Killarney Road neighbours, Kathleen Fitzgerald (left) and Philomena Jameson pictured at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
My kind of Car: Michelle Burke took a shine to the brand new Passat Variant at the launch of the new generation at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Neighbouring businessman, Gerard Murphy pictured at the launch of the new generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Members of the St. Kieran’s GAA Club with sponsors and guests at the presentation of their Cycle Tour Strip at S. Divane & Sons launch in Castleisland on Friday night. Included are, front: John (left) and Stan Divane, S. Divane & Sons, sponsors; Back row: John O’Keeffe, guest; Tim Dineen, St. Kieran’s GAA Club; Eamonn Fitzmaurice, guest; Denis Divane, S. Divane & Sons, sponsors; Mossie Dore, Helen O’Connell, Jackie Brosnan, Dan Neligan and Jack O’Connell. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Darragh O’Shea, Listry was one of the waiters at the launch of the new generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Locals: Andrew Foran (left) pictured with: Niall Murphy and John Broderick at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Skye Lynch from Castleisland checking out the engine of the eight generation Passat Variant at the launch at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Joan Kelliher (left) pictured with Beth Carty, Eily Keane, Castleisland and Peggy Counihan, Faha, enjoying the launch of the new generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Fifteen-year-old, Jack Flynn from Cordal can only dream for now of the open road and a Passat Variant. He tried out the interior at the launch of the new generation at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Mike Moriarty, Farranfore (left) pictured with: Paul Langston and John Divane, S.Divane & Sons at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
At the launch of the Eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night were from left: Rebecca Brown, Pluto Communications; John Keane, Castleisland; Denis Divane, S. Divane & Sons and Rebecca Shortt, Pluto Communications. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Paddy Flynn (left) pictured with: Johnny Barrett, Bella Griffin and her daughter, Patricia O’Connor at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Martin MacDonagh, Castlegregory (left) pictured with Cora Sheehan, Cork and Denis Divane, S. Divane & Sons at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Neighbours and friends of Divanes: John Keane with Jerry and Doris Coffey at the launch of the new generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Sisters, Niamh (left) and Teresa Mannix from Listry pictured with Samantha Roche, Beaufort on catering duty at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
One of the new Passat Variant models on display a the launch of the eighth generation at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Tralee copuple, John Finn and Amanda Walsh pictured with their little girl, Cliodhna at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Kerry Senior Football team manager, Eamonn Fitzmaurice launching the S. Divane & Sons sponsored strip for the St. Kieran’s GAA Club Tour with John Divane, S. Divane & Sons (left) and Mossie Dore, St. Kieran’s GAA Club at Divane’s on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Kerry Senior Football team manager and VW Brand Ambassador, Eamonn Fitzmaurice trying out the new Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons launch in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Denis Divane speaking at the launch of the new generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
Sisters, Laura (left) and Deirdre Skehan, Castleisland pictured with Sheila Lyons, Currans and her daughter, Rebecca at the launch of the eighth generation Passat Variant at S. Divane & Sons in Castleisland on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy
They promised an evening of high end entertainment with something for all at Divanes on Friday evening.
They delivered in spades – as is their habit. Castleisland was a busy place on Friday with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and their ‘Frozen’ friends from Crag Cave and the turning on of the Christmas lights on Main Street earlier.
Then it was off down the Killarney Road to the Stanley Divane Pavilion in the same clothes and with another bunch of reasons to celebrate life as we know it here in Castleisland.
This home-grown story is 60 years long and I’ll go through it here some-day soon.
That was one of the big reasons for the gathering on Friday night. There were two others.
One was the presentation of a cycling strip to the St. Kieran’s GAA Club for their now annual ‘Tour’ of their own parishes. It maybe for another reason which they’re keeping under wraps for now – and maybe not.
Kerry’s all-time great full-back, John O’Keeffe and the current Kerry manager, Eamonn Fitzmaurice were there to help Denis and John Divane to make the presentation.
The gathering in the hotel-like foyer was convened for another reason too though. And this was the one which brought people from all over the county and many from over the county bounds –in all directions.
The occasion launched the eighth generation Passat and there were two of the models in the showrooms from people of all ages to get in and get the feel of the car at close range.
A man from this side of Clonbanin Cross near Mallow has bought his last eight cars at Divane’s.
“I like ‘em here they’re straight as a die. The one I have now is going grand but the devil could pick me and I could land on here before the Christmas for one of these,” he said pointing to the greatly admired and examined shining models on the showroom floor.
Presentation to St. Kieran’s
On the presentation to St. Kieran’s GAA Club their ‘spokes’ person on the occasion, Dan Neligan explained how the occasion arose and the reasons behind it.
“Following on from our very successful ‘Cycling Tour of St. Kieran’s’ last July we are delighted to announce that S.Divane & Sons Castleisland, Main Volkswagen Dealer for Kerry since 1954 have joined forces with Saint Kieran’s as sponsors of our new Cycling Tour Jersey.
The club looks forward to promoting the ‘Cycling Tour’ as an annual event in our local catchment area of Castleisland, Currow, Ballymacelligott, Scartaglin, Cordal, Brosna and Knocknagoshel.
There has been a great demand for the Cycling Jerseys from those who participated in last year’s ‘Tour’ along with supporters far and wide who enjoy cycling as a healthy pastime.
It is a tremendous boost for Saint Kieran’s to have one the most respected and long established businesses in Munster coming on board as our Cycling Jersey Sponsor.
We look forward to the Saint Kieran’s C C Jersey, displaying the ‘S. Divane & Sons Castleisland’ logo so that it will become a fixture on the roads of Kerry and further afield in the coming years.
We would like to sincerely thank Denis and John for all their support and commitment. From the day we first met, Denis could not have been more helpful and he has offered us every encouragement along the way.
The strip can be ordered through Vincent Murphy Sports Shop, Killarney Road., Castleisland and they are currently on display in the shop. On behalf of everyone in Saint Kieran’s Go raibh mile maith agat, Denis and John.”
