Courtesy of Malahide Historical Society

At this time of year in the 1830’s, it was popular in the past to take ‘the pledge’ after the Christmas excesses. The Pledge was a commitment not to take alcohol and was inspired and promoted by The Total Abstinence Society founded by the famous Fr Theobald Matthew in 1838. He paid a high profile visit to Malahide as part of the celebrations for the opening of St. Sylvester’s Church in July 1846, as recounted in the Freeman’s Journal:

“We perceive that the new Catholic church of Malahide will be dedicated upon Sunday next. The ceremony—the most interesting, perhaps, of all those by which the Catholic church stimulates—and elevates the piety of her children, will be performed by the venerated prelate of this diocese, the most Rev. Dr. Murray. The dedication sermon will be preached by the Very. Rev. T. Matthew. We understand that the completion of this holy edifice depends in a great degree upon the amount of the contributions which the congregation on this occasion may be pleased to bestow.The district of Malahide is far from wealthy, and the people have contributed already to the full extent of their means. The Right Hon. Lord Talbot De Malahide, with great liberality, as well of means as of mind, generously contributed one hundred pounds to the building fund, and we understand his Lordship has promised a further subscription at a future period. We have no doubt that the appeal of Sunday next will enable the excellent Catholic rector, the Rev. Mr. Fleming, to proceed in his good and pious work, and to complete a beautiful edifice dedicated to the service of the Almighty Father of all.

A Select Choir will attend, under the management of Mr. Gormley, of Saints Michael and Johns’ Church. Admission to the Sanctuary for a family of Five is £1; Individuals are 5s. each Admission to the body of church, 2s/6d each. The Very Rev. Mr. Matthew will administer the Pledge after the ceremonies of the day. Increased accommodation will be afforded on the Railway”. It is not recorded how many took the pledge in Malahide that day but at its height, just before the Great Famine of 1845–49, his movement enrolled some 3 million people, or more than half of the adult population of Ireland.