In Reply to: Re: FRANCIE PHILBIN posted by JDP on June 22, 2005 at 17:41:05:

I have vivid memories of Francie Philbin. He and a number of other people lived in hovels, no better than sheds, in an area opposite where Church View Villas is now located. He always turned up the brim of his hat, sported a long beard and carried a blackthorn stick. He was a veteran of the 1914-18 war. When he returned from the war he was asked: 'How did you get on, Francie.' Quick as a wink he replied: 'I'll tell you son, they tamed the lion but they couldnt't tame Phiblin.' Francie's father, Anthony Philbin, had a gunsmith's and locksmith's business in Castle Street, probably where the bookshop is now located. There are many stories told about Francie, including the time he attempted to climb the Reek on a donkey. A photo of Francie and the donkey, at the first station, was published in Castlebar Parish Magazine some years ago.