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: Sarah Murphy

Dandy Lodge, a Strange Meeting and Marie Nelligan remembers The Races

Halloween 2017




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Dandy Lodge in October 2017



 The Dandy Lodge is the oldest house in Listowel. It originally stood on The Bridge Road until it  was moved stone by stone into the park.

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When Real Life is Stranger than Fiction

This is me in Bishopstown Library in Cork. With me is Ciara Crotty. Ciara is an artist and I had just purchased the piece she is holding.

Here are the three artists who were exhibiting their work in the library. They are all amateurs and they met when they all did a teaching course in art therapy. All three now work as art therapists. The reason I was at the opening of their show was because I know the artist on the far left, Sarah Murphy.

I know Sarah because she is a friend of my friend and former neighbour, Mary Salmon, who is on the right of this picture.

The art work on display was interesting and varied. I was particularly taken by Ciara’s work. She takes an old bottle, drills a small hole in it for a string of little led lights, and then  paints a picture on it. They looked appealing and different. I chose my favourite, well actually my second favourite. My favourite was sold.  I had to leave the piece behind until today which is the last day of the exhibition.

When I came home, I googled Ciara, as you do.

I nearly fell off the chair when I saw that Ciara is originally from Kanturk.  AND   then I realised that Ciara’s aunt was my mother’s bridesmaid.

Is ait an mac an saol. Life is full of surprises.

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Marie Nelligan Remembers The Races and Christmas 



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Upper William Street

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Park and Stride


Last week pupils of Presentation Secondary School took to shank’s mare for the trip to school. Walking to school is becoming a fashionable option. In my day it was a necessity for many pupils.

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Just a Thought



My last week’s “Thoughts” are on the Diocese of Kerry website now.

Minutes with Mary

Listowel Writers Week and some photos from Árd Cúram sod turning ceremony

From Kids’ Programme to 

The National Children’s Literary Festival 2014

This is the Writers’Week Children’s Fancy Dress Parade in 1991. Mary Robinson performed the official opening of Listowel Writers’ Week and the theme of the parade was Mná na hEireann.

That was then; this is now.

The Children’s programme at Writers Week has grown and matured into The National Children’s Literary Festival.

A programme of readings, workshops, Treasure Hunt, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Baby Boogie, Puppet Show, Science Experiments and so much more is on offer.

Just one of the many exciting events is taking place in Craftshop na Méar on Saturday morning May 31st. at 11.30 a.m.

Sarah Murphy is a Ballina born, Cork based teacher and art therapist. She has just written her first book, What if?

The premise behind What if? is that it provides a fun way for a parent to introduce personal safety topics to young children.

The workshop is for parents and children and aims at helping them explore topics like

What if a stranger offers me sweets?

What if my ball ran on to the road?

The workshop is free but booking is necessary as places are limited. Ring Nuala on 068 21074.

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Ard Čúram sod turning ceremony May 16 3014


Micheál ÓSuilleabháin

Marie and Mike Moriarty

Ring of Kerry cyclists with Mayor of Listowel Jimmy Moloney

Canon Declan O’Connor blessed the site

Isobel MacDonagh with some Listowel older people who avail of the day care service

Finbarr Mawe, a driving force behind the project

 Olive and Roibeard Pierse

Tom Pierse

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Busy Weekend ahead

 Local and European elections Friday May 23

M.S. Busking Day  May 23 2014

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Ta Dah!

This is the beautiful Silver River Feale piece designed in Macroom by Listowel born silversmith, Eileen Moylan and made in her Claddagh Design Workshop.

Orders are now being taken in Craftshop na Méar for the following pieces from the range;

Sterling Silver Pendant on 18′ chain………€85

Sterling Silver Bracelet on 7′ chain………….€75

Sterling Silver  cuff links………….€130

Sterling Silver Tie/ Lapel pin………..€60

All of the items come in a beautiful presentation box.

We will have a small supply available on the night of the launch which we will sell to people who attend. These handmade pieces take a while to produce so order now to avoid disappointment.

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