March, 2020
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What’s a Shebeen?
Over the years, Danny Dowling interviewed several local people concerning Glenmore drinking establishments. As previously reported in our blog of 4 January 2020 in about 1870 the then parish priest forced all three pubs in Glenmore Village to close. After the pubs closed Glenmore remained a dry parish until 1963. In addition to licensed public houses Glenmore had its fair share of síbíns or shebeens, particularly in the years following 1870. Today we are going to focus on the information Danny collected and a case that arose 114 years ago today when a Glenmore woman’s house was raided as a shebeen.
One of the pubs, operating at the time of the pub closures in Glenmore was known as Cashin’s. It was situated just in front of the present priest’s house and Mass was disrupted with drunken shouts, inappropriate conduct and the banging of mugs on the bar. Old Johnnie Hanrahan, of Glenmore Village, told Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill that when Johnny was a chap he brought beer out of Howlett’s Brewery in Priory Lane, New Ross, to Cashin’s Pub in Glenmore. Walter Power, of Jamestown, in his January 1955 interview revealed that another pub in the Village was in Peter Dunphy’s house in Robinstown. He was married to Nellie Grace, nicknamed Nellie Grawsheen and their house stood somewhere near Hanrahan’s shop. Margaret Walsh, in 1955, noted that her father David Walsh had a pub in the Village not too far from the Chapel.
Another pub just outside of the Village was identified in 1958 by Nicholas Forristal who stated that Cardiff’s had a pub in Graiguenakill in their house upstairs. Interestingly Father Delahunty whilst in Glenmore lived in Cardiff’s. Danny’s mother, Mrs. Hannah Dowling, of Jamestown, in January 1970, stated that Duggan’s had a public house in the Halfwayhouse on the “New Line” in Ballinaraha.
The shebeens identified were primarily outside the Village. In December 1969 Nicholas Forristal, stated that the local Whitefeet drank in a shebeen in Ballygurrim before their nightly escapades. The Whitefeet was a secret society that engaged in land agitation activities. The shebeen where the local Whitefeet drank was kept by Billy Walsh, nicknamed Billy Buíde. Billy Walsh used to say to the Whitefeet, “Drink plenty and it’ll make chickens of ye. It will strengthen your bones and put speed in your feet and make ye well able to whale the police.” Pat Coady, of Ballycroney, in November 1955 identified five “shanties” that operated in Glenmore including: Big Dinny Whelan had one in his house in Ballyfacey; Dick Young in Ballyveria; Tom Long in Moulerstown; Jack Hart in Darbystown and Johnny Scanlon in Knockbrack.
Paddy Foley, of Rahora, Tullogher in June 1970 provided more information regarding Tom Long’s shebeen in Moulerstown. It was in a house alongside Butler’s yard. Long was married to a Butler, of Moulerstown and the police used to drink in this shebeen. Danny identified another well-known establishment which was referred to as the Shanty. It was located off the High Road near Scartnamore and operated by a man named Kirwan. It was going strong during the building of the railway. The last known area referred to as a shebeen was located on a turn on the grassy lane that runs up from the Main Waterford-New Ross Road in Ballinamona. There was no building, just a lot of beer stored in the open allegedly for a Fete being held in Hanarahan’s field in Ballinamona. The Guards learned of it, raided and closed it in 1961 or 1962 at the time of the Fete.
In notebook 23 Danny listed a large number of newspaper articles that he found in old local papers. Perhaps not surprising given the fact that Glenmore parish was dry there are several articles listed concerning local people being charged, and often convicted, of operating a shebeen. One of the articles relates to a raid on the house of Mrs. Catherine Connolly, of Graiguenakill, 114 years ago today.
The New Ross Standard on the 13th of April 1906 printed an article entitled “What’s a Shebeen?” It was stated that Catherine Connolly was a poor woman who was being prosecuted by Sgt. Lynch, of the Glenmore RIC, at the New Ross Petty Sessions the previous Friday. Mr. R.C. Brehon, J.P. presided over the trial and sat with four other magistrates hearing the case against Mrs. Connolly “for exposing intoxicating drink for sale without a license, for otherwise being guilty of shebeening.” Three men were also being prosecuted for being on the premises for the unlawful purpose of purchasing drink, namely: Edward Kelly, Thomas Kelly and Patrick Carroll. Mr. Henry B. Langrishe, solicitor, represented Mrs. Connolly and the two Kellys. Pat Carroll defended himself.
Sgt. Lynch testified that on Saturday the 31st of March he visited Mrs. Connolly’s house at 9:30 p.m. with Constable Power. He asked Mrs. Connolly if she had any intoxicating drink and she said that she had a few bottles of stout. Armed with a warrant he searched the house and found 3 bottles of stout in a bed and a couple dozen empty bottles found throughout the house. In the kitchen he found a gallon whiskey jug that only contained a small amount of beer. In addition to the three men present in the house a chap named Scanlon was in the house but Sgt. Lynch testified that he did not believe that he went to Mrs. Connolly’s house for drink. Sgt. Lynch testified that he had the house under surveillance for some time, that two of the defendant’s had already been convicted of drunkenness and he knew them both to be “fond of drink.” From his observation and information received he was satisfied that the house was conducted as a shebeen.
Mr. Langrishe conducted a cross examination of Sgt. Lynch. Among other questions the solicitor asked, “Is a shebeen usually stocked with 3 bottles of stout?” The Sgt responded, “it might be.” The solicitor then asked if 14 empty porter or beer bottles and 5 empty whiskey bottles are proper stock for a shebeen. The Sgt. responded, “I suggest that from all appearances it is an improper stock of porter and bottles to have in a cabin of a poor woman.” The Sgt. went on to explain that he had been watching the house for 15 days before serving the warrant. He saw a van from Waterford call to the house 3 days a week. It came on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday. He believed that Mrs. Connolly received her liquor stock from this van. When asked what type of van it was the Sgt. Lynch stated it was a bread van.
Constable Power was called to testifiy and corroborated the evidence of Sgt. Lynch. During cross examination Constable Power admitted that Sundays are the best business days for shebeens generally because public houses are not open on Sundays. He went on to state that there is no public house in the district any day of the week. He also agreed that there would be no more than a penny profit on a bottle of stout. It would take a long time for Mrs. Connolly to earn enough selling three bottles of stout at a time to pay a £50 fine for shebeening.
The defence called Mrs. Connolly who denied the charges. She testified that the three men were neighbour boys. Edward Kelly came to her home every night. Tom Kelly worked with her son in Waterford and Pat Carroll stopped by that night. Sgt Lynch on cross examination asked her why she put the bottles in bed rather than in a press. She replied, “Sure I just left them out of the way.” She explained that the empty bottles were from when her father was on the bed and the empties were waiting for the peddler. She could not state how far she lived from Slieverue or Ross, so Sgt. Lynch advised her that her home is 7 miles from Slieverue. Her solicitor inquired of Sgt. Lynch if 3 bottles of stout are a curiosity when found 7 miles from a public house.
Tom Kelly testified that he worked with Mrs. Connolly’s son in Waterford and stopped to visit her. Both he and Pat Carroll denied that they bought or received any drink from Mrs. Connolly. Pat testified that he was only in the house 3 minutes when Sgt. Lynch arrived and he did not bring, buy or receive drink in the house. The last person to testify was Edward Kelly, he corroborated Mrs. Connolly’s testimony, and admitted that he was fined the previous June or July for drunkenness. When asked if that was the first time he was drunk Edward Kelly replied, “It was the first time I was fined.”
At that point Mr. Brehon interposed and stated there was no need to proceed further as he believed that there was absolutely no case for the Crown. All summons were dismissed on the merits. The 3 bottles of stout which were present in court as evidence were returned to Mrs. Connolly who asked what she should do with them. Her solicitor, Mr. Langrieshe helpfully advised her to go outside, draw the corks and give a drink to each of the men. “This remark greatly tickled the assembled gods, who rushed out in a body after the Glenmorites to see the interesting operation performed.” “The exodus caused such a commotion as interrupted the business for some minutes.”
The featured scene above is entitled Irish Petty Sessions Court printed in the Feb. 1853 Illustrated London.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Land League Splits
In the previous post we highlighted the first article that appeared in the Wexford People on the 7th of February 1891. After the meeting called by Father Dunphy concluded, a second meeting took place and the excerpts from the newspaper article below details the political division within the parish. Subsequently, for quite some time, the newspapers covered the meetings of the two Glenmore Nationalist Land League groups that emerged from the 7th of February meetings. One group was led by the parish priest and supported McCarthy and the other group continued to support Parnell. The names of 42 attendees at the pro-Parnell second meeting, their respective townlands and professions are listed in the article.
“On Sunday last a meeting of the Glenmore Branch of the Irish National League was to have been held in the League rooms, Glenmore. When the hour of meeting arrived a large concourse of the members from all parts of the parish were present in and around the place of meeting. The Rev. James Dunphy, Adm., took the chair at three o’clock. The room in which the meeting was held was filled, as was also the other portions of the house, while many members were compelled to remain outside for want of room inside. Father Brennan, C.C., Glenmore, was amongst those present. Several members of the old committee, who were supporters of Mr. Parnell, were absent, who were not noticed by the priests to attend.
It is well that the public should fully understand the circumstances connected with the present dispute in Glenmore, and in order that they may do so, it is desirable that the view of those who hold Parnellite ideas should be made public. About a month ago Father Dunphy stated that he would never attend the League room again unless some members of the committee (who gave a report of a meeting to the reporter of the New Ross Standard) signed a document for him stating that what they told the reporter were lies, and apologise to him (the priest) for doing to. This they refused to do, because what they told him was that at a meeting called by Father Dunphy of the Nationalists of the parish the people refused to a resolution of “no confidence” in Mr. Parnell ‘they would not go back of what they told the reporter, and they could not, if they were inclined to do so, after what took place to-day.‘
For some days before this meeting a canvass of the parish was made by the priests, and persons were noticed to attend who were known to have anti-Parnellite feelings, while, even so, with this canvass the vast majority of the people are in favour of Mr. Parnell, as will be shown by to-day’s proceedings.
When the chair was taken it was mentioned that the first business of the meeting was to re-organise the branch, which had been in a disorganised state since last November. It was mentioned that the committee was no longer a committee, and that the officers were no longer officers until the committee and officers were elected constitutionally by ballot. Father Dunphy and the M’Carthyite section of the committee objected to this, and said that the business would be proceeded with, and he then requested Mr. William Forrestal, P.L.G., and others, who were not members of the committee, to retire from the League room, as he said no one but the committee should interfere, in the business to be transacted.
Mr. Forrestal then said that if he retired, Father Brennan, who was never a member of the League at all, not to speak of the committee, should also retire. Mr. Forrestal said he could not have confidence in Father Brennan, because he got the money for the Tenant’s Defence Fund collected in the parish, and instead of sending it where the committee and he agreed to–viz to the joint treasurers, Dr. Kenny and Mr. Webb —he gave it to Father Dunphy, who kept it in his hands alone, and had not even yet sent it on to the proper quarter.
After some pressure from the Parnellites, Mr. Forrestal and others withdrew. A resolution was then proposed by Father Brennan (although he was not a member of the League at all), of “No confidence” in Mr. Parnell. The Nationalists outside groaned on hearing the portion of the resolution which had reference to Mr. Parnell. The excitement and noise increased, the people pushed their way into the League-room, cheering for Mr. Parnell and “the hillside men.” Father Dunphy, Father Brennon., and the following men left the room —Wm. Irish, James Dunne, James Irish, Edmund Haberlin, Wm. Hartley, Walter Grant, John Fitzgerald, and Patrick Kehoe. While these men, with two priests, were leaving there were cheers for Parnell and cries of ” Free election by ballot,” and “We’ll hunt the M’Carthyites,” “Down with Pope Hennessy and his backers,” were given also.
(c) L.C. Dillon 1881
When the priests and the seven or eight M’Carthyites (the full strength of their backers) left, the Parnellites proceeded to hold a meeting, to which all members of the committee present and ordinary members of the branch were invited. Mr. John Hanrahan was called to the chair, which he took amid the cheers of the crowd, which were heard at the police barracks, and it brought down a couple of policemen.
There were more than 100 members of the branch present, amongst whom were the following :—Mesers. Wm. Forrestal, P.L.C.; James Reddy (farmer), Kilbride; Patrick Irish (farmer), Carrigcloney; Patrick Forrestal, Graiguenakill (farmer and miller); Thomas Forrestal, Ballyverneen (farmer); Thomas Aylward , (farmer), Ballinclair ; Micheal Murphy (farmer), Ballinlammy; Richard Mullins (farmer), Gaulstown ; Laurence Mullins (farmer), Gaulstown ; Martin Kennedy (farmer), Ballinclair ; James Mulally (farmer), Davidstown ; Patrick Raftice (farmer), Davidstown ; Patrick Whelan (farmer), Ballinrow; John Verriker (farmer), Davidstown ; Richard Whelan (farmer), Mullinahone ; Patrick McDonald (farmer), Ballinlammy ; Thomas Roche, Coolnaleen (farmer) ; Martin Murphy (farmer), Ballinlammy; John Doherty (farmer), Ballinlammy; Thomas Power, Glenmore (tradesman) ; David Walsh, Graiguenakill (tradesman), Philip Malone, Glenmore (tradesman) ; John Power, Carrigcloney (tradesman); Walter Ryan (tradesman and farmer), Cappagh; John Grace, Forrestalstown (farmer); John Raftice (cattle-dealer), Davidstown ; Thomas Roche, Coolnaleen (farmer) ; Patrick Byrne (laborer), Ballinclair ; Patrick Doherty (labourer), Busherstown ; Thos. Forrestal (farmer and fisherman) Ballyverneen; Thom. Murphy (labourer), Ballyverneen ; John Fleming (labourer), do. ; James Grant, do ; Richard Breen, do. Glenmore; Wm. Young, do, Ballyverneen ; James Walsh, do ; Thomas Haberlin (fisherman), Forrestalstown; Wm. Kirwan (fisherman), Ballyhobuck; Patr. Murphy, Newtown (labourer); William Purcell, do.; Thomas Foran, Mullinahone (laborer). Owing to the crush and excitement it was impossible to get even half the names of those present, and the secretaries beg to offer an apology to any of the Nationalists who were present, and who are not in the above list.
