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

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Trees and Streets

Áras an Phiarsaigh in glorious sunshine in May 2025

Patrick Street/ William Street Upper or Pearse Street

One of the most famous premises on this street, references Patrick Street

Further along, on the same side of the street is another well known premises.

I rest my case.

The Horse Chestnut in May

(Mick O’Callaghan teaches us a thing or two about the beloved horse chestnut)

It was Tuesday May 20th, 2025. We were after a sustained period of dry weather and the ground was very dry. Some plants were somewhat stunted in their growth.

I cut all the lawns at home and at our daughter’s house because rain was forecast for the afternoon.

Now that domestic chores were attended to, I betook myself to Courtown Woods for a forest walk and to follow up on the progress of the Aesculus Hippocastanum or, in everyday parlance, The Horse Chestnut Tree.

When I walk in Courtown woods I invariably walk along The Horse Chestnut Walk and take lots of photos of the tree lined avenue. I watched the huge gaunt skeletal trees in winter and longed for some new life to appear on their naked branches. In late February I observed little green buds appearing which morphed into red centred green leaves and then during April and May the large soft green palmate shaped glossy leaves appeared. I photographed each stage of the trees’ development. It is truly a captivating transformation to behold in perfect woodland peace at close quarters in Spring and early summer. Another major benefit is that this colourful nature show is totally free to view.

Now as I feast on nature reawakening from its winter hibernation in the peace and solitude of the Courtown woods I recall our school botany classes. I remember teachers and later college lecturers describing the palmate structure of leaves with five or seven leaflets emanating from a single stem and fanning out like fingers. In my own teaching life, I remember collecting leaves from various trees and drying them out between sheets of blotting paper to make scrapbooks. I still have some of them after all the years.

In Kerry we were living in an area where a lot of deer thrived on the higher ground and in Killarney National Park. Teachers described their antlers as being of a palmate structure in our zoology classes.

After that little stroll down memory lane, it is time to return to Courtown forest and my beloved horse chestnut trees, The huge leaves were providing a canopy for the beautiful flowers which are unique. Today I was so lucky because it was so calm, and I got some great photos of the leaves and of the pink and white horse chestnut flowers.

They bloom in upright clusters of flowers called panicles and the bees and other pollinators just love them for their colour and pollen.

Last week when I visited all the clusters were a nice shade of pink but today, I noted a change as an appreciable number were white. This change of colour indicates to the pollinators that the white ones had been pollinated, and the pink ones now needed to be pollinated.

It was the difference in the colour and texture of the leaves that fascinated me most.

When I came home, I examined my photos, and I noted some remarkable colour and texture transformation in the leaves since last week, I also noted that some of the petals of the pollinated flowers were falling to the ground.

The leaves had changed from the soft tender light green leaf to a darker green. They were an entirely different tougher textured version. As the leaves change the next phase in the lifecycle is about to begin. They will start forming the spiky green fruits which will develop into lovely shiny conkers and so another cycle draws to a close and the leaves will fade away and die.

Sadly, today I saw a parent pulling down a full panicle because his child wanted it. As I was passing by the child showed me the lovely flower. I had to tell the parent how much nicer it would have been if it was left there to mature into a conker. He turned to his wife and told her about the conker. She was not interested she said because she was dying for a cup of coffee.

I was on the home straight when a granny with her grandchild and dog were approaching. Granny was oblivious to my presence as she was texting away on her phone when the 3-year-old child shouted, “Granny put away your phone.” Granny continued texting. As they were passing the child shouted again “granny, put away your phone and talk to me” Granny continued walking and texting while the little dog barked and pawed the ground with boredom. I continued walking home 

Adults please put away those phones for a while and set the good example. There should be a competence test and a written exam before people could purchase a phone. Their ill use causes a lot of problems.

Anyway, the welcome rain has returned for a brief visit this evening and our arid plants and lawns are relishing it. You’re welcome rain but please don’t hang around too long

As they said in my school days

 “A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay.”

Our dry May this year seems to be filling them with top class silage.

Lidl New Store in June 2025

Foundations coming along nicely

A Fact

Butterflies taste with their feet.

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New Shop in Town

Robin …Photo; Chris Grayson

Spotted at the old Iceland store during the week

I peeped in and the interior has had all the fridges taken out and Mr. Price type shelving installed.

In Listowel now I count 4 shops selling helium inflated balloons. We must be doing some celebrating.

Another Honour for Mike the Pies

Mike the Pies is a huge Listowel success story. It is now one of Ireland’s topmost music and comedy venues.

The latest accolade is for Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year.

An Old One from Irelands Own

From Pres Yearbook 1988

Artwork on the back cover

Denise, one of the many talented artists in the school then .

All Grown Up

On the left is my granddaughter, Aisling. She was in Dublin at the weekend with her cousin, Charlotte. Aisling is dressed formally for her first gig as a gymnastics judge.

A Fact

The winter of 1740 was so cold that rivers and lakes froze. People, unaccustomed to these new playing surfaces, held dances and carnivals on the ice. A hurling match took place on The Shannon and a Fair on the Lee.

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Looking Forward to The Races

Listowel Castle in August 2023

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Football Quote

I found this quote from the legend that was Páidí O Sé in Gabriel Fitzmaurice’s book, In Praise of Football.

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Listowel Harvest Festival of Racing 2023

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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.

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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.

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A Horsey Fact

A horse can breathe only through its nose, never through its mouth.

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Singers and Fundraisers

Library Road in May 2023

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Annual North Kerry M.S. Busking Day

On Friday May 19 2023, Main Street came alive with music. The concert was in aid of an association very close to my heart. I apologise that I can’t include some clips of the great music here but video clips just take up too much of my precious storage space. I have pictures though.

This is a group of morning collectors and musicians. A new crew took over in the afternoon. Some of the morning people were involved in the afternoon as well.

I’ll include a few more tomorrow.

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Mizen2Malin

This epic cycle fundraiser in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind paused in town on Monday May 22 2023.

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Alice Curtayne

This is Alice Curtayne’s panel in Kerry Writers’ Museum. She is the only female writer among the great men of letters.

Alice was actually an extraordinary lady, writing on lots of subjects, many of them religious in nature. She has written on Dante (She lived for a time in Milan in the 1920s) St. Brigid (She lived in Kildare too) and she has written one novel, House of Cards which her family think is largely biographical. She wrote many articles for newspapers and periodicals like the Capuchin Annual.

She was born in Tralee. Her father was a coach furnisher and he had his business in what is now Benners Hotel.

She lectured in America before settling down and marrying a farmer whom she met when he wrote her a fan letter.

Her husband, Stephen Rynne was a romantic. They married in Tarbert on Valentine’s Day. In their garden in Prosperous, Stephen planted snowdrops in a formation which every Spring spelled out Alice.

Alice passed away in 1981. She is under appreciated even in her native Kerry. Her grandson, Niall, is doing much to bring knowledge of her to a wider audience. Some of her books have been republished by an American publisher. I bought the one on St. Brigid. I’ll review it here at a later date.

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Listowel Writers’ Week, Opening Night 2023

What links these two places to opening night 2023?

Special guest on Opening Night will be acclaimed singer /songwriter Jack O’Rourke.

Jack is a storyteller in song. He was fascinated by the story of Michael O’Connor as told to him by Aiden on one of his visits to Mike the Pies.

He wrote this song

Opera on the Top Floor

Michael O’Connor, uncle of Aiden, was an extraordinary man. He was a talented artist, a collector of posters, an opera lover and a book lover. He was also a very private person. His family left his apartment over the pub very much as he left it. A visit to this place of music, art and literature inspired O’Rourke to write the song.

“…And that opera on the top floor
No one knows, it’s under lock and key
The needle hits the vinyl, I’m away on the wind
Every secret needs a sanctuary.”

I hope he sings it for us on Opening Night.

Another treat in store for us at this year’s Writers’ Week is a chance to see some of Michael O’Connor’s great collection of international graphic art in Mike the Pies.

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I Love Paul Galvin

Maybe not Paul himself. I don’t know him but I love, love, love his book.

People who know me here know that I love a good anecdote or story and I love random facts. Paul’s book is full of these. I’ve only dipped into it so far. I’ve only just got it.

Who knew?

