Artist Thomas Hastings (1778-1854) left a trail of early nineteenth century art in his wake as Collector of Customs for the British government 1819 -1853. Before this, Hastings had trained as a surveyor in the army and served in India under his birth name, Thomas Barnett, rising to a captaincy by purchase before he…… Continue Reading
The Earls of Desmond – A Headcount
Depending on authority consulted, the numbering of the Earls of Desmond (first creation) and the dates of demise can differ. The use of patronym adds to the confusion. The earls may number 15, 16 or 17. The illustration below shows the ranking according to the research of Michael O’Donohoe.1 The Earl of…… Continue Reading
Divane’s Calendar – An Inspired Collaboration
In the Michael O’Donohoe research papers, many references are made to Divane’s Calendar, a series of historical calendars produced by S Divane & Sons Ltd, Castleisland from 1994 to 2012.1 The first of the limited edition illustrated calendars was created to mark the company’s 40th anniversary in business.2 Its reception led to further productions,…… Continue Reading
Peig: In Search of her Castleisland Roots
A Brosnan Gathering is the title of a book produced in 2013.1 It contains an interesting article about Blasket Island writer, Peig Sayers, whose mother was Margaret (Peig) Brosnan.2 It is generally accepted that Margaret Brosnan was from Castleisland. Tom Brosnan, author of The Brosnan Gathering, remarked that, despite Peig’s international literary fame, little…… Continue Reading
Murder Without Motive: the case of Sylvester Poff of Mountnicholas and James Barrett of Dromultan
Mountnicholas is a small Kerry townland near Gortatlea.1 In the 1850s, William Murphy Poff was in residence there with his wife Mary, daughter of James Barrett.2 Many of their children, including Johanna, James, Francis (Frank), Ann and Kate, emigrated to New Zealand between 1870 and 1880 under a scheme of free passage offered by the…… Continue Reading
From Waterspouts to Moving Bogs: the weather in Kerry
Adverse or favourable, discussion about the elements is part of our daily lives. Our literature abounds with tales about weather-related events and their effect on people and the environment. In times gone by, before the improvement of roads and bridges, people in everyday situations were often caught out by freak weather conditions. In Castleisland,…… Continue Reading
Maps of Kerry through the Ages
You do not have to be a cartographer to enjoy the fascinating compilation of maps of Kerry, dating from the 1500s to the present, held in the Castleisland Collection.1 It contains almost one hundred maps which illustrate not alone the geography of Kerry but the peculiarities of spelling and the artistry…… Continue Reading
Two Neglected North Kerry Poets
Jeremiah Finaghty – A Kerry Diamond Kerry, my rugged native home, God seems to love you best; His smile lights up your valleys green And your hills with towering crest – Your glens and emerald bosom fair with His choicest gifts are blest. – ‘Beauty’, in praise of a lecture, ‘Every Man His…… Continue Reading
The Fitzgerald Castles of Cordal
In the 1930s, a contributor to the Schools’ Collection described the three castles in Cordal: There is one in Ard na gCreach, one in Kilmurry and one in Ballyplymoth. They were built by the Fitzgeralds, a great Geraldine family. At first four brothers of them lived together in the castle at Ard na gCreach. …… Continue Reading
Royal Sliabh Luachra – Land of Kings
In ages past, the district of Sliabh Luachra in Co Kerry was the land of kings, and Teamhair Earann was the royal residence of the race of Earna.1 The site of the royal fort may have been near Ballahantouragh, Castleisland.2 The fort was destroyed by knights of the Red Branch almost two thousand years ago.3…… Continue Reading