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
It’s been a good year so far for the hay. God be with the old days.
Photo from the internet
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Irishisms
Ronan Moore has a few more tips for us to keep the conversation flowing.
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Roses at the Races
Dominick Walsh of Eye Focus was at Killarney Races and his lovely photos of Edaein O’Connell and some other Roses are appearing on in papers and online
Many pupils were awarded for upholding the ethos of the school. I hope they and their families and friends will enjoy looking back on that happy time in Pres. Listowel
I met Pierce Walsh of John R.’s last week as he was setting out his outdoor dining on another sunny Listowel day in summer 2022.
John R.s has been part and parcel of Listowel life for long before I came to town.
The late John R. ran a thriving business. His Christmas hams, puddings and cakes were legendary. He also had a regular clientele for his bar business.
Pierce, the next generation, had a new progressive vision for the business he took over from his father. Over the years he has built and expanded the catering and take away aspects of the business as well as the well stocked delicatessen and off licence.
He added a new offering for the visitor in his beautifully furnished and equipped holiday apartments and rooms.
The business is thriving so Pierce has picked a good time to step back and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
He tells me that he is in no hurry to go so he will be serving us for a good while yet.
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An Old Book
I was anxious to get my hands on a copy of Hostage to Fortune by Joseph O’Connor. This Joseph lived in Listowel as a young boy before his family moved to Dingle and he tells a few stories told to him by his grandfather Wilmot, a blacksmith in Church Street. These stories include an eviction in 1863 and the official opening of The Lartigue.
The helpful folk in Listowel Library got me a copy to borrow. If you’re a member of the library (it’s free) this book is well worth a read.
It was published by The Kerryman in 1983
The book still has the old library card in it. It had been taken out of circulation but kept safely.
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A Few more Irishisms
Ronan Moore fills us in on a few Irish conversation fillers that might baffle a visitor.
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Pres. Yearbook 2009
Having your artwork featured on the yearbook cover was a huge honour for a senior Art student. It often pointed the way to a future career in some artistic field or other. This is Jane Kissane’s cover for 2009 2010.
My eldest grandchildren, twins Killian and Sean Cogan have grown up before our eyes on Listowel Connection. In this recent photo they are celebrating their French connection.
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Our New Cycleway
This is Bridge Road in early July 2022. The cycle path is laid but not open for business yet.
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Pres Yearbook 2005/06
In the year following her retirement, pupils shared their memories of Mrs. Anne Dillon with the yearbook committe.
Gone but not forgotten….May her dear soul rest in peace.
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Working from Home, the Reality
A busy mum tweeted this note from her daughter, passed under the door during a Teams work meeting.
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Mixing it with the Big Guns
Ballybunion Golf Club members were delighted to get to chat with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as they played a round in Ballybunion in preparation for The Open next week.
