August, 2020
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The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions
It is not yet known when the first Gaelic football team was established in Glenmore. Prior to 1890 there were few newspaper articles concerning sports and most of the earliest accounts of football matches appear to have been written and submitted to newspapers by the teams. However, in petty session records commencing in about 1887 there are several references to Glenmore men being charged with assaults that occurred coming home from football matches. Unfortunately, there are no details provided in the newspaper accounts to indicate whether the men were returning from attending a Gaelic football match where a Glenmore team played. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011, p. 56) in the first half of the twentieth century Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. Glenmore won its first Senior County Football Championship in 1906 although the final was actually played on 5 May 1907. Thanks to the sports columns that began appearing in newspapers at the turn of the century we also know that by 1908 Glenmore had a Senior, Junior and “Schoolboy” teams. Glenmore was a recognised Gaelic Football powerhouse in County Kilkenny.
From the newspaper accounts it appears that GAA clubs in the early decades of the twentieth century engaged in fundraising by hosting tournaments among other activities. To entice teams to a tournament medals or jerseys were advertised and provided for the winning team members. On the 31st of July 1904 a “highly successful tournament” took place at Glenmore (The Waterford News and Star, 5 Aug. 1904). It was held in a field given by Dr. Philips, of Rochestown House (Mount Ida). Two matches were to be held that day. The first was a championship match between Slieverue and Nore Bangers and the other a friendly between Mullinavat and Campile. It was reported that the young and inexperienced men of Slieverue proved that they were equal to their opponent though they did not win. The Campile team failed to appear for the friendly, so the Glenmore team took to the field to play Mullinavat and the game ended in a draw. The article concluded that the Glenmore Football Club Committee are to be congratulated on the silver medals awarded, the excellent field arrangements and it was noted that the “new extension railway line affords unique facilities to meet in Glenmore” with a field convenient to the Aylwardstown station. Undoubtedly the opening of the railway line through Glenmore aided in allowing Glenmore teams to compete in more matches. One article in 1907 referred to a match being held at “Lucy Rock” Glenmore (Munster Express, 23 Feb. 1907).
Letters to the editor of local newspapers proved a popular vehicle for players and spectators to comment on the matches, issue challenges, appeal to the public, and call for corrective lenses for referees. At the end of 1903 the New Ross Standard printed several letters to the editor which criticised a match that took place in the Rower between neighbouring parishes Tullogher and Glenmore. Glenmore lost and J. Dunphy and J. Grace, the Honorary Secretary and Captain of the Glenmore Football team, sought to appeal the loss. There was also an allegation that they had referred to the Tullogher team as half savages. (New Ross Standard, 25 Dec. 1903). The grudge continued and played out in the letters to the editor in 1904 when the appeal was granted and the re-match was held in Kilkenny on the 24th of April 1904. The language of the time is interesting particularly the use of the word “unmanly” to describe what might be described today as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The newspapers, at that time, were full of reports of appeals of championship match results. Most of these appeals reflect some of the teething problems of the young organisation. It was also not unusual for a team that felt rules had not been followed to refuse to play or to continue to play the match. For example, in 1889 a semi-final match result was appealed. Kells played the Thomas Larkin team in what was thought to be the final. The game was declared not the final and Ballyhale was allowed back into the championship. Kells refused to play Ballyhale, and Ballyhale was awarded the 1889 County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship title.
During the 1906 championship matches, Kilmacow knocked Lamogue (the Senior Football County Champions of 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1905) out of contention. Kilmacow then played Glenmore in a semi-final at Ballyhale on the 20th of January 1907. The account below of the match appeared in the Munster Express on 26 January 1907. Glenmore wore scarlet and green jerseys and fielded the following team: J. Grace (captain), R. Dunphy, J. Dunphy, B. Grace, M. Morrissey, J. Heffernan, J. Power, M. Murpby, R. Reddy, P. Reddy, J. O’Brien, T. Kennedy, M. Hoynes, John Walsh, P. Hanrahan, N. Curran, and P. Morrissey.
[Update: John Grace, of Kilbride (Captain); Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen; John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Bill Grace, of Kilbride….Tom Kennedy (townland unknown)….John Walsh (townland unknown)…Pat Hanrahan, the Village; Nick Curran, the Village…]
Semi-final, Kilmacow vs. Glenmore
Kilmacow won the toss, and got possession from throw in, and scored a point per Reid within two minutes of the start. From the kick out Glenmore got possession, and the ball travelled along the left wing. Murphy making a good run. A free against Kilmacow was taken by John Dunphy, who kicked a beautiful goal. Kilmacow again got down by the good kick in of Byron, Burris, Synntt, Cooke, O’Keeffe and M Walsh, and registered a second point. The play remained for some time in the Glenmore half, until a free brought relief, but Kilmacow came on again and keeping up pressure forced a “fifty,” and soon afterwards a second, but were unfortunate in not making either materialise a score, as the Glenmore defense was too strong. Afterwards Glemore attacked along the right, and Tom Kennedy, handling, had hard luck in hitting one of the goal uprights. From this till the interval Glenmore had the better of the game, and scored a goal and two points per Dunphy, Kennedy, and Brien. The half-time score was: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
Kilmacow got possession of the ball on resuming, and made tracks for the Glenmore citadel, and were again unfortunate, as the defence was sound and the ball travelled back. After some mid-field and wing play Glenmore added a point by Kennedy, and shortly afterwards a second by Brien. At this point the men from the Big Glen were undoubtedly holding the whip hand in the game, and the conquerors of Lamogue were rarely ever able to cross the half way. At three quarter time Kilmacow, owing to a dispute originated by an outsider, refused to continue the match. The referee, Mr. D. Hoyne, of the Kilkenny County Team, awarded the match to Glenmore. . . The final score: Glenmore—2 goals, 3 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
The article noted the contribution to the win of the Dunpheys, Currans, Brien, Grace, Kennedy, Morrissey “and some others played with magnificent dash and accuracy. The goal scored by one of the Dunphys from a free was one of the most brilliant pieces of football kicking I ever witnessed. Young John Curran, the junior I believe of the Glenmore boys, deserves a word of praise for the manner in which he held his own amid a team of veterans. After a few years he bids fair to outshine his stalwart brother, Nick, in brilliant play. I still hold to my opinion that it will be Kilkenny’s own fault if they are not the next All Ireland Champions.”
Within a few days the Captain of the Kilmacow team, James Burris, of Gaule’s Mill, wrote a letter to the editor of the Munster Express, taking sole responsibility for the withdrawal of his team. He noted that there were some trips and catching and when he brought to the referee’s attention that a spectator had rushed onto the field and held the hands of one of his men the referee stated that he did not see the occurrences. Burris wanted to assure the public that he was not influenced by any person and his action was not due to cowardice or fear of defeat.
Kilmacow objected and appealed the semi-final, not based on the incident involving a spectator, but rather based on the composition of the Glenmore team. It was reported in the Kilkenny People (2 March 1907) that after a lengthy discussion the Kilkenny County Committee awarded the match to Glenmore, owing to the fact that Kilmacow left the field before the game terminated. Kilmacow gave notice of appeal of this decision to the Leinster Council and the final of the football championship between Glenmore and Kells was set for March 31st at St. James Parkland, Kilkenny with Mr. John Lalor, the Central Leinster Representative, as referee.
The Championship Final, Kells vs. Glenmore
Due to the objection and appeal the final between Kells and Glenmore was not played until 5 May 1907. “Ned of the Hill” reported in the Munster Express on 11 May 1907 that Glenmore prevailed in “one of the hardest fought contests that was witnessed in the Marble City for many a long day. The Boys of the Big Glen well deserved their victory, for they won on sheer merit. The fight was fought out tooth and nail…and the better team unquestionably won.” The referee was praised for his impartiality and at the final whistle the score stood: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kells—1 goal, 2 points. Ned of the Hill singled out Glenmore players Nick Curran, the Dunphy’s, Grace’s, Reddy’s, Morrissey’s and Tom Kennedy and his colleagues in the front as deserving a word of praise.
In the same newspaper Kilmacow issued a public challenge to Glenmore. Notwithstanding, the fact that Kilmacow refused to continue playing in the semi-final, then filed appeals based on the composition of the Glenmore team, the Kilmacow team wanted to play the Glenmore champions. They stated that the gate receipts, after meeting the costs of medals, could go to charity. It is not known if this challenge was accepted.
The Withholding of the Championship Medals
By the time that the final championship match was held in May 1907 newspapers had already moved on to the regional championships, so very little was written about the match. “Ned of the Hill” published an article in the Munster Express on 2 November 1907 entitled, “Who Won the Kilkenny Football Championships 1906? Kells or Glenmore?” calling attention to the fact that after the normal appeals had been exhausted the Championship medals for the Glenmore team had not been given to the team.
To those Gaels of Kilkenny who are clear sighted this question may sound extravagant, if not humorous. There are those, however, who would deem it debatable; some, in fact, who witnessed the great final struggle in Kilkenny last May; some, may I add, who actually played in that great contest. My apologies, then, to our clear-sighted and honest-hearted Gaels, since I intend offending your sense of justice. I intend making public how it is that the Glenmore champions have so far been refused the County Championship medals for 1906. The exposure of wrong-doing may scandalise the innocent, but it may bring to light the wrong-doers.
I shall begin at the beginning. Glenmore played and beat Kilmacow at Ballyhale last February. Kilmacow objected. The case came before the Kilkenny County Council, D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., in the chair. At this meeting D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., proclaimed in loud and soul-stirring tones that if Glenmore met Kells in the final Kells, if beaten, would never object. Not those men Kilmacow were objecting to—never. We shall instantly see was D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., a man of his word. As it happened, Glenmore and Kells did meet in the final, and Kells came under. D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., lodged an objection in hot haste. He lost his case at the home Council, and in hot haste again he appealed to the Leinster Council, which was unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny. Nothing daunted, D. J. Gorey, Esq , J.P., approached in August the highest Council of the Gaels of Ireland with this same objection he had pledged his word at home never to bring forward. This Central Council were again unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny.
A rule of the G.A.A. states that there can be no appeal beyond the Central Council; yet, not later than last week, the County Secretary, Mr. D. O’Donnell, with characteristic good faith to the Chairman, forewarned to the Secretary of the Glenmore F.C., a marvelous document, stating that he cannot hand over the medals as Mr. D. J. Gorey had again objected. What Council has D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., now in view? There can be no appeal beyond the Central Council. I wonder has he sought the benign protection of the Crown. Is it possible we may yet read of a long and heated discussion in the English House of Lords on the rules of the G.A.A.? Should not the G.A.A. feel mighty secure and consoled in having as one of its chief advisers a Magistrate of the Crown! No wonder, indeed, the boys of the Big Glen have decided to stay quietly at home this year. No wonder Gaelic football is fast declining in Kilkenny county. To my mind it is high time that the Secretary of the Glenmore Football Club should ask the Central Council to compel D. J. Gorey and Co. to hand over the medals so bravely won.
“Ned of the Hill” reported on 21 September 1907 that the Glenmore football club was “out of fighting line.” He had a sad good-bye from Dick Grace one of Glenmore’s best backs. He and Edward O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, were leaving for the United States. Both stated that they were going to return to Glenmore. Ned reflected that he thought that there was enough “material in Glenmore” to make a championship team and wanted to once again hear the well known rallying cry “Gee Up, Glenmore.” A month later he reported that big sinewy “Tom” Phelan, Mullinahone, a latter day “Matt the Thresher,” was also off to the United States (Munster Express 19 Oct 1907).
Finally, in March 1908 at a meeting of the Kilkenny County Committee the Secretary called attention to the question of providing the County Championship to Glenmore. Mr. Gorey, as representing Kells, apparently having exhausted every avenue of appeal and delay, directed the Secretary to forward the medals to Glenmore. It is not known what, if any, impact the withholding of the championship medals had on the Glenmore players, however it is apparent that several of the Glenmore football team immigrated. The month following the decision to forward the medals, Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen, Glenmore, tragically died at the age of 30.
The death of Richard Dunphy had a profound impact on the remaining team members. According to the death register Richard was only ill for four weeks and died at home with his brother at his side. In an obituary written by an unnamed team mate it was stated that when the Glenmore Football team needed help Richard was home like a streak of lightening. He worked in England as an Excise Officer and several times he travelled home from England to help the Glenmore boys win the 1906 championship. “He was our guiding star and light.” (Munster Express, 18 April 1908). It is believed that Richard was one of the players that both Kilmacow and Kells named in their objections.
“Ned of the Hill” in September 1908 revealed that “the boys of the Big Glen met during last week to reorganise their football club. There was cause for both joy and sadness in the meeting. The county champions of 1906–all that was left of them—were glad to renew the old committee that heralded woe to many a team up the county. But some of its bravest and best were missing. Emigration, and alas! even death, had told the old, harrowing tale. The proceedings were marked by hopeful enthusiasm. Arrangements were made for weekly practice matches and means of bettering the unsatisfactory condition of the funds. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Father Crotty, C.C., Glenmore: captain, N. Curran: vice-captain, John Grace hon. sec., N. Curran; committee, J. Dunphy, M. Murphy, T. Morrissey, M. Hoynes, P. Reddy, P. Hanrahan.”
Special thanks to Pat Dowling for the photo of the 1905/1906 team. Pat said that the team photo came from a post card. At the bottom it states Winners of the Hugginstown Medal Tournament 1905 and Co. Kilkenny Football Champions 1906. If anyone can identify the first names of the players, their townlands, any of the men in the photo or can identify where Lucy Rock is in Glenmore, please comment below or email glenmore.history@gmail.com to update the information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A few readers asked for a larger copy of the team photo. One reader believes the team captain is John Grace, of Kilbride. His brother Richard Grace was a teacher in Ringville School, and another brother Bill Grace was actually the player that emigrated to the US in 1908 where he sadly passed away within a few years.
John Grace, of Kilbride, Captain, holding the football.
Sports Update
Kilbride Cricket
On the 4th of July 2020 we posted an article highlighting the Kilbride Cricketers as recorded by Danny Dowling. The post also sought to identify the Glenmore weight throwing champion who was recorded by Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) of Rathinure, Glenmore, in the National Folklore Collection. The post is available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-19th-century-sports-cricket-and-weight-throwing/
A helpful reader suggested a 2006 book by Michael O’Dwyer entitled, The History of County Kilkenny Cricket: The Forgotten Game. The book was located in the local Kilkenny library branch in Ferrybank, in the reference section, however, it could not be accessed because of COVID 19 restrictions. Martin Gahan came to the rescue and lent his copy of the book. The book was read in its entirety in the hopes of finding any reference to the Kilbride team or indeed any mention of Glenmore or players from Glenmore.
Although there is no reference to Kilbride or Glenmore, it was an interesting read explaining the rise and decline of cricket in Kilkenny by highlighting the political realities of the time. A concise review of the book is available at https://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/the-history-of-cricket-in-county-kilkenny-the-forgotten-game/.
After discussing the book with Danny Dowling he suggested that his brother Dick Dowling might shed some light on cricket and Glenmore sports in general. Dick recalled hearing that the Glenmore cricket players travelled to Mount Juliet to play and that many teams were sponsored by landlords. It was suggested that the Kilbride players may have played on a team sponsored by a local landlord. Dick also pointed out the close link between Glenmore and Wexford teams in other sports such as hurling and thought that the cricket players may have played for a New Ross Team. The book was searched again but the list of Bessborough team players did not provide an obvious link to any known local cricket player. Special thanks to Martin Gahan and Dick Dowling. The quest for information concerning the Kilbride Cricketers continues.
Weight Throwing in Glenmore
In terms of the weight throwing an article appeared in the Munster Express on Saturday the 25th of August 1900 stating that Glenmore was to participate in the New Ross athletic events and there was a “big practice every evening at weight-throwing” in two townlands in Glenmore. One group met at the Aylwardstown forge and the other at Kilbride.
The 1900 article also indicates that the GAA was to be revived again in Glenmore parish. The author stated, “I know Captain Ned Hartley will be highly delighted at this news; he is always in high spirits when taking an active part with the dashing young Glenmorians on the football field.” The term “revived again” appears to suggest that the GAA fell out of favour in Glenmore prior to the turn of the twentieth century.
Gaelic Football in Glenmore
Given the coverage of sports in media today, it may be surprising to a lot of people that prior to 1890 very few sporting events were covered in newspapers. Commencing in the 1890’s newspapers began to print more and more articles about a variety of sports and eventually there were dedicated sports columns. For several years after the turn of the twentieth century, a sports column by “Ned of the Hill” featured in the Munster Express. What may also be surprising is that Glenmore was a Gaelic Football stronghold in the first half of the twentieth century. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011) from 1900 to 1950 Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. “Ned of the Hill” dubbed the Glenmore Football players “the men of the Big Glen.” Thanks to Ned’s column there is a public record of the withholding of the County Kilkenny Championship medals from the “men of the Big Glen.” The medals were not awarded until 1908, just as one of the players fell ill and tragically died. This Sunday we will post “The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and the Irish Language
Last week issues were raised concerning how much English the executed Glenmore man, Henry “Bounce” Walsh, understood and spoke in 1847 during the investigation, incarceration, and his trial for murder. According to Danny Dowling, the Irish language survived and flourished in Glenmore during and after the dark days of the Penal Laws. In 1844, during the surveying of the railway line that was to link New Ross and Waterford, Thomas Lacey, of Wexford, noted that Irish was spoken in Glenmore and neighbouring parishes along the proposed route.
The Decline of the Language
Glenmore people continued to speak Irish into the 1870’s and 1880’s although most younger people could also read and write in English. In the 1890’s the Irish language was in decline locally, but shops in New Ross continued to have at least one Irish speaker on staff to deal with the elderly farmers of Glenmore, Tullogher and Rosbercon who continued to speak Irish. By the turn of the twentieth century, when the long awaited railway linking New Ross and Waterford was being built, outside of pockets in the west of Ireland, and a few small rural areas, the Irish language was in a terrible state of decline. Although there was no penalty for utilizing Irish there was little support for it in Ireland.
Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language
In 1877, the Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language was founded in Dublin. This society was concerned that the Irish language was dying and issued three small books for the teaching of Irish. By 1897, over 128,521 copies of the books had been sold. Uniquely this Society was comprised by a number of non-Irish scholars from universities in Paris, Copenhagen, Prussia, England and the United States. While the books issued by the Society allowed Irish to be learned it did not enable the speaking of the language. The Society members were very interested in the old Gaelic literature and manuscripts. It was noted by these scholars that “Gaelic speakers were rare, and when found they were too shy or too ignorant to be of much service…and few could read or write in Irish.” (Monaghan, 1899)
The Gaelic League
In 1893, Conradh na Gaelige (the Gaelic League) formed. The League objected to the scholarly approach to the Irish language. The League sought to preserve and advance Irish as the national language. It also supported the study and preservation of the old literature, but importantly supported modern Irish literature. It sought to engage the population and advance the language through classes, plays, songs, recitations, debates and speeches in Irish.
The group that founded the League included Douglas Hyde (1860-1949) who insisted that the League should be free of politics and open to all. Interestingly Hyde, a Protestant, resigned from the League in 1915 because he contended it had become political. Later Hyde was elected the first president of Ireland serving from 1938-1945.
Another founder was Fr. Eugene O’Growney, who at the suggestion of the Archbishop of Dublin began publishing in the Freeman newspaper “Simple Lessons in Irish.” These articles were later published as a popular book. Other newspapers were asked to provide space for news and articles written in Irish.
The Irish Language Under Attack in Glenmore
The first Branch to be established in the Kilkenny was in Kilkenny City in 1897. To advance Irish the League provided small sums to National School Teachers to induce them to teach Irish to their students outside of the regular school classes. Danny Dowling has stated that his mother, Hannie Dowling née Murphy (1903-1989) told her children that when she attended the Glenmore National School students wore a small stick on a cord around their necks. When a student spoke in Irish a notch would be placed on the stick and punishment inflicted when the recorded notches reached a certain number. Ironically a decade after the League was established and flourishing across the country, in Glenmore, where the Irish language had survived, during the Irish language revival, it was under attack.
The Glenmore Branch of the Gaelic League
It was not until 1910 that a Branch of the Gaelic League was established in Glenmore. The Munster Express on Saturday the 16th of February 1910 announced that nation building was being conducted in Glenmore by this “function which will doubtless prove of historic interest.” Mr. Brett, of the Waterford Branch called on Fr. T. Phelan for his consent and blessing. Fr. Phelan, “ever willing to welcome any movement for the moral, social and educational uplifting of his flock…” gave his consent and blessing to the project.
At nine o’clock the Glenmore meeting was called to order by Nicholas Curran, National Teacher of the Glenmore Boy’s School. He proposed that “A Branch of the Gaelic League be established in Glenmore.” Mr. J. Dunphy seconded the resolution which was unanimously passed. The following officers were elected for the coming year—President, Very Rev. T. Phelan, P.P.; Vice-president, Rev. M. Crotty, C.C.; Secretary, N. Curran, N.T.; J.P. O’Donovan; Committee—Messrs. J. Dunphy, P. Hanrahan, M. Murphy, T. Fluskey, T. Heffernan; Delegates to Waterford District Organising Conference— N. Curran and J. Dunphy.
The meeting concluded in a little “sgoraigheact.” Mr. Foley rendered beautifully two Irish songs and Brian O’Higgins’ Irish comic “Caherciveen.” Mr J. Hanrahan sang ” Skibbereen,” his beautiful clear tenor voice making a marked impression on the visitors. It was said to be a most interesting, and, it is to be hoped, historic night in the “Big Glen.”
School Irish vs. Irish Spoken in Glenmore Homes
Eventually, through the work of the League, Irish became a subject studied in National Schools. Jo Doyle née Mernagh (1932-2021) of Weatherstown, Glenmore, noted that when she was a girl attending Glenmore National School in the 1930’s she was not aware initially that her mother “had a lot of Irish.” The Irish being taught in the National School was different than the Irish words she heard at home. See our post of May 2022 for further information on Jo Doyle née Mernagh.
In 1938, the Folklore Commission recorded Patrick Power (c. 1856-1942) of Jamestown, the last known native speaker of South Kilkenny Irish. The National Folklore Collection, is housed at UCD and has the recording of Pádraig de Paor, from Jamestown, Glenmore (archival reference NFC 323: 174-183) who was 85 at the time of the recording. It is available to read online, most of the 9 pages are in Irish. Danny has explained that one of the unique features of the local dialect of Irish was that the “r” was pronounced as a soft “z” or “s”. Thus Maura was pronounced Ma-zsa (like Zsa Zsa Gabor) a boirín was a boo-sín.
While many people remarked that their parents or grandparents would speak Irish when they did not want the children to understand the conversation an unusual story was recorded by Danny in 1975. Danny interviewed Mai Roche (c. 1918-2001) of Scart, Glenmore. Mai stated that the Michilín Kennedy’s of Rathinure, Glenmore had a young workman for a season. There were three brothers in the house at the time, Michilín, Ristardín, and Phaidín. When the workman arrived he was asked if he spoke Irish. He said that he did not. Every evening the three brothers would “cut the backs off” the neighbours in Irish to ensure that the workman did not know what they were saying. When the season ended, and the young workman was taking his leave, he spoke to the three brothers in Irish, to their horror, letting them know he was a fluent Irish speaker.
Irish Inscriptions on Glenmore Headstones
During the recent survey of the Glenmore cemetery adjoining St. James Catholic Church, there were Irish phrases found on some stones, but only the Edmond Aylward (c. 1835-1908) of Ballinclare, stone has an extensive inscription in Irish. We believe this stone reflects the Irish language revival. The earliest inscription at the top of the stone in 1890 is in English. The inscription covering deaths from 1908 to 1922 are in old Irish and the inscription covering deaths from 1956 to 1996 is in English.
Unfortunately my Irish is limited to a few curse words. Please send any corrections etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Liam Ó Bolguidhir (1992) “The Early Years of the Gaelic League in Kilkenny 1897-1910,” Old Kilkenny Review, p. 1014-1026 [Danny Dowling is acknowledged by the author in footnote 1 of this article].
R.A. Breatnach (1992) “Iargaí de Ghaeilig Chontae Chill Choinnigh,” Éige (1992) vol. 26, p. 21-42.
C. Monaghan (1899) “The Revival of the Gaelic Language,” Proceedings of the Modern Language Association, vol. 14, p. Xxxi-Xxxix. doi:10.2307/456448 available at open access https://www.jstor.org/stable/456448
The featured picture above is the “Symbols of the Evangalists.” The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1868). Symbols of the evangelists, 8th-9th cen. library of St. Gall, codex 51.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Public Execution of Henry “Bounce” Walsh in 1847
In our last blog we outlined the local story passed down in Glenmore concerning Henry “Bounce” Walsh, of Knockbrack, Glenmore, as well as the contemporary newspapers accounts of his 1847 murder trial. Today, we will outline the circumstances concerning his execution.
Henry “Bounce” Walsh was convicted of murdering John Walsh in July 1847. The Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser, of Saturday the 31st of July 1847 on its front page, covered the murder trial. The judge charged the jury, who retired and returned in less than half hour with verdict of guilty. The prisoner heard the verdict with apparent indifference, and was removed from the bar to await his sentence at the end of the assizes. Throughout the trial it was reported that the accused seemed quite indifferent to the proceedings.
On Friday the 30th of July 1847, Henry “Bounce” Walsh appeared for his sentencing with two others, James Daniel and James Larkin, who were convicted during the assizes of the murder of Arthur William Prim. The trial judge addressed all three convicted men together and told them, “I cannot hold out to any of you prisoners, the slightest hope of a change in the sentences that the law obliges me to pronounce. I have no discretion whatsoever…I would conjure then to employ the short time that remains between the present moment and that in which they are to leave this world, in making their peace with God—repent for the crime that they have committed—and in the hope of that mercy which, through the merits of our Saviour, the Almighty, will show the repentant—in endeavouring to obtain the peace in the next world which they have forfeited in this one…” The convicted man Larkin requested of the judge, “The longest day you can give my lord.” The judge replied that he would provide sufficient time for the convicted murders to seek God’s forgiveness.
Upon hearing his sentence of death, Henry “Bounce” Walsh asked the judge if his father could have his body. The judge replied that was not possible as the law required that he be buried in the gaol yard. Henry “Bounce” Walsh then stated that Jones and another man in the courtroom that he pointed at were responsible for his death. It is not clear who Henry “Bounce” Walsh indicated were responsible for his death sentence. In the newspaper accounts there is no mention of a juror, witness or prosecutor named Jones.
The date of execution for Larkin and Daniel was set for the 25th of August and Henry “Bounce” Walsh was to be executed on the 1st of September. The Kerry Evening Post on Wednesday the 8th of September 1847 reported that Henry “Bounce” Walsh and the other two condemned men, Larkin and Daniel, had on “Monday week” attempted a daring escape from the jail. Given the fact that Larkin and Daniel were hanged on Wednesday the 25th of August the unsuccessful jail break involving the three convicted men, if it occurred, must have occurred at that time or prior to the 25th of August. It was also reported that after the unsuccessful jail break Henry “Bounce” Walsh was exemplary and penitent. “His attention to his religious duties has been intense and unwavering.” It was reported that he regretted involvement in the failed jail break and stated that Larkin had enticed his involvement. When he heard that the other two convicted men had been executed he is alleged to have stated that his mind was at ease and he could devote himself to “making peace with an offended Deity.”
In addition to the alleged jail break another unusual aspect of the newspaper account provides that as he was being prepared for his execution the condemned man joined in the prayers with “great fervency” his “knowledge of English was very imperfect.” An article in the Waterford Mail on the 8th of September stated that when he entered gaol he did not know the Lord’s Prayer, but by the time of his execution he recited it with fervor. It is not clear how much English Henry “Bounce” Walsh understood. For a fascinating account of the impact of the failure to provide interpretation and translation services to Irish speakers see, Margaret Kelleher, The Maamtrasna Murders: Language, Life & Death in Nineteenth Century Ireland (2018).
Henry “Bounce” Walsh was publicly executed on the 1st of September 1847 in front of the Kilkenny gaol in what was described as a mis-managed hanging. His hanging was covered in a number of newspapers across Ireland and England. The below account is taken from the front page of The Waterford Mail, published on Wednesday, the 8th of September 1847.
Execution of HENRY WALSH, (alias BOUNCE), for the MURDER at BISHOP’S HALL
On Wednesday another of those disgusting and barbarous exhibitions, a public execution, took place in front of our [Kilkenny] county prison. Walsh the unfortunate convict let under sentence of death at our last assizes for the murder of a man, also named Walsh, at Bishop’s Hall, expiated that fearful crime by the hands of the executioner. . .
About half-past one o’clock on Wednesday, the unfortunate criminal made his appearance in the corridor, preceded by the High and Under Sheriffs, and the governor of the prison—gentlemen who, we understand exhibited the greatest humanity and kindness to the unfortunate culprit, and throughout were most anxious that all the wretched men who suffered the extreme punishment of the law, should have every comfort and attention consistent with the duty and discipline of the prison, and the miserable condition of the criminals.
His step was firm and unshaken, and his countenance, serene, the colour remaining in his cheeks, and his eyes bright and steady. He joined with his two attending clergymen, the Rev. Messrs. Maher and Hennessy, in prayer, with great fervency, though his knowledge of English was very imperfect. On reaching the press room he prayed with them for a length of time, repeating the responses to the several litanies and penitential psalms with apparent devotion, particularly such portions as from the greater simplicity of the language he appeared to understand. The by-standers, who had heard that on his first entering the prison he did not know the Lord’s prayer, were much surprised at the decency, fervour, and firmness which he displayed all through. When told by the hangman to get up, he did so with readiness, displaying no weakness whatsoever; and he gave that functionary every facility in his power whilst pinioning his arms. He then walked forward boldly on the drop, having the usual white cap over his face, and being placed in the proper position, after standing a moment or two, the unhappy culprit turned his head half round to the pressroom, and exclaimed—“Will I be let spake (sic) a few words? There was no answer, as his meaning was not at once caught. He then repeated firmly—“Will I be let spake a few words, gentlemen?” It was at once intimated to him that he might do so; when he said in a satisfied voice, “that’s right.”
After obtaining permission to speak, the prisoner remained for some time beating his breast, and exclaiming in a low tone, “Lord have mercy upon me. He then in a loud and distinct voice, and leaning forward over the drop, exclaimed in Irish, “Wilshiev-in-shin?” (Are you there?) There being no answer he said in English—“Boys, are ye all there?” More than one voice from outside exclaimed, “we are, we are.” The unhappy man then continued as follows:–“Now, I’m goin’ to die, an’ I’m innocent. An’ I hope I haven’t a lie in my mouth goin’ before my God, bringing my poor soul before him. I wasn’t there, or hadn’t hand, act or part in it. I came up after—if I had been five minutes sooner I’d have saved his life and my own. I forgive all that swore against me,” (here he mentioned various persons by soubriquets, “living,” he said, “in Sliev-rhu,” and “father and brothers,” he continued, “don’t have any revenge in your hearts against them—I forgive them all. An’ boys, let ye all keep from bad company and drinkin’—and iv I was said by me true love I wouldn’t be here today. Let ye all pray for my poor soul (murmurs outside.) “An’ God be wid ye all now, neighbours.” According to other newspaper accounts the crowd cried out, “Lord, have mercy on your soul.”
Here the fatal bolt was drawn, but from the mismanagement the poor culprit, instead of being thrown off, fell on his back upon the board, so that the hangman was obliged to push him out from behind; and from the short and gradual fall the wretched man struggled very hard for some moments, appearing to suffer most poignant agony. During his struggles his father and two brothers who were on the green, beneath the drop, vented their grief in loud cries and exclamations. We were sorry to perceive that a large crowd had assembled to witness this brutalising exhibition, and that women formed a considerable proportion of the multitude, and some of those of a class which though humble, we had hoped did not contain the depraved or indelicate.
We are not advocates for the total abolition of capital punishments—in murder cases alone we think it necessary, but we agree with those who contend for private executions. Should such a barbarous “treat” we again offered to our citisens (sic) a more efficient apparatus of death should be provided than the strangling process which disgraced the execution on Wednesday. Kilkenny Moderator
It is not clear how much of the above account is accurate. For example, a condemned man’s arms were generally pinioned behind his back, yet in the account it is alleged that he beat his chest after his arms were tied. Almost every newspaper that covered the execution in detail condemned public executions. However, it was not until the Capital Punishment (Amendment) Act 1868 that executions were restricted to take place within the confines of prison walls. Shortly before this execution a short article appeared in the Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial Advertiser (18 August 1847) concerning the number of capital convictions and death sentences imposed as reported in the House of Commons. For ease a chart of the information is provided below.
| Years Covered | Persons Convicted of Capital Crimes | Persons Executed |
| 5 yrs prior to 1826 | 5,286 | 307 |
| Next 5 years | 7,077 | 304 |
| Next 5 years | 3,877 | 175 |
| Next 5 years | 707 | 44 |
| 5 years ending in 1846 | 304 | 56 |
It is difficult to believe today that under the common law in the 19th century capital offences included a number of crimes in addition to murder such as rape and even some thefts. For an online list of Irish executions from 1831 to 1899 please see, Richard Clark. From this list persons executed in Tipperary after 1847 were reviewed but there is no apparent link to the Glenmore oral tradition that the real killer was discovered and executed in Tipperary.
Over the past week we received several queries concerning the victim, the executed Henry “Bounce” Walsh and possible links to local Walsh families.
The Victim—John Walsh
Danny Dowling yesterday was not able to shed any light on the murder victim John Walsh. Because the witnesses stated that he turned off the road near the Black Corner it is assumed that he was a resident of Kilmacow parish. There is nothing contained in any newspaper account regarding the age of the victim, whether he was married, had children, or was supporting a widow mother etc. John Walsh was a common name and without a townland or other information we have no way of determining which John Walsh was the murder victim.
The Link—Ned “the Mason” Walsh & Henry “Bounce” Walsh?
Danny stated that he believed that Henry “Bounce” Walsh lived in Knockbrack based upon what he was told over the years by Glenmore residents. Danny believes that this Walsh family, or part of this family, eventually moved to Haggard as this is where Ned “the Mason” Walsh and his brother Michael were born and raised.
The 1901 Census provides that Ned was 21(c. 1880) and Michael was 25 (c. 1876). Thus the men claiming kinship to Henry “Bounce” Walsh were born about 30 years after his execution. The parents of these two brothers were Michael Walsh (bapt. 9 Apr. 1841 at Haggard) and Margaret Walsh née Moore (c. 1849). Michael Walsh and Margaret Moore were married at Glenmore on 1 August 1870. Michael’s father is listed as Michael Walsh, deceased. Michael Walsh (1841) was the son of Michael Walsh and Mary Walsh née Aylward. Michael Walsh and Mary Walsh née Aylward were married at Glenmore on 12 October 1832 and the record indicates that they were both from Hagard (sic). Unfortunately the parents of the bride and groom are not recorded. The only Walsh listed in the 1833 Griffith’s Valuation in “Higgart” (sic) was Michael Walsh who had 21 acres. Thus, it appears that “the Mason” Walshes were in Haggard at least fifteen years before the hanging. We have not ruled out a family relationship, but we have yet to uncover the relationship link. It could be that Michael Walsh married into Haggard and was a brother, uncle or cousin etc. to Henry “Bounce” Walsh.
Other Possible Family Links?
Griffith’s Valuation was conducted in Knockbrach in 1829, and there were no Walshes recorded there. There is no Walsh listed in Coolnaleen, but there is a Michael Walsh in Ardbeg who had 42 acres. Also, in nearby Cat’s Rock, Walter and John Walsh had a joint holding of 120 acres. Danny explained that Ardbeg was the old name for Coolnaleen and just as the Catholic parishes changed in Ossory in 1842 the names of various areas have changed. Unfortunately, there is no obvious baptismal record for a Henry “Bounce” Walsh. No clues are provided in the newspapers as to his age. With respect to his family the newspapers reported that his father and two brothers attended his execution, but no further information was provided.
Lastly, an inquest into the death of a Henry Walsh, aged about 31, was held in Parkstown, Glenmore in December 1864. (Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial Advertiser, 17 December 1864). The jury ruled that this Henry Walsh died of natural causes. It appears that he was born about 1833 and thus was about 14 when Henry “Bounce” Walsh was executed. Could this man who died in 1864 be a cousin or nephew? There are two potential baptismal records for the Henry Walsh that died in 1864. [1] Henry Walsh, baptized 11 March 1831 in Glenmore, the son of John Walsh and Antice Gill. [2] Henry Walsh, baptized 4 June 1835, at Rochestown, Mooncoin, son of Philip Walsh and Mary Smith.
Hopefully a reader will be able to provide further or different information concerning Henry “Bounce” Walsh.
Blog update—Long obituaries are being moved onto their own page which is located under the “Roots” button on the home page. Short obituaries and death notices will remain on the relevant family pages.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Murder Trial of Henry “Bounce” Walsh, of Knockbrach, Glenmore
Local Account
In November 1955, Pat Coady, of Ballycroney, Glenmore told Danny Dowling of a murder case that had taken place over a hundred years previously and was still remembered in Glenmore. Pat Coady informed Danny that Bounce Walsh, of Knockbrack, Glenmore was hanged in the wrong for the Black Corner murder. Further details were provided in November 1977 by Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Gaiguenakill. He stated that Bounce Walsh’s real name was Henry Walsh. Henry Walsh was executed for the murder of a local man at what is now known as the Black Corner which is opposite the entrance to Bishop’s Hall. Henry Walsh was in Waterford and when coming home with either his horse or ass and cart, stopped and gave a lift to a farm laborer who was employed somewhere around Bigwood. During the journey this man asked Bounce for a loan of his penknife to cut a pipe full of tobacco. Bounce gave it to him and forgot about it. He left the farm labourer at his destination, and he went off home. As it afterwards transpired, the man lay in waiting for the murdered man with whom he had a row earlier and killed him. The murderer then left Bounce’s knife which had its owner’s initials stamped on it, beside the body. The murderer then shouted “don’t kill me Bounce,” and a local farmer working in a nearby field heard the shout.
The farmer who heard the shout was a Doherty from Rathnasmolagh. Doherty afterwards testified what he heard, and with Bounce’s knife found alongside the body, Bounce was arrested, charged with murder, tried, convicted and executed. It was discovered afterwards that the farm labourer had already murdered a man in Co. Tipperary, and was a fugitive from justice in that county. The farm labourer was eventually arrested, tried for murder and executed. Before he died he confessed to the murder for which Bounce Walsh was executed. Bounce Walsh was related to Ned and Mick Walsh, the masons of Haggard, who provided details of the story to Nicholas Forristal. It was said that the locals afterwards never liked the Doherty man.
Contemporary Newspaper Accounts
A newspaper search revealed that during the Kilkenny Assizes in July 1847, Henry “Bounce” Walsh was convicted of murdering John Walsh. The Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser, of Saturday the 31st of July 1847 on its front page covered the murder trial. In 1847 the country was in the midst of the Great Famine and it was noted that several jurors had sent to the court doctor statements explaining that they could not attend due to illness and fever. Eventually twelve men were selected and the trial commenced.
The first witness called for the State was Peter Doherty who testified that he, his mother, the deceased and others were in Halligan’s pub Easter Monday evening after the Waterford fair. The defendant was there and was talking to Michael Boyle. A group comprising the witness, his mother, the victim (John Walsh) and Michael Boyle left the pub walking home. Although he insisted that none of the group was drunk the victim fell in the road and his mother picked up the victim’s hat. She asked Michael Boyle to help her get the victim up onto his feet and he declined to help. Bounce Walsh who had not been with the party, was three or four yards away. The victim left the group to go up the path to his house. About “40 perches” up the road Peter Doherty testified that he heard a “bawl” and “Don’t kill me Bounce.” He testified that he wanted to turn back, but Michael Boyle dissuaded him. The group went to a house where a wake was being held and Doherty noticed that Boyle had deceased’s stick at the wake house. He did not leave the wake until after 3 a.m.
The defendant’s barrister cross-examined Doherty who admitted that he was in goal for twelve months for attempted rape. The attempted rape case was before Mr. O’Gorman, and Doherty took the pledge to stop drinking. Doherty explained that he broke his pledge when a doctor gave him leave to drink to cure a tooth ache. He admitted he drank the previous night, but could not say whether it was for his tooth or for himself he drank. He bizarrely went on to explain that the tooth was pulled, and because he is married he will hand the tooth to his eldest son as an heirloom, if he can find it. In a response to a question from a juror, Doherty stated that Bounce Walsh and Michael Boyle went out of Halligan’s in advance of witness and his mother. He admitted that he did not tell anyone at the wake regarding what he heard and did not tell the magistrate when he was questioned immediately after the murder that he heard “don’t kill me Bounce.”
The next witness was Michael Boyle who testified that he knew the defendant, the victim and Peter Doherty. On Easter Monday last, in Halligan’s he heard the victim, in the hearing of the defendant, bargaining about a cow. He testified after passing Foley’s a little stone got under the victim’s foot and he took a tumble. The defendant was within two or three yards of Ellen Doherty when she was picking up the victim’s hat. Ellen Doherty asked Boyle to help the victim up, but Boyle said he refused telling Ellen that he would not like to have anything to do with the victim on account of having heard him talking about money. He didn’t want to be blamed if something happened to the money. Boyle and Peter Doherty continued. Boyle testified that Foley’s was the last place where he saw the defendant. At Baron’s Lodge Doherty’s mother bid good night and safe home to the victim, Johnny Walsh. Shortly after leaving the victim they heard “two bawls.” Boyle did not hear anything but the bawls. He described the defendant as having on that night an old pair of pataloons, and old blue bodycoat. When questioned by the Court, Boyd stated that it was not a very dark night.
Ellen Doherty was the third witness to testify. She testified that on last Easter Monday night she was in company of the victim, Johnny Walsh, until they came to Baron’s lodge. She did not hear any noise after parting with the victim. She testified that she did not hear Boyle say anything in reply when she asked him help the victim up, but admitted that he did not help the man.
Patrick Hackett next testified. He stated that he knows the place where the victim’s body was found. On the night of the murder, Henry “Bounce” Walsh came and bought bread and tea from him. He could not state at what hour the defendant arrived because he had been in bed before the defendant arrived. To get from Foley’s to his place a person would have to pass where the victim’s body was found.
Betsy Murphy, of Coolnaleen, Glenmore testified that on the night of the murder Henry “Bounce” Walsh came to drink tea with her. She did not know the time when he arrived. He brought tea and bread with him that he said he purchased at Hackett’s. He remained with her for an hour and a half. He had a candle and they had tea. He had about 8 or 9 shillings silver and some pence. He told her that he had sold some pigs and was going to sell more pigs. She testified that his manner was as usual. To the Court’s question she stated that she lives about two miles from the scene of the murder and she believed that the defendant lived about a quarter of a mile from her.
Michael O’Neill testified that he was the manager to Mr. Milford, of Waterford. On the 5th of April he gave the victim, John Walsh £4. O’Neill heard of his death the next morning.
Micheal Keating was the last witness called by the State. He testified that he lives in Ballinamooney within about two miles of Waterford. He had only been living there since the third of April just two days before the murder. Prior to this he lived at Ballykeoghan, (Kilmacow) about six miles from Waterford. He testified that he had been working on the public works, and that made him move. He stated that on Easter Monday night he went out, but did not know at what time. It was a bright night when he went out leaving his wife, three sons and a daughter at home. He testified that he was going to the house at Ballykeoghan “to throw down the house that he had lived in” as required by his landlord. He stated that he went at night in order to be back at his work next morning. At Mr. Baron’s gate he heard a bawl and went into the field to get closer. He described the noise as being similar to the bawl of a calf or yearling that was being killed. Thirty of forty yards away he saw a man striking another man. He got closer and leaned across the ditch and saw the defendant striking the other man with a lump. After the defendant left he came out and the “body was dead.” He went home terrified. To answer questions posed by jurors he stated that he could not distinguish anything the two men said because dogs were barking. He said that the defendant had a blue coat and corduroy trousers on that night and the moon did not appear. During cross-examination Keating admitted that he did not divulge what he had seen until the 18th of May. He and other men were dismissed from the public works on the 14th of May because James Aylward charged him with breaking an old gate for fire. When he went to confession his confessor told him he would be culpable in the sight of God if he did not tell what he saw.
Perhaps the most damning evidence was a statement alleged to have been made by the defendant after the murder. William Cooke, Resident Magistrate, noted that the defendant was present during his examination of several witnesses. When the Magistate took Bounce’s statement he informed him that it was going to be in writing. Because the statement could be used against as evidence, he cautioned Bounce that he should not “criminate” himself. The statement the defendant provided stated that when he left Foley’s he came upon two men and a woman who had a man on the ground. He named them as Dick Walsh, James Walsh and Dick Walsh’s wife. They swore him to secrecy. He stated he went on to Hackett’s and then onto Betsy Murphy who he was courting. All of the persons named in his statement denied any involvement and had alibis for the night of the murder.
Bounce Walsh was arrested in Waterford on the 7th of April. He had purchased new clothes and the police collected his old clothes from the shop. At the time of his arrest he was drunk and had £1.2.6 and some coppers in his possession. The Dublin Evening Mail, on Monday the 2nd of August 1847 noted that after a great many witnesses were examined to corroborate the facts on which the prosecution rested, Mr. Howard opened the case for the defendant in an able and energetic speech. He called the previous landlord of Michael Keating, who denied knowledge of any agreement to level the house at Ballykeoghan.
Obviously the account that was orally passed down in Glenmore regarding a knife is incorrect. Next week we shall present the rest of the story as found in contemporary newspapers.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Memories of Glenmore: Late 1960’s Through 1970’s
Danny Dowling over the years corresponded with a great number of people all over the world with Glenmore connections. One of his correspondents was Margurerite Ennett, of Cappagh who now lives in Perth, Australia. Danny still loves to hear from people, and this week we received an email from Margurerite’s brother, Jimmy Ennett, who shared a number of his memories of being brought up in Glenmore in the late 1960’s through 1970’s. With Jimmy’s permission we are going to share his memories and ask others to help record information concerning Glenmore in the 1960’s and 1970’s by commenting, providing dates, names, and sharing their memories of Glenmore at that time.
Margurerite and Jimmy were two of the six children of Pat and Mai Ennett, of Cappagh, Glenmore. After Jimmy left Glenmore he taught at Beneavin College in Dublin from 1973 to 1980. Jimmy migrated to Australia with his wife and family to undertake a PhD scholarship in Chemistry at the Australian National University in Canberra. The family settled in Canberra, Jimmy worked in Government science areas, and he retired a few years back. Jimmy wrote that he is very interested in the parish history and has great memories of Glenmore.
School
Jimmy started in the Glenmore National School in 1954, and actually moved to the new school in 1958, when he was in 3rd class. Teachers in his time were Master Murphy, Mrs Murphy, Miss Cunningham, and later Miss Kearney. There was a heavy emphasis on religion – which Jimmy notes, at the time, we thought was normal for a state funded school. Jimmy still has an old school photo taken around 1958 -59.
Altar Boys
When Fr W. Brennan was Parish Priest and Fr Murphy was Curate (late 1950s early 1960s). Jimmy recalled, “How we loved getting out of school to serve at funeral Masses and Weddings (gave us time out of class)!”
Travelling Shows
Travelling shows that came to Glenmore during this time, generally followed a music hall format, one notable one was Vic Loving’s ‘Talk of the Town.’ Jimmy believes it came over from the UK. The travelling shows set up in the village, and concerts were held in the village hall. There was also a local dramatic arts group who put on plays from time to time. Jimmy in trying to recall some of the people involved in the local drama group came up with some names: Mick Mac? one of the Halligans (Mickey?), a Murray ? who taught at Ballyfacy school.
Cinema
Bill Walsh (Village, Cappagh) used to show movies also at the village hall (cinema) next door to Danny Dowling’s house. In those days, there were lots of cowboy movies, including some good ones such as ‘High Noon’. However, one winter the roof collapsed after a heavy snowfall (no one inside!). Bill moved his movies to the ‘new’ hall (old school). However, the movies petered out around the early 1960s.
Fete
The Glenmore Fete was an annual event over a few weeks at the Scough Bridge up to early 1960s(?). The Fete had entertainment such as merry-go-rounds, swing-boats, raffles etc, and even an illegal shebeen – which was raided one night by Garda. [This raid was mentioned in an earlier post https://glenmore-history.com/whats-a-shebeen/ and is believed to have occured in 1961 or 1962.]
During Jimmy’s time Glenmore also had a hurling tournament involving other parishes – including Wexford parish. Jimmy recalls, “As far as I’m aware, there were good rewards, such as set of watches, for the winners. I suspect the GAA authorities were not totally enamoured by this, as it smacked of professionalism!”
Creamery
Jimmy remembers farmers queued to deliver milk in milk cans or churns to Glenmore creamery. Bill Walsh and ? Forrestal often took in the milk at the stage, marked the creamery book etc. Glenmore had its own brand of butter. Jimmy believes the creamery at Lochcullen (near Kilmacow) was also part of the same cooperative.
Other Recollections
The Hunt (both Mullinavat Harriers and McCalmont’s Mt. Juliet)
Church attendance – different sides for men and women; plus reading from the altar each parishioner’s contribution to Easter and Christmas dues!
Shops – Eily Heffernan’s, Fluskey’s and Hanrahan’s. Flusky’s had the Post Office and phone exchange in the shop. Phone exchange operator knew all that was happening in the parish!
If you would like to comment, add to, provide names, dates etc. or just say hello to Danny or Jimmy, please insert the comment or information into the comment box at the bottom of this post. If you don’t see the comment box at the bottom of this page, please scroll up to the list of recent posts and click on this post. The post will open in a new page and you will find the comment box at the bottom. Or please feel free to send us an email at glenmore.history@gmail.com and we can post for you.
The featured photo of the VW Bug at the beach was taken by Tom Arrowsmith (London) and is available on “Unsplashed.”
Kathleen Moore Walsh