SEPTEMBER 16TH, 1889: Ballooning was a rare sight in the late 19th century and parachuting even rarer, attracting an astonishing (if the reporter's estimates were right) 25,000 people to Clonturk Park in Drumcondra, Dublin, to see an "aeronaut" do both in 1889. He succeeded, in spite of problems with the pressure of the gas supply from the Dublin Gas Company.
BALLOONING IS a science of which but little is known in Dublin, and the development of that science, which may be described as parachuting, is a perfect novelty. Hence there is but little wonder that the grounds of Clonturk House, Drumcondra, which have of late become such a popular place of resort not only of residents on the north side of the city, but also those on the south, had an enormous assemblage gathered on it on Saturday afternoon to witness Percival Spencer, the famous aeronaut, make a balloon ascent and descent from aerial heights with a parachute . . .
Exactly at a quarter past six the sky traveller gave the word to let go, and up went the balloon at an extremely rapid rate amid the cheers of the assembled thousands of spectators, Mr Spencer sitting on the strap at the end of the ropes and holding on to the parachute. The speed with which the aerial machine ascended may be judged from the fact that within two minutes it was at an altitude of about 2,000 feet or more, drifting slowly to the southeast. The cheering had ceased and every eye was fixed on the intrepid aeronaut. Just two minutes after starting, he was seen to spring suddenly from the balloon, which, eased of his weight, sprang skywards with a bound, and almost passed out of sight, or at least it might have done so for all the attention that was paid to it by the people.
Breathlessly they watched the aeronaut fall through space, clinging on to the parachute rings. That machine did not expand, but seemed to hang somewhat like an inverted cone in the heavens, whilst almost 30 feet below could be seen the rigid figure of the adventurer seemingly like a black streak against the grey clouds.
Suddenly, after the lapse of a few seconds, the folds of the parachute were seen to expand, slowly at first, but then more rapidly. “He’s safe,” roared the crowd, and up went the cheers again. The speed of the descent was stopped, and more slowly and gracefully the machine descended, Mr Spencer waving his hat in acknowledgement of the plaudits of the spectators. He carefully steered the “chute” so as to avoid the trees which fringe the Richmond Road, and one minute and a half after breaking off from the balloon he touched earth in a field on the opposite side of Richmond Road to Clonturk, within about 800 yards of the spot from whence he started. He received a tremendous ovation; but more or less disregarding that he hurried back to the starting point, where he addressed those present . . .
The exhibition must in every way be taken as a success, and will have a great effect in dispelling the fears which exist as to the dangers of such performances. That there is danger in them cannot be gainsaid, but the chances of accident are very much lessened when due caution is exercised. It should be mentioned that when Mr Spencer’s safety was assured some attention was paid to the balloon on which he rose. This was seen, drifting citywards, and fast collapsing, owing to the escape of the gas. It speedily became emptied and at last fell in Dorset Street in a shapeless mass. The usual rush was made for it, but it was taken charge of by the police, who, it is said, arrested one man for being a little too energetic in his efforts to secure the supposed reward attached to the recovery of such things.
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