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
Listowel’s own Betty Stack was once Lixnaw’s Carnival Queen
<<<<<<<<
Presentation Convent, Listowel
Margaret McGrath was remembering her beloved sister, Betty and her dear aunt Sr. Gemma and she sent us these memories of the convent.
Some teachers from the secondary school who went to say goodbye to the sisters before the convent closed.
<<<<<<<<<
An Official Guide to Listowel
In the 1960s Listowel UDC brought out an official guide to the town. Wolfgang Mertens purchased a copy when he came to town to attend Writers’ Week 1969. He kept his copy and now shares it with us.
God and Mammon
Listowel was well served with churches and banks.
<<<<<<<<<
The Canvas is ready
The nearby Mill Lane mural
<<<<<<<
Listowel Men Reunited at Wilco
Enjoying the concert on Saturday night were David Reen, Seán O’Sullivan, Gavin Buckley and Bobby Cogan, all with a Listowel connection.
<<<<<<<<<
A Fact
Indonesia is the world’s largest island country. It has more than 13,000 islands.
There I am at Women in Media in Ballybunion in 2019. On my right is Duagh native, Katie Hannon who is now being honoured by the Kerry association in Dublin. She is to be their Kerry Person on the Year 2023.
Photo: Radio Kerry
These two national treasures, Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan, the voices that bring GAA matches to Kerry people all over the world, are also to be honoured. Their match day commentaries are the stuff of legend. They are to be dubbed Laochra Chiarraí (Kerry Heroes).
<<<<<<<<
A Local Spat
in the letters page in 1901
THE LISTOWEL CONCERT—MR JOHN J FOLEY’S LAMENT.
Listowel, 27th March 1901.
Dear Sir,
In your last issue Mr John J Foley takes exception to the remarks made in my notice of the concert recently held in Listowel, in so far as his “comic” recitation “Thady Kelly’s Hen,” was concerned. It is only natural that Mr Foley should endeavour to prove that the item, so far from being objectionable, was entitled to the honour of a National anthem. If I were in his position it is more than probable I would also try to justify myself in the eyes of the public. Placed as I am, I am sure Mr Foley will have no objection to my defending my criticism, particularly as it was written in a spirit which commends itself to himself. Whether he does or not, I intend doing so, and if he regards my remarks in this and in future letters unpleasant he has no one to blame but himself.
I at once join issue! with Mr Foley on the question as to whether “Thady Kelly’s Hen” is an Irish poem of true racy humour, without any savour of the stage-Irishman or of the English music hall,” or a miserable, drivelling , idiotic caricature of the National character. It is a matter of indifference to me whether he rendered the item in Tralee or Timbuctoo without evoking hostile criticism. I am aware that there are some sterling Irishmen in Tralee, but at the same time I am not ignorant of the fact that it contains its due proportion of shoneens. The question at issue is not whether “Thady Kelly’s Hen’ was hall-marked in Tralee or elsewhere, but whether it should or should not be recited before a self-respecting Irish audience.
Now, let us see what the recitation was about. Thady Kelly, as impersonated by Mr Foley, was a besotted ignoramus who never drank porther until he was dhry.” ” While giving the recitation Mr Foley was continually scratching his head in the most silly fashion, under the delusion evidently that he was doing something particularly clever. This is the manner in which the Irishman is usually caricatured. He is represented as a drunken, improvident, “omadhaun,’ who is tolerated on account of the “bulls” he perpetrates. Mr Foley cut the most ridiculous figure he could assume as he murdered the English language in a style never heard in this country. I have no objection to the wholesale massacre of the English, language, but I have a decided objection to have my countrymen held up to ridicule. A sillier, more disgusting and humiliating performance, I never witnessed, than this so-called comic recitation, and Mr. Foley would be well advised if he never again attempted to perpetrate an atrocity which cannot fail to detract from his reputation.
Mr Foley tries to make a point out of my statement, that the people who applauded his recitation did not appear to grasp its insulting significance. I reiterate that statement, and the best proof that they did not grasp it is furnished by the fact that he was not hissed off the stage.
Mr Foley also makes some mild insinuation about “fanatics.” I do not think it is necessary to waste time dealing with the observation, particularly when I take into account the fact that Mr. Foley was not in the most amiable mood when his letter was being written, and that, under the circumstances an ebullition of feeling was only to be expected. Besides as a journalist, I am not over thin skinned, and I do not certainly expect Mr Foley to be over fastidious in his choice of epithets. I have some other observations to make, but will reserve them for my next letter. In the meantime let me express the hope that when Mr Foley comes to Listowel again, he will not be accompanied by “Thady Kelly’s Hen.”
I am, faithfully, YOUR CORRESPONDENT .
( I looked online but couldn’t find the “poem” anywhere)
<<<<<<<<
When you Meet Someone Deep in Grief
“Slip off your shoes and set them by the door
Enter barefoot, this darkened chapel
hollowed by loss, hallowed by sorrow.
its grey stone walls and floor
You, congregation of one
Are here to listen, not to sing.
Kneel in the back pew, make no sound
Let the candles speak.”
By Patricia Mckernon Runkle
<<<<<<<<<
Home is Where the Horses are
This fellow, affectionately known as Johnny, loves to come to the fence for a nuzzle.
<<<<<<<<
Fact
Here is the answer to the horse related question you didn’t ask.
Why is a horse’s height measured in hands?
The term “hand” is traditionally used to measure the height of horses because it was originally the standard unit of measurement during the Middle Ages. One “hand” is equal to 4 inches, which is the approximate span between a human’s thumb and outstretched fingers.
I am writing from Trinidad and Tobago. Fr. Finbar Ryan became our Archbishop in 1940. Upon doing some research, I learned that he wrote the little children’s magazine, The Imeldist.
While doing some digging, I came across your blog, asking if anyone had copies. I am also looking for copies! Did you ever come across any?
I’d love to know, God Bless!
Kindest regards,
Elizabeth de Verteuil
I’ve replied to Elizabeth to explain that he didn’t write it all. I presume he edited it or wrote some of the content.
Last time I posted this no one seemed to remember it. I’ve gained a few followers since then, maybe someone kept a copy.
>>>>>>>>
An Amusing Sporting Memory
<<<<<<<<
A Corner of a Kanturk Park
<<<<<<<<<<
Our Next Mural
Our next mural for Listowel.ie will be created by our very own signwriter, painter and muralist, Martin Chute.
I met him preparing his “canvas”, the gable end wall of Pat Nolan’s Furniture Shop. The quotation will be very local. I think we’ll all love it best. I’ll keep you posted.
<<<<<<<<<
A Fact
When Montenegro became independent from Yugoslavia, its internet domain went from .yu to .me
I found this quote from the legend that was Páidí O Sé in Gabriel Fitzmaurice’s book, In Praise of Football.
<<<<<<<<<
Listowel Harvest Festival of Racing 2023
<<<<<<<<<<<<
Where the streets have 2 Names
This sign at Mike the Pies commemorates features of that end of town which it calls Patrick Street.
The presence of St. Patrick’s Hall leads people to believe that this is Patrick Street.
The proper name of this street is William Street Upper. We won’t even go into the other Patrick who gives it its name in Irish.
<<<<<<<<<<
The Concert to End all Concerts
Jer Kennelly researched these concerts ion the newspaper archives and he found this glowing account of one held in the Presentation School in 1900.
Kerry Sentinel, Saturday, 16 June, 1900; Page: 4
CONCERT IN LISTOWEL. SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT IN THE CONVENT SCHOOLS.
On Monday evening a grand vocal and instrumental concert was held in the schools of the Presentation Convent, Listowel. From every point of view the entertainment was an unqualified success. Vocally and instrumentally, it was a treat of a very high order. There was a galaxy of talent in which local artistes were conspicuous. The audience was large, fashionable and appreciative, and handsome receipts were realised. The attendance was in itself a tribute of respect to the sisters of the community, who have by their zealous, unostentatious labours, on behalf of religion, and education, established a strong claim on the sympathy and support of the public. The programme submitted for discussion was admirably prepared and well balanced, while all the items were rendered in a most creditable style. In fact from start to finish their was not a single hitch in the arrangements. For the success of the entertainment, Mr Gibson, who presided over the practices, and conducted the concert, deserves the heartiest congratulations on the unqualified success which has attended his efforts. To those who have witnessed recent mediocre entertainments in Listowel, Monday night’s concert was a revelation of the high order of proficiency which our local artistes have attained.
The opening chorus, “Hail to the Chief” (Bishop), which was rendered by a choir composed of the artistes taking part in the concert, with Miss M. Hayes gave the audience a foretaste of the treat in store for them. ” I Fear No Foe” (Pinsuti), by Mr Gibson, was highly appreciated, while his encore contribution, “The Heart Bowed Down” (Balfe), was equally popular. Mr Hayes sang “The Warrior Bold” in dashing style, and for an encore, ” Nancy Lee,” and was as usual popular with his audience. Miss Crowley sang “The Flight of Ages” (F. Bevan), with a good deal of expression, and was warmly appreciated. The duet, “Whisper and I shall hear” (Piccolomini), by Miss Harnett and Mr. Gibson, was a pretty vocal item, which evoked a hearty encore, which was not, however, much to the disappointment of the audience, responded to ” The Last Rose of Summer,” with violin and piano arrangement, by Misses M’Auliffe (violin) and O’Callaghan (piano), was an instrumental item which was executed with & good deal of ability, and was deservedly popular. Mr. Hamilton’s fine tenor voice was heard to advantage in “The Lighthouse Keeper,” while in his encore song, ” The M’Gregor’s Gathering,” he was even more successful. Miss M’Elligott sang ” For All Eternity'” (Mascheroni), and as usual acquitted herself creditably. The violin solo, “The Broken Melody” (Van Beine), was rendered by Miss Dillon, in a charming manner—the execution being finished and sympathetic. In ” Thoughts and Tears” (Hope Temple), Mr. Wheatly Ellis sustained the popularity which he has achieved with local audiences, while in the martial Irish ballad, ” The Ministrel Boy,'” which he gave in response to an encore, he brought down the house.
The second part of the programme opened with the ” German Band Quartette,” played on two pianos by Misses Walsh, Keane, Collins and Fitzgerald, pupils of the concert schools. It was certainly one of the most popular items on the programme, and deservedly so. The time and execution were perfect, and the rendering reflected the highest credit on the artistes, and on those who were responsible for their training. Mr. Hamilton sang “Beloved Again” (Barri), and he was compelled to yield to an encore, in response to which he sang “Beneath Your Window,” a humorous serenade, which tickled the audience immensely. Miss Harnett, who does not take part in concerts as often as the public would wish, sang the beautiful ballad “Asthore” (Trotere), with infinite taste and expression, and in response to an encore, ” Killarney,” which was rendered even in a more capable manner, and was enthusiastically applauded. Miss Creagh’s violin solo, “La Serenata” (Bragga) was a beautiful instrumental contribution, which was artistically interpreted, and an encore was imperatively demanded and acceded to. Mr. Gibson’s singing of ” Eileen Allanah” (Thomas) captivated the audience, while the “Bedouin Love Song” (Pinsute) was rendered in capital style. Miss Crowley was warmly appreciated in her singing of the “Winter Lullaby.” “The Moon has raised her Lamp” (Benedict), a vocal duet, by Messrs Hamilton and Gibson, was one of the most pleasing items, and was rendered in the most artistic fashion. The last verse was sung as an encore. Miss M’Elligott sang the ” Kerry Dance” (Molloy) in a fetching style, and was rewarded for her success by an encore, in response to which she sang ” Come Back to Erin,” which was extremely popular. Mr Ellis sang ” Last Night (Kergurf) with his usual ability, while his rendering of ” Kathleen Mavourneen” was highly appreciated. The singing of “Night, Lovely Night” (Berger), by the choir, brought a most enjoyable entertainment to a close.
<<<<<<<<
A Horsey Fact
A horse can breathe only through its nose, never through its mouth.
