Area: Garristown
Started: December 1952
Finished: September 1953
Poles used: 1042
Line used (km): 93
Premises connected: 303
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
The demonstrations in Garristown played to packed houses according to The REO News from May 1953.
This digital scan from the REO news displays the following text:
"Garristown, Co. Dublin, has been referred to in newspaper articles as “the forgotten village”. It abandoned this title on Monday, 11th when, with due ceremony and before a large audience, supply was switched on. We took the opportunity of trying out a full week of intensive demonstrations and a sales campaign. The demonstrations played to packed houses and the sales campaign is still in progress. We look forward with interest to the examination of the final results."
The REO News from December 1953 printed the lyrics of a song composed for the switch on in Garristown.
This digital scan from the REO news displays the following text:
"GARRISTOWN'S SUPPLY
A consumer, who prefers to remain anonymous in print, composed and sang this song at the Celebration Concert on the night we switched in Garristown. The air (with some rhythmic licence), you will recognise as an old friend.
Come all ye friends and neighbours, and listen unto me.
I'm going to sing about this thing called electricity.
It's all the rage around us, though some get it with a frown,
But it's the greatest boon that ever came to dear old Garristown.
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
The E.S.B. has transformed Garristown.
The houses are connected up, and ready for the fray.
The women are delighted, with this grand convenient way.
They believe it is a blessing, and between both me and you,
If men say a word against it, they would beat them black and blue.
Glory, Glory, etc.
There's refrigerated ice-cream in the town.
They have irons, aye and cookers too, to roast or boil the spuds,
Washers, aye and wringers, to do up all the duds.
They have grand electric kettles too, to make the cup of tea,
I'll bet they'll boil them from the bed—now just you wait and see.
Glory, Glory, etc.
We have seven street lamps here in Garristown.
There is great competition, between women don't you know.
One lady bought a wireless, and had it at home on show;
Another says "I don't like them, a wireless; no! no!"
I have gone one better, I have bought a Radio."
Glory, Glory, etc.
No more battery charging now in town.
Now I hope there's some official, here from the E.S.B.
The reason is quite simple; I just want to make a plea.
We want a bulb at Ryan's turn; cos there's animals there so big,
Maybe round there in the dark at night, you'd fall across a pig.
Glory, Glory, etc.
It's an awful blooming place for breeding pigs.
And now that we have seen the light, and set the place aglow,
We show our appreciation, and in case you do not know.
We had a great committee, which was led by Mr. Doyle,
If it wasn't for his efforts, we'd be still on paraffin oil.
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
Glory, Glory, Alleluia,
They have illuminated Garristown."