Countdown to Castleisland 800, 1226-2026

The Geraldines, the Geraldines, ‘tis full a thousand years Since, mid the Tuscan vineyards, bright flashed their battle-spears; When Capet seized the crown of France their iron shields were known, And their sabre-dint struck terror on the banks of the Garonne; Across the downs of Hastings they spurred hard by William’s side, And the grey…Continue Reading

Mastering Mountains: B B Kelliher, Railroad Engineer Extraordinaire

‘He was called The Pathfinder’ Bartholomew Brosnan Kelliher was born at Ballyplimoth near Cordal, Castleisland on 26 December 1862, the third son and one of seven children of land surveyor John D Kelliher of Ballyplimoth (Ballyplymoth), Cordal, Co Kerry and Johanna Brosnan (or Brosnihan).[1]     Kelliher attended Kilmurry National School and the National School…Continue Reading

Recalling Kerry All-Ireland Quiz Champions Fifty Years On

The following article appears in the archive of Castleisland District Heritage.  It was written for publication in 1994 on the twentieth anniversary of the 1974 victory by John Galvin, formerly of the committee of Castleisland District Heritage.   Cross Country Quiz was a weekly quiz programme which featured competing Macra na Feirme clubs from around…Continue Reading

Down to an Art: The Liberator at Home in Kerry

Darrynane Abbey, the Seat of Daniel O’Connell Esq MP in the county Kerry is becoming a favourite subject with the lovers of fine arts in Ireland[1] This year (2025) marks the sestercentennial of the birth of Daniel O’Connell, ‘The Liberator of Ireland.’  It will be celebrated widely, no more so than at Derrynane House, the…Continue Reading

O’Connell Bridge Castleisland: Setting The Liberator in Stone

While Bourns, the engineer, explained to his Foreman, By his physics, the centring of the O’Connell Bridge, Said this King, and that Queen-post would ever support man, The O’Connell without ever introducing a wedge.[1] There was considerable excitement in Castleisland in late 1831 as the new O’Connell Bridge neared completion:   The bridge is a…Continue Reading