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

Tag: Austin Stack

Old Listowel, The funeral of Austin Stack and the first of my Banna pictures

Rainbow over Ballybunion

Photo: Jason O’Doherty

<<<<<<<<



State Commemorative event to remember Roger Casement, Banna April 21 2016



Everyone who was in Banna on Thursday agrees that it was a great day, a day to be proud to be Irish. I was immensely proud of our army and army reserve, our National Folk theatre , our Kerry County Council who organized everything so well and I was especially proud of our president. 

Thousands of us gathered on “the lonely Banna Strand” to remember the complex character that was Sir Roger Casement and his doomed mission to arm the rebels of 1916.

I went to Banna on the free shuttle bus from Tralee.

I met this lovely lady wearing her Cumann na mBan medal.

The band was having a minute of down time before their performance.

Emergency services were out in force.

The army were beautifully turned out. Here I caught them in the moments before their big performance.

And doing Listowel proud was army reservist, Sergeant Aisling Griffin.

<<<<<<<<<<


Old Listowel Map

Damien Stack showed me this old map one day in town.  In the days before the drone these panoramic photos were taken from high buildings or maybe even from a plane.

<<<<<


Austin Stack’s Funeral Comprehensively Covered in The Kerryman



Kerryman, Saturday, 04
May, 1929; Page: 5

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SCENES. HUGE
KERRY ATTENDANCE.

The remains of Mr. Austin Stack
were  removed last evening from the Mater Misericordiae Hospital to St.
Joseph’s Church, Berkeley St. There was a remarkably large assembly of friends
and sympathisers, who lined Rd. and Eccles St., and the deepest sorrow was
manifested in the sad ceremony.

The remains were borne from the
hospital to the church door by relays of Sinn Fein ex-T.D.’s and other members
of the organisation, and were received at the church by Rev. J. O’Callaghan,
C.C.

The priests present were:—Very Rev.
Canon Breen, P.P., Castlegregory; Rev. R. P. O’Reilly, C.C, Tuosisi, Co. Kerry;
Rev. G. Cleary, 0,F.M., and Rev. J. O’Mahony, C.C, Booterstown.

A guard of honour of members of
Oglaigh na h-Eireann was present at the church door.

The chief mourners were:—Mrs. Stack
(widow), Nicholas Stack (brother), Mrs. Nicholas Stack and Mrs Louis Cassidy
(sisters-in-law), Liam and Austin Stack (nephews), Nanette and Marie Stack
(nieces), Mrs. Long, Mr. and Mrs. William O’Neill, Mr. and Mrs. James O’Neill
the Misses Mary, Martha and Gertrude O’Neill, Tallaght (cousins), J. O’Dolan.,
Belcoo; Miss Margt. O’Dolan, do.; the Misses Stack, Listowel; Miss May
Quillinan, do.; Mrs Cassidy, Monesk; Dr. A. Cassidy, Ballyjamesduff; Miss
Harkins, London; M. Cassidy, Dowra; Dr. and Mrs. C. Martin, Dublin; T. P.
Reynolds, Portarlington; M. Cassidy, Ballyshannon; J. Reynolds, Dublin; Mr. and
Mrs. J. J. Galvin, Listowel; Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Dublin; Mr. and Mrs. Lynch,
Omagh; Mrs. Doherty, Dublin; Mrs. Mullen, Omagh; Mrs. Dunne, Dublin; Kathleen,
Eveleen, Moya, Lily, Joe and Maurice Dunne, do.; Mr. and Mrs. Burleigh, do.;
Dr. and Mrs. Lynch, Omagh; P. J. Cassidy, Co. C; J. J. Cassidy, Mr. ann Mrs. J.
Byrne, Dublin. The following were amongst those who represented the Republican
organisations:—Sean O Ceallaigh (“Sceilg”), Pres. of Sinn Fein; Maurice Toomey,
Count Plunkett , M. Price, Brian O h-Uiginn , Maire Nic Shuibhne, Proinnsias
O’Riain , Sean O’Mahoney, Mrs. Cathal Brugha , Eithne Ni Chumhaill; Liam Mac Giolla
Mhuire; Domhnall O Donnchadha, Cathal O’Murchadha , Eamon Enright, L. Raul Dr.
Kathleen Lynn, Brian O Maoilliosa, Gobnait Ni Bhruadair , T. J. M’Elligott
(“Pro-Patria”), Listowel; P. J. Cahill , Tralee; ‘P. Murney, Newry; Seoirse O
Pluingcead , Jos. Clarke , Sean Goulding, J. Mitchel, Blathnaid Ni Chartaigh ,
Padraig MacAndrew, Eibhlin Ni Thobraide , Maedh Ni Fhaolann, P. Whelan, Fiona
Ni Pluingceid , Eamon Mac Giolla Mhuire, Nora O’Seaghdha, Sighle Ni Bhoinn, M
Nunan, M. Kelly, Bob Slane, P. O’Shea , B. Kelly, Newry; D. O’Brien, Nenagh;
Miss M Elroy, Miss Scully , the Misses Laidhin, T. Power, Seamus O’Neill, P.
O’Donoghue, G. Gilmore, Sean RusseII, Seamus_McArdle , Mr. Cole, Mairin
O’Moore.

