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From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Parish Death Records 1975
In a blue binder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) kept a copy of the Glenmore parish burial records from 1927-2013. While it was initially thought that the records would provide information as to when most deaths occurred in a given year, unfortunately, the records are not as complete as the parish records for baptisms and marriages. Today, we publish the parish burial records for 1975. See our previous post of 23 September 2024 for information regarding available on-line records and 1974 parish death records.
Glenmore Deaths 1975
Sixteen deaths are recorded in the 1975 parish records. For the most part the only information recorded is the deceased’s name, age, and date of death as well as the date of burial. All other information below was been found in newspaper obituaries, census records, Danny’s notes or from asking local residents. If an obituary of a deceased was already on our Glenmore surname pages an abridged obituary is provided below with a link to the surname page.
Average Age at Death
Of the sixteen deaths recorded two were young boys tragically killed in a farmhouse fire. Excluding the two boys 9 men died and 5 women. The average age for the 9 men was 66.6, while the average age for the 5 women was 65.4. In most developed countries 50 years ago the life expectancy for women was greater than that for men. However, this is one year in isolation. This list also contains another set of brothers who died within a few months of each other.
Married Glenmore People Lived Longer
The other interesting fact concerns the marital status of the deceased. Excluding the children, information was found for 8 of the men. Five had been married and 3 never married. The average age of death for the married men was 72.8 and for the never married men 62.3. Information was found for all 5 women. The average age of death for the 2 married women was 69. The average age of death for the three women who never married was 53.
The Glenmore List
[1] Thomas Walsh, aged 47, died 1 March 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 14 March 1975, p. 20. The death occurred in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford of Mr. Thomas Walsh (c. 1928-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore at the comparatively early age of 46. A well-known figure in farming circles, he was the husband of Mrs. Maureen Walsh, who is a member of the Hartley family Half-way House, Co. Waterford; father of Eleanore, Edmund and Marie. The full obituary can be found on our W Surname page.
[2] Michael Tobin, aged 49, died 12 March 1975, Mullinaharigle [no further information could be located]
[3] Rev. M. Brennan, aged 80, died 23 March 1975.
Rev. Michael Brennan was the Parish Priest of Glenmore in 1975. He lived in the Parochial House on Priest Lane, Robinstown, Glenmore and kept greyhounds. He also hunted pheasants. A nice, humble, gentleman. He was only in Glenmore for a short time, but was missed when he died. Shortly before his death he was asked to say a few words at a Creamery Dance. He said that the creameries were set up in hard times by people who did not have much and were stretched. He hoped that they now were getting the benefit of the business they created.
[4] Patrick Jones, aged 78, died 9 April 1975.
Patrick Jones (1897-1975) was born 29 January 1897 at Moulerstown the son of George Jones (c. 1866-1945) and his wife Bridget Murphy (c. 1869-1945). Patrick Jones married Alice Dunne (c.1890-1967) and was the father of Seamus (c. 1932-2016) and Pakie (c. 1932-1006) Jones. The family lived in Glenmore Village near Eily Heffernan’s shop and in 1961 Patrick’s profession was listed as a road worker in Danny Dowling’s list of residents. See our post of 25 April 2021 regarding the “Gallant Glenmore Brothers.”
[5] Ellen Purcell, aged 54, died 6 June 1975.
Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 June 1975, p. 10. Miss E. Purcell—the death took place in the Auxiliary Hospital, Kilkenny, of Miss Ellen Purcell (53) [c. 1921-1975] Moulerstown, Glenmore. A well-known and respected inhabitant of the district, she had been unwell for some time past. She was sister of Mrs. Margaret Greene (c. 1918 -2013) Moulerstown, and the late Mrs. M. Maher, Derrylackey, Ballyhale. Interment took place at Glenmore after Mass celebrated by Rev. P. Madigan, C.C., do.
Luckily her older sister Margaret was born on 22 December 1919, and we were able to obtain information from Margaret’s birth registration. Their father was Peter Purcell (farmer) of Moulerstown, Glenmore. Their mother was Anne Purcell née Long.
[6] Mrs. Mary Dunphy, aged 92, died 18 June 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 27 June 1975, 6. Mrs. Mary Dunphy (c. 1883-1975), Ballyfacey Upper Glenmore, died at her residence at the age of 92 one of the oldest inhabitants of the parish. She was the last surviving member of the Gorey family, Ballyconnacht, Tullogher, and had been residing in Ballyfacey since her marriage over sixty years ago. Her husband, the late Michael Dunphy (c. 1881-1941) died in 1941, and she was the mother of Richard Dunphy, Miss Nora Dunphy, Ballyfacey; the late Eily Dunpphy, do: mother-in-law of Mrs. Eileen Dunphy, and grandmother of Mary, Noreen, Michael, Seamus, Richard, Billy, and twin boys, John and Patrick Dunphy. She was also sister of the late Ellie and Annie Gorey, Ballyconnacht, and the late Mrs. Bridie Walsh, do, and aunt of Denis Walsh, do. and Mrs. Stasia Ryan, do. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening, and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. William Dalton, Chaplain, Holy Faith Convent, Killester, Dublin (a native of Ballinaraha, Mullinavat) relative of deceased, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P., Glenmore.
[7] Mary Forristal, aged 52, died 19 July 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1975, p. 5. Death of Miss M. Forristal (c. 1923-175) The death took place in St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Thursday last of Miss Mary Forristal, Robinstown, Glenmore, at the age of 52. Deceased, who had been out of her health for some time past, was in her youth, a shop assistant at McKeon’s, South Street, New Ross, for some years.
She was sister of Messrs. Michael, John and Martin Forristal, Robinstown; Sister M. Bernadette, Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Montebello, California; Sr. Paschal of the same order Tarrytown, New York; Mrs. Nancy O’Brien, Robinstown; Mrs. Catherine Phelan, Ballyveria, Glenmore; and aunt of Francis O’Brien, Robinstown. The remains were removed to St.. James Parish Church, Glenmore, on Friday evening, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Saturday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. Madigan, C.C., Glenmore, and the final prayers at the graveside were recited by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P. do. See our post of 13 May 2020 regarding the tragic death of her father Martin Forristal (1879-1931) when she was about eight years old.
[8] Richard Cody, aged 55, died 7 Sept. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Sept. 1975, p. 20. Richard Cody (c. 1921-1975) of Ballycroney, Glenmore died at Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford, following a brief illness, at the age of 54. Deceased, who well known in farming circles in the district, was unmarried, and brother of Messrs. John, Walter, and Michael Cody of Ballycroney. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev.. Thomas Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
Their father was Michael Cody (c. 1878-1947) who married their mother Bridget Aylward of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 4 February 1920. Michael was a farmer and the son of Otho Cody (farmer) of Ballycroney. Bridget was the daughter of John Aylward (farmer) of Ballyfacey. The witnesses to the wedding were James Cody of Ballycroney and Maggie Aylward of Ballyfacey.
[9] Andrew Heffernan, aged 82, died 7 Sept. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Spt. 1975, p. 20. Death of Mr. A. Heffernan—Mr. Andrew (Andy) Heffernan (1893 -1975) who died suddenly at his daughter’s residence, Rochestown, Glenmore, was a native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, and a well known figure in farming and sporting circles in the parish. He was captain for some years of the Glenmore team which won a record of nine county senior championships between 1915 and 1924, all in succession with the exception of 1920, when Coolagh were awarded the title as Glenmore took the field after the appointed time.
He also played with Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Championships in 1915, 1920 and 1922, with a number of colleagues of the Glenmore team. When he was married in 1919, to the former Miss Bridget Roche, of Rathinure Glenmore, he was presented with a Testimonial by the local football club in appreciation for his services and leadership which were an inspiration to the players and club members.
Aged 82, he was husband of Mrs. Bridget Heffernan, and father of Messrs. Mick Hefernan, Maypark, Waterford; Jimmy Heffernan, Ballyneale, Tullogher (former Kilkenny All-Ireland hurlers); Paddy Heffernan, Rockenham, Ferryban; John Hefernan, Aylwardstown; William Heffernan, Newcastle Road, Galway; Peter Heffernan, London; Mrs. Mary Aylward, Rochestown; Mrs. Nellie Doherty, Ballinlammy; and Mrs. Biddy Myles, London.
He was brother of Mr. Nicholas Heffernan, London; Mr. Stephen Heffernan, Chicaggo, and is also survived by over 50 grandchildren. Interment took place at Glenmore on Tuesday of last week after Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. Delaney, Adm. Tullogher; Rev. Richard Phelan, Castletown, Laois, and Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, Director of Social Services, Kilkenny, and Rev. P. Dalton, C.C. Ferrybank.
The large attendance, both at the removal of the remains and burial, included representatives f Kilkenny County Board GAA, Kilkenny Souther Board, Glenmore Hurling and Football Club, Mount Sion and Tullogher GAA Clubs, Clover Meats Ltd., Ferrybank, a number o surviving members o the old Glenmore and Kilkenny Football teams, as well as many relatives, friends, and sympathisers from Countiies Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. His six sons acted as pall bearers. Funeral arrangements were by T. Power and Sons Ferrybank.
Andy was the son of Michael Heffernan (c. 1847-1924) of Aylwardstown and his wife Bridget Kennedy (c. 1854-1947) of Rathinure. Interestingly Andy married his sister Alice Roche’s (née Heffernan) sister-in-law Bridget Roche.
[10] Gerard Kehoe, aged 11, died 1 Oct. 1975 and
[11] Richard Kehoe, aged 7 ½, died 1 Oct. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 3 Oct. 1975, p. 1—Two young brothers, Gerard and Richard Kehoe lost their lives when fire swept through their home shortly before midnight. They got trapped on a landing in the two-storey old mansion type farmhouse [Mount Ida] at Rochestown, and their badly charred bodies were later found on the ground floor by firemen, both having been thrown down when part of the ceiling collapsed.
Gerard and Richard were the sons of John Kehoe (c. 1916-1991) and Peggy Kehoe née Aylward (c. 1935-2023) of Rochestown. Peggy was Paddy “the Barrister” Walsh’s granddaughter. Peggy’s photo and obituary is available on RIP.ie.
[12] Michael Cody, aged 79, died 29 Oct. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 7 Nov. 1975, p. 6 of Weatherstown. Michael Cody’s (c. 1896-1975) full obituary is on our C Glenmore family page.
A former well-known footballer, with his brothers Martin and Paddy won a number of senior County championships with his parish during the period from 1915 to 1924, when with the one exception in 1920, Glenmore took all the titles. He was married to Anne Cody (c. 1909-1989 née Woods) who was a native of Ballymartin, Tullogher and father of Messrs Paddy and Donal Cody, Weatherstown; Michael Cody, Athlone, Co. Westmeath; Nicholas Cody, Ballyveria, Glennmore; and Mrs. Mary Dowling, Tara, Co. Meath.
Michael Cody (1896-1975) was born on 1 April 1896 at Weatherstown to Patrick Cody and his wife Mary Knox. One elderly Glenmore resident today stated that Michael Cody sang in the Glenmore Choir for years until he was an old man.
[13] Catherine Murphy, aged 76, died 2 Nov. 1975
Catherine “Kate” Murphy née Irish (1891-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore died at Rosario Nursing Home. Her obituary lists her age as 84. She was widow of William Murphy of Davidstown who died in 1954 and mother of Edward Murphy of Davidstown.
Catherine was born 14 August 1891 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the daughter of James Irish and his wife Mary Heneberry. It is believed (from Danny Dowling (1927-2021) that James Irish bought the farm where Michael Walsh poisoned two bailiffs. See our post of 6 October 2024. Catherine’s complete obituary can be read on our M Glenmore surname page.
[14] John Cody, aged 52, died 12 Nov. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 21 Nov. 1975, p. 19. Death of Mr. J. Cody—Mr. John Cody (c. 1923-1975) Ballycroney, Glenmore, who has died in St. Canice’s Hospital Kilkenny, was a member of a well-known farming Families. Deceased, who has been out of his health for some time past, was brother of Messrs Walter and Michael of Ballycroney, and the late Richard Cody, do, who died last September. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening last, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C. Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
[15] Mary Moran, aged 53, died 7 Dec. 1975
Mary Moran proved impossible to locate in newspaper searches etc. The Moran headstone in cemetery attached to St. James provides that Mary may have been called Bridget Moran (4 Nov. 1916—6 Dec. 1975).
Mary/Bridget was the daughter of Hubert Moran (25 April 1886-10 May 1951) and his wife Mary Kate Moran née Irish (15 Aug. 1888-12 Dec. 1935). It is believed that Mary/Bridget resided and worked on a farm in Co. Waterford.
[16] Nicholas Mernagh, aged 78, died 9 Dec. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri.19 Dec. 1975, p. 19—Death of Mr. N. Mernagh—the death occurred at Arkeen Hospital, Waterford, of Mr Nicholas Mernagh (c. 1897-1975), Jamestown, Glenmore. Deceased, who was a well-known and esteemed personality in the district and was husband of Mrs. Margaret Mernagh, do., and father of Mrs. Johanna Doyle and Mrs. Bridie Murphy. He is also survived by a number of grandchildren and other relatives. The remains were removed to St. James’s Parish Church, Glenmore on Wednesday evening of last week an interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Thursday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore who also recited the prayers at the graveside.
Nicholas Mernagh was born in Wexford. His father, John (Jack) Mernagh (c. 1855-1911) worked for the railway and moved his family to Ballyverneen, Glenmore circa 1906. The 1911 Census reveals that Jack was 53 years of age and had been married to Mary (aged 42) for 26 years. They were both born in Wexford and were the parents of 16 children, but only 12 of the children were alive in 1911. The ten children living with them in 1911 included: Patrick, aged 23; John, aged 21; James, aged 19; Stephen, aged 17; Bartholomew, aged 13; Thomas, aged 10; Adain, aged 8; Nicholas, aged 6; Mary, aged 5 and Lizzie, aged 3. All the children except Mary and Lizzie were born in Wexford. The 1911 census records that there were 12 members of this family living in a three room house owned by the Dublin and South East Railway.
Nicholas married Margaret Mackey (c. 1905-1978) of Weatherstown, Glenmore.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Happy Halloween!
Mr. Jack O’Lantern is visiting Glenmore for a few days thanks to the Glenmore Tidy Towns & Glenmore History.
For an interesting history of jack-o-lanterns see , The History Guy, “Best of Halloween.” Chapter 1 is the history of the jack-o-lantern and chapter 2 is the mysterious death of Harry Houdini.
For a classic local tale see our post of 27 October 2020 with a link to an RTE recording from 1974 of Kitty the Hare telling the story of the headless coach.
A Ballyhobuck, Glenmore Murder?
In January 1846 nearly every newspaper in the country carried multiple articles concerning starvation and “outrages,” which included threats, attacks and murders. One article that was included was a mysterious death in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore that one newspaper listed in their murder column. The deceased that garnered such attention was John Crosby (c. 1796-1846) a saddler by trade, from Dublin, who was approximately 50 years of age and working in the Glenmore area for the previous four years. On Sunday the 25th of January 1846, John Crosby was last seen alive by a constable near the Mile Post. His corpse was found the following morning on the High Road, the former main road between Waterford and New Ross, in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore.
The account below was taken primarily from the Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 28 January 1846, p. 4). Extra or differing facts reported in other newspapers and explanations are contained in square brackets.
The Deceased John Crosby (c. 1796-1848)
On Wednesday, the 21st, Mr. Izod held an inquest at Ballyhobuck, near Glanmore (sic) on the body of a man named John Crosby, a saddler by trade, from Dublin, and about 50 years of age. [Mr. Izod the Coroner of County Kilkenny, upon arriving at the scene on Wednesday the 21st of January, “a jury was sworn on the spot” and while a post mortem was being performed, by Dr. James Boyd, the deceased was identified. The deceased was described as a quiet man and not known to have a quarrel with anyone. (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Deceased was occasionally employed by the farmers in that neighbourhood, and, about 4 o’clock in the evening of the previous Sunday, was seen by a policeman near the Mile Post. From his appearance, the policeman conceived him to be drunk, but on entering into a conversation with him discovered that such was not the case, but that he seemed weak.
The Scene
About three miles onward, on the old Waterford and Ross Road [today called the High Road], at Ballyhobuck, he was subsequently discovered dead, and lying by the ditch. Six or seven yards from the body, there was a stream of blood on the centre of the road, which is very rough and having a quick descent. At the commencement of the run of blood there were stones fixed in the road, which might have inflicted the injuries apparent on the head of deceased, had he fallen thereon sideways with considerable force, to effect which he should have been running at the time.
The Deceased’s Injuries
There was a puncture wound on the head, baring the skull, which was fractured, with extravasation of blood underneath, causing death. [Extravasation refers to the leakage of fluids]. [There were marks of violence upon the body, consisting of several wounds on the hand and arm, all on the right side. The principal wound that caused his death was one likely to be produced by the blow of a blunt instrument inflicted with force—that it and all the other wounds might have occurred from a fall with great force whilst running, and that he might have been able to get up and walk afterwards to the ditch (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2).
No food had been in the stomach for six hours before death, nor was there any trace of intoxicating liquor; consequently the man, from weakness, was not supposed to be likely to run so as to endanger life. The medical witness also stated that a blow of a stick or blunt instrument, would have inflicted the injury received.
A noise, as of persons in anger, had been heard near where the body lay, at about the time the deceased may have been passing there. He might also, it seemed, have recovered sufficiently to move from the spot where he had first fallen, to where he was subsequently found. [There was no noise heard the evening before by anyone in the neighbourhood, except the voices of a few men about 9 o’clock as if passing by quietly (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
The Verdict
The respectable jury found that “death from the effect of a blow or injury to the head.” [After evidence was summed up the jury returned a verdict “that Crosby’s death was occasioned by a wound on the right side of the head, but whether the blow was effected by design or accident they could not determine (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Evidence Viewed Today
One hundred and seventy-eight years have passed and modern forensics might have been able to shed light on this death if sketches of the injuries had been recorded and kept. In fact the death of John Crosby occurred about four decades before the world was introduced to the fictional Sherlock Holmes. Although fictional Sherlock Holmes helped shape forensics and he would have been searching for trace evidence in the deceased’s wounds. There is little doubt that a man weak from not eating could fall on a roadway and injure himself, however it is unlikely that such a collapse would lead to such an extensive injury to the right side of the deceased’s head causing his skull to be exposed and fractured.
Additionally, wounds to his right hand suggests that if he fell he was able to get his right hand out to break his fall. However, this would not account for the injuries to his right arm unless the injuries were on the lower arm. Although it was not discussed, at least not in the newspaper accounts, could the injuries to his right hand and arm have been what today are called defensive wounds? If so, the death was not an accident.
No time of death was established and probably could not have been established in 1846. We know the deceased was last seen alive at the Mile Post on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. and was found dead in the road on Monday morning. Did he die while walking on Sunday afternoon or did he die late on Sunday or early Monday? Today it seems odd that no passerby found his corpse until Monday, but before automobiles on a cold winter’s night there were probably not a lot of people traveling along that road.
What do you think murder or an accident from being weak from hunger?
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For further information and maps of the High Road see our post of 14 December 2019.
From Danny’s Files: 1977 Glenmore Clippings
During the 7 decades that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected information on Glenmore he often tore or cut newspapers articles out of local newspapers. Some of these articles were placed in files that were then deposited in one of his several filing cabinets. The file marked Parochial House contained articles regarding the sale of the property in 1977, but there were several articles in the file that were not related including a newspaper photo of the Glenmore Under 12 School Hurling Team.
Sale of the Glenmore Parochial House
In September 1977 the work was almost complete on the new priest’s house next to St. James’s Church. Prior to this time the parish priests lived in a two-storey house on Priest’s Lane in Robinstown, Glenmore. Below is an advertisement for the sale of this four bedroom house on Priest’s Lane. The featured photo above was from the sales advertisement.
P.N. O’Gorman Ltd. of New Ross announced the “important sale” of the “Glenmore Parochial House with out-offices and approximately 2 acres. The property which is situated midway between Waterford and New Ross, and convenient to the main road, held in Fee Simple. P.L.V. £11.50. Consists of: attractive two-storey residence, containing porch, pantry and scullery, two bedrooms (16’ x 14’), bedroom (12’ x 10’ 6”), small bedroom (10’ 6”x 6’9”), bathroom and toilet, oil fired central heating, ESB lighting.”
“The out-offices, comprise of two stables, cow house, fuel house, garage, small hay shed, etc. The above holding is one of the most attractive properties to come on the market in this area for a number of years, ideally situated, and convenient to Church and schools. Viewing: only by appointment with Auctioneers” (New Ross Standard, Friday 30 September 1977, p. 20).
Eight Acres Sold to Glenmore GAA
It was reported in the Kilkenny People in 1977 that Glenmore GAA purchased eight acres of parochial land for £8,000 which they hoped to develop into hurling and football pitches (Kilkenny People, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 21). The land purchased was part of the Priest Lane holding. No pitches were built on this land. This land was traded to Neddy O’Connor, of Graiguenakill for lands in Graiguenakill where a pitch was built.
Completion of New Glenmore Parochial House
The new Parochial House at Glenmore, which is adjacent to the Parish Church, was i late October 1977, now nearing completion. It was reported that it would be ready for occupation in the near future. The contactor was Mr. John Kennedy, Slieverue, who deserved to be complimented on the excellent job he did on the new building, “which replaces the old Parochial House at Robinstown, recently sold” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 22).
Sale Details
The Parochial House at Glenmore together with 2 acres of land, was sold by public auction to Mr. Pat Walsh, Jamestown, Glenmore, for £19,000. Bidding opened at £15,000, and continued between Mr. Walsh and Mr. Kelly, Solicitor, New Ross, acting for a client, until a figure of £19,000 was reached, at which it was knocked down to the former, who is a haulage contractor with the firm of Bellferry, Waterford. The sale was conducted by Messrs. P. N. O’Gorman Ltd. auctioneers, New Ross (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 22).
Glenmore Priest Applied for Public Dance Hall License
In addition to the parish being in the news over the building of a new Parochial House, and the sale of the old one, Glenmore’s Parish Priest,
“the Very Rev. Joseph O’Shea, … made application under the Public Dance Halls Act 1936 to the New Ross District Court for a public Dancing License for premises known as the Parochial Hall, situated in Glenmore” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 August 1977, p. 16). This Parochial Hall was the old National School which closed in 1958. It too was sold and is currently in a terrible state with the partial collapse of its roof.
Glenmore Karate Club
In the summer of 1977, the New Ross Standard, stated that “Glenmore is an unlikely place for a Karate Club, but one does exist there, has 24 members who have already made their mark in competition and are now preparing for the All Ireland championships which will be held at the Mansion House, Dublin, in September. The club is affiliated to the Shotakan Karate Club of Ireland.” The only person named in the article from Glenmore was Monica Walsh (the daughter of Bill Walsh (1912-1985). See our post of 27 Feb. 2022.) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 23).
Were you a member of the Glenmore Karate Club? Do you have any photos of members?
Glenmore Blood Donor Honoured
Danny’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Dowling (née Grace) (1919-2010), of Forritalstown, Glenmore received a “Silver Pelican” for donating blood (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 April 1977, p. 1).
The Glenmore Police Blotter
Dismissed on the merits were summons against John Foran, Aylwardstown, Glenmore, who had no insurance and no driving license when stopped at Shanbogh on 14th May 1977. He was also summoned for failing to produce the documents and these summonses were also dismissed. Defendant said he called four times to the Garda Station in Glenmore to produce the documents and no one was present (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 10).
Other Glenmore residents were not as fortunate. Margaret Walsh, Ballybrahee, Glenmore was fine £5 in each case for not having tax or insurance on a tractor driven by a juvenile Fines totalling £15 were imposed on Michael Green, Jamestown, Glenmore, who had no tax, no tax displayed and no front or rear marks on a tractor.. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1977, p. 17).
Denis Cotterell, Alwardstown, Glenmore was fined £5 and Kathleen Dolan, Glenmore was fined £10 for parking offences (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 10). (See our post of 28 Nov. 2021 regarding Kathleen’s husband silversmith Pat Dolan.)
Glenmore Photos
Glenmore Under 12 School Team
“Glenmore under 12 Schools Team, Co. League and Championship winners. The team was managed and trained by Mr. Michael “Mick” Lynch, N.T. [Mick Lynch (c. 1938-2021].
Front Row (l to r) Dick Murphy; David Power; Jimmy Hartley; Paschal Hennessy; John Boyle, Sean Fitzgerald and Vincent O’Connor.
Centre Row (l to r) Declan Cass; Michael Freyne; Martin Freyne, (Captain of Championship team); Michael Phelan, Pat Barron (Captain of League Team); Willy O’Connor; Richard O’Connor.
Back Row (l to r) Raymond Cass; Eamon Walsh; Thomas Mullins; Francis Kirwan; Michae Duggan; Pat Dowling and Gerard Cass. (Photo by Joe McGrath).” (Munster Express, Fri. 12 Aug. 1977, p. 18).
Dancer Mary Hennessy, of Glenmore
Mary Hennessy, Glenmore and Mary McDonald who took part in the Mulcahy-Bible dancing competitions in the Ardree during the August Bank holiday (Munster Express, Fri. 12 August 1977, p. 15).
Please send any corrections or further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Ballinclare, Glenmore Murder, Part II
In our last post we published the accounts of the arrest of Michael Walsh of Ballinclare, Glenmore for the murder of his neighbour Simon Power by poison in August 1849, his one day trial and the jury verdict of guilty on 24 July 1850. Today, we tell the rest of the story.
Sentencing
After the late jury verdict on Thursday, Baron Pennefather had the prisoner brought back to the court for sentencing on Friday. Before sentencing Walsh’s barrister, Mr. Harris, asked Pennefather what “course he intended to pursue on behalf of the prisoner, with regard to the point raised against the reading of the depositions of Power [the victim] at the trial…” Harris stated that he intended to argue the legality of admitting the depositions before the Court of Appeal.
“The Judge said he did not think there was anything in it, but he would give Mr. Harris any information in his power, if would wait upon him before he left Kilkenny. He would afford the prisoner time for having the point argued in his favour. The officer of the court then informed the prisoner in the usual form of the nature of the verdict against him, and asked him If he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be upon him. The prisoner, who exhibited no external emotion whatsoever, answered in rather husky and smothered accents—”God help me; I gave him the whiskey, but I had no harm in it. The Lord help me; I leave myself on your mercy” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
Judge Addresses Convicted Murderer Michael Walsh
Baron Pennefather replied—”Michael Walsh, you had a very fair and full investigation of your case; you have been ably defended by your Counsel; the Jury have paid the most anxious attention to the evidence, and every point which could be suggested as favourable to you was put forward by your Counsel, subsequently by myself to the jury. They, having considered all the circumstances of the case have come to the full consideration that you were Guilty—that you are guilty of a foul and deliberate murder.”
Addressing his sisters and workmen who testified for him the Judge stated, “You attempted to defend yourself by evidence which the Jury did not believe, and which was palpably untrue to every person attending the trial. The Jury have come to that conclusion which consigns you to the grave, and to which they were compelled to come by the evidence, which, being believed, was irresistible to show your guilt.”
“That the unfortunate Simon Power met his death by poison—by poison of a most deadly kind—poison of a mercurial nature, called corrosive sublimate—has been demonstrated by the opinions of men whose judgment the jury could not fail to rely on, and who expressed their opinion without any doubt as to the nature of the poison, and without any consideration but the assertion of truth. The only enquiry then to be made, was as to who had committed the fatal deed” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
“The jury have come to a conclusion discrediting the story told on your part, being constrained by other evidence to believe your guilt. I feel bound to say that I cannot disapprove of that conclusion, nor can any man who duly reflects on the evidence. The Jury was almost selected by yourself. The Crown did not use its prerogative in putting by a single name, while on the contrary you exercised the power which the law undoubtedly gives you, of putting by numbers of persons. It may then be said that the jury was much more of your own selection, but they were men of understanding and conscience, and they have done their duty by returning a verdict such as they were bound to do by the obligation of their oaths. It now only remains for me to pass sentence upon you” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
Murder Linked to Agrarian Violence
Baron Pennefather was just warming up and told the prisoner, “I have already had occasion this morning to observe on the fatal consequences of the agrarian outrages—they lead from one step to another, and if in the first instances property only be assailed, it comes shortly to this, that life itself is not safe from the attacks of those who desire to hold their land without paying the rent contracted for.”
“Unfortunate Simon Power went as a bailer to make a distress on you. There does not appear to have been any personal enmity between you; he was your neighbour, and you had never quarrelled—but such was the spirit entertained—such was the reckless disposition constituted—such was the wicked purpose conceived, that to strike terror into others—perhaps to defeat the distress made, you did not scruple to take away his life, because he discharged this trifling duty for your landlord, or his agent” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
“Is not this a frightful proof of the extent to which this crime has grown in this County? Is it not proof of the necessity of redressing it by the strong arm of the law, and that those who counsel this interference by attacks on property, be warned of the frightful consequences of proceeding further? You gave way to the plan you had settled in your mind, and regardless of the consequences, administered the deadly drug which produced the death of your victim under dreadful agonies” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
“Can there be any crime greater than this? and can a man who administered deadly poison in this this matter, hope or have the least expectation of receiving pardon in this world; and ought, he not turn his mind that future world to which he must shortly belong? Let me conjure you, then, to turn your mind to your God, and by repentance and contrition, endeavour to make atonement to Heaven for that crime for which your life has been forfeited to the laws of your country, and seek that mercy there, which this tribunal cannot allow” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
The placed the black cap on his head and stated, “It is now my painful duty to pronounce the awful sentence of the law, which is, that you, Michael Walsh, be hanged by the neck till you are dead, and that your body be buried within the precincts of the prison where you have been confined … and may the Lord have mercy on your soul” (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
The prisoner remained unmoved throughout the sentence and communicated with his solicitor for some moments before leaving the dock. We understand that the 23rd November has been named as the day of execution, in order to give time for the appeal (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
The Appeal
According to the newspaper account the appeal was taken because Mr. Harris, the prisoner’s barrister, objected during the trial to the admission of Simon Power’s depositions because he alleged them to be irregular. “Mr. Cooke, R.M., went to the dying bailiff, Power, and, in the presence of the prisoner, took down a statement of the administration of poison mixed in whiskey, by Walshe. This statement was not made under oath; and when it was made, Walshe put a few questions to the dying man, which, with the replies, were added to the statement; and as the then stood, the dying man was sworn as to the truth of it—that is he was sworn after the statement had been taken, instead of being sworn before.”
This statement, so sworn to was read at the trial at Kilkenny, on the part of the Crown, against the prisoner. Mr. Harris, Counsel for the prisoner, objected to its admission, but Baron Pennefather allowed the document to be read, except one or two questions. He refused to give the document itself to the jury. The newspaper opined that “… the depositions, its questions or answers, or its post swearing instead of ante-swearing, had no influence except the remotest, in inducing the jury to arrive at a conviction that Walshe (sic) was guilty.”
Before sentence was passed, Mr. Harris, urged that the admission into evidence “of the informal deposition was illegal, and consequently a ground why Walshe should not be sentenced. Baron Pennefather, after some discussion, took a note of the objection on the record under which counsel might bring the question before the judges of criminal appeal.”
Murder Conviction Overturned
Three out of the five justices hearing the appeal that, “as the dying man was sworn after he made the statement instead of being sworn before, the deposition was bad; and should not have been used against prisoner; consequently, as illegal evidence had been received on the trial, the conviction should be reversed” (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 20 Nov. 1850, p. 1).
On Saturday the 17th of November, just a week before Walsh’s execution date, Mr. Robins, the Governor of the County Gaol, “communicated to Michael Walshe the (to him) agreeable intelligence that he was to walk forth again a free man…Walshe, accordingly, left the prison, where, it was confidently presumed he would have been executed” (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 20 Nov. 1850, p. 1).
The newspaper concluded, “And so it has been; and Walshe is now upon his farm once more! It is stated, on good authority, that since his conviction he confidently reckoned upon being set at liberty; and it is also the impression of many who have considered the circumstances of the case, that the poison was administered to the two bailiffs, one of whom suffered only temporarily, not with a view to their death; but only to lay them up for a few hours, or for a day perhaps, in order that, in their absence, some of the property distrained might be removed.”
Who Was Michael Walsh, of Ballinclare, Glenmore?
With no hint of his age it is difficult with any certainty to identify the prisoner Michael Walsh. We did locate Michael Welsh (sic) who was baptized on 25 September 1803 at Ballinclare, Glenmore, the son of John Welsh and Ellen Doherty. If this is the correct Michael Walsh he was 46 when he poisoned Simon Power. From the newspaper accounts there is no mention of a wife or children, just his two sisters. His sister Mary Power, who testified that she drank the whiskey may have been the Mary Walsh who married Robert Power of Ballinclar at Slieverue on 14 July 1837. Michael Walsh was one of the witnesses.
Another Michael Walsh (1803-1868) was baptized on 28 September 1803 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the son of Patrick Welsh and Catherin Shee. We were able to find that Michael, of Ballinlammy died 26 March 1868 aged 64. He was a married, farmer and Johanna Walsh (c. 1798-1870) was present at his death. This Michael (Ballinlammy) had a sister, Margaret Walsh (bapt. 5 April 1808).
Who Was The Victim, Simon Power?
The provision of his children’s names in the newspaper account of the trial aided in the tracking of Simon Power. The victim Simon Power was married to Mary Savage. When Walter Power was baptized at Glenmore on 27 February 1828 the family was residing at Ballyinguile. His sister, Catherine Power was baptized 9 October 1829 at Gaulstown, Glenmore. Another brother, Michael Power was baptized at Ballyinguile on 24 December 1826, but he was not mentioned in the newspapers and may not have survived infancy.
In 1831, Simon Power, of Ballihibuck (sic), Glenmore married Mary Walsh of Ballinclar, Glenmore on 14 February. To this union, three children were born: James Power (bapt 22 March 1834 at Ballanguile); Joney Power (bapt. 21 Dec. 1835 at Ballanguile) and John Power (bapt 10 June 1837 at Ballanguile). It is not known if this Simon Power is the victim as none of these children were named in the newspaper accounts of the trial.
1901 Census
We could find no marriage record for Michael Walsh, of Ballinclare, nor could we locate a death record. However, death records only began being kept in the 1860’s. We do not know if Michael Walsh, of Ballinclare, remained in Glenmore or left the area. Perhaps as more of Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks are transcribed we will learn how Michael Walsh, his sisters and workmen were treated after the trial and his release. We do know that by 1901 there were no persons named Walsh in Ballinclare or Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For a list of persons executed in Ireland from 1835 to 1899, see, Richard Clark.
A Ballinclare, Glenmore Murder
Several years ago when Danny Dowling (1927-2021) was talking about the killer Henry “Bounce” Walsh he mentioned another murder that occurred in Ballinlammy and concerned the poisoning of a bailiff. Danny believed that the killer lived where Irish’s are today. We were never able to locate a Ballinlammy murder, but did come across a case where Michael Walsh of Ballinclare, Glenmore was charged with murdering his neighbour Simon Power by poison in 1849. According to Paddy O’Connor (his mother was Bridie Aylward of Ballinclare) a Walsh family once lived at the Ballinlammy Cross where Ballinlammy and Ballinclare meet.
September 1849–Poisoned Whiskey
The Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 15 September 1849, p. 2) published a short article that Michael Walsh, residing at Ballinclare, in the Barony of Ida, was committed to the Kilkenny County Gaol, by W. R. Croke, Esq., R.M. Walsh was due to stand trial at the next Assizes, for attempting to murder by poisoning.
Two local men were hired as bailiffs or “keepers” and placed in charge of Walsh’s crop which had been distrained for rent. Their names were James Murphy and Simon Power. Walsh asked the bailiffs to take some whiskey, and they accepted the invitation and received some liquid from a bottle, which caused them to become deadly sick. Power, who took more of the liquid than the other, was reported as being in a dangerous state. Dr. William Boyd who treated Simon Power, declared that corrosive sublimate had been mixed with the whiskey.
It was reported that Michael Walsh absconded, but was arrested in Waterford through the exertion of Acting Constable Smullen of the Glanmore police station. Smullen is not a Glenmore name. A quick check of the Glenmore parish registers revealed the first name of the RIC Acting Constable Smullen was Patrick. Patrick Smullen was married to Margaret Macmanus. The couple had three known children which provides a bit of insight into where Patrick was posted. His daughter Mary was baptized in 1841 at Tulloroan, Kilkenny. In 1843, his daughter Catherine was baptized at Ballycallan/Kilmanagh, Kilkenny, and his son Laurence was baptized at Glenmore on 4 April 1849.
Dying Declaration
Before Simon Power died, William Cooke, Esq., R,M. went to his house early in September. Cooke found the victim, Simon Power, stretched upon a pallet. The prisoner was there in custody. Cooke first took the information from the deceased and told the prisoner he had a right to examine the dying man. Cooke took down the questions the prisoner asked the dying man and the answers he received.
Arraigned for Murder
Michael Walsh was arraigned for the murder of Simon Power, committed on the 13th of August 1849, at Ballieclare (sic). The indictment set out at great length that the prisoner had, with malicious intent, mixed in a “naggin of whiskey two drachmas of a deadly poison,” termed mercurial salts, which he induced Simon Power, to drink, and in consequence the deceased languished from the 13 August to the 14th of September, and then died.
When the case came before the Kilkenny Assizes in July 1950 and it “excited considerable interest.” It had been tried at the previous Assizes, where “the jury disagreed,” and a new trial became necessary. The newspaper reporters wrote that prisoner, Michael Walsh, “was a man apparently of the class of comfortable farmers.” The Counsel for the Crown was Mr. Scott QC and counsel for the defence were Messrs. Harris & Armstrong. The trial judge was Baron Richard Pennefather (1773-1859). For further information regarding Pennefather see our previous post of 24 July 2021. Michael Walsh’s trial for the murder of Simon Power took one day.
The Murder Trial–July 1850
The Kerry Post, (Wed. 31 July, 1850, p. 4) has the clearest printed account of the trial which was held on Thursday the 24th of July 1850. It has been supplemented with facts reported in the Kilkenny Moderator. “Michael Walsh, a farmer of respectable appearance, was indicted for the wilful murder of Simon power, on the 30th of August 1849, at Ballyclare (sic) by administering to him a deadly mercurial salt in whiskey. There were 17 challenges on the part of the prisoner prior to a jury being empanelled” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
Testimony of James Murphy
James Murphy—I was placed last August as keeper over the land of the prisoner. The deceased, Simon Power, was another keeper. I lived near the prisoner. It was on Tuesday morning we went, and we remained night and day on the grounds. On Thursday morning the prisoner told me and Power to go up to the house and warm ourselves. We went up. We refused at first, as the women would not be satisfied with our going into the house. He said they were not up. When we got into the house the prisoner took a bottle off the dresser. He went into the yard and brought back a tea cup. He brought me then to the inner room and filled the cup with whiskey which I drank.
Power was not in the room with me when I took the whiskey. I went back to the kitchen and was there about 10 minutes when the prisoner from the inner room called Power. Power went up to the room and remained about two minutes. Power returned to the kitchen. Power went out of the house, and after a few minutes the prisoner and I and a man named Lennan, the landlord’s man, went out of the house. The deceased was at the gable end of the house. He was vomiting. He went with me a quarter of a mile to his own house, and still continued sick.
I also became affected when I got 40 perches away. I left Power at home in his house. He had been well for the two days before that morning. The distress was subsequently canted. About a naggin of spirits was in the bottle after I got a drink.
Cross Examination of James Murphy
During cross-examination James Murphy stated that Lennan had told the prisoner that if he went to Mr. Sherlock, and paid his rent, it would be all right. He testified that he drank about half a glass. “We had taken nothing that morning. The door was open between the kitchen and where the prisoner remained after I got the whiskey. The prisoner’s sister, Mary Walsh, came down after I got the whiskey, but not before the deceased was called into the parlour. Both of us got the whiskey before she came in. I felt a pain in my stomach after the drink. The prisoner and the deceased were very good friends. I saw Power walking on three different days after he was sick, and remained one day as a keeper. I did not see him sick after those occasions. Power complained to me that he was sick.
The jurors were allowed to ask questions of James Murphy.
The second day after that Thursday Power was at the prisoner’s and remained about three hours. When asked if there was anything put into so small a quantity of whiskey would it not have left a disgusting taste, James Murphy responded, “I did not feel that there was anything remarkable about it.” If he had been offered more, he believed he would have drank it. However, if offered it half an hour after, he would not have taken it (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2). Lastly, James Murphy was asked if “after the deceased was placed as a keeper, did the prisoner manifest any unkindly feelings towards him.” James Murphy testified, “He did not.”
The Testimony of Anastatia Power
Anastatia Power, the daughter of the deceased Simon Power testified that her father came home at 6 in the morning with James Murphy. Her father had been keeping at the prisoner’s. Her father was vomiting. He went to bed and “he continued very bad during the whole of that day.” When he came home his cheeks were yellow. After some time his tongue and cheeks swelled and turned red. The middle of his tongue was white but the borders were red. He would start up when asleep, and bawl as if in fright. The first week his feet were warm and sore, and they got cold the second week.
The vomiting continued until he died fifteen days afterwards. Dr. Boyd attended her father a week after he was ill. He was very often sick and vomiting during that week. He was very sore and not able to go a out his business. “His mouth was sore and scalding, and the flesh inside his mouth would come away when he was spitting. I could pull out the flesh and it was black. His teeth were also black. The odour of his breath was most offensive. The water from his mouth was green and thick. It was often coloured bloody. He complained of pains cutting him in the bowels, and of pains in his head. Before he died lumps of lard like came from his stomach.”
Cross Examination of Anastatia Power
On cross examination Anastatia Power stated that her father on Wednesday night ate a supper of peas. He never went about his business after that Thursday and he never had any of these symptoms before. The newspaper noted that Anastatia’s brother and sister were examined, but no record of their testimony was provided in the Kerry Post. The Kilkenny Moderator note that Walter Power, testified that he took his father’s place at the prisoner’s farm as his father was not able to attend. His sister Catherine Power also stated that their father was too ill to work (Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
Testimony of Dr. William Boyd
Dr. William Boyd testified that he attended the deceased on the 6th of September and prescribed “for him on the 3d for a sore mouth.” He found the deceased lying on the ground in bed with a profuse flow of saliva from his mouth with a disagreeable odour. The deceased’s tongue was swollen and protruding, indented at the sides and thickly coated. His gums were ulcerated as was the palette behind the teeth. His face was swollen and re and he had great difficulty swallowing and talking.
“His pulse was excited. I got him out of bed to examine his body to see if he had been rubbing his body with ointment. I could detect nothing. I asked if he had been taking medicine. He said not, but that that day week he got something from the prisoner in whiskey which was not right—that immediately after getting the whiskey he became sick—that he was not able to remain that day…That on swallowing the whiskey it had a very queer burning taste, and he felt a burning in his mouth and throat. That about the third day his mouth became salivated and continued. He had a pain in his stomach. The chief pain he complained of was his mouth and head, and he never used any mercurial preparation, except four years earlier when he was in fever. He frequently drank whiskey without any ill effects from it, and he was in rude health immediately before he took the whiskey. “
The doctor visited the deceased on the 8th, 10th and 13th. “From the symptoms I perceived, I think he died from the effects of mercury. Corrosive sublimate is a sort of mercury. It could have been administered by an ointment rubbed to the body, or by its being given by a drink. I considered it must have been administered to him in a drink from what he said.”
“Corrosive sublimate is soluble in whiskey, and would not colour the drink, or have any smell. It would have a dry, caustic taste, like as if a man got a taste of lime when in a kiln. From the symptoms, and from what the man said, I believe his death was from corrosive sublimate…It is a deadly poison.” The doctor then described the body parts he collected from the post mortem and sent them in jars to Dublin for further examination.
In response to further questions, the doctor explained that the deceased died from weakness, the corrosive sublimate interfered with the digestive organs. On the 13th the deceased was aware of his approaching death. Dr. Boyd told the deceased that there was no hope. The deceased sent for his priest. “When I first saw him I did not consider him dying. I knew him to be in a dangerous way.”
The Cross Examination of Dr. William Boyd
On cross examination the doctor agreed that both cholera and dysentery were prevalent in the area. He said that the deceased was a stout, strong, well built man, not likely to be affected by dysentery. He attended the deceased for mercurial salivation. “The deceased described as accurately as any medical man the effects which would follow the taking of this poison, and I was confirmed in my belief of what he had taken by finding an ignorant man describe day by day with the utmost accuracy what symptoms should follow the administration of corrosive sublimate.” He disputed that this was not a simple case of bad whiskey containing bluestone and Verdigris. Verdigris has no mercury. Just three grains of sublimate can kill. “One may take as much of the poison and escape from death that would kill three others. Some are more susceptible than others of the influence of poison.” The doctor stated if sublimate was in powder he would not expect it would be dissolved in ten minutes (The Kerry Post, Wed. 31 July, 1850, p. 4).
Defense Objected to Deceased’s Dying Deposition
When the Crown attempted to read into the record the deposition of the deceased the defence council objected and a mighty row broke out. Judge Pennefather ultimately decided to admit the deposition into evidence.
The Defence
The defence put on several witnesses. From the newspaper accounts all were relatives of the prisoner or worked for him. Mary Power née Walsh,, the prisoner’s sister, stated that she was present when her brother gave whiskey to both men at the same time. She herself had a glass as did two workmen, William Bryan and Patrick Dwyer. She later had a bit of a headache but wasn’t sure if it was from the whiskey. Another sister Ellen Walsh testified that she was the deceased working the rest of the week and noticed thereafter that his son Watt Power replaced him. Both workmen testified that they often started the day with Michael Walsh treating them to a drop of whiskey. Both indicate that there was no upset over the local men acting as keepers for the landlord. It was better to have neighbours than strangers about (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 July 1850, p. 2).
Jury Deliberations
According to the Kilkenny Moderator, “Baron Pennefather delivered a most luminous and impressive charge.” The jury retired at 8 p.m. and after thirty minutes the foreman came out and said that there was no chance of a verdict. Pennefather sent them to deliberate more. At half past ten the jury returned a verdict and notwithstanding the lateness of the hour the courtroom was packed.
Our next blog we will discuss the verdict, the sentence and appeal as well as information concerning the victim and his family. If you were on the jury how would you have voted?
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For further information see, Kilkenny Journal & LCL Advertiser, Wed. 31 July 1850, p. 1