The Hall > History
Drumaroad Hall was built in 1969 as the Parochial Hall for the
Catholic parish of Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan. It officially
opened in November 1969 in a blaze of publicity and an article
which appeared in the Mourne Observer made the following announcement.
John Kearns and Desmond Mason
putting the final touches to one of the
electric convector heaters at the new Hall in 1969
"A magnificent new building which will cater for
the recreational needs of the parishioners of Clanvaraghan
and Drumaroad has just been completed. The new multi-purpose
building accommodates 1,000 people seated for concerts and
other functions and up to 1,700 for dances, and has car parking
for 200 cars"
At the time the Hall would have been considered a modern
spacious amenity for community use and parochial activity.
It was designed by Rooney and McConville in conjunction with
Rev. Dr. J. Maguire PP, so that it could be utilised for all
kinds of parish activity including a wide range of indoor
games, recreation, meetings and functions. The main contractors
were local firm Savage Brothers who completed the building
in six months.
The first key events held in the Hall were the Drumaroad
- Clanvaraghan Annual Christmas Bazaars on the 4th and 7th
December 1969, and an opening variety concert featuring the
John Murphy Bandshow and the Hoedowners held on the 10th December
1969.
The Rev. Dr. Maguire who pioneered and overseen the development
of the new Centre, retired from the local Parish in 1977 and
his farewell function was appropriately held in Drumaroad
Hall. The Mourne Observer reporting on the function on 31st
March 1977 stated:
"A night of music, dance and presentation marked
the conclusion of eleven years service to Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan
parishes by Rev. Dr Maguire. Over five hundred people from
all sections of the community gathered in Drumaroad Community
centre to show their appreciation to Dr. Maguire"
The Drumaroad Hall was not only a focus for recreation for
the local community but also established itself as one of
the Country dance centres in Co. Down. Top bands who played
in the centre included: Big Tom and the Mainliners; John Murphy
Bandshow; the Hoedowners (Dublin); Old Cross Bandshow; Dermot
O Brien; Buckaroos; Frankie McBride and the Polka Dots; Jimmy
Johnstone Band; the Cotton Mill Boys; and the Smokey Mountain
Ramblers - to mention but a few. It was also used for a range
of celebrity and variety concerns, and fundraising events.
Pat Flynn, the Vice Treasurer of Drumaroad Community Regeneration
recalls:
"Drumaroad Hall at its peak represented a hub of
community activity for everyone from the very young to the
very old. It was a vital social amenity for interaction, promoting
community spirit and local co-operation in every respect throughout
the 1970 and 80s. Our aim is to revitalise the area again
by recreating a new venture to meet the needs of people living
in the area today."
The Hall conintued in use until the early nineties, chiefly
used by the local bowling team, but due to increased health
an safety fire standards, it was finally closed.
| Photos |
 |
<= The retirement function
for Rev. Dr. Maguire took place at Drumaroad Hall in 1977
pictured from Left are: Mr Owen Kelly, Mr Gus McElroy,
Mr John Cavanagh, (Principal of Clonaraghan Primary School)
Dr. J. Maguire, Mr Jim Flynn, Mr Sean McArdle, Mr Oliver
Cunninham, Miss Brigid Coyle, Mr James O Boyle (Principal
of Drumaroad Primary School), Mr Michael Laverty and Mr
Henry O Hare. |
 |
<= One of the first functions held
at the newly opened Drumaraod Hall
in 1969 was the Drumaroad - Clanvaraghan Annual Christamas
Bazaar. This picture taken on the night whows the spaciousness
of the new Hall. |
 |
<= A Group of helpers at the Bazaar
held in Drumaroad
Hall in December 1969. |
|
