May, 2021
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One Hundred Years Ago: June 1921
The Irish War of Independence ended on 11 July 1921 when a truce was agreed. The six months between 1 January 1921 and the truce were the bloodiest of the War of Independence with almost 1,500 people killed the majority of which were killed in the South. (Corrain & O’Halpin, (2020) The Dead of the Irish Revolution). On 18 June 1921 two young volunteers closely connected to Glenmore were killed in action, at Coolbawn, near Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, just 21 days before the truce.
Partition
In June 1921 the Northern Ireland Parliament was established pursuant to the Government of Ireland Act (1920). This partition of Ireland in May 1921, when the legislation went into effect, established an essentially two state solution that is still in place today. Six of the thirty-two counties of Ireland were placed under the control of the Northern Ireland Parliament. Elections were held in March 1921 for the Northern Ireland Parliament and 40 of the 52 seats went to Unionists. The other 12 seats remained empty as the Sinn Fein and the Irish nationalists who had won the seats refused to take the oath of loyalty. King George V officially opened the Northern Ireland Parliament on 22 June 1921 and called for peace and conciliation. Sinn Féin and the nationalists rejected the Government of Ireland Act and it was replaced in December 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty which founded the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
The War
By June 1921 the Crown Forces were firmly entrenched in their barracks in mainly urban areas and did not venture out much making it difficult to engage or ambush them. Both sides realized that they had reached a stalemate particularly for the IRA after the burning of the Custom House led to 5 deaths and 80 IRA volunteers being captured. To take the pressure off of Tipperary, and other areas, the IRA ordered the Kilkenny volunteers to engage the Crown Forces more notwithstanding the fact that the Kilkenny volunteers had limited arms. This led to the Coolbawn ambush. For an interesting history of Co. Kilkenny during this period see, Eoin Swithin Walsh, (2018) Kilkenny: In Times of Revolution 1900-1923.
Contrary to previous months there are fewer local events recorded in the local newspapers. It may be the case that the censorship of the newspapers increased and stopped the reporting of events, or it may be the case that there were fewer objectives remaining such as bridges or roads that were not damaged or trenched. We were able to find various local news items in some of the Dublin papers.
Waterford
The Crown forces continued to raid various premises and it was reported that the licensed premises of Miss Gleason, of O’Connell Street in Waterford were raided on the first of June. The raid lasted 20 minutes and nothing was taken from the premises (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It was reported that during week of the 10th the Granagh bridge just outside of Waterford in County Kilkenny was partially destroyed. There were two large excavations made in the centre of the bridge and dropped into the stream below (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 5).
Five young men on the 15th of June were tried by a Waterford Military court for waging war against the Crown on 12 March 1921 by attacking Crown forces at Garryricken House, Co. Kilkenny. The five defendants were James McKenna, John Luttrell, Patrick Luttrell, James Luttrell and Thomas Luttrell. A policeman was killed when he went to Garryricken House due to a report that rebels were using it as a hiding place. Ultimately three of the defendants were exonerated and only ex-solider James McKenna and Patrick Luttrell were convicted (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 2). For further information on the Garryricken battle see the podcast of Kilkenny County Library. Also tried by a Waterford military court were Rev. John Loughrey, C.C. of Thomastown and three of his parishioners: John Minogue, Patrick Ryan and James O’Neil. Although the priest was charged with multiple offences the four men were convicted of promoting the Belfast Trade Boycott in March and May 1921. The court sentence for each defendant was a fine of £10 or the alternative was 3 months imprisonment. “All chose the alternative” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 3).
Although the military did not apparently order the cancellation of the Waterford Regatta, which should have been held on 30 June, the Waterford Boat Club decided to abandon it due to the “present unsettled state of affairs,” (Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 4 June 1921, p. 6).
New Ross
As violence increased new martial laws restricted gatherings including fairs and markets. In New Ross this extended to the closing of shops. In an article entitled “Excitement in New Ross,” it was reported that Crown Forces visited the shopkeepers in New Ross and ordered them to close on Saturdays from 12 to 4. “There were a number of country people in the town at the time, and the closing of the shops gave rise to considerable speculation, but it transpired, however, that the order was in pursuance of the ban prohibiting the holding of markets” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). By mid-June one of the New Ross businesses was burned, but the newspaper report does not indicate who may have been responsible. “The premises of Timothy Butler, New Ross, consisting of his dwelling house, shop and store, with the entire contents, were completely destroyed by fire at 3 o’clock yesterday morning. The family who were in bed, were ordered out, getting only a few minutes to dress, and the place was then set on fire by four armed and disguised men who made use of bombs,” (Evening Echo, (Dublin) Tues. 14 June 1921, p. 7). By the end of June it was reported that New Ross men were being commandeered by Crown forces on a daily basis to saturate the bridge crossing the Barrow with water. “Fifteen New Ross men have been commandeered to saturate with water a wooden portion of the big bridge over the Barrow that was recently set on fire. Since the occurrence and accompanied by the town surveyor and Crown forces the urban council’s hose is taken each evening to the bridge to flush the wooden part to prevent it being set on fire again” (Freeman’s Journal, Wed. 29 June 1921, p. 6).
In May it was reported that foot and mouth disease was detected near New Ross. This report immediately stopped the shipping of cattle from Ireland to England. Eventually a 15 mile exclusion zone was established around New Ross and cattle outside the exclusion zone could be shipped. “On the afternoon of May 26th” a Dublin Castle report states, “about 100 armed men raided Newtown farm, New Ross district, Co. Wexford, and intimidated a number of workmen employed in connection with the foot and month disease operations of the Department of Agriculture. They seised and took away all appliances for the slaughter of animals. It is stated that all the carcases had been buried with the exception of a few, and that they were completed the next day” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It transpired that the “appliances” seised were picks and shovels used to bury the slaughtered animals. It is assumed that they were taken to “arm” more men for the trenching of roads. On the 24th of June it was reported that Major Little, of Berkley House, New Ross had consented to the slaughter of his cattle and this had been carried out by the Department’s veterinary inspectors, “as no fresh case has occurred in the district, and it is believed that the radius limit of fifteen miles as regards restrictions will be reduced the coming week” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Thomastown
On the morning of 3 June 1921 on every route around Thomastown trees had been felled and trenches cut in all roads. In response the Crown forces at 10 a.m. commandeered a large number of men including shopkeepers, shop assistants, and laborers to remove the obstructions. Men were also commandeered from the Inistioge district (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8). The monthly Thomastown fair that was due to be held on the 7th of June was not held as Thomastown was in the “scheduled area.” Fat pigs were not taken at Thomastown stations for the same reason during the past fortnight. The result has been a serious loss to pig feeders who have pigs fit for sale” (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8).
Mooncoin
In subtle ways the editors of the local newspapers were able to inform the public that the Crown authorities in Dublin were no longer obtaining good intelligence from outlying areas. An example is found concerning an ambush at Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny “Segt. Sweetman, Fiddown, is reported killed and a constable seriously wounded in an ambush at Mooncoin. The patrol, numbering 7, were cycling back to Fiddown when heavy fire was opened on them from both sides of the road. A Dublin Castle communique, which possibly refers to the same encounter, states a party of 8 police was attacked at Fiddown, and adds—’Const. Albert Bradford was killed and Constable John Stuart, wounded in the left arm. The police captured four shotguns and 200 cartridges charged with buckshot, a revolver, and revolver ammunition left by the rebels. At the time of receiving this report the attackers were being pursued by a mixed party of Crown forces. The casualties of the attackers are not known’” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Glenmore
As we reported in the blog last month due to the trenching of roads and destruction of local bridges the Glenmore Creamery was closed for a month by the military. It was allowed to re-open after the closure (Irish Independent, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 6). Although there are no reports of road trenching, train or mail raids reported as occurring in or near Glenmore during June, the annual meeting of the Glenmore Creamery was reported. The meeting was held on the 15th of June and it was noted that the “Creamery had received nearly 60,000 gallons more milk in 1920 than in 1919 which brought the total received up to 519,496 gallons, from which 244,965 lbs of butter was made, or an average of 2.32 gallons per lb. The turnover for the year was over £46,000 and a profit of £198, 11s., 1 ½ d., was made.” Given the turbulent times the Company “had deemed it wise to pay a very big premium of £250, for insurance against claims of riot, rebellion and civil commotion.” The article concludes that, “The recent closing of the creamery by military order will considerably lessen its profits for the current year” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 10).
