Tralee path, The Lartigue, Industrial Schools and another old one

Cherry blossom on a path by the library in Tralee

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The Butler Centre

This beautiful building in the corner of The Square was once a tannery. Then it was a bank. Now it is in a far more fragrant recreation as a language school and beautiful venue for meetings, weddings etc.

http://butlercentre.ie

I am researching this and other buildings in Listowel Town Square for my gig at this year's

 Listowel Writers' Week

Why don't you check out the full programme at the link above?

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Lartigue at 130

I popped in to the lovely Lartigue museum as they were celebrating 130 years since the service first ran. Read all about it here 

Lartigue

The good people at the Lartigue Museum have amassed their own National Treasures and they are on display in the museum. If you love to take a trip back in time or if you have visitors to entertain, be sure to visit this summer.

Volunteers and visitors.

 John and Mary and their friends from Listowel Writing Group gave readings of their work on the day. They are with Judy and Jimmy in my photo.

As I headed back to town I met some reenactors. They are not real soldiers but when they offered to take a selfie with me I didn't feel I could refuse.

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Halo has Moved

Elaine has moved to a bigger premises on Upper William Street and she has expanded her range. She also now serves  coffee to take away or drink in the store or in the sun.

When I called in she was serving one of her faithful customers, Ruth O'Quigley

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Reasons for Commital to Industrial School in 1939

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Guerin's Londis

Photo from the John Hannon Archive

Garvey's Super Valu is here now.

Knock in 1885, the parade in 2017, Halo reopens and Clounmacon in the Listowel parade in the seventies

Dancing With the Stars;  Kerry is behind its favourite to win

A Kerry friend's phone. Need I say more?

She'll do it all over again on Sunday night.

When he was better known as a footballer, Aidan O'Mahoney brought the Sam Maguire to Pres. Listowel. Here he is with the late Sr. Nuala.

Photo: Breda Ferris

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Knock, Co. Mayo 1885

(Photo shared by Billy Austin on Facebook)

The Story of Knock began on the 21st August, 1879 when, at approximately 8 o’clock in the evening, fifteen people from the village of Knock in Co. Mayo, witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, a Lamb and cross on an altar at the gable wall of the Parish Church.The witnesses watched the Apparition in the pouring rain for two hours, reciting the Rosary. Although they themselves were saturated not a single drop of rain fell on the gable or vision. There were fifteen official witnesses to the Apparition, most of whom were from the village of Knock and surrounding areas and ranged in age from just 5 years old to 74 years old. Each of the witnesses gave testimonies to a Commission of  Enquiry in October 1879. The findings of the Commission were that the testimonies were both trustworthy and satisfactory.

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 More Photos from a very wet Listowel on St. Patrick's Day 2017

I think these children were from Killocrim. Apologies if I'm wrong.

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New Trees at St. John's

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Halo is Back on Church St.

 Elaine has taken a leap of faith and reopened her very popular Halo Health and Gift Shop across the road from her old location on Church St.

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A Treasure unearthed by Liam O'Hainnín

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St. Patrick's Day in the 1970s

Tony Guerin shared some great old photos (mostly Clounmacon ).

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Mothering Sunday

Mothers' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  This year, 2017 that is next Sunday, March 26th.
The tradition began in England over 400 years ago when, once a year people visited the church in the parish where their mother was born. While visiting the church they also visited their mothers. This visit was special all that time ago because there were no cars and no public transport and making any journey was a big undertaking. This day became known as Mothering Sunday.

The USA and other parts of the world celebrate it on the second Sunday in May.

Something old, something new…..

Another great oldie from Mike the Pies on Facebook

Mike the Pies early 60's. Paddy Murphy, Jack Mangan, Dan Joe Leahy, Dan O'Donoghue, Danny Hayes, Jack Leahy, Mick Halpin.

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Then and Now

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Outward Bound for Rome 1950

Michael Kennelly's caption on this group of photos says "On board the Inisfallen from Cork"

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Big job underway at Ballybunion Castle

The walls are being strengthened and treated to withstand the ravages of the sea. The top bit which was blown down in a storm will not be replaced. It's good to see that this landmark will be with us for a while yet.

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Athea visit with some old friends

Phil and Frank visited me last week and I brought them to one of my favourite places, Athea

 Phil and Frank ar Shlí na Sí

They had seen bug houses but never before a bug hotel.

They left their worries behind with the worry fairy.

The local craft group were working that morning and their keen eyed marketing manager spotted some potential customers.

Phil and Frank bought a fairy door for their granddaughter  and one of the very artistic ladies customized it especially for Cara.

We had a lovely lunch in Blueberry Home Bakery where we found my book sitting on the table for the entertainment of the diners.