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Local historian and author opens new chapter on Milltown

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IT PROMISES to be a night of memories and nostalgia in Milltown on Friday, July 14, when a memoir of life in the mid-Kerry village is published and launched by a local retired teacher and historian. Gwin for the Blue by Pat McKenna from Milltown recounts the happenings and characters of his native place in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and is a lively and entertaining read.

Recounting stories and anecdotes from the first twenty years of his life, the memoir charts an Ireland barely recognisable to the young people of today and tells of life in a rural village from the War years to the Swinging Sixties. The self-published book is described as a tribute to local people who survived the ups and downs of life “in spite of dungeon, fire and sword”.

Pat’s stories include references to local landmarks like the Godfrey Estate and the formidable last member of that landed gentry family, Miss Phyllis, as well as recollections of the railway line through Milltown, school sports days, and the dominant position of the Catholic Church at the time.

Pat McKenna was born in Milltown in 1943 and was educated locally. Having graduated from University College Dublin, he became a secondary school teacher and taught in Dublin, Tralee and Africa before retiring to his native village.

“This memoir deals with my memories of Milltown from 1943 to 1963. It has stories from my childhood and tells of what life was like in the locality in those years. In the 1950s there were huge changes locally with the opening of the Liebherr factory as a major new employer, the closure of many branch railway lines, and the replacement of the street fair by the cattle mart,” said Pat.

“I hope it will bring back memories for people and I hope everyone will enjoy it. At the launch in the Muintir na Tíre Hall on 14th, we will share memories over a cup of tea, hopefully, and I would encourage all my neighbours and friends and anyone with an interest in local history to come along.”

The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs taken by Tralee photographer, Michael Diggin and includes images of Milltown landmarks like Killagha Abbey, the White Church, the local Mass Rock, the Bridewell, and Spout Lane, which was the 12th century road between north and south Kerry. There are also historical images of life in the community including events like the Corpus Christi Procession and local social occasions.

Gwin for the Blue by Pat McKenna will be launched at the Muintir na Tíre Hall, The Square, Milltown, on Friday, July 14, at 8pm by local author Owen O’Shea, and all are welcome.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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