It was a very real joy to stand in awe on Saturday evening, 13th Jan. 2024, observing the truly magical festive colour of Neil Kelleher’s “Adrivale” home at South Douglas Road in Cork just before the exquisite display of multicolour lights was taken down after Christmas. Professional Artist, Neil, has always very creatively presented his home – to which is often referred as “The Flower House” and is a very real Cork landmark – in a magnificent manner throughout the year with the most outstanding floral arrangements but this past Christmas Season’s remarkable display at “Adrivale”, as our selection of images clearly demonstrates, even surpassed previous year’s hugely impressive presentations. Neil’s maternal roots are linked to Adrivale, Millstreet with the O’Leary Clan (hence the reason why Neil’s Family home is named “Adrivale”). As my own late mother was Mary Ellen O’Leary from Adrivale I am therefore part of the very same O’Leary Clan….as is Patrick W. O’Leary from Louisville, Kentucky, USA. We are delighted to share on a global basis a selection of the images which I recorded last Saturday evening in the presence of Neil. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Such a lovely account about this house I’ve often wondered passing in the car who has
done this beautiful display. It is an artistic gem thanks to Neil Kelleher artist.
John…Sincere thanks for your uplifting comment. I fully agree that Neil’s superb display is a true treasure and has been greatly admired by very many as they pass South Douglas Road in Cork.
Another dismal January is a good excuse to admire from afar these pictures from last year.
I don’t think those green fingers crossed the Celtic Sea. I am researching the Wales branch of the Adrivale O’Learys (Daniel & Catherine Moynihan & most of their offspring, who left via Gortavehy in the 1890s). I have got back to Adrivale in 1823, but with a few gaps. I suspect that is it as far as online records go. I would be delighted to hear from anyone with more information, stories or photos of old Adrivale – it looks (from satellite maps) like the old buildings have long gone.
Jenni…Delighted you liked observing our selection of images from Neil Kelleher’s Cork City home which is named “Adrivale” with close connections of course to the actual Adrivale setting in the parish of Millstreet, Co. Cork. One of the enthusiastic people who has superbly researched the location and the O’Leary Clan because of his paternal roots being from Adrivale is Patrick W. O’Leary of Louisville, Kentucky, USA who is on Facebook. Patrick, I feel sure, would certainly be interested in your research. My own late mother was a native of Adrivale with connections also to the Gortavehy setting and the O’Leary Clan in that area.
Thank you for replying, Seán. I am researching O’Leary history as a gift for my partner, supposedly as a surprise – he is the O’Leary, not me. I think you and he must be third cousins.
Assuming, that is, that the John Leary born in 1823 in Adrivale was your ggf: Daniel was his brother (and my partner’s ggf).
If I ever actually write this up properly I shall let you know.
Best wishes
Jenni
Jenni, My GG Grandparents Patrick O’Leary and Johanna Sullivan lived in Adrivale. My Great Grandfather John Patrick O’Leary 1856-1924 was born in Adrivale. He came to the U.S. in the mid 1880’s. He was married in Chicago but ended up living in Wilmington, Ohio where he had two kids – Patrick John and Mary Ellen. My grandfather was Patrick John, he was called Patsy. Please reach out
Thank you for getting in touch, Patrick. Sorry I am a bit slow in responding. It is fascinating how far back it is possible to go, despite all the obstacles to record keeping /preservation. Our evidence trail runs out with GGGP Daniel Leary and Catherine Murphy. More speculatively it looks to me likely (but not provable) that both O’Leary heads of household in the 1850s – Daniel and Patrick – were siblings.
It is perhaps just as well the evidence trail runs out. After all, I am going to have to stop soon and let the actual O’Leary in this household in on the fun.
Jenni