Although the Irish Capuchins had a long tradition of involvement with the temperance movement, their connection with this apostolate was reinvigorated in 1905 when the Catholic hierarchy invited the Order to preach a ‘national crusade’ on the merits of total abstinence. The Capuchins’ commitment to sobriety as a moral and social ideal was promoted through the founding of lay sodalities and temperance halls where the pledge to abstain from alcohol was taken. The Father Mathew Memorial Hall on Church Street was opened in 1891. Funded by voluntary subscriptions, this temperance hall was built by Joseph Kelly & Sons of Thomas Street, Dublin. The total cost was about £4,000. It was designed by Walter Glynn Doolin and was initially plainly decorated. Before the addition of extensions in 1904 the main auditorium was 73 feet in length and 39 feet wide. In total, there was accommodation for about 900 people. There was also a coffee bar, a billiard room, and a reading room. The interior of the auditorium was greatly embellished in 1909 when an elaborate proscenium arch, stage and gallery were added. The plasterwork was executed by the firm of John Ryan of Upper Abbey Street to the designs of Anthony Scott of O’Connell Street, Dublin. This series comprises records relating to the Hall’s primary function to promote sobriety ‘by providing instruction and healthful amusement’. It should be noted that the Hall’s drama group, band, debating society and athletics’ club were initially only open to total abstainers. The records also reflect the varied social functions of the Hall.
Minute book of the Committee of the Total Abstinence Sodality, Father Mathew Hall, Church Street. The volume includes various newspaper clippings reporting the laying of the foundation stone (2 Feb. 1890) and the opening of Father Mathew Hall, Church Street (25 Jan. 1891). The volume includes clippings from the 'Catholic Times', the 'Freeman’s Journal' and the 'Daily Sketch'. The volume also includes manuscript and newspaper clipping reports of weekly public meetings of the sodality in the Hall. The minutes report resolutions in respect of financial accounts, general administration and the ministering of the pledge to members. The meetings were ordinarily chaired by Fr. Columbus Maher OSFC, President of the Sacred Thirst Abstinence League. The final pages of the volume contain newspaper clippings reporting on the death of Fr. Columbus on 10 Sept. 1894. The clippings also cover his funeral and the various tributes paid to him for his work in promoting temperance.
The file contains the following editions of this newspaper published in Kilkenny: 21 Mar. 1863 (Vol. XXXIV, No. 3,343) 27 Dec. 1867 (Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3,391) The latter edition has a manuscript annotation ‘Mr. Bibby’ referring to an article penned by ‘the nephew alluded to’ relating to the presence of a Catholic clergyman at his uncle’s bedside during his final illness.
Newspaper cutting from the 'Kilkenny Journal' reporting on a temperance retreat held in the cathedral in Kilkenny given by Fr. Albert Mitchell OSFC ‘whose simple eloquence, impressive earnestness and unfeigned piety are well known to the people of Kilkenny and made him beloved by all when he filled the position of Guardian of the Walkin Street Friary’.
The editions carry reports of sermons by Fr. Sylvester Mulligan OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, at the jubilee Triduum celebrations marking the opening of the Irish Capuchin novitiate in Kilkenny in October 1875. The newspaper also reprints an article from the 'Kilkenny Journal' of 30 Oct. 1875 referring to the opening of the novitiate on Walkin Street.
This section includes deeds relating to plots of ground on the Grand Canal and on Richmond Place, Dublin. These unrelated deeds may have been returned to the Capuchins in error by a solicitor’s firm.
Assignment by Mary Anne O’Gorman, Convent of John of God, Wexford, to her sister Sophia Mary Hay of premises on the Grand Canal, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, currently in the tenancy of William O’Hara and held under lease from the Grand Canal Company. In consideration of the sum of 10s.
Copy Grant of Administration of the estate of the late Luke Murphy, veterinary surgeon, 10 Parkgate Street, Dublin, (d. 6 July 1887), to his widow Margaret Murphy.
