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Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Encyclopedia
Scouting Ireland was a WOSM
affiliated National Scout Organisation in both the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland
from 1927 to December 31, 2003. It has since merged with Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
to form Scouting Ireland
. The organisation was founded as the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (Gasóga Catoilici na hÉireann), and went on to become the Catholic Scouts of Ireland before becoming Scouting Ireland (CSI).
When, on May 11, 2003 the National Council of the association voted to form a single body with the second largest scout association on the island, it was a major departure in Irish scouting. While close ties were always maintained with Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
, a divided approach to promoting scouting was seen as a substantial impediment to the growth of the movement in Ireland. Its National Headquarters was at Larch Hill
.
of Gilwell took twenty boys on camp to Brownsea Island
, near Poole
Harbour, Dorset
. He was trying out an idea that had grown in his mind over many years. At Brownsea Island he saw that his idea of Scouting
worked and in 1908 he published Scouting for Boys
in fortnightly parts. At once all over England
, boys took up the idea and formed their own Patrols. Then, find that they needed help, they asked grown-ups to give a hand, so the Scout Association was founded in 1908.
Because Royal Charter protected this Association, no other Scout group could be started in Ireland until independence was granted. Though a few individual Catholic Scout groups existed earlier, it was not until 1927 that the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (Later changed to Scouting Ireland (CSI)) was founded by Father Tom Farrell.
s, Fr. Tom J. Farrell, and Fr. Ernest R. Farrell, had considered there to be a pressing need for an organisation for boys of the Catholic faith. These priests had long lived and worked in the heart of Dublin, and the sight of boys in endeavouring to play their games amidst the smoke and grime of the city caused them to action. They studied the youth question deeply and in their study their attention was drawn to Scouting as practised abroad. They noticed that in other countries the Church had taken up the idea of Scouting and had cultivated it in a Catholic
atmosphere and that the result was excellent.
It was in Greystones
Co. Wicklow
that Father Ernest first went into action as founder and chaplain
of a boy's organisation carrying out hiking
, drill and other activities of a Scouting nature. This was in the 1925 period. Also under the nom-de-plume " Sagart " he wrote a series of articles in Our Boys, the popular magazine published by the Christian Brothers
, advocating the formation of an official Catholic Scout organisation.
But long months of study and work were necessary before the movement as we know it was ready to be launched in Ireland
Fr. Tom Farrell was at this time a curate in the Pro-Cathedral
, Marlborough Street
(the City Centre). He watched his brother's Greystones
experiment with interest
Every detail had to be checked up and acre was always taken that Catholic teaching gave it life that would make it suitable for Irish boys.
Finally, the Constitution was drawn up and presented to the Hierarchy for examination the sanction and blessing of the Bishop
s of Ireland was given in November 1926 he was ready for it.
Slowly at first it was set on the way for its founders were anxious that no premature expansion should spoil it. But soon the news of the success of the first Troops spread and inquiries flowed in from every quarter of Ireland. Machinery was for organisation, registration and supply of uniforms from a Central Office, and National Headquarters, came into being. The two founders were appointed National Chaplain and National Secretary and an executive Board were formed to discuss matters of policy and management. Regional Councils were set up to organise the affairs of each region and appoint regional commissioners and other necessary officers. The growth, as time went on, was truly astounding: it was the sure proof that the material was there all the time and that the boys of Ireland needed a movement such as this.
.
It was Fr. Tom who took the initiative. He personally negotiated with uniform manufacturers and he stored uniforms for years at the Marlborough St. presbytery. He set up the first " national committee ", although it could be claimed with some truth that Fr. Ernest took more of the initiative here and that this forerunner of the National Executive Board Fr. Tom kept up constant contact with the hierarchy, and with the Dominicans
, Franciscans, Carmelites
, Passionists, Jesuits, Capuchins
and other religious houses, all of which started C.B.S.I. troops in Dublin at a very early period.
Fr. Tom was a most kindly man, beloved by all that knew him. He was a boy at heart and really loved his contacts with the boys. Fr. Ernest was austere and distant and not able to come down to the level of the Scouts with whom he was associated (although we may be grateful to him for his wonderful pioneering work). Fr. Tom was the idol of many, and was a great mixer. In 1929 he felt he should acquire a greater grasp on the practicalities of Scouting and Leadership, so he enlisted for a training course at Gilwell Park
London, every moment of which he enjoyed. His photograph and name are still to be seen there.
As well as being founder he served as National Secretary (an unusual position for a priest) of the C.B.S.I. for no less than fourteen years, until his premature and widely mourned death as P.P. of Dolphin's Barn
in 1940 . It can truthfully be said that he was the greatest seed-sower in the movement.
Celebrations were held in Dublin, and the people of Ireland flocked to the Capital in thousands. Scouts were called for many duties. It was a truly colossal task to undertake the stewarding of such crowds, but the officers knew that the discipline of the boys were well equal to all calls, and that having learning to control themselves they were well qualified to control others. Visitors were amazed to see the young boys directing traffic and treating injured persons with calm assurance. They had been tried and had not been found wanting.
, and for all this 500 Scouts were required. All the week they acted as guides to the polyglot meetings that were held every day at many centres in the city; stewarding had to be done at the mass meeting in the Phoenix Park
, and all the time first aid posts had to be constantly manned by 400 trained Scouts. Then, on the final Sunday, Scouts acted as guards at the High Altar in the Park and at O'Connell Bridge
, and 400 of them had charge of many Church and civil dignitaries and conducted them to their places. These tasks were no mere sinecures, but once more the training of the boys rose to the occasion and their conduct throughout the week received the highest praise.
, and got a great reception wherever the pilgrims called, particularly at Gibraltar
. The great moment came when the Scouts were received in audience by Pope Pius XI
. As the Holy Father entered the Hall of Audiences, carried in state, cheer after cheer rent the air. Descending from the sedia gestatoria
, the Holy Father graciously inspected missionary outfits presented by the Scouts, examined with great interest the Troop Colours that had been grouped around the Papal Throne, and blessed a copy of the Scout Constitution.
Back to the quietlife again, the work of the Organisation went on, and yearly thousands of boys joined the ranks and more and more troops were established, until there was not a parish that did not know the uniform and hardly a county that had not a band of happy campers during the Summer months
1927
1932
1934
1958
1965
1967
1977
1985
1989
1993
1997
1998
2003
2004
to David Barry and Bill O' Mahony of the 37th Cork
(Togher
).
at St. Jarlath's College
in Tuam
, Co. Galway. Teachers at that school adopted the title of Professor for the duration of their career at the school.
The greatest success of Professor Whelehan was the purchase of the estate at Larch Hill, which went on to become the national campsite and headquarters (after the move from Herbert Place)
placed severe restrictions on his time. Stephen Spain MA was Deputy Chief Scout and was called on to deputise for the Chief throughout his term of office. Brigadier General Hogan died in 2004 at his home in Cyprus.
and a member of the Waterford inshore lifeboat
. During his time as Chief he presented 6 Melvin Trophies to Cork Troops, on 4 consequtive occasions to the 37th Cork (Togher), once to the 42nd Cork (Ss. Peter and Paul's) and once to the 60th Cork (Togher). He was a member of the Scout Foundation, the trust company for the properties of Scouting Ireland and the curator of the Scout Museum at Mount Melleray
Abbey Scout Centre up until his death.
hosted at Ballyfin
, Co. Offaly in 1993. Joseph Lawlor started his Scouting career in Baldoyle and then became Scout leader of the 80th Coolock Artane unit. After his retirement as Chief Scout he became the Director of The National Scout Show from 1986 till 1992 and then became Chief Scout for a second term in 1992. He took up the position as Director of The National Scout Show in 1998 till 2006
, Peter Dixon was the final Chief Scout before the merge to Scouting Ireland. He is still a prominent member of Scouting Ireland and a coordinator for the Gifts of Peace project. He was generally received as a warm and committed Chief Scout. Considering Scouting Ireland (CSI) passed out of existence during his term in office, its apt that Peter Dixon is an undertaker by trade.
World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is the Non-governmental international organization which governs most national Scout Organizations, with 31 million members. WOSM was established in 1920, and has its headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland...
affiliated National Scout Organisation in both the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
from 1927 to December 31, 2003. It has since merged with Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
to form Scouting Ireland
Scouting Ireland
Scouting Ireland is the World Organization of the Scout Movement-recognised Scouting association in the Republic of Ireland, although it also has Scout Groups in Northern Ireland. Scouting Ireland is a voluntary, non-formal educational movement for young people...
. The organisation was founded as the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (Gasóga Catoilici na hÉireann), and went on to become the Catholic Scouts of Ireland before becoming Scouting Ireland (CSI).
When, on May 11, 2003 the National Council of the association voted to form a single body with the second largest scout association on the island, it was a major departure in Irish scouting. While close ties were always maintained with Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
, a divided approach to promoting scouting was seen as a substantial impediment to the growth of the movement in Ireland. Its National Headquarters was at Larch Hill
Larch Hill
Larch Hill is the national campsite, and administrative and training headquarters of Scouting Ireland. It was previously owned by Scouting Ireland .-Overview:...
.
History
Origins of scouting
In 1907 Major General Robert Baden-PowellRobert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....
of Gilwell took twenty boys on camp to Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island Scout camp
The Brownsea Island Scout camp was a boys camping event on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, southern England, organised by Lieutenant-General Baden-Powell to test his ideas for the book Scouting for Boys. Boys from different social backgrounds participated from 1 August to 8 August 1907 in...
, near Poole
Poole
Poole is a large coastal town and seaport in the county of Dorset, on the south coast of England. The town is east of Dorchester, and Bournemouth adjoins Poole to the east. The Borough of Poole was made a unitary authority in 1997, gaining administrative independence from Dorset County Council...
Harbour, Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
. He was trying out an idea that had grown in his mind over many years. At Brownsea Island he saw that his idea of Scouting
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
worked and in 1908 he published Scouting for Boys
Scouting for Boys
Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship is the first book on the Scout Movement, published in 1908. It was written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell, its founder...
in fortnightly parts. At once all over England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, boys took up the idea and formed their own Patrols. Then, find that they needed help, they asked grown-ups to give a hand, so the Scout Association was founded in 1908.
Because Royal Charter protected this Association, no other Scout group could be started in Ireland until independence was granted. Though a few individual Catholic Scout groups existed earlier, it was not until 1927 that the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (Later changed to Scouting Ireland (CSI)) was founded by Father Tom Farrell.
Early days of CBSI
For many years two Dublin priestPriest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
s, Fr. Tom J. Farrell, and Fr. Ernest R. Farrell, had considered there to be a pressing need for an organisation for boys of the Catholic faith. These priests had long lived and worked in the heart of Dublin, and the sight of boys in endeavouring to play their games amidst the smoke and grime of the city caused them to action. They studied the youth question deeply and in their study their attention was drawn to Scouting as practised abroad. They noticed that in other countries the Church had taken up the idea of Scouting and had cultivated it in a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
atmosphere and that the result was excellent.
It was in Greystones
Greystones
Greystones is a coastal town and small seaside resort in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on Ireland’s east coast, south of Bray and south of Dublin , with a population in the region of 15,000....
Co. Wicklow
County Wicklow
County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
that Father Ernest first went into action as founder and chaplain
Chaplain
Traditionally, a chaplain is a minister in a specialized setting such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam or lay representative of a religion attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, police department, university, or private chapel...
of a boy's organisation carrying out hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, drill and other activities of a Scouting nature. This was in the 1925 period. Also under the nom-de-plume " Sagart " he wrote a series of articles in Our Boys, the popular magazine published by the Christian Brothers
Congregation of Christian Brothers
The Congregation of Christian Brothers is a worldwide religious community within the Catholic Church, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The Christian Brothers, as they are commonly known, chiefly work for the evangelisation and education of youth, but are involved in many ministries, especially with...
, advocating the formation of an official Catholic Scout organisation.
But long months of study and work were necessary before the movement as we know it was ready to be launched in Ireland
Fr. Tom Farrell was at this time a curate in the Pro-Cathedral
Pro-cathedral
A pro-cathedral is a parish church that is temporarily serving as the cathedral or co-cathedral of a diocese.-Usage:In Ireland, the term is used to specifically refer to St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin since the Reformation, when Christ Church...
, Marlborough Street
Marlborough Street
Marlborough Street or Marlboro Street can refer to the following streets:*Great Marlborough Street in London, England, often called Marlborough Street*V8 Marlborough Street in Milton Keynes, England, formally Marlborough Street...
(the City Centre). He watched his brother's Greystones
Greystones
Greystones is a coastal town and small seaside resort in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on Ireland’s east coast, south of Bray and south of Dublin , with a population in the region of 15,000....
experiment with interest
Every detail had to be checked up and acre was always taken that Catholic teaching gave it life that would make it suitable for Irish boys.
Finally, the Constitution was drawn up and presented to the Hierarchy for examination the sanction and blessing of the Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
s of Ireland was given in November 1926 he was ready for it.
Slowly at first it was set on the way for its founders were anxious that no premature expansion should spoil it. But soon the news of the success of the first Troops spread and inquiries flowed in from every quarter of Ireland. Machinery was for organisation, registration and supply of uniforms from a Central Office, and National Headquarters, came into being. The two founders were appointed National Chaplain and National Secretary and an executive Board were formed to discuss matters of policy and management. Regional Councils were set up to organise the affairs of each region and appoint regional commissioners and other necessary officers. The growth, as time went on, was truly astounding: it was the sure proof that the material was there all the time and that the boys of Ireland needed a movement such as this.
The first chief
At an early stage Mr. John O'Neill, a leading motor works proprietor who had been associated with Fr. Ernest's Greystones venture, became Chief Scout. He did much useful work but unfortunately few records of his term of office survive. He was a former member of Seanad ÉireannSeanad Éireann
Seanad Éireann is the upper house of the Oireachtas , which also comprises the President of Ireland and Dáil Éireann . It is commonly called the Seanad or Senate and its members Senators or Seanadóirí . Unlike Dáil Éireann, it is not directly elected but consists of a mixture of members chosen by...
.
It was Fr. Tom who took the initiative. He personally negotiated with uniform manufacturers and he stored uniforms for years at the Marlborough St. presbytery. He set up the first " national committee ", although it could be claimed with some truth that Fr. Ernest took more of the initiative here and that this forerunner of the National Executive Board Fr. Tom kept up constant contact with the hierarchy, and with the Dominicans
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
, Franciscans, Carmelites
Carmelites
The Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or Carmelites is a Catholic religious order perhaps founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel, hence its name. However, historical records about its origin remain uncertain...
, Passionists, Jesuits, Capuchins
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin is an Order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans. The worldwide head of the Order, called the Minister General, is currently Father Mauro Jöhri.-Origins :...
and other religious houses, all of which started C.B.S.I. troops in Dublin at a very early period.
Fr. Tom was a most kindly man, beloved by all that knew him. He was a boy at heart and really loved his contacts with the boys. Fr. Ernest was austere and distant and not able to come down to the level of the Scouts with whom he was associated (although we may be grateful to him for his wonderful pioneering work). Fr. Tom was the idol of many, and was a great mixer. In 1929 he felt he should acquire a greater grasp on the practicalities of Scouting and Leadership, so he enlisted for a training course at Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders. The 44 hectare site is in Sewardstonebury, Epping Forest, close to Chingford, London....
London, every moment of which he enjoyed. His photograph and name are still to be seen there.
As well as being founder he served as National Secretary (an unusual position for a priest) of the C.B.S.I. for no less than fourteen years, until his premature and widely mourned death as P.P. of Dolphin's Barn
Dolphin's Barn
Dolphin's Barn is an inner city suburb of Dublin, Ireland, situated on the Southside of the city in the Dublin 8, and partially in the Dublin 12, postal district. Its name derives from a family named Dolphyn who once owned a storehouse there. Surrounding areas include The Liberties, Inchicore,...
in 1940 . It can truthfully be said that he was the greatest seed-sower in the movement.
Catholic emancipation celebrations
Hardly had the young Organisation found its feet when it received its first test. In 1929 the Catholic EmancipationCatholic Emancipation
Catholic emancipation or Catholic relief was a process in Great Britain and Ireland in the late 18th century and early 19th century which involved reducing and removing many of the restrictions on Roman Catholics which had been introduced by the Act of Uniformity, the Test Acts and the penal laws...
Celebrations were held in Dublin, and the people of Ireland flocked to the Capital in thousands. Scouts were called for many duties. It was a truly colossal task to undertake the stewarding of such crowds, but the officers knew that the discipline of the boys were well equal to all calls, and that having learning to control themselves they were well qualified to control others. Visitors were amazed to see the young boys directing traffic and treating injured persons with calm assurance. They had been tried and had not been found wanting.
The Eucharistic Congress
The ensuing years brought bigger numbers and more Troops, and in 1932 came the biggest Scout assignment. The Eucharistic Congress Celebrations were on a scale bigger than that of any Congress ever before held in Ireland, and the aid of the C.B.S.I. was asked for and readily given. From every county in Ireland Scouts came to great general camp in Terenure, where over 1,500 of them were under canvas for that week. The feeding and organisation of the camp was a masterpiece, but the work of the organisers did not, of course, stop there. Routes had to be cordoned off for the arrival of the Cardinal Legate, for his reception at the Pro-Cathedral and at the monster garden party held in Blackrock CollegeBlackrock College
Blackrock College is a Catholic voluntary secondary school for boys aged 14–18, located in Williamstown, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland. The College was founded by French missionaries in 1860, to act as a school and civil service training centre. Set in of grounds, it has an illustrious...
, and for all this 500 Scouts were required. All the week they acted as guides to the polyglot meetings that were held every day at many centres in the city; stewarding had to be done at the mass meeting in the Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is an urban park in Dublin, Ireland, lying 2–4 km west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its 16 km perimeter wall encloses , one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. It includes large areas of grassland and tree-lined avenues, and since the seventeenth...
, and all the time first aid posts had to be constantly manned by 400 trained Scouts. Then, on the final Sunday, Scouts acted as guards at the High Altar in the Park and at O'Connell Bridge
O'Connell Bridge
O'Connell Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, and joining O'Connell Street to D'Olier Street, Westmoreland Street and the south quays.-History:...
, and 400 of them had charge of many Church and civil dignitaries and conducted them to their places. These tasks were no mere sinecures, but once more the training of the boys rose to the occasion and their conduct throughout the week received the highest praise.
The Great Pilgrimage
In 1934 came another milestone in the life of the Movement. Led by Cardinal MacRory, Bishop Collier and the members of the Executive Board, a Pilgrimage was organised to go to Rome and participate in the Holy Year exercises. Twelve hundred Scouts and friends sailed from Dublin on the liner S.S. LancastriaRMS Lancastria
The RMS Lancastria was a British Cunard liner sunk on 17 June 1940 during World War II with the loss of an estimated 4,000 plus lives. It is the worst single loss of life in British maritime history and the bloodiest single engagement for UK forces , in the whole conflict and claimed more lives...
, and got a great reception wherever the pilgrims called, particularly at Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
. The great moment came when the Scouts were received in audience by Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI , born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, was Pope from 6 February 1922, and sovereign of Vatican City from its creation as an independent state on 11 February 1929 until his death on 10 February 1939...
. As the Holy Father entered the Hall of Audiences, carried in state, cheer after cheer rent the air. Descending from the sedia gestatoria
Sedia gestatoria
The sedia gestatoria is a portable throne on which Popes were carried until 1978. It consists of a richly adorned, silk-covered armchair, fastened on a suppedaneum, on each side of which are two gilded rings; through these rings pass the long rods with which twelve footmen , in red uniforms, carry...
, the Holy Father graciously inspected missionary outfits presented by the Scouts, examined with great interest the Troop Colours that had been grouped around the Papal Throne, and blessed a copy of the Scout Constitution.
Back to the quietlife again, the work of the Organisation went on, and yearly thousands of boys joined the ranks and more and more troops were established, until there was not a parish that did not know the uniform and hardly a county that had not a band of happy campers during the Summer months
Milestones
1925/26- Fr. Ernest Farrell, a curate in GreystonesGreystonesGreystones is a coastal town and small seaside resort in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on Ireland’s east coast, south of Bray and south of Dublin , with a population in the region of 15,000....
, Co. WicklowCounty WicklowCounty Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
founded a boys parochial group, which wore Scout-Like uniforms. He was subsequently transferred to St. Stephen's GreenSt. Stephen's GreenSt Stephen's Green is a city centre public park in Dublin, Ireland. The park is adjacent to one of Dublin's main shopping streets, Grafton Street, and to a shopping centre named for it, while on its surrounding streets are the offices of a number of public bodies and the city terminus of one of...
where he began another group, which operated the Scouting method. At about this time he published a series of Scouting articles in Our Boys, which attracted widespread interest.
1927
- At the same time his brother Fr. Tom Farrell, a curate in the Pro -Cathedral was working towards the formation of a national Catholic Scout Association. Formal hierarchy approval was given in November 1926 but 1927, the year the first National Executive Committee began to function, is generally taken to be the year that the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland was founded.
1932
- Members of the CBSI acted as stewards at the International Eucharistic CongressInternational Eucharistic CongressIn the Roman Catholic church, a Eucharistic Congress is a gathering of clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which is an important Roman Catholic doctrine...
. A special camp for Scouts participating was held in the grounds of Terenure College.
1934
- The Association organised a pilgrimage to Rome, which was attended by Scouts from all over the country. During the trip Sir Martin Melvin, the then owner of the English Catholic newspaper, the Universe, presented a trophy, subsequently named in his honour, aboard the S.S. LancastriaRMS LancastriaThe RMS Lancastria was a British Cunard liner sunk on 17 June 1940 during World War II with the loss of an estimated 4,000 plus lives. It is the worst single loss of life in British maritime history and the bloodiest single engagement for UK forces , in the whole conflict and claimed more lives...
. This trophy was presented each year to the winners of the National Scout Campcraft Competition, the Melvin, which was held each August. Teams of 8 scouts would compete in a range of different scout activities. The last competition was held in 2003 at Mount Melleray AbbeyMount Melleray AbbeyMount Melleray Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1833. It is situated on the slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains, near Cappoquin, Diocese of Waterford.-History:...
in WaterfordWaterfordWaterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
.
1958
- A large CBSI delegation travelled on a pilgrimage to LourdesLourdesLourdes is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Midi-Pyrénées region in south-western France.Lourdes is a small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes occurred in 1858 to Bernadette Soubirous...
in its centenary year.
1965
- CBSI joined with the Scout Association of Ireland to form the Federation of Irish Scouts Associations. (FISA). Each Association in the federation is fully independent and autonomous but through FISA each participates in international events.
1967
- To celebrate its 40th Birthday, the Association held a National Camp at LismoreLismore, County WaterfordLismore is a town in County Waterford, Ireland. It is located where the N72 road crosses the River Blackwater.-History:It was founded by Saint Mochuda, also known as Saint Carthage. In the 7th century, Lismore was the site of the well-known Lismore Abbey. It is also home to Lismore Castle, the...
Co. WaterfordWaterfordWaterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
. It was attended by 3,500 Scouts.
1977
- The Association's Golden Jubilee Year is marked by major events throughout the country, culminating in a major International camp held in the grounds of Mount MellerayMount MellerayMount Melleray is a townland situated in the Knockmealdown Mountains near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Ireland.-Abbey:...
Abbey, CappoquinCappoquinCappoquin, also spelt Cappaquin or Capaquin , is a small town in west County Waterford, Ireland. It is on the Blackwater river at the junction of the N72 national secondary road and the R669 regional road. It is positioned on a sharp 90 degree bend in the river and nestles at the foot of the...
, Co. WaterfordCounty Waterford*Abbeyside, Affane, Aglish, Annestown, An Rinn, Ardmore*Ballinacourty, Ballinameela, Ballinamult, Ballinroad, Ballybeg, Ballybricken, Ballyduff Lower, Ballyduff Upper, Ballydurn, Ballygunner, Ballylaneen, Ballymacarbry, Ballymacart, Ballynaneashagh, Ballysaggart, Ballytruckle, Bilberry, Bunmahon,...
. - A new drive to revive Scouting in low-income, inner city areas in Dublin gets under way with the revival of a Troop in Sean McDermott Street.
1985
- A JamboreeJamboree (Scouting)In Scouting, a jamboree is a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level.The 1st World Scout Jamboree was held in 1920, and was hosted by the United Kingdom...
, Portumna '85 organised by all Scouting Associations in Ireland ( C.B.S.I., S.A.I. , and N.I.S.C.) is held in PortumnaPortumnaPortumna is a market town in the south-east of County Galway, Ireland, on the border with County Tipperary. The town is located to the west of the point where the River Shannon enters Lough Derg. This historic crossing point over the River Shannon between counties Tipperary and Galway has a long...
, Co. GalwayCounty GalwayCounty Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
to celebrate International Youth YearInternational Youth YearThe year 1985 was proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Youth Year, or IYY. It was held to focus attention on issues of concern to and relating to youth. The proclamation was signed on January 1, 1985 by United Nations Secretary General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.-Events:Throughout the...
.
1989
- The second Jamboree, Gosford '89 organised by all Scouting Associations in Ireland ( C.B.S.I., S.A.I. , and N.I.S.C.) is held in GosfordGosford CastleGosford Castle is situated in Gosford, a townland of Markethill, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, close to the border with County Down. Construction of the castle began in 1819 and finished in the 1850s. It was commissioned by Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford and the architect was Thomas...
, Co. DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
.
1993
- The second Jamboree, Ballyfin '93Ballyfin '93Ballyfin '93 was an Irish Scouting Jamboree which took place between 27 July and 5 August. It was hosted by Scouting Ireland , and co-organised by the Federation of Irish Scouts Associations . It was the third of four such jamborees rotated among the members of FISA. Portumna '85, and Gosford '89...
organised by all Scouting Associations in Ireland ( C.B.S.I., S.A.I. , and N.I.S.C.) is held in BallyfinBallyfinBallyfin is a small village and parish in County Laois, Ireland. Located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the village is in the midlands of Ireland. It is located on the R423 regional road mid way between the towns of Mountrath and Mountmellick....
, Co. LaoisCounty LaoisCounty Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
.
1997
- C.B.S.I. changes name to Scouting Ireland (CSI).
1998
- Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
and Scouting Ireland (CSI) both vote to begin discussions on joining together to form a new single association.
2003
- Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
and Scouting Ireland (CSI) both vote to joining together to form a new single association.
2004
- Scouting IrelandScouting IrelandScouting Ireland is the World Organization of the Scout Movement-recognised Scouting association in the Republic of Ireland, although it also has Scout Groups in Northern Ireland. Scouting Ireland is a voluntary, non-formal educational movement for young people...
was formed on 1 January 2004 from the two original Scout associations in Ireland, Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I.Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
and Scouting Ireland (CSI).
Senator John O' Neill (1927-1930)
The first Chief Scout of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland served for over three decades and oversaw the growth of the movement from the idealism of Fr. Tom to the embryonic stages of development and onto the spread of Catholic Scouting throughout the parishes of Ireland.CJ "Kit" Murphy (1930-1962)
Kit Murphy had the distinction of presenting the last Silver Palm award, the forerunner to the Chief Scout's AwardScouting Ireland Chief Scout's Award
The Chief Scout's Award is the highest award for Scouts in Scouting Ireland. The precise criteria for the Chief Scout's Award in Scouting Ireland as a result of the merger of CSI and SAI are unclear at present . It is the final step in the personal progressive scheme of the former CSI...
to David Barry and Bill O' Mahony of the 37th Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
(Togher
Togher
Togher is a large parish in County Louth, Ireland. It is the largest parish in the Armagh diocese. It is a rural coastal parish of 19,500 acres approximately...
).
Professor JB Whelehan
JB Whelehan was a secondary school teacherTeacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
at St. Jarlath's College
St. Jarlath's College
St. Jarlath's College is a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. It is an amalgamation of the former St. Jarlath's College and St...
in Tuam
Tuam
Tuam is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The name is pronounced choo-um . It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland, and north of Galway city.-History:...
, Co. Galway. Teachers at that school adopted the title of Professor for the duration of their career at the school.
The greatest success of Professor Whelehan was the purchase of the estate at Larch Hill, which went on to become the national campsite and headquarters (after the move from Herbert Place)
Brigadier General PD Hogan
Often known as just "the Colonel" Patrick Hogan was a shock election as Chief Scout as his profession, a member of the Irish ArmyIrish Army
The Irish Army, officially named simply the Army is the main branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland. Approximately 8,500 men and women serve in the Irish Army, divided into three infantry Brigades...
placed severe restrictions on his time. Stephen Spain MA was Deputy Chief Scout and was called on to deputise for the Chief throughout his term of office. Brigadier General Hogan died in 2004 at his home in Cyprus.
JD Hally BE BSc
Jim Hally was a much loved Chief Scout who was ever-present at events until his passing in Summer 2005. He was County Engineer for WaterfordWaterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
and a member of the Waterford inshore lifeboat
Lifeboat (rescue)
A rescue lifeboat is a boat rescue craft which is used to attend a vessel in distress, or its survivors, to rescue crewmen and passengers. It can be hand pulled, sail powered or powered by an engine...
. During his time as Chief he presented 6 Melvin Trophies to Cork Troops, on 4 consequtive occasions to the 37th Cork (Togher), once to the 42nd Cork (Ss. Peter and Paul's) and once to the 60th Cork (Togher). He was a member of the Scout Foundation, the trust company for the properties of Scouting Ireland and the curator of the Scout Museum at Mount Melleray
Mount Melleray
Mount Melleray is a townland situated in the Knockmealdown Mountains near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Ireland.-Abbey:...
Abbey Scout Centre up until his death.
Joseph Lawlor
Joseph Lawlor served two separate terms as Chief Scout. He presided over the CBSI/SAI/SANI JamboreeJamboree (Scouting)
In Scouting, a jamboree is a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level.The 1st World Scout Jamboree was held in 1920, and was hosted by the United Kingdom...
hosted at Ballyfin
Ballyfin
Ballyfin is a small village and parish in County Laois, Ireland. Located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the village is in the midlands of Ireland. It is located on the R423 regional road mid way between the towns of Mountrath and Mountmellick....
, Co. Offaly in 1993. Joseph Lawlor started his Scouting career in Baldoyle and then became Scout leader of the 80th Coolock Artane unit. After his retirement as Chief Scout he became the Director of The National Scout Show from 1986 till 1992 and then became Chief Scout for a second term in 1992. He took up the position as Director of The National Scout Show in 1998 till 2006
Paul Ring
Paul Ring joined Catholic Boy Scouts within the 66th Clontarf unit as a Cub Scout. On the formation of the 92nd Dublin (St. Anthony’s Clontarf) he became the Cub Scout leader there. He became area commissioner for the Cub section in the Dublin North East area. During the formation of the St. Bridget’s region, Paul became the Regional Commissioner and then became Chief Scout. After his time as Chief Scout in CBSI he joined the National Venture Team and became chairman of the Cluain Torc County in the new Association to be known as Scouting Ireland, in 2004.Peter Dixon
A native of County LouthCounty Louth
County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Peter Dixon was the final Chief Scout before the merge to Scouting Ireland. He is still a prominent member of Scouting Ireland and a coordinator for the Gifts of Peace project. He was generally received as a warm and committed Chief Scout. Considering Scouting Ireland (CSI) passed out of existence during his term in office, its apt that Peter Dixon is an undertaker by trade.