“There are decades when nothings happens and there are weeks when decades happen.” Lenin
Last week was one of those weeks in my little world.
Under the bridge in Athea, Co. Limerick
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You May Own a Dog but a Cat Owns You
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Remember Tiny Tears?
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People at a Book Launch
You’ll be seeing a lot of photos from the launch of Moments of Reflection here from now on. Feel free to move on.
Four Moylans and four Cogans in this photo as it was all shoulders to the wheel for the big night.
Three of the four marvellous musicians who entertained us…Mary Fagan, Paddy MacElligott, Mary Murphy and the fourth was the brilliant John Kinsella. He’ll be in photos before too long too.
My handsome grandson, Killian, reading a reflection
Róisín Darby at the microphone
Surprise attendees on the night were Michael and Sue OSullivan.
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From Wikipedia
The Valley of Knockanure is located at Gortaglanna
The Valley of Knockanure is the name of several ballads commemorating a murder by the Royal Irish Constabulary that occurred during the Irish War of Independence at Gortaglanna (Gortagleanna) near Knockanure, County Kerry, Ireland. The best-known of these was written by teacher and poet Bryan MacMahon (d. 1998) at the request of a local schoolmaster, Pádraig Ó Ceallacháin.[1]
Historical background
On 12 May 1921, a troop of Black and Tans were travelling out from Listowel towards Athea when they arrested four young unarmed men in Gortaglanna. Prior to this the barracks in Listowel had been burnt out and in retaliation the troops, who were under the influence of alcohol, decided to execute the young men. The first to be shot was Jerry Lyons. When this happened, Cornelius Dee decided, as he was going to be shot anyway, to make a run for it. He did, and almost immediately took a bullet in the thigh but managed to keep going. He ran for about three miles and survived. He was never recaptured but remained in hiding until the truce.[2] The other two men were shot on the spot. Today a memorial stands by the roadside where the three died.[1] A film about the events was made in 2009.
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At the Races
I went to the island on two days, Friday and Saturday. You’ll be sick of seeing photos of beautifully dressed people. Here are a few from Friday.
I took 3 photos in The Small Square on my way to the racecourse
Anne Marie O’Riordan was a having a cuppa with her lovely mom and cousin.
Beatrice and Eileen were sharing a table with Ballincollig visitors.
Poor Brenda is still hobbling but in good spirits as always.
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A Fact
In Ancient Sparta if a baby appeared weak at birth, they would leave them out in the elements overnight. If the baby survived, it would be taken back in and raised Spartan.
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Berenice Holmes
Congratulations!!!! from Australia, Mary on the launch of your new Book “Moments of Reflection” I am sure it is a beautiful book. I would love to be able to find out how I could get a copy. I have a copy of your book “Listowel Through A Lens” that you gave to my husband Lionel and I the last time we were there when we had morning tea with you at the Listowel Arms Hotel, and we were staying with Kathy Walsh at Gurtinard House. We miss being able to visit Listowel to catch up with our wonderful friends and relatives. Our last trip we had booked and were ready to come got cancelled due to Covid and since then my husband Lionel has had a stroke. I am sure you will still remember us. I am a cousin of Jack McKenna. I enjoy reading your Listowel Connection emails regularly. They keep me in touch with my roots.
Warm Regards,
Berenice Holmes
listowelconnection
Hi Berenice, of course I remember you. Sorry to hear about Lionel. Brenda in Woulfe’s Bookshop ships books all over. Unfortunately postage is very expensive. M.
Michael O' Sullivan.
Wonderful reading Mary. The barracks in Listowel was burned in August 1922 during the civil war by the republicans when free state troops landed at Tarbert and the republicans also burned the workhouse up where the hospital is located today. Difficult times indeed.