In August of 1917, Charles Kingsford Smith was injured. While serving with No. 23 Squadron, Smithy was shot down and received injuries which required the amputation of a large part of his left foot. This certainly never held him back from attempting to set one aviation record after another.

In late August 1910, Lilian Bland became the first woman in Ireland to fly a plane. She designed and built it herself and the Mayfly was the first powered biplane in Ireland. In fact, she went into production, selling copies of her plane for 250 pounds each, plus engine, to fund further experimentation. She later gave up flying to marry her cousin Charles and emigrate to Canada.

Local historian Mick Kelly (right) with special guest Brian Phillip Gordon, who brought to the 2019 Hedge School a great story concerning the dramatic rescue of Smithy and crew, lost for a fortnight, from a mudflat in NW Australia.

AND ALL THAT JAZZ

dancers PLANE AND FANCY

Local historian Garry Ahern with Richard Donnan, Great Nephew of Paddy Saul, Kingsford Smith's Irish navigator in the Southern Cross on her historic flight from Portmarnock. Richard came to the Hedge School in the Parish Centre on Southern Cross Day 2019. Thanks for coming, Richard! You added an extra dimension to the day for aviation history buffs! Garry Ahern was exceptionally delighted too, as he is writing a book about Captain Paddy Saul.

Southern Cross Day's cover photo

Charles Kingsford Smith relaxes with some of his fans.

The maids are taking time out to pose with guests at Southern Cross Day 2019.

Organiser and visionary Alvis Crawford rocks it on Southern Cross Day this year.

Let's be having your photos of the day, folks! Don't be shy!

Only one more sleep! Check over your outfit one last time! This is cool 1920s couple, the darlings of Hollywood, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.

Dublin People - Southern Cross Festival set for take-off