Departures in early 2025

Birds at a feeder in Kanturk

<<<<<<<<

Go nÉirí an Bóthar Leat

Farewell to a smiling face and a marvellous business in Listowel town Square. Brendan Mahony will be missed.

The shadows were lengthening over Brendan Mahony’s shop when I called last week. Brendan is not being forced to shut shop by falling trade or any other economic circumstances. His business is booming and he is still doing what he enjoys. He is a people person and he loves the interaction with his customers. But 31 years is a long time in one job. Brendan is ready for a new challenge while he is still young. Life for a sole trader can be very tough.

Brendan Mahony Butchers will close in The Square on Saturday, January 25th 2025. it will mark the end of an era which began at No. 2 The Square in 1993. Time now for Brendan to have a holiday before starting in his new role.

Bridget O’Connor in the shop on Friday January 17 2025

Time now for taking a break, having a holiday and maybe even attending a few hurling matches.

Another very successful Listowel business is celebrating its 25h anniversary this month. Finesse Bridal Wear is a lovely business run by two lovely sisters. Liz and Mags offer a caring and professional service to brides. They know their business thoroughly, they work very hard and their care and attention to their brides is legendary.

The two ladies are a huge asset to the town, giving much back in the way of fundraising and Tidy Towning. Long may they continue.

<<<<<<<<<

Death of a Chief

This was the scene in Listowel Town Square on Jan 1 2025 as the funeral of former Fire Chief, Antony McAuliffe, made its way from St. Mary’s.

Antony was one of the first people I got to know in Listowel. He and his late brother, Ray, built our house. When they opened a hardware shop at the end of our road, I was a frequent visitor. Antony was invariably kind and patient.

His cortege was accompanied by his colleagues in the fire service and friends from his days with Listowel Drama Group.

Many people also rmembered Antony from his evenings as a volunteer Bingo caller.

The funeral procession passing through the Small Square where so often Antony led his men in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

May he rest in peace.

<<<<<<<<<

A Brehon Law explained

The Brehons were Ireland’s early lawmakers. I came upon a little book of some of their laws and I have been sharing them here. I have been surprised at how interested people are in their now quaint laws.

Many of the Brehon laws involve the husbandry of animals and many of the punishments involve the forfeit of some valuable livestock.

I shared this law concerning trespass by farmyard fowl. I confessed that I had never heard of a withe.

Then I received the following from Thomas Buckley;

Apparently it’s not such an obscure word after all. These withes were used in the making of St. Brigid’s crosses.

Every day is a learning day. Thank you, Thomas.

<<<<<<<<

A Fact

When the Races relocated to Listowel in 1858, there was no bridge to the course from the town side. A temporary bridge seved to access the course in 1911.

<<<<<<<<<