Then & Now: A simple Limerick life around the cross

I AM staying local this week and recalling the life and times of people who lived near Barry's Cross.

Growing up I became aware of the local landmarks around the locality and the people and events associated with them. Three parishes Athea, Ardagh-Carrigkerry and Coolcappa-Kilcolman meet close to the crossroads, where the Townlands of Barnigue, Glensharrold and Knockfinisk meet. It is a few km from Carrigkerry village on the road to Athea-Glin-Ballyhahill. Approaching the cross a very impressive two-story residence built on an elevated site in 1931 catches the eye and gives its name to the cross. The story of the house came about as follows.

Martin Barry came from Clarecastle, Co Clare to teach in Athea and a few years later was appointed Principal of Clounleharde NS. His wife to be Catherine Griffin, a local was teaching there already and romance blossomed, and they got married in 1926. They lived in the teacher’s apartment (Egan's Brick house) across the road from the school which closed on October 2, 1967.
They later bought 20 acres of land near the Barnigue-Knockfinisk crossroads and Jim Nash from Shanid built them a very impressive two-story residence in 1931. Built on an elevated site facing Carrigkerry it stood out and could be seen from a wide distance away. Martin and Catherine travelled the short distance to the school by pony and trap. They gave over 40 years each of their teaching skills, which had a very big influence in the formation and educational path of their pupils.

Catherine taught the young pupils operating a preschool/crèche type and Martin the more senior pupils. She taught them how to cook, sew and knit, as well as being a mother figure to them. Martin compiled the Irish Folklore Collection between 1935 and 1938, which is available to view in Glin Library. They were like second parents giving reassurance and encouragement. Catherine Barry retired in 1960 and Martin in 1966. Martin died on August 28, 1969, and Catherine on August 22, 1981. They are laid to rest in Churchtown Cemetery, Newcastle West.

Following a recent visit to their daughter Mary Stack (aged 95 and in good health) she recalled life around the cross. Life growing up was quiet in the countryside with little entertainment apart from visiting neighbours houses especially Connolly's across the road. It was during the emergency and war years, when items were scarce and ration books were in place. Her father was in the LSF (Local Security Force) and was involved in manoeuvres during those years. A platform dance was held at the cross on occasions and she would watch the dancing out the back window. Dances were also held in Knockdown and Old Mill and her first dance attending was in Shanagolden.

Mary was educated in Clounleharde along with her siblings. She attended Shrulawn day school near Foynes, Thurles and Ennis before her teaching career commenced in 1947. Her first teaching post was at Presentation College, Drogheda from September to Christmas. From January 1948 she began teaching in her own parish in Coolcappa NS nearer home for six years. She moved to Carrigkerry and taught in the boy’s side of the school until her marriage to James Stack in 1957.

Due to the marriage ban in place she had to give up work until it was removed the following year. Now living in Ballinlongig between Dromcollogher and Broadford she commenced teaching in Milford School just inside the border in Cork in March 1959. Mary retired in 1990 after a very enjoyable stay and continued to do sub teaching for a few years afterwards. Currently the family is still imparting their teaching knowledge as a fourth generation of teachers.

Her sister Una married Dr John Mangan of Dunmore, Co Galway and worked as a vocational teacher in The Technical Institute (known as The Red Tech) in Limerick city and in Dunmore, Co Galway where she still resides. Her brother Pat now deceased, was an accountant in Newcastle West. Their granddaughter, Margaret Stack resided with them until Catherine’s death and brought great joy and comfort to their lives.

This area can lay claim to many other people who have contributed to its richness in cultural activities. A short distance from the cross was Windle's Shop and Bar which provided for the needs of the locality.

It became very famous during the 1970s and 1980s for its weekly Irish Nights run by Ardagh-Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch. The local musicians, singers and dancers put on a great show, complimented by visiting entertainers. It attracted large crowds from far and near each Tuesday night, with tourists flocking to the venue during the summertime.

Across from Windle's lived PJ Ahern, a noted poet and writer who contributed many articles and notes to local newspapers. He was born in 1871 (exact date not known) to Elizabeth and John Ahern, Glensharrold and he was one of 15 children. He would have attended Carrigkerry National School which opened in 1876 along with all the other children of the area. The family lived in a long mud walled thatched house across the road from the now closed Windle's Bar, and the present Carrig Celtic soccer club grounds.

PJ was a trailblazer in communications long before the term was invented, and he promoted the news and views around Carrigkerry through his writings. He contributed to the Weekly Observer printed in Newcastle West in the years around 1915 and other periodicals. He was one of the earliest contributors to the Limerick Leader. PJ kept his material in a wooden box which remained for many years after his death until the house fell into disrepair. PJ Ahern died in the County Home in Newcastle West on October 28, 1937, aged 66 years.

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The famous Sheehy brothers Jim and Mick came from nearby Barnigue, and they were the undisputed kings of the bodhran not alone in west Limerick but beyond. They featured on radio and television on numerous occasions. The Sheehy brothers appeared on Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Tíre on RTE on June 7, 1971. I recall a newspaper piece from May 1972 which read as follows: “The opening of the Ó Riada Cottage in Coolea in west Cork on Saturday last featured on the TV programme Feach on Monday night. Performing the opening ceremony were the Sheehy brothers Mick and Jim the All-Ireland bodhran champions from Carrigkerry in west Limerick”.

The brothers often performed with Séan Ó Riada's band Ceoltoirí Chulainn who were very popular at that time.

PJ Ahern, Mick and Jim Sheehy have all passed on and Windle's Bar is no more, but people step up and continues to breathe life around the locality. Carrig Celtic soccer club grounds close by provide a playing area for the youth. The Flag Floor Rambling House continues with traditional music, song and dance on a regular basis.

Life continues around Barry's Cross and for the extended Barry family who have spread their wings wide to embrace all walks of life.