My Jimdo Geocities Lifeboat
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April 2024
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver: 2.5 million people and two bridges. You do the math.
Your $1.400,000.00 Vancouver home is just 5 hours from downtown.
You can throw a rock and hit three Starbucks locations.
There’s always some sort of deforestation protest going on.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN ALBERTA
Big rock between you and B.C.
Ottawa who?
Tax is 5% instead of the approximately 200% as it is for the rest of the country.
You can exploit almost any natural resource you can think of.
You live in the only province that could actually afford to be its own country.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/29638393/posts/16266
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Blackthorn
Moraghan, Sean. 2020. Days of the Blackthorn: Faction Fighters of Kerry. Cork: Mercier Press.
NFC S 442: 221; Thomas Healy, 85, Listellick North, County Kerry. Collector: Listellick, Tráighlí Scoil, County Kerry, 1936-38. Teacher: Domhnall Ó Súilleabháin.
NFC S 450: 161; Mrs Mary Griffin (50), Knocknagashel, County Kerry. Collector: Mícheál P. Ó Murchadha, Leachtbhruadair Scoil, County Kerry, 1937. Teacher: Mícheál P. Ó Murchadha.
NFC S 520: 273-274; Collector: Scoil an Chlochair, County Limerick. Teacher: An tSr. Fionntán.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/220902727/posts/150
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
The ongoing situation in Gaza is the main topic of the day due to the unrelenting bombardment of the region by Israeli forces. We know that Hamas are living and operating from the area but that does not justify the killing of innocent civilians or, what is worse, depriving them of humanitarian aid. We can only try to imagine what the people of the area are going through with the destruction of their homes, lack of food, water, electricity and sanitation. The Israeli government tell them to get out but all the borders are closed and anyway, how can you take seriously ill patients out of hospitals without exposing them to the probability of dying. I suppose it is easy for us to talk from such a distance but surely a cease fire to allow help is not beyond the bounds of reason. There is real hatred between Israelis and Palestinians but nothing justifies the taking of civilian lives. It is difficult to understand how certain countries still say they stand behind Israel; and that they have a right to defend themselves. Defend themselves against what? The civilians of Gaza are not attacking them, Hamas is and here we can see how uncaring that organisation is too. They are using the common people as shields and are willing to watch them die. Where is it all going to end? Are we heading for a huge war in the Middle East that will engulf several nations and bring the big powers who pull the puppet strings into play? It is time for real diplomacy and for world leaders to play their part in getting a just and lasting peace for the region. How many more innocent men, women and children must die before common sense prevails? All wars end in a settlement of some sort. It is better sooner rather than later.
The clocks went back last Saturday night which gave us a bit of a lie in on Sunday morning. Is it time now to leave the time as it is and not go forward again in March? I know it will not give us as long an evening but we don’t really need it anymore. The following comes from the net: “The idea of aligning waking hours to daylight hours to conserve candles was first proposed in 1784 by U.S. polymath Benjamin Franklin. In a satirical letter to the editor of The Journal of Paris, Franklin suggested that waking up earlier in the summer would economize on candle usage; and calculated considerable savings. In 1895, New Zealand entomologist and astronomer George Hudson proposed the idea of changing clocks by two hours every spring to the Wellington Philosophical Society. In 1907, British resident William Willett presented the idea as a way to save energy. After some serious consideration, it was not implemented.”. People don’t work in the fields in the evening like they used to except of course for those involved in hay and silage who sometimes work through the night in the Summertime. They have the advantage of big lights on their machines so they don’t need daylight. If it were to be done it would have to be in conjunction with the UK otherwise we could have different times on both sides of the border with Northern Ireland. I remember well when it was introduced in Ireland and when the clocks went forward it was called “new time”. Posters advertising events would have to specify whether it was “new time” or “old time” because not everybody took to the change straight away.
Different days and different times. Nowadays most modern timepieces change automatically but, long ago, it was quite a job changing the old clocks, some of them worked by chains and pendulums, and they were very easily disturbed. Many of these had to be wound every day to keep them ticking and it was a great advance in technology when the eight day clock, which only had to be wound once a week, was invented. Today a little battery will power a clock for a couple of years. Anyway, I hope that, in the not too distant future, we won’t have to be putting clocks backwards and forwards every year.
There is a severe shortage of workers right across the board in Ireland today. It is a far cry from the times, not that long ago, when we had to emigrate to other countries because there wasn’t enough employment here. Tradesmen are very scarce and it is almost impossible to get anybody to do a small job today. The haulage industry is crying out for drivers and are looking to Eastern European countries to fill the vacancies. Truck driving used to be a very well paid job. I did it myself in England and Europe for some years and, at that time, we were paid more than most tradesmen. It was difficult to get a job in the industry and you had to pass a very stringent test. You also had to have a good sense of direction and be well able to read a map because in those days there were no sat navs to rely on. I remember my first day driving a truck in England. I was living in Coventry and was given a load of five drops in the Bristol area. I didn’t know whether Bristol was North, South, East or West so I had to get a good road map and work out a route. When I got to the first drop they told me how to get to the next one and so on until I had completed the job. Each city had a street map called an A to Z and you could work out short cuts by using it wisely. The only time I got into real trouble driving was in France. The first time I went with a tanker of chemicals I was with two other trucks and, as I had never been to France before, I was taking in the scenery and not really paying attention to the route. The next time I went I was on my own and I realised I had made a wrong turning somewhere when the road started to get narrower and the grass was growing up in the middle. I eventually came to a ford in a river and I knew I had nothing better to do but reverse the articulated unit for about three miles, not an easy job on a narrow road. It taught me a lesson, one I didn’t forget. Lately, a driver from Latvia, got stranded up in Rooskagh because he followed a sat nav that was only suitable for cars and led him from Carrigkerry up to the top of the hill. He had quite a job getting out of there. You can’t really depend on sat navs as they sometimes send you down routes that are the shortest but aren’t suitable. Anyway, there are so many jobs out there now that there is no reason for anybody to be unemployed.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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Video link
https://youtu.be/NhkXrCI2hZc
Filename
Old Post Cards.wmv
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Few people know the story behind the modern city of Canberra and its environs. Did you know that Duntroon was the home of the wealthy Campbell family and had become a Scottish village and that Yarralumla was an Irish village! The story behind the modern capital city of Canberra is but one special case of many which could be told about the early days of settlement and the Irish origins of so many rural people of southern New South Wales. An ex-convict named Ned Ryan built up a grazing empire to the north-west of Canberra between Binalong and Cootamundra and promoted the emigration of his fellow townsmen from Tipperary and a glance through district cemeteries shows a significant proportion of the early immigrants to southern NSW have their origins in Counties Tipperary, Cork, Clare and Kilkenny.
https://www.irelandxo.com/ireland-xo/news/where-irish-immigrants-settled-australia
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
This time of year brings to mind an era when many men from our area went to England “on the beet”. This is going back to the last century when labour was in short supply after the 2nd world war and agents came from the sugar factories in the UK to offer jobs to men who were on the dole at the time. Employment was very scarce in Ireland at then and taking a job for the winter was a godsend for those who were depending on the dole and a day here and there with farmers. Many of these men were married and had to leave wives and families for the length of the campaign. It must have been very lonely for them being away from loved ones and those at home looked forward to the day when their men returned. Sometimes they were finished for Christmas but, more often than not, it was well into January before they got home. The work was tough, sometimes having to lug big heavy sacks, but they were used to hard work in those days and it didn’t bother them and the pay was very good in comparison to wages at home. Some of them went back to the same place every year and formed lasting friendships with men from other parts of the country. When they left on the train to go over there was great sadness but when they arrived back it was like a carnival with children waiting for a glimpse of their father and wives delighted to have their men home again. A few jars might be taken before they went home. It is no coincidence that there were many children born in the fall of the year in those days! Some of those who went on the beet fished for salmon from the 1st of March onwards. Salmon were very plentiful in the Feale at the time and they were guaranteed a few catches every week.. Between that and the beet money they were able to look after their families during tough times. We now have full employment here and there is a shortage of labour in many industries. We are now depending on people coming from abroad to fill the many vacancies that exist so the wheel has come full circle.
The mayhem that occurred outside the Dáil the other day is to be condemned by any right-minded person. The right to protest is a part of our constitution and it gives groups an opportunity to highlight their grievances in a public manner. It is a reminder to politicians that they should act in the interest of all the people and keeps them on their toes. What happened last week had nothing to do with legitimate protest. It seemed to be a rabble who were intent on name calling and both verbal and physical abuse. There seemed to be no coherent message except for shouts like “traitors” and “Ireland for the Irish”. I have no doubt that those who originally organised the protest had the best of intentions but there are far right professional agitators who latch on to any protest to further there own ends. We see it all over the world, particularly in France when, lately, there was a lot of protest about the raising of the retirement age. Most of these protests descended into attacks on the police, burning of cars and looting of shops. This is not protest, it is thuggery and criminality. Why burn somebody’s car, somebody not even known to you or damages a premises whose owner may even be sympathetic to your cause.? The hardcore far right are anarchists who have a very different view of things from most people and the sad thing is that they are growing all over the world. It is very obvious in America where it led to an attack on the houses of parliament. The cause is not helped by people like Donald Trump with his slogans like “America first” and his opposition to immigration. The people who say “Ireland for the Irish” should have a long think. Yes, we have full employment now but, as always happens, boom is followed by bust and there will come a time when, like a few short years ago, Irish workers may have to emigrate to make a living. When that time comes how will they feel if other countries had policies like America for Americans, Canada for Canadians, England for the English and Australia for Australians. They say what goes around, comes around but I hope there are enough people in power with the good sense to crack down on those who flagrantly break the laws of the land. It has to be handled carefully because these rioters would like nothing better than a pitched battle with the Gardaí but at the same time action has to be taken. There is too much hate in the world and we seem to have learned nothing from the likes of Hitler, Joe Stalin and others who almost destroyed the human race. This should not deter people from staging legitimate protests but they need to be careful to exclude those who will only do harm to their cause. Politicians have to make decisions that are sometimes unpalatable but may be necessary for the ongoing welfare of the economy. There is however a tendency, coming up to budget day, to do a “Santa Clause” act and be seen to give gifts to certain people and organisations. This is in spite of the fact that it goes against all professional advice and will put the future at risk but the priorities for our lawmakers is to get re-elected. That is number one, their party is number two and the country comes a poor third. That is just the way the system works but I do hope that prudence will prevail and handouts will not be given, especially to those who are well off and don’t need any assistance.
======================
Video link
https://youtu.be/_a3dwKgPDpM
Filename
Rambling House Knockanure 3 August 2023
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Celebrating St. Finbarr's Day and the lone Gougane Barra
St. Finbarr's Day: Do you celebrate "Gougane Sunday" on September 25?
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/st-finbarrs-day-gougane-sunday
Three is a green island in lone Gougane Barra,
Where Allua of songs rushes forth as an arrow,
In deep valley'd Desmond - a thousand wild fountains
Come down to that lake from their homes in the mountains.
There grows the wild ash and a time stricken willow,
Looks chidingly down on the mirth of the billow,
As like some gay child that sad monitor scorning,
It lightly laughs back to the laugh of the morning.
And its zone of dark hills oh to see them all bright'ning,
When the tempest flings out its red banner of lightning,
And the waters rush down mid the thunders deep rattle,
Like clans from their hills at the voice of the battle,
And brightly the fire crested billows are gleaming,
And wildly from Mullagh the eagles are screaming,
Oh! Where is the dwelling in valley or highland,
So sweet for a bard as this lone little island.
========================
Video link
https://youtu.be/_T36xUaBkn4
Filename
Tralee Walk July 2023.wmv
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Video link
https://youtu.be/FedToepO2lo
Filename
Some Tralee Pictures July20231.wmv
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Some of the many street sessions at a memorable Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2001 in Listowel, Co. Kerry
1973 Fleadh Listowel
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Choir Old Knockanure Graveyard August 2017
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https://northkerry.wordpress.com/?s=folklore
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Pictures
https://www.flickr.com/photos/20734873@N08/
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The 100 Most Influential Irish Americans in Business: J. McHale – A. McKenna
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Cullinane Magistrates:
Henry Cullinane (1841-1918), 1893, Main St., Skibbereen, listed 1913, listed 1916. Grocer and Baker. 1910 one servant. Present at the opening of Skibbereen Railway, July, 1877 1904 funeral of Daniel O’Donovan, Solicitor and Land Owner, Skibbereen. 1913 attending the funeral, Skibberen, Dr. Patrick (PJ) Burke, Skibbereen. 1909 Funeral Dr. William Jennings, Doctor and Magistrate, Skibbereen. Attending 1917 funeral Michael Beechinor Collins, JP, Manager 1897-1917 in Skibbereen of Cork and Kerry Central Creamery. As a tribute Skibbereen Petty Session court adjourned by Mr. O’Connor, B.L., R.M.
John Cullinane, (1834-1900) The Square, Bantry. 1887 Committee to promote the Town Improvement Act for Bantry. Donor and committee member 1895 to the Bantry Foreshore Reclamation Fund. Landlord Whitechurch, Co. Cork allowed tenants a 50% reduction in rent. 1895 treasurer Bantry Terrier Coursing Club. 1898 thanked by Bantry Board of Guardians for providing a meal for the inmate of the workhouse consisting of meat and vegetable followed by currant cake and oranges. Attending listed as ‘John'' funeral Bantry 1899 of Miss O’Connor of merchant family.
Dr. Patrick J. Cullinane M.D,. (1886-1942) 1914, The Square, house Sunville (large early 19th century house) Bantry, listed 1916. Educated in Clongowes Wood and UCC. Related to Healy and Sullivan political families. The dynasty starts with Kate O’Sullivan marrying a https://www.dippam.ac.uk/eppi/documents/11054/pages/254833Robert Swanton, their daughter was Anne Swanton who marries a Jeremiah Cullinane who was born in 1795. It was he who moved to Skibbereen and really founded Fields and managed it from 1829. Member fundraising committee of 1918 Bantry Bay Marine Disaster. 1920 donor Bantry Vincent de Paul. They had the family that developed the drapery in Bantry. Bantry Bay Steamship Company Annual Report 1941, Among directors Dr. P. J. Cullinane. Steamship Princess Beara After his death an auction of his effects in the 1960s included the set of Shakespearean B & W prints at his auction early in the 1960s They were purchased by the Vickery family and hung in their hotel front lounge until its closure in 2006.
1772 Macroom Church of Ireland burials.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dDNUgc3EJbOKX1v_kIkfqWEk9OQdyEwTrqlLosJC_-4/edit
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Athea: The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
Times are changing at an alarming rate and, as each year passes, the changes become more noticeable. It is only a relatively short time since we started the Community Council weekly Lotto back at the start of the ‘nineties but, back then we had eleven pubs in the village and six shops, some with petrol pumps. Today we have three pubs, one shop and no petrol pumps. The farther back you go the more outlets and services there were and I’m afraid that, going forward, we will see a time when Athea village will just be a place to live without any facilities. Even the Church is feeling the pinch. When I was going to school there was only one family that I knew of who did not go to Mass on Sundays and there were also two Protestant families who went elsewhere for Sunday devotions. It was a way of life and a very important event with people dressing up in their “Sunday best” to attend one of the many Masses, do a bit of shopping afterwards while the men had a pint and met the neighbours to hear the latest news. Only necessary work was done on the Sabbath and I believe we are all the worse for the change in tradition. Families were big in those days due to the lack of contraception even though many lived in small houses. I am the eldest of eight myself, born in a cottage that had one kitchen/utility room, two bedrooms and an attic which we called “the loft”. By today’s standards it was crowded and not very well heated but it was the norm at the time and we didn’t know or want any better. Being the eldest of the family had it’s advantages and disadvantages. Unlike the ones that came after you, you didn’t have to wear “hand-me-downs” although I used to get clothes from my grandmother’s sister who lived in Mountrath. She had no family of her own but she adopted three boys and every so often a parcel arrived with clothes for me to wear. They weren’t new but they were new to me and nobody else around had anything like them. Being the eldest meant I was the first to do “jobs” around the house. Every day I had to go to the well for water with a gallon and a white enamel bucket. The well was down at the end of the field behind the house and it was necessary to brush the insects off the top of the water with the bottom of the gallon before filling the water into the bucket. That was a great spring and the water was as cool as ice and most refreshing. I am lucky to have the water from that well pumped into the house today. Another job was bringing in the turf. This was done with an empty meal bag known as a “half-sack”. It was easy to fill it up with turf in the turf shed, throw it over the shoulder and bring it in to the scullery. A scullery, for those of you of a younger vintage, was a little room, about twice the size of a phone box, off the kitchen where the water, turf and other essentials were stored. As I said, filling the turf was easy, or should have been but I had a very bad experience with it when I was about fifteen or sixteen. I filled the sack as usual but when I went to throw it over my shoulder I got a stabbing pain in the middle of my back. I had to drop the bag and crawl into the house to get a couple of aspirins. I got the tablets but I couldn’t reach down to the bucket of water to fill the cup so I had to eat them dry, not a pleasant experience. Eventually my parents arrived home and called Dr. McCarthy who sent me off to hospital where I spent nine days doing tests. I came out ok but every so often, ever since, the slightest exertion can trigger a back pain that will cripple me for a couple of days. It may not happen for a year but it could be twice a month so I don’t look back on the sack of turf with any great affection. Other jobs included feeding the hens and other fowl that were in every back yard at the time or feeding the pigs. My father always fattened six pigs for the market. Two jobs I hated were connected to the hens. Discovering the nest of a hen that was laying out and cleaning the hen house. The hens normally laid their eggs in the henhouse and it was easy to collect them on a daily basis but sometimes a hen would not lay in the house but would find a secret hide-out. The job of finding that nest was not easy. You had to watch the hen all the time but she knew you were watching her and would not go to her secret nest until you were gone to the toilet or distracted in some other way. The path to success was to not reveal to the hen that you were watching her and catch her in the act. This could take some time. The hen house had to be cleaned every so often. The hens droppings rested on the sop on the floor of the house and when this was disturbed a fine dust would rise that would suffocate you, not to mention the smell. It was also full of lice and other life forms. It was a great stimulant to growth as I found out later when the hen house was gone. We had a garden of potatoes and when the stalks grew there was one patch where they were twice as high as anywhere else. That was the spot where the hen house had stood and of course the ground had been enriched by the droppings for years. One job I did like was going to the neighbours houses, after we killed a pig, with puddings and pork steak. You would always get a few pence in each house at a time when money was scarce. I still think the taste of fresh puddings and pork steak is second to none but, I’m afraid we are not allowed to kill pigs anymore.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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A SPRING BLESSING FOR YOU ALL
May Sunny mornings invigorate your soul,
May the smell of fresh flowers fill your Home.
May rainy days and thunderstorms slow your pace.
May your days be filled with outdoor fun.
May the smell of freshly cut grass and Spring Breezes remind you that—-
CHANGE IS BEAUTIFUL.
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Over 400 Cork Supporters of the Act of Union Between Ireland and Great Britain
Durrushistory Feb 1 2023
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bjd0NSGoBj_D1Jc8YGSQrdSNplVhHhgm3MMu7QqBlac/edit?pli=1
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1784 Aughadown, Skibbereen. Horse and Man 2 shillings a day, Barrel of Lime 2 shillings 6 pence
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‘Long tailed family’ ‘An old and respected family’ From West Cork Obituaries
durrushistory
Jul 11
Peadar Ó hAnnracháin, Gaelic League Organiser, Cois Life, 'OUR DUBLIN LETTER' in the Southern Star. He often uses the phrase 'long tailed family’ I think it roughly equated to a common phrase in obituaries in the Skibbereen Eagle adn Southern Star as the deceased bring of ‘an old and respected family’ applying to both Catholics and Protestants.
Looking at their obits in detail one category rarely appears and these are what Tod Andrew called ‘the people of no property’, labourers, those living in lanes in the villages and towns. The detailed obits show the immediate family then cousins, in laws, the the general public headed by the most important locals. Those who get obituaries are the middling to large farmers and business people. When you look at the over time you can discern the networks. Well known locally at the time but now forgotten.
The Gaels were defeated at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 the Chiefs went into exile. But a few increments below elements of the old families prospered as large tenant farmers and business people. The tend to be under the radar live modestly but they have the cash.Taking the triangle of Bantry/Drimoleague/Skibbereen quite a number are sufficiently well off the advance monies to local landlord families from the 1780s. See enclosed listing of deeds.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Au-UGjP43dORmzGc0v37jNZGXVHRBsSfDQl_2aLuD5c/edit
The would include the Blairs, Hutchinsons, Evanson, beggars on horseback with hardly a pot to piss in. There is an equivalent Protestant network of the same broad social and economic class like the Swantons of Ballydehob and the Shannons of Brahalish, Durrus, often they both work together as Grand Jury contractors or building work.
The class of people I am talking about tend to marry within the extended group and over a wider geographic area. Here the obits show the relationships.
Funeral listing:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A8vkAzsRVEhpiP2EOryWiYcEryJw0ic4DmnKe6vZEqI/edit
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Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7235146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
26th June 2022, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Priestly Journey (1972 – 2022 Starting in August 1972, I spent four years in
Sneem Parish. It might sound strange, when I say that I served under three
different Parish Priests there. My first P.P., Fr. Bob Flavin, had already spent
seven years there, when I joined him, but, after his transfer to Killeentierna
(Currow and Currans) in October of that year, my new P.P. was Fr. Peter
Scott, who had spent 27 years in Tralee. The greater part of that time had
been spent in St. John’s Parish, but he spent a few years in a house near
the new church of Our Lady and St. Brendan, before that was made an in-
dependent parish. After spending the most part of three years in Sneem,
Fr. Scott moved to Ballyheigue and was replaced by Fr. Jackie McKenna, who
had been a curate in Abbeydorney for a number of years before that.
I featured in the appointments made by Bishop Casey in the summer of
1976, when I was appointed to Duagh – going from South to North Kerry.
Those appointments were the last made in Kerry by Bishop Casey, because
shortly after that, he himself moved to Galway Diocese. When telling me
where he wanted me to go, he mentioned that ‘Fr. Tim keeps a good table.’
As soon as I got there, I saw what Bishop Casey meant because I realised that
Fr. O’Sullivan liked his food, much of which came from his garden near the
Presbytery. I was happy to see that he wanted me to enjoy the food as much
as he did. Having spent only one year, I did not expect, when the man who
replaced Bishop Casey – Kevin McNamara – made his first appointments in
the summer of 1977, that I would be on the move again. My own home, 5
miles or so from Killarney on the way to Tralee was in East Kerry, I had served
in South and North Kerry and, now, I was heading to West Kerry. Having
spent five years in full time parish work, the scene in Dingle would be differ-
ent. I was appointed as chaplain to the Girls Boarding School – Coláiste Íde
– teacher of religion in the small vocational school and chaplain to Presen-
tation Secondary Girls’ school. After I had spent one year in Dingle, Fr. Diar-
maid O’Sullivan (later to become bishop of Kerry when Bishop Kevin
McNamara was appointed Archbishop of Dublin) was appointed Parish
Priest of Dingle, replacing Canon Patrick Lynch, who retired. Canon Diarmaid
was happy to have me more involved in parish activity than I had been in my
first year. He also made preparations for a building and renovation project
in the parish, which involved building a new presbytery and carrying out
major renovations on the churches in Dingle, Lispole and Ceann Trá.
In the Spring of 1981, Bishop Kevin McNamara, had invited priests from the
diocese to consider volunteering to work for a period of six years (two terms
of three years) in the diocese of Nakuru in Kenya, Africa. The project of
making three priests, from our diocese, available to help the missionary
effort in Africa, in a partnership with St. Patrick’s Missionary Society
(Kiltegan Fathers) and the Bishop of Nakuru, Raphael Ndingi had begun in
1975. I had volunteered to go in 1979 but wasn’t chosen and I decided to
offer my name again, on this occasion, and I found myself packing my bags
to set off for the African continent in September 1981. I won’t write about
my wonderful experience there over the next six years, as I have given it a
mention on and off in past issues of ‘Dear Parishioner.’
Roll on the time to late summer of 1987, when I returned to the diocese. I
was happy that Bishop Diarmaid Ó Súilleabháin had allowed me the time to
attend a three-month pastoral renewal course in Dublin. Because I had not
been included in the 1987 diocesan changes/transfers, there was no vacancy
in the diocese to be filled, when I finished the course a few weeks before
Christmas. That situation changed when the sudden death took place, a few
weeks before Christmas, in Killeentieerna Parish, of my first Parish Priest in
Sneem, Fr. Bob Flavin. As there would be no new diocesan appointments
until the summer of 1988, I was given a temporary appointment in
Killeentierna, where I joined the curate there at the time, Fr. Liam O’Brien, a
native of Firies Parish, like myself. When the 1988 diocesan appointments
were made, I found myself taking up duty in Killarney Parish, where I would
live for five years in a house near the big primary school in Ballycasheen,
with the late Fr. Pat Moore. During those years, Fr. Pat was involved in
moving around the diocese in his role as Diocesan Religious Education Ad-
viser in Primary Schools. Parishioners may recall that Fr. Pat was affected by
‘Oesophagal Cancer’ and died on 1st May, 2017, at the age of 60.
Working in Killarney was my first time working in a large town and, looking
back, I can say that I enjoyed my five-year stay in the parish, despite minor
hitches. One of the these (It didn’t seem minor at the time.) was the expe-
rience of depression in the early 1990s. I found that I could cope better with
my situation by continuing to work, rather than taking time off. My G.P.
referred me to a psychiatrist, who nurtured my return to good health,
through counselling and finding out what medication suited me and was ef-
fective. I was happy that, despite not being in joyful mood, I could talk about
my condition with parishioners and I did not feel any urge to hide my state
health from the people I encountered in my parish work. After spending
five years in Killarney Parish, I was happy to move to the rural area again in
the summer of 1993, when I was appointed to Rathmore Parish and going to
live in Knocknagree. A year after I took up my appointment, Fr. Pat Moore
was appointed to Rathmore Parish and he came to live in Gneeveguilla.
After about a year in Rathmore, he was struck down with a very serious
virus that affected his brain and he spent some time in a London hospital.
My time in Rathmore had something in common with my time in Sneem.
Canon Pat Doherty retired after I had been two years in the parish and was
replaced by Fr. Dan O’Riordan who came from being President of St. Bren-
dan’s College, Killarney. He had just completed one year in the parish, when
he was transferred to St. John’s, Tralee, and replaced by Fr. Pat Horgan, who
had been Parish Priest of Tralee’s new parish of Our Lady and St. Brendan.
Having made a full recovery from the depression that I mentioned earlier, I
decided to go for a one-month holiday in Kenya in January 1997and I found
that the scene there was not changed much from the time I left to return to
Kerry in 1987 and, when our new bishop, Bill Murphy, invited anybody inter-
ested in filling a vacancy in Kenya, to let him know, I spoke with him and the
result of that conversation was that I arranged to spend another period of
time in Kenya. This was happening at a good time because I was fairly sure
that I would be leaving Rathmore to become a Parish Priest somewhere in
the diocese in the summer and, getting the chance to spend another few
years in missionary territory, was more attractive at the time than moving
up from curate to Parish Priest. As I did earlier, I will skip the three years I
spent in Kenya except to say while I took up an appointment in Kipkelion
Parish, in the general area where I had been in the years 1981 – 1987, that
area was now in a new diocese called Kericho Diocese.
Before I left Kenya in the late summer of 2,000 to return to Kerry, Bishop Bill
Murphy had been in touch with me and told me he would like me to become
Parish Priest in Spa Parish, where the main church, Churchill, was located
about two miles from the second church in Fenit Village. At this time, I had
been a priest for 28 years and I was my own boss as a Parish Priest. I had
learned a lot from the appointments I had in the diocese and from my nine
years in Kenya. I felt it was a good time to stand back a little and take stock
and see what was the best way of ministering in a parish, at the start of the
third millennium, where a lot of change had taken place since I took up my
first diocesan appointment in Sneem in August 1972. I will give a report on
my stay in Spa in another ‘Dear Parishioner’. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony.)
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Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne OSA
1.In the opening verse Jesus is portrayed as having a new sense of clarity
about his life that enables him to set out on the road ‘resolutely’. Perhaps
there have been such moments in your life, moments of insight and clarity
about the road ahead. Recall such moments and what they were like for you.
2.As he walked the road Jesus met with opposition. This angered some of
his friends and they wanted to hit back. Jesus restrained them, and would
not let himself be distracted from the journey he was making. What helps
you keep your goals in mind when minor annoyances distract you?
3.The response of Jesus to prospective followers seems harsh. He lets the
first man know that discipleship is not a path to a comfortable nest. It is a
way in which we never know what is going to be asked of us next. The
disciple must be ready to move on. Where have you found good news in
being open to change, confident in the presence of Jesus with you?
4.Jesus also demands commitment. It is easy for us to think about times when
our commitment was less than perfect but commitment brings its own fruits
and blessings. What specific blessings can you bring to mind?
Points to Ponder.
In today’s Gospel passage (cf. Lk 9:51-62), Saint Luke begins the narrative of
Jesus’ last journey towards Jerusalem, which ends at Chapter 19. It is a long
journey, not only geographically and spatially, but also spiritually and theo-
logically, towards the fulfilment of the Messiah’s mission. Jesus’ decision is
radical and total, and those who follow him are called to measure up to it.
Today the Evangelist presents us three characters – three cases of vocation,
we could say – that shed light on what is required of those who wish to fol-
low Jesus to the end, completely. In order to follow Jesus, the Church is itin-
erant, acts promptly, quickly and decisively. The value of these conditions
set by Jesus – itinerancy, promptness and decision – does not lie in a series
of saying ‘no’ to the good and important things in life. Rather, the emphasis
is placed on the main objective: to become a disciple of Christ!
A free and conscious choice, made out of love, to reciprocate the invaluable
grace of God, and not made as a way to promote oneself. This is sad! Woe
to those who think about following Jesus for their own advantage, that is, to
further their career, to feel important or to acquire a position of prestige.
Jesus wants us to be passionate about him and about the Gospel. A heartfelt
passion which translates into concrete gestures of proximity, of closeness to
the brothers and sisters most in need of welcome and care, precisely as he
himself lived. (Both items above are from Intercom, June 2022.)
======================
Seosamh Mac Gabhann (Joe Smyth) 1929-2008
Community Leader/Music Teacher/Dramatist
Won The Céilí Band Competitions
Their efforts paid off in 1976 when Kilmovee (a small rural village in East Mayo) won the Céilí Band competitions at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Buncrana at U-11 and U-14 levels. This was a remarkable achievement, with all of the children coming from Kilmovee and this tiny village beating the champions of Ulster, Leinster, Munster, as well as bands from England and the U.S.A. This success was repeated in 1984 when Kilmovee again won the All-Ireland U-14 Céilí Band competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Listowel. In 1975, Seosamh started a Senior Céilí Band in Kilmovee, which he named Ceoltóirí Mobhí. They went on to gain nationwide recognition with two of their jigs, now popularly known as “The Kilmovee Jigs”. The band took part in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil for many years and in 1984 won the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition at Ceol an Gheimhridh.
https://www.ouririshheritage.org/content/archive/people/101_mayo_people/community-and-politics/seosamh_mac_gabhann_joe_smyth_1929-2008
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(New York Jewish Week) — New York City politicians have been flayed for eating pizza with a fork and toasting a fresh and perfectly fine bagel — and that’s just Bill de Blasio.
Now Rep. Carolyn Maloney is finding out the perils of flubbing a venerable city food tradition.
In an interview with The New York Times, the incumbent congresswoman from the East Side had trouble remembering the name of Barney Greengrass, the iconic appetizing store on the Upper West Side.
“There’s a deli over there; it’s called Grassroots,” Maloney said in response to a question about how well she knew what could become her new district.
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In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee after 70 years on the throne. To mark this momentous occasion, The National Archives has digitised records from our collections about Her Majesty’s life, coronation and reign as well as revealing interesting and intriguing tales from royal history.
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
Since this is the week of the Fleadh and a celebration of our native culture, I won’t be writing my usual bits (don’t worry, I will be back complaining again next week), instead I include a few “Sean-Fhocail”. These are old sayings or old words of wisdom that come from the time when Irish was the spoken language in this country. They were passed down from generation to generation and I’m sure some of you will recognise them from your schooldays. Many have also lived on in the English tradition and they are well worth preserving.
Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón
Many a time a man’s mouth broke his nose.
Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras
Hunger is a great sauce.
Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scoilb.
A windy day is no day for thatching
Is deas an rud an beagán ach é a dhéanamh go maith.
Little is best if well done.
Saoll an chait, a piscín.
The cat’s life, its kitten.
Is gaire cabhair Dé ná an doras.
God’s help is nearer than the door.
Faigheann an tseanbhróg an tseanstoca.
The old shoe gets the old stocking
An té a bhíonn siúlach, bíonn sé scéalach agus an té a bhíonn scéalach bíonn sé bréagach.
He who travels is talkative, and he who is talkative tells untruths.
Mol an óige is tiocfaidh sí.
Praise the youth and they will bloom.
An rud is annamh, is iontach.
What is rare is strangest.
Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir.
Time is a good messenger (Time will tell).
Ní bhíonn airgead amadáin i bhfad ina phóca.
A fool’s money doesn’t remain for long in his pocket.
Tús maith leath na hoibre.
A good start is half the work.
Is é buille an phinn an buille is fealltaí.
The pen’s blow is the most treacherous. (The pen is mightier than the sword)
Ní thagann ciall roimh aois.
Sense doesn’t come before age.
Bíonn blas ar an mbeagán.
A little tastes well.
Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.
We all exist in each other’s shadow.
Is minic ubh mhór ag cearc bheag.
A small hen often has a large egg.
Fág an drochscéal san áit a bhfuair tú é.
Leave the bad tale where you found it.
Má bhíonn tú ar lorg cara gan locht, beidh tú gan chara go deo.
If you seek a friend without fault, you will be without one forever.
Chuirfeadh sé cosa faoi chearca duit.
He’d put legs under hens for you.
Is binn béal ina thost.
Silence is golden.
Is fearr an sláinte ná an táinte.
Health is better than wealth.
Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach.
There will be another day.
Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn.
Faraway hills are green.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.
Unity is strength.
Ní mar a síltear a bhítear.
Things are not always as they seem.
Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile.
It takes one to know one
An té nach bhfuil láidir ní foláir dó a bheith glic.
He who isn’t strong needs to be clever
Muna bhuil agat ach pucán gabhair, bí i lár an aonaigh leis
If you only have a puck goat, be at the centre of the fair with him
Athea United Soccer
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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Video link
https://youtu.be/cq6DWaRdjQc
Filename
Africa Day Tralee and at end Mounthawk School special day event.
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Here is what the Dubai Rose Centre posted online about Aoife Trench.
Now to introduce our second Rose entrant for Dubai Rose Selection 2022 hosted by @mcgettigansjlt🌹. Teacher and musician Aoife Trench hails from Listowel, Co. Kerry. As well as forming a trad band with friends since her arrival in Dubai, she has also travelled at every opportunity – visiting South Asia and East Africa – and has tried out new hobbies, one of them being taking up football and camogie with Jumeirah Gaels.
Aoife is a fluent Irish speaker and spent the last 4 years of her career teaching in Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil in Cork – a big change from her current setup in Dubai! This hasn’t stopped her imparting Irish culture to her students here however – if you hear young children around Dubai uttering “Dia dhuit” and “Conas atá tú?”, you know who’s responsible!
Musically, Aoife has toured Ireland and the UK with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as well as providing music and singing lessons through her local CCÉ branches in North Kerry, and now here she makes time for a few tunes every month in Fibber Magees’ Thursday trad sessions.Be sure to book your brunch tickets for our Rose Selection Night on May 20th to hear Aoife and our other musical Roses performing onstage!
https://listowelconnection.com/2022/05/
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Trasna na Tire
Military historian Pat Lawlor and Martin Moore chat with Liam O'Sullivan and cover some key incidents that occurred in Kerry during the Irish Civil War. Apologies for the difficulty at the start !
Kerry was the scene of some of the bloodiest and most protracted fighting during the Civil War. We take a look at some key encounters that shaped the Civil War in Kerry. When the Provisional Government landed troops by sea, the anti-Treaty forces were taken completely by surprise. Although the initial fighting was intense, resistance soon settled into a prolonged and bloody period of guerrilla warfare.
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Athea News 30 Nov 2021
The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
I am back from my rambles to America and am I glad to be home. I had a great time while I was there but the travelling was a nightmare. One thing for sure, if you are not well able to use a smart phone you might as well stay at home. On every leg of the journey information had to be downloaded or scanned and put into a document mainly due to Covid restrictions. At some of the cafe’s there were no printed menus. A code had to be scanned to the phone which opened the menu there. It took a bit of getting used to. Most places did not accept money, just cards. The trip started off badly when Bríd and myself tried to check into our direct flight from Dublin to discover that that flight had been cancelled. They say we were sent an email about it but I double checked and, no, couldn’t find it. They reluctantly got us on a flight to JFK and then another from there to Seattle. All in all we were travelling for 24 hours. We had to come back by Chicago with another stop over so we were another 24 hours getting home. To add insult to injury they lost our bag on the way over and we were waiting for three days for that to be delivered! A good job my son Sean wears the same size clothes as I do. Anyway, as I already alluded to, I did enjoy my visit to one of the nicest and most picturesque cities in the world. I even got to play a couple of rounds of golf with Danjoe and Sean on two beautiful courses and found a perfect pint of Guinness in a bar run by an Algerian. You’d think Gerard White himself pulled it! We also had a few sessions of music together in Sean’s house where we were joined on the bass fiddle by a Chinese gentleman who lived nearby. He wasn’t long getting the hang of the Irish tunes and it was really enjoyable. I never realised what a big deal Thanksgiving is in the US, it is like Christmas with all the trimmings and then of course I was there for Black Friday with real bargains to be had in the shops. I did notice, however, that things have gotten a good deal more expensive since I was there last, three years ago. I suppose, like the rest of the world it is businesses trying to catch up after Covid restrictions. A nice place to visit but I wouldn’t like to live there permanently; too old and set in my ways I suppose.
I was thinking, while there, of the people who emigrated from Ireland many years ago when flying wasn’t an option. Many from Athea took the long road to Cobh in Cork to board a liner that took most of a week to reach Ellis Island. Some of them hadn’t a clue what was before them while others had relatives to welcome them. It was the custom, at the time, to hold an “American Wake” on the night before somebody set off for Cobh. It was a party in one sense but it was also extremely sad because this could be the last time they would see each other. There was little hope of people coming back on holiday so, many were never again united with family and friends. As time went by things improved and it became easier to cross the Atlantic. It was however very expensive to travel by plane so holidays were few and far between. There would be great excitement when the “Yanks” came home with their flashy clothes and American accents making us all look dowdy and ragged. I remember, when I was very young, relatives of my mother calling to see us while they were in Ireland on holidays. They only stayed for a few hours but there was an awful lot of cleaning and whitewashing in the week leading up to the visit and my mother seemed to be baking forever. They gave me a bar that was different from anything I had ever tasted before. They called it candy and I ended up eating it in very small bites to try and make it last. Nowadays travelling across the ocean is much more frequent as the world has gotten to be a much smaller place and no destination is too far away. Having said all that, there is no place like home and we are very fortunate to be living where we are.
I can’t believe that we are at the last month of the year already. It seems like only yesterday I was trying to remember that the date ended with 2021 and in a few weeks I will be writing 2022. They say the older you get, the quicker time passes. I can certainly attest to that as years seem to be no longer than months. I remember, when I was young, thinking how long a year was, waiting for Christmas to come around or for Santa to pay a visit. It seemed to be an eternity but I suppose that is the way. An hour can be a long time if you are waiting for a train but a very short time if you are hurrying to catch one. Anyway, each day should be enjoyed as there is no point in looking too far ahead. The future is unpredictable so there is great merit in the old saying “never put off ‘till tomorrow what you can do today”. That is why it is so important to let loved ones know how we feel about them right now. We might not get the chance again.
The new strain of Covid means we are all going to have to be more careful in our dealings with each other. If we all do as we are advised we can minimise the spread of the sickness and avoid more people in our hospitals. With this in mind the local Comhaltas branch have cancelled a session that was organised for the Top of the Town next Saturday night. I know some people will be upset by this but it is better to hold off now than risk more infection. With the best will in the world it is extremely difficult to observe socialising at a session. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is now more Covid in Athea than at any time since the pandemic started so we all have a responsibility to protect each other. I look forward to the day when we can return to a normal life but that may be some distance into the future.
Tracing Family
My name is Leo Glynn, I am 71 years old – living in Kansas City, Missouri USA.
I am looking for my grandmother’s family – her maiden name being Bridget Scanlon. She is number four on the top list attached
She married my grandfather Michael Audley in Kansas City, Missouri USA in 1910.
My grandmother passed away here in Missouri USA in 1945. My mother was Catherine (Audley) Glynn – she passed away in 2000. She knew that her mother was from Athea and I think may have visited Athea in the late 1960’s. My older sister now 81 years old thinks our mother told her many of our Scanlon relatives were still in the Athea area.
I know this is a long shot but I’m am wondering if some (?) of the Scanlon Family saw this list they might recognize the names on the list as being part of their family. I will sincerely appreciate any help or direction you might be able to provide. Thank You Very Much !!! Leo Glynn Email Lglynn5943@aol.co
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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By Tom Aherne 30 Nov 2021
Mary Kury’s recently launched book is a survey of four local graveyards: Clounagh, Coolcappa, Kilscannell and Rathronan. Each graveyard has its own character, Clounagh has evolved next to a medieval church. Just off the Greenway it is in the middle of a working farm. Many of the headstones here date to 1800 and early 1900 with people coming from Rathkeale and Newcastle West. Kilscannell and Coolcappa are next to the road, so access is easier. Kilscannel is the resting place of the Daniel Conway brother in law of Jim Quinn who found the Ardagh Chalice. Other notable headstones include: The Hallinan family whose ancestor was Bishop of Limerick in 1917-1923 and the Corbett family who are proud to name Denis Corbett in their family tree. Denis captained the first Limerick All Ireland winning team in 1887.
Rathronan Graveyard is best known for the Mausoleum of William Smith O’Brien which is located there. William was leader of the ill-fated 1848 uprising. The Massy family also have a mausoleum there. The oldest stone in the four parishes was read here in 1981. It was dated 1728 and commemorated Patrick Ffelan. The Ffelans were owners of Cahermoyle house during the 1700s with Patrick’s grandson selling the property to William Smith. Willian was grandfather of William Smith O’Brien. The book lists all the headstone with their inscriptions and research notes on each. Each graveyard has a map with the stones listed and an index. It will be of particular interest to local historians, genealogists and descendants of those interred there. This book is available for €20 from Dooley’s Supervalu in Newcastle West or from Mary Kury at kurymary95@gmail.com or 0879282462.
Mr Ó Mainnín said he was delighted with the outcome of his efforts.
"It’s amazing to see our own parish and our own ancestors come alive in the films. It’s a pity that the people featured in the films are gone and even the people who would have known them have passed away, but through these films their memory lives on.
"My grandfather said the 'yank' took a film of himself and the other fishermen on the island of Inis Mhic Uibhleáin.
"He told me all the men had their pipes in their mouths and that they stuck a pipe in the mouth of their dog - Speed was his name - for the craic and would you believe it, you can see the dog with the pipe in his mouth in the film.
"It’s lovely to see that the story I heard as a boy from my grandfather was true."
https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2021/1118/1261710-benjamin-gault-collection/
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"In this case what was a propaganda poem during an election also provides an exact topographical description of Derrynane. When I see the path and when I see it being shown again, appearing again through all the growth, I can imagine Ellen walking there almost two centuries ago." added Mr Bushe.
https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2021/0929/1249767-poem-kerry-daniel-oconnell/
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THEATRE |Thursday 25th to Monday 29th November @ 8pm
MOLL presented by St John's Theatre Group.
The classic comedy by John B Keane is based on the arrival of Moll, the Priest's new Housekeeper and the changes she undertakes in both running of the presbytery and indeed the parish.
Frances Kennedy takes the lead role as the resourceful Moll, Batt O'Keeffe is the Canon, Johnny Corkery the reluctant curate in charge of bingo and Conor Hogan the third Curate in the house. Sonny Egan plays the small farmer Ulick while Bernie Daly is his prospective wife Bridgie. Conor Foley plays the Bishop on a surprise visit and Jana Finucane, Mrs Andover who is fond of the drop and so ruled out of the job as Housekeeper. The Play is Directed by Joe Murphy.
Tickets are €15 - Get further details & Buy tickets here
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
It was great to see people on the street in Athea on Sunday for the annual tractor run organised by Athea Vintage Club. There was something for all the family with a record entry in the main event. I wonder where all the tractors came from. I didn’t count them but I was a long time at the corner waiting for them all to pass by. The Trad Session after at the Top of the Town was also well attended with plenty of musicians from the very young to old codgers like myself. It was a joy to be able to sit down and share a few tunes with musicians who hadn’t played together going on for two years. It was a lovely day so well done to the organising committee who did a super job.
A lot of notable people in the arts world passed away over the past week or so. First we heard of the death of Clare accordionist Tony McMahon who hosted a very successful programme called “The Long Note” on Radio 1 for many years and also did a TV series with the late Barney McKenna. Tony had a unique way of playing the box. It was very traditional and nobody could touch him when it came to playing slow airs. He would close his eyes and get totally absorbed in the music. His health wasn’t great for a while and the last programme he did was called “Slán le Cheoil” in which he lamented the fact that he was no longer able to play the box as good as he would like. He leaves behind a great store of recording, none better that an album he made with concertina player and fellow Clare man Noel Hill. It is the best music for set dancing I have ever heard . May he rest in peace.
Next came the news that Paddy Moloney, piper supreme and leader of The Chieftans, had gone to his eternal reward. Paddy came to prominence when he was a member of Seán O’Riada’s group “Ceoltóirí Cualainn”. Seán wanted to present traditional music in a new way while still staying true to the tradition. He paved the way for the many groups who followed on, none more famous than The Chieftans. As the front man of the group Paddy was superb. He had a great way about him and endeared himself to all who met him. He succeeded in bringing Irish traditional music to the international stage and some of the most famous artists in the world performed with the group and made many recordings. He took the group to China and made an album on the Great Wall. He brought back a little Chinese folk tune that could be played on the whistle and I learned it from him. Some years later I was part of a small group of traditional musicians that was sent to China by the Dept of Foreign affairs in conjunction with a trade delegation. We got to play on the Great Wall at the same place where The Chieftains made their recording. One Sunday morning we were taken to a small square in Beijing where traditional Chinese musicians gather and play. It was like a Fleadh Cheoil with music every where and when they saw we had instruments we were asked to play and after a few selections I took out the tin whistle and played the tune I had got from Paddy’s playing. At once you could see the eyes light up and some shouted “Chieftans, Paddy Moloney” before joining in. Soon there were about fifty musicians playing away with me and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. That is how well known Paddy was and how he made it easier for the rest of us to communicate musically with other cultures of the world. It was also lovely to hear the piping of our own Louise Mulcahy of Abbeyfeale, when she played in the background as tributes were paid to Paddy on TV. Louise is a daughter of Mick Mulcahy who was learning the box at the same time as me many moons ago. There were only two of us in the area then, look how many there are now!
Brendan Kennelly, the renowned poet from Ballylongford who spent most of his life as a professor in Trinity College, Dublin, also passed away over the weekend. Brendan was a genius but one of the nicest, most down to earth people you could meet. He said one time that if he had any airs and graces they would quickly be knocked out of him when he went home and helped in the family pub. One time, a wily old farmer was in the bar and said to Brendan “what are you at now?” Brendan said he was teaching English to which your man replied “that would suit you alright, a fine soft job” and turned away. Brendan loved Kerry and Dublin as well and he left many books of poetry and prose. The last time I met him was in Lystoll nursing home when myself and Noreen were visiting my aunt Mary. As we were coming out Noreen spotted Brendan in a sitting room so we went in to say hello Alas, Alzheimers had set in but he remembered Athea though and regaled all those in the room with a few verses of that comical song “The Road to Athea”. He was very happy and had that renowned twinkle in his eye. He has left a rich legacy that will be invaluable to future generations He will be sadly missed but always remembered with great affection as somebody who left a huge footprint on the cultural landscape.
Bridie’s Book of Gems Launched
Bridie Murphy from Glenastar, Ardagh launched her first book ‘Connections’ at Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday, October 17, before a very appreciative attendance. Bridie, a retired teacher, is known far and wide for her photography and now this talented lady has used her time during Covid to compile a selection of her poems, articles and photographs in book form. Gerard Liston was MC and he read one of the poems from the book and told a story about the glitter ball. Traditional music was provided by Donal O’Sullivan, Diarmuid O’Brien and Mike Murphy. Frances Kennedy told some funny stories about Bridie and Stephen in her own humorous way. Jeremy Murphy from the publishing company paid tribute to Bridie and looked forward to working with her again.
Bridie’s son, Stephen, read out a poem by her other son Kevin who was unable to attend telling the family story of the progress of the book. Seamus O’Rourke, Leitrim, author of Standing In Gaps and many funny rural stories came all the way to perform the launch. He told two of his own stories including the drawer and paid tribute to Bridie’s work before declaring it launched. Bridie read two of her poems and thanked all who helped to bring it to fruition. The book is available from Bridie and from local shops and is an ideal read. The proceeds from the book will go to Temple Street Children’s Hospital and the Irish Air Ambulance.
https://www.athea.ie/
By Peg Prendeville
What a lovely night of fun, humour, poetry, music and laughter we had on Sunday night at the very successful launch of the book Connections in Carrigkerry Community Hall on Sunday night. Author and photographer, Bridie Murphy of Glenastar, organised this collection into a beautiful hardcover, colour book during the Covid 19 pandemic. The MC Gerard Liston did a great job and introduced us to Bridie’s son Steve who read a very humorous poem written for the occasion by his brother Kevin, who, sadly, could not be present on the night. This was followed by entertainer Frances Kenrick, book producer Jeremy Murphy Listowel, Bridie herself and the biggest surprise of all was when Gerard announced that the well known Seamus O’Rourke of “Standing in Gaps” fame was to launch the book. Seamus read two of his own pieces bringing some of us to tears at his rendition of “The Drawer”, as well as reading one from Bridie’s book. Bridie herself thanked many people for their help in bringing this book to fruition and read some more. As Seamus O’Rourke said, this is a wonderful book, written from the heart in simple style and containing some wonderful photographs. The book will be on sale in local shops @ €20. Profits go to Temple Street Hospital and Air Ambulance. Well done Bridie!
As if that was not enough in our family Bridie’s sister Ger White in East Grinstead UK has also put together a selection “Newspapers on the floor” which is being sold though amazon.com. Check it out. This too contains some lovely poems, some of local interest.
In spite of all that excitement it was a sad weekend for those of us who love poetry as on the same day, October 17th, we learned that two of Ireland’s most well known and loved poets had died. The wonderful smile and silky voice of Brendan Kennelly will be heard no more as Brendan died aged 85. I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting him many times and just loved his voice. The other great figure was Máire Mac an tSaoi aged 99, who also had a lovely reading voice and composed in English and Irish. Two great talents gone in one day but as always new talent born. And so life goes on.
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Message from Jenny Liston
Dear all, most of us will have seen the terrible events in Afghanistan over the last few weeks as people desperately try to flee the country.
An opportunity has arisen for 2 families to be supported to settle in West Limerick. Liam Kavanagh-the fiancée of Jenny Liston from Athea-daughter of Kay and John Upper Athea, who worked in Afghanistan in 2016 with CONCERNWORLDWIDE.
The couple have been lucky to secure asylum for 2 former work colleagues from CONCERN and their families – one married and one family of 6 and we hope they can make Ireland their new home.
Both families now face the difficult task of leaving Afghanistan and at present there is no guarantee this can be done safely, and we ask people to keep families in their thoughts.
Liam and Jenny have already had many kind offers of support in West Limerick, but finding long term suitable accommodation would be greatly appreciated.
A quick update on the families
Zimari, Khatira and their families are still in Afghanistan and attempting to get visas for Pakistan. Khatira is sadly now in hiding as the TALIBAN have come to her home.
We hope they can find a safe route here soon.
In the meantime we are trying to get as much support in place as we can. The house search continues – unfortunately nothing has been secured yet. However announcements have been made across parishes in West Limerick and word is spreading.
We will also set up a GO FUND ME PAGE this week and hopefully we can share across all networks. Our target is to raise €10,000 to help with the initial resettlement costs.
If for any reason we are not successful in getting families here we will ensure the money is donated directly to Concern’s humanitarian support in Afghanistan.
This is the report I received from Jenny Liston and we wish them well in their work and please God all will be safe.
KATHLEEN MULLANE.
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he Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
The end of the summer brings anxiety to all those who await the results of the Leaving Cert because the points they get decides what course they are offered. It is not a good way to channel people into their chosen professions but it is the way that has been created and we seem to be stuck with it. This year, however, is different because the powers that be decided to give students a choice of accredited grades or the results of a written exam. There was an option of doing the two and choosing whichever was the highest. This, to my mind, was lunacy and left the whole system open to abuse. It is quite understandable that a teacher will be more generous when dealing with one of his/her students than by examining an anonymous paper. They want themselves and their schools to look well. Not all teachers are like that but it is interesting to note that, in over 50% of cases, accredited marks were much higher than those of the written papers. It is not conceivable that the class of 2021 is so much more intelligent than those of any previous years. It means that the points race takes on a whole new meaning. Even those with maximum points are not guaranteed their first choices at college not to mention those who had deferred for a year and now find themselves at a severe disadvantage. The leaving cert exam does need overhauling but what went on this year is not the answer. It is time for a meeting of all the interested parties to decide on a way forward, a way that will be fair and transparent. It is not just an exam; it is the key to peoples future careers and we owe them the best possible way to achieve their desired outcomes.
Mayo’s quest for All-Ireland glory failed at the final hurdle last Saturday. It is heart-breaking for the thousands of supporters and the team itself but this time there are no hard luck stories. I was in Croke Park when they nearly and should have won but not this time. On the day they were beaten by a far superior team, one of the best organised that has appeared in the Tyrone jersey. They had a plan that worked and their defence reduced what is a good Mayo attack to hurried and bungled attempts at scoring. It is safe to say that the majority of GAA fans outside of Tyrone were supporting Mayo and hoping for the long wait to be over and that may not be fair to Tyrone. If they had defeated Dublin or Kerry I think they would have received far more praise for their efforts. People thought that the win over Kerry was a bit of a fluke and that Kerry were over confident but the way they played on Saturday gives the lie to that type of thinking. Congratulations to Tyrone, worthy winners and commiserations to Mayo. We will be hearing about the curse again but no heed should be paid to it. Mayo’s day will come but only when they are good enough and deserve it. Sentiment isn’t enough.
Work continues on the footbridge and I am delighted to see that the lights have changed and traffic is now flowing freely. I was a bit critical of the old lights because of the delay in changing from red to green so I must say well done to the contractors for upgrading the system. The job on the bridge is a big one because much of the surface has to be stripped back and treated before it is finally painted. Maroon, is the preferred colour which was decided by the public in a poll. It will set off the village, especially approaching from the Carrigkerry side and will be another addition to the many improvements by the Tidy Towns Committee. Maybe the national competition will take place in a post-Covid 2022 when Athea’s efforts should be rewarded with an increase in points.
This week there is a motion of no confidence in Simon Coveney being debated in the Dáil. It is tabled by Sinn Féin due to the appointment of Catherine Zappone to, what is, a fairly minor European position. It is all about who told who what and when and why wasn’t the Taoiseach informed and a competition and interviews held for the position. I am really surprised at Simon Coveney because he is, to my mind, the best politician we have and is well respected in international circles. If he wanted to give her a job I think she is well suited for he could have advertised the position, had interviews and still given it to her anyway. That’s the way it has always worked. As Donnagh O’Malley famously once said “all things being equal, we look after our own”. How many times have I heard that such a person has got the job of school principal only to see the job advertised in the papers a few days later. I once played “Danger Mullalley” a character in John B. Keane’s play “Many Young Men of Twenty”. He was a bit of a bum who made money by carrying luggage for people coming and going from the local hostelry to the train station. He had a kind of rural wisdom and quick wit. One of his lines was “the story of Ireland is written down in four letters on that door. It is called PULL”. At one stage in this country you had no chance of getting a government job, especially in the civil service, if you didn’t know some individual who could swing it for you. That is why we had so much incompetence in the service with people who weren’t really capable of doing the job being appointed because the father was a big supporter of the party in power. The clergy weren’t slow also to use their influence. Was it wrong? – of course it was but , like it or not, it is the way the system works and anyone who thinks otherwise is naive. They should have handled it better but is it an offence that warrants the sacking of a minister and the fall of the government? Of course not, it is just a time wasting exercise by Sinn Féin who, of course would never, ever do anything like that. We shall see.
Ardagh Notes from Tom Aherne Sept 2021
LOOKING BACK
Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association was formed five years ago on September 1, 2016. It was to cater for the St Kieran’s area, comprising of Ardagh, Carrigkerry Coolcappa, Kilcolman, and neighbouring Townlands and was held in the Community Centre Ardagh, with 21 people present. The dictionary describes heritage as something inherited at birth and anything that has been transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition. Heritage is all around us as we go about our daily work and now is the time to preserve and record what we have before it disappears. There is an increased interest in our heritage at present and people in all areas are doing wonderful work to preserve it.
Ger Greaney, genealogist, facilitated the meeting, and Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association was formed. The officers elected were Chairperson John P O ’Sullivan, Secretary Mary Kury, and Treasurer Richard Mc Donnell, and more, officers were added at other meetings afterwards. A lot of different areas of heritage were discussed and people were asked to look at their own areas and to start recording what is around them. For example, the name of fields, bridges, crossroads, rivers, forts, Cillian’s, blessed wells, old church graveyards, which may be lesser known to the general public, and need to be preserved.
The Saint Kieran’s area contains a lot of well-known sites, Ardagh Chalice, Ballylin Ring Fort, Ballyine, Mass Rock, Glenastar Waterfall, Campaign House, Carrigkerry, Carnegie Library in Kilcolman, Dunmoylan Church, Munnamohill School, Kilbradern Graveyard, Murray’s Hill, Mannix’s Folly, The Blue Hall, Clounagh, St Kyran’s Well, Lisnacolla Castle, Ballyegna Castle, Elm Hill, and other places of interest. The aim of the Association was to record everything possible, and to mark important dates and anniversaries. A Facebook page was also set up for viewers to check the ongoing progress of the association. A lot has been achieved to date with events held to commemorate The Fenian Rising, Bishop Lacy, Ardagh Chalice, and Ballyloughane School, to name a few. Since the arrival of Covid in March 2020, all activities have ceased, and members have only participated in a few events. Mary Kury led a walk and talk around Ardagh on Saturday, August 21, and last Wednesday published a fine article about Ardagh Graveyard. With the easing of Covid restrictions hopefully activities may be able to resume in the near future.
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The first event at Ballylongford Mill, the Ballylongford Blacksmithing Fair will be held over the weekend of 25th-26th September, 2021. There will be blacksmithing displays in the Creamery and grounds from Forged in Ireland and guest Blacksmiths, vintage tractors, hand forged and old wares for sale, food and refreshments and roving musicians.
The Blacksmiths that will be demonstrating throughout the weekend are from Forged in Ireland, a group of Irish craftsmen of all levels who teach and share their knowledge of blacksmithing, bladesmithing, knife making, metal art, tinsmithing, metallurgy and related metal working crafts.
This will be a family friendly weekend with entertainment for the kids, admission is €5 for adults with children under 16 free. Come along and see Ireland’s best Blacksmiths all in one place, and all proceeds will go towards repairs to the roof of Ballylongford Mill.
The Planning Application for restoration and redevelopment of the Mill site is currently going through Kerry County Council, with work on the Mill and grounds set to start mid next year.
There’s more information on the Facebook page and links to the event:
https://www.facebook.com/Ballylongford-Mill-102643785218211
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A selection of jigs played by former All-Ireland Champions Kieran Flavin from Knockanure, Listowel, Co. Kerry on concert flute and David Healy, Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick on button accordion.
https://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_380_full_programme/
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Theatre Royal in Tralee. The current theatre and arts centre is a testament to the vision of all three men and is still widely regarded as one of the best arts facilities in the country.
https://www.siamsatire.com/about/history
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The Irish Brigade
By Russ A. Pritchard Jr.
This meticulously researched read chronicles the history of the Union’s Irish Brigade — a fighting outfit led by General Thomas Francis Meagher that proved its mettle throughout the Civil War. Includes detailed descriptions of skirmishes and illuminating illustrations!
History
£1.99 £11.99
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Compelled by what she was learning, drawn almost against her will to embrace the Catholic Church, it was Father James O’Connor, author of The Hidden Manna, who helped her overcome her last obstacle.
“If the sacrifice of Christ was sufficient,” she reasoned, “how could we add to it? Yet, at Mass, Catholics are asked to offer themselves with Christ.” Father O’Connor explained that indeed we do add to the sacrifice of Christ, but not because his sacrifice was insufficient. Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient and he does not need ours. But love receives. He who loves us, he who is Love and doesn’t need us, allows us to enter into his sacrifice even after we put him to death.
It not only made sense, but the thought of such love consumed her and led her at last to enter the Catholic Church.
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day
By Domhnall de Barra
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. For the second year in a row we won’t be able to celebrate the festival in the traditional manner but maybe that is not such a bad thing. You don’t need to be drunk in a pub or be part of the parades that take place all over the world to enjoy the day and maybe think more seriously about what we are celebrating. Of course the parades are important but when you take away the bands, majorettes and circus acts there is very little spiritual about them. St. Patrick is accredited with bringing Christianity to Ireland which was then a Pagan country
His exploits are well documented and we have honoured him for years by naming our children after him. Patrick was the most popular name in Ireland for generations. It was customary to give children the names of saints and especially the apostles. That is why we have so many Johns, James, Andrews, Peters etc and since it was also customary to name children after their grandparents the names lived on until recently. Patrick was such a popular name that it became our nickname abroad. We were referred to as the “Paddies”, a term some people objected to but I must say it never bothered me. There are many variations of the name such as Paddy, Patsy, Patsheen, Pádraig, Pauric, Paud, Paudeen, Padden, Pat and Patty. The girls weren’t left out either with “Patricia” being very popular. Customs have changed and nowadays a child is more likely to be called after a film star, pop star or footballer than Patrick or any other saint. It is a great pity if some of the traditional names die out altogether because pop stars and footballers come and go and in a few years time some of the fancy names will have been forgotten but the saints will still be with us.
I am not a great fan of Joe Duffy who presents the programme “Lifeline” on Radio 1 every afternoon. He sometimes makes the show about himself rather than the people who phone in with their problems. He also has a tendency to champion his own ideas and values but maybe I am being too picky. One day last week he had a woman from Castleisland on and it was the best bit of radio I have ever heard. She told of being taken to Killarney by a cattle jobber and his driver from the midlands some 50 years ago. The cattle jobber fancied her but she preferred the driver. I won’t spoil the story because it is available on podcast and well worth a listen but she fell in love with the driver and they had a while together until he did not appear anymore and the jobber told her he had been killed in a road accident. She was heartbroken but eventually started going out again, met the man who was to be her husband and was within two days of being married when she found out the driver was still alive and she met him again. The jobber had been lying to keep them apart. She went to America and raised a family but her husband is now dead and she is looking for the other love of her life. I hope she succeeds in finding him. After castigating Joe Duffy at the beginning of this piece I must now commend him for the sensitive way he handled the interview with just the right amount of levity to make it so entertaining. If you can, listen to it.
It brought me back to the days, in the middle of the last century when Abbeyfeale had one of the biggest calf markets in the country. It was held on Monday mornings early and jobbers came from all over the mid-lands to buy up the calves that were very plentiful at this time of the year. Most of them travelled down on Sunday and stayed in the many inexpensive lodging houses that were dotted throughout the town. There was a doss house in “Boithrín Coch Much” (not a very fancy name!) that had two charges. A shilling on your back and sixpence on your side! There was no such thing as having your own bed in those days, you had to share so only two could be accommodated on a double bed sleeping on their backs but four could be squeezed in, spoon-like if they slept on their sides. I kid you not! The younger ones might go to the dance at Tom Tobin’s Hall on Sunday night. All the jobbers dressed alike in knee-length overcoats and brown boots with either a cap or a hat and they always had a stick in their hands. They dropped the uniform going to the dance and blended in with the rest of us. There was one young lady from Tournafulla who started “doing a line” with one of the better looking jobbers from West Meath. Eventually marriage was discussed and as things got serious they became more intimate until she told him one night that she was pregnant and they would have to bring the wedding forward. That was the last she saw of him. She tried writing to the address he had given her but the letter came back marked “not known at this address”. She eventually met another jobber who knew him and when she asked if he had any news of him he replied: “don’t mind that fellow, he has women everywhere including a wife and children at home.” She was only 19 at this stage so she had nothing better to do than emigrate to live with her sister in Chicago where she eventually met and married a very successful building contractor and she had a very good life with him. This story has a good ending but there were many gullible young girls that hadn’t such a happy outcome. Far away hills may be green but they may not always be better than the ones on our doorstep.
The following piece comes from a pamphlet produced by the Divine Word Missionaries in Roscommon. It is called “Positive Thinking” and contains some very nice verses.
One day, a partially deaf four-year-old child came home with a note in his pocket from his teacher which read: “Your Tommy is too stupid to learn, get him out of school”. His mother replied: “My Tommy is not too stupid to learn, I will teach him myself.”
That Tommy grew up to be the great Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb. He had only three months of formal school and was partially deaf.
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Irish Medieval History
“Irish law is the oldest, most original, and most extensive of mediaeval European legal systems. It is a unique legal inheritance, an independent indigenous system of advanced jurisprudence that was fully evolved by the eighth century. It is also far less well known than it deserves.” So wrote the late Prof. Donnchadh Ó Corráin of University College Cork in 2003.
The British often falsely claim that with the drafting of the Magna Carta, it was the first time in legal history that the king was subject to the law. Irish kings were not lawmakers and were subject to the law for centuries before Magna Carta. Accordingly, the Irish have more of a right to boast of an advanced system of justice unlike Common Law, which is not a system of justice but a system of layer enrichment and protection of privilege.
"Early medieval Ireland evolved a system of law (often called ’brehon’ law, from the Old Irish word brithemain ’judges’) which is remarkable in several respects. No other early medieval society has left such a substantial amount of written law, and none has preserved its laws entirely in the vernacular. Early Irish law is unique also amongst medieval legal codes in the range and nature of the subjects that are covered by it. It has also, until relatively recently, suffered unique neglect. Thanks, however, to the researches of scholars in the last half-century or so, the full richness of the Irish legal material from the period c. 600 to c. 800 can now be fully explored, using the tools of philology, history, archaeology and anthropology." - introductory text to a course on early Irish law from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Prof. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín
Prof. Ó Cróinín had in mind the seminal works of D. A. Binch who a member of the Irish Bar and Senior Professor at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. In 1978 he published his monumental corpus of ancient Irish law, Corpus Iuris Hibernici (6 vols, Dublin: Institute for Advanced Studies 1978). This is a work of 2343 pages (about 1,483,000 words) containing an edition of all the Irish law texts written on vellum manuscripts (seventh to twelfth centuries) with their accompanying glosses and commentaries in Old, Middle and Early Modern Irish. It is a fundamental resource for the study of Irish history and culture of the early mediaeval period when Ireland made a unique contribution to European civilization, scholarship and law. Its publication has led to a renaissance in early Irish legal studies (in which Irish, British, continental European and American scholars are involved). - Prof. Donnchadh Ó Corráin (RIIP), former Director of CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts. Editor of Peritia. Journal of the Medieval Academy of Ireland. University College Cork, Ireland
D. A. Binchy was the uncle of the Irish author Maeve Binchy and her brother William Binchy, a former Regius Professor of Laws at Trinity College, Dublin.
Image: Law texts copied in an O’Davoren law school in the late 16th century (from Section D of the manuscript).
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Paidir an Phápa Proinsias
A Thiarna Íosa Críost
Mhúinis dúinn a bheith trócaireach mar an tAthair ar neamh
Agus dúirís linn éinne a fheiceann tusa go bhfeiceann sé Eisean.
Taispeáin dúinn do cheannaithe agus slánófar sinn.
Shaor d’fhéachaint ghrámhar Zachaeas is Matha ó sclábhaíocht don airgead;
Agus an t-adhaltranach Maigdailéiné ó thóir ar shonas ó nithe cruthaithe amháin;
Agus thug ar Pheadar caoineadh tar éis a bhraite;
Agus gheall Parthas don ngadaí a dhein aithrí.
Éistímis, amhail is gur le gach duine againn a labhrais na focail a labhrais
Leis an Samáireach mná ‘Dá mb’eol duit tabhartas Dé!’
Is tú aghaidh shofheicse an Athar dhofheicse,
An Dé a thaispeáineann a chumhacht go háirithe trína mhaithiúnas agus a thrócaire:
Gurab í d’Eaglais do cheannaithe sofheicse sa tsaol, a Tiarna aiséirithe agus glóirithe.
Ba thoil leat go mbeadh do mhinistrí in éide na laigíochta le go mbeadh comhbhá acu le lucht an aineolais agus na hearráide: go mbraithe gach éinne
a thagann chucu go bhfuiltear ar a lorg, go bhfuiltear i ngrá leo agus go bhfuil maite dóibh ag Dia.
Seol do Spiorad agus coisric gach duine dínn lena ungadh, le go mbeadh Iubhaile na Trócaire ina bliain ghrásta ón dTiarna, agus le go dtabharfadh d’Eaglais, trína díograis athnuaite, an dea-scéal chun na mbocht,
agus go bhfógródh sí saoirse dóibh siúd atá fé dhaoirse agus fé leatrom,
agus radharc do dhaill.
Sin iad ár n-achainíocha chugat trí idirghuí Mhuire, Máthair na Trócaire,
Tusa a mhaireann agus a rialaíonn leis an Athair agus an Spiorad Naomh
trí shaol na saol.
Amen.
• An Pápa Proinsias Pope Francis
• Iubhaile na Trócaire
Written by ; Mons. Pádraig Ó Fiannachta.
Listowel Connection Nov 2020
Maureen Barrett who wrote Agnes story for us and Agnes Brown on Agnes' 100 th. birthday.
July 7, 2017
I will start with the fact that Mary Agnes (known her whole life as Agnes) Broderick formerly of Dirha East, Listowel died January 12, 2017 in Tinley Park, Illinois at the wonderful age of 104-5 months short of being 105-Agnes was born June 30, 1912 to Dan and Nora Browne-Dan was the son of Daniel Browne-(butcher of Listowel) and a Catherine Lynch and Nora was the daughter of Jeremiah Mulvihill-Clounmackon (a farmer in Dirha) and Johanna Buckley-they were married November 15th, 1908 in Listowel-they would have 9 children born in Listowel and 1 born in Chicago-they would eventually lose 3 of their children-Margaret-3 yrs old died March,1918 of croup, Jeremiah-11 mo-died March 18th, 1926 of whooping cough and Lillie-3 years died March 26th a week after her brother of whooping cough.
The story was always told in the family that a gypsy came to the house when the children were sick and make a drink brewed from a weed from the bog for Agnes and that is what kept her from getting sick-the gypsy was never seen again. She remembered that a Sullivan family in Market Street lost 5 children at the time(this has not been verified). A relative of theirs a Dr. Connor came from Dublin to help Dr.Dillon from Listowel with all the illness and he ordered that Agnes be removed from the house.
Dan Brown was very active in the fight for freedom of Ireland along side his neighbors Tom and Ned Pellican- the friendship between those 2 families has survived since then and this little story about Agnes is being written by a niece of Tom and Ned who now lives in Chicago-Maureen Barrett from Ballylongford.
The story of the Brown family being evicted from their home and their neighbors building them a replacement house in one day is out there in stories from those terrible times. Dan Brown fought on the Republican side after The Treaty was signed -she told me he was offered money and a job and suffered much at the hands of those who were trying to get him to join the the other side but he refused. He was eventually convinced by someone- “to give up trying to free Ireland as he had a family to take care of”so he gave up the fight and in May 1925 he and his oldest daughter Catherine (Kay) left Ireland on the ship Republic arriving first in Boston and then New York where they then took a train to Chicago to stay with a relative a Mrs.Kissane-I think she was his sister-Kay lived with another relative at another address as Kay was underage she had to go to school in Chicago until she was 16.
Dan worked for the railroad I think-it was decided that Nora would leave with the remaining children after Dan and Kay got settled with jobs and a place to stay for the large family they had which was supposed to be in April of 1926 but the death of 2 of their children from croup/bronchitis type illnesses in March of that year so devastated Nora that the trip was cancelled
Dan Brown wanted to come back home to Listowel to be with his wife after the death of their 2 children but was convinced that it was in the best interest of them all that he didn’t so he stayed in Chicago and proceeded with plans for them to travel at a later date- Agnes shared with me that the only reason her mother survived the death of her children was that her friend and neighbor Mrs.Pellican and indeed all her friends on the road came and took over her home and children’s care because she couldn’t even get out of bed to face what had happened to her-the trip was eventually rescheduled and Nora and her remaining 5 children Johanna-16 y/o,Mary (Agnes) 14,Nora 9, Dan 7 and Bridget 5- left Listowel and sailed to New York on the Westphalia arriving in New York October 11, 1926. With time some of them would change their names to more Americanized names and Johanna became Joan,Bridget became Eileen and Nora became Brenda.
Some of Agnes's recollections of her trip were that it was that it was an exciting adventure-the most beautiful time of their lives was her statement. They made friends with the cooks and enjoyed many treats that were new to children leaving Ireland-it was her first time seeing coloured ice cream that was the one she remembers the most-they had a great time on the ship ran and played freely-she remembers a German girl they befriended even thought she didn't speak English got lost on board the ship-she didn't remember her being found.
One of her sisters did consider staying at home with an aunt Margaret-I think Ray McAuliffe's mother-not sure if that is correct-but changed her mind. Aanother one of the girls loved a Nurse Pierce who was in Listowel at that time and she wanted to stay with her. She remembered staying with a relative in New York who had come from Ireland years earlier and Agnes was overwhelmed that that relative now had her own maid-she remembered the maid was a Mrs.Foley and she couldn't do enough for them while they stayed there-her mother's brother Jerry Mulvihill came to visit them while they were staying there and stayed the whole day-Dan Browne went to New York to bring the family back to Chicago-she remembered the excitement of taking a taxi to the train station-it was her first time seeing a colored person-he was the taxi driver-she remembers seeing the statue of Liberty as they were leaving New York on the train. She loved the US from the minute she arrived-loved the whole family being back together-loved going to school here-was put back a few classes but the nuns were "lovely" to everybody-a change I am sure from what they left in Ireland-she wrote an essay in school and won a prize for it.
I was always amazed at how she remembered everyone in Listowel even years after she left and she explained that while she- never missed Listowel she said but after being gone for a while she realized she was forgetting people and she never wanted to do that so she would lay in bed at night and as she would say "go down the road into town" and go in an out of each house and draw up peoples faces in her mind and name them so that whe would never forget them-and she never did-she could name all the Oconnor family down the road-Hilda,Nellie,Rita,Anthony,John, Mike and May-at least she thought that was all of them. She remembered a Sr.Frances at the convent very fondly-she once wrote an essay that she showed to her father Dan Brown and he gave her a penny as it was so good. She remembered a Sr. Margaret who she had in 2nd class telling her she was smart like her Aunt Hannie who taught in Tipperary-( I don't know who auntie Hannie was)
She had so many little memories of things we wouldn't think were important to remember-remembers Margaret McMahon from Church St.telling a not appropriate joke in class and the nun hearing her.
She had very clear memories of her family's involvement in the "troubles" she and her neighbor (my uncle) Tom Pellican got many the pair of new shoes at Whelan's(Morans's) shoe shop-they would go into the shop and the notes would be put into the insole of the shoes for "the boys"and they would walk out and nobody knew what they were up to-she remembers one of the Enrights from the road getting TB while he was in jail with her father Dan Browne-she talked of her father escaping from Limerick jail and nobody knowing for sure where he was at first-she talked of the Black a tans raiding their home on a regular basis looking for her father-one of her sisters suffered from what I assume we would call PTSD from having the tans come and go and thrash their house and frighten them-she died still loving DeValera and hating Michael Collins-I had attempted to get her to watch the movie Michael Collins when it came out and "no way" was her answer- I did prevail and on commenting to her about "what a powerful man he was" her answer was "wouldn't we be mad about him if he wasn't a blue shirt". She could still name all the "informers" in the Listowel area-they shall remain unnamed. After the family settled in Chicago their house was a regular visiting place for the old friends from home especailly the friends from the Republican side they also would keep some of the footballers when they came from home to play in Chicago.
Agnes married a John Broderick whose family was from Listowel also-and raised 3 lovely daughters-Dan and Nora Browne never returned to Listowel-Dan died December 30, 1955-Nora Browne died July 14, 1959. As time went on different family members did go back to visit although not very often for most of them. Agnes was to go on one of the family trips but it was discoverd that her citizenship papers were not in order and by the time they would have gotten them it would have been too late to travel with the family group. Several years before her death she had an opportunity to go back with her daughter and son-in-law but declined citing health issues. She never saw Listowel again but always kept it close to her heart. The remains of the house they lived in is still there next to Pellicans house in Dirha.
As a final joyous note to finish her life's story as a Listowel woman a memorial mass was said for Agnes in St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach, Florida on St.Patrick's Day 2017 at the request of a decendent of her old neighbors in Dirha-the Pellicans. It was celebrated by Fr. Bryan Dalton the pastor of the church at the time who was from Listowel-she would have loved that.
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Irish Music.
Kerry ComHALTAS 2020 Kerry Committee.
Cathaoirleach ~ Michael O’Shea, CCÉ Sliabh Mish
Leas–Cathaoirleach ~ Marian Hussey, CCÉ An Tochar
Runaí ~ Karen Trench, CCÉ Ballydonoghue/Lisselton
Leas Rúnaí ~ Ann Marie Walsh, CCÉ Ballydonoghue/Lisselton
Cisteoir ~ Maurice Guilfoyle, CCÉ Cill Áirne
PRO ~ Jackie Hennessy, CCÉ Fossa/Two Mile
Recording Secretary ~ Clare Mulvihill, CCÉ Ballybunion
Development Officer ~ Tony O’Connor, CCÉ Kilcummin
Membership Registrar ~ Eoin O’Carra, CCÉ Cill Áirne
Treoraí na Gaeilge ~ Alannah Kissane, CCÉ Craobh an Ághasaigh
Iniúchóirí ~ Liz O’Keefe, CCÉ Leac Snámha & John Canty, CCÉ An Tochar
Toscairí Comhairle Cúige ~ Geraldine Guilfoyle & Maurice Guilfoyle, CCÉ Cill Áirne
Oifigigh na nÓg ~Saidbh Ní Bhraonáin, CCÉ Barr na Sraide & Orla Holly, CCÉ Ballybunion
Email: secretarykerrycce@gmail.com
KERRY COUNTY BOARD WEBSITE: www.kerrycomhaltas.ie
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Sporting Success
By Domhnall de Barra
There were a few outstanding victories for the Irish over the weekend. For a small, relatively sparsely populated island we continually punch above our weight in the international arena and we kind of take it for granted now. At one time it was the talk of the day for an Irish horse to win the Grand National but over the years victory in this great race has come to Ireland on many occasions. The Grand National has a special place in our hearts going back to the days before television when we could only listen to the big event on radio. Commentators like Micheál O’Hehir and Peter O’Sullivan brought the race into our kitchens as they conveyed every move and every jump with sound effects in the background to heighten the excitement. The final couple of furlongs were a joy to listen to as the commentators voice rose to a crescendo as the horses crossed the winning post. The race would be discussed over and over again and, as youngsters, we went out to the field, made our own fences and pretended we were Pat Taffe or some other leading jockey taking our horses over Beecher’s Brook. The power of imagination is a great thing, so much so that when we finally did come to see the actual course and the fences at Aintree, it was a kind of an anti-climax. It was a bit like watching the film of a book you are after reading; somehow it never lives up to what was imagined. We have had our fair share of success but last Saturday topped anything that has come before as Tiger Roll became only the second horse in history to win the race on consecutive years. What a victory for a small horse with the biggest of hearts. A great horse, a wonderful jockey in Davy Russell and the trainer, Gordon Eliot, who was beaming from ear to ear; even Michael O’Leary, the Ryabair chief who is a member of Gigginstown stud who own the horse was radiant. It was a massive occasion and one not to be forgotten.
The Irish Rugby sevens won a big qualifying event in Hong Kong to join the top teams in the world. It is a huge breakthrough for them and it further boosts the fortunes of the IRFU. Again there is no reason why we should be able to compete with the bigger rugby nations but we consistently do, culminating in beating all the top teams in the world over the past couple of years. We were ranked second in the world to New Zealand, the best nation ever to platy the sport. What is remarkable about the Irish success is the fact that, unlike countries like New Zealand and Wales, rugby is not the national game here. It has to compete with the GAA and soccer and, in comparison to these sports, the number of rugby players in the country is relatively low. What we lack in quantity we make up for in quality and we have that spirit that gives us the edge when our backs are against the wall. I suppose after fighting with the might of Britain for eight hundred years we have learned a lot about how to win being underdogs. A lot of money has gone into the game in recent years but it is money well spent. Our profile abroad has risen as a result and it has boosted our tourism industry which is so important to our economy
There was further success on the golfing front with Fiona Maguire winning a major tournament in the US. Along with her sister they put Ireland on the map in amateur circles but the professional game is a totally different kettle of fish. This is only her fourth event and it took something special to overcome the best lady golfers in the world. She showed great composure when she had to go into a playoff by getting a birdie on the first extra hole to clinch the victory. No more than our rugby players and the race horse industry, our golfers have excelled in world circles bringing honour and glory to our little isle. Yes, it is good to bask in the reflected glory and I can’t wait for the best sport in the world over the next few months. No, it is not racing, rugby or golf; it is of course hurling and we anticipate another great year for the green and white!
San Francisco Call, Volume 94, Number 96, 4 September 1903
REMAINS OF A PRIEST WILL GO TO MAYNOOTH
Body of Late Father O'Growney to Lie in State in This City.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3.— Arrangements have been completed by the Gaelic League for the removal of the remains of the late Father Eugene O'Growney to the burial ground of the College of Maynooth. Ireland, where for many years Father O'Growney was a professor. Eugene O'Growney won a wide reputation as an Irish scholar, especially for his efforts to revive the Gaelic language. He died in this city from the effects of an operation in 1899. after having spent several years in Arizona in an effort to regain his health.
To-morrow morning a solemn high mass will be celebrated in memory of the dead priest by Bishop Conaty, assisted by Fathers Casey. Nugent and Yorke of San Francisco. To-morrow evening the body will be sent to San Francisco. There the remains will lie in state in St. Mary's Cathedral for two days and a solemn mass will be celebrated. From San Francisco the party will proceed to New York and thence to Ireland. Special memorial services are to be held en route, in Chicago, New York, Cork, Ireland, and finally at Maynooth, where the remains will be interred.
Of Irish Interest.
The Sacred Heart Review, Volume 28, Number 7, 16 August 1902
A GAELIC SUMMER SCHOOL.
Some twelve months ago Mr. J. P. Boland, M. P., gave an account in the Daily News of "The Glenbeigh Summer School," an effort made by the members of the Gaelic League of Glenbeigh and other Irish societies to adopt the American Chautauqua principle to the propagation of the Irish language by a summer meeting in the " Kingdom of Kerry." The summer school is to be conducted again this year under more favourable circumstances. An Irish play is to be performed and other attractive items of a wider programme are put forward. Glenbeigh is one of the most picturesque parts of Kerry, and for the information of tourists and visitors Mr. Boland has published a pamphlet giving an account of the district and the summer school, illustrated with very attractive views from photographs taken by the author. The "Iveragh Industries"—cloth weaving, lace-making, bee-keeping and poultry — started only a few years ago, are said to be in a flourishing condition at Shanacluan and Cahirciveen, and are a feature of the district. The workers are " Irish speakers, and greet with redoubled pleasure the visitor who addresses them in their own tongue."