The All-Ireland Melvin Comes to Kilcully

The All-Ireland Scoutcraft Competition

In August 1980, Kilcully hosted one of the biggest events in its history to date — the All-Ireland Scoutcraft Competition for the Melvin Trophy.

Held from 28 to 31 August, the competition brought approximately 600 Scouts from 20 troops to Kilcully. Patrols competed in a range of traditional Scouting skills, with the coveted Melvin Trophy eventually being won by the 13th Kildare (Clane) Scout Troop.

Hosting an event of this size was an important milestone for a campsite that had been officially opened less than a decade earlier. Considerable preparation went into getting Kilcully ready, including the installation of a new kitchen to cater for the event.

The photographs preserved from the weekend capture not only the presentations and formalities, but also the families, leaders and volunteers who were part of this important occasion in Kilcully’s early history.

Fr Tom Clancy addresses Scouts, leaders, families and guests gathered at Kilcully during the presentation of the 1980 All-Ireland Melvin Competition.

The photograph also gives a glimpse of the campsite facilities in use during one of the largest events Kilcully had hosted to that point.

Kilcully’s outdoor altar, pictured around the time of the 1980 Melvin. Outdoor religious services formed part of major Scout gatherings during this period, and the altar provided a permanent setting within the campsite.