Whether you are climbing your family tree or interested in social history, local place names or folklore we welcome you to Glenmore-History.com and hope that you enjoy your visit.
L A T E S T P O S T S
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Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
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From Danny’s Files, Michael “Mick the Mason” Walsh (1874-1948) of Haggard, Glenmore
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From Danny’s Files: Interview of Tom Jones (1905-1978) of Glenmore Village
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The Culliton Brothers of Niagara Falls, N.Y. & Natives of Kilbride, Glenmore
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Lecture: “100 Years of Ireland’s National Police Force, 1925-2025”
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Jim B. (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village [Updated]
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Thatched Houses in Glenmore at the End of WWII [Updated]
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1798: “The Rebels Are Gone to Glenmore”
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The Glen Bar Fire 1987
Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
Eigse Sliabh Rua 2025
We are proud to present the flier for Eigse Sliabh Rua 2025. There are 5 events scheduled for Slieverue. See details below.
Glenmore Walking Tour
Please note that on Saturday the 15th of November commencing at 11 a.m. a historical walking tour of Glenmore Village will take place. Hopefully the weather will co-operate. See further details below.
Kilkenny Library
We have also been asked to circulate the following talk which will take place in the Kilkenny Library.
“Lady Louisa Tighe of Woodstock: A Life Well Spent”
Date: Thursday 20th, November
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Place: Loughboy Library,
Speaker: John Kirwan, retired archivist and manager of the Kilkenny Archives Ltd.
Lady Louisa Tighe (1803-1900) led a fascinating life. She was born in 1803, a daughter of the 4th Duke of Richmond. In 1825, she married William Tighe of Woodstock. Together, they created the High Victorian gardens at Woodstock. During and after the famine they provided help and support to locals & tenants through various schemes. Her husband established the Woodstock Agricultural School in an effort to improve farming methods. Lady Louisa Tighe died in 1900.
Places are limited. Phone 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie to book a place.
James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
The National Archives has the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922 and the index is available on line. The list has the names of two sailors who listed Glenmore as their place of birth. Today, we are going to highlight James O’Neill who provided to the authorities that he was born in Rochestown, Kilkenny in 1853 or 1858 depending on the various crew lists for ships upon which he worked. James O’Neill provides a perfect example of Glenmore people moving to an urban area for more opportunities.
The O’Neill Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
The name Neil/Neill (locally pronounced nail) or O’Neill was not a common name in Rochestown in the mid to late 19th century. Bridget Walsh of Rochestown on 20 August 1855 at Glenmore, married Richard Neil. The witnesses to the marriage were James Murphy and Mary Ryan. This marriage produced seven sons. Their baptisms allow us to track the family from Rochestown Glenmore to Ferrybank. The family moved sometime between 1869 and 1873 to Ferrybank.
[Update–Per the 1957 obituary (below) of James’s son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) his father and grandfather worked on the Suir Ferry that plied between Ferrybank and Waterford City. Thus it appears that his grandfather moved the family to Ferrybank between 1869 and 1873 to take up a job as a ferryman.]
Their eldest child, [1] James Neil was baptized on 15 January 1857 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Neil and Margaret Maher.
[2] John Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 11 October 1859 at Rochestown. His Godparents were John Doyle and Margaret Kennedy.
[3] Michael Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 22 June 1862. His Godparents were John Haberlin and Mary Gahan. Michael O’Neill (labouer) married Margaret Burns on 6 September 1903 at Trinity Without, Waterford.
[4] Daniel Neill was baptized on 18 May 1865. His Godparents were William Walsh and Judith Malone. Daniel Neill (labourer) married Joanna Power on 10 May 1890 at Trinity Within Waterford. Her father was John Power (labourer).
[5] Richard Neil was baptized on 11 August 1867. His Godparents were Thomas Connolly and Maria Gahan. Richard Neil married Ellen Frisby at Ferrybank on 23 October 1894. At the time of the wedding Richard was employed as a sailor. A Richard Neil was located on the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922, however this Richard Neil stated in December 1885 that he was born in Waterford in 1863.
[6] Laurence Neill was born on 25 June 1869 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Walsh and Mary Hennebery.
[7] Thomas Neill was born on 15 April 1873 at Ferrybank per the Civil Birth Register. His mother, Brigid Neil née Walsh registered his birth and made “her mark” on the Register rather than signing it. The Slieverue Church records reveal that Thomas was born on 29 January 1873 and was baptised on 31 January 1873. His Godparents were Michael Walsh and Ellen Dargan. Thomas Neill, of Ferrybank, married Bridget Sutton on 27 June 1900. The bride’s father was John Sutton (labourer).
Richard Neil and Bridget Neil née Walsh
It was difficult to locate birth or death records for Richard Neil and his wife Bridget Walsh. A Richard Neil was baptized 23 September 1832 at Ballahabuck (sic) Glenmore to Daniel Neil and his wife Mary Warran. A Richard Neil was baptized 24 March 1840 at Rahanure (sic) Glenmore the son of Laurence Neil and Ellen Kennedy. Rathinure is adjacent to Rochestown, but given Richard married Bridget in 1855 it is unlikely he was born in 1840.
In terms of Bridget Neil née Walsh a death record was found for a Bridget Neil who died 24 August 1888 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. She was a 74 year old widow of farm a labourer. Her son James Neil was present at her death. This may be Bridget Neil née Walsh except her age would be incorrect. Bridget Neil née Walsh had her last son in 1873. If she were 74 in 1888, she was born about 1814 and she would have been 59 when she gave birth to Thomas in 1873.
A Richard Neill died 29 January 1873 at the Waterford workhouse hospital. He was a married labourer 60 years of age. He died of chronic bronchitis. If this is Bridget Neil née Walsh’s husband he was born about 1813 and died the day their youngest son Thomas was born.
James O’Neill (1857-1933) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
As stated above James O’Neill was born in Rochestown in 1857 per his baptismal record. When signing on as a crew member James gave different years of birth. For example, in 1881 he gave his birth year as 1853, yet the previous year he gave his birth year as 1858. What is consistent in the records is his place of birth, Rochestown, Kilkenny.
Able Seaman
James O’Neill (b. 1853 at Rochestown, Kilkenny) signed onto the Geraldine at Waterford on 9 May 1881 as an able seaman. He was required to be on board at 6 a.m. It was agreed that he would be paid £3 per month and was given an advance of 1/10. There was no agreed weekly or monthly allotment to be paid. He was discharged at Waterford on 3 September 1881. He was paid the balance of his wages or £9 10d at his discharge (Ireland, Crew Lists & Shipping Agreements, 1863-1920).
James O’Neill (b. 1852, Kilkenny) joined the Lynwood (Vessel Number 73993) on 4 July 1888 at Waterford as an able seaman and reported his age as 36. He left the ship on 15 October 1888 (Aberystwyth, Wales, Index to Crew Lists, 1850-1914).
James O’Neill & Annie O’Neill née Butler
On June 23, 1886 James O’Neil (sailor) married Anne Butler, of the Mall, Waterford. The couple were married in Trinity Within, of Waterford City. The bride’s father was John Butler, the Mall, Waterford City.
The 1901 Census provides that James had given up being a sailor and was employed as a general labourer. The family was residing on the Lower Yellow Road, Waterford City. James and Annie were both 40 years of age, and they had 7 children. Helpfully Annie’s surname was recorded as Butler in the census. In 1901 the couple had five boys and two girls. Their son John O’Neill was 13; Richard O’Neill was 12; Mary O’Neill was 10; Thomas O’Neill was 7; Laurence O’Neill was 5; George O’Neill was 3 and Annie O’Neill was 1.
The 1911 Census finds the family living at 23 New Ports Lane, Waterford City. James O’Neill reported his profession as “boatman.” He was 49, but his wife Annie was only 46. Their children who were still at home included: John O’Neill, aged 23 was employed as a van man; Richard O’Neill was 21 and was a van man; Thomas O’Neill was 18 and also a van man; Laurence O’Neill was 15 and employed as a messenger; George O’Neill was 13 and still at school; as were Annie O’Neill, aged 11 and Bridget O’Neill aged 8.
We believe in 1911 their daughter Mary O’Neill was working as a domestic servant for Alderman Richard Hearne, J.P. and family at 5 William St., Waterford City. She gave her age as 17 and recorded that she had been born in County Kilkenny. We know from her father’s obituary below that he was employed by the Waterford Corporation as a ferryman for over 40 years at the time of his death in 1933.
[Update–Their son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) also worked on the Suir Ferry until it stopped operating. Obituaries for Richard (1890-1957) and his brother Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980) are below.]
Deaths
James O’Neill, of Newport Lane, Waterford died 11 July 1933, aged 70 years at the County Hospital. His profession was listed as labourer, he was married and died of bronchitis and senility. His widow, Anne O’Neill died 15 November 1940 at 24 Newport Lane, aged 70. Their son Richard O’Neill, of 19 Morrison’s Road, was present when she died of cardiac failure.
James and Annie O’Neill must have lived a quiet life as no local newspaper articles could be located regarding them. A short obituary was located for James O’Neill.
“FERRYMAN’S DEMISE—The death occurred on Wednesday morning at St. Patrick’s Hospital, of Mr. James O’Neill, Newport’s Lane, who had been ferryman at the Corporation ferry for over forty years. The late Mr. O’Neill was well known among a wide circle, particularly devotees of boating, and although 70 years of age, he was working as usual up to nine months ago, when he was first stricken with illness” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1933, p. 2). According to my calculations James O’Neill was 77 years of age when he died in 1933.
From a quick review of local newspapers it appears that the Waterford Ferry was in operation since ancient times. At some point the ferry service was purchased by the Waterford Bridge Committee. By 1920 it was reported that the service needed an update to meet the needs of the new meat factory being built at Cromwell’s Rock (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 19 March 1920, p. 2). In 1925 it was reported that the Sunday Service was operating at a loss. The receipts on the Sunday Ferry Service for the 4 weeks ending 8 February were £4 19/3 and wages £5 12/-, leaving a loss of 12/9 (Munster Express, Fri. 13 Feb. 1925, p. 5).
For a fascinating short article on the Waterford Ferry see, P.J. Ryan (1997) “Memories of the Old Waterford Ferry” Old Kilkenny Review 1997, p. 163-165. Interestingly, two cousins named John and Dick O’Neill worked as Waterford ferrymen in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Hopefully further research can confirm if they were sons or nephews of James O’Neill (1857-1933).
Further Research
[Thanks to a Waterford reader who was a neighbour we learned that Dick O’Neill was the son of James O’Neill and Dick died about 1955 at his home on Morrisson’s Road, Waterford. Two obituaries were located for 1957.]
Obituary for Richard “Dick” O’Neill (1890-1957) Suir Ferryman
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2) provided, MR. RICHARD O’NEILL—a retired Corporation worker, of Morrisson’s Road, Waterford, who fell down the stairs in his home yesterday (Thursday) fortnight, and sustained severe head injuries, died at St. Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, on Tuesday. He was removed to the hospital in an unconscious condition and passed away without regaining consciousness.
Husband of the late Mrs. Ellen O’Neill (nee O’Riordan), deceased was for a long number of years employed on the Waterford Corporation ferry service before it was discontinued some years ago. Mr. O’Neill’s father and grandfather before him were also employed in a similar capacity. On the dissolution of the ferry service, Mr. O’Neill was appointed caretaker of the John’s Lane Park, and subsequently was employed in different capacities by the Corporation. He retired last September.
Father of Messrs. James O’Neill, Morrisson’s Road, attached ot the Waterford G.P.O.; Sean O’Neill, Convent Hill, Waterford-Massey Ironfounders, Ltd.; Thomas O’Neill, Armatage Staffs, England and Mrs. Kathleen Walsh, The Aviary, Marian Park. He was brother of Mr. Thomas O’Neill, Newport St., Waterford Accompanied by a large and representative cortege the remains were conveyed to the Church of the Holy Faith on Tuesday. (Munster Express, Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2).
The Waterford News & Star, (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 3) provided further information, “The name of O’Neill in Waterford was synonymous with the Suir ferry, which was operated by the Corporation up to some years ago. Richard O’Neill, his father, and his grandfather, each in turn, ran the ferry service.”
Obituary for Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980)
While looking for the ferryman John O’Neill we came across the obituary for James’s son Thomas (c. 1893-1980).
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 Oct. 1980, p. 2) published, “Mr. Thomas O’Neill, of 24 Newport’s Terrace, Waterford, whose death took place recently in Ardkeen Hospital, was in his earlier years employed by Messrs. M. O’Sullivan and Sons Ltd. Ballinaneeshagh and formerly of High St., Waterford. He was aged87 and was pre-deceased by hi wife, Mrs. Agness O’Neill. He was father of Mr. Martin O’Neil, Gracedieu Road, Waterford and Mrs. Nan Power, Doyle Street, do. His remains were removed to Ballybricken Church ad following Requiem Mass, the funeral took place for interment in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.” The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 3 Oct. 1980, p. 19) listed a second son Mr. Thomas O’Neill, England and noted that his daughter Mrs. Nan Power, Shopkeeper, Doyle Street. He left 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
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The featured drawing above is “The Ferry Boat,” an engraving from Lady’s Own Paper, Sat. 8 October 1870, p. 4.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files, Michael “Mick the Mason” Walsh (1874-1948) of Haggard, Glenmore
Earlier in the week we published a short interview that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) conducted of Tom Jones (1908-1978) of Glenmore Village. Tom during the interview mentioned Mick Walsh of the “Masonry Walsh’s” was building “a bridge” in the Village when his grandfather died in 1912. Also within the file was an article about a court case in 1912 held at Thomastown arising over Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) bicycle. We have since located an obituary and newspapers articles that reveal that Michael Walsh built the Glenmore and Slieverue Creameries as well as a new Garda Station in Inistioge in 1938 (Waterford Standard, Sat. 23 Oct. 1937, p. 10, contract awarded). One of our readers noted that this Haggard family were known as the “Mhicil’s” [pronounced Vickel’s]. Mhicil is Irish for Michael.
The Bicycle Case
The Kilkenny People ( Sat. 22 June 1912, p. 3) published details of the bicycle case. On Thursday, the 13th of June 1912 the Hon. David Fitzgerald, K.C. County Court Judge sat in the Thomastown Courthouse and opened the business of the quarter Sessions for the Thomastown district.
William J. Cordner was a cycle agent with a shop on Henrietta Street in Waterford. In 1912, Cordner sued Michael Walsh, mason and contractor, Haggard, Glenmore to recover £2 14s. 6d. for repairing and overhauling Walsh’s bicycle. Walsh counter-sued claiming damages to cover the expenses he incurred because Cordner had not carried out his instructions. Walsh claimed he had to pay 3s. 6d. a week for the hire of a bicycle while his own machine was lying in Cordner’s workshop. He also included in his claim an item for expenses incurred in going to Waterford about his bicycle. Solicitor H.D. Keane, of Waterford represented the plaintiff Cordner, and Solicitor O’Conner represented the defendant Walsh.
Cordner testified that Michael Walsh came to his establishment in Waterford and asked for a quotation for doing up his bicycle. Cordner stated his price of £2 7s for the agreed upon work. The bicycle was to be stove enamelled, and plated with old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. A few days later Walsh brought in his bicycle and it was in very bad shape.
During the trial, the bicycle was placed on the witness table to allow the Judge to examine it. Some of the old parts that Cordner said he replaced out of necessity were also produced for the Judge to examine. The difference of 7s. 6d. represented the cost of the new parts.
In cross examination by Mr. O’Connor, Cordner stated that the lining of the bicycle was never mentioned. “If the defendant had asked him to line the bicycle he would have done so with the greatest pleasure.” When Walsh saw the bicycle finished, himself and a friend who was with him, expressed themselves highly pleased with it. In fact, Walsh told Cordner that he would not have recognised it as his own machine owing to its improved appearance.
The defendant Walsh was sworn. On direct examination he stated that he was in the habit of carrying out contracts around the country. The bicycle was to be stove-enamelled. Cordner agreed to do the work for £2 7s. Walsh claimed the bicycle he took to Cordner was almost as good as a new and it required no new parts. He stated that he bought the bicycle 3 years before. He asked to have the bicycle stove enamelled, plated and lined, and Cordner said he would carry out the instructions.
Walsh claimed that when he took the bicycle to Cordner the front wheel was bright. At trial he noted it was removed and full of rust. When he saw the bicycle finished, he was not pleased with it at all. He noticed that several new, and what he considered were inferior parts had been put on it. None of his bicycle remained except the frame. All he wanted to have done was to have his own bicycle, which was a strong one, properly repaired. He did not want any new parts put onto it. He stated that he refused to pay for the repairs because he considered the machine produced in court was not as good for the work he had to do with it as was the one he brought to Cordner
Cordner’s solicitor stated to Walsh, “But you are getting a new bicycle instead of an old one that was scarcely worth rolling across the bridge when you brought it into Waterford.” Cordner produced the book in which he had entered Walsh’s instructions concerning the bicycle. It was to be stove enamelled, plated, and the old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. He produced the old front wheel which was in the same condition then as it was when the bicycle was brought in to be repaired. It was almost eaten through with rust, and it could not be put on the machine again “if a good job was to be done.” He made a first-class machine out of the old bicycle, and the old parts were only replaced where necessary and the new parts were of the best possible make.
The Judge gave a decree for the claimed amount and dismissed the counter claim. In other words, Cordner was awarded £2 14s. 2d.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Parents & Siblings
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) was the son of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) (stone mason) of Haggard, and Margaret Walsh née Moore (c. 1852 -1917) of Knockbrack, Glenmore. His parents were married on 1 August 1870. The wedding records reflect that the groom’s father was also Michael Walsh, and he was deceased at the time of the wedding. The bride’s father was Michael Moore (labourer).
The children of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) and his wife Margaret Walsh née Moore included:
- Mary Walsh (b. 26 Jan. 1872)
- Michael Walsh (b. 23 Sept. 1874)
- Ellen Walsh (b. 28 Nov. 1876)
- Edmund “Ned the Mason” Walsh (b. 6 June 1880)
- Brigid Walsh (1882-1958) married Joseph Walsh of Drumdowney, Slieverue
- Margaret Walsh (1885-1956) on 9 Oct. 1917 at Glenmore, Edward Griffin (railway man) of Rathpatrick married Margaret Walsh, dressmaker of Haggard.
- Andrew Walsh (b. 30 May 1888) per family obits Andrew emigrated to the U.S.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Wife and Child
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) married Anastatia Walsh (1874-1948) of Ballyhomuck, Mullinavat, on 3 March 1908 at Glenmore. The groom’s father was Michael Walsh (mason of Haggard) and bride’s father was Thomas Walsh (farmer of Ballyhomuck).
Anastatia Walsh née Walsh was baptized at Bigwood on 29 October 1874 to Thomas Walsh and Mary Carroll. Her parents were married at Glenmore on 9 February 1871. Thomas Walsh was the son of John Walsh (farmer) of Ballyhomic (sic) and her mother was Mary Carroll, the daughter of Richard Carroll (farmer) of Foristalstown, Glenmore.
Michael Walsh and his wife Anastatia Walsh were living at Cappagh, Glenmore when their son Michael Walsh was born on 10 April 1910. As far as we have been able to find this was their only child. Michael Walsh (1910-1984) did not follow the family trade of becoming a stone mason. He obtained a degree in Agricultural Science and in the 1930’s became a vocational teacher and later, Headmaster of Ferbane (Offaly) Vocational School. He married a Glenmore girl, Margaret Roche, the daughter of Thomas Roche (c. 1875 -1960) of Coolnaleen, Glenmore.
Death of Michael & Anastatia Walsh, of Haggard Glenmore
Michael Walsh died the 24th of July 1948 at Haggard. He was married and aged 73. He died of cancer of the larynx. His son Michael Walsh (1910-1984) was present when he died.
Michael Walsh’s death notice was published in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3) “DEATH—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, whose death has taken place was a mason by trade and was responsible for the erection of Slieverue and Glenmore creameries.” A longer obituary was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3).
Death of Mr. Michael Walsh—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, who died at his residence on Saturday night last, was a well known mason by trade in former years, and built many houses in the area, as well as constructing the creameries at Slieverue, Glenmore, and other places, which will remain as a monument to his art and genius. Deceased who had attained to the age of over 70 years, was husband of Mrs. Walsh, Haggard; father of Mr. Michael Walsh, Technical Instructor; and brother of Mr. Ed Walsh, Glenmore (also a well-known mason); Mr. Andrew Walsh, U.S.A.; Mrs. Walsh, Slieverue; and Mrs. Ed. Griffin, Rathpatrick, do. To all of whom sincere sympathy will be extended in the sad loss they have sustained. Interment took place at the family burial ground at Glenmore on Monday, in presence of a large attendance of relatives and sympathisers.—R.I.P.
Five months later Michael’s widow, Anastatia Walsh née Walsh, died on 7 December 1948 at Haggard of senile decay. She was 73 years old. Her son Michael Walsh (1919-1984) was present at her death.
We will be adding a number of Walsh obituaries to our W Surname Page that were located in researching this post.
The featured drawing above is “Stone Mason at Work,” Louis Phillippe Joseph, duc de Chartres (French 1762) courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum (New York).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Interview of Tom Jones (1905-1978) of Glenmore Village
On the 27th of March 1971, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Tom Jones (1905-1978) of Glenmore Village. The interview is only three paragraphs, but it does appear to answer the question of when the stream that once was the border between the townlands of Graiguenakill and Robinstown was altered in the Village.
Tom Jones’s Parents and Maternal Grandparents
Tom’s parents were George Jones (c. 1866-1945) and Bridget Murphy (1870-1945). Tom’s parents died within two months of each other. Tom’s maternal grandmother was Mrs. Mary Murphy (b.c. 1831) of Moulerstown. His maternal grandfather was Patrick Murphy (c. 1835-1912). According to Tom his grandmother’s maiden name was Rigby. She was born near Cat’s Rock, Glenmore. She worked on the building of the road from Glenmore to Tom Connolly’s. It is assumed that this referred to Tom Connolly, of the Mile Post. In any event, Mary was paid 2d per day for her work on the road.
Tom believed that his grandmother may have been married twice. He thought her first husband was Laurence Hartley’s father. A review of parish records provides that Laurence Hartley was born in 1901 to Laurence Hartley and Mary Murphy. The couple were married in 1888 in Rosbercon. This Mary Murphy was the daughter of James Murphy. Tom’s grandparents were married in 1869. However, it was his grandfather, Patrick Murphy, who was married twice not his grandmother.
According to Tom his grandparents met when Mary Rigby went on “binding operations down in his country” which he referred to as Iverk. On 30 September 1869, at Slieverue, Mary Rigby of Molarstown (sic) married Patrick Murphy (c.1838-1912) (widower) of Ballynooney East (Mullinavat?). Their fathers were recorded as Laurence Rigby (deceased farm labourer) and James Murphy (farm labourer).
1911 Census
Two children were born to this union. Tom’s mother, Bridget Murphy, was born in 1870 and his uncle, Jack Murphy, was born in 1872. In the 1911 Census, Mary Murphy née Rigby stated that she was 80 and her husband Patrick Murphy reported he was 76. The couple resided in Moulerstown, and their son Jack (aged 38) and his growing family lived next door.
The Death of Patrick Murphy in Glenmore Village
Tom stated in his interview that his grandfather, Pat Murphy was over 80 when he died. He was at the Jones house in the Village “when he got bad in Dunnes Workshop, Cappagh on a Good Friday. The same day a bridge was being built in the Village.” Mick Walsh, of the “Masonry Walsh’s,” [of Haggard] was on the building of the bridge. When Pat Murphy died he discontinued the work for the day. A death cert was located for Patrick Murphy. He died on 5 April 1912 of aortic regurgitation. His daughter Bridget Jones was present when he died. In 1912, Good Friday did fall on 5 April. Tom was only 7 years old when his grandfather died.
Moving the Stream in Glenmore Village
In his interview notes Danny wrote, “Before that time the water ran down in front of our house in the Village.” We believe that the stream that ran from the Creamery down into the Village ran in front of Danny’s house and was re-routed to meet the stream coming from Mullinahone at what is now the pub side of the bridge. There are two upstream arches visible from the Coach House. One is for the Mullinahone stream that once powered Gaffney’s Mill and the other is for the stream that flows from the Creamery down under the Vee Road, through what was Fluskey’s field behind Hanrahan’s, under Barry Jones’s drive, out next to the late Marita Cummings home and under the road where the Robinstown Road meets the Churns Road.
Tom also explained that the Dunne’s Workshop was for carpenters and it was located in an old house that once stood in Patsy Ryan’s yard [near where Pauline Power now lives].
See our post of 23 May 2020 regarding the pollution of the Village pumps within 2 decades.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Culliton Brothers of Niagara Falls, N.Y. & Natives of Kilbride, Glenmore
While researching a shipwreck an obituary from a New York newspaper revealed two Glenmore brothers who emigrated to Niagara Falls, New York in the late 1860’s. The name Culleton was long associated with Kilbride, Glenmore although sadly it has become “extinct” in the townland as Danny Dowling (1927-2021) would have said. What Danny meant was that the name was no longer present although there are descendants present. We have found several different spellings of the name Culleton/Culliton/Coleton etc.
In Kilbride there were two Culleton families. Perhaps the families had nicknames to distinguish them. If you are aware of how locals distinguished the two Culleton families please comment below. The oldest located Culleton baptismal parish records reflect two families in Kilbride. Michael Culleton, of Kilbride, was baptized 27 July 1777, the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Eleanor Grant. Eleven years later another Michael Culleton was baptized in Kilbride on 13 January 1788, the son of James Culleton and his wife Mary Haberlin. James Colleton (sic) and Mary Haberlin of Glinmore (sic) were married at Slieverue on 17 April 1784.
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The obituary that revealed the Glenmore brothers was published in the Niagara Falls News (11 Feb. 1907, p. 1).
Michael Culleton—The death of Michael Culleton, which occurred at the family home, No. 1517 South Avenue, at 2:10 o’clock this morning, removes a highly respected citizen of this city. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny County, Ireland, August 10, 1843. He came to this country in 1869, and to Niagara Falls in 1873. He was for many years in the employ of the Erie railroad as a baggageman at Suspension Bridge. He resigned this position and entered the milk business. He was forced to give this up on account of ill health and sold out to the Niagara Dairy company, in which he was at the time of his death a large stockholder. Mr. Culleton has for many years served as a flagman on the Pine Avenue crossing of the Erie railroad.
Deceased is survived by one brother, James Culleton of Buffalo, four daughters and three sons, all of this city, and his death will also be regretted by a large circle of friends. He was a man of unusual intelligence and estimable character. He was a member of the C.M.B.A. The funeral will be held from the Sacred Heart Church Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will be made in St. Mary’s cemetery. [To view Michael’s headstone see, Findagrave.]
It is of interest to note that the first horse ever used by the Niagara Falls fire department was purchased from Mr. Culleton.
From the above obituary it appeared that Michael was a widower. However, an obituary from the Niagara Falls Gazette (11 February 1907) revealed that he was survived by his spouse, but the Gazette made no mention of the horse he sold to the fire department.
“Michael Culliton, a resident of this city for the last 40 years died at his home no. 137 South Avenue this morning. The deceased was 63 years old. Besides his wife he is survived by four daughters Alice, C.; Nellie G.; Margaret W. Culliton and Mrs. Daul (sic) Curry and three sons James V.; Thomas F.; and Edward J. Culliton, all of this city. The deceased was for a long time employed by the Erie railroad but of late had engaged in the milk business.“
The 1900 Census
The 1900 Federal Census provided that Michael Culliton was born in August 1843, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1865. His wife, Anastasia was born in August 1850, and she emigrated in 1870. The couple were married 27 years (c. 1873) and 8 children were born, but only 7 children were alive in 1900. The family lived at 1317 South Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York.
Michael Culliton’s Family
From cemetery markers etc. we were able to glean that Anastasia Culliton’s (1850-1919) maiden name was Costello. The children were: (1) James Culliton (1874-1920); (2) Mary A. Culliton (b. 1876); (3) Thomas Culliton (b. 1878); (4) John J. Culliton (1882-1882); (5) Nellie G. Culliton Albright (1883-1950); (6) Margaret W. Culliton Savage (1884-1964); (7) Edward J. Culliton and (8) Joseph Culliton (b. 1887).
For interesting information concerning, Niagara Falls, New York, see “The Movement to Save Niagara Falls,” (2025) on New York Almanack website.
James Culliton (1847-1927) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The Buffalo News (Wed. 10 Aug. 1927, p. 29) published the following obituary which highlighted some important events that occurred in Buffalo while James lived there.
“James Culliton—One of the first Buffalonians who had his residence “north of Cold Spring,” has passed from the neighbourhood which was a wilderness when he went to live there 48 years ago. He is James Culliton, who celebrated his 79th birthday a couple of weeks ago on the same spot, 2977 Main Street, where he first settled in Buffalo in 1879.
Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mr. Culliton came to America in 1869 at the age of 19. He first located at Niagara Falls, where he was employed for a time by the New York Central. In a few years, he went to work for the Erie railroad, moving to Buffalo where he continued in that Company’s employ for 51 years. [Editor’s note–Buffalo is approximately 20 miles from Niagara Falls, New York.]
Buffalo’s greatest growth has come during the span of close to half a century during which Mr. Culliton lived here. He saw its population more than double and Central Park Region change from an uninhabited area of woods and fields to one of the principal residence sections of the city. President McKinley’s assassination and the public upheaval which followed were all a part of Mr. Culliton’s memories of earlier Buffalo.
Mr. Culliton is survived by four sons and three daughters, all residents of Buffalo. They are: Edward H.; William C.; Richard J.; Joseph E.; and Miss Catherine M. Culliton; Mrs. Hannah Madigan and Mrs. John Brennan. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from Saint Joseph’s Church, 3269 Main Street. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The Rev. Joseph Schemel, pastor of Saint Joseph’s will officiate.” To view James’s headstone see Findagrave.
James was a widower at the time of his death in 1927. His wife, Johanna died in 1918. (The Buffalo Times, Fri 1 Nov. 1918, p. 13).
Mrs. Johanna Culliton—The funeral of Mrs. Johanna Culliton, who died at her late home, No. 2977 Main Street, will be held tomorrow morning at 2 o’clock (sic), from St. Joseph’s Church, Main St. Mrs. Culliton was born in Ireland, and came to this country 40 years ago, residing first at Niagara Falls. She had been a resident of Buffalo for 29 years. She was one of Buffalo’s most respected and esteemed residents and hosts of friends mourn her sudden and unexpected death. She is survived by four sons, William C., Richard, J.; Edward H.; and Joseph Culliton, and three daughters, Mrs. Jeremiah Brennan; Mrs. S.V. Madigan; and Caroline Culliton. Interment will be at St. Mary’s cemetery, Niagara Falls.
Thus, James was buried in Mount Calvary of Buffalo and his wife was buried in St. Mary’s of Niagara Falls, however no grave could be located for Johanna Culliton (c. 1853-1918).
1910 Census
In the 1910 Federal Census, (Buffalo Ward 17) James Culliton was 61 years of age and recorded that he had been married for 40 years. He emigrated in 1870 and was naturalized. His wife was Johanna and she emigrated from Ireland in 1868. They had 10 children and 7 of the children were living at the time of the 1910 census. James worked for a railroad as a section foreman.
James Culliton’s Family
Identifying the children of this family proved difficult because it appears that in different census the children were identified by different names and family members were identified with different dates of birth. For example, in the 1900 Federal Census the father James was reported as being born in September 1850 and his wife Johanna was born in January 1853. In the 1880 Federal Census James was 32 (b.c. 1848) and Johanna was 30 (b.c. 1850). It was recorded that James could not read or write which may explain the different dates given across various records. Known children located in Census and cemetery markers include: (1) James Culliton (b.c. 1871 per 1875 State Census); (2) Mary Culliton (c. 1874) married Jeremiah Brennan in 1902; (3) William C. Culliton (c. 1875-1955); (4) John Culliton (b.c. 1877); (5) Edward H. Culliton (1879-1960); (6) Richard J. Culliton (b.c. 1881); (7) Catherine Culliton (b.c. 1885-1947); (8) Johanna “Anna” Culliton Madigan (b.c. 1886) and (9) E. Joseph Culliton (1886-1935).
The Culleton Families of Kilbride, Glenmore
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and his brother James Culliton (1843-1927) were baptized respectively at Kilbride, on 11 August 1843, and 9 June 1847, the sons of James Culliton and his wife Mary Murphy. To determine which Kilbride family the brothers belonged we examined headstones for both families as well as parish records.
Family A–Johnny Culleton line
Johnny Culleton (1911-1998) m. Maggie Reid (c. 1918 -2009)
Johnny’s parents: James Culleton (1867 -1962) m. Hannah Grace (c. 1873 -1950)
Johnny’s grandparents: John Culleton (1836-1882) m. Bridget Walsh (c. 1876 -1917)
Johnny’s great-grandparents: James Culleton (c. 1807 -1847) m. Mary Murphy
Thus, Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and James Culliton (1847-1927) were Johnny Culleton’s (1911-1998) great uncles or Johnny’s grandfather John’s brothers.
Family B–Jim Culleton line
Given the names Michael and James it was initially believed that the two brothers were from Jim’s line. We have included this line for completeness. For more information on this line see our post of 26 August 2024 and 8 October 2020 concerning Patrick Culleton (b. 1848) the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Ellen Morrissy.
Jim Culleton (c. 1927-2012 m. Anna Brennan ( c. 1933- 2025)
Jim’s parents: Michael Culleton (1878-1968) m. Alice Hartley (1895-1982)
Jim’s grandparents: James Culleton (1845-1912) m. Margaret O’Connor (c. 1840-1918)
Jim’s great-grandparents: Michael Colleton (sic) m. Ellen Morrissy
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to everyone who was contacted today for information including: Michael Roche; Paschal Roche; Mary Doherty née Culleton; Michael Hoynes and Ann O’Rourke.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of Niagara Falls, New York, is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “The great cataract of Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A. [Hand-colored view. 1850-1930]” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cbe58960-c55c-012f-c5eb-58d385a7bc34
The photo of the tug pulling a ship through ice at Buffalo, New York in May 1869 is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Tug and vessel in the ice, May 1869.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cca47580-c553-012f-ee68-58d385a7bc34
Lecture: “100 Years of Ireland’s National Police Force, 1925-2025”
Ed Synott has just sent on the details for the next South Kilkenny Society’s lecture. It sounds like it will be a fascinating lecture.
The lecture will take place on Thursday the 30th of October 2025 at 8 p.m. The lecture will be delivered by Conor Brady in person at the Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church) or via Zoom (Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85987326523 and Meeting ID: 859 8732 6523, 8 p.m. Dublin time).
Centenary of The Irish National Police Force
This year marks the 100 anniversary of the merging of An Garda Síochána (which was established in 1923) and the DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) to establish a national police force.
Speaker’s Connection to An Garda Síochána
According to the Garda Síochána Retired Members Association website gardahistory.com, Conor Brady is an Irish journalist, novelist and academic. Formerly, Conor was Editor of The Irish Times, an Editor of the Garda Review, a contributor on RTÉ and a former Commissioner of the Garda Ombudsman. He wrote two history books regarding the Garda Síochána: Guardians of the Peace: The Early Years of the Irish Police Force (2000); and The Guarding of Ireland: The Garda Siochana & the Irish State 1960-2014 (2014).
Conor is also the son of Cornelius (Con) Brady, who joined An Garda Síochána in 1923 and died in service in 1962. Superintendent Con Brady was one of the Garda Superintendents who shouldered the coffin of Kevin O’Higgins, the assassinated Minister for Justice in 1927. For Conor’s 2021 interview see the Garda Síochána Retired Member Association, gardahistory.com website.