Author: The Burren and Beyond

B.A., M.A.(Archaeology); Regional Tour Guide; Dip. Radio Media Tech; H.Dip. Computer Science.
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The Ould Bad Scrawl – 1901

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Evening Herald 7th October, 1901, page 4

Morning Light, Kinvara
Photo: EO’D

From “Cloona” (Ballinrobe)
How is our good friend Bartley Hynes, of Kinvara and has he altered the Gaelic inscription on his donkey cart? The Irish class at the Depot has not been started yet, but they are investigating whether the crosses on donkeys’ backs are “legible.” My laureate had dedicated his ballad, “The Ould Bad Scrawl” to the Kinvara “copper,” but so far has not apologised to the authors of the “Ould Plaid Shawl.”

This is how he tears the cloth:-

Not far from ould Kinvara, on a merry August day,
When winds were singing cheerily there came across my way
As if from out the sky above an earthquake chanced to stray
An ass, a cart, a man named Hynes, likewise a load of hay.
He tripped along right joyously, his hat upon three hairs,
And seemed as if this cruel world from him had kept all cares.
His bright eyes glistened ‘neath his brows – he looked so trim and smart,
As he pointed to the name of “Hynes” in Irish on his cart.

I courteously saluted him, “God save you sir,” said I.
“God save you kindly, sir,” said he, and winked the other eye.
“I’ll thank you for your name,” says I, “as well as your address,
I’m a constable of police, and I fear you’re in a mess.
By 12 and 14 Vic.,, you see, and section ninety-two,
Your name must be upon your cart, so I must summon you.”
“Bedad,” says he, “’tis like ‘Lynch’ law, me liable to fines!
For writing in my native tongue the name of Bartley Hynes!”

Some people sigh for riches, some people live for fame,
And some upon their vehicles in Irish put their name.
My aims are not ambitious, though my wishes, don’t you see,
Are to get a quick promotion in the gallant R.I.C.
I’ll summon them through Galway, and I’ll summon them through Clare;
I’ll have no Irish on their carts, but English everywhere,
Else peace of mind I’ll never find, this motto’s next my heart
“When a name is writ in Gaelic, put the owner in the cart.”

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Kinvara Carnival – 1961

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Connacht Tribune 1st July, 1961
On Sunday Carnival time, despite the rain, opened in Kinvara.
Some fifty years ago Lady Gregory wrote her patriotic little masterpiece, “The Rising of the Moon,” with a setting on Kinvara Quay. On Sunday the Kinvara Dramatic Society, under producer Mr. Thomas Donnellan, N.T. staged her drama, somewhat adapted for the purpose, in its natural setting.
The actors lived up to the occasion from the moment “Sergeant” (Tom Johnston) opened his colloquy with the “Sign-painter” (Paddy J. Keane). The body of the play where Kieran Moylan, in the role of the Ballad-singer, gradually awakens the dormant patriotism in the Sergeant’s heart was very well done.
Eire (Miss Mary Moylan) then comes to the Quay accompanied by her four green fields. Connacht (Miss Patsy Huban), Leinster (Miss Maura Byrne). Munster (Miss Nell Fahy) and Ulster (Miss Roisin Moylan). The patriot leader recites “My Dark Rosaleen” in her honour and places a crown on her head following which she recites “My Four Green Fields,” by Lady Gregory, and each of her handmaidens take up place by her side while the St. Patrick’s Band, Galway, which had played appropriate music all through, renders a triumphal march and the national flag is hoisted.

The Fancy Dress Parade
The rain was again a spoilsport for the Fancy Dress Parade where remarkable inventiveness was shown in a large entry which gave the judges, Mr. M. McDonagh, Ballinderreen and Mr. M. Dolan (Ardrahan) plenty to ponder over.
Several Eichmans passed by together with “John Caldwell,”, “The June Bride Turned November Wife,” a “Space Flight” trio, the “Final touches to Kinvara Pitch,” “Rainier, Grace and Family,” “Irish Stew for Princess Grace,””Raftery,” “Hikers for the Kinvara Hostel,” “Latest Fashions,””Kennedy Back From Vienna,” “Grace’s Biggest Thrill,””Looney,” the “Poteen Maker,” “First Aid and Last Aid,” “Lady Gregory as the Unexpected Guest”, at last Saturday’s meeting in Coole, the “Baluba,”, the “Mexican Pair,” “Capt.Ringrose” together with an assortment of other topical figures.

The prizewinners were;
Most Humorous;
1. “Poteen Maker” – Sheila Nolan
2. “Biggest Thrill” – Gertrude Keane

Most Topical;
1. “Final Touches to Kinvara Pitch” – Michael and Finbar Brogan
2. “Another Victim of Eichman” – Thomas Nolan

Prettiest;
1. “Mexican Pair” – Francis and Mary Greene
2. “First Aid and Last Aid” – Kieran Doyle and Maura Doyle

SENIOR SECTION
1. “Space Crew” – Michael Connolly, Thomas Tannian and Joe Forde
2. “The Unexpected Guest – Lady Gregory” – Brid Gleeson
3. “Setanta comes to Faitche Padraig” – Michael McMahon

Most Humorous;
1. “The Baluba” – Sean Nolan
2. “Kennedy Back from Vienna” – Martin Greene
3. “June Bride and November Wife” – Anne Morris and Christina Deely.

THE MAYORAL ADDRESS
Mr. Ml. Leech, Mayor of the Festival, welcomed all and urged the younger folks to bring the old people to see the festivities. He also urged all bachelors and their fiancees to visit his “marriage bureau” where he would advise on all premarital problems.
Following the festivities at the Quay the competitors paraded behind St. Patrick’s Band to the Dancing Marquee where the prizes were presented by the Pageant Queen, Miss Mary Moylan, and the competitors entertained to tea.

The Carnival which lasts for three weeks is in aid of the new 3,500 Gaelic Pitch in Kinvara which will be formally opened on the concluding day, July 16th.

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Francis A. Fahy

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Connacht Tribune, 13th October, 1967

The unveiling of the memorial to Francis A. Fahy at Kinvara on Sunday last led to a large turnout.  A son of the Kinvara-born poet, Mr. Dermot A. Fahy, from Cambridge, travelled from England to be present.  With him were cousins of the poet, Mr. James Quinn and Miss Bofey-Quinn (Corofin), Mr. and Mrs. Marlborough(Corofin) and Mr. George Marlborough (Corofin). 
The local branch of Muintir na Tire organised the erection of the memorial and the County Executive of Muintir na Tire were represented by Mr. Peter Moylan, Loughrea, Mr. Joe Lally, Manager, Ireland-West was also present.
The late poet’s son, Dermot, unveiled the memorial and addressed the attendance.  Mr. Thomas Donlon, N.T., Dr. Francis Greene, Mr. Patrick Diskin, M.A., and Very Rev. B. Mulkerrin P.P., also spoke.
Fifteen year old Geraldine Quinn from Crushoa, Kinvara, presented Mr. Fahy with her own oil painting of the scene of the “Old Plaid Shawl.”  Mr. Richard J. Johnston, recited his own verse composition, “To Francis A. Fahy, Poet and Patriot: a Tribute.”

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Kinvara Races – 1920

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CONNACHT TRIBUNE 23TH SEPTEMBER 1920

Kinvara
Photo: Norma Scheibe

Officials—Dr. T. J. Connolly,
Judge. B. J. Winkle
Starter. M. J. Leech
Clerk of Scale and Course. P. Kilkelly,
President. P. C. Feeney,
Treasurer. J. B. Davenport, Hon.
Sec. M. Valentine

  1. B,. Dunbar, Secretary of the Irish Racing _Association , Handicapper.

Stewards—P. J. Flatley, F. J. Johnston, M. Staunton, J. Burke, M. Hynes, E. Connors, M. Greene, C. St, George, W. Hynes, T. St. George.

PROGRAMME:
First Race, 1.30 .p.m.—THE VOLUNTEER PLATE. A Hurdle Handicap of £15. Distance about 2 miles. The second horse to receive £2 out of Plate. Entrance Fee, 7s 6d.

Second Race 2.30 p,m.—TRADERS’ PLATE. A Hurdle Handicap ot £12. Distance about 2 miles. Tho second horse to receive £1 out of Plate. Entrance Fee, 7s. 6d.

Third ‘Race, 3.15 p.m.—KINVARA PLATE A Handicap Steeplechase of £25 Distance about 2 and a half miles. Second horse to receive £2 out of Plate. Entrance Fee, 10s.

Fourth Race, 4 p.m.—STEWARDS’ PLATE. A Flat Handicap Race of £10. Distance about 1 and a half miles. The second horse to receive £1 out of Plate. Entrance Fee., 7s. 6d.

Fifth Race; 4.45 p.m.—GORTSHANVOGH PLATE. A Flat Race of £8. Distance about l and a half miles. Second to receive £1 out of Plate. Catch Weights at 9st. 71bs. and over. Entry 5s. To close at scales with Mr. Leech.

GENERAL ENTRY £1. RULES:

The decision of the Stewards to be final in all cases. No appeal to a court of law-All Entries to be made with Sir. Valentine J. R. Dunbar, Handicapper, 28, North William Street, Dublin. Three horses the bona-fide property of different owners to start or no race. All Jockeys must wear colours. All accounts due by Race Committee to be furnished to the Hon. Sec. within one fortnight after Races.
Entries Close September 16th.

ADMISSION TO COURSE 1s.
Tariff — Tents, £1; Motors, 5s.; Vehicles, 2s. 6d. Steamboat and Char-a-banc services from Galway arranged for. (Char a banc is an early type of bus service used for pleasure trips. It was usually open topped.)

A Pipers Band will be in Attendance.

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Kinvara Youth Club – 1966

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Connacht Tribune 7th October, 1966 p9

Dunguaire

At the first meeting after the summer recess, the Kinvara Youth Club elected officers of the coming year. They are;
Mr. John Conneely, chairman;
Miss Josette Brogan, secretary;
Miss Elizabeth Murphy, assistant secretary
The recently ordained Father F. Larkin C.C., Spiritual Director.
The programme for the year was outlined: there will be weekly meetings at which it will be possible for the youths of the parish to address the attendance.

There will be table tennis championships, debates, concerts and parties.

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Headache Cure – Killina – 1937

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Photo: Norma Scheibe

From Margaret Cavanagh – aged 10
For constant “splitting” headache the people here (Killina) get their heads “measured” by Pat Linane Cappacasheen or by Pat Joynt Poulataggle, to cure them. They do it with a piece of twine. They say certain prayers about the Blessed Trinity when they do this cure.

This snippet of  lore comes from the duchas.ie website. It comprises part of the National Folklore Collection, property of University College Dublin held in trust for the people of Ireland. Content was collected by local children in 1937 and 1938, carefully transcribed under the supervision of their teachers and forwarded with great pride to form part of the Collection.

 

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The Dismal of the Burren – 1934

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Limerick Leader 20th October, 1934 p.10 (abridged)

St. Colman’s
Photo: EO’D

The clans are embattled at dark Corcomroe,
And proudly their trumpets and warhorns blow;
The blood, bone and strength of all Thomond are there,
With lances in rest and broad-swords bare.
The chivalrous powers of Clan Cullein march on,
With the proud MacNamaras, like towers, in the van;
The plumes of their legions are nodding on high,
Like tall forest-tops waving dark in the sky.
(The Bard of Thomond)
The clans encamped for the night, securing their cattle within the boundary walls of the monastery. Many slept on the floor of the church, some in cubicles, but others passed the night in mirth around their blazing bivouac fires. They were the MacInerneys, Lorcains, O’Claras, Mannions, O’Molonys, O’Hallorans, O’Currys, O’Slatterys, O’Hassetts, O’Malleys, O’Hartigans, O’Haleys, O’Condergans, O’Conways, O’Meehans, O’Mahons, MacMahons, O’Lynchs and O’Kellys of Galway. O’Regans, O’Griffys, O’Howards, Mahownas, MacEncros of Inagh, O’Galvins, O’Liddys, O’Doyles, O’Kellihers, O’Cunneens, O’Gerans and the clan Giolla Maoel.
Donough Brian Rua’s followers were assembled on the Burren hills to the westward of the abbey. At early morning he marshalled his forces, and marched to meet his foes. Reaching the shores of Lough Raska he and his men met with a strange apparition, described by MacGrath as “the monstrous and distorted form of a lone, ancient, hideous hag, that stooped over the bright lock’s shore. The creature’s semblance was this; she was thatched with elf locks, foxy-grey and rough as heather; long as sea-wrack, inextricable tangled; that had a bossy, wrinkled, foully ulcerated forehead, every hair of her eyebrows was like a strong fishhook, and from under them, bleary dripping eyes peered with malignant fire between lids all rawly crimson-edged. The crone had a cairn of heads, a pile of arms and legs, and a load of spoil, all of which she rinsed and diligently washed, so that by her labour the water of the lake was covered with hair and gory brains. The army, hushed, intently and long gazed at her, but the chief spoke to the beldame;
“What is thy name, what people are thing, or whome are, these the so maltreated dead on this moist shore?”
She nothing loth replied; “The Dismal of Burren I am named always, ’tis of the tuatha de Danann I declare myself, and royal chief; this pile stands for your heads, in their midst thine own here; which now thou carriest it, yet no longer is thine. Proudly as thou goest to battle, the time is not far from thou when all to a very few ye must be slain.”

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Doorus Potatoes – 1891

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The Irish Times 31st August, 1891

Potato Flowers
Photo: Keith Weller
Wikimedia Commons

Sir,
I think it right that I should make public what I know on the all-important subject of the threatened potato blight.
On the 19th instant I inspected a field of potatoes on the estate of Comte de Basterot, in the County of Galway, at Duras, in the locality of Kinvara. The crop is a very heavy one, and the field is much sheltered by trees. On the 3rd inst. one rood was well dressed with the preparation of ‘Bonillie Borderlaise’ and quicklime. The remainder of the crop – about half an acre – was not sprayed. On the part dressed not a sign of disease appeared; on the rest of the crop it was quite evident. The “knapsack” used is the light Vermorel spraying machine.
Mr. John Quinn, Duras, Kinvara, Comte de Basterot’s agent and manager, prepared and used the mixture. A letter received from him today informs me that the experiment up to this is a complete success.
I shall be glad to give the recipe for preparation of mixture to anyone applying to me.
Yours,
J. Murray Walker, Land Valuer
73 Waterloo Road,
28th August, 1891

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Church of Ireland, Kinvara – 1939

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Tom May, Churches of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, Galway 2000

Church of England Graveyard, The Glebe,
Kinvara
Photo: EO’D

In 1939 Bishop Browne purchased a Church of Ireland building in Kinvara for 25 pounds and transferred
it to Noughaval, roofing the new structure with timbers from Galway gaol!