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L A T E S T P O S T S
William Murphy (b. 1879) Native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
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Poet Peter Brophy (1871-1951) a Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
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Josie Dalton (1907-1978) of Railway Cottage, Rathinure, Glenmore
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James Butler (1862-1933) Native of Flemingstown, Glenmore
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From Danny’s Files: How do you like them apples?
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From Danny’s Files: Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c.1845-1920) of Glenmore
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The Dunphy Mill of Deerpark, Mullinavat & Its Glenmore Connection
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Blessing of Glenmore Graves 2026
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From Danny’s Files: Who Paid for Aunt Johanna’s Glenmore Funeral?
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The Tragic Death of Johanna Fitzgerald (1910-1916) of Moulerstown, Glenmore [Updated]
William Murphy (b. 1879) Native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Most people interested in football have heard of James “Jimmy” Murphy (1910-1989) the Assistant Manager of Manchester United. He is credited with keeping the franchise going after the 1958 Munich air crash that killed 20 of 40 passengers. Several of the dead were Man United players along with reporters and support staff. Jimmy Murphy’s friend, Matt Busby was the General Manager and was injured in the crash. Jimmy Murphy was not on the plane because he was coaching the Wales team that went to the World Cup finals in 1958. While Matt Busby was recovering from the crash Jimmy Murphy put together a Manchester United team and managed the hastily comprised team to the FA Cup Final.
Books have been written about Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy that highlight how they met while serving in WWII, how they managed and built Manchester United etc. While very interesting men, today we are going to highlight the tragic and elusive life of Jimmy Murphy’s father, William Murphy, a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. At various times wrong information has been published concerning William Murphy, e.g. it was published that he hailed from Carlow and emigrated to Wales during the famine (see, Fergus Dowd, “Jimmy Murphy—y dyn a achubold Man United” (2021) A Bohemian Sporting Life). William was born in Glenmore almost 30 years after the famine ended. It was also published that Jimmy Murphy was “The Kilkennyman who Rebuilt Manchester United” (Kilkenny People, 27 Feb. 1998, p. 9). Jimmy Murphy was born in Wales, but his father William Murphy was born in Glenmore, Kilkenny.
William Murphy (b. 1879) native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
William Murphy was the eldest son of Edmond Murphy (1839- 1923) and his wife Margaret Deady (1852-1894). William Murphy was born on 8 March 1879 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. His parents were married at Glenmore on 24 February 1876.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Parents
Edmond Murphy was a farmer and at the time of his marriage his address was Ballinakill, Mullinavat. His bride, Margaret had an address of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Their fathers were William Murphy (deceased, farmer) and Michael Deady (farmer). Thus, it appears that William Murphy (b. 1879) and his siblings were the first of the family born in Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Grandparents
Edmond Murphy’s father, William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) died at Ballinakill on 11 April 1874. William Murphy was 63 years of age when he died of bronchitis. Robert Murphy was present at his death. In attempting to locate a record for William’s birth in 1811, we did find a William Murphy baptized on 29 June 1802 at Ballinloney (sic), Glenmore. He was the son of Patrick Murphy and Alice Welsh. We could not find any other children born to this union. We could not verify that this William baptized in 1802 was William Murphy’s (b. 1879) grandfather.
Children of William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) and Mary Wall (c. 1812-1882)
[1] Robert Murphy (bapt. 5 April 1837)
[2] Edmund Murphy (bapt. 26 Jan. 1839)
[3] John Murphy (bapt. 1 Mar. 1841)
[4] Catherine Murphy (bapt. 21 Feb. 1843)
[5] Michael Murphy (bapt. 25 Jan. 1845)
[6] Mary Murphy (bapt. 15 Mar. 1847)
All the children were born at Ballinakill, Mullinavat.
Within a few years of their father William’s death, Edmond and John Murphy married. As outlined above Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) married Margaret Deady (1852-1894) in 1876. The couple lived at Ballinlammy. In the 1926 Census, the Ballinlammy farm was described as containing 70 statute acres.
Uncle John Murphy (1841-1914)
John Murphy married Mary Dungan, of Buckstown, Mullinavat, on 4 May 1875. John’s address at the time of the wedding was Ballinakill. It is recorded in the marriage record that he was a 25-year-old farmer, the son of William Murphy (deceased, farmer). His bride, Mary Dungan was the daughter of John Dungan (farmer).
John Murphy continued to reside in Ballinakill after his marriage. His mother, Mary Murphy née Wall (c. 1812-1882) died at Ballinakill on 23 May 1882 at the age of 70. John was present at her death. John’s wife, Mary Murphy née Dungan (c. 1834-1891) died at Ballinlammy on 5 April 1891 of bronchitis. She was 57 years of age. John was present when she died. John died on 7 March 1914 at Ballinlammy at the age of 72. His nephew James Murphy was present when he died.
Children of Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) and Margaret Deady (1852-1894)
[1] Mary Murphy (b. 25 Jan. 1877)
[2] William Murphy (b. 8 Mar. 1879) Godfather was Robert Murphy.
[3] Catherine Murphy (b. 11 April 1881)
[4] Michael Murphy (b. 26 Jan. 1883) d. 1919
[5] Honor “Annie” Murphy (b. 25 June 1885)
[6] James Murphy (b. 16 Dec. 1886) d. 1961
[7] Anastasia Murphy (b. 18 Sept. 1889)
Margaret Murphy née Deady (1852-1894) died at the age of 41 on 12 January 1894 of scarlatina or scarlet fever. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 15 years old when his mother died.
In the 1901 Census there were 9 people recorded in the Ballinlammy household. Edmond Murphy gave his age as 50 and his brother John Murphy as 45. They were both widowers and their true ages were 62 and 60. William was recorded as being 21. His siblings in the 1901 Census were recorded as M. Anne Murphy (23); Mike Murphy (19); Annie Murphy (14); James Murphy (12); Stasia Murphy (10); and Eddy Murphy (7).
William Murphy’s First Marriage
The Kilkenny People (21 June 2019, p. 56) quoted a biography written about Matt Busby describing how Jimmy Murphy’s father emigrated to Wales. “Late in the first decade of the 20th century William “Billy” Murphy, a manual labourer from Kilkenny, a city in the South East of Ireland, arrived in South Wales with the intention of working in the pits. Billy was a widower and travelled with the son from his marriage, Patrick.”
As stated above William Murphy (b. 1879) was a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. As far as I can ascertain he never lived in Kilkenny City. In 1901 he was still single residing in Ballinlammy. At some point he married Johanna Dalton and the couple were living on Philip St. in Waterford City when their son Patrick was born on 29 October 1905. Patrick was baptized on 9 November 1905 and died on the 11th of November. His mother Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1885-1905) also died on the 11th of November 1905 of puerperal fever (childbirth fever). She was 25 years of age. William was present at her death.
Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) Native of Knockbrack, Glenmore
We found a Johanna Dalton born on 13 March 1880 at Knockbrack, Glenmore to Patrick Dalton and his wife Catherine Whelan/Phelan. We were not able to find a marriage record for William and Johanna, nor could we locate a birth record for their son Edward Murphy (b. 1904). In the 1911 Wales Census Edward’s place of birth is recorded as Co. Kilkenny. See our post of 10 August 2026 for further information on the Dalton family of Knockbrack, Glenmore.
In attempting to find more information concerning the short marriage of William Murphy and Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) we searched the 1901 Census of Philip St. in Waterford. In 20 Philip St., we found two Glenmore natives., namely Edward Murphy and his wife Catherine Grace both natives of Forristalstown. The couple were married on 26 April 1899 at Glenmore and one of the witnesses to the wedding was Johanna Dalton. See the obit of Edward Murphy (c. 1874-1951) of 14 Griffith’s Place on our M surname page. He worked for over 50 years at Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
Emigration to Wales
It is not known when William Murphy (b. 1879) moved to Wales, but in early 1910 William Murphy (b. 1879) married Florence Louisa Eynon née Scourfield (c. 1876-1960) in Pontypridd, Glanmorgan, Wales. Florence was the daughter of William Scourfield (grocer) and his wife Ada Nichols. Florence was widowed in 1905 when her first husband Benjamin Eynon (1876-1905)(butcher) died leaving her to raise their 5 children.
In 1911 there were 9 persons residing in the Murphy household. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 33 and employed as a colliery repairer. His place of birth was Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Florence Murphy née Scourfield was 33 and her place of birth was Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales. They recorded they were married 2 years and one child was born to the marriage.
The Blended Family of William Murphy (b. 1879) & Florence Scourfield (c. 1876-1960)
In the 1911 Census the following children were in the household reflecting children of the first marriages of both William and Florence and Jimmy their child together.
[1] William J. Eynon (16) Asst. coal miner, b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[2] Cyril Eynon (15) Asst. Coal miner b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[3] Mary Eynon (13) b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[4] Sydney Eynon (12), Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[5] Benjamin Eynon (5) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
[6] Edward Murphy (6) b. Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
[7] James Murphy (8 mos.) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
The 1921 Census finds the family residing at 43 Treharne St., Pentre, Rhondda, Glanmorganshire, Wales. Work was not good after the War. William Murphy (42), was a collier hewer, for Cory Bros. , Pentro Colliery. It is noted that he was out of work. Florence was 43.
[1] Edward Murphy (16 yrs 8 mos) son, collier boy, Cory Bros, Pentro Colliery (out of work)
[2] James Murphy (10 yrs 10 mos. ) son, was still at school
[3] William Eynon (26 years) step-son, miner, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[4] Sidney Eynon (22) step-son, miner, Cory Bros, (out of work) served in WWI. Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
[5] Benjamin Eynon (15) step-son, was a collier boy, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[6] Mary Eynon (23) step-daughter m. 1937 Arthur P. Lewis. Mary Lewis née Eynon died in August 1987.
Back in Ballinlammy, Glenmore
It is not known if William Murphy (b. 1879) ever returned to Glenmore. His father Edmond died at Ballinlammy, on 8 May 1923. His son James Murphy was present. His age was given as 67 when in fact he was 84.
James Murphy (1886-1961) played on the Inter County Kilkenny Gaelic Football team from 1910 to 1924. He also joined the Glenmore Co. of the Old IRA. His obit is on our M Surname page. See generally the list of men in the Glenmore Company of the old IRA. In 1926 only three of William’s (b. 1879) siblings were residing in Ballinlammy. All three were single. James was 35; Michael was 39 and Anastasia was 32. They had an 18-year- old servant named Thomas Murphy (b. Glenmore) also residing in the household.
Patrick Bookle contacted the Kilkenny People in 2019 and explained that William Murphy was his granduncle and hailed from Ballinlammy, Glenmore, not Kilkenny City. Patrick confirmed that William moved to Wales, Ned moved to the US, and two brothers remained in Ballinlammy. James [Murphy] was Patrick Bookle’s grandfather. James was the goalkeeper on the Glenmore football team (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Sept. 2019, p. 62).
Unknown End
While we were able to locate a newspaper account of the death of Florence Murphy née Scourfield we were unable to verify when William Murphy (b. 1879) died. We hope that one of our readers may be able to shed some light on when William died and where he is buried.
Florence Louisa Murphy née Scourfield of Treharne Street, Pentre, Wales, died in January 1960.
SAD TIME FOR JIMMY MURPHY—It was a unhappy homecoming last weekend for Manchester United Assistant manager, Jimmy Murphy. For his mother, 82-year-old Mrs. Florence Louise Murphy of Treharne St., Pentre, passed away after a long illness. Mrs. Murphy was a loveable character, who will be sorely missed by neighbours and also members of the Welsh international team, such as John Charles and Ivor Allchurch, who as far as she was concerned were not great footballers but boys she could mother (Pontypridd Observer, Sat. 30 Jan. 1960, p. 3).
Mrs. Florence Murphy of Pentre, Rhondda, with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Lewis reading the good news that her son, Jim Murphy (Manchester United) had been appointed Welsh Soccer team manager (Western Mail Wed. 10 Oct. 1956 , p. 10).
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@glenmore-history
The feature photo above is an old postcard of Pentre , Rhondda, Wales circa 1920.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Poet Peter Brophy (1871-1951) a Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
A poem entitled “The Rose of Glenmore” was read out at Mary Aylward’s (née Heffernan) funeral earlier this year. We obtained a copy from her daughter-in-law Joan Aylward (née Doherty) and on the copy it was noted that the poem was composed by a grand-uncle of the present Brophy family of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. We visited Michael Brophy and his sister Ann Brophy who indicated that their great-uncle Peter Brophy wrote poetry and lyrics to songs. He worked for a time for the Nightingale newspaper. (See our post of 28 April 2024 regarding the Nightingale publication).
Peter Brophy also worked for the Dunphy Mill in Deerpark, Mullinavat, where the present owner, John Dunphy has several of Peter’s poems on display. John Dunphy listened to a recording of Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) (Michael and Ann’s father) reciting his uncle’s poems, and John Dunphy wrote out the poems. For further information on the historic Dunphy Deerpark Mill see our post of 13 July 2026. Peter Brophy also wrote “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” and other poems available on our Guest Author’s page of local verses collected by Dick Claridge.
Unfortunately, it is not known when Peter Brophy authored his many poems, but the titles of some of his poems include: [1] “The Rose of Glenmore,” [2] “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” [3] The Famous Buckstown Trap,” [4] “The Ship that Sailed from Mullinavat,” [5] “Landmarks of Olden Days,” [6] “Hills of Mullinahone,” [7] “Jack Jepson and His Ass,” [8] “Eucharistic Congress Dublin 1932,” [8] “Mount Mellary,” [9] “The Famous Chicken Gang,” [10] “The Half Past Nine,” [11] “The Slopes of Tory Hill,” and [12] “The Cross on Tory Hill.”
These poems are important as they record local events, people and areas. Today, we are going to feature two of Peter Brophy’s poems, “The Rose of Glenmore,” and “The Famous Buckstown Trap” which celebrates a rat trap made by Richard Dunphy.
The Rose of Glenmore
Some cherish the lakes of Kilarney,
And others Avoca’s green vale,
Give me the home of my childhood,
The fairest around Inis Fáil.
I often hear poets sing the praises
of the beautiful Suir and the Nore,
But where there’s a river could equal,
The Barrow that flows through Glenmore.
The linnet and thrush you’ll hear warbling,
The lark every morning will soar,
Along o’er the banks of the Barrow,
And the green groves surrounding Glenmore.
I have sailed up the Barrow for many a mile,
I have met many friends from New Ross and Campile,
Where the fair sex are pretty along the Wexford shore,
But none could compare to the Rose of Glenmore.
On the banks of the Barrow every evening we’d stroll,
To see the ships pass and hear the ships’ carol,
And pluck the wild bluebells every summertime poured,
Their sweet, scented fragrance on the banks of Glenmore.
But to my old darling I must bid adieu.
It breaks my heart to be parting from you.
Since fate have decreed that I should be tore,
Away from my home and the Rose of Glenmore.
Now Katie I ask one last token,
You’ll promise for me you won’t weep,
But say that you’ll think of me sometimes
If only in dreams through your sleep.
For your sake the high seas I will furrow,
and hope to gain riches in store,
Then I’ll build on the banks of the Barrow,
A home for the Rose of Glenmore.
The Famous Buckstown Trap
We hear about inventions of the Russian’s and the Jap,
But we hear very little of the famous Buckstown Trap.
With the aid of angle grinders and bits of this and that,
By the time the job was finished, all he wanted was the rat.
But the rat will come in his own time and much to his regret,
We must give it up to Dunphy as the best invention yet.
It’s a wonderful invention, yet as good as can be seen,
They claim it is much better than the Singer sewing machine
It consists of wire and metal and bits of iron bars,
Complete with chrome finish and parts of motor cars.
To set this trap is simple; you can set it at your ease,
With Mitchelstown or Three Counties or any type of cheese.
Now if you are interested in any kind of trap,
Support home industry and forget about the Jap.
Now if you are in trouble with mink, mouse or rat,
Just contact Richard Dunphy of Deerpark, Mullinavat.
Peter Brophy (1871-1951) Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
Peter Brophy was baptized 16 Oct. 1871 at Ballynaraha, Glenmore to James Brophy (1840-1910) and his wife Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915). His parents were married at Glenmore on 3 May 1869.
Peter Brophy’s Grandparents
When Peter’s parents were married in 1869 his mother Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915) was from Graiguenakill, Glenmore. She was the daughter of James Barron (deceased labourer). Peter Brophy’s father was James Brophy of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. James Brophy was the son of Peter Brophy (tailor) (c. 1805 -1872) and his wife Bridget Sutton.
Children of James Brophy (1840-1910) and Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915)
[1] Margaret Brophy (b. 11 Oct. 1869)
[2] Peter Brophy (bapt. 16 Oct. 1871)
[3] Michael Brophy (b. 20 Dec. 1873). Michael Brophy (1873-1960) married Mary Phelan (1885-1961) at Mullinavat in 1916. Mary was the daughter of Edmund Phelan (labourer) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. Their witnesses were Peter Brophy and Kate Dollard. Their son Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) was employed at Murphy Motors, Glenmore and recorded his uncle Peter’s poems.
[4] Thomas Brophy (b. 25 Dec. 1875)
[5] John Brophy (b. 1 June 1878)
[6] James Brophy (b. 16 Feb. 1882)
[7] Patrick Brophy (b. 20 Aug. 1884) married in Waterford 23 Feb. 1933. Per his obit (Munster Express, Fri. 31 Jan. 1947, p. 8) he was a member of the R.I.C. until 1921 and retired. He then went to work for Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
[8] William Brophy (b. 18 July 1887)
[9] Richard Brophy (b. 10 Feb. 1892)
Marriage and Family
Peter Brophy was still living at home in Ballynaraha, Glenmore in the 1901 Census. He reported his age as 27 and was employed as a servant. His father, James Brophy was 60 and employed as an agricultural labourer. His mother, Mary Brophy (née Barron) was 59. Four of his brothers were also living at home including: John (21); James (19); Patrick (17) and William (14). William was still at school. All the other brothers except James were employed as servants. James was employed as an agricultural labourer.
By the 1911 Census Peter was employed at the Dunphy Mill at Deerpark, Mullinavat. He was living with a farmer and his wife in Killahy, Mullinavat. On 15 October 1917, he married Johanna Watters (b.c. 1887) at Mullinavat. He gave his address as Deerpark, Mullinavat. Johanna’s address was Ballintlea, Mullinavat. Her father was Thomas Watters (labourer). When Peter Brophy married he gave his occupation as labourer, and he was 46 years of age.
Known Children of Peter Brophy (1871-1951)
[1] Mary Brophy was born 24 Feb. 1918 at Ballynooney, Mullinavat. Mary married Edward Lannon, Ballycarron, Ballyraggett in Mullinavat on 23 April 1951 per the baptismal record. In fact, the couple were married 23 April 1941. The bride was a resident of Buckstown at the time of her marriage. At the time of her marriage Mary was residing in Kilkenny City (Munster Express, Fri. 2 May 1941, p. 8).
[2] James Brophy was baptized 24 Feb. 1919 and died 29 March 1919.
[3] Margaret Brophy was born 31 Dec. 1920 at Buckstown. Margaret Brophy married Richard Nugent in Cappoquin on 28 Sept. 1949.
[4] John Brophy was born 24 June 1922 at Buckstown.
[5] Johanna Brophy was born 24 May 1924 at Buckstown
The family in 1926 was living in Inchcarran, Killea, Mullinavat per the 1926 Census.
Death
Peter Brophy died 28 June 1951 at Buckstown, Mullinavat. He was 79, and his profession was listed as labourer. His son John Brophy was present at his death. A newspaper search did not find any articles concerning Peter Brophy or his poems. We are hopeful that readers may be able to provide more information concerning Peter Brophy and his poems.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
We do not know what the Buckstown Trap looked like, but we were able to find a photo of an antique rat trap.
Special thanks to Michael Brophy; Ann Brophy; Joan Aylward (née Doherty); and John Dunphy for their help and information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Josie Dalton (1907-1978) of Railway Cottage, Rathinure, Glenmore
Today, we are going to focus on a warm, quiet woman who lived her entire life in the railway cottage in Rathinure. The walls of the railway cottage can still be found along the abandoned railway line that operated from New Ross to Waterford. [For the past decade or so, the old abandoned railway line was to be transformed into a “greenway,” or walking/bicycling path, but this work has never been completed.] The isolated Rathinure railway cottage, had no electricity or well. It was only accessible by walking the train tracks or by narrow dirt farm lanes. After her mother’s death in 1947 Josie lived alone in that isolated cottage.
Josie Dalton often walked to neighbours’ homes in the evening for company or a game of cards etc. One of her favorite houses to visit was the Kirwan home. She walked to Glenmore for Mass or was taken as she got older by her neighbours. It does not appear that she ever held a job, but did odd jobs when extra help was needed on local farms such as at threshings or thinning beet etc. At the recent Kilcolumb Blessing of Graves (6 July 2026) attendees marveled at the thought of the elderly Josie Dalton nightly walking nearly a mile home alone on the isolated, eerie, lane past the ancient cemetery to her home with nothing but a torch or flashlight.
Danny Dowling’s Notes
Glenmore’s historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2023) shortly after Josie’s death recorded what Rathinure residents recalled about Josie. Josie’s father was a cobbler from Tullogher and moved to the Railway Cottage in Rathinure. Josie had two sisters and a brother Pat. All her siblings went to England and Josie lived in the isolated Railway Cottage until shortly before she died. Josie broke her leg and was found by a neighbour and taken to the hospital. She lived in a small mobile home where Willie Cummins had lived. Mick Mack’s house on the High Road, in Scartnamoe, had a lot where a mobile home was placed for Willie Cummins. Although Josie told friends she was going to return to the Railway House she died at the mobile home.
Josie was great friends with Mary Sean Og Kennedy (1881-1971). During the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Uprising, Josie was helping with the harvest at Mary Sean Og Kennedy’s and talk turned to Roger Casement and his State Funeral. It was recalled that Josie at the harvest stated that her grandfather arrested Roger Casement in Kerry in 1916. It was widely known that Josie’s grandfather had been with the R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary). Unfortunately, the statement was not true. Josie’s grandfather, John Hearn (c. 1828-1899) was a constable with the R.I.C., but he was retired and dead long before 1916. The man credited with arresting Roger Casement on Good Friday (21 April 1916) in Kerry, after Casement came ashore from a German U-boat, was R.I.C. Sgt. Thomas John Hearn, Josie’s maternal uncle. (See our post of 3 Oct. 2021 regarding Mary Sean Og Kennedy (1881-1971) and her photo).
While it was true her father was a cobbler he was not from Tullogher. He was a native of Knockbrack, Glenmore. Both the Dalton and Hearn families are discussed below.
The Rathinure, Glenmore Railway Cottage
The railway between New Ross and Waterford was built between 1899 and 1904, The line officially opened in 1904. (See our post of 2 Feb. 2020 regarding the changes the building of the railway caused in Glenmore etc.)
Josie’s parents Michael Dalton (1875-1944) and Bridget Hearn (1874-1947) were married at Glenmore on 23 July 1901. At the time of their marriage Michael Dalton was a shoemaker. The bride and groom both resided in Glenmore. Her father John Hearn was dead. Michael’s father was Patrick Dalton, and he was alive at the time of the wedding. The witnesses to the wedding were John Hearn and Bridget Gaffney.
It is not known when the Rathinure Railway Cottage was built, but it appears that the only family to have resided in it was the Michael Dalton family.
The Children of Michael Dalton (1874-1947) and Bridget Dalton née Hearn (1874-1947)
[1] Patrick “Pat” Dalton (b. 8 Nov. 1903) At the time of Patrick’s birth “in Glenmore” his father was recorded as being a bootmaker.
[2] Catherine “Kitty” Dalton (b. 3 Nov. 1905) At the time of Catherine’s birth “in Glenmore” Michael Dalton was recorded as being a farmer.
[3] Johanna “Josie” “Maggie” Dalton (b. 30 Dec. 1907). Johanna was born at Rathinure, Glenmore and her father’s profession was listed as “milesman on railway.”
[4] Margaret Dalton (b. 9 July 1910) was born at Rathinure and her father’s profession was recorded as “railway milesman.”
The 1926 Census provides that Michael Dalton (51) and his wife Bridget Dalton née Hearn (51) were still residing in the Rathinure Railway Cottage. They reported in the Census that they had been married for 22 years and three children were born to them. In fact, they had four children. In 1926 all three daughters: Catherine Dalton (21); Josephine (sic) Dalton (18; and Maggie Dalton (16) were not employed and living at home.
By all accounts Michael Dalton was an industrious, quiet man. Although he worked for the railway, and daily inspected his section of track and opened and closed the Rathinure railway gates, he also repaired shoes and boots. One story that has been passed down in Rathinure provides that his wife Bridget went to town for messages (to shop) and had a “sup taken”. She got off the train in Aylwardstown and Michael met her to help carry the parcels home. She was quite merry and was allegedly overheard saying in Rathinure “How did I ever think of marrying a little shit of a man like you.” Michael allegedly said nothing in reply and they continued walking home. (Attributed to Jack Walsh (c. 1893 -1982) of Rathinure).
Leaving the Rathinure, Glenmore Railway House
Locally, it is believed that Josie’s brother Pat died young, but we could not locate a death record here or in England. Both Josie’s sisters went to England to work at an unknown time after 1926. Michael Dalton died 11 March 1944 at Rathinure a 68-year-old retired railway official. He died of chronic myocarditis. A post mortem was performed by the coroner Thomas Lanigan on 11 March 1944. See our D surname page for his obituary. Bridget Dalton née Hearn died 14 March 1947 at Rathinure, a 71-year-old widow of a plate layer. She died “probably of heart failure. Her daughter Johanna Dalton was present at her death.
Trouble Getting Home
Sometime around 1976 one of Josie’s sisters came to Glenmore to visit Josie. Traveling from Waterford she asked the bus driver to drop her at the skow bridge. When she alighted from the bus she did not know where she was. The area had changed greatly. She knocked on Claridge’s door and asked directions to Kirwan’s Lane. Jimmy Claridge (c. 1911-1987) pointed to the lane directly across the N25 from his house. She did not recognition the lane because the skow bridge bus stop over the years had moved a couple hundred metros towards Glenmore.
When Josie died in in December 1978 she was not in the Rathinure Railway Cottage as described in Danny’s notes. Both of her sisters returned to Glenmore for her funeral. Johnny Garvey (1943-2026) took the two elderly ladies to the Rathinure Railway Cottage by tractor across his fields (Peter Walsh, Rathinure, 9 Aug. 2026). All of Josie’s belongings fit into two suitcases that Johnny Garvey stored until the following year when the sisters collected them (Louise Garvey Dollard, 8 July 2026). Sometime after the volunteers from Glenmore History photographed and recorded all the markers in St. James’s Cemetery in 2020, Johnny Garvey placed a head stone on Josie’s grave.
The Hearn Family of Cappa, Glenmore
Josie’s mother Bridget Hearn was born at Cappa, Glenmore, on 18 March 1874, the daughter of John Hearn and his wife Catherine Murphy. John Hearn was a sub-Constable of the R.I.C. John Hearn 1847 joined the RIC in 1847. His first posting after training in Dublin was to Co. Kerry. In 1852 he was transferred to Co. Kilkenny. He married Catherine Murphy on 2 Sept. 1861 at Carrick-on- Suir, Tipperary. The birth of their children illustrates where John Hearn was posted during his R.I.C. career. He retired in Glenmore prior to 1878
Children of John Hearne (c. 1828-1899) and Catherine Murphy (c. 1842-1908)
[1] Thomas John Hearn b. 16 May 1864 at Ash Park, Carrick-on-Suir the son of John Hearne (policeman) and Catherine Murphy. He followed his father into the R.I.C. and was a Sgt. when he arrested Roger Casement in 1916. On 3 October 1894, at Limerick he married Hanoa Teresa O’Callaghan. In 1920 he retired from the R.I.C. He died 29 August 1933, a married man of 69 years of a coronary thrombosis. He was a retired Head Constable of the R.I.C. He died at his home 18 Wallace Ave, Cork. George A. Kennedy was present at his death. His death announcement in the Evening Echo (Wed. 30 Aug. 1933, p. 8) made no mention of his arrest of Roger Casement in 1916.
[2] Michael Hearn b. 15 May 1865 at Knocktopher, Kilkenny.
[3] William Hern (sic) b. 17 May 1867 at Dangan, Kilmacow, Kilkenny.
[4] Margaret Hearn b. 17 June 1868 at Dangan, Kilmacow
[5] Mary Catherine Hearn b. 19 April 1870 at Dangan, Kilmacow,
[6] James Benjamin Hearn b. 12 April 1872 at Glenmore. James Benjamin Hearn emigrated to the US about 1910. He settled in Peoria, IL. Married, worked as a journalist and raised a family. He died 2 Aug. 1930.
[7] Bridget Hearn b. 18 March 1874 at Cappa, Glenmore [Josie Dalton’s mother]
[8] John Hearn (b. 15 June 1878) His father was listed on the birth register as John Hearn, “ex-policeman.”
The Deaths of John Hearn (c. 1828-1899) & Catherine Hearn née Murphy (c. 1842-1908)
Per the death register John Hearn died 2 Oct. 1899 at Rosbercon. He was a married 68- year-old pensioner of the R.I.C. Information for the death register was received from D. Walshe, Coroner, Co. Kilkenny. For the full article regarding his death in Rosbercon on his way into New Ross see our H Surname Page.
Catherine Hearn died 27 April 1908. Per the death register she was a 65 year-old widow of a police constable. She died of Bright’s disease suffering with it for 2 years. Her residence was listed as Rathinure, Glenmore at the time of her death. It appears that she was living with her daughter Bridget Dalton née Hearn. Her son John Hearn was present at her death in Glenmore. Josie Dalton was only 4 months old when her grandmother died.
The Dalton Family of Knockbrack, Glenmore
Per the birth register Josie’s father, Michael Dalton (1875-1944), was born 9 May 1875 at Knockbrach, Glenmore to Patrick Dalton (labourer) and his wife, Catherine Phelan. Thus, Josie’s grandparents were Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) and Catherine Phelan. They were married on 22 Jan. 1866 at Glenmore. Both their addresses were given as Knockbrack, Glenmore. Patrick listed his occupation as “Tradesman” as was his father Patrick Dalton. Catherine Phelan was the daughter of James Phelan (labourer) and her profession was listed as farm servant.
Josie’s grandfather, Patrick Dalton was baptized 27 April 1837 at Knockbrack the son of Patrick Dalton and Joney Phelan. Joney Phelan was recorded in various baptismal records of her children as Johanna, Judith and Joney.
The Children of Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) and Catherine Dalton née Phelan
[1] James Dalton (b. 17 Sept. 1866)
[2] Patrick Dalton (b. 14 March 1868)
[3] John Dalton (b. 2 May 1870)
[4] Margaret Dalton (b. 21 Dec. 1872)
[5] Michael Dalton (b. 9 May 1875) Josie Dalton’s father
[6] Johanna Dalton (b. 13 March 1880)
[7] Mary Dalton (b. 9 June 1884). Her baptism records her name as Anne. On the birth register her father’s occupation is listed as “Bullock Doctor.” Her father registered Mary’s birth on 13 June 1884.
Patrick Dalton’s (1837-1909) Death
In the 1901 Census Patrick Dalton (1837- 1909) of Knockbrack was a 63-year-old widower. He was employed as a farm labourer and two of his daughters resided with him, his son-in-law and granddaughter. Johanna Dalton was 21 and not employed. Her sister Margaret Quinn née Dalton was 27. Margaret’s husband Stephen Quinn (1876-1929) was 25 and employed as a farm labourer. Ellen Quinn was just two years of age.
Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) was found dead on 16 January 1909 in a stream of water. It was recorded that he was a 70-year-old widower. His cause of death was recorded as “drowning” and his daughter Margaret Quinn “caused the body to be buried.” Strangely no newspaper article concerning his death could be located although he drowned and had worked as a “Bullock Doctor.”
By 1911 Stephen (35) and Margaret Quinn (née Dalton) (37) had moved their family to Fahy, Mullinavat. Ellen Quinn (10) was joined by two brothers (Patrick aged 8 and James 4 months) and a sister Katie (aged 5). Also, in the household was Stephen’s brother, George Quinn (33). Stephen Quinn was born at Rathinure in 1876 the son of Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) and his wife Ellen Quinn née Tracy (1847-1932). Josie Dalton’s father was a brother to Margaret Quinn née Dalton and Josie was a first cousin to the Quinn children of Fahy (Ellen, Katie, Patrick and James). For further information on Stephen Quinn, see our post of 23 Dec. 2025.
In the 1911 Knockbrack Census a Patrick Dalton was 32 and living with his wife Mary (34). It is assumed that he was a brother of Margaret Quinn née Dalton, but her brother Patrick was born in 1868 making him 43 in 1911 instead of 32. The Patrick Dalton in the 1911 Knockbrack Census reported that he and his wife married about 1909 and had no children in 1911. In the 1926 Census they were still residing in Knockbrack, Glenmore with their 18-year-old niece, Bridget McGrath. Patrick reported his age as 46, and his employer was a farmer named Michael Murphy who had 150 acres.
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For a concise account of Roger Casement’s life see, Michael Laffan, “Sir Roger Casement” which is from the RTE.ie Century Ireland series.
Special thanks to Louise Garvey Dollard for sharing the Memory Card of Josie Dalton and sharing her memories of Josie.
Please send any corrections, additional information, photos or suggestions for future posts to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Butler (1862-1933) Native of Flemingstown, Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2023) was the Glenmore Village and Parish historian for 7 decades. His files are full of queries he answered from around the world helping people to connect with their Glenmore ancestors long before there were computers and other research conveniences. Danny often lamented that none die so well as the poor. What he meant was that little is left behind after they left this life such as land records, headstones, Wills or obituaries. Generally, only baptismal, marriage and death records may survive. However, every now and then a newspaper article or two provides information about a person. Today, we are going to present three short articles involving James Butler (1862-1933) who was a native of Flemingstown, Glenmore.
Horseshoeing Argument Leads to Criminal Charges
The New Ross Standard on 22 August 1896 in a column named “Notes From Beyond the Barrow: A Pistol Presented” provides a short description of two men who argued about horse shoeing.
“An ex-army man named Butler, a native of Glenmore, and lately living in Brownstown, Tullogher, was arrested by the Rosbercon police on Saturday on a charge of presenting arms at Thomas Leigh. On the previous day Butler had been around Rosbercon and on his way home in the evening met with Leigh, who is a smith. The conversation seems to have turned on horse shoeing, and they both became excited. Butler contended that the smith knew nothing about horseshoeing, and that if he wanted to know anything in that direction he should join the army. Leigh alleged that at this point Butler presented a pistol at him. He hastily retreated to Rosbercon and reported the matter to the police. The police found on Butler’s person a breach loading American pistol and four rounds of ammunition. He was remanded for trial to petty sessions” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 22 Aug. 1896, p. 4).
This event led to two different criminal charges against James Butler. The first charge was reported in the New Ross Standard of Saturday, 19 September 1896 (p. 4). The second charge of not having a license for the pistol was reported in the 17 October 1896 edition (p. 4).
The Charge of Presenting a Pistol
“The Queen at the prosecution of District Inspector Rainsford, and a native of near New Ross at Tinnakilly, near Rosbercon, on the 14th August, unlawfully presented a pistol at Thomas Leigh, Rosbercon, with intent to do him serious bodily injury. Mr. Colfer appeared for the defendant.
Mr. Rainsford said that the case was not so serious as at first sight might appear. He read the information of Thomas Leigh, Rosbercon, who was sworn, and who affirmed it, stating that at Tinnakilly, on the 14th August, he (Thomas Leigh) met defendant, James Butler. Deponent was a blacksmith, living in Rosbercon, and on that day had been brining a horse which had been shod, up to Thomas Shea. James Butler began to ridicule deponent and his father as to the way in which they did their business, and said they knew nothing about shoeing except driving nails. Deponent offered to bet £5 that Butler would not get a man who would shoe as well as his father, and Butler replied that if he wanted to know anything about horseshoeing he should enlist in the army. Deponent denied this, and thereupon defendant asked him did he mean to insult him, and pulling a pistol out of his pocket, presented it at his (witness’s) head. Deponent was a little afraid of Butler, and said he did not wish to have any argument with him. Deponent (sic) [should read Defendant] then put back the pistol and offered to shake hands with him. Witness shook hands with him and then left. The defendant had drink taken, but was not drunk. Deponent at first thought the defendant was a man named Ribby, but afterward found he did not know his name. When he reached Rosbercon he reported the matter to the police, and on the following day identified the prisoner.
Cross examined by Mr. Colfer—You did not know this man before? No. And he had no previous quarrel with you or anything of the kind? No. You say you were a little afraid of him? Yes. Did you think he intended firing it at you with intent to do bodily harm? He looked like it, but did not pull the trigger. Nor did he threatened to do so? No.
The District Inspector here produced the pistol, which with ammunition, was found on the prisoner after his arrest. Constable Kiggins gave evidence of having arrested the defendant, and found the pistol and four rounds of ammunition in his pockets. The Inspector said that that was his case.
Mr. Colfer said that in appearing for the defendant it seemed to him that there was no evidence that he meant to inflict serious bodily harm. No doubt he was instructed to plead guilty on behalf of his client to presenting the pistol, but there was not the slightest evidence that Butler meant to discharge it, if there was anything to discharge in it. Having reviewed the deposition, Mr. Colfer said it was clear there was no wrong inflicted. Leigh had not the remotest idea as to whom the defendant was. Nothing came of the arguments or bets between them, and when the defendant put up the pistol, he, in the half-inaudible way in which usually drunken men speak, asked the other to shake hands.
Defendant had been employed in the county Wexford for some time, and was now acting as caretaker in the county Waterford with a man named Mullins. When in the County Wexford, the defendant was made a present of the pistol, and when during the last month he was up seeing some friends in County Kilkenny he brought the pistol with him. Being in the army, he did not think it was necessary to have a license for it.
Chairman—That’s another matter. Mr. Colfer—Yes, quite so. Sufficient for the day—at all events he had this pistol with him. He did not know the law. He instructs me to say he was 12 years in the army, and was a non-commissioned officer when leaving. He was all through the Egyptian War, and he says he received a clasp for his action at Tel-el-Kibar, and also possesses the Kheldives brass medal for heroism (laughter). Of course this can only go for his character. Mr. Colfer then read a character for the defendant from Mr. P.J. Roche, Woodville, with whom he had worked for 13 months.
Mr. Rainsford said he wished to have the case dealt with as an ordinary assault. Of course were the case brought under the Peace Preservation Act there should be a court of two resident magistrates to hear it. The Chairman said the defendant would be fined a guinea [21shillings or 1£ 1s] or a month in jail, and he requested Mr. Rainsford to recommend to the Excise to have defendant prosecuted of carrying a pistol without a license (New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 Sept. 1896, p. 4).
Peace Preservation Act 1881
Sir Robert Peel in 1814 drafted the first Peace Preservation Act which established what would become the Irish Constabulary. In 1870 and 1888 during periods of agrarian agitation and the Land Wars, these Acts allowed the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the power to suspend habeas corpus, declare specific areas or districts “proclaimed districts” where a person could not carry or possess any arms or ammunition without a licence. The defendant, James Butler was charged and tried before a special court under the 1881 Act.
Ironically, while James Butler was serving in the British Army putting down a nationalist uprising in Egypt, back in Ireland legislation was introduced to proclaim his home barony Ida a “proclaimed district” allowing for the suspension of habeas corpus etc.
“Subsequent to the court of petty sessions, Messrs Ulick Bourke, RM [resident magistrate] (chairman), and H.F. Considine, RM, sat as a court under the Peace Preservation Act, to dispose of the case of the Queen, at the prosecution District-inspector Ross C. Rainsford, against James Butler, an ex-army man, for having in his possession on the 15th of August, without license, a pistol and four rounds of ball ammunition.
Constable Kiggins deposed that on the 15th August he arrested James Butler for presenting a revolver at one Thomas Leigh on the previous day. The defendant made no statement. Witness brought him to the barrack and searched him, and found on his person a pistol and four rounds of ball ammunition (produced). The defendant held no license. The offence occurred in the barony of Ida, and witness was aware that Ida was a proclaimed district.
Chairman (to defendant)—Do you plead guilty? I do sir. I leave myself at your worship’s mercy. I have been away since I was a boy, and was most of that time in active service. I was used to arms, and did not know there was any necessity to have a license. When the constable asked me had I had it, I told him I had. [Appears to be referring to the pistol.]
Mr. Considine—How long are you back from the army? Three or four years. I had a good character. The district inspector on last court day prosecuted the defendant for presenting the pistol which was an American one, at Thomas Leigh.
Defendant—I thought no more about it then if it was a toy pistol. District Inspector—I would not like to get a pistol like that presented to me if it were loaded. All I have to do now is to hand in the Dublin Gazette of 1881, in which year the Peace Preservation Act was enforced within the Barony of Ida. The Gazette was then produced.
In consideration of the costs in the case, the fines and costs in the previous prosecution on last court day, and the good character of the defendant, he was allowed off with a fine of 5s, the pistol and ammunition to be forfeited (New Ross Standard, Sat. 17 Oct. 1896, p. 4).
The Defendant James Butler (1862-1933) Native of Flemingstown, Glenmore
James Butler was born on 26 July 1862 at Flemingstown, Glenmore to Thomas Butler (c. 1803-1888) and his wife Margaret Kneefe/Keefe.
Military Service
We were able to find the list of medals awarded to James Butler from 1881-1883 for the Egypt & India Campaigns. Corp. James Butler, Reg. No 2466, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, was awarded the Egyptian Medal 1882 with a Tel-el-Kebir Clasp; and was also awarded an Egyptian Bronze Star (Medal Rolls, British War Office, file WO-100/57).
Marriage
James Butler of Flemingstown married 18 May 1893 a widow named Ellen Norris (c. 1859-1937) a native of Ballyvaria (sic) Glenmore. James was the son of Thomas Butler (mason and farmer). Ellen was the daughter of Michael Norris (labourer).
Ellen Norris’s first husband was Patrick Murphy (c. 1848-1892). The couple were married on 6 February 1879 at Rosbercon. Patrick Murphy (38) and Ellen Norris (20) were both recorded as residing in Brownsford, [Tullogher]. Their fathers were recorded as Sylvester Murphy (deceased) and Michael Norris. Her husband Patrick Murphy died 2 December 1892.
It appears that Ellen only had one child in her first marriage, Michael Murphy (c. 1888-1966). Michael Murphy emigrated to Peoria, Illinois in about 1909, became a police officer, married and raised a family.
Family Life
James Butler was only married for a few years when he was arrested and tried in 1896. The 1901 Census provides that the family was residing in New Ross. James (39) was working as a labourer. In addition to his step-son Michael Murphy (c. 1888-1966) there were four other children in the household: Tom Butler (6); Ellen Butler (5); Nicholas Butler (3) and Maggie Butler (9 mos.).
Before the 1911 Rosbercon Census Michael Murphy had emigrated. James Butler (49) was working as a farm labourer. His wife Ellen was 53 years of age. Tom (17) was working as a Brewer’s labourer. Nicholas (13), Margaret (10) and the last of the children Mary was 7.
In the 1926 Census of Raheen, Co. Kilkenny, James Butler was 63 and reported that he was born at Flemingstown, Glenmore. He was employed as a farm labourer for Patrick Dooley (farmer) who had 130 acres. Ellen Butler reported her age as 67 and that she was born at Ballyveria, Glenmore. Their daughter Margaret Butler was 25, was born at New Ross and was self-employed as a dressmaker. Mary Butler was 23, born at Raheen, and was employed as a shop assistant at O’Leary and Butler Grocery and General Store.
Deaths
James Butler died 19 November 1933 of bronchial pneumonia at his home in Raheen. His daughter Margaret was present at his death. His widow, Ellen Butler née Norris died 7 March 1937 at home in Raheen of apoplexy. Apoplexy is an old medical term for a stroke. Her son Nicholas was present at her death.
The Victim Thomas Leigh/Lee (1875-1955)
All we gleaned from the newspapers accounts was that Thomas Lee was a blacksmith and his father was a blacksmith. The 1901 Rosbercon Census provides that James Lee (46) was a blacksmith and his sons Thomas Lee (21) and James Lee (20) were also blacksmiths.
A New Ross baptismal record reveals that Thomas Lee was born on 24 March 1875. His parents were James Lee and Ann Hanlon. Thus, Thomas Lee was 26 in 1901 and 21 in 1896 when he argued with James Butler regarding horseshoeing.
Thomas Lee and Gertrude Mary Begely were married on 4 October 1904 at St. Mary Priory, Highland St., Liverpool. They were parents of Rev. Brother J. A. Lee, Superior, Colaiste Muire, Dublin. The celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary was published in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Oct. 1954, p. 1). The 1911 Census reveals that Gertrude was born at Pembroke Docks in South Wales. In 1911, Thomas Lee stood for the New Ross Board of Guardians (Rosbercon Ward) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 May 1911, p. 2). In addition to their son the couple also had several daughters.
Thomas Lee died 1 May 1955 at Sugarhouse Lane, New Ross aged 80. In his obituary it was noted that he was a man of splendid physique and despite his eighty years, he worked with the vigour and skill of a man half his age (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 May 1955, p. 8). His wife Gertrude died of influenza on the 8th of October 1959 at the age of 80 at their home on the Quay, New Ross. Her daughter Maura Lee was present at her death.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is from the Royal Collection Trust, included in Queen Victoria’s Album, Afghanistan and Egypt Portraits, 1879 & 1882. For another photo of members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in Egypt press here. The photo of a village blacksmith is from an old Sussex, England postcard.
For other Glenmore Butler families see our B surname page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: How do you like them apples?
On 27 August 1973, Danny Dowling (1927-2023) interviewed Jack Walsh (1909-1985) of Tinnakilky, Piltown, regarding his apple orchard and the Bessborough demesne. The complete interview is below and any additional information not found in the interview has been placed in square brackets [ ].
By way of introduction, according to the National Diversity Data Centre there are 6,000 different varieties of apples in the world. Apples have been grown in Ireland for 3,000 years and where orchards once stood are reflected in Irish place names e.g. Oulart, Wexford and Knockullard, Carlow.
The Irish Seed Savers in 2022 published their DNA work that concluded that there are 200 different Irish heritage varieties. Some date back 500 years (National Biodiversity Data Centre (2023) Traditional Orchards & Fruit Trees for Pollinators on the Farm (Series No. 32), p. 3.) Thus, 53 years ago, long before these works, Danny Dowling interviewed a Kilkenny man about his traditional apple orchard that was cultivated by his grandfather in the 19th century.
Danny Dowling’s Interview of Jack Walsh (1909-1985)
Jack Walsh had a 10 acre apple orchard on his farm in Tinnakilly which contained 4,800 trees. It was planted in stages by his grandfather Ned Walsh who died in 1914 aged over 80 years. This whole orchard was cut down over the past couple of years and the present owner of the farm Jeremiah Forrest, of Slieverue bulldozed all the roots this year.
The cultivation of apples in the Piltown area was apparently started by the Ponsonby family in Bessborough. The principal apple growing townlands in Piltown are: Whitechurch; Tybroughney; Belline; Owning; Kilmanaghan; Jamestown; Tinnakilly; Ballinacroney; and Brenor. The area of this cultivation extending from Fiddown to Ballinacroney.
The Old Apple Varieties
Old varieties of apples which were cultivated in Jack Walsh’s orchard included:
DUNKITTS—a striped green dessert [apple]. Probably named from Dunkitt in Kilmacow Parish.
RED BRANDYS—a red, hard, sweet, eater.
STRIPED BRANDY—a hard, sweet, dessert [apple].
MALDEN’S BLUSH—a red striped nice eater.
KING’S PIPPIN—a yellowish dessert [apple].
SWEET WILLIAM—a small white striped eating apple.
BLOODHOUNDS—a red cooking [apple]. Very big. [According to Future Forest Nursery this apple was known as Bloody Butcher in the midlands].
CLEARHART—a cooking and eating variety. [According to Seed Savers it is traditional to Kilkenny and got its name from the large empty space at its heart.]
LEATHERJACKETS—a brown dessert [apple]
RUSSETTS—a small and hard eating variety. [It could] last until March.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT—a variety grown as a curiosity in Tinnakily by his grandfather, Ned Walsh. He got it in Bessborough. He had 3 trees that were grafted on whitethorn stocks. [It was] of no commercial value.
In later years, Bramley seedling and Newton Wonder were introduced. Large acreages were under cultivation in the Piltown area, but at the present time [1973] this area is diminishing.
Selling the Apples
Apple Dealers
Up to the time of the Second World War most of the orchards were let out to middlemen who picked and marketed the fruit. The owner only getting a small rent for the orchard. These middlemen or apple dealers were only exploiters and were in league with one another in order to get the orchards at a very cheap rate. They never bid against one another, and the same man usually got the same orchard year after year. As long as Jack Walsh can remember the highest amount ever paid for his ten acre orchard was £110 and sometimes as low as £40. The average he was paid was £60.
The first man to break this unfair monopoly was a North of Ireland man named Hanson, who bought the apples from the orchard owners by the barrel. He supplied the barrels, and collected them with two lorries. He disposed of the apples on the Dublin market. That was shortly before the 1939 war.
Scarcity of Apples
[In reviewing newspapers from that era we found that prices were also impacted by the scarcity of apples. In July 1938, it was reported that fruit would be scarce. “The varied and unseasonable weather and the lack of sun and rain at the proper times, together with the sharp frost experienced, about six weeks or so ago, have caused a shortage of fruit. Reports indicate that there will be very few apples…Our representative when in the Piltown district this week had a chat with a prominent apple dealer, and was told that the apple crop would be small this year. He also gave the reason as due to the weather conditions two months ago such as frost, lack of rain etc.” (Munster Express, Fri. 8 July 1938, p. 2).]
Prices
During the 1939-1945 war [World War II] the prices paid per ton were:
cull apples–£26 and
first quality–£50 on average, but often £80.
At the present time [1973] cull apples only fetch £8 per ton.
The most Jack Walsh ever got off his ten acres was 35 tons of apples.
The trees in the old days were manured by farmyard dung, but in later years by potash. All the apples had to be handpicked. The Walsh’s did all their own grafting on to crab stocks, and at the time there was very little canker on the trees.
Tinnakilly Mill
There was a mill in Tinnakily for grinding corn,. It was owned by the O’Donnell family. Hearne now in the place, but the mill was gone before Jack Walsh’s time.
Bessborough Demesne
The stone wall surrounding the Bessborough Demesne was 3 Irish miles in length. The big house itself was burned during the Irish Troubles in the early twenties. The road from the big house up by Tinnakilly was known as the Avenue. A strip which ran alongside the entire distance of this road was used for galloping horses by the Bessborough family.
In the wood over Tinnakilly the Ponsonby’s had a rustic house where they used to drive up in their carriages and have picnics. [This rustic house sounds like a playhouse of the rich similar to the Swiss Cottage outside of Cahir, Tipperary. See Heritage Ireland including a short video featuring the Swiss Cottage.] The last of the Bessboroughs were good landlords, but some of the earlier ones according to tradition in the Piltown area, were not too good. There was a corn mill in Bessborough which is now demolished.
Apples Shown at Piltown Show
In addition to the varieties that Danny Dowling recorded above, in the 1965 Piltown Agricultural Show the following apple varieties were shown. Bramley (green); Bramley (crimson); Lane’s Prince Albert; Lord Derby; Worcester Pearmain; Laxton’s Superb; Allington Pippin; Ellison’s Orange; American Mother; Laxton’s Fortune; Cox’s Orange Pippin; Lord Lambourne; Laxton’s Epicure; Bowden’s Seedlings (Kilkenny Journal, Sat. 11 Sept. 1965, p. 7).
The Walsh Family of Tinnakilly
Jack’s grandfather who planted the apple orchard was Edmond Walsh (c.1838-1916) of Tinnakilly. In the 1911 Census he recorded that he was 78 years of age and a widower. Jack told Danny Dowling that his grandfather died in 1914. A review of the death register revealed that Edmond Walsh of Tinnakilly died 19 January 1916 at the age of 85. His son Pat Walsh was present at his death.
1911 Census
In 1911, Edmond Walsh’s two sons John (40) and Patrick (32) were living with him. Also present in the house was John’s wife Mary Walsh née Comerford (36) as well and Edmond’s two grandsons: Edward Walsh (3) and John or Jack Walsh (2) (Danny’s interviewee). Edmond’s wife Mary Walsh née Morrissey died prior to 1901.
1926 Census
In the 1926 Census, Jack’s father John Walsh was the head of the house (50). Jack’s mother, Mary Walsh née Comerford (51) recorded that she had been born at Kilnaspic, Kilkenny. All the rest of the members of the 1926 household were born at Tinnakilly. This included Jack (17) and his brothers: Eddie Walsh (18) and Thomas Walsh (13).
Jack’s Marriage
On 29 November 1939 at Mullinavat, Jack Walsh married Mary “Maureen” Aylward (c. 1915-1987) of Ballydaw, Mullinavat. Jack’s father John was already dead. Maureen’s father was James Aylward (farmer). Jack and Maureen did not have any children. In the early 1970’s Jack sold the orchard and he and Maureen continued living in their home in Tinnakilly. They were described as a very nice couple and often visited with the Forrest family of Slieverue. Jack died in 1985 and Maureen died in 1987 at the age of 72.
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Special thanks to Jerry Forrest for providing information on Jack Walsh and his wife Maureen Walsh née Aylward.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com . If you would like us to search Danny Dowling’s files for any particular information please contact us via email.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of an orchard above in courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1860 – 1920). Orchard Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/e33ec530-c611-012f-6cca-58d385a7bc34 .
From Danny’s Files: Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c.1845-1920) of Glenmore
In his quest to record local history Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often asked people he encountered in Waterford if they had any Glenmore connections. Sometimes he hit pay dirt and sometimes he just jotted down something he considered interesting whether there was a Glenmore connection or not. On 1 March 1971, Danny interviewed Miss Margaret Dunphy of 52 Poleberry, Waterford. It is assumed that Danny met Miss Dunphy while working as a Waterford Health Officer. Danny learned that Miss Dunphy had a Glenmore connection and some interesting information concerning the Dunphy “eating house” of Rosbercon was recorded.
It is not known how long the eating house was operating in Rosbercon. We know from the interview and the 1901 Census that it was operational at least for thirty years. This means that from 1901-1940 every person going into New Ross from Glenmore, via the main road, passed the Dunphy eating house. This interview was found in Danny’s voluminous files recently when we were seeking information on a different Dunphy family from Ballyfacey, Glenmore.
The Interview
Philip Dunphy, a baker by trade, had an eating house in Rosbercon, on the opposite side of the street to P.N. O’Gorman’s shop. He was married to Margaret Hagan, a native of Glenmore, and she married into the shop. They had in family 8 children—7 boys and 1 girl including James who was married to ___ Crowe of Marley, Co. Carlow.
This James Dunphey worked all his life for 51 years on the railway, retiring in 1940-1941 with a pension of 15/= per week. It was he who left off the first train from Ross to Waterford, and also from Waterford to Rosslare. He lived in Waterford. The above Miss Margaret Dunphy of 52 Poleberry, Waterford, is his daughter. She is now aged almost 70 years.
The eating house in Rosbercon, was carried on until 1940, when the then owner Miss Cissie Dunphy (aunt of Miss Margaret Dunphy, of Waterford), retired and went to live in a flat in New Ross.
The Dunphy family are buried in Rosbercon, but the foresaid James Dunphy and his wife are buried in the Crowe burial plot in St. Mullins Cemetery, Co. Carlow. They were related to the Dunphy’s of New Ross. Miss Dunphy thinks that the above Philip Dunphy, had no brothers or sisters.
Miss Dunphy used to spend her holidays every year in the eating house in Rosbercon, when she was young. She told me that when the farmers went in for a meal, the bread was never cut, and each diner got a full loaf which he cut according to his needs. This bread was never used again, that is what was left over. It was given to an old woman in the town who came to collect it. Miss Dunphy said that the people in those days who went in for a meal were very particular as to the grub and particularly the bread.
D. Dowling 1-3-71
Dunphy Eating House of Rosbercon
We know that the eating house, was located across the street from P.N. O’Gorman Auctioners of Rosbercon. Prior to the new bridge being built the old bridge was up river from the present or new bridge. The main road from Waterford proceeded to the old bridge. P.N. O’Gorman auctioneers was originally on the Rosbercon side of the river almost exactly across from where it currently is on the Quay, New Ross. From the brief description provided by Miss Margaret we believe the eating house was across the main Waterford to New Ross road from P.N. O’Gorman. [See our post of 18 May 2026 regarding the P.N. O’Gorman family.]
We could not find any reference to the eating house in any contemporary newspapers although it is not known what the proper name of the establishment was. In the 1901 Census it was referred to as a shop. The 1901 Census provides that Philip Dunphy was 50 years of age, and he and his family lived in house 8 of Rosbercon. His profession was listed as an agricultural labourer. The house was comprised of 7 rooms and was listed as a shop located between a public house and another shop. In the 1901 census only Mary Ann Dunphy (25) was listed as having anything to do with the shop. She was simply listed as a “shop girl.” The shop or eating house was not reflected in the 1911 Census although four of the family were residing in the same 7 room house.
It is believed that this eating house, which operated at least in the first 3 decades of the 20th century, was a no-frills establishment where a farmer could eat a simple, hearty meal after attending New Ross on a market or fair day. My resident expert has stated that the local older generation pronounced such establishments as “atein houses.” Given that each customer received his or her own loaf of bread begs the question–how large were the loaves? For an interesting paper on public dining in Ireland see, Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire (2012) “Public Dining in Dublin: The History and Evolution of Gastronomy and Commercial Dining 1700-1900,” (25(2) International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, pp. 227-246, DOI: 10.21427/d71r03).
Philip Dunphy (c. 1841-1913) and Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c. 1845-1920)
Philip Dunphey (c. 1841-1913)
Locating when Philip Dunphy was born proved difficult because his age varied greatly in the 1901 Census (50); the 1911 Census (70) and the death register (1913; 60). Thus, he could have been born around 1851 or 1841.
Although Philip Dunphy is not a common local name four Philip Dunphys were baptised in Rosbercon from 1835 to 1865. Given that Philip Dunphy married in 1865 we can eliminate candidates [C] b. 1859 and [D] b. 1865 as being too young.
[A] Philip Dunphy was baptised 31 July 1835 to Patrick Dunphy and his wife Bridget Grangil. They were married at Rosbercon on 26 January 1832.
[B] Philip Dunphy was baptised at Rosbercon on 24 July 1841. The son of Thomas Dunphy and Mary Corcoran of Tinnakelly.
[C] Philip Dunphy was baptized at Rosbercon on 24 Jan. 1859 to Patrick Dunphy and Mary Murphy of Tinnakilly. They were married 22 Sept. 1856 at Rosbercon. Patrick was from Shanbo.
[D] On 21 February 1865 a Phillip Dunphy was born at Rosbercon to John Dunphy (baker) and Anne Crosdale, his wife. They were married 7 April 1864. John’s father was John Dunphy (boatman).
Given that Philip and his wife were recorded as the same age in the 1901 and 1911 Census it seems unlikely that he was several years older or younger than her, so we believe that Phillip was Candidate B. Regardless of when Philip was born he married Margaret Hagan on 20 February 1865 at Rosbercon. Philip Dunphy died 20 March 1913. He was aged 60 according to the Death Register, married, and his occupation was baker. His son, John Dunphy was present at his death in Rosbercon.
Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (1845-1920)
Finding Margaret Hagan was also a challenge. Danny recorded an extinct family named Hagan primarily in Ballycroney, Glenmore. No Margaret Hagan was found in Ballycroney. In reviewing the Parish records we did find a Margaret Hagan/Hogan was baptized at Moulerstown, Glenmore on 20 March 1845. Margaret was the daughter of James Hagan/Hogan and his wife Ellen Ribgy. Given the handwriting in the record the name may have been Hagan or Hogan. When Margaret Dunphy née Hagan died on 5 March 1920 at Rosberon, she was a 74-year-old widow. Her son Richard was present when she died.
Children of Philip Dunphy (c. 1841-1913) & Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c. 1845-1920)
In the 1911 Census it was recorded that the couple were married 40 years and had had 7 children and 6 were alive in 1911. In 1911 the couple had been married 46 years. We were able to locate only 6 of their children.
[1] Mary Dunphy was born 11 Feb. 1868 at Rosbercon. Godparents Thomas Nolan and Mary Hagan. In the 1901 Census her age was recorded as 25 and she was employed as a shopgirl. In 1911 she was 30, single and a housekeeper. In the 1926 Census, Mary A. Dunphy was the sole family member living in the Dunphy home in Rosbercon. She recorded her age as 48 and was employed as a shopkeeper. It is assumed that she was Aunt Cissy that Miss Margaret Dunphy of Poleberry referenced to Danny as being the last to run the eating house.
[2] John Dunphy was born 3 Jan. 1870 at Rosbercon Godparents were William Cleere and Catherine Nolan. In the 1901 Census he was 27 and working as an engine cleaner. In 1911 he was recorded as being 32 years of age, single and working as a railway labourer.
[3] Bridget Dunphy was bapt at Rosbercon on 3 August 1871. Godparents were John Fleming and Mary Shanahan.
[4] James Dunphy was born on 3 July 1873 at Rosbercon. His godparents were Rev. John Walsh and Johanna Whelan. In the 1901 Census he was recorded as being 23 and employed as a railway guard. By 1911 he was married and living in Ferrybank.
[5] Michael Dunphy was born 11 October 1875 to Philip Dunphy (baker) and his wife Margaret Egan (sic).
[6] Richard Dunphy per the 1901 census was born about 1881. In the 1901 Census he was recorded as being 20 and employed as a carpenter. He was not living at home in 1911. It is believed that he married Esher Murphy of Mary St., New Ross, on 4 November 1907. Esther was the daughter of Patrick Murphy, baker. The groom, Richard Dunphy, of Rosbercon was a carpenter and his father is recorded as “Patrick” Dunphy, baker. Richard Dunphy, of Mary St., New Ross died on 19 October 1959 in the Fever Hospital at the age of 82. His widow Esther Jane Dunphy née Murphy died on 7 November 1966 at the age of 83.
James Dunphy (1873- ? )
James Dunphy married Ellen Crowe on 10 February 1907 at Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. James’s address was Ferrybank and he was employed as a railway guard. His father was Philip Dunphy (baker). Ellen had an address of Queen St. and she was employed as a cook. Her father was Edward Crowe (farmer).
The 1901 Census provides that Ellen Crowe was 19, employed as a general domestic servant and was living at home in Marley, Co. Carlow. Her father Edward Crowe, was 57 and employed as an agricultural labourer. Her mother Ellen was 58, and her sister Mary was 21 and also employed as a general domestic servant. In the 1901 Census there was an older woman named Ellen Crowe (27) in Glynn, Co. Carlow, but although her father was a farmer his name was not Edward.
Miss Margaret Helena Dunphy was born 11 January 1908 in Ferrybank to James Dunphy, railway guard and his wife, Ellen Crowe. No other children were found. In the 1911 Census the little family was living on New Lane in Waterford City. In the 1926 Census the family was living in Dyehouse Lane, Waterford City. James was 52, recorded he was born in Rosbercon, and was employed as a railway guard. His wife Ellen was 43 and recorded that she was born at Glynn, Co. Carlow. Miss Margaret was 18, born in Ferrybank and per the Census form was “not yet at work.”
Unfortunately, no death records or obituaries could be located for Miss Margaret Dunphy and her parents.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above depicts the old New Ross bridge taken from the Ross side looking across the river toward Rosbercon.