Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020

Most wedding announcements in the local newspapers in the early decades of the twentieth century provided very few details concerning the wedding reception, if any, and guests or gifts. A long article covering the marriage of Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh published in the Munster Express on Friday the 19th of November 1937 (p. 8) is most unusual and provides an interesting glimpse into the wedding that took place a little over 80 years ago. In addition to details regarding the wedding reception, this article provides a long list of gifts the couple received from people across Glenmore parish and there are a few references to the political situation of the country. Included in the list of gifts the newlyweds received are “turkeys.” Special thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy for finding and sharing this detailed article.

Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh, of Glenmore, was the only daughter of James “J.K.” Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955). The former premises of the Gaffney’s shop sometime prior to the 1911 census was acquired by the Heffernan family. In 1913 Lizzie married James Walsh, a farmer from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and they ran the business together until his untimely death in 1934 just three years before Etta’s wedding. Lizzie continued to run the business for several years eventually turning it over to her son Patrick “Eric” Walsh.

PRETTY WEDDING AT GLENMORE. (Munster Express, Fri, 19 Nov. 1937)

A pretty Ulster and Leinster alliance took place at St. James’s Church, Glenmore, on Monday morning last when members of two well-known Cavan and Kilkenny families were united in matrimony. The contracting parties were Garda Patk. J. Fitzpatrick, Barrack St., Waterford, and Miss Bridget Mary (Etta) Walsh, only daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth and the late Mr. J. K. Walsh, Glenmore. The ceremony was performed by Very Rev. Thos. Heffernan, C.P., Rector, St. Patrick’s Retreat, Wheatfield House, Crumlin Road, Belfast (uncle of the bride), who celebrated Nuptial Mass and imparted the Papal Blessing. He was assisted by Rev. W. Brennan, C.C, Glenmore. The best man was Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick, Belturbet, Co. Cavan (brother of the bridegroom), and the bride, who was attired in oyster satin with tulle veil and shoes to tone, was attended by her cousin, Miss Mai McLoughlin, Tullow, Co. Carlow, who wore rust velvet with turban to match. The bride had as train-bearers her two little cousins, Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore, wearing pink taffeta frocks with Juliet caps. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee, carried a bouquet of white and pink chrysanthemums, and her attendants mixed chrysanthemums. Miss Peggy Curran. Glenmore, presided at the organ, and during the ceremony sang Handel’s Largo, “O Love Divine,” in a beautiful and impressive manner, and as the happy couple walked down the aisle played the bridal march from Lochingrin.

A reception was subsequently held at the home of the bride’s mother, where over 60 guests were entertained to a sumptuous dejeuner. Mrs. Walsh, wearing black crepe-de-chine trimmed with gold applique, received the guests and conducted them to the spacious hall recently constructed by this enterprising family, and which was specially decorated for the occasion with a profusion of flowers and bunting.

Guests

Those present in addition to the bride and bridegroom were—Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P. (presiding) ; Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.; Mrs. E. Walsh, Glenmore (mother of the bride) ; Mr. and Mrs. M. Fitzpatrick, Belturbet (parents of the groom); Messrs Hugh and Ed. Fitzpatrick, do; Miss Anna Fitzpatrick. do; Sergt. Francis and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Limerick; Messrs. Eric and Ml. Walsh, Glenmore; Mrs. M. Heffernan, N.T., do; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do; Miss M. McLoughlin , Tullow; Mrs. H. Curran, N.T., Glenmore; Miss Hetty Curran, do; Miss Peggy Curran , do; Miss M. Walsh, do; Miss N. Prendergast, do; Mrs. Fluskey, P.O., do: Mr. Frank Heffernan, do.. Mr. M. Hanrahan, do.; Mr. Ml. Heffernan, do; Garda J. Coakley, do; Garda K. Cummins, Waterford; Garda B. Gilsinan, do; Garda P. Dervan , do; Garda J. J. McCarthy, do; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin; Mrs. Jack McLoughlin, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford; Mrs. Prendergast, The Quay, New Ross; Mr John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Mrs. K. Forristal , do; Mr. Patk. Forristal, do; Miss Margt. Holden, Glenmore; the Misses Bridget and Mary Brennan, do; the Misses Mary and Nell Dillon, do; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown; Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. Patrick Walsh, do; Mrs. J. Dunphy, Ballyverneen ; Mrs. O’Mullane, Bannow, Co. Wexford; Mr. T. McGrath, Clonmel; Mr. Daniel Coady, Carrigcloney; Mrs. Coady, do; Mrs L. Dillon, Fahee; Mrs. E. Fitzgerald, Flemingstown; Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; Miss Mary Fitzgerald, do; the Misses Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. J. Cleere , Kilmacow; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, Waterford; Miss May Walsh, Poleberry, do: Miss Bridie Walsh, Waterford; Mr. Wm. Brophy, do; Miss Annie Brophy, do; etc., etc.

Toasts

Rev. Fr. Brennan, in proposing a toast to the health of the bride and bridegroom, referred to the great Gaelic traditions of Kilkenny and Cavan and said that both teams had gone down in the All-Ireland finals, but they would rise again. He welcomed the people from Cavan and paid a warm tribute to both families. In conclusion he wished the bride and bridegroom every joy in the future, and hoped that God would prosper them. Very Rev. Fr. Heffernan proposed the toast of the health of the visitors and said that as one who had spent over ten years in Belfast he had a great regard for his native Glenmore and was delighted to be associated with such a happy event. He paid a special tribute to Miss Peggy Curran for her beautiful singing during the ceremony and for the lovely music provided. He wished the happy couple every success in their wedded career. Mr. McLoughlin proposed the toast of “Eire,” and said if North and South could not be united politically they could at least be united in matrimony. Mr. John Dunphy also spoke, and the bridegroom, on behalf of Mrs. Fitzpatrick and himself, suitably replied amidst hearty applause.

A few enjoyable hours, followed , vocal items being contributed by Mrs. Curran, N.T.; Miss Peggy Curran, Gardai Cummins, Coakley and McCarthy; Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick and Mr. Con McLoughlin, which were greatly appreciated. The happy couple later left by the 4-20 p.m. train from Waterford in route for Dublin, Belfast and London on the honeymoon, and were given a cordial send-off. At night large numbers of friends and well-wishers assembled at Glenmore to join in the wedding festivities and were royally entertained at the home of the bride, where dancing continued until early on Tuesday morning to the strains of the splendid music supplied by the Glenmore Band, directed by Mr. James Walsh. Songs and step-dancing items were interspersed throughout the programme, the social being thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

The bridegroom is a native of Belturbet, Co. Cavan, and has been attached to the Garda force since its inception, being at present Inspector of Public Service Vehicles at the Waterford-Kilkenny Divisional Headquarters, Barrack Street [Waterford], where he is very popular with his colleagues; and the general public. His bride comes of a well-known South Kilkenny family and is a popular figure amongst a wide circle of friends both in her native district and in Tramore, where she is the genial proprietress of the well-known “Prom Cafe.”

Perhaps the greatest tribute to the popularity of both was the beautiful array of expensive and serviceable wedding gifts which were on view at the bride’s home and were the synosure (sic) of all eyes. Congratulatory telegrams were received from the Rev. Mother and Community, Sacred Heart Convent, Ferrybank; Madame Martha, do; Thomas Power , Esq., The Quay, Waterford ; Jack McLoughlin, Ballyduff ; J. B. Hearne, Esq., Belfast; Mac. Giolla Brigde, Esq., Waterford.

LIST OF PRESENTS.

Included in the list of presents were the following—From bride to bridegroom, signet ring, engraved: bridegroom to bride, wristlet watch, engraved; bridegroom to bridesmaid leather handbag; Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh, Glenmore, half dozen pictures and coffee service ; Mr. A.H. Walsh, do, bed linen, brass candlesticks and match box holder; Mr. Eric Walsh, do., oak clock; Miss Maureen Walsh , do, table linen; Mr. and Mrs. Patk. Hanrahan, do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. D. Cody, Carrigcloney, silver dish and spoons; Dr. and Mrs. ‘ Coghlan, Newrath, fireside set; Garda Dervan, Waterford , silver entrée dish; Garda and Mrs. Naughton , do, silver fruit dish; Garda McCarthy, do, breakfast service; Garda K. Cummins, do., silver entree dish; Mr. P. Forristal, Ballyverneen, silver cake dish; Mr. J. Dunphy, do, silver-mounted salad bowl: Mrs. Donovan, Rosbercon, embroidered table cloth and serviettes; Miss M. Walsh, Graignakill, silk table cover; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hartley, Weatherstown, Irish linen table cloth; Miss Hartley, do, silk bedspread; Mrs. Mernagh, do, glass drinking set; Mrs. Holden, do, statue; Mr. and Mrs. M. Hoynes, Ballybrahee, set of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, do, cheque; Mr. Thos. Heffernan, Carney Bay, Indian silk cloth and serviettes; Miss Stasia Heffernan, do, silver bowel; Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Jamestown, pyrex dish with silver stand; the Fitzgerald family, do, bed linen; Miss B. Power, do, cruet; Mrs. E. Power, do, crucifix; Mrs. Curran, N.T., Robinstown, tea service; Miss P. Curran, do, hand-painted picture: Mrs. Bevans, do, bed linen; Mrs. Power, do, bed linen; Miss M. Walsh, do, Irish linen table cloth; the Misses O’Neill, Slievecorrig, linen table cloth; the Sparks family, Tramore, coffee set; Miss May Power, Waterford, silk lingerie; the Misses Kiely, Upton and Walsh, do, dinner mats; the Misses Bridie and May Walsh, do, bed linen ; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, do, ivory-handle carvers; Garda. B Gilsenan, do, staghorn handle carvers; Mr. and Mrs. Barry, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Dean Walsh, Australia, crystal manicure set; Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P., Belfast, leather suit case and cigarette case; the Rev. Mother, S.H.M. Convent, Ferrybank, night dress case; Madame Martha, do, hand-embroidered tea cosy and table runner; Val and Maisie Connolly, New Ross, fancy fruit dish; P. J. Connolly, do, candlesticks; Mrs. Prendergast, do, altar set; R. Heffernan and family, Killarney, coffee service; Mrs. Doolan, Glenmore, 21-piece tea set; Mrs. Fluskey, do, brush and comb set; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do, dinner service; Mrs. Hennessy, do, silver serviette rings; Garda and Mrs. Coakley, do, taffeta bedspread; Mrs. P. Dowling, do., blankets; the Heffernan family, do, armchair; Mrs. Cuddihy, do, butterfly-wing tray; Miss Molly Walsh, do, tea cosy ; the Brennan family, do, dressing gown; the Jones family, do, Irish linen tablecloth ; Mr. F. Heffernan, do, bed linen; Mrs. A. Forristal, do, hand-embroidered tea cloth; Miss A. Bergin, do, lingerie set; Mrs. Mernagh, do, dressing table set; the Cassin family, do, lingerie set; the Creamery Staff, do, Irish linen table cloth; Miss K. Mullins, Flemingstown, bedspread: Mrs. Fitzpatrick and family, Belturbet, Beleek china; Mr. and Mrs. Graham , do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Reilly, do, silver cake dish; Mr. and Mrs. Murtan, do, cut-glass drinking set; Mr. and Mrs. J. Blake, Main St., Wexford, hand-embroidered tea cloth and serviettes ; Sergeant and Mrs. Mullane, Bannow, tea cosy: Sergeant and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Kilmeedy, Limerick, case of cutlery; Miss M. Fitzgerald , Weatherstown, bedroom toilet set; Miss Polly Power, Busherstown, crepe-de-chine handkerchiefs ; Miss H. Walsh, do, bed linen; Miss Bridget Murphy, Mullinahone, silver mounted jam dish; Mrs. Gordon, do, cruet; Mrs. Murphy, do, statue, Infant of Prague; Mrs. P. Walsh, do, point-lace clothes; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown, bed linen; Mrs. J. Cottrell, Ballycroney, bed linen; Mr. L. Hennessy, do, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. J. McLoughlin, Ballycullane, eiderdown; Miss B. Cardiff, Sally and Mary McLoughlin, do, turkeys; Mr. and Mrs. Conran, do., chenille table cloth and house shoes; Miss Babs Sinnott, do, embroidered table cloth; Mr. J. Scanlon, Glenmore, tea pot; the Cody family, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Mr. J. McLoughlin, Tullow, blankets; Miss M. McLoughlin, do, eiderdown; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin , oil painting; Messrs. Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, pair of cushions; Miss Margaret Gaule, Slievecorrig, cut-glass fruit dish; Mr. T. McGrath, Russellstown, Clonmel, tea cosy; Messrs. Jameson and Co., Jewellers, Dublin, cut-glass salad bowl; Miss M. Holden, Clune, bed linen; Miss Margt. Holden, do, night-dress case; the Misses Kelly, Graiguakill, bed linen; Mr. P. O’Connell, Mallow, tea cosy; Mrs. Hehir, Carrick-on-Suir , manicure set., etc.. etc.

Five months after their marriage the groom was notified that he was transferred to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway after having served three years in Waterford. “He did not come into very close contact with the public in the ordinary way as a Guard, because of the fact that his principal work was in connection with the examination and testing of motor lorries and cars under the Road Act regulations. These tasks he carried out with great efficiency and success, and in the courts was regarded as an expert in all matters relating to the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and their proper conditioning for use on the roads. ” (Waterford Standard, 16 April 1938)

Further details regarding the Heffernan and Walsh family members can be found on the family and obituary pages.

The feature photo is Glenmore Village taken between 1920 and 1925. This photo can be dated because the Glenmore Barrack’s roof is missing. The JK Walsh shop is the large, long white building. The taller building to the left in the photo is the old Gaffney mill.

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh