Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1904-06-25
Gathering at Phoenix Hill Park
Did Honor to Irish
Race.
National Airs, Dancing and
Bowling Contests Were
Features.
FIELD DAY SPORTS CONE NEXT

Phoenix Hill Park was the scene of a
gay and brilliant gathering last Monday
night. 1t was the occasion of the first
picnic given by the Ancient Order of
Hibernians in the city for a number of
years. For the past three years the Hi
bernians have contented themselves with
field day and excursion to Fern Grove,
which have become famous, but this year,
recognizing the fact that variety and
change is necessary quantity in the de-
sires of their friends and followers, the
County Board decided to lead off with an
evenings outing this summer. Though
the weather was somewhat threatening,
car after car was unloaded at the park
and trooping in came thousands, until
the vast place was thronged with
happy selection of the fathers and
mothers, sisters and sweethearts of men,
bers of the order and their friends.
Should any doubt exist as to the question
that our Irish-American girls hold the
palm for loneliness and beauty, 1t should
have been dispelled by single glance at
the immense ball room, which was the
center of attraction for the young people.
Out in the park Prof. Morbach's band
gave an open air concert, playing many
pleasing Irish selections. And here and
there and everywhere were old acquaint-
ances renewing former friendships and
talking over the old days or telling
stories of the fairs they attended in Ire
land. There were about 5000 people
present, and everybody felt at once they
were in the midst of patriotic and hospit-
able people.
For the good order and pleasant time
enjoyed by all too much credit can not
be given to the faithful committee of the
County. BOARD. who worked increasingly
for the benefit of the Ancient Order and
their thousands of friends. Conspicuous
at all points were County President Sulli-
van and Messrs. Joe Dougherty, Joe
Lynch, Tom Lynch and Joe Cooney, who
we're successful in making this outing
something to be always remembered with
pleasure.
The bowling alleys we're kept going all
the evening, prominent among the play
ers being John and Tom Barry and Frank
Burke, of this years Kentucky Irish
American team, and Con Ford, Lieut..
Tom Fitzgibbon, John Kenney, Mark
Morris, Thomas Garry, Dan Mullen,
Officer James Twohig, Denny Coleman,
Tommy keenan,, Martin Sheehan, Joe
Cooney, Will Connolly, Will Hennessey,
Patrick Sullivan and Patrick Welsh, who
were divided into teams, but so evenly
were they matched that the games re-
suited in a draw. The contest that
aroused the greatest excitement was be-
tween Joe McGinn, State Secretary Of
the Hibernians, aud James Ross, the we'll
known Limerick grocer. Ball after ball
was rolled without advantage to either
and the excitement of their friends was
high. But Ross had card up his sleeve.
When it came to the last frame McGinn
bowled first, and when it was seen that
Ross must make strike with his last
ball the friends of McGinn were wild
with excitement, believing the Limerick
man not equal to the task. This was
where they we're mistaken. however, tor
Ross, after a careful poise, let the ball go
as if from a catapult and down went ali
the pins, winning the game for him by
one pin. Then it was his friends turn
to shout, and some say they could be
heard in Portland.
Among those who were always the Gen.
ter of a throng of friends were City Court
Bailif Billy Bosler, Rick Quinn, Edward
Dalton, John r. Browne, Tom Cam6eld,
State President keenan,, Tom Garry.
Martin Cusick, DIR. c. F. Melton and the
various candidates in the Kentucky Irish
American popularity contest. The ladies
did some excellent work for their friends,
especially Mrs. David Fahey, who polled
handsome vote for John Hennessey,
the candidate representing Limerick.
Soon the Hibernians will turn their at
tention to their annual field day sports,
which will take place in September,
probably on Labor day. 1t is the general
impression that this years affair will be
given in the city If suitable park can be
secured. This would be great saving
in expense and enable the order to hang
up a larger number and more costly
prizes for the contestants.