While many of us will be haunting the local public houses and other music venues over the coming weekend here in Castleisland, an event of far reaching spookiness is being prepared for Halloween down at The Market House.
Not for the first time in its colourful history, the grand old house will host events most fearsome. But fear not – if that’s possible – as the goings on are all safely within the boundaries of entertainment.
Following on Success
Castleisland Chamber Alliance is following on from its successful foray into the entertainment business this time last year when it hosted a children’s film night at the Ivy Leaf Art Centre.
The chamber’s events sub committee put its collective, creative head to work and will go one better for this year’s spooktacular show.
Transforming J.K.’s
“With the help of art teacher Katie O Reilly, transition year students of St. Patrick’s College and Presentation Convent, Castleisland we plan to transform JK’s into a Spooktacular Experience for one night only,” said a chamber spokesperson.
“There will be something to view or participate in on all four floors of the building.
Pop-Up Café
“Doors open at 6.30p.m. Halloween Scenes, Magician, Dracula and Halloween Games Room will be available for the children. Moms and dads can avail of a cuppa and some Halloween treats in Emma and Marie’s Pop-Up Café.”
A Halloween themed dance performance takes place at 8pm on the third floor followed by a kiddies disco.
Goodie Bags
Each child will receive a goodie bag on departure. Admission is by ticket only. Cost €5 per child accompanying adults free.
Tickets are available at: Gaelscoil Aogáin; Scoil Muire Gan Smál; Castleisland Boys National School; Kilmurry National School; Scoil Ide Curranes, Scartaglin National School; Lynch’s Pharmacy and Tomo Burke Electrical.
Thanks All Round
“We would like to thank Katie O’Reilly and Brid Devane in particular for their energy and enthusiasm towards this project.
“We would also like to thank our sponsors Neil Hickey, Garvey’s SuperValu and Walsh Colour Print. We look forward to greeting you and really hope you have a spooktacular evening,” said the enthusiastic spookes-person.
Established Ghost Story
In T.M. Donovan’s book The History of East Kerry he told of a long established ghost story concerning the very same Market House.
Writing in The Kerryman in the 1920s Donovan recalled that, 60 years previously that: “The Market House, now The Emporium, a finely decorated shop, equal to any in the City of Dublin, had three institutions housed within its great walls.
The ‘Headless Coach’
“The central portion was the marker proper, where farm produce of all kinds was weighed, bought and sold. Three huge gates fronted the Main street: Many old Castleislanders will remember Mr. John Burke’s brown retriever that guarded those gates at night and sent his loud bark reverberating through the town.
The Dead of Night
“Some used to say that the dog was barking at the ‘headless coach’ which old Patsy Lawlor averred was often seen passing through the town at the dead of night.
The melancholy howl of John Burke’s retriever and that same ‘headless coach’ prevented many young fellows from staying out too late at night. It was as effective as the Black and Tan curfew of years later, “ Mr. Donovan recalled.
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