Three Roses from a boreen in central Mayo village

by Auld Stock

I HAD a nice letter from Tom Heneghan, who comes from Donamona, Clogher, near Belcarra, concerning the Roses of Tralee.

Here is what Tom has to say about a number of Roses who come from his local area:

"The interesting thing about the new Mayo Rose, Kate Heneghan, the former Rose of Tralee, Aoibheánn Ní Suilliobhán, and the 2018 Philadelphia Rose, Katie Keenan, is they all came from a now grassy boreen at Guesdian, Belcarra.

"Patsy Kilcourse, who was born in the early 1800s, married a girl from across the boreen, Mary Heneghan. From that union, down through the generations, came Aoibheánn and Katie, and from Mary Heneghan’s brother came Kate.

"All cousins three! They probably don’t know about this connection, but it has often been said ‘in order to know where you are going, it is nice to know where you came from.’

"Now I am sure these three Roses have more on their minds than to be thinking about their ancestors. However, it is an interesting piece of nostalgia for the three ladies.

"The old Kilcourse home still stands at Guesdian.

“Who knows, they might all meet there some day for a cup of coffee and a chat. The way things are moving in this modern age, don’t be surprised if we find a coffee shop on the grassy boreen in Guesdian."

*I am sure the people of Clogher and Belcarra would give the Roses a resounding reception.

Welcome home, girls!