Bagenalstown

Bagenalstown Athletic Sports

Advertisement for the Bagenalstown Athletic Sports to be held on 9th July 1891 at Eastwood. Taken from the Carlow Nationalist and Leinster Times newspaper 13th June 1891.

Carlow County Library

Bagenalstown Athletic Sports
Carlow County Library

Bagenalstown Athletic Sports

Advertisement for the Bagenalstown Athletic Sports to be held on 9th July 1891 at Eastwood. Taken from the Carlow Nationalist and Leinster Times newspaper 13th June 1891.

Carlow County Library

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In 1890, the Bagenaltown Athletic Sports Committee had a very successful year. Even in mid October takings at the gate amounted to £53. It was expected therefore, that the Bagenalstown fixture would become a significant gathering in the provincial athletic calendar. In 1891 the committee held their first meeting in the Courthouse in May and W. Ward was in the chair. The committee sought the best talent for the competitions and a generous prize fund was arranged.
 

The Bagenalstown Athletic Sports were held on July 9th 1891 at Eastwood, adjacent to the town. The Honorary Secretaries were named as P. Joyce and W.H. Bennett and the Honorary Treasurer was P.J. Kehoe. The manager, handicapper and starter was V.J.R. Dunbar. The programme of events included popular events like the high jump and long jump, a two-mile bicycle race and a tug of war "confined to men of the town". More unusual events featured a Siamese Race, and the "Slinging of 56lbs between legs". Entry to the cycling races cost 6 shillings, to the running events, 5 shillings and 2 shillings and 6 pence to the weights and jumps.
 

A number of rules for conduct of the sports were quoted in advance in the Nationalist and Leinster Times of 13th June. It was also stated that competitors would be carried at special terms by the Railway Companies. The weather was "charmingly fine" for the occasion and a very large attendance enjoyed the proceedings.