Knocknagoshel Horse Fair

At the Knocknagoshel Horse Fair

Moss Joe Browne On my trip to Knocknagoshel for the horse fair I was surprised to see local man James Walsh of the local pub practicing his hurling skills in the village. He is the holder of three All-Ireland junior football medals and he captained the Kerry minor football team in 2010. James was on the St. Kierans team who were unlucky to be beaten by hot favourites East Kerry in the County championship recently. His grandfather Eddie Walsh won five All-Ireland senior medals and what is surprising is that James is not attached to any hurling team.

James Walsh. The Knocknagoshel horse fair is an annual event which is held on August 15th. It’s nice to see an old tradition alive in this rural village. This year on account of Covid the numbers attending were small but at least it went ahead. People come from all over such as horse buyer Jimmy Donoghue from Charleville - and he did not go home empty handed. Next year hopefully with less restrictions a big crowd will enjoy a good day out once again. Michael J Moloney from Lyreacrompane was heading from Listowel to Abbeyfeale in pursuance of his job as an insurance inspector when he was held up by two masked men at the crossroads near Kilmorna Wood. One had a revolver and they were after his money. ‘Over my dead body’ was the substance of his reply. The year was 1934 and starting handles were in fashion. It had often got him out of a hold when the old car wouldn’t start but this time he used it to stop something. He swung it at the hand holding the gun. The revolver fell and the bold Mr. Moloney dived out of the car to get his hands on it. He was hit from behind by the second masked man but he wasn’t for staying down. Arising from his knees he grasped at one of the masks and tore off part of it. However, the marauders were not easily deterred and told him “You’ll have to give up the money”. “You will have to kill me first” was Moloney’s defiant response. “We will get you yet” shouted one of the highwaymen as they ran into the woods. Michael J reported the incident to the Gardai. (Irish Times November 25, 1934).

Just a temporary little arrangement

A story is told of a poor man named Langan who lived in the village of Duagh (during famine times). He was driven to become "a souper" but before he converted, he visited the Catholic Church in Duagh. Standing before Our Lady's statue and with tears in his eyes he said, "Goodbye Holy Mary till the praties grow again." (Collected by Dan Heffernan, Kilmorna for the Folklore Commission (1930s).

Gerard Flavin at Timmy Horgans in Cloghanenagleragh many years ago.