March, 2026
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An Unusual Glenmore Grave: The Brereton Family
In 2020, during the COVID lockdowns, two Glenmore History volunteers photographed all existing headstones in the graveyard adjacent to St. James’s in Glenmore Village. We also transcribed the inscriptions which were legible and uploaded the photos and transcriptions to our webpage as well as to Find-a-grave. Recently we have started to update the information and to verify dates of births and deaths with Parish records and the Death Register.
It is surprising how many dates inscribed on the headstones are incorrect. This is probably due to the fact that headstones were often erected years after the recorded death. We were also surprised how many people from Waterford and elsewhere are buried in Glenmore. In most cases their family originated in Glenmore. However, there is at least one headstone with no known family connection to Glenmore. It is the Brereton headstone that is at the back of the Church, about three rows from the back footpath in the centre.
In researching this family we came across some interesting facts with only one being connected directly to Glenmore, namely Margaret Brereton who died on 21 March 1871 in Cappagh, Glenmore. The headstone has her date of death as 15 March 1871. We shall highlight information on all four of the Brereston family members recorded on the Glenmore stone and others in the family which provides insight into an 1897 stabbing in New Ross.
The Brereton Headstone of Glenmore
In memory of Michael Brereton who died Oct 23rd 1887 aged 66 years
Also his beloved wife Catherine Brereton who died January 7th 1888 aged 59 years
Also his daughter Margaret Brereton who died March 15th 1871 aged 20 years
Also their son Michael Brereton who died 14th Feb 1919 aged 64 years
Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
It was easy to learn that Michael Brereton (Sr.), (c. 1819-1887) was a retired R.I.C. officer. In some newspaper accounts he is referred to as a constable and in others he is referred to as a Sergeant. Whatever his rank it does not appear that he was assigned or worked in Glenmore. We have attempted to track his assignments based on where his children were born.
From the R.I.C. records [database R.I.C 1816-1921] it appears that Michael Brereton joined the force in 1839 at the age of 20, and he was born in Tipperary. Thus, he was born about 1819 in Tipperary. Efforts to locate a baptismal record for Michael were not successful, but we note several Brereton baptisms taking place at Roscrea within ten years of his suspected year of birth.
On 21 November 1847 in the Parish of Conna, in County Cork, Michael Brereton married Catherine O’Neill. We believe this to be the correct place of his marriage based on the birth of their children. Michael served in Cork from at least 1847 to sometime before 1865 when he was transferred to Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny.
While stationed at Rosbercon, Michael Brereton was involved in a few cases involving Glenmore residents. For example, on 29 July 1871, Michael Brereton brought charges against John Hanrahan [1843-1921], of Robinstown, [Glenmore] cooper; William Barry, of Carrigcloney, [Glenmore] labourer; and Patrick Bergin of Millbanks, for committing a breach of the peace by assaulting each other at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Retirement from RIC
After Michael retired from the R.I.C. he moved from Rosbercon to New Ross and opened a shop and eventually a pub on the Quay. The Wexford People, (Wed. 27 July 1881, p. 3) noted that “The application of a Mr. Brereton for a licence for the sale of spirituous liquor until the October Sessions was granted.” His permanent license was granted in late October 1881 (Wexford People, Wed. 16 Nov. 1881, p. 8). Soon the corner where his business was located became identified in police reports as Brereton’s corner (Wexford People, Wed. 10 Dec. 1890, p. 7 & Wexford People, Wed. 19 Aug. 1891, p. 7). We believe the business was located at the corner of the Quay and Mary Street.
Michael died on 23 October 1887 and left his entire estate to his eldest son Thomas. No obituary could be located for Michael, but a death notice was located in the Wexford Independent (Sat. 29 Oct. 1887, p. 3). “October 23, at New Ross, aged 66, Michael Brereton late Head Constable, Royal Irish Constabulary. R.I.P.” About ten weeks after Michael died his wife of Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross.
Catherine Brereton née O’Neill (c. 1829 -1888)
The Glenmore headstone merely notes that Catherine Brereton is the wife of Michael (Sr.) and died shortly after Michael Sr. died. Without her father’s name being recorded on the marriage license we were unable to verify her baptism as O’Neill was a common name in the Parish of Conna, Co. Cork. Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross. She was the mother of at least 9 children.
