Ballinadee: 16th June 2024

As we are all too aware, Spring 2024 was a wet one, resulting in farming activities set back by six weeks or so.  This means that once the dry spell takes place, the country side will look lush and green. And so it was on the appointed day for our spring day run in West Cork. 

The weather was glorious and blue skies made way for everything to look splendid.

John O’Neill our host for this occasion welcomed all 20 cars and a following members and friends to his home for his Drivers’ briefing.     

Ballinadee Sunday 16th June 2024 (Video by Jakub Walutek Productions)

On offer, a historical viewing of a war of independence monument, a castle visit and to end our day, a reception at a beautiful home and manicured garden.

Because of competing sporting draws for family help elsewhere, we would have to forage ourselves for the morning refreshments.  

We were guided to the Ballinadee Bus Farm, a new enterprise set up by the O’Sullivan family where they offer a brand-new farm walk, sighting of rescue animals in shelter & safety and weatherproof facilities for dining.  We were welcomed on site by Ann McCarthy.  To note that the gravel carpark was completed the day before our visit.

Daughter Rachel McCarthy and companion Arron O’Sullivan manned the horse box vending facilities where home made treats and hot refreshments were gladly consumed by the appreciative patrons.

The animals that got most attention were the Alpacas, Donkeys and Goats, and lest we forget to mention the hens, ducks and pigs, all sheltering from the midday sunshine. 

The campsite at Ballinadee Bus Farm is available to all, and if one wants a fun getaway, a double decker bus, fully kitted out for holiday stays, is at one’s disposal. 

Ballinadee Sunday 16th June 2024 (Photos by Jakub Walutek Productions)

Our next stop was at a newly created monument replacing a Celtic Cross that had stood for many years at a  Clonbuig cross roads.  Its title is Crois na Leanbh. 

Members of the Kilbrittan Historical Society were on hand to provide us with a short lecture that was interesting and informative, led by Denis O’Brien and accompanied by Con McCarthy. 

The subject centred on the Irish War of Independence – Third Cork Brigade.  Four young IRA men were cutting a trench in the road at Crois na Leanbh, in the Kilbrittain Company area, when they were taken unawares by a force of the Essex Regiment.  

All four were executed, shot through the back of the head.  The four men to die were Volunteer Con McCarthy. Kilanetig, Ballinalee; Volunteer John McGrath, Rathclarin, Kilbrittain; Volunteer Timothy Connolly, Fearnagerk, Kilbrittain and Volunteer Jeremiah O’Neill, Knockpogue, Kilbrittain.  Their bodies were found on the morning of February 16, 1921, beside the unfinished cutting.  

Two had been armed with rifles, as there had been strict orders that in such cutting operations two should stand guard while the other two worked on the road.

It has never been established how they were taken by surprise or how the two riflemen were apparently at the site of the cutting also when they were surprised.  Tom Barry later speculated that “perhaps the two riflemen came in to help the other two with the digging, but that is only conjecture.”.  

The killings were all the more regrettable because they took place during a relatively simple operation and compounded the sense shock felt at the losses sustained at the Upton ambush the previous day.

John O’Neill thanked our historians for giving of their time and sharing their knowledge with us. President emeritus Ann Duffy presented the gentlemen with a hand turned bowl made of local Irish Ash.

To wind up the proceedings, Frances O’Brien sang his favourite melody to the delight of his audience. The lyrics go like this

Twas down by the glenside, I met an old woman
A-plucking young nettles, she ne’er saw me coming
I listened a while to the song she was humming
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men

‘Tis fifty long years since I saw the moon beaming
On strong manly forms, on eyes with hope gleaming
I see them again, sure, in all my sad dreaming
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men.

When I was a young girl, their marching and drilling
Awoke in the glenside sounds awesome and thrilling
They loved dear old Ireland, to die they were willing
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men.

Some died by the glenside, some died near a stranger
And wise men have told us their cause was a failure
But they stood by old Ireland and never feared danger
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men

I passed on my way, God be praised that I met her
Be life long or short, sure I’ll never forget her
We may have brave men, but we’ll never have better
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men

Before we leave this part of the essay, let us say something about 84-year-old Francis O’Brien. His father died while he was a youngster.   His mother bought a gramophone and a selection of records, to include John Count McCormick and Josef Locke, to mention but two. 

At five years of age, Francis could sing and remember the words of the whole record collection.  For those that remember the Lilac Ballroom in Enniskeane, Country Pride was the warm up band before the main acts, such as The Dixies from Cork, The Wolfe Tones from Dublin and Pecker Dunne of no fixed abode.   

Management were in search for a lead singer and interviews duly took place.  So impressed were the panel, that they asked him for the number of songs in his repertoire and when he replied 115 and would sing all or part of any they would choose; Francis O’Brien he had the job! 

Today, Kilbrittain Castle serves as a private residence, but its historical significance has not been forgotten. The castle is occasionally open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to explore the castle’s history and marvel at its architectural beauty.

The local community has embraced Kilbrittain Castle as a symbol of their shared past, and efforts to maintain the castle have been supported through various cultural and heritage initiatives.

Kilbrittain Castle also plays a role in local events and celebrations, solidifying its place as a treasured part of the community’s identity.  With its continued preservation, Kilbrittain Castle ensures that the stories of Ireland’s past will not be lost to future generations.

So said Criona O’Sullivan and Diarmuid O’Donovan, both officers with the Kilbrittan Historical Society who publish a year book available in local shop outlets and well worthy of a read. Their talk was educational and entertaining. 

Ballinadee Sunday 16th June 2024

John O’Neill thanked the duo of historians for their time and effort, and as a token of remembering us President emeritus Ann Duffy made a presentation of a hand turned Ash bowl. 

Before departure from the castle, agreed the background was the ideal location for a group photograph.  Whilst the cars were lined up in herringbone fashion, they were left aside for the great photo opportunity of the whole group, smiling and happy to be there.

A short drive in the countryside of West Cork is a pleasure experience and even more so if one is fortunate to be gliding along in a century old motor car at a very respectable and relaxing pace.

Our cars lined up in the carpark of The Pink Elephant Restaurant with the full tide on the shore as our backdrop.  We too lined up for our Sunday lunch. 

It was Father’s Day and one can imagine how busy the staff were in dealing with many families on this special day, not to mind our lot coming in a little earlier than expected.  The staff were truly busy and efficient. 

The meal was delicious and everyone, young and old were delighted.  Good food, good atmosphere and good value for money.  

When it came to speech making time, our secretary reminded us al that it was John O’Neill who set the wheels in motion to have continuous monthly Sunday runs with our Model Ts, all over Ireland, starting at his home base.  As an appreciation of his hospitality President emeritus Paul Murphy presented John with an Ash turned bowl as a keepsake of the occasion, with our thanks.

To finish off our spin, we accepted an invitation from Ed and Una to visit them at home.   Lisheen House, is within one kilometre, we would be there in no time at all.  Our hosts are very proud of and fond of their garden and wished to share their pleasures with us.  Because of the large fleet of Model Ts we had no option but to park up on the manicured lawn, edging through the 150-year-old Macrocarpa trees (also known as Monterey Cypress) that line the avenue to the magnificent residence.

Ed and Una duly welcomed us all to their home and hoped we would enjoy a leisurely stroll around the glade, open lawn spaces and shrubbery. 

We were to make our way to the patio area where fresh strawberries and cream were on offer, together with chilled Prosecco.  A summer delight in a wonderful setting. 

Eric Pearce, neighbour of long standing, a furniture designer and manufacturer of repute, spoke of the origins of the house and of the extensions as it were through the four compass points of the globe; over the last 100 years, extensions were carried out left, right and centre,  making it a residence of uniqueness and character, ubiquitous and charming. 

As a lover of wood and everything timber, Eric spoke of the genius of Henry Ford and his recycling programme, waste not want not, and how the parts required for assembly at the Ford plant at Marina, Cork were shipped in crates made of American Oak in specific dimentions that enabled the convenient shaping and trimming so as to make furniture. 

Gerrit Rietveld, a Dutch designer and artisan, was the creator of the Crate Table and Crate Chair made out of Ford boxes.  Eric has an example of each in his workshop.

As a by the way, our readers might like to know that Eric Pearce designed and made the cabinet table that today rests in Dáil Éireann.

Ed and Una were pleased that we all enjoyed their hospitality.  How right they were,  as it took a little effort and encouragement to pry them away from comfortable settings and generous hospitality. 

John O’Neill, on behalf of our group, conveyed our appreciation and thanks and asked President emeritus Paul Murphy to present the lovely couple with a hand turned Viking Bowl, a replica of one found during the excavations at Wood Quay in Dublin. 

The Viking Bowl is concave in design, and fits into the hand of a diner while eating one’s food, where utensils had not come to the fore at that time; Una, a professional architect understood fully; Eric a craftsman expressed his appreciation.

All too soon, we bade farewell for our scenic drive back to base, via Garretstown Beach, then North to Ballinaspittle and Kigobbin Cross, to arrive back safely at O’Neill Engineering Works in Ballinadee.

Having loaded up and said our good byes, we departed for home, happy in the knowledge that we had a safe and successful day in West Cork; and enjoyable too.

In closing off this article, let it be known that this occasion was our 20^th annual West Cork visit where Bob and John share in alternative years.  We never had anything but sunshine for all the years.  It was John who took up the ask for a summer run.  Small beginnings with from a group of 5 or 6 to something much larger now but with consistent enjoyment and friendship. 

Thank you, John and Mary.