BY JOHN FITZGERALD
Part 2
Last week I recounted the glory days of the Callan Motte- better known as the Moat- back in the 14th century, when it was home to a Castle on the Hill and powerful Norman lords, ladies, and knights-at-arms. A little of its former glory returned with the carnivals of 1959, ’62, and ’63 when hilltop dancing and funfairs brought joy to the Town on the King’s River…(If you missed Part One, it can be read on the Observer website.)
Wheels of Fortune spun and pillow fights frightened the Callan trout as poles placed across the King’s River accommodated dozens of hardy fellows, and a few sturdy women, who struggled to avoid getting knocked into the shallow waters.
Two popular highlights of the week were the Street Leagues, which pitted teams representing Callan’s streets against each other in hurling or football games; and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. Chrissie Carroll and Brenda Phelan received the title amid pomp and drum rolls: the first “Royalty” on the Moat to be honoured and curtsied to since Norman Lords and Ladies packed up and left the Castle seven centuries before.
The Carnival Queen competition was to Callan what the Rose of Tralee event was to Kerry in later decades. Local man Sean Holden as MC had the adoring throng of spectators and admirers in the palm of his hand when he paid homage to the natural grace, beauty and glamour of the comely maidens on the hill.
Though commending such qualities as cuteness, charm, seductive looks, curvaceousness, rosy complexions, and cherry lips, Sean reminded his audience that it was their “personalities” that appealed most to the adjudicating committee. And the audience believed it.
In 1963, Radio Eireann’s whiz-kid broadcaster Larry Gogan came to Callan to crown the Carnival Queen. Chrissie Carroll took the honours that year. The Moat was a “revelation” to him, Larry said afterwards.
The Street League matches embodied the great sporting traditions for which Callan is renowned.
The teams comprised different age groups, ranging from 12 to 25. They trained for several weeks prior to the big showdowns. In the weeklong series of games, every street in town came to the fore.
After the 1963 carnival the Moat fell silent again…until five years ago. Thanks to Kilkenny County Council and local activism, the Moat field became a Heritage Park, with walkways extending all around the vast stretch. Panels erected along the scenic route offer information on Moat’s fascinating history, as well as the multi-faceted flora and fauna.
Nature in all its glory beguiles when you visit the Moat Field: You might see a stately blue and orange Kingfisher trace its graceful flightpath along the river surface, or a heron in search of fish. The hedgerows that skirt the field abound with our native trees and shrubs, such as alder, ash, willow and hawthorn, which serve as vital habitat for birds.
If you don’t see the robins or blackbirds on your walk, you’ll surely hear their sweet notes. Depending on the season, you might hear the gentle buzz of the honey bee or be enchanted by the butterflies, those eternal messengers of spirit. Local groups have planted more trees, to further enhance the historic field’s attraction and biodiversity.
And let’s not forget the people who made the age-old dream of a Moat Field Walkway a reality.
At the official opening of the amenity in July 2021, Minister Heather Humphreys praised the County Council, other State agencies, and the work teams on the completion of the Moat Field Heritage Trail. However, she reserved her warmest and most emphatic words of commendation for “a very special man.”
Patrick Lydon of the Camphill Community had worked tirelessly for decades with the relevant agencies and advisers to make the Moat a centerpiece of local heritage and recreation. The Minister referred to his “vision and tenacity” in pursuing his dream.
There were so many conservation reports, archaeological surveys, environmental impact statements, copious designing and consulting, and endless drafting, she recalled, but persistence paid off and the outcome was a top-class amenity…a credit to Callan.
The fact that the walkway is wheelchair accessible was even more poignant, she felt, because Patrick had received a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease earlier that year. Everyone applauded when the Minister underlined the value of his life-enhancing work with Camphill.
Sadly, Patrick passed away since that glorious “Grand Opening”, but his role in the project will forever be enshrined in Callan’s Roll of Honour.
Today, those who opt to take a stroll around the Moat can admire the scenery and enjoy the clean country air. They might also reflect on past glories: The dancing on the hilltop, the street league games, the tumbling jesters, or the13th century lords and ladies in the castle.
In Callan, the Moat will always be our “field of dreams.”