The Chairman briefly addressed the meeting, …the M’Carthyites failed to smash up [the Branch], by refusing to acknowledge the branch on the old lines and under the guidance of the Central Branch of O’Connell-street (hear, hear). Mr. Wm. Forrestal then addressed the meeting, and said that the M’Carthyites had left the League room, and the small following they had showed the way the Nationalists of Glenmore stand with regard to the leadership of Mr. Parnell. He desired to state that he would not be a member of any branch which would not be duly organised and constituted under the rules which always guided the branches of the National League throughout the country. The M’Carthyites , to-day ware afraid to face the election by ballot, because they knew that if they did the Nationalists of Glenmore would not leave a man of them on the committee (hear, bear). Instead of doing that they ordered the members of the branch out, and with a few of their own followers, like a packed jury, they condemned Mr. Parnell. But the Nationalists would blot out that stain, twenty to one (applause), and he defied the few followers of poor old Justin M’Carthy in the parish to go to the ballot-box and they’d see what the members of the League would do. Outside the M’Carthyites, who are on the committee, the people who are opposed to Mr. Parnell in this parish are the people who were always “opposed to him,”… But the cause of the Parnellites was the old cause, their leader was the old leader—the leader of 100 battles (cheers), and not an old fogie after tea-parties like McCarthy, a man who, in the novels he wrote for the English people, sneered at the Fenians of Ireland and the hillside men, because he knew it would please the Saxons who were buying his books (groans).
(National Library of Ireland)
Mr. Patrick Irish proposed the following resolution” That at this meeting of the representatives of the Nationalists of Glenmore we hereby declare our unabated confidence in Charles Stewart Parnell, as the incomparable and incorruptible loader of the Irish Parliamentary Party and of the Irish race all over the world, and we further proclaim it to be our earnest and unalterable conviction that now more than ever the manhood of Ireland are bound by a patriotic duty to stand unswervingly by the principle of independent action in things political, and should not submit to any dictation, no matter from what source proceeding. That we hereby pledge ourselves to support and assist any movement for the relief of the wounded soldiers in the battle against landlordism, viz.—the evicted tenants of Ireland. That we call upon all Nationalists of this pariah to enrol their names as members of this branch of the Irish Nationalist League.” Mr. Reddy seconded this, which was passed unanimously, with loud mad prolonged cheers for Mr. Parnell. …
It was ordered that reports of this meeting be sent to The New Ross Standard, United Ireland, and the Freeman’s Journal. Messr. Patrick Irish and William Forrestal ware appointed secretaries pro tem to this meeting. The next meeting of this branch will be held at 3 o’clock on the first Sunday in March, with the election of a committee will be proceeded with, and steps taken to work the branch as usual. The meeting dispersed with cheers for Parnell.
[Editorial note: Danny Dowling on 7 March 2020 explained that the League met in his house. At the time John Hanrahan occupied the house. Danny’s great-aunt Mary Hanrahan née Murphy left the house and fields to Danny’s mother Hannah Dowling née Murphy. Danny was born in his present house, and the family moved to Jamestown when he was “a chap.”]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and Mr. Parnell
Danny Dowling in notebook 23 listed a large number of articles referencing Glenmore including the above entitled article that was published in the Wexford People newspaper on Saturday the 7th of February 1891. Today, we will feature the first article in that edition and Sunday we will feature the second article. These articles provide a glimpse into how politics in that era divided the people of the parish of Glenmore.
The Division of the Glenmore National Land League
For our international readers—Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) was an Irish politician, who was elected to Parliament, became leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party, and the President of the Irish National Land League. As discussed in a recent post the Glenmore Branch of the National Land League was established in 1880 when the local parish priest called the parishioners together to form a local branch. The division in the National as well as the local Branch occurred after William O’Shea, a former Parnell supporter, filed in December 1889, for divorce from his wife Katherine on the grounds of her adultery with Parnell. The divorce was granted in 1890 after Parnell did not dispute the charge. The scandal caused the Catholic clergy of Ireland to speak out against Parnell and split the National Land League.
The newspaper articles, of the 7th of February 1891, reveal details concerning the division of the Glenmore Branch over Parnell and lists a large number of local Land League supporters. The meeting took place about 9 months prior to Parnell’s death at the age of 45.
“Glenmore League met on Sunday. The Rev. J. Dunphy, Adm., occupied the chair. A discussion took place about the sending of money collected for the evicted tenants, and it was finally agreed to send it to the joint treasurers in Dublin, on the understanding that no official of the Central League should have anything to do or say to it.
The question of affiliating the Branch was then introduced, and a warm discussion took place. The majority of those present were not disposed to have anything to do with the central office, managed by Mr. Harrington and Co., at least until the rules of the constitution were carried out by having its officers elected, and not self-constituted, as they are at present. It soon became evident that the Parnellites, Parnell-likers, were not disposed to be ruled by the majority, and that they were bent even upon starting an opposition branch.
The new chairman strongly condemned this on two grounds. First, because he believed that there was no assembly in the world wherein the rule did not prevail that the minimum would be bound by the majority. Secondly, because he considered that the existence of two leagues in a parish would be prejudicial to the interests of religion and country alike, and as for as he was concerned he would never countenance the idea. If, then, the minority persist in the idea of establishing a branch, why let them, but the public would know at what door to lay the charge of creating disorder and disunion in the National Ranks. Not until every effort failed in cementing the dissentients together was there any resolution put forward to test the real feelings of the committee.
Father Brenan C.C., then proposed, and Mr. J. Fitzgerald, seconded, the subjoined resolution –that we consider the pretentions of Mr. Parnell to the further leadership in the Irish Parliamentary Party highly prejudicial to the best interests of the country, that we call upon the whole body of our representatives to adjust their difference, and under a new leader press forward the final settlement of the land question and the labour question, as the Irish farmers will never rest satisfied until the old cry “the land for the people” is realised. Amidst some disorder and confusion the resolution was put from the chair with the following result: For the resolution the following persons voted: Father Brennan, Messrs. John Fitzgerald, Vice-Chairman; James Irish, P.L.G.; Walter Grant; James Aylward; W. Irish; E. Cody; Wm. Hartley; James Dunne; E. Haberlin; P. Kehoe; and the chairman—12. Against—Messrs, T. Forrestal; P. Forrestal; J. Hanrahan; P. Irish; J. Doherty; and J. Reddy—6. The chairman then declared the resolution carried by a majority of two to one.”
Glenmore and the Evicted Tenants Fund
The 49 persons who contributed to the Evicted Tenants Fund as well as the amounts contributed were published in the newspaper as follows: Rev. J. Dunphy, Adm £1; Rev. H. Brennan, C.C. £1; Messrs. J. Fitzgerald, vice chairman, £1, 10s; P. Fitzgerald, £1,5s; Thomas Forrestal, £1, 3s, 6d; Mrs. Mary Grant, 15 s, 9d; Mrs. Roche, 14s, 6d; M. Barron, 14s; Wm. Irish, 12s, 6d; Mrs. Mary Fitzgerald, 12s, 6d; James Aylward, T. Kennedy, R. Raftice, 11s each; R. Grant, J. Wall, E. Cody, M. Maher, P. Fitzgerald, M. Kennedy, W. Forrestal, 10s each; R. Dunphy, 9s, 9d; J. Mullally 9s; 6d; J. Morrissey, 9s, 3d; E. Aylward, R. Roche, 3s each; J. Irish, M. Gorman 7s, 5d; W. Grant, 7s, 3d; Mrs. Aylward, 6s, 8d; Widow Kennedy, N. Murphy, 6s, 6d each; John Kennedy, R. Vereker, T. Aylward, 6s each; John Murphy, Mrs. Mackey, 5s each; Richard Kennedy, 4s, 6d; Richard Prendergast, 4s; T. Fitzgerald 3s, 10d; P. Walsh 3s; Mrs. Roche, 2s; E. Haberlin, 1s, 6d; W. Neill, M. Cahill, Michael Walsh, P. Forrestal 1s each; P. Byrne, R. Wall, P. Quinn; J. Forrestal, 6d each.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Goats, Faggot Cutting and Other Miscellaneous Notes
Over the years Danny Dowling recorded a wide variety of interesting and sometimes unusual facts concerning various people, places and events in Glenmore and other areas of the Southeast of Ireland. Below are fifteen notes primarily taken from the last dozen notebooks that have been transcribed. We hope that while so many readers are housebound in the current pandemic that these notes might bring a smile, start a discussion, jog a memory or provide a little distraction.
Glenmore Goats—Goats were owned by almost every Glenmore householder and cottager in the early 1900’s. Small farmers had a couple of goats going with the cows. It was thought that the goats would eat vegetation that would be harmful to cows. A few years after the creamery opened it made an order prohibiting the taking of any milk from farmers who kept goats in the Glenmore Creamery area. Some farmers mixed the goats’ milk with the cows’ milk and brought the mixed milk to the creamery. When the butter was churned the butter was streaky because goats’ butter is very white. [DD Notebook 11, interview of Nicholas Forristal, on 22 Feb. 1974]
Father Crotty’s Housekeeper—When Father Crotty was the parish priest of Glenmore his housekeeper was Minnie McDonald from around Kilkenny City. She and her brother Jim McDonald worked for Fr. Crotty. In 1920 they went with him to his next assignment in Clogh. [DD Notebook 12, interview of Mrs. Hannah Dowling on 26 October 1981].
Lemon’s Sweets—Danny wrote in his notebook the following: “Lemon’s Sweets were founded by Mr. Graham Lemon, of Sackville Street, Dublin, in 1842. Lemon’s Sweets are still produced today in 2010.” [DD Notebook 15, miscellaneous notes].
Emigration to Newfoundland—According to Professor Mannion of Memorial University the main emigration period from Ireland to Newfoundland was 1720 to 1735. [DD Notebook 15, conversation with Professor Mannion.]
Coal after WW1—the discharging of coal at the Glenmore Creamery Coal Shed after the First World War, the barrow men got 4 d. per ton. [DD Notebook 16, interview of Nicholas Forristal on 28 September 1974].
Foxy Ned Grace—around 1900 Foxy Ned Grace was working at Patsy Purcell’s (his real name was Walsh) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore. One morning, old Patsy Purcell Walsh asked Foxy Ned if he would go out and pick some spuds. Foxy Ned replied, “ I will if they are hot ones.” [DD Notebook 16, interview of Nicholas Forristal on 28 September 1974].
Maggie Brennan, of Glenmore Village—was a talented musician. She played the melodeon, Jew’s harp mouth organ, and piano. Threshing dances were held in “Lizzie’s Hall” in Glenmore Village following the completion of the threshing of the corn after the harvest and Maggie Brennan often played at the dances. Jim Fluskey often asked Maggie’s sister Bridgie the day following a dance, “Were you at the racket last night?” Maggie Brennan married Willie Brown and Bridgie Brennan married John Hunt. [DD Notebook 11, interview of Bridge Brennan Hunt in July 2003].
Lost Hand in Horse Drawn Threshing Machine—Nick Codd was a thatcher, but did not work at it full time. He had a steel crook with a ring in it for a right hand. He lost his hand in a horse drawn threshing machine. He lived in the cottage opposite Mahon’s of Milehouse, Enniscorthy. [DD Notebook 16, interview of Myles Lambert, of Milehouse, Enniscorthy on 13 Sept. 1974].
Waterford Cinema—the Coliseum Cinema, on Adelphi Quay, closed on the 16th of January 1966. On the site of the Savoy Cinema, on Broad Street, the old Broad Street Cinema stood until it was demolished. Previously Power Brothers Drapiers were located on the site. [DD Notebook 14, miscellaneous notes].
Coal at Slieverue—The Waterford News, published on the 27th of September 1872 reported that explorations were being made today at the Slieverue coal seam by English miners. Some specimens of the coal have been shown in town and have been pronounced to be similar in quality to South Wales coal. [DD Notebook 14]
Arrived in Sydney—In 1850 the S.S. Panama took 153 girls to Australia. Two girls named Roache, aged 18 and 24, from Glenmore were on board. [DD Notebook 13, miscellaneous notes].
WW1 Soldiers from Ross—
(1) Doyle, Martin, Reg. No. 6547.
Rank Private, Irish Guards, 2nd Batt.
Killed in action, France on Sept. 18, 1915.
Born New Ross, Co. Wexford
(2) Doyle, Peter, Regimental No. 1458
Rank Private, Royal Irish Regiment, 6th Batt.
Killed in Menton, France on July 13, 1916.
Born New Ross, Co. Wexford. [DD Notebook 21, local men killed in Great War]
Faggot Cutting—Nicky Forristal saw faggots being cut on Carrigcloney hills for filling a brick hole in Robin Irish’s marsh in Carrigcloney (at the Ballyverneen side of the hill). Tommy Power, of Robinstown, and his sons were cutting the faggots. The art of faggot cutting was almost extinct in Nicky’s time but was quite common in his father’s time and earlier. They used to fill the exhausted brick holes with faggots, and then levelled off with a couple feet of earth. [Editorial note—Jack Walsh, of Rathinure, (c. 1893—c. 1988) explained to Peter Walsh, Rathinure that faggots were furze cut and tied into bundles like sheaves. Jack Walsh stated that at one time faggots were used to stabilise the banks of the river at Aylwardstown.] [DD Notebook 20, interview of Nicholas Forristal, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 18 October 1974].
Ross to Waterford Main Road—The main road from Ross to Waterford was steamrolled in 1912 for the first time. It was tarred for the first time about 1929. [DD Notebook 20, interview of Nicholas Forristal, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 18 October 1974].
Common Saying—used by the old people around Glenmore, “What comes by nature costs no money.” [DD Notebook 20, miscellaneous notes].
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Thomas Keane: The Last Waterford Tobacco Spinner
One of the best things about transcribing Danny Dowling’s handwritten notebooks is reading about the interesting people Danny interviewed over the years. Most were from Glenmore, had Glenmore connections, or had some historical fact or story that Danny found interesting and thought should be recorded. Today’s blog falls into the last category.
While working as a Housing Officer in Waterford, Danny met and later in 1975 interviewed Jack Keane, British Railway Cottage, Adelphi Quay, Waterford. Jack Keane informed Danny that his father, Thomas Keane was the last man to make handmade tobacco in Waterford. His grandfather was also a tobacco twister.
Thomas Keane worked for the Slaney Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturers. The Slaney firm was the last tobacco manufacturers in Waterford. The Slaney premises were on Broad Street where the gas showrooms were in 1975. The Slaney factory was in the same building at the rear of the retail shop and overhead in the lofts. From the stalks of the tobacco leaves, which were waste after the manufacture of tobacco, snuff would be made. The business had three apprentices and another man named Walsh also worked with Thomas Keane. Slaney also made what was called “pigtail” chewing tobacco from Cavendish Leaf. It was very mild. Unfortunately I could not find any advert in a local newspaper or business directory concerning Slaney.
Jack Keane told Danny that his father was a good cricketer, and played for the Ballytruckle team. The Keane’s lived on Poleberry Street as did an uncle of Jack Keane’s named McConnell who was a carpenter.
In 1979 Danny again interviewed Jack Keane who provided more information about his father and spoke of his own life. Jack Keane’s father, Thomas Keane, died in the 1930’s aged 84 years. The Slaney firm was bought out by Carroll’s of Dundalk. The manufacturer of tobacco and snuff discontinued in Waterford just prior to the outbreak of World War I.
Jack Keane worked all his life with British Rail as an inspector. Jack explained to Danny that he served in the first World War in the Royal Irish Regiment. Jack served from 14 December 1915 until 21 March 1918. Jack was taken prisoner at Messines Ridge, and worked as a POW in Duisburg.
After the war Jack Keane went to work for British Rail which acquired control of the Waterford Steamship Company. Its headquarters were on the Mall near the old Adelphi Hotel. The old Waterford Steamship Company had its berthage opposite Reginald’s Towner. British Rail had ships plying to Southhampton, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool. Bristol and Waterford, and Liverpool and Waterford had direct sailings.
Although Jack Keane referred to his father and grandfather’s profession as tobacco twisters according to the 14 October 1899 edition of the Waterford Standard the profession was known as “tobacco spinners.” The article notes that Waterford City since 1663 had a number of ancient Guilds or Fraternities including buttonmakers, weavers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. The 1899 article bemoans the fact that some of the ancient trades had disappeared altogether from the city such as the buttonmakers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. Notwithstanding the 1899 newspaper article, census records from 1911 support that his father, Thomas Keane, was employed in 1911 as a “tobacco spinner.”
Although Jack Keane did not provide a lot of information to Danny concerning his personal life the census helps piece together his early circumstances. In 1911 Jack or John, aged 13, was living at 76 Poleberry with his father Thomas Keane, aged 54, a widower. Thomas declared his profession as “tobacco spinner.” Thomas and Jack Keane were boarders in the house of Patrick and Mary Ellen Keily. The only clue as to Jack’s mother is his reference to his uncle being named McConnell, a carpenter, who also lived on Poleberry. The 1911 census provides two McConnell’s who are carpenters in Waterford. Patrick McConnell is living alone and James McConnell is 24. In 1911 neither lived on Poleberry. The 1901 Census does show that a McConnell family was living at 67 Poleberry. Patrick McConnell, carpenter, was 48; his wife Alice McConnell was 49, and James McConnell was 15.
In the two short interviews Danny recorded information concerning a profession and industry that had flourished in Waterford for over 200 years and disappeared from Waterford in the first decade of the twentieth century. The interviewee was a soldier and POW in the Great War and returned to Waterford.
Update, we have just surpassed 10,000 views. Thank you all for your continued support and queries. The transcription of Notebook 22 is complete and we will update the family pages etc. as time permits.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s WW1 Military Marker for Private J. Gaule [Updated]
A reader recently asked about a military marker in the Glenmore church yard of a Private J. Gaule (service number 29019), who died on the 4th of July 1918, at the age of 21. Our reader said that he has wondered about J. Gaule for years. A quick check of Danny Dowling’s notebooks revealed that this military marker is for John Gaule, of Haggard, Glenmore who served in the British Infantry in WWI, with the Machine Gun Corps. Danny in notebook 21 made notes regarding John Gaule, but there is no indication where Danny obtained the information recorded. According to Danny’s notes John Gaule was the son of Richard Gaule and Mary O’Brien and the grandson of Michael Gaule and Bridget Power.
The military marker is on the right hand side of the front entrance against the front wall of the churchyard. There are two other Gaule markers that provide clues concerning John’s family. The three Gaule markers against the front wall of the Glenmore churchyard provide the following information.
Marker 1:
29019 Private J. Gaule, Machine Gun Corps (Inf), 4th July 1918, aged 21
Marker 2:
In loving memory of Mary Gaule, died 26th of April 1902,
Richard Gaule, died 28th of January 1940,
My dearest husband James Gaule, died 26th November 1912, aged 71
Interred Kensal Green, London
Marker 3:
In loving memory of our dear parents,
Martin Gaule died 25th of June 1981, aged 80 years,
His wife Ellie, died 12th June 1986, aged 84 years,
Also their twin son, Bill who died in his second year,
His brother Martin died 15 August 2014, aged 85 years,
His wife Eileen, neé Murray, died 18th July 2005, aged 84 years.
According to the birth register John Gaule was born on 15 May 1896 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The 1911 Census reveals that John Gaule was living with his family in Knockbrack, Glenmore. The Head of the household was Bridget Gaule, age 77. The rest of the members of the household are as follows: Patrick Gaule, age 38, single, son of the head of household; Richard Gaule, age 44, widower, son of the head of household, agricultural labourer; John Gaule, age 15; Martin Gaule, age 10; James Gaule, age 8 and Michael Power, age 11 (cousin).
The 1901 Census reveals further information. John Gaul (sic) was 5 years of age and living with his family in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The head of household was his father Richard Gaul, aged 40, and employed as an agricultural labourer. John’s mother is listed as Mary, aged 39. The other members of the family include: Stasia, aged 11; Maggie, aged 8; John, aged 5; Anne, aged 3 and Martin, aged 8 months.
The census records support that the three markers in the Glenmore church yard refer to the same family. For example marker 3 contains John’s brother Martin (c. 1900-1981) and Martin’s family. Marker 2 contains John’s parents Richard (c.1861-1940) and Mary (c. 1862-1902).
British military records reveal that John Gaule was awarded two medals: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The National Archives of Ireland contains John’s handwritten Will. On the 2nd of June 1916, John wrote the following simple Will, “After my death leave all to my father Richard Gaule, Haggard, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.” The Will was processed on the 29th of January 1919. Other records in the file reveal that John enlisted at Waterford. John died from wounds sustained in France/Flanders and died at the Belton Park Military Hospital, Granthan, Lincolnshire, England. Belton Park was also where WWI machine gunmen training camps and depots were located. To view John’s Will held by the National Archives see, http://soldierswills.nationalarchives.ie/reels/sw/1918_22/GauleJ_E669256.pdf.
A quick walk around the Glenmore churchyard today did not reveal additional British military markers, but according to Danny’s notebooks another Glenmore man John Ryan, of Rochestown, served in the British Army during WWI and died in 1919. We will feature John Ryan and the mystery surrounding him in a future post.
Update of 3 Sept. 2021–Catherine Davies née Kearney, aged 92, made contact via her son Stephen Davies and shared a verse written by John Gaule which he gave to his father before he went off to join the war. The verse was given to Catherine by her mother Anastatia Kearney nee Gaule (the sister of John Gaule). John Gaule was called “Jack” by his family.
Remember dearest father, Remember days gone by, Your son he is a solider, And he's not afraid to die.
From the information provided we were able to find further information regarding some of the siblings of John Gaule ( 1896-1918). His sister Maggie Gaule (b. 26 Jan. 1894) married James Treacy on 12 January 1914 at Mullinavat. James Treacy was the son of William Treacy and Mary Treacy née Dee. Annie Gaule was the maid of honour. His sister Anastatia Gaule was born on 2 May 1890 per the Glenmore parish register. However, the civil register lists her birth as occuring on 1 April 1890 and her mother is listed as Mary Murphy. The information for the civil registration was provided by Bridget Gaule who was present at the birth. Anastatia Gaule married Michael Kearney (smith) on 8 July 1912 at St. Patrick’s of Waterford City. Michael was the son of Tom Kearney (smith). Witnesses to the wedding were William Hartley and Katie Meany. The addresses of the bride and groom are “The Square.” Some of the children of this marriage were found in the publically available records including: [1] Michael Kearny (b. 5 Aug. 1912); [2] Bridget Kearney (b. 9 Feb. 1914); and [3] Mary Kearney (b. 10 Aug. 1915). We know from the birth records that the family resided in Arundal Square, Waterford City when Michael was born and then moved to Gurteens, Slieverue where the father continued to work as a blacksmith.
Update: 13 October 2021, Stephen Davies indicated that Michael Kearney and Anastatia “Statia” Kearney née Gaule had a total of 14 children. The following names were supplied by Stephen: [4] John Kearney; [5] Anastatia “Daney” Kearney; [6] Ellen “Nell” Kearney; [7] Richard “Dick” Kearney; [8] Maggie Kearney; [9] Andrew Kearney; [10] Agnes Kearney; [11] Johanna Kearney; [12] Catherine “Katie” Kearney; [13] Angela Kearney.
Michael Kearney died when his daughter Catherine “Katie” was 13. When her father died the family moved to Rathpatrick and a year later Catherine “Katie” Kearney went to her sister Mary in England.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh