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Green & Gold Wren at the Cottages - 2009

The Dingle News archive: June - 2010

30 June 2010

Marie Antoinette, secret rescue plots and...Dingle?

By Marian O'Flaherty
The tumultuous past of the one of Europe's most infamous monarchs took centre stage in Dingle over the weekend as the town's historical society lifted the veil on this secret plot, revealing the West Kerry town's part in the rescue plan of Marie Antoinette. While much is known of the ill-fated 'Flight to Varennes' by the French Royal Family in 1792; little is known about an earlier attempt by three Kerrymen, a Kerry woman and her Cork-born husband to rescue the Marie Antoinette from Revolutionary Paris in 1791-'92. The Dingle Historical Society hosted a very special lecture on the subject by Dr. Declan M. Downey of University College Dublin on Saturday night in local cultural centre An Díseart, attended by H. E. the Austrian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Walter Hagg and his wife Mrs. Algae Hagg. Three Kerrymen, a Kerry woman and her Cork-born husband intended to rescue Marie Antoinette from Revolutionary Paris in 1791-'92 with the view of bringing Marie-Antoinette to Nantes. From there, she would have been transferred to Dingle, County Kerry in a wine-merchant's ship. Upon arriving in Dingle, Marie Antoinette was to seek refuge in a suite of rooms, prepared for her in Rice House, a building still standing today on the corner of Upper Main Street and Green Street. From thence, it was intended to convey her to London and thereafter to Brussels and Vienna. Dr. Downey's lecture described how, on the night of the rescue, the queen refused to leave her husband and family and thus the attempt ended. His lecture also focused on the events surrounding the escape-plan, the personalities involved in it and the organisation and preparations concerning the attempted rescue. In commemorating the event, Dingle Historical Society have installed a commemorative plaque at Rice House describing the historical significance of the event in Dingle town. The official unveiling of the commemorative plaque at Rice House was carried out by H. E. the Austrian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Walter Hagg on Saturday evening, attended by a large group of local history enthusiasts. Pictured: H. E. the Austrian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Walter Hagg unveiled a plaque commemorating Dingle's involvement in a secret plot to recue Marie Antoinette in 1791/92 last Saturday night in the west Kerry town. Pictured l-r, H. E. the Austrian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Walter Hagg, Marian Kavanagh and Dr Conor Brosnan of the Dingle Historical Society and Dr. Declan M. Downey (UCD) who presented a lecture on the topic. Picture courtesy of Tom Fox (Dingle Historical Society ©).

'Beer' for Battens in Annascaul; Charity Beer Fest announced for August Bank Holiday

Annascaul is taking a page out of Munich's book with the announcement today by the local community and publicans that a special Charity Beer Festival will is to take place on Saturday July 31st, on August Bank Holiday weekend in the West Kerry Village. The festival, BEER FOR BATTENS is hoping to raise much needed funds for the Bees for Battens foundation. From 3pm onwards, patrons are invited to each of the village’s six public houses where twelve beers from around the world will be showcased. Bottles of beer are for sale at €4, and there will be live music both inside and outside venues. This is the third incarnation of a beer festival in Annascaul. The last two years proved to be a great day out with proceeds going to the Annascaul sports centre and a defibrillator for the Annascaul community. This year all profits go to Bee for Battens , an Irish based online campaign for raising awareness and supporting those affected by Battens Disease. Bee for Battens is operated and funded by the Saoirse Foundation. Battens disease is a rare and fatal neuro-degenerative condition, which affects babies, young children and juveniles in Ireland and across the globe. See www.beeforbattens.org for more information. Mary and Tony Heffernan from Keel formed the Saoirse Foundation after their daughter Saoirse was diagnosed with the disease. In March of this year, the Heffernan family received more bad news when Saoirse’s little brother Liam was diagnosed with this devastating disease. Mary, Tony, Saoirse and Liam are amazing people who really need your support. For additional information see BEER FOR BATTENS on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/#!/event.php?eid=130429960324455)

Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne to host 3rd Annual Tag Rugby event on Muiríoch Beach

Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne are delighted to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Bud Light Beach Tag Rugby Championship in conjunction with the IRFU, will take place on July 3rd on the beach in Muirioch, west of Dingle.
This year they are expecting 25-30 teams from all over Ireland - adding up to around 300 players. The event will also play host to many former Munster, Ireland, and British and Irish Lion players and Irish and Barbarian team captain Mick Galwey and his Munster Legends. "We would like to thank Bud Light, the IRFU and the Dingle Skellig Hotel for their kind sponsorship as well as An Ghaeltacht GAA for their kind gesture again of providing car parking facilities, showers, changing rooms etc " said Damien Browne of Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne. There will be light refreshments available in the hot dog stand, soft drinks, chocolate etc and, of course, an ice cream van. For the kids, there will be a bouncy castle, sumo wrestling, bungie slides and a PA system with music for all. Programme of Events: Teams register on the beach at 12:30 - 1pm; Games commence at 1:30pm; The games will finish about 5pm with the Grand Final as the showpiece; Prize giving, ceol agus craic will take place in Tigh TP Ballydavid beach at 6:30pm which is just half a mile from Muirioch Beach (see map). Here prizes will be presented to the overall winner as well as consolation prizes to the Best Dressed Team etc. Join us here for music from first class musicians and a BBQ mór! All are welcome to come along either as spectators or participants; for more information contact Damien Browne at 086-8187810 or visit corcadhuibhnerfc.com/

Jammin' in Dingle; Bob Marley's 'Wailer' to perform special gig at Wren's Nest tonight

Bob Marley's wing-man Natty Wailer descends on Dingle tonight where he will perform at a very special Reggae Dance Party at Dykegate venue, The Wren's Nest. Natty recorded and toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers for over nine years, recording numerous albums and compilations with Bob Marley such as "Songs of Freedom". Natty has learnt the music trade to the extent of adapting the formula for making good music and for being a superb show man while spreading the importance of history and culture. After leaving the Wailers in 2000, he found his own entourage 'Natty Wailer and the Reggae Vibes' with the main purpose of continuing this tradition. Subsequently, this is not just a musical career that he seeks to project but to pursue as the wider purpose of multiculturalism, feeling the need to contribute to world peace through music and culture. According to Brian LaPan of The Wren's Nest: "this indigenous music known as Reggae has the ability to bring all cultures and people together". The gig starts at 9pm this Saturday night, June 26th, at 9pm. Tickets (€15) are available from Ben at Finn McCools Surf Company, Green Street, Dingle. This is an 'all-ages' gig.

From Dingle to Dublin; Murphy's Ice-Cream open two new shops in the capital

Dingle company Murphys Ice Cream, the local ice-cream makers that have built a cult following for its frozen artisan delights, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary today with the launch of two new shops in Dublin on Wicklow Street and Temple Bar Square. The new ventures will create 15 new jobs. The brothers Murphy, Kieran and Seán, describe the new locations as "little havens of delight amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin and will give denizens and visitors to the capitol an opportunity to taste some of the Murphy Brothers more interesting creations". Besides the signature ice creams, Murphys will also serve carefully sourced, biodynamic coffee and a range of sweet treats. “We are thrilled to announce such a positive move, especially in such a difficult economic environment,” said Sean Murphy, “but we believe there is no wrong time for good ice cream.” There are many in the capital already familiar with the brand since Murphys is sold in some of Dublin’s top food stores, and visitors to Kerry will most likely have ordered up a scoop of their favourite Seacláid, Brioscaí or Sú Craobh in Murphys Dingle and Killarney shops. So, what can the uninitiated expect? Kieran Murphy says their flavour inspiration at the moment is a return to basics, with ice creams that highlight top quality ingredients along with a base of fresh cream, milk of the rare Kerry cow breed, and free range local eggs. “We’re offering interesting but simple flavours this year,” he says. “What’s new is that we’re encouraging customers to combine two flavours, even in a small size, which allows for a little experimentation. For example, you could choose our Dingle sea salt ice cream with burnt caramel or intense dark chocolate, or you could order mint leaf and raspberry sorbet.“ The two new Dublin shops will opened today, Friday, 25th June. Picture courtesy of Kieran Murphy © www.icecreamireland.com

OPW launch guided tour service on Great Blasket Island

The secrets of An Bhlascaod Mór (the Great Blasket Island), Europe's most westerly point, are set to be revealed to a whole new generation as the OPW announced the launch of a new guided tour service on the Island. After months of preparation, the OPW Great Blasket Centre (Ionad An Bhlascaoid Mhóir), on the mainland at Dún Chaoin, initiated a guide service on the Great Blasket island on Thursday, June 10th. Whilst on the island, the guides will be based in rented premises on An Slinneán Bán. Part of the rented accommodation includes a house, built by the Congested District Board , at the beginning of the 20th century, where Peig Sayers raised her family and related her stories. Weather permitting, there will be two OPW guides on duty on the island every day and there will be guided tours of the island village, at intervals, according to demand. The guide service will be administered from the Great Blasket Centre and local ferries will be used to bring the guides, from the pier at Dún Chaoin, to An Blascaod Mór every morning and back to the mainland on the last ferry leaving the island. The State, through the OPW, purchased the majority of the titles on the Great Blasket early in 2009, including most of the ruined village, leaving the State now as the majority landowner. Plans are being drawn up for the conservation and preservation of the island village – simply referred to as “An Baile” by its inhabitants. Health and Safety measures are also being implemented, including the erection of protective fencing around some of the most derelict buildings on the island. It is hoped that the introduction of the OPW guide service to the island will enhance the visitor experience and will, in due course, attract more cultural tourist to the “Next Parish to America”. Those who have visited the island during the past week, in beautiful summer weather, have availed of the guide service and have been very laudatory about the quality of the information imparted by the guides. Pictured, l-r, Áine Ní Dhubháin, Head Guide, Great Blasket Centre and Muireann Ní Chearna, a Blasket Centre Guide, on the Great Blasket Island. Muireann’s grandparents, Céit Sheáin Team Ó Cearna and Peaidí Sheáisí Ó Cearna were born on the Great Blasket, pic courtesy of Mícheál De Mordha.

Speed threat in Lispole highlighted by local Councillor

Dingle LEA Councillor Micheal O'Shea has put forward a motion to Kerry County Council that KCC request the
National Roads Authority [NRA] implement SLOW markings to be printed on the road surface of the access roads into Lispole village from Dingle and from Annascaul. “It is important that road safety be emphasised not only for the local traffic but as a reminder for the tourist traffic” Cllr O’Shea stated.
Cllr. O'Shea has also put forward several motions to Kerry Co Council meetings requesting the re-introduction of the monthly planning meetings with the county councilors. “This was a valuable service for applicants seeking planning permission and allowed applicants to Kerry Co Council to be kept advised on the progress of their planning applications. “I will continue to lobby for the resumption of this beneficial and transparent consultative process” Cllr O’Shea concluded

Dún Chaoin's Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh on form with new album by Danú

Seanchas is the new album by Danú featuring Dún Chaoin musician and vocalist Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh; and already the album is receiving rave reviews since its April 2010 release date.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh grew up immersed in the vibrant West-Kerry tradition with its wild dance music, soulful slow airs and many beautiful songs. There she began to play music on the flute and tin-whistle and to sing sean-nós songs, learning from wonderful local singers. She also attended Siamsa Tíre and was awarded an M.A. in Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick in 2002 where she currently tutors. Muireann toured and performed with various musicians and groups before joining the group Danú in 2003. In 2004 Danú won the BBC 2 Folk Award for "Best Group". At the same awards, the song "The County Down" by Tommy Sands that Danú had recently recorded, won "Best Song". Muireann herself won "Best Singer" at the liveireland.com Awards in 2005. She has toured the world with her music visiting countries as far flung as India, Bulgaria and Jordan and performed for such dignitaries as An t-Uachtarán Mary McAleese, An Taoiseach, the President of Bulgaria and the EU Assembly. Now a regular contributor to television and radio programmes at home and abroad, she also co-hosted and performed at the 2007 and 2009 Gradaim Cheoil TG4, Muireann is extremely sought after both as a vocalist and flute player and has collaborated with many musicians such as Julie Fowlis, Darrell Scott, Liam Clancy and The Bulgarian Women’s Choir. She released her solo album 'Daybreak: Fáinne an Lae' in 2006 to great acclaim. In 2008 she recorded "Dual" , a collaborative project with Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley and Ross Martin exploring the links between Irish and Scots Gaelic music and song. Muireann continues to tour regularly with Danú and the release of their new album Seanchas has revived interest in the West Kerry singer's musical talents. According to a recent review in The Irish Times, “Seanchas marks a robust return; Danú’s greatest asset is Nic Amhlaoibh’s magnificently earthy voice, which even manages to breathe fresh life into the oft-jaded Boys of Barr na Sráide.” For more information, or to purchase the new album, visit www.muireann.ie . Picture courtesy of fellow Dún Chaoin native (now Dublin-based) Bríd Ní Lusaigh – check out Bríd's work at www.myspace.com/508187864 )

League and Cup double still on the cards for Dingle Bay Rovers following dramatic come-back

Dingle Bay Rovers were 2-nil down after 25 minutes as they took on Listowel Celtic at home last Saturday in the Domino's Cup 2nd Round; a shadow of the team that won Division One title only a couple weeks of ago. Dingle however got themselves back in the game when Tony Lawless looped a header over Listowel's keeper. Then just on half time Declan Noonan managed to nudge the ball over the line to make the game level when it was probably hard luck on Listowel who really should of gone into half time ahead by at least a goal. The second half however Dingle upped the game and went in front when Eoin Murphy volleyed in from the back post and then Declan Noonan scored a overhead kick to finish the game off. Dingle now find themselves in the Quarter Finals but need to play a lot better if they are to achieve the League and Cup double. Team:Tommy Pierce, Donnacha Higgins, Sandor Duignan, Aidan Murphy, Pete Flannery, James Coffey, Dara Flaherty, Tony Lawless, Eoin Murphy, Declan Noonan, Des Malley. Report: David O'Neill. Dingle Bay Rovers are proudly sponsored by www.thedinglepub.com.

Ullamh don rás ollmhór? Dingle Adventure Race 2010

le Rachel Ní Fhionnáin

"Tá sibh chun an rás ar fad a dhéanamh ...i ndáiríre?’ ab ea an cheist choitianta a cuireadh orm agus ar Léan, mo chomhpháirtí a bhí cláraithe don ‘Dingle Adventure Race’ ar an 12 meitheamh 2010, le 250 duine le bheith rannpháirteach sa rás. Bhí orainn an freagra ‘yip!’ a thabhairt go muiníneach. An dúshlán a bhí i gceist ná cúrsa 42km a chlúdach ag tosnú le rothaíocht 17.5 km suas an Chonair, an pas is airde in Éirinn, godtí Clochán Bhréanainn, siúil suas cnoc Bhréanainn, an dara cnoc is airde sa tír agus rith síos an taobh eile go dtí Baile Breac, leanúint ag rith i gcóir 13km go dtí an timpeallán ag Baile an Mhuilinn agus casadh ar dheis i dtreo Coláiste Íde chun bád kayak a threorú 2.5 km isteach go bá an Daingin.
Maidir le traenáil, dheineamar leathmharatón sa Daingean anuraidh, ach... b’shin anuraidh. Fós, bhíos ag cuimhneamh ar an lá sin, cé nach raibh mórán rith déanta ó shin, seachas samhlú faoi. Bheadh Cnoc Bréanainn go breá, é siúlta cheana agus chuamar suas cnoc Mharthain ar an gClasach i nDún Chaoin le déanaí chun blaiseadh a fháil don sléibhteoireacht le toradh maith. Cé go mbeadh an dara sliabh is airde in Éirinn le sárú sa rás agus gurbh é Márthan an cnoc is ísle sa cheantar, bhíomar muiníneach. Sa bhliain 1991 cheannaigh mo dheartháir ‘kayak’ dara láimh leis an airgead a shábháil sé ón gcóineartú. Maidin Domhnaigh, roimis Aifrinn, i mo chuid ‘Sunday Best’ dúirt sé liom é a thriail sa bhfarraige, agus b’sheo liom isteach ach caitheadh amach mé bun os cionn san uisce úr láithreach. Ó shin ní rabhas i kayak ach, sa rás, bheimís go breá. Dhíríomar ar an chuid rothaíochta agus ba leor sin mar bheadh an aidréanailín ag sreabhadh ‘ar an lá’.
Thaithin an comhairle a tugadh dúinn, gan aon rud a dhéanamh seachtain roimis an ráis- mar de réir dealraimh bhí sos riachtanach. Dúradh linn an-chuid carbaihiodráití a chothú, pasta blasta agus gan aon traenáil a thosnú. Cinnte, chloímar leis an gcomhairle sin... Ansin ar an oíche roimis an ráis túgadh caint dúinn, fuaireamar ár n-uimhreacha agus na bráisléid ‘tagging devices’ d’fhonn is go mbeadh siad in ann an luas a thomhas le linn an turais. Dúirt an bainisteoir Noel O’ Leary dá mba rud é go mbeadh daoine ag rith go Coláiste íde tar éis a sé a chlog nach mbeadh siad in ann an kayak a dhéanamh toisc nach mbeadh sé sábháilte... Cén t-am a bheimís istigh? Níor chodlaíos ró-chompórdach an oíche sin.
Maidin an ráis, bhí an rothar réidh, na brógaí reatha glan tógtha amach as an gcófra, t-léine dubh rothaíochta aeraidinimic, profisiúnta ceannaithe i ‘Lydl’ le póca sa chúl, le cuma an-phrofisiúnta air, brístí gearr agus bhíomar ullamh le banana buí inár mála agus buidéal ‘Lucozade Sport’, láidir don lá. Ag an líne tosaigh bhí orainn dul i measc na n-iomaitheoirí agus an rás a thosnú, tar éis na grianghrafanna a ghlacadh agus meangadh mór néirbhíseach ar na haghaidheanna, ní raibh aon éalú agus bheadh na torthaí thuas ar an suíomh idirlíon, le muintir na háite ag an gcaladh nuair a bheimís ag críochnú, ag cén t-am? Shéid an fheadóg ar a naoi a chlog agus d’fhág níos mó ná céad rothar le chéile os comhair mara beo, thar an gcaladh, timpeall an timpealláin, síos an meall ciúin, ag casadh ag an nDroichead Beag suas go dtí an Chonair gan mórán cainte ann seachas torann na slabhraí ag sleamhnú agus ag rothalaigh ar aghaidh, le daoine ag athrú na ngiaranna le casachtach obann ón rothar ag dul suas agus cnoc Bhréanainn ársa ag teacht i radharc.
Ag an mbarr, ligeamar liú agus b’sheo linn síos an bóithirín caol trasna ón eas, chomh saor le péist cháil agus é iompaithe isteach ina féileacán- an streachailt thart agus anois bhíomar ag eitilt síos le faoiseamh agus leoithne deas bog inár séideadh godtí gur shroicheamar Clochán Bhréanainn áit le tacaíocht mhór, an slua ag bualadh bos le gáire móra orthu. Bhí orainn na rothair a threorú go dtí an seastán, uisce a shlogadh siar agus ár mbraisléid a bhrú isteach sa mheaisín chun na hamanta a thomhas. Thrasnaíomar an bóthar suas slí Chiarraí, thar páirce plódaithe le hiomaitheoirí, le radharcanna románsúla na leithinse , thar na locha, na clocha, lenar deochanna ‘lucozade’ ólta agus ár mbanana in ár mbolg, bhí orainn treabhadh linn ar feadh tréimhse eile. Ag barr an chnoic le sraithfhéachaint ar an bhfarraige, éinlithe ag eitilt, an cros adhmaid ina sheasamh go drámatúil, bhí orainn an braisléid a bhrú isteach sa mheaisín le beirt fhear ann ag breacadh síos ár n-uimhreacha agus síos linn ag rith thar an chosáin le fraoch corca is bláthanna buí ag maisiú an tsliabh, ár gcosa ag bogadh go hamscaí, ár ngualainn agus ár lamha ag gearradh na gaoithe, thar na crosanna síos cosán na naomh. Nuair a thángamar síos bhí slua beag ag crochadh timpeall ag ofráil uisce ón sruth dúinn. Ní raibh mórán ama le machnamh agus leanamar ar aghaidh ag rith ar bhóthar tarmac thar an bóithirín suas trí Bhaile an Lochaigh, thar na gleannta, ag rith thar na tithe, gan fiú cuimhneamh ar ithe mar bhí na corpanna cráite gan fonn le haon rud ach sos, b’shin an bóthar nach raibh críoch leis, go dtí go raibh stopadh uisce againn ag seastán le bean lasmuigh dá tigh sna gleannta, ag dáileadh amach cupáin uisce , mo chosa ag iarraidh dul a chodladh ag an bpointe sin, an fuinneamh fágtha, ach leanamar orainn. Chasamar ar dheis ag timpeallán an Daingin, thar an droichead, suas thar garáiste Uí Fhlatharta, thar an reilg , suas agus ag deireadh bhí fothain againn faoi na gcrann ag Burnham agus shroicheamar Coláiste íde, na daltaí gléasta i gculaitheanna corcra ag faire orainn, allas ag sileadh ón aghaidh, ón drom, ár súile leath dhúnta, agus leanamar na comharthaí go dtí an fharraige áit go raibh na kayaks. Isteach linn go bá an Daingin, an bheirt againn sa bhád céanna, na tonnta ag cnag ar an mbád le rithim agus bhíomar istigh, an rás déanta, an braisléid a bhrú sa mheaisín don uair dheireanach le am 5uair 50. Dheineamar é ar fad chomh maith le an chuid daoine áitiúla eile...i ndáiríre! B’fhéidir nach raibh an traenáil ró phrofisiúnta... is féidir linn (A) tús a chur le traenáil don bhliain seo chugainn, nó (B) machnamh faoin lá seo go deo, is maith liom plean B ag an bpointe seo! "