The following is a draft report of the Building Committee, C.C. & F.C. which was presented to the Cricket club members in December 1908, following the building of the new pavilion in 1908
This report has been drawn up with a view to bringing before the Members of both clubs, in as concise a form as possible, the history of the building of the New Pavilion, which now stands as a testimony to the energy and espirit-de-corps of the Clontarf people. It is necessarily precise in detail, in order that members should be made acquainted with the difficulties which presented themselves, the dangers to be avoided and the reasons which induced your Committee to do exactly what they have done and not something else, which in a hundred different forms has probably suggested itself to as many individual minds.
1. How the scheme originated.
For the clearer understanding of what follows it may be well to state briefly the origin of the scheme and how the Building Committee came to be constituted.
The scheme had its inception in the Councils of the Football Club. It was the outcome of a decision on the part of that Body, to build at their own risk, a new Pavilion, suitable to the rank and dignity of the Club. Since their accession to Seniority their membership had increased 100%, and the difficulty if providing fitting accommodation was very acutely felt. They consequently decided to take action, in the full confidence that on an appeal to the members and friends they would be justified financially in applying a lasting solution. At a Committee Meeting held on the 9th August 1907, it was resolved on the proposition of Mr. S.H. Crawford “that the Football Club undertake the erection of a new suitable pavilion and that a sub Committee be appointed to carry out the work with power to solicit and receive subscriptions for that purpose”
Consequent upon this resolution a discussion took place as to how the proposed Building would influence the relation which existed between the Football and Cricket clubs and it was decided that the Cricket Club be tranted full use of the premises during their season without disturbing the then existing financial agreement between the Clubs. On the other hand it was hoped that the Cricket Club would facilitate the operations of the Committee and to some extent help the cause.
On the proposition of Mr. E.J. Maynard, Messrs S.H. Crawford, H.R. Polden and C. Killingley were elected a sub-committee and to protect the interests of the Cricket Club, that club were invited to join the Board in the persons of Mr. L.H. Herbert (captain) and H.R. Maynard (Hon. Treasurer). Mr. S.H. Crawford was elected Hon. Sec. Power of co-option was accorded.
2. Relation of the Clubs to one another:-
For a great number of years the Clubs had been more or less identified with one another. They occupied the same ground, many of their interests were intertwined and most of the members of one club could be traced on the membership roll of the other. Both had attained Senior rank and had acquired a fair reputation in that status. The Cricket club were direct tenants of the ground and owners of the then Pavilion but rented their interest in both to the Football Club during the winter months.
3. How the original idea became modified:-
It was intimated that the Cricket Club were willing to co-operate and that their representatives as named would act on the joint Committee.
The earlier meetings of this Committee were devoted to the drafting of a circular to the members of both Clubs, which was finally left in the hands of Mr. Crawford and Mr. Adam, who had kindly accepted the invitation of the Committee to assist them with his valuable experience. Discussion also took place respecting the new conditions which should bind the clubs under the altered circumstances. Arising out of which it was felt that as the Cricket Club had expressed their willingness to join in the scheme and had been invited to subscribe, they should be entitled to some share in the actual ownership of the Building. Finally it was decided that as the Clubs were more or less united through occupation of the same venue and through overlapping of membership, any attempt to apportion their shares would be invidious and unsatisfactory and the scheme became broadened by the admission of the Cricket Club on equal terms.
4. Agreement between the Clubs:-
An agreement was drawn up which should control he Clubs ub their dual occupation of the Pavilion. The Principal feature were that the old Pavilion became the property if the Building Committee to be dealt with as they thought fit, the new Pavilion was to be placed under the care of a Committee of fie, to be called the Pavilion committee. Two members were to be nominated by each Club and the fifth who should be a member of both Clubs was to be nominated by one or other Club in alternate years. The Committee to come into office on the 1st January in each year on which day in 1909 the Building Committee as at present constituted ceases to exist. A draw to decide which Club should nominate this fifth member of the Committee in its first year resulted in favour of the Cricket Club – various clauses dealt with the unlikely contingency of the Clubs ever parting company. These it is not necessary to quote – finally instead of being in the position of landlord and tenant the Clubs now become join tenants of the ground, each paying half the rent and the Cricket Club in consideration of the occupation of so much of the outfield by the Football Club to be entitled, as at present, to any income that might be derived from grazing.
