Episode 8

In those days, according to Tadhg, most people living down Killarney’s lanes kept a pig. It was then, on Fair Days, an amusing sight to see a pig being walked through the town to the Fair Field, in College Street. Tolls were paid, by those living outside the town, on any animals sold at the Fair. Tadhg also recalls how one local shopkeeper, Dan Clifford, adopted an unusual approach to advertising his goods. He further explains why a new-ordained clergyman was described by one local woman as, ‘a priest made out of turf!’

Posted - 02-02-23

Listening time: 9.41 mins.

Episode 7

In this episode of ‘Down the Cobbled Lanes’ Tadhg O’Sullivan and Paddy MacMonagle discuss some more of the characters who inhabited the Killarney of their youth.

Tadhg first of all tells us of the inconvenience caused on occasion by a lack of plumbing in the town. We then listen in sympathy as he describes the dental treatment that was meted out to those unfortunate enough to require it. Finally Tadhg recalls one local priest who enjoyed the last laugh when a parishioner encouraged him to shorten the length of his sermons.

Posted - 17-10-22

Listening time: 8.29 mins.

Episode 6

Tadhg and Paddy discuss some of the events that took place in Henn Street, now Plunkett Street, Killarney during the Irish War of Independence. A stationery and millinery shop, run by the patriotic Gleeson sisters, attracted the unwelcome attention of the British forces, including the infamous Black and Tans. The latter threatened to burn the shop down unless the sisters removed their name in Irish from above the shop front. This order was resisted. However, at the last minute a neighbour, afraid for the safety of her own premises, used green paint to obscure the Irish name. The Black and Tans subsequently daubed ‘B and T’, for Black and Tans, on the shutters.

The Gleeson’s shop was frequented by Republicans including Thomas Ashe, Austin Stack and Éamon de Valera.

Posted - 19-9-22

Listening time: 9.28 mins.

Episode 5

Here Tadhg recalls some of the events that took place in Killarney town on 11 July 2021. On that day the Truce came into effect bringing an end to the Irish War of Independence. In the final moments of that conflict, two British soldiers were shot in Main Street. While in College Square a young domestic servant, Hannah Carey, was shot dead outside the Imperial Hotel where she worked.

We also learn of the indomitable Mrs Flynn who was fearless in confronting one of Lord Kenmare’s bailiffs.

Posted - 29-8-22

Listening time: 8.29 mins.

Episode 4

Tadhg and Paddy recall some of the well-known personalities of the town, including the solicitor Maurice McCarthy. They remember the club house of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which was situated in Brewery Lane. Billiards and cards were played there and the club was the scene of a well-known poker school. Tadhg and Paddy also recall that, before radio, people often met arrivals off the Dublin train seeking news of the latest Kerry football results.

Posted - 19-7-22

Listening time: 8.09 mins.

Episode 3

Tadhg and Paddy recall that religious celebrations, including the annual Corpus Christi procession, often resulted in rivalry between the different lanes of Killarney town. The inhabitants of each lane put much effort into decorating their own individual neighbourhoods and competition was intense. Tadhg and Paddy also recall with great glee the misfortune that befell the unfortunate drummer in Killarney’s Fife and Drum Band!

Posted - 14-6-22

Listening time: 8.00 mins.