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Glenmore in the News: June 1924
In June 1924 the weather improved. It was reported early in the month that a large number of people took advantage of the extremely fine weather and cycled or took an excursion train to Tramore “or other beauty spots” (Munster Express, Sat. 7 June 1924, p. 3). The focus of several of the local newspapers articles was on roads and road crashes. The main road between Waterford and New Ross, that ran through Glenmore, was being improved. One newspaper proclaimed that when the work was complete it would be the finest road in the South of Ireland. There was also a tragic crash involving the Mullinavat handball team that resulted in the driver being charged with murder.
All Ireland Senior Football Final Abandoned
The Kerry football team refused to play Dublin in the All Ireland football final as a protest against the continued detention of the political prisoners was “received with all Irish sportsmen with keen regret. It was hoped that sports would be kept free from politics.” It was thought that it would split the ranks of the GAA.” (New Ross Standard, 20 June 1924, p. 4). “The reason for the sensational refusal to play was the continued detention of Mr. Austin Stack, Chairman of the Kerry County Board and other members of the Kerry GAA,” (Munster Express, Sat. 14 June 1924, p. 5).
Additionally, the Leinster Council GAA reported that the Leinster Championship hurling fixture between Dublin and Leix arranged for Kilkenny was cancelled owing to the refusal of Leix to take part until the prisoners were released. Likewise, the junior hurling tie between Dublin and Kildare arranged for Kilkenny was also cancelled (Kilkenny People, Sat. 21 June 1924, p. 7).
Glenmore GAA Fixtures
Senior Hurling—Glenmore v. Callan, at Thomastown on the 29th of June, Mr. T Mullins, referee.
Senior Football—Cotterstown v. Glenmore, at Thomastown, date to be named (Kilkenny People, Sat. 7 June 1924, p. 11).
Junior Hurling—Glenmore v. Hugginstown, at Knocktopher on August 10th, Mr. Peter Walsh referee.
Junior Football—Courtnaboughla (Goresbridge) v. Glenmore, at the Rower, July 30th, Mr. Patrick Walsh, referee (Munster Express, Sat. 28 June 1924, p. 6).
Emigrants
With the end of hostilities emigrants came home to visit. The estate of an emigrant who was a native of South Kilkenny also featured in the New Ross Standard.
During the middle of June “some twenty returned Americans arrived in the New Ross districts on a visit to their relatives. One lady from near Campile had been away forty years” (New Ross Standard, 20 June 1924, p. 5).
Several claimants from New Ross were “interested in the property of a man named Walsh who is it stated, died intestate in America recently. It appears that he hailed from South Kilkenny, and it is thought he was worth about £30,000. Amongst the relatives who are making claims in respect of the assets are Messrs Martin and John Hand and Mrs. Kneightly, New Ross (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 June 1924, p. 10). Unfortunately, we were not able to locate further articles to determine where the deceased was from in South Kilkenny.
New Ross Market Prices
New Ross Market Prices best coal, 55s. per ton; second coal, 50s. per ton; eggs 11d. per dozen; chickens, 1s. 2d. per lb., young ducks, 7s. per pair; fish, 2s. 4d per lb. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 June 1924, p. 10).
Mullinavat Handball Team Crash
When I mentioned this crash to my husband, he was immediately able to identify the driver as the son of the Kilmacow Creamery Manager. He related that he heard his father, Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) speak about the crash with Danny Dowling (1927-2023). We were unable to locate any notes on the subject in any of Danny’s notebooks that have been transcribed. One person was killed outright, another died a few days later and at least eight others were seriously injured and hospitalized.
The Crash of 8 June 1924
On Sunday the 8th a party of handball players from Mullinavat were traveling to Owning, Kilkenny, to “engage local players in a series of friendly matches.” The lorry carrying the Mullinavat players lost control on a steep hill and turned onto its side. Rev. Father Foskin, of Mullinavat, was seated next to the driver and jumped from the lorry and escaped serious injury. The scene of the crash was a couple hundred yards from the village of Owning, and was at the foot of the hill known in the district as Rath Hill. Eighteen people were being transported in the lorry (Munster Express, Sat. 14 June 1924, p. 4).
One Mullinavat player, John Murphy (c. 1903-1924) the son of James Murphy, publican was killed at the scene. The following were seriously injured and hospitalized.
[1] Andrew McLoughlin, Mullinavat Village, sustained a depressed skull fracture and was operated on Tuesday evening. He died of his injuries at 7:30 on Thursday night the 12th of June.
[2] Andrew Foskin, Mullinavat, Village (brother of Father Foskin) suffered severe injuries to his head. He remained unconscious for some days.
[3] Philip Hoban, Mullinavat Village, suffered cuts to his head.
[4] John White, suffered injuries to his spine.
[5] Thomas Hoban, of Glendonnell, suffered injuries to his head, face and a broken collar bone. A brother of Thomas Hoban was shot by the British military about three years before in Mullinavat.
[6] Patrick Kelly, of Rahard, suffered injuries to his hip and shock.
[7] Patrick Mackey, aged 12, Mullinavat, suffered a broken hand.
[8] Sergt. Dalton, civic guards, Mullinavat, suffered three broken ribs, and severe head and facial injuries.
[9] Guard Leahy, Mullinavat, injured his shoulder and suffered bruises.
Murder Charge
Thomas Walsh, the driver of the lorry was charged with “feloniously, unlawfully, and of malice aforethought kill and murder John Murphy…” Thomas Walsh (18) was the son of Richard Walsh, the Kilmacow Creamery Manager (Munster Express, Sat. 14 June 1924, p. 4).
It is not clear from the newspaper accounts why the driver Thomas Walsh (b.c. 1907) was overcharged with murder. It is difficult to see how on the facts presented that it could have been murder.
The 1911 Census provides that Richard Walsh was 41 (b.c. 1870), and was married to Eliza Walsh, aged 28. Richard was employed as a creamery manager. The family lived in Aglish, Kilmacow. Six children were born to the union but only four were alive in 1911. The eldest child was Thomas Walsh, aged 4, followed by Edward Walsh, aged 3, Michael aged 1 and John Walsh, aged 8 months.
Death of John Murphy (c. 1903-1924)
A witness at a hearing held in Waterford on Wednesday the 11th testified that the lorry was sometimes used as a hackney car. The vehicle was a one ton Ford lorry. There were benches “on the platform” and there were sides around the lorry “platform.” As the lorry was slowly descending the hill the witness heard a loud crack. He assumed it was the brakes. At the bottom of the steep hill the road turned sharply to the right and straight in front was a stone wall. The lorry turned onto its left side when the driver attempted to make the sharp right turn. The witness was unable to state how fast the lorry was traveling as it was the first time he had travelled on a lorry (Munster Express, Sat. 14 June 1924, p. 4).
The judge noted that it would likely be proved that the crash was an accident, however, he wished to hear from other passengers that were sitting on the front bench with the driver. The driver was remanded for eight days and bail was fixed at £100 and one personal recognisance of £100 (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 June 1924, p. 2).
According to the 1911 Census James Murphy, aged 36, was a publican in Mullinavat. He was married, but his wife was not listed in the Census. His sister Ellen Murphy, aged 28 was present as were his three children: Patrick Murphy, aged 12; Bridget Murphy, aged 11 and John Murphy, aged 8.
Hearing of 18 June 1924
The defendant returned to court on the 18th and Father Foskin testified that the driver was sober and kept his head even after the brakes failed. Father Foskin was unable to state what the driver was doing trying to control the vehicle after the brakes failed because he knew nothing about motor cars. Richard Walsh testified that he was the owner of the lorry and bought it new. He said it was allowed to carry 14 passengers and it was also used for hauling goods. His son was trained to drive it and had a driver’s license. District Justice Mr. J. J. Molloy refused the information filed against the driver Thomas Walsh for the murder or manslaughter of John Murphy (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 June 1924, p. 2).
Inquest for Andrew McLoughlin (c. 1909-1924)
Although no inquest was held for the death of John Murphy an inquest was held for 15 year-old Andrew McLoughlin (c. 1909 -1924) a verdict of accidental death was returned. It was also revealed in testimony at this inquest that the driver doggedly tried to control the lorry and negotiated two turns after the brakes “cracked.” One witness said that the lorry would have made the sharp turn at the foot of the hill except the front left tyre blew (Munster Express, Sat. 21 June 1924, p. 3). The death register reveals that Andrew McLoughlin was a 15 year-old school boy from Mullinavat. He died in the Waterford Infirmary on the 12th of June of a fractured skull.
The Main Road Through Glenmore
The Waterford to New Ross main road was being prepared for steam rolling. Improvements were being carried out by the “efficient” County Surveyor of Kilkenny. “In addition to cutting away the banks at the road sides and levelling them with road material, an arrangement was made with Mr. Doherty to widen the road at Belmount which was so narrow that two cars scarcely had room to pass one another.” Workmen were also engaged in removing the sharp corners at the Milepost Cross and under Slieverue. Further on nearer to New Ross, “the famous Pink Rock—the grave of many a tin lizzy—is to be blasted away and the materials used for filling the sides of the road. When the work is completed it will be one of the finest roads in the South of Ireland.”
“The only obstacle remaining is the railway bridge at Ballyverneen, Glenmore. The approaches are a real death trap to the unwary. It was monstrous ever to allow the railway company to construct the bridge in such a manner over this important road which is the key from Dublin and Wexford to the South of Ireland for all traffic even before the advent of motors. Had the Irregulars blown up this trap during their operations in the district, there would not be many tears shed for it” (Munster Express, Sat. 14 June 1924, p. 6).
Advert: Everyman’s Embrocation
The local newspapers were filled with adverts for local businesses as well as adverts for “remedies.” One that was for Everyman’s Embrocation.
“Don’t say your rheumatism can’t be cured. Send to-day for a bottle of Everyman’s Embrocation. Everyman’s is sold everywhere at 1s. 6d. to everybody” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 June 1924, p. 8).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Vernacular Barns: Glenmore & Ontario
Recently Richard Corcelli shared some information and photos of barn raisings in Ontario, Canada from sometime around the turn of the twentieth century. In many respects the building of barns in Ontario and Glenmore at the time were similar in that both were examples of vernacular architecture. “Vernacular architecture refers to buildings outside the academic or professional architectural tradition. Vernacular building methods and building styles are handed down during the building process by demonstration, rather than by architects’ plans.” These buildings were built by local builders or semi-skilled builders and followed local tradition, limited by local needs, using available building materials. (“Vernacular Buildings” in Art & Architecture of Ireland, Vol. IV: Architecture 1600-2000, Andrew Carpenter (ed.) Royal Irish Academy (2015) p. 330). See our post of 13 June 2024 featuring several old photos of the Murphy family of Ontario, Canada, in the early 20th century shared by Richard.
Irish Vernacular Barns
Vernacular farm buildings in Ireland cannot be readily dated, but examples earlier than 1750 are considered rare. Use of timber as a walling material ceased by this time and outhouses [farm buildings] were built in various Irish regions by mud walling or of rubble stone laid in earthen mortar, with thatched roofs and white washed. (“Vernacular Farmsteads” in Art & Architecture of Ireland, Vol. IV: Architecture 1600-2000, Andrew Carpenter (ed.) Royal Irish Academy (2015) p. 337).
Barns were often the largest structures in Irish farmsteads, and were especially important in the tillage regions of south Leinster and east Munster…often housing lofts for grain and shuttered window openings onto the haggard where corn was stored and threshed. Barns generally had one door and a single slit window for ventilation. Stables and byres were commonly lower structures with cobbled floors. (“Vernacular Farmsteads” in Art & Architecture of Ireland, Vol. IV: Architecture 1600-2000, Andrew Carpenter (ed.) Royal Irish Academy (2015) p. 337). There are still a large number of stone barns across Glenmore, but they no longer feature thatch roofs.
It was not uncommon for Irish stone buildings, no longer in use, to have their stones re-used to build other structures or walls. Danny Dowling noted that the stones from the early church in Hanrahan’s field (across from the present Creamery in Glenmore Village) were used to build the walls around St. James’s Church of Glenmore.
Ontario Vernacular Barns
An unusual event for the Murphy family of Ontario, Canada in the late 19th-early 20th century era was the communal barn raising “bee” where 60-100 men and boys would gather to erect a barn. Women and girls would also gather to prepare the meals for the huge work crew.
The photo above of the men sitting atop the skeleton of a barn being raised was found by Richard Corcelli in his grandparent’s archives, so it likely the featured barn raising took place in their community in Ontario. The Ontario barns were ‘timber built’ due to the large local forests.
Barns were of the ‘post and beam’ design using 10 inch by 10 inch white pine beams to build the skeleton of the structure followed by pine boards as exterior cladding. Classically, barns in the area were 40 foot x 60 foot, built on a local stone foundation, which would form the stable for winter time housing of cattle and horses. Most barns had four bents, (an engineering term for a transverse frame), so that there was a threshing floor in the middle and two bays on either side for the hay and straw and a built-in granary to one side.
Often, barns were ‘bank’ barns’ with one foundation side built into a shallow hill to provide a ramp so that horse drawn wagon loads of hay or grain could be pulled up onto the central ‘thresh floor’.
The beam framework, or ‘bent’, was built lying on the floor of the barn and then raised into position by many men with long pike poles, first to breast height; then supported with short timber beams while the raisers got a breath, then hoisted to the upright position. As illustrated in the photo some men ‘rode’ the bent to upright, then drove hardwood pegs into previously squared mortise and tenon joints,…no metal nails were used.
The roof was made of decay resistant, split cedar shake shingles, once again using local, natural building materials. Richard’s uncle bought a farm on which the timber barn had burned but the stone foundation survived. He located a no longer used intact barn about a 100 miles away; numbered all the beams and hauled them on flatbed trucks to his farm where the barn was re-assembled. An example of early re-cycling.
Thus, the Irish who remained in Ireland like their emigrated kin used local materials to construct their barns and built the buildings with no professional plans. The barns were built to take advantage of local landscape features and needs. It would be interesting to determine how many stone barns are still standing in Glenmore as well as how many are still in use.
Special thanks to Richard Corcelli for sharing the information and photos of the Ontario barns.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. For further information on Irish architecture see the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The First Death: Building the Railway Through Glenmore
The railway extension line from New Ross to Waterford began in August 1900 and by February 1901 newspapers were reporting on the drunkenness of the railway labourers or navvies as well as injuries and a death. Surprisingly, in the same article where it was reported that two navvies suffered severe injuries the editor of the Waterford News & Star opined that the best course of action to tackle shebeening and drunkenness by the navvies was to put a well managed pub into Glenmore Village.
See our post of 3 June 2024 regarding the setbacks the railway encountered, the recorded feelings of New Ross leaders regarding the project, and the published list pf proposed compensation to people in the path of the line from Rosbercon to Balyverneen, Glenmore.
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) stated that there were two pubs in Glenmore Village until the then parish priest forced them to close circa 1870. Glenmore Village did not obtain a pub until 1963. See our post of 8 May 2023 regarding Glenmore Village losing its dry distinction.
Tremendous Drunkenness Among the Navvies
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 22 Feb. 1901, p. 8) published the following article:
“At the Petty Sessions,… District Inspector Mercer, Piltown, Prosecuted one Mary Fokes, alias Russell, a New Ross traveling huckster, with selling intoxicating drink without a license. The prosecution was brought under the 3rd section of the Licensing Act of 1872, and for the defence, Mr. John B. Colfer, solicitor appeared. Sergeant Stapleton proved that the navvies working on the Railway line at Glenmore were lately more drunk than ever, and that Mary Russell’s movements amongst them he suspected that she was conveying them lots of stimulants.”
“On the fourth of the present month he ambushed the defendant with a pony and car arrived on the scene, the navvies regaled themselves with porter, and he saw money pass. The car contained several dozen of full and empty bottles of porter and whiskey. John Power, navvy, deposed to having purchased three bottles of stout, and paid six pence for them on the occasion, where Mr. Colfer remarked that they were dirt cheap. Mr. Mercer pressed for the full penalty, and said there was tremendous drunkenness amongst the navvies.“
“Mr. Colfer ridiculed the D.I’s statement as to all he drunkenness amongst navvies being attributed to Mary Russell. He confessed that he never heard of sober navvies. He submitted that the defendant was ignorant of the law…, however the court imposed a £5 fine…”
Dry Glenmore
The editor of the Waterford News & Star then stated, “Those who like navvies are determined on obtaining drink will surely succeed somehow in their intention, and the persistent refusal of the licensing authority to grant a license between the bridge of Ross and the village of Slieverue, a distance of nearly 12 miles, covering a populous district of country serves as a strong inducement to the carrying on of such illegitimate drink traffic, and much Sunday debauchery as well as on Monday.”
“The granting of a publican’s license in the parish of Glenmore to our mind would raise instead of lower the morale of the district. It would be waste of time to argue the superiority of a well conducted public house where good drinks would be sold, over the prevailing shebeening in noxious intoxicants carried only in stealth all over the district, particularly on Sundays and holidays.”
“There seems to be a basis of old standing against granting a license for the sale of intoxicating drinks in Glenmore. It dates from the time that faction fights, when there were a couple of badly conducted licensed houses in the village, and of course in the time of Sunday selling, and it would appear that forty or fifty years ago, the abuses had become so glaring that the authorities felt bound to abolish the then publican’s license.“
“Since then applications, all without avail have been made for new licenses, consequent on the fears and apprehensions given rise by the sandals of two or three generations ago. The writer, however, thinks and believes the majority of people in Glenmore will agree that the time has come when the ban of half a century ago ought in justice be removed” (Waterford News & Star (Fri. 22 Feb. 1901, p. 8).
Serious Injuries at the Milltown Cutting, Glenmore
After advocating for a pub the newspaper then reported on two very serious accidents that occurred on the Ross and Waterford railway line under construction. “The accidents, though two miles apart, occurred almost at the same time. At the Milltown cutting, within 3 miles of New Ross, a man named Power, who belonged to the locality was the victim of an embankment slip of a couple tons of earth. Power’s body was badly crushed and one of his legs broken. He was conveyed by the ambulance car to the Union Workhouse Hospital, New Ross” (Waterford News & Star (Fri. 22 Feb. 1901, p. 8)
Serious Injuries at the Carrigcloney Rock Cutting, Glenmore
“The second accident took place at the Carrigcloney rock cutting, and where a navvy named Roche unknowingly approached a part of the cutting where an explosive was just set, and one of his limbs was just severed from his body, while his body and head suffered terribly. The doctors in attendance decided that an amputation of the limb was necessary to prolong his life, but Roche would not assent to the ordeal and was sent to the Waterford Union Hospital. It is considered that his case is a very serious one indeed” (Waterford News & Star (Fri. 22 Feb. 1901, p. 8).
Death of Patrick Roche (c. 1859-1901)
Our research in the death register has revealed that Patrick Roche, a 42 year old married, labourer, residing in Glenmore, died on the 22nd of February 1901 at the County and City Infirmary of Waterford. He died “from the effects of injuries accidentally received on the 19th of February whilst blasting.” An inquest was held into his death on the 28th of February by the Waterford Coroner, Edmund Power. We believe that Patrick was the first man to die during the construction of the railway line through Glenmore.
The Munster Express reported that Patrick Roche was injured on Wednesday the 20th of February. He was engaged in blasting a quarry at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. “His injuries were very serious, and he was at once conveyed to the County Infirmary, where it was deemed by the doctors necessary to amputate one of his legs. He, however, succumbed to his injuries on Friday at 3 pm. His remains were removed to his late residence on Saturday evening. An inquest was held at Mr. David Cant’s public house, Johnstown [Waterford City], on Thursday last. Mr. Smith, D.L., Head Constable Alen, and acting sergeant Teese watched the case on behalf of the police, and Mr. D. Dunford, solr. was present on behalf of the contractors (Pearson & Son, New Ross).” A jury was sworn (Munster Express, Sat. 2 March 1901, p. 5).
The Evening News (Waterford) provided additional details. Evidence was given by Michael Connolly, who was working with the deceased at the time of the accident, to the effect that the deceased, whose business it was to set the charge and ignite it, returned after putting the fuse to it, bit as there was no explosion, and thinking he had not set fire to it, he again returned, and just as he was within a yard of the place it exploded (Evening News (Waterford) Thurs. 28 Feb. 1901, p. 3.)
After hearing the evidence of the widow, Mr. Bannett (engineer) and a labourer named Walsh, employed on the extension; also Dr. Kelleher and Head Constable Allen, the jury found that the deceased died from the effects of the injuries of an accident received whilst blasting on the New Ross and Waterford Extension Railway at Carrigcloney, and that as deceased was inexperienced blasting, the company should compensate deceased’s widow for the loss she has sustained, and they came to the conclusion that an experience person should be in charge and see that the proper time should be given before the men should return to the place of blasting” (Munster Express, Sat. 2 March 1901, p. 5). According to the New Ross Standard, Patrick Roche was from the north County Kilkenny (New Ross Standard, Sat. 23 Feb. 1901, p. 5).
James Power (c. 1854-1920) of Jamestown, Glenmore
The New Ross Standard, identified the other man injured, named Power. He was James Power of Jamestown, Glenmore. He was badly crushed by falling earth from the Forrestalstown (sic) cutting rather than the Milltown cutting (New Ross Standard, Sat. 23 Feb. 1901, p. 5). James Power survived his injuries and was found still residing in Jamestown, Glenmore in 1911.
We believe that the injured James Power, of Jamestown, was married to Catherine Purcell (c. 1861-1945). The couple married on 3 October 1886 at Glenmore. James was a labourer and son of John Power (farmer) of Jamestown. Catherine was the daughter of Edmund Purcell (labourer) of Forrestalstown (sic). At the time of their marriage James was 34 and Catherine was 25. In the 1901 Census Catherine was living in Jamestown, Glenmore (aged 35) with her children. James was not present, but he may have still been in the hospital. In the 1911 Jamestown Census he gave his age as 60 and Catherine or Kate said that she was 50. In 1911, James was employed as an agricultural labourer. The couple are buried in Glenmore, and their headstone provided their dates of death.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmai.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Fight Paddy’s Day 1902
Tucked into Danny’s voluminous collection was a copy of a newspaper account of the Kilmacow Petty Sessions in 1902 where several young Glenmore men were charged with assault. Three of the young men were Kennedys. In the 19th century there were 7 Kennedy families living in Rathinure. Kennedys from Rathinure were related to the Kennedys of Newtown, Coolaneen and Ballinclare, Glenmore. Interestingly today there are no Kennedys in Rathinure although several current families descend from Kennedys. The last Kennedy to live in Rathinure was Larry Kennedy (1913-2002) (of the Faddie Kennedy family) and the last Kennedy of Rathinure was Cissy Kennedy (1930-2024) of the Pierce Kennedy family).
Kilmacow Petty Sessions, 10 April 1902
At the Kilmacow Petty Sessions on 10 April 1902 there were a large number of assault cases. All these cases were adjourned until the next court date. Magistrates were Mr. De la Poer, Dr. Conn, and Mr. Graves. The complainants in these cases were P. Kennedy, Martin Kehoe, who had four cases; Peter Kennedy and John Kehoe. There were several cross summonses (Munster Express, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 5). Although it is not recorded in the newspaper one of the complainants John Kehoe died on the 5th of April and this may have been the reason the assault cases were adjourned until May.
Apparently arising from the assaults, Sergeant Stapleton, of the Glenmore R.I.C. charged John Kirwan, publican, Ballyrahan, for allowing riotous conduct at his place. This charge was dismissed on 10 April 1902 (Munster Express, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 5).
For further information on the closure of “The Shanty” see our post of 8 May 2023 . See Martin Forristal’s article “Mount Ida” for further information on the landlord Dr. Phillips-Conn of Mount Ida, Glenmore.
Oral Tradition of Incident
Statia Walsh née Kennedy (1922-1984) of Rathinure, Glenmore was the eldest daughter of Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) Rathinure and his wife Elizabeth Walsh (1884-1958) a native of Powerswood, Thomastown. Although Statia was born 20 years after the 1902 event she recounted what she knew to her children primarily because it involved a number of cousins and neighbours. According to what Statia was told, and recounted, her father was at the Shanty with a number of young men from the area. A fight broke out between a Kennedy of Newtown and her father. During the fight Johnny Kehoe attempted to come to the aid of his first cousin, the Kennedy of Newtown, when Jim Kennedy of Rathinure struck and stopped Johnny Kehoe.
A short time after the fight Johnny Kehoe died, and Jim Kennedy was blamed for his death. However, a doctor proved that Johnny Kehoe died from his kidneys.
The Death of John Kehoe (1879 -1902)
John Kehoe, a 23 year bachelor (farmer’s son) died at the County Infirmary of Waterford on the 5th of April 1902. According to the death register, he died of uraemia and had it for six days before his death. D. Walshe the Coroner for South Kilkenny held an inquest on 7 April, 1902.
John Kehoe was born 10 July 1879 at Rathinure the son of Richard Kehoe (farmer) and Margaret Costello. Richard Kehoe married Margaret Costello (c. 1845 -1899) of Ballymountain, at Kilmacow on 23 February 1873. Other children to this union included: Patrick Keogh (b. 1874); Margaret Kehoe (b. 1875); Martin Kehoe (b. 1876); Mary Kehoe (b. 1881); and Patrick Keogh (b. 1883). See our K surname page for details regarding the tragic death of Margaret Kehoe on the Quay in Waterford in 1899.
We know that an inquest was held into John Kehoe’s death in 1902. His death cert references it, and it was discussed in the next sitting of the Kilmacow Petty Sessions of 8 May 1902. Unfortunately we were not able to locate a newspaper article regarding the inquest.
Kilmacow Petty Sessions, 8 May 1902
Two different newspapers covered the case and the two accounts agreed only on what magistrates were sitting and what the outcome was for all the young men. The headline of the Munster Express article was, “Patrick’s Day Celebration at Gaulstown Results in quarrelsome young men being bound to the peace.” The headline in the Waterford News and Star, was “Free Fight at Gaulstown, Near Glenmore.” Information obtained from the Munster Express, (Sat. 10 May 1902, p. 5) is marked ME below and information from the Waterford News & Star, (Fri. 9 May 1902, p. 7) is marked WNS.
The Kilmacow Petty Sessions heard the cases on 8 May 1902 before Magistrates Ulick Bourke, Resident Magistrate (presiding); A.E. Graves; P. Grant, Chairman Waterford No. 2 District Council and Arthur Brown. (ME) & (WNS)
Kennedy v. Keogh
Peter Kennedy summoned Martin Keogh for having assaulted him on the 17th March. There were a number of summonses and cross summonses arising out of the same occurrence, M. P.A. Murphy appeared for Kennedy, and Mr. H.D. Keane appeared for Keogh. (ME)
Peter Kennedy deposed, in reply to Mr. Murphy: I am a farmer’s son and I live at Rathnure; Keogh also lives there, and is a farmer’s son too. He then preceded to give evidence as to the assault alleged to have been committed on him by Keogh, which took place after he had fought Thomas Kennedy on the road near Mrs. Kirwan’s house beyond “the ‘Shanty;’ Richard Roche, James Kennedy, and Richard Ryan were also present; after fighting Thomas Kennedy he was kicked in the thigh by Martin Keogh, whose brother, John Keogh, who had since died, was present (ME).
The complainant deposed to Mr. Murphy that on the 17th of March, he was on his way home; he was accompanied by John Kennedy; they met the defendant [Martin Keogh] and Thomas Kennedy; the later pushed him into the ditch; and when he got as far as Mrs. Kirwan’s house he and John Kennedy sat on the ditch Thomas Kennedy who was accompanied by Richard Ryan, came over to him; caught him by the coat, and challenged him to fight; they fought and after the combat Martin Keogh kicked complainant in the hip; a fight then took place between him and Keogh.
Mr. Bourke [the Resident Magistrate] said the whole occurrence appeared to have been a general row, and the decision of the magistrates would probably be to bind them all to the peace. (ME)
Mr. Bourke—This thing was a fight instead of an assault. (WNS)
Mr. Murphy [for Peter Kennedy]: I have already suggested that the case should be settled. I don’t care whether my clients like it or not, but it appears to me it is one of these squabbles in which both parties were equally to blame. (ME)
Mr. Murphy—It would be better for the parties to shake hands over the matter and go home. (WNS)
Mr. Keane: I would be very glad to acquiesce in the case of Thomas Kennedy against Peter Kennedy, but there is a case of wanton and aggravated assault by Peter Kennedy on Martin Keogh. (ME)
Mr. Keane: I would be willing to acquiesce in the remarks made by Mr. Murphy. There was a lot of evidence to be taken in the case, and if it was gone into their worships would see that a most aggravated assault had been perpetrated on Peter Kennedy by Martin Keogh. (WNS) [It is rather doubtful that Keogh’s representative, Mr. Keane, would argue that an aggravated assault was perpetrated on Peter Kennedy by his client Martin Keogh.]
The Waterford News and Star published that Richard Roche testified that he was not present at the outset of the row; he saw Thomas Kennedy and Peter fighting; Keogh subsequently kicked Peter Kennedy. James Kennedy deposed that he was looking at the row, but he did not see Keogh kick Peter Kennedy.
Keogh v. Kennedy
The hearing of the summonses was then proceeded with. In the case of Martin Keogh v. Peter Kennedy it was alleged defendant knocked plaintiff down and beat him about the head with a stone; also that he was kicked when on the ground by Richard Roche. (ME)
Mr. Bourke: Where are the marks on his [Keogh’s] head? (ME)
Mr. Murphy: His head was evidently harder than the stone. (ME)
Mr. Keane: It is six weeks ago now since the assault. (ME)
Mr. Murphy: I know there are some good hard heads in Rathinure. (ME)
Keogh: They would want to be hard for that sort of work (laughter). (ME)
Mr. Murphy: asked the complainant [Martin Keogh] Patrick’s Day is a great day for a fight if there is a little beer in? (WNS)
Keough: It is. (WNS)
Mr. Murphy: You drown the shamrock on that day? (WNS)
Keogh: I suppose so. (WNS)
Mr. Murphy: And you thought the best way for winding up the celebration was to have free fight? (WNS)
Keogh—I did not. (WNS)
John Keogh’s Death Raised
Mr. Keane submitted that the evidence was quite conclusive regarding the assault on Keogh. John Keogh, his brother, who was present, was unfortunately dead— (ME)
Mr. Murphy: It is most unfair to draw the name of this young man who is dead into the case. (ME)
Mr. Bourke: At the inquest it was shown the occurrence had nothing whatever to say to his death. (ME)
Mr. Murphy: I was at the inquest, and a very fearful charge was made, with the result that a young fellow was arrested. Two doctors proved beyond yea or nay that young Keogh died from natural causes. (ME)
Mr. Keane: I do not wish to couple the death of John Keogh with the matter in court today at all. (ME)
The Court’s Holding
Mr. Bourke said the court had made up their minds to bind all parties to the peace, with the exception of Richard Roche. Each would have to give security for his good behaviour for 12 months, himself in £10, and two sureties of £5 each. (ME) (WNS)
Identifying the Participants
Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) of Rathinure was the son of Thomas Kennedy and his wife Anastatia Irish. In 1921 Peter married Elizabeth Walsh (1884-1958) a native of Powerswood, Thomastown. The couple had 5 daughters. Ironically, Peter Kennedy died on St. Patrick’s Day 1962 exactly 60 years after the fight.
It is not altogether clear who was the person in the first fight with Peter Kennedy (1878-1962). The newspaper state it was Thomas Kennedy, however the 1901 Census does not show a Thomas Kennedy in Newtown. There was a Patrick Kennedy (aged 26) in Newtown (Aylwardstown) the son of Richard Kennedy (aged 70) and his wife Alice Kehoe (aged 60). The first article (Munster Express, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 5) lists four complainants: P. Kennedy, Martin Kehoe, Peter Kennedy and John Kennedy. No T. or Thomas Kennedy was mentioned. There was a Thomas Kennedy in Rathinure; he was a brother of Jim Kennedy. It is doubtful that this relationship would not have been raised in court if the first fight was with Thomas Kennedy of Rathinure.
Jim or James Kennedy was one of the Faddie Kennedy’s of Rathinure. James was born on 15 May 1877 to Thomas Kennedy and his wife Catherine Phelan. In 1908, he emigrated to the U.S. with James Delahunty (b.c. 1877) of Aylwardstown).
Martin Keogh (1876-1954) was the brother of the deceased John Keogh (1879-1902). Martin married Bridie Walsh, of Smithstown, Tullogher and they farmed in Rathinure. Bridie was a first cousin to Larry Walsh of Rochestown (father of Martin Walsh (1918-1996) see our post of 31 Dec. 2023 regarding Martin Walsh).
Richard Roche, of Curraghmore, Slieverue, was only 16 in 1902. He and his family lived near the Shanty. It may be the case that he came upon the fight. According to the 1901 Census, Richard Roche was the son of James Roche (aged 59) and Kate Roche (aged 54). He had a brother Andrew (aged 17).
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The featured drawing is from a 1908 advertisement for boxing gloves.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh