Kathleen Callan is Queen of Ardee
July 1951
ARDEE’S annual fortnight of merriment and entertainment ended on Sunday night when over 1,000 dancers from all parts of the county packed the huge marquee tor the closing dance of a carnival which has eclipsed all others as far as attendance figures are concerned.
There were eight qualifers for the final of the Carnival Queen Competition—the Misses - Ursula Hoey, Patricia Tierney, Patricia Cunningham (Miss Drogheda, 1951) Shiela Crahan, Agnes O’Rourke, Kathleen Callan, Kay Smith and Eileen Dorian. Following a ballot Miss Callan, who is a native of Ardee. won the award. Miss Crahan. Lobinstown, Co. Meath, was placed second, and Miss Cunningham, Drogheda, third. Miss Callan received a silver trophy and cash award and will appear in the final of the “Miss Vogue” competition on July 16th. She was crowned by Miss Joan Stokes, who was the winner of the first carnival queen competition.
A large number attended the “Bonny Baby” Competition which took place earlier in the afternoon. The results were— (Under 18 months) 1, Thomasina Sharkey, Clogherhead; 2, Carmel McDonnell, Slievebreagh, Ardee; 3, M. Smith, Cuchullian Terrace, Ardee.
(Up to 3 years)—1, Valerie and Veronica O’Reilly, Drogheda 2, Marie Towey, Bridge St., Ardee; 3, Robert Wallace, Dublin.
The seven-a-side football tournament final, between Darver and St Mary’s, Ardee, attracted a huge crowd, and after a most exciting contest in which every player gave of his best, Darver won. The teams ended level on goals and points but the Darver team had been awarded a “50” and this decided the issue. There was an original entry of over 20 teams for the competition, including teams from Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.
A feature of the winners’ line-out was the inclusion of 4 brothers—Jimmy, Michael, Patrick and Peter McDonnell. The remaining three were Patrick McDonnell (cousin), P. McGeough and M. Mulligan.
The Executive Carnival Committee consists of Rev. Bro. Hilary, Rev Bro Adjutor, Messrs. Hugh Colgan, James Markey, Jas. Malone, Thos. McKenna, Edmund Gaffney, Mrs. Roe and Miss E. Flanagan.