Loughcutra Castle

Galway Express, 30th May 1885

Loughcutra, the residence of Lord Gough, has been the scene of events rather rare at the present time. Major Gough, who commanded the Mounted Infantry in the Soudan campaign, arrived in Loughcutra on Wednesday, and was received by the people with every manifestation of welcome. Although they had scarcely an hour's notice of his arrival, a large body, composed of the employees and tenants on the Loughcutra estates, met him and Mrs Gough on their way from the railway station, and gave ample proof of the enthusiasm of an Irish welcome when the people have their hearts in the business. In the evening large bonfires were lighted on a hill commanding the far—famed lake and castle, the reflection of the fire on the water having a magical effect. The night being singularly fine, amusements and dancing were kept up to an advanced hour. Next evening a dinner was given by Major Gough and Mrs Gough to considerably over 150 of the people. The decorations of the spacious banquet room were singularly tasteful, and, I might add, unique, in their way, being executed under direction of Mr Dunne, of Loughcutra. The whole side walls and ceiling were covered with foliage. A casual visitor would imagine himself in an immense conservatory. This being lighted up with numbers of suspension lamps, gave the scene a fairy—like aspect.

The dinner and desert, which were everything that could be desired, were supplied by Mr. Stephens, of Galway. The dinner table, which ran the whole length of the room, 150 feet, was most tastefully arranged, and literally groaned under the good things provided.

Immediately after dinner dances commenced, which was kept up with unflagging spirit until 5 o'clock next morning. Major and Mrs Gough in the course of the evening made their appearance, and took part in the festivities. Their presence was hailed with prolonged cheering. When quiet was again restored, Mr Hughes, on the part of those present, addressed Major and Mrs Gough in befitting terms; congratulated them on their marriage, and on his safe arrival from the Soudan, where so many brave comrades had fallen, and trusted that many years might elapse before events would occur that would again take him from his home and from among the people who had always the greatest respect and affection for every member of his family.

Major Gough, in reply, thanked the people for the cordial reception given to Mrs Gough and himself, said how happy he felt to be once more amongst them, regretted to miss many familiar faces that the tide of emigration had carried to distant lands. He touched on the campaign he has just returned form, and spoke in the strongest terms of the bravery, endurance, and thoroughly soldierly qualities of the men of Irish nationality, instancing the winner of the Nile prize by the Royal Irish, and their subsequent march across the desert. Another feature of the evening was the singing of Irish songs by some of the men, which , being translated for Mrs Gough, seemed to afford her much pleasure. Before leaving, Major Gough took occasion to compliment the musicians on their excellent playing, especially Mr M'Donagh, the celebrated Irish piper of Galway. On the whole, the evening was long to be remembered by the entertained as well as by the generous entertainers.