A gathering of the West Limerick Coiste Ceantair convened at the Old Rooms in Abbeyfeale on a recent Friday to discuss and coordinate preparations for the forthcoming Aeridheacht. Reverend J. J. Kelly, C.C., who serves as Vice-President in Templeglantine, assumed the role of chairman for the meeting.
In attendance were several prominent individuals, including Mr Jeremiah McCarthy, N.T.; Foonan MacUoluim; T. P. O’Connor, S.Y.; T. O’Connell, N.T.; P. McCarthy, N.T.; D. McCarthy, N.T.; J. F. O’Kelly, N.T. (honourary secretary); J. McCoy (assistant secretary); and J. J. Harnett.
The meeting kicked off with the chairman reading out various communications. These communications demonstrated promising support for the upcoming Aeridheacht, scheduled for Sunday, the 17th of this month. Additionally, these messages included terms for insertion in the event’s program. Those who pledged their support included:
- The Abbeyfeale Sisters of Mercy Convent Schools
- Mrs. D. Neligan, N.T., of Templeglantine
- Gaelic League Branch, Springmount
- Mr J. F. Kelly, N.T., of Springmount
- Mr C. O’Connor of Causeway
- Brosna Gaelic League Branch
- Mr Jeremiah McCarthy, N.T., of Abbeyfeale
- Mr T. P. O’Connor, N.T., of Fealeview, Abbeyfeale
- Mr T. O’Connell, N.T., of Meenkilly, Abbeyfeale
- Mr P. McCarthy, N.T., of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale
- Mrs. T. D. O’Connor, N.T., of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale
- Mr T. Conba of Castlewahon
- Mr E. Doody, N.T., of Dromtrasna
- Mr J. O’Connor of Kilmainham
The meeting also saw a number of entries for traditional singing.
Unfortunately, the Convent of Mercy Sister and Mr Foley from the Gaelic League in Newcastle West expressed their inability to send any representatives due to a conflicting annual procession in their area. However, it was decided to reach out to Newcastle West again, requesting their support, and to also seek support from Rathkeale, Tralee, and Knockaderry.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of arranging a special train between Tralee and Abbeyfeale on the day of the Aeridheacht, and Mr Kelly, the honourary secretary, was tasked with inquiring about this with Mr Bell, the Superintendent of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company. A special offer of single fares for double journeys between Limerick and Abbeyfeale on the day of the Aeridheacht was also communicated.
The meeting concluded with the decision to reach out to the Limerick Gaelic League and invite their representatives to the event. Furthermore, it was decided that no additional items for insertion in the program would be accepted after the 10th of this month.
The gathering expressed its gratitude to the Reverend Chairman, and the meeting adjourned.
Kerry News – Wednesday 06 June 1906
