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The McDonald Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Tracing members of this family proved difficult because the name has been spelled in numerous ways from McDonald to Macdonell. Special thanks to McDonald descendants Perri Williams and Sean McCarthy as well as Barbara Barden O’Donahue for the information they shared regarding their research. The McDonald family of Ballyfacey provides an excellent example of how members of large Glenmore families sought opportunities in Glenmore, adjacent parishes and on foreign shores.
Earliest McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Glenmore was until the middle of the 19th century part of the parish of Slieverue. We are lucky that the parish records started in the mid-18th century survive. Thus, we know that Patrick McDaniel (sic) and his wife Joane Murry were the parents of at least two children baptized at “Old Ballyfacey:” Margaret McDaniel (bapt. 4 Oct. 1769) and Catherine Macdaniel (sic) (bapt. 26 Aug. 1772).
A record of a wedding on 18 February 1798 was found in the Slieverue parish records where Margaret Macdonnell (sic) “Old Ballyfacey” married John Bardin of Lismategue, Knocktopher.
The parish records provide that other McDonald children were born during this era: in Kilbride, Glenmore (Patrick, bapt. 26 Nov.1776, son of Edmond O’Danniel and Margaret Joanes); and in Mullinahone, Glenmore (Anstice, bapt. 31 July 1771, daughter of Edmund Mackdaniel (sic) and Margaret Grant).
In the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for Lower Bally Facey (sic) John McDaniel was the lessee 22 acres plus leased about 100 acres in the townland in common with others.
The Last McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The last McDonalds in Ballyfacey were two bachelor brothers. James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (26 June 1909-21 Sept. 1990) and Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (11 Sept. 1918-22 March 1986). Both are buried in Glenmore with their parents Patrick McDonald (c. 16 Mar. 1868-14 Dec. 1952) and Margaret McDonald née Henneberry (22 June 1875-10 Dec. 1957).
Their mother, Margaret was baptized in Jamestown, Glenmore, to Patrick Henneberry and his wife Bridget Joice(sic) [Joyce] on 18 June 1875. Their father, Patrick Macdonald (sic)(c. 1868-1952) was baptized at Ballyfacey on 16 March 1868. He was the son of Thomas Macdonald, of Ballyfacey, and his second wife Anastatia Neill, of Mullinavat.
Margaret Hennebery (1875-1957) of Jamestown, married Patrick Macdonald (sic) of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 22 November 1904. The groom’s father was recorded as Thomas Macdonald (deceased, farmer) and the bride’s father was Patrick Henneberry (farmer).
Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) and Magaret McDonald née Henneberry (1875-1957) had 9 known children.
[1] Thomas McDonald (c. 1906-1953) never married and died at the age of 46 at Ballyfacey after a 2 year illness. His death cert lists angina pectoris as his cause of death. His brother James was present when Thomas died on 20 February 1953. A short death notice was located in the Munster Express ( Fri. 13 Feb. 1953, p. 12). “The death occurred rather unexpectedly at his residence, Ballyfacey, Glenmore, on Tuesday last, of Mr. Thomas McDonald, at the age of 44. He was eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Patrick McDonald, and was a prominent footballer and hurler with his native parish, as well as being a founder member of Glenmore’s Ploughing Association.”
[2] Anastatia McDonald (1908) married O’Sullivan of Ballyhale.
[3] James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990) never married.
[4] Bridget McDonald (1910-1 Nov. 1991) married John Kennedy (c. 1908-1970) of Ballinclare, Glenmore. The couple farmed at Ballinclare and raised 7 known children.
[5] Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (1918-1986) never married.
[6] Catherine “Katie” McDonald (23 July 1918—30 Mar. 2013) married Paddy Cororan (c. 1912 -1970) of Mullinahone. The couple had no children.
[7] Mary “May” McDonald (b. 11 May 1914) married Quinn of Ballyhale.
[8] Margaret McDonald (b. 31 Aug 1915) married at Glenmore in 1941, Thomas Fitzgerald of Glynn, Tullogher.
[9] John McDonald (b. 2 Feb. 1920) was married and resided in Ferrybank.
After Jimmy Mac died in 1990 the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey passed to his nephew Tom Fitzgerald.
The Previous Generation: The Two Families of Thomas McDonald
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Judith/Johanna Denieffe/Neiff (c. 1826-after 1857)
On 3 November 1852 at Glenmore, Judith Deniefe married John MacDonnell (sic). Although the father of the bride and groom are not recorded we believe Judith Deniefe was baptized at Bally Verea (sic) Glenmore on 9 August 1826, the daughter of John Deneff and Honor Donovan.
The Glenmore Deneiffes
John Deneef (sic) married Honor Donnevan (sic) on 8 February 1824 at Glenmore. They are recorded as residing at Ballivera. The note on the register records they were second cousins. There were several John Kneefe’s in Glenmore in the early 19th century. Only one was born in Ballyveria. John Kneefe (sic) was baptized at Ballyverera on 10 July 1794 the son of Edmund Kneefe and Johanna Tromulty. (An earlier son bore the name John and was baptized 5 June 1792). There are multiple Honor Donovans in Glenmore, but only one was born at Ballyverera (sic) before the wedding. Honor Donovan was baptized 23 February 1795, at Ballyveria, Glenmore, the daughter of James Donovan and Mary Kennedy.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) First Marriage
[1] Catherine Macdonald (bapt. 13 Nov. 1853-1931) was born at Ballyfacey. Family lore provides that Catherine emigrated to the US at the age of 9, soon after her mother died. She was with her sister Mary who was only 7. We did find a record that Cath McDonald, age 11 arrived in New York on 11 June 1866 aboard The Royal Standard. She was traveling with Bridget MacDonald (servant) aged 22; Patrick MacDonald (labourer) aged 20. It is not clear who Patrick and Bridget were.
Catherine McDonald married John Stack (1855-1923) on 10 June 1884 in Peoria, Illinois. John was a native of Knox County, Illinois and worked as an engineer on the railroad. The couple lived and raised their family in Peoria, Illinois. When Catherine died her obituary appeared in the Munster Express and her funeral was conducted by Msgr. Patrick O’Connor Culleton (1877—1960) a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. Catherine’s obituary from the Munster Express may be found on our S Surname page. For more information on Msgr. Culleton see our post of 26 August 2024.
[2] Mary Macdonald (bapt. 13 June 1855-16 Sept. 1937) was born at Ballyfacey. While it is correct that Mary emigrated to Peoria, Illinois she did not go out with her sister. Mary never married, and worked as a domestic in Peoria. Sometime before 1913 she moved from Illinois to Pasadena, California to work as a housekeeper for a priest. According to the naturalization petition she filed in Los Angeles on the 26th of September 1913 she was born at Glenmore on 22 June 1859 (which is not correct according to her baptismal record.) She stated that she emigrated in May 1870 to New York on board a ship from Queenstown called the Queen. No record could be located.
[3] John Macdonald (bapt. 19 April 1857—3 Oct. 1906) was born at Ballyfacey. John McDonald was sent to Kilivory, Glenmore where his Aunt Brigid and her husband had a small holding. His aunt and uncle were childless. John married Honor Fitzgerald, of Newtown, at Glenmore on 25 June 1879. The Civil Mariage Registry provides the fathers were Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Patrick Fitzgerald (farmer). Two daughters were born to the couple Johanna McDonald (1881-1955) and Catherine “Kate” McDonald (1883-1958). Kate McDonald was a well-known Glenmore dressmaker.
John McDonald died 3 October 1906 . At the time of his death his profession was labourer, he was married and aged 48. He died “probably of bronchitis” without any medical attention. His daughter Johannah was present at his death in Kilmakevogue.
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) of Garrandara, Mullinavat
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808–1889) married his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) on 4 February 1863 at Mullinavat. Their fathers names are not recorded in the records nor is the fact that Thomas was a widower.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) Second Marriage
[1] Margaret Macdonald (21 April 1864-1939) of Ballyfasy (sic) married John Williams (1867) (farmer) of Miltown, Kilmacow, at Glenmore on 18 February 1896. The marriage records provide that their fathers were William Williams and Thomas Macdonald. John Williams was born 14 November 1867 to William Williams and his wife Ellen Gaul of Miltown, Kilmacow.
[2] Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902). We hope to do a post on Fr. McDonald, and are awaiting requested information from the Diocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, where Father McDonald ministered and died.
[3] Patrick McDonald (1868-1952). As outlined above, Patrick married Magaret Henneberry (1875-1957) in 1904. They farmed the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey, and it was passed on to their son James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990). Patrick McDonald visited his brother James in the US in 1900 and appears to have visited his kin in Peoria, Illinois.
[4] Bridget McDonald (b. 1870) when 29 married Philip Walsh, of Ballyfacey (farmer, aged 32) on 6 March 1905. Their fathers were Richard Walsh (c.1821-1893) and Thomas McDonald. Richard Walsh (c. 1821-1893) was married to Margaret Murphy (c. 1831-1894). It is believed that Bridget McDonald & Philip Walsh only had one child Richard Walsh (c. 1913-1988) who married Kathleen Mullins (c. 1915-1985) of Flemingstown. Bridget McDonald and Philip Walsh were the paternal grandparents of the current Andy Walsh of Ballyfacey.
[5] Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) was born 17 February 1874 at Ballyfacey the son of Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Anastatia Neill. Margaret Neill, of Garrandara, was present at his birth and registered the birth on 6 March 1874. As a young man Thomas was sent to Garrandara to work the Neill farm where his mother came from. According to his obituary Thomas was a footballer for his native Glenmore. Thomas McDonald (farmer) of Garrandarra married on 30 April 1918, Mary Henebery (c.1884-1953) of Buckstown at Mullinavat. The father of the groom was Thomas McDonald (farmer) and the father of the bride was James Henebery (farmer). Witness were Wm. Williams and Brigid Knox.
Mary McDonald née Henebery died on 16 September 1953 of myocardial degeneration. She was ill for 18 months. Five years later Thomas died. A copy of Thomas McDonald’s complete obituary can be found on our M Family Surname page.
The Deaths of Thomas McDonald (c. 1808—1889) & Anastatia McDonald née O’Neil (c. 1837-1902?)
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) died 11 October 1889 at Balllyfacey at the age of 81. He died of senile decay “gradual” and he received no medical attention. His sister-in-law, Margaret O’Neill, was present at his death. His second wife, Anastatia, died we believe in 1902 under the name Statia McDonald, aged 65. Unfortunately, the link to the death register is corrupted, so no further information was available at this time.
The last official record we could locate was the 1901 Census which provides that at Ballyfacey, Anastatia McDonnell (sic) was 65, a widow and head of the household. Her sister, Maggie Neill was 38, her daughter Bridget was 26 and single. Thomas McDonnell, her son was 24 and single. Also present was William Williams, her grandson, aged 4, and Patrick Murphy, aged 24, a servant, tailor, who was “deaf and dumb.”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above was shared by Sean McCarthy, the date of the photo is unknown, but it had to be taken prior to 1953. Photo back row left to right: Sean’s grandmother, Mary “Mollie” McDonald née Henneberry (c. 1884-1953), his mother Anna McCarthy née McDonald, William Williams (of Milltown, Kilmacow)(nephew of Thomas McDonald) the next lady he thinks is Margaret Williams née McDonald (William’s mother). His grandfather Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) is seated holding the child. Sean is not certain regarding the identity of the others in the photo. If anyone can identify the children or the nun please send on their names.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Parish Burial Records
Anyone attempting to trace family members in Irish records knows that there are difficulties. The only two publicly available on-line census are from 1901 and 1911 as provided by the National Archives.
The General Register Office is responsible for maintaining birth, marriage and death records. Publicly available birth, marriage and death records are found on the IrishGenealogy.ie free website. This website is the work of the National Archives and IrishGeneology.ie. Currently the historic records of births, marriages and deaths on the website cover: births 1864 to 1923; marriages 1845 to 1948 and deaths 1871 to 1973. The website continues to add to the records it indexes and makes freely available.
Prior to this website people tracing their families before the internet had to visit the area libraries, visit National Archives or write letters requesting information. When online resources became available there was often a fee attached and not very helpful if you did not know which townland your ancestory came from. Many people hunted out Village Historians like Danny Dowling (1927-2021). Danny collected information from Glenmore residents for over 7 decades, recorded his own list of residents in 1961 and obtained copies of the Glenmore Parish records. In fact, when work began to digitalize the Glenmore records Danny was asked to help correct transcription mistakes because he was so familiar with the families of Glenmore.
In a blue binder Danny kept 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 are going to publish the parish burial records for 1934 and 1974 and in square brackets provide additional information obtained from other sources.
1934 Glenmore Burial Records
In 1934, 10 Glenmore burials are recorded.
[1] Michael Rigby, died 10 January 1934, aged 93. [The death register lists his age as 82, he was a farmer, in Ballyveria, Glenmore, a widower and died of “senile decay.” His son Daniel Rigby was present when he died.]
[2] John Walsh, died 2 March 1934, aged 68. [The death register reveals that he was a widower of Busherstown, Glenmore, and worked as a labourer. He died of broncho pneumonia and his sister Johanna Walsh was present when he died.]
[3] Margaret Doherty, died 26 March 1934, aged 69 (buried Shambo). [Per the death register Margaret Doherty, of Milltown, Glenmore was 67 when she died of asphyxiation from a toxic goitre.]
[4] William Walsh, died 17 April 1934, aged 82. [ Wm. Walsh, of Busherstown, Glenmore, was listed in the death register as an 81 year old, married, farmer when he died of “senile decay” in 1934. His daughter Hannah Walsh was present at his death.]
[5] Thomas Reid, died 19 April 1934, aged 56 (buried Mullinavat). [Thomas Reid was listed as 53 years of age in the death register. He was living in Busherstown, Glenmore, working as a labourer. Thomas was a bachelor. He died of septicaemia (blood poisoning) in the New Ross hospital after 2 days.]
[6] John Fitzgerald, died 25 April 1934, aged 95. [John Fitzgerald died at Knockbrack, Glenmore. He was a widower, farmer. He died of “senile decay” and his nephew John Fitzgerald was present at his death.]
[7] Stone? Roche, died 26 April, 1934 aged 68.
[8] Mrs. Neill, died 30 April 1934, aged 75. [Julia Neill, widow of Weatherstown, Glenmore died of broncho pneumonia. Her nephew Thomas Connolly was present when she died].
[9] Ellie Brennan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Brennan died 1 December 1934, aged 15. [The child died of acute eczema that covered her entire body. The secondary cause of death was nephritis. She was ill 12 days.]
[10] Mrs. Power died at the age of 85. Her date of death is blank. [We could find no woman named Power who died locally in 1934 and was 85 years of age.]
While searching for a Roche who died in April 1934 we came across Richard Roche, of Scartnamore, Glenmore, who died the 17th of November 1934. He was a bachelor, aged 68, farmer. He died “probably of heat stroke.” John Connolly was present at his death in Scartnamore.
While searching Glenmore headstones we found that James Walsh of Ballybrahee, Glenmore died 5 October 1934, aged 43. [James J.K. Walsh (1891-1934) was married to Lizzie J.K. née Heffernan (1884-1955). The couple operated a shop and dance hall in the Village. See our post of 22 December 2020 for further details of the family. ]
1974 Glenmore Burial Records
In 1974, 14 Glenmore burials are recorded.
[1] Catherine Forristal died 25 March 1974, aged 82. [Per Glenmore headstones Catherine Forristal was the widow of Patrick Forristal (c. 1897-1969) of Ballyverneen, Glenmore. Catherine’s maiden name was Phelan of Coolnaleen, Glenmore. Their daughter Peggy married Denis O’Dwyer (c.1929- 2000).]
[2] Michael Delahunty died 30th April 1974, aged 70. [It is believed that this was Mick Delahunty was a native of Rochestown and worked for May Roche of Scarte, Glenmore. Mick was a jolly, bachelor.]
[3] Patrick Walsh, died 2 April, 1974, aged 52. [According to his obit in the Kilkenny People he was from Ballybrahee, Glenmore, married to Peggy Fitzgerald and the couple had five children: Martin, Bernard, Teresa, Breda and Imelda (Fri. 19 April 1974, p. 10).]
[4] James Walsh, died 23 April 1974, aged 79.
[5] Catherine Barry, died 28 May 1974, aged 78. [Per the Glenmore headstone Catherine née Culleton was married to Thomas Barry (c. 1895-1981) of Carrigcloney, Glenmore.]
[6] John Forristal, died 11 August 1974, aged 87. [Per the Glenmore headstones John was a bachelor. He was the son of Laurence & Bridget née Kirwan Forristal.]
[7] Elizabeth Fitzgerald, died 25 August 1974, aged 74. [Per the Glenmore headstones Elizabth was the widow of James Fitzgerald (c. 1889 -1963) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Elizabeth’s maiden name was Burke].
[8] Brigid Doherty, died 4 September 1974, aged 84. [Per the Glenmore headstones Bridget née Freyne was 78 when she died. She was the widow of William Doherty (c. 1891-1968) of Ballinlammy, Glenmore.]
[9] Michael Murphy, died 4th September 1974, aged 45. [Michael Joseph Murphy was a native of Rochestown, Glenmore and started Murphy’s Motor. He was a husband and father of a young family when he was tragically killed in a car crash. See our post of 27 June 2020 regarding Michael’s runaway tractor in Glenmore Village.]
[10] John Fitzgerald, died 26 September 1974, aged 78. [Per the Glenmore headstones John was from Busherstown, Glenmore the son of John Fitzgerald (c. 1852-1922) and his wife Ellen Sullivan (c.1861-1937). John’s (c. 1896 -1974) wife was Hanna Stasia Cody (c. 1909 -1943).]
[11] Mrs. Bridget Kirwan, died 24 November 1974, aged 56. [Per the Glenmore headstones Bridget’s maiden name was O’Connor and she was a native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. She married John Kirwan (c. 1902-1993) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Bridget died of breast cancer.]
[12] John Doherty, died 28 November 1974, aged 81. [Per his obit in the Munster Express, John was a native of Davidstown and a prominant footballer as a young man. He married Bridget Wall, of Davidstown , and the couple had 10 children. Jack, as he was known, was the Director of Clover Meats for 36 years until he retired (Fri. 6 Dec. 1974, p. 6).]
[13] Richard Kehoe, died 15December 1974, aged 61. [Dick Kehoe, of Rathinure, Glenmore, was married to Mary Doherty, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore.]
While searching the Glenmore headstones we located three others that were not listed in the parish burial records.
Edward Fitzgerald, a native of Rathinure, Glenmore, who died in Southport, England, on 19 January 1974, aged 86.
Bridget Power née Mackey died on 4 March 1974 in Southport, England. She was the widow of John Power (c. 1884-1965) of Ballycroney, Glenmore.
Darragh Shine, of Glenmore Village, was just 3 years of age when he was struck and tragically killed by a car on 3 July 1974.
Alice Power née Curran died 20 July 1974 aged 93. Prior to her marriage to Walter Power (c.1888-1961) of Jamestown, Alice was a National School teacher in Glenmore.
Darren James Phelan, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore died in infancy on 18 December 1974.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Some information and obituaries may be found on our Glenmore Family Surname pages or the obituary page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the News: July 1924
Thorny unresolved issues continued to plague the new State. Although peace was restored the Free State Government was reluctant to release the Irregular prisoners. The infrastructure of the country had been damaged in the War of Independence and Civil War leaving little money to tackle other issues. The weather was described as wet and cold impacting on crops, tourism and morale. There were some positive reports in July 1924 including labourer cottages were built by the Thomastown Rural District Council, the Olympic Games were held in Paris and the evicted tenants’ association of the New Ross area had succeeded in getting 143 claims before the Land Commission.
GAA Support for Prisoners
As we highlighted previously the GAA players in 1924 were refusing to play championship games in protest over the continued detention of Irregular prisoners. Callan and Glenmore refused to play in the South Kilkenny Hurling Championship tie owing to the continued detention of the prisoners (Munster Express, Sat. 5 July 1924, p. 5).
The semi-final of the Leinster GAA football championship, fixed for Navan on Sunday the 13th, was “declared off” owing to Louth’s refusal to play, as a protest against the continued detention of the prisoners. The two All Ireland championships, both hurling and football were cancelled. The Erskine Childers SF Club, Denmark Street, Dublin, expressed appreciation of the Kerry team’s action in refusing to play Dublin (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 12 July 1924, p. 2).
Glenmore Man Released
In the middle of July the Kilkenny Moderator listed 14 men representing the latest releases from Hare Park. The men were from Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. Local men included: John Purcell, of Glenmore; James Roche, of Kilmacow; James Walsh, of Kilmacow; and Michael O’Sullivan, of Ferrybank (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 12 July 1924, p. 2).
Toward the end of July it was reported in Waterford that De Vallera was released on the 17th. A procession was quickly arranged to parade through the City. It was understood that De Valera planned to go to Ennis, on or about the 15th of August, to resume the meeting which was interrupted the previous August when he was arrented (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 18 July 1924, p. 5).
Death of James Nowlan (c. 1864-1924)
“Throughout all Gaeldom the death of Seumas Ua Nuallain, better known as Alderman Nolan, will be learned with profound regret. Up to the last few weeks, when his familiar figure was missed from Croke Park, he was never absent from an important game, and this was well known to the new generation of Gaels. At the vital crisis in the GAA about 1901 when no one wanted positions in a seemingly crumbling institution, he took the presidency and held it up to 1921, when Mr. Dan McCarthy, T.D., succeeded him. He was then made an hon. Vice-president of the GAA—a title which meant nothing, for he was long before recognised as one of its gathers. The late Mr. Nowlan was associated with the GAA movement from its earliest days in Kilkenny, where there was never a more honoured citizen. By his death one of the fine old fighting Gaels has disappeared and Gaelic Ireland is the loser” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 July 1924, p. 10). For further information see Historic Kilkenny website.
Evicted Tenants’ Association of the New Ross Area
A meeting of the Evicted Tenants’ Association of the New Ross area was held in the Tholsel, New Ross. The Association had been established in 1922 and had forwarded 143 claims. The secretary, Mr. Sean Cowman said that after years of hard fighting the Land Commission was taking up the claims of the evicted, and the preliminary investigation of the claims would commence on the 7th of July. It would relieve the Association of any further responsibility in future, as the claims would now be in the hands of the Land Commission. He explained that the Act applied to any case where the landlord caused the law to be moved for the eviction of a tenant. It would apply to any eviction from 1876 or earlier for a genuine case (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 July 1924, p. 8).
Mr. James Holden, arrested and taken to Waterford prison about four months previously in connection with the Shanbogh farm, was released from prison (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 July 1924, p. 5). See our post of 10 August 2023
Summer Weather
The poor weather of 2024 is eerily similar to that reported in 1924. In July 1924, it was reported that people were uneasy about the very unfavourable weather which continued for so long. Though more than half the summer season had passed they did not have summer weather. “The rains were a menace to farmers…The hay would be a very abundant crop if it could be saved” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 July 1924, p. 4).
The Munster Express noted, that “We have no summer visitors as yet, but neither have we the summer. People are living in hopes that warm weather will eventually come our way (Munster Express, Sat. 5 July 1924, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the Free State growing pains and the poor weather the Hanrahan Brothers opened new premises in New Ross in July 1924. The Hanrahan Brothers hailed from Glenmore. See our post of 19 December 2020 for other early Glenmore business adverts.
Olympic Games of 1924
At the Olympic Games in Paris, Peter O’Connor a Waterford solicitor watched as his world record in the long jump (24 ft. 11 3/4 inches) was broken by an American named Le Gendre with a jump of 25 ft. 5 1/2 inches. O’Connor held the record for 20 years (Munster Express, Sat. 12 July 1924, p. 5). The Munster Express was wrong about the name of the American who won the event. The long jump in 1924 was won by William Dehart Hubbard (1903-1976) of Ohio. Hubbard was the first black to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual event. For further information see Black Past website.
New Housing
Just like today housing was an issue in 1924. Thomastown (Co. Kilkenny) Rural District Council in 1924 erected ten “concrete houses” in Graiguenamanagh at a total cost of £3,950. The cottages were let at 3s a week. It was noted that all rents on the 50 labourers’ cottages in the Thomastown rural area were not in arrears (Munster Express, Sat. 26 July 1924, p. 5).
Police Blotter
At the Waterford City District Court, Thomas Byrne, a publican from Bigwood was found guilty for breaches of the licensing regulations on Sunday, July 13th and Saturday, July 19th. Byrne was fined £2 and costs for the 13th and £4 and costs for the 19th (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 25 July 1924, p. 5).
Death of James Kirwan (c.1855-1924) of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Death of Mr. James Kirwan, Gaulstown, Glenmore—We regret to record the death of Mr. James Kirwan, which took place on the 19th, at his residence, Gaulstown. Deceased, who was in his 69th year had been in more or less failing health for some time past. He was a popular and much esteemed resident of Glenmore parish, and was for many years a member of the Waterford Board of Guardians & No. 2 Rural District Council. He was also a shareholder of Glenmore Creamery. Both in public and private life his quiet and unobtrusive manner and uprightedness won for him the respect of all who knew him. The shareholders of the creamery on Monday night passed a resolution of sympathy, which was proposed by Mr. J. Ennett and seconded by Mr. H. Fitzgerald. The interment took place on Monday in Glenmore, after Office and High Mass. The funeral was of very large proportions. R.I.P. (Munster Express, Sat. 26 July 1924, p. 5).
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Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The 1919 photo of the Eiffel Tower featured above is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “The Opera; the Eiffel Tower” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1919. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dd-f2b7-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
South Kilkenny Historical Society
The South Kilkenny Historical Society has sent out its programme of events for September to December 2024.
LECTURES
Friday, September 27th–Title: Murder and Justice in 19th Century Kilkenny, Speaker: Donal Cadogan
Friday, October 25th–Title: Francis McManus: County Kilkenny’s Greatest Novelist, Speaker: Willie Nolan
Friday, November 29th–Title: Freighting the River Blackwater, Speaker: Andrew Doherty
All lectures will be held in Mullinavat Parish Hall, commencing at 8pm.
November
Mass for deceased members of South Kilkenny Historical Society, their families and friends
Details to be confirmed at a later date.
December
Friday, December 6th–Night of Reminiscing, Venue: The Rhu Glenn, Slieverue, Time: 7pm.
Thursday, December 26th, Lá an Dreoilín (Wren Day), Details to be confirmed at a later date.
Any queries to Ed Synnott at edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk
From Danny’s Files: Some Old Local Words & Phrases
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) loved old words and phrases. Danny recorded the following list of words and phrases. Most appear to be Irish. Danny often expressed regret that he didn’t have more Irish, but confessed that he did not enjoy school when he was a boy. For more local Irish words or information on the last Native Irish speaker in Glenmore see our Irish page. See our post of 23 August 2020 regarding Glenmore and the Irish language.
Glenmore Farming Words
Ray—9 drills usually of potatoes. This word still in common use in Glenmore.
Girock—Short drills in the corner of a field.
Corcóg—A little heap of sods from baiting, made for drying which resembled a skep or straw beehive preparatory to burning and spreading the ashes as manure.
Fittin—Tilling for a corn crop. “I was Fittin.” A word which was in general use in the Enniscorthy area. Obtained from Vincent Codd, Rathnure, Wexford in 2006.
Scilóg—A portion of a potato tuber containing an eye or sprout used for planting. The practice of cutting larger tubers into portions containing an eye was much in use for potato planting in the old days. This word was used by Paddy Forristal of Graiguenakill on Sunday, 25 March 2007 in Maypark Nursing home.
Sop—A small amount such as a fistful of hay.
Sugan—A hay or straw rope. It was used for holding down a cock of hay. Update: Andrew Doherty of Tides & Tales, stated that the word was also used by fishermen. Sugán meant that the rope or a net was completely twisted and knotted up. Sometimes a small salmon (peal) would be twisted in a sugán in the nets…ie hard to clear.
Filipín—A piece of timber like a gawlóg for twisting a sugan.
Hinny—a jennet
Dromán—a strap across a horse’s back for holding up the drafts.
Glugger—a hatching hen
Corandy—a loft
Calling Farm Animals
Tiuc-Tiuc—Words used for calling chickens.
Chick-Chick—Words used for calling chickens.
Bí- Bí—Words used for calling turkeys.
Finnie-Finnie—Words used for calling ducks.
Dhock-Dhock—Words used for calling pigs.
Bhoc-Bhoc—Words used for calling piigs.
Hi-Hi—Words used for calling cows.
Cob-Cob—Words used for calling horses.
Glenmore Household Words
Guddy—White bread mixed with tea, milk, and sugar. A food given to children from about the age of 1 to about 3 years or more. Usually given at evening time.
Choppy—Mashed potatoes with butter and a little milk given as food to children from about a year upwards.
Hotchpotch—A Scottish mutton and vegetable dish.
Flummery—A dish made from flour or mill dust, a kind of dessert.
Sillabub—A trifle dish.
Bóshán—A sun or air dried cow dung picked from the field in summertime and used by poor people for burning in the fire.
Tránín—A variety of grass with seed heads which was picked by women from poor households to supplement income of the household.
Mogabulya—A piece of timber which was used in old times at the back of the door to make it more resistant against people who might attempt to break in the door.
Faggot—A bundle of sticks for fuel.
Glenmore Personal Words
Mogalore—A state of intoxication.
Buineac—Diarrhoea or looseness of the bowel. (Tom Roche of Coolnaleen gave Danny this word on the 11th of January 2007. This word was formerly in use in the Coolnaleen area of Glenmore.)
Bouzhgee—Another word for diarrhoea used in the Coolnaleen area. Also provided to Danny by Tom Roche on 11 January 2007.
Cutting in the guts—The phrase Danny recalled used during his youth for diarrhoea.
The Mudge—Sulking. From Martin Gahan, Ballinamona, Slieverue.
Offensive Local Words
Beak—An offensive word for mouth.
Melt—An abusive word meaning a useless person. From the word meilit meaning blunt or useless. Update: Andrew Doherty of Tides & Tales related that a hoors melt or Whore’s Melt…that was the worst of all.
Bockety—A beggar or deformed person from bacach.
Dunderhead-A stupid person.
Some Local Sayings
The worst cow in the yard balls the loudest (from Mrs. Morrisseyy, Milepost.)
The smartest of flies get caught in a shit.
Don’t care a continental (could not care less).
There was no take on her. (A girl who had no admirers or requests of marriage.)
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The featured photo above is an old postcard depicting the the interior of St. James’ Catholic Church of Glenmore (date unknown but prior to Vatican II).
Dr. Katheen Moore Walsh
Monsignor Patrick O’Connor Culleton (1877-1960) of Kilbride, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the Right Reverand Monsignor Patrick O’C Culleton (1877-1960) a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. After being ordained in Waterford he left for the American mission. Msgr. Culleton spent his entire ministry in the Peoria Diocese of Illinois. Thanks to Sr. Lea Stefancova, SFJB, of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, of the Peoria (Illinois) Diocese for providing us with photos and newspaper clippings from the Diocese archive. This post is dedicated to Msgr. Culleton’s niece, Ciss Roche née Culleton of Rathinure who will be 95 in December 2024.
Culleton Family of Kilbride, Glenmore
Monsignor Culleton was the eldest child of James Culleton (1845-1912) and his wife Margaret Connors (sic) or O’Connor (1839-1918). His mother Margaret O’Connor was from Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Even today the O’Connors are often referred to as the Connors. Msgr. Culleton’s parents were married 3 February 1876 at Glenmore and he had three known siblings.
His brother Michael Culleton (18 Oct. 1878-21 Feb. 1968) remained on the family farm in Kilbride and married Alice Hartley of Weatherstown, Glenmore on the 26th of November 1914. Alice’s father was Edward Hartley (farmer), and Michael’s father was Michael Culleton (farmer). Michael Culleton (1878-1968) and Alice Culleton had one son and four daughters. [1] James Culleton (c. 1917-2012); [2] Anastatia Culleton (c. 1919-1927); [3] Margaret Culleton (c. 1916-1932); [4] Nellie Walsh née Culleton (c. 1920 -2016) and [5] Ciss Roche née Culleton of Rathinure, Glenmore.
Msgr. Culleton’s brother, George Culleton (b. 6 Nov. 1881) married Mary Walsh at Carrick-on-Suir on the 29th of October 1919, and they farmed and raised their family in Ashtown. Their son James became a priest also serving in Illinois.
Msgr. Culleton also had a sister Ellen Culleton (b. 4 Oct. 1883).
Education
We believe that Msgr. Culleton attended the old Ballyfacey National School. He attended Waterford Christian Brothers and went on to St. John’s College, Waterford where he was ordained on the 14th of June 1900 at the age of 23. Msgr. Culleton was appointed to the Peoria Diocese on the American Mission. He arrived in the United States in September 1900.
Assigned Ministries
After arriving in the Peoria Diocese, he was appointed assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s church of Danville, Illinois. Danville is approximately 120 miles from Peoria located near the Indiana border.
On 2 October 1903, he was commissioned by the late Bishop Spalding to found a new parish in Westville, six miles north of Danville. Six years later he was transferred by the Bishop to Peru, Illinois on 10 March 1909, as pastor of St. Mary’s church. Msgr. Culleton remained in Peru until January 1923 when he was assigned to Peoria’s, St. Patrick’s parish.
While Msgr. Culleton was working in Peru he had to register for the draft. In his World War I draft registration of 12 September 1918, Msgr. Culleton gave his name as “Patrick O’Connor Culleton.” He resided at 1319 Van Bureau St., Peru, Illinois. He recorded that he was employed as a Catholic Priest, 41 years of age and a naturalized citizen. He listed his mother Mrs. Margaret Culleton as his next of kin with an address of Kilbride, Glenmore, Waterford, Ireland. He was physically described as tall and stout with gray eyes and brown hair.
It was also in Peru that his first cousin Miss Mary Anne Harte (1891-1976) emigrated from Co. Kilkenny, Ireland in September 1922 to work as his housekeeper. When she applied for naturalisation in January 1923 she gave her address as 1315 6th St., Peru, Illinois.
On the recommendation of Bishop Joseph H. Schlarman, Father Culleton was raised to the status of a domestic prelate by Pope Pius XII on 23 November 1939, to which rank was attached the title Right Reverend Monsignor. He was later appointed by Bishop Schlarman as building commissioner of the diocese, which position he continued to hold in 1950. “He was keenly interested in education and in addition to a church, he also built schools in Peoria [Diocese] and in the city of Peoria” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 2 April 1960, p. 1).
Golden Jubilee: 14 June 1950
Msgr. Culleton celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood by celebrating Mass. He was assisted by the Rev. J.M. Fitzgerald. The Rev. James P. Culleton, his nephew, served as deacon; the Rev. J.J. Gaule as subdeacon; and the Rev. R.E. Gates as master of ceremonies. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. J.P. Christopher, professor at the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.
Following the Jubilee Mass, Msgr. hosted a luncheon at St. Mary’s school hall for visiting priests and relatives. At the time of his Golden Jubilee Msgr. Culleton had served at St. Patrick’s in Peoria City for 27 years. Serving as chairman of the luncheon was the Rev. James M. Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Mark’s who introduced the Rev. TP Kelly of Clinton to serve as toastmaster.
Luncheon Tributes
“Referring to Monsignor Culleton as one of the great men of the Peoria Diocese the Rt. Rev. P. H. Durkin of Rock Island, Vicar-General of the Diocese said his name will be held in reverence at St. Patrick’s for many years to come.” (Newspaper clipping dated 15 June 1950).
Msgr. Culleton’s knowledge of architecture and work in building churches at Peru former parishes were praised by several speakers. Other speakers paying tribute to Msgr. Culleton included the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. R. Reidy chancellor of the diocese; and the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Barden of the Lincoln, Nebraska, diocese who was a schoolmate of Msgr. Culleton in Ireland as well as four other priests.
Wires of congratulations were read from the Most. Rev. Joseph H. Schlarman, Bishop of Peoria, who was not present as he had sailed “Tuesday for Europe” and Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen who once served as an assistant at St. Patrick’s. [For more information on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen see his Foundation webpage.]
Public Reception
Approximately 500 persons filled Roosevelt auditorium for the public reception. On the program were four priests representatives of parish groups and students, Mayor Joseph O. Malone, the school and adult choruses, and several solo musicians.
Speakers included the Rev. E.J. Bratowski, pastor of St. Dominick’s church in Wyoming. and Msgr. Culleton’s first assistant at St. Patrick’s, the Rev. William Bouchers of St. Joseph’s in Rock Island, Msgr. Culleton’s former assistant at St. Patrick’s and the Rev. William Gray, present assistant there. The Rev. James M. Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Mark’s church, was master of ceremonies.
Speaking on behalf of the parish trustees were Thomas Whalen and Richard Madigan, who presented Msgr. Culleton with cash gift from the parishioners. After 1950 Msgr. Culleton remained at St. Patrick’s for more than 8 years.
Death
Five days after having suffered a stroke, Msgr. Culleton died on 1 March 1960 in St. Francis’ Hospital in Miami Beach, Florida. Funeral services were held 5 March 1960 in Peoria. Bishop John B. Franz officiated at the Pontifical Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and also at the Office of the Dead the previous evening. The obituary received from Sr. Lea provides that Msgr. Culleton was survived by a nephew, Fr. James Culleton, pastor of St. Louis’ Parish, Princeton; and a cousin, Miss Mary Harte, who was his housekeeper for many years. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery of West Peoria, Illinois. To view Msgr. Culleton’s headstone, see Find a Grave.
The Kilkenny People Obituary
Monsignor Dies—The death has occurred unexpectedly in Florida, United States of the Right Rev. Monsignor Patrick Culleton, native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. He was brother of Mr. Michael Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore and Mr. George Culleton, Ashtown, do., and uncle of Very Rev. James P. Culleton, P.P., Princeton, Illinois, United States. He is also survived by nephews and nieces in South Kilkenny.
The late Monsignor Culleton was born in Glenmore parish in 1877 and was educated in Waterford Christian Brothers schools and at St. John’s College, Waterford where he was ordained on June 14, 1900 at the age of 23. He went on the American mission the same year and his appointment was in the Diocese of Peoria. He served in Waterville, Danville and finally in the city of Peoria. He was made a Domestic Prelate by the late Pope Pius XII.
A kindly priest and untiring worker for the temporal and spiritual welfare of his people Mons. Culleton won a warm place in the hearts of his parishioners where he ministered. He was keenly interested in education and in addition to a church, he also built schools in Peoria and in the city of Peoria where he ministered before his death.
Monsignor Culleton belonged to an old and respected Glenmore family. There was an extremely large attendance of clergy and laity at the obsequies in Peoria where interment took place after Solemn Requiem Office and High Mass. Requiem Office and High Mass were also celebrated in Glenmore Church (Kilkenny People, Sat. 2 April 1960, p. 1).
The Demise of St. Patrick’s of Peoria
In attempting to find a photo of the church where Msgr. Culleton worked for over 37 years, we discovered that St. Patrick’s of Peoria was a red brick building located at the corner of Saratoga and McBean. It was dedicated in 1881. Due to falling numbers St. Patrick’s closed as a Roman Catholic Church in 1976. The parishes of St. Patrick’s combined with St. Joseph’s and used the existing St. Joseph’s building. St. Patrick’s church was advertised as seating 700 was placed on the market for $49,500.
Since 1976 different churches bought the premises and held services in the building until 2023 when the roof collapsed and the building had to be demolished (Tim Shelley, WCBU Local News, 29 July 2023). A sad end for a historic church.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The feature photo above is from Msgr. Culleton’s Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s church of Peoria. Special thanks to Sr. Lia for providing this photo and the photos of Monsr. Culleton. The photo of St. Patrick’s of Danville, Illinois is from an old postcard.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
See generally, Dean Muellerleile, “Historic Collapsed Church in Peoria, IL Tied to Sainthood,” Peoria Journal Star (7 Aug. 2023).
For a brief history of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois click here.
For other cousins of Msgr. Culleton see our post of 5 Aug. 2024.