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New book traces lesser-known history of the Reeks area

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NEW BOOK: Tom 'Totty' O'Sullivan has written a book called 'Kerry Dreamtime Legends and Lore of the MaGillicuddy Reeks'. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

A Beaufort musician, historian and world traveller has written a new book on the legends and lore of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Tom ‘Totty’ O’Sullivan has self-published ‘Kerry Dreamtime Legends and Lore of the MaGillicuddy Reeks', a 300-page collection of stories, history and poetry from the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain.

The official launch of the new book will take place next Thursday, December 12 at the Beaufort Bar at 8pm.

Originally from the Milltown/Castlemaine area, Tom currently lives in the townland of Alohart on the approach to Cronin’s Yard.

He previously ghost wrote a book for Milltown native Liam ‘The Bandon’ O’Shea entitled ‘Milltown and Back’ which told the story of O’Shea’s time living with Aborigines in the Australian Outback. He explained to the Killarney Advertiser how this was part inspiration for his new book.

“The Aborigines call their time travelling ‘their dream time’,” he said. “I was always interested in history, and I have done a lot of work with the Killorglin Archive. I have travelled extensively through Africa and India and have always been fascinated by the translation of place-names. Now that I am living in Alohart I realised there is a niche in the market covering this area.”

The book is full of fascinating titbits of knowledge of the area, like the reason why all the grottos in the area are facing west, that Ireland’s fastest river rises in Carrauntohil, or that ingredients for the local cure for baldness involves the preparation of the bladder of one the many wild mountain goats in the area.

“I have been told by people who have read the book that it is great for dipping in and out of, finding a random fact, and starting conversations based on that fact,” he added.

The book can be ordered directly from the author on 087 9807122 and proceeds will go towards the Beaufort Community Hall refurbishment project.

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Joey Sheehan wins historic sixth Dr Crokes Captain’s Prize

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Accomplished golfer Joey Sheehan scooped the Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society Captain’s Prize for the sixth time following the outing at The Killeen Course at Killarney Golf Club on Friday.

Society Captain Niall Botty O’Callaghan and his mother Eileen O’Callaghan hosted the prizegiving function in The Failte Hotel, where Joey was presented with a painting of the fourth hole at Killeen by local artist and Dr Crokes member Paul Downey.


Joey Sheehan won his first Dr Crokes Captain’s prize back in 1997, which was the start of an historic four-in-a-row.

He collected his fifth Captain’s prize in 2006 before adding his sixth with the 2026 title last Friday.

Over the years, he has also won two Dr Crokes Presidents prizes, numerous other society outings, and the Eddie Barry Memorial Cup three times as player of the year.


The prize giving function in The Failte featured speeches from society officer Brendan Keogh, Captain Niall Botty O’Callaghan, and overall winner Joey Sheehan.

During the speeches, a number of recently deceased local people and others from recent years associated with the Dr Crokes Golf Society were remembered.

Among those fondly remembered were Brian O’Regan, John O’Mahony, Ewan MacIndoe, Gerry Collins, Paudie O’Callaghan, Malachy Walsh, and Seani McCarthy.


The Dr Crokes Captains Prize was once again sponsored by Mike Buckley of Kerry Coaches. Following overall winner Joey Sheehan, the full list of prize winners included John Lynch in second, Finian Moran in third, and Liam Hartnett in fourth. Sean Brosnan took fifth place, followed by Maurice O’Donoghue in sixth, John O’Leary in seventh, Paudie Sheahan in eighth, Colm Galvin in ninth, and Eamonn Fitzgerald in tenth.

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Discussion on Irish-American literary voices

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The second series of talks for the new ‘Summer in Killarney’ festival took place at Killarney House in Killarney National Park, focusing on the lives and work of literary figures F. Scott Fitzgerald and Mary Lavin.

The event, titled ‘The Great Irish-American Voices of F. Scott Fitzgerald & Mary Lavin’, featured presentations by authors Gráinne Hurley, writer of Gratefully and Affectionately: Mary Lavin and The New Yorker, and Killarney native Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman.

Following their presentations, both authors joined Irish Times journalist Ronan McGreevy for a panel conversation exploring the impact of both writers on American literature.

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