Snippets

Leinster Leader, Saturday 16 May 1903 - Page 8.

PUBLIC INTEREST IN IRELAND.
The idea of the country being dotted with balloons adds not a little to the piquancy of the situation, and seemed to tickle the fancy of many people with whom Mr. Spencer came in contact in Ireland.
"Throughout the length and breadth of the Emerald Isle," continued the aeronaut, "the interest in the great motor race is intense. Truly the Irish people are of a highly sporting disposition, and at once displayed their willingness to assist me in every way in their power. I observed in some directions, however, individuals who showed themselves to be a little over-eager in their own interests, the most notable case being that of a man whom I heard was asking £6 a night for a spare bedroom in his house adjoining the course. On the other hand, most people we dealt with were disposed to meet us in a fair give-and-take manner, though, naturally enough, on the look-out for profit.
"Beyond these few details it is almost impossible to give you further particulars yet, as I have not formulated my report. The roads, I noticed, were in excellent condition, but are not so wide as I should have liked to see them."