Others present were: Messrs. P S
Doyle, T.D.; E Mullins ex-T.D.;D. O Briain , sec , Gaelic League; R. Stokes, P
O’Brien, M. J. Spillane (Co. Kerry); E. J. Toomey, J. Fogarty, W. Dove, J.
Burke, solr. ; T Galvin,  Prof. A. Clery, Prof. Hackett, P O Maille, J. J.
Walsh, A. McCabe, D. O’Callaghan , Con Collins , Maurice Collins, V. Doyle ,
Co. Surveyor, Kerry; Sean O’Mahony, Daithi Ceannt , D. Fawsitt, B.L.;  S.
Mac Cathmaoil, Town Clerk , Bray; Joe Berley, Liam Pedler, Gilbert Ward, the
Misses Daly, Limerick; T McMahon Miss N . Daly, Kerry; J. D. O’Connell, solr.,
Tralee; Mr.  and Mrs. P. J. Kenneally, do.; Tim Hurley, Charlie Nolan, P.
J. Murphy, solr.; P. Cabill , ex-T.D.; D. Brown, solr.; Miss K. M . Breen,
Vice-Chairman , Kerry Co. Council; W. O’Connor, Dr. and Mrs. J. Comer, Joe
Griffin, Phil Ryan, Miss Somers, D.I.D.A.; J. J. O’Cavanagh, Greg Ashe, Donall
O’Connor, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cabell, Dublin, and Mrs. Slattery, Tralee; Di.
Fitzmaurice, Castleconnell.

Mass will be celebrated at 10
o’clock this morning, and the remains will be removed to Glasnevin for
interment at 2  p.m.

MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY.

The messages of sympathy received
by Mrs. Stack included:—Daly family, Knockane; P. Power and family, Tralee ;
Father O’Reilly, Kilgarvan ; Canon Breen , Castlegregory; Kate Breen,
vice-chairman, Kerry Co.C; Domhnall O Dalaigh, Liostuathail; Padraig O
Ceallachain, Liostuathail; Judge Mc-Elligott, Limerick; P. Hogan and family,
Tralee; MacElligott (Pro Patria), Listowel; W. Mullins , Tralee; John and
Bessie Galvin, Listowel; O’Donnell, Brosnan, O’Connor, Duhig, Kennedy, Bohan
and O’Shea , Castlegregory; — Shanahan, Valentia; S Ruttle, Adare; Dan and
Kathleen Flavin, Listowel ; O’Riordon family , Caherciveen ; T. and Mrs.
Griffin, Caherciveen; E. and Nora Dore, Limerick; J. and Kathleen MacCarthy,
Dunboyne; Seamas Mac Guill, Dundalk; Mrs. M. O’Callaghan, Limerick.

Madge and Maura Kidney, Tralee; T.
O’Shea, solr. , Killarney; B. and M. Gleeson Killarney; M. P. Culivet,
Limerick; Frances, and Con Casey , Tralee; P. C. O’Mahoney and Kathleen,.
Killarney; Mr. and Mrs: Lynn, Tralee; Annie and Terence Liston, do.; Father
Behan, Killorglin; Stokes and Slattery, do.; J. MortelI, Tralee; Teresa
O’Brien, Tralee; Rita Lucey, Tralee.

Mossy and May Sheehan, Tralee;
Gearoid MacAuliffe, Newcastlewest; J D. O’Connell, solr., Tralee; W. Mangan, Caherciveen”,
Rev. Joe Breen, C.C..; Kenmare; Mr and Mrs. Joe Harrington, Tralee. Hannah
O’Connor, Tralee; P. O’Sullivan, Caherciveen; R. J. Woulfe, Abbeyfeale; P .
Fahy, T.D.. P O’Sullivan, .solr., Limerick; Dr. and Mrs. Quinlan, Tralee;
Muinntir Ui Dhalaigh , Luimneach; Mr and Mrs. Maurice MacCarthy, Tralee; Mary
Anne O’Donnell, Annascaul.; Liam Healy, Ardnacrusha; Annie Leahy and family,
Listowel; M. Giffin, do.; Mrs. Barrett and family , Tralee; The Enright family,

Tralee; J. K. Fyfe, Rathkeale; Tom
Fitzgerald ,Tarbert; Mrs. Brady, Tralee ; Supple family, Ballyheigue; R . C.
and Miss Barton, Annamoe; Ciss and Katie Green, Fenit; Wm. and Kit O’Doherty ,
Tralee;  Kirwan , Limerick ; P. Kenneally, Tralee; The Misses Stack,
Listowel; P. O’Brien, Tralee; P. Rosney, solr., Caherciveen.

Mrs  Slattery, Tralee; P.
Murphy Brosna;  Walsh, Ballyheigue; J. Mc-Carthy and family, Tralee; Lena
Kavanagh Shoreditch,London.

Mary C. Kearney, Limerick; Denis
Bunyan and family, Tralee; Bridie O’Connor, Tralee; Killarney Cumann Sinn Fein
, J. Sugrue, Listowel; Ashe, Devane , Dingle; Miss Noirin O’Reilly, Waterville,
T. Golden , Caherciveen; Fitzmaurice, Castleconnell; Jack Collins, Currane .

Messages of sympathy were received
at Sinn Fein H.Q. from:—M. Mac-Grath , Ballina; Peadar Murney, Newry; Mary
Brady, sec , Cavan S.F. Executive; Sean Glynn, Williamstown; Tipperary I.R.A.
Memorial Committee; J Babington, Carrick-on-Suir; Dan Hanley, Pres., New Ross
Sinn Fein; E. T. Keane “Kilkenny People.”

James Connolly Workers’ Club, 41
Parnell Sq. , Dublin; Cait Ui Ceallachain, Limerick; Miss Mary B, Dowling,
Drogheda; D. O’Connor, chairman, Portlaoighise F.F. Cumann.

SYMPATHETIC TRIBUTES. The National
Executive of Fianna Fail, on the motion of Mr. de Valera, seconded by Mrs .
Pearse , recorded their deep regret at the death of Mr. Austin Stack, tendered
sincere sympathy to Mrs . Stack, and adjourned as a, mark of respect.
Resolutions of sympathy with relatives of Mr. Stack were also passed by
Limerick City Cumann na nGaedheal and Wexford Corporation. Donnchadh O’Briain,
Secretary, Gaelic League , has arranged for a Mass to be celebrated in St.
Joseph’s, Berkeley St., on Sunday next at 8 a.m. Thursday. Impressive scenes
were witnessed in Dublin yesterday when the remains of the dead patriot, Austin
Stack, were laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery. The body lay in St. Joseph’s
Church, Berkeley Road, overnight, and at 10 a.m. Requiem Mass for the eternal
repose of his soul was celebrated at 10 a.m. The Rev. J. O’Callaghan, C.C, was
celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Very Rev. John Canon Breen, S.T.L., P.P.,
Castlegregory; and Rev. R. F. O’Reilly, CC., Tuosist , County Kerry. A large
congregation was present in the Church, including representatives, of the
Standing Committee of Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail Deputies and Kerry sympathisers
who had made the long journey to Dublin to be present at the obsequies.

Mrs. A. Stack (widow), Mr. Nicholas
Stack ((brother), Mrs. Nicholas Stack and Mrs. Louis Cassidy (sisters-in-law),
Liam and Austin (nephews), Nanette and Marie Stack (nieces) and other near
relatives and friends occupied seats in front of the Altar.

<<<<<<< 



Fundraiser for CF at The Well on April 15 2016




Well done to the hardworking volunteers

The Funeral of Austin Stack in 1929, Muddy Paws, Church Street

Lovely photo of a robin n a holly bush by Chris Grayson

<<<<<<<<

The Funeral of Austin Stack in 1929



Kerryman, Saturday, 04 May, 1929; Page: 5

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SCENES. HUGE KERRY ATTENDANCE

.From the conclusion of the Mass
until 2 p.m. a continuous stream of people filed past the coffin which was
draped with the tricolour and surmounted with the deceased’s I.R.A. cap and
belt. Beautiful wreaths, glass and natural, in great profusion surrounded the
remains and a Guard of Honour of Dublin Volunteers was mounted. Large crowds
assembled in the vicinity of the Church prior to the funeral.

A section of old Kerry Volunteers
relieved the Dublin Guard of Honour and bore the coffin on their shoulders from
the Church to the waiting hearse. The funeral procession was marshalled in the
following order: Advance Guard, Hearse with Body Guard of Kerrymen, two large
lorries laden with wreaths, the chief mourners, clergy, carriages, Republican
leaders and members of the Sinn Fein Executive, Oglaigh na h-Eireann, Cumann na
mBan, Fianna Eireann, Clan na nGaedheal, Republican Girl Guides, Kerry
Contingent, Public Bodies and the General Public.

The Kerry contingent, who travelled
to Dublin by special train, reinforced by natives of the county resident in
Dublin, made a solid and  striking phalanx in the centre of the funeral
procession. As the cortege moved along Berkeley Road, Blessington Street,
Dorset Street, Chapel Street, Parliament St., Dame St., and through O’Connell
Street to Glasnevin crowds lined the streets and paid respectful tribute to the
remains of the dead leader as they were borne past. Along the route all traffic
 was suspended. Through O’Connell  St., and again on the approach to
the graveyard the vast procession moved at the slow march to the music of the
Dublin Workingmen’s Band. It was close on 4 o’clock when the funeral reached
the Cemetery.

At Glasnevin the remains _were
carried into the Mortuary Chapel by relatives and from thence-to the place of
burial by relays of  Republican Deputies. The Kerry Contingent were
allotted a reserved space near the graveside. A huge concourse  of people
were present in deep and reverent silence while the Rev Fr. F. Fitzgibbon, C C,
assisted by Very. Rev John Canon Breen, S.T.L., P.P., Castlegregory; Rev R. F.
O’Reilly, CC. Tuosist; Rev Charles Troy; Rev John Power, O.P., Tallaght; Rev T.
0 Donoghue, do.; Rev Dr. P. Browne, Maynooth; Very Rev P. P. McKenna, Drogheda;
Rev W. Lillis, Castledermott; Rev A Sharkey, Sligo; Rev D. Cahlll, Belfast,
officiated. When the grave was closed a huge mound of wreaths and floral
tributes were placed upon it. Mr. J. J. O’Kelly (Sceilg), President of Sinn
Fein, recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish while all present knelt and
responded fervently.  Mr. Brian O’Higgins; having spoken in Irish, said:
One more soldier of the Republic has fallen by the wayside.

<<<<<<<

Another new Business on Courthouse Road

This premises which used to house a business for beautifying humans is now a business for beautifying dogs. Muddy Paws is a beauty parlor for our canine friends.

<<<<<


Jimmy Deenihan’s presence in town is no More

This used to be Jimmy Deenihan’s very busy constituency office. It is closed since the day after General Election 2016 when Jimmy lost his seat.

 Ironically, the last poster on the window advertised a concert in the INEC on the day after the election, the day of the count when Jimmy was rejected by the Kerry electorate. I don’t think anyone in the office felt like singing.

<<<<<<<


Church Street streetscape April 2016

<<<<<<<

Old Photo of a Kerry Couple


A tender moment is caught in this  candid photograph of an old couple, somewhere in Kerry.

<<<<<<<



An Post New Van




My postman, Paul O’Sullivan arrived today in a spanking new van.

Ard Churam Official Opening, Upper William Street, Siamsa in London in 1991and WIM 2016

Mallard duck photographed by Chris Grayson

<<<<<<<


Some More Local People at the Ard Churam Opening



<<<<<<<<<

Siamsa in London 1991


From the archives of The Kerryman

<<<<<<<

Correcting a Mistake

Upper William Street, early April 2016

County Council workers are replacing the window in the house next to St. Patrick’s Hall and restoring the streetscape to its original beauty.

This is how Upper William Street has looked as far back as anyone can remember. Then in 2014 when the council bought and refurbished the house next to St. Patrick’s Hall they replaced the upstairs window with a tiny one.

How it looked up to the mid eighties. Photo: Vincent Carmody

You can see in this photo how in 2014 they bricked up the lower half of the window and installed  a window half the size of the original.

The window ruined the uniformity of the streetscape. Vincent Carmody who is a lifelong resident of the street was determined to have the situation remedied. He complained to all the relevant bodies and singlehandedly fought a battle to have the historic panorama of the street restored. Last week he was thrilled to see that his perseverance was vindicated and a new window of the original shape was installed. Harmony is restored on Upper william Street.

Follow Vincent Camody’s very interesting Living History posts on Facebook to learn all about this street and its residents.

<<<<<<<<



An Invitation for You




Among the Listowel people featured in the book are;

Patrick ‘Sonny’ Griffin

Servelus Jones

Patrick (Paddy) Landers

James Sugrue

And the book also has an essay by Fr. Antony Gaughan entitled Austin Stack, a portrait of a Kerry separatist.

<<<<<<

I was in Ballybunion at the Weekend


Once again the Women in Media Weekend was a Great Success. I’m sorting my photos for you. Check back here during the week for my account of my trip.


An Post Rás

Colorful display at Lawlees Upper William Street.

<<<<<<

This is it, the final few photos of The Rás

 The schoolboys are lined up to watch An Rás leave town.

The peleton rides out of Listowel.

2 serving Gardaí chat to a retired colleague.

A few from Day 1

 Michael Salmon and Denis O’Mahoney

English visitors who love Listowel, Siobhán and Mark Hewitt

 Mary Hanlon and grandchildren

 Wheels pumped in readiness for the day ahead.

The team car is loaded up.

Tony and Denise came out for a look.


The Square is empty and the clean up begins.

The band on its way home.

<<<<<

Horse chestnut tree in bloom by the entrance to the Gaelscoil.

<<<<<<

Arbour Hill 1924 Dev and Austim Stack

<<<<<

Ger Greaney got this marvellous photo of the opening of Lyreacrompane church in 1956. Its so clear. People will definitely identify people. Are you in the picture?

<<<<

Jer shot this lovely video of Noel OGrady on Opening Night Writers’ Week 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyy4PEfcumQ&feature=youtu.be

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén