Coin Holder, The Sacrament of Confirmation, work at the library plaza and Writers' Week 2019 draws nearer

Irish Wildlife Photography Competition Finalist

Pine Marten; Kenny Goodison

<<<<<<<

Remember These?

This is a handy coin purse. They were given to customers to mark the introduction of decimal coinage. That was in the good old days when banks gave little nick nacks to customers, money boxes, calendars, diaries, pens etc. 

<<<<<<<

The Swallows are late this year

Mike and Sue Nilsson are great supporters of North Kerry in general and Listowel in particular. They spend part of ever year here. It is their second home. They are back just in time for Writers' Week and the visit of our President to present our Tidy Town accolade.

<<<<<<<

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The sanctuary in St. Mary's with the Confirmation altar cloth

These gifts are in addition to the seven big ones.....wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. ..

<<<<<<<

The Library Plaza

Lots of work going on here. I'll keep you posted. You would never guess we are expectoing a very important visitor.

<<<<<<<<<

Listowel Writers' Week 2019

Nearly there now!

Maria, Sinead and Máire  took a minute away from their busy lives to pose for me as I waited for my Ard Curam concert tickets on Wednesday.

Listowel Writers' Week 2019 opens in The Listowel Arms on May 29th. There is a great festival in store so get booking before it's too late.

My friends were planning their week when who should pop by but Catherine Moylan , this year's chair of Listowel Writers' Week accompanied by Liz Dunn, last year's chair. Who better to advise  one on the not to be missed events?

And then this happened.......

The Listowel Writers' Week team won Gold at the Kerry Community Awards in Killarney last evening, May 16 2019.

Still More from Opening Night LWW 2018, Listowel Hospice fundraising and Edna O'Brien's award

Photo; Graham Davies

<<<<<<<<<<<

Three ladies who starred on Writers' Week Opening Night, May 30 2018

 Catherine Moylan, vice chair of Listowel Writers' Week was first up. She conquered the nerves and we all relaxed along with her.

 Elizabeth Dunne, in her final year of her three year stint as chairperson, played a blinder as usual. She has worked tirelessly at this job and it's a tribute to her professionalism that she insisted on mastering the Irish bits herself. She could so easily have called on the services of a native but that's not Liz's way.

The star of the night was Edna O'Brien who received the Lifetime contribution to the Arts award. She was a worthy winner and proved a big hit throughout the festival.

The magnificent silver piece which is presented to the recipient of Listowel Writers' Week John B. Keane Lifetime Achievement Award is designed and made by Listowel silversmith, Eileen Moylan.

Each year, Eileen designs a bespoke piece uniquely relevant to the recipient. The photos don't really do this piece justice. It is engraved all round with the titles of Edna O'Brien's books. 

Not only is the award a singular honour, much to be desired, but the silver trophy is a unique piece of Irish silverware, to be treasured and valued.

Photo by the official festival photographer, Ger Holland

There was to be another strong woman doing the official opening. Poet, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill was ill and unable to perform the task. In her stead, American poet, Billy Collins took on the job at short notice.

Billy Keane told us that, when he met the prince of Wales in Killarney, he did his bit in securing a really big name to open the festival next year. Wouldn't Camilla be perfect for the role?

<<<<<<<<

A Few More famous and not so famous people who attended Opening Night Writers' Week 2018 and a few lucky volunteers who were 'working' on the night

<<<<<<<

Hospice Flag Day

I met these volunteers last week out collecting for the Listowel branch of Kerry hospice.

Cruinniú na Cásca 2017

Writers' Week and The Seanchaí do Cruiniú na Cásca 2017

Monday April 17 2017 and we, in Listowel, were privileged to make a piece of history. We took part in the first annual Easter Monday 1916 commemorative event.

Photo: Eilish Stack

In the town park another piece of history was being made. The politicians were attending the official opening of the 1916 commemorative garden. I would have loved to be there as I have watched this beautiful space develop week by week and I really love it. 

I chose instead to go the literary route and take a walk by the river with Gabriel Fitzmaurice and other poets, singers and thespians.

We started at The Seanchaí. When I arrived at 10.45 the early birds were already arriving.

I was greeted at the door by Liz Dunne, chair of Listowel Writers' Week and Máire Logue

Gabriel Fitzmaurice, our guide, was ready to start.

We started with a dramatic interlude from Vincent and Evangeline, two of the best interpreters of the work of John B. Keane, even though they are Limerick rather than Kerry actors. They are more Kerry than the Kerry people themselves.

There was a large and very appreciative attendance.

Owen MacMahon had the audience in the palm of his hand as we paused for a while on the bank go The Feale.

David Browne gave a spine chilling rendition of the songs of Carthalawn from John B.'s Sive.

 Even the younger members of the audience were enthralled.

We walked along the river walk and under the big bridge to where Mickey McConnell and Billy Keane were waiting to entertain us.

Then it was on to the Garden of Europe and more songs and drama. Evangeline and Vincent had us in stitches with a scene from Big Maggie. Owen sang a song of peace from Gary MacMahon.

At the graveyard, Claire Keane sang, Paddy MacElligott performed and a trio of singers and dancers entertained us.

On to the 1916 commemorative garden with its newly unveiled plaque.

Then back to The Seanchaí. Job done.