February, 2023
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Did Cromwell Camp in Glenmore?
Recently when we published a short article on Kilmakevoge, Glenmore, Richard Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown, forwarded a short newspaper article printed in 1943. This article appears to have been printed in a newspaper or trade paper called Irish Travel. It appears that Irish Travel was an Northern Irish publication. The 1943 article is entitled, “Kilkenny Buttermilk Stopped Cromwell,” and recites local Glenmore folklore concerning how a woman from Kilmakevoge [now Glenmore] stopped the burning of her home with a churn of buttermilk. This story is not the usual sort of Irish story associated with the much hated Cromwell and his troops.
“Kilkenny Buttermilk Stopped Cromwell”
The Exile or tourist visiting Kilkenny county now cannot fail to be deeply impress with the change of scenery, brought about by the increased tillage, wherein the former grassy slopes of the undulating hills and green-carpeted plains have given way to the soft brown silky furrows in the wake of the farmer’s plough. It is a pleasing sight to take a look over the wide ridges and rolling plains of this fertile county, down the happy valley of the Nore, with miles and miles of the richest land, well streaked with the trail of industrious cultivation from Urlingford, in the North, to the golden vein of the Sur valley in renowned Mooncoin, home of some of Ireland’s greatest Camán players in the past.
A field recently to come under the plough is one at historic Kilmakevogue, Glenmore, owned by Mr. Richard Fitzgerald, M.C.C., which has not been tilled for a period of two centuries. An interesting little bit of local history is associated with this field. It appears that when Cromwell and his army were marching from New Ross to Waterford in 1650, they encamped in this field, adjacent to the little hamlet of Kilmakevogue. They did not get a very friendly reception, and, incensed by this attitude of the people, Cromwell ordered his soldiers to burn the cluster of houses which comprised Kilmakevogue, and they set about doing so in callous fashion. One woman whose home adjoined the field, implored Cromwell’s men to save the house as her husband was seriously ill, and offered them a churn of fresh buttermilk if they would do as she wished. Eventually her pleading had the desired effect; they accepted the gift and spared the house, which still stands amidst the ruins, and is the object of interest to passing tourists.
The cyclist making his way down the excellent roads, a tribute to the County Surveyor and his staff, will find many a local tale and quaint sport like that on the road in Kilkenny (June 1943, Irish Travel). Richard Fitzgerald was able to identify the field and where he thinks the house in question stood. “There was a ruin of a house where Kathleen Aylward now lives opposite Pat Ryan in that field in front of Kilmakevogue old church, this could have been her house. The field across the road is called Sheanstraid there were houses there too.” [Kilmakevoge Church ruins is also referred to as Kilivory locally.]
Brief Background to Cromwell’s Invasion
Irish Rebellion 1641
In 1641 an Irish rebellion took place leaving most of Ireland under the control of the Irish Catholic Confederation. Demands included an end to Anti-Catholic laws, greater self-governance and the return of confiscated lands. During the 16th and 17th centuries land in Ireland was seized by the Crown and then colonised with men from Great Britain. It was hoped that the plantations would control, anglicise, and civilise the Irish.
Both King Charles I and Parliament wanted to stop the Irish rebellion but neither side trusted the other with control of an army. Some English troops landed in Dublin in December 1641 and recaptured much of the Pale. A large area around Cork was also re-captured. In March 1842 the Adventurer’s Act was enacted which was “for the speedy and effectual reducing of the rebels …in Ireland.” The Act allowed for the funding of military operations by the seizing of rebel land. In April 1642 an army landed in Ulster and quickly captured most of the eastern side of Ulster. Especially in Ulster the rebellion led to the death or eviction of Protestant settlers who responded in kind. Protestant settlers formed a militia in Donegal and controlled the northwest of Ulster. Outside of the Pale, Cork and Ulster the remainder of Ireland was not controlled by the Crown.
The Irish Catholic Confederacy 1642
Ireland’s Catholic Bishops met in Kilkenny in May 1642 and took steps to gain control of the rebellion with the Catholic nobility. The Irish Catholic Confederacy government was formed. The Irish Catholic Confederation remained in place for almost a decade mainly due to the fact that the first English Civil War commenced in August 1642. This led to the second English Civil War and ultimately the execution of King Charles I on 30 January 1649.
In early 1649, the Confederates joined with the English Royalists, who had lost the English Civil war. The English Royalists were led by Charles II, the eldest son of the executed Charles I. Charles II was proclaimed King of Ireland in January 1649 following his father’s execution. The Royalist forces in Ireland were led by the Marquis of Ormond, James Butler, of Kilkenny Castle. He later became the first Duke of Ormond.
Invasion of Ireland
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) with his New Model Army, invaded Ireland in 1649. Although much has been written and said about Cromwell he actually only campaigned in Ireland for 9 months. In that short period he took 28 towns and cities. This was accomplished because he made an example out of cities or towns that refused to surrender such as Droheda and Wexford. “He offered generous terms elsewhere and honoured them to the letter whenever they were accepted. Most remarkable was his restraint at Clonmel. He lost 2,000 men in a foiled assault there. He then took the town on terms and honoured them, although perhaps 200 retreating soldier were chased and killed” (John Morrill (2000) “Was Cromwell a War Criminal?” The Cromwell Association Website www.olivercromwell.org).
New Ross
Cromwell arrived at New Ross on 17 October 1649. The governor of New Ross, anxious to avoid the fate of Drogheda and Wexford persuaded the Marqus of Ormond to allow the town to surrender if Cromwell succeeded in breaching the city walls. On the 19th of October Cromwell’s artillery began bombarding the town walls resulting in a breach. The Governor sought terms. Cromwell in order to demonstrate that he would grant lenient terms in order to induce other towns to surrender, allowed the Governor and his soldiers to leave with their weapons. He also stated that the town would not be plundered and the civilians could remain unmolested or leave with their belongings. However, the practice of Catholicism would not be tolerated.
It took Cromwell’s troops about two weeks to build a bridge of boats across the Barrow. Cromwell’s field army was reduced to about 5,000 men as men were posted to garrisons to hold captured towns and fortresses. When Cromwell and his army crossed the Barrow they entered Co. Kilkenny on 15 November. Cromwell was ill. While other officers took the troops toward Kilkenny City they were forced to return to New Ross because Royalist troops had destroyed the bridge at Thomastown. A large group of calvary were sent from Thomastown to Carrick-on -Suir. The town fell without Cromwell losing a single soldier. The bridge at Carrick allowed Cromwell an easy route from New Ross into County Waterford, to approach the City of Waterford from the west along the southern side of the River Suir.
Did Cromwell Pass Through Glenmore?
Cromwell was not able to take Waterford City in 1649. The following year Cromwell’s son-in-law did succeed in taking the completely isolated Waterford City. Per the Down Survey Map the most direct route from New Ross to Waterford was the old road through Glenmore that was still in use in 1798. However, it does not appear from the history books that Cromwell used this direct route in 1649. He and his troops apparently went to Thomastown then turned to take Carrick-on-Suir. The Glenmore road would also have been the most direct route to Carrick as well as Waterford, but we have not been able to locate any texts that provide any route from New Ross other than Thomastown. If the incident in Kilmakevoge occured during the second attempt to take Waterford in July 1650, Cromwell was not present as he returned to England on 26 May 1650.
Cromwell’s Legacy
By May 1652, Cromwell’s army defeated the joined Confederate and Royalist army, and occupied Ireland bringing to an end the Eleven Year’s War or Irish Confederate Wars. Plague then swept across the battered country. Cromwell passed a series of Penal Laws against Roman Catholics and confiscated their lands. The Act of Settlement 1652 legalised the change of land ownership with over two thirds of land in the country changed hands. The displaced were sent to Connaught, deported to the continent, or sold into indentured servitude on the Caribbean sugar plantations.
Last year Sarah Covington’s, The Devil from Over the Sea: Remembering and Forgetting Oliver Cromwell in Ireland was published. In this interesting work the author explores the many ways in which Cromwell was both remembered and pointedly forgotten in Ireland over the centuries after his conquest. The author investigates his continued presence in folklore, the landscape, in ruins and curses. What emerges is how successive generations have remembered or forgotten Cromwell and his legacies to shape and re-shape Irish political discourse and history. The author commences her book with an oral tradition found in County Meath concerning Cromwell.
John O’Donovan and Cromwell’s Legacies
Amazingly the author reveals some local information provided by the Irish scholar John O’Donovan (1806-1861) concerning his own ancestors and Cromwell’s legacies. (For information on O’Donovan’s family see our post of 13 March 2021.)
John O’Donovan recalled an ongoing dispute that his ancestor had with Robert Snow, of Snowhill, accusing Snow of being “descended from a weaver who came over with Cromwell and his pickpockets.” Snow “who was a very sensible man,” argued that in the end “all bloods were equally red and equally old; and that it would be found that all bloods were good or bad according to the kind of food the possessor used.” To this William O’Donovan, O’Donovan’s great-grandfather replied “families settled by Cromwell had never any food but what they stole or earned by mean trades.” Sarah Covington (2022) The Devil from Over the Sea: Remembering and Forgetting Oliver Cromwell in Ireland, p. 162-163; citing John O’Donovan, “Ancient Tribes and Territories of Ossory,” No. II, Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaelogical Society.”
O’Donovan alleged that his mother, Eleanor Hoberlin (sic), of Rochestown, [later to become Glenmore] was descended from a soldier who came to Ireland with Cromwell. She married Edmond Donovan and freed herself from the grasp of “puritanical preachers, converted to Rome and strange to say, learned to hate and despise Cromwellian settlers.” (Sarah Covington (2022) The Devil from Over the Sea: Remembering and Forgetting Oliver Cromwell in Ireland, p. 163, citing John O’Donovan, Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, by the Four Masters, vol. 3 (Dublin: Hodges and Smith, 1848, p. 2158).
The featured photo above is from the Down Survey Map (1656-1658). The map is available at Trinity University. The drawing of Cromwell is courtesy of the New York Public Library, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. Oliver Cromwell. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-3223-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.
Special thanks to Richard Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown, for sharing his newspaper clipping and information.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Are there any other oral traditions regarding Cromwell in Glenmore?
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: February 1923
Today, we are going to feature local events as recorded in newspapers local to Glenmore. After years of turmoil and violence, Glenmore residents had to be frustrated. The Irish Civil War entered its 8th month and the death and destruction showed no signs of dissipating. Just taking produce or animals to market was difficult and dangerous. Even fishing brought risks.
Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure
Roads
In February 1923 the Irregulars or Republicans continued to attack, damage and often destroy civilian infrastructure. At the end of January and continuing throughout February there was extensive felling of trees to block roads in both Kilkenny and Wexford. Telegraph wires were also cut in some places. People traveling to New Ross in February often had to pass through fields to avoid blocked roads. Trenches were re-opened in places between New Ross, Campile and Ballycullane (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5). Several New Ross buyers traveling to Thomastown fair had to return home because the roads between New Ross and Thomastown were blocked (New Ross Standard, 9 February 1923, p. 8).
Kilkenny County Council gave £150 toward temporary repairs to the destroyed timber bridge at the Ferry, Mountgarrett. The bridge was targeted and destroyed in the War of Independence as well as the Civil War (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Trains
Trains continued to be targeted. The up train to Macmine was delayed nearly two hours because rail chairs were broken between Waterford and Glenmore. The down passenger and goods train was derailed on Wednesday the 31st of January between Glenmore and New Ross. It was run off the line out onto a public road and was badly damaged (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Water Works
Armed men wrecked the Youghal waterworks, at Boula, Co. Waterford, in reprisal for the execution of two men captured in Co. Waterford. The Council complied with the order of the Irregulars to petition the Government for clemency for the captured men. The Council also passed a resolution condemning the executions, yet the waterworks were destroyed. A limited supply of water was in the Cork Hill reservoir but there were hundreds of patients in St. Raphael Mental Home, the Workhouse and other Institutions. It was predicted that the water supply would only last two days and steps were taken to get some of the old pumps, long disused, in working order (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Violence Continued
Battles
At the end of January a large force of Republicans were active on the Walsh Mountains, between the villages of Hugginstown and Templeorum. A “sharp engagement,” took place on Thursday of last week between Republican forces and the National garrison from Mooncoin and Mullinavat. A running fight took place on the hills near Templorum. No casualties were reported from either side (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 6).
Civilian Killed
Miss Cissie Ryan, aged 16 of William St., Waterford was walking home with her sister and accompanied by two lieutenants of the National Army on the 23rd of January. Armed men attacked the soldiers on Wilkin St. Cissie who was behind her escorts was shot in the abdomen by the attackers. Although “little hope was entertained for her recovery she rallied for more than a week” before she died of her injuries (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Threats
Five well known Carrick-on-Suir residents received threatening notices. The notices were allegedly sent by the I.R.A. ordering the men to leave town because the men had allegedly made “statements prejudiced to the Republic and its citizens.” The local National Army authorities notified some leading Republicans that if any harm befell the recipients of the notices there would be serious consequences (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Snipers
Firing which became intense took place in Waterford on the night of the 18th. The sniping was directed toward the post office from points on the Kilkenny side of the River Suir. The replying fire of National troops silenced the attackers after about twenty minutes. No casualties were reported (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Prisoners
Richard Burke, a prisoner in Kilkenny goal was slightly wounded when he refused to withdraw from his cell window. A shot was fired by a guard and a splinter struck the prisoner (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Criminality Continued
As highlighted in previous months, from the newspaper accounts, it is often difficult to determine if reported activities were done to further the Republican agenda or if people were just taking advantage of the lack of police and the turmoil.
Kilmacow Raid
For example, on 20 February 1923, Ryan’s public house in Kilmacow was raided by armed men and a considerable amount of goods were taken. “The premises, have on many occasions recently received these unwelcome attentions.” The only occupants of the premises were two ladies (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Civic Guards for New Ross
In early February 1923, it was announced that Civic Guards were coming to New Ross. The National Troops vacated the Tholsel and have taken up residence in the old police barracks (New Ross Standard, 9 February 1923, p. 8).
The Murder of Mrs. Annie Devereaux, in Waterford City
Mrs. Devereaux was killed on the 15th in her home at 28 Slievekeale, Waterford City. At the time of her death, between 1 and 2 p.m., only two of her five children were in the home. Five year old Michael Devereaux ran from the home screaming that his mother was dead and that his uncle Willie killed her with a hatchet. Eleven-month-old Kathleen Devereaux was on the floor beside her mother.
Mrs. Devereaux had a deep wound on her neck that stretched from ear to ear as well as other gashes and died before help arrived. The infant was removed to the County and City Infirmary, but her condition was “nigh hopeless.” The deceased was the wife of James Devereaux, who was away working at the time of the murder. Kathleen Devereaux also died from her wounds (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 16 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
William Devereaux, the deceased’s brother-in-law, was arrested for her murder. At the inquest the doctor who was summoned to the scene believed that Mrs. Devereaux was holding Kathleen when she was attacked by her brother-in-law with a hatchet (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 23 Feb. 1923, p. 2). The death register records Mrs. Devereaux’s first name as Annie and she was 38 when she was killed.
Fishing
It was reported with the opening of the fishing season on 1 February 1923 that “due to flagrant and extensive violation of the laws by professional fishermen the Suir was very poorly stocked with fish.” Major General Proust, when informed of the illegal operations of cot men and others, issued a notice that pending revision by the Dail the existing fishery laws would be strictly enforced.
Major General Proust noted that illegal fishing would result in forfeiture of nets and other equipment and that cot men who refused to come to the bank when summoned by the authorities would be fired upon. It was immediately reported that two or three Clonmel fishermen had their nets seized, but because the fishing season was open the men would have their nets returned when they procured licenses.
While fishing for pike in the Slaney, near Enniscorthy, a local fisherman, named Butler, had his line fouled. When he was attempting to clear the line he found that it was caught in the ring of a Mills bomb, which had apparently been thrown into the river. An ex-British solider, also fishing in the vicinity, removed the grenade (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Postal News
Not all news regarding the postal service involved shooting or raids in February 1923. J.J. Walsh, the Postmaster General, issued a press release that the building of a G.P.O. on the ruins in O’Connell Street, Dublin, would start as soon as possible. The large ground at the back of Henry Street would be included in the new layout. He stated that work was being done from 20 to 30 out-offices instead of two or three. A new 1 ½ d. stamp was issued on 2 February. The new stamp “was an artistic one of maroon, with a blank map of Ireland in the centre” (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 3).
Economic Woes
The “old established jute factory” of Denny & Sons, of Waterford, closed because of a shortage of work due to a reduction in “killings in Irish bacon curing establishments.” The jute factory was engaged in making bacon wrappers (Munster Express, Sa. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 6).
Wages
Fifty shillings per week for a 48 hour week was agreed as the standard wage for labourers by Walsh and Dowley, Carrick-on-Suir and by the Carrick Urban Council for its employees (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Feb. 1923, p. 4). What the Munster Express failed to mention was the fact that the 50 shillings per week agreement represented a 4 s. reduction in wages. This reduction was to remain in place until June. The boatmen’s wages were settled by the men accepting the 4 s per week reduction, but getting a penny per ton extra for goods transported in the boats (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Recruiting
The National Army made an appeal for recruits in February 1923. Allowances were advertised “in respect of dependents on a liberal scale.” A wife would receive 4s per day; a wife and child, 5s 6d; wife and two children, 6s 6d; and 9d per day extra for every other child under 14 years of age (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Glenmore in the News
Death of Mr. Paul Fitzgerald of Knockbrack, Glenmore
“The death of the above highly respected and popular gentleman, which took place on 20th, January at his residence, Knockbrack, is very deeply regretted. The deceased was a member of one of the most respected families in South Kilkenny. He was a man of splendid physique, a fine athlete n his time, a good and generous supporter of every charitable and patriotic movement for the past 30 years, a fond husband and father, and was liked by all with whom he was known for his good qualities of mind and heart, and to his neighbours especially, for his social and hospitable manner. “
“To know Paul was to love him, and his death on the above mentioned date is deeply mourned by his widow and family, relatives, and a large circle of friends. His funeral bore striking testimony to the esteem in which deceased was held, and was the largest seen in Glenmore within living memory. Solemn High Mass was offered up for deceased’s soul at the Parish Church after which the remains were conveyed to the family burial ground for interments. R.I.P.”
Chief Mourners
The chief mourners were—Mrs. Fitzgerald (widow); sons: Michael Fitzgerald; James Fitzgerald; Paul Fitzgerald; Thomas Fitzgerald; John Fitzgerald; daughters: Bridget Fitzgerald ; Ellie Fitzgerald; Mrs. Crowley, Mooncoin; Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mowlerstown; brothers: John Fitzgerald; Patrick Fitzgerald, Raheen; Edward Fitzgerald (do); brothers-in-law: Rev. Thomas Freaney, C.C. Gauthabawn; Rev. Patrick Freaney, C.C., Callan; James Freaney, Kilbride; John Feaney, Cullen Castle, Inistioge; Patrick Byrne, Brownsford, Tullogher ; and nieces: Mrs. O’Brien, New Ross; and Ellen Nolan, Raheen (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Vote of Sympathy
At a meeting of the Glenmore Football Club a vote of sympathy was passed for the Fitzgerald brothers, Knockbrack, prominent members of the club, on the death of their father (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Wife & Parents
Paul Fitzgerald (1854-1923), of Knockbrack, Glenmore, married Johanna Freany (1857-1945) of Kilbride, Glenmore on 14 November 1883 at Glenmore. The witnesses to the wedding were John Murphy and Johanna Knox. We believe that Paul Fitzgerald was born in 1854 to Michael Fitzgerald and his wife Anne Murphy. Johanna Freany Fitzgerald (1857-1945) was the daughter of James Freany, of Kilbride, and his wife Bridget Knox. See our post of 5 April 1921 regarding Johanna’s nephews James Francis “Frank” Freyne (1902-1974) and Peter David Freyne (1903-1921) and their service in the War of Independence.
Arrests at Ballyvaring, Glenmore
Two men named E. Dowley and J. Ryan were arrested on the 23rd of February by National Forces at Ballyvaring, near Ringville, Glenmore. A fully loaded revolver was found close by (Munster Express, Sat. 24 Feb. 1923, p. 2).
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.historu@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Kilmakevoge, Glenmore (1961) [updated]
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded in 1961 regarding the residents of the hamlet, area or sometimes referred to as townland, of Kilmakevoge, Glenmore. Kilmakevoge is one of the local areas that has been spelled in multiple ways over the centuries.
Background
Kilmakevoge is also the civil parish in which the following Glenmore townlands are located: Aylwardstown, Ballynaraha, Carricloney, Graguenakill, Haggard, Mullinahone Parkstown and Robinstown. The Irish for this civil parish and area, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 115-116) is Mochaomhóg, which is the name of an early Celtic saint. O’Kelly cites Cannon Carrigan’s work stating that Mochaombóg’s name was Latinized as Pulcherius and the church and nunnery, “long in ruins, were appropriated to the Inistioge Priory in 1240.” For a brief history of St. Mochaombóg (c. 550-656) see his listing in the National Biography 1885-1900.
The hamlet, area or townland of Kilmakevoge is comprised of 211 acres and O’Kelly noted that it is marked on the Ordinance Survey map.
Tenants in 1833
In the 1833 Tithe Applotment Books 1833, the townlands in Kilmacanoge(sic) include: Aylwardstown, Ballynaraha, Bessborough, Carrickcloney, Glebe, Higgart (sic), Higgart Mountain, Killogeenaghan, Kilmackauogue, Kilmackavough, Kilmakevoge, Knockduff, Mullinahone, Parkstown, Parkstown Kearneystown, and Robinstown.
There are 5 tenants listed in the 1833 Applotment Records including: [1] Thomas Mcgrath, 28 acres; [2] James Aylward, 30 acres; [3] Michael Gehan (sic) 30 acres; [4] John Delany, 30 acres; and [5] Patrick Walsh, 1 acre. A notation in the record reveals the names of the landlords, “those lands are held from Sir John Newport and Major Gahan.
Danny’s 1961 List
In 1961, Danny recorded 2 lists of Kilmakevoge families or households in the hamlet or area of Kilmakevoge. The first list was comprised of the first 5 household listed below. 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, XX people resided in the townland of Kilmakevoge with the population comprised of XX males and XX females. The largest family was the Ryan family with 6 in the household. There was 1 household recorded with a person living alone. All information under residents of Kilmakevoge not in Danny’s original lists have been placed in square brackets[ ].
Recorded Residents
Males= 15
Females= 16
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in Kilmakevoge hamlet or townland was Patrick “Cushey” Grant, a confirmed bachelor farmer. Patrick is said to have earned his nickname Cushey because of his clever, thrifty ways. Patrick “Cushey” Grant was born 10 October 1882 and died 26 November 1961).
The second eldest was James Cassin who was born on 23 December 1899. His parents were James Cassin (c. 1878-1907) and Ellen Cassin née Malone (c. 1879-1963). Young James (1899-1968) was only 8 when his father drowned in 1907. See our previous post of 8 November 2020 regarding the circumstances of the drowning, the rescue attempt and other family members.
It is believed that James (Jimmy) Cassin (1899-1968) was married to Ellen Synnott, of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Ellen was a talented knitter and made lovely warm jumpers for local school children. See our “C” Glenmore Surnames page for Cassin obituaries.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 (1 male; 1 femle)
Creamery Managers= 2 (2 males)
Creamery Worker= 2 (2 males)
Council Worker = 2 (2 males)
Electrician=1 (1 male)
Blacksmith= 1 (1 male)
Farm Labourer = 1 (1 male)
Fitter = 1 (1 male)
Typist= 1 (1 female)
Hair Stylist= 1 (1 female)
Shop Assistant= 1 (1 female)
Clover Meats= 1 (1 female)
Residents of Kilmakevoge, Glenmore
[1] CASSIN
Cassin, James (23 Dec. 1899) Retired Creamery Worker
Cassin, Ellen (13 Feb. 1913) wife
[2] BARRY
Barry, John (25 Aug. 1907) Council Worker
Barry, Kate (27 Feb. 1914)
Barry, Nellie, daughter, child
[3] JONES
Jones, Michael (10 Feb. 1910] Council Worker
Jones, Bridget (b. 1917) wife
[4] RYAN
Ryan, Dermot, farm labourer [with James Kelly, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore] [c. 1924-1998]
Ryan, Peggie, wife [née O’Neill (c. 1926-2010)]
Ryan, Michael, son, child
Ryan, John, son, child
Ryan, Germiah, son, child
Ryan, Mary, daughter, child
[5] HENNESSY
Hennessy, William (b. 1926) Blacksmith
Hennessy, Pauline (b.c. 1937) wife
Hennessy, John, son, child
Hennessy, Noleine (sic) daughter, child
[6] GRANT
Grant, Patrick (10 Oct.1882) Farmer, Died 26 Nov. 1961
[7] O’HANLON
O’Hanlon, Bridget (8 Nov. 1893) Farmer, “Dead” [no date recorded]
O’Hanlon, Catherine (4 April 1932) daughter, Clover Meats “married in Gaulestown”
[8] HENNESSEY
Hennessey, William, Fitter
Hennessey, wife [no details recorded]
[9] McBRIDE
McBride, John (12 Dec. 1903) Creamery Employee, “Dead” [no date recorded]
McBride, Ellen (15 Feb. 1908) wife
McBride, Ellen, daughter, shop assistant “married”
Connolly, Margaret, daughter, hair stylist
Connolly, Martin, son-in-law, electrician
[10] CUDDIHY
Cuddihy, Thomas (14 Aug. 1900) Creamery Manager
Cuddihy, Kathleen (15 Oct. 1900) wife
Cuddihy, Kevin, son, asst. creamery manager
Cuddihy, Hilda, daughter, typist
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured illustration above is a Player’s Cigarette Card (1929) featuring St. Canice (517-600), a better known contemporary of St. Mochaombóg (c. 550-656).
The featured illustration above, and its reverse on the right, are courtesty of the New York Public Library Digial Collections. George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Kilkenny, Cill-Cainnigh” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 15, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-7c10-d471-e040-e00a180654d7
Special thanks to David A. McTameney for providing the years of birth and death of Dermot and Peggy Ryan.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the News
While searching for various information in local newspapers we often come across short interesting articles that provide a glimpse of long forgotten Glenmore events or people. Today, we are going to present some of the articles collected from primarily the twentieth century while conducting newspaper searches of local newspapers. If you have any additional information concerning these events or people please leave a comment below or email us. The email address is listed below.
Glenmore Police Blotter
Sheep Dipping
In 1914, a number of Glenmore residents were summoned by Sergeant Kirby of the R.I.C. for failing to send notice of intention to dip sheep within the sheep dipping period. The first defendant was James Doherty [no townland was published].
The Judge (to defendant), “Why did you not give notice?”
Defendant—”I had one little pet lamb.”
The Judge—”But that is a sheep. What is the penalty?
Sergeant Kirby—”You can fine him as much as £5; but I had cases at Ross the other day in which fines of 1s were imposed.”
Other Glenmore residents that were summoned for similar offences included: John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack, fined 5 s.; Paul Fitzgerald, fined 5s.; Catherine Raftis, Rochestown, fined 5s; Mary Walsh, do., fined 2s 6d; Patrick Walsh, fined 5 s. (Evening News (Waterford), Thurs. 8 Oct. 1914, p. 3).
Stolen Glenmore Bicycle 1942
Supt. Feeney prosecuted John Walsh, Annestown, on a charge of taking a bicycle at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, the property of Mr. Hynes (sic) of Ballybrahee. The bicycle had a value £4. He was also charged with taking a pair of boots the property of Mr. John O’Connor, Annestown. The defendant pleaded guilty.
Garda Doghlan, New Ross, gave evidence and said that the defendant admitted stealing a bicycle in Glenmore, but that he did not know the owner. The Garda said the frame of the bicycle was in a house and the wheels in a shed. He admitted getting the boots. There was no attempt to hide the bicycle; the Garda stated that the defendant told him where to find the bicycle.
The defendant was the son of a respectable farmer, and was in continual employment since leaving school. His employer, Mr. O’Connor of Annestown, gave the defendant a good reference and testified that he was a very good employee. The defendant’s solicitor stated that the defendant was in Glenmore and took the bicycle from Glenmore to New Ross, intending to return it. He then alleged that the owner of the bicycle was a good friend of the defendant.
The Judge imposed a sentence of one months’ imprisonment on each charge with both sentences to run concurrently (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Dec. 1942, p. 7).
Defendant Jim Fluskey (1882-1960)
During World War II, or what was known in Ireland as “The Emergency,” the disruption to shipping resulted in shortages and often consumers bought items that turned out not to be what the consumer requested. In order to tackle this problem weighing scales, food and drugs etc. were inspected more often than before the war.
In 1943, James Fluskey, of Glenmore Village, was charged with selling a substance that was not ground coffee. Gerald T. Griffin, of Foods and Drugs testified that he went to Fluskey’s shop and requested three quarters of a pound of ground coffee from Mrs. Fluskey. He sent the sample to the analyst who reported that the item was not of the nature requested.
Garda Griffin stated that he believed that Mrs. Fluskey made a mistake in giving him Café for coffee. The solicitor for the defendant Fluskey explained that Café was supplied in 1 lb. and ½ lb. packets, but as customers were in the habit of purchasing small quantities some of the packets were emptied into a biscuit tin. Besides this tin was another tin in which coffee was kept. Unfortunately, neither tin was labelled and Café was sold in mistake for coffee. He said Mr. Fluskey was 45 years in business and had never been in court before.
The justice said he would impose a nominal fine of 6d. defendant to pay the analyst’s fee (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Oct. 1943, p. 5). See our posts of 28 May 2020 and 22 November 2020 for further information on the Fluskey family and business.
Glenmore Sports
T. Kennedy Famous Glenmore Handball Player
The Waterford Chronicle reported in 1905 that “three very interesting and closely contested handball games were played in the Waterford Racquet Court.” It was noted that handball had lost some of its popularity but was being revived.
The first match was between J. Knox and F. Brennan, the Kilmacow and Slieverue champions against J. Grant another Kilkenny player and J. Hurley, a famous Kilkenny player. An exciting game was won by Grant and Hartley only by four aces.
The second game was won by Brennan and Knox with a lead of three aces. “The final match was the piece ‘de resistance.’ The contestants were J. Hurley and T. Kennedy, the famous Glenmore Player, against J. Grant and the celebrated Irish champion, Trooper Joseph Quinlisk, R.I.C.
“The spectators showed exceptional interest in the match which created the greatest enthusiasm.” “The betting was very considerable, a large sum having exchanged hands, one of the players retiring from the court with a far larger amount than when he entered.” The match was won by Grant and Quinlisk by only a single ace (Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 6 May 1905, p. 2). Does anyone know who T. Kennedy was?
South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club
Paddy Mackey, of Mullinahone,, Glennmore was the Founder and later Hon. Secretary of the of the South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club. In 1976, Paddy was elected Hon. Secretary of the Irish Hot Rod Racing Federation, the governing body of the sport, at its annual general meeting, held in Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Paddy was educated at the Glenmore National School and C.B.S., New Ross. He was married, the father of three children, and employed at the Sunraised Fruit Co. Ltd., Waterford (Munster Express, Fri. 6 Feb. 1976, p.1).
Glenmore Homecomings in 1998
“Paddy Kehoe formerly of Rathnure (sic), Glenmore spent a very enjoyable month’s holiday with his sister Mary Delahunty, Aylwardstown. During his visit he visited all his nephews and nieces and also attended all the GAA games played locally and also the Leinster Senior Hurling Final. Paddy emigrated to the USA 41 years previously and came home on several occasions.
Also home on holidays was Larry Dillon (1921-2016) formerly of Rochestown, Glenmore, who spent a holiday with his brother Paddy in Slieverue. Larry was in Wolverham(sic), England for over 35 years and paid yearly visits to Glenmore (New Ross Standard, Wed. 22 July 1998, p. 23). See our previous post of 27 March 2021 concerning Larry’s sister, Ciss Dillon (1919-1997).
Glenmore Lands & Buildings
In 1901, a small notice appeared in the New Ross Standard concerning Daniel Cody’s lands.
“WARNING is hereby given that any person found trespassing on my lands at Carrigcloney, Graiguenakill, and Ballinamoney (sic), otherwise than on the Mass Path, will from this date be prosecuted— Daniel Cody, Carrigcloney “(New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 Jan. 1901).
A decade later the Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, which had charge of most of Glenmore parish, it sought tenders “to repair and cope a wall at Forrestall’s (sic) Mill, Glenmore.” However, no tender was received by the Council (Evening News (Waterford) Mon. 27 Nov. 1911, p. 3).
On the 7th of November 1917, Mount Ida, of Rochestown, Glenmore, a freehold residential estate of 154 acres, the property of Philip Conn, was put up for sale by public auction. The poor law valuation was £135 5s. Mount Ida was purchased by William Forrestal, of Ballyverneen, Glenmore for £4,700 (Enniscorthy Guardian, Sat. 17 Nov. 1917).
In 1958, Glenmore Creamery began “reconstructing” its buildings. When completed it was reported that it would be one of the finest creameries in South Kilkenny. The new premises were built by Glenmore contractor, Patrick Kennedy, of Kilbride, Glenmore (Munster Express, Fri. 3 Oct. 1958, p. 8).
Shortly after the reconstruction a house that was adjacent (in front of where the weigh bridge is now) went up for sale in 1961. The owner selling the property was Mrs. Anastatia Walsh. This was the house where Paddy Griffin (1937-2022) and his brother Larry Griffin (c. 1940) were raised.
Glenmore Farming Accidents
In August 1899, a sad occurrence took place at Michael Delaney’s farm, at Newtown, Glenmore. While threshing some corn with a horse-power machine, a man named Tom Fowley was feeding the machine and went to stop the machine. “John Gahan jumped to the feeding table and pushed a sheaf of corn into the machine,” which brought Gahan’s hand into the machine. The hand entered the drum beaters to the arm, which was mangled and torn to pieces. “Young Gahan lost an enormous quantity of blood, and when Dr. Sheehan, of New Ross attended him, he found the poor fellow in such a bad plight that he could not guarantee that his life would be saved.” He remained in a precarious condition (Evening News (Waterford) Sat. 26 Aug. 1899, p. 2).
No death for a John Gahan could be located in the 1899 death register. The Delaney farm was near the farm of Laurence Gahan and his wife Bridget Doherty. It is believed that it was their son John Gahan (b. 8 Dec. 1879) was the unfortunate victim of the threshing accident. John Gahan (farmer) of Kilmakevogue, Glenmore, married Mary Haberlin, (c. 1884) of Aylwardstown on 21 August 1911 at Glenmore.
In July 1907, a “labouring man, named Donovan,” was making a rick of hay in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. He fell 9 feet from the rick, landing on his head and broke his neck. The deceased “belonged to Slieverue” (Evening News (Waterford), Sat. 27 July 1907, p. 3).
The death register recorded that John Donovan (c. 1878-1907) died at Ballinlammy on 23 July 1907 at the age of 29 when he fell from a hay rick and died instantly. John Donovan was not married, and Richard Doherty was present at his death perhaps indicating that the accident occurred on the Doherty farm.
First Cousins in Slander Suit
In 1918, Andrew Heffernan (c. 1898-1975) of Aylwardstown sued his first cousin, Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) of Rathinure, for slander arising from an argument during a party at the home of John Irish, of Aylwardstown. John Irish was also a first cousin of Peter Kennedy. Below is the public apology issued and published by Peter Kennedy.
I, Peter Kennedy, of Rathinure, Glenmore, in the County of Kilkenny, Farmer, hereby withdraw and apologise for the statements I made against the character of Mr. Andrew Heffernan, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, aforesaid, by accusing him and his family of being dishonest, in the presence of several guests at the house of Mr. John Irish, of Aylwardstown, on the 17th July last. The statements then made by me were altogether unfounded and entirely untrue, and I deeply regret the pain, annoyance and injury such statements may have caused Mr. Heffernan. I have paid all legal expenses incurred by Mr. Heffernan in connection with the action for slander which he has taken against me, and also the expenses of the publication of the apology. Dated this 11th day of November, 1918. ((Signed)PETER KENNEDY. Witness, Thomas C. Brazil, Solicitor’s Assistant, Waterford. Daniel Dunford and Co. Solicitors, for Andrew Heffernan, O’Connell-Street, Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Nov. 1918).
Misc. Articles
In November 1931, Cullen’s travelling circus paid a visit to Ballyfacey, Glenmore. It was reported that the circus was well attended nightly (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Nov. 1931, p. 8).
Glenmore historian Danny Dowling (1927-2021) made the news in March of 1952. “HEALTH INSPECTOR TRANSFERRED Mr. D. Dowling, a native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who had been temporary health inspector for Waterford Corporation, has secured a permanent position from Kildare County Council” (Waterford Standard, Sat. 15 March 1952).
Please send any correction, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo of the handball players is courtesy of the Digital Public Library of America <http://hdl.handle.net/10339/88339>.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Sportsman: Bill Irish (1899-1976) Native of Aylwardstown [Updated]
Today, we are going to feature a Glenmore sportsman who played both hurling and football at club and county level. Unfortunately, Bill’s sporting days were tragically cut short when he was attacked and injured during a pitch invasion. Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919 and went on to win senior football titles in 1921, 1922 and 1923. He was a member of the Glenmore-Kilmacow combined team that won the 1923 junior county hurling title.
The Irish Family of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
William “Bill” Irish was baptized at Glenmore on 11 November 1899. He was the son of Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) (farmer) and his wife Margaret Ribby (sic) (1861-1917) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. His godparents were John Heffernan and Kate Ribby (sic). Robert Irish did not register his son’s birth until the 8th of May 1900. There was a fine for failing to register, or for failing to register a birth within three months. In order to avoid the fine for registering a late birth it appears that Robert recorded Bill’s birth as 11 February 1900 although we know he was born on or before 11 November 1899 from the baptismal record.
While still in his teens Bill and his siblings were orphaned. Their father died in 1908 (the death register records his first name as Robin) and their mother died in 1917 of TB. The 1901 and 1911 censuses reveal that Bill’s uncle, Thomas Irish (1844-1928) resided with the family in Aylwardstown. Tommy Irish, a bachelor, at the age of 57 took the plunge and married a widow Ellen Roche née Kennedy, of Rathinure on 18 July 1901. This apparently unhappy union may be the subject of a future blog post.
Bill’s Parents and Siblings
Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) and Margaret Rigby (1861-1917) were married on 22 November 1893 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were Peter Kennedy and Bridget Rigby. The couple had at least six children: John Irish (b. 1894); Mary “Mollie” Irish Doherty (b. 1896); Monsignor Michael Irish (b. 1897); William Irish (b. 1899); James “Skinner” Irish (b. 1902) and Patrick Irish (b. 1905).
Bill’s Grandparents
Bill’s paternal grandparents were John Irish, of Aylwardstown and Mary Irish née Irish, of Nicholastown, Slieverue. Bill’s paternal grandparents were married at Slieverue on 28 February 1832.
On the other side, Bill’s maternal grandparents were William Rigby, of Ballincrea, Slieverue and Bridget Hartley, of Busherstown, Glenmore. His maternal grandparents were married on 23 February 1857 at Glenmore.
Glenmore Football
Middle Row: Bill Irish, Richard Duggan (Flemingstown), Bill Hartley (Captain)(Busherstown), Willie Walsh, Jim Freyne (Kilbride).
Front Row: Tommy Fitzgerald (Moulerstown), Tom Conway, Mikie Murphy, Willie Hartley.
Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919, as well as senior championships in 1921, 1922 and 1923. Men on the Glenmore team included: Martin, Paddy and Michael Cody, Weatherstown; Jimmy, Dick and Pat Hanrahan, Glenmore; Andy and Stephen Hefferenan, Aylwardstown; Jim and Johnny Phelan, Clonassey, Mullinavat; Mick Connolly and Peter Kirwan, Knockbrack; John Doherty, Davidstown; Ned Freyne, Ballyfacey; Paddy Murphy, Ballyveria; John Mullins, Flemingstown; and Ned Roche, Rathnure (sic) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Bill was also a member of the Kilkenny team that lost to Dublin in the Leinster senior football final at Croke Park in November 1922. This Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. See our previous post of 4 December 2022 detailing the Leinster final, and the fact that this Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. The other players on the Kilkenny team included: Martin Cody (captain), Andy Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Phelan, Bill Irish, John Fitzgerald, Mick Connolly, Paddy Cody, Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore); Pat Dalton, goal (Knocktopher), Tom Brennan, Frank Hughes, Andy Brennan (Cloneen), J. McKenna and Wattie Landy (Cotterstown) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Glenmore Hurling
In the early part of the 20th century Glenmore was known for its football teams. Although a good football player, Bill Irish was described as being “equally adept at hurling.”
For the 1923 hurling season Glenmore amalgamated with Kilmacow and Bill Irish was the captain of the united team. The other Glenmore players included: Jimmy Hanrahan; Jimmy Fitzgerald, Martin Cody, of Weatherstown; Jimmy, P. & John Murphy, of Ballyveria. The Kilmacow players included: D. Rockett, Jim Quinn, Tom Williams, Tommy O’Neill, Luke Phelan, Peter Phelan, Jimmy Cleere (goal), and Paddy “Bagger” Grant.
The Glenmore-Kilmacow team fought their way to the 1923 junior hurling championship final that was played in 1924. The “southern combination” were the underdogs going into the championship match against Dicksboro, a Kilkenny City based GAA club that formed in 1909. However, the united Glenmore-Kilmacow team “gave a most determined performance, surprising their more fancied rivals and emerged worthy winners of a great game.” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7).
Such was the surprise at the result it was dubbed the surprise of the century, and a challenge was issued by Dicksboro. The teams met in the same venue, St. James’s Park in Kilkenny, and the winners were to receive a “beautiful set of medals.” The Glenmore-Kilmacow team journeyed to Kilkenny City and played Dicksboro again and defeated Dicksboro again.
According to a Kilkenny newspaper, published 40 years later, the game was unfinished owing to a disputed score and Glenmore-Kilmacow who were leading at the time were awarded the match (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7). Other accounts relate that disgruntled Dicksboro supporters invaded the pitch and one supporter attacked the Glenmore-Kilmacow Captain, Bill Irish (Kilkenny People, Fri 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Injury
According to the account in Bill’s obituary the invasion of the pitch occurred when there was a stoppage of play. Bill was “knocked out completely by a kick in the stomach, which troubled him for years subsequently and ended his playing career,” at the age of 25 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Munster Express reported on Bill’s injury and subsequent 2 day hospitalisation as follows:
Gaels throughout the County in general, and especially in the southern division, will regret very much the injury to Bill Irish, Glenmore’s popular player, on Sunday last in the match against Dicksboro at St. James’s Park. One of the outstanding Gaels of the county either on the hurling or football field, the many followers of the game will wish him a speedy recovery and hope he may soon be capable of donning the popular colours again. He was able to leave the Infirmary for home on Tuesday last.
We learn that he has made good progress towards recovery from the effects of the occurrence. He was one of the Kilkenny men selected to represent Leinster in football in the forthcoming Tailteann trials (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 5).
Given the severity of the injury it is surmised that the kick landed lower than Bill’s stomach and the newspaper account of the time was being polite in its description. [Update 24 Feb. 2023: Given that Bill is found in team photos of the 1925 and 1929 Glenmore football teams it appears that Bill continued to play at least football after his injury.]
The Medals
In August 1924, after repeated requests for the medals made to Mr. E. Purcell, Mr. M. Heffernan, Glenmore wrote to the Kilkenny County GAA Committee raising the issue. He attached the agreement that had been entered into by the two teams.
Heffernan wrote, “I hope the scrapping of such an agreement will not be tolerated. I would have brought the matter up sooner but I could get no definite answer from Mr. Purcell. I now learn he intends putting the medals up for another object.” In addition to withholding the medals, Heffernan noted that “Dicksboro played five of their senior players, which was contrary to the conditions in the agreement. The referee awarded the match to Glenmore. I cannot understand why Glenmore were not given the medals long ago.”
The enclosed agreement stated that the winners were to be given a set of medals and Glenmore to receive £5 towards travelling expenses. Heffernan did not raise the issue of the £5 in his letter, so it must be assumed that Dicksboro at least honoured that commitment.
The Chairman of the Committee stated, “The rule is that trophies for a friendly tournament must be deposited with the country secretary, and that rule was not enforced in this case.” He stated that he would ask the Secretary to write to Dicksboro and ask for the trophies to be deposited and the committee would deal with the issue at the next meeting (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 6 Sept. 1924, p. 6).
After Sports
Bill Irish purchased a farm in the townland of Melville, Mullinavat and married Mary Ennett, of Cappagh, Glenmore. The couple had at least 5 children including: John Irish, Bobby Irish, Marie Irish Fleming, Kathleen Irish Francis and Margaret Irish Easden.
Bill died in October 1976 and his enthusiasm for Gaelic sports did not wane after his pre-mature retirement due to the injury he suffered during the pitch invasion in 1924. It was reported that the day before he died Bill attended a National League hurling game between Cork and Kilkenny in Cork. Bill’s full obituary can be accessed on our obituary page by clicking here.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos of Bill Irish to glenmore,history@gmail.com.
For further information concerning Glenmore and other Kilkenny hurling and football teams see, The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2028) compiled by Gerry O’Neill.
The featured team photo above is the Kilkenny Jr. Hurling Team of 1922 (Freeman’s Journal, 16 Oct. 1922, p. 3.)
[Update 7 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald for supplying Margaret Rigby Irish’s date of birth. We are attempting to verify details concerning Mary Irish through her great-granddaughter who is 93 years of age.]
[Update 15 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Noeleen Fogarty née Hennessey for sharing a photo of Bill Irish.]
[Update 24 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending on two team photos and more importantly for identifying each team members.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Footballers (Unbeaten Champions 1914 – 1925). [1925 on football in photo]
Back Row: James Vereker (Davidstown), Jim Murphy, William Irish, Pat Hartley, Andy Heffernan, Richard Hanrahan.
Next Row: Mick Heffernan, John Fitzgerald, John Doherty, Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Connolly, Peter Kirwan, Paddy Cody, James Dunphy.
Next Row: Stephen Heffernan, James Fitzgerald, Martin Cody (Captain), Fr. Richard Vereker, John Phelan, Bill Hartley (Busherstown).
Front Row: Jim Hanrahan, John Mullins, Mick Cody, Paddy Murphy.
CARRIGCLONEY, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Carrigcloney, Glenmore, around 1961. In some older records the townland name is spelled Carrickcloney.
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Ireland (1969, p. 115) is Carraig Ui Chluanaigh, or Clooney’s rock. The townland covers 501 acres and is adjacent to the Barrow river. It is the only townland in Glenmore with any portion of a castle or tower house still standing. However, Carrigcloney Castle has been greatly reduced in height. See our post of 8 July 2021, regarding Carrigcloney castle. The hamlet of Carrigcloney once stood near the Barrow river. O’Kelly provided the names of three fields in the townland including Garraí glas or green tilled field; Laharta, and Poll an phuca, or the sprite’s hollow.
Tithe Applotment Books 1833
According to the 1833 Applotment Books, there were nine tenants in Carrigcloney including [1] William Barry, 23 acres; [2] John Barry, 19 acres; [3] Michael Forristal, 28 acres; [4] Michael Conway, 19 acres; [5] John Walsh, 60 acres; [6] Michael Barron, 23 acres; [7] Richard Norris, 23 acres; [8] Martin Hynes, 23 acres and [9] Richard Fitzgerald 27 acres. A notation on the right edge of the list provides, “These tenants hold from Sir John Newport and Major Gahan some have leases and others are Tenants at Will.”
1961Carrigcloney, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 9 families or households in Carrigcloney. 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, 47 people resided in Carrigcloney with the population comprised of 23 males and 24 females. The largest family or household was the Barron family with 8 in the household. There is no household recorded with a person living alone. All information regarding residents of Carrigcloney, not in Danny’s original list, has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Residents
Males= 23
Females= 24
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded in the townland was Thomas Barry (1893—1981). According to the parish records Thomas was the son of John Barry, and his wife Bridget Power, of Carrigcloney. Thomas Barry (1893-1981) married Kate Barry née Culleton (c. 1895-1974) of Rosbercon. The obituaries for both Thomas and Kate can be found on our family “B” surnames page.
Recorded Work
Farmer = 3 (2 males; 1 female)
Farm Labourer = 7 (7 males)
Council Worker = 2 (2 males)
Fisherman= 2 (2 males)
CIE Worker= 1 (1 male)
Creamery Worker = 1 (1 male)
Garage Apprentice= 1 (1 male)
Factory Worker= 1 (1 male)
Seconday School Teacher = 1 (1 male)
Residents of Carrigcloney, Glenmore
[1] TREACY
Treacy, Thomas (12 Sept. 1912) Factory Worker
Treacy, Bridget (b. 1915) wife
Treacy, Aine, daughter
Treacy, Kathleen, daughter
Treacy, Laurence, son
[2] BARRON
Barron, Patrick (6 Jan. 1898) Farmer
Barron, Ellen (20 Sept. 1905) wife
Barron, Michael, son, assisting father
Barron, Alice, daughter
Grennan, Bridget (11 Nov. 1903) sister-in-law
Murphy, Edward (10 Aug. 1913) employee
Barron, Finola, daughter-in-law
Barron, ? , granddaughter
[3] MANNING
Manning, Martin (28 Jan. 1912) CIE Employee
Manning, Mary (b. 1916) wife
Manning, Margaret, daughter
Manning, John, son
Manning, Joan, daughter
[4] POWER
Power, John (10 Dec. 1900) Farm Labourer
Power, Stephen (26 Dec. 1905) brother, fisherman (moved to Aylwardstown)
Power, Christy (18 Nov. 1929) nephew, farm labourer
[5] CODY
Cody, Bridget (3 March 1900) Farmer
Cody, Richard, son, assisting relative
Cody, Martin, son, secondary teacher
Cody, Walter, son, assisting relative
Cody, Michael, son, garage apprentice
Cody, Bridget, daughter
Cody, Thomas, son
[6] BARRY
Barry, Thomas (11 April 1893) Council Worker [died 30 Jan. 1981]
Barry, Kate (1 May 1895) wife [died in 1974]
Barry, John (29 June 1939) son, creamery worker
Barry, John (10 March 1898) brother, council worker [died 25 March 1977]
Barry, Sarah (12 Jan. 1900) sister [died 3 Sept. 1985]
[7] HANLON
Hanlon, Edward (21 Oct. 1898) Fisherman
Hanlon, Annie (b. 1913) wife
Hanlon, Mary, daughter
Hanlon, Theresa Ann, daughter
[8] AYLWARD
Aylward, James (14 March 1912) Farmer
Aylward, Mary, wife
Aylward, Mary, daughter
Aylward, Eileen, daughter
Aylward, Michael, son
[9] LONG
Long, James (17 July 1913) Farm Labourer
Long, Alice (b. 1924) wife
Long, Edward, son
Long, Joan, daughter
Long, Annette, daughter
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing above is part of the front artwork from the sheet music “Kate of Kilkenny” courtesty of the New York Public Library, Digital Collection, Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): f6e7c660-c594-012f-8577-58d385a7bc34.
We are currently researching the Carrigcloney landlords, Major Gahan and Sir John Newport, and hope to publish a post on them in the near future.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh