August 3 1924
Though all sort of vague and sinister rumours were in circulation overnight as a sequel to the municipal strike in Dublin and the adjoining townships, the ancient festival of Aonach Tailteann was inaugurated amidst scenes of wonderfully impressive enthusiasts.
There was a parade of strikers through O’Connell Street in the forenoon, which created only a passing interest, and by noon crowds of enormous dimensions had lined up on either side of that magnificent thoroughfare and at St Stephen’s Green to view the Grand Parade of Industrial Exhibits, which started at the latter centre on its tour of the principal streets of the city, and with which the day’s proceedings in connection with the festival were inaugurated.
It was a striking display, and well worthy of the encomium of the onlookers.
It was glorious weather, the sun’s rays playing on a tableau which for variety and colour has never been equalled in Ireland’s ancient capital. In the vast throng were visitors from practically every part of the world – men and women distinguished in art, science, literature, and industry. All Ireland seemed to be represented.
Thousands were arriving from early morning at the various railway termini, while there was also a great influx of visitors by cross-channel steamer. About 4,000 arrived at Dun Laoghaire on Saturday morning, making a total of 26,000 for the month.
The scene at Croke Park will always be remembered by the crowd – variously estimated at from 18,000 to 20,000 – present when the formal opening was performed by the director of the Aonach Tailteann (Mr JJ Walsh, Minister of Posts and Telegraphs).
The stadium, gaily decorated, was bathed in glorious sunshine, which set off to the best advantage the chic costumes of the fashionable throng of ladies who patronised the function, and enhanced the picturesque garb of the pipers, bandsmen, and athletes in the enclosure.
In the interval of waiting for the arrival of Mr Walsh, selections were given by the DMP Band. When Mr Walsh arrived he took up his position in front of the grandstand and was loudly cheered. The Governor-General [Tim Healy] was also present, as well as prominent TDs and officials of the State and the Army, the Prince Muja Kan, Mr John Devoy, the Brazilian Ambassador of Vatican (Monsignor Nolan), Minister of State, Netherlands, and many other distinguished visitors.
