GOLDEN memories of everyday events in a number of landmark Killarney hotels down through the generations were relived at the launch of a fascinating oral and written history of the Kerry hospitality industry compiled by historians Maurice and Jane O’Keeffe.
The recordings feature detailed interviews with hotel owners, managers, porters, chefs and other workers involved in the sector in Kerry over the last half century.
The collection was launched by Killarney hotelier Michael Rosney at a reception in the Parknasilla Hotel in Sneem on Monday afternoon.
The Irish Life and Lore project includes a series interviews with 19 well-known personalities involved in the Killarney hotel trade in years gone by, particularly staff at the Lake Hotel, Great Southern Hotel and Castlerosse Hotel.
Those featured include former Great Southern Hotel employees Jackie O’Sullivan and PJ Harnett, as well as former Lake Hotel employees Bridie Moynihan and Sheila Teahan.
Since 1990 Maurice and Jane O’Keeffe have produced thousands of recordings for their Irish Life and Lore series.
It provides a very unique oral heritage of Ireland, which includes accounts of important historical events, peoples’ stories, attitudes, beliefs and local accents.
Launching the latest collection, Kerry IHF public relations officer, Michael Rosney, described it as a wonderful, important and timely work.
“Ours is an industry that straddles generations, creates economic prosperity and greatly enhances the social and cultural life of the communities in which we operate,” he said.
Mr Rosney, the owner of the Killeen House Hotel and former general manager of the Killarney Great Southern, said Kerry is universally recognised as having one of the best, most successful and most vibrant hospitality industries, not just in Ireland but in Europe and, quite possibly, the entire world.
