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L A T E S T P O S T S
Maurice Hennebry (1859-1917) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore—Killed on the S.S. Formby
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Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
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From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
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November Updates
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A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
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Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) Parish Priest of Glenmore
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Glenmore Walking Tour 2025
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Interviews of Andrew Heffernan (1893-1975) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
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Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
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James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
Maurice Hennebry (1859-1917) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore—Killed on the S.S. Formby
The National Archives has the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922, and it is available on line. The list has the names of two sailors who listed Glenmore as their place of birth. Previously we examined James O’Neill (1857-1933) in our post of 2 November 2025.
Today, we are going to highlight Maurice Hennebery/Henebry/Heneberry who provided to the authorities that he was born in Glenmore in 1859 or 1860 depending on the crew lists. We shall utilize the various spellings below, but because the family headstone spelled the name Hennebry that is what we consider the correct family spelling.
While researching this Glenmore native we found that not only was his surname spelled in official documents in a number of ways, but the man held a number of different jobs. Before joining the merchant navy we learned that Maurice Hennebry enlisted as a soldier in the British Army. During his enlistment in 1888 he served in the Second Afghan War. Before going to sea he was also a rural post man. However, Maurice Hennebry is perhaps best remembered for perishing with his son Walter when their ship, the S.S. Formby, was sank by a U Boat in the Irish sea in December 1917.
Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
Just like James O’Neill, Maurice Hennebry was born in Rochestown, Glenmore. Maurice Henebery was born 17 December 1859 in Rochestown, Glenmore to Patrick Henebery (c. 1821-1892) and Ellen Denn. He was the third eldest child of the family.
His Parents
His parents Patrick Henebery (c. 1821-1892) and Ellen Denn (b.c. 1824) were married at Glenmore on 22 May 1855. We believe that Ellen was baptized at Glenmore on 22 August 1824, the daughter of Edmund Den (sic) and Ellen Aide. A Patrick Henebry was baptized at Busherstown, Glenmore on 17 September 1821 the son of Walter Henebry and Mary Crooks.
His Siblings
The following children of Patrick Henebery and his first wife Ellen Denn were identified:
[1] Mary Henebery was baptized 15 May 1856;
[2] Walter Henebery was born 26 July 1858;
[3] Maurice Henebery was born 17 December 1859;
[4] Patrick Henebery was born 21 November 1861;
[5] Alice Henebery was born 7 February 1864. The birth register records that her father Patrick was working as a fisherman when she was born.
Sometime before June 1873 Maurice’s mother died. His father, Patrick Henneberry (carpenter) of Rochestown, a widower, married Margaret Dowley (b.c. 1844) of Shambo on 16 June 1873 at Shambo. Patrick’s father was listed in the marriage register as Walter Henneberry (labourer)and the brides’ father was John Dowley (labourer). Patrick’s age was recorded as 42 and his second wife was 28.
His Half Siblings
Patrick Henebery (c. 1821-1892) had at least 5 children with his second wife.
[6] Catherine Heneberry was born at Rochestown on 1 August 1874. Her father Patrick was employed as a farm labourer. Her mother’s name is recorded as Margaret Doole
[7] Bridget Heneberry was born at Rochestown on 21 February 1876. Her mother is recorded as Margaret Dowley.
[8] Richard Heneberry was born at Rochestown on 21 October 1877. His mother was recorded as Margaret Dooley.
[9] Margaret Heneberry was born at Rochestown on 7 August 1879.
[10] Michael Henebary was born at Rochestown on 29 September 1882. His father’s recorded trade is carpenter.
Patrick Heneberry died on 14 July 1892 of chronic bronchitis that he suffered with for two years. His widow, Margaret Heneberry was with him at the time of his death at home in Rochestown. His age at death was said to be 62, but he was probably 71.
1901 & 1911 Census for Rochestown, Glenmore
In the 1901 Census Margaret Henneberry is a 54 year old widow living in Rochestown with two of her unmarried children. Bridget Henneberry is 24 and working as a general servant. Michael Henneberry is 18 and working as a navvy for the railway. It is assumed that Michael was employed in the building of the New Ross to Waterford line. By the 1911 Census Margaret Henneberry was recorded as 72 years of age and blind. Her son Michael was 28 and working as a fisherman. Her daughter Bridget was 30 and also residing with her.
The Enlistment of Maurice Henebry (1859-1917) of Rochestown, Glenmore
Maurice Heneberry joined the British Army on 6 July 1877. He was 18 years and 2 months old. He was a labourer and signed up for six years army service and six years reserve service. He joined at the Currah and was recruited for the 69th Brigade at Waterford on the 2nd day of July 1844 at 8:30 a,m, by Sergt, John McLoughlin.
Maurice was described as 5 ft 7 inches tall with a chest that measured 35 inches. He had grey eyes, sandy hair and a freckled complexion. He listed his father Patrick Heneberry of Glenmore, Kilkenny as his next of kin.
His army record reveals that Maurice served in the Afghan Campaign 1880 and was awarded a campaign service medal. Maurice was married to Bridget Hennebery, at Slieverue on 17 July 1885. His character was described as good when he was passed to the Reserve on 3 July 1889. (UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Soldier Service Records, 1760-1920 for Maurice Heneberry of the 69th Regimental Number 69b/1410 Enlistment year 1877.)
Marriage of Maurice Hennebry of Rochestown, Glenmore
On 17 February 1885 Maurice Henneberry (labourer) married Bridget Henneberry (1857-1921) of Ballyrowan, Slieverue. The groom’s father was Patrick Henneberry (carpenter) and the bride’s father was Edward Henneberry (labourer). The witnesses were John O’Neill and Johanna O’Neill. Without addresses for the witnesses it is not clear, but John O’Neill (the brother of ferryman James O’Neill (1857-1933)) was born the same year as Maurice in Rochestown.
The bride was baptized on 13 August 1857 at Ballyrarough (sic), Slieverue. She was the daughter of Edmond Heneberry and his wife Bridget Walsh.
Known Children of Maurice Hennebry (1859-1913) of Rochestown, Glenmore
[1] Patrick Henneberry (1886-c. 1886) was born 21 January 1886 at Ballyrough, Slieverue. His father Maurice was employed as a postal letter carrier.
[2] Patrick Edward? Heneberry (1887-1919?) was born on 19 April 1887 at Ballyrowrah, Slieverue. His father was employed as a “rural postman.” Per the family headstone Edward died in the US in 1919.
[3] Walter Heneberry (1889-1917) was born 7 April 1889 at Ballyrourah, Slieverue.
[4] Ellen Heneberry (1893-1968) was born on 1 October 1893 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. Her father, Maurice worked as a farm labourer when Ellen was born. In the 1911 Census Ellen was working as a barmaid at Stepleton’s pub in Slieverue although she was only 17. Ellen Henebery (1893-1968) married Thomas Larrissey (1891-1971). They had a son William Laracy (sic) (1923-2011). Ellen and Thomas Larrissey were the grandparents of Waterford singer and composer Gilbert O’Sullivan.
[5] Bridget Heneberry was born on 27 July 1895 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. Her father Maurice was working as a farm labourer.
[6] Margaret Henneberry (1897-1982) was born on 22 July 1897 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. Her father Maurice was listed as a labourer. Margaret married John Norris and had several children. She died a widow in 1982.
[7] Maurice Henneberry (Jr.) (1901-1983) was born on 17 February 1901 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. His father was recorded as a labourer. Maurice’s obit has been added to our H. Surname page.
Merchant Navy
The earliest record found regarding Maurice Hennebry’s merchant navy service is dated 1891. In total Maurice Henneberry (sic) was found on nine Ireland, Merchant Navy Crew Lists, spanning 1891 to 1911.
1901 Census of Kilmurry, Rathpatrick, Slieverue
Maurice Heneberry was 40 years of age and his wife Bridget was 41. Maurice was working as a labourer. Six of the children are present in the household. and all but the baby Maurice are attending school. In addition to the family there are six boarders. Four of the boarders appear to be brothers: Edward Phelan (25); James Phelan (23); John Phelan (21) and Patrick Phelan (18). There is also a Cornelis Murphy (29) and Michael Lonegan (50). All the boarders are recorded as labourers. The Phelans were all born in Waterford, Murphy was born in Cork and Lonergan in Tipperary. Given that this was when the rail line between New Ross and Waterford was being built it is likely all these men were working on that project.
Although there were 14 people residing in the three-room house, the Census states that there were only 13 inhabitants. Mary Kelly was Maurice Henebry’s landlord.
1911 Census of Kilmurry, Rathpatrick, Slieverue
Maurice is not found in the 1911 Census. He was probably at sea when the Census was taken. His wife, Bridget Henebery was 51 and living with four of their children in Kilmurry, Slieverue. She reported that she and Maurice had been married for 26 years. Seven children were born to the marriage and six were alive in 1911.The house in 1911 was owned by the Henebry’s. The following four children were residing at home:
Edward Henebery (24) worked as a coal hauler. We believe that this was Patrick no. 2 in the birth records who was born in 1887. On the family headstone Edward is listed as dying in the US in 1910. However, some of the dates of death on the head stone are not correct.
Walter Henebery (22) worked as a gardener.
Margaret Henneberry was an 11 year-old scholar and
Maurice Heneberry was a 10 year-old scholar.
Death on the S.S. Formby
The Clyde Shipping Company came to Waterford in the 1850’s and by the start of WWI it was operating a regular service between Waterford and Liverpool. The Clyde Shipping Company lost 20 ships during WWI, four from their ocean fleet and six in the short sea service such as the Waterford to Liverpool route (Munster Express, Tues. 16 January 2018, p. 40). The journey between Liverpool and Waterford took 16 hours.
On 16 December or 17 December 1917 the S.S. Formby was torpedoed by a German U-Boat as she steamed toward Waterford. She carried 37 crew and 2 passengers. All were killed. Thus, Maurice Henebry who had survived 5 years in the British Army including service during the Second Afghan War was killed one day before his 58th birthday or on his 58th birthday. Unfortunately various sources give different dates for the sinking and contemporary newspapers did not print much at the time. It is assumed that this lack of newspaper coverage was because the war was ongoing.
The following day or the day after the sinking of the Formby, her sister ship the Coningbeg was also sank by the same U Boat as she too steamed toward Waterford. It was the largest seafaring tragedy to impact on Waterford in the 20th Century (Munster Express, Tues. 19 Dec. 2017, p. 30). There were 83 total deaths on the two Clyde Shipping steamers with 67 locals killed (Waterford News & Star, Tues. 24 Dec. 2024, p. 14).
Two of the 67 locals killed were Maurice Henebry and his son Walter Henebry. The Captain of the U Boat is said to have recorded regarding the sinking of the Formby “7:58 p.m. Hit in engine room. Vessel of unknown nationality. After clearance of smoke from the explosion (3-4 minutes), ship sinks with all hands…” (Waterford News & Star, Tues. 5 Dec. 2017, p. 30).
For further information on the Formby and Coningbeg see, The Waterford Shipping Disaster 1917, (Waterford City & County Council).
Death of the Widow Bridget Hennebry née Hennebry (1857-1921)
Tragically their son Edward (per the family headstone) died in the US in 1919. Then within four years of the deaths of Maurice and Walter, Bridget Hennebry née Hennebry (1857-1921) also died. Bridget Heneberry, of Kilmurry, died of cancer of the uterus at the Waterford Workhouse Hospital on 27 October 1921. She was 57 years of age, and her daughter Margaret Henneberry was present at her death. On the death cert Bridget was described as a widow “of a fishman” (sic).
The Hennebry family marker is in the Slieverue Cemetery. It provides:
“In loving memory of Brigid Hennebry, Kilmurry, Slieverue, who Died 20th Dec. 1921. Her husband Maurice Henebry and their son Walter Hennebry both lost at sea on SS Formby 17th December 1917. Their son Edward Hennebry died in America 6th January 1919. Their son Maurice died 1st March 1983…”
Memorials to the Formby & Coningbeg Victims
A memorial was erected on the Waterford Quay across from Reginald’s Tower in 1997. A Centenary Commemoration was held in 2017 with Bridget O’Rourke and Eileen Howley photographed who remembered “Foreman Maurice Hennebry” (Munster Express, Tues. 19 Dec. 2017, p. 30).
The Mercantile Marine Memorial of Tower Hill, London also lists Maurice and Walter as well as all the merchant seamen who were killed in the war.
Hennebry, Donkeyman. Maurice SS Formby (Glasgow). Presumed drowned 16th Dec. 1917. Age 52. Son of the late Patrick and Ellen Hennebry; husband of Bridget Hennebry, of Slieverue, Kilmurry, Co. Kilkenny. Born at Rochestown [Glenmore].
Hennebry, Fireman, Walter. SS Formby (Glasgow). Presumed drowned 16th December 1917. Age 28. Son of Bridget Hennebry, of Slieverue, Kilmurry, Co. Kilkenny, and the late Maurice Hennebry. Born at Rathpatrick [Slieverue].
According to A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921. (HMSO 1927) A donkeyman was in charge of a small auxiliary engine known as a donkey engine on board a ship. The donkey engine was used primarily when a ship was in port, for working winches and pumps etc. The duties of a donkeyman included filling the donkey engine boiler with water, by a hand pump, lighting a fire under it, and stoking the fire to maintain steam pressure. When the donkey engine was not in use (usually when main engines were in steam) the donkeyman greased and cleaned the donkey engine boiler, winches etc.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.hitory@gmail.com. For more information regarding shipwrecks off the coast of Waterford during WWI see, Waterford Council Archives.
Special thanks to Andrew Doherty of Tides and Tales for sharing information and sending on information and links regarding the Formby. For further information on the Formby see Andrew’s blog post.
The featured photo of the Formby was published in the Munster Express on 16 January 2018, p. 40 and was sourced from Andrew Doherty of Tides and Tales.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for sharing this photo that she obtained from Danny Dowling (1927-2021). Danny obtained the photo from Mary Statia Ivory (second row) and recorded the names and townlands identified by Mary Statia. In addition to the names and townlands recorded by Danny, we have added the year of birth, and parents where same could be identified through baptismal records or the birth register. Luckily the 1911 Census helped. There are several sets of sisters in the group.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore National School Photograph 1913
Front Row: (left to right)
Eily Mullins, Flemingstown (b. 1906 to Thomas Mullins & Mary Walsh);
_______ Walsh, Weatherstown; (Ellen? (1904) to Wm. Walsh & Bridget Walsh
Ella Fitzgerald, Moulerstown (b. 1908 to Patrick Fitzgerald & Mary MacDonald);
Katie Purcell, Weatherstown (b. 1904 to Edmund Purcell & Mary Cashin);
Katie Ivory, Haggard (b. 1908 to John Ivory & Mary MacCarthy);
Mary Ryan, Ballyfacey (b. 1907 to Thomas Ryan & Bridget Anthony);
Kate Dollard, Ballyfacey (b. 1906 to Edmund Dollard & Mary Walsh);
Katie Butler, Moulerstown (b. 1907 to James Butler & Bridget Cashin); and
Rose Walsh, Weatherstown (b. 1906 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh).
Second Row:
Mary Statia Ivory, Haggard (b.c. 1903) to John Ivory and Bridget MacDonald of Upper Ballyfacey);
Johanna Hogan, Knockbrach; (not in 1911 Knockbrack Census, no baptismal record in Glenmore. Found as 10 yr. old boarder in home of Ellen Bradley of Rathaglish, Ballincrea.)
Jo Freany, Ballyfacey (b. 1904 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Mai Freany, Ballyfacey (b. 1900 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Baby Freany, Kilbride (Margaret? b. 1909 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Bridie Cody, Weatherstown (b. 1902 to Patrick Cody & Mary Knox);
Mary Butler, Moulerstown; (b. 1902 to James Butler & Bridget Cashin) and
Bridget Morrissey (per 1911 Census b.c. 1900 in Waterford, boarding with Ellen Bradley, aged 60, of Rathaglish, Ballincrea with Johanna Hogan aged 10.)
Third Row:
Mary Hennessy, Teacher (Mary Phelan née Hennessey (1883-1963) of Ballyfacey married John Phelan (c. 1892-1956) of Ballyveria, on 22 May 1916 at Glenmore. See our post of 23 Nov. 2025 for further information on the Hennessey family. ;
Agsie Duggan, Flemingstown (Margaret? b. 1896 to Richard Duggan & Anne Butler);
Mary Walsh, Weatherstown (b.1903 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh);
Bridie Culleton, Kilbride (b. 1904 to James Culleton & Hannah Grace);
Josie Freany, Kilbride (Johanna? b. 1903 to James Freyne & Johanna Hennessey);
Molly Dollard, Ballyfacey (Mary? b. 1903 to Edmund Dollard & Mary Walsh);
Bridie Butler (No townland provided. May be Bridget Butler b. 1902 to Patrick Butler & Mary Aylward of Parkstown);
Bridie Walsh, Weatherstown (b. 1902 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh);
Johanna Hurley, Knockbrach (b. 1901 to Thomas Hurley & Margaret Kelly of Farnogue).
“The above school Group according to Mary Statia Ivory who was a pupil in the group.”
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
Within Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous collection of newspaper clippings on Glenmore related events and people, we came across a short article concerning a malicious injury claim in 1911. Generally speaking, compensation was available in 19th century in the United Kingdom for various forms of malicious injury to various types of property. In Ireland, the main legislation included the Grand Juries (Ireland) Act 1836, and the Malicious Injury Act 1861. Reforms were introduced by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The 1898 Act broadened the categories of damage that could result in compensation, but the cases were now tried in courts rather than before Grand Juries.
After the 1898 Act, the applicant was required to prove all elements of his case including the existence of malice. If the case was made the awarded compensation was paid by the rate payers (i.e. property tax payers.) For a fascinating paper detailing the development of the Irish law see, , Niamh Howlin (2019) “Compensation for Malicious Damage to Property in Nineteenth-Century Ireland.”
The Haggard, Glenmore Fire
Sergeant McKirby, of Glenmore at noon on 13 May, 1911, took a report from John Grace of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. John Grace reported that his unoccupied house at Haggard was found on fire at 8 a.m. Sergeant McKirby went to the scene, and arrived at 2:15. The house consisted of one room only 12 feet by 9 feet wide and about 4.5 feet in height. It was on Robert Grant’s farm at Haggard.
The roof, an old thatched one, had partially burned and collapsed. The roof which resembled a manure heap was still smouldering. Grace had reported that a timber bed, chair, box and a few other small articles of furniture were in the house when it burned down, but the Sergeant saw no signs of them. The Waterford No. 2 Rural district Council ordered its solicitor to defend the application John Grace made for compensation (Munster Express, Fri. 3 June 1911, p. 3).
The Hearing
The Kilkenny People (Fri. 17 June 1911, p. 7) covered the hearing on the Application for Malicious Injury. The newspaper referred to John Grace as an old age pensioner. Grace was seeking £50 compensation for the malicious burning of his house at Haggard, Glenmore.
Solicitor P.A. Murphy of Waterford represented the applicant, John Grace. Solicitor McCoy represented Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, and Solicitor James Harte represented the Kilkenny Co. Council.
Grace testified that on the morning of the 30th of May his house and effects were completely destroyed by fire. He had not been living in the house for 7 or 8 weeks previously because boys were throwing stones at his door.
The Sergeant of Glenmore district testified. He stated that he believed the house was set on fire, but there was no malice connected with it as far as he could determine. Mr. Murphy then asked a strange question as he was representing John Grace. He asked the Sergeant, “If you have any reasons for suspecting that the old man burned it himself explain it to His Honor.” The Sergeant stated that it might be a nice way of getting a few pounds. He stated that John Grace was going to get married. In reply to a question posed by the Judge the Sergeant opined that he thought £3 or £4 would be a very fair compensation.
James Flanagan, engineer to the Waterford No. 2 District Council, valued the house for about £1. He would be able to rebuild it as it stood before the burning for 30s.
The judge stated that he was not satisfied that the burning was malicious, and even if it were he was not satisfied that the damage done was over £5. He dismissed the action.
John Grace (1837-1918) of Haggard, Glenmore
John Grace (1837-1918) was baptized 26 April 1837 at Haggart (sic), to Luke Grace and his wife Ellen Roche. The next record we could find was when John Grace married. John Grace (labourer) of Haggard on 18 February 1878, married Margaret Phelan née Neil (c. 1834-1909), a widow at Glenmore. His father Luke Grace was deceased, and Margaret’s father was James Neil, a mason.
Margaret’s first husband was Patrick Phelan (c.1844-1874) (labourer, son of Edward Phelan, labourer). Margaret and her first husband were married on 18 February 1868 at Mullinavat. Her address at the time of her first marriage was Fahee and his address was Farnogue. Patrick Phelan died of bronchitis on 26 September 1874 at Fahee. His father-in-law, James Neil, was present at Patrick’s death.
1901 Census
In 1901, John Grace, aged 62, worked as an agricultural labourer and lived in Haggard with his wife Margaret Grace who was aged 66. They were living in a 1 room house with a thatched roof which they rented from Robert Grant. It was a Category 4 house and was the worst house in Haggard. It apparently had no front windows. Strangely the Census records that only 1 person resided in the house, but it also records that both John Grace and his wife Margaret Grace resided in it.
From the description provided, It appears that the couple were living in 1901 in the same house that burned in 1911 and was the subject of the case.
Robert Grant, their landlord, was 30 years of age and living with his sister Stasia (aged 45) in Haggard. They had two servants residing with them: Bridget Fitzgerald (aged 23) and John Gaule (aged 10).
Death of Margaret Grace née Neil (c. 1834-1909) of Haggard, Glenmore
Margaret Grace (c. 1834-1909) died on 1 February 1909 at Haggard. She was 75 years of age. Her husband John Grace was present when she died.
1911 Census
John Grace was not living in Haggard when the census was taken. He also was not in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. John Grace, aged 74, a widower, was living with John and Bridget Roche, of Ballyquin, Farnogue, Mullinavat. John Grace is listed as a relative of the head of the household, John Roche (aged 35). John Grace’s mother was a Roche or it could be that his deceased wife was related to John or Bridget Roche.
In 1911, Robert Grant (c. 1848-1920) was 60 and living in Haggard with his sister Anastatia Grant (aged 56). They had two servants. William Breasdon aged 19 and Ann Murphy aged 26.
The Death of John Grace (1837-1918) of Haggard, Glenmore
John Grace, labourer, “from Glenmore” died on 23 July 1918 aged 82. He was a widower and died in the Union Hospital of Waterford of heart disease. There is no known headstone in St. James Cemetery marking the grave of John Grace (if he was brought back to Glenmore for burial). We could not locate a death notice or obituary. As Danny Dowling often remarked none die as well as the poor. There are few records of their lives.
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See our post of 24 March 2023 regarding Haggard including the oldest newspaper article referencing Haggard. In 1803, a fire destroyed the cabin of Patrick Keefe, and he and his entire family perished in the fire.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
November Updates
As 2025 draws to a close–and we acknowledge our sixth anniversary–we wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on how much we have grown since our beginning. This history blog has generated:
Views–331,735
Visitors–125,045
Posts–442
We continue to slowly read, transcribe and archive Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) vast collection. This past year we answered several dozen queries and settled a bet. We had the pleasure of meeting with visitors. We teamed up with Glenmore Tidy Towns to post 5 gold historical markers around the parish and more recently conducted a walking tour of Glenmore Village. Everyone we have contacted seeking information has been very helpful. We are always looking for ideas for new posts and guest authors. So please send on any ideas you may have.
We have been adding family information to the various surname pages. These pages contain entries from Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks and notes, newspaper notices and articles as well as obituaries. Married women are generally listed under their married names with maiden names provided where known.
On our “Lists” page we added yesterday a 1837 Glenmore Subscribers’ List. This was a published list of locals (unfortunately without townlands). In addition to the names (which incidentally included two women) the amount that was donated was recorded. The “subscription” was to support the work of Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847). There are some local extinct names (e.g. Gaffney) and names that still flourish 188 years later in the parish such as Roche, Doherty and Aylward.
Lastly, the lovely wedding photo of Michael Walsh (Haggard) and Margaret Roche (Coolnaleen) is to the right. (Left to Right) John Roche (seated); Michael Walsh (standing); Margaret Walsh née Roche; Mary Dowling née Grace and Fr. John Grace.
Thanks to Tom Roche for sharing the photo of his aunt’s wedding. It has been added to our post of 26 October 2025 regarding the groom’s father Michael “the Mason” Walsh (1874-1948). The family were known locally as “the Mhicils, pronounced Vickles.”
We are still seeking a photo of Fr. Willie Brennan if anyone has one they would share.
If you have any suggestions or photos you would like to share please contact us at glenmore.history@gmail.com
Thank you for your support and looking forward to the coming year.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
Before Ireland gained Independence housing was an issue particularly in rural areas. In order to address the issue for labourers various legislation was put in place including the Labourers (Ireland) Acts (1883-1906) and the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. Farm labourers who were not married usually lived in unheated outbuildings or in a loft in a stable or barn where they worked. Married labourers could apply to the Rural District Council where they resided seeking a cottage.
The authorities would seek land from landowners on which to construct cottages that were rented to a married labourer. The idea was that farmers who employed labourers would provide a building site, but often the farmers objected to giving up any of their land for cottages or the compensation for the land was considered inadequate. In 1909, an arbitrator was appointed to determine disputed compensation in the Waterford No. 2 Rural District. This was known as the Inquiry (Waterford Standard, Sat. 4 Sept. 1909, p. 2). The cottages were built for less than £150 and there were often more battles fought over who would get the cottage.
In 1911, Glenmore featured in such a battle. Under the Poor Laws, the parish of Glenmore was divided between the Waterford Union and the New Ross Union. Less than a quarter of Glenmore was in the New Ross Union. Landowners paid rates (taxes) to their respective Unions, and the elected Poor Law Guardians and District Councillors were constantly on alert to ensure that the rate payers in one district were not supporting poor persons from other Unions. Each Union had its own workhouse, infirmary, dispensaries, cottages and road maintenance etc. See our post of 28 April 2020 regarding the Poor Law Act 1838 and the Glenmore Dispensary. The elected District Councillors were responsible among other things for the cottages and road maintenance in their respective districts.
On 1 May 1911, it was announced that nominations had been received and there would be no contest in any of the divisions of Waterford No. 2 Rural District. In other words, the nominees were deemed elected without an election. Local representatives included: Kilbride: Patrick Fitzgerald & John Ennett; and Kilmakevogue: James Kirwan, and Richard Fitzgerald, Aylwardstown (Evening News (Waterford), Mon. 1 May 1911, p. 4).
The Disputed Glenmore Cottage
The Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council built a cottage in Ballywairy/Ballyveria, Glenmore on the land of Martin Phelan. It was noted by Phelan’s solicitor that Phelan agreed to the cottage, so long as he agreed to the tenant. When the cottage was complete there were two applications for the cottage. One was from John Power of the Waterford Union and the second was from Andrew Harte of the New Ross Union. John Power was awarded the Ballyveria cottage.
Sometime after getting the tenancy of the cottage John Power gave the key to Richard Young, of the Waterford Union. Richard Young moved into the cottage and applied for the tenancy. The cottage was advertised and Andrew Harte again applied for the Ballyveria cottage.
May Meeting 1911
At a meeting of the Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, held at the end of May 1911, the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 2 June 1911, p. 7) covered the meeting. However, the newspaper failed to record the date of the meeting. It did record that only 8 Councillors were present. A quorum only required 7 members be in attendance.
Two applications were received for the cottage at Ballywiera (sic), Glenmore. Richard Young wrote stating that he had possession of the cottage. It was given to him by the late tenant who “gave it up.” The other application was from Andrew Harte. The newspaper did not state the basis of the decision, but the Council decided to give possession to Harte. Mr. P. Walsh, Rent Collector was directed to get possession from Young. The District Council then adjourned.
June Meeting 1911
At the next meeting held on Saturday the 24th of June 1911, Mr. A.E. Bowers, J.P. presided and 15 other District Councillors were in attendance including John Ennett of Cappagh, Glenmore, P. Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown and Richard Fitzgerald of Aylwardstown. John Ennett did not attend the May meeting and subsequently filed a motion to rescind the decision granting Andrew Harte the tenancy of the Ballyveria, Glenmore cottage. Solicitor P.A. Murphy appeared before the council representing Martin Phelan. Both the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 June 1911, p. 7) and the Munster Express (Sat. 1 July 1911, p. 3) reported on this disputed cottage case.
Andrew Harte’s Letter
It was first queried by Richard Fitzgerald whether the previous decision to award the cottage to Andrew Harte could be rescinded. The Clerk assured the meeting that it was possible as John Ennett had provided notice of his written motion to rescind the previous decision.
A letter from Andrew Harte was produced. The letter was dated 20 June 1911. The return address was Weatherstown, Glenmore.
“Sir—At the last meeting of your Council I was accepted to be tenant on the cottage in Ballyviera (sic) and I claim to be admitted into possession. This cottage was applied for in the first instance by John Power, but he resigned before the Local Government Inquiry. At the inquiry Mr. Wm. Forristal, D.C. proposed, and Mr. P. Coady, D.C., seconded that Andrew Harte be accepted in place of Power. I gave evidence and the Inspector passed the cottage for me. When it was built Power claimed it and you gave him the cottage. He never lived in it.”
“A few weeks ago in response to your advertisement, I applied and you accepted me as tenant, and I submit I am entitled to possession. I offer testimonials from Canon Holohan P.P.; Father White, C.C.; and Father Phelan, Glenmore. I also give Mr. P. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown, my employer, as reference. I am a married man with a wife and two children.”
There were also testimonials from three R.I.C. officers as to Andrew Harte’s good character.
The Argument
For Young
John Ennett responded that he had no ill feeling to Andrew Harte and did not know him. Ennett pointed out that Harte was living in the New Ross Union, as had his father before him. They were both natives of the New Ross Union. The New Ross Council had recently refused to give a cottage to a man living in their own Union simply because he was not a native of the New Ross Union.
Ennett stated that it was only fair that the Waterford District Council should follow the New Ross rule. He concluded that he did not see why the Waterford Union District should build a cottage for a man in the New Ross Union. Thomas Holden seconded Ennett’s motion.
For Harte
Joseph Walsh stated he believed that Harte was entitled to the cottage. He reasoned that Harte was working for P. Fitzgerald who was in the Waterford Union. Ennett responded that Walsh knew nothing about the matter as he had only been on the Council for a short time. It is not clear from the newspaper coverage whether Harte’s employer was the Pat Fitzgerald sitting on the Waterford District Council considering the issue.
Richard Fitzgerald also argued that Harte was the right man for the cottage. He argued that when he first became a member of the Council 12 years previously he issued tickets for Harte’s wife who was very sick. The Kilmakevogue doctor sent her to hospital in Waterford. According to the Munster Express it was for specialised nursing.
Solicitor Murphy
Finally, Solicitor Murphy weighed in. He appeared on behalf of the owner of the land Martin Phelan. Murphy noted that at the inquiry Phelan had agreed to give a site for a cottage, but he was openly opposed to Harte, “for very good reasons. One councillor at the Inquiry nominated John Power. John Power after getting the cottage gave the key to Richard Young.” Solicitor Murphy said it was up to the Council to appoint the tenant for the cottage, but his client had a distinct and decided objection to Harte.
They were all farmers and “could understand the unpleasantness that would arise from having a labourer to whom the surrounding farmers objected to.” Murphy presented a petition signed by a “large number of people” objecting to Harte as tenant of the cottage. Murphy explained that people preferred Richard Young because Young worked “around the place.” The Munster Express quoted Murphy as saying, “ratepayers of this district naturally thought they had enough to do to build cottages for their own labourers without having to provide for outsiders…” Richard Fitzgerald observed that he could get a list on the other side of the issue as long as the distance between Ballyveria and the Waterford bridge.
The Decision Regarding the Glenmore Cottage
Ultimately a vote was taken and Ennett’s motion to rescind was successful. This meant that Harte would not get the cottage. Twelve voted in favour of Ennett’s motion including: (Edward Bowe, John Roche; Thomas Holden (Smithstown); John Vereker (Davidstown); James Farrell; James Moore, John Dunphy, Brown; Healy; E. Phelan; James Kirwan and John Ennett). Three voted against against the motion to rescind (and in favour of Harte’s tenancy) including: (Richard Fitzgerald, Pat Fitzgerald, and Joseph Walsh). Edmond Donovan abstained. After the motion passed. John Moore proposed and Thomas Holden seconded that Richard Young, the present occupier of the cottage, be appointed the tenant. This motion carried.
The Aftermath
Immediately after the vote Richard Fitzgerald handed up a notice of his motion to rescind the resolution appointing Young as tenant and Harte be appointed notwithstanding the vote. A query was posed regarding the cost of the Notice of Motion and the Clerk responded it cost 7 shillings. John Moore remarked to laughter that it was “money gone astray.”
We could not locate any further accounts of further votes on the disputed Glenmore cottage. It could be that the motion was withdrawn, it wasn’t seconded, or the newspapers did not cover it. From an interview that Danny conducted in 1970 of Mrs. Mai Aylward, of Ballyfacey, Dick and Katie Young had no children and lived in the cottage where Dwyers lived in 1970 in Mourlerstown. It is not clear if Mai Aylward was referring to the disputed cottage of Ballyveria but the two townlands adjoin.
The 1911 Census
Luckily, we have the 1911 Census, as well as parish records etc. to shed some light on some of the people involved.
The Applicants for the Disputed Glenmore Cottage
Andrew Harte in the 1911 Census was 45 years of age and working as an agricultural labourer. His wife Ellen was 47 they had a son John aged 9 and their youngest son was Andrew aged 7. They resided in Shanbogh. The couple were married 10 years. The Census records that their youngest son was “an idiot” a term now thankfully consigned to history.
Richard Young (c.1891-1936) in 1911, was a 24-year-old newlywed. He and his wife were married in November 1910. Richard worked as an agricultural labourer. He and his wife Kate née Hennessy (aged 32) were living in Ballyfacey with his father-in-law, Richard Hennessy, a 60-year-old widower. Richard Hennessy was also employed as an agricultural labourer. Others in household included three unmarried daughters: Annie Hennessy (28) was a typist; Mary Hennessy (26) was a National Teacher and Ellie Hennessy (24) was also a typist,
John Power who was granted tenancy, and apparently never took possession of the disputed cottage (and gave the key to Richard Young), is not in Ballyveria in the 1911 Census. There are two John Power’s in the parish of Glenmore in 1911 who were agricultural labourers. One was 31 and living in Aylwardstown with his wife and children. The second John Power was 36, single and living in Robinstown.
Harte’s Glenmore Employer
Pat Fitzgerald was the only Fitzgerald in Weatherstown in 1911. Notwithstanding the fact that Harte used a Weatherstown address on his letter to the Council, Harte did not reside in Weatherstown. Pat Fitzgerald (c.1883-1942 per headstone) of Weatherstown, was in 1911 a 51-year-old married farmer. In 1911 he resided with his wife and 6 children and had three servants including: Kate Grant (49, domestic servant); James Seinnott, (33, farm servant) and Pat Roorke (22, farm servant). If he was a member of the Waterford No. 2 Rural District and voted in the matter he had a clear conflict of interest as Harte was his employee.
The Glenmore Land Owner
Martin Phelan—There was no Martin Phelan residing in Ballyveria, Glenmore in 1911. There was a Martin Whelan living in Ballyfacey.
The only Phelan in Ballyveria was John Phelan (aged 20, farmer) and his sister Mary Phelan aged 24. The parish records reveal that John (c. 1892-1956) and Mary Phelan (b. 1886) were the children of Richard Phelan (farmer) and his wife Anne Donovan. Richard Phelan (c. 1842-1911) died on 20 January 1911 at Ballyweira. He was a widower and his son John was present when he died.
Ironically, John Phelan became Richard Young’s brother-in-law in 1916. They were married to 2 of the Hennessey sisters of Ballyfacey. John Phelan (c. 1892 -1956) of Ballyveria, married Mary Hennessey (1883-1963) of Ballyfacey (schoolteacher) on 22 May 1916 at Glenmore. The groom’s father was Richard Phelan (farmer) and the bride’s father was Richard Hennessey (labourer).
The Glenmore Elected District Councillors
John Ennett (1853-1939) a farmer of Cappagh, Glenmore, was first elected to the District Council around 1900.
Richard Fitzgerald (1868-1955) began his work as a public servant before 1900. He was a farmer in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. He served as Poor Law Guardian and as a District Councillor. In 1912, he ran for Kilkenny County Council.
It is not clear from the newspapers which Pat Fitzgerald of Glenmore was a member of the District Council in 1911. In addition to Pat Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, there was at least one other Pat Fitzgerald who lived in the Kilbride District Electoral Division. Pat Fitzgerald (1843-1920) of Ballyveria. He was baptized at Moulerstown on 23 September 1843. Unfortunately, no obituary was found to determine if he served on Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council.
Please send any corrections, further information or photographs to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The featured photo above was a Council cottage that has been extended over the years. It is not the 1911 disputed cottage.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) Parish Priest of Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) a little over a year before his death. At that time Fr. Brennan was the Glenmore Parish Priest although he was over 80 years of age. Fr. Brennan provided Danny with an outline of his assignments since being ordained and provided a list of his siblings. Fr. Brennan spent over 30 years in Glenmore and continued to reside in the Glenmore Priest’s House until his death on 30 September 1973. Danny at the end of the interview noted that Fr. Willie was a well-liked man, keen gardener and hurling enthusiast.
Brennan Family
Danny recorded that Fr. Brennan was the son of James Brennan (Huggingstown) and his wife, Bridget Fitzpatrick (Kilcreddy, Ballyhale). Based upon parish records we believe that Fr. Brennan’s mother was Bridget O’Donnell. His parents were married on 26 Februrary 1881 at Piltown. James Brennan was from Kilkeasy and the bride, Bridget O’Donnell was from Barnacole, Co. Kilkenny. The groom’s father was Edmund Brennan (farmer) and the bride’s father was Thomas O’Donnell (farmer).
James and Bridget Brennan farmed at Kilkeasy and had three sons and two daughters.
[1.0] Edmond Brennan (b. 1882) remained on the farm. He survived Fr. Brennan. Danny noted that he was married to ______ Farrell, of Scart, Dungarvan(?), Co. Kilkenny. Edmond and his wife had 5 sons and 2 daughters. Edmond appears to have predeceased Fr. Brennan. However, one of Edmond’s daughters was Anna Culleton née Brennan (c. 1933-2025) of Kilbride, Glenmore.
[2.0] Thomas Brennan (b. 1883) survived Fr. Brennan and was residing in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. He farmed in Flood Hall, Knocktopher. Sometime after his wife died in 1953 he sold out and moved to Dublin. He was married to E. Holden a native of Windgap, Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Brennan, and his wife, had two children [2.1] Earnest Brennan and [2.2] Lulu Brennan.
[3.0] Bridget Brennan (b. 1885) married James Carroll, of Stonyford. Bridget and James had 3 sons and 2 daughters. In 1973 at the time of Fr. Brennan’s death Bridget was living in Laucus, Stoneyford.
[4.0] Margaret Brennan (b. 1887) married Martin Farrell of Scart and at the time of the interview the couple were living in Jerpoint Hill, Thomastown. The couple had 4 sons and 1 daughter.
[5.0] William Brennan (1891-1973)
Assignments
William Brennan was ordained at St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny 1917 (his obit has 1919 as his date of ordination). Below are the nine assignments and the duration of each assignment that Danny recorded in Father Brennan’s 1972 interview. Further information has been gleaned from Fr. Brennan’s obituary as well as contemporary newspaper articles.
Assignment 1.0 British Mission
Fr. Brennan after ordination served on the British Mission. He first went to North Shields, England, where he spent 2 years.
Assignment 2.0
Thereafter he was transferred to Jarrow on Tyne, where he gave 5 years.
Assignment 3.0
For his third assignment he was sent to Whitley Bay, U.K. for a period of 6 months.
Assignment 4.0 Back to Ireland
Fr. Brennan was recalled to Ireland from Whitley Bay. He was appointed the temporary C.C.in Inistige for 6 months.
Assignment 5.0
Fr. Brennan was then transferred to Ballycallan, as C.C. for 2 years.
Assignment 6.0
After Ballycallan Fr. Brennan was transferred to St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, as C.C. for 9 years. While at St. Mary’s Fr. Brennan presided at a meeting in June 1933 of the Junior and Minor Hurling Selection Committee held in City Hall Kilkenny (Munster Express, 23 June 1933, p. 8). At the end of May 1934, the Kilkenny All-Ireland Hurling team winners of the 1933 All-Ireland Championship travelled to the United States by ship. “The players were accompanied by Sean Gibbons, Chairman of the Kilkenny Board and Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.. (now curate at Glenmore)…” (Munster Express, Fri. 19 May 1939, p. 6 ).
Assignment 7.0–C.C. of Glenmore
After St. Mary’s he became C.C. of Glenmore, replacing Dr. Michael Gibbon’s who had died. According to Fr. Brennan’s grave marker he served in Glenmore from 1935 to 1946. During this time in 1941 he was elected Chair of the Glenmore Football Club and re-elected in 1942 (Munster Express, Fri. 18 April 1941, p. 3).
Assignment 8.0–C.C. Seir Kieran, Offally
After 9 years as C.C. in Glenmore he was transferred to Seir Kieran, in Offally where he was A.D.M. for 7 years.
During this assignment he conducted a wedding with his cousin. His cousin was also named Rev. William Brennan. This Fr. W. Brennan was the C.C. Murrinstown, Co. Wexford (Munster Express, Fri. 27 Aug. 1948, p. 3.)
Assignment 9.0–Parish Priest of Glenmore
Fr. Brennan was reappointed to Glenmore this time as the Parish Priest in 1953. He remained in this post until shortly before his death in 1973.
In 1953, as Glenmore Parish Priest, he was appointed to the Kilkenny Old Age Pensions Committee to fill one of the vacancies due to the deaths of Thomas Mullally and John Irish of Glenmore (Munster Express, 11 Dec. 1953, p. 3).
Fr. Brennan also represented Glenmore on a Committee of the Kilkenny Co. Vocational Education, regarding the erection of a new vocational school in this area. Other Glenmore representatives included: T. Cuddihy, Glenmore Creamery Manager; James Kelly, Aylwardstown; Wm. Walsh, Cappagh and Nicholas Mullins, Flemingstown (Kikenny People, Fri. 18 June 1955, p. 6).
In 1967, Fr. Brennan celebrated his Golden Jubilee. The following year he was elected President of the Glenmore Muintir na Tire (Waterford News & Star, 6 Dec. 1968, p. 2). He is credited with the building of the new National Schools in Ballyfacey and Robinstown in 1958. He is also credited with establishing a Parish Hall in the old National School. He also completed extensive work on St. James Church including having the exterior pebble dashed. The Church was re-dedicated in June 1973.
Fr. Brennan retired shortly before his death. He was replaced by his Curate Rev. Phil Madigan. Fr. Brennan was allowed to stay in the Glenmore Parish Priest House on the Priest Lane, Robinstown. His housekeeper, Hannie Kennedy (c. 1920-1982) of Ballinclare, Glenmore worked for Fr. Brennan from his days as the Curate of Glenmore right up to the time of his death. See our obituary page for Fr. Brennan’s obituary.
As a mark of respect the National Schools in Robinstown and Ballyfacey were closed. The children formed an honour guard. Fr. Brennnan was laid to rest next to his predecessor Fr. William Grace (c. 1899-1953).
Fr. Brennan’s Estate Sale at the Glenmore Parochial House
A Notice to Creditors was published in the Kilkenny People (19 October 1973, p. 5) for the very Rev. William Brennan, late of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Parish Priest, deceased. It called upon all persons claiming to be creditors or otherwise having any claims against the estate to send detailed particulars in writing to James P. Coughlan and Co. of New Ross.
The next month advertisements were in all the local newspapers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Nov. 1973, p. 19) for the Estate of Fr. Brennan. The Estate sale was held on 5 November 1973. Fr. Brennan’s black Morris Minor 1000 with license plate LIP 75 had 31,000 miles, and was insured until February 1974. It is believed that Ned Kennedy “the builder” of Kilbride purchased this automobile.
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Fr. Brennan conducted a lot of Glenmore marriages. Do you have a photo of Fr. Brennan that we can add to this post? Did you attend the Estate Sale on 5 November 1973?
Please send any corrections, additional information or photographs to glenmore.history @gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh