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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