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L A T E S T P O S T S
The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
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From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore
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The Tragic Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue
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Family Tree Workshop 2026 Photos & Forms
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More Glenmore Photos: From the Eamon Jones Collection
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Family Tree Workshop & Upcoming Lecture
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From Glenmore to Ontario, Canada: Maurice Denn (1825-1873)
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From Danny’s Files: The 1985 Interview of Dinny Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
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Marking Founder’s Birthday: Tracing Your Family Tree Workshop
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Kate Raftice née Gahan (1854-1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
Most of the following was gleaned from the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 14 Oct. 1882, p. 3) reporting on the quarter sessions for the Piltown district of Thomastown division, held in the Piltown courthouse, on Tuesday 10 October 1882. Mr. de Moleyns, Q.C., was the chair and county court judges, accompanied by Peter McDermott, J.P., Registrar and deputy clerk of the peace were present. There were 140 processes served for the sessions. In addition to several civil cases, the magistrates just after noon heard, spirit license applications, and one of the applications was for Glenmore Village.
The Spirit License Application Hearings
Magistrates were not professional lawyers or judges. L.N. Izod, D.L. was the chair and twelve other magistrates joined him including: Alexander Hamilton; H. Charles Gregory; Edmund H. Maude; Dawson A. Milward; Peter Walsh, J.C. Elliott; W.H. Bolger; Matthew R. Stephenson; James A. Blake; John T. Seigne; Henry Smith, R.M.; and Col. Villiers Stuart.
There were 15 spirit license cases listed in the newspaper. There was one application withdrawn, seven involved new licenses and seven involved the transfer of an existing license. All seven transfer of license applications were granted. Only one of the new license applications was granted for Ballyclovin. Today, we are going to examine the application that took the longest time to hear. It was the application of John Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore Village. Thanks to Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) we know that the pubs in Glenmore were shut by the then Parish Priest in about 1870.
The Opposing Solicitor and his Glenmore Ties
The two solicitors in the Glenmore application case were Arthur J. Boyd, a Kilkenny City solicitor, for the applicant, and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) a Waterford solicitor, in opposition to the application. [Although Thomas Fitzgerald Strange lived in Waterford two of his children resided in Glenmore parish at this time. His children inherited holdings from his brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) upon his death in 1872. Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) inherited Aylwardstown and Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) inherited Rochestown.]
The Glenmore Application
Mr. Boyd applied on behalf of John Hanrahan, of Robinstownm Glenmore, for a new license for his house situated in “that now model village.” From the newspaper account it is not clear why Glenmore was referred to as a “now model village.” The term “model village” was used by the Victorians to describe villages built by industrialists for their workers, see generally “From Factory to Fireside” (2017) The Historic England Blog.
Mr. Strange said that he appeared to oppose the application on behalf of the Earl of Bessborough, “the lord of the soil.” [Although Robinstown township was owned by the Earl of Bessborough he did not own the adjoining townlands of Graiguenakill or Cappagh. Glenmore Village straddles the three townlands and Mr. Hanrahan’s house was the last house in Robinstown. The Fluskey shop was adjacent to Hanrahan’s house in Graiguenakill.]
Mr. Boyd noted that Lord Bessborough had no right to oppose the application, as he was not a resident or a householder in Glenmore. He had no locus standi in the hearing to oppose the application.
Mr. Strange conceded the point and stated, “Very well. I oppose on behalf of a large number of the inhabitants of Glenmore, including the Rev. Edward Farrell, parish priest, and his curate, the Rev. Mr. Corcoran.”
Testimony of John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore
John Hanrahan was then sworn and was examined by Mr. Boyd. John Hanrahan testified that he was seeking a license for his house that was located about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack at Glenmore, and it was next to the sessions’ house. He explained that the road sessions were held next door at least once a year. [A Council room was in Fluskey’s in an upstairs large meeting room.] John Hanrahan noted that there was no public house in Glenmore Village, but “refreshment” was occasionally brought there by vans from Waterford and New Ross. Several people had expressed a wish to have a respectable house of refreshment in Glenmore Village.
John Hanrahan was then cross-examined by Mr. Strange. John Hanrahan stated that he was never fined yet for being drunk. He denied that he went to the parish priest’s house and kicked the hall door. He stated that one night while on his way home from town, he was passing the house when the Priest’s dogs ran at and attacked him. John Hanrahan stated that he “of course hunted them back as well as I could.” John Hanrahan continued that the parish priest keeps very wicked dogs and he “should be very sorry indeed to kick my parish priest’s door, or do anything else that would annoy his reverence.”
Mr. Strange asked John Hanrahan if he was aware that a “memorial” against his license application had been extensively signed by the inhabitants of Glenmore? John Hanrahan stated that people were coerced to sign it.
Testimony of Constable Michael Reilly, formerly of Glenmore R.I.C.
The next witness called was Constable Michael Reilly, of the James’s street station in Kilkenny. He was examined on behalf of the applicant, John Hanrahan. Michael Reilly stated that he was stationed in Glenmore for about 12 months in the years 1880-1881. During that time he knew John Hanrahan, who was a respectable man, “and against whom he never heard anything wrong.” He went on to explain that during the Land League agitation the applicant, had “lent his car—for hire of course—to the police on duty in the district.” He agreed that the Hanrahan house was about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack.
During Constable Reilly’s time in Glenmore there were seven convictions against the keepers of shebeens in the district, and one woman was fined £2 for that offence. [For further information on Glenmore shebeens see our post of 31 March 2020. For further information on the infamous Biddy “the Flies” Whelan who was fined £2 see our post of 5 April 2020. ]
An un-named sub-constable stationed in Glenmore was examined, but his evidence was that a public house in Glenmore Village would be “the cause of strife and disorder there.” [For information on faction fighting see our post of 20 May 2021.]
Disallowed Statement of Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P. Glenmore
Mr. Strange sought to put into evidence a letter written by Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P., in opposition to the application. Mr. Boyd objected to the letter on the grounds that the writer was not present to be cross examined and the document had not been sent to the clerk of the peace for the purpose of being placed on the files of the court.
Mr. Walsh thought that the letter of the Rev. Fr. Farrell was perfectly legal evidence, and should be received. “The learned chairman, held otherwise,” and it was not admitted into evidence. [It was hearsay.]
Rev. Michael Corcoran C.C. Glenmore
The Rev. Michael Corcoran, R.C.C., Glenmore was examined by Mr. Strange. Fr. Corcoran stated that there were public houses in Glenmore Village, “and they were the cause of much strife and fighting between the inhabitants and frequenters of the Village.” “In fact, the fighting was brought into the parish chapel.” Fr. Corcoran opined that if a public house was now to be established …it would tend to excite the worst passions of the people and incite a loyal and law-abiding population to the commission of many crimes.” It was on that ground principally that Fr. Corcoran and other inhabitants signed the memorial opposing the application.
Fr. Corcoran when cross-examined by Mr. Boyd stated that the only reason the parish priest was not present in court to object to the application was because he was ill and unable to attend. Fr. Corcoran conceded that the memorial was signed in the sacristy of the chapel, but there was no coercion needed to obtain signatures. He also admitted that the persons signing the memorial were not all householders in the Village.
Mr. Boyd remarked, “We all know how easy it is to obtain signatures to a memorial. Every little boy and girl in the village will sign a memorial if asked to do so.” Fr. Corcoran argued that “every signature to that memorial is a bone fide signature, and most of them are signatures of respectable farmers residing in the district.”
Mr. Strange in an effort to move away from the memorial stated, “I believe the Village of Glenmore was the scene of many a faction fight and much bloodshed in the old days when there were public houses?” Fr. Corcoran agreed, “It was, and the bad feeling created was brought into the parish chapel.” When questioned by Mr. Boyd whether this was from his personal knowledge Fr. Corcoran conceded that it was not. “No, but I have head it from a source which can be relied upon just as if I had pledged my oath here to the truth of the statement.”
It is surmised that to make such a statement he must have heard it from the Parish Priest, Fr. Edward Farrell. Per Danny Dowling’s list of Glenmore Clergy, we know that Fr. Corcoran was C.C. from 1879 to 13 June 1885. Fr. Edward O’Farrell (sic) was C.C. from 1871 to August 1874 when he became Parish Priest.
Legal Points of Public Interest
The evidence concluded. The chairman after consulting with the other magistrates said that before announcing the decision of the court there was a matter of public importance that had arose during the hearing. Mr. Strange sought to introduce a written statement from Rev. Edward Farrell. The section of the Act of Parliament states that any person objecting to the granting of such applications “Shall be at liberty to transmit in writing to the clerk of the peace, or orally to state to such justices in sessions assembled.” The Rev. Edward Farrell had not transmitted any statement in writing in respect of this application to the clerk of the peace, and he was not here to state orally his objections. Therefore, it was proper to refuse the written statement as evidence.
The chairman also stated that one of the magistrates had expressed his opinion that evidence that the applicant had supplied cars to the police should have been excluded. The chair noted that had he refused to supply cars it would have been brought up as proof of his bad character and not a fit person to be entrusted with a license. The evidence was properly admitted.
Having referred to the two evidential matters of public importance, the justices were unanimous in their decision to reject the application. What is not clear from the newspaper account of the hearing was whether the memorial signed by persons outside the village of Glenmore was admitted into evidence given that the people who signed it were not in court that day (except Fr. Corcoran) and there was no mention of it having been provided to the clerk of the peace before the hearing.
John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore Village
John Hanrahan was the son of Denis Hanrahan and his wife Bridget Gaffney of the Mill, Glenmore Village. John was baptized at Glenmore on 9 February 1843. John like his father Denis was a cooper. The family resided in the house later occupied by Danny Dowling.
John Hanrahan married his first wife Mary Cashen, of Ballycroney, Glenmore on 19 July 1870. The couple had four known children between 1871 and 1878. Mary died of TB in 1878 at the age of 40 just 4 months after her daughter Katie was born. John on 10 February 1881 married Ellen Mullins (c. 1841-1927) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. In addition to raising John’s children the couple also raised 3 of their 6 orphaned nephews: Patrick, James and Richard Hanrahan. [See our post of 27 August 2015 regarding the orphaned Hanrahan brothers and our post of 6 Dec. 2020].
Ironically, sometime before 1901 John Hanrahan moved to a ruin of a house opposite the Glenmore chapel which was the site of a previous pub run by Nellie Grawsheen (Grace) which was closed by the Parish Priest around 1870. John Hanrahan rebuilt the house and opened a shop. Hanrahan family members to this day still reside there.
It was only in 1963 that Glenmore gained a pub when an existing license was approved to be transferred from Cork to Glenmore. For further information see our post of 8 May 2023.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
In the featured old postcard of Glenmore Village, John Hanrahan’s house in 1882 was the second from the right in front of which two boys are playing. The first building from the right is Fluskey’s shop and post office.
From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore
In one of the numerous files of Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021), was a short handwritten note on the back of an envelope. The note Danny wrote was a copy of a short letter to the editor of the Waterford Mirror (Mon. 18 Oct 1824, p. 3) newspaper. The Letter to the Editor was written in 1824 by Rev. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) the Parish Priest of the combined Slieverue and Glenmore parish. Glenmore did not become a separate parish until 1846.
Parishioners of Forristalstown, Glenmore
” TO THE EDITOR OF THE WATERFORD MIRROR—Dear Sir—Your insertion of the following in your very useful paper, would, we think here, be productive of much good, as an example to others to act similarly.
On Monday night, in the great storm, a lighter, with 400 casks of butter, from Ross for Waterford, was swamped in the river of Ross, at Forrestalstown, in my parish, near Glenmore. All the butter went afloat. By the exertions of the honest poor farmers, some of them having boats, they were all recovered, save six, four of which seen tossing about the County Wexford side; I hope they will be recovered. 100 of the casks were consigned to a respectable merchant in Waterford, who in a note to me acknowledges the receipt of 98 of them, with grateful thanks to the people. His note was read from our Altars this day, with which country people seemed much pleased. I am Sir, with respect, your very humble Servant, John Fitzpatrick, P.P. Slieverue, County Kilkenny, October 17, 1824.“
Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. Slieverue & Glenmore
According to the list of curates that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) compiled from 1770-1904 (available on this website) “Rev. John Fitzpatrick (PP Slieverue) was a curate from June 1799 to beginning of 1806.” From a newspaper article from 1817, we know that Fr. John Fitzpatrick was a native of Deerpark, Co. Laois. He was the son of Patrick Fitzpatrick (c. 1713-1817) who was said to have died at the age of 104 in 1817 (Freeman’s Journal, Fri. 24 Oct. 1817, p. 4). Patrick Fitzpatrick “up to the period of his dissolution, he retained the full and uninterrupted use of his mental facilities, and he was never confined by sickness until within six weeks of his dissolution.” Until this “confinement” he walked regularly to Mountrath to Mass.
We could find no record of Fr. Fitzpatrick’s birth, but according to Rev. William Canon Carrigan’s (1860-1924) authoritative history of the Diocese of Ossory Fr. John Fitzpatrick was 77 when he died on 27 November 1835 (Carrigan (1905) The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory, Vol. 4, Ch. X, p. 212).
“DEAD–At his home Valetta, County Kilkenny, at an advanced age, the Rev. John Fitzpatrick, for many years P.P. of Slieverue and Glenmore, in the diocese of Ossory. For about 40 years, first as Curate and afterwards Priest, he discharged parochial functions in that period with the kindest liberality and the most unwearied zeal. In his intercourse with general society his conduct was equally commendable” (Waterford Mail, Wed. 2 Dec. 1835, p. 3).
We know that Fr. Fitzpatrick did not enjoy the same robust health as his father. Seven years before Fr. Fitzpatrick’s death it was reported that he was unwell and not able to celebrate Mass in the new Ferrybank Chapel. “On last Sunday mass was celebrated, for the first time, in the new chapel, in the parish of Slieverue, county of Kilkenny, opposite the Quay. The Rev. Nicholas Carroll, P.P. of Mooncoin, officiated, in the absence of Rev. John Fitzpatrick, the parish clergyman, who is suffering under indisposition” (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 21 Jan. 1830, p.3).
William Canon Carrigan (1860-1924) on Fr. John Fitzpatrick
Thanks to William Canon Carrigan we know where Fr. John Fitzpatrick worked and when he was born and ordained. Carrigan provides that The Very Rev. John Fitzpatrick, was a nephew of the Rev. Edmund Fitzpatrick, P.P. Castletown. Fr. John Fitzpatrick was ordained by Dr. Troy, on 6 March 1784. He was C.C. Upperwoods from 1789 to 1791, and subsequently of Gowran, Thomastown and Slieverue. He became P.P. of Slieverue early in 1806 and was Canon of Tascoffin for many years. “He died 27 November 1835 in the 77th year of his age and 52nd in his priesthood. He is buried in Slieverue chapel” (Carrigan, p. 212). For further information on William Canon Carrigan see our post of 17 Sept. 2023.
John O’Donovan (1806-1861) on Fr. John Fitzpatrick
Ben Murtagh, archaelogist wrote an interesting article “Kilmurry Castle and Other Related Sites in Slieverue Parish,” ((2000) Old Kilkenny Review, p. 100) in which he revealed what John O’Donovan wrote about Fr. John Fitzpatrick. “By the early nineteenth century, the drunkeness and fighting associated with patterns, was becoming a source of embarrassment to the newly emerging Roman Catholic establishment in the country.” John O’Donovan the eminent Irish scholar was born and reared in Slieverue, and his mother was from what would become the Parish of Glenmore. For further information on John O’Donovan see our posts of 18 February 2024 (childhood) and 21 April 2024 (Conawee legend).
Murtagh stated, “John O’Donovan (1841 Letters Re: 1839 Ordinance Survey, Kilkenny (Typescript Bray, 1930, p. 95) tells us that the pattern in Kilmurry was abolished in his own memory by the Rev. John Fitzpatrick, parish priest of Glenmore and Slieverue (1806-35), who was a great admirer of modern civilization and not at all given to superstition unless as far as he could make use of it to make the Rahingure people pay him dues. His predecessors however, who were men of the old school, the Revd. Richard Coady, alias Archdeacon, Dr. Stephen Lower, the greatest ecclesiastic that Ida ever produced, were accustomed to say Mass near this well on Lady Day in August…”
We believe that the Rahingure–where Fr. Fitzpatrick would use superstition to get the people to pay him dues–refers to Rathinure, Glenmore. For further information on Dr. Stephen Lower (c. 1727-1800) the Saviour of Slieverue see our post of 11 November 2020. Lastly, one of the articles that Danny Dowling co-authored is cited in Murtagh’s article and the author thanked Danny and others for their help. .
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The drawing above is from the Slieverue Chaper in William Canon Carrigan’s The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory (Vol. 4, p. 243).
The Tragic Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue
There was a tragic farm death in 1935 on the border of the parishes of Glenmore and Slieverue that was reported across Ireland and in the United States. Several newspapers wrongly reported that the death occurred of a Glenmore man. For a generation after the tragic event local parents would warn their children of the dangers of bulls often citing what happened to poor Johnny Millea. The description of the events was found in two Munster Express articles (Fri. 13 Sept. 1935, p. 5 & p. 8). Any additional information gleaned from other publications or sources are cited below. Please be advised that the descriptions of the death of the farmer and the bull are graphic.
The Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue
An inquest was held on Wednesday, the 11th of September 1935, by Dr. J.D. Fitzgerald, Coroner for South Kilkenny, regarding the death of John Millea, Treenarea (sic), Slieverue, who was killed the previous day when attacked and gored by a bull.
The foreman of the jury was Thomas Mullally (c. 1897-1951) of Grogan, Glenmore other members of the jury included: Robert Walsh (1872-1951) Davidstown, Glenmore; James Verricker (sic) Grogan, Glenmore; John Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore; John Doherty, Davidstown, Glenmore; William Murphy, Davidstown, Glenmore; and William Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore. Sergt. Nicholas Garvey (1895-1960) Glenmore, conducted the proceedings on behalf of the Civic Guards. [See our post of 3 October 2021 regarding Sergt. Nicholas Garvey and his time in Glenmore].
Testimony of Mrs. Mary Millea (c. 1865 -1948) of Treanaree, Slieverue
Mary Millea, aged 71, identified herself as the sister-in-law of the deceased John Millea. He was 64 years of age and was single. Together they were owners of the farm. On Tuesday morning about 6 o’clock (old time) John got up and went out for the cows which were in the field at the back of the house. Mary was in the yard at about 6:15 when John came back with the cows. He put the cows in the shed and said that the bull had got out of the shed in which he had been tied. He said he would go look for the bull in Grant’s field. Per the Limerick Leader (Sat. 14 Sept. 1935, p. 12) the owner of the field was Edward Grant of Curraghmore, Slieverue.
Mary started milking the cows. About half an hour later the bull arrived in the yard. The bull was roaring when he arrived, and Mary was afraid of him. Mary went into another shed. She looked out and saw Johnny’s dog in the yard “howling piteously” (The Post, Wed. 18 Sept. 1935, p. 2). Mary became uneasy that her brother-in-law had not returned. Edward Donovan, Slieverue, came to collect the Millea milk. We believe that this Edward Donovan was from the Rathpatrick, Slieverue, Donovan family that sold milk in Waterford.
After telling Edward Donovan of her concerns she went to look for John. She went in the direction from which the bull had come home. She went into Grant’s field. She saw a white thing in the middle of the field and went over to it. She discovered that it was her brother-in-law. Several newspapers incorrectly stated that a number of neighbouring farmers, armed with sprongs [for our international readers a sprong is a long handled pitchfork] and accompanied by dogs, went in search of the deceased. We believe this may have described the men who later sought to find and destroy the bull (Limerick Leader, Sat. 14 Sept. 1935, p. 12).
Finding John Millea
John Millea was lying face down in the field. “Most of his clothes were gone except for his boots and the lower part of his trousers. She knew he was dead when she called to him and got no answer. She testified that she did not stir him because she wasn’t able.
Mary went back to the yard and told Edward Donovan that “Johnny is dead.in the field, the bull killed him.” Edward Donovan said that he would go down and bring back the body. Mary, Edward Donovan and a neighbour named Thomas Power [some newspapers report the name as Thomas Dower] went with a pony car and collected the body. The body was taken to the Millea house. Mary did not notice any wounds on John’s body except the marks on his face.
According to The Post (Wed. 18 Sept. 1935, p. 2) the body was rolled along the field by the bull and there were signs of a terrible struggle as patches of the field were torn up and contained blood. Pieces of the deceased’s clothing were scattered over the ground. As soon as notified Sergeant Nicholas Garvey and a Guard went to the scene.
The Bull
Mary testified that they had owned the bull for about four years. She said she never went near it. Her brother-in-law, the deceased, looked after it. She could not exactly say how long it was housed over the summer. She did not know it was “cross” and had never heard of it attacking anyone before. She discovered that the bull had done a lot of damage escaping from the shed by breaking a few gates and knocking down a churn.
According the Munster Express (Fri. 13 Sept. 1935, p. 8) following the tragedy, search parties sought the bull and found him with other cattle. After several unsuccessful attempts, where the bull charged them, they managed to drive him back to the farm. “Two men then procured shotguns and, not without difficulty, destroyed the bull, which was removed on Wed. morning to Messrs. O’Keeffe’s works at Gracedieu.”
Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) was a native of Davidstown, Glenmore, and son of juror Robert Walsh of the Inquest into the death of John Millea in 1935. Tom told his children about the event. Back in the 1930’s almost all cattle had horns, and bulls were particularly dangerous. He said that after Johnny Millea was killed a group of men gathered to kill the bull. A shotgun was attempted, but failed. The bull was stunned, and eventually the men used a sledgehammer to the forehead of the bull. Jack Donovan was identified as one of the men who killed the bull.
Medical Evidence & Verdict
Dr. Coughlan, Waterford and Dr. Fitzgerald, Rosbercon gave evidence of the injuries sustained by the deceased.
The body was covered with bruises from head to toe. The nose was broken. The right eyebrow and scalp were covered with scratches, ribs were broken on both sides, and there was scarcely a whole rib in the body. There was a big bruise over the heart and a lacerated one over the liver. Both sides of the abdomen were contused and lacerated and the legs were bruised. Both lungs were ruptured and there were other severe internal injuries.
In reply to a juror, Dr. Coughlan said that in his opinion the deceased died within a few minutes of being attacked, very probably as soon as he received the blow over the heart, when a rib was driven into his heart. “The body had been reduced to the state of a ragdoll.” From the spot were some of his clothes were found to where his body was found was about 50 yards.
The Coroner, the Foreman on behalf of the jury, Sergt. Garvey on behalf of the Guards, joined in a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. The jury after a short retirement returned its verdict. John Millea’s death per the Death Register provides that he died 10 September 1935 at the age of 64. He was a bachelor farmer. His death was caused by “shock as the result of extensive injuries to all the vital organs by having been gored by a bull.” It is noted that an Inquest took place on 11 September 1935.
The Millea Family of Treanaree, Slieverue
The sad tragedy occasioned the deepest regret in the district where the deceased and his sister-in-law were very popular. The funeral to Slieverue was very largely attended. (The Post, 18 Sept. 1935, p. 4). Mary Millea at Johnny’s funeral reportedly stated in praise of her brother-in-law that “Johnny never said a cross word to me” (Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) native of Davidstown, Glenmore).
Parents and Sibling of John Millea
John Millea was born 7 May 1870 at Treanaree, Slieverue the son of John Mallay (sic) and his wife Margaret Donovan. John Malay (sic) (c. 1840 -1900) and Margaret Donovan (c. 1837-1899) were married at Slieverue on 21 November 1865. As a young man John Milea went to America and spent 23 years there. Twenty-two years before his death he returned to Slieverue and worked on his brother’s farm. He took over the management of the farm when his brother died (Munster Express, Fri. 13 Sept. 1935, p. 6). Thus, John left for the U.S. in 1890 and returned to Slieverue about 1913.
John’s eldest brother, James Millea, who was known as Jamesey Millea, was born at Treenarea on or about 8 December 1865. He married Mary Phelan, of Shambo (sic) at Rosbercon on 30 August 1900. Mary was the daughter of Richard Phelan (farmer). James Millea died on 25 November 1924 at Treanaree. He was 58 when he died of chronic nephrites which he suffered with for a year before his death. His brother John was present when he died. James’s widow Mary (née Phelan), died at the age of 83 in the Holy Ghost Hospital in Waterford on 19 October 1948.
Newsworthy Death by Bull?
John Millea’s death was reported in a New York City newspaper, The Advocate (Sat. 5 Oct. 1935, p. 5). Unfortunately, no reference was made to John Milleas’s time in the U.S.
It was rather surprising how many death by bull articles were reported in Irish newspapers in 1935. Such was the appeal of such stories that even rumours were published. For example, the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 31 May 1935, p. 5) reported that “On Monday a strong rumour got about that a man had been attacked and killed by a bull in the vicinity of Waterford. On inquiries it was found that the rumour had absolutely no foundation.”
Coverage of Millea’s Death
In addition to the 5 articles cited above regarding John Millea’s death at least 9 other Irish newspapers reported details of his death. See, New Ross Standard (Fri. 13, 1935 p. 11) “Killed by a Bull”; Irish Independent (Sat. 14 Sept. 1925, p. 5) “County Kilkenny Man’s Shocking Fate”; Irish Examiner (Wed. 11 Sept. 1935, p. 6) “Kilkenny Man’s Tragic Death”; Kilkenny People (Sat. 21 Sept. 1935, p. 5) “Killed by a Bull”; Belfast Newsletter (Fri. 12 Sept. 1934, p. 12, “Killed by a Bull”; Irish Press (Thur. 11 Sept. 1935, p. 1) “Railway, Dock and Farm Tragedies, reported that death occurred in Glenmore”; Meath Chronicle (Sat. 13 July 1935, “Farmer Killed by Bull”; Evening Echo (Thur. 11 Sept. 1935, p. 6) “Kilkenny Man’s Tragic Death”; and Connacht Tribune (Sat. 14 Sept. 1935, p. 20).
Coverage of Others Killed by Bulls
Additionally, there were several other articles in 1935 published in Irish newspapers regarding other men killed by bulls. The Irish Examiner (Tues.19 March 1935, p. 8) reported in March that a Matador in Mexico was killed by a bull. In July, Timothy Humphreys (62) of Cork was killed by his bull (Irish Independent (Mon. 8 July 1935, p. 10). The following month the Ulster Herald (Sat.10 Aug. 1935, p. 2) reported that Wm. Ferneyhough, aged 24, a farm labourer was gored in the throat and died. In September, Simon Hegarty, an elderly farmer was killed at Glenville, near Fermoy (Irish Examiner, Mon. 9 Sept. 1935, p. 6). It was reported in December that a farmer in Donegal, was killed by a bull, which had fatally injured the man’s sister (Irish Examiner, Mon. 23 Dec. 1935, p. 8).
Perhaps one of the more interesting bull related cases in 1935 involved the negligence case brought by the widow of a farmer killed by a neighbour’s bull. Pierce Whelan, Ballyclough, Kilworth, Cork was killed Christmas Eve 1934, by a bull belonging to Margaret and Mary Anne Leonard of Ballyclough. The civil case was heard in July 1935. The judge noted that when he was a young fellow, he had the utmost contempt for women as managers of farms. The care of a farm in the hands of somebody else would not at all be anything like the care and guidance of the master of the farmstead. The jury after that statement awarded £150 to the widow and children of Pierce Whelan (Evening Echo, Fri. 19 July 1935, p. 7).
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For some current statistics on deaths caused by livestock and advice regarding bulls see, Teagasc (2025).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is from an old sales brochure and it is not the bull that killed John Millea. The newspapers did not report on the breed of the aggressive bull. Notice that the horns of the featured short horn bull have been blunted, and he is wearing a safety chain from his nose ring up around his horns.
Family Tree Workshop 2026 Photos & Forms
To honour Danny Dowling’s 99th birthday we held a Family Tree Workshop in the Glenmore Community Hall last Sunday. Thanks to Noah Bradfield for the photos of participants. Based on the number of packets given out there were 27 participants. We hope that everyone came away with new information to help them discover their Glenmore ancestors.
If you were unable to attend here are the forms that were given out.
[1] Family Tree
This is a drawing to record your ancestors. This particular tree was downloaded from a free site, so visit a few and see which tree you prefer. Regardless of what tree you choose, I recommend using a pencil because you will find it necessary to correct and update information. Where to begin? Start with what you know.
[1.1] YOU–Place your name (one line 1) on the left, and dates of your (b) birth and (m) marriage under your name. Dates are usually written as 23 June 1978 or 1 Sept. 1779. This avoids confusion.
[1.2] YOUR PARENTS–The two lines immediately to the right of your name (lines 2 and 3) are for your parents. Your father’s name goes on the upper line (2) and your mother’s name on the lower line (3). It is up to you whether you use your mother’s maiden name or married name. If you use your mother’s married name put née [maiden name] below her name. Example Margaret Reilly née Aylwards. Between your mother and father place the date of their marriage (m. 19 Oct. 1955).
[1.3] YOUR GRANDPARENTS–There are four lines for your grandparents. Two are linked to each of your parents. Therefore, your father’s parents fill the upper two of the four lines. Your paternal grandfather is on the top. The bottom two lines are for your mother’s father and mother.
[2] RESOURCE SHEET
Most people do ok up to their grandparents, but are not sure of their great-grandparents or their grandparents birth, death and marriage dates. This leads us to our resource sheet packed with Irish resources to help you begin to uncover information. Some of the free sites that are the most helpful are the census of 1911 and 1901 as well as IrishGeneology.ie . However, one of the best resources for finding information is from older family members or neighbours, family headstones etc. Most people are quite happy to talk about the past. Please note GDPR applies to Church Records.
RESOURCES
[2.1] St. James Cemetery
Some headstones provide a lot of information. Some of it is wrong. A lot of ages are wrong. Prior to 1860 the government did not record birth or death records. Thus, parish records are often your only source prior to 1860. However, GDPR—stops the State and clergy from providing information in line with what is released by Irish Genealogy.ie (see below). Note in some early marriages the residence of the groom was recorded as the same as the bride where the marriage was celebrated. If the couple had children their residence at birth provides an avenue to record a family that moved.
Helpful Hint—a date of death usually gives you an approximate birth year for checking the parish registers. Glenmore civil records (birth, death and marriages) before 1920 are listed with Waterford and thereafter Thomastown. Helpful Hint—deaths are recorded where the person died not where s/he lived.
[2.2] glenmore-history.com
To use this site for family research a laptop or computer is best. If you do not have access to a laptop or computer both the Ferrybank and New Ross libraries have computers which are free of charge to use with a library card. Library cards are free of charge, and the card can be used at any public library. Check the surname pages for obituaries, interviews recorded by Danny and newspaper articles etc. (Married women are generally listed under their married names, with maiden names provided if known. Then check their maiden name).
In addition to the weekly blog articles, there are also lists of members of the Old Glenmore IRA, farmers etc. The blog also has a search feature that will locate up to 10 references for you. Place the name you are researching in “ “ to limit your search to that individual.
Townlands—to access most records and to ensure you have the correct record, you must determine where your ancestor lived. The townlands have been very fluid. See the list of Glenmore townlands with Civil Parishes and Danny Dowling’s 1961 list of residents.
Connecting—to see other people researching various parish names e.g. Fitzgerald etc.
Roots—contains headstone inscriptions from old cemeteries, longer obits, memory cards.
Useful Links to Online Resources—includes Danny’s publications, maps, census links etc.
[2.3] Libraries
Kilkenny Library–Online https://kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/our_services/local_studies/
Ferrybank Library 051 897200 or email ferrybank@kilkennylibrary.ie They have a number of books of local interest but also have free access to on line old newspapers. Not all old newspapers are on line. However, the main libraries in Kilkenny City and Waterford have old newspapers on micro film or fiche that are free to search.
New Ross Library 053 91 96722 or email newrosslib@wexfordcoco.ie They have books of local interest, and free access to on line old newspapers including the New Ross Standard (has more computers, book to ensure a seat).
[2.4] Irish Genealogy.ie
Civil Records – Civil Records of Births, Marriages and Deaths are the official State records of Births, Marriages and Deaths in Ireland.
- Birth 1864-1924
- Marriages 1845- 1944
- Deaths 1871- 1974
[2.5] Parish Records
Glenmore Parish Register—see https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0987
Site contains marriages from 1831 to June 1883; Baptisms from 1831 to 1880
Slieverue Parish Register—before Glenmore became a parish it was part of Slieverue see, https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/1031 Note that it states Slieverue is in the Diocese of Ossory, in County Waterford…this is because the postal address was Waterford. Baptisms from 1766 on; Deaths from Dec. 1766 to 1799; & Marriages 1766 on. The records particularly the death records are not complete.
A free on-line index is available findmypast.ie (Beware it is a pay site & offers free trials that may lead to an unwanted subscription.)
[2.6] Census Records
1901 and 1911 are available and 1925 is due to be released this year. Remember to check the townlands to ensure you get the correct Pat Walsh. See https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-census/
[3] Other sites or services
Family search.org is a free international site maintained by the Mormons. It holds a variety of Irish records and indexes.
There are a number of paid or subscription cites and services. Some have free access for two weeks to allow you access to test the site/service. It is a good idea to have a number of searches before you try the service. One of the most helpful is ROOTSIRELAND.ie. It has Baptismal and Marriage Church records across the country. BEWARE—many people rely on the research done by others and can be led astray. Always check and satisfy yourself regarding your ancestor. The record closer in time to the actual event is usually the more reliable. For example, a baptismal record is closer in time to a birth than an inscription date on a headstone or recorded in an obit.
[3] RESEARCH RECORD SHEET
I developed the third sheet to manage all the ancestors with the same or similar names and to stop researching what I previously found. Often I would perform family research in the winter and put it to the side in the summer. Then when I started researching again I would end up looking up something I previously found. Thus, for each ancestor I was trying to locate I filled out one of these sheets. Often when it is difficult to find an ancestor they might be located through a sibling or child. On this sheet you can record everything for an ancestor in one place.
Looking Ahead
We are seeking ideas for what we can do in 2027 to honour Danny Dowling’s 100th birthday. If you have any suggestions please email them to glenmore.history@gmail.com or give them to Pat Dowling.
Again thanks to Noah and the Glenmore Tidy Towns team that helped last Sunday and to everyone who helped by providing information or mentored a person beginning their family tree.
If you need a hand looking up an ancestor just send an email to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
More Glenmore Photos: From the Eamon Jones Collection
First, thanks to everyone who came today to the Family Tree workshop, to Mary for opening the hall, and especially to the gang from Glenmore Tidy Towns (Pat, Orla, Trish, Aoife and Noah) for helping. If anyone needs a hand trying to find a Glenmore ancestor we are only an email away. E. Doolan I found information for your grandmother this afternoon. (Email glenmore.history@gmail.com )
Today, we are going to share some more Glenmore photos from the Eamon Jones Collection and some information. The photo below depicts Eamon Jones’s uncle Kieran Jones (1909-1993). Kieran is holding the bridle of a small horse or pony pulling a farm cart. This photo was taken in Glenmore Village. The stone building was Dr. Mackesy’s stage house used for storing grain. It had a stage or a dock at the front door to make it easier for loading and unloading carts and wagons. The stage house stood next to the Village Stream bridge the pub was later built to the right of this building. The stage house was removed when the Sallies estate was built. For further information on the landlord Dr. Mackesy see our post of 3 March 2025.
It is not known who the little blond boy is in the photo, but it has been suggested that it may be Billy O’Keeffe of the Village. Kieran Jones (1909-1993) was born on 30 August 1909 at Glenmore to George Jones (1868-1945) and his wife Bridget Murphy (1870-1945). Kieran emigrated to the U.K. and married, and raised a family in Birmingham. Kieran died in 1993.
Kieran Jones and Jim B.’s Adventure
It is not known exactly when Kieran emigrated, but we did locate a newspaper article that indicates he was still living in Glenmore Village in May of 1943. The New Ross Standard (Fri. 14 May 1943, p. 5) published a short article about Kieran Jones and James Walsh, Jr. (1918-1988) (better known as Jim B.) being charged with criminal damage to Mr. Henry Bevan’s (c. 1890-1966) windows. Henry Bevans was a National Teacher who resided in the teacher’s house (across from the Glenmore Community Hall).
On Sunday the 18th of April, Mr. and Mrs. Bevans were in their dining room when they heard a noise on their roof. Then they heard a crash. When they went out into the hall a glass panel was broken as was a window in their sitting room. Henry Beven’s stated that he spent £1 replacing the broken windows. While being cross-examined by the defence solicitor, Mr. J.D. Coughlan, Henry Bevans stated that he had known both defendants since they were young boys and “they had no reason for this.”
Sergeant Dalton, of the Glenmore Barracks, investigated and stated that Jim B. stated that they were cycling home and threw some stones at the roof of the house. Mr. Coughlan said that the defendants had not acted with malice. He noted that they had never had anything against them, and he had a number of letters from businessmen and farming giving both defendant’s good character references.
Notwithstanding the reported loss of £1, the Justice bound the defendants over for twelve months on their own bonds of £20 each and sureties of £20 each or in default two months imprisonment. They were ordered to pay the £1 damage and 5s each in court costs.
Glenmore had no pub until the 1960’s, and it is surmised that Kieran and Jim B. were away for refreshments on a Sunday evening and on cycling back to Glenmore they decided to throw stones onto the Bevan’s roof. Perhaps their motivation was to obtain the attention of the two Bevan daughters? Unfortunately, their aim was off, perhaps due to their refreshments, and they broke two windows. For further information on Jim B. see our post of 12 Oct. 2025.
Life in Birmingham
The first record that could be located for Kieran in Birmingham was his marriage in the autumn of 1945 to Hanora Donovan. Over the years the couple lived at various address in Birmingham including: (1947) 22 Great Brook St.; (1954) 157 Great Lister St. and (1962) 67 Rupert St.
One interesting newspaper article highlighted one of Kieran’s interests. “A folk duo called Avoca did gigs around Manchester. Avoca was comprised of a Dubliner named Larry O’Loughlin, who lived at Nechells and was studying at Bournemouth, and Kieran Jones, who was from Kilkenny” (Birmingham Mail, Sat. 10 July 1971 p. 8).
Trip Home to Glenmore
In 1990 Kieran came home to Glenmore for a visit. “SHORT HOLIDAY—Mr. Kieran Jones, who emigrated to England about 50 years ago, spent a few days holidays with his nephews last week”(Kilkenny People, Fri. 4 May 1990, p. 17).
Frank Keogh of Birmingham
The photo to the left was taken in Birmingham of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Keogh of 93 Aston Brook St., Birmingham. Their names and address are written on the back of the photo. The baby appears to be in a baptismal gown.
Slieverue Glenmore Camogie Team
We have only been able to identify a few people in the photo. We believe the photo is from the early 1950’s. The second person from the left in the front row is Alice Walsh née Walsh a native of Rochestown, Glenmore but after her marriage she lived in Scartnamore, Glenmore.
Top row, fourth from the left, Alice Hartley, of Kilmurry, Slieverue. When Noeleen Fogarty had her shop in Hanrahan’s Alice Hartley sold her eggs in the shop.
Lady standing to the far left we believe is Eily Doolan of Ballyverneen?
If you can identify any of these ladies would you please comment below or send the information by email to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Please send any corrections, further information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Family Tree Workshop & Upcoming Lecture
You are cordially invited to a beginners’ workshop on tracing your family tree to take place on
Sunday the 15th of February
from 2 to 4
in the Glenmore Community Hall.
This workshop is to mark our founder Danny Dowling’s 99th birthday. All you need to bring is a pencil. Printed blank family trees, family worksheets and a resource sheet will be provided as well as tea and birthday cake.
Any one with knowledge of local families as well as anyone who has experience doing family research is invited to attend to help the beginners get started.
Glenmore Golden Heritage Signs
This workshop is sponsored by glenmore.history.com and Glenmore Tidy Towns. Next month we will be adding more Glenmore Golden signs to mark 5 more historical sites around the parish. If you would like to nominate a historical site for a Glenmore Golden sign please email glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Kilkenny Archaeology Society’s 2026 Lecture
On Wednesday the 18th of March 2026, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. a lecture will be held in Rothe House in Kilkenny City. The lecture is on the archaeology & landscape in Kilkenny. What may interest readers is that the recent archaeological investigations on the New Ross by-pass will be covered. It is my understanding that such a discovery was unearthed near the Glenmore roundabout. The cost of the lecture is €10.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured family tree above is courtesy of The New York Public Library’s Digital Collection. Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. (1800 – 1910). Family tree. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/fb379be0-c574-012f-2218-58d385a7bc34