Found Dr. Scannell and the boys very good-humoured in spite of big defeat. Dr. Scannell especially is very cheery, and is going to give the boys extra cakes from Thompson’s for tea. Went to the St. Thomas Aquinas Mass at the St Mary’s, Pope’s Quay, church. All the senior students of the schools of Cork were present, and filled the whole nave, while a large number of clerics, and professors with their green and red gowns, were also there. It was well organised by University students with their gowns, which made the whole ceremony very dignified. The sermon was good and briefly to the point, preached by Canon J. Murphy. The music was, of course, sweetly full of thirds and sixths, with quivering pathetic tenor solo. Was caught by Dr. Scannell on the way back to school eating cakes with ‘Babylonian’ Dick. Dr. Scannell was very amused. Had, of course, no serious class after talking only about the ceremony. Stayed for dinner for hurley-practice. Came home dead tired. Mammie very nervous of recital. Got a charming letter from Mr. Scully the painter, with some stamps. Pappie saw a glorious Aurora borealis in skies. Very unusual here.
