A Horsefair, A Postbox and Famine Sculptures

First Horsefair of the Year; January 2025

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A Post Box Story

I found this story in a Facebook Group dedicated to old wrought iron gates. It was contributed by Michael Dempsey

Post box at Jamestown Cross Laois. When the key was lost the door was broken open in several pieces. While I was thatching the Cottage beside the box 2003, Ned Boland from the Pub across the road asked me if I could do anything with the box as it looked unsightly. We found 6 or 7 pieces of the cast iron which I brought home and welded. There was no key so I dismantled the lock and made a key. There was layers of red and green paint going back to V R which I stripped and repainted, it  will need another coat shortly.

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A Poignant Tribute To people who Keep on Keeping On

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New Kid on the Block

Tattoo Shop in Galvins of William Street

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Native Americans and Us

In 1847 the Choctaw people sent money to Ireland when they learned that Irish people were starving due to the famine. The Choctaw themselves were living in hardship and poverty, having recently endured the Trail of Tears.

Kindred Spirits is a large stainless steel outdoor sculpture in Bailick Park in Midleton, County Cork. The shape of the feathers is intended to represent a bowl of food.

from Brendan ONeill  August 2024

A life-size bronze sculpture entitled ‘The Gift’ has been unveiled outside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. It commemorates the generous aid provided by the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the height of the Great Irish Famine.

“Esteemed American sculptor Brendan O’Neill, based in Maryland in the USA, sculpted and donated ‘The Gift’ to the museum. It is a replica of his original piece displayed at the Choctaw Cultural Centre in Oklahoma and is now permanently installed in the courtyard adjacent to the National Famine Museum.

Measuring 29 inches tall and 41 inches wide, this poignant artwork depicts an elderly Choctaw woman and a younger Choctaw man embracing in a gesture of support and protection. They extend a hand of friendship to the Irish people as the woman holds an “ampo,” or eating bowl, symbolising sustenance and nourishment.”

Irish Heritage Trust

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A Fact

The number of days of racing at Listowel Harvest Festival of Racing has increased from 2 in 1858 to 7 in recent years.

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