Known Children of Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
[1] Catherine Brereton was baptized at Ballynascurclogy?, Co. Cork on 2 December 1848. She married James Sweeney, policeman of Rosbercon on 12 October 1871 at Rosbercon, about 7 months after her sister Margaret died in Glenmore. Catherine’s first child, Mary Sweeney, was born at Rosbercon on 29 June 1872.
[2] Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) was baptized at Sandrum, Co. Cork on 7 September 1850.
[3] Thomas Brereton (1860-1938) was born in County Cork [1901 Census]. Thomas Constable Brearton (sic) was baptized at Liscarroll, Cork on 15 December 1860 the son of Michael Brearton and Kate O’Neil.
[4] Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919) was baptized 3 March, 1855, at Churchtown, Co. Cork. Per the 1911 Census he was born at Liscarroll, Co. Cork.
[5] Mary Brereton was baptised 4 April 1858 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[6] John Brereton was baptized 2 August 1863 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[7] Susan Brereton was baptized at Liscarroll, Co. Cork, on 1 October 1859.
[8] Frances Brereton (1865-1948) was born on 9 March 1865 at Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny. She is believed to have worked as a schoolmistress and never married. The Irish Press (13 March 1948, p. 14) published the following death announcement: “DEATHS—Brereton (late of New Ross)—March 11, 1948 at St. Joseph’s, Portland Row. Frances Brereton; deeply regretted R.I.P. Funeral from above at 9:30 o’c this (Saturday) morning to Glasnevin.”
[9] Bridget Brereton was born on 20 March 1868 at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Margaret Brereton (1850 -1871)
Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) died on 21 March 1871 of inflammation of the bowels at Cappagh, Glenmore. She was ill for two weeks. According to the death register she was employed as a schoolmistress, and at the time of her death Elizabeth Brereton was present. The register does not state what relation, if any, Elizabeth was to Margaret.
Margaret was obviously the first of the family to die and be buried in Glenmore. However, the headstone does not commence with her death. The headstone commences with Michael Sr.’s name. Thus, it appears that one or more of the children had the stone erected after the death of their parents in 1887/1888 at least 16 years after Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871.
Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919)
Michael Brereton (Jr.) enlisted in the R.I.C. in 1873 in Cork at the age of 18. It is not clear why Michael enlisted in Cork, but he was born at Liscarroll, Cork and it appears that his mother’s people were also in Cork. (R.I.C. Pensions 1873-1925). On 7 September 1885, Michael married Ellen Moran of New Ross at New Ross. At the time of the wedding Michael was stationed with the R.I.C. at Suir Castle, Tipperary. Ellen Moran (c. 1860-1910) was the daughter of Pierce Moran, a New Ross shopkeeper. Michael listed his father Michael as a shopkeeper.
At the time of Michael’s retirement from the R.I.C, in 1899, the New Ross Standard published a short article concerning his career. “MR. MICHAEL BRERETON, NEW ROSS—Not every man on severing his connection with the police force get such a hearty godspeed as did Mr. Michael Brereton, New Ross. Down in Tipperary Mr. Brereton spent the majority of his years in the force, and though during the land war, very strained relations subsisted between the police and people of that county. Mr. Brereton was one of the few members of the R.I.C. who held the confidence and respect of the people. That such was the fact was amply testified by the testimonial which the leading Nationalists of Cashel and Killenaule presented him on his departure, an account of the pleasant little function pertaining to which was published last week” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 17 June 1899, p. 5).
In the 1901 Census Michael was 45 years of age and listed for his occupation that he was an Ex RIC Sgt. and Merchant’s Clerk. He was born in County Cork. From his R.I.C. records we know his last posting was at Carlow and he was receiving his pension at New Ross. In 1901, his wife, Ellen (c. 1860-1910) was 40 and their three sons were: Michael P. Brereton (14); George Thomas Brereton (12); and Terence Henry Brereton (3). All three of their sons were born in Tipperary.
In 1910, Ellen died. A brief death announcement was placed in the Irish Independent, (Sat. 12 Nov. 1910, p. 6) as follows: “BRERETON—Nov. 7, 1910 at her residence Robert St., New Ross, Ellen, the beloved wife of Michael Brereton, ex-Sergeant, R.I.C., deeply regretted.”
In the 1911 Census, Michael was a widower. Only his youngest son, Terence was living with him on Robert St., New Ross. He had three men boarding with him and 1 servant. Michael (Jr.) died 14 February 1919. It is not clear why he was buried in Glenmore rather than with his wife.
School Teachers
We know that at the time of Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871 she was employed as a school teacher. It is assumed since she died in Cappagh, Glenmore that she was employed in the Robinstown National School in Glenmore Village. Through newspaper searches we have found that at least two of her sisters were employed as school teachers in the New Ross Workhouse.
In 1875, the New Ross Union advertised for a Schoolmistress “at the salary of £25 per year with rations and apartment. Candidates who may offer for the above situation must produce Testimonials showing they are at least First or Second or Third class teachers under the National Board of Education, and who are otherwise qualified and competent to fill the office. Candidates personal attendance indispensable” (Wexford People, 23 Jan. 1875, p. 1).
The Wexford People (Wed. 23 Nov. 1881, p. 3) in 1881 published the following article regarding Frances filling in for her sister. “New Ross –a letter was read from the Local Government Board respecting Miss Frances Brereton, whom the Board of Guardians have elected to take charge of the female school of the workhouse during the absence of a few months of her sister, the schoolmistress, at a training school of the National Education Board in Dublin. Because Frances was not more than 17 she was deemed too young to be placed in such a position. The Board’s Inspector, Mr. Hamilton suggested that the schools be amalgamated and placed under the charge of the infant school teacher, during the absence of the schoolmistress, and that Miss Frances Brereton should be employed as monitress. The suggestion was approved.” [Unfortunately we could not locate the name of Frances’s sister who was the schoolmistress for the New Ross workhouse.]
The Brereton Shop & Pub of New Ross
As stated above, Michael (Sr.) left his entire estate to his eldest son, Thomas. Newspapers in the 1890’s identify Thomas Brereton, as a clerk in the employment of Cherry Brother’s brewery (Wexford People, Wed. 13 May 1891, p. 7). A few years later Thomas Brereton was identified as the manager of that establishment and it was noted that he also had a pub on the Quay. On the night of 21 August 1897, Bernard Sweeney assaulted Thomas Brereton by stabbing him with a knife and inflicting grievous bodily harm (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 9 Oct. 1897, p. 3). Thomas Brereton had left the pub and was listening to an open air concert when Sweeney demanded money from him. Brereton refused to give him any money and Sweeney slashed and stabbed him with a knife.
Bernard Sweeney was charged with the attempted murder of Thomas Brereton. Sweeney plead guilty. Dr. Meehan testified that Thomas Brereton was carried in by two men. He was bleeding profusely and had two wounds on the scrotum and one on the inside of his thigh. Brereton’s life was endangered for 3 weeks and he was confined to bed for 1 month. Sweeney was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for the assualt (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 27 Nov. 1897, p. 5).
The 1901 Census reveals that Thomas Brereton was recorded as being 38 when he was actually 41. He was single, a shopkeeper and had three unmarried sisters residing with him. Susan Brereton was 37 and it was recorded that she was a shopkeeper. Frances Brereton (35) and Bridget Brereton (32) were recorded as housekeepers.
No marriage records could be located for Thomas or his three sisters after 1901. They were not found in the 1911 Census. A newspaper search revealed that in 1903 Thomas sold his liquor license. “Richard Doherty of 30 Barronstand St. in Waterford applied to have the license to be transferred to him from Thomas Brereton of the Quay New Ross.” He described the premises as being on the “right hand side of the street leading from the Quay to Mary Street,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 October 1903, p. 7).
Thomas Brereton, late of New Ross, died 17 March 1932, died in County Home, Enniscorthy in 1932 at age 76.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Plight of Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Today, we are going to highlight false public accusations made 205 years ago against an Aylwardstown, Glenmore man, Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860). In order to put the events into context we shall provide background information concerning the magistrates and policing in 1821. We have attempted to utilize the quaint language and spellings published in the 1821 Waterford newspaper covering the events.
Background
In Ireland magistrates were the primary instruments of the law for dealing with the disorder in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Under various legislation enacted by successive governments magistrates were given wide powers to search for arms as well as the right to grant or withdraw licenses for citizens to hold weapons. Magistrates were able to search houses if they suspected arms were concealed or if an occupant was absent at night. They were also empowered to question suspects against the threat of unlimited imprisonment. Although such powers allowed ample opportunity for abuse, they “seem to have been rarely used” (Virginia Crossman (1991) “Emergency Legislation and Agrarian Disorder in Ireland, 1821-41,” 21(1) Irish Historical Studies, 309-323).
Magistrates in execution of their duties could call on the army stationed in the countryside. A country-wide policing force, the county constabulary was created in 1822, although not every county was covered until 1825. These officers became the Royal Irish Constabulary. “County magistrates provided the lynchpin of the peacekeeping apparatus. (Crossman, p. 312). In 1822, the Insurrection Act was resurrected after troops and peace preservation police and the opening of a special commission failed to stop agrarian outrages in the south-west (Crossman, p. 313).
“Both the Insurrection Act and the suspension of habeas corpus were tried and trusted remedies in Ireland. Habeas corpus was suspended from 1797-1802 and from 1803-1806, and the Insurrection Act had been in force from 1795 to 1802, and 1807 to 1810 and from 1814 to 1818.” The original sentence for breach of the Insurrection Act was a death sentence for anyone administering an unlawful oath and transportation for anyone taking an unlawful oath (Crossman, p. 314).
The Kilmacow Rumour: The Night of 15/16 December 1821
What appears to have kicked off Richard Fitzgerald’s troubles was a rumour of armed men in Kilmacow. The Waterford Mirror reported “[w]e regret to find the strongest ground for suspecting that last Saturday night, or Sunday morning, there was, at or about Kilmacow, an illegal assemblage, or rather visit or procession, of armed men on foot. It was supposed by many that the men belonged to the police of a neighbouring Barony; but enquiry had completely falsified that supposition” (Waterford Mirror, Wed. 19 Dec. 1821, p. 3). This rumour at the end of the month was refuted by the parishioners of Kilmacow and Dunkitt (Waterford Mail, Wed. 28 Dec. 1821).
The Magistrates’ Search: 17 December 1821
On Monday, the 17th of December, John Snow and Henry Alcock, Esqrs., with a party of the 86th Regiment, made a general search for arms through that part of County Kilkenny, situate between Glanmire (sic) and Bishop’s Hall, by Tory Hill, and obtained six stand, which they lodged in the Tower of Waterford (Waterford Mirror, Wed. 19 Dec. 1821, p. 3). It appears that the two Magistrates were motivated by the Kilmacow rumour to search the local Kilkenny countryside for arms.
In attempting to discover how many arms represents six stand we found two possible explanations. One explanation is that a stand represents the complete kit a soldier requires. Thus, a stand would indicate a firearm, powder and ammunition and a bayonet. Another possible explanation was that it represented how weapons were stored or stood together. This usually reflected a minimum or three firearms. So either six or eighteen (or more) arms were taken in Kilkenny and stored in the Tower of Waterford.
Within a week of their searches the two magistrates sent a letter to the Editor of the Waterford Mirror, dated Christmas Eve. “We beg you will insert, for the information of the Public, the inclosed (sic) Affidavit, made by a disinterested person, who happened to be confined in the Tower the night Fitzgerald was there. This and other information we have on oath, and which we cannot now disclose, respecting the present state of the County Kilkenny, induced us to make a search for arms, knowing it to be dangerous to the peace of the county to have arms in it, which could be easily obtained by improper persons.”
The Affidavit of Anne Fitzgerald: Dated 18 December 1821
“Anne Fitzgerald came this day before me, and voluntarily made Oath on the Holy Evangelists, and saith(sic)—That on Monday morning last, when this Informant was confined in the Tower at Waterford, she was there told by a man of the name Richard Fitzgerald, also confined there, that he had a large faction in County Kilkenny, and that they had plenty of Ammunition. Informant also heard him mention the names of several persons of the very worse character, as being comrades of his. Particularly that noted bad character Captain Grant, who was hanged some time since, and told Informant that he belonged to Captain Grant’s gang, and that he used often to ride with him from Tipperary to Wexford. Sworn before me this 18th day of December 1821. Signed, Henry Alcock and Anne Fitzgerald made her mark” (Saunders’s News-Letter, Thurs. 27 Dec. 1821, p. 3). [For further information on the infamous highwayman Jerimiah Grant (1785-1816) a/k/a Captain Grant see, Grant on Line.]
Richard Fitzgerald wasted little time responding to the allegation made by Anne Fitzgerald. He wrote a letter to the Editor of the Waterford Mirror and attached his affidavit and a character reference. All three documents were published in the Waterford Mirror (Sat. 29 Dec. 1821).
Richard Fitzgerald’s Letter to the Editor of 26 December 1821
“Sir—I have seen in your independent paper of the 24th instant, a paragraph setting forth an affidavit made by a woman of the name Anne Fitzgerald, then confined in the Tower of Waterford, (I believe not for her good behaviour), lest the public might be led to believe it true, I beg you will have the goodness to insert in your useful columns, the annexed Affidavit and Characters, which, I trust will be sufficient to refute any further aspersions thrown out against me by her, or any prejudiced person who may be so infatuated to act as she had done. I remain, Sir, your very humble Servant, Richard Fitzgerald.”
Affidavit of Richard Fitzgerald of Midway House, Glenmore
“Midway House, Dec. 26
County Kilkenny
Before one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for said County. Richard Fitzgerald, of Midway House in said County, farmer and publican, being duly examined and sworn on the Holy Evangelists, deposeth and saith, that he never told Anne Fitzgerald, when confined in the Tower of Waterford, that the Parish of Glenmore (or any other place) was any way disturbed, nor that he knew where there were any arms or ammunition, etc. The he did not tell her any thing respecting that notorious character, Captain Grant, but only this, that she, the said Anne Fitzgerald, asked him if he knew Captain Grant? He, informant, told her he had once seen him, as he rode through the County Kilkenny pursued by the Waterford Constables. Informant farther swears, that he never spoke a single sentence to the aforesaid Captain Grant; that he never rode with him in his life; that he never in Tipperary, and but once in Wexford; that he knows no more of Captain Grant’s adherents than he knew of himself; that the old carbine found in his house he never intended to conceal; that he never knew nor heard of arms or ammunition being in Glenmore, nor any other place, for any disaffected or disloyal purposes. Sworn to before me this 26th day of Dec. 1821. Signed by John Snow and Richard Fitzgerald.”
Character References for Richard Fitzgerald, Midway House, Glenmore
“We the undersigned, do declare, that we have known Richard Fitzgerald, of Midway House, from his boyhood, and that we have always known him to be a sober, industrious, and diligent young man; remarkedly honest in his dealings; never heard or seen anything disaffected or disloyal by him or his family, but always supported themselves by honest industry. Given under our hands, this 26th day of December 1821.” Signed Peter Strange, Landlord; Laurence Strange; P.E. Foristal; Thomas Esmond, Bart; and
John Fitzpatrick, P.P.
The Glenmore Referees
The men who provided character references for Richard Fitzgerald in December 1821 were residing in Glenmore or closely connected to Glenmore.
Peter Strange (c. 1735-1824) of Alywardtown House was the landlord for Aylwardstown. Thus he was Richard Fitzgerald’s landlord. In 1821, Peter Strange was elderly. He died on 23rd of September 1824 at the age of 89 (Weekly Freeman’s Journal, Sat, 2 Oct. 1824, p. 4).
Laurence Strange (c. 1770 -1845) is believed to have been the son of Peter Strange and became the landlord of Aylwardstown in 1824. He was known in 1835 for reducing the rent of his tenants in Aylwardstown. Laurence Strange died on the 4th of February 1845 at Aylwardstown at the age of 75 (Freeman’s Journal, wed. 12 Feb. 1845, p. 4 ].
P. E. Foristal was Pierce Edmond Foristal (c. 1773-1843) landlord of Rochestown, Glenmore. See our post of 6 Nov. 2022 regarding the killing of his tenant Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822, and our post of 15 Dec. 2022 regarding the trial and the testimony of Pierce Edmond Foristal at the killer’s trial. See generally our post of 7 Oct. 2023 regarding the Forristal family.
Thomas Esmond, Bart. At first glance it was thought that this man was the 8th Baronet and husband of Lady Letitia Esmond (c. 1781-1851) of Ringville. However, her husband died in 1803 without issue. The man who gave this reference was likely the 9th Baronet (1786-1868). Ringville had been purchased from Pierce Edmond Forristal’s father by Nicholas Devereux. Letitia was Nicholas Devereaux’s niece and heir.
John Fitzpatrick, P.P. (c. 1758-1835) was the Parish Priest for the combined parish of Slieverue-Glenmore. See our post of 26 Feb. 2026 for further information on Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835).]
Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860) Halfway House, Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Thanks to Ann Fitzgerald’s research and help it is believed that the above Richard Fitzgerald was baptized at Ballinaraha, Glenmore on 21 December 1793. This means that he was 28 when he faced the above accusations. Richard was the son of John Fitzgerald and his wife Bridget Brien. Richard was the first Fitzgerald to occupy the Midway or Halfway House of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. It was the midway point on the old stage coach road between Waterford and New Ross. Today, the road is known locally as the High Road or L3429.
On 29 February 1824, Richard married Mary Walsh of Rochestown. The Parish Register records Richard’s surname as Bryan (his mother’s maiden name). Their daughter Bridget Fitzgerald was baptized on the 23rd of March 1825, at Glenmore, and Richard’s surname is correct and the address on the record is “Halfway House.”
Concluding Thoughts
We performed a search to determine why Anne Fitzgerald was incarcerated in “the Tower of Waterford” today known as Reginald’s Tower. We could not locate any information concerning her arrest or detention. It is not clear why Richard Fitzgerald was detained for one night, but given the activities of the Magistrates in searching the countryside and his admission of having an old carbine in his house, it seems likely he was swept up and held until he could be questioned by the Magistrates. Unfortunately, the detained Anne Fitzgerald then provided her statement on the 18th perhaps in an effort to gain her freedom.
We did locate an article that indicated Lord Bessborough and others were offering rewards for the “apprehension and conviction within six months” for a list of acts committed near Piltown on Wednesday the 19th of December 1821” (Waterford Mirror, Mon. 21 Dec. 1821, p. 1). However, this reward was not published until the 21st and it appears that Anne Fitzgerald could not read or write if a reward was her motivation. It is also interesting she referenced Captain Grant who was executed 5 years earlier.
No other references to Richard Fitzgerald or Anne Fitzgerald appeared in 1822 Waterford newspapers (that we could locate), so it appears that the accusations died with the publication of Richard Fitzgerald’s affidavit and character references. As stated above, Richard Fitzgerald married 26 months after the public accusations and got on with his life, and thereby ensuring a Richard Fitzgerald today is still residing in the Halfway House.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Ann Fitzgerald for her help with this article.
The drawing of the Tower of Waterford (Reginald’s Tower) is from The Dublin Penny Journal (8 Dec. 1832, pp 188-189) Stable URL: http://www.justor.com/stable/30002646 . The photo of the Halfway House was taken in 2022.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
Most of the following was gleaned from the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 14 Oct. 1882, p. 3) reporting on the quarter sessions for the Piltown district of Thomastown division, held in the Piltown courthouse, on Tuesday 10 October 1882. Mr. de Moleyns, Q.C., was the chair and county court judges, accompanied by Peter McDermott, J.P., Registrar and deputy clerk of the peace were present. There were 140 processes served for the sessions. In addition to several civil cases, the magistrates just after noon heard, spirit license applications, and one of the applications was for Glenmore Village.
The Spirit License Application Hearings
Magistrates were not professional lawyers or judges. L.N. Izod, D.L. was the chair and twelve other magistrates joined him including: Alexander Hamilton; H. Charles Gregory; Edmund H. Maude; Dawson A. Milward; Peter Walsh, J.C. Elliott; W.H. Bolger; Matthew R. Stephenson; James A. Blake; John T. Seigne; Henry Smith, R.M.; and Col. Villiers Stuart.
There were 15 spirit license cases listed in the newspaper. There was one application withdrawn, seven involved new licenses and seven involved the transfer of an existing license. All seven transfer of license applications were granted. Only one of the new license applications was granted for Ballyclovin. Today, we are going to examine the application that took the longest time to hear. It was the application of John Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore Village. Thanks to Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) we know that the pubs in Glenmore were shut by the then Parish Priest in about 1870.
The Opposing Solicitor and his Glenmore Ties
The two solicitors in the Glenmore application case were Arthur J. Boyd, a Kilkenny City solicitor, for the applicant, and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) a Waterford solicitor, in opposition to the application. [Although Thomas Fitzgerald Strange lived in Waterford two of his children resided in Glenmore parish at this time. His children inherited holdings from his brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) upon his death in 1872. Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) inherited Aylwardstown and Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) inherited Rochestown.]
The Glenmore Application
Mr. Boyd applied on behalf of John Hanrahan, of Robinstownm Glenmore, for a new license for his house situated in “that now model village.” From the newspaper account it is not clear why Glenmore was referred to as a “now model village.” The term “model village” was used by the Victorians to describe villages built by industrialists for their workers, see generally “From Factory to Fireside” (2017) The Historic England Blog.
Mr. Strange said that he appeared to oppose the application on behalf of the Earl of Bessborough, “the lord of the soil.” [Although Robinstown township was owned by the Earl of Bessborough he did not own the adjoining townlands of Graiguenakill or Cappagh. Glenmore Village straddles the three townlands and Mr. Hanrahan’s house was the last house in Robinstown. The Fluskey shop was adjacent to Hanrahan’s house in Graiguenakill.]
Mr. Boyd noted that Lord Bessborough had no right to oppose the application, as he was not a resident or a householder in Glenmore. He had no locus standi in the hearing to oppose the application.
Mr. Strange conceded the point and stated, “Very well. I oppose on behalf of a large number of the inhabitants of Glenmore, including the Rev. Edward Farrell, parish priest, and his curate, the Rev. Mr. Corcoran.”
Testimony of John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore
John Hanrahan was then sworn and was examined by Mr. Boyd. John Hanrahan testified that he was seeking a license for his house that was located about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack at Glenmore, and it was next to the sessions’ house. He explained that the road sessions were held next door at least once a year. [A Council room was in Fluskey’s in an upstairs large meeting room.] John Hanrahan noted that there was no public house in Glenmore Village, but “refreshment” was occasionally brought there by vans from Waterford and New Ross. Several people had expressed a wish to have a respectable house of refreshment in Glenmore Village.
John Hanrahan was then cross-examined by Mr. Strange. John Hanrahan stated that he was never fined yet for being drunk. He denied that he went to the parish priest’s house and kicked the hall door. He stated that one night while on his way home from town, he was passing the house when the Priest’s dogs ran at and attacked him. John Hanrahan stated that he “of course hunted them back as well as I could.” John Hanrahan continued that the parish priest keeps very wicked dogs and he “should be very sorry indeed to kick my parish priest’s door, or do anything else that would annoy his reverence.”
Mr. Strange asked John Hanrahan if he was aware that a “memorial” against his license application had been extensively signed by the inhabitants of Glenmore? John Hanrahan stated that people were coerced to sign it.
Testimony of Constable Michael Reilly, formerly of Glenmore R.I.C.
The next witness called was Constable Michael Reilly, of the James’s street station in Kilkenny. He was examined on behalf of the applicant, John Hanrahan. Michael Reilly stated that he was stationed in Glenmore for about 12 months in the years 1880-1881. During that time he knew John Hanrahan, who was a respectable man, “and against whom he never heard anything wrong.” He went on to explain that during the Land League agitation the applicant, had “lent his car—for hire of course—to the police on duty in the district.” He agreed that the Hanrahan house was about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack.
During Constable Reilly’s time in Glenmore there were seven convictions against the keepers of shebeens in the district, and one woman was fined £2 for that offence. [For further information on Glenmore shebeens see our post of 31 March 2020. For further information on the infamous Biddy “the Flies” Whelan who was fined £2 see our post of 5 April 2020. ]
An un-named sub-constable stationed in Glenmore was examined, but his evidence was that a public house in Glenmore Village would be “the cause of strife and disorder there.” [For information on faction fighting see our post of 20 May 2021.]
Disallowed Statement of Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P. Glenmore
Mr. Strange sought to put into evidence a letter written by Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P., in opposition to the application. Mr. Boyd objected to the letter on the grounds that the writer was not present to be cross examined and the document had not been sent to the clerk of the peace for the purpose of being placed on the files of the court.
Mr. Walsh thought that the letter of the Rev. Fr. Farrell was perfectly legal evidence, and should be received. “The learned chairman, held otherwise,” and it was not admitted into evidence. [It was hearsay.]
Rev. Michael Corcoran C.C. Glenmore
The Rev. Michael Corcoran, R.C.C., Glenmore was examined by Mr. Strange. Fr. Corcoran stated that there were public houses in Glenmore Village, “and they were the cause of much strife and fighting between the inhabitants and frequenters of the Village.” “In fact, the fighting was brought into the parish chapel.” Fr. Corcoran opined that if a public house was now to be established …it would tend to excite the worst passions of the people and incite a loyal and law-abiding population to the commission of many crimes.” It was on that ground principally that Fr. Corcoran and other inhabitants signed the memorial opposing the application.
Fr. Corcoran when cross-examined by Mr. Boyd stated that the only reason the parish priest was not present in court to object to the application was because he was ill and unable to attend. Fr. Corcoran conceded that the memorial was signed in the sacristy of the chapel, but there was no coercion needed to obtain signatures. He also admitted that the persons signing the memorial were not all householders in the Village.
Mr. Boyd remarked, “We all know how easy it is to obtain signatures to a memorial. Every little boy and girl in the village will sign a memorial if asked to do so.” Fr. Corcoran argued that “every signature to that memorial is a bone fide signature, and most of them are signatures of respectable farmers residing in the district.”
Mr. Strange in an effort to move away from the memorial stated, “I believe the Village of Glenmore was the scene of many a faction fight and much bloodshed in the old days when there were public houses?” Fr. Corcoran agreed, “It was, and the bad feeling created was brought into the parish chapel.” When questioned by Mr. Boyd whether this was from his personal knowledge Fr. Corcoran conceded that it was not. “No, but I have head it from a source which can be relied upon just as if I had pledged my oath here to the truth of the statement.”
It is surmised that to make such a statement he must have heard it from the Parish Priest, Fr. Edward Farrell. Per Danny Dowling’s list of Glenmore Clergy, we know that Fr. Corcoran was C.C. from 1879 to 13 June 1885. Fr. Edward O’Farrell (sic) was C.C. from 1871 to August 1874 when he became Parish Priest.
Legal Points of Public Interest
The evidence concluded. The chairman after consulting with the other magistrates said that before announcing the decision of the court there was a matter of public importance that had arose during the hearing. Mr. Strange sought to introduce a written statement from Rev. Edward Farrell. The section of the Act of Parliament states that any person objecting to the granting of such applications “Shall be at liberty to transmit in writing to the clerk of the peace, or orally to state to such justices in sessions assembled.” The Rev. Edward Farrell had not transmitted any statement in writing in respect of this application to the clerk of the peace, and he was not here to state orally his objections. Therefore, it was proper to refuse the written statement as evidence.
The chairman also stated that one of the magistrates had expressed his opinion that evidence that the applicant had supplied cars to the police should have been excluded. The chair noted that had he refused to supply cars it would have been brought up as proof of his bad character and not a fit person to be entrusted with a license. The evidence was properly admitted.
Having referred to the two evidential matters of public importance, the justices were unanimous in their decision to reject the application. What is not clear from the newspaper account of the hearing was whether the memorial signed by persons outside the village of Glenmore was admitted into evidence given that the people who signed it were not in court that day (except Fr. Corcoran) and there was no mention of it having been provided to the clerk of the peace before the hearing.
John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore Village
John Hanrahan was the son of Denis Hanrahan and his wife Bridget Gaffney of the Mill, Glenmore Village. John was baptized at Glenmore on 9 February 1843. John like his father Denis was a cooper. The family resided in the house later occupied by Danny Dowling.
John Hanrahan married his first wife Mary Cashen, of Ballycroney, Glenmore on 19 July 1870. The couple had four known children between 1871 and 1878. Mary died of TB in 1878 at the age of 40 just 4 months after her daughter Katie was born. John on 10 February 1881 married Ellen Mullins (c. 1841-1927) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. In addition to raising John’s children the couple also raised 3 of their 6 orphaned nephews: Patrick, James and Richard Hanrahan. [See our post of 27 August 2015 regarding the orphaned Hanrahan brothers and our post of 6 Dec. 2020].
Ironically, sometime before 1901 John Hanrahan moved to a ruin of a house opposite the Glenmore chapel which was the site of a previous pub run by Nellie Grawsheen (Grace) which was closed by the Parish Priest around 1870. John Hanrahan rebuilt the house and opened a shop. Hanrahan family members to this day still reside there.
It was only in 1963 that Glenmore gained a pub when an existing license was approved to be transferred from Cork to Glenmore. For further information see our post of 8 May 2023.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
In the featured old postcard of Glenmore Village, John Hanrahan’s house in 1882 was the second from the right in front of which two boys are playing. The first building from the right is Fluskey’s shop and post office.