Listowel Thread

I am a Listowel native but living in the capital for near 55 years. Our eldest daughter having spend Christmas with my sister in the town has introduced me to the Listowel thread on Boards.ie and this I find most interesting.I have spent
the past week reading past pages and many of the entries are ones which I myself can readily identify with ie. the spa,
Kennys Height,( I was a friend of Pat Kenny who had a butchers shop in Church St., his brother John had one also in the Square).The Plaza and Astor cinemas, the Bandsroom in William St. and another hall in Church St. which I think was owned by a Chute man were where we learned how to deal a mean hand of poker and to emulate the greats of the day at the pool and billard table.
Another memory was evoked with the entry of DoodleAvenue, we were in the middle of our Leaving exam. at St. Micks when news of Doodles coming to town was announced and come hell or high water would we be denied the chance to act as guard of honour to the Doodle entourage which had been arranged by M.O.C. the late and great Johneen Keane, however to take part we had to dress as if in Mardi Gras, this to add to the frivolity of the evening and also as a disguise so the College President did not recognise any of his star pupils. I remember Bunny Dalton who was in the lead truck with the other musicians asking John B. what music would be appropriate for the occasion and the answer was as many National Anthems as you can think of. A tour of the town was completed via Charles Street and Church Street and to this day I cant forget the faces of the townsfolk who lined the streets, most were of joy and happiness and some in awe, one old woman with rosary beads went on her knees thinking it was the Papal Nuncio while another who having been attic bound for years thought that Doodle was the reincarnation of Parnell. What followed that night was the funniest night I ever spend at home and the night was recalled once again at the post performance reception of Sives Premiere in Dublin in May 59 when I met up with John B.
DoodleAvenue also mentions the Wilmot family of Church Street,Sheamus(James or Butty) as my father called him, they went to Listowel National, St Michaels and played football, hurling and handball together and when it came for me to look for a place in university (money was very scarce) as my late mother used say Butty Wilmot was not found wanting, He also arranged digs with another Listowel native and which also was home from home.
The quiz which my daughter finds fasinating is a little too much for me as my general memory is fading but however I do try and help her answer as much as I can.
Again thanking everybody for the enjoyment they are giving with their news and views and long may it continue.