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
The three men on the stage at The Plaza on the Sunday of Listowel Writers’ Week 2024 were Martin Dyar, festival curator, Tom Shortt, director of Prison Education and Pat Sheedy, recovering gambling addict and author.
While half the readers of Listowel were in Kerry Writers Museum for the launch of Autumn Blooms, an anthology of work by local writers, Paddy Gavin, Cyril Kelly and John Fitzgerald, I joined the small audience for Pat Sheedy’s cautionary tale of his life in gambling.
Pat’s story is one of fall and redemption. It tells of the saving power of education for a man who had reached his lowest ebb.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in human nature, who likes a good story well told.
<<<<<<
A Poem to Make you Laugh ( or maybe even inspire you)
<<<<<<<
Listowel, The world Centre of Modern Celtic Art
St Patrick’s Breastplate by Michael O’Connor
Stephen Rynne did a great job marketing Listowel to those of us attending the International Day of Celtic Art. His presentation was recorded. I hope it will be available soon on youtube. It was marvellous.
Small detail of the calligraphy and illumination on this beautiful artwork, now on display in Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel.
<<<<<<<<
Just a Thought
A link to my latest contributions to Just a Thought on Radio Kerry
Collecting for the hospice on Friday June 7 2024. The amount collected was €11,028
<<<<<<<
When I called to Carroll’s last week I was served by my lovely smiling past pupil, Máire. She is home and helping her dad in the shop as she builds up her make up artist’s business.
Lovely to see the next generation in this iconic local business.
<<<<<<<<
A Picture of Friendship and Love
This is Kevin Sinfield, carrying the limp body of his friend Rob Burrow over the finish line in the first Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds.
Kevin and Rob were friends and team mates in their Leeds Rhinos rugby team. When Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 at the age of 36, he had a wife and three young children. Kevin stepped up to help his friend, encouraging him to write an autobiography, organising fundraising events, writing a children’s pocketbook about friendship and generally being there for him.
Rob passed away on June 2 2024.
<<<<<<<
At The Flemings
On the Sunday of Writers’ Week, one of the events on the packed schedule was a chat with Derry and Tadhg Fleming. Earlier in the festival, they had been awarded a prize in the new category of digital storytelling.
Peggy and I were a bit surprised to find ourselves awaiting admission alongside Fr. Antony Gaughan.
Mystery solved. Fr. Gaughan is not actually a TikTok fan. He was there to meet Deirdre Walshe who was there to interview the Flemings.
Friends, Noreen and Marylyn were on their way out of the Barbara Scully event as Bridget went in to The Flemings.
Derry and Tadhg were relaxed guests chatting about family, trolls, the growth of their online following, where they get inspiration from (Tadhg’s head). The vibe was just as it comes across in their videos, a close happy family helping each other out in a fun way.
Maureen and Derry posed with me and my friends Bridget and Peggy…lovely people.
<<<<<<<<
<<<<<<<<<
From the Papers
New York NY Irish American Advocate 1916-1918 pdf
Mr. James J. O’Neill, Librarian of National University of Ireland, in a series of monthly lectures at the Carnegie Library, Listowel, Co. Kerry, read an interested paper on some distinguished Kerrymen.”
Mr. O’Neill after a rapid survey of Ireland’s ancient scholars, and their merits said that Kerry had just cause to be proud of its place in its countries roll of fame. In view of the fact that Irish born dramatic writers and Irish born players have contributed so largely to English dramatic literature, and to acting on the English speaking stage is not surprising to find the name of a Kerryman prominent among the writers of that literature. Hugh Kelly,? the Kerry dramatist was born in Killarney in 1739. At an early age he removed to Dublin with his course he was apprenticed to n stay maker during his apprenticeship the family, and after the usual school made the acquaintance of many of the players who performed In the Old Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin.
Others:
Richard Cantillon, the political economist, sprang from a Kerry family He was born at Ballyheigue.
Among the writers in English we have the names of Bartholomew Dowling, Mrs. Mary Downing and Maurice O’Connell. Bartholomew Dowling was born in this town ? emigrated to Canada
ballad “The Brigade at Fontenoy,” appeared without any signature. In 1848 Dowling went to France and from, thence he sailed to America, where he engaged in farming In 1858 he became editor of the San Francisco Monitor. ——————————————- Died in institution run by Rev. Mother Russell, sister of Lord Russell.- ———————————-
Mrs. Mary Downing was the daughter of Daniel MacCarthy of Kilfadimore, near Kenmare.
Henry O Brien, one of the most celebrated antiquaries of the early 19th Century, was born in Kerry In 1808. He was educated, at Trinity College ——————–
and we find some very scathing references to Moore, and the Royal Irish Academy, who refused to grant O’Brien the price for his essay ——————————-
<<<<<<<
A Fact
King Charles 111 image is featured on the front of British banknotes since June 5 2024. The back of the notes remains unchanged.
Little Aoife came for a Kerry visit on the June weekend.
When you are watering Nana’s flowers it is essential to test the temperature of the water with your hand.
Doesn’t seem to be much growing here but a spot of watering might bring it on.
Can’t open the tap but easy to refill a watering can from Nana’s one.
Now the best part, making a puddle for stomping in. Peppa made me do it.
<<<<<<<
Joy Unconfined
First European athletics gold since 1998.
The Irish 4×400 metres relay quartet of Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley finished 0.77 seconds ahead of Italy with the fancied Netherlands team led by Femke Bol having to settle for bronze.
<<<<<<<<<
The Pain of Emigration
by Martin Coffey
‘My mother’s heart was broken
My father’s heart was too
The day I walked out through this door
And bade a fond adieu
I was only sixteen years of age
And thought I knew it all
The world it was my oyster
And I had heard the call
To take the boat to England
And sail the Irish Sea
To seek out fame and fortune
And notoriety
The streets were paved with gold I’d heard
And work was everywhere
I’d fill my pockets to the brim
With coins of every fare
So off I set that very day
The weather warm and mild
My parents standing at the door
As they watched their only child
My mother’s tears ran down her face
Like raindrops in the night
My dear beloved father
He held her close and tight
And soon enough I landed
On England’s rugged shore
I was looking for a place to stay
I knocked on every door
All the rooms were taken
I stood and wondered why
Then I saw a sign that read
No Irish need apply
As time went by I found it hard
To try and make ends meet
Without a bed to lay my head
I slept out on the street
I sent a letter once or twice
To my dearest darling mother
I told a lie that things were good
And then I told another
For many years things just got worse
And then I took to drink
I lost all sense of place and time
My life went down the sink
And then one day it happened
I decided to go home
I’d step onboard the boat once more
And sail across the foam
I couldn’t wait to see the smile
Upon my mother’s face
To see my father’s cheery grin
And to feel his loving grace
The journey back it took no time
I soon stepped off the boat
The air was chilled with Irish mist
I then put on my coat
I walked along the country road
Where I had walked before
I couldn’t wait to hear the knock
Upon my mother’s door
It was then I met a neighbour
Who lived way up the lane
His frame had aged his hair was grey
His face was filled with pain
He looked so sad and so forlorn
As he gently came my way
He said he was so sorry
For those who’d passed away
He said my darling mother
Died from a broken heart
My dearest father also went
With her he couldn’t part
He said he sent a letter
To a priest in Cricklewood
To tell me what had happened
To find me if he could
It was then I saw this little house
All broken and forlorn
The window in the room was broke
The room where I was born
I walked up very slowly
And knocked upon the door
Imagining that I could hear
My mother’s voice once more
I then walked to their graveside
That was placed upon a hill
Teardrops rolling down my cheeks
The air was quiet and still
And there they lay so peacefully
My parents meek and mild
As here I stood with a broken heart
Their one and only child…’
<<<<<<<<<
The Boy who Kicked the Nun
Mick O’Callaghan made me a gift of his recently launched memoir. Mick grew up in Tralee and now lives in retirement in Gorey.
In a very full life, growing up in Tralee, playing in John B. Keane plays, boxing, involvement with local organisations, walking and writing, Mick ‘s tale is an engaging one.
I had a lovely chat with Mick and his lovely wife, Margaret.
The book is available in Woulfe’s. I’d highly recommend it
<<<<<<<<<
A Fact
King Charles 111 banknotes went into circulation on June 5 2024. His image is on the £5, the £10, the £20 and the £50.
This is the recently released special edition Brona chocolate bar. It costs €4. I haven’t tasted it yet but it comes from a good stable.
<<<<<<<<<
Please, Please, Don’t do this
On Wednesday morning, June 5 2024 I met two of the hardest working Tidy Town volunteers. They had been out since early morning, washing and sweeping and generally keeping our lovely town lovely.
Breda was scraping and hacking trying to remove a poster that had been stuck on to the litter bin. Tidy Town judges don’t like posters on bins or poles. The worst part of this postering is that whoever stuck the posters used some kind of superglue which cannot be removed by the usual solvents.
If you want to draw attention to your cause, please do not glue posters anywhere. Think of Breda. Think of the local hard working Tidy Town volunteers. Think of Listowel. Think of the environment.
Just don’t do it!
<<<<<<<
Selling Listowel
On my way home from morning mass where I was besieging Heaven on behalf of my 3 grandchildren doing state exams, I ran into Rose Wall of Listowel Chamber Alliance.
Rose was doing a bit of research for a big marketing day they have planned for later on this month. This group do as great job of marketing Listowel.
<<<<<<<
Lego Lartigue
Image and text from Lartigue Monorail and Museum on Facebook
Lego & Railway enthusiast Trevor Leen brought along his Lego built replica of the Lartigue Monorail to the Lartigue Museum.
Trevor said “I recreated the Lartigue Monorail over the course of a few weeks using reference photos from the original and modern day engine. Two carriages were built to give it a train to pull along with a step car to cross the rail. I’ve always had a love for railways and the Lartigue Monorail has always been an interest of mine as it is unique and had a bold experimental take on railways in years gone by.”
<<<<<<<<<
Michael O’Connor, Celtic Art Illuminator
Ahead of the International Day of Celtic Art tomorrow, here is a little resumé I did a while ago of Michael O’Connor.
The library has to be the best free facility in town, lovely building, lovely staff, well stocked shelves and always a surprise in store.
Today’s surprise; Colm Tóibín’s latest book had no waiting list. I have it for 10 days. Yippee!
Last week when I was in the library I met these lovely people who were on a mission of appreciation to one of their favourite places.
They are the Pathways Level 3 learners from Kerry College, Listowel Campus. The course co ordinator is Rena Liston.
Holding the plant they brought as a thank you to library staff is Maria and fellow librarian, Susan, is in front.
<<<<<<<<
All is Slowly Being Revealed
The pages my friends are reading are the first proofs of my new book. It will be called Moments of Reflection. Just now it is in the capable hands of Paul Shannon at Listowel Printing Works. He is doing a splendid job.
It will be a while yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
<<<<<<<<<
2 Day International Day of Celtic Art
The International Day of Celtic Art 2024 is actually 2 days. Coming from a town where Writers’ Week is 4 days we can hardly quibble with that.
I think I may have had the link wrong yesterday so here again is the link for registration.
I think it’s all free. They didn’t ask me for any money anyway.
The lady in the above photo is Susan Corr, Ireland’s leading conservator. I took this photo of Susan in The Brendan Kennelly room in Listowel Writers’ Museum on the day she returned the Michael O’Connor pieces after conservation.
This is not the piece in the picture. It’s another of O’Connor’s magnificent letters.
