The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-08-20
BRIDCEPORTERS
CHEER GALLANT
69TH REGIMENT
Inspiring Scenes Mark Re
view of Famous Irish Regi-
ment AT Polo Grounds.
(By "Old Man Grumpy

Ny OAN AsAoii S1l oiIip. J
ireland isn't Ireland anymore.
Sam Morton. of the famous old thea
trical troupe -Four Mortons," was
right. New York city is ireland now
and the fact was made evident at the
Polo Grounds yesterday afternoon
when $500 sons of gram achree''
were reviewed previous to the regular
league game between the Giants and
+, Matthewson's Cincinnati Reds. To
be more specific the gallant Sixty
Ninth regiment of Irish and Irish
American volunteers were given a
rousing farewell previous to their de-
parture to France.
Toney, the leading pitcher of the
National league, shut out the Giants,
worlds champions. That is sufficient
about the game.
Bridgeport was well represented
Delegations from the "A. o. H., Young
Emmet club, Bridgeport Gaelic A c.,
and st. Joseph's T. B. & L. associa-
ton attended. While mentioning the
delegations from the various local
Irish societies it is only proper to say
that about 80 local policemen were
also present. Four automobiles bear
Ing the guardians of the peace, left
this city shortly before noon. Among
this delegation were Patrolmen Kas-,
parack, James Sheehan, Daniel Shee-
han, John J. Brennan, John Moran,
Robert Mccullough and Michael Ar
nolsky.
The A. o. H was represented by
John Joseph Griffin, John c.. Calvin,
Michael J. Griffin and James Cullen.
Many distinguished features were pre-
sented previous to the beginning of
the championship game.
When the gallant seth Regiment en-
tered the field, through the exit gate
in deep center field a burst of APP
plause broke forth that could be
heard almost to White Plains. Tween
ty-five hundred strong, clad in regu-
lation khaki uniform, the sons of Erin
marched around the field accompan-
led by the Irish martial air of 1.-THE
Minstrel Boy" :
One of the prettiest sights witness
ed on that historic field was present.
ed when the order Company halt!
Mark time!' was given.
Bed1am broke loose while the $500
soldiers marked time in perfect uni
son. The applause continued rap
| turously until Monsignor Lavelle, rep
resenting Cardinal John Farley, walk
ed onto the field with q ball in his
hand Here another sight was pre-
scented which evoked considerable APP
p1ause. Monsignor Lavelle, many
| took him for Cardinal Farley, was in
troduced to John McCraw and Christy
Mathewson, managers of the contend
| ing teams. At this stage the photo
graphers were very busy.
The game was scheduled to start
/ 81 ,a1o T.4f M Of
4 before the field was cleared for ac-
ition.# A delegation of 16 vocalists,
representing the Friendly Sons of St.
Patrick of New Y ork city, sang sew
e-a1 patriotic Irish airs and they
evoked thunderous applause. with
| their rendition of "O'Donnell Abou.'
Representative Griffin, of the local A.
| o. H, was beside himself with grief
I for Ireland and tears were seen to
stroll down his rudy ch--ks as this
song was being rendered
At the conclusion of the ceremonies
| and previous to the start of the game
| Representative Griffin said: cit is
| >the most striking scene I have ever
witnessed. I would not care to miss
| such a sight for my life. May God
| speed the boys of the historic seth
Regiment and guide and protect them
| ana SEND sLnem SaIely nome again.
Another feature, which caused con-
siderable comment, was the appear
ance in uniform of Christy Mathew
SON. For almost II years the "O1e
| Marster'' has been, playing major
baseball but never before has he been
seen in uniform on Sunday. Pre-
vious to the game Matty went into
| the '.Sawdust pitt and warmed up.
| It then appeared as ough he was
going to twirl and shouts of acclama-
| ton weret heard throughout the
stand But the crowd was to be dis
appointed The "ole'' boy was only
limbering up.
The proceeds of the game, after
| expenses have been taken out, are to
go to the dependents of the members
| of the seth regiment. The attendance
! was registered as being $4,000 people,
t averaging rs cents each, therefore a
/ tidy sum must have been gathered for
| such noble purpose.