The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
KILL ARNEY HOUSE OPENS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC
AN HISTORIAN and retired Milltown teacher promises a night of memories and nostalgia to launch ‘Gwin for the Blue’, a book that tips a hat to Milltown’s most colourful stories and characters from years gone by.
Pat McKenna’s lively read charts elements of his towns history from the ‘40s to ‘60s, as he recollected stories and anecdotes from the first 20 years of his life, charting what he calls ‘an Ireland barely recognisable to the young people of today’.
“This memoir deals with my memories of Milltown from 1943 to 1963, from the War years to the Swinging Sixties” he said.
“It has stories from my childhood and tells of what life was like in the locality in those years. In the 1950s there were huge changes locally with the opening of the Liebherr factory as a major new employer, the closure of many branch railway lines, and the replacement of the street fair by the cattle mart.”
“I hope it will bring back memories for people and I hope everyone will enjoy it. At the launch in the Muintir na Tíre Hall on July 14, we will share memories over a cup of tea, hopefully, and I would encourage all my neighbours and friends and anyone with an interest in local history to come along.”
The launch is billed for the Muintir na Tíre Hall from 8pm on July 14, and Pat promises stories referencing local landmarks like the Godfrey Estate and local gentry, as well as recollections of the railway line, schools sports days, and the dominant position of the Catholic Church within the period documented.
“The book is also beautifully illustrated with photographs taken by Tralee photographer, Michael Diggin,” Pat added.
“It includes images of Milltown landmarks, and also historical images of life in the community including events like the Corpus Christi Procession and various social occasions.”
Another local author and Kerry County Council Press Officer Owen O’Shea will be present to launch the work, and Pat says everyone is more than welcome to attend.