Strictly, Bridge Road, Brosna, Halloween Parade and the passing of another London Kerry publican

Timothy John MacSweeney

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Strictly, Before the Event

I was in The Listowel Arms on Saturday October 24 2015 on a family mission. The whole place was a hive of excitement as last minute preparations were being put in place for Kerry Parents and Friends Strictly Come Dancing. I snapped a few of the nervous dancers and two of the organizers as they headed for the ballroom.

This last picture is of Julianne Galvin who, with her partner, Ian Liston, were declared the winners.

A great night for a great cause.

Pictures here:  Kerry Parents and Friends Strictly

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Dursley Boys

Recently the Dursley Male Voice Choir sang at mass in St. Mary's Listowel. I took these photos with members of our own church choir after mass and before the choir headed up town to perform at Áras Mhuire.

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Bridge Road, Listowel, October 2015

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New Shop breathes life into Brosna

Noel Lane shared the great news on Facebook. There is a renewed buzz about the village of Brosna with the opening of a bar and a new shop. It's marvelous to see these green shoots of recovery in rural Kerry.

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Halloween Parade Back for Another Year

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A True Blue Kerryman has passed Away in London 

The late Christy Kissane is third from right at back

"It is with deep regret that we have learned of the death of legendary Kilburn publican Christy Kissane, a towering figure in London’s Irish – and Kerry – community.

The owner of Kerry’s flagship pub in Kilburn, the Kingdom, which was itself a testimony to Christy’s love of GAA as he frequently hosted the Kerry players and the Sam Maguire Cup.

Christy’s proud boast was that he had been to every All Ireland football final since 1962 except for the one in 1968 when construction work kept him in London.

He lived in Dollis Hill.

His first pub, in the mid-1970s, was the Windsor Castle on the Harrow Road which he built into a chain of pubs and taverns across west and north west London before eventually concentrating on his pride and joy, the Kingdom in Kilburn.

As can be seen in this photo was a welcome and lively presence at last Friday’s Kerry Association London dinner in Cricklewood. He was Life President of the Association. He was also chairman of the Kingdom Kerry Gaels football club."

(photo and text from The Irish World

Listowel in The Fall, Christmas Shop and John R.'s accommodation

The Garden of Europe in Autumn

It is lovely to walk through The Garden of Europe at any time of year. It is particularly beautiful in Autumn. You have heard of Vermont in The Fall and how it attracts so many visitors. Give me Listowel any day.

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Your Daily Dose of Christmas Goodies

If your Christmas theme calls for white decoration, Listowel Garden Centre has them in abundance.

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Luxury Accommodation in Listowel Town Centre

A family prepared to invest in the future of the economy in Listowel is the Walsh family who have traded on Church Street for generations. They have converted their accommodation offering to a top class bed and breakfast option for visitors to Listowel.

The business is located next to and over John R.'s and Café Hanna.

 Marion gave me the guided tour.

 There is a literary theme throughout. At the top of the stairs is this limited edition John B. Keane picture, a present from the Keane family.

These framed posters celebrate local and national stage performances.

An old fireplace is cleverly adapted as a showcase for souvenir Writers' Week brochures.

The ultra tasteful tea and coffee nook is kitted out with this beautiful vintage tea set.

The three bedrooms are tastefully furnished.

There is a charming mixture of the vintage and the modern.

This sofa space in the communal area invites you to sit and read or just get away from the family for a while.

 This beautiful Dresden lamp is one of the many luxurious touches here.

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Namir has given a home to this lovely little kitten…..soon to be named as soon as sex is determined.

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Nice Gesture

A bunch of flowers was left at the door of Listowel Garda Station last week. It was a thoughtful token of support for the Gardaí who are still mourning the death of Garda Tony Golden who was murdered as he went about his duty in Omeath.