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GREENWAY: Approximately €63 million of greenway funding has been allocated for 2023 which will see development of the 70 ongoing projects in Ireland. The funding will aid in completing several of the projects in 2023.

 

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/e17m-of-greenway-funding-unspent-in-2023/

 

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Search for Listowel content

 

https://www.catholicireland.net/?s=listowel

 

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https://youtu.be/EcIDBpufKp4

 

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Ballyheigue 9 September 2023.wmv

 

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https://youtu.be/Upvnci-Atvg

 

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Bog and Turf 2023.mp4

 

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    On June 3, 1944, Maureen Flavin turned 21, on the same day she also changed the course of history with the meteorological information she recorded while working as a post office assistant.

 

    During World War II, Maureen, who hails from Knockanure, County Kerry was working overnight in Blacksod, County Mayo, when she completed one of her daily tasks at 1:00, am, examining the air pressure and barometer readings and reporting them to the meteorological office in Dublin. The readings indicated that a major Atlantic storm was coming to this remote part of Ireland and would blow right across Western Europe.

 

    What Maureen didn’t know was that this information, from the most westerly station in Europe, was being sent to the Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force, in England, and would land on the desk of United States Four Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower who was then Supreme Commander of the combined allied forces.

 

    Late in the morning of June 3, a phone call came to the post office in Blacksod and when Maureen answered, a lady with a distinct English accent spoke to Maureen and requested her to “Please Check. Please Repeat!” the Met report. Maureen then called Edward “Ted” Sweeney (her future husband) who checked her readings and confirmed: “Yes’ the barometer is dropping rapidly and a storm is coming.”

 

    This affirmation convinced the meteorologists in General Eisenhower’s o?ce that it was wise to postpone Operation Overlord or what later became known as D-Day for 24 hours, and that the allies should stand down all associated activities until the weather cleared, and this break in the weather, which Maureen also reported, allowed the invasion to go ahead on June 6.

 

    The Sweeney family, Ted, his mother Margaret and sister Frances, together with Maureen, had been reporting on the hour, twenty-four hours a day, to the Meteorological Service in Dublin for the length of World War II. This hourly reporting continued until an automatic meteorological station was brought into operation in Belmullet in 1956. Only then, in 1956, did the now husband and wife couple, Ted and Maureen, learn about the history-changing events that their met reports had contributed to in 1944.

 

    When John J. Kelly, who led the design and production of the Navy’s modern landing craft, which has been used in military and humanitarian roles worldwide, heard about Maureen Sweeney, he decided that this story had to be told. John requested Eoin O’Hagan, his friend, based in Clare, to research Maureen Sweeney and her story. Eoin interviewed Vincent Sweeney (Maureen’s son) who told the story in-depth, as well as providing photographs as evidence. Kelly then approached the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA, of which he was a director, and presented the recording and photographs to them, while requesting o?cial recognition of Maureen and the Sweeney family by the museum.

 

    On Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 12:00 PM EST and 5:00 PM in Ireland a special tribute of these historic events will be presented to the now 98-year-old Maureen in Belmullet, County Mayo and via Livestream video.

 

    The Livestream tribute from the World War II Museum will include congratulatory words from John J. Kelly. And on the Belmullet side, Maureen’s son Vincent will speak on behalf of his mother, while Ruth O’Hagan will recite a poem that she wrote honoring Maureen, and close out the program with the national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann.

 

    With the current COVID restrictions in place, a limited number of people can attend the tribute in person, so it will be available by Livestream at https://vimeo.com/event/1040405.

 

https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=131424

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Recent Family records

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/20734873@N08/

 

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INFO KNOCKANURE District

Newtownsandes Tithes and more

 

 

 

Dan Keane Monnie Keane died jan.4th 2012

 

he wrote among thousands of other poems

 

The justice of God is an issue sublime,

And He'll weigh by the measure He gave.

The trouble, the trials and the crosses of life,

Are, but jewels on the hearts of the brave.

There's a sunbeam to steal through each cloud overhead,

There was never a storm to last,

There are gems of remembrance to garland the soul,

Shining out of the days that are past.

There's a flower for each weed, there's a smile for each tear,

There is rapture for grief to atone.

So pour me the joy that I drank as a boy,

From your hornpipe, Mickey Malone.

By

Dan Keane

 

 

 

Tom Neville Stack
Information from Miss Mai Quillinan .
Tom Stack was married in Carrueragh Kilmorna , to Mary Neville of Carrigkerry . They had three sons the eldest born on christmas night 1849 was called Thomas Neville Stack . The second son Maurice Tom Stack married Mary Goulding their children were Tom Maurice and John Maurice Tom inherited the farm while John went to America . The third brother of Tom Neville Stack was called William he got a farm in Carrigkerry .
Mai Quillinans mother Ellie Stack was daughter of Maurice Tom Stack a brother of Tom Neville .
Mais father Michael Quillinan of Blossom Hill Rathkeale , Co Limerick . Tom Neville Stack Founded The Finance Union Journal in 1877 .It is reported that three generations before Tom Neville a member of the Stack family was a Butter Merchant in Cork who had a brother a Banker .
Another Stack Nicholas Moore Stack a man of culture and an actor taught at Maynooth and Carlow College .
Tom Neville himself was a Journalist a Financier and a Poet his second wife was a daughter of Mr Andrew Thunder of Dublin .
Mr Thunder went to Clongroves Wood College . He died aged 45yrs .
Mr and Mrs Stack were married for over 20yrs and had five children.
In 1895 Tom Neville Stack was one of the Founders of the British Homes Assurance Corporation Ltd. .
He was also an Officer in the 2nd London Rifles which was founded by Prince Albert .
Tom Neville Stacks views on Irish Banking are contained in the Blue Book which was issued by a committee of the House of Commons

 

The stacks of Carrueragh

The Stacks owned several farms Barrett was left to Miss Stacks. Who married Tim Barrett of Athea Garret Stacks son Bill sold his farm to Robert Nolan near relative to Bill Robert who owned over100 acres of land plus bog .He was of a family of 14 Two girls teachers, two teaching Brothers, Bill and John died c 1952. Long John Stack was 7 feet tall one of the Stacks a Brother in Australia visited his nephew Bob c 1958 T he Maurice Tom Stacks were distant cousins of the above Maurice Stack who had a brother who went to Carrigkerry another brother went to England whose son was Pioneer Airman Sir Neville Stack .Toms sister married a Mr Quinlivan another sister married a Galvin of Gortaclahane.. The Ned Stacks down at the road were Bill Tom who had a brother a Merchant in Listowel other members of their family Mrs Con Nolan grandmother of Sean Nolan, Ned was on the home farm, Garda Gerard and Garda Tom their sister married a Guard, two sisters went to England one Mrs Stedman I have no details of the other sister. Robert got a very large farm in Kilmeany his sons were Bill John and Jer the farm was divided between Jer and Bill who had no family his wives niece May Ellen Hayes got the farm she married O Connor of Tullamore. Jer had two girls Margarets Husband Vincent Dillon NT Her sister Catherine never married. It is claimed that the ancestor of Austin Stack was born in this area

Knockanure Medieval Church
John Murphy
Joe Gleeson of upper Athea died at an advanced age. A protestant, he was respected by all for his many admirable qualities. A keen sportsman, he often roamed the fields of Gortaglanna and Kilmorna with dog and gun, this area was the haven of grouse and rabbits. He had a deep interest in local history and ancient ruins or to use his own word "Antiquity". Entering the old Knockanure graveyard he would gaze reverently on the roofless Medieval Church and pause hatless beside the headstone of long departed friends. One of his statements has been recorded. It is that the roof was taken off the church and placed on a protestant church in Athea. The man responsible for this was Van de Leur, an officer in Cromwell`s army. The period would be c.1652. But about 100 years before this time churches were seized in an attempt to made Catholics attend protestant service. This attempt failed. Still it is probable that they maintained the buildings as long as possible in case enough protestant settlers might be planted to form a congregation. According to historians there was a relaxation of the penal laws in the period from 1620 up to the new wave of persecution after the Cromwellian take over. And so Joe Gleeson`s statement handed down from his forbears may well be based on fact. Charles Smith, a protestant historian wrote a history entitled
"The Ancient and Present State of the Co. Kerry 1756". We learn from him that the church was a ruin by then and the Glebe land (known as Farren today) was held by Ratoo landlord Staughton. Going back 322 years before this we find that in 1434 Fr. Scanlon was vicar of Knockanure parish and before his tenure there was Fr. Cormac o Connor and another named Kennelly. They were of the Augustinian order whose monastery was at Ratoo, Ballyduff. The abbot of Ratoo had jurisdiction over several parishes in North Kerry. From such evidence it seems that the church was erected some 600 years ago or more. But it still stands - its ivy clad gables and stout wall-in defiance of the ravages of the time. Inside those walls is the grave of famous local ballad composer and wit Paddy Drury (died 1945)
Quoted:
"Knockanure church may the heavens bless you,
That sweet place of rest where the dead do resort,
If you stand by its corner on a bright summers morning you will see ships sailing from many a port,
You will see Co. Clare and the hills back in Kerry,
The tide at Saleen as it rises and falls.
If you travelled the nation for a burying plantation,
Still Knockanure church in the pride of them all.

Footnote: The church is just 400 feet above sea level.

 

Mick Galvin the Kilmeany ambush

 

Inside a gate on the tree Lined Kilimeany road there is a lonely white cross.It marks the spot where Mick Galvin of Drombeg gave his life for Irish freedom.His comrades that day, April 6th were Con Brosnan winner of 6 all Irelands.Jach Carroll,Tim Eagan,Danny Grady,Mick Purtill and Paddy Reidy.The I.R.A.had decided to ambush a troop of solders who,according to information ,cycled to Kilmorna house beside the feale for a days fishing.They were about ten in number under Capt. Watson and expected to return to listowel that evening.

Positioned himself behind the pier of scanlons gate from where there was a view of the solders coming around a bend in the road.Con Brosnan hid behind an outhouse further down.The advanced party came into the view,were fired on and was wounded,the other solders coming on the scene went into action,lying flat on the road.Capt Watson was hit in the forehead but not as serious as he pretended.Mick Galvin exposed himself and was shot dead.The vlunteers decided to retreat.The man who covered the retreat was con brosnan at great risk,they were luck to have to get the far side of Knockanure as a load of ‘Black and tans'' arrived.They rounded Gortaglana cross and speeded up past the graveyard to the top of the hill.A machine Gun was mounted.Bullets after Bullets was fired in all directions.The solders brought Mick Galvins remains to the work house mortuary in Listowel where no one including his mother would
Identify him for fear of reprisal. He was buried in the Teampaillin Ban, but
Under cover of darkness was removed to Gale cemetery three weeks later

This was only the beginning of the saga in Knockanure, five days later Sir
Arthur Vicars was shot by the I.R.A. and the great house burnt On the 12th
Of May Con Dee, Jerry Lyons, Paddy Walsh and Paddy Dalton were lined up
Before a firing squad. Con Dee made a remarkable escape the others were
Shot dead. On May 26th just weeks before the truce Jack Sheenan was shot in Carrueragh bog by a British army at a range of 500 yards.
Many years have come and gone but those tragic events of 1921 are handed down in song and story to this day.

 

The Valley of Knockanure
Written in memory of the men killed at Gortaglanna on May 12th 1921 .

Our hero boys were brave and true no council would they take
They rambled to a lonely spot where the Black and Tans did wait,
For freedom bold they did uphold though outlawed on the moor
But twas their lot to be foully shot in the Valley of Knockanure

By Gortaglannas pleasant bridge three gallant men took shade
While in young wheat full soft and sweet the summers breezes played,
But twas not long till Lyons came on , saying "Times not mine or yours".
But alas twas late and they met their fate in the Valley of Knockanure

They took them thence beyond a fence beside a Fort in Bloom
They faced the foe like brothers so to meet their dreadful doom
Then Dalton spoke and his voice it broke with a passion proud and pure
For our land we die as we face the sky in the Valley of Knockanure

But ere the guns could seal their fate Con Dee had broken trough
With a prayer to God he spurned the sod against the hill he flew
The bullets tore his flesh in two, yet he cried with passion pure
"For my comrades " Death revenge Ill get in the Valley of Knockanure

There they lay on the hillside clay for the love of Irelands cause
Where the cowardly clan of the Black and Tan had showed them Englands laws
No more they'll feel the breezes Steal from the uplands fair and Sure.
For side by side our heroes died in the valleys of Knockanure.

HISTORY OF THE HILLS AND VALLEYS THAT SURROUND KNOCKANURE CHURCH YARD
By John Murphy.
The churchyard on Knockanure hill encircled by a large field affords a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Rich in natural beauty history and local lore. Here is a roofless church where people prayed over 400 years ago. Down by the side of the hill is friars field in Barretts land where some Dominican monks found shelter after the Cromwellian and wars and lived there up to around 1804.Just a few fields away is the memorial to the three men who died at Gortaglanna. Pat Dalton, Paddy Wash and Lyons from Duagh the white cross marking where Mick Galvin was killed in the Kilmorna ambush of 1921 can be seen a short distance away. The broad wooded valley of the feale. The wood is the only thing that is left of the beautiful o Mahony Estate. The great house went up on smoke. Its resident at the time Sir Arthur Vicars was shot dead. The river Feale flows in a graceful curve before it seems to loose itself forever in the woods of Ballinruddery the home of the knight of Kerry. The castle still stands proudly in all its ruined glory. One old manuscript relates that the river got its name from Princess Fial. Out of modesty she went into deep water to avoid a gaze of a man and was drowned. Her husband a prince decided to name the river in her memory. On the hill of Duagh can be seen in the middle of which in a grove surrounded by a ditch. This is a Killeen. A burial place or unbaptised infants. Gorge Fitzmaurice the playwright lived near Duagh village. His plays portray the life style of the north Kerry rural scene a hundred years ago. In the hill beyond Duagh the river Smerla has its source. It flows down to meet the river Feale near Listowel. In 8 miles of its fertile valley, some 40 young men answered the call to the priesthood mostly in the 1920s to the 1950s period. In their youth the fished the Smerla. They became fishers of soul all over the world. On their farm in Ballyduhig on Smearla hill lived a leader of the Wexford insurgents of 1798. His wife was Jane Foulks. She eloped with McKenna. One of their daughters married William Leahy of Benanaspug. Jane Foulks is believed to be buried in Kilsinan cemetery. Looking east, a ring of hills enclose the valley of the Infant River Gale the village of Athea is hidden from view by Knocbawn . The Limerick border is just two miles from Knockanure Churchyard. Names such as Mullanes, Histons, Sheahons and many others from Athea Townlands are engraved on Headstones within the Cemetery. Pages of History could be filled of the exploits of Con Colbert who died in 1916 Paddy Dalton who was killed at Gortaglanna. The Ahern brothers of Direen who beat all comers at the Olympic games nearly one hundred years ago. Professor Danaher an authority on antiquity, Fr Tim Leahy whose book beyond tomorrow gives a colourful account of his youth in Athea and his many adventures as a priest in China. According to historical records the hills of Glenagraga, Knocknaclogga, Knockfinisk, Rooska must have been devastated during the Desmond rebellion of 1580 won account states that in a wood near Clounlehard three hundred men women and children were killed. Looking towards the north we have a good view of all that was left of the O Connor heritage at the time of Cromwell from been the chief of all north Kerry the were reduced to the lands of Ballylongford Tarbert, Moyvane and Knockanure. The remaining O Connor land was confiscated and given to Trinity College. John O Connor was hanged in Tralee. Teig O Connor was hanged in Killarney along with Fr Moriarty, The Sands were appointed land agents for Trinity College. Outlined near the bright waters of the Shannon the battered castle of the O Connors can be seen. When it surrendered in 1580 its garrison of about sixty were hanged. In the Abby of Lislaughtin nearby three aged monks were murdered. Under of a different nature accrued here in 1830 when the colleen bawn was taken in a boat trip to her death on the waters of the Shannon. On a clear day the ruins can be seen on Scattery Island. The tallest skyscrapers in Ireland pierce the sky on the Clare coast, the chimneys of Moneypoint also the lesser ones of Tarbert. Ballylongford can claim one of the men of 1916 the O Rahilly. In a low-lying part of Moyvane where floods once almost submerged his home lived Eddy Carmody he was shot by the tans in Ballylongford in 1921, his nephew is a bishop in the U.S.A. Another Moyvane bishop Collins in Brazil. One of those green fields brings back memories of the many great football matches played there, for Moyvane was the homeland of all Ireland players Con Brosnan son Jim, John Flavin, Tom Mahony and the O Sullivans.
There where the Anomaly flows to meet the Gale half mile from Moyvane village was born the father of Tom Moore Ireland best known poet of the last century. Having attended local hedge schools, he settled down in Dublin. One of Tom Moores poems "by the feales wave" was said to be composed at Kilmorna on a visit to Pierce O Mahony. Relates the tale of romantic love, when the young Earl of Desmond having lost his way entered the home of a man called McCormack he fell in love with his daughter. When they married, they were forced to immigrate to France. Love came and brought sorrow with ruin in its train But so deep that tomorrow Id face it again All the Moores are said to be related. The white Boys were active in the district during the early 1800 a suspected Whiteboy was arrested at Keylod he was hanged at Knockanure village. The up turned shafts of a car was the Scaffold. Blake lived where Lyons Funeral Home now stands. In fact, he gave his name to the cross. He was singled out to be shot. He was usually seen through the window at nightfall reading in the parlour. It was decided to shoot him while he read. Lucky for him an informer told him of the plot. He dressed a dummy. Placed it in the parlour. Hid himself in a bush outside the window and waited for the whiteboy. It is claimed that Blake shot the man who attempted to shoot the dummy in the parlour. Blake is buried here in Knockanure, no trace of the tomb now remains. A relative of his, the most famous Kerryman of all time Field Marshall Lord Horatio Kitchener was born at Gunsboro grew up at Crotta meat Lixnaw was a remarkable man. One of the great generals of his time. He died at sea after his ship was torpeoed in 1916.On crossing the fort Lisafarran the veiw westwards open up.This fort planted with and oak in days gone by. Other forts in the area Lisnabro,Lisapuca,Lisheendonal and Lisroe.Many more forts have disappeared over the years the large fertile that surround the church yard was the Glebe or church lands.Just a mile a way spreading far and wide is the of moinveanlaig.The story goes like this a trop of solders were lured into the bog by a piper hidden in a deep hole.The solders were attacked and most of them were killed the crying of the wounded and the dying who were left to die for days gave the name to the bog ‘The bog of the crying' in Irish ‘moinveanlaig'.It was though that this bog that Con Dee ran for his life.He had allready jumped several ditches ran across half a dozen fields.picked up a bullet wound in the leg ran in the front door of a house in the bog lane and ran out the back asked for a cup of water but did not wait.When he reached Coilbee he was rescued by Donal Bil Sullivan.A month later Jack Sheahan of Coilbee ran into the bog when he saw a lorry of solders,several shots were fired at him but missed.Finally at Five hundred yards he was shot.Today a cross marked the spot Knockanore hill shut off the view of the mouth of the river Shannon.Close by in asdee lived the ancestors of the famous American ‘Outlaw'Jesse James.Jesse finally meeting a violent death shot by one of his own.THE POET SAYS:

 

Breathe there a man with soul so dead.
Who never to himself hath said
This is my own my native land
The pleasure of standing on a hill such as this
The pleasure of projecting associations that surround us
The events tho sad there of the past.

John Murphy

 

The Football Feats of Jack Flavin
John Murphy
One of Moyvanes greatest footballer was born in Aughrim and grew up when Con Broshan was the best midfield player in Ireland from 1924 to 1932.
At 19 he was on the Newtown (Moyvane) team which won North Kerry in 1928. At 20 he was of the Kerry junior team who won the all-Ireland in 1930. Two of that team also went of to greater honours -David o Keeffe and Roondy Landers. In 1931 he was of the team who won the National League and was sub the same year when they won the all-Ireland. In 1932 he was again sub in the 4 in a row win. Then politics began to rear its ugly head and a valley period in Kerry Football set in from 1933 to 1936. But back again in 1937. He was part of a forward machine which swamped Cavan in the replayed final -the other forwards were Purty and Roondy Landers, Miko Doyle, Charlie Sullivan and Tim o Leary. In 1938 he was on the Galway team which beat Kerry in a replay. In 1939 he won the National League with Galway. Still with Galway he won three more Connaught Championship medals only to be beaten twice by Kerry in the All- Ireland Finals of 1940 and 1941 -the third time by Dublin. Truly a great player. A local poet puts it better,
Mick Roche played a great game at mid-field, but Flavin was peerless. That day for his equal is surely missing from football in Kerry today.

 

The Emergency

Irelands Policy in the event of war in 1939 was neutrality. In Aug 1939 the Dail meet and Discussed supply problems and plans. When the war started de Valera and the government gave themselves the emergency powers as long as the war lasted. The "Irish Red Cross" was Est Sep 6th 1939. A price freeze was announced, recruiting for the army began and volunteers were called. Several from the Parish joined for Military training exercises they training Locally and now and again went to military Camp. Digging of trenches also began in Dublin at the start of the war. Petrol rationing was introduced. Famers with TVO or petrol tractors were able to get Extra supplies which they used to run their Cars. Compulsory tillage was introduced in Oct 1939 and farmers were forced to plant corn and root crops. A lot of work and poor return was involved in the Compulsory tillage campaign.
With no fertiliser land became poor and worn out quickly. So many farmers tried and succeeded in avoiding the act by various means. Such as maintaining that their land could not grow or was not suitable for tillage .The success of the tillage campaign can be seen from the figures in 1939 total tillage area was c1.5million acres in 1944 the tillage area had grown to 2.5 million acres under the plough. Wheat acreage doubled between 1939 and 1944. Butter exports were banned in November 1939. Early the following year export of wool was banned. Farmers depended of wool and butter as cash crops. The end of May in 1940, saw political truce among the parties in the Dail. When they all agreed to co-operate for the good of the country. Parish councils were set up in nearly every parish. When they were surveyed many were found to be not functioning. The first air raid was in Wexford the campile co-op creamery was destroyed and three girls were killed and several others injured. Between 1940 and 1941 many Irish ships were sunk. Clothes and sugar were rationed in 1941. In mid 1943 the pig industries were put under the control of the government. Early in 1944 passenger traffic and public telephone service between Ireland and England for security reasons. After the total surrender of Germany in May 1945. Thousands of Irish men and women went to England where they were needed in reconstruction.
After they war rationing continued for some time. Any shopkeeper who broke the regulations would loose his licence to sell goods. Farmers often were burning lamp oil in their tractors during the war. The governing brought in regulations to prevent them using it as lamp oil reserves were getting low. It was hoped that after the war that supplies of coffee, coca, soap, rice, machine parts, tyres, and canvas shoes would become more widely available. Cardinal McRory asked for thanksgiving mass be offered in your parish in gratitude for the end of this horrible war.

Knockanure Branch of the Land League

A meeting of the Branch was held on Sunday 1885. Mr T. W. Leahy in the chair. Other officers were Mr Patrick Kennelly, Mr J. T. Nolan honouree secretary, Mr. James o Connor, Mr. Hugh Goulding, Mr. John Carroll. Mr. M. o Connor, Mr. Dan F. Leahy, Mr. W. T. Leahy, Mr. James o Sullivan, Mr. Dunne.Honouree secretary of Athea Branch also Present.Reports of previous meetings were also read. A large number handed in their subscriptions and received cards for membership. Subsequently a large contingent headed by the Athea fife and drum band marched into the village. A large crowd had assembled outside the League room and were addressed by Mr. D. T. Leahy Mr. J O Sullivan and Mr P Dunne who spoke forcibly on the necessity of the organising the friendly feeling between Farmers and labourers vote of thanks to the Athea Contingent brought the Proceedings to a close. The Release of Knockanure Land League Prisoners in 1885 who arrived in Listowel by train from Tralee was greeted with deafening cheers. Mr. James o Sullivhan of Kilmorna presented of behalf of the noble young ladies of the parish a bouquet of flowers to Daniel Leahy and his colleagues who were just realised from prison. A crowd headed by the Listowel Brass Band marched through to Mr. Stacks new house. A meeting chaired by John Fitzpatrick of St. Michaels Collage was held. Others attending were J. Condon, solicitor Newcastlewest. J. Moran, solicitor, Listowel. ?
J. Stack M.P for North Kerry addressed the Meeting. A vote of thanks having been passed the people dispersed. The released prisoners were entertained to dinner at the residence of Mr. John Stack.

Knockanure August the 14th 1883
St. John blacker Douglas Esquire.
Ellen Park Killea Co. Armagh.

Sir we the tenants of your North Kerry estate do most humbly appeal to you on these depressed and trying times caused by the fall in price of agricultural produce and foreign competition ask for a reduction on our present rents. Being overwhelmed as we are what can we do when prices of every commodity are so depressed and low. We consider if your honour was aware of the present state of prices and contrasting them with former prices. That you would have little hesitation in granting our request. As we consider it is our duty to make a few observations on the matter. That you would be the better judge. Just five years ago we could obtain from four pounds ten to five pounds to a firkin of butter. Where as we must sell it at present for two pounds five to two pounds fifteen. Secondly we could get from four pounds to five pounds a piece for our calves. When we cannot get more than two pounds at present. These are the staple commodities, which we could guarantee to pay your rent from. With respect to corn our land is not capable of growing an abundant. The little we sow of it is consumed by our horses and cattle. In order to cultivate the land and not let it deteriorate. If we did not cultivate and manure the lands and keep them in proper order why they would decline by twenty per cent, in consequence of the wet seasons. In short we would have to pay your honours rent or mention our families. So these are the reasons why we must consume the corn. We call on you honour to come to our aid at this present crisis. We presume that we are as industries, hard working and improving tenants as any gentleman could have and never lost trough our own neglect. We always had your rent manly and honestly up to the present and always lived in unity in your honour. Now in our affliction and trying circumstances we call upon you to assist us. Hoping we may have better times soon. Trusting that your honour will respond to your call for which we shall ever pray.
Your humble and obedient servants
Your tenentary

 

THE FAMINE

In the year 1848 and 1849, the famine came to Ireland. Up to that time the Irish people had plenty of food. They had potatoes in abundance, plenty of pork, pickled beef, and ground their own corn at home so that each family was comfortably fixed. As usual in 1847 in the months of February and March each farmer set there own big garden of potatoes, but unfortunately the potato crop failed. The people started to eat the turnips and they had not even enough of them. The people grew sick and got all kinds of diseases including cholera. With that disease the people only lived a few days. They died in the fields and in the houses and several died on the roadsides. Big graves were made and all the bodies were piled in to together. An old woman in Listowel called Mrs. Hedderman said she remember seeing a light burning all night long to give light to the people who were burying the dead from night till morning.
The English sent over some seed and the Russians sent corn meal. The people did not know how to use it. They were mixing it with cold water and eating it. In addition, it killed some of them.

Told by Nurse Stack. Aged 62 to Pat Stack.

Auction at Newtown sands on Thursday 30 Oct 1902 of 19 ac in four separate holdings of the late Rev M Dillon PP Newtown sands. East of road, north field, creamery field and bog garden. Any portion of fields needing drains have been drained by Fr Dillon.
The creamery which was est in 1895 was entitled to 18 years free rent after which £1.25 rent was payable.
Local auctioneer M.J. Nolan conducted the sale.

Extracts from State Papers famine years
Listowel union report 1847 works selected for Paupers. Breaking stones on the public road. Fencing and renewing fencing on new roads. Scraping and cleaning the streets of Listowel. Collecting and breaking stones. Stewards Michael Maher , Dillane and Pat Carroll stewards wages 1s-6d per day .The opinion of the committee is that Paupers will be given food before calling on them to work . If they refuse to work they shall be struck off the relief lists . Hammers to be provided by the Board for breaking stones, Stewards responsible if any of them are lost. Spades and shovels to be provided by the paupers themselves. Edward Ware of Ballylongford sent a letter to the Lord Lieutenant asking for Relief for the Destitute Poor and Indignant people of Ballylongford they Needed some Relief and Assistance to Keep the alive as Coffins cannot be Purchased for the numbers dropping from famine and Distress Captain Spark visited Ballylongford in Feb 1848 to make inquiries about the condition of the people following the letter from Ware. He went to the Parish Priest Rev D Mc Carthy his curate Rev Mahony and the Local Dispensary Doctor. They told Capt. Spark that the statement of Mr Ware was false 3 or 4 have died in Ballylongford town since Christmas. 2 were poor aged and were receiving relief. It was noted that Mr Edward Ware was taken off the relief list because he refused to Work he is now employed By Mr Blacker the Landlord. Mr John Blacker is employing the poor on his Estate doing work of Improvement at this time.

Aug 12 1848
Captain sparks Report on the Potatoe Crop in Newtownsandes Ballylongford and other Areas in North Kerry. It is Considered that 0.333 of the early sown Potatoes crop could be saved if there are dug in time. The late sown crop failed. Many Fields have sound Tubers not Affected by Blight. Oats and Barley look well. Wheat looks thin and weak. Corn Sowing was down a half to 0.33 from previous years. The corn crop will be jeopardised if the weather continues to be wet. Turnips and other Green crops look well but little sown in this area.

1850 Boston Globe

John Mulvihill of Newtownsandes .
6 yrs in USA lost Jane 2yrs ago his last sister was pointed from horsehead German county (chemung county) New York his sister Margaret Connell in new Orleans will he thank but for any information from his address to the care of N.W. Ryan Jackson st. 4th district, New Orleans.

Daniel and Patrick Dunford of Newtownsandes .
Daniel was in Cleveland Ohio. Patrick sailed from Tralee on August 1851 for Quebec in the ship Nester.
Information thankfully received by Timothy Flahavan, Hedgesville Berkley V.A

1850 Boston Globe advertising looking for Relations

William Walsh of Inchamore . last learnt of was at Melville Mass . His son Edward Walsh would like the hear from him . Direct to Enoch train and co. 37 and 30 lewis wharf Boston .

Richard Stack from Knockanure left Ireland in November 1851 in the "David Cannon" for New Orleans . When last heard from was in Dearborn co., Indiana. A few lines addressed to his wife Catherine Murphy . Alias Stack care of Mrs. Griffin 119 twelfth street Louisville K.Y. Will he carefully attended to

William McAuliffe of Newtownsandes . Who sailed from Liverpool to Quebec in the ship "John Adams" on the 12th of September 1850. Any person knowing him will confer a favour on his brother by writing to John stokes McAuliffe, Cavettsville Westmoreland co. P.A.

Dan Mangan of newtownsands . Sailed from Limerick to Quebec about 8 yrs ago . When last heard of he was in Rochester New York . Should this meet his eye or any person acquainted with him a favour would he conferred by writing to his brother John Mangan Carpenter care of P.E Green Cleveland Ohio.

Mary Mangan daughter of Pat Mangan and Ellen Mulvihill of Newtownsandes . She left Ireland 4 yrs ago .Any information will he thankfully received by her father Mount st. Patrick C.W

 

Notes 2000
MILLENNIUM PILGRIMAGE: will take place in the parish. Starting at Moyvane Church walking to Old Murhur Churchyard and to the Ahavoher Cemetery and on the Knockanure Church and the walk will end at the Old Knockanure Churchyard on the hill.

History: At present Knockanure village has only seven occupied houses.100 years the village had 19 houses. Two Pubs and several shops. Today only one pub remains. Many tradesmen worked in the village. Michael Carmody a Weaver, Dang Murphy a Blacksmith, Brosnan a Shoemaker, Hanrahan a Cooper and Mr Casey and Mr Carroll School teachers.

John Windle Sudden Death
Kerryman Report April 1924
Sudden Death in Listowel .
At about 11oclock on fri. a Fair Day in Listowel a small farmer of Aughrim Moyvane .John Windle aged about 65 yrs collapsed and died . an Inquest was held that evening by Dr Clancy Coroner .Mr Martin Mulvihill merchant .Church St .foreman of the Jurey .Sergt P Flynn represented the State . Martin Mulvihill said that he and his father were born on the next farm to the deceased and knew him very well a delicate man who lived alone with a couple of children . Was neglected and perhaps had no proper nourishment either. Mr William Collins also knew deceased well was also present .Mr Maurice Healy of Ballygrennan said that deceased appeared to be in ordinary health shortly before he died .
Dr T Buckley found that death was due to heart failure .A Verdict according to medical evidence was returned .
Another Report in the same edition .
Abbeyfeale Markets .
150 loads of hay @60 shillings upwards
Calves 25s to 50s each . eggs 10d per doz. potatoes 1s 3d per stone. oats 2s .

JJ Kennelly AUS
The North Western portion of this State has been visited by a plague of grasshoppers. Some say the hoppers came to visit His Royal Highness, Duke of Gloucester who is still here and must feel somewhat bored with the fulsome flattery and other rubbish that is daily heaped upon him by the Jingoistic element in these parts. In the hope of getting an advertisement for my book. I sent a copy to the Duke, but so far, I have not heard from him. If he accepts, the papers will have a feature of "Ned Kelly" being installed in the bosom of the Royal Family, But if he does not accept .I will send a similar copy to President De Valera with a suitable letter
My father arrived in MELBOURNE in 186 ? and my mother nee Julia Dillon of Lyrecrompane with her four children -Johanna Matthew ,Honora ,and Daniel arrived at Melbourne on the 10th of August 1865 . Patrick died at Listowel he was between Mat and Hanora .These born in Australia were Julia Mrs Ryan ,Jeremiah who died on 31st of August 1884. James Jerome yours truly ,Elizabeth and Mary Mother Benidect at the Presentation Convent , Windsor ,Melbourne .Dan died 16 Th July 1933 .Hanora is an invalid and has lived with me for many years .Mat is a well to do farmer at Eleven Mile Creek ,Glenrowan West ,Victoria ,Australia . Mat has 3 sons and 1 daughter . Dan 4 sons and 3 daughters .Mrs Ryan 2 sons and 2 daughters . Mat married Bridget OBbrien , Dan married Ellen Kelliher , and I married Elie Deegan . I addressed a copy of my book to Messrs Dillon Bros ,Lyrecrompane ,&c but I have not heard from any of them .I understand that some of Ned Dillon s sons are still living in the old family homestead and I would like to learn something about them .I am inclined to think that cousin Tim when living in West Australia was not very enthusiastic in his search for relatives in Victoria . I contested the Merenda Federal Electorate as a Labour Candidate inDecember 1906 and again in 1910 . In each case was defeated by one of my own Nationality . In 1906the late Richard O Neil acted as vote splitter for Robert Harper the retiring Member .In 11910 Mr Thomas Hunt of Kilmore , who had previously attended as delagate thePan Celtic Congress in Ireland acted , knowlingly or un knowlingly as Harpers vote splitter
The result was Harper protectionist 7900 votes
Kennelly Labour 7200 votes .
Hunt Independent Labour 1945 votes .
Thompson Independent 876 votes lost deposit
In a non-Labour Electorate, my effort was regarded, as the best fight put up for Labour in the whole Commonwealth Elections if 1910.
I am pleased to learn that you are taking a keen interest in Public Affairs.
I wish you every success

With Fondest Love to All
Wishing you and yours a Happy Christmas and
A Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Your Loving Cousin
Essendon

Melbourne.
Gerald Griffin 1803 to 1840
Gerald Griffin born 12th Dec 1803. Died Christian Brother Cork 12th June 1840 .Son of Patrick and Ellen Geary , his grandfather James Griffin died 1798 aged 68yrs. It is claimed that his great grandfather was Francis Griffin who married Nora Fitzgerald and lived at Glennalappa Moyvane.
Gerald had 8 brothers and 4 sisters. His parents took some of the children with them to Pennsylvania c1820. Leaving Gerald with his brother Dr William Griffin in Adare. Some of the works of Gerald Griffin," Holland Tide" short stories written by him in London as a young man, "Tales of the Munster Festivals"," The Collegians " which made a great name for him, In 1832 he published "The Invasion". Also in 1832 he asked Tom Moore the poet on behalf of some Limerick people to stand for election in Limerick Moore declined the offer. Stephen Mallory White born Sanfrancisco 1853, died Los Angeles 1901 he was Grandnephew of the Poet Gerald. Relations of Gerald Griffin Nuns and Priests .His Sister Lucy joined Presentation Youghal in 1837 she died 1844. Another sister Anne 1805-1878 Entered Sisters of Charity died Superior Clarinbridge. Cousins Ellen in 1840, Bridget in 1852 and Mary in 1853 all entered the Mercy Order in Limerick on years mentioned. Sr. Mary Brereton also a cousin joined the Mercy Order. 5 nieces in the USA became nuns. Another niece Sr. M Magdalene Griffin Died Canada 1901 she joined the Order of the faithful Companions of Jesus in 1872 she was a daughter of Daniel Griffin.

