Dates for the diary

Listowel is associated in the popular consciousness with horses and racing. It is not surprising, therefore that pubs and housing estates are given horsey titles.  Harness makers like the late Pat Finucane (picture from Vincent Carmody's North Kerry Camera) were constantly busy and there were blacksmiths on every corner. Maybe someone will one day write for us about all those old trades and the people who plied them locally.

That was then and this is now.  One of the few mentions of harness in town is in the title of this hostelry. And its to this pub that everyone is heading on Friday night next , October 14. North Kerry Reaching Out is holding its first Irish Culture Night. There will be a lively trad. session from 9.30. If you can sing or play an instrument, come prepared to join in. We will be holding a raffle with many prizes.  We are all hoping for a great night of music and craic.

Next date for the diary is actually the very next day. On Saturday morning next at 11.00a.m. the Marion Finucane Show on RTE Radio 1 is holding a review session on the books short listed for this year's Booker Prize. One of the participants in this event will be Sean Lyons, the new chairman of Listowel Writes Week. Tune in at 11.00 on Saturday to hear Sean and to learn about his taste in literature.

Third and final date for now: On October 18 North Kerry Reaching Out will hold an informal genealogy session in the beautiful Family Centre off the John B. Keane Road. We intend to help one another to look up online records and websites and to have a cup of tea and a chat. Since the centre has only 16 computers, we have to limit the numbers for this one. Email nkreachingout@gmail.com if you would like to join us.