Radio Kerry’s Saturday Supplement will highlight more than two decades of the Sliabh Luachra Journal this weekend.

The programme, presented by Frank Lewis, airs this Saturday, November 29, from 9am to 11am, and will feature stories from the newly released 2024 edition along with interviews and reflections from long-time editor Donal Hickey, who has edited all 21 editions since the first journal appeared in 1982.
The programme, originally broadcast in November 2024, will revisit a range of articles of particular interest to listeners across East Kerry, North Cork and the wider Sliabh Luachra region.
Highlights from the 21st edition include Ben Brosnan documenting 29 shops operating in Kilcummin between 1909 and 1924. Only two remain today: O’Keeffe’s in Gattabawn (open since 1896) and the Kilcummin Post Office, run by the McCarthy/Healy family since 1946.
The grave of Ellie Buckley, born in Mountcain, Knocknagree in 1913, was located in Lewisham, London, 75 years after her death in 1942. Ellie nursed tuberculosis patients during wartime, when Irish nurses were described as “cannon fodder.” Her story, written by her niece Eileen Fleming, features in the 2024 journal.
A piece by Christy Lehane recalls how more than £30,000 was taken out of Knocknagree by banks after fair days and how some cattle dealers attempted to cheat farmers. A mural of the fair now covers an entire gable wall in the village.
Button accordionist Bryan O’Leary contributes a personal reflection on musician Jimmy Doyle. The programme will include music associated with Doyle, including performances by his son Padraig and grandchildren Grace, Jack and Kaylie Doyle, along with Jamie O’Donoghue playing Doyle’s original accordion.
Johnny Barry recounts the 1961 East Kerry League match in which Gneeveguilla defeated Rathmore. He and Aenie O’Leary also reflect on Ambrose O’Donovan captaining Kerry to the All-Ireland title in 1984.
Hickey documents the history of the former Gneeveguilla National School, opened in 1842 and extended in 1889. After the building was demolished, a limestone plaque marked 1880 was recovered and placed on the wall of the house now on the site.