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Currow (Irish: An Currach) is a rural village in County Kerry in south west Ireland, located approximately 16 km from both Killarney and Tralee. Currow is situated on the Brown Flesk River, a tributary of the Maine River. Currow cover 3,376 Hectares^[1], much of the land is arable with many mature trees, however there are areas of bog. Currow is mainly a residential area with close links to Castleisland. The main industry is agriculture. The original village grew up on both sides of the roadway to the north of Flesk Bridge, between two old estates, Dicksgrove and Parkmore which have influenced the architectural character. The Meredith Family was the landlord in the area living in the old estate Parkmore. The first influence of the British came from the Herbert Family during the plantations. The village escaped much of the major development experienced by many nearby villages and towns during the Celtic Tiger. Any development is mainly one-off housing. Currow is bordered to the west by Farranfore, to the south by Kilcummin, to the east Scartaglin and to the north by Castleisland. Currans Electoral District lies north west of Currow, which forms the Killeentierna Parish. Con Houlihan, an esteemed columnist with the Sunday World, once wrote how he considered Currow was his 'own favourite' village in Ireland. Although he is undecided whether Currow is a village or a hamlet. He also declared he would someday 'apply to be made a Freeman of Currow'.^[2]

Population 1911-2006

Killeentierna is the Electoral District of Currow, this includes Kilsarcon. It is withing the Rural District of Killarney. Currow is considered to be in the South Kerry Constituency for national elections. Killeentierna is also the Roman Catholic Parish under the Dioceses of Kerry which is made up of Currow, Kilsarson and Currans.

In Census 2006, Currow, under the Killeentierna ED had a population of 892 persons (465 of which are male and 427 are female). This comprises a mere 0.63% of County Kerry’s population. However this was a slight increase on 2002 Census figures of 856. The Census 1996 recorded 878 inhabitants. Overall, it has remained consistent.

Currow has a largely homogenous population with most of Irish decent. The UK is the second largest nationality in Currow with 36 persons, other EU Citizens make up two persons and 10 persons. Catholicism is the largest religion in the area covering 95.06% of the population. Although the Irish language is not commonly spoken in Currow, 395 people said in the Census 2006 that they have the ability to speak it.

Year	Population
Census 2006	892^[3]
Census 2002	856^[4]
Census 1996	878^[5]
Census 1991	896^[6]
Census 1986	924^[7]
Census 1981	895^[8]
Census 1979	862^[9]
Census 1971	855^[10]
Census 1966	875^[11]
Census 1961	886^[12]
Census 1956	937^[13]
Census 1951	955^[14]
Census 1946	1,019^[15]
Census 1936	1,043^[16]
Census 1926	1,091^[17]
Census 1911	1,114^[18]

Facilities

Currow is typical of many traditional Irish villages, consisting of basic facilities. However it is very well served for its population size. The inhabitants travel to the primary district town of Castleisland for other services or to Tralee or Killarney for more specific services and facilities. Currow comprised two public houses, a Roman Catholic Church, community centre (consisting of large hall area, stage, meeting rooms, changing facilities), primary school, post office, two convenience shops, graveyard, an electronic services workshop, small public park and G.A.A. grounds. Accommodation in the village is mainly Bed & Breakfast’s or Self Catering Houses. There are several other small enterprises and services in the area.

Access and Communication

Currow is only accessible by road networks. It located approximately 7 km from Castleisland, south of the N23 National Primary Road, which runs from Castleisland to Farranfore, connecting traffic from the N21 Limerick-Tralee road to the N22 Tralee-Cork road. Currow Village is connected to both the N22 at Farranfore and the N23 at Lisheenbaun Cross via the R561 Regional Road. It can also be accessed using several local routes. It is located on the old Killarney road, which is now considered as a ‘scenic route’ to Killarney. The closest railway station is found at Farranfore which is 3.5 km east of Currow. Irish Rail has several inter-city daily services to Dublin, Cork, Tralee and Killarney from Farranfore Railway Station. Connecting services to other cities can be accessed along this network. Kerry International Airport is also located at Farranfore on the N23. The runway is only 800m from Currow Village. However the terminal is 5km in distant. Kerry Airport offers domestic flights to Dublin plus several international flights. Currow can also be accessed using the Irish bus network, Bus Éireann, although services are limited to the village, nearby stops are again found in Farranfore and also Castleisland.

Media

Current Publications

All local news and events in the locality are communicated through several local and regional print media. Local notes are included in the pages of the Sliabh Luachra Outlook which is published every Saturday. This contains news from all areas of the Sliabh Luachra Region. Notes are also included in the weekly Kerryman Newspaper, most often in the South County Edition. It is published on Wednesday. The Kerry's Eye, which is published on Thursday also includes articles on Currow from time to time. There are also notes announced through the church, incorporated into the weekly mass leaflet. It focuses more on ecclesiastical interests.

Past Publications

In the 1990's an annual newsletter ran to print, called Currow and Currans Anois is Aris which translates as 'now and then'. The first edition was in 1990. The editor was Con Dennehy, who is currently the editor for the Sliabh Luachra Outlook. It included the news and reports from the particular year. It is also an extremely reliant source for historic information for Currow. It however has ceased press for several years now.

Radio & TV

Radio Kerry is also a source of local news. There are many internet websites for local news also. There is no regional television broadcaster specific to Currow however a documentary was made on Currow in 2000.

TV Documentary

Currow has been the focus of a documentary based on its rich sporting heritage and particularly its four international rugby players who hail from the area. As well as interviews with local residents, it show footage from around the village. It was recorded in 2000 by East Cork Videos. The documentary can be found on YouTube.
Currow, Kerry - Home to Kerry's Rugby Heros
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Townlands

Anna Beg, Anna More, Ballybeg, Bawnaglanna, Beenateevaun, Cloondogh, Currabanefield, Curracity, Curraknockaun, Curraross, Dicksgrove, Dromultan, Droomroe, Farrankeal, Gloundeagh, Inchicummer, Killeentierna, Killsarcon, Laharan, Lyre, Portnasumuttaun, Ranaleen, Ranalough, Shanawillen, Threegneeves, Toornanoulagh

Community Organisations & Culture

Currow has a proud and thriving community, and offers something to all portions of the community. Currow boasts numerous sporting organisations for an area of its size. The village’s most dominant club is Currow G.A.A, which has its own grounds to the east of the village. It is also home to St. Bridgets Basketball Club, Community Games, Currow Cycling Club, and Currow Gun Club many of which are based in the community centre. Most clubs support the colours set by the G.A.A of black and amber.
Currow has a Tidy Towns Organisation as well as a Rural Development Group, dedicated to enhancing the local environment and developing amenities. Currow also has groups attached to the Roman Catholic Church which is the foremost religion in Currow which lies in the Killeentierna Parish under the Diocese of Kerry. There is also a parish youth organisation, Killeentierna Youth Club

Currow G.A.A.

Currow GAA was formerly founded in 1911 when two teams Wolfe Tones and Currans both part of the parish of Killentierna joined together. This is where Currow got its team colours black & amber - one team wore black and the other team wore amber. During the club's early years the club was linked with close neighbours especially Scartaglin when players from each club would frequently swap sides with the neighbouring club. The Currow Wolfe Tones continued to play GAA and were mentioned in dispatches in 1912 when they played John Mitchells at Currow.

It seems Currow was a haven for football and had a junior team in existence called Currow Emmetts for many years prior to 1911. The team was mentioned in newspaper reports in 1906 & 1912 where they played Castleisland Geraldines (junior team) on both occasions.

In 1925 The East Kerry GAA Board was founded. Dick Fitzgerald was the first chairman of the Board, and Paul Russell was the first secretary, and a Currow man Humphrey Murphy was on the formation committee of the Board.

Delegates from the following clubs the first meeting of the new Board: Killarney, Currow, Farranfore, Firies, Kenmare, Headford, Kilcummin and Killorglin.

The Club grew in strength and in 1928 Currow were participated in the Senior County championship where they lost to a more experienced Strand Rd team.

In 1931, Farranfore, Ballymac, Cordal, Scartaglen and Currow broke away from the division and joined with Castleisland GAA club to form the Castleisland District League. Currow won the District league in 1949 and 1950.

In 1938 the Sportsfield was given over to the parish by The Land Commission from The Meredith's Estate.

In 1971, Cordal, Currow and Scartaglen rejoined the East Kerry Board. Currently, The East Kerry GAA Board is made up of 13 clubs; Cordal, Dr.Crokes, Currow, Firies, Fossa, Glenflesk, Gneeveguilla, Kilcummin, Legion, Listry, Rathmore, Scartaglen and Spa.

Currow have won the East Kerry Championship on three occasions since their formation in 1911. The first time they won was in 1945 with the Shanahan brothers. The club contested the East Kerry Championship finals in 1992 (won), 1997 & 1998 (won). In 1996 the club won the East Kerry League Division 1 title and in 2008 they won the East Kerry League Division 2 title with a win over local rivals Firies.

In 1982 the club won first of its County titles when they won the County Novice Championship with hard win over local neighbours Scartaglin. In 1988 the club won the second of their county titles when they won the County Junior Championship against East Kerry rivals Rathmore. In 1997 Currow contested the Intermediate Championship final but lost to Kilcummin on the day. In 2009 Currow will be contesting the Intermediate championship final against fellow East Kerry rivals Spa. In 2009 the Junior team won the County League title with a hard fought win over An Ghaeltacht.

With the County League Currow were in Division 3 for many years and won promotion to Division 2 in 1988 and onto the heights of Division 1in 1990. Currently the club is playing in Division 2 and hopefully will gain promotion to the top division in the near future.

Throughout it's history the club has been linked with song, dance and drama where in the early 1970's where they won the All-Ireland Finals - a fantastic achievement for a small rural club. Since then the club have competed in varied competitions in various competitions locally.

Another Chapter in the history of the club was completed when the Club GAA crest and club website were officially launched. Johnny Brosnan put a lot of effort into the design of the crest and it captures the essence of the parish. The three bridges represent the Brown Flesk River flowing through the three villages of the Parish - Currow, Currans and Kilsarcan. The hurling sticks represent the various camogie and hurling teams that were set up at one stage in the club. The black and amber colours represent the club colours.^[19]

Sliabh Luachra

Currow is located in a cultural area known as Sliabh Luachra. It is known for its style of traditional Irish music. The music of the district shows a return to a faster pace of music which has a range of musical emotion. There is life and joy in the fast moving light melodies.

Anthem

Currow has been linked to many songs, however The Towering Hills of Currow is the most prominent.

The Towering Hills Of Currow

The Towering Hills of Currow
Verse One A Land Mark Near This village of ours Its sloping hill Peeps over towers A sunny peak Bedecked with flowers The Towering Hills of Currow.
Chorus Here’s to Currow in the Vale Sheltered snugly from the gale May fame and fortune never fail the towering hills of Currow.
Verse Two No matter where you walk the soil If you travel mile by mile There is not a spot will you beguile Like the Towering Hills of Currow (Chorus.....)
Verse Three The boys are active brave and strong They could dance a jig or sing a song And light on foot they trip along Across the hill of Currow (Chorus.....)
Verse Four Its maidens are gentle like a dove Full of virtue truth and love Its’ like a gift from heaven above To take a girl from Currow (Chorus.....)
Verse Five The men are all from 6’- 4” to 7’- 6” And sometimes more It’s very few would stand before A football team from Currow (Chorus.....)
Verse Six Sure its sloping hill is surely high To climb its top is worth a try Then you’ll remember till you die The Towering Hills of Currow (Chorus.....)

Places of Interest

Currow Wildlife Park

A pond and wildlife sanctuary has been created to the east of the village. Much work was carried out here by local development groups and work included the raising of water levels and landscaping. The area is now home to several species such as the moorhen, mute swan and mallard. A walk and seating area is also provided. This is a valuable amenity in the village and it adds to biodiversity in the area.^[20]

Church of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located at the centre of the village on a site donated by Mr. Richard Meredith, who had connections to the estate house in Dickgrove. It was finished to a very high standard. It was built by Mr. John McSweeney, Building Contractor, Castleisland at a cost of £40,000. The church was blessed and dedicated by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Moynihan, Bishop of Kerry, on 2nd June 1954.^[21]

Brown Flesk River

Currow is situated on the Brown Flesk River, a tributary of the Maine River. This river is designated a salmonid river under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive and is a productive angling river with high quality spawning and nursery grounds. This designation aims to protect and improve the quality of fresh waters that support certain species of fish. Specific water quality standards must be maintained and pollution controlled in these rivers. Ireland is legally required to maintain and improve the water quality of rivers for salmonid fisheries.^[22]

The Meredith Estate

The Herbert's were the first British family to be settled in Currow during the plantations. The Meredith's came to Currow in 1635 and bought some of the Herbert Estate. They were originally Silversmiths. They built a stately home close to the village, now named after Richard Meredith, Dicksgrove, much of which still remains today. particularly the main house, gate lodges at the village and Dromroe and the estate walls which now run along a section of the R561. The Meredith mansion was burned out in 1932 and finally in 1935, the Land Commission took over, as the Irish Land League after decades of campaigning won rights for Irish tenants working off estate land. Sporting organisations also benifited, Currow G.A.A Grounds are located on the estate grounds.^[23]

The Metal Bridge

Built in the early 1930's by Con Singleton from Gneeveguilla in the townland of Ballybeg, located east toward Kilsarcon. The Metal Bridge is a crossing point along the Brown Flesk River. All work was done by pick and shovel and the bridge was made from concrete on dry land. A new channel was then dug out which diverted the waters. The name 'The Metal Bridge' is a slight digression, which actually comes from the previous footbridge that existed. That was built by metal and iron during the famine years. Any bigger traffic had to cross the water near the ford where it was shallow. The road on which it exists is also called Bothar na Mine or Road of Meal. This is because the men who built it were paid in meal rather then money. There was a great flood in 1941, which swept one of the arches away. It has since been restored.^[24]

The Reidy Bridge

This bridge is located in the village, beside Dicksgrove Gate Lodge. It was names after the parish priest who served in Currow at the time of construction in 1941. It was a replacement for the bridge swept away in the flood of 1941. It has three arches, replicating the old bridge. The river only flows through two of the arches. The third is for times of flood.^[25]

Notable People

Moss Keane – International Rugby
Mick Galwey - International Rugby
Tom Doyle - International Rugby
Mick Doyle – International Rugby
Séamus Scanlon – Inter-County Football
John Teahan – National & International Basketball

Location Grid

References

^ Central Statistics Office (2003). Census 2002. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF
^ Houlihan, C. (1998). Con - Now Read On. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.
^ Central Statistics Office (2007). Census 2006. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (2007). Census 2006. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (2003). Census 2002. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1993). Census 1991. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 118. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1993). Census 1991. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 118. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1967). Census 1966. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 117. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1967). Census 1966. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 117. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1957). Census 1956. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 98 Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1957). Census 1956. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 98 Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1947). Census 1946. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1947). Census 1946. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1928). Census 1926. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF
^ Central Statistics Office (1928). Census 1926. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF
^ Brosnan, J. (2009). Our Club History. Available: Currow G.A.A.. Last accessed 2010.
^ Kerry County Council (2009). Castleisland Functional Area Adopted Local Area Plan - Currow. Tralee: Kerry County Council. pp 128.Link to PDF.
^ The Taxpayers News. (1992). Tales of Currow. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 46.
^ Kerry County Council (2009). Castleisland Functional Area Adopted Local Area Plan - Currow. Tralee: Kerry County Council. pp 128.Link to PDF.
^ The Taxpayers News. (1992). Tales of Currow. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 46.
^ Kearney, G. (1995). The Reidy Bridge and Metal Bridge. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.
^ Kearney, G. (1995). The Reidy Bridge and Metal Bridge. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.

[1] Central Statistics Office (2003). Census 2002. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF

[2] Houlihan, C. (1998). Con - Now Read On. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.

[3] Central Statistics Office (2007). Census 2006. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF

[4] Central Statistics Office (2007). Census 2006. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF

[5] Central Statistics Office (2003). Census 2002. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 91. Link to PDF

[6] Central Statistics Office (1993). Census 1991. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 118. Link to PDF

[7] Central Statistics Office (1993). Census 1991. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 118. Link to PDF

[8] Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF

[9] Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF

[10] Central Statistics Office (1982). Census 1981. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 107. Link to PDF

[11] Central Statistics Office (1967). Census 1966. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 117. Link to PDF

[12] Central Statistics Office (1967). Census 1966. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 117. Link to PDF

[13] Central Statistics Office (1957). Census 1956. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 98 Link to PDF

[14] Central Statistics Office (1957). Census 1956. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 98 Link to PDF

[15] Central Statistics Office (1947). Census 1946. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF

[16] Central Statistics Office (1947). Census 1946. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF

[17] Central Statistics Office (1928). Census 1926. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF

[18] Central Statistics Office (1928). Census 1926. Dublin: Stationary Office. pp 93. Link to PDF

[19] Brosnan, J. (2009). Our Club History. Available: Currow G.A.A.. Last accessed 2010.

[20] Kerry County Council (2009). Castleisland Functional Area Adopted Local Area Plan - Currow. Tralee: Kerry County Council. pp 128.Link to PDF.

[21] The Taxpayers News. (1992). Tales of Currow. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 46.

[22] Kerry County Council (2009). Castleisland Functional Area Adopted Local Area Plan - Currow. Tralee: Kerry County Council. pp 128.Link to PDF.

[23] The Taxpayers News. (1992). Tales of Currow. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 46.

[24] Kearney, G. (1995). The Reidy Bridge and Metal Bridge. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.

[25] Kearney, G. (1995). The Reidy Bridge and Metal Bridge. In: Dennehy, C Currow and Currans Anois is Aris. Shanagolden Limerick: Fitzsimons Printers. pp 95.

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