Fr. Tom Shannon Sodality Papers: Complaints aired over teenage socials ending at 1 a.m.

By Tom Gillespie

PART THREE

THE late Fr. Tom Shannon was responsible for the boys Sodality in Castlebar, to the members of which he wrote monthly typed letters.

From November 26, 1964, to July 12, 1971, he sent out 81 missives. On learning of their existence, I approached their keeper, Ernie Sweeney, for permission to feature extracts from them in The Connaught Telegraph.

During his period in Castlebar, Fr. Shannon organised Pioneer and Sodality socials in Castlebar’s Town Hall and the Pavilion for the teenagers and youth of the town.

In November 21, 1966, he wrote to Sodality members stating: “The principal reason for writing is to let you know that there will be a Pioneer Social in the Town Hall on Wednesday night and that the usual concession to members of our Sodality will apply. Tickets can be obtained at the Presbytery up to 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening.”

He continued: “I am happy to be able to tell you that we propose to have a Sodality Social shortly after Christmas. This is surely welcome news to all those members who came to me during the past year and pointed out that boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 21 have few opportunities of meeting one another in a healthy, social atmosphere.

“It is quite clear, too, that boys are rather conscious of the clumsiness and awkwardness of their first dance movements and that they have no place where they can learn, improve and gain confidence without feeling embarrassed about their efforts.

“I feel sure that a Sodality Social is a step (if you excuse the pun) in the right direction.”

Then on December 19, 1966, he wrote: “You will be glad to hear that we have completed all the arrangements for our Sodality Social on Wednesday, January 4. The social is open to all members and past members between the ages of 16 and 21 (or thereabouts); and the price of admission is 4/- (four shillings) and light refreshments will be served.

“We had hoped to have Lynda and the Royal Chords (the most regular band engaged) to launch our Sodality Socials, but they were already booked. We have secured Tony Chambers and his band from Newport, and they will entertain from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“I must add, though, that it is only during the holiday period that socials will be allowed to run until 1 a.m. Further socials, tentatively booked for January 20 and February 3, will end at 11.15 p.m.

“But you will agree, I think, that it isn’t long hours that matter. If you can provide dancing and laughter and variety, then I believe that you will enjoy every social we present.”

Kevin Bourke’s Royal Chords from Moneen, Castlebar, were the regular band at these socials. So too were the Beat Minstrels, The Rockaways, The Time Machine (Claremorris), Aztcs, Sean Donoghue’s Band, and Olly Maloney Showband (Tuam).

Towards the end of his stay in Castlebar, Fr. Shannon had to confront complaints about the late hour that the socials ended.

On February 25, 1971, he wrote: “Many parents said that it was not right or proper that socials for teenagers ran until 1 a.m. This meant that boys and girls did not get home until 1.30 a.m.

“In the case of those who had to walk or cycle a distance - sometimes in the rain - it was often 2 a.m. when they reached their homes.

“Parents did not complain about having to wait up to see their children safely home - as most responsible parents do. They simply could not see the point of having socials that ran to a late hour only because they began or started at a late hour.”

He continued: “They pointed out, and quite rightly I believe, that it was rather funny to see young people setting out for a social at a time when most people were returning to their homes from the cinema or from a visit to a friends.

“And visitors to this country from England - where most dances for adults end at 12 or 12.30 - find our habits in this matter hard too explain, even stupid.

“They say it’s about time a new generation introduced a bit of common sense into our attitude to dancing and enjoyment, and showed that it isn’t the clock or the hour that makes for happiness and enjoyment, but people, people in their senses and with a wish to make others happy.”

NEXT WEEK: Claims of discrimination in seating arrangements