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‘Outlaw territory’ opens an exciting new chapter

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Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

THE highland country straddling counties Kerry, Cork and Limerick was once an "asylum" for outlaws and a risen peasantry, according to the latest issue of the biennial Sliabh Luachra Journal.

Many of the principal roads that run through the area today were not built until the 1820s and 1930s by the British authorities who wanted to gain more control of the territory.

"The wild hilly country on the borders of the three counties was outlaw territory," writes Martin Murphy in an article on Whiteboys and Ribbonmen, relating the activities of secret societies against landlordism.

This vast region of around 1,000 square miles did not have proper roads, a British Government report noted in 1822. Engineer Richard Griffiths was commissioned to design and improve roads and he also built stone-arched bridges still in use today.

Griffiths described Sliabh Luachra as an asylum for Whiteboys and robbers whose "wickedness had frequently escaped punishment".

The 17th issue of the local history journal, published by Cumann Luachra, was launched by Fr Pat Moore, in Gneeveguilla.

The story of the 1916 Easter Rising, in which volunteer Patrick O’Connor, from Rathmore, was killed, features prominently in the 120-page journal.

Popular accordionist John Brosnan, who lives in Milleen, Kilcummin, tells of his life and times. There’s also an article on céilí bands in Sliabh Luachra by journal editor Donal Hickey.

A trip to Killarney Fair as a boy with his father in the 1940s is recalled by John Kelly. He had a day off from school to drive in cattle they sold at the fair.

"In those days, towns didn’t have fancy restaurants, but they had “’ating houses” where hungry farmers and their sons could get good feeds of bacon and cabbage and plenty of plain, wholesome food," notes editor Donal Hickey.

Bohereencaol, in Killarney, had three such establishments, all of which did brisk business on fair and market days.

The Kellys’ favourite was Mrs Twomey’s, run by a woman known for her generous portions.

The journal is on sale for €12.The journal would make a welcome Christmas gift and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet.
 


 
Above: Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstream. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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