The usual Sunday evening gathering of the Brooklyn Gaelic Society, held at the Preverpont Assembly Rooms on the 26th of last month, was filled with lively energy thanks to the presence of a talented musician from Limerick. Mr Patrick McNamara, a master of both flute and piccolo, treated the Society to a captivating selection of Irish music, which encompassed a range of traditional tunes.

After the instructional segment and the induction of four new members, along with the collection of dues, Mrs. Ford initiated the pleasant session with a request. She began with a Gaelic offering, providing translations of well-known prayers such as the “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and “Gloria,” as recently published in the Irish World newspaper. Miss Agnes Leonard and Mr Patrick Leonard followed with soulful renditions of “Father O’Flynn” and “O’Donnell Aboo.” Later, Mr Reardon provided a humorous sketch, while Mrs. Relihan, who at 76 years of age had only attended the school for six months, delivered a heartfelt recitation of the tender piece, “Do I Remember Ireland?”

The spotlight then shifted to Mr McNamara, who held the floor and effortlessly captivated the audience with his heartfelt performance. The soulful strains of pieces like “The Blackbird,” “Jimmy Mo Mhíle Stór,” “Passion Flower,” “The Coulin,” “The Dear Irish Boy,” and “Killarney” resonated through the room, masterfully played on the flute. These were interspersed with lively jigs and reels played on the piccolo, with the newly introduced “Thompson’s Reel” receiving special applause. A multi-talented musician, Mr McNamara’s knowledge of Irish music history, as well as his vocal and instrumental talents, was evident throughout his performance.

Mr McNamara, who hails from Limerick, gained considerable acclaim in his home country. His St. Mary’s Prize Band achieved the prestigious all-Ireland championship in Dublin a few years ago, and he conducted the Castlemartyr Band to victory at the recent Cork Exhibition. He showcased his prowess on the violin, lute, and piccolo during these Sunday evening gatherings at the society’s hall on Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn, near Fulton Street.

Adding a touch of youthful exuberance to the evening, four young dancers from St. Joseph’s School in Brooklyn, all members of the Gaelic Society and trained by Miss Una Ford, demonstrated the four-hand jig. Accompanied by Mr McNamara’s music, they also performed a four-hand reel. The four-hand jig, a graceful and spirited dance, is set to become a popular fixture at these Pierrepont Assembly meetings, held every Sunday evening.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 25 April 1905