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Re: Visit of British Prime Minister

Posted by Alan King on May 19, 2013 at 19:39:42:

In Reply to: Re: Visit of British Prime Minister posted by Tee Time on May 18, 2013 at 14:40:03:

Attlee arrived in Mayo in August 1948 to spend 3 weeks in Melcomb House, Newport. In Castlebar, one of the first locals he met was TP McDonnell, a Clerical Officer whom he gave a racing tip which came in second place. On Main St., he posed for photos and signed autographs for locals. He bought a Parker pen in Dick Wynne’s shop and a cigarette lighter in Bob Kilkelly’s. He also bought a shirt in Irwin’s Drapery shop. When he got to Ellison St., he entered Tansey’s pub and had a long conversation with the owner, known locally as ‘Blighty’ and who had served during the First World War. His wife & two daughters had split up and gone and bought some knitting yarn and overcoats at Irwin’s and some other items at the Irish House and in Langan’s. They finished having ices at Cis Condon’s before they all met up and departed. The PM was accompanied by two cars driven by officers from Scotland Yard.
Mrs. Attlee drove their car to the golf course where a few days before, the County Engineer had gotten the potholes filled in. The Atlees played with Chief Supt. Butler of C/bar Garda Station and they enjoyed a few rounds before heavy rain forced them to stop and retire to the clubhouse. Whilst there it was thought that the local UDC would present an Address of Welcome or a Civic Reception but for some reason, the Chairman of the UDC who was present let it be known that they had nothing planned. The Prime Minister & Mrs. Attlee had a pleasant evening and were made Honorary Members of Castlebar Golf Club. Only invited guests were allowed inside the Clubhouse but before he left, he spoke to a local character, Tom Joyce who recounted his experiences serving in the British Army and in various battles during the First World War. Attlee was delighted as he himself had served as a Major during the War so he, despite the Golf Committee’s attempts to get rid of Joyce, introduced him to Mrs. Attlee and his daughters.
Attlee spent some time at the base of Croagh Patrick and was presented with a number of books and photos and also attended service at Newport Church.
He wrote to C/bar Golf Committee a short time later thanking them for their hospitality and kindness.

 





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