For the first year, its action was confined to some routine dinners, which attracted a very fashionable attendance, and furnished an occasion for some brilliant speaking.

Yet the fame and respectability of such a body were seductions which few of the leading men in the confederacy could resist.

The Eighty-Two Club became a standard toast at public dinners, and its members were received as distinguished guests or visitors wherever they appeared.

Without having yet performed any distinct service, or realised the promise involved in its establishment, the club became a very important and imposing body.
Mr.O'Connell was its president, and Mr.O'Brien, Mr.Grattan, Sir Colman O'Loghlen and others, vice-presidents.

The first committee was composed of the Members of Parliament, Mayors of cities, and men eminent in the different professions and literary pursuits.