We have another blast from the past this week with the Martin Downey supplied Castleisland Boys National School Confirmation class photograph from May 1979.
While the boys were preparing and subsequently celebrating their big day and their meeting with Bishop Kevin McNamara the world went on revolving and the news was as varied as ever.
The Riordans Take a Bow
The cast of The Riordans were preparing to film their final episode to end a 14 year run on RTÉ television.
After its sudden chop from the station’s schedule, the final episode was aired on the channel on May 28th 1979.
Mrs. Thatcher – A First
Across the water the Conservative Party won the British general election with a massive majority, and Margaret Thatcher becomes the UK’s first woman prime minister.
RTÉ Radio 2 Launched
Back on home soil and also in May 1979, the national broadcaster hits the airwaves with its RTÉ Radio 2 pop and rock radio channel in an attempt to draw the youth of the country away from pirate radio stations.
The Boomtown Rats song Like Clockwork is the first song on air, played by the well established DJ, Larry Gogan.
And the News at Home…..
In The Kerryman Notes in the first week in May 1979 – which were written by the late Willie Lyons at the time – the news was as follows:
Dog Show Success
Local exhibitors continue to bring lome the laurels, when at Fermoy show last Saturday Mrs. Maudie Burke got the Green Star and Best of Breed with her Golden Retrieverbitch and Reserve Green Star for her seven month old puppy. Her husband, Ned got Reserve Green Star with his Labrador bitch.
In the Schnauser section, Mrs. Behan got first and Reserve Green Star. Mrs. Kitty O’Herlihy got second and Reserve Green Star in the Cairn class and her daughter Katherine O’Herlihy took second with her Gordon Setter.
Local Deaths
Rev. John Michael O’Herlihy
The death of Rev. John Michael O’Herlihy took place after a short illness in a Dublin hospital.
His remains were brought to the parish church on Monday evening. There was concelebrated Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am after whicm internment took place to Kilbanivane cemetery. Fr. O’Herlihy was PP of Bathurst, N.S.W. up to his retirement a few years back. He is a great loss to the parish and the clergy. He is survived by his two sisters.
Mr. Pa Fitzgerald
The death of Mr. Pa Fitzgerald of Anglore took plate at the Isolation Hospital after a short illness.
His remains were removed to the parish church on Friday evening and internment was at Kilbanivane cemetery after Requiem Mass on Saturday at noon. His coffin was draped in the tri-colour. He is survived by his sons and daughter.
Mr. Denis Burke
The death took place of Mr. Denis Burke, garage proprietor, Killarney Road, took place in St. Catherine’s Hospital.
His remains were brought to the parish church on Friday evening and internment took place at Molahiffe cemetery after Requiem Mass at 11am on Saturday. He is survived by his wife Eily, daughters Noreen and Sheila and sun Jerry and his brother and sister.
Soccer
Under16 Kerry Schoolboys League: Castleisland 3 – Oakpark 2. County Shield final: Dynamos 3 – Castleisland 2.
ICA Guild Meeting
A guild meeting will be held on Monday, May 7th at the centre at 8:30pm.
Guest speaker will be Dr. Patricia Mangan of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council. This is an open meeting.
Athletics
The district school sports, promoted by An Riocht, will be held this Friday in the sportsfield at 1:30pm. Races from under seven to senior grade.
GAA Results and Fixtures
Seniors defeated Finuge in the intermediate championship but the B team lost to Ballymac in the novice county championship.
The under 14 team defeated B and will play Brosna on this Friday night in Castleisland.
Fixtures
B team play Ballyheigue away while on Sunday the seniors play Spa an 3:30om and the C team take on Annascaul at 2pm. Both games are at home.
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