Ancestral land and John B. Keane's

Today we met with Brendan Lawlor who lives on a farm very near where my relatives lived While he doesn't know his family history far enough back to connect, I'm fairly certain we are about fifth cousins. He has a beautiful farm and I have to feel a little sad for my relatives who had to leave this beautiful place.

 

We came into the kitchen to the wonderful smell of newly baked scones and muffins.

 

Looking towards his mother's house and his land

 

And the rest of his buildings and land beyond is his also

 

We had a lovely talk and even learned where some of the next Star Wars movie was filmed in County Kerry!

 

Several shots looking towards Knockanore Mountain and the land my relatives farmed

 

 

Old buildings in the area

 

 

 

 

The farmer mowing the grass field behind our Airbnb house where they will not remove or mow too close to the "Fairy Tree"

 

Our backyard

 

Out for a night with John Wade, we started with a special drink - named the Irish Flag - creme de menthe, baileys, and I think a brandy on top.

 

Then on to "John B Keane's" for a show of storytelling, singing and poetry. Here Billy Keane performs with a guest

 

On the left a couple we met who farm right near where my McElligott ancestors farmed. 

 

Mickey MacConnell playing his most famous song "Only Our Rivers Run Free" You can hear here it here(not my recording)

http://youtu.be/hTrksuLyKLA

 

Eoin (Owen) Hand, former footballer and manager, and also musician

And ended with this - I was amazed that everyone in the bar knew this song and sang along. This is also not my recording but exactly as it was done for us. I know the song from being in the play "Calamity Jane" in high school!  - Black Hills of Dakota at John B's What great craic! (Yes it is pronounced crack but it just means "fun")