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Gordon Bennett Motor Race 1903

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Leinster Leader, Saturday 20 June 1903 – Page 8

WARNING FROM MOST REV. DR. FOLEY.
The following has been issued to the various parishes in the diocese:-
Braganza House, Carlow,
16th June, 1903.
Most Rev. Father, As I took the liberty ??????

which seems to me a very grave one for some of those who will be spectators of that interesting event. In view of the lamentable fatalities which occurred in connection with the race recently run in France it may be assumed that no pains will be spared by the authorities to keep the course clear of all such obstacles as led to the loss of so many valuable lives in the late contest; but it is hardly to be hoped that their efforts will be successful unless the multitudes of people who will be massed at certain places along the route, especially in the vicinity of towns, make up their minds to abstain from the use of intoxicating drink. It appears to me that the temptation to excessive drinking will be very great in the case of many who will find themselves restricted to a limited space during the greater part of a July day. Hence I feel called upon to issue a special word of warning to all concerned and to request the Clergy to impress upon their people on next Sunday the necessity of extreme caution in this important matter. In my opinion, it would be well that they exhort the spectators to abstain from the use of intoxicating drink altogether on that day.
Wishing you every blessing I am, yours faithfully in Christ.
@ P. Foley
Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin.

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