Cornwall to Kerry, an illustrated memoir published in 2021 by John Mitchell of the Kilgarvan Motor Museum, has been added to the archive of Castleisland District Heritage. The book is a journey through John’s life from his birth at Beardon Farm, Devon in 1945 and early life in Cornwall to his family’s move to Wicklow…… Continue Reading
Unwelcome Guest: The Apostle of Kerry in Castleisland
This year marks the bicentennial of the death of Methodist preacher, Charles Graham. His ancestors, of Scottish stock, had settled at Drumahair, near Sligo.[1] However, he became known as The Apostle of Kerry. Charles Graham was born circa 1753, his descent given as follows: The head of the family, being a Scotch laird,…… Continue Reading
A Schoolboy’s Hero: Bob Finn of Castleisland
Bob Finn, Captain Moonlight has been given a new lease of life by 15-year-old Sam Jones, who selected the famous Castleisland agitator for his school project.[1] ‘I chose to do this,’ writes Sam, great great grandson of Bob Finn, ‘because he is probably more important than any other person in my family.’ Sam…… Continue Reading
Rising of 1798 in Castleisland
A thinly disguised fictionalised account of the attack on Castleisland Barracks in 1798 is reproduced below. It was published in The Kerry Magazine in 1856, close enough to the event to take its content from local history.[1] The author was not given. Characters and Facts in 1798 at Castleisland Barrack Daisies had opened their…… Continue Reading
‘Ballad-Maker Supreme’: The Patriotic Songs of Thade Gouran of Duagh
If you are doomed to meet the call, and die for Erin dear, A soldier stand, a soldier fall, like the blacksmith volunteer – ‘The Blacksmith Volunteer’ by Thade Gouran Castleisland District Heritage has acquired a copy of the CD, The Songs of Thade Gouran produced in 2007.[1] Twenty-one ballads are recorded on the CD,…… Continue Reading
Spex On: A Look at the Family of Corkman, John Fergus O’Hea
For more than a quarter of a century, the cartoons of John Fergus O’Hea formed a picturesque and striking record of the second half of the nineteenth century.[1] He signed his work ‘Spex,’ a nickname he inherited in his (bespectacled) schooldays. O’Hea was born in Cork in 1841, son of barrister James O’Hea (1809-1882)…… Continue Reading
Killegy: Burial Place of Colonel Maurice Hussey of Kerries and Cahernane, Co Kerry
In 1917, a Kerry priest living in England described Killegy cemetery at Muckross as ‘a sombre spot in the extreme – I doubt if Muckross Abbey itself has got a more funereal aspect.’ He added, ‘most of those who lie buried there belong to another creed, many of them are strangers whom death has surprised…… Continue Reading
Jack Dempsey Cup: Memories of the Kerry Team in America
In April 1924, legislation was passed by the Dáil to establish the new court system for the Irish Free State.[1] At this historic juncture, amid a sea of change, Kerrymen in New York subscribed £58 towards a fund for the training of the Kerry football team.[2] A great effort followed to popularise Gaelic football in…… Continue Reading
Castleisland Steps on the Global Irish Famine Way
Michelle Kranjc, a descendant of John Heffernan and Mary Mullins of Caheragh, Castleisland, contacted Castleisland District Heritage recently about her ancestors who left Castleisland with Edward Hogan and his family of Caheragh after the Famine. They were resident in Hamilton, Ontario by 1857.[1] Michelle is hoping to find out exactly when they departed and if…… Continue Reading
Mike Healy and the ‘Moss Tommy’ Schools Project
Who decorates that butterfly The silkworm and the moth? What artist claims the wings that fly To the sweet forget-me-not? – M J Reidy[1] Mike Healy of Glenlarehan, Cordal, Castleisland was about twelve years old when he first became properly acquainted with his neighbour and lifelong friend, Maurice J Reidy (‘Moss Tommy’), the Cordal poet.[2] …… Continue Reading