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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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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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