Fungi, Mulvihills and Famine in North Kerry

Third Class 1997/98

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Last week Fungi joined that exclusive club of people whose deaths had been reported prematurely. Great to see that he is alive and well and frolicking as usual with his friend Rudi.

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Jer found these photos on a  Mulvihill family website. All the photos have a Listowel connection but I don't know what.

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Famine times in North Kerry

Extracts from State Papers during the  famine years.


Listowel Union reported in 1847 that these were works selected to be done by Paupers. 
Breaking stones on the public road. 

Fencing and renewing fencing on new roads. 

Scraping and cleaning the streets of Listowel. 

Collecting and breaking stones. 

Stewards were Michael Maher, Dillane and Pat Carroll

Stewards wages were1s-6d per day .

Paupers will be given food before calling on them to work .
If they refuse to work they shall be struck off the relief lists. 

Hammers will be provided by the Board for breaking stones, Stewards will be responsible if any of them are lost. Spades and shovels to be provided by the paupers themselves. 

Edward Ware of Ballylongford sent a letter to the Lord Lieutenant asking for Relief for the Destitute Poor and indigent people of Ballylongord.

They needed some relief and assistance to keep them alive as coffins cannot be purchased for the numbers dropping from famine and distress.

 Captain Spark visited Ballylongford in Feb 1848 to make inquiries about the condition of the people following the letter from Ware. He went to the Parish Priest Rev D Mc Carthy, his curate Rev Mahony and the local dispensary doctor. They told Capt. Spark that the statement of Mr Ware was false. 3 or 4 had died in Ballylongford town since Christmas. 2 were poor and aged and were receiving relief.

 It was noted that Mr Edward Ware was taken off the relief list because he refused to work. He is now employed By Mr Blacker, the landlord. Mr John Blacker is employing the poor on his estate doing work of improvement at this time.

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