Limerick welcomed the New Year with its customary joyful festivities, hosted by the Great Southern and Western Railway. In accordance with tradition, bands paraded through the streets on the night before New Year’s Day, creating a lively atmosphere as the city eagerly approached midnight. The Redemptorist Church and St. Mary’s Cathedral added to the jubilation by ringing out cheerful chimes, marking the transition from the “old” year to the “new.”
As the New Year dawned, a thanksgiving service took place at the Sacred Heart Church on New Year’s Eve. The service, conducted by Father Browne, drew inspiration from the theme of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one.
However, this year’s New Year’s celebrations were observed under overcast and heavy atmospheric conditions. Despite the usual masses being held in city churches, the streets appeared quieter than usual, and the typical bustling energy associated with the holiday was notably absent.
During a Chamber of Commerce meeting, concerns were raised about recent changes in postal fees. Mr Shaw informed the members that the Post Office had raised the fee for private post bags from two guineas to three guineas. This decision faced opposition, as the Belfast Chamber of Commerce had expressed their intention to protest the increase.
Mr Shaw proposed a resolution strongly opposing the raised fees and urging the new Postmaster-General to reconsider the matter. The resolution was seconded by Mr D.L. Roche and gained unanimous approval.
In addition to the New Year celebrations, the Chamber discussed the resignation of Mr E.G. Fitt and Mr James Welply. A concern was raised about the lack of reporting on ordinary meetings, prompting Mr D.L. Roche to suggest that monthly meetings be open to the press. The idea of enhancing Chamber benefits for members was also explored, including the potential creation of a circulating library, which was referred to a committee for further consideration and was subsequently adopted.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 02 January 1906
