Ballybunion in May 2025
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George Fitzmaurice
Last week Warren Buckley brought us news of the George Fitzmaurice commemorative plaque which has been removed from his former home in 3 Harcourt Street Dublin. Jimmy Deenihan organised a hooley for Kerry people living in Dublin to mark the unveiling of the plaque. I wondered if anyone had a record of that evening and sure enough someone had.
Eamon ÓMurchú realised that it was an occasion that should be captured for posterity. He unearthed his photo of the attendance on that night and sent it to us.
I recognise only a few of these people but I’m sure someone will help us with names.
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Photos bring back Memories
This exhibition of old photographs will be a great hit in Kanturk Library. Danny O’Sullivan took hundreds of photos of Kanturk events in the 1950s and 60s. He took his camera with him everywhere. He had his own dark room. His family with the help of Duhallow Heritage Society is now sharing his valuable legacy with us all.
This is just one of the charming pictures in Danny O’Sullivan’s archive. It’s carnival time in town and this is the start of the children’s tricycle race.
When I was in Kanturk last week I saw that one of the tricycles is parked outside Kelly’s in The Square.
It looks a bit the worst for wear but it is definitely one of the bicycles in the O’Sullivan photo.
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The National Stud
If you are going to visit the stud be sure to take the guided tour. If, like me, you are lucky and the day is fine, you are in for a treat.
This is my tour group on a May Sunday in 2025
Ross was our very knowledgeable guide. Here he is telling us about the stallions standing at the National Stud.
This is one of the newer stallions so his children havent raced yet. A date with him is a bit cheaper than one of the proven boyos. Because we had children in our group, the language of mating and covering was couched in romantic terms. There was lots of “dating”, often 3 times per day every day.
There is no artificial insemination used and horses are not cloned. It’s a hugely regulated industry.
These flags represent all the countries from which students of equine science have come to Ireland to work and study at the stud.
There is a huge workforce in a wide number of disciplines employed at the stud and the students help with the work as well.
Handling the stallions is a very skilled job and each stallion has his own dedicated handlers.
We were allowed to get up close and personal with some of the retired horses. They love mints. Ross had a supply on hand.
New foals are being born here every day. We saw some who were only hours old. Did you know that mares nearly always foal in the nighttime?
The setting is beautiful. The animals are stunning. There is much to learn. The National Stud comes highly recommended for a summer visit.
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Respect for a Fallen Comrade
National flag at half mast at Listowel Garda Station
Books of Condolence for the family of Garda Kevin Flatley R.I.P. have been openend at many Garda stations.
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A Fact
Canada has more lakes than all of the rest of the world’s lakes combined.
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