June, 2026
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The Tragic Death of Johanna Fitzgerald (1910-1916) of Moulerstown, Glenmore
Recently while attempting to track a Glenmore emigrant in New York, I came across the report in the Irish American Advocate (1916) that referenced a 6 year old girl from “Moulerstown, Glenmore” being killed in her father’s haggard (barn yard). The Irish Times (Fri. 4 Aug. 1916, p. 7) carried the same two sentence report. “While Johanna Fitzgerald, aged six years, was seated in a horse cart in her father’s haggard, at Moulerstown, County Kilkenny, a bee stung the horse, which took fright, overturning the cart. The girl was caught underneath, and died in a few minutes.”
A quick review of the death certs verified that Johanna Fitzgerald, aged 6, died on 26 July 1916 at Moulerstown. Her cause of death is listed as “injuries to head caused by the accidental overturning of a cart. Death instantaneously.” Father of the deceased, John Fitzgerald, was present at her death.
However, the newspapers closer to Glenmore carried a slightly different story and did not mention a bee. Unfortunately, the Coroner was on holidays and his replacement did not think it necessary to hold an inquest. Thus, there is no record of what actual witnesses at the scene 110 years ago observed.
Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 5 Aug. 1916, p. 5)
SAD DEATH OF A CHILD—A little girl named Johanna Fitzgerald, aged six years, daughter of Mr. John Fitzgerald, a large farmer residing at Moulerstown, Glenmore, has been the victim of an unfortunate accident, which resulted in her death shortly afterwards. It would appear that at abour five o’clock on the evening of the 26th of July a number of men were engaged in carting hay from a field on Mr. Fitzgerald’s farm to his haggard, and after emptying a load one of the horses was allowed to go loosely around while the other horses were being unloaded.
The little girl got into the empty cart unobserved and the horse pulled the cart over some obstacle, overturning it and pinning the child underneath. When extracted the little one was in a dying condition and expired shortly afterwards. Dr. P.J. Murphy, Thomastown, who is acting for Dr. D.J. Walshe, J.P., Graiguenamanagh, Coroner for South Kilkenny, who is away on holidays, was communicated with, but did not consider an inquest necessary. Needless, to state, much sympathy is felt for Mr. Fitzgerald in the terrible bereavement that has befallen him.
Johanna Fitzgerald’s Family
Parents
Johanna was born 25 February 1910 to John Fitzgerald (1881-1970) and Marian “Mary” “Molly” Fitzgerald née Fitzgerald (1884-1960). Her parents were married on Sunday, 1 July 1906 at St. Saviours in Waterford City. (Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore; verified with parish records.) The father of the groom was Thomas Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, and the father of the bride was Paul Fitzgerald of Knockbrack. John and Molly Fitzgerald would have 11 children comprised of 6 boys and 5 girls.
Grandparents
Johanna’s Paternal Grandparents
Johanna’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Fitzgerald (1839-1910) and Ellen Roche (1850-1922). Her paternal grandparents were married on 19 February 1879 at Rosbercon. A dispensation was granted as the couple were distantly related. The groom was a farmer from Moulerstown and the bride was the daughter of a farmer from Ballycurran. The groom’s father was John Fitzgerald and the bride’s father was Luke Roche. The witnesses to the wedding were Patrick Fitzgerald of Weatherstown, Glenmore and Mary Wall of Ballynakill, Tullogher. Thomas and Ellen Fitzgerald lived in Moulerstown, Glenmore, and had at least six known children.
The 1911 Census reveals that Ellen Fitzgerald née Roche was 60 years of age and her youngest child James Fitzgerald was only 9 years older than her eldest grandchild by her son John, i.e. Ellen “Eily” Ryan née Fitzgerald (1906-2001).
Johanna’s Maternal Grandparents
Johanna’s maternal grandparents were Paul Fitzgerald (1854 -1923) and Johanna Freyne (c. 1857-1945). Paul Fitzgerald, of Knockbrack, married Johanna Freyne, of Kilbride, at Glenmore on 14 November 1883. Their fathers were Michael Fitzgerald (deceased farmer) and James Frehne (farmer). Paul and Johanna had at least 8 known children born and raised in Knockbrack.
The Children of John Fitzgerald and Molly Fitzgerald née Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, Glenmore
Most of the obituaries relating to John and Molly Fitzgerald, and their children, note that the couple had 11 children comprised of 6 boys and 5 girls. Thus, although no cemetery marker could be located that preserved Johanna Fitzgerald’s (1910-1916) name she was remembered as one of the 11 children in the family obituaries. Unfortunately, a lot of information concerning Johanna’s siblings had to be gleaned from newspaper sources because of current privacy laws that limit access to official records deemed old enough to release. This creates quite a lacuna in family research.
[1] Ellen “Eily” Fitzgerald (1906-2001) was born on Francis St. in Waterford 26 days after her parents married in Waterford City. It is quite an unusual arrangement, but it may have been due to parental objection(s). It was not unusual for dowries to be demanded in order to ensure that unmarried sisters could make a match and to help educate brothers not destined to receive the farm. What happened to delay this marriage is not known today. Nevertheless John and Mollie Fitzgerald married and in the 1911 Census they are living in Moulerstown with John’s mother Ellen Fitzgerald (60) and four of John’s siblings.
Eily Fitzgerald married Richard Ryan of Guilcogh, Rosbercon on 30 April 1930 at Glenmore. The couple farmed at Fisherstown, Campile, Wexford. New Ross Standard (Fri. 11 Aug. 1961, p. 10) FIRE—New Ross Fire Brigade, under Station Officer Joseph Furlong, was called out on Friday of last week to deal with an outbreak of fire at the premises of Mr. Richard Ryan, Fisherstown, Campile. About 35 tons of first crop hay were destroyed in the fire. The Brigade, which was hampered by lack of water, succeeded in saving nearby out offices.
[2] Thomas Fitzgerald (1908-1992) had Catherine Fitzgerald incorrectly listed as his mother. Thomas was an athlete as a young man and never married.
[3] Johanna Fitzgerald (1910-1916)
[4] Paul Fitzgerald (1912-1995) never married.
[5] Luke Fitzgerald (1914-1983) my resident expert stated that he recalls it being said that Luke moved to Fisherstown to help his sister Eily Ryan after her husband Richard died. Luke later returned to Glenmore. Luke did not marry.
[6] Anastatia Fitzgerald (1916 -1980) married John Phelan ( ? -1972) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Anastatia was born just five months before her sister Johanna died in 1916. Statia and John Phelan had a large family.
[7] James Fitzgerald (b. 3 Apr. 1915 )(per various family obits lived in Hanwell, London)
[8] John Fitzgerald, Jr. (1917-1979) Never married.
[9] Ann Fitzgerald married Thomas Murphy. It is believed that the couple lived in the UK.
[10] Josephine “Josie” Fitzgerald (c. 1921 -2004) married Patrick Doolan, and the couple lived in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dubln.
[11] Michael “Mickey Fitz” Fitzgerald (1924- 2018) married, Moira Talbot (c. 1944-1998) a widow, and continued farming the home place until his death.
[Only 8 children are listed in the 1926 Census, although the form indicates 11 children were born to John and Mollie Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, Glenmore.]
Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School
Per the Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School (p. 6) Johanna Fitzgerald of Moulerstown (father farmer) started school on 1 May 1916 at the age of 5. No attendance was recorded in the upper half of page 5. Johanna’s eldest sister, “Ellie” Fitzgerald, started school 29 April 1912 (p. 5) at the age of 5. She attended 36 days in the First Examination Period.
Johanna’s younger sister, Anastasia Fitzgerald, started school in May 1920 (p. 6) at the age of 4. She attended 21 days in the first annual exam period and 159 days in the second exam period. Johanna’s youngest sister Josephine “Josie” Fitzgerald started school in May of 1927 (p. 7) at the age of 5. She attended 20 days in the first exam period.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Most of the family obituaries or death notices are on our Glenmore Family Surname pages. Please note that married women are listed under their married names. Our F Surname page may be accessed via this link.
The Register of the Ballyfasy Girls National School can be accessed via our Lists page.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
From Danny’s Files: A 1924 Letter from a Glenmore Native Who Emigrated to New York
In Danny’s voluminous files, stuck between various political documents in an envelope with the name Dunphy on it, was a handwritten 3 page letter dated 23 October 1924. The letter was written four days after the author arrived in New York harbour. It was written in pencil on lined writing paper (9 inches/23 cm by 6 inches/15 cm). Although the writing has faded it is still legible. This 102-year-old letter is of immense importance because it gives a glimpse into emigration after the end of the Irish Civil War by a member of the Glenmore Co. of the old IRA. See our list of members of the Glenmore Co. of the old IRA which reflects that 15 of the 57 local men listed, or 26%, emigrated to the US after the Irish War of Independence.
The Author: William Purcell (1893-1944) of Weatherstown, Glenmore
The author of the letter was William Purcell (1893-1944) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. He was the son of Edmund Purcell (c. 1862-1924) and his wife, Mary Cashin (1866-1943). Edmund Purcell married Mary Cassion (sic) on 4 October 1887 at Glenmore. Mary Cashin (1866-1943) was a native of Weatherstown. Her father, Thomas Cashin was a shoemaker and her mother was Ellen Malone. Edmund/Edward Purcell and Mary Cashin had a large family. In the 1911 Census they reported that they had been married for 24 years and had 11 children but only 9 were living in 1911. Of the 9 children who reached adulthood, 8 of the children emigrated to New York (or 89% of the Purcell children.)
The known Purcell children include:
[1] Edmund/Edward Purcell (1887-1947) Emigrated to US. In 1930 working on the subway.
[2] Thomas Purcell (1889-1950) In the Civil Records his name was recorded as Mary. Emigrated to US in 1926 a few weeks after the Free State Census. In 1930 was working on the subway.
[3] Johanna Purcell (1891-1960) in 1912 married Patrick O’Rourke of Weatherstown and remained in Weatherstown.
[4] James Purcell (1893-1957) Emigrated to US in 1922.
[5] William Purcell (1893-1944) Emigrated to US. Never married. In 1930 working as labourer for a construction company.
[6] Ellen Purcell (1896-1942) Emigrated to US. Never Married.
[7] Richard Purcell (1898-1898) Died twelve days after birth.
[8] Mary Purcell (1899-1902) Died aged 2 ½
[9] John/Sean Purcell (1902-1975) Emigrated to US.
[10] Catherine/Katie Purcell (1904-1976) Emigrated to the US. Married another emigrant Heinrich Sellenies (1907-1970) a seaman. In his WWII draft registration Heinrich noted his wife Katherine worked at Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey at 30 Rockfeller Plaza NY.
[11] Patrick Purcell (1908-1976) Emigrated to US.
See our post of 13 June 2022 regarding the tragic death of Hannah O’Rourke née Purcell in 1960.
Volunteer in the Old IRA
William Purcell, and his two brothers Edward and Thomas, were in the Glenmore Co. of the old IRA during the Irish War of Independence. Their former officers put together a list of the volunteers in the Glenmore Company. In 1935, all three brothers were listed as living at 364 St. Ann’s Avenue in New York City. For a brief account by Michael Heffernan of “Bill” Purcell running and evading the Black and Tans, see our post of 7 July 2025.
Emigration
William’s father, Edward Purcell, died 28 August 1924 of an obstruction of the bowel. He was 56 years of age. His son Sean was present at his death. William Purcell, about six weeks later, departed Cobh, Ireland on board the Adriatic, and arrived at New York on 19 October 1924. William had $23 in his possession and gave the authorities his father Edward as his contact person in old country notwithstanding the fact his father was deceased. The person he listed in the US was his brother James Purcell, of 446 W. 27th St., New York, who emigrated to the US in 1922. William was described in the ship list as being 5’ 6” tall with a fresh complexion, brown hair and blue eyes.
The 1924 Letter Home to Glenmore
Information not contained in the original letter has been placed in square brackets [ ].
446 W. 27th St.
New York City
23 October 1924
Dear John
Just a few lines hoping to find you and all at home in good health as the posting of this leaves me in best. We got a lovely voyage. I arrived here on Sunday afternoon on 19th October. We were kept on the ship until Monday morning then we were brought to Ellis Island on a tender. Ellis Island is only a short distance from the docks in New York at the Jersey City side. We were not kept there very long, three hours or so, just while we
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were being examined. They were not very strict about the examination. We were examined on the ship by the American doctor on Sunday before we landed, he came out on a tender to meet the ship. What you hear about the Ellis Island is only lies we were treated there as good as could be expected. It is only a matter of form going there atall (sic).
I met Michael Hanrahan here, he is very old looking. He told me that he was bringing some of the footballers out. This is a wonderful place here, the traffic is something terrible, you could scarcely walk the footpath with people, Jimmie [assume this is his twin brother James Purcell] is going well here. He was inquiring about you and your mother. I will be at work in a couple of days. I will be able to tell you more in my next letter about New York. Hoping to hear from you soon, remember me to all in Ballyverneen.
From your old friend,
W. Purcell
[Michael Hanrahan (1888-1968) was a brother to Pat Hanrahan, Glenmore Shop and Jimmy Hanrahan, New Ross; both were officers in the Glenmore Co. of the old IRA. For information on Michael Hanrahan and the GAA in New York see our post of 28 Nov. 2020.]
Later Years in New York
William in 1925 filed an Intention Declaration to seek US citizenship. In 1930 he petitioned to be Naturalised and his petition was granted in 1931. One of his witnesses for Naturalisation was Michael Hanrahan, of 2342 102nd St., E. Elmhurst, New York, and formerly of Glenmore. William was issued a Social Security card in October 1939. Social Security was established in 1935 and began issuing cards in 1936. The first withholdings for the Social Security tax took place in January 1937. For further information concerning Michael Hanrahan (1888-1968) and his brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020.
After World War II commenced William registered for the Draft in 1942. At the time he was employed at and living at the Willard Parker Hospital on East 15th St. and East River, in Manhattan. He was 48, and listed his twin brother James Purcell of Flushing, New York, as his next of kin. He was employed as a porter at the hospital. His supervisor was Mr. Horton, the foreman of the porters.
William Purcell died aged 49 on 3 March 1944 at the Willard Parker Hospital, Manhattan. His death was the result of a fractured skull and ribs, and intracranial injury. He was buried on 7 March 1944 at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
The Glenmore Letter Recipient
There are several clues that support the view that John Dunphy was the recipient of the letter. First, the letter was in an envelope of documents relating to the Dunphy family of Ballyverneen. Secondly, “Jimmy” inquired about John and his mother. Below we will highlight the tragic life of John Dunphy’s mother. Lastly, “remember me to all in Ballyverneen” suggests that the recipient resided in Ballyverneen.
John Dunphy (1880-1956) of Ballyverneen, Glenmore
Background
John Dunphy was the younger son of James Dunphy (1857-1887) of Ballyverneen and his wife Ellen Malone (1857-1941) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Ellen Dunphy née Malone (1857-1941) married James Dunphy (1857-1887) at Glenmore on 9 May 1877. The groom was the son of Richard Dunphy (farmer) and the bride was the daughter of James Malone (farmer) and his wife Anastatia Kennedy.
According to Nicky “the Miller Forristal” Ellen Malone was 18 when she married and was widowed at 21. (DD Notebook 8, Interview 17 Nov. 1974). Uncharacteristically, Nicky the Miller was off by a few years. James Dunphy died ten years after he was married, thus Ellen was 30 years old when she was widowed.
Ellen’s son, Richard Dunphy (1878-1908) was on the 1906 Glenmore Football Team that won the Co. Kilkenny Championship. In 1908 he died of acute atrophy of the liver. He worked for Customs & Excise. See our post of 23 June 2025 for the obituary of Richard “Dick” Dunphy (1878-1908). See our post of 30 August 2020 regarding the 1906 Glenmore Football County Champions. After Richard’s death in 1908 the household was comprised of Ellen Dunphy née Malone and her youngest son, John Dunphy.
Marriage and Family
John Dunphy (1880-1956) (who we believe received William Purcell’s letter) was also a prominent Glenmore footballer and later became the chairman of the GAA Kilkenny County Board. John Dunphy lived in the home place in Ballyverneen, Glenmore. He married Ellen Forristal (1898-1983) also of Ballyverneen on 20 October 1926 at Glenmore. The bride’s father was Thomas Forristal (farmer). John Dunphy and his wife, Ellen Dunphy née Forristal, had four children.
[1] Seamus Dunphy (1927 -2015)
[2] Margaret “Maudie” Dunphy worked as a bookkeeper at the Glenmore Creamery. ;
[3] Mary “May” Dunphy (c. 1932-2018)
[4] Richard Dunphy
Ellen Dunphy née Malone died in 1941 after suffering a burn. Her son, John Dunphy died in 1956 of gastric cancer. It is not known how long John Dunphy (1880-1956) and William Purcell (1893-1944) corresponded, but we hope other letters may surface as we continue through Danny Dowling’s voluminous files.
Although both families descended from Malone families from Weatherstown there was no apparent link, but time today did not permit further research.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for her assistance with the Purcell family.
The featured photo above is of Ellis Island courtesy of The New York Public Library Digital Collection, of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Immigrant Station, Ellis Island, with ferry docked at adjacent pier.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 19, 2026. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/2d10a530-c6da-012f-2f4a-58d385a7bc34
The photo of the Willard Parker Hospotal is also courtesy of the New York Public Library Digital Collection of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “The Willard Parker Hospital” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 19, 2026. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c437ab60-c55d-012f-83c4-58d385a7bc34
From Danny’s Files: Robert Hamilton Edwards, Esq. (c. 1872-1932) & The Freeman’s Journal
It is common to come across unusual items in Danny Dowling (1927-2021) voluminous collection. This past week we discovered in the back of a drawer several folders of documents regarding Robert Hamilton Edwards, Esq. (c. 1872-1932). We could not find any link to Glenmore except the documents have been preserved in Danny’s collection. The most unusual item was an envelope containing a medical report and two x-rays from 1908. These x-rays were taken by Dr. William Ironside Bruce (1876-1921) an early radiologist who died young from exposure to his work. King George in 1921 publicly expressed sympathy at Bruce’s death (North Star & Farmer’s Chronicle, Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 8). Dr. Ironside Bruce’s widow, Violet, survived him by 39 years dying in 1960 (Middlesex Independent (Fri. 9 Sept. 1960, p. 7). Danny may have collected the Hamilton Edwards’ files because of his association with the demise of The Freeman’s Journal.
Early X-Rays
X-rays were discovered in 1895 with the first x-rays in Britain being made in 1896. From the typed report and the envelope containing the x-rays we know that “Mrs. Hamilton Edwards of Wenbley Orchard Wembley, Middlesex,” was the patient. For a concise article on the history of x-rays see, the British Society for the History of Radiology, “X-Rays in Medicine: The First Century.” For further information on Dr. William Ironside Bruce (1876 -1921) of Charing Cross Hospital, London, see, Dr. Adrian Thomas, Chairman of the International Society for the History of Radiology, (2021) “Ironside Bruce and the Sacrifices Made by the Early X-Ray Martyrs.”
The Patient
In 1898, Robert Hamilton Edwards married Marjorie L. W. Alexandersen (c. 1868). Thus the 1908 x-rays belonged to Marjorie. Per the 1901 Census the couple were living at Hertfordshire, Harpenden. Robert was 29 working in journalism. He reported being born in St. Pancreas, Middlesex. His wife Marjorie was 33 and was born in Leicester, Market Harborough. While little could be found in a quick search regarding the private life of the couple, Robert Hamilton Edwards became famous due to some Irish business dealings.
The Report is typed, dated 17 March 1908 and signed W. Ironside Bruce, M.D. He found that there was a fracture of the ulna, the radius and the metacarpal bone of the index finger. The two photographs of the x-rays are on green card stock with the “Case of Mrs. Hamilton Edwards” written in the upper right corner of the card stock. At the bottom of the cardstock is written “With Dr. Ironside Bruce’s Compliments.”
The Freeman’s Journal
The Freeman’s Journal was the first national newspaper published in Ireland. It was in production from 1763 to 1924. See, Felix M. Larkin (2006) “A Great Daily Organ: The Freeman’s Journal, 1763-1924” 3(14) History Ireland website.
About 1919, the Freeman’s Journal became a two man company. The only shareholders and directors were Hamilton Edwards and Martin Fitzgerald. The commercial or business side of the management of the undertaking was in the hands of Hamilton Edwards and running of the newspaper and its policy were, for convenience, entrusted to Martin Fitzgerald who lived in Dublin (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5). Martin Fitzgerald was a wealthy Dublin wine merchant and Robert Hamilton Edwards was a well-known Fleet Street personality and formerly the managing director of the Amalgamated Press.
In 1919, the authorities raided the offices of The Freeman’s Journal. Hamilton Edwards proclaimed that “this was the greatest abuse of authority yet perpetrated on the Press of Ireland and the proper Freedom of the Newspaper was non-existent, at any rate in Dublin.” (Freeman’s Journal, Tues. 15 Dec. 1919, p. 9).
Six charges were brought under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations against Fitzgerald and Hamilton Edwards for publishing statements likely to cause disaffection. In late November and early December 1920 they were Court Martialled. The Military Court found the two defendants not guilty to charges, 2, 4, 5 and 6. However, the defendants were informed by the court that they were being conveyed to Mountjoy Prison for charges 1 & 3. Prior to said time they were never arrested and attended their trial without any issues (Irish Independent Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
Per Hamilton Edwards’ obituary, the men were sentenced to six month’s imprisonment. “This action of the military authorities, and the sentence, provoked great resentment in England. Questions were asked in Parliament, and within a few days the British Government ordered the immediate release of the men” (Belfast Telegraph, Mon. 6 June 1932, p. 5).
Civil Cases
Reading the 1932 obituary for Hamilton Edwards’ it appeared this was the end of the Freeman’s Journal saga. However, on 12 May 1920 Robert Hamilton Edwards signed four contracts for the delivery of 7,800 tons of paper at the price of £429,528. At the time of the signing of the contracts, they were only using 15 to 29 tons of paper a week. The purchase price was four times the nominal capital and eight times the actual issued capital of the company. Martin Fitzgerald did not learn of the four contracts signed by Hamilton Edwards until both men were in Mountjoy Prison in July 1920 (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
A judgment was entered against the two men and Fitzgerald argued that Hamilton Edwards had signed without authority. On appeal when the judge asked where Hamilton Edwards was it was stated that he was not available. Hamilton Edwards was in Justice Pinn’s Court and had not yet been discharged from it. He had been declared bankrupt (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
The last edition of the Freeman’s Journal was published in January 1924. It was sold to its rival the Irish Independent. In 1925, details of the Hamilton Edwards’ bankruptcy were published. It was reported that his total liabilities amounted to £13,576. A dividend of 6s. 8.d on the £ was ordered to be paid to his creditors (Irish Examiner, Sat. 25 July 1925, p. 11).
Obituary
The Belfast Telegraph (Mon. 6 June 1932, p. 5) published an obituary for Hamilton Edwards that did not mention his civil cases or bankruptcy.
A former well-known personality in Fleet Street, Mr. Robert Hamilton Edwards, at one time managing director of the Amalgamated Press, died suddenly, aged 60, in the West End of London.
The son of Mr. John Edwards of Oswestry and London, Mr. Edwards was educated privately. Following an early teaching in financial journalism and on the staff of the late Sir George Newnes, he was for 20 years associated with the late Lord Northcliffe in the publication of “Answers” and other publications now issued from Fleetway Houses. Later Mr. Edwards became interested with Mr. Martin Fitzgerald in the direction of the Dublin Freeman’s Journal, on which he spent a large sum of money.
During the Irish troubles in 1920 both he and Mr. Fitzgerald were before a military court martial in Dublin and accused of publishing statements likely to cause disaffection. They were sentenced to six month’s imprisonment. This action of the military authorities, and the sentence, provoked great resentment in England. Questions were asked in Parliament, and within a few days the British Government order the immediate release of the men.
Latterly Mr. Edwards had been living for a great deal of his time in Paris. He was at one time the owner of a number of racehorses and had many interests. Mr. Edwards was largely interested in the land question, and had done much to assist in the development of small ownership.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photographs to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Updates
Register of Infants in Ballyfasy, Glenmore, Girls’ School
Due to requests information from the second page of the Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School has been added to our Glenmore & Nearby Lists Page. As time permits we will add the remaining 6 pages and then work on providing the Register from the Ballyfacy Boys School.
Weatherstown, Glenmore native Bridget Walsh née O’Rourke
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for sharing the photos of her sister Bridget Walsh née O’Rourke in her Confirmation dress made for her by Glenmore dressmaker Mairita Cummins née Hennessy (c. 1933-2023). Bridget was confirmed in 1963. In the early 1960’s Confirmations were held every three years, so Bridget was 13 and attending secondary school when her Confirmation was held. She was Confirmed in Rosbercon. In the group photo Bridget is on the right. In the photo below, the lady holding the camera is thought to have been a teacher. This photo will be added our post of 24 May 2026 regarding the Mairita Cummins née Hennessy Collection.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Register of Infants, Ballyfasey Female National School (1871-1928)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over 7 decades collected a vast amount of information and material regarding Glenmore and other local areas. One large item that Danny collected was a copy of the Register of Infants in Ballyfasey (sic) Female National School. This register consists of 7 pages with student entrances dates from 15 July 1871 to 8 October 1928 of 247 girls (with legible names). There are also 5 students whose names are not legible. The pages are 16 ½ inches (42cm) tall by 11 ½ inches (29 cm) wide. This register is just one of the Ballyfacey School Registers that Danny collected. Today, we are going to focus on page 1 of the Register.
The old Ballyfacey National School was built in 1868 on “Jolla Hill.” Micil Moore, of Knockbrack, Glenmore, built the school building at the cost of £95. Local men drew the stones and sand required and at the end of the building the extra $5 from the grant was spent on a barrel of beer for the men who drew the stones and sand. See our post of 6 September 2020 for further details regarding the building and repairs to the old Ballyfacey National school and early local hedge road schools..
The Register
Page 1 consists of 38 legible names with entrance dates from 15 July 1871 to 6 June 1878 recording 39 students. There are 8 primary columns for recording information including: date of entrance; pupil’s name; age of pupil on last birthday; religion; residence; occupation or means of living of parents; and annual examinations. The column examinations is divided into First, Second and Third perhaps reflecting the division of the academic year. Each of the three examination periods is divided into number of days present and result. No results were provided on this page, but attendance across the three exam periods was recorded and is reflected in the charts below. School attendance was not mandated until the Irish Education Act of 1892.
One of the more interesting aspects of this register reflects that children started school throughout the year. It appears that classes were held all year with no apparent summer break. How teachers coped with students beginning at different times is unknown and attendance for some students was very poor. Some of the girls started school at the age of 3 which seems very young. It also appears that in some entries the name Johanna is misspelled, and on page 1 Ballyfacy is spelled in three different ways.
Below are tables reflecting the information contained on page 1 of the Register. Due to the fact all children were recorded as RC (Roman Catholics) this column was eliminated from the tables. The days of attendance in the table reflects the three exam periods.
1871 Ballyfacy, Glenmore, National School
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 15 July 1871 | Kate Walsh | 4 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 37—147—0 |
| 29 July 1871 | Mary Cashin | 5 | Weatherstown | Shoemaker | 26—83—178 |
| 27 May 1871 | Margaret Wallace | 4 | Ballyfacy | Shopkeeper | 62—183—0 |
| 3 July 1871 | Margaret Phelan | 6 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 0—0—119 |
| 2 Oct. 1871 | Mary Grace | 6 | Kilbride | Farmer | 0—0—161 |
1872
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 29 May 1872 | Stasia Power | 6 | Kilbride | Labourer | 0—0—85 |
1873
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 24 April 1873 | Ellen Mullins | 6 | Flemingstown | Farmer | 0—0—47 |
| 5 May 1873 | Johanna Croak | 4 | Kilbride | Labourer | 37—169—126 |
| 2 June 1873 | Bridget Duggan | 5 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—20—111 |
| 28 July 1873 | Bridget Hartley | 4 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—75—110 |
1874
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 25 May 1874 | Kate Young | 4 | Ballyfacy | Carpenter | 0—33—0 |
| Not legible | Margaret Ivory | 4 | Kilbride | Cooper | 79—0–183 |
| 1 June 1874 | Johanna Culleton | 4 | Kilbride | Farmer | 10—0—120 |
| 8 June 1874 | Kate Hennessy | 3 | Ballyfacy | Labourer | 25—136—189 |
| 30 June 1874 | Bridget MacDonald | 4 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 75—0—147 |
1875
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 6 April1875 | Stasia Malone | 5 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—168—0 |
| 21 June 1875 | Kate Mackey | 4 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—87—0 |
| 21 July 1875 | Stasia Irish | 4 | Ballinlammy | Farmer | 0—0—142 |
| 21 July 1875 | Stasia Ryan | 6 | Ballycurran (Tullogher) | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 April 1875 | Alice Donovan | 5 | Haggard | Labourer | 0—0—181 |
1876
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 28 Feb.1876 | Stasia Phelan | 3 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 129—0—201 |
| 28 Feb. 1876 | Johanna Grace | 3 | Kilbride | Farmer | 63—172—0 |
| 28 Feb. 1876 | Johanna Hurly | 3 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 156—0—155 |
| 1 March 1876 | Mary(?) Power | 4 | Kilbride | Labourer | 0—0—131 |
| 27 March 1876 | Kate Dempsey | 4 | Ballyveria | Labourer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 March 1876 | Stasia Grennan | 4 | Moulerstown | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 March 1876 | Bridget Murphy | 5 | Moulerstown | Labourer | 0—0—0 |
| Not legible | Margaret Purcell | 5 | Moulerstown | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 29 March 1876 | Margaret Crowley | 5 | Ballymartin (Tullogher) | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 8 May 1876 | Kate Donovan | 4 | Haggard | Dealer | 0—174—0 |
1877
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 6 Feb.1877 | Bridget Greene | 4 | Ballyfasy | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 21 May 1877 | Margaret Power | 5 | Knockbrack | Labourer | 0—0—138 |
| 18 June1877 | Mary Walsh | 5 | Haggard | Labourer | 0—0—74 |
| 18 June 1877 | Joanna Dempsey | 3 | Ballyveria | Labourer | 1—0—84 |
| 8 Oct.1877 | Joanna Berrigan | 5 | Ballyfacy | Labourer | 0—2—6 |
| 11 Oct. 1877 | Stasia Culleton | 3 | Kilbride | Farmer | 5—219—28 |
1878
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 28 May1878 | Kate Duggan | 5 | Weathetstown | Labourer | 0—41—92 |
| 6 June1878 | Mary Jones | 5 | Ballinlammy | Fowl dealer | 0—49—0 |
| Cut off page | Cut off page | 5 | Weatherstown | Labourer | 0—115—150 |
Most Popular First Names
The most popular first names recorded on page 1 of the Register resulted in several ties. For example, Stasia and Kate tied for first place with each name representing 7 students each. There was also a tie for second most popular name with Margaret and Joanna/Johanna each representing 6 students each. There was another tie for third most popular name with Mary and Bridget representing 5 students each. The least popular names were Alice and Ellen each representing just 1 student each.
Glenmore Townlands Recorded
There are 11 townlands recorded for residency on page 1. Nine of the townlands are within the Parish of Glenmore and two (Ballycurran and Ballymartin) are not. The top three townlands on the page are Ballyfasy (10); Weatherstown (7); and Kilbride (8) or 25 of the 39 students or 64% of the students recorded on page 1. Haggard and Moulerstown each had 3 students; Ballinlammy and Ballyveria had 2 students each and all the rest had 1 student each (ie Ballymartin, Ballycurran, Flemingstown and Knockbrack).
Ages of Students on Starting at Ballyfacey National School
There were 4 ages recorded for admissions on page 1 of the Register of Infants namely: three-year-olds; four-year-olds, five-year-olds and six-year-olds. The largest group was comprised of fifteen 4 year olds (38.5%); the second largest group was comprised of the twelve 5-year-olds (30.7%); there were seven 3-year-olds which represented 17.9 % of the admissions and the five 6-year-olds represented the lowest group (12.8%).
The 3 Year Olds
Given that 3 seems extremely early to start school we attempted to verify the ages of the girls recorded as being 3 on their admission to the Ballyfacy National School from 1874 to 1877.
Kate Hennessy (Catherine Hennessy was born 12 Nov. 1871 at Ballyfacy to Richard Hennessy (labourer) and his wife Anne Doherty. She entered school on 8 June 1874 at the age of 3 years, 7 months.)
Stasia Culleton (Anastatia Culleton was born on 16 Oct. 1873 at Kilbride to John Culleton (farmer) and his wife Bridget Walsh admitted 11 Oct. 1877 just five days before her fourth birthday.)
Stasia Phelan (Anastatia Phelan was born 8 Jan. 1872 at Ballyfacy to John Phelan (farmer) and his wife Catherine Forristal. She entered school on 28 Feb. 1876 at the age of 4 years, 1 month.)
Joanna (sic) Grace (Johanna Grace was born at Kilbride on 2 Feb. 1873 to Patrick Grace (farmer) and his wife Mary McDonald. Johanna entered school on 28 Feb. 1876 and had just turned 3.)
Joanna (sic) Hurley (Johanna Hurley was born 12 Nov. 1871 at Ballyfacy to James Hurley (labourer) and his wife Margaret Shea. She started school on 28 Feb. 1876. Johanna was 4 years 8 months old when she started school.)
Joanna (sic) Dempsey (Johanna Dempsey was born on 15 Oct. 1873 at Ballywairy, Glenmore, to Patrick Dempsey (labourer) and his wife Mary Norris. Johanna entered school on 18 June 1877, thus she was 3 years 8 months old when she started school.)
Subjects Taught
In another register the subjects the girls had in 1872 included reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography and needlework.
The Old Ballyfacey National School
Ann Grennan wrote a wonderful article “The Story of Ballyfacey School,” that was published in Glenmore Times: Millennium Memories ((2000) Glenmore Millennium Committee) pp. 19-21. The article focuses on the early 20th century but provides some interesting facts concerning the fate of the old school house. She noted 26 years ago that there was no trace left of the old school building. When the new school was built about 1957 the stones of the old school were reused for a pig house. “The only remains were a small bit of a wall belonging to the toilet and also the gate leading into the school.”
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history @gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The old photo featured above was taken in front of the old Ballyfacey National School. Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sharing the old photo.
If you believe that your ancestor may have attended Ballyfacey National School please send on his/her date of birth and townland and we shall check the registers Danny collected for information for you.