Tag: Paddy MacElligott

I’m Back

By listowelconnection

On September 30, 2024

In Athea, Listowel

“There are decades when nothings happens and there are weeks when decades happen.” Lenin

Last week was one of those weeks in my little world.

Under the bridge in Athea, Co. Limerick

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You May Own a Dog but a Cat Owns You

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Remember Tiny Tears?

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People at a Book Launch

You’ll be seeing a lot of photos from the launch of Moments of Reflection here from now on. Feel free to move on.

Four Moylans and four Cogans in this photo as it was all shoulders to the wheel for the big night.

Three of the four marvellous musicians who entertained us…Mary Fagan, Paddy MacElligott, Mary Murphy and the fourth was the brilliant John Kinsella. He’ll be in photos before too long too.

My handsome grandson, Killian, reading a reflection

Róisín Darby at the microphone

Surprise attendees on the night were Michael and Sue OSullivan.

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From Wikipedia

The Valley of Knockanure is located at Gortaglanna

The Valley of Knockanure is the name of several ballads commemorating a murder by the Royal Irish Constabulary that occurred during the Irish War of Independence at Gortaglanna (Gortagleanna) near Knockanure, County Kerry, Ireland. The best-known of these was written by teacher and poet Bryan MacMahon (d. 1998) at the request of a local schoolmaster, Pádraig Ó Ceallacháin.[1]

Historical background

On 12 May 1921, a troop of Black and Tans were travelling out from Listowel towards Athea when they arrested four young unarmed men in Gortaglanna. Prior to this the barracks in Listowel had been burnt out and in retaliation the troops, who were under the influence of alcohol, decided to execute the young men. The first to be shot was Jerry Lyons. When this happened, Cornelius Dee decided, as he was going to be shot anyway, to make a run for it. He did, and almost immediately took a bullet in the thigh but managed to keep going. He ran for about three miles and survived. He was never recaptured but remained in hiding until the truce.[2] The other two men were shot on the spot. Today a memorial stands by the roadside where the three died.[1] A film about the events was made in 2009.

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At the Races

I went to the island on two days, Friday and Saturday. You’ll be sick of seeing photos of beautifully dressed people. Here are a few from Friday.

I took 3 photos in The Small Square on my way to the racecourse

Anne Marie O’Riordan was a having a cuppa with her lovely mom and cousin.

Beatrice and Eileen were sharing a table with Ballincollig visitors.

Poor Brenda is still hobbling but in good spirits as always.

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A Fact

In Ancient Sparta if a baby appeared weak at birth, they would leave them out in the elements overnight. If the baby survived, it would be taken back in and raised Spartan.

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Cruinniú na Cásca 2017

By Listowel Connection

On April 18, 2017

In Uncategorized

Writers’ Week and The Seanchaí do Cruiniú na Cásca 2017

Monday April 17 2017 and we, in Listowel, were privileged to make a piece of history. We took part in the first annual Easter Monday 1916 commemorative event.

Photo: Eilish Stack

In the town park another piece of history was being made. The politicians were attending the official opening of the 1916 commemorative garden. I would have loved to be there as I have watched this beautiful space develop week by week and I really love it.

I chose instead to go the literary route and take a walk by the river with Gabriel Fitzmaurice and other poets, singers and thespians.

We started at The Seanchaí. When I arrived at 10.45 the early birds were already arriving.

I was greeted at the door by Liz Dunne, chair of Listowel Writers’ Week and Máire Logue

Gabriel Fitzmaurice, our guide, was ready to start.

We started with a dramatic interlude from Vincent and Evangeline, two of the best interpreters of the work of John B. Keane, even though they are Limerick rather than Kerry actors. They are more Kerry than the Kerry people themselves.

There was a large and very appreciative attendance.

Owen MacMahon had the audience in the palm of his hand as we paused for a while on the bank go The Feale.

David Browne gave a spine chilling rendition of the songs of Carthalawn from John B.’s Sive.

Even the younger members of the audience were enthralled.

We walked along the river walk and under the big bridge to where Mickey McConnell and Billy Keane were waiting to entertain us.

Then it was on to the Garden of Europe and more songs and drama. Evangeline and Vincent had us in stitches with a scene from Big Maggie. Owen sang a song of peace from Gary MacMahon.

At the graveyard, Claire Keane sang, Paddy MacElligott performed and a trio of singers and dancers entertained us.

On to the 1916 commemorative garden with its newly unveiled plaque.

Then back to The Seanchaí. Job done.

Easter Rising Commemoration in Kerry, A Party in Áras Mhuire and more Photos from Kennelly at 80

By Listowel Connection

On April 28, 2016

In Uncategorized

Beautiful Ballybunion In April 2016 photographed by Jason O’Doherty

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Kerry and The Rising; State Commemoration

One of the saddest events of The Rising of 1916 happened in Kerry when the driver of the car bringing 3 volunteers mistook the pier at Ballykissane for a road. All three were drowned. This event was commemorated when President Higgins came to Kerry last week.

Photo: Aisling Griffin

Aisling Griffin shared this photo too of the L.E. Niamh in the waters off Banna during the commemorative event on April 21 2016.

It was a reminder of the ill fated Aud which hovered in the bay, hoping in vain to be able to come ashore and land the guns to arm the Rising.

Photo: Aisling Griffin

The soldiers at Banna on April 21 were drilled to within an inch of their lives. Their formation was perfect, their uniforms pristine, the barked orders, as Gaeilge, loud and clear and everyone to a man and woman proud to be there.

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The World and His Wife Was in Banna

Owen O’Shea was an excellent M.C.

This actor, Declan McCarthy, made a convincing Casement as he delivered the rousing speech from the dock.

Our president , Michael D.Higgins gave a measured and crafted speech. I was so glad we elected a polished orator. He does this sort of occasion with great pride and dignity.

Everyone I spoke to experienced the same catch in the throat and tear in the eye as the three planes flew overhead and out to sea as we sang the National Anthem.

And the tricolor flew over it all.

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Party in Áras Mhuire

James Gould is 80 and his friends in Áras Mhuire threw him a party. They invited me.

Danny Hannon came to wish him a happy birthday.

Noreen O’Donoghue joined in the celebrations.

Stevie Donegan provided the music.

This lovely lady, a visitor, sang a song or three.

Happy Birthday, James

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People in Ballylongford at the Kennelly at 80 Event

Christy Kenneally and Rose Wall at the launch of the DVD, River of Words in The Seanchaí.

Poet, Mary Lavery Carrig was among the attendees at Lislaughtin.

Paddy McElligott in Kennelly’s Bar. Paddy performed two of his acclaimed Moloney sketches

Paddy McElligott’s Moloney Up and At It in Kennelly’s Bar Ballylongford

Gabriel Fitzmaurice in Kennelly’s, Ballylongford and below in Ballybunion.

Liz and Jim Dunn. Liz is organizing the bus and Jim took a few photos while waiting for the talk to begin.

Two well known Listowel ladies enjoying the day.

watching the action

John B.’s, Cahirmee 2015 and Listowel people on The Shannon in 1959

By Listowel Connection

On July 21, 2015

In Uncategorized

All the Fun of the Fair

Finbarr Crean took some great photographs in Buttevant at Cahiramee Fair 2015.

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St. Patrick’s Hall, July 2015

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A Night Out in Listowel

Look at that famous person in a photograph with John Relihan!

Thursday night is Theme Night in Allos. This dining experience is very popular with Allos patrons and you’d never know who might turn up there on any given Thursday.On Thursday week it was Duagh’s most famous chef who was dining out with his family…and he recognized me!

This young man is going places so I predict we’ll be hearing more of him in the future. The brilliant and extraordinary event he brought to Duagh last August will Iive long in folk memory.

You can relive it for a moment here Duagh Summer Festival 2014

Barbecue at Duagh Summer festival 2014.

John’s next big adventure is the Big Grill Festival in Dublin’s Herbert Park from August 13 to August 16 2015.

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John B.’s

After Allos, we headed across town to John B. Keane’s for a night of music and drama. Mickey MacConnell was our musician and singer for the night.

Paddy McElligott was there to provide the drama.

David O’Sullivan was not officially on the bill but his song which combined Percy French’s ode to the West Clare Railway with our own Lartigue went down a treat.