An Tóchar learners keeping Folklore alive

Nora Knapp

A new course - Folklore - commenced at the centre this January and has proven to be hugely popular. The groundwork for this course was set in motion two years ago when we delivered a QQI Level 5 Local History course. Subsequent to that, we have delivered two further community education local history courses, which have now led to our Folklore course.

So many of us were captivated in our childhood by fairy and ghost stories told around the open fire during the long winter months. This course is a reminder of how important it is to preserve these magical stories and lore.

Folklore serves to educate participants and preserve the culture of the people or folk of which it speaks.

It has an essential role in passing on customs, beliefs, and traditions. In years gone by, rural Ireland was very close to the natural world, and folklore was often the key to survival. For example, weather lore and preparing for storms, or the fishing lore of the Blasket Islanders, who watched seabirds to locate fish. Much of the folklore that survived across generations did so because it continued to be relevant.

The learners at An Tóchar celebrated St Brigid’s Day by recalling all the lore that goes with it and making traditional St Brigid’s crosses and Brideog dolls from rushes. Renowned storyteller and participant in the course, Frances Kennedy, says of the course. “It’s an absolutely fantastic course, bringing the old folklore into modern life.”

Local history is also an important course here at An Tóchar. Learners are soaking up the vast knowledge delivered to them by tutor Tom Dillon. North Kerry is an area that provides a rich tapestry of historical events and culture, and understanding our local history will ensure we can connect the past with the present.

We are also delighted to welcome historian and author Bryan Mac Mahon to the Centre on February 23rd and March 23rd. He will deliver two lectures on important local historical events in north Kerry: the Great Famine and its impact on the region; and the Civil War in Ballyheigue and Causeway.

Tahilla CNS: high-quality public education

Fernando Casado (Parent)

Our daughter Manuela started Junior Infants at Tahilla Community National School by complete chance. Now that we have to leave Ireland, we realise how lucky we have been and the great experience Manuela has enjoyed.

We wanted our child to learn English, not in a posh private school in Spain, where we come from, but in a regular public school. Consequently, we were looking for the best place for a family to settle in Ireland a year ago. However, things were going to take more work than picking a nice town and moving in. Soon enough, we were overwhelmed with the Irish housing problem. First, there was very little on offer. Secondly, it was extremely expensive. Finally, the numerous and intricate requirements aspirational renters must fulfil made it look easier to apply for a PhD in Ireland than a tenancy. When we were at the edge of despair and ready to give up, we discovered a hopeful ad on the internet: “Beautiful bungalow 5 minutes from Tahilla School.” That was everything we needed, a house and a school.

Manuela was delighted with the lovely múinteoirí and her new schoolmates, who were very welcoming from the beginning. The students are divided into two classrooms with three very attentive teachers all year. Students of different ages share the same space and interact with each other. The students have a music teacher, a sports teacher, a forest school teacher and a lovely chef who serves the students a snack and a hot lunch every day. Can you believe it?

Another day she would show up with the Picker Pal Pack because she was responsible for litter picking in our locality that week. Due to these incredible experiences, Manuela felt a sense of belonging and developed a love of learning. Furthermore, she did not only learn English, the original aim of the whole adventure, but Gaeilge as well.

We are so grateful that our child ended up in this lovely multi–denominational school because there are only three in the whole county of Kerry. No doubt, Tahilla Community National School is a success in progress. Unfortunately, now we have to return to our country, so we will all miss the school and the lovely community of Tahilla. But we are grateful because we carry back a piece of Ireland that, from now on, we will always call home.

Kerry ETB’s oldest learner

Marian O’Neill

On December 15th, Mary Wharton had a double celebration. Not only did she mark her birthday, but her classmates also made sure that everyone knew that Mary holds the honour of being the oldest learner registered with Kerry ETB. At 96, Mary is an inspiration.

The class arranged for a cake and a photographer from the local paper to be in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion. “It was a huge surprise,” said Mary, “I didn’t expect anything”.

Every Tuesday at 2 pm, one of the first to arrive at Tech Amergin for the Teacht le Cheile class, always looking glamorous, is Mary. The class has been running for many years, and Mary has been in attendance for most of it.

The Tutor, Bernie Kennedy, takes the group through a routine of gentle exercise, light weights and dance to maintain fitness and coordination. The learners are mainly active retired members of the community. Still, with a “more the merrier” attitude, Bernie takes all new comers. After all their hard work, the learners take turns to provide home baking and other refreshments for the after-class tea and chat. All the learners agree that this is an equally important part of their weekly class.

Together with her husband, Mary ran a farm and raised a family, so being active has been a lifelong habit.

One of her classmates said. “If I’m feeling a bit lazy and I’m not sure if I’ll go to class, I think of Mary and say to myself, if Mary Wharton can do it, so can I”.