February 2013 – Page 3 – Listowel Connection

St. Valentine’s Day and Lupercalia

It is well known that if a wolf’s howl is heard near populated areas, a storm is on the way. I learned this from Brendan McWilliams. Apparently the wolf can predict the weather and will seek shelter in a barn or a shed when he senses the impending storm.

What is less well known is that it is thanks to the wolf that we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

According to legend, Romulus and Remus, founders of the city of Rome were suckled by a she wolf in a cave that came to be called the Lupercal. The Romans in due course held a festival of fertility in mid February each year, participants gathered near the Lupercal and the rituals were called Lupercalia.

With the advent of Christianity, Lupercalian celebrations tamed down a lot and became associated with the feast of St. Valentine on February 14. By medieval times the festival had taken on a gentler, more romantic theme. Nowadays it seems to me that it’s just another excuse to sell overpriced cards, roses and chocolates.

<<<<<

Horses’ tales

(extract from Dick Carmody’s In the Shadow of the School)

Breaking in and the
training of farm horses required an experienced and skilful horseman. As with
many tasks relating to farming, there was always one or more recognised experts
locally who would take spirited and untrained animals through all the stages of
roping, harnessing and carting to becoming a sober manageable and contented
animal that could be entrusted to any member of the family. There were
exceptions, whose reputations would soon become known throughout the locality
and might not be so easily disposed of at the next horse fair.

For horse breeding purposes, most farmerss depended on the
services of a visiting stallion to place their breeding mares in foal. This arrangement took place on
fair days in Sheehan’s yard at the top of William Street in Listowel. Though
well educated in farm animal husbandry from a very young age, for this
particular event we were kept a safe distance. The expected arrival of a young
foal in about 11 months was now eagerly awaited.

<<<<<<<

Are ye right chief with Ruby Walsh winning for Willie Mullins at Thurles yesterday.

Old friends, more from 1988 and McKenna’s Social

By Listowel Connection

On February 13, 2013

In Uncategorized

Whenever I am out and about with my husband, it is my custom to ask people who approach us, to pose for a photo with Jim. I included many of these photographs in my book but I didn’t put in any of people who had passed away for fear of upsetting anybody. Now I realize that I was wrong. People like to remember familiar faces which we no longer see. Here are 3 such photos that I came across lately. The man in the wheelchair in all three is Jim Cogan.

Michael Cody R.I.P. formerly of Ballybunion Rd. and St Michael’s College

Dan Browne R.I.P. well loved butcher and local businessman

Mrs. O’Loughlin R.I. P. formerly of Church St., Jim’s first landlady when he came to Listowel.

<<<<<<<

A few more snippets from my 1988 Pres Secondary School Yearbook

>>>>>

This is how the cinema looks now with the new extension nearly finished.

>>>>>>

Posters for upcoming events

<<<<<<

Jer. had a much

better copy of that McKenna’s Social photo and he has a few but not all of the names.

Front (left to Right): Junior Griffin (standing), Angela Flaherty (Nee Hayes), Kathleen Clifford??, Mrs Burke??, Kitty McCarthy??, Michael Crowley?? & Mrs Crowley (standing).

Middle (L-R): Mrs Mickey Mahony, Mrs O’Connor??, Mikey O’Connor, Pat Walsh, Sean Lynch, Dick Kiely, Willie Barrett, Tim Shanahan, Johnny Mahony, A N Other, A N Other, A N Other, A N Other.

Back (L-R): Michael O’Neill, Brendan Daly, Maureen O’Connor, Tom O’Connor, Mickey Mahony, John Daly.

1988, NKRO Week of Welcomes, Behans

By Listowel Connection

On February 12, 2013

In Uncategorized

Pope Benedict’s resignation

https://listowelconnection.com/2013/02/the-popes-paper-benedict-leaves.html

<<<<<<

Some interesting snippets unearthed by Jer.

Pope says he has felt his vigour has diminish in him in recent months.

Feb 11^th 2013; feast Our Lady of Lourdes marks the church’s annual World Day of the Sick… in the Vatican, this is Independence Day: the anniversary of the 1929 Lateran Pacts which made the Holy See a sovereign city-state, the pontiff is its ruler.

April 29, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI visited the tomb of Pope St. Celestine V (1215-1296). In Aquila, Italy After a brief prayer, he left his pallium, on top of Celestine’s tomb! Celestine was last Pope to resign.

>>>>>>>>>>>

The Gathering 2013

NKRO are planning a great Week of Welcomes from August 2 to August 8 2013. TG4 is going to do a documentary programme covering the festival and following 2 people who come back to reconnect with the land of their ancestors.

If you are reading this in a far clime and are planning to come home this year, the first week in August would be a great time to make your trip.

If you are reading this and you live closer to your roots, the Week of Welcomes would be a great time to come home. If anyone is planning a mini gathering event let us know and we will be happy to welcome you to NKRO organized events.

Watch the webpage for updates

http://www.northkerryreachingout.com/

<<<<<<<

Mail car Galway 1895

Mail bike Listowel 2013

<<<<<<<

Behan’s The Horseshoe is making a bit of an effort for Valentine’s Day

>>>>>>

Work at the boys school is nearing completion.

This was the schoolyard on Friday.

And on Saturday, tarmac was being poured….lovely job!

<<<<<

Go raibh míle maith agat to Julia Galvin…the first to update her cv from 1988

Since then I became a Biology teacher lost my mobility regained my mobility became a novelty sports afficianada/ a charity fundraiser / an elf in Lapland and for my efforts a Dame! http://www.principality-hutt-river.org/Sports/Novelty_Sports/Dame_Julia_Investiture.htm
It’s been a great life so far….

Old cards, Magdalen Laundry and 1988 schoolgirls

By Listowel Connection

On February 11, 2013

In Uncategorized

Do you remember my collection of holy pictures last week?

Kathy Taylor wrote to tell me that in the U.S. they give these holy pictures at funerals as a memorial of the loved one who has passed on. She sent me these examples. I love St. Patrick.

<<<<<<<

Jer found this very damaged and faded copy of a photograph of John B. Keane’s class in 1935. John B. is 4th from left at the back. I suppose it is too damaged even for Photoshop?

<<<<<<

Gloucester St. Magdalens (photo Limerick Museum)

Advert from 1913…….so sad in the light of what we know now.

Another advert. below….date not given.

<<<<<<<<

Those were the days….Ballybunion in the 1980s

<<<<<

Mary Sobieralski and Sr. Consolata reading the 1988 Pres. Yearbook.

Here, as promised, are a few photos from the magazine.

If you recognize yourself and you would like to tell us where you are now, with a recent photo, I’d love to hear from you.

<<<<<

Of interest to illegal Irish people in the U.S.

Immigration Reform

In the current climate of immigration reform taking place in Washington, DC and the estimated 25,000 – 30,000 undocumented Irish among the 12 million supposedly living in the U.S., Irish Outreach San Diego is one of the many Irish groups in the U.S. on the front lines supporting immigration reform that may change the plight of the undocumented.

Introducing Shannon N. Barnes, Esq.

Immigration Attorney

Fragomen is the world’s leading provider of immigration services, including a dedicated Ireland practice group to handle immigration counseling and services for Irish citizens and companies. Fragomen has been structured specifically for all aspects of individual, family-based and corporate immigration services.

More information about Fragomen and its service offerings is available at www.fragomen.com.

Shannon N. Barnes

Attorney at Law

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11238 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

<<<<<<