Christmas 1926, an Athea Nun and a Listowel Emigrant remembers a deadly hurricane.

Marian Grotto in OConnell's Ave

This is a symbol of home for so many of my emigrant readers.

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Christmas Comforts in Wartime

Kerry Sentinel  Wednesday, December 13, 1916; Section:

Listowel Grift and Jumble – Sale.

COMFORTS FOR IRISH REGIMENTS.

Listowel, in common with most other towns in Ireland, has each winter since the war commenced established a-fund for providing winter comforts for the men of different regiments in the trenches. The regiments for whose benefit the endeavours of the Listowel Comforts Committee have and are being made, are the Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1st and 2nd Battalions, and Irish Guards. The comforts which are provided consist of shirts, socks, mufflers, mittens, etc. The committee have hitherto been most successful in getting these comforts distributed properly and they have the satisfaction of knowing from letters received both from officers and man that the consignments dispatched have reached their destinations and were highly appreciated by their gallant recipients.

 Last year and this year the committee, for the purpose of carrying on this excellent and patriotic work have held two gift and jumble sales both of which have been extremely successful. To get the necessary stuff for the sales the committee appealed to the people of the town of Listowel and district for donations and gifts of any and every kind and the response on both occasions-has-been magnificent. It has been truly said that whenever an object as really deserving and laudable the people of Listowel are always ready and willing to subscribe and the committee are in a position to heartily endorse this statement as nothing could have been more open-handed, and generous than the response to their appeal both last year and this. 

The gift and jumble sale this year was held in the Gymnasium Hall and the committee have every reason to congratulate themselves on; the result. The net proceeds of the sale and the grand drawing of prizes held in connection with it amount to the sum of £125: The committee, it might be stated, were fortunate enough this year in securing the assistance of the R M Fusiliers band which contributed not a little to the success of the occasion. To all the ladies and gentlemen who so cheerfully assisted, and to the public generally for their generous support, the committee-desire to tender their sincere and hearty thanks.

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Nun on a Hay Float

Brigid O'Brien posted this gorgeous photo to the Athea Facebook page.

Nell Casey (Sr. Loretta RIP). Kay O'Sullivan, Breda O'Sullivan holding Margaret O'Sullivan (Mrs. Tim Scanlon).

Love the tackle on the Horse and great memories of the Hay Car!

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Where are they Now

Mary Ursula O'Rourke of Church Street now lives in the U.S.

This is how Mary looked when she lived in Listowel

This is a recent photo.

Hurricane Sandy was one of the deadliest  most destructive hurricanes of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season. Mary shares this incident from that time with us.

"Hurricane Sandy saw all of  Rockaway without power, water or phone /internet. The storm water came up to the first floor of our building. A friend had to email my family to tell them we were ok We  slept in sleeping bags for 2 weeks until everything  was restored A great lesson in how we take our amenities for granted and miss them when they are gone.  We managed to see patients every day though in daylight but without light or phones .They just walked in sick hoping we were there. As they had no where to go as all the other doctors offices in Rockaway took weeks to recover from the water damage."

A Football game and a Miracle, Listowel Feis and William Street in 2014

Listowel Celtic Oskars

 In the presbytery the cast of Fr. Ted filming for Listowel Celtic's Oskars. Award ceremony and after parties were held on Feb. 29 2020,

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The following poem was written by Noel Roche of Listowel now living in the US. 

He says "Field of Dreams is about a game of Soccer that took place in the Mart Field ( now Feale Drive)  in late 70s/ early 80s between Listowel Celtic and Gleann Rovers. As a Prelude to the poem  I would like you to state that the Poem has enough truth to be Fact but it also has enough Fiction ( poetic license) to be entertaining. "

Field of Dreams 

Noel Roche 

The biggest bunch of misfits,

That you have ever seen.

Ran out onto the mart field,

Wearing the red and green.

To take on the might of Celtic,

That was their quest on that day. 

And erase the tag of second best,

This was the only way.

The Celtic team arrived on time,

And got out of their cars.

They had shiny boots and Munster youths,

They looked like soccer stars. 

Eric made the team favourites, 

He said, “they’re the best in town”.

But he forgot eleven misfits,

Who called themselves “The Gleann”.

The people manned the side-lines,

They came from near and far.

And one man said “t’won’t be no game,

This will be bloody war.

Unless the ref can keep them quiet, 

I’m not so sure he can.

But if anyone can do it, 

Then ‘The Sheriff’ is that man”. 

Three o clock, the whistle blows,

At last the game is on.

Now it’s down to soccer,

Coz the hype and talk is done.

The Gigs runs up the side-line,

With a fury never seen.

For months he gave his heart and soul,

To the boys in red and green. 

Then Celtic got a free kick,

Which prompted Gigs to call.

“Don’t let em in boys, stand in front,

And build a human wall”.

But they bent the ball around the wall,

Twas buried in the net.

And the Gleann boys said “don’t worry Gigs,

The games not over yet”. 

The Gleann played hard and furious,

And moved the ball upfield.

A Celtic defence, a tower of strength,

Now would these Gleann boys yield.

Come on said Gigs, you have em now,

As a tear came to his eye.

And they passed to Noel, who scored the goal,

That made the game a tie. 

What happened next is history,

Of which people often talk.

The miracle of the mart field,

That made Jack Galvin walk.

The crowd was stunned in silence,

As the ball hit Celtics net.

But Jack jumped out of his chair,

And said, “that’s the best one yet”. 

Soon the game was over,

And the Gleann boys jumped for joy.

And Gigs who could not hold it back,

Cried like a little boy.

And for the other Gleann boys,

This I’d like to say.

We did not feel like misfits then,

We felt like kings that day.

Now years later, the field is gone,

And I am far away.

I close my eyes, it takes me back,

To the mart field on that day.

I hear Gigs screaming, “C’mon boys”,

Till he could hardly talk.

And the goal we thought was holy, 

Coz it made Jack Galvin walk.

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Jerry Ryan cleaning up on William Street during race week  (2014 I think)

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Listowel Feis 1912

Kerry News  Wednesday, June 05, 1912; Page: 3

LISTOWEL NOTES

The Feis.
The arrangements for Listowel Feis are now well underway, and this year’s one promises to surpass all those of previous years. For many years the people of North Kerry have looked forward with no small amount of interest to the fixture, and they were never disappointed. The date fixed is July 7th, and nothing is being left undone to make it an unqualified success.
The Syllabus.
The syllabus, which is slightly an improvement on previous ones, includes within its scope competitions in the language and history of our country, vocal and instrumental music, storytelling, dialogue, recitation and dancing. It also includes, harp, flute, and Irish war pipes competitions. Copies of the syllabus may be had from the hon, secretary. Anyone requiring information on any point may get it without delay from the secretary.

The Byrne Scholarship.
The thanks of the Committee is due to Mr. M. J. Byrne, solicitor, Listowel, for again donating a valuable scholarship. It is attainable by the boy or girl in the baronies of Iraghticonnor and Clanmaurice and the Abbeyfeale Coisde Coanntair who obtains the highest number of marks in the following subjects:—(a ) Irish conversation, 500 marks ; (b) fluency in reading Irish at sight, 250;
(c) storytelling or dialogue in Irish, 250—only one can be taken; (d) writing Irish from dictation, 200: (e) Irish grammar, l30; (f) short original impromptu story in Irish, 100; (g) best collection in Irish of local traditions or stories, to be sent to the hon. secretary one week at least before Feis , 150; (h) Irish singing, 50; Irish dancing—jig, reel and hornpipe, 50.
The competition for the above promises to be very keen. This is the third time that Mr. Byrne has been so good as to offer a scholarship. It would be well if we had other men of that stamp amongst us. ‘Tis a noble example of patriotism.

Kerryman 1904-current, 08.06.1912, page 4
Feis subscriptions M. J Byrne, £8; a Friend £1; M J Nolan J.P. V.C Co. C, 15 shillings; G Gun Mahony Esq. J.P. 10 shillings. M J Nolan also sent a letter of support to Mr Griffin Hon Sec of Feis Committee.

Listowel Primary Centre, Writers' Week in 1983 and Evictions in 1881

Listowel Primary Care Centre in February 2020

The Primary Care Centre looks finished, landscaping done and all.

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Listowel Writers' Week Committee 1983

In Writers Week we're looking back at 50 festivals and the people who helped run them. Here is the 1983 committee. Apologies to the two ladies whose names I can't remember.

Front Row: Kieran Moloney, Helen Kenny,  ? , Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Marjorie Long, Maurice Lonergan, Maureen Beasley

Back: Margaret Reidy, ? Mairead Pierse, Louise Griffin. Madeleine O'Sullivan, Michael O'Connor, Mary McGillicuddy, Joe Murphy, Nora Relihan,Anne Kennedy Truscott (née O'Rourke), Mary Cogan (hidden) Noreen Buckley and Padraig Kelly

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Evictions in North Kerry in 1881

Kerry Sentinel 06.05.1881, page 3 (Edited Version)

Important Meeting of Lord Ormaithwaite’s Tenantry in the parishes of, Listowel, Ballydonoghue, Newtownsandes, Lixnaw, Irremore and Ballybunion were at a meeting in the Land League Rooms in Listowel. They decided that 25% over Griffith’s valuation was a fair rent. Mr George Sandes the landlords agent refused the offer and offered an abatement of 15%, he agreed to meet Lord Ormaithwaite and let them know his reply in a few days.

The cases of the eviction in Gunsboro of Broder and Kissane, who were uncharitable put out on the road at the end of their working life, had the sympathy of all tenants.

Priests in attendance Rev. M O’Connor , P.P. Ballybunion; Rev James Burke, P.P. Newtownsandes, Rev James Casey C C. Listowel; Rev F Cremin, C.C. Lixnaw; Rev. M. Godley, C.C. Ballybunion; Rev F. Carmody, C.C. Newtownsandes, and the rev B. Scanlon, C.C. Duagh.

Priest of the Listowel Deanery held meeting and deplored the evictions on the property of Mr. Gunn Mahony and absentee, a dying man, father of large family was flung on the roadside without any shelter. North Kerry was tranquil, but it is with horror they contemplate the future, if  the evictions of law abiding and industrious people, continues.

Meeting of influential Listowel people, about the water supply, £1,000 spent on works, at present quite useless, they are going to the Board of Guardians to complain.

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River Feale in stormy February 2020

Macroom, Kennellys and Ard Chúram

On the Ring of Kerry

If you are on the Ring this is a lovely stop with a picnic area and a woodland walk.

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Macroom

If you travel the road from Listowel to Cork via Tralee and Killarney, Macroom is well worth a stop. It is a town steeped in history.

Did you learn Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire in school? It is one of the most beautiful poems in the Irish language. In it, the poet, Eibhlín Dubh ní Chonaill laments her lost love, Art O Laoghaire. Eibhlín defied her parents to marry the handsome dashing Art.
Her first indication that he was dead came when his horse came home without him. Art was shot by an English officer at Carraig an Ime outside Macroom for refusing to sell him his fine horse for £5.

Here listen to Eibhlín describing how she fell in love with Art the first time she saw him on market day in Macroom
Mo ghrá go daingean thú
Lá dá bhfaca thú ag ceann tí an mhargaidh
Thug mo shúil aire dhuit
Thug mo chroí taitneamh duit
D'éalaíos om' athair leat......

The above plaque has been erected at ceann tí an mhargaidh  (the head of the market house) to commemorate this Romeo and Juliet style meeting. Like the Shakespearean lovers their love was doomed from the start and ended in tragedy.

This is a bit of a mystery. It is in the same corner of the market square in Macroom but appears to belong in Limerick.

This old weigh bridge is still in place near the town hall. I presume it is no longer used.

This is the fine market house which now is home to the Urban District Council. It is beautifully kept and, even though blowing it out of there would greatly help the flow of traffic, I hope they never do.

Across the road is another 'relic of auld decency' Macroom Castle.

Definitely not Limerick

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Ard Chúram

This great charity is still looking for volunteer cyclists to do the Ring of Kerry Cycle. Their new dementia day care unit is progressing rapidly and people have been very generous but much more is needed.

Nora Owen, whose husband has Dementia has helped them out by making a short video. Please take 2 minutes to view it.

Nora Owen for Ard Chúram

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Top of William Street 2002

Snow, The Ballad of Con Carey and Wise Buys

                                Lambing Season 2020                              

Photo; Chris Grayson

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 Something to Sing About

The following ballad was sent to us by Mattie Lennon who has a great knowledge of

 the works of John B. Keane

THE BALLAD OF CON CAREY.

(Air; Skibbereen.)

By John B. Keane.

Come all ye loyal heroes and listen to my lay

’Tis all about Con Carey who was taken from the clay

The papers all, they had a ball and the guards made up a case

Not since the time of Lazarus did such a thing take place

At the tender age of sixty nine Con Carey’s final breath

Was drawn within a building site upon his native heath

He fell to foul exposure as he homeward made his way

But alas the clothes he wore that night were only work-a-day

With these upon his unwashed frame, Con Carey was interred

And from the sealed-up ashen lips, no hostile word was heard

But round the grave, his comrades brave were conscious of his plight

And silently they did resolve to set the matter right

The sun was high in the mid-day sky when the cars drew to a halt

Out stepped the crew that then did view each mound and cross and vault

With eyes so keen, they swept the scene where the long green grass did wave

Until they found the latest mound that was Con Carey’s grave

This fearless troop of volunteers marched through the church-yard gate

With single aim it was their game Con’s corpse to decorate

They lay him down in habit brown without a scratch or tear

To shave his mien and make him clean for his trip to Peter’s chair

Yes, to shave his mien and to make him clean so that he’d be no disgrace

To Brosna town of such great renown and to all the Irish race

So that Peter and Paul and the good saints all might take poor Con in toe

And that all cadavers from now on might be dressed before they go

“Bury me dacent, “ Con once said to his comrades loyal and true

“See that I’m shod for the road to God since I’d do the same for you

See that I’m dressed as good as the best but without a flounce or frill

Then lay me down in Mountcollins town where I’ve plenty of time to kill.”

When the deed was done, the guards came on and faced our gallant crew

 Out spoke the chief grave-digger saying, “ what were we to do

Could we look on and see poor Con in such a bad repose

And send him straight to Heaven’s gate dressed up in dirty clothes.”

( The twelve people who carried out the charitable task became known as the
Twelve Apostles

 and John B’s son Billy said, “There was no Judas among those Twelve Apostles.”)

There is a podcast about this incident;

Con Carey reburial

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The Last Big Freeze, 2010

Frozen Feale

Helping the neighbours