Entrepreneur Charles Bianconi, founder of a public transport system in Ireland, leased land in Main Street, Castleisland in the nineteenth century. The late Michael O’Donohoe researched Bianconi’s link to the town, as can be read on another page on this website. Recently, the O’Donohoe archive was contacted by a lady from Wexford who had…… Continue Reading
Last of the Earls of Desmond
With tract oblique, as one who seeks Access, but fears, side-long he Works his way – As when a ship, by skilful steersman wrought, Nigh river’s mouth or foreland, where the wind Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail: So varies he. – Compitum, book 4, p161 During the memorable and unhappy…… Continue Reading
Castleisland and the patriotic Sullivan Brothers of Bantry
“In his day he did something for Ireland.” – from My Ambition, A Young Man’s Song by T D Sullivan On the morning of Friday 3rd April 1914, the remains of the great Irish patriot, Timothy Daniel Sullivan, were interred in Glasnevin Cemetery.1 Among the many expressions of sympathy, one described ‘T…… Continue Reading
Mary Agnes Hickson and the Earls of Desmond
Nineteenth century Kerrywoman, Mary Agnes Hickson (1825-1899), is perhaps best known for her Selections from Old Kerry Records which she compiled from historical manuscripts inherited from her father.1 The volumes served to establish her reputation as a genealogist and historian. This was underlined in the first volume of her subsequent work, Ireland in the…… Continue Reading
John Twiss and the Campaign to reprieve him
Twiss says that time will prove his innocence and he forgives those who swore falsely against him. Telegram from Patrick H Meade, the Mayor of Cork, to the press1 An interesting document has recently been added to the Michael O’Donohoe Memorial Heritage Project.2 It is a nineteenth century letter handwritten in ink sent from…… Continue Reading
Apes, Geese and other Enchantments: The Earls of Desmond in Legend
The Earl of Desmond and his kin hath of lands under him 120 miles, 400 horse, 8 bat of Gall, 1 bat of crossbow men and gunners, 3,000 kern. His country is long and so environed, and hateth the Kinge’s lawes, so as they give none aid – Dean of Lichfield1 The Dean of…… 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
Fitzgerald of Adraval
David Fitzgerald of Adraval died in 1818 and was interred in the family vault at Kilnananima, near Cordal, Castleisland where tradition holds that Gerald, the Earl of Desmond, was laid to rest almost two hundred and fifty years earlier. A slab there is inscribed, THE BURIAL PLACE OF DAVID FITZGERALD OF ADRIVAL/ERECTED BY HIS…… Continue Reading
Castleisland Church and People by Fr Kieran O’Shea
Michael O’Donohoe made a study of Castleisland Church and People, a book (now rare) written by Fr Kieran O’Shea in 1981 (reprinted 1982). Michael’s study resulted in a handwritten index to the work, transcribed below, of great use to those conducting research into the town of Castleisland and vicinity. The book also contains…… Continue Reading
Daniel O’Connell The Liberator in Castleisland
If a re-enactment of Daniel O’Connell passing through Castleisland on his way home to Darrynane Abbey was staged, thousands of extras would be sought, such was the size of the crowd that turned out to greet him in December 1843 when he stopped at the town’s Brandon Arms Hotel.1 As early as 12 o’clock…… Continue Reading