Book Launch

The launch of ‘Neap Tide and other Stories’ by Neil Brosnan, Listowel, took place at John B. Keane’s bar, Listowel on Friday 29th November. A good crowd attended and the launching was performed by Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht., Billy Keane and Tommy Frank O’Connor (novelist and poet). There is a total of 21 stories in the book. There are many of these stories portraying rural life and are set in his native North Kerry. In 2010 he published his first collection of short stories “Fresh  water and other Stories”. Previous to that time, he had won the Bryan McMahon short story award in 2004. He has had over 40 stories published in various magazines and anthologies in Ireland and Britain.  ‘Neap Tide and other Stories’ is available at the present time from New Binary Press, Cork, Ireland, but the edition of the book will be available later.

The Late Nelson Mandela

The death of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, took place on Thursday, December 5th after a long illness and borne bravely. He was one of the top world leaders of his time during which he organised and  carried out opposition to the hated apartheid policies that was were being imposed on the majority of coloured South Africans by the white minority government at the time. Nelson Mandela spent 28 years of his life in prison because of his beliefs and it was only when people all over the world condemned apartheid in South Africa that changes took place there.

After that when free elections were held and a new majority government elected, Nelson Mandela was then elected as the first president of free South Africa. Like Ghandi of India, Nelson Mandela became a legend and a symbol of people who love freedom and who condemned discrimination of all kinds. The struggle from majority rule in South Africa had much in common with our own struggle for independence and democratic rule. Many people in the country were very much opposed to the apartheid system in South Africa and this was demonstrated by the long drawn out strike of employees in Dunnes Stores throughout the country who favoured the boycotting of South African goods and imports while the apartheid system lasted. Since then Nelson Mandela visited us here and was warmly welcomed by the government and all the political parties and others.

He will be long remembered as an inspiration and symbol of all those who value freedom and democracy. During the past few days there were ceremonies in all the churches of different faiths, who paid tribute to him. In spite of all the hardship which he endured during his lifetime, he still lived to the grand old age of 95 and it’s good to think that in his later years he enjoyed the peace and tranquillity that he so richly deserved. May his soul find eternal peace.

Winning Streak

Congratulations to Jim Herbert, former local postman who is now retired, on being selected to compete in next weekend’s ‘Winning Streak’. Jim is a very popular local man and we all wish him the best of luck and hope he will be very successful on the night.

A story and a Song

On Saturday last in Pat O’Donovan’s ‘Story and a Song’ programme on West Limerick Community Radio our own Con Warren was a special guest. Con has represented Athea Comhaltas branch during the past few years in English and Irish traditional singing and he is also a regular visitor to the Irish nights throughout the County and beyond. Con, who is a native of West Cork, was also well known on the GAA scene and won medals and trophies in other parts of the country, including Mayo teams, in hurling and football and also played in Limerick since coming to live there after his marriage to Cait, they live on the Cork Road in Knocknacrohy.

On Saturday last in the programme Con described his early years working in a farm in West Cork and described how they used to pick the potatoes in the winter months as well as other farm chores. Con also sang several songs including ‘Cork’s own Christy Ring’ and ‘Sean South of Garryowen’ and ‘Sweet Dungarvan Town’ as well as some songs which were composed by the late Gary McMahon and his late father Bryan McMahon. It was a very interesting programme and thanks is due to Con Warren and also to Pat O’Donovan. We hope to hear more like it in West Limerick Radio during the coming months.