April, 2025
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From Danny’s Files: First Passenger Train Through Glenmore [Updated]
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) over seven decades amassed an enormous collection of information concerning Glenmore and nearby areas. Recently work has commenced to attempt to file or refile Danny’s work into accessible files. Below are several articles that were copied into a file that had no name or subject matter attached to it. All the articles concern Glenmore or her people, are from the beginning of the twentieth century and several concern the new railway line that ran through the parish.
The Waterford & New Ross Extension Railway Line
First Passenger Train Through Glenmore
The Evening News (Waterford) on (Wed. 27 April, 1904) reported that 121 years ago today “at six o’clock in the morning the first regular passenger train left Waterford for New Ross over the Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford line. Trains arrived from New Ross at 9 a.m.; 10:30; 2:35 p.m.; 4:30 and 6:10. This service is only temporary, and will continue each week day until the 31st of May, after which date the full train service will be in force.”
Sale of Railway Buildings
The following month the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 20 May 1904, p. 5) advertised the sale of three wooden houses owned by the railway
“To be sold by auction, on Wednesday, 25th May 1904, at 12 o’clock, at Abbeylands, Waterford by direction of Messrs S. Pearson & Son, Ltd., 3 large wooden houses used in connection with the New Ross to Waterford Railway Extension. The houses can be easily removed, and are most suitable for farmers, builders and others. Terms—cash. Thomas Walsh & Son, Auctioneers, The Mall, Waterford.”
Glenmore Robbery After Missing Train
Eight months after the first passenger train went through Glenmore it was reported that an elderly man who missed the last train was robbed.
“A daring highway robbery took place near Glenmore one night last week. It appears an old man named Thomas Fitzgerald, of Glenmore, left the city on his way home and missing the last train for Aylwardstown, he drove on a car as far as Rowe’s gate where he alighted, intending to walk the remainder of the journey. On the way he met a young man who offered to carry his bag, and the old man, being considerably under the influence of drink, allowed him to do so. Another man subsequently came on the scene, and said the police were coming. They then persuaded the old man to get inside a gate, which he did, they following. Fitzgerald sat down and fell asleep, and when he awoke he found himself minus his watch and chain, his bag, and a quantity of silver. On Monday the old man came to Waterford and made an information before Alderman Ward, J.P.” (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Dec. 1904, p. 5).
[Editorial note–3 May 2025, the Rowe family lived in Ballyhobuck on the High Road that runs from Donovan’s Mill through Scartnamore, Ballyhobuck, Rathinure, etc. toward the old GAA pitch. Per the 1901 Census William Rowe (48); and his wife, Ellen Rowe (38) were farming and both born in Co. Kilkenny. They had two servants, Edward Power (30) and Patrick Walsh (30). Edward Power was a native of Waterford and Patrick Walsh was from Cork.
We believe that Thomas Fitzgerald that was robbed was Tommy Fitzgerald (1836- ? ) of Aylwardstown. He was known as “Tommy the Women” because he was married three times. The 1901 Census provides that Thomas Fitzgerald (60) and his wife, Margaret Fitzgerald (46) were farming and had a four year old son James. Thomas and Margaret were married at Glenmore on 12 July 1895. To distinguish the various Fitzgerald families this family had the nic-name of Bryan or Bryant. Jim “Bryant” Fitzgerald (c. 1897-1973) married but had no children. From his father’s first or second marriage he had a half brother who was a priest. }
Waterford and New Ross Railway Extension: Hearing of Traverses at Kilkenny Assizes
At the Kilkenny Assizes last week [March 1903], the Lord Chief Baron was engaged three entire days hearing 18 traverses cases lodged by Mr. Daniel Dunford, solicitor, O’Connell St., Waterford on behalf of the undermentioned tenants, whose lands were compulsorily taken by the Dublin, Wicklow & Waterford Railway Company for the purpose of their new line from New Ross to Waterford.
The amounts awarded by Mr. Abbott, the Arbitrator, as compensation for the value of the land taken and for severance caused dissatisfaction, and on Mr. Dunford’s advice the eighteen tenants for whom he acted consented to him entering traverses. The result has been most gratifying, as all the tenants succeeded in getting very substantial sums for compensation, as will be seen by the following awards, the amount in brackets denoting the compensation awarded by the Arbitrator:–
Daniel Cody, Carrickcloney [£57 19s 6d yearly rent abated £3 9s 2d.] £188 0s 11d.
Reps. Patrick Delahunty, Aylwardstown [£55 19s 4d, rent abated £1 2s 8d]. £160.
Michael Heffernan, Aylwardstown [£20 13s 6d, rents abated 4s 8d] £70
Patrick Morrissey, Aylwardstown [£17 0s 2d, rent abated 7s 10d.] £85
Reps. John J. Morrissey, Aylwardstown [£53 9s, rent abated £1 14s 6d.] £100
Robert Irish, Aylwardstown [4s 6d, rent abated 2s 2d.] Settled with Railway.
Richard Kehoe, Rathinure [£3 18s 1d, rent abated 6s 4d.] £10
Richard Roche, Rathinure [£3 9s 10d, rent abated 5s 4d.] £6
Reps. Martin Roche, Rathinure [£15 8s, rent abated £1 8s.] £45
Elizabeth Roche, Rathinure [£8 5s, rent abated 15s.] £10
James Wall, Rathinure [£5 10s, Rent abated 10s.] £8
John Roche (Pat), Rathinure [13s 6d] £9 10s
Thomas Walsh, Rochestown [£26 15s 4d, rent abated £1 0s 4d] £79
John Roche, Scartnamore [£12 2s, rent abated £1 12s] £30
Thomas Walsh, Ballyrowrah [£25 17s, rent abated £2 7s.] £50
John Donovan, Ballyrowragh [£30 3s 2d, rent abated 15s.] £90
Pat Duggan, Luffany [£4 6s 2d, rent abated 15s.] £23
In addition to the amounts awarded by the jury the abatements of each tenant’s yearly rent were left the same as fixed by the Arbitrator…(Munster Express, Sat. 21 March 1903, p. 1).
Glenmore Wedding, 1902
I wondered why the wedding below was in the file, but it appeared to fit because the bride’s father was one of the plaintiffs in the case outlined above. Additionally, her brother Richard Delahunty (1867-1954) sued the railway after his house was destroyed by fire in 1935 started by the “Hell Fire Jack” steam engine. See our post of 10 October 2021 for further details of the fire and lawsuit.
“MARRIAGE OF MR. JOHN DOLLARD, D.C.—A very happy event took place at Glenmore on Tuesday, when Mr. John Dollard, D.C., Ballytarsney, Mooncoin, and brother to Rev. J.B. Dollard, the famous writer of Gaelic news, was united to Miss Delahunty, Aylwardstown, Glenmore. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by the Rev. Father Walsh, formerly of Clogga, and at present officiating in Canada. A large number of friends witnessed the interesting event (Munster Express, Sat. 16 Aug. 1902, p. 5).
[The bride was Ellen Delahunty of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, daughter of Patrick Delahunty (farmer). The groom, John Dollard (1863-1913) was the son of Michael Dollard (deceased farmer) and Anastatia Quinn. Ellen Delahunty (1877-1954) was born at Glenmore on 7 April 1877 the daughter of Patrick Delahunty and Mary Grant. The groom died in 1913 and the bride died in 1954 after being a widow for 41 years.]
Farmer Injured Working on Railway (1901)
“A great many accidents have occurred on the Ross Railway since operations were commenced there. Last week a farmer named John Murphy met with a serious accident by getting his leg fractured. The railway company had him and his horse and cart employed. It appears when going down an incline near Aylwardstown, with a heavy load on the beast, some of the harness got broken and the animal became restive and attempted to break away. In Mr. Murphy’s attempt to rectify matters he got knocked down, the wheel going over his leg, with the result already related. I am glad to say the poor fellow is progressing favourably (Munster Express, Sat. 25 May 1901, p. 5).
The ”sappers” are having a gay old time of it around Glenmore. They appear to be a jolly fine crowd. Their waltzing on the “Rocky Road” is simply fine (Munster Express, Sat. 25 May 1901, p. 5).
For further information regarding railway related injuries see our post of 12 August 2024 and our post of 8 July 2024.
Other News
Reward for Missing Bullock
“Strayed from the bridge on Monday (Fair Day) a year and a half old red Bullock, with scissors mark K on right hip. Any person giving information of same will be rewarded by Thomas Kelly, Aylwardstown, Glenmore, or at any of the Waterford Police Stations” (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Oct. 1903, p. 4).
Valuable Glenmore Grass Farm For Sale in 1901
“Ballyrowragh, Aylwardstown, Co. Kilkenny—Valuable Grass Farm For Sale. To be sold by auction on Thursday, 17th January 1901, at 12 o’clock, at our salesrooms, the Mall, by direction of G.H. Bloomfield, Esq, JP, his interest in Ballyrowragh, Aylwardstown, containing 72 Statute Acres, for first class grazing land, held yearly at £20. This farm is situated within three and a half miles of Waterford and five of New Ross. For further particulars apply to Thomas Walsh & Son, Auctioneers” (Munster Express, Sat. 12 Jan. 1901, p. 1).
[Editor’s note–Ballyrowragh is not in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. It is a townland in Slieverue.]
Aylwardstown Bicycle Crash in 1903
A bad smash took place at Aylwardstown, Glenmore. On Sunday. James Sullivan, who is a bargeman to Mr. James Farrell, Kilmacow, was riding his bicycle to the coursing meeting when he lost control of the machine and ran into the stone wall at Aylwardstown Lodge. It was feared at first that he was killed, but eventually he recovered sufficiently to be removed on Mr. Hennessy’s car to hospital at Waterford (Munster Express, Sat. 21 Feb. 1903, p. 5).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is the Aylwardstown, Glenmore, train station. For other photos of the Aylwardstown railway station see the Kilkenny Digital Archive. For information concerning a train crash averted by the Aylwardstown Station Master see our post of 5 May 2020.
George Gibson (1817-1897) Agent for a Glenmore Landlord
Last week we highlighted the difficult relationship that the tenants of John L. Conn (1812-1893) of Mount Ida, had with their landlord and his agent George Gibson (1817-1897). Today, we feature the agent George Gibson (1817-1897) including the numerous jobs he held often at the same time and two of his famous kin.
Multiple Jobs
Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce
At the same time George Gibson was John L. Conn’s agent he was also employed as the Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce. In fact, Gibson lived in an apartment in the building owned by the Chamber. Gibson apparently held the post for an extended period and began to call himself esquire. For general historical information on the Waterford Chamber of Commerce see Des Cowman (1988) Perceptions and Promotions: The Role of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, 1787-1987.
As Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce it was noted in 1873 that Gibson gave 5 shillings to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1973, p. 6) while others in the organisation gave £1 or more to the fund. Gibson, by his actions publicly questioned the appropriateness of labelling himself esquire.
Poor Law Rate Collector
In addition to being an agent and Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Gibson was also a collector for the Waterford Poor Law Board of Guardians. Gibson apparently prided himself on being the first collector to close his collection and submit his bill for the work performed. For example, in early December 1873, Gibson attended the Board of Guardians to “close his collection.” “He was the first to close his collection and earned £86 13s. 10d. for his work. He was to collect £3,554 4s. 7d., of which he lodged £3,467 17s. 3d. He proposed that £66 6s. 11d. be struck off as uncollectable and to bring forward into the next rate £20 0s. 5d.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 Dec. 1873, p. 3).
Gibson took his job as collector very seriously. In October 1870 Gibson sued Richard Walsh, BL for £6 1s. 4d. for unpaid poor rates for properties Walsh owned in Ballybricken, Waterford City. Barrister Walsh was not amused and stated in the hearing that Mr. Gibson, “had no well-ascertained place of residence, though styling himself esquire.” This statement caused laughter across the courtroom. Gibson replied that he “might not have a residence to suit the learned gentleman he had given security to the guardians, to a considerable amount, as collector, and was responsible to them, and to his securities, for the correctness of his official acts.” Judgment was entered for Gibson (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 28 Oct. 1870, p. 3).
It was reported in 1879, that due to the high cost of obtaining sureties with the London Guarantee Society, Gibson as collector for the Waterford union, substituted Joseph Ambrose, solicitor, Waterford and Robert Manning, engineer-in-chief, Board of Works, Dublin. The Waterford Board of Guardians unanimously approved (Waterford News, Fr. 17 Oct. 1879, p. 3). As will be shown below Robert Manning was Gibson’s brother-in-law.
Interestingly Conn’s tenants all fell within the Waterford Poor Law Union. Therefore, Gibson if assigned to collect for Glenmore and Mullinavat would have collected from his employer Conn and Conn’s tenants who he already sought rent from. For further information on the Poor Law Guardians and local health care see our post of 25 April 2020.
Auditor for the Waterford & Limerick Railway
The Waterford & Limerick Railway Company employed “George Gibson Esq.” of Waterford as their auditor. In February 1880 Gibson’s term as auditor expired and the Chair and Secretary of the Waterford and Limerick Railway recommended his re-election to the post (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 27 Feb. 1880, p. 3).
Secretary to the Commissioners on Public Works
In 1887, Gibson was 70 years of age and was living at Ely Place, Dublin with his brother-in-law Robert Manning. As Secretary to the Commissioners on Public Works he wrote to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce regarding a scheme for the “Junction of the railways with the Quays, Waterford, and the Bridge Made Free” (Waterford News, Fri 9 Dec. 1887, p. 3). It is not clear if Gibson held other posts at this time.
Famous Brother-in-Law and Niece
Very little of a personal nature could be found regarding George Gibson. He never married. No record of his birth or baptism could be located. No obituary could be found in Waterford or Dublin newspapers. It was only the few lines found regarding his Will that provided the first clues as to his kin.
Gibson, George, 11 January 1898, Administration (with the Will) of the estate of George Gibson late of Waterford County, Waterford, Esquire who died 1 November 1897 at Hampstead, Drumcondra, County Dublin, granted at Dublin to Elizabeth Manning of 4 Upper Ely-place Dublin Spinster, Residuary Legatee Effects £955 14s. 2d. Per the death register George Gibson died on 1 November 1897 at age 81 of a fatty heart.
According to Gibson’s headstone in Mount Jerome, Church of Ireland cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Co. Dublin, Mary Ruth Manning (1853-1930) and Georgina Manning (1862-1956) were his nieces. Elizabeth Manning (1850-1913) was the eldest Manning nieces. The photo of the headstone (provided by Dunlo St. Descendent) and information is available on Find a Grave.
In Memory of George Gibson
Second son of the late George Gibson, of 24 Lr Pembroke St.
Died Nov. 1st 1897, Aged 80 Years
Also of Mary Ruth Manning, Who died January 27th, 1930,
Second daughter of the late Robert Manning M? CE,
And niece of first named George Gibson.
Also of her youngest sister, Georgina Eleanore Manning
Who died July 10th?, 1956, In her 93rd? year
Robert Manning (1816-1897)
Robert Manning married Susanna Gibson (1817-1894) of Newtown, Waterford on 7 March 1848 at Waterford. The bride and groom were members of the Church or Ireland. George Gibson was one of the witnesses. According to the biography of Robert Manning (1816-1897) the bride and groom were second cousins. Manning was brought to County Waterford in 1826 by his mother after the death of her husband. They resided with her elder brother John Stephens, Esq. near Passage East. For a concise biography of Robert Manning (1816-1897) see, the Dictionary of Irish Architects. For further details see, Ask Ireland.
Robert Manning had no formal training in hydraulics, but is best known today for his formula that is still used today. Robert Manning systematically investigated the formulas that existed for evaluating open channel flow of water. “He used each formula for a given slope and hydraulic radius between 0.25 metres and 30 metres. After finding the mean value of all the velocities, he developed his formula that was the best fit for the data. The formula was proposed to the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland in December 1889.” In 1891 he wrote a scientific paper which contained his formula. This paper was published in the Transactions of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Enviro Engineer webpage).
Robert Manning died on 9 December at 4 Upper Ely Place. He was in his 82nd year. He was buried in Mount Jerome cemetery (Evening Herald of Fri. 10 Dec. 1897, p. 1). Thus the brother-in-laws died within a month of each other.
Suffragette Georgina Manning (1862-1956)
Georgina Manning (1862-1956) a suffragette, was the youngest daughter of Robert Manning and his wife Susanna Manning née Gibson. Georgina Manning graduated from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. For many years she taught piano and harmony at the Rathmines Ladies’ Collegiate Boarding and Day School in Leinster Square. In 1907, she became a professor of music at Pleasant’s School for Protestant Orphan Females in Camden Street and earned £20 per annum.
In 1908, the Irish Women’s Franchise League was founded and Georgina joined the organisation. In March 1913 Georgia in a protest of John Redmond not supporting the vote for women threw paint on the bust of John Redmond at the Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition. RTE covered the event in “Century Ireland 1913-1923”.
Georgina was arrested and convicted. She was fined 20 shillings and 5 shillings for damage to the bust. Georgina was given a week to pay the fine. She stated she would not pay and was prepared to go to jail. At the time her eldest sister Elizabeth died, and Georgina paid the fine and damages. As a result of her actions she lost her job notwithstanding the fact that the school offered to reinstate her if she promised not to perform future militant acts. She would not so promise, but apparently never again engaged in a militant act (Denise Dowdall, (2018) historyeye.ie, “Georgina Manning: The Woman Who Threw Paint Over John Redmond.”
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny Files: Glenmore Landlord John Lambly Conn (1812-1893)
While reading articles that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) copied into his files I came across an interesting article. Less than a year after the Glenmore Land League formed in 1880 an agent for a notorious Glenmore landlord was abused on a train journey to and from Kilkenny City. In researching the events leading up to this event there were several cases where this landlord sued his tenants and the tenants sued this landlord. The Glenmore landlord was John Lambly Conn (1812-1893) of Mount Ida, Rochestown, Glenmore. His agent was George Gibson (c.1817 -1897).
Thanks to Martin Forristal we know quite a bit about the bigamist Conn of Mount Ida, Rochestown, Glenmore. Today, we are going to focus on the cases Conn brought against his tenants as well as some cases the tenants brought against Conn.
For information on Conn see Martin Forristal’s 2019 article “Mount Ida.” For information on the Glenmore Land League and the thwarted Ballyfacey Evictions see our post of 8 March 2020.
Thomastown Quarter Sessions
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 July 1881, p. 4) reported on several cases involving John Lambly Conn, of Mount Ida. Conn was suing one tenant and being sued by four of his tenants.
Murtagh Kearney
Murtagh Kearney was sued for £14 12s. 6d. alleged to be owed for one years’ rent on part of the lands of Carrignurra, Slieverue.
Thomas Walsh, Thomas Roche, Thomas Denn, & Simon Denn
The other four tenants were suing Conn in the following amounts: Thomas Walsh, £5 12s. 8d; Thomas Roche, £4 19s; Thomas Denn, £5 6s. 10d.; and Simon Denn, £5 18s. 9d. The four tenants were suing for money they paid during the preceding six years, being the landlord’s proportion of the poor rates in respect of part of the lands of Carriganurra.
George Gibson, Conn’s agent, argued that there was an agreement between Conn and his tenants by which the tenants were to pay all the poor rates. This was based on the fact that under a previous landlord the tenants were to pay all the poor rates and Conn simply continued the practice.
The Justice noted that it was a “miserable thing to see those petty disputes between landlord and tenant, and advised that these cases should be settled, suggesting that both should withdraw their processes.” Ultimately it was agreed that Conn would allow half the poor rates, and no costs to either side. It seemed out of character for Conn to agree to the judge’s proposal, however within a couple of months at least two of the tenants’ farms were sold in a Sheriff’s sale in Kilkenny City.
Martin Cody v. John L. Conn
Martin Cody, of Kilcolum, claimed £528 3s. 4d, for permanent improvements and buildings under sections 3 and 4 of the Land Act. Thomas F. Strange, solicitor, appeared for the plaintiff Cody.
Section 4 of the Land Act entitled a tenant holding under a lease for lives or 31 years to make a claim for reclamation of lands on being disturbed. The lease was dated 18 April 1812, and covered 59 acres, 3 roods, (Irish measure) of lands of Rochestown. The lease was for the lives of three persons—Thomas Walsh, Judith Walsh, and Thomas Walsh, Jr. at a yearly rent of £65 3s. About 1840, Thomas Walsh Jr. divided the lands between his two sons, Thomas and James. Thomas received 45 acres and James 24 acres at an annual rental of £24, or £1 per acres. Shortly after the division the father, Thomas Walsh died.
In October 1878 James Walsh erected slated buildings. Previous buildings were thatched. At said time Hannah Walsh the daughter of Thomas Walsh married Martin Cody. James Walsh assigned his lands to Thomas Walsh. James Walsh died in October 1879 and Thomas Walsh survived until May 1880.
Conn claimed that per the lease he was entitled to take up the lands now in the possession of the plaintiff Martin Cody. Conn served a notice of ejectment and plaintiff sued for disturbance.
After Martin Cody testified that he had gone onto the land as a son-in-law and had been in possession for 3 years Conn told the court that he was willing to do whatever was fair and reasonable to effect a settlement. The Court replied, “I think it would be desirable that the parties should come to some settlement.” Cody stated he did not wish to leave the land and had written several letters to George Gibson, but had no reply. The judge then said that he would grant the tenant a lease for 31 years dating from 1 May 1881. The lease would contain two clauses—one was against alienation and sub-letting, the other gave the tenant the power to sale his interest to one person only.
The Judge then praised Mrs. Cody for the clean, orderly manner, in which she kept her house, he admired the cleanliness of her dairy and everything he saw reflected the “greatest credit on the young couple…”
Sheriff’s Sale
Two months later a letter was sent to the editor of the Munster Express (Sat. 10 Sept. 1881, p. 4) where the author disputed a statement George Gibson, as agent made that “no tenants were compelled to leave for nonpayment of rent.” The author queried where are the Haberlins and Murphys? “’Tis a fact that these poor tenants were forced to leave because they would not consent to pay the unjust and exorbitant rent imposed upon them through the agency of George Gibson.” It was asserted that they never went into arrears but were forced to leave because the new rent they could not pay.
At this time a Sheriff’s Sale was held in Kilkenny. The principal sale involved the sale of 11 tenant’s farms situated in the Granagh and Kilmacow areas. The landlord was Thomas Redington Roche, of Athenry and Gerald O’Connor was his agent. On the day of the sale Kilmacow residents led by their curate Rev. P. Doyle and the Rev. M. Cody, C.C. of Slieverue boarded the train for Kilkenny City. Fr. Cody was a native of Carrigcloney, Glenmore and had been the previous year arrested for his Land League activities.
Train to Kilkenny City
“Scarcely had the train reached the platform when the news spread that Geoge Gibson…who happens to be agent to Mr. J.L. Conn, of Mount Ida—a gentleman not at present on the most amicable terms with his tenantry” was on the train. At every station along the route, most discordant sounds were blown, from the very bass instruments of the bands into the compartment where Gibson sat. Salutations were made to Gibson in the “native vocabulary” that were not comforting, re-assuring or grateful.
On arrival at the Kilkenny platform, Gibson was roughly handled. He was jostled about. The cabs and carmen were threatened with boycotting if they carried him anywhere. Gibson with the “meekness and humility for which he is remarkable, sallied forth, bag in hand…” to a hotel for breakfast. In 1881 Gibson was about 64 years of age.
The Kilmacow band paraded the streets playing national airs. They bore several “handsome banners with national and Land League mottoes.” Around noon the band noticed that the agents for the sales were gathering. The band members marked their disapproval by using the large drum and other instruments to produce a disagreeable noise. The crowd followed, the band shouting and hooting. The agents were evidently terrified of the wrath of the band and crowd.
Conn Properties Sold
Two of Conn’s properties were mentioned in the newspaper account. Andrew Den’s farm was offered for sale. Rev. P. Cody objected to the tenant not being allowed half the poor rates this year as in other years, and because it was an unsettled point he protested the sale. Notwithstanding his protest the sales proceeded. Andrew Den purchased his farm for £34 11s. and Simon Den purchased his farm for £35 17s.
Shortly thereafter the sales were abandoned when the priests began filing written objections to the remaining sales. George Gibson then made a reference to Rev. P. Doyle. Fr. Doyle responded, that “Any observations you have to make let the whole court hear it. You have treated the tenants in the most barbarous manner.
Train to Waterford
On the train journey back to Waterford, Gibson was the object of great hostility. No other passenger would enter the carriage where he was seated. At every station along the route he was serenaded through the windows with the most discordant sounds. It “must have sounded like the war-whoop of a band of Sioux Indians.”
Upon arriving at Waterford, George Gibson was subjected to severe jostling and bugle blasts. All car and omnibus drivers were told not to convey him to the City. Eventually with police protection he was taken to a room in the station. He stayed there until the crowds dispersed between eight and nine p.m.. He was then escorted by the RIC to his apartments in the Chamber of Commerce.
In our next post we shall highlight how many hats (jobs) George Gibson had, his famous brother-in-law as well as his suffragette niece.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
More Glenmore Post Cards [Updated]
Jackie Walsh shared two postcards and a photo from her collection. If you have never visited Jackie’s facebook page “Glenmore Memories” it is well worth a visit for the lovely old photos.
Post Card 1
This postcard is from 1912. It provides a good view of the buildings that once stood between the Mullinahone Road and Fluskey’s shop and post office. Today, all that remains is Fluskey’s (which is a private dwelling) and to its left Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) house. No longer standing: (1) the Dispensary; (2) Gaffney’s house & shop (later Lizzie J.K.’s); and (3) Gaffney’s Mill.
See our post of 25 April 2020 regarding the Glenmore Dispensary. For further information on Gaffney’s Mill see our post of 6 April 2025. See our post of 28 May 2020 regarding the Fluskey family.
Glenmore Photo
It is not known when this photo was taken. Given the car depicted it was likely taken in the 1940’s or 1950’s. The people are gathered in front of Fluskey’s. Do you recognise any of these people?
[Update–James Grace noticed that the wall at the bridge (to the left of the stage) was repaired. He believes the photo was taken after Michael Murphy (1930-1974) of Robinstown, Glenmore, lost control of his experimental tractor, crashed through the wall and ended up in the stream. James was an apprentice at Duggan’s when this occurred. See our post of 27 June 2020 for more information regarding the runaway tractor of June 1953. Thus this photo was taken after June 1953.]
To the right of the photo is the stage house built by landlord Dr. Mackesy, to store corn. The stage allowed for wagons to be loaded easily, and politicians used the stage for addressing local people. This stone building was removed to allow for the construction of the Sallies housing development. The stone building to its left and across the stream is the coach house which still stands in Cappagh townland. See our post of 4 March 2025 regarding landlord Dr. Mackesy.
Post Card 2
This postcard is also undated. Two children are in front of Danny Dowling’s house and someone is standing in the doorway. No graffiti is apparent on Fluskey’s wall. It appears that the Village pump which once stood (in front of the current Glen Bar) is not apparent in this photo. This suggests that the photo was taken after 1931 when the Village pump was removed due to pollution.
See our post of 23 May 2020 regarding the village pumps and water scheme. See our post of 9 April 2020 regarding Glenmore Village in the 1930’s.
Request From Reader
We have a reader who wonders if anyone has photos or a postcard depicting the old bus stop area at the top of the Churns. He recalls that there was a finger sign that had “Glenmore 1/4.”
For other postcards of Glenmore see our posts of 22 January 2025 and 29 January 2025.
Please send any corrections, further information or other old photos or post cards of anywhere in Glenmore to glenmore.history@gmail.com . Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sharing these postcards and photo.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The First Gold Glenmore Sign
On the 17th of March, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the death of Glenmore historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021), Glenmore Tidy Towns and glenmore-history.com placed a historical sign at the site where Gaffney’s Mill once stood. This is the first of several planned signs to be posted in the parish. If you stop to look at the sign please look at the stone beneath it. The stone had a date inscribed in it (1810), but the stone when re-used for the pier was placed upside down. Another Glenmore mystery.
Apologies for my tardy posting, but a couple days later my better half and I were off on a cruise to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
Information Provided: Gaffney’s Mill
This mural, painted by artist Graham Carew, represents Gaffney’s Mill that stood behind this wall. Gaffney’s Mill was one of 3 mills shown in Glenmore Parish on the historical survey map of the 1830’s. The mills included: Grace’s Mill in Mullinahone, Forristal’s Mill in Graiguenakill and Gaffney’s Mill here in the Village. The Gaffney family operated the mill until around 1900. The mill had a water wheel which was powered from a supply of water in a mill pond which was located behind the mill. This water was sourced from the stream that flows through the village, partly diverted at Mullinahone into a mill race. A man-made canal ran parallel to what’s known as the Mill Road. The water was released on demand and flowed back to the stream via an underground duct. In addition to a corn mill a linen mill was also operated on this site utilizing flax grown in Ballyverneen.
It is not clear when Gaffney’s Mill began operating, but it was in operation in 1798. The local leader of the United Irishman was William Gaffney (c.1763-1798) of Gaffney’s Mill. He was captured by British soldiers and hanged on the 5th of June 1798. His remains were discovered in an unmarked grave in Rosbercon over a century later with the building of the rail link between New Ross and Waterford. William Gaffney’s remains are now buried in Kilivory Cemetery, Kilmakevoge, Glenmore.
At the bottom of the sign are two GRC codes to direct readers to posts containing further information on glenmore-history.com including local events during 1798 and the discovery of William Gaffney’s remains.
Attendees
Future Glenmore Signs
Plans are underway to post signs marking the carriage house; the Ballyverneen brick pits; the Glenmore Barracks; and the the site of the first St. James’s Church. Please send on any suggestions for additional historical signs to glenmore.history@gmail.com or contact Glenmore Tidy Towns via its facebook page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
