Athlone and Bigmeadow in County Westmeath, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

Michael Kilkelly

Chiormaster [sic] from Bastion Street

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025

1. Michael Kilkelly Marker

Inscription.
Michael Kilkelly was Organist and Choirmaster in St. Peter's Church, Athlone and taught the young John McCormack from the age of 8. He recognised John McCormack s talent early on and assisted him in progressing his career.

Count John McCormack was a luminous figure in the realm of vocal music. His ethereal tenor voice resonated across continents, making him one of the early 20th century s most celebrated singers. An ambassador of Irish culture, McCormack s renditions transcended the boundaries of classical and popular repertoires, solidifying his legacy as a timeless icon in the world of music

Pictures,
Top Left Michael Kilkelly
Top Right Bastion Gallery and B and B. The home of Michael Kilkelly
Middle Right, Athlone Brass Band c.1875. Michael Kilkelly in the middle with a bowler hat
Bottom Right, Letter from John McCormack to Michael Kilkelly to say he was planning a concert for [?]th August 1905.

Erected by Athlone Tidy Towns, pobal, and spectrum signs (assumed).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1940.

Location. 53° 25.308′ N, 7° 56.793′ W. Marker is in Athlone, Leinster, in County Westmeath

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. It is in Athlone and Bigmeadow. It is at the intersection of Connaught Street and College Lane, on the left when traveling west on Connaught Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Connaught Street, Athlone, Leinster N37 X2K4, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hidden Heartlands. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hannah Greally (here, next to this marker); Desmond Egan (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); History and Heritage of Connaught Street & Environs (about 90 meters away); The Courthouse/Teach Na Cúirte (about 90 meters away); Connaught Street (about 90 meters away); Connaught Street And Environs (about 90 meters away); 1836 National Bank/c.1850 Bishop's Residence (about 120 meters away); John Broderick (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athlone.

More about this marker. The building, which has no association with the marker subject, is vacant but in the day was The Athlone Arms Bar, likely to be razed and the site redeveloped.

Also see . . . When McCormack made a visit back to Athlone (Carey, Westmeath Independent, 2023). (Submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025

2. Michael Kilkelly Marker

On wall, to left of green mailboxes

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.