‘Learning About Lime Kilns in Lyreacrompane’, the Heritage Week event organised by the Lyreacrompane Heritage Group drew an attendance of over sixty people who gathered to hear a well-researched and excellently presented talk by Brosna native, Billy Downes, now living in Tralee. Billy outlined the history of Lime Kilns and their role in making farming possible in upland locations and he also explained how these old structures were operated to produce the lime. Billy is featured in the third photo demonstrating how a ‘Kiln Tree’ was used. After his talk Billy answered questions on the kilns from a very attentive and appreciative audience.
The Lyreacrompane Heritage Group thanked all who had helped to renovate the kiln and organise the Heritage Week event. They include, Sean Enright, John Dowling, Odhran Lyons and Darragh Enright. A special word of thanks went to Mike and Mary Buckley, on whose property the Kiln stands, for readily agreeing to its renovation. To Chris and Mary Kelly for providing chairs and parking for the event.
Before the occasion concluded a number of singers entertained the crowd. Timmy Nash sang ‘My home in Sweet Lyreacrompane’. Lovely to see the younger generation stepping forward to sing the Lyreacrompane anthem. Other singers included Mary Kelly from Lyreacrompane, Noel Heaslip Tralee/Abbeydorney, Tony O’Brien Firies and Karen Trench originally from Lyreacrompane. The last five photos show the singers in this order.
The Lyreacrompane Lime Kiln has already become something of a landmark for people passing through Lyreacrompane and it is increasingly used for a break/picnic by visitors and locals since it was brought back into public gaze after lying relatively hidden for decades.
These are just a few photos taken by Committee members. More photos will follow from our photographer at the event, Patricia Lenihan.