There was not a person in Glenmore that was not impacted directly or indirectly by the War by June. Notwithstanding, the raids by Crown forces, men being dragged from their homes, the difficulties of travel on trenched roads and damaged bridges, produce could not be taken to any local fairs or markets because the military ordered them all closed. Farmers had to continue to milk their cows then had to dump the milk because the Creamery was closed. Even the commodities sought by the British such as beef could not be sold because Glenmore was in the Foot and Mouth exclusionary area. Danny Dowling recorded that several area residents indicated that by the time the parish was reeling from the death of John Hartley, of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who was killed in action at Coolbawn on the 18th of June, they were sick of the conflict and just wanted it to end.
Some of the first local newspaper reports of the Coolbawn ambush were carried in the Munster Express (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6) and the Kilkenny People (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6). Interestingly the Munster Express article is entitled “Castlecomer Affray” while the Kilkenny People article is entitled “Mine Laying Party Attacked.” Both articles report that two men were killed, John Hartley, a native of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who until a few weeks previously had been employed as a shop assistant in the establishment of Mr. T. Grace, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City. The second man killed was Nicholas Mullins, a native of Main Street, Thomastown. The Munster Express reported that the two men were cousins. A third volunteer, Doyle, of Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny was shot in the leg and captured.
John or Jack Hartley, as he was called by his family, or Sean Hartley as is recorded on the monument erected by his comrades in arms, was the son of Edward Hartley (c. 1865-1947) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Nicholas Mullins was the son of Laurence Mullins (c. 1860-1913) a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore.
In a future post this month we will provide further information Danny Dowling gathered as well as details regarding how the volunteers who were setting up the ambush at Coolbawn became the hunted.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above of the IRA volunteers killed in action at Coolbawn, Hartley and Mullins, was a post card courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. It is believed that the postcards were sold to help raise funds for one of the memorials erected for the fallen men.
From Danny’s Files: The Glenmore Social Club
Among Danny Dowling’s voluminous records Pat Dowling recently found a small neon orange coloured poster advertising the 1970 Glenmore Social Club’s annual dance and a folded document entitled “Rules of the Glenmore Social Club,” Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny.
The Rules of the Glenmore Social Club
The undated Rules are typewritten on 3 of the 4 pages of A2 size legal document paper and bound with a brass fastener. There are 29 rules and the signatures of 42 men. The objects of the Club were to maintain the Club house for the use of the members of the Club and to promote social events in and outside of the Club house (Rule 2). Any person 18 or over was eligible to apply for membership (Rule 3) upon recommendation of a member (Rule 4) and would become a member if 2/3’s of members voting accepted the applicant (Rule 6) and the payment of the annual subscription of 2s/6d (Rules 8 & 10). The management of the Club was by a committee of at least 8 members elected at the Annual General Meeting (Rule 16) to be held in September each year (Rule 21) with the accounts of the Club balanced on the 30th of September (Rule 25). In the event of a dissolution the funds, after discharge of all debts, would be equally divided among the members (Rule 28) and all members were equally responsible for any liability of the Officers of the Club, incurred on behalf of the Club, if not covered by insurance or the funds of the Club (Rule 29). In essence the Rules of the Club established a partnership among the members.
Although the Rules do not limit membership to men only men were listed as members. The Rules do not indicate where the Club house was located but Liam Mernagh and Robbie Doherty indicated that there was a small outbuilding in the Village alongside Frank Furlong’s house that was the Club house. Pat Dowling, recalled that his father spoke of Furlong’s card room. The list of the members who signed the undated Rules are listed below.
The Annual Dance
A newspaper search revealed that there were two different dances that were referred to as the “first annual dance” of the Glenmore Social Club. One was in 1944 and the other was in 1973.
The first known annual dance was held on the 6th of August 1943 at the Olympia Ballroom in Waterford. Music was provided by the Waterford Swing Aces Band. Catering was provided by the Mayfair Café, of Waterford, with liquid refreshments provided by M. O’Sullivan & Sons. Dancing took place from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. “summer time.” The admission to the dance was 3/9 (Munster Express, Fri. 28 July 1944, p. 3). The public were informed that the proceeds from the dance would be devoted towards the cost of repairing the “Social Club Hall” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 July 1944, p. 4) although by all accounts the clubhouse was small and could not hold over 6 to 8 members at any time. An article that appeared in the Munster Express on 11 August 1944 (p. 4) provides more interesting facts concerning the dance.
“GLENMORE SOCIAL CLUB DANCE.— The first annual dance under the auspices of the Glenmore Social Club at the Olympia Ballroom on, Sunday night last, was a pronounced success, despite the many counter-attractions in Tramore and elsewhere. Large crowds cycled from Glenmore, Kilmacow, Ballyfacey, Bigwood, Mooncom, and other rural districts to Waterford for the occasion, and there was, in addition, a large local attendance of patrons. The music was supplied by the Waterford Swing Aces, who were up to the highest expectations; even though one missed the popular leader of the band, Mr. Martin (“Busty”) Griffin, who is convalescing in the County and City Infirmary. The attendance numbered 300 couples approximately, and this must be considered very good, when some huge numbers journeyed to Tramore and other seaside resorts for the weekend. The catering was in the hands of the Mayfair Cafe, and was up to the usual high standard.”
In 1945 the second annual dance was held on the 15th of August. The venue, band, admission fee, catering etc. all remained the same as in 1944. (Munster Express, Fri. 10 Aug.1945, p. 4). The advertisement for the dance ended with “Come and enjoy the dance of the season. A Half-way House from Tramore,” (Munster Express, 27 July 1945, p. 4). The 15th of August remained the date of the dance for years. Robbie Doherty explained that everyone went to Tramore on the 15th of August. While some went to the races others just enjoyed the seaside. After a day at Tramore the popular Glenmore Social Club dance was held at the convenient Olympia Ballroom. On New Year’s Eve of 1945 the Glenmore Social Club held a dance at the Olympia and 500 couples attended “[a] special feature of the programme was the very large number of spot prizes distributed. “Busty” Griffin and his Swing Aces Band, fresh from their recent engagements at Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas, etc. gave a delightful selection of music and were very liberal with encore numbers,” (Munster Express, 4 Jan. 1946, p. 1).
Tragedy struck in 1948 when due to circumstances beyond the control of the Club the annual dance was held on the 19th of June instead of the 15th of August. The Waterford Rhythm Aces Dance Band played with amplification by “Geoff” (Munster Express, 18 June 1948, p. 1). Only 200 dancers attended the annual dance in 1948 (Munster Express, 2 July 1948, p. 5). By 1951 it was being reported that up to 500 couples attended the dance (Munster Express, 24 August 1951, p. 8). A newspaper article in 1955 states that Sean Healy and his band were playing at the Glenmore Annual Social Club Dance (Munster Express, 19 Aug. 1955, p. 11).
“GLENMORE ANNUAL SOCIAL CLUB DANCE—A RESOUNDING SUCCESS—SEAN HEALY PROVIDES MUSIC FOR 7th SUCCESSIVE YEAR—For the past six years, Sean Healy and his band — although its personnel have been changed from time to time — have been providing, to the utmost satisfaction of its patrons, the music for the annual Glenmore Social Club dance. On Monday night last (“The Fifteenth”), from nine until 3 a.m.—for the seventh successive year, the good-humoured Carrick-on-Suir band leader took the stand at the Waterford Olympia Ballroom, Parnell Street, and waved his baton in front of his talented seven-man Waterford combination, who served up a really delightful programme of dance music, to an almost packed “house.” This was the ‘tenth function, under the auspices of the Glenmore Social Club, and its success was indeed a resounding one. It was estimated that upwards of 1,000 patronised the dance, the majority of which came from Co. Kilkenny. On the drums was Pierce White; the trumpeters were Monty Cloony and Jack Bible; Dick Cooper and P. Power were on the saxophones; at the piano was young Paschal Kennedy; double-bass player was Ernie Myser; at the “mike” was soft voiced vocalist, Tommy O’Brien, and the leader himself took over with the accordion. Highlights? Yes, indeed. With the accent on sambas, mambos, and quick-steps, a lively, gay mood prevailed throughout the entire night- One of the selections which really deserve special mention was that in which the following numbers were given a fresh “dressing” up by the entire band: Little Things Mean a Lot: To-morrow; Sunny Side of the Street; and Side by Side. Withal, it was one of the happiest functions held in the Olympia this year.”
The following year the annual dance was declared a success in spite of the poor weather and the names of the Club Committee were published:
“THEY DEFIED THE RAINS.—The Glenmore Social Club’s 11th Annual Dance, held in the Olympia Ballroom, Waterford, on Wednesday, was a remarkable success. Despite an almost continuous downpour, some 1,100 dancers, drawn chiefly from South Kilkenny, patronised this firmly-established annual “August Fifteenth” re-union. The striking popularity of this dance must mainly be credited to the very active committee, the principal members of which are: Messrs. Patrick Irish (hon. sec), Patrick Corcoran (hon. treas.), John Hennessy, Walter Power, Tom Malone, Michael Reddy, and Tom Roche. Music was supplied by Sean Healy’s (Carrick- on-Suir) augmented band” (Munster Express, 17 Aug. 1956, p. 6).
In 1958, the 13th Annual Dance was held on the 15th of August. The admission fee was increased to 5/-, catering was by Mrs. Rice, of Borris, the licensed bar was provided by H. Gallway. Pete Cody and his Orchestra provided the music (Munster Express, 1 Aug. 1958, p. 6). In the 1958 newspapers there were advertisements for several Race Week ballrooms. Tramore boasted the Atlantic and Silver Slipper while Waterford had the Olympia and Arundel Ballrooms (Munster Express, 8 Aug. 1958, p. 6).
The annual dance held on 15 August continued into the 1960’s. The attendance in 1961 was reported at over 1,000 patrons an increase of 300 over the previous year. The Southern Stars Showband from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary was a big hit. (Munster Express, 18 Aug. 1961, p. 14) The only reported tragedy at one of the dances occurred in 1962 when Thomas Whelan, a 42 year-old single farmer from Boolattin, Leamybrien, collapsed and died at the dance. It was reported that the morning of the dance the decedent attended the monthly fair at Dungarvan where he sold about £1,000 worth of cattle. In the afternoon he attended the Tramore races and then went to the dance. It was also reported that the decedent and his two brothers farmed about 1700 acres (Munster Express, 17 Aug. 1962, p. 1). In 1969 the annual dance was held on Sunday the 17th of August in the Olympia, and admission was 10/- to dance to the popular Mick Delahunty Orchestra (New Ross Standard, 9 Aug. 1969, p. 13.
In the 1970’s the annual dance was no longer held in August. The 1970 annual dance of the Glenmore Social Club was held on the 6th of November at the Olympia and the Ravens Showband, from Dublin, played. The following year the annual dance was held on the 3rd of December, at the Olympia and D.J. & Kerry Blues band played (Waterford News and Star, 26 Nov. 1971, p. 20). No newspaper article or advertisement for a dance could be located for 1972, and on Sunday the 18th of February 1973 the “First Annual Dance of the Glenmore Social Club was held in the Mullinavat Hall with a 50 pence charged for admission. The Davitt Brothers, of Wexford, provided the music (Munster Express, 16 Feb. 1973, p. 12). The 1973 dance held in Mullinavat was reported as being an enjoyable dance that drew a good crowd from the southern area as well as from Waterford and New Ross (Munster Express, 23 Feb. 1973, p. 8). No newspaper articles or advertisements for the Glenmore Social Club were found after 1973. It thus appears that on the eve of its 30th anniversary of its first annual dance the dances came to an end. Other bands that played at Glenmore Social Club dances over the years included:
- Andy Smith and his Band (Munster Express, 29 July 1949, p, 8);
- Frankie King and his Band (Munster Express, 14 Aug. 1959, p. 6);
- Kevin O’Doherty and his Showband (Munster Express, 9 Aug. 1963, p. 16); and
- Pacific Showband (Munster Express, 12 Aug. 1966, p. 8).
Christmas Parties & Trophies
According to Robbie Doherty the members of the Club enjoyed playing cards. The clubhouse (alongside Frank Furlong’s house in the Village) was too small to accommodate large card parties or other social events. From the proceeds of the dances the members held Christmas parties that often went on for a couple of days. The members’ Christmas parties were held elsewhere and no newspaper account of any of these parties could be located. The Club did support other local groups by sponsoring trophies and prices. An example was reported in 1962. The Glenmore Athletic Club held its 19th annual sports day at the Skow Bridge with 18 events on the programme. Six cups were presented on the day from: Murphys’ Motors, Snowcream (Waterford); Mr. Brook (New Ross); Dermot McCalmont (Thomastown), the Glenmore Athletic Club and the Glenmore Social Club (New Ross Standard, 25 May 1962, p. 12).
Below is a list of the signatures taken from the rules. Robbie Doherty, on 22 May 2021, kindly identified the townlands of the majority of Club members on the list.
1. Edward O’Connor, (Neddy O’Connor, of Graiguenakill) 2. Patrick Doolan, (Paddy Doolan was reared in the Village and when he married he moved to Ballyverneen) 3. Thomas Aylward (Tommy Aylward, of Ballinclar) 4. Patrick Griffin (Paddy Griffin, of Newtown) 5. Michael Phelan (of Mullinahone) 6.Walter Power(name struck through, appears later in list) 7. William Walsh, of the Village 8. Philip Hoynes, (of Ballybrahee) 9. Luke Murphy, (of Ballybrahee) 10. John Power, (of the Village, believed to be Wattie Power, the postman’s son) 11. Thomas Ryan, (of Milltown) 12. Thomas Roche, Committee Member in 1956 (of Jamestown) 13. Daniel Dowling, (born in the Village, moved to Jamestown c. 1938, moved back to the Village after he married) 14. Michael O’H? 15. Edward Murphy, (of Forristalstown, worked for Kilkenny Co. Council) 16. Pat Power, (of the Village, believed to be son of postman Wattie Power) 17. Richard Dunphy, (of Ballyverneen.) 18. Eric Walsh, (of the Village; drove a taxi) 19. Mick Reddy, Committee Member 1956 (of Robinstown, worked on the Kilkenny Co. Council. Married to Mary Walsh, the sacristan. 20. Michael Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power the postman) 21. James Cashin R.I.P. (of the Village, worked in the Creamery) 22. Sean Mernagh R.I.P. 23. Martin Kennedy, (of Kilbride, a builder by trade) 24. John Hennessy, Committee Member 1956 (the Village Blacksmith) 25. Patrick Irish, Secretary of the Club in 1956 (married to Daisy Walsh, lived alongside the National School in the Village, worked at the Creamery) 26. Frank Furlong (of the Village, originally from New Ross) 27. J. Aylward (John Aylward of the Village?) 28. Jas Irish (native of Aylwardstown and brother of Patrick. Nick named “The Skinner.”) 29. John O’Brien, (of the Village, postmaster at Fluskey's. Francis O’Brien’s father) 30. Patrick Murphy 31. Edward Mernagh (son of Sean Mernagh) 32. Sean Power, (of Jamestown) 33. William Hennessy, (of the Village. Blacksmith. Noeleen Fogarty's father) 34. Patrick Power (of the Village, Wattie Power the postman’s son) 35. Seamus Dunphy, (of Ballyverneen; brother of Richie Dunphy) 36. Sean Walsh, (of the Village. Married to Betty McKenna. Built the Village pub in 1963.) 37. Daniel Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power, the postman) 38. Michael Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power, the postman) 39. Patrick Hennessy (Pakey Hennessy, son of John Hennessy the blacksmith) 40. James Walshe, (Jim B. of the Village?) 41. Walter Power, Committee Member 1956 (of the Village. Postman. Nick name Foxy Wattie Power) 42. Eammon Walsh, (of the Village. Son of Wm. “Bill” Walsh,” worked in the Creamery).
Other known members who did not sign Rules:
Tom Malone—Committee Member per the 1956 published list. (Originally from Tullogher, he workd with Phil Hoynes, of Ballybrahee, for years). Paddy Corcoran—Committee Member per the 1956 published list. (Farmer in Mullinahone, married to Katie McDonald).
Any and all additional information or corrections welcomed. Please forward additions or corrections etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Robbie Doherty and Liam Mernagh for the information they provided regarding the Glenmore Social Club and to Jackie Walsh for sharing the photo of the young Glenmore dance crowd (early 1960’s).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured black and white photo is the Frankie King Dance Band (Munster Express, 11 Dec. 1959, p. 8).
Old Rural Recreation: Faction Fighting
Danny Dowling interviewed and recorded some interesting information from elderly residents of Glenmore concerning some of the other business transacted during and after fairs and markets–faction fights. To try to put this information in context some general information on faction fighting is first provided.
Faction Fighting
Faction fighting was where large groups of rural men, and sometimes women, would meet to engage in fighting. The faction could be comprised of extended or allied families or persons from the same parish or townland. It is commonly understood that the practice continued until shortly before the Famine when reforms to the police and judicial systems and Father Theobald Matthew’s temperance crusade impacted on it. This pacification movement was also endorsed by Daniel O’Connell and the Catholic Association (Owens, p. 537). Expressions of concern over faction fighting at this time usually had more to do with the image projected than with injuries or deaths resulting from the fights. As long as the Irish could be portrayed as drunken barbarians bashing each other for fun all economic or political hardships could be blamed on the Irish character. However, “even at its worst the level of violence in Ireland was less than that of England” (Conly, p. 67).
Notwithstanding the efforts to stop faction fighting it re-surged after the Famine. Nineteenth century fiction and materials in the folklore archives at UCD suggest that faction fighting was an immensely popular and violent pastime (Thuente, p. 136) and its legend lived on in oral histories recorded in the twentieth century. Faction fighting was often viewed as a sort of release valve that prevented less controlled kinds of violence, and there were not many actual deaths relative to the enormous number of participants (Thuente, p. 137).
Carolyn Conley conducted a study based upon a Return of Outrages prepared by the R.I.C which listed the 1,932 reported homicides between 1866 and 1892 (occurring outside of the metropolitan area of Dublin), newspaper accounts of the killings and court documents. The author concluded that there was tolerance for recreational violence as displayed in faction fights among judges, jurors, police and journalists, witnesses and even victims. Recreational violence was not a form of misplaced resistance by an oppressed rural population, but a form of sport (Conley, p. 60). After the famine with more prosperity more assaults took place. “It was in the most prosperous areas of the countryside that the violent traditions were longest lived” (Conley, p. 58). The goal was not to injure or kill but to participate in a mutual display of skill and strength. Forty-one percent of all Irish homicides (outside of Dublin) between 1866 and 1892 were recreational in origin (Conley, p. 59).
“A formal faction fight, which might involve hundreds of men on each side, usually began with the ritual of wheeling which included chants, stylized gestures and insults. The traditional wheel included the name of the person(s) issuing the challenge as well as the intended opponent” (Conley, p. 60). There were two recognised acts that signified consent to the fight. The wheel and the removal of one’s coat (Conley, p. 61). While wheels might include insults or references to past grievances, a challenge to see who was the better man would suffice for consent. Women who engaged in “the sport” took the same pride in their prowess as their men (Conley, p. 62).
“In keeping with the recreational aspect of fighting there were rules. Though supporting one’s comrades was expected, in most cases justice required roughly even sides…ganging up was not acceptable…nor was continuing to pummel a defeated opponent” (Conley, p. 61). Due to the fact that the participants had to consent to engage in the fight there were numerous instances where onlookers and witnesses expressed to the authorities that they were not in fear when a faction fight commenced, thus making a conviction for riot impossible. Acceptable weapons included: fists, feet, teeth, stones and sticks. Two and a half percent of the homicide victims in Conley’s study died from kicks and five from infected bites (Conley, p. 62).
The most popular venues for recreational fighting were fairs, markets, and races. “One hundred people died as a result of brawls in these settings, but only a third of the killers served any jail time and only nine served more than two years” (Conley, p. 65). “Brawls were such an integral part of wakes” that even deaths did not make the incidents serious to authorities. Not one person was convicted in any of the fourteen homicides that occurred at wakes and funerals (p. 65). Even in twenty-one cases in which innocent bystanders were killed, deaths from brawls were considered regrettable but not serious. Twenty-six children were killed from injuries sustained in brawls. Only seven of the killers served any jail time at all. Only four people were sentenced to more than two years for the death of a bystander. The brawling tradition began so early in life that a quarter of the children less than sixteen years of age (killed by non-relatives) were killed by another child under the age of sixteen.
Danny Dowling Interviews
On the 22nd of May 1964 Danny Dowling interviewed Nicholas Forristal (1888-1979) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore. Nicky the Miller recalled hearing that the fair or market held at Nash in Wexford had two families that were great faction fighters, the Gunnups and Quigleys. In one of the factions was a family with eleven brothers and one sister. On one of the fair days the sister said—“There is twelve o’clock and not a stroke struck yet. She had a stone in her stocking and she started the melee by striking one of the opposition.” Nicky informed Danny that a stone in the stocking was a dangerous weapon.
Nicky stated that there were various Glenmore factions during nineteenth century at about the time his father was born in 1849 “Grants had upper side of parish, and Paddy Merrigan of Milltown, was the leader of another from the Jamestown side.” A member of the Merrigan faction was Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh from Glenmore Village. Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh cut, prepared, and seasoned the sticks used as weapons by the Merrigan faction.
“On a certain occasion in Glenmore Village before the pubs were out of it, there was a wake in Hanrahan’s house in the Village (alongside Fluskey’s). As the pub was closing members of the rival factions started drifting into the wake. It was a lovely night. Paddy the Weaver was at the wake and someone said to him it was a fine night and he replied, ‘It is a fine night but I think it will be a bloody morning.’ He was anticipating a big row.” Danny Dowling noted that the Glenmore parish priest in about 1870 caused the three Glenmore pubs to close and Glenmore parish remained dry for nearly 100 years making it a very unique Village. Hanrahan’s house in the Village where the wake was being held was the house where Danny Dowling was born in 1927.
Nicky said people were very crude and backward then, and when they got a few pints they deliberately set out to create rows. “The order of the day then was to return home from fairs and hooleys with blood all over you. That was held to be a sign that you were a good man.” Nicky stated that “Watt Power, of Jamestown, was an awful man for rising rows.” He always believed in having blood on him before returning home. He and his wife had a shebeen for awhile where Dick Whelan was living in 1964. “Watt used tell sometime that he had been fighting with Phil Dyháwdin from around Ross. Phil DyhAwdin was renowned as a fierce fighter. Watt, of course, never had anything to do with him.”
James McDonald, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore was interviewed by Danny Dowling on the 11th of June 1970. James reported that Big Jack Ryan of Knockhouse, Kilmacow, was the first of the Ryans to come to Guilcogh, Tullogher to where Richie Ryan was located in 1970. It was due to faction fighting that Big Jack Ryan went to Guilcogh. The Norris family, of Guiclogh, “were the leaders of a great faction fighting team and always won their combats. As they were getting on a bit, they felt that they could not last much longer at the top. Jack Ryan was a great big man and was a renowned faction fighter, so Norris said that if he could get Ryan, he would continue to win the faction fights. Norris therefore got Ryan, brought him to Guilcogh and got him married to his daughter. Ryan had three sons with this Norris girl. She died on the birth of the fourth child. After Ryan joined the Norris faction team it continued to win fights for a long period.
James McDonald stated that after his first wife died Ryan married a girl named Long and had more children. Ryan was said to have divided the farm to each of his four children from his first wife. Each of the four children received ten acres of land. The land allocated to each was too small to support a family. The four children asked their father to give them each four pounds in order for them all to go to America. Ryan gave the four children the money. The four children emigrated to America. The land reverted to Ryan and he divided it among the children he had by his second wife. Unfortunately, in reviewing early parish records the only marriage that could be located between a Ryan and Norris was in 1860 where Thomas Ryan married Margaret Norris in Guilcogh on 12 June 1860.
On the 16th of January 1956, Walter Power (c. 1888-1961) of Jamestown, Glenmore shared with Danny Dowling a poem that the elderly residents of Glenmore recited when he was a lad. It alleges that the first faction fight in Old Ireland was “all on account of St. Patrick’s Day.”
Some fought for the eighth, For the ninth some would die, And whoever said wrong, They would blacken his eye, Until Father Mulcahy, he told them their sin, He said boys don’t be fighting but sometimes combine, Don’t be always disputing about 8 and 9, Combine 8 and 9, 17 is the mark, And let that be his birthday, Amen said the Clerk.
Ironically, the last known faction fight involving Glenmore participants, that Danny Dowling identified, was reported in the New Ross Standard, just a day after St. Patrick’s day in 1893. Fourteen persons, including a woman, were arrested for the faction fight that occurred in Rosbercon after the New Ross fair. According to the newspaper account the court was packed with spectators for the trial of the faction fighters.
If anyone has any corrections or additional information please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
[Additional information from Peter Walsh of Rathinure, Glenmore 20 May 2021–Maths and Irish Teacher, at Good Counsel College of New Ross, Mr. Toby Kavanagh, collected Irish folklore and told his students in 1969/1970 that the shillelagh black thorn sticks used in faction fights were coated in goose greese and put up the chimney for the smoke to harden them.]
The featured drawing is entitled “The Kilkenny Election,” published in the Graphic on 17 Dec. 1890 (p. 723) and depicts a scene at Castlecomer where Parnell was present when “a regular good old fashion faction fight began.” (c) The British Library Board.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Carolyn Conley (1999) “The Agreeable Recreation of Fighting,” 33(1) Journal of Social History 57-72.
Gary Owens, (1997) “A Moral Insurrection: Faction Fighters, Public Demonstrations and the O’Connellite Campaign, 1828” 30(12) Irish Historical Studies 513-541.
Mary Helen Thuente (1985) “Violence in Pre-Famine Ireland: The Testimony of Irish Folklore and Fiction Author(s),” 15(2) Irish University Review 129-147.
Fairs & Markets of New Ross c. 1900
Danny Dowling interviewed Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore several times in 1964. Today, we are going to feature Danny’s interview of Friday the 13th of March of that year where Nicky provided information about the New Ross fairs and markets of his youth. “Nicky the Miller” was born on 1 February 1888 and was blessed in that his father, Patrick Forristal (c. 1849-1931) and grandfather lived long lives and shared their knowledge of events and the area with Nicky. Where possible the actual words recorded by Danny of Nicky during the interview are used and marked by quotation marks.
For anyone not familiar with the Parish of Glenmore, Kilkenny lies half way between the City of Waterford, Co. Waterford and the Town of New Ross, Co. Wexford. Until the twentieth century the only market town in Kilkenny close to Glenmore was Thomastown which was further away than both New Ross and Waterford. For information and maps regarding the early main road between New Ross and Waterford see the previous blog post of 14 December 2019. Prior to the earliest bridges being built at New Ross and Waterford people from Kilkenny had to make use of ferries to take their produce to New Ross and Waterford. After bridges spanned the River Barrow at Ross and the River Suir at Waterford tolls were a cost for our Glenmore ancestors when they sought to purchase or sell items in Waterford or New Ross or sought employment in the city or town.
Ancient Fairs and Markets of New Ross
Although the words fairs and markets have come to mean the same thing at one time they were considered distinct occurrences. Generally speaking, market days were set days when sellers and buyers gathered for the buying and selling of a specific commodity e.g. butter, corn etc. The prices agreed in the haggle between the buyers and sellers became the market price. Fairs originally did not occur on a regular basis and were often associated with religious days, where there might be entertainment and a variety of trading e.g. horse and employment fairs. Fairs and markets were vital to the economy of towns and cities and residents relied on food from the countryside. New Ross was no different and several of the early New Ross Corporation books survive and reflect the importance attached to the fairs and markets. The County Wexford Archive has placed some of the surviving books on line with transcriptions.
A fragment from the New Ross Corporation Minute Books for 1634-5 is held in Carlow library. It provides an interesting glimpse into the turbulent 17th century in Ireland. “Most of the entries…concern day-to-day life—keeping the streets clean, securing the water supply, renting out property, protecting the markets and keeping citizens safe.” Control of hucksters at markets was a great concern. (Gráinne Doran & Linda Doran (2020) “A Light on Early Town Governance in New Ross,” 28(1) History Ireland 8-9.) On 17 October 1662 “the toll and customes of the markets and faires of Ross sett and let unto Mr. Barnard White for the ensueing yeare for twenty pound sterling” (New Ross Corporation Minute Book, 1658-1685, vol. 1). In other words, Barnard White for the huge sum in 1662 of £20 became essentially the landlord of the New Ross markets and fairs for a year, and he could set and charge the people engaged in markets and fairs.
Some very ancient customs surround fairs such as the symbol of the glove. In 1710 an order was made in New Ross that no arrests would be made before and after the fair held on the 10th of August. This was not an attempt to encourage or allow criminals to engage in trade. At that time if a person was unable to pay his or her debts that person could be sent to debtor’s prison. Thus, to ensure the success of fairs a sort of safe passage developed. An entry on the 6th of October 1726 ordered that a glove be set up two days before each “faire” day and remain up for two days after the “faire.” The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (30 June 1901, p. 179) in reviewing the entries published extracts of two publications explaining the glove symbol.
“An annual fair is held on Trinity Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Southhampton. It is opened by the Mayor and bailiffs with much ceremony on the proceeding Saturday afternoon. The Mayor erects a pole with a large glove fixed to the top of it, near the miller’s house, and the bailiff then takes possession of the fair as chief magistrate in its precinct during the fair, and invites the Mayor and his suite to a collation in his tent…during the fair no person can be arrested for debt within its precincts. On Wednesday at noon the Mayor dissolves the fair by taking down the pole and glove, or rather ordering that it be taken down” (Sir H. Englefield (1805) Wald Through Southhampton, p. 75). At Exeter a similar custom prevailed:–The charter for Exeter Lammas Fair [Aug. 1] is perpetuated by a glove of immense size, stuffed and carried through the city …It is afterwards placed on the top of the Guild hall and then the fair commences (Hone, Every Day Book, ii, 1059).”
As early as 1662, during the reign of Charles II, legislation was enacted that standardised a firkin of butter as weighing 64 pounds comprised of at least 56 pounds of butter and up to 8 pounds for the barrel. Over a century later, the New Ross Corporation books reflect that in 1783 a clerk of the market was appointed at a salary of £10 per year to ensure proper weight and measures were used and to prevent butchers and bakers from committing frauds. As early as 1747 there were complaints that butter and salmon were being sold at the gates and roads leading to New Ross to the detriment of the town’s people and merchants. In an attempt to control and regulate trading a corn market was built in Robert Street in 1818 just twenty years after the 1798 Rebellion. According to Linda Doran the corn market was not altogether successful. Ten years after it was built all tradesmen were required to weigh and sell their corn at the market. In 1832 markets which were deemed street obstructions in New Ross were removed to the corn market. In 1864 a meeting was called to investigate the possibility to free the bridge from tolls (Linda Doran (2011) “Capturing the Quotidian: New Ross Corporation Books,” 1685-1900,” in 19(5) History Ireland 22-25.)
Fairs & Markets of New Ross at the Turn of the 20th Century
Accoring to Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, up until about 1899 New Ross fairs were held on different dates. In about 1899 the second Tuesday of the month was introduced as the fair day of Ross. When he was a boy Nicky recalled fairs being held on Easter Monday, the 10th of February, and on the 3rd of May—the hiring fair. On the hiring fairs the men and women seeking work “used present themselves with a spancil round their wrists so as to indicate their calling. Those spancils were called booracs and búltáins. Used hire for the quarter. The settlement between the parties was made on the fair. The agreement in most cases was adhered to because if not, the labourer was not paid if he left.”
For non-farmers a spancil is a short length of rope used to hobble an animal. The animal could graze but could not wonder off too far. Well into the twentieth century spancils also were used to keep cows from kicking while being milked. It appears that from what Nicky said that different types of spancils were used to indicate the type of work that the prospective employee was able or willing to perform. The employee would work for 3 months before being paid and if the employee left before the end of the 3 months he would not be paid anything. According to Danny Dowling the agreement included wages, room and board and additionally there might be an agreement on the type and amount of ‘grub’ that would be provided to the employee.
“The fat pig market at Ross was always held on the day before the general fair. Small pigs were sold on the general fair. The people used drive the pigs into Ross on a Sunday evening and put them in some of the yards in the Irishtown. Brewer’s, Teehan’s (where Shea’s were) and Campbell’s yards etc. When the pigs were sold they had to be driven to the boat (Ida etc.) early as it left for Waterford at 9 o’clock in the morning. Hence the reason for the very early start of the fairs.”
Nicky recalled that he drove pigs to Kough’s Bacon Factory on the Quay in about 1899. “Good deal of people worked there, men and women. Made sausages, puddings items and every shop in Ross sold offal meats then. Nicky saw cards up in the shops selling meat which read thus ‘Buy Kough’s Bacon well known for its delicious flavour and standard quality.’ ” According to Nicky, Kough’s Bacon Factory went into liquidation long before the first Great War.
Markets were held in Ross every Thursday and Saturday. The spud market was held on the Quay at Fox’s Pub. The weighing scales for the spuds were “opposite beside river.” The butter market ran from “Bridge to Market House.” Salmon sold at Fish House. At Bank of Ireland—vegetables sold. Opposite the Bank of Ireland on the Quay side fresh herrings were sold from dray cars while in season.
The fowl market was held in John and North St. at either side of the Hotel. Asses, jennets and carts full of fowl were lined up. “The man who would buy the lot would chalk his name on the cart. They were then brought to the boat which was moored opposite Foxe’s. Each fowl buyer had a bed on the Quay where the fowl were put after taking them from the carts, before being put on the boat. This market used always start before the break of day. Hardly any men attended it, only women and chaps. Over before 9 o’clock as the fowl had to be on the boat which left at that time. This market was held on a Thursday. This early market finished when the boat ended in 1904.” For information regarding the Ida and the shipping of animals see our previous blog of 29 February 2020.
“The firkin butter market was held in Charles Street. People brought the fresh butter in buckets to the market. It ended about the First War. Glenmore people stopped attending when the creamery started.” Only the larger farmers who kept several cows could produce a firkin or 56 pounds of butter. Before the Glenmore Creamery opened there were not many cows in Glenmore. Prior to the Creamery opening people from the area with butter went mainly to the Waterford Butter Market. People from Tullogher, who were closer to New Ross, used to travel with the firkins of butter on the Ida to Waterford.
Until the 1880’s a lot of wheat was grown in the Glenmore area. “Then the bottom dropped out of the market owing to the imports of foreign wheat. The last wheat Tommy Forristal, of Ballyverneen [Glenmore] ever had, he was forced to bring it to Thomastown by horses and carts. That was in the 1880’s.” “Very few cattle kept by the local people of this area” prior to 1900. Nearly all cattle were sold as yearlings and even younger. Cows were also scarce. “The farmers with the largest cow herds in Glenmore then were Coady’s of Carrigcloney and Tommy Forristal of Ballyverneen with 20 cows each. After introduction of creamery here the farmers increased their herds.” For information concerning the establishment of the Glenmore Creamery see the previous post of 9 May 2020.
At the turn of the twentieth century Nicky recalled the following prices which ‘were got’ at Ross markets:
- “Seed potatoes 3d stone;
- Pig’s heads 2/= for 12 lbs.;
- Danish Pig’s Heads 1 ½ d [per] lb;
- Butter 6d to 8d per lb;
- Barrel of oats 7/6;
- Barrel of barley 13-14/=;
Nicky went on to explain that fowl and turkeys then were never sold by weight. Instead they were sold by the pair. Until about 1894, “people from this area used go to the fowl market of Grannagh. Had to leave the night before… At that time turkey realised by the pair, cocks 18-20/=; hens 8-10/=.”
To illustrate the prices under the Imperial system–which some elderly Glenmore residents today refer to as “old money”– there were pounds £, shillings / and pence d. There were 12 pence in a shilling, and 20 shillings in a pound. Thus, seed potatoes sold for 3 pence per stone (14 pounds) of potatoes. A barrel of oats sold for 7 shillings and 6 pence etc..
In the next couple of weeks we shall highlight some of the other “business” that occurred at and after local fairs as commented upon by Nicky the Miller in 1964 and recorded by Danny Dowling. Please send any errors or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of the New Ross Corn Market appeared in Linda Doran’s excellent 2011 article “Capturing the Quotidian: New Ross Corporation Books,” 1685-1900,” in 19(5) History Ireland 22-25. The photo of the corn market is from a glass plate belonging to Jimmy Fitzgibbon and was part of the Cavanagh Magic Latern Collection. Prior to cinemas, Magic Laterns were used to entertain people by the showing of projections from early photographic glass plates. William Cavangh had a collection of these early glass plates of the New Ross area. The photo to the right shows Jimmy Fitzgibbon (on left) with his 150 year old Magic Latern. Edward Delany is on the right. (New Ross Standard, 31 August 2015).
The featured photo above is art work from the New Ross Corporation Minute Book, 1658-1687, p. 50. It reads, “Eusebius Cotton, Esquire, Soveraigne of New Ross, Anno D’ni 1662.”
Cycling at the Turn of the 20th Century [Updated]
Danny Dowling recorded the names of local people who were the first to own bicycles as well as information concerning the brands or types of bicycles purchased. Please see our post of 28 December 2019 for the details.
The young men and women of the 1890’s were the first to have access to what were known as the early “safety bicycles.” These bicycles replaced the dangerous penny farthings. By the end of the decade the price of bicycles declined and their popularity in Ireland increased. The fall in the price of bicycles was due to new methods of mass production and fierce international competition resulted in bicycles being made affordable to more people which in turn paved the way for a social revolution in terms of recreation and transport. “Previous distances which may have taken the best part of a day could now be easily done within an hour” (Barry Shepherd, The Irish Story blog, 7 Nov. 2019 “Recycling History: The Bicycle and Protest in Ireland“). One common problem across Ireland was the state of road surfaces.
Shepherd has noted that at the same time cycling was becoming popular in Ireland there was a cultural revolution rapidly spreading across the country, revitalising the Irish language, literature and sport that eventually reached politics. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in late 1884 and immediately sought to incorporate field sports, athletics and cycling under its control. Earlier in 1884 the Irish Cycling Association (ICA) had been founded. The rivalry between the two groups continued until 1910 when the ICA ceased operating. Irish cycling clubs attached to preservation and language revival groups at the turn of the 20th century became very popular.
The activities of the first generation who took up cycling not only changed their own lives but changed society as a whole. For example, people living in rural areas, such as Glenmore, the bicycle dramatically increased the number of potential spouses as they were able to socialize more frequently and meet others outside the parish. As the price of bicycles decreased in the 1890’s it became increasingly possible for working class women to purchase bicycles. The bicycle was not only a symbol of, but also a means of achieving freedoms for women (William Manners, “The Secret History of 19th Century Cyclists,” The Guardian, 9 June 2015).
One of the liberated ladies who had “a machine” had a bit of a crash in Waterford in 1899 which was reported in the Munster Express (Sat. 2 December 1899, p. 5). On the first of December sometime between one and two in the afternoon an English lady, who was visiting friends in Catherine street, Waterford, had an “exciting and perilous experience.” While riding her bicycle out of Syme’s Lane on to the Waterside she turned in the direction of the park “and something went wrong.” The lady and her machine splashed into John’s Pill “to the utter astonishment of some men in a barge belonging to Messrs Murphy Brothers, who fortunately were working in their boat near at hand. They promptly assisted the lady to terre firma very wet, considerably frightened, but otherwise none the worse for her impromptu bath. Her great anxiety when on land once more was as to the fate of the machine, which was ultimately fished out of the river, and handed to its damp but grateful owner.”
In 1900 the Waterford, Limerick and Western Railway time table (p. 17) advertised special fares for cyclists. The railway would convey the owner’s bicycle at the owner’s risk from or to Limerick and Waterford to enable cyclists to go out by train and return by road or vice versa. The cyclist fares were available for all trains except the first morning train in each direction. The Munster Express in reviewing the advertised fares observed that “the wording of the directions like the sections in an Act of Parliament, are beautifully ambiguous.” Under the terms of the offer the railway charged five pence more for the carrying of a cycle 8 miles than it would charge a passenger (Munster Express, Sat. 7 July 1900, p. 5). Further afield the Cycling newspaper of Britain began publishing articles about cycle tours in Ireland including a run from Kilkenny to Thurles (Cycling, Sat. 26, April 1902, p. 44) and from Dublin to Killarney by Wicklow which directed cyclists through “New Ross, Glenmore and Waterford.” (Cycling, Sat. 20 July 1901, p. 70). Later in the decade other areas, such as Mullinavat, sought the business of cyclists. “A Pleasant Run for Waterford Cyclists—The Pioneer House, Mullinavat, has opened a rustic Tea Room, for cyclists. D.B.C. charges, pot of tea, 3d; roll and butter, 2d.; cake, 2d; barm-brack freshly cut, 2d; cream, 1d; hams, honey etc. Large parties catered for. Tables reserved if postcard stating hour reaches Manageress, Pioneer House, Mullinavat, same morning (Munster Express, Sat. 16 July 1910, p. 5).”
Glenmore was not immune to the cycling craze and by the turn of the 20th century the Glenmore Cyclists Association was founded. Unfortunately, very little information is available regarding the group, but from a newspaper account it is known that both men and women were members. The following article appeared in the Munster Express (16 March 1901, p. 5)
“A meeting of the Glenmore Cyclists Association was held on last Sunday. Several of the lady members kindly graced the meeting by their presence. After some preliminary business being transacted it was unanimously adopted, on the proposition of Mr. J. Dunphy, seconded by Mr. N. Gaffney, and ably supported by Messrs. J. Fluskey and M. Murphy, that –“We, the members of the Glenmore Cyclists Association, shall take our first run for the season on St. Patrick’s Day, our destination being Tramore. All members are requested to meet at the “Churns” at 12 o’clock sharp.”
A review of the 1901 census provides that N. Gaffney was Nicholas Gaffney who lived in Glenmore Village and was 27 years of age. J. Fluskey was James Fluskey who was 19 in 1901. J. Dunphy may refer to John Dunphy, of Ballyverneen, who was 21 in 1901. Attempting to identify M. Murphy is very problematic as 5 young men named Michael Murphy were found in the 1901 census. The townlands and ages are as follows: Ard Beg (Coolnaleen) aged 19; Ballylammy, aged 19; Ballybrahee, aged 20; Cappagh, aged 22; and Rathinure, aged 22.
To cycle in 1901 from Glenmore to Tramore the main road went through Slieverue Village and the cyclists had to pay a toll to cross the Suir at Waterford city. The old Waterford wooden bridge was called Timbertoes. In early 1908 it was reported in Cycling that the old wooden toll bridge, after 50 years efforts, and a large public demonstration attended by cyclists, was freed. The Waterford Corporation obtained the power for compulsory purchase of Timbertoes and paid the owners £63,885, 17s, 9d, as compensation (Cycling, Wed. 8 Jan. 1908, p. 22).
A couple of months after the Glenmore Cyclists Association’s 1901 run to Tramore the Munster Express (Sat. 15 June 1901, p. 5) reported on a “great bicycle race” which took place on the “New Line” in Glenmore on Sunday evening the 9th of June.
“The favourite won on his old “Dunlop” in a canter. “Jem” was a good second; N.G’s tyre got punctured. “Ter,” said he would not think worth his while to race against any of them. I understand the man on the “rotten bundle of sticks” would have a narrow escape only for the starter.” [It is believed that N.G. refers to Nicholas Gaffney and Ter may refer to Terrence Fluskey who was 16 years of age in 1901. Jem may refer to Jim Fluskey aged 19 in 1901.]
However, at the turn of the 20th century, just like today, not everyone liked cyclists. “A case of unexampled blackguardism occurred on the road from Waterford to Tramore on Sunday,” the 27th of April 1901 when four or five Waterford cyclists encountered a road block. “[S]ome fellows of the ‘pot-boy’ class who seemed to have laid in a larger stock of some intoxicating beverage” stood with their arms locked and blocked the public road. They apparently sought to impose a toll on the cyclists who refused to pay. The editor of the Waterford News & Star advised cyclists subjected to similar insult to thrash the blackguards (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 May 1901, p. 3).
Update 2 June 2021–while searching for something else the following was discovered regarding some “fancy trick riders” in Glenmore in 1903. “Our wonderful acrobats and fancy trick cyclists continue to vie with each other at ‘the Churns.’ Martin and Tom are certainly famous, but be h—ls Jimmy hasn’t yet appeared. We all anxiously await next Sunday at six when Tom intends managing four bikes at a time. ‘Tatler'” (Munster Express, 5 Sept. 1903, p.1).
The popularity of bicycles continued to grow as the 20th century progressed, and during the War of Independence the bicycle played an important means of transportation and communication. As we have reported in other blog posts the Crown military authorities severely limited the use of bicycles in some areas in an effort to stop attacks on Crown forces and the R.I.C.. See generally, Barry Shepherd, Recycling History: The Bicycle and Protest in Ireland.
The featured photo above is a Player’s Cigarette Card, courtesy of the New York City Library’s digital collection.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: May 1921
The War of Independence continued with no truce in sight. Although most books on the War focus on the big events, that took place in Dublin and elsewhere, we are going to continue to focus on more local events as well as the news Glenmore people received via local censored newspapers. In the first week of May it was reported in the official report from Dublin Castle that “attacks on Crown forces continued unabated.” There were 2,593 internees (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 May 1921, p. 5) Not only did the attacks on Crown forces continue there were four more Irishmen executed on the 30th of April at the Cork Detention Barracks. Their names were: Patrick Ronayne (24), and Thomas Mulcahy (18), sentenced in connection with the Mourne Abbey ambush, and Maurice Moore (24), and Patrick Sullivan (22), sentenced in connection with the Clonnult fight. Press representatives were prohibited from reporting anything except the bare announcement of the executions and the history of the cases. It was reporting that since the beginning of 1921 eighteen men were executed. Eleven men were shot in Cork and seven were hanged in Mountjoy Jail (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 May 1921, p. 3).
Kilkenny man Patrick Walsh, of Dunamaggin, was wounded on the 23th by Crown forces at a battle at Tubrid. He died on the 19th at the Fermoy military hospital after one of legs was amputated due to the gunshot wound to his knee. It was reported that he was recently released from Waterford Jail where he served a term of imprisonment for a political offence. During his wake at Dunamaggin the wake was visited by Crown forces. The attendance at his funeral was limited and the tricolour was removed from his coffin (Munster Express, Sat. 28 May 1921, p. 6).
