Betty O'Donnell's 100th birthday

Today we celebrate the 100th birthday of Betty O’Donnell, whose birthday occurs on 29th August. Betty, like myself and like so many others now living in Athy, is not a native of the South Kildare town. She has lived here for 76 years, having first arrived in Athy just a few years after the end of the 2nd World War to take over a business with her late husband Jimmy. Betty was always associated with ‘The Gem’, a readily identifiable news agency, stationery and book shop adjoining the Garda Siochana station which was located on Duke Street at that time. ‘The Gem’, under the management of Betty and her daughter Una, continued in business until it closed in March 2020. Betty, formerly Betty Prendergast, a native of Carlow, first arrived in Athy as the young bride of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim native Jimmy O’Donnell. Her father, Thomas, some years previously had bought the premises for his widowed sister, Bridget (‘Biddy’) Gavin, when she returned from America. She operated a sweet shop and an ice cream parlour, which on fair days became tea rooms. Operating the business successfully for a number of years Bridget felt it was time to close up the shop when Tom Bradbury opened up his tea rooms in Leinster Street. It was then that Betty and her husband Jimmy were invited to take over the business, which they did, just as the important newspaper agency of Mrs. James at 12 Duke Street became available to them. The tea rooms were soon discontinued and ‘The Gem’ became a fulltime stationery and news agency so beloved of the people of Athy. Betty was sadly widowed in 1971 when her beloved husband Jimmy died suddenly at the young age of 52 years. With eight children to support, the youngest aged 5 years old, Betty continued to operate the business. Behind Betty’s cheerfulness there lay a resourcefulness and an innate strength which allowed her to make a success of the business. Always good natured, Betty managed over the decades to involve herself in the social and community life of the town. Elected Lady Captain and later Lady President of Athy Golf Club, she managed both honorary positions with distinction. Up until recent years she still retained an active involvement in bridge playing as a member of the Geraldine Bridge Club and the bridge club associated with Athy’s Golf Club. Her bridge partner for many years was her near neighbour in Chanterlands, Moya Wall, to whom belated birthday wishes are also sent, although Moya has quite a few years to wait for the President’s cheque to arrive! Betty, who was driving her car up to quite recently, has proved to be a great friend of this column over the years. Her interest in Athy’s history is matched by an extensive background knowledge of Athy people and Athy events of the past. She proved invaluable to me in suggesting persons, events and topics for previous Eyes on the Past. It was Betty who first drew my attention to the forgotten roadside memorial to Tommy O’Connell, former Commanding Officer of the Carlow/Kildare Brigade. Tommy was killed in a road traffic accident on the Carlow Road near Maganey on 31st August, 1924. He had worked in Betty’s father’s furniture manufacturing workshop prior to and during the War of Independence. The memorial, hidden from public view for many years, was rediscovered by myself, but unfortunately soon thereafter was damaged as a result of a road traffic accident. Due to the good work of Jerry O’Toole it has now been fully restored and continues to serve as a fitting tribute to a brave Irish republican. Betty O’Donnell’s name is synonymous with that of ‘The Gem’. Both are part of the living lore of a community which treasures not only those native to Athy, but the many who like Betty and myself came as strangers to live in the South Kildare town. Best wishes to Betty O’Donnell on her 100th birthday and very sincere thanks to the cheerful and chatty Betty whose presence enlivened every gathering of which she was a part.

Betty O'Donnell - A 'Gem' of a Lady

Betty O’Donnell, formerly Betty Prendergast of Carlow, came to Athy as the young bride of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim native, Jimmy O’Donnell in 1948.  They arrived to take over the running of the shop which Betty’s father, Tom Prendergast, had purchased many years previously for his sister Bridget Gavin.  Bridget had returned from the United States of America and the premises purchased for her was in 1910 occupied by Patrick Prendergast, saddler and stationer.  Whether there was any connection between Patrick Prendergast and Tom Prendergast I cannot say.

Bridget Gavin set up business combining the sale of sweets with the running of an ice cream parlour, which on fair days became an eating house and tea rooms.  On the far side of Convent Lane at No. 12 Duke Street was Mrs. James’s shop where Porters Post Office Directory for 1910 noted she carried on business as book seller, stationery and fancy goods, baskets and picture postcards.  The James’ post cards of 100 years ago showing scenes of Athy are still to be found, but regrettably examples of the basket making craft which once flourished in Athy are seldom, if ever, to be seen. 

Mrs. Gavin whom I believe was a widow returned from America with her son and carried on business for many years.  It was the arrival of Tom Bradbury to Athy and the subsequent opening of his restaurant in Leinster Street which heralded Mrs. Gavin’s retirement from business.  Her niece Betty, with her husband Jimmy O’Donnell, arrived in Athy 66 years ago to take over the running of what had been Mrs. Gavin’s well established business.  As luck would have it Mrs. James at 12 Duke Street retired from business soon afterwards and Betty O’Donnell secured the news agency rights which in the post war years were a tremendous and much sought after asset.  The tea rooms were soon thereafter discontinued and ‘The Gem’ became a fulltime stationery and news agency which continues in business to this day.

Betty was sadly widowed in 1971 when her husband Jimmy died at the young age of 52 years.  With 8 young children to support Betty continued to operate the business which today has become the third oldest family shop business operating in Athy.  Unless I am mistaken the oldest shop business still in the same family is O’Briens of Emily Square, with Shaws of Duke Street the next oldest and Betty O’Donnell’s ‘Gem’ in third place.

Betty is one of the readers of this column whose interest in the history of Athy and its people is matched by considerable background knowledge of events and people of the last 60 years or so.  She has proved invaluable to me in suggesting events, topics and persons whom she feels might usefully be the subject of an ‘Eye on the Past’.  Her help and suggestions are always valued by me and her generosity in sharing historical information is very much appreciated.

It was Betty who first drew my attention to the long forgotten and neglected roadside monument to Tommy O’Connell, former Officer Commander of the Carlow/Kildare Old I.R.A. Brigade who was killed in a road traffic accident near Maganey on 31^st August, 1924.  I subsequently found the memorial which was hidden in an overgrown roadside ditch and regretfully, given most recent events, made it visible to passing traffic.  Unfortunately the iron cross which formed part of the memorial was recently broken and removed by persons whom I suspect took it for its scrap metal value.  The shameful act is a sad reflection on a generation which benefit from men such as Tommy O’Connell.  The now lost memorial cross was presented by Mrs. Kearney of Carlow to the Carlow Brigade I.R.A. and was the subject of ‘Eye on the Past No. 600’. 

Betty, who lives in Chanterlands has just celebrated her 90^th birthday.  In extending good wishes to her I hope that Betty, whose name is synonymous with ‘The Gem’ in Duke Street, will continue to enjoy good health and many good years behind the counter.

Last week two men whom I admired and met over the years passed away.  Much has been written of Albert Reynolds whose connection with Athy goes back to the early 1960s and Dreamland Ballroom on the Kilkenny Road.  Neither Albert nor his English counterpart John Major got adequate credit for their part in the Northern Ireland peace process which resulted from initiatives taken by both men when they were heads of their respective governments.

Desmond O’Grady, a fine poet who also passed away, did not I feel receive the recognition he deserved.  Both men made a huge contribution, one to political life, the other to the literary heritage of our country.

Betty O'Donnell

Betty O’Donnell, formerly Betty Prendergast of Carlow, came to Athy as the young bride of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim native, Jimmy O’Donnell in 1948.  They arrived to take over the running of the shop which Betty’s father, Tom Prendergast, had purchased many years previously for his sister Bridget Gavin.  Bridget had returned from the United States of America and the premises purchased for her was in 1910 occupied by Patrick Prendergast, saddler and stationer.  Whether there was any connection between Patrick Prendergast and Tom Prendergast I cannot say.

Bridget Gavin set up business combining the sale of sweets with the running of an ice cream parlour, which on fair days became an eating house and tea rooms.  On the far side of Convent Lane at No. 12 Duke Street was Mrs. James’s shop where Porters Post Office Directory for 1910 noted she carried on business as book seller, stationery and fancy goods, baskets and picture postcards.  The James’ post cards of 100 years ago showing scenes of Athy are still to be found, but regrettably examples of the basket making craft which once flourished in Athy are seldom, if ever, to be seen. 

Mrs. Gavin whom I believe was a widow returned from America with her son and carried on business for many years.  It was the arrival of Tom Bradbury to Athy and the subsequent opening of his restaurant in Leinster Street which heralded Mrs. Gavin’s retirement from business.  Her niece Betty, with her husband Jimmy O’Donnell, arrived in Athy 66 years ago to take over the running of what had been Mrs. Gavin’s well established business.  As luck would have it Mrs. James at 12 Duke Street retired from business soon afterwards and Betty O’Donnell secured the news agency rights which in the post war years were a tremendous and much sought after asset.  The tea rooms were soon thereafter discontinued and ‘The Gem’ became a fulltime stationery and news agency which continues in business to this day.

Betty was sadly widowed in 1971 when her husband Jimmy died at the young age of 52 years.  With 8 young children to support Betty continued to operate the business which today has become the third oldest family shop business operating in Athy.  Unless I am mistaken the oldest shop business still in the same family is O’Briens of Emily Square, with Shaws of Duke Street the next oldest and Betty O’Donnell’s ‘Gem’ in third place.

Betty is one of the readers of this column whose interest in the history of Athy and its people is matched by considerable background knowledge of events and people of the last 60 years or so.  She has proved invaluable to me in suggesting events, topics and persons whom she feels might usefully be the subject of an ‘Eye on the Past’.  Her help and suggestions are always valued by me and her generosity in sharing historical information is very much appreciated.

It was Betty who first drew my attention to the long forgotten and neglected roadside monument to Tommy O’Connell, former Officer Commander of the Carlow/Kildare Old I.R.A. Brigade who was killed in a road traffic accident near Maganey on 31^st August, 1924.  I subsequently found the memorial which was hidden in an overgrown roadside ditch and regretfully, given most recent events, made it visible to passing traffic.  Unfortunately the iron cross which formed part of the memorial was recently broken and removed by persons whom I suspect took it for its scrap metal value.  The shameful act is a sad reflection on a generation which benefit from men such as Tommy O’Connell.  The now lost memorial cross was presented by Mrs. Kearney of Carlow to the Carlow Brigade I.R.A. and was the subject of ‘Eye on the Past No. 600’. 

Betty, who lives in Chanterlands has just celebrated her 90^th birthday.  In extending good wishes to her I hope that Betty, whose name is synonymous with ‘The Gem’ in Duke Street, will continue to enjoy good health and many good years behind the counter.

Last week two men whom I admired and met over the years passed away.  Much has been written of Albert Reynolds whose connection with Athy goes back to the early 1960s and Dreamland Ballroom on the Kilkenny Road.  Neither Albert nor his English counterpart John Major got adequate credit for their part in the Northern Ireland peace process which resulted from initiatives taken by both men when they were heads of their respective governments.

Desmond O’Grady, a fine poet who also passed away, did not I feel receive the recognition he deserved.  Both men made a huge contribution, one to political life, the other to the literary heritage of our country.

Betty O'Donnell

I am not at liberty to mention her age.  Not as a result of any prohibition on sharing that information with the public at large, but largely because for as long as I can remember her, Betty O’Donnell has managed to retain the jovial outlook of a happy, carefree young woman.  She is a most generous talker, sharing and swapping words and phrases with abandon, but invariably her conversation is both engaging and calculated to retain your interest to the very last.  Come to think of it, I did not get around to asking Betty her age when we talked to each other last week, an oversight may I say, rather than any genuflection in the direction of good manners.

I remember Betty’s late husband, Jimmy, for the kindness he showed to me when as an aspiring golfer I took to the fairways at Geraldine when youthful energy was something I could still rely upon.  It was in the 1960’s and I was accustomed on an occasional Saturday to take the few second hand clubs I had bought from Phil Lawler to practice my unorthodox golfing techniques on the well manicured course on the Kildare Road.  I liked nothing better than to hit the practice balls down the second fairway which for some reason held more appeal for me than any other part of the nine hole course.  Jimmy was a very good golfer and I can still remember the lengths he went to to teach me how to hit a pitch and run shot from just off the green.  In those days golfing was a leisure pursuit which one could pursue alone or in company, invariably unhurried and without any pressure from players in front or to the rear.  However, I digress slightly.

Betty O’Donnell is synonymous with The Gem which most of us probably believe has been part of the Athy scene for generations.  In fact, the premises at No. 10 Duke Street is listed in Porter’s Post Office Guide for 1910 as being occupied by Patrick Prendergast, saddler and stationer.  Betty tells me that Prendergast was a cousin of the late Charlie Moore and that the premises was subsequently owned by Donegan’s who carried on business as newsagents.  The name Donegan brings to mind a report I read many years ago - where, I cannot now recall - of a fire in a Duke Street premises which resulted in the loss of life.  Was it, I wonder, Donegan’s premises which was destroyed by fire in or around 1939, the site of which Carlow cabinet maker Tom Prendergast bought to build a shop for his sister who had returned from the U.S.A. with her son?

Bridget Gavin was the returned emigrant and it was she who opened the doors of The Gem for the first time.  Known as “Auntie B”, Mrs. Gavin combined the sale of sweets with the running of an ice-cream parlour which on fair days became an eating house and tea rooms.  A hairdressing salon was to be found on the first floor.  However, the opening of Bradbury’s Restaurant on Leinster Street prompted Mrs. Gavin’s retirement, following which in 1948, Jimmy O’Donnell and his young bride, the former Betty Prendergast who were married the previous year, took over the business.  In the intervening 57 years Betty and The Gem have been an ever constant presence on the main shopping street of Athy.

Those of you old enough to be within shouting distance of an old age pension will remember James’ newsagents which was located at the right hand corner of Convent Lane as one looked up towards the Dominican’s.  The premises no longer exists, pulled down many years ago to enable the lane to be widened.  The shop was there for many years and indeed the 1910 Guide I mentioned earlier has Mrs. M.A. James occupying No. 12 Duke Street where she carried on business as “Bookseller, Stationery and Fancy Goods, Baskets and Picture Postcards”.  Postcards of Athy printed from James of Duke Street, Athy are still to be found from time to time in second hand book shops.  The inclusion of baskets as part of the goods sold in the shop is quite intriguing and I wonder if it is an indication of the extensive nature of the basket making craft industry in Athy at that time.  Soon after Betty O’Donnell came to Athy James closed its doors for the last time and the much sought after newsagency was acquired by Betty for The Gem.  That confirmed the future direction of the business and the Tea Rooms which had been a major part of The Gem’s business in the past was finally wound down.

Betty and her Leitrim born husband, Jimmy were blessed with nine children, two of whom, Rosemary and Maura, are in Australia, with Niall in America.  Liam died at infancy, Eilish lives in Bettystown, Ann and John in Dublin, while Athy is home to Úna and Jimmy.  Betty was widowed in 1971 when her husband Jimmy died at the young age of 52.  It was a cruel blow for a young woman left with a large family, the youngest of whom was just five years old.  Behind Betty’s cheerfulness lies a resourcefulness and an innate strength which has seen her bring her family to adulthood, while at the same time running a busy town centre retailing outlet.  Always good natured, the effervescent Betty has managed over the years to involve herself in the social and community life of the town.  Elected by her peers to be Lady Captain and later Lady President of Athy Golf Club, Betty occupied both positions with distinction.  She still retains an interest in bridge playing and is a member of the Geraldine Bridge Club and the Bridge Club attached to the local Golf Club.

Betty, a Carlow woman by birth, after 57 years in Athy has an unlimited fund of stories concerning the people of her adopted town which I am delighted to say she willingly shared with me.  The Gem continues today as a newsagency and stationery business and like James shop of nearly 100 years ago is the only shop in Athy where one can be guaranteed to be able to buy a book.  It was a pleasure talking and listening to Betty O’Donnell, doyen of the Duke Street business world whose premises, if I am not mistaken, is the second oldest business still operating on its original site in Duke Street.  No doubt if I am wrong someone will tell me.

One other matter which might prompt a call is a letter which appeared in the Irish Post in March 1973.  Written by Joseph Durkin, then living in Southport, he wrote as he described himself as “an Irish bricksetter, living in an English Council house with no hope of regaining a piece of Ireland on which I by right should live”.  Writing on the question of the Irish in England being given the vote in the “forthcoming elections in the Free State” he questioned how he could vote for Cosgrave “whose father imprisoned mine in Mountjoy without cause from 1921 to 1926”.  Continuing, he claimed that casting his vote would have as little effect as “if I had recorded it in my town of Athy where my father and his father tried many times to imbue the people with sight.  Sight that they may see the gombeen man, the self seekers, the craw thumpers, the police spies and informers, the hockey players even.  He failed.  They failed”.

Durkin’s letter intrigued me and I kept it all these years without ever finding out anything about the man who wrote with such passion.  In the hope of getting some information on Joseph Durkin and his unidentified father I append this closing paragraph this week.