11 minute read
Gerry Cody
Representing Kilkenny County Council at The Closh: David Fitzgerald, Fideles Doherty (Chairperson), Pat Boyd (KKB) Eugene McGuinness, Maria Dollard, Mayor Andrew McGuinness , John Brennan, Pat Fitzpatrick.
War of Independence remembered at The Closh as Garden of Remembrance is planned
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by: GERRY CODY Photos: PAT SHORTALL
OVER 50 men marched through Friary Street and formed a guard of honour at St Rioch’s Graveyard, where prayers for loved ones were offered.
Flags, banners and bunting decorated the surrounding houses and streets. Dancing continued until 11p.m, with a constant stream of people visiting the dancing board, erected specifically for the occasion.
James Donnelly made a vociferous appeal to convert The Closh into a public space, to be named St Rioch’s Park.
CALL MADE IN 1929
Before you start wondering how this gathering occurred, during a time of ‘Covid’ restrictions, let me assure you, that all is well.
The call by James Donnelly to rename The Closh, and the attendant merriment, took place in 1929, at the revival of the annual Patron to St Rioch.
Prior to this, the last Patron had taken place at the Walkin Street Graveyard in 1827. The local population greeted the call for a revival with enthusiastic delight. Embellishing the day, the iconic St Rioch’s Fife & Drum band marched around the city delighting the citizens with a collection of well -loved tunes.
How symbolic, that in 2021, another gathering took place in The Closh, replicating the hopes and aspirations of our forbearers. “The more things change the more they remain the same”
However, this time the community came together to commemorate all those that fought during both World Wars. Poignantly, also remembered on this occasion were the local heroes that had taken part in The War of Independence.
A BEACON FOR THE FUTURE
Addressing the assembly Mr Pat Boyd, chair of the organising Keep Kilkenny Beautiful committee, said, that the long -term goal was to see The Closh transformed into a garden of remembrance.
Mr Boyd praised KKB partners, Kilkenny County Council who had supported the concept from the beginning.
During his speech, Mr Boyd, thanked the dreamers and visionaries that formed the KKB Committee. He paid tribute to all who worked for KKB and paid special mention to : Elaine Bradshaw, Kieran Crotty, David Fitzgerald, Sean Leahy, Peter Bluett, Pat and Mary Durkin.
Calling for greater awareness on Climate change, Pat hoped that the Garden at the Closh would be “a commemoration of the past and a beacon for the future”
WE MUST RECONCILE OLD FRACTURES
The Keynote address was delivered by the noted historian, Commandant Larry Scallan (retired), who reflected on the fact that all Centenaries are a once in a life time occasion, giving us the opportunity to reflect and to remember events, of which few have a living memory.
Speaking on the founding of the Irish National Volunteers in March 1914 Commandant Scallan insisted that the local volunteers, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice, should be remembered fondly and with grateful appreciation.
“It is important that we recall their names: Jackie Brett, Tom Hennessy, Michael Dermody, Pat Walsh, Sean Quinn, Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins”.
Larry went on to praise the often -forgotten heroes, the women of Kilkenny. He spoke, passionately, of Mrs Margaret Ryan, from Callan, who was mortally wounded by an Auxiliary RIC bullet at 5.30pm on the 21st of December 1920.
“It is very important that we recall and reflect on the Kilkenny mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, who actively supported the cause of independence. The logistical support, intelligence gathering and the constant need to harbour the hundreds of men and women on active service by providing safe houses, for much needed rest and support, was enormous”. Reflecting, Commandant Scallan noted that The Closh is just 100m from where Sgt Edward O’Gorman
The call was issued and the community rallied. For weeks, residents of Walkin Street worked diligently to ensure the occasion was a success. The area known as ‘The Closh’ witnessed hundreds of Kilkenny people, gather for a day of music, song and dance.
Pictured at the Commemoration day at the Closh, Colette Scallan, Larry Scallan and Karen Wall
War of Independence remembered
Taking part in the ecumenical service at The Closh were: Fr. Dermot Ryan, Iman Ebrahim Ndure and Bishop Michael Burrows
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Fideles Doherty who spoke at the War of Independence commemoration Donal Croghan who was the chief organiser of events at The Closh
is buried, and that Kilkenny Military Barracks is the site of the Civil War executions of John Murphy and John Phelan. “This place of reflection will allow us to reconcile these fractures of 100 years ago”, he said.
Concluding his speech, Larry paid tribute to residents of the area remembering Kitty and John Doyle, both of whom passed away recently.
REMEMBERING THE DEPARTED THROUGH PRAYER
An Ecumenical service, with contributions from Bishop Michael Burrows, Fr Dermot Ryan and Iman Ebrahim Nadur, highlighted the diversity of all participants in previous conflicts.
SENSE OF POSITIVITY AND SELF ASSURANCE
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Fideles Doherty said that the story of the Emerging Irish State was one inspired by a sense of positivity and self-assurance which showed that a small country like Ireland could strive for its own identity and its own independence.
Cllr Doherty insisted that the Irish story inspired other countries that gained independence.
The Cathaoirleach concluded “Ireland now holds a place amongst the world’s nations as a leader in conflict resolution, a leader in crisis management and as a democratic society”
LOCAL RESIDENTS LAY WREATHS
Wreaths were laid by Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Fideles Doherty and by the Mayor of the city, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, by Elaine Bradshaw and Margaret Walsh, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and by Patrick Bambrick and Tom Reade on behalf of the residents of Rioch Street and the Gaol Road. The final wreath was laid by John Joe Cullen representing the 1st Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade Reenactment group.
The dignity permeating the ceremony was visible by the pride and respect displayed by Army flag officer Lt Róisín O’Driscoll as she raised The Irish flag.
James Stephens Barracks was also represented by Commandant Stephen Mc Eoin.
Others integral to this successful thought proving gathering were: The 1st Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade re-enactment group, added greatly to the occasion. The attention to detail of outfits and rifles enhanced the day, providing a sense of historical authenticity.
Bugler Charlie Parsons and piper Finbarr McCarthy rendered The Last Post, Reveille and The National Anthem.
The Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read by Brendan Corcoran.
Equipment and sound were in the capable hands of Ray Brophy.
As the beautiful commemoration, coordinated by Donal Croghan, concluded, the expressive plea of Commandant Larry Scallan, resonated: “remembering the past while planning the future, can blend so easily”.
Minister for State and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan plants a Holly Tree (Ilex Aquifolium) at The Closh to commemorate all those involved in Ireland’s War Of Independence Members of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Committee pictured at The Closh: From Left: Elaine Bradshaw, Stewart Day, Pat Boyd, Margaret Walsh and Peter Bluett
Local actor Brendan Corcoran who read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic pictured with his relatives Ann and Paddy Cullen ST. RIOCH’S FIFE AND DRUM BAND, 1927, most of whom would have played at the Patron in 1929 BACK ROW: Joe (Rally) Campion, Walkin St., Dick Reid, (Tailor) Parnell St., Jack Langton, Parnell St., Michael Kavanagh, Walkin St., Jim Nolan, (Baker) Walkin St., Dick Buggy (Cathedral Caretaker) , Friary St., Barney Hennessy , Blackmill St, Billy Langton, Parnell St, Jack Talbot (Tailor) Walkin St., SECOND ROW: (Back) Michael Moore, Jimmy Brett, William Dennieffe ( Tailor) Vicar St., Paddy Staunton (Insurance) Kieran St., Joe Bourke, Walkin St., Jim Donnelly (Postman) Walkin St., Dick Mahony , Friary St., Joe Dwyer ( Boat Maker) Walkin St., Paddy Holland (Baker) New St., Jim Mahony New St., Barry Dwyer (Tailor) Dick Ryan, Bandmaster, Patrick St., Jack Ryan (Baker) Friary St., THIRD ROW: ( From Back) P.F Murphy (Band sponsor Rose Hill) Paddy Butler (ESB) Walkin St., Matt Murray, Walkin St., Mick Burke (Drum Major) Walkin St., Michael Foley , Barrack St., Michael Walton, Walkin St., ‘Morrissey, Patrick St.,Michael Dwyer (home from America) FRONT ROW: Jimmy Bourke , Walkin St., Dicksie Carrigan, Michael St., Paddy Dennieffe, Vicar St., Michael Guilfoyle, Michael St., Michael Donnelly, Walkin St. (Please Note that the caption was taken from a handwritten note, so apologies in advance if any of the names are incorrect.)
From Fatima to Tokyo Olympics
Three time Olympian Dick Hooper, Rio 2016 Olympian Mick Clohesey wishing Tokyo 2021 bound Sophie Becker the very best of luck
WELL done to New Ross athlete Sophie Becker on her qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.
While Wexford can rightly claim Sophie as one of their own, Kilkenny folk can take pride in the fact that Sophie’s roots are in Kilkenny. Fatima place in Kilkenny city was home to Sophie’s mother Tina Cody.
Sophie (24) flew out with her mixed-relay 4x400m team last Friday in the form of her life.
‘I’m on cloud nine! I’m just so excited for the next few weeks to be part of the 4X4 squad and to compete with the world’s best.
The possibility of being on the team really sharpened my focus this year,’ Sophie said.
She is confident of making the final.
‘Of course we want to get into the final and I think if everybody runs the best race of their lives that day I think it’s definitely possible for us to get into the final.’
Sophie’s Kilkenny grandparents were Johnny and Lilly Cody who were residents of Fatima place, while her uncle Jack Cody is a sacristan at St Mary’s Cathedral.
The Kilkenny Observer wish Sophie and her relay team the very best of luck.
Sophie and her team compete on July 30th.
Kilkenny man Gerry Moran who contributed a poem to ‘Much More Than Words’ Jane Mealy from The Clogh writers group who has a poem included in ‘Much More Than Words’ Kilkenny playwright John Morton who participated in a writing workshop for The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College Actor Pauline McLynn took time out from her busy schedule to advise on various methods of writing Mary Woods from The Recovery College who was the driving force of The Creative Writing Course
BY JOE MURRAY
‘MUCH More Than Words’ is the title of the latest offering from The Recovery College and The Involvement Centre, Kilkenny. And what an apt title for a book of poetry.
For anyone who loves poetry, knows that a poem is indeed much more than just words. It can be a journey into the imagination, fantastical and magical. Or the exploration of the memory of lost friendships and lost possessions.
Dylan Thomas famously said: “Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toenails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own.”
A book of poems can also be the painful examination of the effects of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Or the glorious reemergence from those dark states into the light of life and hope. Or the sense of wonderment that the beauty of nature evokes.
It’s never-ending and beautiful. Poets explore joy, sadness, anger, love, violence, regret, puzzlement and other emotions. All of this and much more is contained within the covers of this beautifully produced book of poetry (with a few lovely pieces of prose included) The Recovery College and The Involvement Centre recently ran a creative writing workshop and over the period of the course 12 guest writers visited via zoom to give advice to the participants. This book contains contributions from all twelve as well as from the participants of the course and also members of the wider community. The twelve guest writers are Roddy Doyle, Mark Ahern, Michael Harding, Angela Keogh, Helena Duggan, Gerry Moran, John McKenna, Fr. Sean Donohue, Martin Evans, Pauline McLynn, Michael Murphy and John Morton.
When asked what makes a good book, writer Robert Frost answered: “There are three things that a poem must reach: the eye, the ear and what we may call the heart or the mind.
It is most important of all to reach the heart of the reader.” If you read this book I have no doubt that you will find a poem or two that speaks to your heart and makes your toenails twinkle.
‘Much More Than Words’ can be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip; Khans Bookshop, James’ Street; and The Book Centre, High Street. Price €10
