Listowel Connection

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: Jimmy Deenihan Page 1 of 10

Drivers, Footballers and Local People at Listowel Races 2024

By

On October 14, 2024

In History, Listowel, Listowel Races

Dough Mamma, October 2024

<<<<<<<<<<

Older Drivers

Kerry County Council held an Age Friendly Conference for older drivers in The Rose Hotel on Tuesday October 8 2024.

If you are wondering at what age you become an “older’ driver: 55, apparently. You may have noticed since Covid the term Age Friendly appearing in parking spaces. It’s a kind of euphemism for “Reserved for Old People”. It’s a misleading term as it’s certainly not friendly to twenty somethings.

Now this seminar was free for us oldies but you had to reserve your place through the booking site, Eventbrite. It doesn’t really take a genius to know that that alone is off-putting for many older people. Next time you, Kerry County Council, organise a seminar for older people make it ring to book your place or even send a text message. Eventbrite is fine for concerts and shows.

90 year old Anna May McHugh was the guest of honour. Anna May is seated beside the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Breandán Fitzgerald. Breandán welcomed us and told us that Kerry is an Age Friendly County. The newly appointed chair of the Older People’s Council, Kerry, Catherine Lenihan, addressed us as well.

Then followed some excellent speakers. I’m not going to go through it all but here are a few facts:

Environmental factors are usually weather related, e.g. icy roads or sun glare.

Even if you are old and one of the above is an issue for you, you may still be able to get a restricted driving licence, e.g restricted to driving in daylight or to a radius of 30 kms from your home.

Having listened to all the really good speakers we then got tea and a scone or two and we were free to find our inner child and visit the stands gathering a bag of swag to take home. I felt like a child at the summer show with my free pen and my trolley token, my air freshener and my hi viz jacket.

It was a really worthwhile event, well worth repeating.

<<<<<<<<<

From the Swap Box

In Listowel Library there is this marvellous resource. It’s a swap box, where you can leave a book and collect a book. You don’t have to donate to collect. Sometimes it’s oversubscribed, and you have to take home your “donation”. I love it and I have found many treasures there. Last week I took three old Ballydonoghue Magazines from the box. Look what I found:

Two very promising footballers receiving an award from a former footballer who too fulfilled his young promise.

<<<<<<<<

From Jer’s Archive Trawl

May 1936

<<<<<<<<

A Few More from Listowel Races 2024

Mostly local people, friends and neighbours today

<<<<<<

A Corner in Abbeyfeale

<<<<<<<<

A Fact

In 1737, a cyclone in Calcutta, India is believed to have killed 300,000 people and caused 40 foot waves.

<<<<<<<<

Horse Fair and Horse Races

By

On October 11, 2024

In History, Listowel, Listowel Races, Personal

Looking towards Courthouse Road

<<<<<<<<

Two Jostle Stones in Ballincollig

According to Wikipedia a jostle stone is “A guard stone, jostle stone or chasse-roue (French lit. “wheel chaser”), is a projecting metal, concrete, or stone exterior architectural element located at the corner and/or foot of gates, portes-cochères, garage entries, and walls to prevent damage from vehicle tires and wheels.”

Nineteenth century towns were very dependent on the horse. These stones were put in place at entrances in order to jostle the cart wheels away from walls.

There are many jostle stones still in place in Listowel. Look out for them is you are walking in town.

<<<<<<<<<

Listowel, an Autism Friendly Town

This sign is at Garvey’s Super Valu. Many businesses in town are adapting to make Listowel a more welcoming town for people with autism.

<<<<<<<<

At the October HorseFair

Market Street

A young horse man

These little miniature horses are Falabella. They cost about the same as your high end puppy. Of course you can’t ride them as they are far too small but they make lovely outdoor pets or companions for horses or donkeys.

This man from Galbally in Co. Limerick introduced these little ponies to this part of the world. Business was slow at the October horse fair but he says that there is steady demand for these lovely creatures.

These men were on hand to inform people about fire safety in the home this winter.

<<<<<<

One Hundred Years since The Lartigue

The beautiful replica train before its centenary run on Sunday September 29 2024. Pat Brodbin at the controls.

One of four flying gate wheels now it the museum

Martin Griffin and Jimmy Deenihan, two men who are passionate about the monorail and museum

Jimmy and Sean greeting the first passengers of the day

<<<<<<<<

People at Listowel Races 2024

The judges were Heidi Higgins and Rosanna Davison

Suitable shoes for racing?

<<<<<<<<

1945 death of a lady with a Listowel Connection

The Telegraph

Aug 16 1945  •  Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Late Miss C. Hewson The death has occurred of Miss Caroline Hewson, at the home of her late sister, Mrs F. J. Macgillycuddy, at Eagle Junction. Some weeks ago Miss Hewson fell and broke her hip. After several weeks in a private hospital she returned to her home at Eagle Junction, but did not rally from shock, which was too great for her advanced years. the Miss Hewson was second daughter of the late Mr William Minchin Hewson, and was borne at Finuge House, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland. some years she lived at Stanthorpe, where she was widely known. Her surviving sisters are Mesdames For R M. King (Brisbane), and Murdo Mackenzie (Southport).

<<<<<<<<<

A few more from my Book Launch

Carmel and Anne Marie

with my great friends, Geraldine and Bridget

Eddie, Mary and Carmel

<<<<<<<

A Fact

Adult cats only miaow to communicate with humans.

<<<<<<<

Winners despite the Weather

By

On August 27, 2024

In Listowel

Aoife McKenna with the story of Summer 2024

<<<<<<<<<

Revival 2024

The music festival was a huge success. A big well done to all the organisers. They brought some world class acts right to our doorstep.

The story of the weekend has to be Sharon Shannon in Áras Mhuire. I got the story and photos on Áras Mhuire Facebook page. They give all the credit for arranging the visit to Aiden O’Connor of Mike the Pies.

Sharon was joined by local musicians, Eamonn and Tom.

Sharon met James Gould

with Breda Moore whom she met first many years ago.

<<<<<<<<<

From the Archives

Unfortunately, there is no year given on the poster.

<<<<<<<<<<

Footballers

Paudie Clifford, present Kerry captain and Jimmy Deenihan, former Kerry captain met up in in Garvey’s Super Valu when Paudie brought the Sam Maguire (on loan from Armagh) to the opening of the revamped Listowel store.

<<<<<<<<

Stone Walls

Some old dry stone walls in Listowel…

<<<<<<<<

A Fact

Russia has 11 time zones.

<<<<<<<<<

Important Visitors

By

On August 8, 2024

In Just a Thought, Listowel

Courthouse Road

<<<<<<<<

Molly on her Kerry Holidays

She has made herself at home on every chair in the house.

<<<<<<<<<

Returning to the home of his ancestors

Dr. Michael O’Connor opened a door to many many memories on July 31 2024. Michael is the third generation of Michael’s to open this door. His grandfather, also Dr. Michael O’Connor lived here and his father, Michael O’Connor, the great illuminator, lived in this house too.

The house is no longer a family home. It is now Kerry Writers’ Museum. Michael is here viewing for the first time his father’s beautiful celtic artwork on display. Michael was 16 when his father died and he never fully appreciated how talented his father was.

Michael with his wife and one of his daughters in the room where Michael O’Connor’s artwork is exhibited.

The travelling party included family and friends. They were entertained to a tour of the museum by Vincent O’Brien.

Here, Vincent, in the John B. Keane room is playing his bodhrán and singing them the Sive songs.

Stephen Rynne who has dedicated much time and effort into collecting the works of O’Connor gave the visitors a talk on how he discovered various pieces by the artist. Some very important commissioned works are still out there, awaiting discovery.

Jimmy Deenihan is anxious to promote the artworks and to raise the profile of this great local artist.

The U.S. branch of the O’Connor family at the door of No. 24.

When Dr. Michael visited here on summer holidays as a child he remembers coming down these steps to go to play marbles with the local children in The Square.

<<<<<<<

Just a Thought

All of last week’s reflections which were broadcast on Radio Kerry will be in included in my new book

https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/our-diocese/communications/listen-now/

The book will be launched next month. Look out for details here.

<<<<<<<<<<

A Poem

I love to do crosswords. Recently I was doing the Simplex crossword with a little help from my son. The clue was a line from this poem with a word missing. Bobby had never heard of the Gray’s Elegy. Here it is (well, a bit of it) for all of us who learned it in school.

<<<<<<<<<

Flowers and a Stone Wall

<<<<<<<<

From the Archives

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1910.

New York NY Irish American Advocate

Moore and Healy-—Kerry joins Cork. On Sunday last January 22, 1911, Cornelius F. Moore, of Newtownsandes , Co Kerry, and Miss Mary J. Healy, Ardgroom, Castletown Bere, Co. Cork, were joined in the bonds of matrimony at St. Mary’s Church, Bensonhurat, Brooklyn.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Wightman,P.P., of that church.

After the ceremony was performed the happy couple were convoyed by a host of friends and relatives to their new home at 576 Seventeenth street, Brooklyn, where they entertained a large crowd of relatives and friends and gave them a most enjoyable time until a late hour on Monday morning. Mr. Moore has been president of the Jolly Sports Social Club for the past five years and is highly esteemed by its members,

The brides-maid was Miss Hannah Healy, a cousin of the bride, and the best man was James Foran, of Ballyguiltanan, Co. Limerick.

<<<<<<<<<

A Fact

Why do Olympic gold medal winners bite their medal?

It is a silly tradition that harks back to a time when buyers sometimes tried to trick merchants by passing off inferior metals as gold. The trader would bite into the coin to make sure he was not being cheated, Biting into gold leaves no teeth marks. The biting now is purely symbolic as the medals aren’t gold anyway.

<<<<<<<<

Running and Musing

By

On January 17, 2024

In Listowel

Path through the trees, Listowel Town Park, January 2024

<<<<<<<<<<

Park Run, Saturday January 13 2024

The weekly park run is a bit (a lot actually) outside my capability. I was walking in Listowel Town Park on a crisp dry January morning. I was in search of “content” for Listowel Connection. Then I saw this.

Lidl is obviously sponsoring the Parkrun.

Nearby was my friend, Jimmy Deenihan, beside a stall laden with fruit and bottles of water. Participants in the Parkrun are refreshed with fruit and water, thanks to Lidl.

Roibeard Pierse and friends were manning the finish, timing participants and welcoming strays like myself.

What a lovely way to start a Saturday. If you are thinking of joining them, do. They are very friendly and welcoming and the run didn’t look too taxing.

If I was 50 years younger…….

<<<<<<<<<

Public Road Maintenance in the 19th Century

Source; Tralee Mercury, Wednesday, 03 February, 1836; 

21 William Connor for keeping in repair 1162 perches of the road from Tralee to Listowel between the Ford of Killocrim and the street of Listowel, his half years salary.

 22 Same for keeping in repair 280 perches of the road from Tralee to Listowel between the West Bounds of Killocrim and Poulnahaha, his half years salary ….

 23 Cornelius Quin for keeping in repair 514 perches of the road from Listowel to Glinn between the cross of Darragvone and the cross of Newtownsandes his half years salary.

 24 William Sandes Jun. Esq. for keeping in repair 2115 perches of the road from Listowel to Tarbert and Limerick between the Bridge of Gale and the County bounds near Tarbert his half years salary

25 Adam Fizzell for keeping in repair 1668 perches of the  Road from Ballylongford to Tarbert, between the cross of Ballylongford and the Mail Coach Road at Tarbert. His half years salary.

 26 . Timothy Finnerty, for keeping in repair 669 perches of the road from Listowel to  Ballylongford between the Bridge of Kilgarvan and the cross of Ballylongford. His half years  salary.

 27 John Sandes Esq. his salary at 9d in the pound for collecting and paying the Treasurer  as per receipt.

<<<<<<<<<<

Celtic Crosses in St. Michael’s Graveyard

<<<<<<<<<<

Mick’s Daily Musings

Thursday January 11 th Day 5 of my poetic challenge

Weather is the buzz word all this week.

It’s the only topic when neighbours speak.

Chilly today, cool last night,

Those northeast winds are really a fright.

My old chest is killing me with the chilly air.

I must rub on my Vick for my menthol air.

Flurries of Snow are forecast to hit high ground

Whitening every hillock and mountain mound

Now we are full of anticipation.

Longing, dreaming about, expectation,

For snowball fights, making snowmen, snow women too.

Slides on slopes for me and you

Northerly Arctic freezing air attacking us.

Its chilly, houses are cooler, warm woollies are needed.

Give the heating another blast

And keep us comfy and snug while it lasts.

I’ve been busy this morning.

As I headed downtown for the post office

And the January sales

The last of the big spenders was on the way.

I enter the door of Jack Dunnes, a local store

Inspecting shirts, jackets, jumpers, and more

And then I cast my eyes on what I needed today

Soft top socks which were on display

With cottons and woollens gaining equal sway

I purchased six pairs of varying hues.

With navy, blacks, greens, and blues

To keep toes and footsies snug and warm

As I tread the paths and parks around town.

Now that my shopping spree is over.

It’s time to face the hill for home.

I later went for a good lively walk of 8000 steps

With lively rhythm and full of pep.

I was well layered up and felt no chill

As I clocked up my steps on Gorey Hill.

Mick O Callaghan 12.00 noon Thursday Jan 11 th 2024

<<<<<<<<<<<

When is an Emmet not an emmett?

I can’t believe that I have been looking at this word everywhere this week and I didn’t notice that I had the wrong spelling all the time. I apologise to everyone in the football club.

Thank you, Vincent, for setting me straight.

“When I was growing up, a nail bar was a bar for pulling nails from timber.

Once, the late Bryan McMahon, called me aside when he saw that I had written Emmett with two TT,s, he explained that the football club was named after Robert Emmet,(with one T). Bryan said an Emmett (with two TTs) was an Ant or Beetle.

Emmets abu”

<<<<<<

A Fact

Peanut Butter can be converted into a diamond.

<<<<<<<<<<

Page 1 of 10

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén