In and about Kinvara 1995/96 Price £2 Kinvara and District

Credit Union Limited Kinvara, Co. Galway. Tel : 091 37525 Board of Directors Opening Hours Chairman : Peter Greene Kinvara Vice Chairman : Brendan Leech Secretary: Jennifer Linnane Wednesdays 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Assistant Secretary: Ailbhe ORourke Fridays 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Treasurer: Toddie Byrne Assistant Treasurer: Saturdays 7.30 pm - 9.00pm Maureen Heffernan Sundays 11.30 am - 1.00 pm Marian Connolly Madeleine Mahon Brendan Leech Luke McCarthy Ballyvaughan Training Officer : Breda Kilkelly Public Relations : Michael Organ Thursday 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Directors : Kilian Kenny Saturdays after evening Mass Helen O’Connor Mona Gill Gerry Naughton • Almost 700 members Supervisors : Paddy Kavanagh • Over 232,000 received in shares Sheila Conneely Pauline Keane • Advanced over 355,000 in loans

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EDITORIAL We learn from remembering. We heal through remembering. Gary White Deer, a representative of the Choctaw Indians , whose ancestors sent aid to Ireland during the famine a mere seventeen years after they themselves had been dispossessed, said in Mayo this year: “You can’t heal unless you remember..... Healing is remembering.” Another speaker, comparing the Irish Famine with contemporary famines, on the same occasion said: “...the truth is that

In and about Kinvara 1995/‘96 Price £2 the Irish Famine was a symptom of social and economic policies that continue.” This edition of Tracht continues our community's remembrance of the Famine because we believe we can continue to learn more about ourselves from it. We can grow through recognising the horrors visited by a Editor heartless economic system on our ancestors and we can question whether a similar system may yet be at Bill Dooley work in the world. In this edition too, we remember our more distant heritage. We look at St. Coman’s church and we recognise we are all the poorer for not having this treasure accessible to us all though we accept that it Editoroal Board must be in a controlled manner so as not to disturb in any way the residents adjacent to the site. Stan MacEoin Dr. Garrett Fitzgerald - on the occasion of Paddy Geraghty’s bringing a unique honour to Kinvara, when Marian Connolly he was named Irish Life Pensioner of the Year - said that vitality and service were the distinguishing marks of the winners of the award. We hope that these qualities will become values which more people in Paddy Geraghty our community will adopt. Jeff O'Connell We wish to salute, not only Paddy Geraghty, but all the women and men in our community who work Chris Mooney selflessly to make this the great community it is. They are to be found in the many sports organisations, in the Community Council, Credit Union. Women's Group, Play Group, Social Services. Tidy Towns and Toddie Byrne others. Whether you belong to an old established family living either in Kinvara or away from home; or whether Graphic Design you are a new resident in our community (i.e. moved in over the last fifty years!) or whether you are simply a lover of the area who comes to visit now and then, we hope you enjoy reading Tracht. We hope it Glen Mulcahy gives you a better feel of what Kinvara is. Maybe something in it will inspire you to become more involved. Or maybe something will provoke you to put pen to paper to get your point of view in print. We Lay-Out and Setting welcome such wider participation. Petra Bhreatnach The layout artwork, photography, typesetting, much of the editorial work and advertising management for this edition have all been done by the participants of our F AS Community Employment Project. They have carried out their task as a co-operative team in a most professional way. They deserve our thanks and Cover Design congratulations. The community should be grateful to them and to other CEP/FAS participants who have Pam Fleming been engaged by the Community Council for the fine work they have done in our schools, churches and grounds. Community Centre, and in beautifying our village and approach roads with their much acclaimed murals, well cared for flower beds and shrubberies, repaired walls and other improvements. Compilation and Typing We have kept the price of this Tracht at the ridiculously low sum of £2. We have done this so that no-one Kathleen Kenny will be able to say that they couldn't afford to buy it because it was too expensive. This would not have been possible without the generous support of our advertisers. We ask all our readers to support them, in return, whenever possible. Photography Ta stiil againn go mbainfidh tu taitneamh as Tracht a leamh. Buiochas duit as e a cheannach; buiochas dar Glen Mulcahy scribhneoiri, dar bhfogroiri agus do chuile dhuine a chabhraigh linn e a fhoillsiu. Go gcuiti Dia bhur saothar libh. Thomas Quinn Ar aghaidh le cheile. Feature Articles Page Cartoons Kinvara s Hidden Church JeffO' Connell 5 Martin Clare All Revealed 12 The Great Educators 15 Mary Remembers Mary O’ Shaughnessey 18 Advertising and Publicity What do they do ? 19 Bill Dooley Reflections on Pat Keane Charlie Piggott 23 A Walk on the Child’s side Chris Mooney 25 Paddy Geraghty Kinvara Through Old Photographs 29 Chris Mooney Folklore from Kinvara * 35 The Famine Years Oliver Martyn 39 Our Trip to Local Mendon Kathleen Kenny 43 Published by: What it said in the Papers Caoilte Breatnach 45 Kinvara Community Council Ltd The Famine in Kinvara JefFO’ Connell 47 in co-operation with Paracetamol Seadna Tobin 56

FAS Community Employment * Our thanks to The Head of the Folklore Dapt.. University College Dublin for permission to publish this Project article

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SUB OFFICE KINVARA, SATURDAY'S 11A.M. - 1P.M. (BESIDE TULLYS BAR) Fahy’s General John Huban Merchants BUILDING Nogra, Kinvara, CONTRACTOR Co. Galway Knockaculleen Tel:(091) 37116 Dooms, Kinvara Phone no.: (091) 37211 Fuel, Coal, Gas, Bar, Shop Registered for all types —Restaurant— of Building work Kinvara’s ‘Hidden’ Church 1. of the earliest permanent buildings to and three-storey buildings as well as Ruined churches are a common be erected in a small settlement, as several walls that prevent any public sight throughout Ireland. Originally this settled population increased in access. What is more astonishing is Roman Catholic, after the the 18th and 19th centuries the that certainly the south-facing line of Reformation in England, and expanding town often came to houses has been built directly into the especially after the Elizabethan encompass the site of these now sloping hill of the original graveyard. Church settlement, these medieval ruined church. Examples of this type To put it bluntly, the places of worship were either taken of development include the ruined foundations of these buildings are laid over by the new English Church in church of St. Jarleth in the town of over probably a large number of early Ireland - the fate of many of the Tuam and the ruined abbey of Cong graves. There is. so far as I am aware, cathedrals, such as Christ Church on the edge of that village. no precedent for such a thing in Dublin, and Collegiate Churches, Kilfenora, in Co. Clare provides an happening anywhere else in Ireland like St. Nicholas' in Galway - or interesting example of how the Sometimes a very ancient burial abandoned to the elements. functions could be combined. The ground is discovered when building Even when they had fallen into ruin cathedral of St. Fachtna was the takes place, but what we are talking and were of no use to the legally Episcopal see of the diocese of about in Kinvara is a gravey ard that established Church, they could not be Kilfenora. After the Reformation it was still is use less than a century1 used for Roman Catholic worship ceased its function as a Roman ago. because the land upon which they Catholic place of worship. However, a Today the only ways in which stood belonged to the Reformed portion of the original medieval you gain access to at least a portion of Church. The only kind of ecumenical cathedral was preserved for Protestant the old graveyard and church lie relations that existed concerned the worship, while the greater part of the through the yards belonging to the dead; Roman Catholics continued the site was allowed to fall into ruin. Old Plaid Shawl and through the back practice of burial in the old Meanwhile the graveyard entered on yards of Leech's Craft Shop and the graveyards, where they rested with the common road of posthumous adjacent houses extending up the apparent equanimity alongside their inter-denominational harmony. main street to Sayre's Restaurant. The Protestant counterparts. However, The medieval church of Kinvara actual entrance to the church itself is until the repeal of the Penal follows the pattern of Tuam and directly behind the large three-story legislation, a Roman Catholic priest Cong. with, however, one highly house next to the Post Office. was not allowed to conduct any form unusual exception. From the late 18th of burial service within the to the late 20th century the church 2. churchyard. and its graveyard has been entirely The primary7 purpose of this Because a church was frequently one enclosed behind a row of sturdy two - article is to describe Kinvara's 'hidden' church; outline what little is known about its history and associations; and provide a partial list (originally published in the author's Kinvara History: A Family Affair; other grave stones certainly exist in the back gardens of the houses backing on to the church but they are either difficult or access or covered over with earth) of those buried in its graveyard. A secondary aim is to alert people in Kinvara. in particular those whose forebears are buried here, to the badly neglected state of both church and graveyard in the hope that steps can be taken to restore them both and allow limited access - perhaps at certain times of the year - ST COHAN'S CHURCH ANP &RAVEYAR.P to the site. drawing courtesy of Tir Eolas

5 The church, aligned as is in the south wall indicates the church it is not possible to identify the exact traditional from east to west, stands does not date back earlier than the location of this iron ring and cover­ on a hill that faces the quay on the 14th century, before which time is slab; it may be either covered by the east; the hill falls away sharply to the was customary to have a flat-headed accumulating earth, or destroyed as south (the main street of the town), doorway in the west gable (as. for the result of building work in the back and more gradually to the north; to example, in Drumacoo Church near garden of J.J. O'Dea's house. Out of the west the ground is fairly level and Kilcolgan. and the cathedral church at the total of 5.3 headstones, eleven can is bounded by the outbuildings of the Kilmacduagh). be identified within the church, the Old Plaid Shawl and the back y ard of The west gable is very plain earliest being the low irregular stone J.J. O'Dea. and shows no evidence of any features with the inscription '1688 pray for the Much longer than it is wide, such as windows or a door. soule of — Donaugh Margaret Kelly. its dimensions are 16.90m x 7.30m. All the walls of this quite Of particular interest are The north wall is plain and large mediev al church survive to their two long cross-inscribed stones windowless, and in the western part of full height, with the exception of the located almost in the middle of the the wall there are traces of corbel west gable, a portion of which has church that, from this particular holes which, if they were extant, collapsed. There is a tradition that a motif, can be dated to the 13th-Nth would have supported the roof beams. sheela-na-gig. those enigmatic female century. What Dr. J.J. Fahey, in his In the eastern corner of the north wall 'exhibitionist' figures often found on 'History and Antiquities of the is an alcove, above which is an medieval churches and even castles, is Diocese of Kilmacduagh' say s of the inscribed slab with a date of 1678 on one of the w alls. But as the ivy in church is relevant here; he states that which reads: 'This tomb was erected'. so dense it is impossible to verify or The remainder of the inscription is disprove its existence. The wall In the long past, missing. Beneath the alcove is a themselves are built with crude none but the recognised and leading broken vault tomb which is dated limestone blocks, some quite large representative branches of the Ily 1810. along the lower courses of the north Fiachrach tribes, such as the The east gable contains a tall wall. The interior was originally O'Hynes, Kilkellys, and narrow window with a gently pointed mortared and plastered, traces of O'Shaughnessys, were allowed the head with a pointed bowtell motif on which are still ev idem. privilege of interment within the its arris moulding; unfortunately, this The interior of the church sacred precincts of the church of Ci I attractive architectural feature is now is in a very sad state. Not only is it Ua Fiachrach at Kinvara. blocked up with rubble and plaster, overgrown with bushes and brambles, and the thick ivy covering the wall at some time in the recent past the If this piece of tradition is reliable, makes it difficult to make out any southeastern portion was used as a and there is no reason to question it. other decorative features it may have. dump for building materials and other then the exciting prospect exists that There is also another small miscellaneous rubbish, with the result many more of these early grave slabs rectangular window. positioned that the ground level has been raised may be found under the accumulated slightly off-centre, higher up the gable just to the base of the window in the rubble within the church. wall with a rounded arch top. The south wall with the hood moulding. luxurious growth of ivy makes it Surrounding the church on 3. difficult to say anything more precise all sides is the old graveyard. A total Kinvara's hilltop church is about this feature. of 53 gravestones, some standing but traditionally identified with St. The south wall contains the majority laid flat, have been Coman (or Caimin). a saint who is several features of interest. Almost identified The majority can be dated said to have flourished in the mid-7th directly opposite the alcove and vault­ from the early to the middle of the century. According to tradition, it is tomb in the north wall is a twin-light 19th century, although one reads: St. Coman whose life and activities (i.e. a double-window bisected by a 'This monument was erected bv/ Ann gave to the monastery on Iniscaltra thin stone running from top to bottom Diviny alias Keliher/ in memory of the designation of 'Holy Island'. A called mullion) with an attractive her son and daughter Martin & scholar who came from aristocratic rectangular hood-moulding visible Hannah Diviny/ for them and Munster lineage, the only point of from outside the church. It appears posterity 1915'. It is possible the date contact he has with Kinvara is that his that this later window replaced an does not refer to the dale of death but half-brother is said to have been earlier lancet window, the top of rather the date the monument was Guaire. the 7th century king of which still remains in place above the erected. Connacht. hood-moulding. Outside the west gable Guaire's connection with The other feature of the there is an iron ring embedded in a Kinvara is preserved in the name of south wall is the round-headed stone cover-slab that leads to the the 16th century castle. Dunguaire. doorway at the western end; that it is Staunton family vault. Unfortunately but more importantly with the well-

6 preserved promontory fort that From the poem, which cannot 4. occupies a headland site just to the go back in its present form much Apart from the names of one east of Dunguaire Castle. From the earlier than the 15th century but or two of the priests who held the proximity of this fort, traditionally which is quite likely to presene an living of Kinvara in the 15th century, associated with the 'Rath Durlais' of older oral tradition, it would seem the history of the church as an King Guaire. and the hilltop church, that the marauding brothers organisation and as a particular place it is entirely conceivable that St. eventually repented of their wicked of worship is a complete blank until Coman received from his powerful deeds and went to St. Finian of the 19th century. In his Ordnance kinsman the site on which he built the Clonard to ask how they could make Survey Letters dating from 1839, the first church to stand overlooking the amends. The saint tells them to Irish scholar John O'Donovan writes: inlet of Kinvara Bay that was later to restore the churches they have so be the tow n of Kinvara. wantonly demolished. After carrying The old church of the parish is situated in the fast improving little sea port town of Kinvara. It is in very good preservation, but certainly not more than 500 years old as anyone will see by the form of the windows. It is very probable, however, that it occupies the site of a primitive Irish church as it is dedicated to St. Coman who is said to be one of the primitive Irish saints.

Evidence suggests that the houses that now surround St. Coman's Church and graveyard were built either very close to the end of the 18th century, or sometime during the early years of the 19th century In any case, Ruin of St Coman’s church. Photo taken bv Tomas 6 hEidhin in the J 930s it is clear that by the time the first Ordnance Survey map of Kinvara was Fahey wondered whether Coman was out this penance the brothers return to published in 1839 the houses were a mistake for Colman, the early 7th St. Finian and declare that they have already standing. century saint said to have founded the repaired all the churches they had As mentioned earlier, how these monastic settlement of Kilmacduagh destroyed, save one, the church of houses came to be built on a near Gort, who is also said to have Kinvara. St. Finian tells them graveyard is particular mystery. It is been a kinsman of King Guaire. Yet pointedly, 'That was the first church known that Robert Gregory of Coole the persistent tradition that the which you ought to have repaired - Park purchased the town of Kinvara Kinvara church was founded by the church of the holy old man from James French of Doorus Coman and not Colman suggests the Coman of Kinvara.' So, rather sometime before the end of the 18th former has the greater right to be shamefaced, they return to complete century. Having already started identified with the hilltop church. the job; biding farewell to St. Finian: making improvements to the harbour In fact. St. Coman's by the construction of a small pier. connection with the church finds li'e kissed his hands, and Gregory would appear to have further confirmation in another early forth we hied, continued improvements to the quay. source, which must, however, be To Galway's coast our Kinvara had the distinction of treated with caution. This is the poem steps we turned, being the only port serving the town collected by the 19th century Irish And soon above the of Gort and the south Galway, North scholar Eugene O'Curry from The dark blue tide Clare hinterland, and it is possible, Book of Lecain called the 'Voyage of The church towered up again, that Gregory appreciated the the Ua Carra'. The Ua Carra were in stately pride, economic possibilities of this position. three pagan brothers who conducted a And grander than the It is almost certain that it was the war against Christianity in the church we burned. Gregorys who built the sturdy three- Galway area, during which the storey grainstore overlooking the churches of Tuam and others, (Trans. T.D. O'Sullivan) quay. Is it possible that he may also including Kinvara, were destroyed. have been responsible for the

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8 construction of the dwellings running by the Board of Guardians of Gort The time is long along the east quay frontage and up Union who described how 'the ground overdue for making amends to all the hill westwards? reaches up to within six feet of the those people of Kinvara who believed If so. had it been forgotten second storey of the houses on the their final resting place would be both just how extensive the original principal street. Many had to board honoured and respected. graveyard was? Or were the original their windows to keep out the effluvia structures perhaps not dwellings at arising from the bodies buried there Appendix: Headstone Inscriptions all. but stores and offices only later because the bones and skulls were from the Cemetery of St. Coman's turned into dwellings? almost falling in the windows still left Church open. There is not six inches of soil in However, even after these any part of the gravey ard available for (Spellings of names are as they are buildings were erected, the church burying coffins, there being nothing found on the gravestones. Where an was still not sealed off from the town. but loose stones and the remains of inscription has been difficult to read a From the 1839 town map there is a former graves.' question mark has been placed behind distinct gap in the line of houses Nonetheless. Fr. Arthur it. Where an inscription has been extending westwards along the main knew his parishioners and urged that impossible to decipher, or part of the street. This gap corresponds with the the order be rescinded. Eventually a stone has broken off. a single stroke site today occupied by Mrs. Agnes compromise was worked out and the (-) has been inserted) Lynch. Before the house was built, authorities did not insist the this gap would have provided easy grav eyard be completely closed. 1. Erected by John Deely in access to the graveyard. When, From the description given memory of his father Edmund precisely, the remaining house was by the Board of Guardians the most Deely built it is not possible to say with any urgent question is. not why they 2. Sacred to the memory of Mary precision, but it was clearly prior to objected to the cemetery being closed, Anne Barrett died August 24th 1840 Griffith's Valuation in 1848 as all but how the people in the houses Requiescat in Pace. Amen subsequent town maps show no break overlooking it could have continued to 3. O Lord have mercy on the Soul of in the solid line that still greets the occupy them, with scenes outside their Patt Flinn This Monument was eye today. back windows like something out of erected by William Flinn his son for There was. even after this horror film. him and Posterity c. A.D. 1840 house was built, another access point From the early 4. Erected by Patrick Jordan 1844 where a wall now stands between the editions of the Ordnance Survey town 5. Erected by Barth. Carrick east front wall of J.J. O'Dea's house map it is clear that it was not until 6. O Lord have Mercy on the Soul and comer of Sayre's Restaurant. later in the 19th century, and then of Betty Feeny. This Monument was Until finally closed some years ago, increasingly as the 20th century erected by her son - Feeny for him there was a gate here that led to steps proceeded, that the inhabitants of and Posterity 1836 (?) into the graveyard. these dwellings began pushing their 7. Erected by Martin Kerins for In November of 1866 gardens into the graveyard. While in him and Posterity 1842 Kinvara's graveyard was the focus of some cases this had no serious effect, 8. Erected by Barth. Jurdan and correspondence between Fr. Francis in others, unfortunately, it did with Posterity 1842 Arthur and Lord Gough. Lord Gough, gravestones being uprooted and made 9. Here lies the body of Mary chairman of the Gort Poor Law to function as paving stones, footpaths Staunton who departed this life Union, informed the authorities that, and steps. There is no way to March 17th 1812 Aged - because the presence of a still accurately measure just how many 10. Erected by Patt Carroll functioning cemetery was a serious gravestones were destroyed this way. 11. O Lord Have Mercy on the Soul health hazard, it should be closed for of John Burke who departed this further burials. St. Coman's Church, life 13th December Erected by his Fr. Arthur, while Kinvara's 'hidden' church, is closely beloved wife Mary Burke alias sympathising with the opinion of the linked to the history and development Byrne and sons John and Peter Gort Union, paid a personal call on of the town. Not only does it contain Burke for them and Posterity Lord Gough at his home of Lough the graves of at least 53 Kinvara 12. Erected by Martin O'Byme for Cutra Castle, south of Gort, and told families, from the medieval cross­ his Brother Thomas O'Byme for him that unless the order banning inscribed gravestones it would seem them and Posterity further burials was rescinded, he very probable that more evidence of 13. Erected by Thomas Ready for predicted there would be serious the town's obscure medieval and even him and Posterity 1811 disturbances. pre-medieval past lies beneath the 14. Erected by James Cories and his Lord Gough referred Fr. rubble piled up within the church son John Cories for them and Arthur's attention to the report made itself. Posterity 1816.

9 15. Erected by John Ward for him Lord have Mercy on the soul of wife who died the 3rd of Sept. 1830 and Posterity 1818 Thomas Hynes who dep't this life This is inscribed to their memory 16. Erected by Pat Ward March 7th 1811 Aged 15 (?) years by John Foster of Rinroe, County 17. Placed by Michael Nestor for Erected by his Affectionate Father Clare the son-in-law of the said him and Posterity AD 1839 Terence Hynes John Burke. Requiescat in Pace. 18. O Lord have Mercy on the Soul 26 Terence Hynes 36. Erected by James O'Beime of Patt Mulvahil who departed this 27. Erected in memory of Michael 1840 life April the 14th 1834 Aged 40 Cavanagh by his son John (?) 37. Erected by Thomas Hynes Esq. years Cavanagh For His Posterity AD his wife Mary Hynes and their Posterity A.D. 1823 38. John Conlon 39. Erected by Darby Larkin for his son Bartholomew Larkin 40. O Lord have mercy on the soul of Lawrence McInerney 41. Michael Buckley died Jan. 7, 1806 aged 64 years erected by His beloved wife Catherine Buckley alias Conlon in memory of their posterity may they rest in peace 42. This monument was erected by Ann Diviny alias Kcliher in memory of her son and daughter Martin & Hannah Diviny for them and posterity 1915 43. 1688 pray for the soule of - Donaugh (and) Margaret Kelly (Note: This is the oldest dated stone in the cemetery and it stands within the walls of the old church itself. 19. O Lord have Mercy on the Soul 1810 (?) May They Rest in Peace Jerome Fahey, in History and of Malachy Mullavil who departed 28. Erected by Michael Cavanagh Antiquities of the Diocese of this life March the 10th 1809 (?) in Memory of his Father Patt Kilmacduagh, states that "In the long aged 60 (?) years Erected by his Cavanagh Erected for their past, none but the recognised and wife Ann Mulaville alias - for them Posterity 1810 leading representative branches of the and Posterity 29. Erected by Peter McConnel and Hy Fiachrach tribes, such as the 20. Lord have Mercy on the Soul of his wife mary McConnel alias Nelly O'Hynes, Kilkellys, and Honoria Lally alias MacMahon who (or Kelly) For them and Posterity O'Shaughnessys, were allowed the died - erected by her beloved 30. Erected by Thomas Cavanagh privilege of interment within the husband - for their posterity for him and Posterity 1840 sacred precincts of the church of Cil 21. Erected by John Fahy and his 31. O Lord have Mercy on the souls Ua Fiachrach at Kinvara". Hy wife Cecily Fahy in memory of their of those intered here May They Fiachrach was the name of the ancient daughter Margaret who died May Rest In Peace Amen Placed by clan or tuath that occupied South the 7 1819 Aged 7 years For their Francis Curley (?) for him and Galway in the early centuries of the posterity Posterity AD 181- Christian era. As Kelly is only a 22. William Fallon A.D. 1819 32. Erected by Michael Walsh for shortened form of Kilkelly, this grave 23. This Monument was erected by him and Posterity 1812 may commemorate one of those Michael Melody and his wife Mary 33. In Memory of his beloved wife ancient families.) Melody for Them and Posterity Elenor Burke alias Walker who 44. Francis Lally and his sons A.D. 1835 Requiescat in Pace departed this life Jan the 3rd 1837 Patrick & Thomas Lally A.D. 1811 24. Lord have Mercy on the soul of For him and Posterity 45. Stephen Hyens J- Cories alias Linnane who died 34. Erected by John Walsh for him 46. Erected by M.J. Sheehan of the 10 Jan. 1820 (?) aged 52 years and Posterity 1812 Philadelphia in memory of his Erected by her Beloved Husband 35. - Burke his daughter who died beloved father Joseph Sheehan who William Cories for her Posterity the - of July 1837 Margaret Burke departed this life in 1884 aged 80 25. In Thee O Lord Has he hop'd who died the 28th of Dec. 1830 also years. Let him not be con-ded for ever O Catherine Burke alias Foster his 47. Martin Skerrett 1819

10 48. Erected by James Connote of who first came to the area in the early experts to the 13th or 14th century, it Chrishoe in memory of him and 18th century. Patrick French's sister, is very’ likely that more ancient posterity Frances, married Bartholomew de gravestones lie nearby. It is also 49. James O'Farrell lies under this Basterot of Bourdeaux, who inherited equally possible from the distribution stone pray for him Christians to sin the French estate through his wife. of 19th century headstones within the He was prone (Note: This curious The only puzzle lies in the fact that church that others exist. But until the inscription is cut on a much older Patrick French died in 1785. It is unsightly mound of rubbish is cleared gravestone that possibly dates to the possible the inscription was added away, this remains only a possible, 13th or 14th centuries. It was not after his death by one of his de though a strong one. uncommon for such older gravestones Basterot cousins and the date refers to to be re-used at a latter date.) when the inscription was added. The J.W. O'Connell 50. William Howard his brother names of Patrick French's father and Charles A.D. 1819 mother, James and Annabelle French, John McLoughlin R.I.P. 51. William (?) Cullinan M. and another son. Martin, are inscribed on (thegrandson of the de Basterot Cullinan and Margaret Cullinan Kinvara Community was shocked by and posterity A.D. 1848 who married Frances French) and was the sudden and tragic death of John 52. O Lord have mercy on the soul restored by the second Bartholomew's McLoughlin. John was very involved of James Winkel who departed this son. Florimond. in 1886. So the vault in Community Affairs both while a tomb in St. Coman's Church may life on the 11th of April 1800 aged Garda Sergeant and in his free time. 50 (?) years. have been the original family tomb.) He was a member of Muintir na Tire 53. This monument was erected by and was very active in Community Donnelan French Esq. for him and The most exciting discovery’ Games and Tidy Towns . posterity Anno Dominum 1810 inside the walls of the old church was (Note: This inscription is on a broken made several years ago when two very vault tomb within the walls of the old gravestones, each inscribed with a church in the angle of the northeast. cross but no names, were found under The person named was the last male some of the accumulated rubbish that descendent of the Frenches of Duras fills the church today. Dated by Ken Carr SOUND&VISION Crow Street, Gort, Co. Galway. Tel: 091 - 31953 OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9.30AM - 6.30 PM SALES RENTAL REPAIRS Full Finance TermsAyailable and_ Extended. Warranty T.V. VIDEO Hi-Fi AERIAL SATELITE BACKGROUND MUSIC SYSTEMS PHONE & MICROPHONE EQUIPMENT LEADING BRANDS IN STOCK J.V.C. SONY PANASONIC AIWA PACE

11 ALL REVEALED ! -What went on behind the scenes with the Arts in Kinvara?

Kinvara Community Employment were enticed by Marty the Snowman, expression, be it through art. drama or Project drew the three of us who had a soft spot for nurses! Pam, literature is as much necessary and together, Pam, Petra and Marty in the Red-nosed Reindeer and Petra the important to your child as the November ‘94. Our first meeting 'Anger. The fires in Winkles were academic subjects in their on 21st November gave us the blazing and the carol singers took development. We joined forces and opportunity to find out a little about refuge "behind the bar” in from the the three of us took a class each week each other and if we could work cold! Mary O'Sullivan added some for art in Northampton. With help together. Happily, we have over the merry tunes on the box. Sales went from each other and a bit of "book past year developed a friendship well, with Maria Dunne's hand­ work” we had as much fun as the and an understanding of each crafted Hedgehogs doing a marathon children. others' little quirks that has made out the door thanks to Shay Davern’s working together enjoyable. humour and persuasive selling. A Also the plan for skirting a Saturday jolly Xmas mood was well on the club for teenagers (later changed to way! Wednesday) was taken on. More planning! ...... Budgeting Christmas also brought with it a few Programme - buying materials etc. "odd" jobs. Petra was called to make We met up with the Galway Arts Piggie and Wolf masks for Mrs Officer, to see if there was any help I Murphy’s "babies” who performed a money available. (Not much ...!) Christmas play in Johnston’s Hostel. Then the Spring Fair came along and Meanwhile Marly . Pam and Cormac to keep the little ones amused we had foraged the countryside for moss, a go at face painting. We also ran an holly, ivy and a few fir cones to put exhibition on Drama over the years together a huge hanging "live” wreath in the Centre, going back to the for the church entrance. It weighed a 1950’s. It was called "Once upon a ton! Time”, hope you got a chance to see After the festivities, it was time for us it. There were photos and costumes, to put our heads together and lay out programmes, books with old plays plans for the coming year. Three Arts and paper cuttings. The costumes workers, we better come up with were going back to the days of Paul something good! Brennan’s directorship - some 6 years Damien also an arts worker was ago and from other theatre events e g. upstairs in the newly built attic room Halloween's etc. All these costumes Marty the snowman the Centre. On a clear day he could are now in the community centre and Our first job together was to organise be spotted amidst the paints, brushes will hopefully be used for many more the Christmas Craft Fair. It was and boards. Definitely something events. (Costume hire is being very short notice but we went for it fishy going on! You only have to look considered). anyway. The National Schools were at O’Grady ’s to find out what. invited to take part, as a possible fund The play “Religious Knowledge” raiser for them and St Joseph’s senior At this point we were asked to teach starring Kinvara's own Ger Conneely class were helped make golden art in the national schools. For and Philip Sweeney was brought to origami bird mobiles to sell. Marty , fresh from art college, this was Kinvara and it was certainly a play Northampton School had made their to be a real labour of love, as he strove that brought back many "fond” own store of goods over the previous to help and encourage your children memories of school back for many. months, from the puddings to the to discover that with a little practice To add to the night 2 short plays were Xmas cards. Other and encouragement they could paint also put on at very short notice. Its groups/individuals also took part. and draw and be creative. Marty amazing the energy' people have for The poster went up, the venue enjoyed them all and the art work they these things! There was a great Winkles, a big banner painted and the did together as a team (in particular a crowd and its always good to see us bunting hung. The Christmas Craft huge mural in St Joseph’s) is very all out laughing! Fair '94 was on! Potential customers inspiring and hopefully self

12 mural for Kelly’s old shop opposite Burke’s. She even went as far as finding out what the inside of Kinvara’s oldest shop (remains of it still in existence) - St George’s - looked like and made sketches of very old glass sweet jars that were still there on the old shelves. Research on what sweets were called and looked like in the past, what they cost and many other items.

More sweets were added on the spot as the mural was being mounted by interested passers by who also made suggestions on how the old packets of cigarettes really looked like. Anyway the mural has become famous by now! Further up the road we can see the St Patrick's Day snake constniction street aquarium, the fish were all In the meantime preparations started the area. Prof. Gearoid O Tuathaigh made by the teenagers out of papier for commemorating the famine. and Jeff O’Connell spoke on the mache at the Wednesday Club, and We hoped to organise several events. effects of the famine in Kinvara and the whole lot beautifully assembled More about this later. Then it was John Flanagan sang some lovely into a real moving sculpture by Glen almost Paddy’s Day. Pam had great songs that were relative to the famine. and Marty. So nobody needs to get plans to create an imaginative outdoor It was an interesting and enjoyable bored anymore walking this part of parade with everybody involved, from evening. It was a pleasure and an town. The murals at O’Grady’s the local FA to the Dream group (yes, honour to have Gearoid 6 Tuathaigh cottages deserve close attention, as there is such a group). But not there - he's such a great they have been painted with enormous enough groups spanned to our communicator and can really bring love and care for detail by Damien. invitation to take part (yes we do need history to life. Jeff had put a vast You only have to look at these to find you to make things happen), so we amount of material together on facts out how busy he was. A lot of opted for an indoor event. A whole about the famine in Kinvara and put it homework was done to pick out the nights show was put together in in its historical context. world’s oceans' most colourful and which many groups and individuals In the meantime, plans were forming unusual inhabitants. Four coats of took part. There was also a sketch on on other kinds of projects. For paint lie behind each one and three the life of St. Patrick involving a huge example, some “solid research” was coats of varnish might ensure that a snake and the loveliest piggies done on old shopfronts before Petra much needed splash of colour will last (playschool children) ever seen. The sat down to make a design for a longer than the buildings themselves! snake was made by the Saturday Club teenagers under guidance of Aine Philips. a professional puppetbuilder and ourselves. It was altogether a great experience and it was amusing to watch Brian Allen and Shay Davem behind the stage trying to make sense of page upon page of lighting and stage curtain instructions for the thousand and one acts! There's nothing like making something difficult work together! Events like these take a lot of preparation. We hope you enjoyed the night, we had more than a full house. Kinvara had the privilege of putting on the first event on the Famine in

Playschool piggies herded by St Patrick

13 containers) an old snare drum was them, and as they are great ad-libbers repaired. a cowbell (musical at the best of times, we got away with instrument!) bought, and a drumming it. On the actual day we gave it our teacher was called for in the form of all. Sometimes the script went Barry Duffy, one of the Macnas haywire, but at times the drumming drumming teachers who gave a couple sounded as good as any you’d get at of drumming workshops. Thanks to the Galway Arts Festival. The Macnas for the loan of costumes and drumming was headed by a most some props! Again we should stress energetic and enthusiastic drummer - here how much dedication is needed Marty . We think we can say that all to make something work. of us enjoyed the day. and hopefully Summertime is the most difficult time the audience did as well; But bloody to get people to commit themselves hard work it was! Our thanks to all and this was definitely the case in who gave their time and energy and preparing the Pirate Pageant. So it stay ed on board. was some surprise when in the end of Other things that took place over the it all over sixty people in total took summer include a wacky fun club for Maura Mongan at her retirement presentation part. Admittedly some of them were 8-11 yr. olds and this ran for six First, timber had to be prepared, very latecomers (arriving on the weeks and a make and play morning sanded, primer applied; then the base actual day! Even up to 5 minutes for 4-7 yr. olds. Before the coat followed by sketching and before taking off - Martina!) but that’s Community Employment Scheme is outlining of fish shoals painstakingly what community theatre is made of. rounded off in November, we still filling in and highlighting and finally Pam took on the “stage’’ managing hope to tie up some loose ends: the the cover coats of varnish. The and the frustrating job of finding making of a Famine Quilt made from finished murals were then put in situ people to take on certain roles. patches donated by Kinvara and nailed in position for all to enjoy. Changes had to be made in roles by parishioners. Maybe there are some The mural down at the Quay was also the hour nearly! Petra got dug into other things happening too. keep given a face lift by Anne Korff and a the costume and prop making with the your eyes open! Hands up all those few young helpers. help of some teenagers and adults. who knew all this was going on in What a job! Trish Powell took on the In the meantime, in St Joseph’s job of directing, not an easy one with national school. Marty was guiding all those changes in roles going on all along the children of all classes into the time. We were lucky to find Ger making an indoor mural, they had Conneely to act the Lord Mayor and chosen different themes. Not many Noeleen Kavanagh as Grainne Wail. know about or have seen this mural, There was no time for rehearsals for but it is absolutely lovely and touching and well worth a look. All children need is opportunity and good guidance and they will come up with some real original art. The school year was closing and Northampton school made a wall hanging (like a quilt) as a goodbye present for Maura Mongan who was retiring. A well-suited gift as Maura always supported the arts in the school. The Wednesday club had started now with the preparations for the pirate pageant under Trish Powell’s guidance. We had planned a great outdoor spectacle for during the Cruinniu na mBad: Grainne Wail. Marty took it upon himself to get a group of drummers together . Drums were made (old vegetable oil Snake in action at pirate pageant

14 The Great Educators Teachers of Kinvara sites around Kinvara and got us to went pot-holing and rockface children are affectionately and develop an interest in our local climbing. ’ He also promoted an gratefully remembered. As a body history’. interest in science and happenings in of professionals they have been Maura Mongan was always the area and the world at large, but singularly dedicated to the overall ‘very kind'. A person of firm he is remembered also as a "nice formation of their students, their religious belief . ’she was a great teacher who always had something academic success and their teacher of prayers as she sent us into funny to say.’ Micheal Breathnach competence in the skills that enable the Sacrament of Holy Communion spent nearly all his teaching life in St. them to be successful in life. with great confidence in ourselves'. Colman's Vocational School. Gort. At their very basic, these She was ’a great teacher who taught where he taught many pupils from skills include reading, writing and us to be well-mannered, had brilliant Kinvara. including some of the most arithmetic, but they also include such school tours, was loving, caring, successful business people and things as interest in games and other sporty and made us obedient'. Other tradesmen in the area today. He could pastimes, instilling a sense of pride memories include her care and be "cross’ and his voice might in community and locality and being concern for people experiencing sometimes be heard raised in apparent able to communicate in a meaningful sickness or other difficulties and her anger. But he was respected and way to others, whether family , friends love of flowers and trees. admired by Iris pupils for his or strangers. Sr. Laurence always made a commitment to teaching and his Readers of the early point of getting to know all her pupils insistence on high standards. numbers of Tracht will remember as well as was possible. She was "Whatever he said, it made sense’, the fond and lasting memories that deeply interested (and still is) in their says one past -pupil. He believed their past-pupils had of Kieran welfare, development and academic passionately in the importance of the Moylan. Joe Muldoon and Tomas success. She set high standards in her overall development of the young Donlon. Since then a number of other own professional life and she person which, he held, should include principal teachers have graduated into demanded high standards of her education in manual subjects, as well retirement from teaching and they are students, which she got to an extent as the humanities. sciences, no less gratefully and lovingly that is the envy of many other second languages, and business. remembered. Because each of us has level schools. She could be strict, but Fr. Brendan Kelly, though been influenced by only one or two of if she was she is remembered as being he has retired from his position as them, people might not be aware of thoroughly fair at all times. principal of Our Lady's College in how many principal teachers have Shawn Mac Mahon is Gort. is the youngest of the retired taken retirement, most of them having recognised by his past-pupils as a principals. He was "very fair’; ‘he given about forty years to the great innovator (even if they don't use taught us to be good citizens and fine improvement and betterment of the the word!). He taught me carpentry young men'. He encouraged his youth of Kinvara. They include and gardening', says one student, students' interest in sport and always Toddie Byrne, Maura Mongan. Sr. besides all the other subjects.’ ‘He gave the impression of "liking very Laurence. Shawn Mac Mahon. used to bring us on great tours and much what he was doing’, and Micheal Breathnach. Fr. Brendan excursions, including to the Outdoor because of that the students responded Kelly . They have been replaced by Activity Centre in the Burren where 1 well to him and got on well. excellent successors who will uphold the values and standards which have already been firmly established. Toddie Byrne is remembered bv his past-pupils as a person who was always approachable, a nice person to talk to’, as one pupil said. He developed not only a love of learning in his charges but a great enthusiasm for hurling and camogie. Some of the outstanding memories of students include the nature w alks after lunch to the seashore and watching ‘birds, Left to right: Toddie Byrne. Maura Mongan. Shawn MacMahon rabbits and other wildlife along the way’. ‘He also brought us to historic

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16 He has also been involved in a approachable, conscious of the needs More than Teachers number of community activities of the students and their parents, and All of the retired principals have been including Muintir na Tire. Kinvara they are determined that the children deeply involved in many activities of Handcraft Co-operative Society, and under their care will receive an benefit to the community and their the establishment of links with education unsurpassed for excellence retirement is no indication that they Locoal-Mendon. Micheal Breathnach anywhere else. The author can write will be less involved than before. In is recognised as the main community this confidently because he knows the fact, the signs are that they will throw activist in Gort and, along with a few calibre of the new principals and he themselves with renewed vigour and others, he is credited with getting the also knows that the parents and energy into the many community fine Community Sports Hall built. He pupils of the locality are privileged to activities in which they are involved. is also keenly involved in political life have such outstanding educators These include the Community and in Gort Golf Club and he is still taking over the direction of education Council. Credit Union. Social passionately interested in the in this area at this time. In a way, the Services, G.A.A., Golf Club. Liturgy development of Gort Community team isn't changing, it is only that Committee and many others. School. He shares the latter interest some members of the team are passing on the baton to the next. The race is over for some; they were in the lead and the next have a great headstart. Be assured they will stay out in front - and bring pride to us all (just like our relay team in Mosncy did!).

Kinvara wishes every success to our new National School principals - Martina Tarpey in Dooms, Bridget Left to right: Fr. Brendan Kelly, Sr. Laurence. Micheal Breatnach Kelly in Northampton, and Finola Murphy in Kinvara. to the first lav Kinvara has reason to be grateful to with Fr. Brendan Kelly who. over the principal of Seamount College. Eileen Toddie Byrne for his involvement in last few years, also promoted the Mulkerrins and to the first principal many community enterprises and his Community School project. Fr. of Gort Community School. Denis service as County Councillor, member Brendan is remembered in Kinvara as Corry. We also send our good wishes of Gort Community School Board of a cheerful, hardworking young to Sr. Maura Crowe, who was Management and Count Galway curate. Like Sr. Laurence, he was principal of Seamount for a number of V.E.C. Maura Mongan. in spite of conscious of the importance of years and acting principal of St. having a number of personal tragic making Our Lady's College available Joseph’s Secondary School, Gort. for setbacks in her life has given her as a community resource and he the past year. We also remember two talents to the community in her enthusiastically promoted its use for other past-principals, Sr. De Lourdes service with the Liturgy Committee plays and pantomimes Fahy, and Sr. Joan Ferris (Sr. and in her help in establishing Anthony) who were also in Seamount Kinvara’s link with Locoal-Mendon, No Going Back but who were also principals as well as helping other community Docs the departure of such personnel subsequently, Sr. De Loudes in initiatives from time to time. Sr. from the education scene leave a void Lisdoonvarna and Sr. Joan in Gort. Laurence has also contributed which will be hard to fill? Of course However, readers will be pleased to handsomely to our community it does. But change can also bring know that the three sisters, though through her membership of the progress. New' talents and new ways they are no longer principals, are once Community Council, her personal will be brought into the educational again teaching students from Kinvara approach to families when they were scene by the ‘new' principals. They (this time, boys!) since they in difficulties of any kind and her possess youthful vigour, a proven transferred as valued and important generosity in making Seamount s track record, qualifications of the members of the teaching staff to Gort facilities available to community highest standard. Each of them is Community School.. groups. Shawn Mac Mahon has won caring, conscientious and dynamic. Go dtuga Dia gach fame far and wide for his They possess varied skills and talents rath doibhsean, agus do na development of his ever expanding which will further enhance the lives priomhoidi agus na muinteoiri go l&r. business which not only provides of the boys and girls under their care. ina n-obair tabhachtach ar son aos og They have proven leadership skills excellent diverse services but is also an cheantair. an important source of employment. which they will use to motivate students, staff and parents. They are By Stan Mac Eoin

17 with any other treats which 1 got for mountain by 9.30.a.m. we had our MARY doing messages. My reward was alway s bicycles ready since the night before. a few pennies and On arriving at the mountain, each one of sometimes a Peggy’s Leg, a couple of us had our own jobs to do - gather the REMEMBERS Bulls Eye sweets or a liquorice pipe twigs, fetch the water from the well, which was made locally by Ellie Ryan light the fires etc. By noon we would R I P. all of these would be saved in my enjoy our picnic and one can imagine Saint Patrick's Day in Kinvara box for St Patrick’s Day .Another errand what appetites we all had! After the brings back beautiful memories to me was to mail letters in the Post Office on picnic we would climb further up the and indeed to all of my age group. As the hill or to get stamps. People wrote a mountain and sometimes went to Sliev e one who was bom and grew up in lol of letters in those days as there were C'arron. I would like to mention that the Kinvara, there are many days I could no telephones. weather was much better in those day s - write on having seen many changes On the eve of St. Patrick's Day. each St. Patrick s Day was always mild and and old customs dying out, which one of us w ould compare our collections sunny with maybe a little frost in the makes me sad. and spend our pennies in the shops for morning and again towards night-time. our Big Day! After our long, enjoy able day. we would After school, we would go to old grassy head for home between 7and 8.p.m.. mins of houses, or along the Quay side tired but full of the joys of our day's where we would pick beautiful clumps outing. of shamrock with our blunt rusty knives. We would meet many cars coming from The turf-mould from Connemara turf New Quay going to the Ceili in Gort as piled on the quay -side from the previous it was a big night out on St. Patrick’s summer would produce luscious night. Being Lent there were no more shamrock. dances allowed until Easter Sunday We were happy to give some to old night, another four weeks away people who lived alone and we kept it in Everybody over eighteen years of age water until the next day when we would went to the Ceili on St. Patrick s night. all wear it in honour of St. Patrick. Shamrock was worn by man. woman I am sure many of my age group will On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. we and child. Our mothers had our green recall the Mission Days. Corpus Christi. made plans for our picnic on St. ribbons ready to wear on our hair and Fair Days in Kinvara etc. Also Cdadaoin Patrick's Mountain which is one of the St. Patrick's Day badges - either harps Mor. the Wednesday before Christmas ( Burren mountains three miles from or shamrocks - were worn on our lapels. a big shopping day). Kinvara. It is said that St. Patrick spent The men wore hats or caps with sprigs At the commencement of Lent, which is three days and three nights on this of shamrock. Nowadays it is approximately two weeks before St. mountain, fasting and praying. My breathtaking to see what our brothers Patrick's Day. we would make a mother who was bom in nearby New and sisters do to celebrate St. Patrick's promise not to eat sweets or biscuits and Quay , as a young girl walked to this Day in America. Australia and other deny ourselves any treats during Lent. mountain with her seven sisters, two countries. They make plans weeks and This fast was made for the Holy Souls in brothers and her parents to pray at the months in advance for this big day. I Purgatory and we would never break it. Blessed Well of St. Patrick. This well is lived in the United States in the ’70’s We collected and saved our pennies. At still there to this day and people go there and my mother always sent me that time it was customary that children to pray and bless themselves with the shamrock for St. Patrick s Day. Today. I would run errands for their neighbours, holy water, every eve of St. Patrick s send it to family and friends. especially old people and indeed Day. Almost every household paid a No doubt it was one of the loneliest days mothers, who in those days did not go visit to this well in years gone by. of the year for me. shopping as they do today. For instance, Our picnic would consist of tea. milk Since I have returned home, every year I somebody wanted three or four lamb brown bread and boiled eggs which we go out with my blunt knife and pick chops from Leech s, one of three boiled in a pot over an open fire on the shamrock which my family and I are so butcher’s shops in Kinvara at that time. mountain. We also had treats like proud to wear on St. Patrick's Day. Or sheeps’ lights for the woman who sausages and bacon slices and lamb It makes me happy to see the young kept about ten cats. chops if we were lucky to have enough people keeping up the tradition - after all 1 w ould be asked to do a message run to money to buy them. There were no it is our own National Holiday. the shop for meat with a note and the Taytos. no tins of Coke and no sliced money in my fist and returned all agog loaves. By Mary O’Shaughnessy or excited because 1 knew I was getting On that morning, we were up bright and a penny or two for doing the messages. 1 early for mass at 8 a.m.. packed our bags saved those pennies in a box. together and we were on the road to St. Patrick s

18 with other communities in Ireland Competition, securing five marks and abroad (Locoal Mendon). above the 1994 tally,Kinvara now What Do Participation in Community Council stands at 184 marks out of 250 marks. activities is expensive in terms of This year the overall winner, Glenties. time. Members must be prepared to won the award with 210 marks. They Do? attend a monthly meeting, occasional Judging from the above markings. sub-committee meetings and to be Kinvara has a lot of hard work ahead in the next few years if it is to make a Who? The Community Council! present at some activities in the significant improvement in its aim to That shower! All they do is talk. Centre. Discussions may not be win the top award. We need large They do nothing for Kinvara. What always as entertaining as a television numbers of volunteers to concentrate this place needs is a big factory to programme but when decisions are on the black spots. We need organised provide work for all the young made they are made with the support of the membership. Committed groups working to an overall plan in people. Why don’t they go out and order to make any significant get a big hotel for the place? A big members ensure that they keep the progress. It's true we are leading in hotel would make Kinvara. Why night of the monthly meeting free category B in County Galway but our don't they do something to stop the because they know that their opinion aim should be firstly to win the county traffic going through? Look at all is valued and needed. award, this means gaining 18 to 20 the tourists that stop in The Community Council should be representative of every area and marks in the next few years. As for Ballyvaughan! It’s the same crowd 1995. thanks to everyone who helped holding on to control all the time! established voluntary group in the us gain the worthy points. I’m sure everyone has heard such talk parish. It is only as good as the from time to time. Kinvara women and men who make up its Community Council Ltd. suffers from membership. There are vacancies on try ing to reach into nearly all areas of the Board of Directors in each of the life in the parish and trying to three electoral areas. We would welcome a generous response from improve them. The Hockey Club, the Swimming Club, the GAA. the Youth the community to our plea for their Club and other single issue clubs and active involvement in the Council. groups draw support throughout the Your community will be the better for wider participation in its deliberations area, and they deserve it. The Community Council, on the other and activities. We hope you come hand, is concerned with a wide range along and offer your services - and of things - promoting the Tidy Towns, bring someone else with you! servicing the needs of the four schools, churches and voluntary organisations in such areas as KINVARA TIDY caretaking and secretarial services. It has established important TOWNS organisations such as the Community Games, Social Services and the Credit Once again Kinvara has moved Cruinniu na mBad 1994 up in the marking of the Union. It facilitates numerous groups Jessica Leenane. Atlanta, Georgia, USA National Tidy Towns for classes and meetings in the . winner of the Bonny Baby competion Community Centre. It liaises with state bodies such as FAS in order to gain the maximum benefit for the

T community in terms of employment opportunities and general improvements for the locality. It supports all worthwhile community' initiatives in whatever way it can. It makes representations to state departments and the local authority and it enlists the help and support of public representatives for its efforts from time to time. It promotes contact

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20 Poetic Compositions Then, the man with beard, got up to Untitled leave Your Life was full of Kindly Deeds In A Castle of Beauty He really had to go A Helping hand for your children’s I Stroked Golden Hair needs In a Castle of Holiness He said next time we meet. It will be a You looked after them with the very I was Quiet and Serene treat best of care In a Castle of Love More memories, will glow and glow. They didn't mind when you were I Glimpsed the Unseen. Joe Staunton © there Nana K’s Memories You died so quick without a good bye Joe Staunton © That is why I’m writing this with a A cosy glow from a winter fire. tear in my eye Shadow s in the room. All the children are here to say The Man with the Beard Four eager happy faces we love you Mary Fallon Sitting in the gloom. Our love grows stronger each and 1 sat down and talked, to the man with "Who is first for a story tonight?” every day. the beard. A weary Mum might say. We talked about the old days, and the Knowing her girl with the golden By Catriona Kellv way we were reared. curls We talked about, sheep, cattle and Would climb on her lap and say: pigs. "Please tell me the one about the MY FRIEND He told me his job now. was driving prince. big rigs. I’m now standing by your headstone He said, he has driven them from The way he loved the girl. A thought for you I spare Frisco to Maine, And the happy ever after bit’, Your smiling face, your hair of gold Drove them all over the world, When she found the magic pearl.” I never will forget. through France and Spain. ‘Tis vain to grieve as time flies on We talked and talked about our The three boys wanted stories That life we cannot save younger days Of kings and fiery' dragons But I'll keep you in my memory' He laughed, a big laugh and said “I Tales of mystery', aye and bravery and always see you there. enjoy my days” And cowboys, guns and wagons. For when c’re I look at Michael I was from Galway, he was from your darling little heir Cork. The years flew by - the changes came, May God bless and keep you always He told me he loved a lassie, a lassie The number grew to nine From the cold west wind that blows. from York. The stories lasted all those years, We talked and talked, I can’t They travelled down the line. Now time has brought a change of remember half of what was said, In far Australia’s sunny land. scene When morning came, we were both Where five of nine abide, and yet not changed the heart half dead Mv children’s children hear the tales You were a kind and trusted friend Life was homely back then, the time Their Dads heard at my side. and you weere true to one and all. we were reared. Now fate has left us far apart So said the man, the man with the A cosy glow from a Winter fire. and life’s bright dream is o’er , beard. Shadows in the room. new paths our lives must take We remembered the hens and No children’s happy faces but I’ll remember to the last. chickens Sitting in the gloom. The brightest link in friendship s As they ran around the yard The memory' fades a little chain We sat on a stone wall and talked As I enter life’s December t is memory of the past. In this "Land of the Bard” But the tales I’ve told So alas, my friend with a tear in my The laughter was soft and mellow Have turned to gold eye The w isdom simple and deep. And I’m sure they will remember. can I ever say goodbye. Respect and enjoy the things of this Farewell old friend, farewell. world. Submitted by K. Kenny© In A Castle of Dreams There is "Nothing we can keep.” I Walked on Tender Stairs

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22 REFLECTIONS ON PAT KEANE by Charlie Piggott

Pat Keane was in constant touch been said that 'their likes will never out unusual irregularities in the with the unshakeable spirit of Old be seen again’ and who moved the landscape around his native Ireland. At the ripe age of ninety poet John Betjeman to write thus: Aughinish - like those caused by he still sipped the elixir of life most "Stony seaboard fair and foreign shock waves from earthquakes in nights of the week, sprung to the Stony hills poured over space Western Europe in the 16th and 17th floor when the occasion of a half-set Stony outcrop of the Burren centuries. (The Lisbon earthquake of lent itself and didn't wait to be Stones in every fertile place 1755 apparently caused an O’Hyne asked a second time when invited to Little fields with boulders dotted castle to crumble and a fresh-water “spake a verse of a song”. Grey-stone shoulders saffron spotted mill to become submerged, the Born in 1904 on the barren , Stone-walled cabins thatched with remains of which can be seen today ). windswept Aughinish peninsula (from reeds According to Pat, the miller "was the Gaelic for Horse Island) off the Where a stone age people breeds grinding with fresh water and he had North Clare coast. Pat personified one The last of Europe’s stone age race.” so much com in this day-it was St. of the last remaining few of a cultural Pat attributed his lengthy days on Martin's Day. 11th November- he had group fast disappearing in Ireland, a earth to his passionate zest for life, only a little sprinkle of water. . . he had breed of people about whom it has plenty music and song, fresh Atlantic no right cunent for grinding and he air, a frugal diet of oatmeal, wild said That God or the devil may send garlic stewed in milk and seafood me water' - he was drowned within in including an ample supply of dilisc, a it!...and that’s the time the tide came pocket full of which he carried with hether.” him wherever he ventured and gladly Another of Pat’s connections with the shared with any willing takers. His past was his ability to tell the weather cure-all for any ailment which would which passed on to him from the befall him was a simple shell-fish older folks in his youth. His soup made from the common edible predictions were so successfully Periwinkle (Littorina Littorea) and accurate that the local padre would prepared by closely following Pat's often announce details from the pulpit instructions: to weather-fearing farmers anxious to "Wash them ( the periwinkles) and save their hay. "A lot can be learned put them down in a saucepan of cold by observing the phases of the moon.” water, and when the boil would come he said, explaining that the full moon up overhead in them you’d want to can fall on any date in a particular take them up, because when a month. "If it happens to occur at the periwinkle is boiled too much, in he's beginning of the month, (and it will going.....but when you only let the be the same for all twelve months of boiling water over them, take them up the year since the lunar phase is 29!6 and you could pick a saucer of them days) then a good year can be with a pin or a needle and wash them expected, as the full moon coincides and peel an onion and cut it up an' with and introduces each season.” His salt and pepper...throw it in your use of the study of wind-direction, saucepan again and get a little grain however, is less easily understood. of flour in a mug of water and not "Look to where the wind comes from make it too thick an throw it on top of on the last Thursday of a November the water and the periwinkles and stir moon,” was his advice for predicting it well and you'd want to keep the lid the general weather pattern for the off of it because it would come out following year! - “a west of south­ over it, there’s so much proof in the west wind (the prevailing wind soup.. .it would come out over the direction in the West of Ireland) on fire! that particular day promises a good Like many old-timers blessed with an year; if the wind blows from the east excellent memory, Pat’s copious or north, then beware” (whether or knowledge of local history and events not this applies only in the West of Pat Keane. Photo courtesy of Nutan attracted a stream of tourists and Ireland. I have no idea). academics alike. He is quick to point

23 Early days for the Keane family in Europe are flourishing despite the fact North Clare were much preoccupied that their written records barely exist KINVARA with a constant struggle to procure as far back as the 17th century. enough rent, or grain for rent as “I wasn't bom on a calm night” Pat people then lived under the ofcf woufef tefTyou. an expression fie used' UNJTED landlord-tenant system. This battle for to demonstrate his wild rebel spirit, survival often demanded that every and he reckoned that anyone who SOCCER trick in the book was used to retain could not sing, dance or play an enough grain for the following years instrument must have been bom on a crop. Pat heartily recalled that "at the calm night. Though he knocked a CLUB time it was all tillage...there was no tune out of an old melodian. he was C. Sweeney, Secretary stock... they'd have only one cow. But better known for his singing and his I used to hear me father saying that earthy voice and unique collection of Soccer has returned to Kinvara they weren’t able to pay the rent...and old airs (unknown by many) provided with the forming in 1994 of Kinvara they used to have to cut the com with him with a perpetual horde of United. Since the foundation of the hooks, there wasn't any machines admirers. His handling of the club, we have joined the Galway then.. .but they 'd cut the corn, and the traditional songs was in the old style Youth and Schoolboys League at landlord's agents would come and or sean-nos. and favourites from his both Under 12 and Under 17. collect it and bring it out to the big repertoire included The Jacket of The season has started with our Under house and my father would have to Blue; The Kerrymans Rambles to 17 side showing great promise and travel from Aughinish to the big Tipperary; The Six Girls and The talent against some of Galway's best house and scutch it (flail it). Well, Glen of Aherloe. “What do they know At time of writing, we are looking they had no trousers that time only about it?” he says of those w ho fail to forw ard to the start of the Under 12 banins and flannel drawers, and in the appreciate his vocal utterances. I often League and, having watched our evening when they’d be coming asked him to sing a verse in a team in the friendly games they have home..they'd have cords in the legs of crowded bar. to hear him exclaim that played to date, it promises to be a very their drawers...they’d bring the seed he would “want the jaws of a jack­ entertaining time. home in their drawers!” ass” to rise above the noise! Of course the Club could not exist For God knows how long, mankind Sadly Pat passed away on 27th without the support of its sponsors to appears to have been plagued with October 1995 and many will miss his whom we are very grateful. We must problems of the marital variety and , larger-than-life presence around also thank our trainers and managers being a philosopher .Pat was quick to North Clare and Galway. However, who have worked with both teams in offer advice (or adwice as he calls it) his spirit still lives in the songs he has preparing them for their competitions to the man who was slow to passed on and in the memories of We have, not, as yet. obtained a appreciate his situation: great times we have all spent together. regulation size pitch on which to play "So let us sit down and be merry' “Ar dheis De a raibh a ainm” and train locally, but with kind It is but one night of our life permission of Fr. Mahon in Gort. we Bernadette Forde For a man should feel proud and feel have been granted the use of Our happy Kinvara Community will always remember with love and affection Bernadette Forde Lady’s College pitch at least for the For knowing he has a good wife” who died on July 9th 1995, aged 18 years. short term for our home games. The Listening to him, one was also obtaining of a home pitch of constantly reminded of his passionate regulation size in our own area still love of the native tongue and an remains a priority. exclamation in Irish was likely to As with any club, the participation of erupt from his lips at any given its lady members is important and we opportunity - “Cad ta tu a’ rd?” (What have, therefore, laid the groundwork are you saying?) is one he used for the formation of a girls soccer frequently as a come-uppance when panel which we hope will also detecting any trace of a mocking participate in the Girls' League next attitude to the culture and traditions season. he so cherished. He was saddened by All in all it has been a busy time for the fact that he has witnessed the Kinvara United over the past 18 virtual disappearance in a few months, but we expect the hard work generations of a language spoken Her love of life, sense of fun and caring to pay off. Perhaps even with the nature made her a loving daughter and throughout his homeland for the best winning of a trophy by one of our sister and an endearing friend. She will part of two millennia, while many of teams in the not too distant future. the national languages of Modem remain forever young in our hearts. In the words of one of her favourite poets, Patrick Kavanagh, "she smiles at us, eternally".

24 Of all the places we visited 1 paiticulariy enjoyed A Walk on the Child’s Side an evening meeting at Rippon Race Track and our visit to the city of York The people and by Chris Mooney, Dooras. hospitality we encountered was an immense hdp From looking at any and the ISPCC. Apart from this the in forgetting our fatigue and sore feet Overall an newspaper, or listening to the radio organisers like to make sure that the extremely'rewarding achievement over the past year, you would be people having raised the necessary aware that children with problems money go home with a real sense of My European and child abuse were often achievement and we have all seen the featured. After hearing many of the blisters and shin splints it has taken to Childline / 1SPCC ads for help, I achieve this. Experience went along to an information The walks themselves were In the Summer of 1994 I travelled evening in Galway. organised with almost military . around the main E.U. countries as a It was a ven informative precision, early morning calls, sharp result of winning the Michael meeting and many questions were getaways on the coach and specific time Sweetman Educational Trust. answered. As a follow on from dial allowed to complete each stage of the evening I felt that I could really help by walk. fund-raising on their behalf. I was put in When the walk for the day touch with other people who also felt the was done, everything relaxed, we rested same. One of the coming events was a and prepared again for the next days sponsored walk in the Yorkshire Dales w alk, and so on until we had achieved but each participant had first to raise our aim which was a 50 mile £12(X).()Op and I felt that I could reach Sponsored Walk. that target. This I achieved by donations Day One consisted of a 12 mile walk from family and friends, a dance in in Swaledale. We started out on Redmore Moor and continued west along the river Swale, passing McCarthys, a Table Quiz in Hollands John is the eldest son of Sean and Bernadette Briar and begging letters to various through Grinton. Rolh Ciackpot Gunnerside McInerney, Kinvara West, and was educated at companies and celebrities! and finishing up in Muker. The terrain was easy St. Colemans. Secondary School. Gort. People were very generous with no long ar stoep hills to negotiate. I won this award by firstly waiting an with their time and money. Many Day Two started in Wcnskydale at essay on the title The European offered to help with events locally and I the Aysgirth Waterfalls on the river Uro. We Parliament - It's powers and it’s received many letters of support and passed through Ay sgarth Village Thornton Rust deficit and secondly attending an some with cheques. Connolly Sports Worton. Adaigg. along the Yoikshiic Dales interview to answer questions on my donated a special track suit. Cydc Way and ended in Hawes The walk was essay and other relevant topics. From the time we started quite difficult as it crossed country and covered Therefore in the middle of July 1994, raising money for ISPCC/CHILDL1NE 12.5 mites three other winners, a guide and to the time we left Galway in the middle Day Throe brought us through myself flew over to Paris to do some of June, we were promised an adventure Amdifle Hawkswkk. Kcttteweff Ccnistone and sight-seeing. After two days we took of a lifetime in the beautiful Yorkshire finished in Grassmgton Tlie section from the train to Brussels, where we visited Dales. This we got. and if we ordered Kctttewdl to Grassintan is part of the National the Commission Buildings and met the weather we couldn't have got Trail Terrain was also quite difficult and the with Padraig Flynn, an Irish member anything better. We were also told to distance was 12.5 mites Day Four (the of the Commission. After another two prepare and to train for the sometimes final day) was by far tic most difficult and day stay in Brussels we made the difficult walks we were going to dialtenging It covered 13 miles of mountainous short journey to Luxembourg where encounter. In the very warm weather, terrain but we woe compensated by the breath we visited the European Court of up to thirteen miles a time, can be taking 9ocnay. On tiejourney we passed through Auditors and met with Barry difficult enough for amateurs. Mashani Ldlhousi Niddadale Wav. Ramsgffl. Desmond. Finally we made our way to The main point 1 want to stress Gouthwaile and we completed the walk in Fhtdy Strasbourg where we visited the is that walks like this one are not a case Bridge on the river Nidd European Parliament and saw the of people raising money to go on their parliament in session. But all good holidays, yes - the organisers go out of Accommodation and food was provided things must come to an end and after their way to make the trip as enjoyable everyday. and ai on the road this consisted of ten sun-filled days of touring we as possible for the participants, but they tea/oolfoe from a fiadk and a sandwich. Water returned to rain-drenched Ireland. But never lose sight of the fact that it is first was provided by Balhgovvan C & C, Clada the memory' lives on and I am sure and foremost a fund-raising event, and and Dawn Dairies and Mais Bats and Taytos that it is an experience that will live this particular event raised almost were also sponsored with me for the rest of my Life. £40,000 for the work of CHILDLINE By John McInerney

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26 and this need is recognised in the celebrations of the festivals. At Kinvara Community Halloween the Courthouse is alive with Witches. On the first Sunday in Advent it is a haven of candles and carols. Christmas is also the season Playgroup for the playgroup s hosting of Santa's annual visit to Kinvara. nvara Community Playgroup committee. has been flourishing since 1979. An There is a rhythm to the playgroup indication of its success and session and to the playgroup year. Over 150 children go to visit Santa in popularity is the fact that there are This mirrors the strong sense of the Community Centre each year. It already 14 children on its rolls for rhythm within the growing child. is always a great Community September 1996! Two sessions are Each session begins with free play. afternoon. run daily in the Courthouse - 10.30- Children may be found playing house, 12.30 & l-3pm. dressing up. doing jigsaws, building At Easter, the Easter Bunny visits the with bricks and constructing with Courthouse - though he has never y et The playgroup leaders are Ann Vesey straws. Then snack-time is enjoyed been seen - and leaves little Easter and Jean Greene. Very few by all the group together. Afterwards eggs and sweets in the baskets which community playgroups have been in there is time for painting and the children have prepared. They also continuous existence for such a long playdough. Ring games and nursery make a Spring visit to a local farm to time. Visitors express surprise that a rhymes bring the group together again see the lambs and calves. The year community of Kinvara’s size can and the playgroup session ends with ends with a visit to Coole Park in summer.

We take this opportunity through Tracht to thank the Kinvara Community for supporting our two annual fund-raiser - the Christmas draw and the Mother s Day cake sale. Further information on the Playgroup can be obtained from the Courthouse during the playgroup sessions or any of the committee. Aine O’ Connell. Phil Nolan. Mary’ Roche. Finola Murphy, Rose Beatty. Jane Joyce, Rosemary McNamara. Valerie Forkan. The playgroup is a registered manage to run two sessions of a storytime. member of the l.P.P.A. and is partly playgroup. It is indeed a tribute to the All the important festivals are grant-aided by the Western Health dedication of its leaders and the celebrated in the course of the Board. strong back-up of their organising playgroup year. Children love ritual Burreii Garden Chartered Physiotherapist Kinvara(091)38114 Cliona Keaveney M.I.S.C.P. Home grown Vegetables, large Newly opened practice at: selection of Fruit, a wide variety of Teach Learpholl, Dooms, Wholefoods, Cow, Goat & Sheep Kinvara, Co. Galway. 091 - 37421 Specialising in : Cheese off the Block. Glenisk Yogurt Sports injuries & minor traumas, Also agents for O’Connors quality Neck and back pain confectionery and Dawn Herbal Teas Neurological Conditions and Paediatrics

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28 KINVARA THROUGH OLD PHOTOGRAPHS Portrait of a Seaport Town in the West of Ireland

This year is the 10th anniversary of That Kinvara has such a superb range apparently terminal decline of a once Kinvara: A Ramblers Guide & of photographs is due very much to flourishing seaport and market town. Map, the first publication by Tir the pioneering research of Dr. Patrick We have deliberately drawn a line at Eolas- located at Newtownlynch in Greene, which has been continued the 1960's, a decade that saw7 the Dooms peninsula. Since 1985, right up to the present by Thomas emigration to the United States and Tir Eolas has published five Quinn of Crushoa Everyone knows Britain turn into a mass exodus, additional Ramblers Guides & how easily photographs may be producing the ‘Irish Diaspora" Maps; A Quiet Pint in Kinvara by mislaid or lost, and sometimes we are President Robinson has made us all Richard Tillinghast (in association not even aw are of how valuable an old familiar with. with Salmon Publishing); The photograph can be in the eyes of In an important sense, the identity Shannon Floodlands by Stephen someone else. Dr. Greene and that Kinvara had forged for itself over Heery; Not a Word of a Lie by Thomas Quinn have both this century and a half came to an end Bridie Quinn Conroy; and the two permanently enriched the heritage of in the 1960’s. That identity has to do major publication lat have been our parish through their dedicated with the position of the town as the tremendous critical and popular work of rescue and preservation. only seaport serving South County7 successes - The Book of the Burren ’Kinvara Through Old Photographs: Galway. Until the decline set in and The Book of Aran. Portrait of a Seaport Town in the during the 30’s and 40"s of this To commemorate the 10th West of Ireland' - the provisional title century . Kinvara was a focal point for anniversary or Tir Eolas. and also as a of the forthcoming publication - will regular sheep and cattle markets; wav of expressing gratitude to its examine through photographs, the from its hinterland came produce of neighbours and friends throughout social, economic and historical all kinds, from potatoes and turnips, Dooms and Kinvara. the next project identity of the town from the middle to the barley that was used in Persse s will take a close look at the town of the 19 th century to the early Distillery at Nuns Island in the through a selection of old 1960’s.This period of roughly one processing of quality whiskey . photographs, many of which have hundred and fifty years witnessed the Timber from the woodlands in South never been published before. expansion, the prosperity and Galway was transported to Kinvara. contd. on p. 32

A copy of Tir Eolas's forthcoming book will be presented to the first person giving the most comprehensive account of what this photograph is about !

29 Left to right: Community Games Alt-Ireland gold medal R. Kilroy, capt., N. Curtin, P. Mahon. C. winners. Boys relays under 12. Curtin. C Connolly.

Brendan Forde. Tcagasc student of the year 1995

World Dancing Championships 1995. Left to right: C. O Connor. A. O Connor. S. Movlan. M. Maloney. S. Huban Cormac Quinn and Oliver Connolly. Connaught Colleges. handball champions

Antoinette Fallon - All Ireland Veronica Curtin, nominated by the Paddy Geraghty. Irish Life Pensi Finalist, in the BIM Schools Connacht Tribune as Camogie the Year. 1994. also Pioneer of tr Seafood Cookerv Completion All-Star 1994 award 1994

30 NNERS

vigil Yvonne Curtin, [uban rand Paula Huban part in the All Scotland tantpi unships

Photo above: St Joseph's national school camogie team,. Front row: A. O' Connor, S. Canny, A.M. Connolly, R. O' Connor, C. O' Connor. Back row: S. Moylan, S. Kavanagh, J. O' Shaughnessy. R. Glynn. R. Burke (capt.)

Emnta Kilkelly - Best Female Athlete - Community Games ’95 Kinvara community games hockey team. gold medal winners at Mosney. Back row: E. Mahon, trainer. M. Martin. Y. Keane. H. Huban. N. Murphy. M. Glynn. M. Maloney. M. Corless. A. Walsh, manager Front row: A. Forde. A. Tanion. T. Kelly. V. Curtin. A. Tannion. L. Smith. N. McCormack. A. Tanion

r of fear Gerry Martin, Feis Ceoil winner

31 contd. from p. 29 Loaded on big boats and transported pleasure and relaxation, as well as all hope that you will share with us ’ to Galway; from there the hardy wood those drawn to Kinvara by the annual you know about Kinvara's past, from Coole or Derrvbrien might be festival of Cruinniu na mBad. for whatever help you may be ab used in shipbuilding or perhaps to The publication of Tir Eolas’ provide, in however small a way prop up the coal mines in South forthcoming book has been inspired shall be deeply grateful. Wales. primarily by the desire to assist, in Now. turn your attention to During that century and a half, the some small way. in the admittedly photograph on this page. As you town and people of Kinvara had at difficult project of forging a new notice, it shows a group of peopl least as much to do with the coastline identity for Kinvara as it moves into different ages, from the woman w of Connemara as with the city of the next century . By taking a look at shoulders are covered in Galway. From the inlets and the the origins, growth, expansion and traditional shawl to the young islands of the rugged coastline came decline of the town of Kinvara. and wearing a polka-dot dress, sta that graceful but hardy sailing craft the problems and challenges met and rather uncertainly at the can the Galway Hooker, bringing turf overcome by successive generations in What we would like you to do i from the bogs to the people of South the past, we may be better placed to help put the photograph's s Galway and North Clare. In return, consider how we. while maintaining together, and to set you off. v the boatmen and their sons would faith with the past, can tackle the very suggest some of the questions head for one of the shops to buy different problems and challenges that need to be answered if this story' everything from sailcloth and needles confront us today. become clear. for stitching, to bolts of material for Researching a book like this depends Where was the photograph taken clothesmaking. as well as tools an d very much on the goodwill and co­ what year? Who owned equipment, medicines and paraffin operation of the people of Kinvara. automobile on the left? What wa oil. Marriages were made between There is only so much that you can used for? Can you identify any of families on either side of the broad discover from the pages of books. people in the group? Why bay; families were reared; farms Understanding the day to day. month everyone dressed up in their worked; markets held. Births, to month, year to year way thing used clothes? What sort of occasion marriages and deaths: the pattern of (and in some cases continue) to be this? Some of the people are obvioi every day living in this seaport town done in Kinvara. whether in the town dressed for a journey - where v of the West of Ireland. or on the eland, is something that has they travelling? Today as we rush towards the Third to be learned from those who. if they Other questions might begin Millennium, all or what made up no longer live that way of life, at least suggest themselves as you start most of Kinvara’s identity over one can recall their fathers and mothers, unravel the mystery, but to spur hundred and fifty years and more has grandfathers and grandmothers on. Tir Eolas is offering a signed disappeared or been transformed out telling them about it. hard-bound copy of its forthcorr of all recognition. If there are boats As we hope to complete the research book to the person who is able now at the quay, they are not those of and identification of all photographs provide the most comprchcn: men from Ballyconneely or Struthan. before Christmas, don't be surprised if account of what this photograph is awaiting the turn of the tide to bring one of us should turn up at your door about. them home again; they belong instead some time in the next two months, Anne Korffcan be readied at to those for whom the boat is no clutching a folder of old photographs, (091)37452 longer a livelihood but a source of and full of questions. We very much JcffO'Conndl can be rcachedat(091) 37454

J? Touch of (Toss ^BLOSSOMS / Unisex Hairsalon Phone : Work 37371 Home 37566 C j Flower Shop ( Monday - closed Tuesday - 10 - 5 (Breda) V Crowe St. Gort. \ Wednesday - closed Thirsday - 10-5 (Thursday) Q Tel : 09131318 Friday -10 - 5 (Mary) CX Flowers for All Occasions ' Saturday -10 -8 (Mary & Breda) Breda Fawl has now joined me and she is INTERFLORA^______qualified in all aspects of Hairdressing.

32 Kinvara Youth Club Down through the years there have are just having a chat or buying CHILDREN SHORT been many youth clubs formed in something from the shop. In the main STORY COMPETITION Kinvara. Paddy Geraghty hall, a game of soccer, uni-hoc. RESULTS presented the present club with the basketball or volleyball may be going There were a good number of entries guidelines laid down by a club on. for the competition and the quality of formed in 1966. Kinvara Youth From time to time, we have a the entries was excellent. It is Club, in its present incarnation, table - quiz or a Disco. We also go on unfortunate that there can be only one began in the autumn of 1991 w hen outings to the cinema, bowling and winner The judges had a difficult 12 people gathered in ‘Winkles’ for Quasar. Thanks to the support we choice in picking a winner. We would an introductory talk by Martin receive from Pat Nolan & Tom like to thank all the children who Fitzgerald, regional organiser for McCormack - FAS I Kinvara submitted a story' an wish them every the Galway Youth Federation. Community Employment Project and success in their future writing. Keep Several weeks of training followed to a hardworking and committed up the good work. for those people present. In group of adult leaders, there arc 4 The winner, to go into this year’s November 1991 ‘Kinvara Youth adults present each session. The Tracht magazine is Cathal Connolly Club’ opened its doors again to the presence of someone in the shop (aged 11 at the time of writing). lively youth of the area. brings this up to 5. Here we must Congratulations. Cathal on a very There was some record our thanks to Paddy Geraghty good story about a nightmare. apprehension. With all the attractions who has looked after the shop for us Here is Cathal's short story: of computer games and videos would for many years. a youth club be an attractive option Is there anyone out there among the for the youth of the 90’s? Someone Trackt" readers who would be prepared to hdp A NIGHTMARE ON MY said we would be lucky to get 20 at on one Saturday per month or on an STREET members. An optimist among us occasional basis' ’ If so please oontact any of the One day as I walked down a path, I heard a predicted 40. At the end of the 94/95 regular leaders : Pat Collins Marion Coady. squeak come from the trees. 11 looked like a session Kinvara Youth Club had 95 Arae O’ Cormdl Kevin Kinnane, Killian crow but as I drew closer it seemed to paid-up members on its roll-book. Kenny . Run Fleming Ftetra Brcathnadi. Helen change. As I looked I saw a castle. It The club meets every McGinley. We Irave a great dub going in seemed to look like an upside down castle. Saturday night during term time in Kimura. Outsiders arc amazed at an high Out came lots of white horses. Down came the Community Centre from 8-10 numbers. Recently 40 students spat the week­ a drawbridge. I entered it There were stalls pm. One of the factors in the success end at Dooms Hostd trader the auspices of the to be seen even where. Smoke came from of the Youth Club is the great Cooperation North movement These were an oak door. It opened. I looked in facilities that are available for us in inerted to a disco organised by the drib in the cautiously. A man with his face turned the Community Centre. As a nation, Community Centre. The visitors were greatly inside out came out. Horror entered my we seem to have a depressing habit of impressed by the music . the crowd and tie bones. As I was entering in I felt like I was constantly knocking what is available hospitality . One cf the Belfast teachers in charge walking in space floating around’. Then I in our own communities. Our own sent a letter to the local paper, in which he just fell to the ground. I asked where I was. young people have commented on thanked the Yaith Cht>. with the wads: "Who No-one seemed to talk to me. My mind how lucky we are to have the aa said that life in the niral west is dull’’ was being shattered. Then I saw this Community Centre when they have Kinvara Youth Club is certainly alive gloomy room in sight. Sweat was on the visited other clubs trying to manage in and vibrant. Please help to keep it verge of breaking out. There was a banquet very' cramped conditions. The that way by encouraging your being held. I heard a voice saying “Come meeting room is buzzing every teenagers to join and to support our here. boy”. I came in. there was pig Saturday night with people playing local discos and perhaps by seeing if (roasted) and all kinds of fruits to be eaten. pool, table-tennis, cards, draughts. you could contribute in any way to the It was like being in a Roman villa. I was Connect-4 and other games. running of the club. then asked to play the flute. I tried but they only laughed at me. I threw it down and walked out Their soldiers arrested me, I was thrown into the prison. I was going to be sentenced to death at noon. I was lined up against a wall with two more people who had done barely anything “Lie down", we were told as horses trampled on us. I woke up. my bed was flooded with sweat - what a nightmare!

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34 FOLKLORE FROM KINVARA

The following extracts of folklore and sheep, all died on him and the on the poor man because he had never concerning Kinvara which we came devil a bit he had left. The neighbours been caught before making poteen, across recently were collected by used be try ing to advise him. and they and in his opinion he shouldn't be Sean O Flannagain in the parish of were telling him to go and beg the transported, but be given a prison Beagh and elsewhere in the Slieve priest's pardon. The devil a one of sentence instead. Aughty mountains, on behalf of the him would stir a foot. He was just as Burke from Inagh got up then and Irish Folklore Commission in the stuacach (stubborn) as the priest you spoke against it. "You're saying that 1930s. We are grateful to the Head know. Anyways in the long run he now." he said, "because the one that of the Dept, of Irish Folklore, UCD went to the priest, and he begged his caught him in the act is a Protestant, for permission to include the pardon. and y ou're a Catholic. I'm telling you archive material below. "Thainig tu a Thaidhgin". says the now that this man should be Last year, the Beagh Rural priest, "ach nior thainig tu in am. transported whatever about his Development committee were "Gabh abhaile anois agus ceannaigh circumstances." said Burke. "I beg completing a local history project asal" (So, you've come Taidhgin. but you pardon." said Ffrench. " but it which culminated last May in the you left it too late. Go home now and wouldn't be right, fair or just to be publication of their fine book: Beagh, buy an ass). doing that as this is his first offence." A History and Heritage. The book He went home and bought the ass. The two of them started disputing contains an interesting chapter on and the devil a one but he got to be as then and could not reach agreement. folklore, among other things. A more good as ever again. The luck came Begor, there was another stipendiary representative account, comprising back to him. in Gort the same day called O Hara. past and present folklore is currently I.FC354, p, 322: Collected in 1937 Well this O Hara was living on the in preparation and is due for from Peaidi Mac Giolla shores of Lough Graney in a place publication next year. The specific Phadraig (88) Scairbh (Scarrif) they call Cathair. The big house is references to Kinvara reproduced Transportation to the penal there all the time. When Ffrench below - sections of which are colony of Van Diemen's Land heard that O Hara was in Gort he sent translations from Irish - are contained (Tasmania) was the sentence handed for him, and when he came into court in the folklore of the general Gort down for larceny and petty crime he was told the whole story from area, collected in the thirties. The during the eighteenth century. In this beginning to end. Mr O Hara said he italised comments and footnotes are extract, we are told (also by Jamesy agreed with Ffrench and that he our own. Regan from Townranny) how the shouldn't be transported at all. His In Irish folklore, priests are local magistrates disagreed on such word was accepted and Burke didn't often reputed to he able to cure harsh a sentence as this... get his way. Burke was finished after ailments and those who can are said THE POOR MAN WHO WAS that. ' I.FC.404, p. 103-105, to be unhappy with their gift because SELLING WHISKEY POTEEN (Seamus 6 Riagain) it apparently brings bad luck to LACK OF TURF IN KINVARA themselves in the end. "They have I was over in Gort one day and I The farmers living in the Kinvara penance to pay," someone told us heard it going round that there was area have all their land under tillage, recently. this man from Kinvara on trial in the and it would be mostly tillage and The priest with supernatural courthouse for making whiskey pigs that keeps them going. I'd say. powers is also a recurring theme. poteen and selling it. One of the There would be one scarcity there Often we hear of the priest peelers caught him at it and he was a around Ardrahan and Kinvara and threatening to put a donkey's head on protestant himself. The stipendiary in that would be the lack of turf or any someone who crosses his path, or Gort that time was one of the class of fuel. curse someone... Ffrenchs. and he was a Catholic. As long as the boats are coming in Another stipendiary was coming to there they are okay, but often they THE MAN THAT WAS CURSED Gort that time too. and he was Burke don't come and then they'd have to go This man back in Kinvara had a row from Inagh. and he was a Protestant. over to the Aughty mountains and I'm with the priest of Kinvara and did not Both of them were sitting this day, telling you it's hard on them when the priest curse him. There was not a Ffrench and Burke. they have to take that road. week that used pass after that, that he Ffrench was on the bench that THE BEST CORN used get some of his stock dead on the particular day and when the peeler The corn most commonly sown land. Every animal he had on the had finished giving his evidence. between here and Kinvara is the com land, both horses and cows, and cattle Ffrench said he couldn't be too severe known as "The Common Red" or

35 •ll "The Old Red". It's also known as the the forge water itself was said to have portion of an amniotic sac which Old Irish Com (an tSean a cure. In this case the waler was sometimes covers a child's head at Chruithneacht Gaelach). That corn is believed to provide proof that a birth." It was considered to bring being sown here for as long as people person was taken by the fairies, whose good luck. Marian Connolly remember, and it's the same corn that custom it was to leave a changeling in remembered when training to be a was sown in Ireland ever. The grains his place... nurse in Galway that some midwives are very hard and they make the best at the hospital were sometimes of flour. The miller in Gort - Hynes - FORGE WATER CURE presented with the caul from women says it's the best com there is. following childbirth. Some nursess When we'd be making cakes we'd put In case of lingering illness people would often be asked by sailors to in a handful of corn - a handful of make out that the sick person is "not keep a caul for them as it was ground corn mixed with two of the right" and that the sheogues (fairies) generally believed that seaman would white flour and we would mix it up have a hand in him. In that case they not drown if they had it. like that. usually wish for an early death and Often we hear of the luck cap, or yet they do not wish to do away with caul, being stolen at the child's THE PEOPLE OF ARDRAHAN the person deliberately. (home)birth, as this woman explained AND KINVARA In a case like that they steal forge forty years earlier... water and give it to the sick person to They wouldn't have much of the white drink. If he is not right he will quickly THE CAIPIN SONAIS flour, or the shop flour as we call it. die. It's all ground com up that side, and (...) was a neighbour of ours that lived The third child I had was a son. and you never ate a cake so sweet and at Cill Eithnc (Killina). He had a he had the caipin sonais on the crown tasty as that cake and not a grain of longing illness and his mother was of his head. An old woman and a white flour through it. 1 was over tired looking after him. There was a young girl were attending me. The old visiting some relatives there and the forge in the village and she stole some woman knew that the caipin sonais woman of the house asked me what o' the forge water and gave it to him should be there and she missed it was the price of shop flour. "Do you to drink. He only lived one week after gone. She searched for it and could not buy it at all?" I asked her. "I do it. not get it. The young girl had not. a mhaicin." she said, "it's a long I had a little sister named Nora, and disappeared, and had brought the time since I bought a bit of it." she she was about nine years of age at the caipin sonais with her. We knew well said. time. (...) was very fond of her and he that she had. She got married, but if The people in Kinvara call everyone a used have sweets for her. She went in she did in self she never had a birth. mhaicin. It's always on the tip of their to see him when he was laid out and She had no right to steal the caipin tongue: a mhaicin. she got a terrible fright and ran away. sonais. I.F.C.433, p.s 215, 226-227, (Seamus His eyes could not be closed. I.F.C.627;p. 19: In the above this O Riagain) I.F.C.627.D. 17-18: Collected in 1938 woman’s manner of speaking is a The blacksmith was a man to be from a woman who was bom and good example of how the Irish respected in the past. He had all the raised in Killina. Kinvara. phraseology of her youth -(1850s) has elements at his command - earth, fire The "caipin sonais" blended with her habitual use of and water. Often he acted as local otherwise known as luck cap, or caul English. arbiter in settling local disputes and is, according to the dictionary, "the KINVARA Corless and Son FREE UNDERTAKERS KINVARA, CO. GALWAY RANGE Complete Funerals arranged Funeral Parlour Facilities EGGS Embalming, Cremation PRODUCER Telephone 091-37145 Day or Night 091 37269 KATHLEEN KEANE CURTIN Established 1863 DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE REG.

36 ☆

BIRTHS Transitions * NAMED TO Michael Joseph Patrick & Noreen O'Loughlin Ashling Geraldine Patrick & Mary Warde Martin Anthony Patrick & Margaret Linnane Nicola Louise Joseph & Una Mahon Sarah Marie John & Ann Marie Flaherty Joseph Patrick Gerard Michael & Cannel O'Connor Kevin Martin Joseph & Geraldine O'Dea Darragh Martin Martin & Patricia Kilkelly Eanna Thomas & Roisin Mairead Enda & Fiona Linnane Ellen Nora John & Margaret Bums Shane Laurence Michael & Mary Linnane Philip Thomas Patrick & Rosemary McNamara Sharon Theresa Michael & Anne O’Hara Lauren Marie Donald & Mary Maloney Rachel Anne Ray & Rose Beatty Niamh Marianne Liam & Ann Connolly Michael Thomas Gabriel & Julie Bermingham Caolan Michael Eoin & Sandra MacMahon Kayleigh Marie Michael & Caroline Mahon Jenny Mary Kevin & Ann Kinane Meaghan Louise Declan & Aoife Droney Emma Mary & Darragh Joseph Martin & Bernadette Flaherty Paddy Jane & Peter Smith Robert Henry Susan & Pat Burke Felicity Bernie & John Leech Feilim Ailbhe & Eoin Brown Fiach Antoinette & Seadna Tobin

MARRIAGES Jerry Carr & Bernadette Naughton Adrian Mallon & Brigid Linnane Hope Ellerson & Caroline McLoughlin Patrick Diviney & Carol O'Hanlon John Duffy & Teresa Cooley Patrick Holland & Catherine Keane Eoin MacMahon & Sandra Fahy- Martin Glynn & Phylis Kelly , y * • Patrick Gerard Ruane & Mary Teresa O’Loughlin Alan Moran & Melinda Hughes ; I Padraic Molloy & Mary McLoughlin Declan Kilkelly & Geraldine Forde I . , ' Brendan Corless & Angela Naughton Patrick O’Loughlin & Eileen Hotchkiss // Patrick McNulty & Mary Quinn DEATHS Margaret Curtin. Roo John McLaughlin. Kinvara. Peter Waters. Ballybuck James Nolan. Curranroo. Joseph Muldoon, Curranroo. Kathleen Keane. Cahemamadra. Dan Sugrue. Kinvara Mrs Margaret Burke, Cahermore. Thomas Moran. Kinvara Bernadette Forde. Cartron. Michael Linnane. Parkmore. James Curtin. Geeha. Dooras. Anne Huban. Dooras. Thomas Hynes. Funchin. gN Bridge Connolly. Cartron. Delia Leech. Kinvara. Peg Fahy, Cahermore. Patrick O'Loughlin, Poulnagan. Mary Kate Shaughnessy , Killina. John (Jack) Linnane. Ballyclera. Joseph Quilty, Geeha, Dooras. Miko Connolly Oughtmama. Maisie McCormack. Cartron Pat Keane. Aughnish Patrick Fahy. Dooras. Theresa Kavanagh. Trellick.

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38 The Famine Years The famine of 1845-49 had a very Alexander Esquire. Dr Hynes was relief to every person in distress in the severe effect on the Kinvara area. requested to act as Secretary. The district for the next two months." Even before the famine there was Rev. Chairman said it very seldom The people also had to suffer from the much poverty there. On Thursday, fell to his lot to preside at. or take part caprices of officialdom. A letter dated November 21, 1844 a meeting was in. any meeting of greater importance July 30. 1846 from Kinvara refers to held in the town “on the subject of than the present. They had assembled “the doings of a Mr. Wright, who is Establishing a Dispensary therein, there today to see what means could the engineer appointed by and electing a Medical Officer to be devised to alleviate the prevailing Government for some of the baronies Superintend it”. As Regards distress and destitution of the of this neighbourhood.” He did little dispensary relief, one of the hundreds of their fellow beings in that to co-operate with the Kinvara Relief resolutions passed referred to “the locality who had not a single day 's Committee. After seventy extra men great want of such relief in this poor support for themselves or their were employed working on a line of district”. The potato blight w as first families, and unless something was road Mr Wright “wrote to the detected in Ireland in September of done to assist them, it was awful to secretary of the Committee saying he 1845. A report by a Gort contemplate the consequences likely would not allow' these men to be paid correspondent of the Galway to follow... and. finally, he stops the work Mercury and Connaught Weekly The Rev. Mr Arthur said that altogether, sending two hundred and Advertiser that appeared November while we would be waiting for relief forty men home to tell their families 8, 1845 shows the effect it had on from the Government (who appeared that they must starve.” the potato crop in the South Galw ay very tardy in affording relief to any At a meeting of the Kinvara area by then. district) the people would starve for Relief Committee held in the Court “From a Gort correspondent. want of the common necessaries of House on Wednesday September 2nd, I regret to state that the alarm in this life. The every day he attended a 1846 it was resolved “That our locality, concerning the cholera family in fever who had no better Treasurer be empowered to advance amongst the potatoes is very great, not drink than water, but who was the sum of Eleven Pounds Ten so much on account of the rot reduced to that pitch of poverty. from Shillings and Three Half Pence amongst them while in the ground, as being in very comfortable towards the payment of the poor men that which occurred when covered in circumstances, in consequence of that were refused payment for their the holes. I have known many for the having lost all their potatoes by the labour on the new line of road into the last three weeks to have dug and rot. He would, therefore, say that town by Mr Wright the Officer of pitted them perfectly safe and free of subscriptions should be immediately Public Works for this District, and spots, who have tried them for the last entered into by the inhabitants of the that our Secretary be directed to call week, and found them spoiled and parish, and that application be made to the attention of the Board of Works totally useless.” to the different landlords having to the flagrant injustice done these The destitution in Kinvara property in the district, calling on poor creatures by that gentleman, as was evident by May 1846. A report in them for their support, and that when well as to his general conduct towards the Galway Mercury May 9th 1846 a sufficient sum were collected, meal the committee.” show s the effects of the failure of the should be purchased and sold out at From the general accounts of potato crop on the vicinity. reduced prices, which, in itself, would the Kinvara Relief Committee it “A meeting of the be a great source of relief, as it w ould appears that a total of £.387.17s.8d inhabitants of this town and vicinity be likely to put a stop to that was raised from private and public took place in the Court-house on disreputable system of forestalling so donations. £7.18s was spent on Wednesday last. It was attended by a generally adopted in this town.” "Gratuitous Relief to a certain number large portion of the most respectable, At a meeting of the Kinvara Relief of families, wholly destitute since and a great number of the humbler Committee held in the Court House, May 24.” Most of the money was classes who appeared very grateful to Kinvara on Thursday June 4th, 1846, spent on the purchase of food such a s the former for the anxiety they it was reported “The Committee oatmeal, wheat meal and Indian meal. evinced to relieve the present distress, having already issued over 400 meal In the second annual report of the and avert the awful consequences of tickets by which that number of Kinvara Dispensary which appeared the approaching destitution.” The families at least will be saved from the in the Galway Mercury November 21, Rev.P.Ford, P.P., was called to the horrors of starvation this season and 1847. a list was given of all the Chair on the motion of Captain they confidently trust they will be diseases treated in the last year and Kilkelly. seconded by Arthur enabled to afford at all events partial the number of applicants relieved.