Spear throwing! sword fighting!

If, like me you love these little stories, Paul Galvin has lots of them in his great book. He is a great researcher and a great story teller.

Do come along to hear him in

The Listowel Arms at 3.00p.m. on Saturday June 3 2023

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Dolly Day

DollyDay fundraiser for Comfort for Chemo and the Kerry Hospice was launched in Quanes Bar, Blennerville on Thursday evening.

Dolly Day in Listowel is on June 24 2023 and it promises to be a good one. The lady herself has been invited to attend and she is checking her calendar.

You can be part of the fun by buying your wig online Here

There are a few instructions laid down by the Guinness Book of Records people about how you should be dressed. Nothing major.

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Catching Up with Friends

I met my old friend, Dolores O’Connor in The Flying Saucer on Monday. She was enjoying a hot chocolate with her sister, Eileen. When they see me with my camera they know that I will connect them with their family in the US and England. Great Listowel people and supporters of this blog.

I had a great chat with my lovely friends, Liz and Jim Dunn, in Thyme Out café yesterday. Liz is going to be our hostess at Opening Night of Listowel Writers’ Week on May 31st. No better woman for the job.

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Localisms

When I came to Listowel first I found local people had quite a few phrases we didn’t use over the border in my part of the country.

“Will you walk to town or will you carry the car?” asked a new friend.

The image this conjured up came back to me when I read Brian Bilston’s amusing poem:

you took
the last bus home

i still don’t know
how you got it through the door

but you’re always doing amazing stuff

like the time
when you caught that train

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A Fact

The English language syllable “ough” can be pronounced in eight different ways. The following sentence includes all eight.

A tough dough-faced ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough, coughing and hiccoughing thoughtfully.

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Winners and Victims

Blennerville by John Hooton, photo shared on Facebook

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Two New O’Connor Pieces

These two newly discovered pieces of Michael O’Connor’s excellent illumination work have turned up in Stephen Rynne’s family home. Stephen’s dad was a friend of O’Connor’s and had many pieces of his work. After Michael’s death his widow entrusted much of his work in progress to his two friends, Maurice Fridberg and Etienne Rynne, who endeavoured to find a “home” for them. That search has been taken up by Stephen, son of Etienne and very soon these wonderful pieces of artwork will be back in Listowel in No. 24 The Square.

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We are the Best

Two Listowel institutions returned with well deserved awards from the Irish Hospitality Awards ceremony in Dublin, Mike the Pies in the Best Live Entertainment venue and Jumbos in the Best Family restaurant categories.

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Tom Doodle

Doodle Rally in Main Street

I found this essay on Boards.ie in a closed account. I don’t know who the author is. it’s a first hand account of the day Doodle came to town.

We were in the middle of our Leaving exam. at St. Micks when news of Doodles coming to town was announced and come hell or high water would we be denied the chance to act as guard of honour to the Doodle entourage which had been arranged by M.O.C. the late and great Johneen Keane, however to take part we had to dress as if in Mardi Gras, this to add to the frivolity of the evening and also as a disguise so the College President did not recognise any of his star pupils. I remember Bunny Dalton who was in the lead truck with the other musicians asking John B. what music would be appropriate for the occasion and the answer was as many National Anthems as you can think of. A tour of the town was completed via Charles Street and Church Street and to this day I cant forget the faces of the townsfolk who lined the streets, most were of joy and happiness and some in awe, one old woman with rosary beads went on her knees thinking it was the Papal Nuncio while another who having been attic bound for years thought that Doodle was the reincarnation of Parnell. What followed that night was the funniest night I ever spend at home and the night was recalled once again at the post performance reception of Sives Premiere in Dublin in May 59 when I met up with John B.

Quick background for newcomers;

Tom Doodle was a jape by a group of Listowel friends led by John B. Keane. The Independent Couleogous Party was a fictional political party set up by Keane and Co. Doodle was their candidate in the General Election of 1951. They ran a campaign for him complete with unlikely promises, slogans and a jingle. His campaign highlight was a monster rally in the small square.

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Lest we Forget

This brutal Siegfried Sassoon poem has been shared widely lately as rows swirl online over the wearing of the poppy.

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