The great steam liner Lily left her berth at Sligo Quay at 10.30AM under the distinguished charge of her master, Captain McDougal, most ably assisted by our dear old favourite, Captain Jimmy. The crowds onboard were enormous. All the big wigs of the town and county were present. There were O's and Mac's by the hundred, and to have seen the local liner agent, Mr Percy Kerr, buzzing round to see everyone was comfortable, you would say he should be conducting a shipping combine, his abilities are so great. All went swimmingly until nearing the Admiralty Station at Rosses Point. Here the engines were slowed down, as there was a signal flag flying, and everybody was wondering what was the matter. Some stated it was the Jap fleet off Raughley to escort us to the land of the Geishas; but no; it was soon discovered that the local Admiral, Lieut. Ritty was coming onboard, and the captain, on looking at his signal book, found the signal flying, which read: Heave to or I will fire. Just what might have been expected, for the engines were stopped to allow this big gun and his staff onboard, for the voyage had been too short to be fired on. The marines were paraded and the Admiral was saluted with a ringing cheer as he stepped onboard, and to the delight of many, he ordered them to fill their glasses with lime juice to drink the health of the Metal Man. Everybody thought they were getting a cheap drink, but he politely told us it was at our own expense. However, his health was drunk, and one of the company declared the Metal Man raised his hand in salute; but it was only another rat yarn, caused by this toff emptying a bottle of JC Special Three Star since leaving Sligo.
Once outside the Bay you should see the gunners at work, blazing and killing everything within five miles. One gentleman actually fired at the Pool Buoy, declaring it was a submarine just diving, but spotting the nautical member of the Harbour Board at his side he dropped his gun and was off for more Irish.
Raughley and Wheat Rock Buoys were soon passed, and then to the great empire of Inishmurray, where we anchored. The ship's lifeboats and all the local yachts were soon in attendance for landing and crowds of passengers were soon on terra firma again.
Here Sir, I was a bit disappointed, for it was given out by old sailors and others that had already visited this great country that the natives, although not black, were a little dark; but what did we behold - some of the loveliest ladies in Europe. There was a big rush for a certain house, which seemed strange, but the mystery was soon cleared up, for on arrival there, that noted Inishmurray Cream was being passed around fairly, and there was no doubt about the quality, for a noted farmer present declared they must have Alderney of Jersey cows in that country to produce anything so rich.
It will be weeks before some of us will be able to get a cap to fit our heads after such a day's outing; but, Mr Editor, please allow me to finish by saying it was, I am sure, one of the finest and most enjoyable trips that ever the Sligo people had an opportunity of enjoying, and the agent, Captain Jimmy, captain, officers, and crew of this magnificent liner Lily deserve our greatest thanks for their great attention to all onboard, making us all indebted to them.