November, 2022
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Childhood Games Played in Glenmore in 1938
National Folklore Commission
Between 1937 and 1939, 5000 primary schools in Ireland participated in recording local information for the National Folklore Commission. Over 288,000 pages were created by students in exercise books. Students in all 26 counties were asked to collect information ranging from oral history, topographical information, folklore, legends, riddles, pastimes, games, trades and crafts by interviewing their parents, grandparents and neighbours.
From 15 Nov. 1937 to 7 Dec. 1938 a dozen students in the Ballyfacey, Glenmore National School, under teacher Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh, participated in the School Collection. The Ballyfacey Glenmore School Collection (Vol. 845, pp 484-596) is available on line and may be found in Roll Number 9880.) For our previous post regarding this collection see our post of 27 June 2022.
Topic: Games I Play
Today, we are going to feature the topic entitled “Games I Play.” Although it is always interesting to read about the type of childhood games our grandparents or great-grandparents played before television and computers this material is more important because it was written by the children themselves and preserved. Julian Smith has noted that archival documents pertaining to children are selective, generally written by adults with their own biases towards children especially their own children.
The archaeology of childhood is a relatively new field that questions assumptions made concerning our past. (Julian Smith, “Child’s Play,” 63(3) Archaeology (2010) p. 40-45). More generally, the importance of play for children has been recognised as key to developing skills for getting along with peers, learning rules, learning sanctions for breaking rules, developing memory skills such as with the recitation of rhymes, developing creativity, resourcefulness and problem solving as well as providing physical activity for motor skills etc.
The Nine Children
There were 9 children who recorded games these children included: Patrick Phelan, of Ballywairy, Glenmore, p. 526-528 (4 April 1938); Mary Aylward, of Ballyfacey Lower, Glenmore, p. 529-530 (20 July 1938); Mary Phelan, Ballywairy, Glenmore, p. 531-532, (26 July 1938); Peggy Aylward, of Ballyfacey Lower, Glenmore, p. 532-533 (25 July 1938); Michael Fitzgerald, of Moulerstown, Glenmore, p. 533-534 (26 July 1938); William Roche, of Haggard, Glenmore, p. 535-536 (undated); Eddie O’Connor, of Ballyfacey Lower, Glenmore, p. 536-537 (20 July 1938); Peter O’Connor, of Ballyfacey Lower, Glenmore, p. 537-538 (17 July 1938); Joseph Synnott of Weatherstown, Glenmore, p. 538-539 (18 July 1938); and James Culleton of Kilbride, Glenmore, p. 540 (undated).
The Games
The games with explanations are listed in alphabetical order first and game mentioned without explanations are listed thereafter with the rhymes recorded. Given the popularity of Gaelic football in Glenmore in the 1920’s it is surprising that none of the children included football or hurling in their list of games. Most of the games listed were played with stones and sticks although one game did mention the use of a ball and another the use of dice. Original wording is employed and editorial notes or comments are in square brackets [ ].
All the Robbers Going Through—”All the robbers going through is played by sending two away and [these] decide upon two things. All the rest answer what they would like and go behind whoever [of the two] had that and then pull against the others.2 [Sounds like a human tug of war.]
Blind Man’s Bluff—”Blind man’s bluff can be played by any number. One person is blindfolded and tries to catch the others while in that way.”
Carry the Lady to London—[a short description appears to be that two children grasp each other’s hands and a third child sits on their hands and is carried.]
Colours—Colours are played by taking a colour and another person would try and guess it.
Den—”Den is a very common game with me and some other boys. This is the way played. One remains inside a certain space while the others is going away a distance from him. Then he runs after the rest trying to catch them. If they are able to get into that space they will win. This is played out in the open air.”
Donkey—“Donkey is a game played by two or more. It is played by throwing a ball from one to another and whoever lets the ball fall as many times as there are letters in the word donkey he is a donkey and he is laughed at and mocked.”
Duck—”Duck can be played by any number of persons. It is played by putting a small stone on top of a large one while each person in turn tries to knock off the small stone by throwing another stone at it.”
Four Corner Fool—Played by 5 children. “one stands in the centre of a rectangle formed by four stones with four persons standing at each stone. The four persons leap from stone to stone exchanging places while the person in the centre watches his chance to get a place at one of the stones and the person who loses his place has to go in the centre and do likewise.”
A variation was also played—Three Corner Fool—”A boy is put in each of three corners of a room and another boy in the middle. The boy in the middle is known as the fool. Those in the corners must change from one corner to another and if the boy in the middle can get in to one the corners a different boy is the fool.” [It was not explained how this might be played in a room with four corners.]
Heck-a-peck is standing on one leg and kicking a stone on a certain line.
Hide & Seek—”Hide and seek is played by two or more persons. One goes and hides and the other searches for him until he finds him.”
Hide the Button—”Hide the button is played by putting a button in one of your hands and somebody else would say ‘Pe Po Paddy pin, open the door and let me in, if I am a fairy king I shall surely win.’” Another child recited this verse for this game, “cut a sin a ma ma ma ma ma.”
Another child explained, “Cunnie sé the má má má” or hide the button, in which a button is hidden by one of them in one of the children’s hand and whichever of them is guessing guesses wrongly he will get a slap on the hand and the person who guesses rightly he or she will be left hide it and the person that hid it before will have to guess.”
Katty—Katty or Kattie is played by making a circle and putting a stone in the centre and throwing up the kattie and getting three strokes off it. It was played by girls with a short piece of stick pointed at both ends.
Another child provided more detail, “First I would make a ring and put a stone in the middle. Then I would bat and another person would pelt up the kattie to the ring and I would get three hits off it and if it did not go more than two jumps away I would be out. When the kattie is pelted up and if it went into the ring I could not get any hit off of it. When it is half ways in on the line two hits can be got off it. When the kattie goes a good distance away four or six jumps can be given. No uneven number can be given.”
Marbles—Marbles is a game among boys. “Playing marbles is a common game also. We make three holes in the ground and try and get the marbles into them three times up and down. When we have it in that many times we lodge the marble. Then we try and hit each other and who ever will do that will win.”
Playing on Rye Grass—[used perineal rye grass]You say “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, rich man, poor man, pothecary, weaver” and whatever you end on you will be married to that type of person. This was played “by knocking off the clumps off the grass” and when all the clumps were removed the category of husband was selected.
Another version–High boots, Low boot’s, Brogues, Slippers. Is a game played with the same kind of a plant to find out what kind of shoes you will be getting.”
Prisoner—”Another game we play is trying to bring one another to jail. One pack would be guards and another prisoners. The guards try to bring the prisoners to jail for doing such a thing.”
Púcín—Púcín is a game played by children. One of the children is blindfolded and he is to catch some one of the others in the kitchen.
Ring-a-ring-a-rosies—”is played by catching hands and saying ‘a ring a ring a rosies, pockets full of posies, chainies on the ditches, picking sally switches, asha asha we all fall down.’”
Rounders—”Rounders is played by three or more persons. One has a bat defending wickets against another who throws a ball intending to strike the wickets, but the other strikes the ball with the bat and sends it off. He then runs in a circle marked out by the players and tries to make as many runs as possible before a third person reaches the ball.”
See-saw—”is a very exciting game. The way to play it is as follows: A log of timber is got and put across a ditch or a horrizontal circular beam of timber. When this is completed a boy sits on one end of the log and another boy on the other end and they weigh each other up and down.”
Skipping—Skipping is played by turning a rope and jumping.
Skittles—Skittles is a game that is played by boys. Five small sticks are used and three big ones called pelters.
Snakes & Ladders—Snakes and ladders is played by putting a cube [dice]into a box and shaking and if you are at the mouth of a snake you go down to the foot of it. [Believe this was a board game which is similar to the modern version.]
Snap Apple—Snap apple is a game played by girls on November Eve by snapping with your mouth at an apple tied from a cord from the ceiling.
Spy—”Spy is played by two. One goes behind a wall or fence and the other comes from a certain place and takes a quick look at the person behind the wall or fence. He then runs back and the other chases him intending to catch him before he reaches the place where he came from.”
Three legged race is run by two people together with two of their legs tied.
Other Games
Games listed with no instructions of how they were played include: Boxes; Ludo; I Bought a Horse Today Sir; Going to the Cinema; Drafts/Draughts; Rings; Coising; Goose; and Fox & Goose.
Rhymes Recorded
Roger is dead in his lonely grave, they planted an apple tree over his head, the apples got ripe and they all fell off, There came an old woman picking them up. Roger got up and he gave her a kick. This was played by “one would be picking something and the other would give him a kick.”
Mulberry bush–the verse is said when playing it is this “here we go round the Mulberry bush, the Mulberry bush, the Mulberry bush, here we go round the Mulberry bush, on a cold and frosty morning.”
Another game is played by turning a burning stick around quickly, and these words are said “Robin robin your life is lark, if you lay in my fist I will saddle your back, sticks and stones and dead mens’ bones, and around goes robin lark.” Other local rhymes can be found in our blog post of 11 Jan. 2020.
If there are any corrections or additional information please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com. For a brief description of games played at Glenmore funerals see our post of 8 Dec. 2019.
The featured painting of the boys clasping hands was from an old postcard. The artist was John H. Bufford (1810-1870) and is by courtesy of the ARTSTOR on-line library available at https://library.artstor.org/public/28063331 (accessed 27 Nov. 2022).
The black and white photo of boys playing marbles (1943) is from Julian Smith’s article, “Child’s Play,” 63(3) Archaeology (2010) p. 44.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
BALLINCLARE, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Ballinclare, Glenmore, around 1961. The Irish for this townland, according to Kelly’s, Place Names of County Kilkenny (1969, p. 111), Baile an chlair translates to place of the plank or wooden bridge. The townland is comprised of 326 acres. Ballinclare is one of the shortest entries in Kelly’s book.
In the 1829 Tithe Applotment Books, Mr. David O’Neill Power, Esq. was the landlord of townland of Ballinclare. Additionally, he owned Ballyhobuck, Ballinamona, Gaulstown, and Ballinlammy. The tenants of the townland of Ballinclare included: Philip Aylward (69 acres); John Walsh (29 acres); and Martin Doherty; Patrick Kennedy; Richard Phelan; Philip Walsh (the last 4 tenants together had 71 acres).
Danny Dowling in 1961 recorded 3 families or households in Ballinclare. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland. No death notations are recorded for this townland. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 21 people resided in Ballinclare with the population comprised of 9 males and 12 females. The Kennedy family was the largest family with 11 family members in the household. There were no households where it was recorded that a single person lived alone.
Recorded Residents
Males= 9
Females=12
Eldest Recorded Resident = The oldest Ballinclare resident was Mary Aylward née Irish (1882-1969). Mary was 79 years old in 1961. She was the widow of Michael Aylward and they had a large family. Mary’s obituary is located on our Family “A” Surname page.
Recorded Work
Farmer = 3 (3 males)
Farm Labourer/Worker= 2 (2 males)
Shorthand/typist = 1 (1 female)
BALLINCLARE RESIDENTS
[1] AYLWARD
Aylward, Richard (c. 1917) Farmer
Aylward, Mary, wife
Aylward, Thomas, nephew, farm worker
Aylward, Mary (28 Feb. 1882) mother
[2] BARRON
Barron, Stephen (5 Feb. 1909—6 Jan. 1977) Farmer
Barron, Margaret (10 April 1906—29 April 1990) wife
Hartley, Kathleen, daughter, shorthand/typist
Barron, Thomas, son
Barron, Mary, daughter
Hartley, John, son-in-law, assisting farm
[3] KENNEDY
Kennedy, John (1 March 1910) Farmer
Kennedy, Bridget (13 Aug. 1911) wife
Kennedy, Josie, daughter
Kennedy, Martin, son
Kennedy, Margaret, daughter
Kennedy, Patrick, son
Kennedy, Sean, son
Kennedy, Bridget, daughter
Kennedy, Katie, sister
Kennedy, Anne, daughter
Kennedy, Annie (1 Nov. 1907) sister
The featured photo above was published in the Munster Express (3 Nov. 1961, p. 15) and shows a group of Glenmore farmers, at the Kilkenny farmer’s protest. The farmers were protesting against the raising of rates.
Please send any additional information, corrections or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: November 1922
The Civil War continued in November 1922 with intended and unintended consequences. In Dublin four men were executed by the Irish Free State for being in possession of handguns, but the most famous execution that month was Erskine Childers. Today, we are going to feature local events that were published in local newspapers in November 1922. In addition to the usual Glenmore train robberies, Hanrahan’s “grocery establishment” in Glenmore Village was raided by Irregulars. It was reported that the value of the items stolen was £10 (Kilkenny People, Sat. 4 Nov. 1922, p. 7).
The Civil War Locally
In general, there were less reported attacks on barracks during the month of November. However, the attacks on infrastructure such as bridges and railways continued. On Saturday the 28th of October at about 8 p.m. the National Troops stationed at Thomastown were attacked by a party of Irregulars. The shots appeared to be coming from all directions. A large number of people were on the streets at the time and fled into shops and private homes The garrison vigorously returned fire which continued for about twenty minutes. “While the firing lasted there was much consternation amongst women and children, many had to walk two miles to their homes.” On Sunday night at about 11 p.m. the garrison was again attacked from the heights overlooking the town. The shooting continued for about 10 minutes. “Beyond a few bullet marks on some of the houses there was no harm done” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
There were also less reports of arrests, however two boys were arrested in New Ross. A boy named Brady of Cross Lane, was arrested by National Troops in North street. It was reported that when Brady was searched despatches were found inside his shirt. He was detained. On the same day a boy named Dougherty, of Rosbercon, was arrested, and the troops searched his house and found, it is alleged, some uniforms belonging to the Fianna. He was released that evening (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 5). There were some escapes reported. Locally, Thomas Ryan, Bonnybrook, Thomastown, escaped from the Kilkenny Military Barracks on Sunday night and was recaptured by National troops at Gowran (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov 1922, p. 7). Accidents also continued. Volunteer Michael Bowe of the Irish National Army accidently shot himself through his big toe on his right foot. He was on sentry duty at the Waterford bridge at the time of the shooting. He was taken to Ballybricken prison hospital for treatment (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Not only did attacks on railways continue the methods of attacks became more dangerous and disruptive. For example, on the morning of the 2nd of November a special coal train from Waterford to Limerick was derailed between Ballyhale and Mullinavat. One rail was removed; the fireman, driver and guard were taken off the train, and the steam engine and waggons were driven off the line. The derailed train landed on the embankment. The removal of a rail to cause detailments were reported widely. Also on the 2nd of November the Newrath signal cabin was set on fire. Portions of the building were destroyed and the “cabin instruments were considerably damaged” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
Roads and bridges continued to be attacked. Forty-six bridges were destroyed in North Tipperary with an estimated cost of repair of £12,000 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 3). In Wexford a group of local farmers and labourers fed up with a tree that was blocking the road from Enniscorthy to Adamstown, at Stone’s Park, Wilton removed the tree. While they were clearing the road two armed men appeared and threatened them. It was reported that the farmers and labourers paid no attention to the threats. During the night two new trees were felled in the same vicinity again blocking the road (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
From some newspaper accounts it is difficult to discern whether the actions were the activities of the Civil War or mere criminality. Railway wires were cut between Waterford and New Ross on the morning of Friday the 3rd of November. The up-mail train was held up on Friday evening between Glenmore and Waterford by twelve armed men at a steep embankment 5 miles from Waterford near the Glenmore station. The men ordered the passengers to remain seated and not to look out the windows. The armed men entered the guard’s van and searched it. After a prolonged search they removed some parcels and bicycles. On the following Monday a group of Oriel House Officers while returning to Dublin from New Ross arrested two men on bicycles. One of the men admitted that the new bicycle in his possession was stolen in a train robbery. On the evening of the 8th the up goods train was held up by armed men between Glenmore and Waterford. Although it was delayed a good while, it is not known what if anything was stolen (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 Nov. 1922, p. 8; Waterford News & Star, Fri 10 Nov. 1922 p. 9).
Even river boats were targeted by armed men. The river barges carrying goods from Waterford to Carrick-on-Suir were raided on the 3rd of November between Fiddown and Carrick by armed men. Bacon, tea and sugar were stolen (Munster Express, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Two licensed premises were raided in New Ross in late October or early November. Michael Corcoran, Irishtown, New Ross reported that masked men entered his premises after he had closed on the 27th of October and seized the cash box. Corcoran resisted and was pistol whipped. On an undisclosed date Miss Redmond, of Irishtown, just before closing reported that armed men entered her premises and took money (New Ross Standard, Fri.3 Nov. 1922, p. 5). While a dance was in progress in Stonyford on Sunday the 12th, armed men entered and ordered the dancers to disperse. The dancers quickly complied (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 7).
On the 13th of November three men entered a pawnshop at 35 Michael Street, Waterford and requested to see some field glasses. The owner of the pawnshop, Charles Reginald Boyce, aged 24, attempted to stop the men from stealing his property. Boyce was shot and killed. An inquest was held the following day and various witnesses reported different aspects of the murder. Phillip Fanning, of 37 Thomas’s Hill, testified that he was an assistant in the shop and ran for help as soon as he heard a scuffle and one of the men would not let him back into the pawnshop. Anne Boyce, the murder victim’s sister, worked in an adjoining shop and testified that when one of the men entered her portion of the premises she attempted to grab the field glasses from him. He pushed her into her counter and ran back into the pawnshop. A shot was then heard, and she found her brother dying. When the foreman of the inquest jury stated to Miss Boyce that she showed great courage in grappling with the robber she sadly commented, “if I had let him get away then he could not have shot my brother” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 2).
The following receipt was found at the scene of the Boyce murder “Oghlaigh Na h-Eireann. Received from Messrs. Boyce, Michael Street, six pairs of field glasses on this date. (Signed) Battalion Brigade, Adjunct” (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 6). The Munster Express published that the murder victim’s mother received the following note “Irish Republican Defence Force, H.Q., Waterford, Nov. 14th, 1922. Dear Madam, on behalf of the officers and men of the above force, respectfully bid to tender sincere sympathy to you on the death of your son, Charles. We trust that you in no way connect the above force with this raid, and I can assure you that this matter is receiving thorough investigation. Signed, Adjt. IRDF.” The deceased was laid to rest in the Protestant cemetery (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4)
Economic Impact
The New Ross Standard noted that cash was scarce. The high prices obtained for all produce and abundance of money poured into the country during the war (WW I) naturally made people extravagant, and nearly all sections of the public are better clothed and fed than they were prior to the war. With the high cost of living there was a gradual falling off in cash, and the editor proclaimed “the lean years are now upon many sections of the public.” Merchants complained that there was little business except by credit. People who borrowed from the banks at a high rate of interest to purchase land, business and stocks at very highly inflated prices were able to meet repayments during the war, but subsequently prices dropped and many “find themselves in unenviable positions.” With the disturbed state of the country, the dislocation of traffic by steamboat, railways and road, made it impossible to make money. There was little or no employment in the country. “Instead of being better now that we have got the management of our own affairs the condition of Ireland is much worse than it has been for some years. Money earmarked for reforms and reconstruction is devoted to restore order. Dis-improvement and deterioration appear to be the order of the day. Business is held up everywhere…there is no money stirring, and the country has become demoralised.” “We have not the British Government to contend with now” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
In November 1922, after thanking local Waterford businesses for their generosity in the past, the committee that raised funds for the poor cancelled their usual Christmas Bazaar. Although it is not explicitly stated in the article the poor economy in which businesses were struggling was probably the cause of the cancellation. It was decided that the committee would arrange for a number of different entertainments to be held in Town Hall during Christmas week (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
On the other hand, the barley farmers thought international forces such as Prohibition in the U.S. was the cause of the depressed barley markets. At the November meeting of the Kilkenny Farmers’ Union the attendees discussed what should be done about the surplus of barley. The secretary of the organisation stated that he had received replies from a few creameries in the south of the county prepared to buy kiln-dried barley or barley for malting at £10 per ton delivered. “Glenmore was a barley growing district…and…there were people who had got only 15s. per barrel and they had to pay carriage.” In Carlow town barley had been sold for 8s. and 9s. per barrel for feeding. It was argued that Prohibition in the U.S. was responsible for holding down the price of barley in Ireland. Prices before Prohibition were 45s. per barrel. South Kilkenny was the biggest pig feeding district in Ireland. After much arguing about whether to start piggeries for the feeding of barley the meeting broke up without reaching a decision (Kilkenny People, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 3).
An unusual commentary on farmers and their economic guiding principles was printed in the Munster Express. The editor opined that “As long as there are rural districts in Ireland, there will be farmers, and as long as there are farmers the science of thrift will not pass away…the pony and trap will continue to travel the road to infinity. The average farmer views with suspicion all moving things not classified as livestock, and saleable at the Christmas fair (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Schools
It was reported that the recent spell of harsh weather caused a “series of epidemics” in the way of colds, measles etc. In several places in the country districts children have been laid up with measles (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
In early November the results of students in the Christian Brothers of New Ross were published. Two Glenmore scholars were mentioned.
“Junior Grade—Florence Ivory of Glenmore—passes Irish, English, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Commerce, Physics and Chemistry, Second Year’s Course.” [Florence Ivory was born 4 January 1906 the son of John Ivory (farmer) and his wife, Mary née McCarthy. Florence went on to become a National Teacher, married and died on 12 November 1969 and was residing in Stonyford, Kilkenny at the time of his death.]
“William Murphy (Glenmore)—Passes—Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Commerce, Physics and Chemistry, Second Year’s Course.” A note at the end of the article details that commerce in each Grade includes the following branches—book-keeping, business methods, copying manuscript, commercial geography and writing (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
Life Went On
One of the more interesting news items not related to the Civil War concerned the electrification of Thomastown. After the elected lights were installed in Thomastown, the oil lamps formerly used there were transferred to Inistioge and Bennetsbridge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov 1922, p. 7).
Anyone passing the railway station in Ferrybank recently may have observed the current work on securing the cliff face behind the station. The Munster Express reported 100 years ago that “A portion of the rock face at Mount Misery, opposite the arrival platform at Waterford North station detached from the face of the cliff.” The large boulders smashed one of the wooden protection culverts. The weather was blamed. “Workmen have regularly been engaged in paring the rock face at various points” (Munster Express, Sat. 4 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
On the 29th of October Glenmore played De La Salle, of Waterford City. They played in Slieverue in a field kindly provided to them by “Mr. Rockett, Slieverue.” Glenmore won the match with a score of 3 goals, 7 points to 1 goal, 3 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8). We have further football matches to report in a separate post.
No Glenmore deaths were reported in the November local papers.
The advertisement above from November 1922, for Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, was owned by two Glenmore men, Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (1892-1975) and Walter Holden of Clune, Glenmore. Dick Hanrahan’s (1892-1975) brother Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan (1886-1957) owned and operated the “grocery establishment” robbed in November 1922. For more information on the Hanrahan brothers, of Glenmore, see our post of 6 December 2020.
The feature photo above is courtesty of the Freeman’s Journal (2 Dec. 1922, p. 3) and depicts a cyclist having his documents examined by an Irish National soldier.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Members of the Ballyfacey, Glenmore Tug of War Team
Popularity of Sport
When placing an obituary from Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous files on the webpage it referenced that the deceased was one of the last members of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. In trying to track down information on this team it became apparent that there were a lot of men who competed over the years on the Ballyfacey team. Tug of war competitions were so popular at the turn of the 20th century that the Olympics held competitions from 1900 to 1920.
Locally at several types of gatherings, sports’ days, feiseanna, and fairs, tug of war competitions were promoted and popular. In general, the advertisements seeking teams limited the size of a team to 10 members with a 220 stone limit. For our international readers a stone is 14 pounds, so 220 stone represents a weight limit for the team of 3080 pounds. Sometimes Tug of War Contents had different divisions. For example, an Inistioge contest held on Sunday, 25 June 1933 provided that teams of 10 could compete in a heavy weight (unlimited) division or a light weight division (maximum weight 12 stone). A valuable set of medals was advertised as the trophy to be presented to the winning teams (Kilkenny People, Sat. 3 June 1933, p. 1).
The Ballyfacey Tug of War Team
The earliest description of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team competing was found in a 1919 newspaper reporting on the Slieverue Cycling and Athletic Sports day. “Great interest was evinced in the tug of war contests, for which there were four teams entered. The first contest was easily won by Ballyfacey against McDonald’s Creamery Team. The second tug was much more exciting. The competing teams were Bigwood and Barrow Rangers holding each other in the first pull for a space of well over 5 minutes. Bigwood were, however, declared the winners after two terrific pulls. The finalists were Ballyfacey and Bigwood.” Ballyfacey won after a very strenuous contest. The names of 3 of the competing teams were provided:
Ballyfacey—J. Aylward, J. Hartley, W. Hartley, J. Coady, M. Coady, T. Freaney, P. Fitzgerald, J. Murphy and W. Deady. [only 9 names recorded]
Bigwood—P. Power, J. Walsh, J. Doherty, R. Doherty, P. Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, T. Doogan, P. Sutton and M. Ivory.
McDonald’s Creamery—P. Walsh, P. Robinson, D. Condon, J. Murphy, W. Reid., M. Lacey, J. Day, J. White, P. Murphy, W. Walsh, and J. Long. [We believe this team was from W. McDonald’s Creamery of Waterford City.] (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Aug. 1919, p. 4)
With just first initials it was not possible to identify with certainty the 1919 Ballyfacey Tug of War Team. Utilizing the 1911 census we commenced with Ballyfacey and surrounding townlands and have identified a number of likely candidates. [1] J. Aylward may have been John Aylward, of upper Ballyfacey who was 21 in 1911. [2] J. Hartley may have been James Hartley of Weatherstown (b. c. 1899). [3] W. Hartley may have been William Hartley of Busherstown (b.c. 1896). [4] & [5] J. and M. Coady may have been in 1911 James Cody (aged 20) and Mike Cody (aged 15) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. [6] T. Freany may have been Tom Freaney, of lower Ballyfacey who was 12 in 1911. [7] W. Deady we believe should be M. Deady for Michael Deady who was from upper Ballyfacey and aged 20 in 1911. [8] P. Fitzgerald, may have been Paul Fitzgerald (aged 19) of Knockbrack in 1911. [9] J. Murphy, may have been James Murphy of Ballywairy, Glenmore who was 15 in 1911.
On Sunday the 8th of July 1934, at a Sports meeting held at Weatherstown, Glenmore, “under a beaming sun a huge crowd enjoyed themselves…There was a big number of entries and valuable prizes being offered for the different events.” Results reported included: [1] 220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First. [Believed to be Larry Walsh (c. 1911-XXXX); [2] 100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place. [3] Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First. [4] 440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First. [5] One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First. [6] High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First [Believed to be Mick Walsh (c. 1913-1982)). [7] Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First. [8] Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious. (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8). Unfortunately, the names of the Tug of War team members are not provided. We know from Jack Aylward’s obituary in 1936 that he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey team and the team was still active in 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
In the 1970’s a couple of articles appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27) when some members of the Ballyfacey team died naming other members of the team and their native townlands.
“Old Tug o’ War Team—The death of Mr. Jack Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore, at the week-end recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-of-war team which won many honours in the early 1930’s in the area and adjoining counties. Jack was a member of the team, which also included : Jack Aylward, Michael Deady, James Dullard, of Ballyfacey; Larry, Tom and Billy Roche, Haggard; Paul, Mick and John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack; Dick Doherty, Coolnaleen; Martin Murphy, Ballinlammy. Six of the above team have since passed away” (Munster Express, Fri. 29 May 1970, p. 42).
“Old Tug-o’-War Team—the death of Mr. John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack Glenmore, recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-o’-war team which won numerous honours at sports fixtures in Leinster and Munster over forty years ago. The team at that time was: John, Paul and Michael Fitzgerald (all brothers); Dick and Jack Doherty, John Aylward, Michael Deady, Pat Power, Bob Grace and Jimmy Dollard. Coach for the team was Maurice Power, of Farnogue. Only three members of the team are now living” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27). What may be of interest to readers is the fact that John Fitzgerald was the grandfather of hurler Henry Shevlin who has provided Kilkenny with hours of sporting entertainment.
Members of the Ballyfacey Team
Below is the information we were able to locate regarding the persons named in 1970 as members of the Ballyfacey team. We believe, based on some of the obituaries, that the Ballyfacey team and the Bigwood team combined or perhaps some of the men were members of both teams.
Jack Aylward (1890-1936) was born on 27 August 1890, the son of John Aylward (farmer) and his wife Margaret née Roche of upper Ballyfacey Glenmore. Jack Aylward was locally called “Big Jack Aylward” and he was unmarried farmer. At the time of his death in 1936, at the age of 45, he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. The death register provides that he died on the 6th of February 1936 as patient in Aut Even Hospital of a “decayed molar tooth and cavernous thrombosis.” This is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus cavity. Jack’s obituary is provided on our A Surame Family page.
Michael Deady (1890-1945) was the son of Patrick Deady (farmer) of Ballyfacey and his wife Anastasia Fitzgerald (birth register). In 1932, Michael married Margaret Doherty (1902- 1968) a native of Forristalstown, Glenmore, and the couple had four children. Michael died on the 23rd of January 1945 aged 52, of gastro enteritis toxaemia at the County hospital (death register). The obituaries for Michael and Margaret are on our D Surname Family page.
An article was found in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 March 1928, p. 3) concerning some land Michael purchased, “BIG PRICE FOR FARM—Last week Messrs. O’Gorman and Murphy, auctioneers, New Ross, put up for sale by directions of Mr. George Connors, administrator of the estate of Thomas Connors, deceased, lots 1 & 2 at Ballyfacey, containing a total of 63 ½ acres statute. They realised the big price of £1,255. Bidding was very brisk between several parties. Lot 1, containing 33 acres, 28 perches, was purchased by Mr. Michael Deady, Ballyfacey Upper at £505 and lot 2 of 30 acres by Mr. George O’Connor, Ballyfacey Lower, at £750. This is of particular interest due to a prayer recorded by Danny Dowling which was allegedly recited by Michael’s mother and allegedly overheard and repeated by the Paddy O’Connor family of Ballyfacey. “God Bess me, and my man Pat, make Mariah and Mikey fat, Us four, no more. Amen.” For further information see our post of 11 January 2020 entitled “Glenmore Verses, Rhymes & Lyrics.”
Jack Doherty (1894- 1974) of Coolnaleen (Arbeg) was born on 22 October 1894 to James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Jack married Bridie Wall of Davidstown, Glenmore and they farmed the Wall farm in Davidstown. The couple bought land at Attamore, Slieverue, where the Irish scholar John O’Donohue was born. Jack and Bridie had a large family and he served for over three decades on the Board of Directors of Clover Meat, Ltd. (For further information on John O’Donohue see, our post of 13 March 2021). For further information regarding Jack and his family Jack’s obituary is on our obituary page.
Dick Doherty (1889-1976) of Coolnaleen (Ardbeg) was born on 5 October 1889, the son of James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Dick married Bridget Fitzgerald (b. 1890) of Knockbrock, and they had several daughters. Their daughter Jo married John Doherty, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Interesting the obituary of Dick states that he was on the Bigwood Tug of War team. No mention is made of the Ballyfacey team. Dick’s obituary may be found on our obituary page.
James “Jimmy” Dollard (1899-1957) was born to Edward Dollard (farmer) and his wife, Mary née Walsh of Ballyfacey, Glenmore on 17 April 1899. James married Ellen Wash (c. 1879-1957) a native of Glendonnell. The couple farmed at Kellandrew, Mullinavat. James died on the 11th of February 1957 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Feb. 1957, p. 12) of a sub-arachnoid hemoreage (death register). His widow, Ellen died three months after James on 6 May 1957 aged 78 (Munster Express, Fri. 10 My 1957, p. 22). The couple do not appear to have had any children. James Dollard’s obituary is posted on our Family D Surname page.
Mick Fitzgerald (1887-1968) of Knockbrack , was born on 16 February 1887 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. Michael obtained a farm in Fahee, Mullinavat and in 1914 married Margaret Dungan (c. 1881-1951) of Glendonnell, Mullinavat. Michael also operated a milling business for 34 years but gave up milling in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War when restrictions were imposed. The couple raised a large family. Michael’s obituary is posted on our family F surname page.
John Fitzgerald (1896-1970) of Knockbrack, was also the son of Paul Fitzgerald and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. John was a younger brother of Paul and was aged 15 in the 1911 Census. John married Ellen Vereker (c. 1905-1986) of Davidstown and they had a large family. At the time of John’s death in 1970 there were only 3 members of the team still alive. John’s obituary may be found on our obituary page for a fuller list of his family members.
Paul Fitzgerald (1891-1972) of Knockbrack, was born on 2 May 1891 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. He married Mary Foskin (c. 1914-1999) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. The couple had four children. Paul’s obituary does not mention the Tug of War team. Paul’s obituary can be found on our obituary page.
Jack Kennedy (1908-1970) of Ballinclare was born on 1 March 1908 to Martin Kennedy (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Wall. In the 1911 census Jack had 5 sisters. Jack was a farmer and married Bridget née McDonald (1911-1991). The couple do not appear to have had any children.
Martin Murphy (1906-1969) of Ballinlammy was born on 3 June 1906 the son of Michael Murphy (farmer) and his wife Mary née Brennan. Martin married Elizabeth “Bessie” Gaule (1916-1970 ) of Slievecorrig, Tullogher. Martin died in Waterford of cancer of the liver and a few months later Bessie tragically died. Bessie and Martin’s obituaries and information recorded by Danny Dowling regarding his cousin Martin may be found on our Family M Surname page.
Pat Power—this is a common name with no obvious match in Ballyfacey. Limiting dates of birth still provided multiple candidates.
Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was born on 15 October 1909 the son of James Roche (farmer) and Catherine née Aylward of Ballyfacey. Larry was a farmer and never married. Although Larry’s obituary highlights the weight throwing contests that he won there is no mention of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team. Larry’s obit may be found on our Family R Surname page.
Tom Roche ( ? ) although the 1970 article above states that Tom Roche was from Haggard no record could be found of a Tom or Billy Roche from Haggard. We did find a Thomas Roche who was born 21 August 1897 at Grogan, the son of Edward Roche (farmer) and his wife Catherine née Delahunty.
Billy Roche –No William or Billy Roche could be found in Haggard. However, we did find a William Roche (1882-1963) of Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was born on 2 September 1882 the son of Robert Roche (farmer) and his wife Anastatia née Phelan of Tullogher. This William Roche died on 30 April 1963 at Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was 80 years old at the time of his death, a retired farmer and widower (Munster Express, Fri. 10 May 1963, p. 18).
Bob Grace—Without a townland listed we are not certain which Bob Grace may have been on the Ballyfacey team. Robert Grace (1902- ? ) of Cappah, Glenmore, was born on 16 November 1902 to Patrick Grace (Police Constable) and his wife Marian née Cody. There was also Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) of Forristalstown, Glenmore who was the son of John Grace (farmer) and his wife, Margaret (née Carroll). This Bob Grace was a publican in Ballybricken, Waterford. For his full obituary of Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) see our obituary page.
Coach Maurice Power (1882-1970) of Farnogue West, Mullinavat, was aged 35 in the 1911 census and was a farmer. Per the birth register he was born Maurice was born on 8 April 1882 at Fannogue (sic) West to John Power (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Boyle. According to Maurice’s obituary he was “coach of the old Bigwood tug of warm team of over 50 years ago, which won many honours in contests including a great victory over the famous Dublin Metropolitan Police team in a competition in Waterford, when the latter side were practically champions of Ireland at that time” (Munster Express, Fr. 23 Jan. 1970, p. 4). No mention is made of him coaching the Ballyfacey team. Maurice was the brother of Tom Power the Ferrybank undertaker.
The featured photo above is courtesy of the Freeman’s Journal (Mon. 5 May 1924, p. 12). Caption–The Dublin Metropolitan police Tug of War team perfecting the famous manoure which won then their victory over the Bristol Police team at Wembly on Sat. Among those present was Prince Henry.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
COOLNALEEN or ARDBEG, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Coolnaleen, Glenmore, around 1961.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Ireland (1969, p. 110) Ardbeag, Ard beag, means a little eminence. The townland was comprised of 266 acres. “The more ancient name still in use, was Coolnaleen. Fields are Bán an gheata; Bán beag; Bán an lin, the flax bawn; Bánta leathan; Clais na cloura ; Garraí fada; Garraí sean-Mháire; Loca, (a sheep fold); Móinteán, and Sileán, (spewy land).” The Irish field names above provide a good explanation regarding the ancient name of Coolnaleen, i.e. the meadow of the flax. The Irish for meadow is cluain and flax is líon.
Tithe Applotment Books 1833
In the 1833 Tithe Applotment Books the townland of Coolnaleen was recorded as separate to Ard Beg (sic). Both townlands were recorded in the records in 1829. The landlord for Coolnaleen was Mr. O’Mealy and Ard Beg’s landlord was Mr. Kearney. The tenants of Coolnaleen included: William Delahunty; Marty Doherty; Patt Kennedy; John Phelan; Thomas Delahunty; Patt Phelan; Lauce Vericar; Edward Malone; William Roche. All the tenants are listed together and appear to share 260 acres. The sole tenant in Ard Beg was Michael Walsh who apparently farmed 42 acres.
Coolnaleen, Glenmore 1961
Danny Dowling in 1961 recorded 7 families or households in Coolnaleen. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 36 people resided in Coolnaleen with the population comprised of 18 males and 18 females. The largest family was the Doherty family with 10 in the household plus a boarder. There was 1 household (Mary Murphy) where it was recorded that a single person lived alone.
Coolnaleen, Glenmore 1961 Recorded Residents
Males= 18
Females= 18
Eldest Recorded Resident= Mary Roche née Grace (17 March 1882—6 January 1962) who was a native of Forristalstown, Glenmore. Mary moved to Coolnaleen when she married Thomas Roche. Mary Roche was 79 in 1961 and died in 1962. Although Danny recorded that Mary died on 9 March 1962 a check of the death register revealed that Mary died on 6 January 1962. Mary became a widow in 1960. Mary’s obituary with an extensive list of surviving relatives may be found on our obituary page by clicking here.
Recorded Work
Farmers = 6 (4 males, 2 females)
Farm workers = 5 (5 males)
Meat Factory Worker = 1 (male)
Waitress = 1 (1 female)
Office clerk = 1 (1 female)
Woodworker= 1 (1 male)
COOLNALEEN, GLENMORE RESIDENTS
[1] BERGIN/CAHILL
Bergin, Ellen (4 Oct. 1907)
Cahill, Catherine (16 Sept. 1900) sister
[2] PHELAN
Phelan, Patrick (4 May 1892) Farmer
Phelan, Mary (25 Dec. 1901) wife
Phelan, Thomas, son, meat factory worker
Phelan, Patrick, son, farm worker
Phelan, Catherine, daughter, office clerk
Phelan, Eileen, daughter
Phelan, Margaret, daughter, waitress
Phelan, James, son, woodworker
[3] ROCHE
Roche, John (b. 1921) Farmer
Roche, Margaret, wife
Roche, Eily, daughter
Roche, Patrick, son
Roche, Thomas, son
Roche, Mary (17 March 1882) mother (dead 9 March 1962) [correct date =6 Jan. 1962]
[4] PHELAN
Phelan, Anastatia (24 May 1900) Farmer
Phelan, John, son, farm worker
Phelan, James (b. 1928) son, farm worker(moved to Aylwardstown)
[5] DOHERTY
Doherty, Richard 5 Oct. 1889) Farmer
Doherty, Bridget (5 April 1890) wife
Doherty, Johanna, daughter
Doherty, Mary, daughter
Doherty, John, son-in-law, farm worker
Doherty, Anastatia, granddaughter
Doherty, James, grandson
Doherty, Brigid, granddaughter
Doherty, Mary, granddaughter
Doherty, Patrick, grandson
Power, John (24 June 1895) boarder, farm worker
[6] DOYLE
Doyle, Peter (24 June 1917) Farmer
Doyle, Mary (24 June 1914) wife
Doyle, Edward, son
Doyle, William, son
Doyle, Richard, son
[7] MURPHY
Murphy, Mary, Farmer
XXXXXXX
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos of Coolnaleen or its residents to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above is courtesy of the Illustrated London News (Sat. 16 Sept. 1961, p. 30) depicting a VW bug fitted with a propeller attempting to cross the English channel from Calais. The car sank within two miles of Calais due to “very rough water.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Killing in 1822 of Catherine Hanrahan of Rochestown, Glenmore
Due to a typographical error, 1822 was placed in a newspaper search engine rather than 1922. However, from this simple mistake sprang an apparently long forgotten story concerning a young pregnant mother, named Catherine Hanrahan, of Rochestown, Glenmore, who was shot and killed by a one-armed Waterford bailiff in July 1822.
Catherine Hanrahan née Power (c. 1798-1822)
From the newspaper accounts of her killing we know that Catherine was the daughter of Thomas Power and her husband was Thomas Hanrahan. We were able to find a marriage record for Catherine Power and Thomas Hanrahan. Thomas Hanrahan and Catherine Power of Rochestown married 14 February 1820 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were: William Hanrahan, Thomas Hanrahan and James Cashin. The following year the couple had their first child, Judith Hanrahan. Judith was baptised 12 April 1821 at Rochestown. Her godparents were Luke Power and Nelly Foristal (sic). It does not appear that Luke Power was a brother of Catherine because the newspapers in reporting on her killing noted her parents and younger sisters mourning her death. One newspaper recorded Catherine being aged 23 at the time of her death and another gave her age as 24. The only Catherine Power we found in the Slieverue records for the years 1797-1799 was Catherine Power, of Boherbee, baptized 25 May 1797 to Thomas Power and Mary Welsh. Glenmore did not become a separate parish until 1844, so the earliest parish records are in Slieverue.
1822
The year 1822 was a year when food was not plentiful in Ireland and famine visited the west of the country. This was also the year that the Royal Irish Constabulary was established by Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). Catherine was shot on Monday, 1st July 1822 and lingered in agony until her death Sunday, 7th July 1822. The Waterford Chronicle (Thurs. 11 July 1822, p. 3) stated that a report was circulating in Waterford City for a couple of days “…that a poor woman had been fired at and severely wounded, near Rochestown, by a man from this City, named Marks, employed to watch some property distrained. We forbore to notice the rumour at the time, having been unable to trace it to any authentic source; but we have since learned the melancholy fact, that the unfortunate woman died of the wound on Sunday. As the circumstances will of course undergo a judicial investigation, we refrain from saying more at present.” The Waterford Mirror (reprinted in the Carlow Morning Post, Mon. 15 July 1822, p. 3) noted that it had twice reported on the “unhappy occurrence” at “Rochestown, Barony of Ida, County Kilkenny, a place not under proclamation.”
“Not under proclamation” was a phrase used to describe the area as law abiding. Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) was the chief secretary of Ireland from 1812 to 1818 and the driving force behind “An Act …to provide for the better execution of the laws in Ireland, by appointing Superintending Magistrates and additional constables in Counties in certain cases…[that] are in a State of Disturbance (54, George III, c. 131, 25 July 1814). Generally, if it was declared by a public Proclamation that an area was in a state of disturbance additional police and magistrates were put in place to quickly quell disturbances. Due to Sir Robert Peel’s establishment of professional police groups police were often referred to as “peelers” and “bobbies.” These terms are still used today.
The most detailed account of Catherine’s killing was found in the Leinster Journal (Sat. 13 July 1822, p. 2).
COUNTY POLICE—On the morning of the 1st instant, six or seven bailiffs were sent to Rochestown, in this county, to distrain of Thomas Power, for rent due to Pierce Edward Forrestall (sic), Esq. They arrived at the village long before sun-rise, and appear to have endeavoured to seize the pigs. Power’s daughter, Catherine, a good young woman, aged 23, wife of Thomas Hanrahan, who was gone to the bog, having heard the noise, got up, and seeing no person in the bawn, went to drive back the pigs to rest, when one of the bailiffs, a ruffian of the name of Thomas Marks, a pensioner, who has only one hand and has an iron hook fixed on the stump of the other, jumped from a loose stone wall, and hooked her by the throat with that substitution for a hand. She screamed which roused her mother, sisters, and a neighbour. Having disengaged herself from the miscreant’s iron hook, she fled towards the house, on which this ruthless barbarian placed his foot on an elevated stone in the yard, rested his pistol on his knee, took deliberate aim at the poor woman, and fired. She received the ball to the region of the kidney and fell to the ground. Surgical aid was soon procured, but in vain. The ball could not be extracted, and she lingered in excruciating agony until Sunday morning last, when she died in the arms of her heart broken mother, and in the presence of her afflicted father, husband, four younger sisters, uncles, aunts, other relatives, and of her own babe which is only 14 months old. The hapless victim of the fiend was in a state of pregnancy. John Snow, Esq. on hearing of the affair, attended to take her information, but she was in too great tertiary to give the necessary details. On Monday last, that Gentleman and Samuel Warring, Esq., held an inquest on the body, when a verdict of wilful murder was returned against Marks. The ruffian was publicly and most unaccountable at large in Waterford until the woman died, and he was seen last Monday in Clonmel. Happily for ourselves, perhaps we have no space left for commentary. Never in our recollection did so many police murders and outrages occur in the same space of time as during the last three months, but happily the population of the county have been guilty of neither, and notwithstanding the provocation we have recorded above, the inhabitants of Rochestown, always distinguished for their good conduct, offered no insult to the wretches who had brought mourning late their peaceful village.
It is assumed that Thomas Hanrahan and his father-in-law Thomas Power had left the house earlier to travel to a bog to cut peat. From the newspaper account it appears that only Catherine, her mother, and four younger sisters were at home when Catherine was shot by a one-armed pensioner employed as a bailiff.
A little over a month after Catherine Hanrahan died, her killer Thomas Marks was tried on Saturday the 12th of August 1822 in the Kilkenny Assizes for her murder. Unfortunately, there is some confusion among the newspaper accounts as to the outcome of the murder trial. It was reported in one newspaper that he was found guilty of murder (Saunder’s News-Letter, Tues. 20 Aug. 1822, p. 3). Several newspapers reported that Thomas Marks was found guilty of the manslaughter of Catharine Hanrahan and sentenced to six months imprisonment (e.g. Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 15 Aug. 1822, p. 4; Dublin Weekly Register, Sat. 17 Aug. 1822, p. 3). The Leinster Journal (Sat. 17 Aug. 1822, p. 2) provided further detail regarding the punishment. A verdict of manslaughter was returned and the sentence was “to be burned in the hand and confined six months.”
Unfortunately, no newspaper appears to have covered the murder trial itself, so we do not know why Thomas Marks was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder. In the 19th century “malice aforethought” or pre-meditation had to be proven, or was it the case that the jury was swayed by the killer’s disability, age, or occupation? The burning of the killer’s hand raises an interesting point. During the Middle Ages clergy were immune to the civil law and could claim “Benefit of Clergy.” Later “Benefit of Clergy” became a procedural device where laymen could mitigate the harshness of the common law which provided that murders were hanged. To make certain that a layman was not able to claim the benefit more than once his thumb would be burned to mark him. Benefit of Clergy was greatly curtailed when transportation to a colony became a sentencing option and eventually it ended in the early 19th century. It is doubtful that the killer Thomas Marks sought the Benefit of Clergy. It seems more likely that the Judge believed that the jury had exercised mercy and wanted the killer marked to keep him from enjoying further mercy if he killed again.
In attempting to find more information on the killer we came across another man named Thomas Marks sentenced in 1821 to six months imprisonment with hard labour. This sentence of six months with hard labour puts the sentence of six months for killing a pregnant woman, running away from her killer, into perspective. The other Thomas Marks was convicted of stealing “four ducks, four hens and a cock, the property of Mr. Robert Macaulay of Crumlin” (Belfast Commercial Chronicle, Sat. 22 Sept. 1821, p. 4).
Killing No Murder
Perhaps the best clue as to explanation as to why Thomas Marks was convicted of manslaughter may be found on other pages of the Leinster Journal. In addition to the statements made in the article provided above entitled “County Police,”– that in his recollection there were never as many police killings and police outrages as in the previous three months of May, June and July 1822–the editor of the Leinster Journal wrote several other articles concerning the police killings in County Kilkenny. One entitled “Killing No Murder” (Wed. 7 Aug. 1922, p. 2) states,
A correspondent promises to send queries and observation for the consideration of the Grand Jury or Judges of the Assizes, relative to the apparent indifference of the functionaries of Government in the case of an aimable girl, Mary Delaney, who was killed on the spot by the rash and unwarrantable firing of the police on the people assembled at Bawn fair. He also bespeaks our indulgence for a few remarks on the employment of Ralph Deacon as a Peeler at this place where he so recently killed James Aylward, by shooting him through the body, having previously declared, according to the testimony of three witnesses, that he would do something of the kind. He [correspondent] thinks if the services of this man cannot be dispensed with in Ireland, he might be employed in more advantage at a distance from the justly irritated friends and relatives of the deceased.
Lastly, although Griffith’s Tithe Applotment books (1829) records the names of tenants of townlands was performed in 1829 neither Thomas Power nor Thomas Hanrahan are found listed in Rochestown or adjacent townlands.
If anyone has any further information or corrections, please send to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Bernie Ryan of the Local Studies unit of the Kilkenny Library for her aid and patience as I pursued this very cold case through old newspapers not yet digitalised.
The featured photo of the two pistols is a cigarette card and is courtesy of the New York City Library. George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Pistols.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed November 6, 2022. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-c668-d471-e040-e00a180654d7
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh