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The Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

First of all let me wish you all a very Happy Christmas and bright and prosperous New Year. Thank you all for supporting this newsletter each week and to the organisations and clubs that send notes. A special thank you to our columnists, Kathleen Mullane, Tom Ahern, Peg Prendeville, Marian Harnett and Jer Kennelly who never fail to get their copy in on time. I also take this opportunity to say thank you to Lillian O’Carroll who worked on the newsletter until she retired in June. I really miss her input especially as she used to check my typing which can be hit and miss at times. I still ask her to have a quick look at articles if she calls into the office and she always obliges. I wish her a long and happy retirement. I am indebted to Collins’ Shop in Athea and Moloney’s in Carrigkerry for selling the newsletters every week free of charge. It is really appreciated. As I have said before, I don’t know how long more I will be able to keep going and I had intended to pack it in at the end of 2023 but I will continue for a while longer if God spares me.

 

 

 

Another year gone by and it seems like only yesterday we were taking down the Christmas decorations at the start of 2023. There is no doubt that, the older you get, the faster the years fly by. It was a good year and a bad year. The scientists tell us it was the hottest year since recordings began and this was to be seen in the many droughts and forest fires throughout the world. There was also heavy rainfall and high tides driven by violent storms that caused a lot of damage to property, especially along the sea coast. We certainly had our fair share of water from the sky. It started raining  at the end of June and we have had just a few dry days since then. While dairy farmers got the silage and hay in June, the tillage farmers had great problems trying to harvest their crops due to the very wet conditions. One farmer told a radio reporter that he had to abandon 10 acres of potatoes and I am sure there are many others with the same problem. There could be a scarcity of vegetables and fruit due to the weather conditions all over the world. It was a year when we got used to news of terrible acts of war in Ukraine and in Gaza.  Ukraine isn’t mentioned much these days but there are still battles going on and people dying every day. What is happening in Gaza is much worse. Hamas started the fighting and committed terrible crimes but the retaliation by Israel cannot be justified. Two wrongs don’t make a right and the targeting of hospitals and residential areas where the most vulnerable, who have no hand in the war, are the victims. The super powers of the world, especially America, have to take a big part of the blame for backing the Israelis regardless of the war crimes committed. Also, on the other side, countries like Iran  are culpable because of their support for any group that will try to wipe out Israel. They really have to get their act together and find a way to end the senseless killing. It was a bad year for our reputation as a warm and friendly nation. There has been a big upsurge in opposition to the housing of asylum seekers throughout the country. Just lately a hotel in Galway was set on fire because it was to be used for these unfortunate people. The locals had objected and blocked access to the premises and this gave the green light to the far right extremists who are only looking for an excuse to create havoc. This is not an isolated incident, it has happened too many times throughout the year. The government must take some of the blame for this because they do not consult with the local population before moving large numbers of people into small rural areas. Proper dialogue would put people’s minds at ease and there wouldn’t be the fear of the unknown that is very easy to exploit. On a lighter note it was a year when Ireland, once again, failed to make it to the European Song Contest final. There was a time when we were  the favourites every year but that day is gone and, the way voting goes now, we have no hope of ever getting on the podium again regardless of how good a song we have.

 

 

 

On the plus side, it was a great year for sport with our own Junior Ladies winning the County after a long time in the wilderness.  Katie Taylor is back as World Champion in more than one weight while our golfers, especially Leona Maguire and Tom McGibbon, were among the best in the world. It was also a good year for Irish rugby with Munster coming out on top in the major European competition and the national team, even if they didn’t win the World Cup, gave us great entertainment and were the only team to beat the eventual winners, South Africa. Limerick hurlers continued on their winning ways and there were gold medals won in swimming and world records broken for the first time. Our gymnasts and boxers also had a good year and gave us all a reason to be proud of our small country The ladies soccer team performed really well also and the future looks bright for them. They created history in Windsor park by beating Northern Ireland by six goals, each one scored buy a different player but the real history maker was the singing of our national anthem for the firs time in Windsor Park. It was a great moment and greeted with respect by all in the stadium. I have noticed hat this is the norm with our soccer and rugby teams but, alas, I can’t say the same fro the G.A.A.   The anthem is only three quarters of the way through when the players start jumping about and the crowd start cheering. It is an insult to the flag and I feel it would be better if the national anthem wasn’t played at G.A.A. Matches at all.

 

https://www.athea.ie/

 

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DEATH on Monday 18th December 2023 of Nora Lynch (nee Flaherty) Glasha, Athea, and formerly of Gortdromagouna, Knockanure, in her 104th year. Predeceased by her husband Jack, her parents Timothy & Hannah Flaherty, brothers Michael, Tim, William, Patrick, John & Tom, her sisters Mary and Hannah. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons Jim and John (New York) and daughter Hannah O'Connor, (Glenquin, Strand), granddaughters Angela & Yvonne and grandson Jason, daughters in law Concepta and Bridie-Ann, son-in-law Diarmuid, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Requiem Mass for Nora was celebrated at St. Bartholomew's Church, Athea, on Thursday 21st of December. Burial afterwards in in Holycross Cemetery, Athea.

 

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Music at Celebration for Nora Lynch June 2020

 

https://youtu.be/orXZUy4kkGY?si=m_11zLPzRJ-l6WGV

 

 

 

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Nora Lynch Athea 100 years June 2020

 

https://youtu.be/MivW-px5Z1k?si=pV03sJ8Re5fwvKnz

 

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CONGRATULATIONS to Nora Lynch nee Flaherty of Glasha

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/bdlbDjPAzYY?si=As3Y-0ajLznVYQ5_

 

 

 

DEATH of Maureen Sweeney (née Flavin), Blacksod, Belmullet, and formerly of Knockanure, Listowel, in her 101st year, on 17th December 2023. Predeceased by her husband Ted, grandson David, sister Teresa Kennelly, recently deceased daughter in law Margaret, niece Mary and recently deceased nephew Mike Kennelly. Mother of Ted, Gerry, Vincent and Emer, also survived by her daughters in law Rita and Doreen, son in law Gerhard Schlueter (Albany, New York), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, the Staff of the Sonas Tí Aire Nursing Home, and many friends. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 noon, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Aughleam, followed by burial in Faulmore Cemetery. Funeral Mass  available for viewing on Friday at 12 noon on McDonnell Funeral Directors Facebook page with all other funeral services available for viewing at 8pm on Friday evening.

 

Maureen Sweeney, whose weather forecast changed the timing of the D-Day landings during World War II, has died aged 100. Maureen Sweeney, nee Flavin, born at Knockanure who was 21, her forecast of an impending storm from Blacksod Lighthouse in 1944, played a key role during World War II supplying with weather reports. At 1pm on 3 June 1944, Maureen was first to forecast a severe Atlantic storm, which led to a change of plan by the Allied Forces and D-Day was postponed to 6 June, by General Dwight D Eisenhower. In 2021, Maureen Sweeney was awarded a special US House of Representatives honour for the role she played in changing the course of the conflict.

 

Maureen Sweeney nee Flavin celebrates her 100th Birthday on Sunday 4th June 2023.  https://m.facebook.com/PixiesKingdom/videos/978559466168196/?refsrc=deprecated&locale2=ms_MY&_rdr

 

 

 

More at

 

https://youtu.be/cQhnMesR7Hs?si=acvM1mPLFtJTKOI2

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/p5cn3JnzMpA?si=kjDn7ji2MdLdxFTj

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/X8hj9BEcrXc?si=UEaWk8zMSlMyscEl

 

 

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The Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

Have we become immune to news on the Radio and TV?. At one time, if there was a murder or serious attacks on people, it would be the talk of the week. I well remember the news breaking of the death of Maurice Moore back in Kerry, in a dispute over land, an incident that prompted John B. Keane to write “The Field”. We were all aghast and found it hard to comprehend how such a terrible thing could have happened  Murders were so rare at the time that each one affected the population in a way it doesn’t today. Now we hear, almost on a weekly basis, of someone being shot or knifed to death and it hardly raises an eyebrow.  We forget that each victim has a family; mother, fathers, brothers, sisters and they are the ones who have to live with the trauma for the rest of their lives.  How have we become so cold?  Films and videos may be partly to blame as they regularly portray scenes of extreme violence that certain people would like to imitate. Whatever it is, we have become a far more violent society than we used to be. There is little regard for human life anymore. That is not to say there weren’t fights and confrontations in the past, of course there were but there was a certain code that dictated what level of violence would be used. A person would never be kicked while down on the ground long ago and the use of any kind of a weapon was frowned upon. There were many rows at matches and at dance halls but the worst thing you could expect was a split lip or a bloody nose. The whole scene has changed. When I was in Coventry, back in the ‘sixties, I played the accordion every Sunday night in the Kerryman’s Club which was in the centre of the city. Afterwards I would have a couple of drinks before walking the coupe of miles to where I lived because the busses would have been finished by that time. I was never once accosted or felt I was in any danger as I walked through the streets with my accordion case. The same thing was true of other cities I lived in like Birmingham, Dublin and Liverpool. I could walk through the centres of those cities at any hour of the night. Nowadays I wouldn’t attempt to walk through them on my own in broad daylight. One thing that has changed over the years is the amount of policemen and Gardaí on the beat.  Back then they were visible and you were never far away from a couple of them patrolling the streets. Their very presence was a deterrent to would be wrong doers and made the rest of us feel safe. Those custodians of the law knew their patches very well.  They knew all the people who lived and worked in the area and they could spot a stranger acting suspiciously very quickly. Now we have cars that drive by occasionally but it isn’t the same and there are far less members in the force for the size of the population than there used to be.  Being a policeman is not an easy job so it is not surprising that recruitment to the force is down. It should be a rally well paid job because we depend on them to keep us safe. They have far more to contend with today with drugs and gang feuds and of course they are supposed to keep an eye on motorists as well which is another area of concern. We now hear, almost daily, of some fatality or maybe two or three on the roads. Just this weekend another young man lost his life in an accident in Duagh while another man was killed near Glin the week before.  There is no doubt that speed plays a big part but I am appalled at the incidents of bad driving I see on the roads every day. Not long ago, a young driver overtook me at speed between the forge and Leahy’s Cross. No sooner had he passé me than he put the brakes on and indicated his intention to turn right. I had to brake hard to avoid a collision . What was in his mind that caused him to take such a chance, facing a bend when he was turning right anyway?  I also noticed, on dual carriageways, people driving at slow speed on the outside lane causing other drivers to take the risk of overtaking them on the inside which could easily cause an accident. Disregard for the basic rules of the road is a huge problem. I think learning to drive properly should be part of secondary education as soon as students become of age. It is such a necessary skill in these times that needs teaching at the earliest opportunity. There is one problem with the driving test that bothers me. As a learner driver I am not permitted to drive on a motorway but as soon as I have passed I can do so even though I had never driven at 120 Km an hour or learned the proper way to drive on a two or three lane highway. I am glad to hear that they are going to change some of the speed limits because, at the moment we are allowed to drive at 80 Km an hour on what I would describe as bog roads that have only room for one car and are full of bends and potholes. Contrast this with the speed limit of 40 on some dual carriageways near cities and the whole thing makes little sense.  Changing the speeding limits however will not make a difference to those who ignore them at the moment. For them there are no limits and we can’t expect the Gardaí to be on every road in the country at all times of the day and night. Fixed speed cameras are the answer but they are very expensive to buy and operate but, if they save lives wouldn’t the expense be justified?  In the meantime there should be a crackdown on people using mobile phones while driving. How often have I noticed people texting while driving and it is a recipe for disaster. It only takes your eyes to be off the road for a split second to cause your car to go off track. The messages are not that important and will wait until you are safely parked.  Even pedestrians on rural roads are in danger of being knocked down because they are so interested in what’s on their phones that they become oblivious to their surroundings and wander out onto the path of traffic. Only the other day a young lady, with phone glued to her ear, suddenly crossed the road in front of me. Luckily I wasn’t going fast and was able to avoid her but the story could have been so much worse. We must all take responsibility and try to make the road a safer place for everybody.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

 

 

Tought for the week

 

Share your problems with a friend

 

A pal both warm and true

 

You’ll find what hurt you on the mend ,

 

And those grey skies turn to blue.

 

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HERITAGE NEWS:  St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting in Ardagh Hall on Thursday  October 5,  to update the  plans to mark the 100 anniversary of the arrival of the Gardai Siochana to Ardagh village. They arrived at the Railway Station on September 20, 1923, and served until fire destroyed the barracks on November 10,  1959. Friday October 20, at 1pm is the date chosen to commemorate their arrival. It is planned to hold a march from the Railway Station to the original barrack building beyond the top cross at Rearasta. Members of the Garda band on foot and mounted will provide musical accompaniment. It is planned to mark the 175 anniversary of the presentation of the  Irish Tricolour from France to the Irish by raising the flag inside its new holder at St Molua’s Church along the way.The search is on for relatives of the members who served in Ardagh over the 36 years. If readers have any information the association would be delighted to receive it. It would be lovely to have some of the relatives present to participate in the proceedings.  Past members who have served in the guards from around the locality are most welcome to attend plus their relatives. An art competition is ongoing in the local national schools to mark the anniversary.  Their work will be displayed in Ardagh Hall on Friday October 20 and prizes will be awarded to the best creations. All are welcome to attend the events on October 20 and refreshments will be served.

 

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RONNIE LONG: I was saddened to hear of the death of Ronnie Long from Limerick aged 88 years on Saturday September 30. He was Mr Athletics as a competitor, officer, press and radio  reporter during his long life well lived. He was very helpful to me when I published my book Ahearne Brothers Athea, Olympic and World Champions on August 8, 2008. Ronnie also unveiled the Wing Foot Sculpture in Athea village on the same evening. We also visited the brothers home place and met some of their relatives a short time later. May he rest in heavenly peace. A documentary telling their story was put together by Mag’s Mahony afterwards. From Tom Aherne’s notes 11-10 2023.

 

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Reflect

 

Camino Challenge 2023

 

 

 

I have signed up to take part in the Irish Hospice Foundation’s Camino Challenge 2023. Along with 30 others from Ireland, we will take on a challenging 114km walk over five days along the First Stage of French Camino – crossing the challenging Pyrenees in September. Each participant funds their own expenses, with a target set for fundraising €1,200, which will go directly towards furthering the work of the Irish Hospice Foundation, striving for best care at end of life for all. This charity rely on voluntary fundraising to support and maintain this work.

 

 

 

I would be most grateful for any support you could give by way of donation by contacting me on 0879042477.

 

 

 

Tugaim buíochas leat roimh ré as do chabhair.

 

 

 

Damien Ahern

 

The Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

There is a lot of speculation at the moment about the contents of the upcoming budget in the Autumn. Ireland has never been in a better place financially mainly due to huge corporation tax from multi-nationals who have their headquarters here. The advice from financial watchdogs is to not use this excess revenue for day to day spending but rather to put it away for a “rainy day” when those companies may not be in Ireland anymore. There is a lot of wisdom in that except for the fact that it is already raining, in fact it is teeming from the heavens. Despite almost full employment people cannot afford to either buy or rent a house in any of the cities and the rural rates are not too far behind. I know of one couple, both civil servants, who have recently moved from Dublin because they realised that all their available income was going into the repayments for their house and, despite working hard, they had no quality of life. They now live in a smaller house in a rural area and are quite happy with their lives but they are the lucky ones. Nurses and teachers will not apply for a job in the capitol because of the scarcity of rental accommodation and the astronomical cost of same. Our health service is in “limp mode” with long waiting lists and overcrowded hospitals. I heard just this morning that there is now a 10 years waiting list for appointments for children’s dental services. This is scandalous in this day and age and it should be mended at once. Some of our rural towns are suffering from traffic tailbacks, especially now in the summer when there are more tourists about. We have known about this problem for years but plans to built by-passes are gathering dust on government shelves. One of the reasons this is happening is down to the influence of the Green Party who don’t want to see any more money spent on roads but rather on public transport, greenways and cycle lanes. Adare is one of the black spots at the moment. That village was due to have a by-pass in 1994 but various objections from very influential local residents put the kybosh on that. Many plans since then have ended up the same way. We are told it is about to happen but only because J.P. McManus is bringing the Ryder Cup to Adare and he is contributing heavily to the cost. We wait and see but we will need roads for cars away into the future because there is no alternative in rural Ireland.

 

 

 

The cost of hotels is also a problem. They are bad enough in normal times but, if there is a big concert or other event that will attract people, the cost of a room goes up by multiples.  This is opportunism at its worst and there is simply no excuse for it given the fact that there is a big demand for hotel rooms anyway. There is still great value to be got away from the tourist hot spots and the big cities. I recently stayed in a four star hotel in the west midlands. Single room, bed , breakfast and three course evening meal for €125. I dread to think what it would cost in Dublin.

 

 

 

The biggest problem facing us at the moment is the lack of social housing. Going back over the years, local councils built houses in every town and village and nobody who needed a home was left behind. This should still be happening but, for some reason, councils who have available sites are not erecting houses on them. They give various excuses such as planning problems and lack of construction workers but that’s all they are – excuses.  Where there is a will there is a way. We built houses when there was little or no money in the country so why not now when the coffers are overflowing?  While I agree that we must be prudent I think the time is right to use some of the surplus revenue to fix the housing issue, the health issue and the roads while also making it illegal for hoteliers and landlords to rip off their clients. If something is not done people will vote with their feet, choosing to work in foreign countries where they will be amply rewarded for their skills and have a far better quality of life than they could hope for here at the moment. We once left our shores in droves because there wasn’t enough employment to go around. Now, with almost full employment, there is a danger of another mass exodus and there will be a scarcity of the very people we need to help our  country grow and prosper. The answers are there and all that is needed is the political will to start doing the right thing.

 

 

 

All the talk this week was about the wasting of money by RTE but we have an example of it much closer to home. Recently, new footpaths were laid in the village and surrounding roads despite the fact that there was absolutely nothing wrong with most the ones that were dug up. Then, in the past couple of weeks, the road up past the graveyard was resurfaced with the finest of tarmac. It is a beautiful job but, again, there was nothing wrong with the surface of the old road, in fact it was one of the better surfaces around. I wonder who decided to do these works and who deemed it necessary?  I am not expecting a great rush to answer those questions.

 

 

 

There was shocking programme on RTE 1 last night showing the maltreatment of bull calves at marts in the south of Ireland. They centred on Castleisland as well as Gortalea and marts in Cork. It showed young calves being kicked, pulled by the tails and ears, beaten with sticks and thrown through the air. It also highlighted the way they are treated while being taken to Europe to be slaughtered. Quite rightly, all the farming organisations have condemned the practices and it is fair to say that the people doing the mistreatment were not farmers themselves.  Some people will be very upset but I remember a time when sticks and whips were used liberally on horses, cows, donkeys, dogs and cats. There was one old man who used to ride on his donkey cart to the village. His method of encouraging the ass to go faster was to poke him in the backside with a six inch nail! Even today, we still have jockeys beating racehorses with whips to get the best finish out of them.  It is simply wrong and must be discontinued. Animals deserve better treatment from us.

 

 

 

https://www.athea.ie/

 

 

 

Thought for the Week

 

 

 

Time to shut the Laptop down

 

Get a Life get out of Town,

 

Leave the Phone in its Doc

 

Head for freedom by a Loch.

 

Hear the Waters Lap the Shore

 

As they’ve always done before.

 

JUST Being OUT where ALL Around,

 

GODS CREATION CAN BE FOUND

 

https://www.athea.ie/2023/07/kathleens-corner-11-07-2023/

 

by Kathleen Mullane

 

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From Tom Ahern

OLYMPIC BALLROOM:  Many older readers especially around the West Limerick area will have happy memories of attending the Olympic Ballroom in Newcastle West, from 1960 onwards. It was the in place for dancers during the Showband years. All the top Irish and international bands groups and artists performed there to large crowds a couple of nights per week. The last dance was held  there on New Year’s Eve 1987. 35 years ago on May 18, 1988, The Olympic Ballroom was advised for sale in the Limerick Leader. The sale was held at the River Room Motel (now the Longcourt House Hotel) Newcastle West by O’Donovan and Associates. It was not sold on the day. It changed hands a few times over the years and presently is unoccupied. June 2023.

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Wedding of John Francis O'Gorman and Catherine O'Brien taken in Dublin Married on 1611929 at University Church St Stephens Green

David O'Gorman 11mo

English: Wedding of John Francis O'Gorman and Catherine O'Brien taken in Dublin. Married on 16.1.1929 at University Church, St.Stephens Green, Dublin.

At Rear (From Left to Right - in relation to Bride) : Father Patrick O'Higgins (Performed ceremony - from Shanagolden area), Stephen Rice (friend), Ellen Canty (Sister and Married to Pat Canty), Pat Canty (Brother-in-Law), John O'Brien (Brother from Knockpatrick House) - BRIDE & GROOM - David O'Brien (Brother), Mrs Rice (Friend), unknown man, Seamus Moore (Friend), Nancy O'Brien (Sister), William Lemass (Friend & related to Ex Prime Minister Seán Lemass).

 

Remainder (L to R) : Agnes Jane McKenna - Who is standing (O'Brien Cousin, A teacher who influenced writer Brendan Kennelly), Bridget - Who is sitting (Bea her Sister), Francis - Who is standing (Franky, Wife of Brother David O'Brien), Jane - Who is sitting (Jenny her Sister), M.McKenna (Bridesmaid), BRIDE & GROOM, Joseph O'Connor - Who is sitting (Best Man and Friend), Rev. Dean Walsh - Who is sitting (Priest from Clonmel, assisting the wedding)

 

The following is an extract from the Irish Independent (Births, Marriages and Deaths), supplied by Catherine O'Brien's great-nephew John O'Brien:

 

O'GORMAN and O'BRIEN - January 16, 1929, at University Church, Dublin, by Rev. Father O'Higgins, C.C., Shanagolden, assisted by Right Rev. Dean Walsh, D.D., P.P., SS. Peter and Paul's, Clonmel (with Nuptial Mass), John F. O'Gorman, Managing Director, O'Gorman Brothers, Ltd., Clonmel, to Catherine (Kitty) O'Brien, second youngest daughter of David and Mrs. O'Brien, Knockpatrick House, Foynes, Co. Limerick.

Date16 January 1929

 

Reflect

 

The Way I See It

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

We are going to have a referendum soon asking us to change some articles in our constitution. One of these refers to the family unit and the place of women in society. It is hard to believe that such a clause could be included but there is a big difference between now and 1937, the year the constitution was written. Society was very different in those days relying heavily on the Catholic Church’s beliefs, indeed the Church gets pride of place in its own right. The state recognised a family unit that was a man married to a woman so there was absolutely no protection for single fathers or mothers or those who choose to live together outside wedlock. Homosexuality wasn’t just frowned upon, it was a crime punishable by the courts. The roles of men and women were clearly defined in those days. The man was the breadwinner who provided for his wife and family while the mother’s duties were confined to the home and children. The constitution even mentions the fact that no woman should be forced to work outside the home to the neglect of her children. It wasn’t a good time for women who, when they got married, had to promise to obey their husbands in all things. The husband had the right to “chastise” his wife if he felt she wasn’t being obedient or neglecting her duties. This meant he could beat his wife with the protection of the state from prosecution. Then there was his conjugal rights. He was entitled to demand sexual relations with his wife whenever he wanted and she was legally bound to submit to him. In the days before contraception this led to very big families which was extra work for the woman of the house. Along with looking after the children she might have to milk cows, feed hens, ducks, geese or turkeys and give a hand in the bog or the meadow. Educating females was seen as a waste of time. Teaching and nursing were the most sought after positions but there was a rule that a woman who filled one of theses posts had to give it up if she got married so what was the point in wasting money on education when a “good match” could be made. The women of Ireland were treated appallingly by both the Church and the State and it is surprising that those clauses in the Constitution were not removed years ago. Today we have a society that is more equal and tolerant and recognises the contributions of both sexes without favour. We should be ashamed of the way we acted in the past but we cannot go back, we can only look forward and take a small step by getting rid of some of the more outdated clauses in our constitution. No state should have its foundation in any religion but should be tolerant of all. After all what religion a person pursues is more an accident of birth than a conscious decision. Many regions are not kind to women who see them as second class but this is patently wrong and discriminatory. We do not ever want a state like those in the Middle East who will not allow girls to be educated. While we can’t influence those countries we can use our votes here at home to give us all equality before the law.

 

I am writing this during Seachtain na Gaeilge so it is only right that I should mention our native language. I was going to write a bit “as Gaeilge” but it so long since I did that, 60 years, that I’m afraid nobody would be able to understand it.  Irish is one of the oldest languages in Europe and was spoken widely in this country until just over 100 years ago.  Although it is a Celtic language it has little in common with Welsh, Cornish and Breton, other Celtic areas. There is a great similarity between Irish and the Scots Gallic but that is no surprise since Scotland is only a very short sea voyage from Northern Ireland and the peoples of both countries regularly intermingled. Irish is very different to English in the way it is pronounced and phrased. It is probably derived from a mixture of other languages and you will find Irish words used in other tongues. The word “dó” which is the number 2, can be found in many languages such as Urdu and I found that the word for rabbit, “coinín” is also used to describe the same animal in Danish.  Why did we stop speaking Irish in the most of the country?  The British invaders passed laws that forbade the education of Catholic children and outlawed the teaching of the Irish language. These laws went much farther and basically Catholics had no rights to property, votes and could not be elected to Parliament. It did not immediately achieve its objectives as the clergy used to say Mass in remote areas, usually by a rock  This became known as the Mass Rock and was kept secret from the powers in control at the time. Some teachers opened “hedge schools” in remote areas so the education, basic as it was, continued. When Ireland got her independence much of the buildings like police barracks and such, were handed back to the state. There was one such building in Abbeyfeale  which was handed over but with the provisos that it would never be used to house the Catholic clergy or educate the Catholic youth.  Years down the road there was a fire in the local presbytery and while it was being restored, the priests lived in that house. A few years after it was acquired by Jim Kelly who opened his Secondary School, St. Itas College which continued to educate the Catholic youth until it was amalgamated with the Convent school and the Vocational School a few years ago The suppression of the language meant that people had to learn English if they had to have any dealings with the state at the time. Gradually the use of English became more widespread until, for a time, people were speaking a mixture of both languages. I remember when I was growing up we used an awful lot of Irish words in our day to day conversation and this was decades after the war of independence. Timmy Woulfe has produced a fine book of these words  called “As Tough as táthfhéithleann It lists all the words and phrases used in everyday life in the middle of the last century and is well worth a read. (some copies are still available ag Cairde Duchais).  As time went on these words were left behind as were the rural accents.

https://www.athea.ie/

 

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Insight from Wisdom

The wicked cannot tolerate the righteous. When you are righteous, you provoke the guilty consciences around you. But even when this leads to persecution and affliction, the Lord will vindicate you.

 

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February 2023

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The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

 

They’re at it again!  The “right to privacy” brigade are up in arms, this time about the possibility of Gardaí wearing body cameras and using face recognition technology. These are the people who were responsible for having hundreds of CCTV cameras taken down around the country to the delight of the criminal fraternity who can now go undetected. There is also a possibility that a man serving time for murder may be released shortly because a major part of his conviction rested on his location which the Gardaí got by using information from masts that placed his mobile phone calls in that area.  This is total madness. Very recently, we saw in America the brutal beating of a young black man who was pulled over for a traffic violation and somehow fell foul of the arresting officers. The man died of his injuries in hospital later but would we have known all the facts if it wasn’t for body cameras and CCTV in the area?. It was one of the hardest things I have watched on TV and I just couldn’t believe that police officers, who were also black,  could be so sadistic. They punched him, kicked him in the head and beat him with a steel baton, all caught on the very cameras that the “right to privacy” brigade want to ban here. Police wearing body cams can only be a good thing both for the public and the police themselves. They give a true account of what actually happens and could be a great deterrent to those on the police side who like to throw their weight around and the public who may react in a violent manner to arresting officers. I don’t understand what people are afraid of. If I am not doing something illegal or suspicious, why should I mind if I am caught on CCTV or on a body cam?  The alternative is that many criminals will slip through the net so, please, let common sense prevail and allow the authorities to use whatever modern technology is available to them to apprehend those who are the real threat to us, not some notion of our civil liberties being violated.

 

Is it the silly season already?  Two balloons were seen floating over north and south America in the last few days. The Americans got very upset and cancelled a trip to China by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken because they thought this was a spying mission by the Asians. The Chinese apologised immediately saying the balloon was there for collecting weather data and had been blown off course. It doesn’t take a genius to work this one out. Why would China use something as primitive as an air balloon to spy on America when it has the most sophisticated satellites in the world at their disposal. There is something else going on here and we will have to wait and see what transpires but the decision by the President to shoot the balloon down may have consequences that we don’t want to know about. China is a far greater threat to the world than Russia ever was and America would do well to try and co-exist with them rather than provoking them by trips to Taiwan and shooting down air balloons.

 

As I have often alluded to in this column, the greenway is a great boon to those who want to walk and cycle without the dangers of doing so on the public roads. You can now go from Limerick to Kerry along the old railway route with a state of the art tarmac roadway all the way. It is used by walkers and cyclists with many people using it to exercise their dogs. There are many notices telling dog owners to keep them on a leash at all times and to “scoop the poop” in bags provided at the entrances. In the beginning they were very good but as time has worn on, I see more and more evidence of dogs wandering off the leash and doing their business all over the roadway. This is not good enough and it spoils a great amenity for all who use the greenway to keep themselves fit and enjoy the benefits for a walk or cycle through beautiful countryside. There is also the problem of people dropping litter on our roadways. I do a good bit of walking and I like to vary my routes as much as possible so I have first hand knowledge of the amount of chip cartons, bottles, cans, nappies and other waste products that are deposited in the ditches beside the roadways.  There will probably be a clean up day in the not too distant future and tons of rubbish will be picked up by local volunteers. Unfortunately it will be as bad as ever in no time. We have the best educated people ever in this country but, unfortunately common sense and civic awareness seem to be in short supply. I don’t know what we can do to get the message across. We have a lovely countryside and we all have to do our duty to keep it clean and tidy.

 

The other day I caught a glimpse of something moving in the field below the house. It was in the morning and the light was not so good but as my eyes adjusted to the greyness I could make out more moving objects. It was a large herd of deer, over twenty strong, grazing away on the grass at the edge of the forest. As they filled their bellies one at each end had their heads in the air on the lookout. After a while they began to graze and two more heads were raised so they were well organised to spot danger. What amazed me was the actual size of them and how quickly they could move when eventually they got startled and fled. These are Sitka Deer and they are not native but an invasive species that were brought into the country and have multiplied very quickly indeed. They are a huge problem to farmers in other parts of the country who have a job stopping them eating the grass they need for their cattle and destroying their fences. Once a year there has to be a cull and this raises problems for animal rights lovers who want them to be left to roam wild without hindrance. I think some of these people would like us all to go away and leave the country to animals, especially the ones they want to free from captivity, like cows, pigs and sheep. Unfortunately, most of us have to live in the real world and it is necessary to control certain species to maintain a balance. That does not mean we should not treat our animals well and look after them properly but we could do without suggestions like bringing back the wolf to the Irish countryside and letting large herds of deer take over our meadows.

https://www.athea.ie/

 

 

 

A Limerick man who was left blind after being attacked over 30 years ago has developed the first Irish-designed and manufactured cargo bicycle.

David Sheehan is in the final stages of testing to enjoy a fully inclusive cycling experience on the Limerick greenway solo despite being fully blind.

He is a graduate of the Bicycle Engineering Academy (BEA) which is Ireland's pioneering Irish college for engineering and active travel.

 

David lost his sight 35 years ago at the age of 16 and is currently teaching wheel building at the academy.

https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/blind-limerick-man-develops-cargo-bicycle/

DEATH took place in January 2018 of Jeremiah “Darby” O’Connor at the age of 94. 

 

He was born in Athea with close family connections stretching on to Park, Athea and Knocknasna.    As these  three  areas  formed  a  well-known  and close-knit relationship with each other at this part of West Limerick it was no surprise that the O’Connor families acted with a strong interest & relationship with each other.Darby emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1948 and lived in Garnet Hill, Pennsylvania for the rest of his life.  He served over thirty years as Lieutenant with the Delaware

 

County Sheriff’s Office.  He was a man of strong Catholic faith and an active parishioner of St.  Thomas of Villanova RC  Church.  He was a fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus

 

Bishops Kendrick Council; member of the Men of Malvern, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and Republican Committee man in Radnor Township for many years.

 

Ar dheis Dhé go raibh a anam dílis. We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to his local relatives: The O’Connor’s from Knocknasa, Noreen in New St, Batt in Banard & Jerry in Bogmount.

 

From Athea News May 2017

A Very Important Month

 

 

 

Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

The month of May is one of the most important in the old Irish calendar. May 1st is one of the quarterly days and is associated with many customs and traditions. As in much of northern Europe, May Day in Ireland, was a celebration and welcome of the summer. Here, it is rooted in the pre-Christian festival of Bealtaine. Bealtaine embraces the summer, bidding farewell to the dark winter half of the year. Flowers, dancing and bonfires featured strongly in the festivities. People also sought protection for themselves, their homes and livestock against supernatural forces. On May eve it was customary to sprinkle holy water on the land, crops and animals to ward off those with the “evil eye” who, it was believed, had the power4 from the devil to take the produce for themselves. “Pisheógs” was the name given to those who practiced the black arts. Pisheog is translated as “superstition”  and I suppose much of what went on was in the mind of people who lived in fear of a particular individual. You wouldn’t hear much about it now but, when I was a lad, it was rife in the locality. We all knew of certain families who were supposed to have the power and we lived in fear of them. My mother was a strong believer and could recall many an event to back it up. My father, on the other hand,  was more sceptical and used to make fun of her fears until something happened to put a question or two in his mind. He had his own lorry and one day he did a job of shifting stones for a family who were suspected of  practicing pisheógs. Although they had only a small holding their barns were always full of hay and they had many more cattle than the land could sustain. My father had no fears about working for them despite my mother’s warnings. From the day he took the load of stones things started to go wrong. The lorry kept breaking down for no apparent reason, work dried up and he found himself unable to make any money. This went on for a few weeks until one day my mother decided to clean out the cab of the lorry. There was an old cushion on the driver’s seat, cloth covering a honeycomb sponge. When she lifted it up she found an egg underneath.  She took the egg, doused it in holy water and threw it down the mountain as far as she could. She also gave the lorry a good dousing for good measure. From that day on things were back to normal, the lorry stopped breaking down and there was plenty of work to be done. Maybe it was all a big co-incidence but who knows?  A neighbouring farmer had such bad luck that he almost was wiped out. Milk would go sour, calves would die and the hay would rot in the stack and the shed. One of the men who worked there told me that when they were drawing in the hay there would be eggs found in the cocks. They also found a salmon and pieces of  bacon. Eventually they had to bring in a priest who said a special Mass on the farm and again their luck changed and they never again looked back.  These are just a couple of incidents but there are people in this parish with many more tales to tell. To this day people will spread the holy water about on May Eve, just in case somebody is still practicing.

 

 

 

Since medieval times in Ireland, there has been a strong association with the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the month of May. Much of the traditions associated with May have been incorporated into the Marian processions found throughout the country.  To this day “The Queen of the May” sung by Fr. Sidney McKeon, is broadcast on Radio 1  on May 1st.   Flowers also played a big part in the May customs. The flowers were placed on the doorsteps of houses and on windowsills. They were believed to offer luck to the house and offer protection from pisheogs and bad fairies. It was believed that the fairies could not enter the home as they could not pass such sweet smelling flowers. May was also a time of celebration with many festivals. Many towns and villages had May bushes which were decorated and in village centres a Maypole was often erected. This had brightly coloured ribbons attached to it and young people danced around the pole. The festivities were often accompanied by the lighting of bonfires, another very old tradition.

 

 

 

In summary, May Day in Ireland was a festival to welcome the summer and to protect the family and livelihood of the farm from supernatural forces. It was a festival celebrated with flowers, fires and dancing and had strong links to the same holiday celebrated throughout northern Europe.

 

Irish Examiner 1841-1989, Wednesday, 23 January, 1924; Page: 6

LATE REV. FR. O'SHEA, P.P., ATHEA.THE FUNERAL.

Limerick. Tuesday.—The obsequies of the late Rev.W OShea, P.P., Athea, took place to-day in the parish church, and were attended by a large congregation. High Mass was presided over by Right Rev. Monsignor O D ? P.P. V.G. Rathkeale. Vicar Capitula of the Diocese. Celbrant Rev. J Wallace C.C Shanagolden; Deacon Rev. P Woulfe C.C. Kilmallock; Sub deacon Rev. J Carroll C. C. St John’s Limerick; Master of Ceremonies. Rev T McNamara C.C. Do. Chanter, Rev. P Thornhill, C.C., and Rev Hayes , C.C., Choir, Rev ? Keane, Bishop Elect of Limerick. Very Rev canon P Lee , P P VG, Newcastlewest; Rev Canon J Cregan P P , VF, Abeyfeale, Rev Canon Fitzgerald P P Shanagolden. Rev Canon? P P. Adare. Rev Canon O Dea, PP Newmarket-on Fergus. Fr Reeves P P. Ardagh. Fr. Culhane P P Bulgaden. Fr Murphy P P Kilcolman. Fr Fitzgerald P P Effin. Fr Robertson, CSSR. Fr Reidy P P , Askeaton. Fr O Dwyer P P, Templeglantine. Fr R J Ambrose PP, Glenroe. Fr Conway PP Castlemahon, Fr D leader Copswood. Fr O Donnell P P, Pallaskenry. Fr McNamara CSSR. Fr Dwane Adm.St. Michael’s. Fr O Shea PP Cappagh. Fr Connolly Adm. St John’s. Rev Fr Breen PP, Bruree, Fr Reeves P P Balylanders. Fr M Keane P P Newtownsandes. Rev D O Riordan CC, Athea. Rev M Hayes CC Newcastle West. Fr Behan CC Newtownsandes. Fr Hannan ? St Michael’s. Fr O Sullivan CC Athea. Fr Hogan president St Munchin’s College. Fr, ? CC, Patrickswell. Fr Moriarty CC Effin. Fr Colman St Munchan’s College. Fr Dolan, do. Fr Wall, do. Fr Lynch, do. Fr Quinlan, do.Fr Thornhill St Michael’s. Fr Fitzpatrick, do. Fr D O Brien DD Diocesan ?. Fr O Brien CC Coolcapagh. Fr carr CC Abbeyfeale. Fr Wall CC Foynes. Fr ? CC Glenroe. Fr Liston Palliskenry. Fr Leahy CC ?. Fr Moloney CC parteen. Fr J Moloney CC Ardagh. Fr McNamara CC Ballygran. Rev Brother from Glin. Chief mourners were William and John ?O Shea, Kildimo (nephews)Mrs Ryan ?  Corcomore,( Niece). Agnes, james, William and Delia Ryan. Mrs Naughton, Corcomore (Grandnieces and grandnephews). Patrick O Shea, John O Shea, Patrick O Shea, Kildimo. Patrick McMahon and John McMahon cousins.

ATHEA

 

ATHEA JOURNAL Dec. 2014

 

Pork faceory in Athea described by Thady Hunt. The first Co-Op opened in Athea in 1895, just six years after Dromcollogher Creamery. In 1940s there were 312 suppliers at Athea creamery. The dairymaid then was earning £2 for a seven day week. The pork factory was able to send its consignment to Smithfield Market arriving there 24 hours after leaving Abbeyfeale. Due to the economic and the second World War, the factory had to close.

Tom Ahern has several articles again this year, including” Around the Fireside, Remembering Song and Storytelling”. “A Changing World” where he recalls how locals entertained themselves, he recalls Mrs Cullen’s Powers, Pipe Smoking, D.D.T. Flower Bags and their use, Butter Box, old methods of farming and reflects on the present where the banks were given77 billon Euro, 20,000 unemployed in Limerick, while the banks use machines to transact business. Tom has another article on Carnival Dances and Marque Romances on page 104.

All the Athea organisations and societies give an account of their activities and illustrated by pictures.

The magazine has a host of pictures from Betty O Connors album, Kathleen Mullanes pictures, Sean Hanrahan collection,  which is on page 64 and 94. Photos from London by Mike Hayes, Sinead Broder pictures are on p86. Lizzie Murphy pictures in p88.

Peg Prendeville also contributed photos and wrote articles including, The joys of reading, Christmas thoughts and Maggies story, she being 97 years on p 106.

Ann Denihan recalls a two hour walk around Glasnevin Cemetery.

History of Guinea- Mc Kenna Family I told.

An Address to Canon Cregan Sept. 27th 1912 is written in full, it was signed by many parishioners from Athea.

Bill Hunt born Athea 1924 is remembered in p 50.

Jim Woulfe who fought in Spain and died from wounds received 5th sept. 1937, is recalled by Lorcan and Shane MacCurtain.

David O Riordan, gives us comical tales in p63 and gives us story of Ellen Hanley and some pictures from the past.

GAA Subscription list and affiliated members from the past are listed.

The Goolds and Galways in Athea, information from late Maighread McGrath.

Tom Fitzgerald recalls a little bit of history, some men from the great war in page 77.

Pat Boone who was 80 in 2014, his story recalled by Patrick Fitzgerald.

Lastly George Langan continues his family Tree, The Langan connection on page 95.


Hello and Welcome to Athea’s Fairy Mountain

 

A long, long time ago when Athea was just named, a small, busy fairy was flying home to fairy valley when she heard a really loud sob.

 

Curious Lú stopped and looked around to where the sound had come from. She flew from tree to tree and up a huge mountain (well a huge mountain to a little fairy!). In among the trees she could see a giant! Unsure whether to approach him or not Lú did feel sorry for him when he started to sob again. Carefully she flew over and stopped beside his huge foot. A tear dropped from his eye and only just missed Lú but causing a tidal wave of water which almost drowned her!

 

She flew up to his face and asked him what was wrong. He looked up, surprised to hear such a little voice. He blinked his eyes a couple of times and finally focused on Lú. She smiled politely and offered him her handkerchief.

 

“What are you?” he asked.

“I’m a fairy, what are you?”

“A Giant” he smiled. “You’re tiny!

“And you’re huge!” Lú laughed and she got a fright when the giant laughed too and his laugh echoed all around them both.

 

“I have been so sad” the Giant sadly explained, wiping away a tear with Lú’s tiny handkerchief and soaking it!

 

With a little encouragement from Lú, he told her all about how his mother had died and whilst carrying her to the graveyard her body had fallen apart and her bones had been scattered throughout the parish. Lú felt so very sad for him. Sitting on his finger she hugged her tiny knees and thought. She so wanted to make him feel better.

 

Lú knew that this giant was a good, kind giant who had been trying to do the right thing. She was an excellent judge of character. Suddenly, she had a splendid idea. In order to make him feel better, Lú made a promise to the giant.

 

That very night that she would invite nine of her very best fairy friends and they would make the mountain their home in honour of his mother. The giant was so delighted he almost squashed Lú as he clapped his hands together with joy! His face broke into a huge smile and Lú knew she had made the right decision.

 

ATHEA Tidy Towns Committee new Fairy Trail located behind the Memorial Hall and Giants Garden in Athea, will be home to 10 fairies who will each have their own fairy door and a purpose which will be displayed on a plaque beside their door along the trail. There will also be a worry tree called ‘Croga’ who will take away any worries you may have by placing your hand on the plaque attached to the tree. At the end of the trail there will be a Fairy Post Box where you can post any messages to the fairies.

 

PRESIDENT: From Knockdown News, Athea News site

Thanks to my good friend George Langan for the following interesting bit of news. George says “ Wasn’t there a sense of pride on hearing President Michael D. Higgins mention one of our own fighting Irish when addressing the House of Commons last week. I refer to no other than Tom Kettle MP whose grandmother was one of the McCoy’s from Ballyhahill. I don’t know who drew up Michael D’s speech, maybe he had an input into it himself, he being an avid historian but it was moving to say the least. In addition I would like to add a few extra words quoting the great patriot himself who lost his life at the battle of the Somme in September 1916. Five days before he was mortally wounded he wrote the following lines in a letter home to his little daughter in Ireland, describing the soldiers going into battle he said ‘ Not for flag, nor King, nor Emperor, but for a dream born in a herdsman’s hut and for the secret scripture of the poor.’ and as Michael D alluded to – ‘Kettle died as an Irish patriot, a British soldier and a true European.

 

 

THE RED DOOR BIC : Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government performed the official opening of the Red Door Business Incubation Centre (BIC) recently. The centre is located in the Red Door Building, The Square, Newcastle West – where the 1st and 2nd floors have been suitably converted. The project, which is open to applicants from West Limerick, was initiated by Newcastle West and District Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with LIT and West Limerick Resources, and will offer successful applicants a chance to participate in the LIT Enterprise Start Programme, which will provide full training and business advice to potential entrepreneurs. The programme will be run over 6 weeks and offers a real market-place perspective on what is involved in creating a sustainable commercial enterprise. On completion of the programme, participants may be given the opportunity to continue developing their business concept on a full time basis – with the support of the Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform (LEAP) which is a year long programme. If you are interested, or if you know anyone interested in starting their own business, please e-mail info@reddoorbic.ie or ring the chamber office at 069-77751. An information evening will be held in Leens Hotel, Abbeyfeale, on Wednesday, December 4 from 5-7pm on how to develop business ideas.

 

 

Pat Brosnan

During the war years my late brother Sean, who was a carpenter, worked with a firm of builders in London who, after a night’s bombing by the Germans in the city, the demolition gangs would check the damage and demolish houses or severe. It was a dangerous enough job with a constant risk of a collapsed building. But there was good

 

severe. It was a dangerous enough job with a constant risk of a collapsed building. But there was good money to be made and Sean availed of it and he and his wife Bridie returned home after the war and built a new house in Ballymacelligott parish. In 1959 they emigrated with their family to New York in one of the big ocean liners where they spent the rest of their lives. Sean used to tell us about his time in bomb-wrecked London during the war when one went in at night to a café or restaurant and asked for chicken, which apparently was very scarce in London at the time. The restaurant waiter or café attendant would shake their heads a bit sadly and reply; “sorry mate, but we have no more chicken, the only thing we have left in that line tonight would be some rook pie if you would care to have it.” So they did cook some Irish crows in hungry and war-torn London which somehow does not make horsemeat look so bad after all.

 

 

By Carrig Side-23/01/13

 

Last year 2012 saw the Saint Kieran’s G.A.A. Club celebrate its fortieth anniversary. How the years have flown by from the birth of the club that saw the parishes of Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Coolcappa/Kilcolman, unite under the one banner. Many of the people that were involved in the formation of the club have now departed to the lofty playing fields of Heaven. It was a very exciting time for the officers, players, and supporters who all enjoyed wonderful times around Limerick and North Kerry. Carnivals and festivals were held at in most villages, and towns and Saint Kieran’s football team were probably the most invited team to play in them at the time. The club enjoyed a big following of committed supporters who filled many a sideline, and helped to finance many a fund raising project. There was a great buzz when the Saint’s were playing the likes of Moyvane, Tarbert Finuge, Athea, Askeaton Glin and Ballyhahill, in a tournament match. The matches were played mainly on Friday and Sunday nights, once the cows were milked and the players present for duty. It was probably the second match of the day for most of the players, who would have played a divisional board or county fixture in the afternoon. The matches usually ended in fading light leading to many questionable decisions. The rope keeping back the crowds along the side lines was never sufficient, and it gradually ended at ground level as the tempo of the match and the exchanges hotted up. Friendships were stretched as well as jerseys, and a bout of fisticuffs often erupted. I am sure some supporters enjoyed this side of things as much as the high standard of football being played. The weather was far better back then, and it was the midgets that caused most problems for the people. The language was most colourful and many referees were the butt of the comments, often calling their parentage into question. Rural Ireland was well populated and jobs were plentiful and the majority of the youth had folding notes in their hip pockets. Society cared for people and communities were alive and vibrant with activity. People were economical with their recourses and moved slower to better themselves, and debt was seldom mentioned. How times have changed in rural Ireland as we enter 2013 in the midst of a recession that has seen our people having to emigrate to escape a future of poverty. In recent years we have seen factories, and businesses close and unemployment soar. Our villages have lost shops, pubs, post offices, service stations, creameries, banks, and now Gardai barracks. The fabric of our rural society has been torn apart, and nobody is listening. The local G.A.A. Clubs still survive but they too are under pressure due to falling numbers, and increased costs. The club offers people an outlet for their time and talents, and a sense of belonging to their own area. All clubs could do with extra members to help run their affairs, and a place is available for all to get involved. Plans are now being put in place for the New Year and positions are available so why not give it a go. We thank the Saint Kieran’s club for the wonderful memories they have provided over the past forty years, and we wish them well in the coming year.

 

 

 

By Pat Brosnan

Moving Statues

According to recent media reports An Bord Pleanála has made a final decision regarding the removal of a statue of “Christ the King” from its former site at Killarney Community Hospital where it had been for 70 years and relocating it in a different site at ground level. Apparently the statue, which had been on the roof of the hospital since it was donated by founding order, was removed by workmen from the H.S.E. on the pretext that the moving of the statue was necessary on the basis of Health and Safety grounds. Very few of the local community in Killarney believed this silly yarn that the statue, where it stood for 70 years, was in any way a threat to either Health or Safety and many of the local democratically elected Councillors opposed its removal. However, recently in a very close decision An Bord Pleanála decided with the casting vote of the Chairman to uphold the right of the H.S.E. to move the statue. It also appears that the H.S.E. spent €10,000 in defending its decision to relocate the statue. Surely this amount of taxpayers’ money could have been better spent on some real Health or Safety measure for which the H.S.E should be responsible rather than an airy fairy project such as the moving of a religious traditional symbol that in no way posed a threat of any kind. The local Town Council in Killarney apparently had not approved the relocation of the Statue and it would seem that in spite of all the local opposition the H.S.E. went ahead and removed it. This in my opinion displayed utter contempt for the feelings of the Catholic population and the views of the vast majority of the people of Killarney town and its elected representatives. But then, of course, it would seem that people in Killarney and indeed elsewhere if this relocation is a more sinister part of H.S.E. policy which in some people’s opinion is hell-bent in removing crosses and other religious symbols from medical facilities around the country. This would also seem to be the opinion of a Killarney Town Councillor who, speaking in a personal capacity, was quoted in the media when he was calling for the Statue to be restored to its original site on the roof of the local Community Hospital. The same Town Councillor has also been quoted for having criticised the local Clergy for what he claims was “a deafening silence” ahead of the Bord Pleanála decision in recent weeks to rubber stamp the relocation of the “Christ the King” statue . Of course going back to March 2010 by all accounts concerns about this matter were raised by Bishop Bill Murphy of the Diocese of Kerry when, in a high profile public statement, he condemned as a “retrograde step” moves to remove the statue as well as other religious objects from Killarney Community Hospital and St Columbanus’ Home. The Town Councillor in his personal criticism said that he was disappointed with the Clergy to say the least. He is quoted as saying that they should have shown their hand and been to the forefront in their opposition to moving the Statue. He said that he was no Holy Joe but that we should show respect for the little bit of faith we have. In response to the criticism Bishop Bill Murphy is reported as having stated that his position in relation to the Statue removal was clearly stated in March 2010 and remained the same. He added that he was saddened to learn that the H.S.E. had decided to remove Catholic symbols from St Columbanus’ Home and the Sacred Heart Statue over the entrance to the District Hospital. He said that the patients in both Hospitals are elderly and such symbols of their faith were a source of comfort and consolation to them. He further stated that this was a retrograde step and one that will not benefit patients or staff. Bishop Murphy finally asked where does the H.S.E. go from there; will Christmas Cribs be banned from Hospitals? will patients be deprived of the Celebration of Mass? These are very pertinent questions that all of us might well ask as these activities do not just affect the H.S.E. Hospitals in Killarney alone, but this sort of agenda by the H.S.E. and indeed by other public institutions to downgrade and belittle religion particularly that of the Catholic majority is in evidence all over the State. Some of these State Agencies including the H.S.E. are in such a mad gallop to display their equal rights and tolerance towards all Religions and none that they are passing each other out in their eagerness to get rid of Catholic Religious Symbols and indeed this policy is encouraged by our couple of different Government Ministers and some Politicians who want to jump on the fake tolerance band wagon. We all respect, or at least should respect, each other’s beliefs and religions, that is a basic tenet of civilised society, but certainly this should not mean the tearing down of the majority religion’s most sacred symbols, even Cromwell failed in his attempts to do this. Would Irish Catholics who go to work in a Moslem country expect the local natives to get rid of their Religious Statues and symbols in the name of equality and religious tolerance. Not indeed likely. Even those of us who worked in England where there are many different religious groups, would we have expected Anglican or Church of England to remove their religious symbols from their hospitals or schools in case they insulted members of a minority religion, and English people as we all know and must admit are most tolerant when it comes to religious beliefs. What then one might ask is the motive of the H.S.E. for removing religious symbols from our Hospitals and State Nursing Homes, cannot be regarded as anything other than a stupid obsession with equality which is way out of touch with the ordinary people of the country. Likewise the Department of Education and its attempts at downgrading Catholic teaching in the country’s schools. What one might ask are these Government Agencies playing at? We the ordinary plain people of our country would certainly appreciate an answer.

 

 

 

 

PARK PORTER

 

Ireland in the forties money was scarce and entertainment was homemade, rambling House, Storytelling, music making and dancing were pastimes. Hunting the wren took place on St Stephen’s Day , the money collected was used to provide food and drink for a wren party which was held in the new year. Often people who never went with the Wrenboys could attend the party if they paid a small fee.

St Stephen’s Day 1943 the Park Wrenboys went out in the wren, they included, brothers Peter, Joe and Darby O Connor, Thade Ahern captain,Jim McAuliffe and Dick Collins musicians, Pat Shea, Bill Shine,Tom Paul Stack.Con Joe Scanlon, Tom Fitzgerald, Mick Flaherty and Batt Crosby Harnett.

There were two issues with the party, it was decided that no outsiders were to join the party which annoyed some also where to purchase provisions some in favour of going to Athea more wanted to purchase in Abbeyfeale.

JDB Harnett of Abbeyfeale eventually got the contract of supplying a half and a quarter tierce barrels of porter, raspberry wine, bread, jam and other provisions.

Joiners who were aggrieved decided to steal the porter, involved were Batt and Paddy O Connor, Ned Scanlon, Tom Fitzgerald of Park, Con Barry, Edward Fitzgerald, D J M Harnett, Paddy Mom Fitzgerald Knocknasna. Secrecy of their plans was important as Batt and Darby O Connor were brothers of wrenboys Darby, Joe and Peter O Connor.

The Party was to be held in the Yanks house and provision were to be minded by Batt Crosbie O Connor as the Yanks house was not as secure. But the robbers had knowledge of where the porter was kept.

Raid on the Porter took place on night of 13th January 1944, Batt and Paddy O Connor, Ned Scanlon and Tom Fitzgerald went to Moss O Connor’s house where the met the Knocknasna men and took the Jennets car from Moss to transport the booty, to reduce sound of wheels they wrapped the in cloth. The gang then went to Batt Crosby O Connors house to steal the wren party supplies. First the lifted the door from its hinges and Paddy Mon Fitzgerald took the barrel of porter on his shoulder and the rest of them collected the rest of the supplies. They hid the quarter tierce and groceries at Dagger Fitzgeralds house an the half tierce was buried in the yard of Paddy Mon Fitzgerald’s, they buried an old dog belonging to Nell Scollard over the barrel to mask their deed. The Jennets car was left at Barber Fitzgerald’s Gate. When Batt Crosby O Connor found that he was raided, he reported the event to the Garda and they responded with policemen coming from Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West to investigate, Sergeant Normile, assisted by Guard, Darcy, Magill, Connolly, Lynch and King. The school pupils in Knocknasna had an easy day as Davey the Master sent much of his time observing Garda activities from the school window. Many locals were questioned, including George Mattis, Pat O Shea, Paddy O Connor and Paddy Mon Fitzgerald. Batt O Connor was questioned but he had some items hid in hay he was taking to his cattle, 48 years later the jam jars were found under a tree.

Daithin Sheehan told some friends that he knew who stole the Porter, he and his wife was also arrested and questioned all to o avail. Searches in Park Bog and Leahy’s Bog at Beenaneaspig also yielded nothing.

When things got quiet again the joiners went to Paddy the Dagger Fitzgeralds house for the quarter tierce, it was empty, Paddy said it leaked. The Knocknasna gang found their half tierce and divided it among, Con Barry, Edward Fitzgerald, D J Moss Harnett and the Mon Fitzgerald, celebrating with them included Mick Collins, Tade Johnny Broderick and Billy Joe Broderick . Billy Joe lost his share when his bucket spilled crossing a ditch. Tade Johnny drank his portion the following night under palm trees. The quarter tierce barrel was dumped in Mons Fitzgeralds’s quarry and eventually went back to JDB Harnett, publican of the Corner House Abbeyfeale. The half tierce was abandoned on Tim Mattis Mountain and Mick Dan Ahern found it and Mick Woulfe from Knocknagorna took it to the barracks in Athea. Pat O Connor named his greyhound Park Porter and ran him at Athea Coursing.

 

 

 

 

Mary Brosnan Friend To All

The death has taken place of Mary Brosnan nee Normoyle of Knocknagorna, Athea at Saint Ita's Hospital, Newcastle West on Thursday November 12th 2009  after an illness bravely borne. A native of Glenastar, Carrigkerry, Mary moved to Knocknagorna, when she was only 5 years old and apart from a period of time spent working in England lived her life there. Mary was known for her kindness, generosity and hospitality and she had a warm welcome for all who called to her home. She was a homemaker and devoted to her family and was held in high esteem by all who knew her.

A regular Church attender was Mary and religion meant a lot to her, and she made numerous visits to Knock and had a special devotion to Saint Anthony, Our Lady and The Eucharist. Mary liked to sing the traditional songs, winning competitions and being featured on radio. West Limerick radio and Kerry radio were compulsive listening for Mary with Athea's Mike Enright a special favourite on Sunday nights. Mary was married to Pat for 49 years and they were a very united couple and proud parents of Seanie, Sheila, Breda and Tina. The large crowds that attended her removal and burial showed how popular the family are thought of.

The removal from Kelly's Funeral Home to Saint Bartholomew's Church took place on Friday evening last as the wind blew and the rain fell heavily. Father Paddy Bowen PP Athea a distant relative of Mary's was Chief Celebrant of the Requiem Mass on Saturday assisted by Canon Patrick O'Kelly and Athea native Father Dennis Mullane. Father Paddy delivered a thought-provoking homily recalling Mary's life of kindly deeds and devotion to her family and community. Family members assisted with the readings, gifts and prayers of the faithful. Margaret Carroll's lovely music and hymns were most appropriate and uplifting for the occasion. Breda Brosnan, on behalf of the family, thanked all the people who helped them since Mary's illness. Comhaltas members from various groups formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed on its way to Holy Cross Cemetery.

The sun shone brightly during the burial as if to welcome Mary home. It was a peaceful scene overlooking the village she served so well. Donie Lyons delivered a few poignant tunes on the flute as the assembled crowd bid a final farewell to their departed friend. Pat thanked everyone who attended from near and far for the funeral which was a great source of comfort for the family. Daughter Tina sang "The Gypsy Rover" one of Mary's favourite songs, in a final tribute to her mother, whose presence on this earth since 1934 brightened up and enriched so many lives.

We extend sympathy to Pat, son Seanie, daughters Sheila, Breda and Tina, grandchildren other relatives and friends. May the Holy Cross sod rest lightly on Mary's breast.

I will conclude with a few verses of Pat's award winning song "The Lights of Carrigkerry".

Tom Aherne

 

The Lights of Carrigkerry

By Pat Brosnan

Far away across the sea there's a place that's calling me,

As I gaze around this city grand and bright,

For here on this foreign shore, sure my heart feels sad and sore,

And for Limerick's hills and vales I long tonight.

Chorus:

I'll go back across the sea and contented I will be,

Then I never more will cross the ocean foam,

Sure ‘tis there my soul would rest in that spot I love the best,

Where the lights of Carrigkerry call me home.

 

In this fair land o'er the main, there is plenty wealth to gain,

There are pleasures too and friendships true and kind,

Yet I'd bid them all goodbye if today my plane would fly,

To that misty isle that's always on my mind.

Chorus:

I'll go back across the sea etc.

 

There is one who's waiting there, with blue eyes and dark brown hair,

Who was lonely when she saw me go away,

But to me she still is dear and the time is now drawing near,

When once more I will be coming home to stay.

Chorus:

I'll go back across the sea etc.

 

Soon my exile will be o'er and my thoughts with joy and soar,

When by Carrig's streams I'll wander free from care,

There old friends will welcome me, when again my eyes will see,

That most charming gem of Limerick grand and fair.

Chorus:

I'll go back across the sea and contented I will be,

Then I never more will cross the ocean foam,

Sure ‘tis there my soul would rest in that spot I love the best,

Where the lights of Carrigkerry call me home.

 

 

ATHEA Village

by Domhnall de Barra

Just the other day I was walking up the village and as I passed each building I realised how many businesses have closed in a short portion of the street in a relatively short time. When I came to the village as a young man you could do a lot of business from Collins’ shop and pub up to the Moyvane road. Liston’s (Tommy Willie’s) was an old fashioned public house on the corner of the lane. It has long since closed down. Next door was Irwin’s, later to become Brownie’s, a pub noted for the quality of it’s pint and a great place for a session or a sing-song. Ita was quite a character and there are many good yarns still told about her. I remember going into the pub with a couple of friends from Knocknaboul (we were in our late teens) and asking Ita for three bottles of stout. She put the bottles on the counter and turned away. After a while I asked her for glasses to which she replied “God blast ye, ‘twas far away from glasses ye were reared”. That put us in our place alright! Just along the street was Mick Lynch’s Pub. Mick had come from Chicago and was great company. He usually had music at the weekends. The Post Office was next, run by Edsie and Peg O’Connor. In those days all the telephone calls went through this exchange during the day but at night they would be switched to Listowel at 10 pm. If you happened to be on the phone at that time the line just went dead. Next door, Mick Moran had a butcher’s shop. He did his butchering out the back and did a good trade. He wouldn’t be allowed to do it now. Stapleton’s was next. They did groceries in a small way but their main business was a newsagency. It used to be packed after Mass on Sundays. Danaher’s was next. This was a fine shop with a big yard mainly for meal and flour. Paddy Quaid used to drive a big Nuffield tractor and trailer to Cork every week for the bags of meal and flour. It was quite a journey in those days and he brought a big load with him. At the top of the village we had the Creamery. This was a hive of activity in the mornings with horses and donkeys drawing carts with milk tanks queuing up down the village. It was the lifeblood of the place as the farmers coming to the creamery would do business in the local shops. Some of them were even prone to take a pint or two before departing for home. The creamery was also a great meeting place where the news of the parish, deaths, births, marriages, football matches etc. were discussed and the world put to rights! Mick Dalton and Patie Sullivan were in the “front line” and there would be great banter with some very witty retorts.

What a change in this small part of the village. From Collins’ up to the top, on the right hand side, there is only one business now operating. This is Kathleen Ambose’s hair salon operating out of Tommy Liston’s.

 

 

 

Congratulations to Seamus Hunt, Newcastle West who recently received the Limerick Person of the Month Award. Seamus a famous traditional player of the pipes, has been a community activist in Newcastle West for the past 50 years. He was the Chairman of Newcastle West Community Council for the past 14 years up until this year and has dedicated much of his time to promoting and overseeing many local projects during all that time. The presentation of the Award took place at the Clarion Hotel. Seamus is a native of Ballyagran.

 

“My name is William (Liam) Harnett. My Grandfather William Harnett was from Abbeyfeale, he was a sergeant in the police, I reckon he would have left Abbeyfeale around 1890. My father Christopher Harnett was

born in 1901 in Tipperary and I was born in Fiddown Co. Kilkenny and am now living in Dublin.”

 

 

By Pat Brosnan

A new Céilí Band has recently been formed in North Kerry and will be based in the Listowel area. It is being named The Lartigue Céilí Band in memory of the famous Monorail train that at one time carried passengers from Listowel to Ballybunion and back. There are musicians from various areas of North Kerry and West Limerick who have joined up with it and the band leader is Gearoid Keating from Abbeyfeale whose mother Eileen (nee Dalton) is a native of Toureendonnell. Gearoid’s near relatives who once lived in Knocknagorna had a great traditional musical talent which Gearoid and his sister Roisin inherited. Gearoid’s grandfather Micheál Dalton and his granduncle Sean Dalton both played Senior Football with Limerick. His father David Keating has been very much involved with the GAA as a player and official. Gearoid has won a number of All Ireland Comhaltas titles on the Banjo. The other members of the new Céilí Band are :- Sean Guerin- Accordion, James Duggan-Fiddle, James Dillon- Concert Flute, John McElligott-Drums, Mairead Curran-Piano, Rosin Ryan- Fiddle, Katie Lucey-Fiddle, Gretta Curtin- Concertina and Colleen O’Shea- Concert Flute.

 

 

Pat’s Corner-24/10/12

by Domhnall De Barra under News

Negation of Local Democracy

Last week’s announcement by the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan concerning the Amalgamation of Local Authorities in some instances and the demolition of other Statuary Bodies such as certain Urban Councils is not alone a short sighted and negative proposal which would be a measure with far reaching consequences for the system of local Government we have had since the foundation of the State and to a limited degree at any rate and even before the country became independent in the early 1920’s. These new proposals if carried through will have a damaging and harmful effect on local democracy at a time when it was never more needed. Any commitment of local democracy at the grass roots such as contained in these negative new proposals cannot be for the better in whatever shape or form these may be presented. While we are all aware and must acknowledge that there have been abuses of the system regarding expenses by certain councillors at various times but this does not mean that the whole system of local Government needs to be torn apart considering that this, the present system, has had a long tradition and has served this country well. Any change in these basic structures of Local Government will have a devastating and demoralising effect on those who have served their local constituents and the country so well and who, even if they were again re-elected, would have to service a much wider area to the extent that they could no longer provide the same individual attention to the people who elected them. Apart from the saving of a few million Euro, which in the present financial climate are mere peanuts in the overall context, when the billions that have been spent in shoring up the banks and paying out the shareholders are taken into consideration. The disruption that will be caused if those proposals are implemented cannot be overestimated at a time when what is really needed is more local democracy not less that is being proposed. People who are standing up and objecting to this dimunition of local Councils and grass roots democratic representation are perfectly right and this will be proved in future years when such a blunder will become evident and it has become too late to restore local democracy. So if we the ordinary people of this State do not resist this needless and pointless imposition on our democratic representation at this juncture, next year or the following years might be too late to restore the situation. We need only look to England for a good example of local democracy. There they have the City Councils, the Shire or County Councils, the Rural District Councils and in every community in the country there are the Local Parish Councils, all statutory bodies elected by the people and financed by the State. At least that’s the way that things were in England at the time that some of us lived and worked there, democracy right down to the grassroots in every corner of the land. Whether or not this has changed in the intervening years since the time that we lived there one is not sure about, but this is unlikely. We do know, of course, that in towns and villages throughout the country there are many elected community or Parish councils doing some great work on a voluntary basis sometimes with the help of State Schemes such as FAS. While these do not have a statutory basis unlike their counterparts in England they deserve much more recognition from the State than they have been getting, for only the self-funding efforts of these local voluntary councils a great deal of work and improvements that have been carried out at local level would have been left undone. No doubt the Minister and the Government will make every effort to have the proposals passed without any reference to the people by way of a referendum of any kind and whether or not the majority are in favour of the changes. It will be interesting to see the reaction of some of these councillors of all parties who are at present holding on to office by the skin of their teeth and who would be very likely to lose their seats if the new set up becomes a reality. Perhaps all these changes will have come into force by the time the next local elections are held in 2014. These elections will be a good yardstick of how this Government’s dilution of local democracy among many other sensitive blunders will be going down with the electors. We shall have to wait and see.

 

 

Clounleharde Schoolhouse Co Limerick.

Listen dear friends while I tell my sad story,

Convicted and sentenced to die in the clay,

There once was time in the height of my glory,

I never dreamt I’d feel as I’m feeling today.

In my early life I was highly regarded,

As my service I gave to many pupils around,

Who in later life were nobly rewarded,

In their high positions from my school in Bricktown.

In those happy days how my proud heart was throbbing,

What joy and what gladness was stirring my soul,

As I watched my fond children their little heads bobbing,

As the teacher called out each name on the roll.

Out there around me I could hear their loud laughter,

And their joyous shouts in their pure innocent play,

I’m sure up in Heaven they are happy hereafter,

Never using that foul four-letter word of today.

Back through those glorious years my mind is now wandering,

When first I set foot here in 1884,

Then rosy-cheeked colleens and gorsoons came rambling,

Barefoot and quite happy through my welcome door.

I recall the great teachers so enthusiastically striving,

To instil the learning and knowledge they had,

Day after day they were constantly driving,

The much desired subjects into each lad and lass.

Mr Kennelly was the first to make his acquaintance

He lived in Dromin a few miles down the road,

Then Mr. Mullane, Messrs. Wallace and Noonan,

And teachers Lucy and Moran here took up their abode.

Miss Connolly from Glenagragra was here in her young days,

Mrs. Barry from Barneigue great honours did bring,

With her husband Martin working always united,

Produced outstanding scholars their praises to sing.

Miss King, Marie Sheahan and Mrs. Collins came next,

So ’tis no wonder I’m feeling dejected today,

When my house is now empty where once all were blest here,

Now my eyes are picked out and I’m left to decay.

Such is the price we must pay for progress,

I am deemed unworthy to teach anymore,

After all my good service to death I am sentenced,

Awaiting execution with the weeds ’round my door.

I have to beg no one’s pardon for I am not guilty,

Maybe the great judges will find their verdict wrong,

When inflation bites and their purses are empty,

And the oil wells run dry and the buses are gone.

Paddy Faley

 

Three Wise Men

17 -12 2014

By Peg Prendeville

It was with shock and sadness that we heard of the death last week, after a short illness, of Thomas J. O’Donoghue, poet and editor of the Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal since 1977.  One may forget that he was a very fine poet as well as editor. I understand that he had this year’s journal almost ready for printing when he got ill. One of the most treasured items in Glin library, where local history is concerned, is the collection of Journals since 1977. There is such an amount of local history contained in them that it would be hard to replace so in that alone he has left a huge legacy. He and Pat Brosnan and Paddy Faley RIP did not know in 1977 how much they were contributing to local history when they produced their first edition 37 years ago. I wrote the following article four years ago in 2010 but feel that it is fitting to repeat it here. I visited Pat Brosnan in St Ita’s during the week and he also spoke of his sadness at the passing of Tom. The following is the article.

 

Two important events took place in 1977. My wedding and the birth of the Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal. Thankfully both are still thriving! Yes, it is 33 years since Thomas J O’Donoghue, Pat Brosnan and Paddy Faley got together and conceived the idea of putting together a journal. The idea was a novel one at the time as there were none before them but even more so when one considers that these three men did not live in the one town or even the same townland. Tom is from Drumreask, Glin, Pat from Knocknagorna, Athea and Paddy from Glenbawn, Ballyhahill. What they had in common was a love of reading, a yearning for writing and enthusiasm.

 

The 1st edition of twelve pages cost 10p and had a drawing by Mr. Sheahan of Ballyguiltenane School on the front and back cover. There were submissions from the three founding members and also from Jimmy Dalton, Scairt, Annie & Michael Kinnane, Glenagragra, James McNamara, Ballygoughlin and Michael Fennell, Glenagragra. Such was the impact of that 1st edition that the next year, 1978, saw an increase to forty two pages, costing 50p including photographs. The founders were helped by Mary Brosnan, Knocknagorna, Mick Lynch, Blaine Bridge and Chicago, Mary Lynch Keogh, Killoughteen, John Joe O’Connor, Athea, J. Dalton, Scairt, Michael Fennell, Annie & Catherine Kinnane from Glenagragra, Liam O’Shaughnessy, Maighread McGrath, Athea, Henry Lyons, Jim Scanlon, James Feury and Paddy Barrett.  Since then it has grown to 138 pages in the 2009 edition with poems and articles and photos from over thirty contributors. Fitzsimons Printers continue to print it annually. It is noticeable by its green cover ever year.

 

It is only since I started working in the local library that I realise the enormous contribution to society these local journals give. There is an amount of local history contained within their pages and they are often a great resource to the children doing projects for school. So much folklore and history would be lost and forgotten but for these and I am not just thinking of the BRJ. I also include Athea, Loughill/Ballyhahill, Castlemahon etc. The photos, too, are a great reminder of people who have passed on and of events, and indeed fashions, of older days which would otherwise have been forgotten about.