5. Honorary Treasurers appointed:-
Mr. S.H. Crawford and L.H. Herbert were appointed Hon. Treasurers of the Fund and an account was opened in the Belfast Bank in their joint names.
6. Tenure of the ground
As most of our supporters ar aware the playing fields are held on what is technically a most insecure tenure. Infinite trouble was taken to secure something more satisfactory with but moderate results. No lease could be given of the ground except as a building site, owing to the entail on the Estate. Three things were supposed to furnish tolerable security viz. the decided check which building operations in Clontarf has received – legal difficulties in the way of the once projected construction of a road from Castle Avenue to Howth Road – and powerful outside interest which would effectually prevent building in the area. It was agreed, however, that the Clubs should not be ejected except for building purposes, that no claim should be made to their buildings or improvements and that their Rent should not be raised. After long hesitation, during which the abandonment of the project seemed not unlikely, the Committee acting on the advice of several of their principal subscribers, resolved to continue operations.
7. Building schemes considered:-
Before enumerating the various schemes under consideration it may be desirable to state the opinions if the Committee as to the principle features requisite in the plans to be adopted. These were as follows: simplicity of design, which would result in the utilisation of every inch of space. A large superficial area, limited in depth from back to front, in order that the playing grounds should not be encroached upon. Absolute separation of dressing rooms and lavatories from the more public part of the building. Freedom of access for both home and visiting teams to lavatory and shower baths, without the necessity of traversing one another’s dressing rooms. Lavatories, shower baths, drainage, lighting and water supply to be provided. Large general room, smaller Committee or Tea Room and adequately fitted bar and pantry.
Five Building schemes were considered:-
1. Purchase of suitable material or complete structure from the Dublin Exhibition Company. Mr. James Moran had at the inception of the project by the Football Club, suggested that this might be possible. Owing to delay due to preliminary arrangements already touched upon and to the fact that our Subscription List had not yet materialised, the idea was impracticable. Delegates were, however sent to enquire. The only suitable structure seems to be Lipton’s Tea Pavilion. Purchase money required £100. On advice as to the composition, cost of re-erection and adaption, this was found to be unsatisfactory.
2. Choice of buildings appearing in Messrs Humphrey’s Catalogue. Details carefully examined. Unsuitable and likely to run to a very high figure when drainage, water supply and suchlike were taken into account.
3. 3. An estimate procured from Messrs Humphreys for building such as Committee required, from plans designed by them. Amount of £225 without drainage etc. as aforesaid. Rejected by advice of Mr. Adam after careful examination of specification. An estimate from similar plans was furnished by another building contractor. This proved very expensive, over £400, a reduction only to be arrived at by destroying the principle features of the design.
4. Royal Dublin Golf Club old Pavilion. Idea suggested tentatively by Mr. Moran. Price required £100. Cost of transfer as estimated by Messrs. Lidwell and Co £125, without provision for making good decayed parts, verbally quoted at £50 and upwards indefinitely. Total cost, so far $275 or over. There seemed to be great doubt as to whether the structure could be beneficially removed at all. Drainage etc. alteration of interior design, cost of painting and the permanent expense of taxation and insurance of so large a building were still to be considered. The scheme was consequently abandoned as risky and expensive.
5. The design finally adopted:- this was based upon a proposal to the Committee made by Mr. James Moran in February last. Mr. Moran stated that he had plans drawn up embodying the ideas of the Committee as to what they required. These had been submitted to a contractor whom he himself had found thoroughly reliable with a view to finding out roughly at what price a building constructed on these lines could be erected. Material and workmanship were to be of the very best description, building to be erected on a concrete floor, dimensions 75’ x 18’ with veranda 7’ wide in front. The contractor referred to had named from £175 to £200 according to degree of elaboration required. In addition to this amount the cost of proper system of drainage, plumbing and water supply would have to be taken into account.
On examination of the plans submitted certain alterations of a minor nature were made on the suggestion of Mr. Adam. The committee were struck by the difference in cost, in solidity and in workmanship between this proposal and any other tender for the new building they had received and the proposal was adopted as a fair basis on which to work.
