June 10th to 17th 1950 – A Busy Week for Local Notes Writer

Killarney Road hosts from left: Áine Behan-O’Connor, Aileen Browne-Lynch, Sheila Burke-Roche and Marguerite Brennan-deFrein waiting to greet the Corpus Christi Procession to their area in 1995. The 1950s notes writer reported that thousands of people turned out for that summer’s procession. ©Photograph: John Reidy 14-6-1995

The Kerryman notes writer of June 17th 1950 had a particularly busy week with the death of the well-known, local author, T.M. Donovan of Church Street and one of the biggest Corpus Christi Procession in the course of his period of coverage for that edition.

There is also an insight into the popularity of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in the Scartaglin area as several town-lands had teams representing them and the games attracted a ‘fair crowd’ according to the writer.

Largest Procession Yet

Thousands of people formed the largest procession yet, on Sunday last, when the Blessed Sacrament was borne through the town in celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

A splendid demonstration of faith and devotion concluded with Benediction in the Presentation Convent grounds.

The Late T.M. Donovan

The death took place at his home in Church Street on Monday of Mr. T.M.Donovan, aged around 90.

He taught for many years in Australia and returned to his native town where he became interested in journalism. He wrote ‘A History of East Kerry’ and other books. He was a brother of the late Fr. Donovan, S.J.

The funeral took place to St. Stephen’s on Tuesday. He is survived by his widow to whom deep sympathy is extended.

A Definite Beginning

Influential parties interested in the establishment of a ground limestone plant for Castleisland report that a definite beginning has been made in that direction and that prospects of substantial financial backing are most encouraging.

There is great local interest in the proposed undertaking.

After 30 Years

Fr. Tim Crowley, Firie, Castleisland, who emigrated a few months ago, got a really hearty welcome from his brothers and sisters in Chicago.

He was a popular figure in his native district. One brother who had met him on arrival had not seen him since his childhood days thirty years ago.

On Holiday From Kansas

Rev. John Brosnan, son of Mrs. Brosnan and the late T.T. Brosnan, Knockanebawn, is at present enjoying a holiday in his native place after a number of years in the mission in Kansas, USA.

GAA in Scartaglin

Two matches in Scartaglin on Sunday attracted a fair crowd. Rovers beat Rangers 1-5 to 0-11. Counguilla disposed on Toornonagh, the score being 2-2 to 0-4.

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