Issue 23. Walk on, waalk oooon, 🚶‍♂️ 🚶‍♀️

Good Morning and Welcome,

To issue No.23 This week we have fierce walking, a first reader submitted sign game (it’s a cracker!), a trio of trad geniuses & a GREENWAY update. I’ve been waiting 23 weeks to write that last one. Also, the Oracles’ first poll.

South Kerry by the numbers:

• 32: Kilometres of Greenway originally proposed for South Kerry.

• 27: Kilometres of Greenway granted planning permission in November.

• 5: Kilometres of Greenway from Cahersiveen to Renard initially refused on environmental grounds, but is now going back to the planners.

• 222: separate landholdings for the 32km route.

• 7: Well, just under 7 landholdings per kilometre of Greenway. To my mind the most remarkable number this bit has had so far.

• 4.5 million: € was the estimated cost of the Greenway in 2014 (not including land acquisition).

• 20 million: € was the estimated cost in 2019.

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

Did you see Ireland women beat New Zealand last week? Fancy seeing if the men can do the same then meandering back to your 4 star Hotel? For a tenner? Did I mention a hotel, in Dublin, for a tenner? Buy tickets here. The club badly need your help.

GREENWAY Gets going

So Oraclers, I have a confession to make. Six months or so ago, when first toying with the idea of this newsletter you see before you, I’d identified there was one topic that could be a genuine talking point every week. I was confident that I could dig deep into the details and deliver something that the other media didn’t have the capacity to cover. All would be useful and interesting to us in South Kerry.

Well, I was very, very wrong.

The last article on the Kerry coco site, where I’ve borrowed the above image from, was published in 2017. The last article written anywhere at all about it dates back to January of this year and all efforts to contact the council about it came to nothing, until today.

Today, a public consultation on the final 5km section to Reenard has been announced, set for Thursday October 17th in the Cahersiveen library, from 3-8pm, see you there! Work is apparently progressing well although Cllr. Michael Cahill is urging some remaining landowners to engage with the council, as reported by the Irish Independent, this morning. 

Exciting times. I’m waiting on a call back from the council as we speak, so expect much more in the coming weeks.

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

Heartfelt thanks go to Gerard Nugent esq. for this one, should we rename to the former signs of South Kerry for the week?

Where’s this (former) sign?

Congratulations to last week’s Winner 🍰🍰🍰

Last week, it was of course, the wonderful K&T’s Bakery, treat yourself to a Friday slab of their chocolate cake, go on, go on, you will.

• Martha Fitzgerald   

 A woman outstanding in her field! Exceptional signing Martha, well done.

Auntie Agnes Anamnesis(’?)

Agnes has had no readers get in touch with this week, so delves deeper into thoughts from last week.

Agnes Anamnesis’:

Dearest Reader, 

The question of the Best Pint in South Kerry has sent me down a delightful lane of memories and meaning. I would love to share this with you, Reader. In Ireland, when thinking of theperfect pint, a creamy, frothy Guinness is what comes to mind for me. For others, it’s a crisp cool pint of draft beer with just the right head on it. These refreshments represent more than just a drink. The tradition of going for a pint is embedded in our National identity, culture and literature. The often unpredictable Irish weather can add another layer of enjoyment to sipping a pint indoors, especially on a rainy day. The sound of rain outside combined with a creamy pint creates a snug atmosphere that invites reflection and relaxation.

For me, many elements combine to make a pint special.

The setting is possibly one of the most important for me. The atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub plays a crucial role. Dim lighting, wooden beams, and the soft murmur of conversation create a warm, inviting space. Many pubs have a history that dates back centuries, with stories of patrons and events etched into their walls and toilet doors. The snug in Mike Murts comes to mind, smoky turf fire, old and young sharing their week’s news. Slagging and joking, a vital part of the craic! The wit of some of the regulars is not to be missed.

There is also the ritual of ordering a pint in Ireland is almost ceremonial. The bartender’s experience in the way they pour the pint, allowing the Guinness to settle before topping it off or achieving the correct amount of head on a beer. This sense of anticipation adds to the excitement, making the first sip even more satisfying. A poorly poured pint from a sour bartender has led to the closure of some pubs!

Sharing a pint with friends, family, or even strangers is an important and unique Irish experience. It is almost a coming of age tradition in some areas especially in previous generations. Conversations flow as easily as the beer, often filled with laughter, storytelling, and the occasional debate about the best place to get a pint. It fosters a sense of community, making each pint feel like a shared moment in time. Then, at a certain hour, the music starts.

Many pubs feature live traditional music, enhancing the atmosphere. At a certain hour, many patrons share a traditional song. They sing the same song every week, everyone joins in for the chorus. These same Patrons often recount legends of famous local drinkers or memorable nights, infusing each sip with a sense of history and camaraderie. Another significant fact is that Pints are often accompanied by classic Irish fare—a bag of Taytos. This salty snack enhances the experience, providing a perfect pairing that makes the pint taste even better.

Lastly, the culture surrounding drinking in Ireland is rich with folklore, literary references, and a sense of identity. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a symbol of heritage, friendship, and the joys of life.

At one stage in Cahersiveen, there were 52 establishments where you could get a pint and a chaser while doing your shopping or posting your letters. Each had their own patrons and unique atmosphere. The numbers have significantly decreased along with the craic! It is another tradition that is on the way out, I call for a Revival !!! There is too much to lose!!

Who will join me ?? 

.

Want to be healed? Then just

Where has the best pint in South Kerry?

Based on the healthy response from last week, it’s an issue clearly many of you have an opinion, so I’ve created a shortlist. I was surprised to find that there is no decent pint of plain to be had between Waterville & Sneem, feel free to add your favourite to rectify this travesty

Another word from our sponsors

Still so empty…

Will it be your ad here next week? From €20p/week. Book here & save local journalism.

The Oracle’s Fourth Cartoon

Please take a deep breath, exhale, and enjoy this delightful scene brought to us by the masterful stroke work of Ballinskelligs local Tim Booth.

Aren’t we lucky to have him? Stay tuned for a new subject matter from Tim in the coming weeks.

Everything Else

• Get those boots on, Sneem walking festival kicks off today at 6pm and continues throughout the weekend (will 100%, need a jacket) all details here.

• Make sure to dry those boots properly, as Waterville Walking Weekend starts next Friday, all the info here.

• Some of the biggest stars of the folk scene have come together to form a supergroup, you can see them on Sunday, in St. Michaels Church, Waterville tickets here. If you have any interest at all in traditional Irish music, you have to be at this gig.

• Playwright Tara Marie Lovett has a rehearsed reading of her work, The Lady Operator, Tomorrow @4pm in the Valentia Cable Station, more here.

• Musicians wanted for Care home performances, more here

• The legend that is Wild Derrynane has produced a stunning Dark Sky Reserve poster, that he’s making available free to local schools, more here

Just Announced

An excellent idea sent over by the excellent Emma from Oilean Adventures. The main objective is to bring together local businesses in the region and discuss the season passed and how we work together more going forward. It’s open to everyone and free to attend. RSVP here 

Thanks

Latest one yet. When we moved to Waterville a good few years ago, my father told me to get a job on the council. When I rang the council this morning for an update, I was put through to the Greenway office and told they were on a tea break, but they’d call me back. I’ve since rang back to find that they are now on lunch, a tea break that runs into lunch… Wise man my father.

Busy enough now, isn’t it?

Thanks for reading. Please forward at least one person this email and force/cajole/encourage them to click the button below

Good luck, be well

Dave

southkerryoracle.ie