August, 2024
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Monsignor Patrick O’Connor Culleton (1877-1960) of Kilbride, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the Right Reverand Monsignor Patrick O’C Culleton (1877-1960) a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. After being ordained in Waterford he left for the American mission. Msgr. Culleton spent his entire ministry in the Peoria Diocese of Illinois. Thanks to Sr. Lea Stefancova, SFJB, of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, of the Peoria (Illinois) Diocese for providing us with photos and newspaper clippings from the Diocese archive. This post is dedicated to Msgr. Culleton’s niece, Ciss Roche née Culleton of Rathinure who will be 95 in December 2024.
Culleton Family of Kilbride, Glenmore
Monsignor Culleton was the eldest child of James Culleton (1845-1912) and his wife Margaret Connors (sic) or O’Connor (1839-1918). His mother Margaret O’Connor was from Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Even today the O’Connors are often referred to as the Connors. Msgr. Culleton’s parents were married 3 February 1876 at Glenmore and he had three known siblings.
His brother Michael Culleton (18 Oct. 1878-21 Feb. 1968) remained on the family farm in Kilbride and married Alice Hartley of Weatherstown, Glenmore on the 26th of November 1914. Alice’s father was Edward Hartley (farmer), and Michael’s father was Michael Culleton (farmer). Michael Culleton (1878-1968) and Alice Culleton had one son and four daughters. [1] James Culleton (c. 1917-2012); [2] Anastatia Culleton (c. 1919-1927); [3] Margaret Culleton (c. 1916-1932); [4] Nellie Walsh née Culleton (c. 1920 -2016) and [5] Ciss Roche née Culleton of Rathinure, Glenmore.
Msgr. Culleton’s brother, George Culleton (b. 6 Nov. 1881) married Mary Walsh at Carrick-on-Suir on the 29th of October 1919, and they farmed and raised their family in Ashtown. Their son James became a priest also serving in Illinois.
Msgr. Culleton also had a sister Ellen Culleton (b. 4 Oct. 1883).
Education
We believe that Msgr. Culleton attended the old Ballyfacey National School. He attended Waterford Christian Brothers and went on to St. John’s College, Waterford where he was ordained on the 14th of June 1900 at the age of 23. Msgr. Culleton was appointed to the Peoria Diocese on the American Mission. He arrived in the United States in September 1900.
Assigned Ministries
After arriving in the Peoria Diocese, he was appointed assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s church of Danville, Illinois. Danville is approximately 120 miles from Peoria located near the Indiana border.
On 2 October 1903, he was commissioned by the late Bishop Spalding to found a new parish in Westville, six miles north of Danville. Six years later he was transferred by the Bishop to Peru, Illinois on 10 March 1909, as pastor of St. Mary’s church. Msgr. Culleton remained in Peru until January 1923 when he was assigned to Peoria’s, St. Patrick’s parish.
While Msgr. Culleton was working in Peru he had to register for the draft. In his World War I draft registration of 12 September 1918, Msgr. Culleton gave his name as “Patrick O’Connor Culleton.” He resided at 1319 Van Bureau St., Peru, Illinois. He recorded that he was employed as a Catholic Priest, 41 years of age and a naturalized citizen. He listed his mother Mrs. Margaret Culleton as his next of kin with an address of Kilbride, Glenmore, Waterford, Ireland. He was physically described as tall and stout with gray eyes and brown hair.
It was also in Peru that his first cousin Miss Mary Anne Harte (1891-1976) emigrated from Co. Kilkenny, Ireland in September 1922 to work as his housekeeper. When she applied for naturalisation in January 1923 she gave her address as 1315 6th St., Peru, Illinois.
On the recommendation of Bishop Joseph H. Schlarman, Father Culleton was raised to the status of a domestic prelate by Pope Pius XII on 23 November 1939, to which rank was attached the title Right Reverend Monsignor. He was later appointed by Bishop Schlarman as building commissioner of the diocese, which position he continued to hold in 1950. “He was keenly interested in education and in addition to a church, he also built schools in Peoria [Diocese] and in the city of Peoria” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 2 April 1960, p. 1).
Golden Jubilee: 14 June 1950
Msgr. Culleton celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood by celebrating Mass. He was assisted by the Rev. J.M. Fitzgerald. The Rev. James P. Culleton, his nephew, served as deacon; the Rev. J.J. Gaule as subdeacon; and the Rev. R.E. Gates as master of ceremonies. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. J.P. Christopher, professor at the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.
Following the Jubilee Mass, Msgr. hosted a luncheon at St. Mary’s school hall for visiting priests and relatives. At the time of his Golden Jubilee Msgr. Culleton had served at St. Patrick’s in Peoria City for 27 years. Serving as chairman of the luncheon was the Rev. James M. Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Mark’s who introduced the Rev. TP Kelly of Clinton to serve as toastmaster.
Luncheon Tributes
“Referring to Monsignor Culleton as one of the great men of the Peoria Diocese the Rt. Rev. P. H. Durkin of Rock Island, Vicar-General of the Diocese said his name will be held in reverence at St. Patrick’s for many years to come.” (Newspaper clipping dated 15 June 1950).
Msgr. Culleton’s knowledge of architecture and work in building churches at Peru former parishes were praised by several speakers. Other speakers paying tribute to Msgr. Culleton included the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. R. Reidy chancellor of the diocese; and the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Barden of the Lincoln, Nebraska, diocese who was a schoolmate of Msgr. Culleton in Ireland as well as four other priests.
Wires of congratulations were read from the Most. Rev. Joseph H. Schlarman, Bishop of Peoria, who was not present as he had sailed “Tuesday for Europe” and Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen who once served as an assistant at St. Patrick’s. [For more information on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen see his Foundation webpage.]
Public Reception
Approximately 500 persons filled Roosevelt auditorium for the public reception. On the program were four priests representatives of parish groups and students, Mayor Joseph O. Malone, the school and adult choruses, and several solo musicians.
Speakers included the Rev. E.J. Bratowski, pastor of St. Dominick’s church in Wyoming. and Msgr. Culleton’s first assistant at St. Patrick’s, the Rev. William Bouchers of St. Joseph’s in Rock Island, Msgr. Culleton’s former assistant at St. Patrick’s and the Rev. William Gray, present assistant there. The Rev. James M. Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Mark’s church, was master of ceremonies.
Speaking on behalf of the parish trustees were Thomas Whalen and Richard Madigan, who presented Msgr. Culleton with cash gift from the parishioners. After 1950 Msgr. Culleton remained at St. Patrick’s for more than 8 years.
Death
Five days after having suffered a stroke, Msgr. Culleton died on 1 March 1960 in St. Francis’ Hospital in Miami Beach, Florida. Funeral services were held 5 March 1960 in Peoria. Bishop John B. Franz officiated at the Pontifical Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and also at the Office of the Dead the previous evening. The obituary received from Sr. Lea provides that Msgr. Culleton was survived by a nephew, Fr. James Culleton, pastor of St. Louis’ Parish, Princeton; and a cousin, Miss Mary Harte, who was his housekeeper for many years. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery of West Peoria, Illinois. To view Msgr. Culleton’s headstone, see Find a Grave.
The Kilkenny People Obituary
Monsignor Dies—The death has occurred unexpectedly in Florida, United States of the Right Rev. Monsignor Patrick Culleton, native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. He was brother of Mr. Michael Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore and Mr. George Culleton, Ashtown, do., and uncle of Very Rev. James P. Culleton, P.P., Princeton, Illinois, United States. He is also survived by nephews and nieces in South Kilkenny.
The late Monsignor Culleton was born in Glenmore parish in 1877 and was educated in Waterford Christian Brothers schools and at St. John’s College, Waterford where he was ordained on June 14, 1900 at the age of 23. He went on the American mission the same year and his appointment was in the Diocese of Peoria. He served in Waterville, Danville and finally in the city of Peoria. He was made a Domestic Prelate by the late Pope Pius XII.
A kindly priest and untiring worker for the temporal and spiritual welfare of his people Mons. Culleton won a warm place in the hearts of his parishioners where he ministered. He was keenly interested in education and in addition to a church, he also built schools in Peoria and in the city of Peoria where he ministered before his death.
Monsignor Culleton belonged to an old and respected Glenmore family. There was an extremely large attendance of clergy and laity at the obsequies in Peoria where interment took place after Solemn Requiem Office and High Mass. Requiem Office and High Mass were also celebrated in Glenmore Church (Kilkenny People, Sat. 2 April 1960, p. 1).
The Demise of St. Patrick’s of Peoria
In attempting to find a photo of the church where Msgr. Culleton worked for over 37 years, we discovered that St. Patrick’s of Peoria was a red brick building located at the corner of Saratoga and McBean. It was dedicated in 1881. Due to falling numbers St. Patrick’s closed as a Roman Catholic Church in 1976. The parishes of St. Patrick’s combined with St. Joseph’s and used the existing St. Joseph’s building. St. Patrick’s church was advertised as seating 700 was placed on the market for $49,500.
Since 1976 different churches bought the premises and held services in the building until 2023 when the roof collapsed and the building had to be demolished (Tim Shelley, WCBU Local News, 29 July 2023). A sad end for a historic church.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The feature photo above is from Msgr. Culleton’s Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s church of Peoria. Special thanks to Sr. Lia for providing this photo and the photos of Monsr. Culleton. The photo of St. Patrick’s of Danville, Illinois is from an old postcard.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
See generally, Dean Muellerleile, “Historic Collapsed Church in Peoria, IL Tied to Sainthood,” Peoria Journal Star (7 Aug. 2023).
For a brief history of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois click here.
For other cousins of Msgr. Culleton see our post of 5 Aug. 2024.
Survey of Local Holy Wells
We received a request today from Kilkenny for help in locating some local Holy Wells, or any local folklore regarding these Holy Wells. Please note that not all of the Holy Wells on the list are in Glenmore and not all Glenmore Holy Wells are on the list.
1. Davidstown, Tobar Phádraig (well of St. Patrick)
2. Flemingstown (2 x wells)
3. Jamestown, Tobar an tSagairt (well of the priest) (Ballygurrim area)
4. Shanbogh (James Murphy’s Rosbercon Parish history mentions a well to the north-east of the old church, called Loughmans Well (pg. 17), possibly quite close to the old national school; St Fintan’s Well, believed to be west of the old church)
5. Kilbraghan (St. Broghan’s or St. Brochan’s Well, which is also mentioned by James Murphy, pg. 14)
6. Ballyneale (somewhere near the old Dysartmoon Church)
Please feel free to reply below and we will gather up responses, or send any information you may have to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
From Danny’s Files: The Manslaughter of Catherine Fitzgerald of Glenmore, Waterford
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) spent a considerable amount of time in the Waterford Public Library searching old local newspapers for news articles regarding Glenmore. Danny recorded that in the Waterford Mail of Saturday, the 21st of July 1838, Cornelius Fitzgerald was transported for 15 years for the manslaughter of his wife Catherine Fitzgerald, at Windgap, the 25th of March.
It is not apparent from his notes, but it is likely that Danny realized quickly after reading the article that the Glenmore where the Fitzgeralds lived was located in County Waterford. We are featuring the Waterford manslaughter case today because of the insight it provides to crime and justice in the early 19th century. It also serves as a useful contrast to the 1822 manslaughter of Catherine Hanrahan (c. 1798-1822) of Rochestown, Glenmore which we posted on 6 November 2022. Catherine Hanrahan was pregnant and shot in the back by a Waterford bailiff who was sentenced to 6 months for her manslaughter.
Bridget Fitzgerald née Mulcahy (?-1838)
We were unable to locate baptismal or marriage records for Bridget Mulcahy and her husband Cornelius Fitzgerald. We know from the newspaper accounts, of Cornelius Fitzgerald’s trial for the manslaughter of his pregnant wife, that the couple were married about 1833. We were able to locate baptismal records for three children born to the couple: (1) James Fitzgerald was baptized on 10 November 1833; (2) Catherine Fitzgerald was baptized on 11 September 1836, and (3) Cornelius Fitzgerald was baptized on the 22 April 1838. All three of the children were baptized in the parish of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. According to testimony at his father’s trial, Cornelius the youngest child, only lived 4 days. It is not known if either of Bridget’s other known children survived her.
Waterford Assizes July 1838
Some of the convictions of the Waterford Assizes of July 1838 are outlined below. There is a lot of concern today regarding violent crime, but it seems apparent that in 1838 society was very violent. In one month in Waterford there were two convictions for murder, one conviction for manslaughter and a conviction for what today would be an aggravated assault on an elderly man.
At the County Waterford Assizes at the end of July 1838, the following convictions were recorded: Cornelius Fitzgerald, for killing his wife, when in a state of pregnancy, was sentenced to 15 years’ transportation; John Fitzgerald, of Cappa, was convicted for harbouring and maintaining the notorious Connery’s, convicts and prison breakers; William Merman, carpenter, for the murder of his apprentice to be hanged the 4th of August; Martin Kelly, for shooting at, and grievously wounding the late Mr. John Keeffe (who was aged over 80); and John and Patrick Connery, goal breaking, were senteced to 15 years’ transportation (Kerry Evening Post, Wed. 25 July 1838, p. 1).
At the Waterford City Assizes, Andrew English was convicted of stealing sheep and sentenced to 15 years’ transportation. Thus, Cornelius Fitgerald received the same sentence for killing his wife as another man received who stole sheep and two other men received who broke out of prison. Lastly, Thomas McCarthy was convicted of the murder of his wife and sentenced to hang on the 4th of August (Waterford Mail, Sat. 21 July 1838 p. 3). Thomas Carthy (sic) was granted a “respite until further orders” for the murder of his wife. He was recommended to “mercy on account of imbecility of mind” (Waterford Mail, Sat. 4 August 1838, p. 2).
The Trial of Cornelus Fitzgerald
Although the results of his trial were reported widely, the details of the trial were only reported in two Waterford newspapers: The Waterford Mail (Sat. 21 July 1838, p. 2) and the Waterford Chronicle (Sat. 21 July 1838, p. 7). We shall utilise the slightly longer Waterford Mail and place any additional facts or information from the Waterford Chronicle in parentheses.
Cornelius Fitzgerald was put forward, charged with the manslaughter of his wife, Bridget Fitzgerald, at Windgap, on the 25th of March 1838.
The Testimony of Mary Keily/Keife
Mary Keily was sworn and examined by Counsellor Dixon. (The Chronicle reported that Mary Keife, not Keily, was sworn and examined through an interpreter, Mr. Dixon.) It seems likely that all the witnesses and probably the defendant only spoke Irish while the trial was conducted in English. However, the reference to an interpreter was only made regarding the testimony of Mary Keily/Keife.
Mary testified that she knew “the prisoner at the bar” for the last 20 years, and she knew his wife, Bridget Fitzgerald. She explained that the prisoner and his wife lived near her at Glenmore. She stated that the prisoner and his deceased wife were “5 years married.” Before her death the deceased “was in the family way.” Mary stated that Brigid died on “last Easter Monday.” Easter in 1838 fell on Sunday the 15th of April which suggests that Bridget Fitzgerald died on the 16th of April and did not die on the 25th of March as her husband was charged.
Mary testified that she often saw the prisoner strike his wife, but she did not see him strike her for some time before her death. Mary saw him kick his wife and beat her with a rope and an iron back band. Bridget Fitzgerald only lived a short time after her lying in. Mary saw bruises on Brigid on the Good Friday before her death. She also had a cut on her head and blood on it. Mary washed Bridget’s head twice (and both times there was blood in the water.) She saw Brigid’s black back only at the inquest.
Cross Examination of Mary Keily/Keife
Mr. Hassard conducted the cross examination. Mary stated that it was the prisoner that called her to attend his wife during her confinement. He did not go for Bridget’s mother although her mother had been with her the week before her death. The prisoner and a little boy went for the priest, but when the priest arrived Bridget was insensible. The child Brigid bore lived four days after his birth. Mary could not tell at what time Brigid was struck with the backband.
The Testimony of Mrs. Bridget Mulcahy
Bridget Mulcahy was sworn, and examined by Counsellor Scott, Q.C. Bridget testified that she was the mother of the deceased, and that she had been with the deceased a week before her death. When she arrived at the house she went into the room where her daughter was lying, and found her “like a beehive” at the foot the bed. Her daughter told her to look at her head, and “said that she did not consider the pain in her head to be compared with her back.” She told her mother that “she was killed on the Friday before Good Friday,” when struck with bellows that the prisoner threw at her. Her daughter went on to say that “the blood coming from her head made her heart break and that it was her husband that killed her.” Mrs. Mulcahy testified that her daughter was delivered before she died in the week after Good Friday. Mr. Hassard cross-examined this witness, “but nothing material was elicited.”
The Testimony of Doctor Travers
Dr. Travers was examined by Counsellor Porter, Q.C. Dr, Travers testified that he performed a post mortem on the deceased about a week to ten days after she was buried. (He could not recall the date in early May). He found there was an open wound on the head about one inch and quarter long. The wound might have been given the week before the examination. He noted that there was also blackness about the abdomen and on the back. Dr. Travers said “he rather thinks that the wound was occasioned by violence.”
He also stated that there were “no evident marks to occasion the death of the deceased.” While the wound on the head was open, a blow on the abdomen, or on the spine, would be of great injury to person in the state the woman was in. He did not find any coagulated blood on the wound on the head. The doctor opined that the injuries might have brought on premature labour. In the doctor’s opinion, from the state of the womb, the wounds would have caused death. (The Waterford Chronicle reported that the doctor stated that death was caused in his opinion “from all of the circumstances, was, that violence was the cause.”)
(In response to a question from a juror the doctor stated that he thought the injuries caused premature labour.)
The Cross Examination of Doctor Travers
Cross-examined by Mr. Hassard the doctor testified that the midwife could have a better knowledge of the state of the woman because he had not seen the body until seven or ten days after interment. (If he had seen the blackness on the body before burying, he might say that they were not the cause of violence.) (The doctor also stated that if two ignorant women had been attending a person in her confinement, it is not unlikely that there would be more danger in that case.) (In response to another question from a juror the doctor stated that he believed that the woman who attended as a midwife was not usually employed in that way.)
The Verdict & Sentence
The defence did not put forth any witnesses. Mr. Hassard addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner (spoke to evidence, and said that the case was one of very considerable doubt at least. The learned gentlemen proceeded to speak at great length, and with much eloquence on the evidence. )
Mr. Hassard “dealt with the Crown Counsel with some severity for not having brought forward a person of the name of Shea who had been instrumental in ‘exciting’ the prosecution.” This “occasioned some warm expressions between him and Mr. Scott.” The matter was only settled when Mr. Scott explained “the cause for not bringing Shea forward.” The judge having charged the jury, they retired, and in few minutes found a verdict of guilty. (In contrast the Waterford Chronicle reported, the judge charged the jury at very considerable length, who retired for some time, and returned a verdict of guilty).
Cornelius Fitgerald was sentenced to be transported for 15 years.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above is courtesy of wikimedia and depicts the 19th century connvict ship The Neptune. For further reading on transportation see generally, Allingham, “Transportation as Judicial Punishment in 19th Century Britain.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Update: John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
In 1938, just five years before John J. O’Connor’s untimely death, the Citizens Historical Association compiled a book of biographical sketches of Kansas City Citizens. The Citizens Historical Association was organized in Indianapolis in 1934, to establish a national library of historical and biographical information. With a small fee, the company prepared biographical sketches which could include genealogical information on a person’s ancestors. The association disbanded in 1952 and the biographical sketches were sold to the Indiana State Library.
John J. O’Connor was a member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Citizens Historical Association. Thanks to the Kansas City Public Library for copying and sending the biography he wrote in 1938. The helpful library staff also sent a later photo of John J. O’Connor’s business premises of 1104 Union St., Kansas City, Missouri. See our post of 5 August 2024 for further information on the O’Connor family.
Biographical Sketch
The complete sketch is below and retains the abreviations used in the original publication. Non-original additional information has been placed in [ ].
John J. O’Connor, President, O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Co., 1104 Union Street, Kansas City, Missouri (1938)
John J(oseph) O’Connor, b,, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mar. 2, 1886; s. of John Joseph and Brigid (Roche) O’Connor.
John Joseph O’Connor, b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He was a farmer in his native country prior to his death, which occurred in 1912. His wife, Brigid (Roche) O’Connor, who was b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland, died in 1905.
[John O’Connor and Brigid Roche were married at Glenmore on 4 March 1878. John was the son of George O’Connor of Ballyfacey and Brigid Roche was the daughter of Edmond Roche of Rathinure. Brigid “Conners” née Roche died at the family home in lower Balleyfacey on 1 June 1905 at the age of 58. Her son Pat was present when she died of suspected heart disease. Her husband, John “Connors” (widower) farmer died at Ballyfacey on the 16th of November 1911. His son George was present at his death. His age was recorded as 82. A baptismal record was located for John “Conors” the son of George Connors and his wife Catherine Dollard at Ballyfacey on 25 June 1830].]
John J. O’Connor, the subject of this sketch, attended rural grade schs., and the national schs. in Ireland, after which he was a student at Waterpark Coll., in Waterford, Ireland. He came to America in 1905, settling in Kansas City, Mo. and in 1908, graduated from the Kansas City School of Law with an LL.B. deg., after which he passed the bar examination. While attending law sch., he became employed as a bill clerk by the S & S Packing Company, of Kansas City, with which firm he remained 3 yrs.
He then was associated with the Commerce Trust Company, as a tell, three and a half years., following which he was identified with the Flanagan Brothers Manufacturing Company, in Kansas City, 18 mos. Mr. O’Connor subsequently was identified until 1936, with the McManus-Heryer Brokerage Company, of which he was sec., after which he organized the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company, of which firm he is pres. He serves also as a dir. of the South Side Bank. Mr. O’Connor, who is an ind. Democrat, is a mem. of the following: Central Industrial Dist. Assn.; K. of C. (3rd deg.); Ancient Order of Hibernians; Milburn Gold and Country Club; Kansas City Chapter, Citizens Hist. Assn.; and Guardian Angel (Roman Catholic) Church. His hobby is golf.
In Mar. 1912, Mr. O’Connor married Catherine Queenan, who was b. in County Mayo, Ireland. Children: (1) John J., Jr. He married Loretto Fetters, and they reside in Kansas City, Mo. (2) Catherine B., who resides in Kansas City. (3) Margaret Mary, who is employed in the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library. (4) Mary Ellen, who is in school, in Kansas City. (5) Edward Patrick, who also attends school in Kansas City.
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The featured photo above is of 1104 Union Street, the premises of the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company of Kansas City, Missouri.
Website Update–We have added a large number of obits and other information to the family surname pages over the last few weeks. We are currently reviewing the website as we are outgrowing it.
If you have any corretions, additional information or thoughts on the re-structuring of the webpage please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Building the Railway: Glenmore Man’s Remains Unearthed & Another Man Injured
The New Ross Standard, of Friday 27 Feb. 1903 (p. 5) published a sensational article concerning skeletal remains unearthed in Rosbercon on Monday the 23rd of February 1903. While excavating a sewer under the newly laid railway crossing “well preserved bones of what must have been a largely built man when in the flesh.” The same article appeared within days in the Wicklow People (Sat. 28 Feb. 1903) and the Enniscorthy Guardian (Sat 28 Feb. 1903). It was not carried apparently by any of the national papers.
The Centennial Controversy
As the 100th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion approached the old tales and rumours concerning Glenmore man William Gaffney, and his alleged betrayal at the Battle of New Ross, surfaced and led to his headstone in Kilivory (Kilmakevogue) cemetery being broken by vandals. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) in his article entitled “South-east Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” (Decies (Sept. 1983, vol. 24) pp. 14-19)) sarcastically labeled the gravestone vandals “patriots.” For further information on Glenmore in 1798 see our post of 22 February 2020.
Some descendants of William Gaffney were still residing in Glenmore in 1898 and challenged several of the published attacks on their ancestor. Eight decades later, Danny was so impressed with Brigid M. Gaffney’s letter of 28 May 1898 to the New Ross Standard, that he published it in his Decies article. The ear bashing she delivered in 1898 is perhaps the reason the New Ross Standard in its 1903 article stated that it had no desire to hurt anyone’s feelings. For further information on the Gaffney family see our post of 21 August 2023.
“GAFNEY OF GLENMORE, HIS REMAINS UNEARTHED”
SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY AT ROSBERCON. A sensational discovery, which has aroused much public interest, was made at Rosbercon on Monday. A man named Dillon, whilst excavating a sewer-way under the railway crossing, unearthed the well-preserved bones of what must have been a largely-built man when in the flesh. There was evidence of considerable quantity of lime about the remains.
Now whose remains could these be? The “oldest inhabitant” cannot say with certainty. The body of a man could not have got there by accident. How then? It is conjectured, and the belief is strongly held in the locality, that the remains are those of Gafney, of Glenmore, who figured prominently, and to say the least, doubtfully, in the dark days of New Ross in the year 1798, when a brave and glorious, though unsuccessful, struggle was made by the county Wexford insurgents for civil and religions liberty.
We have no desire now to hurt the feelings of anyone, but the discovery of Monday, and the very circumstantial account told, and the widely accepted deduction made, necessitates our reverting to what must be a painful recital to some people. The battle at New Ross, though admittedly one of the most brilliant of the series on the part of the insurgents, was nevertheless the Waterloo of the insurrection, and, like Waterloo, will be rightly or wrongly associated with betrayal. Gafney, of Glenmore, an athletic man, and the leader of the Kilkenny insurgents, had his men nested at Tinneranny before the battle of Ross, and while the engagement was taking place, he moved by a circuitous route towards Glenmore.
His answer for failing to come to the fray was that he did not get the proper signal from Corbet Hill. A few days after the battle he fell into the hands of the military, and was taken to Rosbercon, and there court martialled and shot nearly opposite the very modern castle, and his remains were interred in quick-lime at some some point between the place of execution and the river. We thus see it is very possible that the remains now found are those of the ill-fated Gafney, who, at any rate, can scarcely be acquitted of cowardice.
The key stone of an arch supposed to belong to the old monastery in Rosbercon was found at the head of the remains, which were only about two feet under the footway as one turns into the station from the river side. By the way, the stone in question has been annexed by Paddy Lee, the Boat Club caretaker for the curiosity of the members of that institution.
Unfortunately, the New Ross Standard did not report on what happened to the skeletal remains.
The Glenmore Grave
Danny stated in 2020 that the remains found in Rosbercon were buried in the Gaffney grave in Kilivory (Kilmakevoge) cemetery. No newspaper coverage of this burial could be located, and what steps the authorities took to identify the remains is not known. This event took place long before DNA or other modern forensics. If the remains showed gunshot damage as alleged in the 1903 article it is unlikely the skeleton belonged to William Gaffney. Gaffney in contemporary accounts was hanged not shot by the British in 1798.
The old headstone erected by William Gaffney’s widow still stands with repairs clearly visible. On the grave itself paving like squares, apparently concrete, were added and Danny opined in 2020 that they may have been added to stop further disturbances to the grave.
The marker is inscribed:
Erected by Bridget Gafney alias Dunphy
in memory of her husband Will'm Gafney
who dep'd this life June ye 13th 1798 aged
36 years
Also his father Mich'l Gafney who dep'd
this life Sept ye 26th 1783
Another Railway Injury
In searching for newspaper accounts regarding the remains we came across another serious injury connected with the building of the railway extension line through Glenmore.
On Thursday, the 5th of March, Michael Knox, Nicholastown, Co. Kilkenny, was admitted to the Waterford County Infirmary suffering from severe injuries to the head and face. His injuries were caused by the premature explosion of a blasting charge on the New Ross to Waterford railway extension (Munster Express, Sat. 7 March 1903, p. 5).
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The featured photo above was taken yesterday of the Gaffney grave at Kilivory (Kilmakevoge) Glenmore.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
South Kilkenny Historical Society’s Events for Heritage Week 2024
Below are two local free events for Heritage Week 2024.
Mystery Tour of Carrigeen
Tour Guide: Eoin Walsh
Sunday, August 25th
Starting point and time: St. Kevin’s Church, Carrigeen at 2pm
Free – all welcome
Walking in the footsteps of the O’Neills’ of Owning
Tour Guide: Paddy O’Shea
Saturday, August 31st
Starting point and time: Owning National School at 10.45am
Free – all welcome