8. Appointment of Architect and Contractor:-
Mr. Adam advised that the plans be placed in the hands of a qualified Architect for preparation of detailed plans and specification for issue to Contractors. He warned the Committee that owing to details of a necessary and expensive nature not having been taken into account, the cost would probably be greater than was anticipated and suggested Messrs. Bachelor and Hicks as Architects. Their fee, however, 10 guineas with 5% extra on the contract price or supervision was held to be beyond the resources of the Committee. Mr. George Moore was finally selected, who, as an old resident and friend of both Clubs, very generously agreed to a nominal charge of 5 guineas.
It was decided that Messrs Lidwell and Co. and Messrs Farmer Bros. be invited to compete for the contract. These had been recommended by two genuine friends of the Club and any further invitation for tenders would only be a waste of time and money.
The estimates came in on 1st May 1908 as follows:
Messrs. Lidwell and Co £405.18.0
Messrs Farmer Bros. £282.0.0
The preference was given to Messrs Farmer Bros. and the contract in due course was signed.
9. Resignation of Mr. Maynard.
Owing to inability to attend meetings Mr. Maynard resigned his place on Committee and Mr. T.M.Ryan on the nomination of the Cricket Club was co-opted to the vacancy.
10. Site of new Pavilion decided upon:-
Three sites were suggested:-
1. Covering site of old building
2. Right opposite old pavilion, on Castle Avenue
3. Disused part of ground, known as “The Hollow” beside Castle Avenue entrance
The arguments against these were respectively as follows:-
The old site was objected to on account of the increased cost of introducing gas and water and also on account of insecurity against burglary prompted by distance from highway.
The site directly opposite was objected to on account of interference with Cricket long field boundary on that side and also on account of its exposure to the prevailing winds in winter and to immoderate sunlight in summer.
The site in “The Hollow” near the entrance gate was objected ti on account if the manifest unfairness of placing the pavilion so far away from both Football grounds.
Individually each of these positions had, apart from these objections, much that could be alleged in their favour.
Decided by Committee on division that the Castle Avenue site opposite old building be approved of.
Finally on representation of Cricket members that the desirability of suiting both Clubs without interfering with the welfare of either would justify additional cost, the question was re-opened and sire no.1 was agreed on.
Provision was made for the re-erection if the portion of the old building to be used as an auxiliary pavilion at a cost of £5.
11. Assent of both Clubs:-
In the meantime the consent of the Committee of both Clubs had been obtained to the plans proposed.
12. Commencement and finishing of the work:-
The building of the new Pavilion was commenced in the last week in May 1908 and finished in the third week in August.
13. Lighting:-
This was not provided for in the Contractor’s estimate as not coming exactly with their province. Incandescent gas was decided upon, after much enquiry as the most suitable medium and the Gas Company at a greatly reduced cost introduced their pipes into the building, the actual fittings being inserted at a moderate price by a private firm.
14. Furnishing
This item, as well as various improvements in the ground immediately surrounding the pavilion did not come exactly within the scope of the duties of the Building Committee, but were undertaken by them as absolutely necessary and paid for mainly out of profits on two entertainments promoted. Amongst these improvements may be noted the levelling and railing in of the yard at the back of building, mending hedges and strengthening of boundary on that side: erection of railing in front of the building and resodding front and side of building and part of outfield, which had been scarred owing to builder’s operations.
15. Finance
The Subscription List has realised so far between £170 and £180, a total which reflects great credit upon Club Members. Most of this money has been paid in and almost all the rest is sure. To meet the Architect’s second Certificate for payment to contractor, a sum of £120 was borrowed from the Leinster Branch of the Irish Rugby football Union at an easy rate of interest. There still remains a debt of some £30 due to contractor. This it is hoped will be met by outstanding and further subscriptions and by profit on our usual Entertainments in the Town Hall. It is a debateable point whether some of this debt should not be left to future generations but your Committee think that very soon with a small outlay of enterprise the whole sum may be cleared off and so allow our successors to expend their energies on future improvements.
Work of the Committee
The Committee since their inception 70 weeks ago held in all over 75 meetings. Their accounts will be audited by proper authority and finally submitted to the Clubs. They think that not the smallest portion of their work has been the practical consolidation of two of the principal athletic clubs in Clontarf which are now bound together by a common interest as they never were before and in a way which ultimately contribute greatly to the success of both.
They feel that their thanks is due to the many subscribers to the Pavilion Fund and is an especial way to Mr. Matthew Adam and Mr. James Moran, without whose assistance and advice they would have found it very hard to fulfil the duties allotted to them.
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