The Square, some shops and an illustrious citizen is honoured in 1886

The Square is looking particularly beautiful these days.

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A Change of colour for O'Connor's

O'Connor's in Market Street looks completely different with its new paint job. Refurbishment work to the interior of the shop is also underway.

Further back Market Street a new Ladies clothes shop has opened. Even though the sign over the door hadn't been painted when I photographed it, I am reliably informed it's to be called Blossom.

Meanwhile back on Church Street...........

I am presuming that this name sign is temporary and that this shop facade will be restored to its former glory when this shop eventually opens.

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Something old

Kerry Sentinel  Tuesday, October 05, 1886

ADDRESS TO MR. M. J. FLAVIN.

A PUBLIC MEETING. Listowel, Thursday. 

Last night a large and influential public meeting of the inhabitants of the town was held in the Town Commissioners Room, for the purpose of presenting an address to Mr. M. J. Flavin, on the occasion of his departure from his native town, to Bismark Dacota, America. It may be mentioned that Mr. Flavin while acting hon. secretary to the Listowel Branch of the Irish National League, gained for himself the goodwill and confidence of every member of that body, and I may state that this good feeling was not confined to the National League, for even persons whose principals were entirely antagonistic to those held by members of that organisation  hold him in the highest estimation, and gave him credit for the honesty of his convictions. In fact Mr. Flavin’s upright and straightforward action since the first day he identified himself with the National Cause, for which he worked untiringly, was recognized by every person, and now redounds immortally to his credit.

Amongst those present were — Messrs P. D. Griffin, J. Enright, T.C. ; J. P. Enright, J. Tracy, T.C. ; M. Kirby, T.C. ; P. Hennessy, M. Hannan, J. Tackaberry, J. O’Sullivan, T Collins, J. A. O’Sullivan, D. Loughnane, P. J Houlihan, D. Lyons, J. H. O’Sullivan, J. J. Keane, J. W. Canty, V.S. ; C. Moran, N Scollard, T.C. ; T . Keane, J. J. Dillane, J. Horgan, and T. Brosnan.

On Mr. M. J. Flavin entering the room he was received with loud applause.

On the motion of Mr. P. D. Griffin, which was seconded by Mr. P. J. Houlihan, the chair was taken by Mr. J. Troy, T.C. The Chairman said, he supposed they were all aware what they were assembled for ; they were there for the purpose of presenting Mr, Flavin with an address, and to wish him success in his voyage across the Atlantic (hear, hear). It was needless for him to tell those present what Mr. Flavin did for the National Cause, as they were all perfectly aware of his efficiency while he was acting as honorary secretary to the local branch of the Irish National League (hear, hear). He had done everything and earned nothing by it (hear, hear). 

Mr. Scollard, T.C.—We are only sorry he is parting from us at such an early day.

Mr. Griffin—Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to be called upon to read this address to Mr. Flavin, and I believe it is very few young men of his age ever deserved better the good wishes of his fellow-townsmen than Mr. Flavin (hear, hear).

The following is the address :—

DEAR MR FLAVIN,- We, the undersigned inhabitants of this town, and members of the Irish National League, are of opinion that we would be shirking the duty that should devolve upon all lovers of justice and impartiality if we were to allow the occasion of your departure from amongst us without testifying to the high esteem in which you have been justly held by your fellow-townsmen, and we are perfectly satisfied we can speak for the county also on this occasion. 

For years while honorary secretary to our branch of the Irish National League you have discharged the duties of your office with an amount of impartiality and tact, that gained for you that favour even of your opponents in politics. Fully alive to the onerous duties often imposed on you, it appeared no trouble to you to cope with the most trying difficulties in connection with your position. In your private as well as in your commercial capacity you were kind and courteous, always ready to act a friend and give kind advice. On the whole we believe you fully worthy of this, the only means we have of our recognition of your worth in the past. 

 Wishing you a hearty God speed in your journey to the far West, where we hope your future undertakings will be crowned with all the success and happiness which make life dear, we beg to subscribe ourselves faithfully and truly yours.”

[Here followed the names of subscribers which were too numerous for publication].

Mr. M. J. Flavin—Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen, I return you my sincere thanks for the high honor which you have conferred upon me (hear, hear and you’re worthy of it). I may tell you that this came quite unexpectedly on me, and I can’t express in words to you the feeling of pleasure with which I accept your address, and I shall ever remember the kindness of the people of Listowel towards me. In my position as secretary of the Listowel Branch of the National League, I always found the people willing to act on my instructions. I shall in the future whether I stay in America – or at home remember the kindness of the people of Listowel, and I shall esteem the address which you have been so good to present me with, more than anything else that could be placed in my hands. 

Loud cheers were then raised, and repeated for Mr. Flavin, after which the meeting terminated.

Mr. Flavin on leaving next morning by the eight o’clock train was played to the railway station by the National Brass Band, and a large concourse of people who cheered, him loudly.

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The answer is Kathleen Watkins. What is the question?

(from this week's Kerry's Eye)