Then & Now: The ABC of Askeaton Ballysteen
ABC. NEWS 2022 is the annual magazine of Askeaton- Ballysteen Community Council Muintir na Tíre.
The latest edition contains 184 pages, with a lot in colour printed in good quality paper by Fitzsimons Printers in Shanagolden.
It contains 68 different articles and reports and the front cover shows a photo of the Fitzgerald Castle, Hellfire Club and the River Deel from Mac's Quay taken by Mike McCarthy.
There are pages of photographs which will recall many enjoyable events for people, from the distant past and over the past year. There are lovely tributes to people who passed on during the year, book launches and poems, and verses. The following is a brief sample of the contents.
The 70th anniversary of Askeaton Community Hall is featured from the early days up to the present, with a list of improvements that took place from then to now. Brave Bungee Jumpers Raise € 30,000 is a story of a major fundraiser held in Askeaton that raised two € 15, 0000 cheque's that were presented to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and Treaty Suicide Prevention.
Kay Naughton writes about Beagh Castle giving readers information and two short poems from times past.
Michael O'Connor presents two pages of information and photographs on Askeaton and Ballysteen natural heritage.
My favourite place by Jimmy O'Donoghue introduces readers to his routine when going swimming in the Lep carved out of the river Deel.
A busy year by Deel Arts group is recalled by chairperson Anita Guinane with photographs of the work they created. The Ballysteen Set Dance tells of a project to record the six parts of the dance which took place in the Carnegie Centre Ballysteen. Mike Mc Carthy writes about the Shannon Estuary Way and Brother John M Feheney about the Neville family and the Presentation Brothers.
The Wonderful World of Nature by Liam Dillon covers five pages of colourful photographs of 37 different plants, bird and insect life. The Root of the Matter is an interview between Michelle Horrigan and stick maker Seanie Barron with photographs of a selection of the many sticks he has crafted. Christa -Maria Lerm Hayes over five pages continues on the same theme with Sticks from West Limerick Hedges.
The Pilgrim of Askeaton Friary is by Liam Hernon. Askeaton Sends Aid to Russia in 1921 is written by Morty Wallace. Brendan O'Brien continues his look at More Motoring History part 6.
The closure of Hanley's Crossroad Shop Creeves is marked and Rambling Around Creeves Cross recalled.
Marvelous Moths by Liam Dillon introduces the reader to 40 different species of the creatures that mainly venture out at night.
Paul Anglim writes about Páirc na nGael Askeaton which was once the home of Limerick football.
My History of Askeaton is by Paddy Cronin, Underbelly is the title of Tom Fitzgerald's debut novel launched during the year.
Anne Chambers launched Eleanor Countess of Desmond 1545-1638 also during the past year.
There are many more articles and reports to browse through as well which readers can look forward to reading.
All the parish clubs and organizations and sports clubs have a roundup of their affairs.
The ABC News Committee 2022 are Jimmy O'Donoghue, Liam Dillon and Gerardine O'Brien. It is a fine publication, which will provide endless hours of enjoyment for readers with connections to the area. It is on sale for € 10 and copies are still available in Askeaton to purchase.
Goodbye to music legends
THE GRIM reaper has been very busy in the early days of 2023 claiming the lives of a number of well-known people who brightened the lives of so many with their own unique gifts and talents.
Since local radio came on air 30 odd years ago I have got great joy and pleasure from listening to stations, who opened up a new world of rural locations, traditional values and personalities.
Over that time I have got to know the many presenters and their shows and the buttons have been pushed around so much to accommodate all. I may not have met many face to face but their voices and mannerisms become very familiar and I regarded them as members of my daily life circle.
Many provide great sports coverage with hours of live and studio action each week, plus many daily bulletins.
The introduction of live GAA match commentaries added a new and exciting feature with club matches now being covered in addition to the county matches.
Kerry had Liam Higgins and Weeshie Fogarty behind the microphone in the early days covering matches from all corners of the county.
County Sound in Cork had Paudie Palmer a Kerryman domiciled in West Cork who brightened many a winter Sunday with his colourful turn of phrase and quick wit.
He painted a picture of the action and the personnel involved that made you feel part of the action. Paudie passed away on Sunday January 8. The former teacher was only 65 years old and he came from a background steeped in Gaelic games.
Many local stations promote and play local singers and musicians whose material is deep rooted in their communities.
This airplay has been of great benefit to their careers and without it they may never have gone on to have successful careers. Listening to these local entertainers perform can give the listener great pride in their achievements. When any of the presenters or entertainers retire or die we mourn their passing, thank them for their contributions and retain fond memories of them.
The death of West Kerry musician and singer Seamus Begley aged 73 years, which was announced on Monday January 9, caused a huge outpouring of sadness in traditional music circles.
He was a larger than life figure whose rousing accordion music got people out dancing and then opposite he was like a blackbird with his sweet singing.
He was playing music with his family members and other well known entertainers for over 60 years.
The previous day Jimmy Doyle from the Killarney area a Sliabh Luachra musician was called home also after a long career playing music.
Only for local radio people (outside musical circles) would not have enjoyed their music and known of the talents of both musicians.
I hope they have all gone up to the highway in the sky where Jimmy and Seamus will entertain them with their music and singing and Paudie with his Radio voice and witty observations.
May they rest in heavenly peace.
While many of the local radio stations and others with similar content remain on air rural Ireland and its people will retain a strong voice to promote its values.