Monday 31 August 2020

Church Street, Kerry Football, Tubrid Well and Asdee Thespians

Upper Church Street, Listowel 2020 



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Football Photos from The Kingdom

Recently a man called Kieran McCarthy shared on Facebook some old photos from the heyday of Kerry football.  He had salvaged the photos from The Kingdom newspaper as it closed.



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Tubrid Well, Milstreet

Ireland has some really lovely holy wells. Tubrid, outside Milstreet is one. I visited it during my recent staycation in North Cork. It had changed little since I last visited it about 40 years ago. The row of cups for drinking the well water was gone. If you wanted to drink, you had to scoop the water up with your hands.

There were also lots of benches in memory of people who had passed on.






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A Football Match in 1927 

Sports writing often throws up some gems of journalism. Here is one from what was obviously a horrendous mismatch.

New York NY Irish American Advocate 1925-1927 
April 4

North Kerry and Kerry Selected match in Listowel--------------------------

Shortly after the advertised time, the teams were set in motion and from the throw-In North Kerry pressed strongly, but were unable to penetrate the sound defense of the opposing back division. Give and take play followed, and North Kerry, who appeared to be the better trained combination, took the lead and the short whistle found them leading by four points to nil. 
On resumption the Kerry selected team showed up to better advantage, but were unable to cope with the sustained rushes of their opponents, who were ably led by the indomitable Con Brosnan. ' Towards the finish play lacked somewhat in vigor and interest When the final whistle sounded the score stood: North Kerry, 7 points (and the disputed goal); Kerry Selected, nil. For the winners. Brosnan, Mahony, Stack, Kearns, O'Sullivan and Walsh were most prominent, while for the losers Barrett. Moriarty and Landers gave an able exhibition of the Gaelic Code. The match was refereed by Tom Costelloe, one of the old Kerry champions, and gave admirable satisfaction.

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Asdee Players


I'm on the trail of these names for Josie.

Tom Walsh wrote this; 
  think the (only) man in the middle row is Stevie Denihan.
Stevie was a blacksmith, his forge was near Kilcolman Creamery.

I have another sleuth on the job of finding the names. Apparently this drama group was a fairly extraordinary one going on to win the All Ireland Drama festival with a play written acted and produced by  local people.

 

Friday 28 August 2020

Church Street Ladies in Ballybunion in 1946, Kanturk Tricycle Memories and Frank Murray R.I.P.


Photo of Malahide Marina by Eamon ÓMurchú

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The Scholars Return


Two of my little girlies returned to Gaelscoil Uí Riordáin yesterday. A semblance of normality is restored.

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Summer 2020


We're keeping a distance of 2 metres from each other. Meanwhile the Feale is in full spate after weeks of wind and storms.

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Listowel ladies on a trip to Ballybunion in 1946


Maisie McSweeney, Kirks O"Flaherty, Josie Flynn(Madden), Babe Jo Wilmot

Photo from Eileen Sheridan

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Tricycle Memories



 This lovely old photograph is from the Danny O'Sullivan archive. It was taken during a carnival in Kanturk when every young fellow who had a tricycle was invited to take part in a tricycle race with tickets to some of the rides as prizes.



On my recent visit home I spotted this old relic in The Square. I wonder if it is one that took part in the famous tricycle race.

Another bicycle used for decorative purpose at the bridge.

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Imithe Romhainn ar shlí ne Firinne


Frank Murray was laid to rest in his adopted Dublin this week. Frank, whose family lived and traded in Main Street, Listowel was very proud of his Kerry roots. He was one of that cohort of boys (some girls, but mostly boys) who grew up in Listowel in the 1950s and 60s and went on to form a tight old boys network in Dublin.

News of his death was brought to me by a fellow teacher who had fond memories of him.

 

Hi Mary,


My first Principal when I started teaching in St Mark’s Community School, Tallaght was Frank Murray. His funeral is tomorrow in Knocklyon, Dublin. He was a wonderful, inspirational person and had a huge influence on so many people. The tributes that are on RIP.ie indicate that. Many of the tributes are from People from Listowel where Frank was from. I thought of you and wonder if the people of Listowel realise the wonderful person that Frank was. His legacy lives on. 

 

Thanking you,

Enda Timoney. 

 

( Enda also sent me the picture of the funeral leaflet at the top of this piece)


I went to RIP.ie and I'm producing here just a few of the many tributes to Frank.


I have known Frank since he marked me as a tenacious half-back on the Listowel Emmets Minor Football Team in 1960 and 1961 when I played for Ballylongford O'Rahillys.. We became firm friends in UCD and was a great help to me later on as a Department of Education Official whenever I had a problem during my time as College Principal. I always enjoyed meeting him in Croke Park. He was always a loyal Listowel and Kerryman. 

 

I have known Frank from our days back in Listowel. A gentleman and good friend to a lot of people

 

I was a pupil at St Marks in the 1980s. Mr Murray was absolute gentleman. I have very fond memories of him giving some inspirational talks during assembly. His wisdom and words have influenced my life to this day. An inspirational school principal. A passionate kind and caring teacher. Sincere condolences to the Murray family.  May rest in eternal peace.

 

To Barbara and family: I'm sure you can take some consolation in the fact that Frank reached into so many people's lives, in so many ways. He was a huge support to me in my nervous early days as a Principal. He always had time for people. He imparted wisdom and wit. He lit up every room he walked into with his banter and his brilliant smile. At a time when education needs all the leadership it can find, we must mourn the loss of a brilliant man, a natural leader, a wonderful warm human being.

 

 

Sincere sympathy on Franks sad passing to his wife Barbara and Michael, Catherine and Conor. To his sister Pat , Tom Muldoon and the extended Murray family. Frank was always a proud Ashes, Listowel Emmets and especially a staunch Kerryman. May the sod rest lightly on his gentle body. R.I.P. Vincent Carmody.

 

 

Our deepest sympathies to Barbara, to his children Michael, Catherine, Conor and to the extended Murray family at this very sad time. My great memories of Frank go back a long time and to his native town of Listowel. His contribution to Irish education was considerable at school level, at management level and in the Department of Education and Skills. Frank was a hard worker, a great listener, a sound adviser and was always friendly and warm, both personally and professionally. He loved the GAA and Croke Park was his second home for many years. Kerry playing in Croke Park was icing on the cake for Frank. It was always great to be in Frank's company and it was a great privilege for me to be one of his close friends over so many years. A real gentleman. May he rest in peace.

Kathleen & Eamon Stack

 

Frank was a true gentleman whether it was as a Headmaster, in the Department or in Croke Park. His ready smile and bit of "banter" always lifted any gloom that might be hovering around. Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann. 

 


Mr Murray as I called him was my headmaster in St Marks Community School back in the early 80's. I have many fond memories of Mr Murray, he was so passionate about making the school and his students realize how important it was to work together. He was a good man who was very fair and fought hard for so many of his students he was way ahead of his time. I am not just saying this because he has passed I have always felt he helped me and many of his students, he lead by example. I consider myself very lucky to have benefited from all his hard work. He was a good man and a gent.

 

Ar dheis Dé  go raibh a anam dílis.




Thursday 27 August 2020

John O'Shea 1942, Jellyfish, Chum Moloney and friends, and St. Michael's






A bee friendly wild flower and herb border in our community garden.

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Tony O'Connor



My goddaughter is mad about horses. Her house is adorned with photographs of horses, sculptures of horses and paintings of horses. This recent acquisition is one of my favourites. She hasn't found the perfect place for it yet but I suspect it will hang in her home office. I know she will want to look at it every day. The painting is by Kerry born artist, Tony O'Connor, the best Irish equine artist, bar none.

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Reminders of a Country Childhood



These old farming artefacts remind me of the hard work of farming in my youth in the Ireland of the 1960s.


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Jellyfish in Portmarnock in 2020


2020 has seen many Irish beaches plagued with jellyfish and weaver fish. Some beaches have had to be closed temporarily. Eamon ÓMurchú took this colourful collection on Portmarnock recently.


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Home is the sailor, home from the sea

And the hunter home from the hill.

 

I miss Helios now that he's returned home.




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Photos from Maeve Moloney Koch in South Carolina

 


This photo was taken outside Dr. Enright's dental surgery in The Square Listowel. It shows Dr. Enright, his wife and daughter, Chum Moloney who was Maeve's dad. Mr. Moloney worked as a dental technician for Dr. Enright.



Jimmy (Chum) Moloney and Pecker Dunne

This old postcard, from Maeve Moloney is dated 1966


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A New York O'Shea, with a Listowel connection


New York NY Irish American Advocate 

10 Oct 1942

----------------------------------------------------------------

An Irish Veteran of the Indian Wars, John O'Shea, Dies at 90. 

The Greenville N.J. News says-

 One of Greenville's oldest residents, John O'Shea, veteran of the Indian Wars, died at his home last week. Mr.  O'Shea, who was 90-years-old at the, time of his death, served with the Sixth Infantry from 1872 to 1877 and I fought against the Indians in the Western part of the United States, Many of his friends took part in General Custer's memorable last stand at the Little Big Horn in 1876. The deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ella Moran, a teacher at Henry Snyder High School.

----------------------------- See paper for more

"Romantic Hidden Kerry" you so kindly sent him your personal copy of the book by special messenger. He never forgot that. My father was the eldest of three sons. His father (Roger O'Shea) attended a hedge school as did his three sons which he afterwards sent to the Monastery School in Killarney. Two of the sons taught school in Kerry for many years. Timothy O'Shea was schoolmaster in Lough Kitlane for many years before his retirement and Roger, the youngest, was schoolmaster in Tullamore, North Kerry. My father was a lifelong student and continued his reading and studying of Gaelic.     --------------------

'Mrs.'   Ella  O'Shea   Moran,   213  Wilkinson   Ave.,  Jersey  City  - Oct.  1st,  1942. 



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Changes at St. Michael's




When I visited to take a few photos of the launch of the Golf Classic, St Michael's was in the throes of preparations for  the return to school.


On the brand new astro turf pitch are Johnny Mulvihill, Bernard Brogan, Jimmy Deenihan, Tim Allman, Brenda Pierse and Bernard Brogan, Senior.


Bernard was getting in a few practice swings before the competition on October 23 in Ballybunion.



John Kelliher took this aerial photo of the new look St. Michael's with the beautiful new astro turf pitch.

Wednesday 26 August 2020

A Cork Beauty Spot, an old Irish Paper, Children in Fancy Dress and Gurtenard House

 Kilcrohane, Co Cork photo by Bridget O'Connor

Remember I told you about the place names with parts of the body. Here is another place names fact.

Killcrohane is one of the many place names with Kill in it. Kill is the Irish Cill or church.

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Forgotten Irish Newspaper

New York NY Irish American Advocate
18 June 1938


Farmers paper Liquidated; The Irish Farmer, Limited, he said, was registered on January 26, 1920, as an industrial and provident society under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893. 

The objects were to promote the interests of agriculture in Ireland and to publish a weekly news-paper called "The Irish Farmer."


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A Fancy Dress Parade a Few Years ago


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Gurtenard House

(Glin Historical Society on Facebook)



Gurtenard House
A good bit of local history comes with Listowel's Gurtenard House – home to a local TD, Dan Moloney, in the mid-1900s, lived in for a while by a land agent, but also an occasional home in the late 1800s to the Earl and Countess of Listowel. A handsome period home, dating to c 1830,” and while they link its earliest ownership with the Earl and Countess of Listowel, say they probably only lived here properly for a season, and thereafter used it occasionally, for entertaining local county families.
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Kanturk Town Park

 In kanturk they have a beautiful town park on the banks of the Allow river. They are very proud of this amentity and it's always looking it's best whenever I visit.
The weather from my home visit this August was horrendous but I got a few snaps when Storm Ellen had passed.


There was a very fast flowing flood in the river on August 20 2020



I remember a pump like this one on the street in Greenane. We often stopped by it for a drink as we walked the two miles home from school on a summer day. It was painted green in those days.


Kanturk Town Park has many welcoming seats and rest areas. It is very popular with walkers.

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Can you name this Listowel Pub?
I got this email from Angela, who needs our help...

Hello.  I came across your website on Listowel and had an inquiry you might be able to help with.

My great aunt, Margaret Colahan nee Liston was a publican and shopkeeper in Listowel until her death.  This is what I know:

1897 - Margaret Liston married Thoams Colahan
1900 - son Patrick Colahan born
1901 - Thomas Colahan dies
1902 - Margaret Colahan nee Liston applies for and is granted a liquor license
1905 - Margaret takes in her orphaned niece, Nellie Liston
1902-1931 - Margaret operates a pub and shop on Church Street
1911 - Census places her at "Church Street, Listowel Urban"
1931 - Margaret dies.  (She may have had a home on Charles Street at this point.)

I am trying to find out the NAME and LOCATION of the pub on Church Street.  The licensing information gives Margaret's name but not the name of the establishment.

Any suggestions on how I can figure this out?

Thank you.

Angela Liston

Angela learned from an old newspaper that the pub in question was a few doors down from the police station.

I forwarded Angela's email to Vincent Carmody and this is what he told her....

... While I know of the Coolihan name in Church Street, I have no mention of it in any of my books, for the simple reason of not having any tangible documentation, ie, letterheads, billheads or photographs of the family or business. If you saw my books you would understand what I mean.
As you know there are only two censuses,1901 and 1911, available on line, from which you can draw information for the period which you speak of.  
Those two census, when recorded by the then evaluators, were numbered from 1 up, in numerical order from either ends and either sides of the street and, this was the case in all streets. 
In 1901, the house is recorded as No.35, when you see this on the form the then No. 34, occupied by the McFadden's, was also part of the Coolahan house, No 34 was accessed by the private hall door of the house.
In 1911, Thomas had died at this stage, the census form number of the Coolihan's is No.80, again, as in 1901, the other part of the house is No. 79, now occupied by a Roche man, a constable in the R.I. C. 
Official street numbering came into place in the 1930, with even numbers on what was Coolihans side, left side going up from Main Street. The full house, is now numbered 46 and is owned by a Keane-Stack family 
After Coolihans vacated or sold the premises, the public house was owned by an O'Grady family, they called the bar, the name of which was displayed for years, on  a lovely sign hanging from outside the door, the name, 'Journey's End'.
I hope that this information is of some assistance to you.
The Liston name is very popular in West Limerick, especially around Athea, had the family connections from there, also in 1911, Margaret Murphy is listed in the house, as a servant and scholar, her birthplace is also listed as Limerick, would she have any connection with the Listons ?

Any other information about this premises, particularly a photograph would be great.

Tuesday 25 August 2020

A School Reunion, American Interest in Irish politics in 1921, Gunsboro House and Football Talk




Sheep's Head, Co Cork photo by Bridget O'Connor

I have learned, only recently, from Catherine Moylan, who also learned only recently,  that many Irish geographical features are named after parts of the body or animals simply because that is what they reminded people of, e.g. Shrone = Srón or, in this case, Sheep's Head.


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Lovely ladies at a school reunion a few years ago

Photos by Tom Fitzgerald






 

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From a US paper

New York NY Irish American Advocate 1964 

...Continuing the story of Con Dee in the name of his dead comrades in the Valley of Knockanure, the early weeks of May 1921 were weeks of great religious, political and military activities. A convention was to be held in West Kerry for the appointment of TD.'s for Kerry. 

We, the fighting men of North Kerry decided that at all costs, Thomas O'Donaghue, who originally came from West Kerry, should represent our section. Mr O'Donohughe had been active in Irish affairs all his life and at a very early age had attained membership in the very elective organization for tried and true patriots, the LR.B. 

Before the Rising, In 1916, he resigned his position In the Home Office in London and returned to Ireland. He came to North Kerry as an organizer and member of the Flying Column. It was decided that Jeremiah Lyons and Christy Broderick, both of Duagh, could best represent the fighting men of North Kerry and bring about the election of Thomas O'Donoghue.


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Gunsboro House




(from Glin Historical Society on Facebook)


1*882 : At Gunsboro petty sessions 8 men and 4 women were sentenced to one month hard labour under the Crimes’ Act. Two youths were sentenced to 7 days in gaol with bread and water for “practising hop, skip and jump on a farm where a man had been evicted”*

**1885 : Land act enables tenants to buy out landlords, eg. George Philip Gun-Mahony sold Gunsboro’s 3,464 acres for £37,000 which was equal to 15 years’ rent, and Herbert sold Urlee to Kissanes. These were among the last landlords in the parish**

*1892 : An election held. Gunsboro was the only voting place in the parish. Alcohol was not permitted to be sold on the day. Mr T Sexton, a late-entry Whig candidate, was the winner. 416 voted in Gunsborough out of 593.*

**1892 : A large number of people were charged at Gunsboro with being inebriated on Pattern Day, August 15th!**

*1916 : Gunsboro beat Glouria in parish league in McElligott’s Quarry Field.*

**1921 : Paddy Walsh of Gunsboro killed at Gortaglanna by Black and Tans on May 12th, along with Patrick Dalton and Jeremiah Lyons. Also killed this year was Michael Galvin**.


**1961 : The current Ferry Bridge built, with many parish people involved. It was dedicated to Seán Houlihan (killed by Black and Tans, 1920) and Paddy Walsh of Gunsboro (shot at Gortaglanna, 1921).
*1925 : Gunsboro courthouse closed.*


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At St. Michael's




Don't you know that these socially distanced conversations were about football. Bernard Brogans senior and junior were in St. Michaell's to help launch the fundraising golf competition planned for October 23 2020.