Honouring a Legacy: Louise Lynch’s Tribute to Her Father

Our latest blog feature comes from none other than our very own Louise Lynch — a talented artist, curator, and one of the creative forces behind Kerry Writers’ Museum, Little Artists Listowel, St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, and the Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective (LVAC).

In this heartfelt piece, Louise reflects on the lasting impact of her late father, John Kehoe, a passionate advocate for rural heritage and the driving force behind the reconstruction of Lios na gCon Ringfort in West Cork. 

From childhood summers spent surrounded by archaeologists, artists and craftspeople to watching her father bring history to life in full Celtic costume, Louise shares a deeply personal journey of heritage, storytelling, and the joy of keeping tradition alive.

Now, with her recent loan of an authentic reproduction of a Celtic costume to Kerry Writers’ Museum, her father’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Read her full story below.

Honouring My Father’s Legacy: A Piece of Celtic History Finds a New Home

Some of my fondest childhood memories are woven into the ancient walls of Lios na gCon Ringfort. 

As a little girl, I spent my summers running through that magical place — first alongside archaeologists from UCC as they carefully unearthed its secrets, and later among a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople who taught me the old ways of dyeing wool and building wattle and daub walls.

Lios na gCon wasn’t just a Ringfort; it was a world of adventure, creativity, and fun. And at the heart of it all was my father, John Kehoe.

Tim Crowley and John Kehoe, members of the Lios na gCon project, West Cork, dressed in period costume as they make repairs to the Round House after the winter. Cork Examiner, March 1991.

Dad was a farmer, an artist, an animal lover, and above all, a champion of rural heritage. But he was also a larger-than-life character — quirky, eccentric, and always up for a bit of mischief. He absolutely loved dressing up in full Celtic costume, covering his face in war paint, and growing his beard long and wild to complete the look. He would participate in festivals and events across West Cork, proudly promoting the Ringfort and sharing stories of our ancestors. Naturally, my sister Elaine and I — teenagers at the time — were mortified! But looking back now, I can’t help but admire his fearless enthusiasm and the joy he brought to everything he did.

Lios na gCon wasn’t just a passion project for Dad — it was a way of life. I grew up in the midst of it, surrounded by animals that made the Ringfort feel even more magical. A gentle Irish Wolfhound, roamed the grounds like a king, while a herd of Seika deer wandered freely, so comfortable with Dad that they’d eat straight from his hand. Looking back now, with children of my own, I appreciate this wonderful childhood of mine even more. 

From the 1980s until his untimely passing in the 2000s, Dad dedicated himself to the reconstruction and development of Lios na gCon, ensuring that its rich history was preserved for generations to come. Through the FÁS schemes he managed, he provided employment to hundreds of people from all walks of life — talented artists, skilled craftspeople, and even those who had arrived in Ireland with no formal training but were eager to learn. Many of them went on to full-time employment thanks to the skills and experience they gained at the Ringfort.

At its peak, Lios na gCon welcomed busloads of visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Dad thrived on sharing the magic of the place with others, and nothing made him happier than seeing people engage with history in a hands-on way.

Lios na gCon Ringfort, West Cork.

It is with immense pride and deep emotion that I loan my father’s beloved Celtic costume to Kerry Writers’ Museum, where it will become part of the new Celtic Warriors & Legends Workshop for children. To know that his legacy will continue to inspire young minds, just as he inspired me, is very special.

John Kehoe wearing his reproduction of a Celtic Costume that is currently on loan to Kerry Writers’ Museum as part of the 2025 School Tours Programme. 

Dad believed in the power of storytelling, in the importance of preserving our past, and in creating spaces where people could come together to create, learn and grow. Though Lios na gCon has since fallen into disrepair, his vision lives on in all those who were touched by his work — and now, in a new generation of children who will experience the magic of Celtic history through Kerry Writers’ Museum’s school tours and children’s workshops.

I know he would be so delighted.

Louise Lynch