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This series comprises a collection of local newspapers (mostly published in Kilkenny). Many of the items include articles covering events and ceremonies connected with the Capuchin friars in the city.

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.

Ticket for ‘A Grand Dramatic Performance’ given by the Dramatic Club at the Father Mathew Centenary Hall, Church Street. Fr. Columbus Maher OSFC (1835-1894) is noted as President of the Hall.

'Fáilte / Organ of Aonach na Bealtaine / Grand Temperance Fete / Father Mathew Hall, Church Street, Dublin / 1907'.
Publisher: Baile Atha Cliath: Ó Bruain & Árthr
Bound in contemporary soft covers with printed title to front cover.

Ticket for the annual concert of the Colmcille branch of Conrad na Gaelige in Father Mathew Hall, Church Street, Dublin, on 30 April 1920. An address by Fr. Augustine Hayden OSFC was given at the concert.

Souvenir programme for the La Verna Fete held in the Mansion House, Dublin. The fete was held from 29 Sept. to 6 Oct. 1917 and was a fundraiser in aid of the Father Mathew Hall, Church Street. Printed by Independent Newspapers, Dublin. The programme includes photographic prints of:
Fr. Albert Mitchell OSFC, founder of the Father Mathew Temperance Association, Church Street.
Fr. Columbus Maher OSFC, founder and first President of Father Mathew Hall, 2 Feb. 1890-11 Sept. 1894.
Fr. Matthew O’Connor OSFC, President, 17 Sept. 1894-2 Dec. 1895
Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC, 9 Dec. 1895-27 June 1904
Fr. Aloysius Travers OSFC, 4 July 1904-18 Aug. 1913
Joseph Mooney, Vice-President and Honorary Secretary, Father Mathew Hall
Fr. Sylvester Mulligan OSFC, President ‘since 25 August 1913’

Photographic print of Father Mathew Hall fronting onto the corner of Church Street and Nicholas Avenue. Pasted onto an annotated card: ‘Thomas F. Geoghegan, 2 Essex Street’. The print shows the Hall before the addition of the St. Brigid’s Hall extension in 1901.

Photographic prints of a performance of a 'Cinderella' musical in Father Mathew Hall. A manuscript annotation on the reverse of one of the prints reads: ‘Father Mathew Hall, Dublin’. The prints are held in glass frames.

Photographic print of performers in a theatrical production in Father Mathew Hall. The image is credited to C. and L. Walsh, 55 Lower Mount Street, Dublin.

A young pianist performing at the Father Mathew Feis on Church Street in Dublin.