Listowel Connection

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

Author: listowelconnection Page 13 of 192

Mary Cogan, retired from teaching in Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, Co. Kerry. I am a native of Kanturk, Co. Cork.
I have published two books; Listowel Through a Lens and A minute of your Time

Shopping

By

On February 24, 2025

In Listowel, Poem

The Square

<<<<<<<<<

Something to Crow About

<<<<<<<<<<<

An Old Postbox

Image and copy from Old Postboxes on Facebook

This is a very historical piece…the original post box dates between 1911 and 1921…and Saorstát Éireann dates from 1922 to 1937….unusual in that original door was taken off and replaced…. but retained the original logo’s…. Knocksedan Ireland….. no longer in use….

2 Comments

That Edward VII postbox dates from 1901 to 1905; after 1905 the royal cypher was used.

This wallbox has been removed..I believe stolen a couple of years ago….

<<<<<<<<

Shops and Shopping Memories

by Mick O’Callaghan

I remember Woolworths shop coming to Tralee in the early fifties. There was great excitement at the arrival of this new shopping experience for the people of Tralee. It had a special significance for me because I was starting school, and I was not happy to be held in captivity within the confines of a classroom with a locked door. Sr Immaculata told me that my mother was gone to Woolworths to buy me a present, whereupon I told her that she was a liar because Woolworths shop was not yet open. I lashed out and kicked her. That incident gave me the title for my published memoir ‘The boy who kicked the nun”.

Yes, Woolworths opened a whole new shopping experience for the people of the Tralee catchment area with its array of sweets, chocolates and a wide range of goods. I remember buying my first fishing rod there.

Woolworths was a bright star in the middle of the more traditional shops and institutions around it.

We had Revington’s store selling high class drapery and household goods. It was our Harrods of Tralee. People flocked in there and loved it

There were traditional butchers shops a plenty. I remember Mr Mulcahy in Wilsons Shop slicing rashers to perfection on the slicing machine. Mr Harmon sold loose sweets in paper tósíns, his wine gums were to die for. Yes, and we had Healy’s dairy selling ice cream and dairy products. Oh memories, memories of Havercrofts bakery, of Benners that sold every conceivable household gadget imaginable. There was Kelliher’s, McCowen’s and Latchford’s stores and yards with their hardware, fuel and building supplies. Yes, there is a rich memory bank from our early shopping days, but all is changed now with less local ownership and a huge diversity in suppliers and supplies.

We also had the Munster and Leinster bank with Bank of Ireland close by. They were revered national institutions where all shopkeepers queued up on Monday mornings to lodge the weekend takings. Young people aspired to getting a position there because it was regarded as a safe secure pensionable job for life. The local bank managers were well respected figures in the community. Little did they think that such noble institutions would crash and cause such inestimable damage and stress to the lives of ordinary people. They would also bring long serving businesspeople to their knees and cause national economies to collapse. Irish life was changed for ever by the collapse of the banks.

Apart from these we had a few grocers’ shops, and they had their regular clients. Our grocer of choice was O Connors and Mikey, the owner, was a relation of the family, on my mother’s side. He was a Fianna Fail Politician and that did not sit too easily with my father who was opposed to him politically, but practicality had to prevail because the choice of grocer’s shops was limited, and we shopped with Mikey.

More tomorrow

<<<<<<<<

Sunday in Ballincollig

I was in Ballincollig yesterday, Sunday February 22 2025.

I was there to support my granddaughter and her team, Lakewood, in The National Cup U14 soccer tournament. They beat Drogheda 5/1 and are now into the quarter finals.

Cora is on the far left, with the headband in Carine’s photo.

While I was in Ballincollig I called to the shopping centre for my newspaper.

This was the scene 10 minutes before New Look opened to begin its closing down sale.

<<<<<<<<

<<<<<<<<

A Fact

For every human on earth there are approximately one million ants.

<<<<<<<

Michael O’Sullivan R.I.P

By

On February 21, 2025

In Listowel

Today I am taking the unusual step (for me) of dealing with only one topic. Today would have been this lovely young jockey’s 25th birthday.

Michael O’Sullivan R.I.P.

This week the ‘going” in  racecourses across these islands and everywhere in the hearts of people who love horses and people who love people who love horses was very heavy.

Heavy

A real test of a racehorse’s stamina and only very few horses relish this type of ground. It is often very wet and hard to run on as the water soaks into the ground. Often described as a ‘bog’, with reference to how slow this surface rides.

It was not the racehorses who were being tested by the going this week. The real test of stamina was for everyone who loved Michael O’Sullivan. His horseloving family are beyond heartbroken by the loss of their beautiful talented boy.

I have read many tributes to Michael this week and I have tearfully watched his brilliant interview more than once. I was particularly touched by this tribute from Pat Healy of Healyracing. I am giving it to you today as the Listowel connection. Pat is not a writer and he usually lets his pictures paint a thousand words but on this occasion he spoke from the heart. Pat and Michael shared more than just a love of horseracing. They both turned their passion into a livelihood. Their paths were destined to cross often. No one had any doubt that Michael would have been a regular for Pat to photograph in the winners’ enclosure.

Like Michael, Pat is his father’s son. Pat knows what is is to learn from your father, to work side by side with him in a family business, doing what you both love. Pat knows what it is to make your dad proud, to enjoy great times on the racecourse surrounded by family. Pat knows what it is to step into your father’s shoes, to do what your father did and to do it better. Pat saw his father work at a job that was seven days a week, out in all weathers, and  above all to love what he did. Pat and Michael learned their hard work ethic from great role models. Pat knows better than anyone the absolute devastation at losing one of the brightest and most promising members of the team. Pat lost his mom early in his life. He knows that loss can cement a family bond and bring people closer together. He knows there are better times ahead but, for now, the going is very heavy.

Here is Pat’s tribute:

Feb 9 2025

Sunday morning and I draw the curtains. Jesus what a horrible sight ! Its grey dark and the sky looks to be on the ground. The scene mirrors the way I feel after yesterday evenings result in the football with The Dubs beating us in our own backyard by a point. I have to face them at Punchestown today putting on a smiley face and let their banter roll off me. Problem is I’m used to it now sure they have us where they want us for the past decade and a half. Pick up the phone check whats happening in the world. Is Trump giving us a laugh today ? Wallop ! Noooo ! Aw Holy God ! Like a heavy weight boxer’s punch into the stomach The IHRB let us know that Mikey has left us. Punchestown and The Point To Points called off. Be no trace of any Dubs today ! Oh how I’m wishing now that there was, that way wouldn’t Mikey still be with us. 

Tramore New Years Day 47 days ago. Mikey steers Embassy Gardens home to win the feature event on the card for trainer Willie Mullins. I photograph him and his mount in a happy kinda celebration shot on the track before they head for the winners enclosure. “Well done Mikey boy, good on you kid” “Thanks Pat, I needed that” the relief washing over him. “Mikey, this game is about the long road, stay on the road” I tell him. “Don’t worry Pat when I get my chance I will turn it into a motorway” he says and a big hearty laugh out of him !!

I know Mikey, not well but I know him. Sure we are both part of the same community. The racing community. We move from town to town like a circus. Same clowns different towns. As I get older I appreciate the younger generations. They make me smile and I learn from them. Little life lessons like new slang words, phone and computer shortcuts, that type of stuff. Sure they know it all !Mikey is a step above the youngest generation I interact with. There is a group of 16-17 year olds riding. Mikey is 24. I love capturing their 1st success on the track and then watching them achieve their goals and dreams. Cheltenham is every jump jockey’s dream and in March 2023 we saw Mikey grab his dream twice in the one day. Glorious,Great and Gracious, Mikey stole the show in the biggest circus.If you hadn’t seen the results you wouldn’t have known it. His cap still fitted his head, his walk didn’t change and his tongue didn’t let him down. Pure humble hi.

The last few days everything I have read and heard spoken about him is true. It makes me wish I knew him better. Makes me wish I spent time in his company socially. Makes me wish……

Mikey you are a credit to your family and friends. 

May God speed you on that motorway and wrap his loving arms around you X

R.I.P. Michael O’Sullivan 2000-2025

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.
And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,
and always try to understand the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

<<<<<<<<

The Dresser

By

On February 20, 2025

In Listowel

Church Street Lower

<<<<<<<

A Heaney Favourite

<<<<<<<

Round the House and Mind the Dresser

Image and text from Monaghan Veteran and Vintage club

In a period between the old open dressers going out of fashion and built in kitchen units coming into fashion there was a type of dresser that dominated the period, and any modern house wife had to have one. Some different designs were available the one shown here had a fold down counter others had a shelf that slid out to act as a counter. They were available in most good hardware stores.

Looking at the picture it strikes me that the drawers are very high. I never remember drawers that were that high.

<<<<<<<<

Collins’ Bacon Store

Glin Historical Society shared this old Church Street photo on Facebook. It stirred this memory for Joe Harrington.

“During the mid 1960s when I attended the Listowel Technical School I had my lunch up there on the second floor every school day. It’s a long time ago now and I can’t remember if I brought a lunch with me and got a cup of tea there to go with it or if tea and a sandwich were provided. The entrance to the shop was through the door on the left and all I can remember about the shop was a counter on the right and a bench near the back facing the front door on which there always seemed to be a very big slab of bacon. At that time, the shop was ran by Mrs Collins and her daughter, Ena. They were extremely religious and Ena had me running down to the church to light candles on her behalf when I had finished my lunch. When Mrs Collins died, Ena went to England sometime later. I remember my mother, Julie, corresponding with her. I’d love to hear the memories of others who recall Mrs Collins and Ena and the old style shop.”

<<<<<<<

A Fact

The average lifespan of a houseflyis 2 to 3 weeks.

<<<<<<<

Visitors

By

On February 19, 2025

In Listowel, Poem

Upper Church Street

<<<<<<<

Visiting Artists

Olive Stack’s Gallery and Shop

Olive Stack is a one person ambassador for Listowel. With her artists residencies she has been bringing people with many and varied artistic talents to town. Her visitors have enhanced our town and contributed greatly to the cultural life of Listowel.

Here is what some of them have to say in their testimonials

Julie Mazzoni GA USA December 2024

My December residency at the Olive Stack Gallery was a true gift, offering the rare opportunity to immerse myself in my art while exploring Listowel and its surroundings. The experience was not only enriching on a personal level, but also surprisingly communal, with a sense of camaraderie with fellow residency artists. Who else has learned to tilt their head in reflex when returning to the studio with a hot cup of tea, or been startled by the sudden honking of a tractor parade in mid-December? And who could forget the peaceful shortcut through St. Michael’s Cemetery? Of special note was the quiet strength of my studio mate, Enzina Marrari, who supported me on Christmas Day during my cold plunge at Ballybunion. I’m also deeply grateful to Mary O’Flaherty, who must have a subscription for boozy chocolate-covered cherries, and to the St. Mary’s choir, who welcomed me into their Christmas Eve performance without a second thought. Most of all, my heartfelt thanks go to Olive Stack, whose brilliant idea for this residency created an experience that was truly a win-win-win.

Enzina Marrari Newfoundland Canada December 2024

I was lucky to serve as an artist in residence during December of 2024. The best word I can use to describe my experience is: draíocht, or in English, magic. Listowel lights up during December – literally! The streets are decorated in such a festive manner it feels like you are inside of a snow globe or Christmas movie – or both! Christmas music is projected from loud speakers in the downtown which serves as this lovely sound track to the residency. I served alongside Julie Mazzoni – a brilliant mosaic artist from Georgia, USA. I didn’t know Julie or her work prior to this residency – and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Julie and learn about her and her work. I also accompanied Julie while she did the winter sea swim at Ballybunion Beach (!) – a beautiful beach a short drive from the gallery. Seeing Julie plunge into the cold waters literally brought tears to my eyes, I was so happy to see her accomplish this goal! My time in the studio was also brilliant. I felt like I finally had time to focus solely and directly on my art practice – something I am unable to do in my daily life. I came with a vision for producing a body of work, and of course, was inspired by Listowel and Ireland which served as a great compliment to my work and strengthened the pieces I was working on. I left with a new body of work that I am proud of and was made a million times better from my time at Olive Stack Gallery. I also appreciated working in an active space – I felt integrated into the community as opposed to being holed up alone in a studio somewhere. Meeting locals and tourists alike added a bonus to my time at the studio. I must also speak about Olive. I am so grateful for having met Olive! In addition to being an amazing painter and mosaic artist, Olive is so kind, compassionate, welcoming, and generous. I feel so grateful to have gotten to know Olive and feel as though I made a life-long friend. Olive and I celebrated New Years in Anascul participating in a longstanding local tradition of marching down the main street led by pipers and fire holders, and then walked along Inch beach on the morning of New Years Day – it is a memory that I will cherish forever. Other highlights: the kindness of the local people, visiting sacred wells around and near Listowel, stopping at a surprise waterfall with Julie on our way to Dingle to see Wren’s Day, finding the most delicious honey roasted peanut butter at the bakery across the street from the gallery (you must try it, it’s out of this world!), putting my feet in the grass at the Ballinskelligs Castle. You will NOT regret applying to this residency! Draíocht Draíocht Draíocht!

<<<<<<<<

A Favourite from my Schooldays

<<<<<<<<

Did you know?

These are the so called “fairy slippers” that foals have over their hooves in order to protect the mom’s uterus and birth canal. Then, right after the birth, these soft “feathers” dry up and fall off, so that the foal’s hooves quickly harden and are ready for standing up.

Nature is simply perfect

( source; David Attenborough on Facebook)

<<<<<<<

A Fact

Even when a snake’s eyes are closed, it can still see through its eyelids.

<<<<<<<

Fitzpatrick’s Hatchery

By

On February 18, 2025

In Listowel

Church Street

<<<<<<<<

Fitzpatrick’s

Liz McAuliffe recognised her late father as another of the men at Fitzpatrick’s door in this photo from Vincent Carmody’s Listowel, Snapshots of an Irish Market Town.

Interview with Derry Fitzpatrick  on Feb 10 2025

Fitzpatrick’s  Hatcheries of Kanturk was a huge part of commercial life in Listowel until its closure in 1972. 

I talked to Derry Fitzpatrick who kindly told me much of the story.

Listowel was an outpost of the Kanturk hatchery operation. Listowel Fitzpatrick’s was run mainly by three men, Jerome Barry from Banteer, Johnny Riordan of Kanturk and Kevin Sheehy, Listowel. Johnny lived over the store in Church Street.

Kevin went on to have his own successful poultry business later on.

A few Facts:

Fitzpatrick’s was the biggest exporter of feathers during WW2.

Fitzpatrick’s had 5 trucks on the road, 3 in Kanturk and 2 in Listowel.

At Christmastime, Fitzpatrick’s exported 2,000 free range turkeys  to England.

A  truck load of turkeys or sometimes 2 went daily to the boat.

300 extra jobs were created in the run up to Christmas. These people were employed full time  plucking turkeys.

The turkeys were sometimes sent to O’Sullivan’s refrigerated storage in Cork. This was located where the Mercy hospital is now.

Fitzpatrick’s traded in eggs, chickens, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, feathers, skins and at one stage, scrap metal as well.

In Kanturk they had 2 hatcheries and a workforce of 100.

3 or 4 men were fulltime employed grading eggs for size. 6 men were full time skinning rabbits.

According to Derry, farms of land were bought from the profits of the rabbit industry.

Rabbits were a huge part of the Listowel operation.  They could be trapped easily and in huge numbers and they were free. In the 1940s and 50s the rabbit population in Ireland was in the millions and these rabbits were a scourge to farmers, eating and damaging crops. They welcomed the rabbit trappers on to their land. A comfortable living could be made selling rabbits to Fitzpatrick’s. Rabbit was once regularly on the menu in Irish homes.  Derry remembers eating rabbit several times a week.

In 1954 that all changed. A disease called mixametosis was introduced from the UK in an effiort to cull the rabbit numbers. Even though the disease was harmless to humans, the thoughts of eating the meat of a diseased animal or the horror at the sight of the suffering the disease brought to the rabbits put people off eating rabbit. It had been a staple in the Irish and British diet up to then. It was the beginning of the end of the rabbit trade.

Eggs, which were supplied by farms specialising in poultry, continued to be a huge part of Fitzpatrick’s hatchery operation. Fresh eggs were sold to the shops and liquid eggs to the catering industry.

Finbarr McAulliffe ran a smaller poultry business in Listowel. He and Fitzpatricks were friends and there was no rivalry or animosity between them. The second string to Finbarr’s bow was fish, which was a commodity Fitzpatrick’s, coming from one of the most inland towns in Ireland, didnt dabble in.

The building is unoccupied today.

If anyone reading this has any more to add to this story I’d love to hear from you. Maybe you were one of the rabbit trappers. Did you pluck a few turkeys with John B. Keane? Did you love to hang out on the doorstep with Johnny Riordan? We’d love to hear your stories.

<<<<<<<<

If they could see our girls now….

<<<<<<<<

from the Archives

The Columbia Cauldron 1930

We reproduce it here that our readers may know that in many parts of the
world including America, there is a growing revolt against the institution of unearned income and the consequent waste and extravagance in modes of living.. Some day a young Earl or Marquis or maybe a rubber king or oil magnate will tell us the full tale of the boredom

“Viscount Ennismore, the 22-year-old son of the Earl of Listowel, is
an earnest young Socialist who is seeking to apply his idealism to his
personal life.

Recently he decided to give up his title and asked his friends to call
him Mr. W. F. Hare. Now he has decided to surrender unearned income
and renounce his fortune. He proposes to live on $20.00 a week whilst
studying in London for a philosophy degree. Apparently he has
discovered others who have his views, for he has founded a friendly
society, to be known as Neighbours, Ltd., to enable wealthy people to
The weekly incomes of the members will devote their fortunes to social
purposes, be limited to $20.00 for single men or women, $30.00 for
married men and $2.00 for each dependent child. The problem which Mr.
Hare is facing is a very real one for many rich Socialists, and we
shall watch his experiment with interest. May we suggest to him and
his friends that the best expenditures of unearned incomes which they
feel Capitalism has wrongfully provided would be to devote it to
Socialistic propaganda and organization?”

<<<<<<<<

Wisdom from the internet

<<<<<<<

A Fact

In 1807 London’s Pall Mall was the first street to be lit by gaslight.

<<<<<<<

Page 13 of 192

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén