St. Mary’s Listowel in July 2024
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A Very Talented Listowel Man
Photo and story from Tralee Today
Justin Walsh
SIAMSA Tíre has appointed Justin Walsh as its Community Engagement Manager.
He will be responsible for connecting with the Siamsa Tíre Community cast and the diverse communities across Kerry, to explore opportunities to deepen relationships, develop engagement and performance opportunities and explore new partnerships.
Nicola Hopcroft, Acting CEO, Siamsa Tíre said: “Community engagement has always been a core part of what we do at Siamsa Tíre and it will be pivotal in our future arts programming as we meet the needs of a more diverse community of artists and audiences in Tralee and Kerry. We look forward to Justin’s return to Siamsa Tíre in this new role, bringing his experience and expertise to support this.”
A native of Listowel, North Kerry, Justin began his theatre and Irish dance training at the age of five with the Jimmy Hickey School of Dance in Listowel and at seven began training with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
He graduated to perform in National Folk Theatre productions, notably Justin played the child role of Jerry Munnix the travelling dancing master in Fr Pat Ahern’s production of Ding Dong Dedero – Forging the Dance.
At 18, Justin became a full-time professional member with the company, providing training in various disciplines of theatre and dance and in particular the Munnix style of Irish dance unique to North Kerry and the folk theatre.
He was also part of the creative teams on productions including Clann Lir – Children of Lir, Oileán- A Celebration of the Blasket Islands and Moriarty the story of John Moriarty and many more.
Justin has toured both nationally and internationally with Siamsa Tíre representing Ireland at Expo 92 Seville Spain at age 11 and performing at the world-famous Fords Theatre Washington DC in 1999.
At age 20, Justin pursued a career in dance in Dublin and trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary Dance at The College of Dance, Diggs Lane.
During his training, he took part in a workshop for Riverdance producers Moya Doherty & John McGolgan and performed the lead role and principal dancer of RiRá.
He subsequently successfully auditioned for Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” which began an eight-year touring career worldwide.
During this time, he performed in Michael Flatley’s productions of “Celtic Tiger” and “Feet of Flames” and in 2008 he joined “Riverdance the Show” touring extensively with a highlight of performing with Michael Flatley at Madison Square Garden New York City.
Justin also performed as lead dancer with the Norwegian Theatre Company in their production of “Playboy of the Western World”.
He has also performed on TV in Ireland and America. Justin’s qualifications include a Diploma in Professional Dance Training (College of Dance, Diggs Lane) and a Master’s Degree in dance performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance University College Limerick. Justin continues to teach and is guest tutor in University College Limerick.
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It’s That Time of Year
Yes, it’s July and the school doors have barely closed for the summer holidays. In a total shift since my day, this is the time for school supplies buying. I’m told that parents now like to get it all done and dusted in July so as not to have to think about school again until late August when the schools are open again.
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A Poem
Clothes Old and New
I have several old clothes, boots and shoes
Clogging up wardrobes and storage space
Each garment having fully served out their time with me
We have a saying in our house
When clothes or shoes start looking shoddy
They should be consigned to a new life
Adorning the inners of our garage wardrobe.
My wife loves decluttering
And is a regular supplier to charity shops
I am a sentimentalist and love to hoard
I have raincoats and warm winter coats
Never again to be worn in public places
Old jumpers and six pairs of runners
Some over two decades old
But they still serve a purpose
In protecting me from wind and cold
Or keeping my house gear clean
During the gardening maintenance season.
I remember my younger days
How different things were then
There were good clothes and old clothes
And the corduroy jackets and pants for school
School uniforms were unheard of.
Saturday nights were special times
There was bath times and hair washing sessions
The Sunday clothes were taken down
And all were doubly checked for cleanliness
Shoes were polished with mirror like sheen
Ensuring everything was ready for the weekly family outing
That great spiritual and social event, the Sunday mass.
Neighbours went to Sunday service
Everyone went to some Sunday religious event
There was great chat and unhurried story telling
Outside every church on Sunday mornings.
After all the natter we went to Curneen’s shop
To buy the Sunday Independent
And the sticky lollipop for the younger fry
And off we scampered home for breakfast
Because we had been fasting since midnight
So that we could receive Holy Communion at mass.
There were dire warnings to mind our Sunday best clothes
As we were always going visiting somewhere in the afternoon
When we came home post granny or another visit,
We changed and all the good clothes were taken off
Washed, ironed and put away safely for another Sunday.
Casual clothes were never mentioned, never heard of
Because they were not the norm in the Ireland of the late fifties.
Yes, life was different then, poorer, stricter, more regimental
Less choice of clothes, food and entertainment
But we were happy and contented,
We thrived on less and survived it all.
Mick O Callaghan
07/07/2024
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A Fact
Singer, Taylor Swift injected an estimated one billion pounds int the British and Irish economies during her Eras tour.
All those cowboy boots and friendship bracelets add up.
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