Fr. William Moloney
Fr William Moloney lately arrived from Ireland took up a tempory position in Sierra Valley where lived about 1000 people many of them Ranchers in 1868 . He is noted as being the first Missionary to visit the north of Pumas County . Visiting Johnsville on Deer Creek , Quincy, Indian Valley, Susanville and Honey Lake Valley in Lassen County . He was the first Priest in Lassen County . The records show that Fr William Moloney was very active on the Missions in California and Nevada .He gave 40yrs service to the Church in this area . Journies of 50 miles were common . At times he would be 100 miles from the end of the trail at Downieville where mining took place in 1880 . He named his famous Horse Charley . In the mountain area of Northern California travel in winter was difficult with deep snow drifts . To travel you would need a pine board 4" wide and 8 to 12ft long fixed to the soles of shoes a long stick was needed for balance . A priest had to be strong and fit to cope with the hardships of Missionary life . It took 6 weeks to make the circuit from Truckee to Alturas and back home again . Fr William Moloney son of Tadhg and Kate Enright born Coilagurteen, Knockanure in 1841 Ordained 1864, died Sutter Creek 1903 . He was a brother of M T Moloney Solicitor General Ottawa .Inscriptions on Family Headstone Gale Cemetery , Timothy Moloney died Nov 1st 1885 aged 93yrs . Memorial Erected by their son Maurice Moloney Ottawa Ill. USA . Also remembered son John Moloney who died Jan 19th 1904 .his wife Ellen died 13th April 1908 .son Edward Moloney died Nov 5th 1872 aged 27yrs .

FR. O CONNOR OF SHANAGOLDEN

Fr O Connor was my granduncle. He was a powerful strong man.
Lord Adams was building a castle one time the gave the contract to a English, but he told the Irish were to get work. The contractor brought a great big strong man from England with him, and any one that could bar stones with him got work .A labour men brought a letter from FR. O Connor of Shanagolden looking for work but they could not bar stones with the English man so they were sent away. Fr. O Connor gave a letter to a poor man and he went to lord Adare to get work . He was barring stones with the strong man and he was sent away because he couldn't carry keep up with him . " For Fr. O Connors sake give me work" said the poor man. "If Fr. O Connor were here himself I'd give him work" said the foreman. When Fr. O Connor heard it, he got an old suit of clothes and he put them on and carried his letter to Adare looking for work. He started working with the strong man. When the bar was full Fr. O Connor said " Is that all you're going to carry" The strong man said "the load maybe be too heavy when you get to the top with it. With that Fr. O Connor put on a few more stones on the load. When they were going to start he gave a little shake and broke the Englishman's back. Everyone got work after that.
He died in Shanagolden and some friends were there when he dying and he said to them "If the parishioners want to keep me don't go against them. The parishioners buried him in Knockanure graveyard beside the wall.

(This story was told by C. Shine a carpenter at newtownsands
On the 21-6-1934)

Fr Mathew
The great temperance campaign of Fr Mathew from 1839 to 1856 was a great success. It was said of him he achieved a great social Revolution where no blood was shed no desolation no widow or orphan tears. Temperance societies were Est. in every parish. Temperance Bands and Festivals were organised and Profits were used to Temperance Halls. The words of the pledge. I Promise by divine assistance to abstain from all Alcoholic Liquor and to prevent as much as possible Drunkenness in others.Fr Mathew was proud to have in the ranks of his Society people of every class and rank in life from the highest to the lowest of all political opinion and Religious Creeds. He said in his speech little do even pious people imagine after dining on tables groaning with the weight of costly viands and drinking their wine. That they are swallowing down the food of the hungry the clothes and the house of the homeless. In 1840 about 50,000 in Kerry took the pledge. The annual consumption of spirits C 1837 was 11.5 million gals the Temperance movement by 1842 had reduced consumption to less than 5.5 million gals.
Fr Mathew went to England and Scotland in 1843 he arrived in USA in July 2nd 1849 were he spent 2.5 years. He gave the pledge in over 300 town in the USA.Fr Mathew came to Newtownsandes on Sunday 10 of Oct 1841. The Kerry Examiner gave a list of people who donated Money to Moyvane(Newtownsandes) New Church on the day of Fr Mathew visit:

Rev T Mathew gave £25.25. P Cheevers Listowel £4. Knight of Glin £1. R.Q Sleemon Glin £1. Rev TL McDonnell Listowel £2. A Murry Listowel £1. James O Halloran Coolnaleen Listowel 50p. Rev Lyddy PP Abbeyfeale £1. Rev D Leahy Glin 50p. Rev. B. M. Maher P.P. Glin £1. William o Leary Glin £1. Miss Sergeant

FARMING IN NEWTOWNSANDS

Little is known of the early settlers in the parish. We can only guess the type of living and culture they had. They must have been very superstitious, as piosogs have survived to modern times. See local folklore (else where in this book).

Many sites are still to be seen where primitive people used cook their food. Burnt gravel mark their cooking sites. Cooking took place where there was a constant supply of fresh running water. Often neat swampy ground they used to heat stones in a sort of a bonfire. When they were red hot stones were tossed into a timber trough water with a wooden shovel. The stones were used to boil the water, which cooked the meat and vegetables. Often the stones busted with the heat, leaving the burned gravel, which marks the ancient peoples cooking site to this day. In lough Gur we can see the type of houses which our ancestors used 3000 years ago. It is though our first settlers came 6000 years ago.

The Bronze Age is thought to have about 2000BC. Celtic farmers grew barley and wheat and many vegetables. They built the ring forts, which were very numerous in the parish. Only a few now remain.
Faction fighting was the order of the day. With slavery the lot of most people. Human sacrifice was a practice in all cultures surly the Irish did the same.

When Christianity came to Ireland

When Christianity came to Ireland the population was small. By 700AD monasteries were well established. The monks having a settled live were able to make great progress in Farming, Medicine, Arts, and Building.
The Ardagh Chalice made 800AD shows how well art had developed. Monasteries controlled much of the food production.

Around the is time the Danes started to attack and plunder the monasteries. People were forced to return to substance farming. While the Danes started villages along the rivers and inlets of the country. They needed food fuel and materials to build houses and had to trade or plunder from the native Irish. The bartered or plundered for there needs. The next great change to come was the Normans who arrived in Ireland in 1170. They brought a lot of knowledge. To achieve total power they built strong tower houses and treated their tennants as serfs.

Here in the parish we had castles in Glennlappa and Keylod controlled by the Connors. The Connors were always feuding among themselves. Despite the unsettled state of the area, stone churches in Murhur and Knockanure were built. People marvel at the quality of the work that, is evident in the remains that still survive.

Farmers had to produce food for their lord and master also his friends and followers. The o Connors also had to have 100 foot soldiers and 60 professional soldiers on call to fight for the Earl of Desmond. When the Earl visited, he and his attendants were to be entertained to lavish banquets.
No doubt raiding parties went around the countryside collecting for the wants of their Lord and master Quick Justice or no Justice prevailed at the time. It is claimed that the population of the O Connors clan area in 1600 was about 2000 people.

Farming must have consisted of cattle (sheep) rearing on the open countryside as no fences exited until much later. Families had to secure small plots of ground to grow crops for household use. With no manure. They had to use new ground every few years. Many burned the scraw to provide some sort of fertiliser for their crops.

After the fall of the Connors in 1653, big changes came in landowner ship. Ex-soldiers and loyal servants were given confiscated land in payment for services received. 40 years later most of the Ex-soldiers were dispossessed. In 1750 the population of Ireland was about 3 million. Despite the hardships, disturbances and faction fights, in 90 years the population jumped to 8 million. The potato and the fencing of property helped to sustain the rapid growth in population. People could live on milk and potatoes all their life (many died young).
Early marriage and high birth rate where all hands were put to work. People were able to make a miserable living. People were self-sufficient. They had flax and wool to make clothing, houses were built of mud and thatch and bogdale sticks were also used to roof the house. Both pigs and poultry consumed all surplus and stale food. Most people lived as tenants. The could acquire the site of a house by working for a local farmer. These tenants had no rights. They could be evicted at any time by the property owner. These tenants at well provided free labour for the for the farmer. Another factor that contributed the population rise was fewer people were joining the wild geese to go to Europe. After the fall of limerick in1690 thousands of Irish men were forced to go to Europe to join armies. It was believed that recruiting gangs lured young men to embark for Europe. Once abroad ship there were never to return. The fall in the price of corn in 1797 created more unemployment among the land less people. Who were forced to make a living as best they could. The potato was their only salvation.The collapse of the banks in 1820 ruined many substantial farmers and business men.Many emigrated eg in 1825 2000 people left munster to found a colony in peterborough canada,many from the listowel area were among the emergrants.There was also a potato famine in 1821,1822 which led to many white boy attacks causing
Much destruction and loss of life. Butter making was allways a good trade in north Kerry. In 1820, 30,000 firkins were sent from north Kerry to cork. Before the famine, in1841 45% of farms were 1 to 5 acres. Only 7% of farms had 30 acres or more and by the time of the famine 2 million people were considered beggars or had no visible means of support. ln 1850 labourers wages were 5 d the price of one stone of potatoes. The famine and cholera caused the death of a great number of people. There are very few recollections of actual deaths from hugger in the parish. Older people could recall the death of one or two strangers who died on the roadside. It is presumed that they died from hunger. Many families left the countries side and went to the towns looking for food which was distributed in the towns over crowding poor sanitation and malnutrition cause the death of many. Many families at the time had up to ten children who were very vulnerable to disease. When people left their houses or were evicted their house would be knocked. Cattle grazed their potato patch so less labour would be needed. Forcing more people into the workhouse or emigrate. The poor man abandoned all the small plots of land. While his better off neighbour was able to enlarge his farm. The biggest difficulty of emigration was the fare. A man with property could sell it to pay his fare, while the poor man often had to go to England to earn the price of the ticket. In the mean time, his wife and children were in the workhouse. Sometimes the workhouse would pay the fare of teenagers to go abroad. Many of them were orphans. Between 1850 and 1870s sapaights of limerick took a half of million people to America. It was not all hunger in Ireland before the famine. It was reported that as many as 100 boats were on the Shannon. 50 thousand barrels of grain and 25 thousand pigs were sent to limerick up the Shannon, also 200 firkins of butter a month. Between the famine and1879 farming was improving the size of farms had increased. Bad harvests in 1879 caused server hardship and many were threatened with eviction. Michael Davit organised the land league. The land league wanted the three Fs. Fair rent, fixaty of tenure and free sale. Most people joined the land league. Old newspapers contained reports of their activities. Many from the parish were arrested and imprisoned in limerick. The neighbours of the imprisoned did all their farm work while they were away. The ladies land league were very active at this time. The land act of 1881 gave some relief. Other acts were to follow in later years. In a short while all the land was bought from the landlords. Tenants gained ownership of the land at a small yearly rent. One side affect of the farmer owner ship of land was that new young farmers had no land available to rent. New entrants had to wait until middle age before they could farm in their own right. This had a negative effect on farm progress.
Some prices in 1897: 3 heifer calves £9.00
Mid-wife salary £25.00 per year.
Many emigrated and some joined the army. Donations from abroad helped to rare many families. When they were old enough they immigrated to join their uncles and brothers. Immigration took of the economic pressure from at home. When most of the family had immigrated whoever was chosen to run the home place could get married and raise a family of there own and the cycle of emigration continued.

Wakes and fairs

In the old times, wakes were a big occasion. where all the neighbours and relations from miles would come to the house of the deceased and expect to the entertained. It is thought that the funeral to the church in the evening before the burial was a means of curtailing some of the excesses at wakes.

Fairs were another tome for trouble both with animals and men. People had to prepare early in the morning so that they would have their cattle in to the town to have a good position. the earlier you arrived, it was believed you would get a better price. When animals were sold, it was the custom of the farmer to buy provisions and necessities for themselves and their families and may also had to pay the bank and shops for money due.

WORK ON THE FARM
Work on the farm went with the seasons and repeated itself every year. In the winter cattle were housed they had to be supplied with hay and bedding and cleaned out every day with a pike and a shovel and a wheel barrow. Every day turnips and mangles had to be pulped to give the animals a proper feed.
For calving, you would call a neighbour who would have skills in dealing with animals this skill was handed down for generations.
During the winter land was ploughed so that the winter frost which was more severe than at present help to cultivate the ground. It was also a time when to make drains and dykes.
Fences had to be repaired. Many people had law cases over trespass which kept the solicitors busy. The electric fence was a great invention and it put an end to most trespass cases. Cows would be housed until may. Calves had to be attended to.
No antibiotics were available Many died from diseases, which can be easily cured at the present time. Red water, Fluke ,Worms, and other wasting diseases caused by mineral shortage Spring was a time for planting Potatoes ,Corn ,and root crops planting was slow and laborious . Crops had to be weeded, thinned and potatoes had to be risen to, at the same time cutting of turf would take place three or four men would a slean and pikes would take nearly a week to cut enough turf for a farmers house. Later hay had to be cut a man could cut one acre a day with a scythe, a mower who had a dispute with another mower it was arranged to put something in his tea in no time he had the runs, there was nothing for it but take off his trousers and work away he was not going to be stopped.
Cutting the corn
Cutting the corn in the autumn. Binding the sheaves, some women used bind the sheaves with a child on their backs, when the corn was dry in the stooks it was carted to the farmyard where a stack was made, later the trashier called all the neighbours called to give a hand. In old times a man with a winnow used travel from farm to farm blowing the chaff from the grain, around the races potatoes would be dug, potatoes would be put into pits and would have to be turned several times during the winter, many young men and women found employment at both home and abroad. Late in the year all root crops were put into clamps to protect them from the frost and the weather, surplus produce was taken to the market by the horse load, one poor man had big pockets in his coat so that he could take samples from many bags put them in his pocket and in this way he was able to feed himself. Old trades have nearly died out like shoeing horses, harness making, stone mason and the repair person who could do all sorts of trades, he could build, thatch repair, pave and pick scallops or quarry flags.
Household chores
Household chores have changed very much during the last century, most houses in the first half of this century were thatched with an open fire in the kitchen, fires had to be started in the morning to make breakfast, water had to be drawn from the well or stream, clothes were made from old suits, jumpers were knitted, sheets made from flour bags, crochet quilts. All clothes had to be hand washed, big items you put them in a tub and trample them with your feet, smaller items you used a washing-board or boil them in a pot, baking was an art great judgement was needed otherwise you had a burnt loaf, children were often dressed in rags the new clothes saved for Sunday or special occasions, fowl of all sorts were at the kitchen door or inside the house looking for a bite to eat, a dog or cat could raid the table it was then you would hear the noise, pigs got the waste small potatoes and a shake of meal on top. Ducks and geese were in every puddle in the yard. Children would search the ditches for eggs, laid by hens sometimes a hen could arrive with a clutch of chickens.
The station was always a big occasion families spent weeks preparing they wanted everything right on the day, on one occasion a girl was sent to the well for water she took the only kettle in the house she left it fall into the well what a fuss was created no kettle and no water.

 

Tithes Newtownsandes C 1824
Leitrim

Maurice Kennelly: 5.25 Ac
James Gaould:8.25
Micheal Kennelly:19.75
John Scannlon:27.75 AC
Mulvihill :12 AC
Walsh : 57.75
Roger Connor: 168 AC
Divided among the Above 4
James Mahony:12
____________________
___________________
______________
______________
Gradeys 69.25 Ac
Enright and Hanrahan 52.75 Ac
Enright 3 Ac
Mce Enright 17 Ac
Scanlon 23 Ac
Conor Frauley 22.75 Ac
Heffernan:64.25 AC
Patrick Culhane:40 AC
Thomas M Scanlon:37.50 AC
Do: 15 AC
James Mulvihill
-----------------------------
John Quinn :15.25 AC
Martin Kennelly:23 AC
John Hanrahan:10.25 AC
Fennel ? :18.25 AC
John Fitzmaurise:47.25 AC
Pat Mulvihill:24.25 AC
Pat Mulvihill:26.50 AC
--- --- ---- ----- :38.75 AC
Connor O Brien:17.50 AC
Michael Windle:37.50 AC
John Fitzmaurise:22.25 AC
Do:14.50 AC

Moyvane
Contd:
Edmond Flaherty:64.25 AC
Jer Mulaihill:87 AC
(Edward Carmody
Michael Carmody
James o Connor)88 AC
John Connors:29.75 AC
Dan Dunford:49.50
Pat Moloney:15.50 AC
Connor Kennelly:11.75 AC
Denis Enright:13 AC
John Burk:6 AC
Richard Collins:51 AC

 

Catherine Hanrahan:57.50 AC
Edmond Carr:26 AC
Sandes:21 AC
Michael Hanrahan:13.50 AC
Pat Walsh:9.25 AC
D Keys:19.75 AC
Michael Callahan:26.50 AC
Michael o Connor:23.50 AC
Charles McCarty:12.50 AC
McCarthy:11.50 AC
Michael Walsh:24.50 AC
Grady:16.75 AC
James Barrett:16.25 AC
(Mulvihill
Edmond Cusack:38.50)
Bog in Common:47.50 AC
James Kennelly: 59 AC

Gortdromosillihy
Widow Fitzmaurice:60.75
John o Connol:7.75+22.50
:22 AC
Nowlan:26.75
Stack:5.75
Mulvihill:4.75 + 44.25
John Nowlan:36.75
Dan Nowlan:14 AC
Michael Hanrahan:25.50
(Enright
Mulvihill:2.50+ 100+26+37
Tom Connor:10.50
Do: 13 AC
Do:9.50
Pat Power:8.50 AC
Hanrahan:38.50 AC
Do:13.25 AC
Quinn:14
Do:9 AC
John Mulvihall:35 AC
Do:35 AC
Quinn:2.75
Do:23.25 AC
James Quinne:5.50
Do:9.50
? 3.50
Burke 20.75
Fitzmaurice 15
William Connell , 10.75
Widow Connors 10.75
Mulvihill 7.50
Fitzmaurice 8.50
. Fitzmaurice 20
Widow Moore 33..25
David Lawlor 12.25
Rev Michael Sullivan 17.75
Michael Moore and
Thomas Moore , 24,39 ,33.
Michael Connor ,34.50
Tubbertureen
Kennelly Fitzgerald and
Edmond Flaherty ,81.50
Mce Moore andTom Moore
3 ,56,29,71,4,13
Andrew Mc Mahon and
Mulvihills,64,38,7,8,3.
in common ,100
Mulvihill and Connell
5.25 ,38.75

KILBAHA
Michael Connal:12.25
Do :35.75
Connor Shannon:29.75
Widow Shine:24.75
William Duggan 21.50
Cunningham:26
-----------------:148
-----------------:3.50
Cunningham:25.75
Connor----------:13.50 +
Corse Meadow:10.50
Do 2
Keane + Partner:51.25
Do Connor:17.25
Richard Barrett: 47.25
Lawlor and Mulvihill:79
Sheahan Mulvihill and
Sullivan Hanrahan:77.50
John Burk:22.75
John Hanrahan:29.75
Mick Hanrahan:23
Dan Kennelly:27

AUGHRIM

Mulvihill ,20.25
Ml Connell ,20.50
Pat Mullane ,28
?,14.25
John Dower ?.13.50
Flahavin ?,18.75
Ed Mulvihill ,35.75 .
Connell ,15.25 .
Patt ? ,16
Patrick ? ,37.75
Mick +P Mulvihill ,87.
Pat Moore ,21.75
?,60.
Widow Buckley
Riordans +Windle
Michael Carr
John Culhane
Fitzgerald +oConnor
Do arable+156 Bog
Pat Culhane

GLENNALAPPA

Dan o Lyons ,12.75
Michael Windle ,21.
Widow Fitzmaurice ,45.
Fitzmaurice+Lyons ,18.25
Robert Buckley ,25.25
Graddy +Kennelly ,38.
James Pierce ,32.25
Flaherty +Creagh ,44.25
John Walsh ,40.75
Fitzmaurice +Mulvihill ,38.75
W Michael Enright ,90,
Castle Quarter ,168.
Mulvihill+Carroll ,107

Pisiogs
Wakes and funerals
The Last person leaving the church after the funerals was supposed to be the next person one to die so that in oldthan it was amusing to see the people rushing to leave the church.If you meet a funeral on the road,turn around and walk three steps with it.
A grave is never opened on a Monday; if the person has to be buried on Monday the grave is reddened on Sunday.Never clean your shoes in the churchyard. Never wear new clothes for the first time at a funeral.
Never go to see a sick person on your way to or from a funeral.Never go into a churchyard except to a funeral.Never count the cars at a funeral.If there are two funerals to the same churchyard on the same day each party do their best to be first in the gate of the church,as the last corpse to enter is supposed to have to draw water to the dead until the next corpse arrives.If a person dies a distance from home if possible the funeral must go passed his house on its way to the churchyard.A pregnant woman should never go into a churchyard.It is believed that if she does,the child will be born with a " mácail " called cosan na roilige . You should never clean your shoes in a churchyard. They say you should take great care when walking a churchyard because if you fell it is said that you would be the next to be buried there . It is said when a person dies all the clocks in the house should be stoped . You should take a short cut to a graveyard . If the cock comes to the door and begins crowing it is a sign that somebody's going to die in the house. To here the cuckoo at your back is a sign of a sudden death. The cook to fly up on the window is a sign that somebody's going to die in the house.

Baptisms
If you stand for too children in the same year one of them is sure to die . You should not stand for a child if your getting married in the same year . It is unlucky to have three of the same christian name in the house. When a child is being taken to the chapel to be baptised, if the person who takes the child goes in the front door . If in a house he/she must go out the back door. They count it very unlucky to go out under a ladder which is placed up against the wall of a house. It is very unlucky to break a looking glass because you would have seven years bad luck. It is very unlucky to strike ant one with a brush, it is a sign of great misfortune . It is very unlucky to spill salt on the floor. A black cat in the house is a sign of good luck. It is very unlucky to open an umbrella over your head inside a house. It is very unlucky to meet a single magpie on the road in morning . It is very unlucky to burn a pack of cards.

Past Times
At the turn of the century, the rambling house was the most popular pastime. The educated and the middle class joined the Gaelic league while others joined the temperance movement. Later the Sinn Fein had a club in every parish. On the 25-02-1918, a group of Knockanure Sinn Fein members went to Listowel to help plough the cows' lawn. Young men were drilling with sticks to prepare them of the coming rebellion. They would use their sticks as they had seen soldiers use guns. Sports were all the rage. Who was the best man and proud of it. A man looking for a fight would walk down the street with his coat trailing after him to see who would stand on it. The offender would be challenged to a fight. A local man came out of Ned the ladies pub. In the darkness of the night, he saw a white pier of a gate. He challenged it to a fight. When the pier would not move he gave it a belt of his fist. The following day his knuckles were skinned. Hunting with dogs was also common. Jer Nolan borrowed a greyhound to chase a fine hare he had seen. The greyhound broke a leg in the chase. That was the fix he was in, having to explain what had happened. Platform dancing at crossroads and dancing at houses after card games and raffles were also popular. The stories often told of a man who won a useless horse. Brought him to the village, tie the horse to a latch of a door. Every time to occupant of the house tried to open the door the horse would pull it shut. They being no back door to the house the occupant was a prisoner in his own house. Another trick was to dismantle a donkey's car. Place it inside a kitchen put on the wheels again and put the ass under the car when the owner came home what a fuss he crated to get the ass and car out. When a family had visitors with a good fire in the hearth, fellows not invited to the party would be jealous, so they would block the chimney, in no time at all the party would be over. In no time hosts and visitors would be out on the road, coughing and choking having inhaled the smoke. To the merriment of the tricksters. Robbing orchards was also a pastime for the younger. Most established farmers had orchards with several varieties of fruit. Many a lad was caught up a tree with a cross dog waiting for him to come down. When the harvest was completed everyone took a day or two off for the races. It was recorded that Listowel races were held in Newtownsands in 1857. Drawing sand from Ballybunion was another winter job. Some went nearly every day. They would often play tricks on girls going for water to the pump on the Ballybunion road. One girl was well able for them. She threw a bucket of freezing water over her attacker.

Maggie from the lot

In the ploughlands of Kilbaha there dwells a comely maid,
Its many the young and foolish heart she has betrayed
Loved by rich and poor though humble in her cot
Her name I wont tell where she Dwells is always called the lot
Connell and Power like salmon in a scour they're dying with the hatch
The man says that he'll entertain them and the house they'll thatch
Maggie she is wide-awake drawing them every hour
The Maid was smart and Won the heart and a watch from power.

About Maggie forester

Mickey Drury was married to Joan Carroll their children Paddy, born 1859, Jack was lame, Billy had his neck a bit twisted, Mick called Ruck they had one sister

 

Mr Quinlan 1943

Mr Quinlan visited the parish in 1943 to collect information on curiosities, customs, patterns, historic houses, burial places and antiquities. The following is a condensed version of his report.

At Gortdromagowna there is a blessed well called Tobar Dominac. It is enclosed by trees and a low ditch. Rounds are made during the month of May. It is said that its waters have a cure for eyes. The rounds three rosaries are said walking around the well. Pieces of cloth are tied to the trees that surround the well. Religious objects are also left at the well. It was clamed that a Woulfe woman washed clothes in the blessed well. When the well was in Woulfes land. The next morning the well transferred to O Connors land.
Note: J Kennelly, the late James Woulfe told me that the well changed when the land was in Nolan ownership.

 

Patterns

Knockanure sports were held on the 15th of August. No saint is honoured or rounds paid on Pattern Day. In 1943 it was expected that the sports would be revived again.

Forts

Mr Quinlan mentions two ordinary forts. One near Stephen Barry between Gale Bridge and Knockanure and the other at Dan McMahons of Gortglanna.

Old Knockanure Church

Knockanure church is said to have been built in 1649. It was 90 feet long and 30 feet wide and the wall were 10 feet high. The gables are the same as when carrying a roof, which may be flags from the near by quarry. The wall of limestone and of comparatively modern structure. The church has for windows, the outline of too others are visible. The door is on the south. Tradition says that L Moriarty of Castleisland was the last p.p. of the church. While the church was knocked during penal times, it was only been built then. It was completed after penal times.

 

Monastery on Mr James Barretts land

On the lands of Mr. James Barrett of Carrueragh. Mr. Barrett will show you where the wall of a substantial monastery and church were the o Mahony family are blamed for evicting the monks. But they returned later. Mr Quinlan could not find out which branch of monks lived at Carrueragh. Tradition says that the prior was Mr. William Keane. His assistants Fr. Stack and Fr. Toban the names of the other are lost. The monastery was said to have been destroyed about 200 years ago. Mr. Barrett will show any visitors the site.

Newtownsands Historic House

At Glenalappa about 5 miles from Newtownsands a low thatched farmhouse said to belong to Thomas Moores Grandfather. The house is still owned by the Moore family.

Castle

About 2 and a half miles from Newtownsands at Glenalappa from the roadway can be seen a large mound the Owenamoy river. Where a mound of stones fifteen feet high and ten feet across marked the site of the castle. The castle was protected by the river and a huge dyke. No local stories about the castle. The only tails are about great jumps made by horses in the glen.

Murhur Church in the Graveyard

In 1942 a large section of the top of the wall was removed by the B.O.H. because of the danger to the public. The stone are to be used in the building of a new church in the village of Newtownsands. The Murhur church was though to be a 17th century building. About 120 feet long and 40 feet wide. The wall are 5 feet thick. The church has 4 widows. The base of which is 5 feet from the ground. Wall are 6-10 feet high. No record of Saints name or traditions connected with the church are available.
Note: a note states that a pattern was held in honour of the Blessed virgin in September.

Michael J Nolan JP. Report of his death in the Kerryman of 31st Jan 1920 Michael J was 35 yrs Justice of the Peace , the 2nd Chairman of Kerry County Council . People of every political opinion attended his funeral Sinn Feiners , Constitutional Nationalist , Tories , Corsanites and nothings as well as allReligious Denominations . The chief mourners were Sons Jer M Nolan , Tarbert House , Auctioneer and Tom Nolan Excise and Customs, London . Mrs Jim Nolan and family, Willie Nolan wife and family , Timmie Nolan wife and family . Daughters Mrs Brosnan , Mrs Buckley , Mrs D J Flavin , Mrs James Moran ,Nephews , Dr J S Nolan , Wales and Bob Nolan .Nieces Mrs J Walsh , sister in law Mrs Jer Nolan . Cousins Michael A Nolan Chicago , James Nolan , Monica Nolan , Con , Michael and Anthony Brosnan . Marie ,Teresa , Mary Ita , Nell ,Timmy and Michael Buckley .Marie, Josephine, Seamus, Paddy, Michael, Joan and Breda Flavin .Robert and Monica Nolan .Pat Nolan . Teresa, Eileen, Bride, and Patrick Nolan .Mrs Nolan and daughters Mary, Ellie, Annie and Bridie .Mrs Byrne Instructress .

 

MACRA

Knockanure branch of Macra na Feirme was established in 1955.
President: Fr. J Galvin C.C
Vice-President: Joe Sweeney ,Pat Kennelly .
Chairman: John Leahy .
Treasurer; James o Connor
Secretary: Tom Flavin
Committee: Ned Sheehy, John Murphy, Jerry Clancy, Jerry Enright, Maurice Stack, Willie o Connor, J. Hanrahan, Tim Scanlon, Jackie Goulding, James Ahean. Members: Sean Nolan, Jim Connor, Sean Broderick, Tom Kennelly, Denis Murphy, Rich Shanahon, Hugh Goulding, Christy Goulding, R. Stack.
The first meeting held on the 27th of December 1955.Mr S Geaney VS Castleisland attended and Mr. N. Horan chairman of the county executive of Macra.
The church building fund was in progress at this time also.
Mr. J McNamara gave a lecture to the class on January 21st 1956 on his visit to Denmark. Described their methods and answered questions. They
Hoped at their next meeting to get a film show on farming methods,. Later replies from film operators stated that E.S.B. must be installed before they could show films. The department of agriculture asked farmers to dress cattle against warbles and to castrate or slaughter all male calves not intended for breeding immediately.
A public meeting also called to encourage the E.S.B.to come to the parish.
Macra social in Killarney on Dec 18th 1956 at ten schillings per ticket.
The branch also enquired the cost of Mr Walsh's hall in Listowel for a dance the fee was £22. On the 30th November 1957 the branch held a dance in Moyvane they also decided to give £3 to the church building fund. Emmet Leahy also joined the club in 1956.
In Oct 23rd 1957 Dr Michael Brosnan asked the branch to do some thing for the Kerrymen's hostel in London. It was decided to hold a church gate collection for them.
More meetings were held with the E.S.B to encourage them to send an official canvasser to the parish, without result so local public representations were contacted to enlist their help.
Lectures were given by Mr R. F. Ryan on soil fertility, also Mr Fred Hayden national organiser for Macra attended one of their meetings. He introduced debating to the club. March 12th 1957 James F. Nolan photographer attended and took photos for the farmers journal. Moyvane had a film show on the cow on 22nd Feb 1957 Mr McNamara agricultural instructor in charge of the film. The branches first film show was shown on Nov 19th 1957.They also put down concrete floor in the old hall and got seats from the old church in Moyvane to furnish it.

New members in 1957 were Jerry and Paddy Carroll, Willie Stack, and Philip Donovan. The branches first outing was held on May 20th 1958 they visited Mitchelstown and the Ivan Allen farm. The branch also had a quotation for a bus from Knockanure to Limerick show for £19, not enough members were interested and the trip was cancelled
In October the secretary wrote to the B.T.E office in Tralee to get lecture on TB. They also hired Bunny Dalton Band for a dance .Repairs to the Hall cost £12 ten Shillings .Many Dances were held over the years The Bands included The Western Star Band tickets for their Dance cost 3 shillings .The OConnell Band and another new pop Band called The Radar also played at dances .A discussion took place on staging a play .Fledged And Flown was chosen as their first play .That decision was made on March 9 th 1959.Members of the drama group went to see Sive in Listowel on May 13 th 1959 On the 22of Feb 1960 the Club wrote to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs asking him to erect a Public Phone Booth in the Village, It was also decided to ask the Council to erect Public Lights in the Village .A card game was planned for 24 th of Oct 1960 .First Prize £5 plus other Prizes. Lectures continued from time to time given by Local Instructor Mr Maurice Stack of Listowel .On Sept 16 th 1965 the Club was told of a new Television Programme ,called Telefis Feirme . It was decided to apply for a T v set so that members could view the Programme .A short time later the Club was told that they were one of 5 in the County selected to receive a free T V set .Mansholdt came to Tralee in 1970 many from the Parish went to see and hear him in the Brandon Hotel . He predicted that the viable farmer would have 40 cows and do all the work himself .There was great excitement in Tralee on the night Mr Mansholdt gave his talk with anti Common Market protesters waving Placards and shouting slogans It appeared to be an organised protest with little local support .Inside in the Brandon Hall many questions were asked of Mr Mansholdt and the Minister for Agriculture
The final Story of Knockanure Macra Na Feirme is yet untold old Photos and Minute Books have been mislaid it is hoped to collect further details at a later date

 

History 150yrs Fr John Francis Kirby signed the baptism Book at the Jesuit Church Key West Florida . He was Appointed the first Vicar General of the diocese of Savannah .Timothy Kirby of Glennalappa , and Mrs Bridget Kirby Kennelly of Kilbaha were brother and sister of Fr Kirby .Another brother Fr Pat Kirby was educated in Rome . While Edmond joined the Benedictines in Pennsylvania .Other sisters Mrs Nora Foley and Mrs Julia o Connell .A great many of their relations still live in the parish .

May 2000
News
Golden Jubilee:Fr Tom Hicky PP, he is remembered for the many playes and concerts he organised,Cannon Kelly, Parish priest of Athea is Celebrating his Golden Jubilee. Many from the parish attended his mass in Athea.

Silver Jubilee: of Fr Eugene Boyce cc, he is a great man to give a sermon or write a article for a book,

Mr William A Ryan Of Ballyguiltenane .
The serious illness of Mr William A Ryan recalls a chapter in the growth of the Church in the United States which is interesting and typical .
100 yrs ago Irish parents agreed very reluctantiy to allow their children to Emigrate to America unless they could be settled where a Priest of the family was serving the Church . This was particularly true of the Southern States .Bishop John England is to this day considered Americas greatest Bishop . From the beginning he insisted that the Catholic Church should not be presented to the American people as a foreign Church