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40 1847. a list was given of all the anxiety of his. acting on a too Government Inspector Major Burnes diseases treated in the last year and sensitive mind, and a delicate of the 19th Regiment. For it is to his the number of applicants relieved. onstitution. was the cause of his great exertions in behalf of the poor of Those suffering from "diseases of the untimely death.” this electoral division, to his good Respiratory Organs” were the most The clergy man who died was advice and to his kind and numerous with 473 patients, the next the Rev. Patrick Ford. His death was conciliatory conduct at all times, we most numerous was "diseases peculiar reported in the Galway Mercury. must in a great measure, attribute any to women and Infantile Diseases" of January’ 2.1847. "Mr Ford, though success with which our efforts have which there were 417. The "Total young in years was of a delicate been attended.” Number of Prescriptions made up” constitution, and he was for some However the idea that the was 4.657. time subject to the complaint - crisis was over in the Kinvara district The author of the report. Dr. inflammation of the stomach - to by the autumn of 1847 would seem to Dennis J. Hynes noted "I am glad to which at length, he has fallen a be disproved by accounts from the be able to remark that though a great victim. Kind and gentle in his manner Gort Poor Law Union Minutes. At a number of cases have been treated at towards all. generous and charitable meeting of the Board of Guardians the dispensary for the year, we have towards the poor, it is no wonder that held on Friday. December 3rd. 1847 it not been visited by any serious his death is universally regretted by was resolved "that in consequence of epidemic. I regret, however, that the inhabitants of his parish, and his the multitude of miserable applicants Disease is on the increase in the exertions for some time past as from Kinvara and the total District for the last few months, secretary of the relief committee, as impossibility of ever finding attributable, in great measure I fear, to well as his anxiety of mind . arising accommodation for them in the the destitution, so general all over it.” from the difficulty of procuring workhouse, it is the opinion of this The winter of 1846/47 was employment for the labouring board that we forthwith agree for a exceptionally severe and contributed population, contributed to render him house or houses at Kinvara. to receive to the great suffering of the poor less able to bear up against the last the claimants from that District”. At people who had been unable to get attack of his disease. Just as he was a further meeting of the Board of fuel to heat up their cabins. On going out to celebrate first mass on Guardians held on Friday . December Tuesday. February 9th 1847. the Gort Christmas morning he became 31,1847 it was resolved "that in Presentment Sessions met. Its alarmingly ill. and notwithstanding consequence of the crowded state of intention was to make proposals "for every effort made by his medical the house ( the Gort workhouse) and further sums of money for the present attendant to prolong his valued life he nearly 400 paupers being from the system of road works for the barony of died at an early hour on the following Electoral division of Kinvara and an Kiltartan. The attendance of morning. Deceased was Catholic accession of 100 a week expected gentlemen was very numerous, Administrator of the parish of from the same division, the (Poor although the day was a most Kinvarra. in this county .” Law) Commissioners be requested to inclement one, being one continued On Thursday . September sanction outdoor relief, with as shower of snow .” 16th. 1847, the Kinvara relief division to the able bodied.” One of the Catholic Committee had its last meeting. It was It is a fact that most people clergymen who spoke was Rev. stated by Arthur Alexander, Esq., that who died during the famine, died not Arthur, parish priest of Kinvara. "In "we have issued altogether 786.838 of hunger but of diseases associated Kinvara district. Rev. Mr Arthur said rations and on an average we have with overcrowded conditions, poor they were burying them without issued 5,120 rations to 5,570 hygiene and diet. Such diseases coffins; there were two last week individuals daily at a cost of included relapsing fever, typhus, buried by day and two by night and something less than one and three bacillic dysentery earlier known as the amount of mortality was frightful. quarters d. per ration. This includes "the bloody flux’ and smallpox. There He was so weakened by the incessant the expense of the staff, rent of stores, was a fever hospital in Kinvara during calls for the dying, and the constant soup kitchen. &c.. as well as that of the famine years, up to 1849. It was agitation of his mind that he could the meal issued.” The Government situated in a house in the town owned now hardly address the gentlemen inspector. Major Bumes was by Mr. St. George. At an present. I will here mention to you especially commended for his help in e.xtraordinaiy meeting of the vice that a clergyman died in his parish the relief efforts. Mr Alexander said Guardians of the Gort Union held on last Christmas from an over-anxiety “In conclusion . gentlemen. When I March 2nd. 1848 a report was made for the welfare of his flock when he look back to that crisis and when I of a recent visit to the fever hospital. saw he could not be the means of contemplate the frightful destitution "The Vice Guardians having visited alleviating their suffering condition, of our district and the many Kinvarra Fever House, with a view of or attend half the calls that were difficulties we have to contend with, making arrangements for increased hourly made upon him. This over the mind naturally recurs to the accommodation in accordance with

41 the Poor Law Commissioners time the R/O (Relieving Officer) have They met opposition in the village Instructions conveyed in their letter to a strict control over the distribution of and barricades were erected to prevent Capt. Hanley, and having on the food at the stores”. John Butler, them from reaching the place where inspecting the premises found the overseer of works was appointed store they were to distrain on, one and a arrangements for the relief of the sick keeper at Kinvara in James Curtin’s half miles from Kinvara. The riot act very unsatisfactory, without proper stead at a salary of 10 d per week. was read three times at the second superintendence or control, and with In 1847 the British barricade and when the crowd of 300 no ready means of extending the government decided to transfer the men and women would not give way accommodation. responsibility for famine relief in the police and army were ordered to Resolved that before any Ireland from central to local charge with fixed bayonets. “Stones money shall be advanced on account resources. This meant the collecting were then thrown by the people, many of Kinvarra Hospital. Capt. Hanley do of a poor rate on Irish property. of whom received severe wounds in report on the subject to the Poor Law When an attempt was made to levy a the charges of the police. They then Commissioners.” five shilling rate in the Gort Union in commenced a guerilla warfare from The Galway Vindicator of April 5, October, 1848 there was widespread behind the walls and severely injured 1848 carried a notice inviting some of the police and military.” “tenders from persons willing to Eventually, as it was getting late. Mr. contract ...for the Erection of Sheds Davis, the stipendary magistrate, for 50 or 100 Patients, as may be ordered the police and military "to determined on. near Kinvarra.” turn around and proceed home.” It is to be noted that in June On Thursday . November 9th. 1848 the parish priests of Kinvara, 1848. the collection of poor rate took Rev. Arthur and Rev. Kelly wrote to place for the fifth time in the Kinvara the vice guardians of the Gort area. “On Thursday last, we are Union, stating that they required informed, a formidable force of salaries “for attending at the military and police, with artillery, Temporary Hospital at Kinvara.” were under orders for the fifth time to When they were not paid the priests enforce the collection of poor rate in “expressed their determination not the neighbourhood of Kinvarra. Five to attend the patients in the hundred men. headed by Sir Michael Temporary' Hospital in future”. It is Creagh. with 60 of the constabulary , to be presumed that some suitable proceeded to New' Quay and Duras; at arrangement was arrived at between the latter place they seized a horse, Rev. Arthur and Rew Kelly and the but the demand was immediately paid vice guardians on the matter. The by the owner and the animal Famine memorial at Foy’s cemetery. Kinvara Temporary Fever Hospital Foy's House in background liberated. They thence proceeded to remained open until the end of the villages where resistance was resistance. A meeting was held at December 1849. chiefly anticipated, but nothing of the Gort Courthouse Thursday, October Some people took advantage sort appeared - not a man left his 19 by local landowners and farmers. of their positions of responsibility in employment even to gaze upon them. One of those who spoke was Mr. feeding the poor to profit themselves. A few paid the rates, but no property Burke of Kinvara, he “addressed the At a meeting of the vice guardians of was carried away.” meeting in very’ forcible language, the Gort Union on Friday. May 26th, There was an outbreak of declaring the determination of the 1848 it was reported that “In the cholera in Kinvara in April. 1849. tenant farmers not to submit to the course of the Inspection of the Several Doctor Hynes was made cholera levy of so high a rate. He said it meal Depots in the Union by Mr. medical officer at a salary of one would be far better for the paupers to Gillons Inspector and the Vice guinea per dien and the shop of be at once sent off to New South Guardians during the week, it having Fergus Kilkelly at Kinvara was hired Wales, economical to the Union, but been necessary to dismiss the for a cholera dispensary for ten the notion of paying a five shilling Storekeeper at Shanaglish, John shillings per week, Mr. Kilkelly “to rate was quite preposterous.” Not Geraghty, and the Store Keeper at give his own services as Porter of the surprisingly what was called the poor Kinvarra James Curtin, for using Dispensary.” A report in the Galway rate campaign in Kinvara met with fraudulent scales in weighing out the Vindicator, April 28. 1849. gives fierce resistance. On Monday 24th foods it was ordered that notice be evidence of the outbreak. October, 1848, 40 soldiers and 50 given to persons willing to fill those "The brother of the king or policemen went from Gort to collect situations to be considered on Friday Admiral of the Claddagh ‘Barfly poor rates in the parish of Kinvara. the 3rd instant. And that in the mean Hynes’ who died from cholera, was

42 also seized by cholera at Kinvara and was closed down soon afterward. I would like to thank the staff died about the same time. The The famine had certainly of Galway County Library, Island messenger who came across the bay to cast its dark shadow over the district House, for providing me with the inform him of his brother s death of Kinvara. Between 1847 and 1867 facilities and materials to research for found the admiral dead also.” By there was a decrease of 1100 families this article. June 1. 1849 cholera had abated in in the parish. Kinvara like Ireland, Oliver Martyn. October 1995. Kinvara and the cholera dispensary was never to be the same again. Our trip to Locoal Mendon

We assembled in Gort for the bus 7.p.m. the next day before we saw this hospitality of the families was to Cork on a blazing June beautiful port in the evening sun. overwhelming. Everyone was treated afternoon. Eight second level Alan Le Buhe was waiting individually as a family member and students from Kinvara, to welcome us and once the baggage all went out of their way to provide Ballindereen, Gort and Belharbour was loaded we settled down for the extra outings for sight-seeing, - and one was actually bringing his final two hours of our marathon meeting relatives, beach trips, mother and his kid sister along! - journey . Alan briefed us on places of shopping etc.; but the novelty of being for the coming eighteen days in interest as we made our way through in another country and seeing life as Locoal-Mendon. Kinvara's twin town the beautiful Brittany countryside on its lived every day was an adventure in Brittany. the fast and efficient roads system in itself and we were all intrigued by It had been some eight years there, but soon almost everyone was the different food and drinks we were before when the officials of the two nodding as fatigue finally won the introduced to. Everyone knows that towns - Canon Michael O'Connor and day. By the end of the two hour the French commonly drink wine at Mayor Serge Le Gouguec - signed the journey , however, we were all restless their main meal and as this meal is official twinning agreement. At that to meet our hosts for the first time and often in the middle of the day. this is time there were already some firm as we drove into the car park of the unusual for us to say the least; then friendships established through the 'Mairic'. there they all were waiting, there was the locally brewed cider - new accord and for a few years visits just as curious about us - I'm sure - as proudly offered to each one of us by took place between the two we were about them. The baggage was our individual hosts - and we all communities and were fondly unloaded and even family was quickly learned that it would be wise remembered by many in Kinvara. assigned their 'guest' before we all to leave the French to their own However, as often happens, in recent dispersed to our new temporary customs rather than join them in this times only a few reciprocal visits had homes. The families who were our one. In fact the extremely hot weather been made and they tended to be on a hosts were: Le Floch (x2); Lc Buhe: made it essential to drink plenty of personal basis rather than Guillot; Audic; Vautrin; Herve; water ( usually bottled) which was representing the 'twinning'. Moya Rosnahro; Pensac and 1 stayed first also readily available. Mint tea is and Stan Mac Eoin kept with Annie Huchet. her daughter quite popular as an after dinner communications open and as a family Christelle and son Yan- who know beverage but tea as we know and love have remained regularly in touch with and are known by many friends in it is not taken much. The speciality of the Le Buhe family in Locoal- Kinvara after having been here before the area are the Crepes and they can Mendon. The two families have much on twinning visits and independently . be either served as a main course with in common, not least the fact that they It was the day after our a filling of anything from ham and were instrumental in forging the links arrival, before we could sec what a eggs to ratatouille. You might follow originally and it was Moya who beautiful place our twin town is - it is this with a dessert type Crepe which together with Genevieve Le Buhe probably smaller than Kinvara in its could hold strawberries and cream or made this years arrangements in the central area with only a couple of bananas and chocolate flamed with hope that the students would generate shops and a post office, but there are Grand Marnier. We all attended what a new level of interest in the many amenities on the outer edges of was probably the most spectacular 'relationship'. At the same time, of Locoal-Mendon like tennis courts, event of the visit on our second course, they would become fluent soccer pitch and a very impressive Sunday there, the Nos Paysanne. French speakers!! Suite Emeraud which is the local which was a 're-construction' of a Just before midnight, we concert hall/function rooms with its Breton wedding. The ceremonies boarded the Ferry in Cork for the 17 own extensive car park. began with the Breton mass in hour journey to St. Malo. And it was There are many things which Mendon's lovely church with many of impressed us all a great deal. The the congregation dressed in local

43 communities and largely depend;: on themselves for their owr entertainment and social gatherings Both communities have the same open hospitality' and interest in all visitors, there are indeed many friends between the two towns and many more to be made. FOOTNOTE: Since our visit, there have been guests in Kinvara form Locoal-Mendon. Three students and many people will recall seeing Alan Le Buhe when he made a flying visit here at the end of August. He was pleased to meet old acquaintances as were Annie Huchet and Christelle who also caught up with a few old friends around the same time. It is hoped that the year 1997 Kathleen Kenny, pictured with students prior to departure to Brittany will see reciprocal visits between the two communities as that will be the costume - traditional at all weddings Anne d'Auray, St. Goustin, Lorient. tenth anniversary of the signing of the until the mid nineteen sixties - and Vannes. Concarneau, Quimper. twinning document. Some residents in looking extremely elegant in black Camac Quiberon. and others, all of the Brittany town are already keen on velvet and white accessories with the which came alive in all their finery' generating plans for that time and we most perfect detailed hand embroidery from being only names on a map would urge any one here who would be on the ladies dresses. There was an before. willing to partake in any way. to come excellent choir and a magnificent At a reception at the 'Mairie' given by forward so that a committee can be musical section mainly of the the Twinning Committee, the Mayor. formed. EU funding is available to traditional instruments of the M. Serge Le Gouguec. re-iterated the towns who wish to pursue their bombard and the bagade. The ’bride sentiments held here in Kinvara that twinning activities, provided that a and groom' were represented by three those who have been involved with suitable plan/application is submitted couples who were already married and the alliance between the two towns which must include a ''European celebrating special wedding have many fond memories and that it dimension ’. Your input . however anniversaries this year e g. 25th, 30th would be hoped that the visits would small will be most appreciated. Please etc., these were the central figures for continue and the friendships flourish contact the Community Centre if you the ceremonies and after the mass in the years to come. wish to be involved. were surrounded by singing and Finally we had to make our dancing 'guests' for at least half an way home and said good-by e to our hour before the party moved (either 'families' at the station in Auray . with on foot or by horse draw n carriage) on many promises to keep in touch. We towards Lapaul- about 4 kilometres were laden with souvenirs and gifts Kinvara Pioneers out of town - for the wedding feast. from our new friends. We were There were about two stops on the optimistic that our aims had been The 2nd of February 1995 was the way for more singing and dancing achieved in that the ties were now 60th anniversary of the foundation of around the couples and this is how a strengthened and more visits will the female branch of the P T A A in typical countiy wedding would have surely come about as a result. Kinvara. Sr M. Bernadette was the progressed there many years ago with Brittany is a beautiful place first spiritual Directress, based in the stops at homesteads en route to and there is a great affinity among the Convent of Mercy’. This group were include the entire community' in the Breton and the Irish - both have their amalgamated with the male centre in celebrations. Finally on arriving at the own Celtic language and culture 1975, with Sr M Joseph as it first which resemble each other in many site of the feast we found tables laid secretary attached to St Joseph's ways. It is easy to recognise this for hundreds of diners and everyone Church. The present secretary is affinity on meeting the people there enjoyed an afternoon of good food, Paddy Geraghty In 1998 the Pioneers and seeing the similarities in the music and dancing in the open air. will be celebrating its centenary. Some of the places we were lifestyles of Locoal-Mendon and delighted to visit were: Auray. St. Kinvara, both small farming

44 police. They then commanded a The Battle of Kinvara guerrilla warfare from behind the walls and severely injured some of the WHAT IT SAID IN THE PAPERS police and military. One of the police got a severe cut in the face, and Mr Davis and his horse were struck two THE POOR LAW RATES THE BATTLE OF KINVARA or three times. The police drove the Elsewhere in this issue of Tracht The next issue of the Galway people for a quarter of a mile into the Jeff O' Connell's well researched Vindicator, dated Oct.28. 1846.fields, but they were as certain to be article describes the effects of the publishes a letter referring to its back again to the scene of action. Mr famine on Kinvara. Oliver Martyn, reports on extempore barricades'. Davis did not wish to shed blood, by who did fine work too in sifting The writer tells us that on the 26th a ordering the military or police to fire, through old copies of the Galway gallant band' of police and infantry and it being late in the day. he Vindicator, came across the proceeded from Gort to Kinvara to ordered them to turn round and following stories relating to the "seize and to possess, to have and to proceed home. Much praise is due to collection of the poor rates and the hold, all the come-atable property of a the forbearance of the authorities, as opposition thereto from hard- refractory set of rate non-payers. The among such a determined people pressed landlords and others. author then describes their retreat, there is not the least doubt but much At a meeting of the Gort informing us that they left empty blood would have been shed " handed. Union on 21 October 1846. Lord Gort Further down the coast we and Mr St George M.P. were asked to However the Freeman carried a read accounts of similar defences, so "wait on His Excellency’ the Lord somewhat different report from its opposition to the rates must have been Lieutenant to present the resolutions correspondent, who recounts a bloody a highly charged issue. On Nov. 8th agreed to and to assure his excellency battle in Kinvara. A large force, the Limerick Chronicle reports that of the impossibility of such a rate comprising the 4th Light Dragoons, the government is determined to being collected, and that if he the 89th Regiment of foot soldiers, enforce pay ment of the poor rate and persevered it would be collected at the some 40 men commanded by a Capt. refers to the organised hostility to the point of a bayonet and thus jeopardise Browne and Lieut. Skinner law being manifested in the "lawless the tranquility of a district hitherto respectively, as well as 50 of the district of Kinvara, where the most peaceable." police force, commanded by Thomas peasantry have cut deep trenches, now Now a week previous to this. October Mahon S.I.. and J. Davis, stipendiary filled with water, upon all the cross 14th. the Galway Vindicator carried a magistrate were on a rate collecting roads, and erected cheveaux de frises report stating that "protected by the expedition. As this impressive force of in the fields, to prevent the approach dragoons stationed in that town and a 90 men passed through the village. he of the military and police authorities. large party of the police, the rate writes, the carts that were to convey These difficulties must however give collector and his assistants proceeded away the corn (in lieu of payment), way before the constituted authority, into the neighbouring districts, having being at the rear of the military, were for the law must be asserted, despite with them a number of cars for the set upon by people but restrained by of all consequences, or universal purpose of bringing away various the force on hand. A mile and a half anarchy will be the result. The Poor descriptions of property which they further on they were met by a Law system is obnoxious, and even intended to distrain." barricade obstructing their passage: oppressive in its operations, but It goes on to report how a crowd of "They then got on another road armed resistance is not the legitimate country people gathered and refused leading to the same district when a road to amend this or any other to disperse in spite of the riot act barricade, partly formed, met their statute." being read out three times. Indeed view , protected by about 300 men and On Nov. 11th. the Vindicator reports they commandeered the horses and women. They refused to let the armed that no less than 5(X) men. headed by Sir Michael carts: forces pass and said they would rather Creagh. with 60 cf the constabulaiy. headed to "The horses were made to ’stand sacrifice their Ines than permit it. New Qua and Doras. anticipating trouble but aside' with a despatch that would have They were told resistance would be none was forthcoming "not a man left his done credit to the Attorney General useless, but they persisted to maintain employment to gaze upon them A few paid the disposing of a Catholic juror, and the their ground. The riot act was read rates, but no property was earned away." next moment the cars were three times but still they would not The prcnob tdls us: an to inch blifuil laidir. ni descending a hill with accelerating give way, when the police were folair do a bheith glic (if you lack strength you’d motion, whose momentum had a very ordered to charge with fixed bayonets, better be decer). striking appearance to the and also the 89th. Stones were thrown A {q\t)e they saw them coming end the stock had irresistible." by the people, many of w hom received been hiddenfrom dew.. severe wounds in the charges of the By Caoilte Breatnach

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46 The Famine in Kinvara J.W< O'Connell & Paschal Quinn

The Irish Famine was such a On the other hand, perhaps it is no of 'phytopthora infestans', a nasty colossal disaster in itself, and it has longer so very difficult to imagine, fungus with a dignified-sounding had such an enormous impact on standing, as we all do. in this mass Latin name, that rotted potatoes in the the subsequent history of this graveyard of the 20th century : a ground. The reason this was such a country - economically, century that has witnessed the disaster is quite simple. Over the sociologically, politically, culturally millions of deaths at the Battle of the previous two centuries, the newly- - that it is, as historian Kevin Somme; the six million and more introduced potato - so easy to grow Whelan has written, difficult for us deaths over a similar time-span - and so very nutritious - began to to really grasp. between 1935 and 1945 - we today replace other food crops that required call the Holocaust; the continuing more attention for a successful Whelan, in his contribution to slaughter in Rwanda. Bosnia. Serbia, harvest, as well as. in the case of 'The Great Irish Famine', the 1995 Croatia. cereal crops, recourse the a third party Thomas Davis Lecture series, Maybe the most telling of all - the miller - for processing. explains this point well: comparisons for Irish people are the We Irish have always made up songs and poems about everything that strikes us, good or bad. And this humble plant, that could be grown virtually anywhere and produced an abundant yield, naturally attracted its praise-singers. One such song, in Irish, translates as

"The potatoes are the love of my life They don't require a kiln or mill Only to be dug in the field And left on the fire."

In the West of Ireland, other factors combined crucially with the treacherous ease with which potatoes could be grown, -the gradual but Foy’s House, fever hospital during Famine accelerating shift to a one-crop small­ farmer economy that was of little "It is difficult to grasp at an individual terrible famines that have claimed the more than a subsistence nature, but. if level the implications of a tragedy attention of the world in recent you lucky enough to live where easy which wiped out one million people in decades, the famines in Biafra, access to hills for rough grazing was half a decade, as if the modem Ethiopia. Somalia. Those Irish aid available, where there were bogs for population of Dublin was to be workers and mission priests and nuns, turf, and lived in close proximity to obliterated before the end of the who have made such an outstanding the seashore where you could get 1990s. It is also difficult", the author contribution, may be the least liable to seaweed, sand and seafood, you would continues, "to empathise with the a failure of imagination when it have had a simple but good life. scale of the poverty . In seemingly comes to envisaging the actuality of Where nobody expected very prosperous Kilkenny in 1835. a the Irish Famine much in the way of social German visitor noted with fascinated advancement, but in the rural West of disgust how a local mother had picked Background Ireland where virtually all your up gooseberry' skins which a fellow This year marks the 150th neighbours were about as well off - traveller had spat out of the anniversary of the great Irish Famine, which often meant 'as badly off - as stagecoach, carefully placing them in that nationwide disaster that began you were, there were not the serious the mouth of her child." with the sinister and stealthy invasion

47 economic barriers to early marriage or Cahercarney on the Eastern border of are even more dramatic: from 385 starting a family that were to arise the parish; and Capacasheen and people to 824. Even Lewis is moved later in the century, after the Famine. Killina at the Southernmost extreme. to comment on the increase in the Consequently, the population Thus, there was a total of 3. 344 town’s population: "In 1831". he began to expand in the Western persons in the combined parish in notes, it 'contained 140 houses, but regions, along the Atlantic. And as 1821. has greatly increased since that time." population expanded, so did the This figure is supplemented In 1821, as I've already noted, the ubiquitous potato take over virtually by the list of people who paid tithes town contained only 64 houses every available small field or patch of for the support of the Established mountainside soil. The age-old Church of Ireland for 1826. Although Lewis also gives us a valuable balance of tillage - and of more than recording only heads of households, it insight into the economy of the parish one crop - and livestock grazing is possible to bring the totals of 1821 which, he says, "is moderately well- dangerously tilted in favour of tillage. and 1826 into rough harmony by cultivated. produced excellent wheat" And then came the economic adding wives and children, based on (potatoes, curiously. are not depression that followed the end of what we know of existing marriage mentioned) "seaweed in used as a England's long wars with France. and family patterns in pre-Famine manure, and limestone is abundant ". Agriculture prices dropped overnight times. Kinvara. we also learn, had markets by half; mysteriously, the herring - the Of particular interest so far as on Wednesdays and Fridays, at which 'potato of the sea' - disappeared off the the Tithe Applotment figures are "great quantities of com are sold"; West coast. The weather, hitherto concerned is the fact that, unlike and there were fairs, mainly for the friendly to the tillage farmer, turned Griffith's Valuation (1848 - 1864), sale of sheep, on May 18th and nasty, with a succession of dismal, which used townland names to locate October 17th. wet Summers that yielded poor property-owners and leaseholders, the harvests, particularly in 1817 and Tithe Books also made use of local Kinvara's seacoast potential was 1822. topographical designations. Thus, in clearly being exploited successfully, One-crop small farmers, with the townland of Dooms we find more with even greater expectations for the a number of sons and daughters, also, familiar, local designations such as future. "A quay, about 50 yards long, eventually, with big families, began to Duras Point, Tubberbracken. Tir was built here in 1773 by the late J. be pressed to the wall. Bigger farmers Park, Tubbermore. and Ughtamore; Ffrench, Esq., which was lengthened couldn't take on agricultural labourers only two of these - Duras Point and and raised in 1807, and such an anymore; small farmer's security of Tubberbracken - are still used locally addition made to it in 1808 as land tenure began to disappear as the today. converted it into a kind of dock. At slightly bigger farmer - not, by any Similarly, we find names of high tide there is 12 feet of water at means, necessarily, the 'landlord in villages, where clearly many families the pier, which is then accessible to his Big House' - refused to renew lived, mentioned, nearly all of which vessels of 150 tons burden. Seaweed agreements for conacre - the most have disappeared today. The Tithe to the value of £20,000 is landed here basic type of land-leasing; increasing Books, thus, are valuable sources for during the Spring, which is brought numbers of indigent poor began painting a picture of pre-Famine in boats, of which from 60 to 100 crowding towns, squatting in make­ Kinvara and Dooms, and the much sometimes arrive in one tide." shift shanties, existing on charity and greater population inhabiting this locally-organised relief. parish. Finally, Lewis informs his The first accurate depiction readers, that "it is intended to Kinvara Before the Famine of Kinvara and Dooms we have establish a steam vessel to ply comes from Samuel Lewis's regularly between this place and What we have been describing in Topographical Dictionary, which was Galway", and there was an even more general can be illustrated in particular published in 1837, less than ten years ambitious plan - never realised - to if we turn to the united parish of before the Famine. Here we learn that build a canal to link Kinvara with the Kinvara and Dooms. The figures for Kinvara is "a market, post, and sea­ River Fergus, which would greatly Kinvara and Dooms in the first port town...containing 4610 improve "the importation of sea-weed, official census in 1821 show a total of inhabitants, of which number, 824 are sea-sand, and turf, and the 1,279 persons living in Dooms, and 2, in the town." exportation of com." 065 in Kinvara, taking Kinvara as If we recall that sixteen Kinvara was the seat of the Catholic including not only the town - which years earlier Kinvara town and Bishop of Kilmacduagh and contained 64 houses and 385 surrounding townlands contained Kilfenora; a new church, capable of inhabitants - but also the townlands of 2,065 persons, this is an increase of seating up to 600 persons at one time, the parish, from Leagh South along more than double the earlier had recently been completed. There the Western boundary with Clare; population; the actual town figures were six 'private schools', which

48 probably refers to the descendants of however, it must have seemed little along the Western seaboard, the Hedge Schools of pre­ more than a repetition of earlier bad circumventing the still mostly Emancipation times, but a large harvests, such as those of 1817 and wretched roads in rural areas. public school, established under the 1822 which caused wide-spread auspices of the new National School distress. Peel's defeat in the middle of 1846 systems, was about to be built. Although the blight and his replacement by Lord John Everything Lewis tells us chimes destroyed much of the potato crop in Russell, who believed in the nicely with the passing observation of 1845, it was confined initially to the principles of a free-wheeling, John O'Donovan, who visited Kinvara lowlands, with hilly and mountainous aggressive economic policy of laissez- in 1838 as part of his duties with the areas virtually unaffected. For the faire, was an additional, political Ordnance Survey Department, that he moment, the Galway area and disaster, compounding the already found it to be a "fast improving little Connemara were sparred. However devastating natural disaster of the sea port town". the Spring and Summer of 1846 were blight. unnaturally moist and warm and by Doorus. Lewis also informs us. mid-Summer it was clear that the Because the potato crop had failed shared the prosperity of the inland failure of the crop was nationw ide. also in England and Scotland and on half of the parish: "A great portion is the continent, demand for other types rocky and incapable of cultivation; but of foodstuff - wheat, flour and meat - some of the land is very rich and For the first time the spectre of wide­ was high. It arouses both anguish and produces excellent wheat. Limestone spread starvation raised its head, and anger to learn that even w hile is abundant, and much quarried for despite Sir Robert Peel's humane agricultural and other purposes". Other economic benefits came from the sea. either directly - "Great numbers of oysters and other fish are taken off the coast" - or through harnessing its energies -

Here is a large flour mill, worked by the tide". This unique tidal-mill was constructed by one of the landlords of Doorus. Bartolomy de Basterot in 1810 and was in operation up until comparatively recent times.

Kinvara During the Famine

The last census before the Famine Tidal barrier at Ffrench’s mill, one of the outdoor relief projects was conducted in 1841 and the population figures indicate the steady efforts to keep the price of foodstuffs thousands were starving in the black growth that had taken place over the low by importing maize from year of 1847, ships continued to leave previous decades: the combined America, it was increasingly obvious Galway, laden with the produce of inhabitants of Kinvara and Dooms that unless something drastic was Ireland, for English ports. amounted to 6.586. So. on the very done by the Government a human eve of the Famine, it would have tragedy on an enormous scale was The earlier experiences of crop failure seemed to any disinterested observer inevitable. and famine, mostly on a limited scale, that the 'fast improving little sea-side had led to the passage of the Irish port', along with its agricultural Initially, and to the credit of those Poor Law Relief Act in 1838. This led hinterlands, was set for gradually- officials in charge. Government to the division of the country into 130 increasing prosperity in the coming instructions that imported and stocked Unions, to be administered by Board years. maize and meal should only be sold of Guardians, who, in most cases, to stabilise prices were ignored on a were the local gentry. Instead, the Famine hit Ireland, wide scale, with food depots issuing and it hit the West of Ireland with food free, and coastguard cutters particular viciousness. The first year. transported food supplies to areas

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50 Each Union was to be build of paying the Rate were property­ landlords decided not to even attempt workhouses, which would be situated holders who were also increasingly to add to the appalling burdens on the outskirts of towns. In County unable to collect rents from their already crushing their tenents by Galway workhouses were initially tenants, the collection of the Rates collecting rent, with the result that built at Tuam, Ballinasloe, Clifdcn became a serious point of contention. many of them found themselves and Gort. bankrupt when the Famine finally It is in 1847 that we first get an ended. The workhouse in Gort. the indication of what has been remains of which can still be seen happening in Kinvara. Our evidence This was the case with the today, was the one that was to loom is in the form of a letter written by Dr. de Basterot landlords, who are large in the lives of Kinvara people Denis J. Hynes, the resident doctor, recalled with affection to this day during the Great Famine. A large, who lived in Seamount House and because they would not collect rent, well-built structure. it could served Kinvara, Doorus and nor evict tenants who could not pay. accomodate 500 persons. Ballindereen. to Mr. William Stanley. Unfortunately, as an unintended Secretary of the Gort Poor Law consequence of this humane attitude, In 1846. when the second crop Union. Dated March 28th. 1847, it much of the de Basterot estate had to failure extended to those areas that reads: be sold to pay off creditors, and the had been, comparitively speaking, not purchaser was Isaac Comerford, a badly affected by the 1845 failure, "I have the honour to forward Galway merchant who had no legislation was enacted in the British to you the subscription list of the paternal ties to the locality nor its Parliament to establish public works Kinvara Relief Committee agreeably inhabitants, who found themselves all over the country', such as repairing to the instructions in your circular of facing vastly increased rents in the existing roads and constructing the 23rd instant and which I have late 1850s and 1860s. others. However, payment was very only received this morning as a poor, and it became clear that more consequence of being absent at the Robert Gregory of Coole had needed to be done. Galway assizes for the last week to already, before the Famine began, which 1 was summoned and which acted to correct many of the evils of The main flaw in the Poor Law assizes the Chairman was also obliged the Irish agricultural system as it Act of 1838 was that it only made to attend as a Grand Juror of this existed in the first four decades of the provision for relief within the walls of Country." 19th century. As large farms held by the workhouse. In practice this meant middlemen fell in. he had them rented that, in order not to be overwhelmed There follows a list of the directly to his occupying tenants; he by large numbers of people seeking subscribers, at the head of which is tried to promote the consolidation of relief, it was made very difficult to Robert Gregory of Coolc Park; the scattered holdings, taking care only to actually qualify for admission; in Gregory's at this time owned the dispossess non-residents and giving addition, the regime within the walls ground rents of Kinvara town and a the land to occupiers. He also gave of the workhouse was deliberately considerable portion of the hinterland. greater security to leaseholders; made harsh and unattractive, thus The names of the other major instead of the normal and precarious discouraging those seeking admission. landowners are also on this list, practice of renewing year by year. including Bartholomew de Basterot. Gregory was willing to convert such This flaw was rectified in 1847 who owned about half of Doorus and tenancies at will to two and three year when outdoor relief was introduced in most of the village of Croshua; Mark leaseholds. He also encouraged order to relieve the growing pressure Lynch of Renmore, who owned the tenants to improve their dwellings by on workhouses, by that year starting other half of Doorus; and Mr. James providing them with wood and slates. to expand in numbers far exceeding Mahon, owner of the Northampton what the original building could estate, which included the village of It was only to be expected then reasonably handle. Loughcurra. that when Famine hit his lands and his tenants he would do his best to The actual costs of looking While it is certainly true, as alleviate its disastrous effects as much after the distressed and homeless were Dr. James Murray points out in his as he could. The destruction of the expected to be handled by those excellent study of Galway's Medico- potato crop came as a great shock to subject to the collection of the Poor Social History, that "the poor bore the him; it was, he wrote, "so sudden and Law Rates. The problem with this, full brunt of the Famine" and that 'the universal that the fields flourishing however, was that as the dimensions middle classes and gentry were today with all the appearance of a of those affected by the Famine grew, affected...only in so far as incomes healthy and luxurious crop, were, it was necessary to increase the from rents and trade were reduced", it before tomorrow's sun, reduced to a amount of the Rate. As those capable is also worth remembering that many heap of weeds."

51 Having an idea of what was w rong, he overgrown tracks is confirmation of last, my father was stricken down, and tried to persuade his tenants to take this prediction. Of more benefit would Father Forde shortly afterwards was precautions, as he tried to do, by be projects to drain land or clear it of added to the roll of victims." Robert putting drains beneath his pits, rocks so that it could be of productive Gregory died in January 1846 and Fr. making holes to ensure proper use once the crisis was passed. Forde died in December 1846 and his ventilation and then covering them memory is recalled in a memorial with turf, mould and lime Robert Gregory made one plaque that is now in St. Coleman's crucial miscalculation, however, and parish church in Kinvara. As the crisis worsened. Robert one which was to lead to his own Gregory did what he saw was his duty death, was his opposition to the Sir William Gregory, by assuming the chairmanship of the construction of a fever hospital in although he did not raise the rents of Kinvara Relief Committee, and Gort. He argued that it was far too tenants on the estate he inherited from his father, as a Member of Parliament was responsible for an amendment to the Poor Law Extension Act that was to be used by less scupulous landlords, as well as many who simply could not afford to pay the increasing Poor Law Rate, to evict tenants on a large scale, thus adding to the distress and poverty.

Gregory 's amendment stipulated that any person who occupied more than a quarter of an acre could not receive relief either inside or outside the workhouse. The intention of the notorious 'Gregory' Clause' was not. however, designed to increase distress, but rather to curb Ffrench's tidal mill. Dooras the substantial numbers of ineligible people who had found their way on to headed the list of donors with a expensive and that there was no the lists of those employed on public evidence so far to suggest that fever contribution of £25. In addition, he relief projects. sat on the committee of the Gort was a serious problem. Indeed, only a Relief Fund, declaring at a County few cases of fever had been reported That this was recognised meeting held in October 1846 that in 1845 and only one death attributed as a problem can be seen from a "the time is come when every man to it had taken place. Even in 1846 report in the Galway Vindicator for must put his hand to the work, for the the number of fever cases increased February 17th, 1847, that described a people must be fed." only slightly, to fourteen, and no one meeting of the Gort magistrates and had died of it. But soon his cess-payers. Lord Gort. who was the Gregory also urged the miscalculation and its horrifying Chairman, drew the meetings Administration of Lord John Russell consequences became all too terribly attention to "one grievance that evident. Throughout 1847 the weekly to take greater action. He told this required to be remedied, that of same County’ meeting that the mortality rate in the Galway having snug farmers on the works." ordinary people would starve unless workhouses, including Gort, reached He acknowledged that the chief the Government "instantaneously the colossal figure of 25,000 persons. difficulty lay in the fact that those established depots for the sale of who know of such ineligible persons provisions", and that these provisions Sir William Gregory’, "will not inform on their neighbours must be simple to prepare, suggesting Robert's son and heir, describes his for fear of being called informers." rice, a "wholesome food" that could be father's activities once fever began Yet. Lord Gort continued, "every snug prepared for consumption "with little spreading. "From the moment that my man on the works puts off a poor man trouble". He also urged constructive father saw the extent of the that requires it", and stated that a work projects, not roads that he catastrophe, he and the priest of committee had been set up to argued would rarely, if ever, be used. Kinvara. Fr. Forde, whose name investigate the abuse. The existence of Famine roads in the should be recorded, worked together Burren that are now little more than incessantly to meet the emergency. At

52 This was the background to the three miles south of Kinvara. sold her were hourly made upon him. This 'Gregory Clause', but. as Dr Murray estate to James Murray, who also over-anxiety of his, acting on a too points out in his book 'Galway: A increased rents at a time when no one sensitive mind, and a delicate Medico-Social History', "it was more could pay them. Fr. Arthur, a strong, constitution, was the cause of his effective than all the evictions heavily-built man with more than a untimely death." combined in clearing the smallholders touch of the old chieftain about him. and labourers from the land." Since stoutly defended the rights of his His impatience with 1843 landlords had been paying all people against these local landlords, the slowness of the Gori Poor Law rales on property valued below £4.00, even publishing a pamphlet Union boiled over in a letter he wrote with the tenant himself being exempt. graphically describing the wretched the Under-Secretary of State at Dublin The 'Gregory Clause' encouraged plight of the people of Kinvara and Castle bluntly stating that the people landlords to evict tenants who had Dooms. would starve while awaiting help been paying little or no rent, thus from that body. reducing the amount of Poor Law At a meeting in Gort on 17th Rate they were obliged to pay. February. 1847. he bluntly told the The other person in assembled members of the Gort Kinvara who played an heroic role Barely a year after its Presentment Sessions they were now during the Famine was Dr. Denis J. introduction the 'Quarter Acre' clause burying people without coffins and Hynes. There are many stories told of was relaxed, but not before it had that in the week preceding there were his tireless work on behalf of the added considerably to the terrible two buried by day ad two by night. people of Kinvara. Doorus and Ballindereen. Seapark House, now a ruin overlooking Dun Guairc Caste, was donated by Mr. Hyacinth Donnellan of Hillswood for use as a temporary fever hospital. In March of 1848 this commenced operations. At this same date we have a letter written by the Vice-Guardians of the Gort Union to the Poor Law Commissioners describing the existing conditions around Kinvara:

"Along the shores of the bay of Kinvara and the bay of Galway, which form a portion of the boundary of the electoral divisions of Kinvara and Killeenavarra. reside a considerable number of persons, some with and some without land, who have heretofore supported themselves Hollow in foreground marks Famine mass grave at Foy's cemetery by fishing, and by the sale of sea-weed for the purposes of manure. The had already brought to the country. was frightful. Fr. Arthur said he was failure of the potato crop in 1845 and Fr. Forde's successor as parish priest so exhausted by his attendance on the 1846. by its discouragement of the of Kinvara was Fr. Francis Arthur, a dying at all times of the day and planting of potatoes, completely native of Ennistymon. Fr. Arthur was night, that he found it difficult to paralysed the operations of the latter, to remain as parish priest of Kinvara speak. who are now' in a most abject state." from 1846 until 1867 and he was to Describing the recent see the population of this once death of Fr. Forde, he painted a vivid Many of those who died thriving parish dwindle during those picture of the strain under which the in Kinvara were buried in a common two decades from 1800 families to clergy' were working: "1 will here grave now marked out in Foy's 700 families. Famine deaths, mention to you that a clergyman died cemetery, to the East of Seapark emigration and evictions were to in his parish last Christmas from an House, the fever hospital in which a account for this drastic fall in over-anxiety for the welfare of his large number of them probably met population. flock when he saw he could not be the their end. In 1847 the widow of means of alleviating their suffering James Mahon of Northampton, about condition, or attend half the calls that

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54 Aftermath had acquired money and established himself as a Galway City merchant. KINVARA The Famine did not simply Comerford also, as we have already end, even in 1849. the year generally noted, purchased part of the de COMMUNITY taken to be the end. There was, in Basterot properties in Dooms. fact, a partial failure of the potato According to Gregory. ALERT crop, but relief measures, which had "Kinvara was all but mined and the taken so long to work properly and best tenants ran away." Interestingly. SCHEME with any efficiency, now operated to Gregory's experience of the rack- avert the kind of disasters of previous renting he observed taking place on by Sergeant Pat Collins years. his family's former estate turned him The figures for Kinvara and into a vigorous supporter of tenant To all participants of Kinvara Dooms tell their own story : in 1851, rights. Perhaps the final word should Community Alert Scheme and its the first census after the Famine, the go to Fr. Arthur, the tenacious fighter Organisers total population was 4,268. compared for the rights of his Kinvara to 6.586 in 1841; after the passage of parishoners for over twenty years. In At the initiative of Kinvara another decade, the population had 1862 he wrote. "The change of Community Council Ltd., a dropped still further, to 3.769; in landlords for the greatest portion of Community Alert scheme was 1871. after another ten years, the total this place has rendered this one of the organised and set up in the Kinvara figure was 2.875. most wretched and deplorable area. Figures for Kinvara town parishes in Ireland." Community Alert is a response by are equally revealing and show a The Irish Famine of 1845 - Muintir na Tire to counteract the significant curve over the passage of 1849 was a watershed in our national growing incidence in recent years of 70 years: in 1821: 385; in 1841: 959; history'. It finished off the old Gaelic rural crime especially against the in 1851: 1.102 (this figure reflects the culture that had carried on a sort of elderly and others who are living numbers of people coming into town ghostly existence right into the early alone or are otherwise at risk. The from the rural areas, largely because 19th century . It swept away virtually aim of the movement is to harness the they had been evicted or unable to pay an entire generation, and. if the best o the spirit of neighbourliness in their rents); in 1861: 980; in 1871: unrecorded deaths of children are order to keep a watchful eye on any 614; and. finally, in 1891: 384. The reckoned in to the accounting, even suspicious persons, vehicles or town of Kinvara. in 1891. found itself more than a single generation. activity in the locality and to report one inhabitant less than had been the This year we remember the details to the Gardai. It may not case seventy years earlier, in 1821. Bv Famine. And to remember the Famine always be possible to make an 1911. the population of the town was is to remember our ancestors: the immediate report of such events, but if 347. small farmers and their wives; the the numbers of suspicious cars. etc. Sir William Gregory; as we children who were orphaned and who. Are written down they can be passed have noted, did not raise rents during if they survived, did so after a baptism on to the Gardai even after a crime the Famine, and his own contributions of pain we can hardly imagine; the has been committed. to relief on his properties, along with sons and daughters who fearfully People are advised not to keep much the inability of very many tenants to boarded an overcrowded ship for a cash in their homes. Money should be pay rent, meant that by the mid-1850s nightmare crossing to a new and lodged in the various institutions and he was in considerable financial terrifying world; and the decent we are fortunate in Kinvara that we difficulties. people, who exist in every generation now have our own Credit Union with The rent role of his Kinvara and often, paradoxically, to even its office beside the Community properties of £7.800 had been whiped greater extent during dark times, who Centre. out by his payment of the Poor Rate tried to maintain their own humanity, Anyone who wishes to discuss any along with other charges. By the early as well as respecting the humanity of matter on security of their homes can 1850s, Kinvara. described not so long others through helping them in small, contact the Garda Station at Kinvara before by John O'Donovan as "a fast seemingly insignificant ways. ()91 37102), Gort Station (091 31514) improving little sea port town", now or Sergeant Hugh McGrath of Mill St. struck a correspondent for the Dublin Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a n- Station. Galway (091 63161) Evening post as being on the verge of ainmneacha uaisle complete decay. continued on page 56 Reluctantly Gregory decided J.W. O'Connell & Paschal Quinn to put his Kinvara estate up for sale in 1857. The buyer was Henry Comerford, originally a carpenter who

55 harmless sub-units and disposed of by of the medicines do not contain PARACETAMOL the body. Paracetamol. By Seadna Tobin FIG.l. 3. Keep your medicines in a locked cupboard away from children and of Kinvara Pharmacy PARACETAMOL keep the key to the cupboard in a in the liver separate location. PARACETAMOL is the most 4. Do not keep large stock of widely purchased pain relieving Paracetamol (or any drug) in the substance in Ireland. It can be given + Liver Chemicals house. This reduces the risk of to all ages from infants upwards. It accidental overdose. is effective, safe at the ABC The majority of drug-related suicide recommended dose, and cheap. It attempts involve the victim comes in a variety of shapes, sizes + Liver Chemicals consuming whatever drugs are and dosage forms, and it comes I immediately to hand. Only in a alone or in combination with other X Y Z minority of cases does the victim go drugs. (Harmless End Products) out and procure the required drugs. It comes in syrup for the relief of pain This is why reducing the amount of and temperature in infants and young The breakdown steps are facilitated by drugs stored in the house could reduce children, and in tablet and capsule specific body chemicals which are the level of fatalities among attempted form for use in older children and present in the liver cells for that suicides. adults. It also comes in suppository purpose. 5. No drug or medicine is harmless. form for children and adults where This all works very well when Treat all medicines with care, and if vomiting makes oral dosing Paracetamol is taken in the correct unsure about your medicine ask your ineffective. dose. However, if taken in excessive doctor or pharmacist. Paracetamol, very simply, is indicated doses, the waste disposal system in for the relief of pain or temperature, the liver becomes overburdened. or a combination of both, but because In the diagram above, the breakdown Continued from page 55 of the ease of availability, and the product A. is highly toxic. Under Community Alert cheapness of Paracetamol, and normal conditions. A is broken down perhaps because of excessive and rendered harmless by the body The organisers of the Kinvara Scheme advertising we have come to treat chemical GLUTATHIONE’. are: Pat Collins (Chairman). Stan Paracetamol as a cure all, a treatment The substance Glutathiaone is present MacEoin (Secretary). Paddy Geraghty for all ills, a harmless panacea. This in small quantities in the body but is (PRO) and the committee members of course is a fatal misconception. easily capable of breaking down are: Michael Marty. Mary' Although not totally clean. normal doses of toxic biproduct ‘A’ If O’Shaughnessy. Kilian Kenny. Eoin Paracetamol seems to act by Paracetamol is taken in large doses, Browne. John Leech. John Griffin. inhibiting the production in the body , however, biproduct ‘A’ is produced in Paddy Kilkelly and Gerry' Sweeney. of pain-producing substances known large quantities, and the stores of The success of the scheme depends as prostaglandins. These substances glutathione become quickly depleted. largely on. not only the work which are normally produced in the body in ‘A’ quickly accommodates in the liver the above people are doing, but. more response to infection or mechanical and begins to react with other importantly, the vigilance and co­ injury’. chemicals within the liver cells, and operation of everyone in the When produced, they cause pain and this results in the disruption and death community. With the aim of high temperature in the body. This is of those cells. improving the quality of life for each the body’s way of alerting us to the If a case of Paracetamol overdose is of us. you are all urged to take an fact that something is wrong. not promptly treated, it will result in interest and to lend your support to Paracetamol, when administered in irreversible liver failure and the death this very worthwhile endeavour. the correct dose, blocks the production of the unfortunate person. of prostoglandins and this eases pain So, how can one avoid Paracetamol KINVARA BRIDGE CLUB and temperature In the body. So. overdose? There are a few pointers: COMES OF AGE where’s the problem? 1. When taking Paracetamol oneself, Founded in January 1975, in The problem with Paracetamol lies in or when administering it to others, Winkle’s Hotel, Kinvara, when 16 the metabolism in the body. It is always read the dosage instructions on people came together, the club now absorbed from the intestine into the the label and follow them carefully. has a membership of close on 40. An bloodstream, where it is transported to 2. If taking more than one medicine, account of its history will be the liver. In the liver it is broken either prescription or over the included in the next edition of down via a number of steps into counter, make sure that two or more Tracht.

56 A GREAT NIGHT AT AN T-AMHRAN BEO An t-Amhran Beo ( the living song), judging from the entries this year. Old This year's bi-lingual traditional served in the Day Room adjoining songs, new faces. singing competition held during the hall. This, together with our own We are of course grateful to our Cruinniu na mBad turned out to be a emphasis on celebrating our singing sponsors which include Bord na great success. Now running for seven heritage rather than on strict Gaeilge. Udaras na Gaeilge. AIB and years, the competition has gone from competitiveness, makes for a very BO1 in Gort. And Peter Greene of strength to strength and is enjoyable evening. To hear the Murphy's. We had a great sing song in the day room at the end of the night, with fear an ti Mairtin Jaimsie pulling pints and all present had the opportunity- of hearing the fine voices of the adjudicators, Josie Sheain Jeaic and Pauline Hanley, among others. Josie, the well known sean nos singer and badoir from Carna. remarked that the standard of singing on the night was as good as any he'd witnessed at the Oireachtas. ( Corn Ui Riada ) the national sean nos competition held annually. Winners 1995: Gixigp: Roism Elsafty. (2) Brid Ni Mhaoilchiarain; (3) Mane Blnid Ui Niadh Moltoir Pauline Collins and husband .with Josie Sheain Jeaic and Pealsai () Ceannabhain and CoIm 6 Mealoid. Bearia (1) Brid Ni Mhaoilchiarain; (2) Tess Bn Ui Chonghaile; (3) undoubtedly an established event in emerging young talent in evidence on Gerty Shannon. LOCAL: Pat Keane the country's traditional calendar. We the night was encouraging to all of us Caoilte Breatnach believe that Kinvara has the as is the fact that more and more distinction of being the only venue in people are getting to hear of the country promoting both traditions concurrently on the one night. Songs are sung alternately in Irish and English and contestants may enter for one or both sections as they wish. Local contestants too are entered automatically for the Local prize sponsored by Kinvara Credit Union and Fleming Crafts, won this year by the indefatigable Pat Keane, who LENAGHAN’S unfortunately departed this world while this article was being written. SHELL SERVICE STATION May he rest in peace. It's a good night out for anyone Kinvara West (091)38151 interested in hearing a sample of the finest of traditional singing in both Petrol*Diesel*Tractor Diesel languages. The debate continues as to Tyres & Puncture repairs whether competitions are the best way Antifreeze«OiIs«Coal»Gas •Videos to promote traditional singing, some of the best singers in the country­ Briquettes*Newspapers •Groceries being loath to take part in staged events themselves. There is much to Open 8am - 9.30 pm Mon-Thur be said for encouraging singers, a 8am - 10 pm Fri/Sat point we reiterate ourselves on the night, hence the relaxed atmosphere. 9am - 7pm Sun Listeners too are free to come and go Free Delivery of all Home Fuels as they please, refreshments being Give us a call we’ll deliver to your door

57 was “a regrettable tendency, when rural / community development and MUINTIR NA approaching urban improvement, to has a track record of achievements TIRE aim for a standard treatment for each nation-wide. town.” CONFERENCE Jim Quigley. National President said: We would very much like to share our Muintir na Tire is now 58 years experience with community' groups, MARCH 1995 working in the field of Community new or old. in your area who might be by Paddy Geraghty Development in Ireland. I am interested in the Community delighted to report that there is an Development process and in the philosophy of Muintir na Tire.

Since 1937. Muintir has been using the ■'bottoms-up" philosophy for local development long before the EU discovered the concept and incorporated it into the LEADER programme and other European initiatives.

We believe that Community Groups around Ireland need a strong unified voice and Muintir. being a non­ sectional organisation can be the vehicle for attaining this objective. Any interested person or voluntary community body can contact Muintir Community Council members Stan Mac Eoin. Eoin Brown. Jim Quigley. na Tire by ringing 01 8900377 or by Nat. President of Muintir na Tire and Paddy Geraghty writing to Muintir na Tire. 27 North Four members of Kinvara upsurge of interest in the objectives of Street. Swords. Co. Dublin. Community Council Ltd. attended Muintir naTire in recent times. the Annual Conference in Roscrea, Over the years, Muintir has been Co. Tipperary. Maureen Heffernan, involved in many facets of Paddy Geraghty and Gerry & Mary O’Shaughnessy met and exchanged views on Community Development with delegates from other Muintir Councils. The conference was well attended and included two newly formed councils from Co. Galway. The principal speakers were Mr. Jim Quigley, President, Muintir na Tire and guest speaker Ms Liz McManus, Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal. Ms McManus said trends in agriculture will see a further decline in farm-based activity and “we must therefore seek to develop the capacity of our towns and villages to act as engines of growth for their rural Sr Kilcoyne. Paediatric sister, U.C.H.G. holding a gift voucher for £450, hinterlands”. the proceeds of the Old Cures Project undertaken by the children of Referring to the new improvement Scoil Bhrighid Naofa Northampton scheme for villages, she said there

58 MURPHY’S IRISH STOUT

Sin sceal eile ...

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