H. Caldwell.
Tighe. Mr. w. ]. OBrien, Mr. George
Gill. Mr. H. p Robbins, Mr.. P. IT.
OBrien Mr. J. stephen Clark, Mr.. R. Fl.
Kehoe, Mr. John B. Kenney, Rt. Rev. NJ.
Erwin, Mr.. John W. Cross, Mr.. T. w.
Dobbin and Mr.. Edward E. Britton.
Judge w S. OBJ. Robinson was unable
to be present, but he sent Characters
tic letter, that showed his deep interest
in the occasion.
The celebration was the first held on
ST. Patricks Day in many years in
Raleigh. 1t began with the passing of
the loving cup, and buried in Irish
whsFey in this was real Irish Sham
rock. direct from Ireland. There was
a quantity of this for distribution to the
guests and it had been brought here es-
pecialIy for st. Patrick's Day by Mr.. J.
L. O'Quinn. 1t came from beside st.
Patrick's grave in County Down, ireland,
and with it came these verses:
THE LAMENT OF THE SHAMROCK.
When sent to the Irish in other countries.
Oh it's sweet we were and young and fair
On the messy bank where we grew,
Meath Erins skies. where the soft wind
signs,
And all things are bright to view!
Yet turn not away; for, though faded
and grey,
Our hearts can never grow cold
And we wish you STILL with the same
good will,
All blessings both new and old.
Oh, it's sweet we were and young and fair
On the messy bank where we grew,
Meath Erin's skies, where the wind still
signs
" CT the messy DdnK~WHSre we grew
The invitations to the banquet Wore
issued in handsome hand painted green
covers, on the front of which was the
Irish harp, surrounded by Shamrock
amidst the leaves of which were the fig
ures 1903 while beneath in gold was
Erin Go Bragh, Raleigh, N. c., March
nth" the message within being an in
vitation to the descendants of st. Pat
rick living in Raleigh to be present at
the birthday of Irelands patron Saint.
an occasion so dear TO the hearts of all
Irishmen, at Turner'S Cafe at o'clock
last night.
The POSTMASTER was Mr.. John Il.
Kenney. and the first toast was ITO
Saint Patrick" 1t was happily respond
ed to by Father Griffin, who spoke
charmingly of Ireland and the Irish. The
Shamrock in evidence, he said was
proof of the Irishman's ever fresh love
for his country. He spoke eloquently OF
the Irishmans labor bearing fruit in all
climes and Of the influences of his land
and of his faith being steady supporters.
In response to the toast, 1.-The United
States, the Home of the Irish Exile,