New Ross
More locally in New Ross, “a town which had hitherto [been] immune from things of a startling nature,” the month started with a bang. On the 4th of May a bomb was thrown at members of the R.I.C. who were patrolling Cherry’s road. The bomb was thrown from an upper road known as Creywells. No police were injured, and they immediately raised the alarm. Military were at once on the street, and issued a command for all civilians to keep indoors. Several civilians were halted and ordered to put up their hands. One man named Murphy, believed to be from Rathgarogue district, was fired at and wounded. Murphy, it is stated, disobeyed the challenge to halt, but complied with the order to put up his hands. Later all lights were ordered extinguished and it was anticipated that a curfew would be introduced. “The place or road where the bomb was landed takes its name from a Waterford gentleman named Cherry, who started and for many years had a controlling interest in Cherry’s Brewery” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 May 1921, p.7).
Before the month ended the military informed New Ross merchant, Joseph McCarthy, that the colour of his shop front had to be altered. The shop front was painted green, white and gold, with margins of black. Following the military order McCarthy employed a painter to alter his colour scheme (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 May 1921, p. 5).
Waterford
Just down the road in Waterford City the month commenced with a great amount of military activity and several arrests were made. Crown forces visited the licensed premises of Mrs. O’Neill, Sallypark, where her brother Jack Dowling was being waked. Dowling died on the first following a fall from his horse. The people attending the wake were search, but no arrests were made. In Ferrybank two men Grant and Norris were arrested Saturday and later Purcell and Cummins were also arrested. It was believed that several men “on the run” were hiding in the Waterford Lunatic asylum. It was raided by Crown forces and searched for over three hours. Two attendants named Thomas Gallagher and J. Bret were arrested. Tuesday David Grant, of Ferrybank was released (Munster Express, Sat. 7 May 1921, p. 6). James O’Mara, a T.D. from South Kilkenny cabled from the safety of Chicago “expressing gratitude for the opportunities given him to serve the country, and stating that circumstances imperatively prohibited his further candidature, or his acceptance if elected” (Munster Express, Sat. 7 May 1921, p. 5).
On the first of May five simultaneous raids took place in sub-post offices across Waterford city shortly after 6 o’clock. The total amount taken in cash, stamps, and post orders amount to about £250. The raiders were mostly young men and were not disguised. It was reported that the King Street Office [now O’Connell St.] was robbed by five men who were not disguised, and armed with revolvers. Upon entry they immediately cut the telegraph wire to the general Post Office. They took about £100 in stamps and cash. Three men arrived on bicycles and entered the Barrack Street post office where they pretended to buy stamps. When they presented a revolver and the clerk screamed. Mrs. Ryan the sub-post mistress raised the alarm and the three men fled. A child ran in front of one of the men and he slowed to avoid the child and was caught by a plain clothed policeman. The other two men made off with 10 shillings in stamps. Three armed men also entered the Newtown post office. The Postmaster James Kelly, aged 74, when confronted fought with one of the robbers. Kelly was hospitalized after being struck in the forehead. Four armed men entered the Parnell Street post office and Denis Clery, the post-master, was held at gunpoint. His wife and daughter fainted and the four robbers made their escape by bicycle. Two went to the left toward the Mall and two to the right toward the carstand. In less than 5 minutes the military arrived. The amount taken was small. Across the river the Ferrybank post office was entered by four men who were not disguised. Mrs. McCoomb, the postmistress, reported that the men took about £47 in postal orders, stamps and money, but only about £7 of the amount was negotiable (Munster Express, Sat. 7 May 1921, p. 6).
Only two weeks later it was reported that Peter Grant of Belmount Road, Ferrybank and James Cummings, of 66 Sallypark were convicted of robbing the Barrack St. post office and were sentenced to 3 years prison (Munster Express, Sat. 14 May 1921). On the 26th of May two Waterford city postman were held up by masked men as they were cycling with mail from the city to rural areas of Slieverue and Snowhill. The mail was taken from them both (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 27 May 1921, p. 8). In addition to the continued disruption of mail rail transit facilities were also affected, but Guinness hired a special steamer to supply stout to their Waterford clients. The cargo was unloaded near the bridge (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 May 1921, p. 5).
Glenmore
Glenmore featured a few times in the news. Road trenching continued to disrupt the military traveling through rural areas. A Dublin Castle report stated that a number of men armed with rifles and shotguns commandeered a number of civilians in Glenmore village, as they were coming from evening prayers. The villagers were marched to Ballinclea, where they were compelled to dig trenches in the public road (Munster Express, Sat. 28 May 1921, p. 6). The military responded by issuing a proclamation that Mullinavat, Glenmore and Glenpipe creameries were to close from the 21st of May until the 21st of June for the trenching of roads and raiding of mails in local areas (Munster Express, Sat. 28 May 1921, p. 6).
[Update 24 May 2022–It was reported in the New Ross Standard, (Sat. 12 June 1971, p. 4) that 50 years ago, ss a result of the closing of Glenmore Creamery by the military, suppliers brought new milk into New Ross and sold it at 2d. per pint.]
It was also reported that a bread van belonging to Mr. Costello, of Mullinavat was stopped by armed masked men on the Glenmore road at Walsh’s mountain. The driver was robbed and the bread van and harness were set on fire and completely burned. An unnamed farmer in the Glenmore district was robbed when a number of masked and armed men forcibly entered his house and searched it. The armed men decamped with an “amount close to £100” (Munster Express, Sat. 28 May 1921, p. 6).
The local IRA responded to the creamery closure on the 21st of May by stopping the last evening train from Waterford to New Ross. The train was stopped at a cutting that the newspaper described as being about two miles from Glenmore. It is believed the train was stopped near Scartnamore, Glenmore. It was reported that masked men held positions at the “tops of the lofty embankments.” All the passengers were commanded by an unspecified number of masked and armed men to alight from the train. The men were ordered to walk up the line, while the women and children were detained at the train. The raiders entered all the carriages and then directed their attention to the guard’s van. The newspaper does not indicate if mail was taken. The women and children were ordered back to their seats. The men were then searched and their papers and other documents examined. “One passenger was particularly questioned, and a bicycle, apparently his property, was commandeered.” The men were ordered to take their seats and the train pulled into the Aylwardstown, Glenmore station about forty minutes late (Munster Express, Sat. 28 May 1921, p. 3).
Dublin, Custom House Attack
On Wednesday the 25th of May 1921 at 1:15 in the afternoon a number of loud explosions were heard in the centre of Dublin. It was reported in the New Ross Standard based upon the Evening Herald that the Estates Office section of the Custom House was attacked by armed men. Almost simultaneously a lorry of Auxillaries drove into Bereford Place from the Eden Quay end. The lorry came under fire and the Auxillaries responded with rifles and a machine gun fire. As it was dinner hour the streets were full of pedestrians and residents who in a blind panic ran into houses. It was reported that the firing was directed at Gardiner and Store streets and one civilian unlucky to be in the area had his head practically blown off. Witnesses reported that as the Auxillaries moved from their lorry flames could be seen billowing from the western section of the Custom House. Numerous loads of auxiliary police, armed military and armoured cars kept racing down the quays to the scenes. Crowds began to gather on O’Connell Bridge and did not seem “the least perturbed at the arrival of Crown forces…” General Headquarters issued a report later that night that stated 100 men rushed the Custom House and set it on fire. Crown forces were immediately on the scene where they were bombed and fired upon from the railway bridge adjoining the Custom Houses. Four cadets were wounded. A small party of rebels ran from the building firing revolvers. Civilians poured out of the burning building with their hands over their heads. Among the civilians a large number of rebels sought to escape.“ Over 100 were civilians whose presence in the building could not be satisfactorily explained, and several of those people had distinct traces of petrol on them.” Seven civilians were killed, ten were wounded and 111 were arrested. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 May 1921, p. 5). As reported in an earlier blog one of the men arrested was James Francis “Frank” Freyne (1902-1974) the son of Glenmore native John Freyne (1866-1936).
For futher detailed information on the burning of the Custom House see
John Dorney, Today in Irish History blog.
Paul O’Brien, Operation Ares .
The featured photo above is a May bush in Glenmore Village on May Day 2021.
The photo of the horse drawn bread van was owned by Mr. Faulconbridge, Bedworth in the 1920’s. “Reproduced from the “Our Warwickshire” website © “Bedworth Library.” IMAGE LOCATION: (Bedworth Library), Reference: Bedworth Library, 371, img: 4032.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh