Áras an Phiarsaigh, September 2024
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For One Night Only
On the evening of the launch of my new book, Moments of Reflection, I will have a few copies of my previous books, Listowel Through a Lens and A Minute of Your Time available to buy at 10 euros each.
Launch in The Listowel Arms on Saturday, September 21 2024 at 7.00 P.M.
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Jeanie Johnston
Picture and text shared on a Facebook page, Holocausd na nGaedheal
Holocausd na nGaedheal
The Remarkable Voyage of the Jeanie Johnston
In the heart of the 19th century, as the Great Famine gripped Ireland, the Jeanie Johnston became a symbol of hope and resilience. This three-masted barque, built in 1847, was far more than just a ship—it was a lifeline for those fleeing the desperate conditions of their homeland.
The Jeanie Johnston made 16 transatlantic crossings, carrying nearly 2,500 passengers from the shores of County Kerry to the promise of a new life in North America. What made this ship truly remarkable was that, unlike many of the “coffin ships” of that era, not a single life was lost on board. This was largely due to the extraordinary care taken by her captain, James Attridge, and the skilled crew who prioritized the safety and well-being of every soul on board.
Life below deck was far from easy. The passengers were packed tightly into cramped quarters, with four people often sharing a space barely large enough for one. The air was thick, the light scarce, and the constant rocking of the ship made every meal a challenge to keep down. Yet, despite the hardships, the Jeanie Johnston’s passengers clung to their hope for a better future.
During one of the ship’s earliest voyages, a young woman named Margaret Reilly gave birth to a baby boy while at sea. In honour of the ship and its crew, she named him Nicholas Johnston Reilly, bestowing upon him 18 names in tribute to the ship’s captain, doctor, and crew members. This baby boy was a symbol of new beginnings, born amidst the trials of the Atlantic crossing.
The Jeanie Johnston’s legacy is one of resilience and survival. As she sailed into the harbours of Quebec, New York, and Baltimore, she brought with her not just passengers, but stories of hope and endurance. The ship’s perfect safety record, maintained even when she eventually sank in 1858 with all crew saved, stands as a testament to the care and commitment of those who sailed her.
Today, the Jeanie Johnston is remembered not just as a vessel, but as a beacon of light in one of Ireland’s darkest hours—a story of compassion, courage, and the unwavering human spirit.
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Some Random Aspects of Kinsale
We had brunch in The Old Bank. This wall display kept me entertained while we waited for a table.
This is where we were going to eat but we didn’t book in time.
Isn’t this a nice touch?
The Old Bank was doing a steady take away business as well as the sit down teas and coffees.
A feature of a visit to Kinsale now is a trip to this mobile sauna. You can jump out of the sauna and into the sea. Seems to be very popular. I didn’t try it for you.
I spotted an Edwardian post box.
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A Comment about Comments
The experience of reading Listowel Connection is different, depending on the platform you are reading it on. If you are reading it on a PC or laptop there is a box at the end where you can leave a comment. Comments do not appear at once as I moderate them to filter out spam or inappropriate stuff.
Since people leave comments after they have read the post, the comments don’t appear until later in the day, or sometimes not for a day or two. It is good then to check back.
Unfortunately, the comment box does not appear with the post on the phone. So people reading Listowel Connection on phones don’t see comments or get a chance to comment themselves. They also dont see a search box or the links to all the past posts.
So, for the full experience, you will have to read this blog on the desktop or laptop.
If any techies reading this know how to fix this, I’d welcome your help.
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The Greening of UCC
On my recent trip to UCC I spotted a conscious effort to let Nature have its way. The quad was fenced off. I’m presuming this was in order to let the lawns prosper and look their best for conferring.
The president can hardly see out his window it is so overgrown .
The creeper on the wall is so dense, I would fear for the wall.
There is another window behind all that greenery.
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From the Newspaper Archives
Richard McElligott R.I.P of Bridge Road, Listowel.
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A Fact
Ireland’s first ever Olympic medal was won by Jack Yeats, brother of William Butler. From 1912 to 1948 painting was an Olympic event. In 1924 Jack B. Yeats won silver for his painting “The Liffey Swim”.
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