Terry Wogan MC at Mayor’s Show
ALL that is good, most of which is great, of variety and entertainment was packed into three hectic and exciting hours at the Gate Cinema. Drogheda, on Tuesday night when the Lord Mayor Show was put on stage.
And as in previous years, the “house full” signs went up for both shows. Of course, this was only to be expected when one look a quick glance over the international star-studded list of artistes.
St. Ita’s School for Mildly Handicapped Children will benefit considerably as a result of the success of this venture. And for this great credit is due to the organising committee, spearheaded by Aidan Robinson and ably assisted by Jim Kierans.
Manager of the school. Rt Rev. Mgr. H. Laverty, P.P.. VG.. St. Peter’s, pointed out, it cost something in the region of £3,000 to run the school each year, and money towards this deserving cause is always welcome.
But to the show itself . From the moment the Drogheda Brass Band under the baton of Christy Smith, opened the show, we had a distinctive Spanish flavour to the appearance of Scottish comedian Jimmy Logan, who certainly lived up to his international reputation, the show was one veritable wave of entertainment.
Logan, equipped with kilt and sporran, clearly demonstrated his versatility and certainly captured the imagination of his foreign audience. Afterwards the organising committee presented him with a shillelegh. If the populariy of an act could be judged by the audience reception, then the tops of the night were undoubtedly our own Mountaineers. This is not just a parochial attitude on our part. Their act was a refreshing change from what came before them and as the Mayor himself so rightly said afterwards. “You have done Drogheda proud tonight.” It was indeed fitting that they should be made a presentation by the organising committee after the show.
Terry Wogan compered the show in his own inimitable style and in the course of the evening introduced such well-known performers as comedians Jimmy McDonagh and Frank O’Donovan, better known perhaps, as Batty Brennan in the RTE series “The Rlordans.” Ruth and Vivienne Pentony. Drogheda. have brought Irish step-dancing down to a fine and graceful art and won the admiration of the audience, as did Peter Canavan on the accordian.
The other big attraction on the show was Ronnie Carroll. The Belfast-born singer, who some years ago had a big hit with “Roses are red,” gave a smooth polished performance and showed he is still one of the tops in his field of entertainment.
The show was produced by Jim Kierans. The accompanistes were Ms. Daisy Comyn and Eileen O’Grady.
Ms. Comyn was made a presentation by Jim Kierans as a token of the committee’s appreciation of her contribution over the years.