The annual Fancy Dress Competition which took place in the Colgan Hall around the New Year was a highlight of the holiday for many. As you can see from these photos, the event was always well attended, and received a lot of coverage in local press. It was organised by the Colgan Hall committee, who also provided refreshments.
Both adults and children participated in a range of different categories, such as the Children’s Nursery Rhyme category. Many of the costumes were topical and satirical, with signs or banners which referred to the political and social issues of the day.
What would this year’s banners read?
If you can identify any of the individuals in these photos, or you have photos or memories of the the fancy dress competition, please comment below.
The Galbraiths pose for a photo in fancy dress.
Paddy Mc Creesh & George Coyle at the Fancy Dress competition. Paddy Mc Creesh is dressed in a soldier's uniform, with a sign that reads 'Men Who Matter'. George Coyle's sign reads 'Dowset & Co - Wreckage Hauliers - Glengad and London - 1000 Men Wanted - 6/: an Hour - Telephone No. 1212". Were these comments on employment opportunities at the time?
A group of children in fancy dress at the annual competition in the Colgan Hall. Can you identify anyone, or maybe explain the outfit?
A group photo children in the Fancy Dress Competition, January 1964. Feel free to comment if you can identify anyone.
A cutting from local press with a group photo at the annual Fancy Dress Parade Competition.
A report on the Fancy Dress Ball from the local press which lists the winners in the various categories, such as 'Original', 'Topical', 'Humorous', 'Artistic'. Music at the dance was provided by the Galbraith trio, and supper was served by the Colgan Hall Ladies' Committee.
The Fancy Dress Parade in 1964, as featured in the local press, with children participating in the 'Nursery Rhymes' section.
Children participating in the 1961 Fancy Dress Competition.
The Mc Carroll family won first prize in the children's fancy dress competition in 1957, with their version of 'Three Blind Mice'. Nuala is dressed as the housewife, with Maura, Patrick and Lawrence dressed as the troublesome mice!
A large group of participants from the children's competition in 1952. Please add a comment if you can identify anyone or explain any of the costumes.
This photo of children at the Fancy Dress competition dates from the 1940s. Please comment if you can identify anyone.
This photo may be from the 1970s, featuring children in the fancy dress parade.
The Galbraiths at the Fancy Dress Parade in 1965.
A group of children in the Fancy Dress competition in 1960.
The Galbraiths pose for a photo in the Fancy Dress competition.
A group of children in the Fancy Dress competition. Feel free to comment if you can identify the year, the children or explain the costumes.
John Mannion comically dressed as 'The Late Late Bunny', carrying a tray of drinks which reads 'Mixin-My-Doses'.
Paddy Mc Creesh & George Coyle in fancy dress. Paddy Mc Creesh is dressed as a soldier, with a sign which reads 'Men Who Matter'. George Coyle's sign reads "Dowset & Co. - Wreckage Hauliers - Glengad & Londonderry - 1000 Men Wanted 6/: an hour - Telephone No. 1212".
Charlie & Joseph Hegarty in a very comical outfits at the fancy dress competition.
