Kilbarron | Unravelling Shane 1

Stop no. 8

Kilbarron Village

The Lynch family were long associated with the village and attended Mass here regularly—often daily. Shane also attended Sunday Mass during childhood summers spent with his family. Shane’s mother went to the National (Primary) School in the village, which was held in the old small hall that still stands today.

Shane’s parents, Maurice and Therese, were married in Kilbarron Church on August 1st, 1956.

Hannigan’s Pub has been a favourite gathering place for the family for many years, and the bar features an extensive display of photographs and memorabilia. The pub front also appeared in the Shane MacGowan biopic A Crock of Gold.

The Broad Majestic Shannon monument, erected by local residents in tribute to Shane, stands near the church and attracts visitors from around the world.

In the years following Shane’s passing, an annual festival in his memory has been held in the village. At the inaugural event in August 2024, a dedication and blessing ceremony took place at the monument. The dedication was performed by Siobhan, and the blessing was given by the local parish priest, Fr. Michael Cooney.