Pathé Catch Greystones Gala Day 1926

Greystones girls stepping out in 1935

s we here at GG HQ build an archive of the many incredible historical photographs and recordings of Greystones’ past, we’re also excited and very delighted when we happen upon some moving images from way back when too.

With the legendary Pathé News – the newsreel and documentary production house founded in the UK in 1910 by French silent cinema pioneer Charles Pathé – having recently opened their 60 years of archive recordings to the public, amongst the many gems hidden in the vaults is this 1926 report from sunny Greystones.

The newsreel centres on the Greystones Gala Day, with the great and the good gathering down at the harbour for various water sport challenges. Without any sound, we have to imagine what the Pathé News narration would have been. By the looks of it, that young Clonard chap won the 220-yard swimming competition.

As for the three fine lasses competing in the diving competition, anyone recognise who they might be? Or the name of the little eejit that runs into shot as the girls giddily pose for the camera?

We may never know, but we can still enjoy this wonderful footage. And if you have any historical photographs or footage that you’d like us to include in our Greystones historical archive, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Swimming Gala early 1900s. Source: Gary Paine

Dueling Boatmen early 1900s. Source: Gary Paine

Diving Competition 1910. Source: Gary Paine

Greystones Swimming Gala 1928

Bray Swimming Gala 1943. Colourised by GG.

Catch more local Pathé News grooviness here, and the 1928 gala here.