Moriarty’s yard chosen as site for new Mayfair ballroom as opening ball caters for 900 people on Stephen’s night 1944
Part 1
In part 1, of The Kilkenny Mayfair ballroom, The Kilkenny walkers club look behind the scenes at the one time famous ballroom that saw not only famous bands from Ireland perform there but also well known American singers
The local newspaper reported in April 1944 that plans were afoot in Kilkenny City for two Ballrooms. In fact work was already in progress in the construction of one ballroom near the Savoy cinema. The well known contractor W.K.Cleere was entrusted with the building and could be relied on to do a good job of work. The promoters were all Kilkenny citizens, prominent in the mercantile life of the city and had provided the capital which was stated to be a sum of £10,000. A good start had been made and the contract hopefully completed by August. The promoter of the project for the second ballroom was Mr. Sean Stallard of Parliament Street. December of 1943, the town clerk invited tenders for the letting of portion of the Market yard. Persons tendering were required to state the purpose for which they proposed to use the site. Mr. Stallard sent in a tender stating he proposed to use the site for the construction of a ballroom. The figure at which he tendered was not considered adequate by the Commissioner. Mr. Stallard then submitted an amended tender which was accepted. He proposed to build the largest ballroom in Ireland with floor accommodation for 1000 votaries of the Terpsichorean art, overlooked by a balcony where a large number of spectators could view the crowds “tripping it on the light fantastic toe.” The annexes of the building would be available for public meetings, public dinners etc.
The site chosen for the construction of the Mayfair ballroom was known as Moriarty’s yard adjacent to the former St. Francis Abbey Brewery. Before the Mayfair opened its doors, the Desart Hall was the place to be on Friday nights. Other dancing venues in Kilkenny City, were the Star on John Street, hotels such as the Globe on John Street, the Metrepole on Parliament Street, the Club House on Patrick Street. During the 1960s the Carlton ballroom opened, The Rose Hill, the New Park and the Railway hotels extended their dance floor areas.
Kilkenny’s magnificent new Ballroom
One of the most brilliant functions ever witnessed in Kilkenny was the grand opening ball in the Mayfair Ballroom on St. Stephen’s night December 26th 1944. The attendance was between 800 and 900, and notwithstanding the admission fee of 25shillings (E1.55) including supper, was regarded as unusually high. The figure must be regarded as indicative of the popularity of this most modern and commodious ballroom. Catering and Bar by Mrs. Lawlor of Naas. It was certain to be the scene of brilliant functions in the future. Its very attractive layout and design was in itself worth seeing and reflects the highest credit on the architect a very young Kilkenny man Michael Curran.
The Ballroom was in every way one of the most modern and attractive in the country and the company responsible for its promotion, composed entirely of Kilkenny men, who deserve to be heartily congratulated. It is gratifying too that the biggest part of the work of construction and fittings were carried out by Kilkenny firms.
The building of the ballroom was entrusted to W.K. Cleere of the Ormonde Road. The lighting scheme was carried out by William Duggan of James’ Green. Heating and cooking arrangements was entrusted to the Kilkenny Gas Company. Sound and amplification systems were provided by Drohan and Gray of Parliament Street. Plumbing was installed by Robert Brannigan of Patrick Street. The very attractive furniture was the work of Callaghan and Connolly of Kieran Street. Cork, Dublin and Tipperary firms were involved in the art and decoration, dance floor, terrazzo work, glass tables and counter tops. A most attractive building in every detail and a triumph for local enterprise.
Roscommon native Mr Leo Connelly was appointed manager and the company must have felt satisfied that under his direction the management of the Mayfair would be expertly attended to.
A feature of the New Years Night dancing was a demonstration of ballroom dancing by Mr. George Begley and Miss Christina Kane, All Ireland Champions. Excellent music was provided by Jack Frazier and his Collegians while the catering arrangements were attended to by the Central Hotel, John Street.
Following the grand opening night of December 26th, dancing took place nightly of the opening week.
Part two next week. The Kilkenny Observer newspaper wish to thank all who took the original photos. We don’t have names for all photographers but wish to thank the following for their contribution and help in locating those used. Tom Brett, Josephine Coyne, County librarian, Alicia Dunphy, library staff officer, Eddie Dullard, Eddie the Snapper, Mick Walsh. Thanks to Pauline O’Connell who completed an historical research on the Mayfair in 2024 for her assistance with artwork and photos.
