This blog is a personal take on Listowel, Co. Kerry. I am writing for anyone anywhere with a Listowel connection but especially for sons and daughters of Listowel who find themselves far from home. Contact me at listowelconnection@gmail.com

Dollies and More

Mown and unmown areas in Childers’ Park in June 2023

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The June Flood of 2023

On Tuesday June 20th 2023 Listowel experienced monsoon like rainfall , followed by extensive flooding throughout the town.

I did not venture outdoors except to bale out my shed so I’ve gathered these photos from Facebook.

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Award for Jumbos

For the third year in a row the very popular Damien and Jade of the very popular Jumbo’s picked up the top award for best family restaurant at The Irish Hospitality Awards.

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Dolly Day

On Saturday June 24 2023, Listowel entered a new record in The Guinness Book of Records. In the sports field, the largest number of people dressed as Dolly Parton in one place ever were gathered by an incredibly hard working committee.

Every aspect of the organisation of this event was phenomenal, from the initial concept to the publicity, the marketing, the local and national buy in right through to the logistics on the day.

“I’ve ditched the wig. I’m taking my blankie and I’m outa here.”

There was even a station where you could have a few adjustments made to make your costume more Dolly like.

With everyone in blonde wigs it was sometimes hard to recognise well known local people. No mistaking these two though. Frances is a lady who could belt out a Parton song if asked.

Another group who could rattle off a Parton song if singing was called for.

Edith Maguire was one of the older Dollies present. Here she is with friends, David Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Deenihan and Jim White.

Some Dollies didn’t make it to the sports field but got in the mood downtown and made their contribution to the atmosphere on the day and ,of course to the charities as well. Stylish Eilish was everywhere.

(More tomorrow)

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Fr. Bryan Dalton RIP

His parishioners in his Florida parish of St. Ambrose in Deerfield Beach loved their Listowel born parish priest, Fr. Bryan Dalton.

Duane Miller sent us a link to this lovely video of Fr. Bryan singing at a Christmas mass. Duane says that Fr. Bryan was a great friend to the homeless and he loved children. You can see the rapport he had with the baby in this clip.

Fr. Bryan Dalton

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Illumination, a Postbox and Dollies

5 Comments

  1. Hi,
    I posted a comment today on the Blog Dollies & More. I forgot to tick the section – Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
    Many thanks,
    Mary Taylor (nee Lawlor)

  2. I have very fond memories of growing up in The Square, Listowel. My parents were Tim & Maura Lawlor. It was lovely seeing a photo of Edith Maguire. I admire her determination to enjoy life . The video of Bryan Dalton singing to the baby was absolutely BEAUTIFUL . I knew Bryan growing up. He was a lovely chap with a kind, gentle nature. I was so sorry to hear of his passing RIP.
    Many thanks for your fantastic Blog Mary which I am thoroughly enjoying.
    Best wishes,
    Mary Taylor (nee Lawlor)

  3. Helen Mitchell

    My grandmother Agnes Kelly was great friends with Fr Bryan’s mother so we saw quite a bit of the Dalton family. Fr Bryan organised an au pair job for me in Miami when I was still a student and the parishioners clearly loved him.

  4. Patricia Gordon

    Congratulations Listowel! Well done to all concerned with the Dolly challenge. Great idea well executed. And looked like a lot of fun. I love these blogs provided by Mary….thank you.

  5. Siobhan Foley

    Fr Bryan’s genuinely caring nature comes through clearly and the baby felt it too, it seems.

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