On the morning of the
30th July the Royal Yacht anchored off Leenane, in Killery Bay, and His
Majesty landed in Connaught. He was accompanied by Queen Alexandra and
Princess Victoria. This was the first time, I believe, that the people
west of the Shannon had seen their King, and whatever their politics, or
aspirations were, he was certainly received with every manifestation of
sincere good will. His genial personality and ingratiating _bonhomie_,
his humanity, and his sportsmanlike characteristics, appealed at once to
Irish instincts, and Connaught was as enthusiastic in its welcome as the
rest of Ireland. The Royal party motored from Leenane to Recess, where
they lunched at the Company's hotel, and where, of course, the Chairman,
directors and chief officers of the railway, as well as local magnates,
were assembled to assist in the welcome. On nearing Recess a surprise
awaited the King. He was met by the "Connemara Cavalry," which escorted
the Royal Party to the hotel and acted as bodyguard. Mr. John
O'Loughlin, of Cashel, had organised this new and unexpected addition to
His Majesty's Forces.
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