Moment Cement began life by the Boyneside

IN the presence of a large and distinguished gathering, representative of business men and public men from many parts of Ireland, the ceremony of putting in motion the machinery of the Drogheda and Limerick factories of Cement Ltd. was performed this morning by Mr. Sean Lemass. Ministry for Industry and Commerce.

By the pressure of a button the Minister not only set the machinery of the Drogheda Factory moving and manufacturing but the machinery of the Company’s auxiliary factory in Limerick was also set going.

This latter feat was accomplished through the co-operation of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The Minister who was accompanied by Mr. F. Aiken, Minister for Defence, and a number of officials of the Department of Industry and Commerce was conducted to the Department where the opening ceremony was held. Mr. Jensen, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Cement Ltd., extended a cordial welcome to those present. He specially welcomed Mr. Lemass who had come to perform the opening ceremony of their factory in Drogheda and of their auxiliary factory at Limerick.

The ceremony of blessing the Factory was then performed by Rt. Rev. Monsignor O’Callaghan. P.P.. V.G., Drogheda. who was assisted by Very Rev- J. Nulty, P.P., V.F., St Mary’s, and Rev. T Bennett, CC, St. Peter’s, and Rev. M. Rogers, CC, do. At this stage the loud speakers in the building were switched on to Limerick, and Sir John Keane, on behalf of the Board of Directors said:” On behalf of the gathering here, which includes the Mayor of Limerick, I wish to thank the Chairman for the kind words.’

Mr. Lemass, who was cordially received, said that in the hope that the mills would contribute to the strength and prosperity of the country he set in motion the two Cement Mills of Limerick and Drogheda and wished success in the future to the firm which had established them.

The party then broke up into groups which were conducted through the works by members of the Engineering Staff of Cement Ltd , and the entire process of manufacture was explained in all its details.

Afterwards the entire gathering were entertained to light luncheon and refreshments in one of the workshops. Appreciation of the Company’s hospitality and of the excellence of the whole arrangements was widely expressed. The traffic arrangements were supervised by members of the Gardai, who were in charge of Supt. Liddy. and Inspector Cronin.