The Pioneers had a sobering effect that we need now more than ever

LAST week witnessed the death of Fr Daniel Dargan, the Jesuit who directed the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) from 1957-’77.

The Pioneers had a sobering effect that we need now more than ever

Some of his obituaries referred to what many consider his greatest claim to fame— overseeing the organisational triumph that resulted in a gathering of more than 100,000 people at Croke Park in 1959 for the association’s diamond jubilee.

It was the second such triumph — in 1949, 80,000 had crammed into Croke Park for the golden jubilee celebrations, at a time when Fr Dargan was the assistant director.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited