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Can You Identify Miss Walsh of Glenmore? [Updated]
We were recently asked if we could help identify the lovely lady in this photograph. It is from the Poole Collection in the National Library, and one of our readers purchased it hoping that she was one of his kin. She is not. There are 294 Glenmore related photos from the 1880’s through the 1950’s in the collection. Thirteen of these photos are digitalized and may be viewed on the National Library webpage.
This photo (described as a cabinet vignette) was commissioned by Miss Walsh of Glenmore, circa 1932. Another c. 1932 photo (described as “candlestick”) was commissioned by Mrs. James K. Walsh, of Glenmore.
Candidate 1
Could the lovely Miss Walsh be Etta Walsh? Etta Walsh was the daughter of James K. Walsh (1891-1934) and Lizzie (J.K.) Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955). Etta Walsh married in 1937 to a Garda named Fitzpatrick. See our post of 22 December 2020 regarding details of her family and 1937 wedding.
Candidate 2
It has also been suggested that the lovely Miss Walsh may have been the sister of “Jim B.” Walsh (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village. Mary Walsh was a beauty, according to the Glenmore Golden Club gentlemen on Tuesday. Mary married John “Jack” Breen of New Ross. See our post of 12 March 2023 for a photo of “Jim B.” and his two sisters as young children.
[UPDATE–Mick Breen does not believe that the photo is his mother Maureen Breen née Walsh (b. 1917)) Here is a photo of his mother from around that time.
Other Candidates?
Could this lady be from one of the numerous other Walsh families of Glenmore? Even if you do not know her name have you seen this photo before? Who had the photo? Please comment below or send your thoughts to glenmore.history.com.
Thank you!
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The “Weaver Walsh” Family of Glenmore Village
Walsh is a common name in the southeast of Ireland. To distinguish the various families in the parish of Glenmore nicknames were used. Often there was no known reason regarding how the nicknames were chosen, however the “Weaver Walsh” got their name from the work or trade of weaving.
Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh
The “Weaver” Walshes of Glenmore Village all descended from Old Jack “The Weaver” Walsh. Jack was born near Campile, Wexford and as a young man came to Glenmore Village to work as a weaver in Gafney’s “tuck” mill. Sheets and shirts were made in the tuck mill (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal , on 24 November 1977, DD Notebook 5, p. 18).
After Jack came to Glenmore he married Anty Gill (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 10 Sept. 1968, DD Notebook 19, p. 21). Anty’s name in the baptismal records for her sons is recorded as Anstice Gall or Gill. Nicky “the Miller” Forristal (1888-1977) told Danny Dowling (1927-2021) that the couple had five children.
(1) Patrick Walsh (bapt. 12 March 1829) was the eldest. Nicky revealed that Paddy married Mary Haberlin, of Rochestown, Glenmore and they had one son, Jim Walsh.
(2) Henry Walsh went to England had no family. In the Glenmore parish records we found that Henry was baptized 11 March 1831.
(3) Anty Walsh died young.
(4) Alice Walsh married, unfortunately “Nicky the Miller” did not reveal the name of her husband.
(5) Mary Walsh married. Again the name of her husband was not revealed or recorded.
Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh was a great fighting man. He was always cutting blackthorn sticks. He would name his sticks. One was called “Can Jury Square.” Nicky “the Miller” Forristal noted that Old Jack died without a priest and opined that he was a fine man.
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh (1829-1909)
Nicky “the Miller” Forristal knew Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh of Glenmore. Nicky recalled hearing that either he (Paddy) or his father (Jack) worked on the building of the Haggard Line. This was a Famine relief scheme to build a road to Mullinavat. It was never completed because the funds ran out. It started at the bridges in Ballybrahee and went on through Tom Mullin’s land. Another section came out at Sean Jim’s cottage at the fringe of Bishopsmountain. Workers got 10 d a day with “no grub.” A man and horse with cart got 2/4 per day. “A store of yellow meal was 2/6.” (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 22 June 1957, DD Notebook 5, p. 2).
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Haberlin on 16 February 1863 at Glenmore. At least two sons were born to the couple. John Walsh was born in 1869, and James Walsh was born in 1870.
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh was like his father regarded as a fine fighter and also prepared black thorn sticks for his faction. For further information on faction fighting and Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh, see our post of 20 May 2021. Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh died on the 9th of August 1909 at the age of 75 (he was actually 80) from cancer of the sternum. His grandson, Patrick Walsh was present when he died.
James “Jim the Weaver” Walsh (1870-1960?)
We previously published an article regarding Jim Walsh where he was interviewed about his working life. Please see our post of 31 October 2020.
In the article Jim did not discuss his three wives or his children. On 13 November 1895, James Walsh (labourer) married Margaret Brophy (1871-1906) of Robinstown, at Glenmore. His father was Patrick Walsh (labourer) and her father was James Brophy (labourer). Five children were born to this marriage.
[1] Paddy Walsh—has a registered birth date of 12 April 1896. However, the Glenmore parish records reveal he was baptised the 25th of December 1895. According to Danny Dowling’s notes Paddy Walsh “went away a young man in the army. He never came back.”
[2] Stasia—Anastatia Walsh was baptized 24 October 1897. According to Danny Dowling’s notes she married a man by the name of O’Neill in Belmount.
[3] John Walsh was born the 23rd of December 1899.
[4] Mary Walsh was born the 1st of January 1902. According to Danny Dowling’s notes Mary went to Dublin and was living in Bray.
[5] Jim “the Duck” Walsh was born 7 March 1904 [For Danny Dowling’s notes on “the Duck” see below].
Traínín Cutting
Maggie Walsh née Brophy used to cut and harvest traíníns. It was seasonal work for women to supplement their household income. Traínín is a type of long grass growing in fields. It has a small yellowish head with small pointed seeds. The women cut the traínín with a hook. The women then separated the seed from the stalk by hand. There was a market for the seed in Waterford (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 20 Feb. 1961, DD Notebook 27A, p. 10).
The 1901 Census
The 1901 Census for Graiguenakill, Glenmore, is interesting because it shows the impact the building of the railway was having in Glenmore.
Patrick Walsh, aged 67, widower, farm labourer;
James Walsh, son aged 30, general labourer;
Margaret Walsh, daughter-in-law, aged 30;
Patrick Walsh, aged 5 grandson;
Anastatia Walsh, aged 3; and
John Walsh, aged 1.
Six Lodgers were also in the cottage along with the growing family:
Joseph Davis aged 43, railway navvy, not married;
Patrick Murphy, aged 21, railway navvy, not married;
Patrick Murphy, aged 24, railway navvy, not married;
John Bradley, aged 20, railway navvy, not married;
Jermiah Denehy, aged 43, railway navvy, not married; and
Patrick Wall, aged 44, married, railway navvy.
Margaret Walsh died 24 Deceber 1906, aged 35 of TB, her brother Peter Brophy, of Mullinavat was present at her death.
The 1911 Census provides that James Walsh was the head of the family, aged 37, widower, and four of his children were at home. His eldest son, Paddy Walsh was not in the household in 1911 and may have already joined the army.
James “Jim the Duck” Walsh (b. 1904) of Glenmore Village
According to Danny’s notes Jim went away a young man. He was called “the Duck”. He was the last of “the first clutch” of James.
When “the Duck” was young he used to eat all the ripe gooseberries in Fr. Bergin’s garden. One day Fr. Bergin caught him under the school and said, “Don’t go anymore to the gooseberries, and if you do I’ll turn you into a goat.”
“Well, if you do,” said the Duck, “I’ll eat your cabbage.”
The Duck left Glenmore at a young age returned “an old man.” The Duck lived in a tent on the hill over the Village. He stayed a summer in the 1950’s. Obviously the Duck was not an old man in the 1950’s.
Second Marriage
Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married his second wife Katie Walker, of Irishtown, New Ross. They were married at New Ross on 20 February 1912. Kate was 30 and a spinster. Her father was James Walker (labourer). Jim and Katie had four children. (1) Margaret Walsh (b. 2 January 1919); (2) Alice Walsh (went to Bray to her half sister Mary Walsh (b. 1902); (3) Michael Walsh (b. 5 November 1917); (4) Tom Walsh (b. 8 May 1914). Tom went to Scotland where he lived and died.
After ten years of marriage and four children, Katie Walsh, née Walker died a young woman and the children were all sent away to different homes according to Danny’s notes. The death register provides that Katie Walsh née Walker died on the 8th of July 1922 at the age of 41. The widower, Jim Walsh, was present at her death due to TB. She suffered with the disease for two years before her death.
Third Marriage
According to Danny Dowling’s notes Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Anne Slattery (1886-1962) a native of Wexford. Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Anne Slattery on the 11th of October 1922 at Glenmore, just three months after his second wife died. Mary Anne was working and living in Forristalstown, Glenmore as a servant. Her father was listed as Walter Slattery (sailor).
Very little is known about Mary Anne Walsh née Slattery Walsh, however in his list of residents in 1961, Danny recorded Mary Ann Walsh (4 Jan. 1886-16 July 1962). Her husband, Jim “the Weaver” Walsh is not on Danny’s list, and it is presumed he was dead. There was apparently a child from Jim “the Weaver’s” third marriage. In 1961, Danny recorded that Walter Walsh (b. 1933) was living with his mother Mary Ann. Walter Walsh worked at Stafford’s and later moved to New Ross.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
There is no way of knowing what type of loom Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh used in Gaffney’s Mill. The featured drawing above is the Thomas’s fancy loom, Lewiston which was used in the 19th century. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Thomas’s fancy loom, Lewiston.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/627ee880-c53e-012f-94a7-58d385a7bc34
From Danny’s Files: 1771 Marriage Examples
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) poured over old newspapers collecting information regarding Glenmore or her people. Often he also copied articles of nearby villages or towns and sometimes he just copied articles he found interesting or humorous. Last week we came across a file with just two 1771 newspaper articles. Both of these articles appeared in Ramsey’s Waterford Chronical and are interesting and humorous.
Mourning Periods for Widows Before Remarriage
The first article appeared in the 3 May 1771 edition and indirectly queried the mourning period of a widow before remarrying. Due to the detail provided in the short article it appears that 48 hours was not considered a respectable mourning period for the new widow to wait before remarriage.
“Married last Tuesday in St. Patrick’s Church, by the Rev. Mr. Moore, Mr. Collins and the Widow Roach. (Mr. Luke Roach, her first husband died suddenly in Carrick last Sunday, as mentioned in our last) and was just interred when she was joined in wedlock to her present husband.“
In the Victorian era (1837-1901) widows were expected to wear black clothing and observe a period of mourning of at least one year. For further information see, WeChronical webpage, “Exploring Victorian Social Expectations for Widows: Mourning Periods and Remarriage.”
May-December Marriage
This second short article highlights a 50 year age difference between the bride and groom. It was published 26 July 1771. The wedding below took place at Milltown, Co. Kilkenny. There are several Milltown townlands in Kilkenny, but the names Kavanagh and Culbert are not common in what was to become the Parish of Glenmore in the 1840’s. Therefore, it is not likely that the Milltown mentioned in the article is Milltown, Glenmore.
“Married a few days ago at Milltown, County of Kilkenny, Mr. Hugh Kavanagh, aged 66 to the agreeable Miss Culbert, aged 16.”
It goes without saying that if Miss Culbert was not agreeable there would have been no marriage between the parties. Today, May-December marriages still are commented on in the press particularly if one of the parties is a celebrity. For a 19th century perspective on these type of marriages, see Mimi Mathews, “The Perils of May-December Marriages in the Nineteenth Century,” which contains excerpts and commentary regarding The Midwife’s Guide (1840), a widely read sex manual in 19th century England, and also containing a discussion of May-December marriages.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
We just updated our last post regarding Bridie Doolan’s Tiny Shop with a 1905 post card which we believe depicts a cottage that stood between where the shop was built and the creamery.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Bridie Doolan’s Tiny Glenmore Shop [Updated]
Bridget “Bridie” Doolan (1913-2007) was born in Glenmore Village on the 29th of June 1913 to Edward Doolan (labourer) and his wife Alice Rice (b. 1886). Edward Doolin (sic) and Alice Rice were married on 10 July 1912 in Waterford. In Glenmore the family lived in the house at the top of the street where Kitty Morrissey (Bridie’s sister) later lived. Bridie had a brother Paddy Doolan (1917-1997) (who married Nancy “Civil” Forristal) and two sisters Kitty Morrissey (wife of Phil Morrissey) and Mary Ellen Jones (wife of Tom Jones).
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Bridie Doolan around 1961. He did not date his notes in his notebook but other entries are dated 1961. Bridie started a shop in 1930 when she was just 17 years old. At the time there were several shops operating in Glenmore. The shops in Glenmore Village included: [1] the Creamery, [2] Hanrahan’s, [3] Lizzie JK’s, [4] Fluskey’s and [5] Heffernan’s. Bridie’s shop was a tiny metal building on the “Vee” Road near what was then the Glenmore Creamery. The tiny shop was on Fitzgerald’s ground. It is assumed that the ground was Michael Fitzgerald’s, of Aylwardstown. His brother Richard Fitzgerald (1868-1955) had the Halfway House and farm in Aylwardstown.
Bridie Doolan’s Tiny Glenmore Shop
At the time Bridie opened her tiny shop local farmers brought their milk daily to the creamery on horse drawn or ass drawn carts either passing by her shop or turning into the creamery near her shop. In the early days of her shop Bridie sold tea, sugar, bread, mutton, beef, sausages, lamp oil, soap and candles. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) fondly remembered as a young lad standing with his nose pressed against the shop window to view the Christmas toys. He recalled an airplane that he wanted Santa to bring him. Unfortunately, Danny must have been on the naughty list as Santa did not bring the coveted toy airplane.
As time went on Bridie carried more household essentials and tobacco products. One local resident recently stated that Bridie was the first woman in Glenmore to have a license in her own name to sell tobacco products. Danny Dowling’s notes do not address tobacco products, but he did record that Kelly’s had a shed at the creamery side of the shop. In between the shop and Kelly’s shed was a space where Kelly’s used to house their horse. It is assumed that the Kelly referenced was Michael “Micky” Kelly (c. 1885-1946) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore.
Jim Power (1884-1947) the postman, told Bridie that in the space between her shop and Kelly’s shed was the location where all the old Powers were born. For a photo of Jim Power and information regarding his parents see our post of 22 Jan. 2025.
Bridie kept her tiny shop operating until about 1948 when she ceased trading. Today, only the shop remains the shed and horse house are long gone. Members of the Glenmore Tidy Towns over the past few years repaired and painted the tiny shop and replaced its window. It stands testimony to a woman who made her own way and a Village that once had 5 or 6 shops. Today, there is no shop in Glenmore Village except that of the Creamery that is a farm shop.
[Update 14 May 2025–The postcard to the right depicts a Glenmore cabin or cottage. The postcard was post marked in Glenmore and London. The London post mark is clear 23 May 1905. We believe that the Glenmore cabin or cottage was the place where the old Powers were born. In other words, we believe that this cottage stood between where later Bridie Doolan’s tiny shop stood and the Creamery which was being built in 1905. The addressee is Miss L. Erickson, 49 Kelmscott Road, Wandsworth Com., London S.W. The message reads, “Glinmore……Fancy living here with a family of 3 or 4. This is only a stone’s throw from my place. Will give you some idea of rural Ireland……B.” Was this a person working on the creamery? For further information on the establishment of the Glenmore Creamery see our post of 9 May 2020.]
Bridie O’Keefe née Doolan (1913-2007)
Bridie married Martin “Murt” O’Keefe (c. 1905-1985) and Danny Dowling recorded in 1961 that the following members of the family living in Glenmore included three daughters: Alice O’Keefe, Mary O’Keefe and Ann O’Keefe; and a son Edward O’Keefe. Another son William “Billy” O’Keefe was already away working. Murt O’Keefe in 1961 worked for the Kilkenny County Council.
Murt O’Keefe died in 1985 at the age of 79. Bridie died in 2007 at the age of 94. Both are buried in Glenmore.
Please send any corrections, additional information of photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The photo featured above was taken in 2023 of Bridie Doolan’s tiny shop. For further information regarding Glenmore Village in the 1930’s please see our post of 9 April 2020.
Special thanks to Mick Breen for reminding me regarding the 1905 post card and the reader who originally shared it on our Facebook page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Glenmore Landlord: Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq. (1819-1860) of Ringville House [Update]
After our recent post regarding landlord John L. Conn (1812-1893) one reader queried Francis Harvey Devereux. A quick check revealed that Francis H. Devereux lived in Ringville House from 1853 until his death in 1860 (“Kilkenny History, Misc. Houses”).
Land sales advertised at the time of his death provides that in addition to 70 acres at Ringville he was the landlord of Carrignurra, Slieverue and part of Davidstown, Glenmore. This landlord was unusual in that he was a barrister and a Roman Catholic. Additionally, he publicly and financially supported a tenant’s case before a Committee of the House of Commons.
Parents of Francis H. Devereux
Francis Harvey Devereux was baptized on 5 January 1819 at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny City. He was the eldest son of Harvey Devereux (1790-1847) and his wife, Margaret née Smithwick (1798-?). His godfather was Sir William Mavrice.
His father, Harvey Devereux, was baptised on 16 June 1790 at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny City. Harvey Devereux’s parents were Frank Devereaux (sic) and his wife Eleanor Reade.
His mother, Margaret Smithwick, was baptised 21 March 1798 at St. Mary’s, Kilkenny City the daughter of John Smithwick (1763-1842) and his wife, Catherine Butler (1762-1865?).
Siblings of Francis H. Devereux
Harvey Devereux and his wife Margaret Smithwick had at least 7 children comprised of at least one son and six daughters.
(1) Francis Devereux (1819)
(2) Cathrine Devereux (1820)
(3) Lettitia Devereux (1821) married John Bagnall, Esq. of York St., Dublin, a Solicitor in 1840. (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial Literary Advertiser (Wed. 22 April 1840, p. 3).
(4) Margaret Devereux (1823) at Kilkenny married in 1851, James Edmond Howlet, eldest son of Doctor Howlett, of New Ross (Dublin Weekly Nation, Sat. 4 Oct. 1851, p. 14).
(5) Mary Catherine Devereux (1828) died on the 8th of June 1840. (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 11 June 1840, p. 2).
(6) Marian “Mary Anne” Devereux (1829) died the 25th of April 1835 of scarletina, aged 6. (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 29 April 1835, p. 3).
(7) Mary Frances Devereux (1831). “Frances” the youngest daughter of Harvey Devereux died aged 5 (Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 18 April 1835 p. 7).
It isn’t clear if Catherine was known as Ellen or if there was another sister. In any event, Ellen Devereux married Bernard William Delany in 1848. “On the 2nd instant [May] in Kilkenny, by the Right Rev. Doctor Walshe, Catholic Bishop of Ossory, Bernard William Delaney, Esq. of Cools, County Westmeath, eldest son of William Delaney, Esq. of Durrow, to Ellen, daughter of the late Harvey Devereux, Esq. of Kilkenny”(Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 4 May 1848, p. 4).
Harvey Devereux was a solicitor and the family lived on Patrick Street in Kilkenny City (Dublin Evening Post, Sat. 1 Oct. 1825, p. 2). Harvey Devereux was a sub-Sheriff of Kilkenny then circa 1822 he became the Secretary to the Kilkenny Grand Jury. He held this post until his death on the 24th of February in 1847 at Kilkenny (Weekly Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 6 March 1847, p. 8). While Francis Harvey was a child his father joined with others, including the Marquis of Ormond, and placed land deeds in the names of their sons.
Francis Harvey Devereux, Barrister-at-Law
The Dublin Morning Register (Mon. 21 May 1841, p. 3) listed ten men that were called to the Bar. “Francis Harvey Devereux, eldest son of Harvey Devereux, of the City of Kilkenny, Esq.” was one of the ten. The newspaper marked each of the ten new barristers who were Roman Catholics. Francis Harvey Devereux was one of the three men identified as Roman Catholic by the newspaper. He was the only person listed from Kilkenny.
In early 1845 it was publicly announced that the Kilkenny Junction Railway was being formed with the Marquis of Ormond as the Chairman. The standing counsel were John Fleming, Esq. Lincoln’s Inn, London. Mathew O’Donnell and Francis Devereux, Esqrs, Dublin and Kilkenny (Gore’s Liverpool General Advertiser, Thurs. 9 January 1845, p. 3).
In 1847, after the death of his father Francis Harvey Devereux applied for his late father’s job as Secretary to the Grand Jury. The following article appeared in the Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 3 March 1847, p. 2).
“Francis Devereux, Esq.—This gentleman has addressed the Grand Jury as candidate for the office of Secretary to that body, now vacant by the death of his father, who for twenty-five years held that office, and discharged its duties very creditably and correctly. Mr. Devereux’s excellent character, and his familiar acquaintance with the onerous duties of Secretary to the Grand Jury, will, we trust, secure for him his election.” It does not appear that he was successful.
In 1849, Francis Harvey Devereux married his brother-in-law’s sister. The newspapers reported that Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq. of Kilkenny, barrister-at-law, married Fanny Mary, daughter of William Delaney, Esq., JP of Durrow, Queen’s County. The Durrow, Co. Laois, records reveal that Francis Devereux married Frances Delaney (c. 1820-1889) on 9 October 1849 (Limerick Reporter, Tues. 16 Oct. 1849, p. 3).
Ringville House
Lady Esmonde of Ringville House was properly known as Dame Letitia Esmond (c. 1781-1851). She was locally revered for helping the poor and establishing and supporting a school at Ringville “for poor children in the immediate neighbourhood of her residence.” In addition to leaving money to build the Catholic Cathedral in Kilkenny she also left £500 for Masses for the repose of souls including Harvey Devereux, late of Kilkenny City” (Dublin Evening Packet & Correspondent, Thurs. 22 Jan. 1852, p. 3).
See our post of 7 October 2023 which explains that Lady Esmonde’s uncle, Mr. Devereux purchased Ringville from Edmond Forristal. It is assumed that Harvey Devereux was a cousin to Lady Esmonde.
Update of 18 May 2025–In October 1798 “a shocking murder was committed within a few miles of Waterford by an armed bandit, who came to the house of Mr. Devereux, of Ringville, first shot him, and then plundered the house of £600. The circumstances are as follows: After having placed sentinels at the door, the murderers got upstairs, unheard to Mr. Devereux’s room, and demanded his arms; which he having twice refused to give them, two shots were fired through his door, one of instantaneously killed him” (Stamford Mercury, Fri. 2 Nov. 1798, p. 2). “The perpetrator’s of the murder of Nicholas Devereux, Esq. of Ringville, are known” and a strict search is being made for them (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 1 Nov. 1798, p. 3).
By 1853, Francis Harvey Devereux was residing in Ringville House. From the description provided in advertisements in 1860 it was a fine house with 9 bedrooms and 3 sitting rooms situated on 70 arable acres. Soon Francis Harvey Devereux was a local magistrate, grand juror and a member of the Board of Guardians. Within a few years he was elected chair of the Waterford Board of Guardians.
From newspapers accounts Francis Harvey Devereux appeared to enjoy his country estate and entered some of his stock in local agricultural shows. He also became a member of the Kilkenny & Southeast of Ireland Archaelogical Society. His neighbours John L. Conn of Mount Ida and Peter Strange, Esq. of Aylwardstown House were also members. (“Back Matter.” The Journal of the Kilkenny and South-East of Ireland Archaeological Society 2, no. 2 (1859). http://www.jstor.org/stable/25502578.)
Perhaps the most surprising information located concerns Francis Harvey Devereux’s support for a tenant’s case before a committee of the House of Commons. Not only did he provide a £5 subscription to help fund the tenant’s case he wrote a letter of support and provided legal analysis of how a proposed piece of legislation would gravely injure tenants in Ireland and Scotland (Freeman’s Journal, Fri. 4 March 1853, p. 3).
Rise & Demise of Francis Harvey Devereux
Mr. Christmas of the Waterford Board of Guardians, in 1856, “proposed that Francis Harvey Devereux, a gentleman who had filled the office of Chairman during the last year with great ability and zeal, be re-elected to fill that honourable and onerous position during the ensuing one.” He was unanimously elected (Waterford Mail, Sat. 29 March 1856, p. 2).
A year later Francis Harvey Devereux and his wife had their daughter Elizabeth Devereux baptized at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny on 18 February 1857. This is the only baptismal record we could find for a child of the couple.
In the General Election of 1857 Francis Harvey Devereux ran for the Kilkenny City seat. He lost by 41 votes to Michael Sullivan the Independent Irish candidate.
In early 1858, it was announced that “Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq., of Ringville, has, in consequence of ill health, withdrawn from the Chairmanship of the Waterford Board of Guardians (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 3 March 1858, p. 2).
On April 12, 1860 “in his forty-first year, Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq., J.P., of Ringville, County Kilkenny, a gentleman much and deservedly esteemed as a magistrate and grand juror, chairman of Waterford union, a director of the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway company, or in the capacity of a private gentleman, and in the family circle. The funeral procession from the residence of his brother-in-law, Bernard W. Delany, Esq., Castlewood, for the family burying place at Thomastown, was largely attended on Monday last by all classes of the community. R.I.P. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 April 1860, p. 2).
Sale of Land Interests
Shortly before the death of Francis Harvey Devereux his interest in various lands were sold. In County Tipperary, for example, two lots were sold on the 16th of March.
LOT 1—Part of the lands of Currilough called Stonepark, containing 18, 2r, 27 p, Irish measure, and producing a net annual rent of £21 5s 10d, and of an estimated value of £43 11s 6d. and Lot 2—Other part of the land of Currilogue containing 32a, 1r, 28 p, Irish measure, and producing a net annual rent of £46 10s 2d. (Clonmel Chronicle, Wed. 15 Feb. 1860).
Carrignurra, Slieverue & Part of Davidstown, Glenmore
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 June 1860, p. 3) reported that the lands of Carriganurra in the Estate of Francis H. Devereux, held in fee simple, containing 180 acres with a net rent of £180 19s sold to Mr. Cherry, in trust, for £4,750. A few days later it was revealed that the “townland of Carrignurra, situated in the Barony of Ida and county Kilkenny, the estate of the late Francis H. Devereux, J.P., and containing nearly four hundred acres … sold, in the Landed Estates Court, to John L. Comes )(sic) [Conn] Esq. of Mount Ida, in said county, to whose property it is contiguous, for the sum of £4,750” (Tipperary Free Press, Tues. 12 June 1860, p. 4).
After the sale to Conn the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 27 June 1860, p. 1) published a notice “that the Schedule of Incumbrances affecting the lands of Cariganurra, otherwise Carrignora, otherwise Cariganoroe, otherwise Davidstown, situate in the Barony of Ida, and County of Kilkenny, formerly the estate of Francis Harvey Devereux, is lodged with the Clerk of the Records of this Court, and any person having any claim not therein inserted, or objecting thereto, either on account of the amount or the priority of any charge therein reported to him or any other person, or for any other reason, is required to lodge an objection thereto, stating the particulars of his demand, and duly verified, with the said Clerk, on or before the 14th day of July, at 11 o’clock before the Honourable Judge Dobbs, at his Court in Dublin, when instructions will be given for the final settlement of the Schedule…”
It is not clear what encumbrances were associated with the former land of Francis Harvey Devereux other than what he may have agreed with tenants since he owned the land in fee simple.
Auction at Ringville
Within six months of Francis H. Devereux’s untimely death it was advertised that Ringville House and 70 acres would be rented “For such terms as may be agreed.” Of particular note in the advertisement was the fact that a steamer passed every day to and from New Ross and Waterford (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 5 October 1860, p. 1).
County Kilkenny—To be Let, from 29th September Instant, for such terms as may be agreed upon, The House and Demense of Ringville, containing about 70 Irish Acres of primer arable and meadow land. Ringville is beautifully situated over the river Barrow, and commands an extensive view of the picturesque scenery at the entrance of the Waterford Harbour, and afford every facility for the purposes of yachting, fishing and hunting. It is distant five miles from Waterford and eight from New Ross, a steamer passing daily to and from each place. The house is in excellent repair and contains three sitting rooms and nine bedrooms, with suitable offices, garden etc. For particulars as to terms etc. application to be made to E. Smithwick, Esq. Kilkreene, Kilkenny; or B.W. Delany, Esq., Castlewood, Durrow.
An auction of stock, crops, furniture etc. takes place at Ringville on the 1st October.”
Update of 18 May 2025–The Waterford Mail (Mon. 15 Nov. 1869, p. 2) published a notice for the Landed Estates Court of Ireland, in the matter of the estate of John Walter Devereux. Devereux was the owner and petitioner. He was seeking to sell on 7 December 1869, his life estate in part of the lands of Ringville, otherwise, Rochestown. The tract, including Marshes contained 213 statute acres and 24 perches. The land was held in fee and produced a net yearly rent of £284 4s. 7d. Devereux was described as being in his 45th year, and a proposal for an Assurance on his life was accepted by the Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Company for £5,000, at £3 per cent, for which, or for any less sum, a purchaser can take out a policy on payment of the premiums.
[Editor’s note–John Walter Devereux was a solicitor. In 1853 his professional address was 4 Bachelor’s Walk (Thom’s Irish Almanac and Official Directory With the Post Office Dublin City and County Directory, p. 1072.) In 1857 he was at 5 Harcourt St, and Kilkenny (Thom’s Official Directory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: Dublin Directory, p. 1654). It is likely that John Walter Devereux was a brother or cousin of Francis Harvey Devereux].
The Widow
It appears that Frances Devereux died on 31 May 1889 at the age of 69. She lived on William St. in Kilkenny City and was the widow of a solicitor. If this is the correct Frances Devereux she survived her husband by 29 years. Unfortunately, no information could be located regarding their daughter Elizabeth (b. 1857).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Happy May Day 2025
In Ireland May Bushes tend to be adorned with primroses that are strung together. This year due to the early spring the primroses have come and gone, but we won’t complain about nice warm weather.
See our post of 22 April 2021 for more information concerning the May Bush tradition.
Happy May Day!
