In November 1862, the Earl of Portarlington gave a harvest festival for the estate workers at Emo Park and his local tenantry. The event was recorded in the Leinster Express newspaper:

"The annual harvest home at Emo Park, the seat of the Earl of Portarlington, was celebrated with the customary merrymaking on Thursday week. The numerous farm labourers, woodforesters, gardeners, keepers, carpenters, slaters, plasterers, masons, and others employed by the noble Earl, besides a considerable number of tenantry on the estate, were entertained in a large granary recently erected adjacent to the residence of the park rangers. The building was admirably suited for the occasion; several large tables were constructed by Mr Cobbe, and the skilful hand of Mr Ponsford, the head gardener, had converted it into a perfect 'fairy bower', the floral decorations being greatly admired. The apartment was splendidly lighted by numerous candles in gilt sconces and ornamental lamps.

Upwards of 150 guests heartily regaled themselves with the good things provided, and all seemed animated with the best of feeling toward their noble employer, and with sincere gratitude for the interest he evinces at all times in their welfare in giving them permanent employment, remunerative wages, and otherwise promoting their comfort. The health of the Earl and Countess was enthusiastically received by the company. It was proposed by the park-ranger, and responded to by Mr Ponsford. Music and dancing followed, and were kept up with spirit until four o'clock next morning, when all retired to their homes, after spending a most pleasant night, giving a hearty cheer to the sentiment - 'Long live the noble house of Portarlington.'

Lady Portarlington was engaged on the previous day visiting the homes of the neighbouring poor, and contributing relief where she found distress amongst this suffering class, whose necessities will be aggravated by the present inclement weather. Her ladyship caught a rather severe cold, and this indisposition, which we trust has now passed away, was the cause of her absence and that of the Earl from the harvest home."
(Leinster Express, Nov 22nd 1862)