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An Unusual Glenmore Grave: The Brereton Family
In 2020, during the COVID lockdowns, two Glenmore History volunteers photographed all existing headstones in the graveyard adjacent to St. James’s in Glenmore Village. We also transcribed the inscriptions which were legible and uploaded the photos and transcriptions to our webpage as well as to Find-a-grave. Recently we have started to update the information and to verify dates of births and deaths with Parish records and the Death Register.
It is surprising how many dates inscribed on the headstones are incorrect. This is probably due to the fact that headstones were often erected years after the recorded death. We were also surprised how many people from Waterford and elsewhere are buried in Glenmore. In most cases their family originated in Glenmore. However, there is at least one headstone with no known family connection to Glenmore. It is the Brereton headstone that is at the back of the Church, about three rows from the back footpath in the centre.
In researching this family we came across some interesting facts with only one being connected directly to Glenmore, namely Margaret Brereton who died on 21 March 1871 in Cappagh, Glenmore. The headstone has her date of death as 15 March 1871. We shall highlight information on all four of the Brereston family members recorded on the Glenmore stone and others in the family which provides insight into an 1897 stabbing in New Ross.
The Brereton Headstone of Glenmore
In memory of Michael Brereton who died Oct 23rd 1887 aged 66 years
Also his beloved wife Catherine Brereton who died January 7th 1888 aged 59 years
Also his daughter Margaret Brereton who died March 15th 1871 aged 20 years
Also their son Michael Brereton who died 14th Feb 1919 aged 64 years
Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
It was easy to learn that Michael Brereton (Sr.), (c. 1819-1887) was a retired R.I.C. officer. In some newspaper accounts he is referred to as a constable and in others he is referred to as a Sergeant. Whatever his rank it does not appear that he was assigned or worked in Glenmore. We have attempted to track his assignments based on where his children were born.
From the R.I.C. records [database R.I.C 1816-1921] it appears that Michael Brereton joined the force in 1839 at the age of 20, and he was born in Tipperary. Thus, he was born about 1819 in Tipperary. Efforts to locate a baptismal record for Michael were not successful, but we note several Brereton baptisms taking place at Roscrea within ten years of his suspected year of birth.
On 21 November 1847 in the Parish of Conna, in County Cork, Michael Brereton married Catherine O’Neill. We believe this to be the correct place of his marriage based on the birth of their children. Michael served in Cork from at least 1847 to sometime before 1865 when he was transferred to Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny.
While stationed at Rosbercon, Michael Brereton was involved in a few cases involving Glenmore residents. For example, on 29 July 1871, Michael Brereton brought charges against John Hanrahan [1843-1921], of Robinstown, [Glenmore] cooper; William Barry, of Carrigcloney, [Glenmore] labourer; and Patrick Bergin of Millbanks, for committing a breach of the peace by assaulting each other at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Retirement from RIC
After Michael retired from the R.I.C. he moved from Rosbercon to New Ross and opened a shop and eventually a pub on the Quay. The Wexford People, (Wed. 27 July 1881, p. 3) noted that “The application of a Mr. Brereton for a licence for the sale of spirituous liquor until the October Sessions was granted.” His permanent license was granted in late October 1881 (Wexford People, Wed. 16 Nov. 1881, p. 8). Soon the corner where his business was located became identified in police reports as Brereton’s corner (Wexford People, Wed. 10 Dec. 1890, p. 7 & Wexford People, Wed. 19 Aug. 1891, p. 7). We believe the business was located at the corner of the Quay and Mary Street.
Michael died on 23 October 1887 and left his entire estate to his eldest son Thomas. No obituary could be located for Michael, but a death notice was located in the Wexford Independent (Sat. 29 Oct. 1887, p. 3). “October 23, at New Ross, aged 66, Michael Brereton late Head Constable, Royal Irish Constabulary. R.I.P.” About ten weeks after Michael died his wife of Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross.
Catherine Brereton née O’Neill (c. 1829 -1888)
The Glenmore headstone merely notes that Catherine Brereton is the wife of Michael (Sr.) and died shortly after Michael Sr. died. Without her father’s name being recorded on the marriage license we were unable to verify her baptism as O’Neill was a common name in the Parish of Conna, Co. Cork. Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross. She was the mother of at least 9 children.
Known Children of Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
[1] Catherine Brereton was baptized at Ballynascurclogy?, Co. Cork on 2 December 1848. She married James Sweeney, policeman of Rosbercon on 12 October 1871 at Rosbercon, about 7 months after her sister Margaret died in Glenmore. Catherine’s first child, Mary Sweeney, was born at Rosbercon on 29 June 1872.
[2] Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) was baptized at Sandrum, Co. Cork on 7 September 1850.
[3] Thomas Brereton (1860-1938) was born in County Cork [1901 Census]. Thomas Constable Brearton (sic) was baptized at Liscarroll, Cork on 15 December 1860 the son of Michael Brearton and Kate O’Neil.
[4] Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919) was baptized 3 March, 1855, at Churchtown, Co. Cork. Per the 1911 Census he was born at Liscarroll, Co. Cork.
[5] Mary Brereton was baptised 4 April 1858 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[6] John Brereton was baptized 2 August 1863 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[7] Susan Brereton was baptized at Liscarroll, Co. Cork, on 1 October 1859.
[8] Frances Brereton (1865-1948) was born on 9 March 1865 at Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny. She is believed to have worked as a schoolmistress and never married. The Irish Press (13 March 1948, p. 14) published the following death announcement: “DEATHS—Brereton (late of New Ross)—March 11, 1948 at St. Joseph’s, Portland Row. Frances Brereton; deeply regretted R.I.P. Funeral from above at 9:30 o’c this (Saturday) morning to Glasnevin.”
[9] Bridget Brereton was born on 20 March 1868 at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Margaret Brereton (1850 -1871)
Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) died on 21 March 1871 of inflammation of the bowels at Cappagh, Glenmore. She was ill for two weeks. According to the death register she was employed as a schoolmistress, and at the time of her death Elizabeth Brereton was present. The register does not state what relation, if any, Elizabeth was to Margaret.
Margaret was obviously the first of the family to die and be buried in Glenmore. However, the headstone does not commence with her death. The headstone commences with Michael Sr.’s name. Thus, it appears that one or more of the children had the stone erected after the death of their parents in 1887/1888 at least 16 years after Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871.
Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919)
Michael Brereton (Jr.) enlisted in the R.I.C. in 1873 in Cork at the age of 18. It is not clear why Michael enlisted in Cork, but he was born at Liscarroll, Cork and it appears that his mother’s people were also in Cork. (R.I.C. Pensions 1873-1925). On 7 September 1885, Michael married Ellen Moran of New Ross at New Ross. At the time of the wedding Michael was stationed with the R.I.C. at Suir Castle, Tipperary. Ellen Moran (c. 1860-1910) was the daughter of Pierce Moran, a New Ross shopkeeper. Michael listed his father Michael as a shopkeeper.
At the time of Michael’s retirement from the R.I.C, in 1899, the New Ross Standard published a short article concerning his career. “MR. MICHAEL BRERETON, NEW ROSS—Not every man on severing his connection with the police force get such a hearty godspeed as did Mr. Michael Brereton, New Ross. Down in Tipperary Mr. Brereton spent the majority of his years in the force, and though during the land war, very strained relations subsisted between the police and people of that county. Mr. Brereton was one of the few members of the R.I.C. who held the confidence and respect of the people. That such was the fact was amply testified by the testimonial which the leading Nationalists of Cashel and Killenaule presented him on his departure, an account of the pleasant little function pertaining to which was published last week” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 17 June 1899, p. 5).
In the 1901 Census Michael was 45 years of age and listed for his occupation that he was an Ex RIC Sgt. and Merchant’s Clerk. He was born in County Cork. From his R.I.C. records we know his last posting was at Carlow and he was receiving his pension at New Ross. In 1901, his wife, Ellen (c. 1860-1910) was 40 and their three sons were: Michael P. Brereton (14); George Thomas Brereton (12); and Terence Henry Brereton (3). All three of their sons were born in Tipperary.
In 1910, Ellen died. A brief death announcement was placed in the Irish Independent, (Sat. 12 Nov. 1910, p. 6) as follows: “BRERETON—Nov. 7, 1910 at her residence Robert St., New Ross, Ellen, the beloved wife of Michael Brereton, ex-Sergeant, R.I.C., deeply regretted.”
In the 1911 Census, Michael was a widower. Only his youngest son, Terence was living with him on Robert St., New Ross. He had three men boarding with him and 1 servant. Michael (Jr.) died 14 February 1919. It is not clear why he was buried in Glenmore rather than with his wife.
School Teachers
We know that at the time of Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871 she was employed as a school teacher. It is assumed since she died in Cappagh, Glenmore that she was employed in the Robinstown National School in Glenmore Village. Through newspaper searches we have found that at least two of her sisters were employed as school teachers in the New Ross Workhouse.
In 1875, the New Ross Union advertised for a Schoolmistress “at the salary of £25 per year with rations and apartment. Candidates who may offer for the above situation must produce Testimonials showing they are at least First or Second or Third class teachers under the National Board of Education, and who are otherwise qualified and competent to fill the office. Candidates personal attendance indispensable” (Wexford People, 23 Jan. 1875, p. 1).
The Wexford People (Wed. 23 Nov. 1881, p. 3) in 1881 published the following article regarding Frances filling in for her sister. “New Ross –a letter was read from the Local Government Board respecting Miss Frances Brereton, whom the Board of Guardians have elected to take charge of the female school of the workhouse during the absence of a few months of her sister, the schoolmistress, at a training school of the National Education Board in Dublin. Because Frances was not more than 17 she was deemed too young to be placed in such a position. The Board’s Inspector, Mr. Hamilton suggested that the schools be amalgamated and placed under the charge of the infant school teacher, during the absence of the schoolmistress, and that Miss Frances Brereton should be employed as monitress. The suggestion was approved.” [Unfortunately we could not locate the name of Frances’s sister who was the schoolmistress for the New Ross workhouse.]
The Brereton Shop & Pub of New Ross
As stated above, Michael (Sr.) left his entire estate to his eldest son, Thomas. Newspapers in the 1890’s identify Thomas Brereton, as a clerk in the employment of Cherry Brother’s brewery (Wexford People, Wed. 13 May 1891, p. 7). A few years later Thomas Brereton was identified as the manager of that establishment and it was noted that he also had a pub on the Quay. On the night of 21 August 1897, Bernard Sweeney assaulted Thomas Brereton by stabbing him with a knife and inflicting grievous bodily harm (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 9 Oct. 1897, p. 3). Thomas Brereton had left the pub and was listening to an open air concert when Sweeney demanded money from him. Brereton refused to give him any money and Sweeney slashed and stabbed him with a knife.
Bernard Sweeney was charged with the attempted murder of Thomas Brereton. Sweeney plead guilty. Dr. Meehan testified that Thomas Brereton was carried in by two men. He was bleeding profusely and had two wounds on the scrotum and one on the inside of his thigh. Brereton’s life was endangered for 3 weeks and he was confined to bed for 1 month. Sweeney was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for the assualt (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 27 Nov. 1897, p. 5).
The 1901 Census reveals that Thomas Brereton was recorded as being 38 when he was actually 41. He was single, a shopkeeper and had three unmarried sisters residing with him. Susan Brereton was 37 and it was recorded that she was a shopkeeper. Frances Brereton (35) and Bridget Brereton (32) were recorded as housekeepers.
No marriage records could be located for Thomas or his three sisters after 1901. They were not found in the 1911 Census. A newspaper search revealed that in 1903 Thomas sold his liquor license. “Richard Doherty of 30 Barronstand St. in Waterford applied to have the license to be transferred to him from Thomas Brereton of the Quay New Ross.” He described the premises as being on the “right hand side of the street leading from the Quay to Mary Street,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 October 1903, p. 7).
Thomas Brereton, late of New Ross, died 17 March 1932, died in County Home, Enniscorthy in 1932 at age 76.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Man Killed 120 Years Ago on the U.S.S. Bennington
Historian, Damian Shiels, on 25 November 2025 posted an interactive map with biographical information and addresses for over 700 people in Ireland who received U.S. pensions. His work is entitled, American Pensioners in Ireland c. 1845-1905. Shiels spent 15 years researching the U.S. pension files. These payments from the U.S. were based on military service rendered between c. 1845 and 1905. About 80 percent of the pensions were the result of participation in the American Civil War.
Many of the pensions were paid to the widows of men who died while serving in the military or to mothers who were dependent on their sons who were killed. Some were paid to the veterans themselves who were wounded or injured while serving. It is a fascinating resource. Thanks to this work, we found a pension made to a Glenmore woman, Mrs. Margaret Quinn, of Rathinure, Glenmore. Her son Michael George Quinn was serving with the U.S. Marines when he died on 21 July 1905 in San Diego harbour. His ship the U.S.S. Bennington’s boiler exploded killing 66 crew (Shiels, 2025).
The 1905 U.S.S. Bennington Disaster
The U.S.S. Bennington (gunboat No. 4) was named for an important battle of the American Revolutionary War fought in Vermont in 1777. She was a 1700-ton gunboat of the Yorktown class. The ship was built at Chester, Pennsylvania, and commissioned in June 1891. Originally the ship served in the Atlantic and Europe, but was transferred to the Pacific in 1894. After the catastrophic boiler explosion on 21 July 1905 the ship was not repaired and sold for scrap in 1910. See the video “Revisiting the U.S.S. Bennington Explosion 120 Years Later” (ABC & San Diego History Center (2025)).
According to the Navy Casualties: Lost and Wrecked Ships, 1801-1941—Explosions 1804-194—Steam Casualties, 1855-1941, on 21 July 1905 when the U.S.S. Bennington exploded 62 service men were killed and 3 officers. “At 10:38 a.m. an explosion occurred in port fireroom compartment of the vessel, listing the ship to starboard. The ship shook violently for several seconds, large volumes of steam and ashes filling most of the living compartments and deck spaces.” A list of the men killed included “Quinn, Michael George, Oiler.”
Contemporary newspaper articles provide graphic details of the condition of some of the bodies found in the engine room. The crew had just finished loading coal and most were in their quarters cleaning up when the boiler exploded. Unfortunately, the crew quarters were over the boilers. The crew killed were buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery. Quinn was buried in Section Bm site 28. To view his grave see Find-a-grave.
Notwithstanding the 1905 tragedy, the U.S. named an aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Bennington. The aircraft carrier served in the Pacific during World War II. After a refitting the U.S.S. Bennington (aircraft carrier) suffered an explosion in 1954. An old newsreel covering the 1954 disaster revealed that the aircraft carrier also suffered an explosion the year before. Both of these explosions on the aircraft carrier resulted in loss of crew and serious injuries. All three of the Bennington explosions discussed above occurred during peacetime.
Prior to Joining the Marines
According to the concise biography written by Damian Shiels, Michael Quinn was a 29-year-old fireman when he enlisted at Boston, Massachusetts on 24 September 1903. He served aboard U.S.S. Wabash, U.S.S. Cleveland, U.S.S. Straggler, U.S.S. Independence and U.S.S. Bennington. Shiels also noted that Margaret Quinn (née Conway) was 55 when she applied for the pension in 1906. She was married at Glenmore to Thomas Quinn on 28 October 1869. Thomas Quinn died at Glenmore on 10 November 1902. Margaret Quinn (née Conway) died on 5 December 1914 (Shiels, 2025).
Today, it is generally thought that a fireman is a fire fighter. During the age of steam a fireman was the person who maintained the fire needed to produce the steam. Steam engines were used on railways and on ships. Buildings, particularly in cities with cold winters, heated with steam boilers.
The Battle of the Boston Papers
At least two Boston papers printed obituaries of Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905) just three days after his death. It is obvious that the Boston Globe was attempting to locate Quinn family members and published several false statements. For example, the entire Quinn family did not emigrate. There were photos published by each newspaper allegedly of the deceased Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905). The two photographs do not appear to depict the same man. The men do not part their hair on the same side and one has straight hair and the other does not. Given that the Boston Herald actually interviewed the deceased’s brother Patrick Quinn we believe that the photo in the Boston Herald is the correct photo.
Obituary in the Boston Globe (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 7)
MICHAEL G. QUINN—Bennington victim was a member of Jeffries Point R.A. [Rowing Association], and one of Winning Four at Centennial Grove. Michael G. Quinn one of the victims of Friday’s explosion on the Bennington, was one of the best known young men of East Boston, and one who had figured prominently in athletics.
Quinn was born in the town of Glenmore, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and was 32 years old. At the age of 12 years young Quinn with his parents and brothers and sisters, came to this country and since most of his years had been spent in East Boston.
In September 1903, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy being assigned from the Charlestown Navy Yard to the U.S.S. Cleveland. He served on the Cleveland till April last, when he was transferred to the Bennington. Quinn was a member of Jeffries Point rowing association of East Boston, and two years ago was a member of the four oared crew of the club which won the race at Centennial Grove.
The day before the Boston Globe printed that the deceased Michael G. Quinn had a sister Kate Quinn in East Boston. She formerly lived on Pleasant Street, Winthrop, but she moved to East Boston and could not be located. A brother of was said to live in Somerville (Boston Globe, Sat. 22 July 1905, p. 3).
Obituary in the Boston Herald (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 4)
Michael G. Quinn, one of the victims of the Bennington disaster, was well known in East Boston, having been a member of the junior four-oared crew of the Jeffries Point Rowing Association which won at Centennial Lake in 1902. His brother, Patrick Quinn, of 88 Marginal Street, East Boston, is a member of the intermediate four of the same association and was to have rowed with that crew in the Metropolitan regatta yesterday, but on receipt of the dispatch from the secretary of the Navy announcing his brother’s death, he retired, and his place was taken by substitute Frank Walsh.
The man killed was born in Waterford, Ireland, about 30 years ago. He came to this country when a lad of 15 years and lived in New York for about a year, when he went to sea finally becoming a member of the British naval reserve. At the break out of the Boer War he volunteered in the Grenadier Guards and served in South Africa under Lord Roberts, taking part in the siege of Kimberly, where although in the thick of the fight, he escaped injury. At the close of his enlistment period, he received a Boer war medal and then returned to this country, making his home with his brother in East Boston. He worked for the Cunard company, and also as a fireman for the Merchants and Miners’ company.
In October 1903, he enlisted in the navy and did duty on board the Wabash, and later at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Then he was assigned to the Cleveland, when that vessel was accepted by the government, and remained on board her until she was sent to join the European squadron. The last letter his brother received from him came from Florida in April. In it he stated he expected to come north in time to be in Boston for the Fourth of July. Since then he had not been heard from.
His mother and one sister still live in Ireland; a brother lives in Bristol, England; his brother Patrick, as stated, lives in East Boston; a sister Mrs. James Howland, lives at 63 Everett Street, East Boston, and another sister, Nora Quinn, lives in Somerville. [This obituary was also published in the Derry Journal (Wed. 9 Aug. 1905, p. 1) but we were unable to locate it or another obituary in newspapers local to Glenmore.]
The Quinn Families of Rathinure, Glenmore
There were two Quinn brothers, and their families, that resided in Rathinure in the late 19th century. Thomas and Patrick Quinn were sons of Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin. Stephen Quinn and Catherine Haberlin were married on 11 February 1834 at Glenmore. They resided and farmed in Coolnaleen, Glenmore. There were six known children born to this couple: [1] Patrick Quinn (1835-1906); [2] Honor Quinn (b. 1836); [3] Richard Quinn (b. 1839); [4] Mary Quinn (b. 1842); [5] Thomas Quinn (1843-1903); and [6] James Quinn (b. 1846).
Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) of Rathinure, Glenmore
Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) was baptized 16 March 1835 to Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin at Glenmore. Patrick Quinn of Rathanure (sic) married Ellen Tracy of Ballyfacy (sic) on 24 February 1873 at Glenmore. The bride’s father was George Tracy (a smyth (sic)) and her mother was Catherine Conway. George Tracy, of Haggard, married Catherine Conway on 8 February 1843 at Slieverue. Ellen Tracy was baptised at Ballinlammy, Glenmore on 17 March 1847.
Patrick Quinn died at the age of 80 in the Waterford Workhouse Hospital on 29 July 1906 of hemiplegia. In other words, one side of his body was paralyzed. His widow, Ellen Quinn née Tracy (1847-1932) continued to live in their small house until she went to live with a daughter. The small house where Patrick and Ellen lived was to the east of Sean Óg Kennedy’s (c. 1885-1962) house (where Johnny Garvey presently lives). The house in the 1901 Census was described as one room. It was owned by Patrick Quinn. Ellen Quinn née Tracy’s Memory Card is recorded on our Memory Card page.
Children of Patrick Quin and Ellen Tracy of Rathinure, Glenmore
The following children were identified in the parish and civil birth records: [1] Unnamed child (1874); [2] Honor “Nora” Quinn (1875); [3] Stephen Quinn (1876); [4] George Quinn (1878); [5] Catherine Quinn (1880); and [6] Honor Quinn (1883). In the 1911 Census, Ellen Quin née Tracy stated that she had six children and 4 were alive in 1911. Peter Walsh of Rathinure recalls that his mother said that Ellen’s youngest daughter Nora was handicapped and became abusive toward her elderly mother. Nora was placed in a home.
Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) of Rathinure, Glenmore
Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) was baptized on 19 December 1843 at Mullinavat to Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin. Margaret Conway was baptized on 14 July 1843 at Carrigloney the daughter of Michael Conway and Mary Barry. Thomas Quinn (23), of Rathinure, (labourer) married Margaret Conway (22) of Carrigcloney on 28 October 1869. Per the 1901 Census Thomas and Margaret Quinn were renting their 1 room home in Rathinure, Glenmore from John Kennedy. We assume that this was Sean Óg Kennedy (c. 1885-1962).
Children of Thomas Quinn & Margaret Quinn née Conway of Rathinure, Glenmore
[1] Stephen Quinn (bapt 8 May 1871-15 May 1871) Died of convulsions in Carrigcloney
[2] Catherine Quinn (22 July 1872-19 Nov. 1913) emigrated to the US in 1900. She married James M. Howland on 25 July 1904 at Boston. James Howlan was born c. 1876 at Tarrytown, New York, the son of Nicholas Howland and Margaret Cummins. They had a son [2a] George Michael Howland (b. 9 Nov. 1905) just 4 months after her brother Michael was killed. The couple also had two daughters: [2b] Margaret M. Howland (1907-1992) and [2c] Catherine M. Howland (1909-1998). Catherine Howland née Quinn died in 1913 of diabetes. See our H surname page for her short obituary.
[3] Michael Quinn (1874-1905) died in the U.S. Marine Corp on board the U.S.S. Bennington.
[4] Patrick Quinn ( 28 Feb. 1876) emigrated to Boston.
[5] Mary Quinn (b. 15 Feb. 1878) married John Curran (laborer), of Carrigcloney on 28 September 1909 at Glenmore. John was the son of Richard Curran (carpenter). John and Mary had one son [5a] Richard Curran born 13 August 1910.
[6] Stephen Quinn (18 March 1880-5 Feb. 1929) in 1900 married Margaret Dalton of Knockbrack, Glenmore. Margaret was the daughter of Patrick Dalton. The couple had at least 5 children: [6a] Ellen Quinn (1901); [6b] Patrick Quinn (Rathinure); [6c] James Quinn (1908) Knockbrack; [6d] James Quinn (1910) Fahee; and [6e] Johanna Quinn (1913).
[7] James Quinn (bapt. 5 Feb. 1883—22 Aug.1967) emigrated to the U.S. On 28 August 1916 he married Helen Davis (1886-1949) in Detroit, Michigan. His WWI draft Registration (1918) provided that he was 32 years of age, working as a fireman for Detroit Edison, and living at 913 Ellery St., Detroit. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair medium height and medium build. His WWII draft registration showed that he was 56 years of age, born in Waterford and worked for the Detroit Edison Co. He and his wife had six known children. [7a] James Thomas Quinn (1917-1979); [7b] William George Quinn (1919-1998); [7c] Patrick J. Quinn (1922-1994); [7d] Margaret Helen Chaney née Quinn (1924-2022); [7e] Sr. Mary E. Quinn (1925-2008); and [7f] Kathleen C. Quinn (b. 1929).
[8] Thomas Quinn (b. 5 Feb. 1883)
[9] Honor (Nora Theresa) Long née Quinn (30 April 1885—12 Feb. 1957) emigrated 29 July 1903 to Boston via the ship Ivernia. Information gleaned from her Naturalisation Declaration (16 April 1914) provides that she claimed that she was 26 years of age, unmarried, with fair hair, 5’4” tall and weighed 180 pounds. She worked as a cook and lived at 23 Garden St., Cambridge Mass. She gave her birthdate as 1 May 1887. Nora married Alvin Wallace Long (1894-1989) on 1 November 1922, in Detroit Michigan. Nora died in 1957 in Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan.
Death of Parents
Father, Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) died on 14 November 1903 at the Waterford Union hospital at the age of 60. His cause of death was heart disease and bronchial pneumonia.
Mother, Margaret Quinn (1843-1914) died the 5th of December 1914 at Carrickcloney, aged 71, a widow of a labourer. With no medical attention before her death. John Curran of Carrickcloney was present at her death. The 1911 Census reveals that Margaret was living with her daughter Mary Curran née Quinn and her husband John Curran in Carrickcloney. With Margaret Quinn’s death the pension ended.
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The featured photo of the U.S.S. Bennington was described as “dressed with flags in harbour, probably while serving with the Squadron of Evolution, c. 1891-1892. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Catalog No.: NH 67551.”
The photo of Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905) was published in the Boston Herald (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 4).
For more information on the U.S.S. Bennington see the webpage entitled U.S.S. Bennington.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Glenmore History Share
We are always happy to find and share local historical posts. Andrew Doherty, of Waterford Harbour Tides and Tales, posted this morning “The Gladiator Mystery” concerning the appearance of a ship in New Ross harbour in 1898. The rumours the arrival of the ship generated 125 years ago were preserved in a New Ross Standard article. Glenmore even gets a mention. Click here for the link.
Glenmore Mummers: Supporting Irish Independence
According to Danny Dowling, mumming troupes performed regularly in Wexford and the tradition was imported into Glenmore. In 1957 Danny interviewed Nicholas “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) who was able to name various members of the first known Glenmore mummers group. Nicky indicated that this group formed about 1886.
Today, outside of historians and persons researching folklore etc. there is often confusion regarding mummers because at various times in various locations across Ireland different people used the term in different ways. For example, in the past festivals and celebrations were marked with the making and wearing of straw costumes. There is evidence that the wearing of straw clothing occurred in bad weather particular by the bacach, or beggars. The straw not only provided warmth, but the rain would run off like a thatched roof. A plentiful supply of straw was generally present in most farmyards for the making of a straw overcoat as the bacach travelled the countryside with news and gossip to entertain his hosts (Anne O’Dowd, “Plaited Rush and Straw Work,” in Traditional Crafts of Ireland (2003) p. 128). Later, in some parts of Ireland men would disguise themselves in straw outfits and headgear to crash a wedding feast they had not been invited to attend. Sometime these party crashers performing their disguised antics were called mummers or strawmen (Séamas ó Catháin, “Mummers & Mumming,” in Traditional Crafts of Ireland (2003) p. 130.
Interestingly some rural parts of the country there was an old custom after harvest of saving the last sheaf of corn which was ceremonially brought home from the field and presented to the woman of the house. Keeping the last sheaf in the house brought general good luck and was a safeguard against witches. The straw from the harvest provided for the making of ordinary household items from plaited ropes (súgán) to hens’ nesting baskets (séideog).. (Anne O’Dowd, “Plaited Rush and Straw Work,” in Traditional Crafts of Ireland (2003) p. 128).
The tradition of mumming apparently goes back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to have developed in England and spread. Although mummers can be traced back in Ireland to at least the 1780’s the first systematic attempt to analyse the Irish mummers plays was published in 1946 by E.R.R. Green (“Christmas Rhymers and Mummers,” Ulster Journal of Archaeology (1946) p. 3-21).
In the west of Ireland mumming apparently evolved into people in disguise visiting homes and entertaining with songs and rhymes usually at Christmas time. In Wexford, mummers performed plays generally following chapbooks. A chapbook was a small pamphlet containing ballads, rhymes, or tales sold by peddlers. This “street literature” was cheaply made and often contained crude woodcut illustrations. Often at the end of the play there was a dance fight with the dancers swinging wooden swords or sticks. This battle dance has led to mummers sometimes being confused with another old custom of Morris dancers. Morris dancers are English male folk dancers who generally wear bells on their calves and carry handkerchiefs or fans as they perform their elaborate sets. In 1974, Alan Gailey published an article “Chapbook Influence on Irish Mummer’s Plays” (85(1) Folklore 1 (1974)). Gaily described the usual characters in the known “chapbook” publications including Prince David, St. Patrick, the Grand Signor and the doctor in a comical “cure scene.” By the turn of the 20th century the rhymes and characters of the Wexford mummers’ plays were re-written to “accord with nationalist sentiments” (Gailey, p. 6).
In the 1957 interview Nicky the Miller noted that a dance platform was built at the Ballygurrim cross roads in about 1885. The following year a group of men from Glenmore formed a mummers’ group. They were “trained by coach” from Wexford. In addition to providing the names of the group Nicky stated that the group travelled to Mullinavat where they “gave a big display of their talents” and they had a “keg of beer between them to quench their thirst.”
Nicky the Miller identified ten men as Glenmore Mummers. Information not provided by Nicky the Miller has been placed in brackets [ ]. The captain of the Glenmore Mummers team was Martin Cahill [b. 1854] of Ballycroney, Glenmore. His three brothers were also members, Phil [b. 1865 never married], Dick and Mick Cahill [b. 1863] married and lived in Waterford and worked at Strangman’s brewery.
Other members of the team included:
Jack Merrigan, of Milltown, Glenmore–He was uncle of the present (1957) Dinny Murphy of Milltown. He later emigrated to the USA and died in New York;
Ned Purcell, of Forristaltown and later lived in Weatherstown, Glenmore;
Neddy Walsh, of Milltown, never married and worked at Jack Doherty’ of Milltown;
Dick Walsh, of Bushertsown and Ballalog, was a brother of Neddy Walsh. Dick worked for Dinny Merrigan and married Dinny’s sister. The married couple moved to Waterford. [The Glenmore Parish records reveal that Richard Walsh married Ellen Merrigan in 1895.];
Dan Dowling, [1862-1945] of Jamestown, Glenmore [Danny Dowling’s paternal grandfather] and
Ned Doolan, of Shanbogh.
In attempting to locate more information on the Glenmore mummers a newspaper search revealed that in 1892 the Glenmore Mummers performed and the names of the group are not provided in the newspaper article. However, the article does confirm that the group was performing in the Wexford tradition with a nationalist sentiment including the word “independence” placed on the play’s scenery. The following article is from the front page of the Munster Express of 6 February 1892.
ENTERTAINMENT AT GLENMORE—On Sunday evening last a most successful and highly conducted soiree came off at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. The proceedings commenced about 7:30 p.m., and under the able management of the local young men, who are formed into a society called “Mummers,” have composed a part representing twelve powers of Europe, an exhibition of which they gave on the night in question, and which proved high satisfactory and afforded pleasure to the many spectators present. The different parts met with loud applause, and for the first time they gave an exhibition and played their different parts publicly, they deserve all credit for the painstaking manner through which they went through their work. The apartment, which was kindly given for the purpose, was beautifully decorated with evergreens and other ornamental designs, and here and there on the walls could be observed in letters, worked with ivy leaves, the words, “independence,” “welcome” etc. Many songs and dances were gone through until about 8:30, when the “Mummies” entered, dressed beautifully with different coloured dresses and bearing emblems representative of the Nationality which each acts the part of. The representative of the first high personage was the captain of the club, who marched forward and related his exploits in a strong manner. He is met on the way by Prince George, and then St. Patrick enters on the scene and speaks independently to the Prince. Next appears the representatives of Napoleon, Lord Wellington, and Emperor of Russia. The latter meets the Grand Seignior (sic), and both fight in single combat, resulting in the fall of the Grand Seignior. A doctor then enters, and offers to cure the Grand Seignior (sic), but claims high compensation for his medical skill, which seemed rather limited. His prescription for the wounded warrior provoked merriment, but however, he succeeded in restoring to health the Grand Seignour (sic) who, when fully recovered, relates his exploits in the other world, as his imagination led him to believe he saw a glimpse of it. Lord Nelson represented, as also the Poles’ King, and Julius Caesar. Daniel O’Connell, and the representatives of the above great men having fully expressed the ideas and the exploits gone through in by gone days by those heroes, they formed in a circle and to a beautiful selection of music on violins, danced in a semi-circular motion, one rank meeting the other, and both parties slashing swords. The above ended with the rendering of the National Anthem, “God Save Ireland,” in capital style. The party composed of these young people and the part they have selected appears critical; yet with perseverance they reached the standard of perfection, and whenever they next give an exhibition, they should be highly appreciated for their exertions. The rendering of some songs and recitations, speeches and dialogues, brought the proceedings, which were creditably gone through, to a close.
Although we have a general description of the Glenmore play from the newspaper account, thanks to the efforts of N.A. Hudelston the probable lines are available. Hudelston collected a written copy in 1958 of a play containing 290 lines from John Pierce, of Rosslare Harbour. Fifty more lines were obtained in oral interviews of five more men. It was noted that this play was performed until the First World War, but the language and events in the play revealed that the the original play dates back to 1820-1850. (Hudleston, “The Wexford Mummers’ Play,” The Past: The Organ of the Uí Cinsealaight Historical Society (1964) p. 152). The cast of characters in the play includes: The Captain; Prince George; St. Patrick; Dan O’Connell; Napoleon Bonaparte; Lord Wellington; The Czar; The Grand Signor; The Doctor; Lord Nelson; The Polish King; and Julius Caesar. The excerpt below is from the lines of Daniel O’Connell toward the end of the play.
Excerpt
Here I am, the great O’Connell, from a knightly race I came, My royal habitation lies in ancient Derrynane. I am the man they call brave Dan, your friend on each occasion, And the first M.P. that ever sat of the Catholic persuasion. For my country’s wrongs I deeply felt, they tilled me with vexation, And our cruel foes for to oppose, I formed an Association. ‘Tis certain sure, the Church most pure, should persecution bear, But the Penal yoke was lately broke by electing me in Clare; To Parliament straightway I went, in hopes to free our nation, Wellington and Peel, I made them yield and grant Emancipation. That still-born pact, the Stanley Act, supplants the Church’s ambition, Those vexatious tithes I have laid aside, by a total abolition. The Catholic rent I underwent to break and wreck in twain…
By St. Patrick’s sons you have laurels won, and been raised to dignity; Our brothers’ cries you did despise, and our country’s misery. So now your cause, and Penal Laws, I’ll expel by exhortation, Those notorious tithes I’ll lay aside or in blood I’ll steep the nation. Your tyranny won’t frighten me, nor your hellish emigration, Your infernal ends, they stood your friends—if I live, I’ll free the nation. Now, gentles all, I must conclude, I have no more to say…
It isn’t known whether the Glenmore men identified by Nicky the Miller were the same group that performed in 1892. If the Glenmore Mummers followed this play with similar nationalist speeches, scenery advocating independence etc. it may go some way to explaining why the Munster Express did not publish their names.
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Hudleston article is available on Justor, Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25519869 . The featured drawing above was drawn by Dudley Terrant at Christmas time 1919 of a performane of an old Christmas mummers’ play of St. George and the Dragon and published in The Sphere (3 January 1920, p. 13). The photo from January 1950 above is of the Andover, Hampshire mummer’s play. For over 300 years the men of New Street in Andover, Hampshire performed this traditional mummers play without script. The words were passed down from father to son.
The Waterford By-Election 1891
On the 23rd of October 1964 Danny Dowling interviewed and recorded several interesting stories provided by Nicholas Forristal (1888-1979) of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore. After a little research we were able to verify and expand on the information provided almost 60 years ago by Nicky the Miller. It is believed that the story recorded below by Danny in 1964 concerned Sunday the 13th of December in 1891 during the hotly contested Waterford by-election.
“Nicky said that there was a lot of McCarthyites in Ross. On one occasion they travelled down to Waterford to interrupt a Redmondite meeting which was being held there. On arrival there was a melee and the instruments of their band were all thrown over the bridge into the river when they were carted out of the City. Whilst passing the Mill some of them came into the yard and threw a stone through the window into the kitchen. They were attacked over Glenmore by stones and sods, sticks etc. At the Pink Rock the local men and women did the same and also threw [the contents of their chamber pots] into their wagonettes. They got a terrible fright and never ventured again to Waterford.”
Background
To put this into context, the Irish Parliamentary Party was led by Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891). When Parnell became embroiled in a divorce scandal in 1890 he refused to step down as leader. This led to the Irish Parliamentary Party splitting. Justin McCarthy (1830-1912) became leader of the anti-Parnellite group or the Irish National Federation until 1896. Interestingly it was reported in the Munster Express on 31 January 1891 (p. 4) that previously McCarthy had stated that he would not give up their leader [Parnell] for “an inferior and less capable man,” and “in a strange irony of fate” McCarthy became the “inferior and less capable man.”
On 6 October 1891, Parnell died and John Redmond (1856-1918), his supporter and an MP from Wexford, gave up his North Wexford seat to contest the Cork by-election for Parnell’s seat. Redmond lost the Cork bi-election and found himself with no seat. On 29 November 1891, the MP for Waterford City, Richard Power (1856-1891) of the Irish Nationalist Party died at the age of 40. Redmond announced that he would run as an independent for the Waterford seat during the late 1891 by-election. It appeared that Redmond might run un-opposed, but Michael Davitt (1846-1906) on Sunday the 13th of December 1891 officially declared his candidacy. In the terminology employed in 1891, Davitt was a McCarthyite and Redmond a Parnellite.
Sunday 13 December 1891
Redmond was already holding meetings and canvassing when Davitt came to Waterford on Sunday the 13th of December 1891. It was alleged that Davitt was present to seek to end the divisions and support Keane as the candidate to oppose Redmond. It was apparently well known by local people that special trains had been hired to bring McCarthyite supporters to Waterford City to alledgely “intimidate” the Waterford city voters (Waterford Standard, Wed. 16 Dec. 1891, p. 3).
The following account was gleaned from the Freeman’s Journal (14 Dec. 1891, p. 5)
Davitt proceeded to the railway station with supporters, and they walked along the quay quietly. No one interfered with them in any way until they got to the Toll Bridge, which crossed the River Suir. The train station was on the Kilkenny side of the bridge and a Redmondite crowd had already gathered on the Waterford side of the bridge. The crowd groaned and hissed as Davitt and his supporters passed over the bridge to the railway station. Davitt stood at the toll gate, smiling at the hostile demonstration as his supporters marched past, and Davitt then proceeded behind them across the bridge. A small crowd of the Redmondites followed, and they did not do more than indulge in some “harmless chaff,” which was treated with good humoured indifference by Davitt and his followers. The Davitt party arrived at the railway stations at one o’clock. The special train from Carrick did not reach the station until half-past one. A couple of hundred men with a band came down from Carrick and Piltown. At the same time some horse drawn cars arrived with a brass band from New Ross. Another couple hundred arrived from Dungarvan and Kilmacthomas…
It was reported that there were 400 police present in Waterford City in anticipation of trouble. Some police were armed with batons and others with rifles. Although the Freeman’s Journal alleged that the police with batons charged and beat McCarthyites, as they sought to march into the city to a meeting, other newspapers concluded that the police did the best they could to stop the opposing supporters from clashing (Waterford Standard, Wed. 16 Dec. 1891, p. 4). A considerable crowd of Waterford residents, armed with bludgeons, assembled on the Waterford quay to repel the so-called “invaders.” Luckily rain was heavily falling and this caused a lot of people to abandon the quay and seek shelter. As the rain continued Davitt supporters at the train station marched to the bridge and the New Ross band struck up the “Boys of Wexford.” It was reported that the Redmondites joined in the singing of this song that commemorates the 1798 Rebellion.
At the toll gate Davitt insisted that the gate should be opened, and “after a sharp tussle” the gates were forced open and the Davitt supporters marched right into the thick of the Redmond supporters. The Redmond supporters initially moved aside. From the bridge to Gladstone Street, a distance of half of a mile, a steady skirmish continued. About a hundred yards from the bridge, a man rushed forward and struck Davitt on the temple with a stick. Davitt’s face was covered with blood. When they finally reached their committee rooms on Gladstone Street, Davitt announced while holding his handkerchief to his head, “This blow has determined me to stand for Waterford.” John Redmond witnessed the scenes from the windows of the Commins’ Hotel, his party’s headquarters, and when he heard that Davitt was injured he called at the Adelphi Hotel to inquire about Davitt’s condition and express his regret at “the outrage.”
Unfortunately, there is no newspaper account of the New Ross Band’s exit from the city and journey back to New Ross through Glenmore. Nicky the Miller was not quite four years old when the kitchen window in his home was broken and local Parnell supporters clashed with the New Ross McCarthyite band members on their return to New Ross. Undoubtedly, Nicky heard the story from his parents and older siblings.
The Election
In the days following that fateful Sunday, Redmond tirelessly campaigned. It was reported that Davitt did not have many workers within Waterford City and the Catholic Clergy performed most of the canvasing on his behalf. In a local speech reported in the Waterford Standard (16 December 1891, p. 3) Redmond called Davitt a liar for saying that he had come to Waterford to support Keane’s candidature, but after being struck he decided to run himself. Redmond “considered that it would be unreasonable to suppose that a candidate would be deposed in that way without being in anyway consulted.” Redmond went on to accuse a man named Quinn “of buying clothes from a hang-me-down shops in New Ross, in order to enable his staunch supporters to come to Waterford with their sticks…” Newspapers accounts are full of accusations from both sides concerning the class, intelligence, and weaponry of the opposing supporters.
An unnamed political correspondent for the Waterford Standard in his column “Political Jottings,” (Wed. 16, December 1891, p. 4) noted that very few people expected Sunday to pass without much noise, but most people hoped that the disturbance would not reach the length of the riot which occurred on the Quay. “The people in the two crowds looked more like demons that human beings.” He stated that the extent of feeling in the city was best gauged by the fact of Mr. Davitt being assaulted. “The fact that he has lost one arm would in itself be enough to make an assault upon him an act of the coarsest brutality, but when this is coupled with what he has undergone on behalf of these people, whether he was right in his views or not, it should have been sufficient protection with men now that he happens to be opposed to them.” Various newspapers also referenced the riots at Castlecomer during the 1890 Kilkenny elections. Parnell while speaking had lime thrown in his face and Davitt was “giving as good as he got” in fighting with Parnell supporters. Politics was a rough businsess.
In London it was reported that “[t]he Parnellites have been greatly cheered and encouraged by the triumph at Waterford of Mr. Redmond over Mr. Michael Davitt, perhaps the strongest candidate whom the anti-Parnellites could have brought forward. Mr. Redmond’s majority was a decisive one, 546 in a constituency of some 4,000” (The Graphic, 2 Jan. 1892, p. 7). In 1892 Redmond again stood in the General Election for the Waterford City constituency. The Munster Express, (Sat. 2 July 1892, p. 5) reported that Father Flynn, P.P., of Ballybricken, publicly vowed that he would get a man to run against John Redmond. It was reported in the 1892 General Election that “Redmon canvassed Waterford City without a bodyguard of police, while Father Furlong and Father Flynn held indoor meetings at the ‘Carty Club under the protection of a force of fifty police.” Redmond went on to win the 1892 General Election beating David Sheehy, the father of Hannah Sheehy Skeffington.
Glenmore Support for Parnell Continued
“Nicky the Miller” during the same interview also told Danny an interesting story that illustrates the passionate support that Parnell enjoyed among some Glenmore residents after his death.
“For the Parnellite commemorative ceremony in Dublin each year people used to go from Glenmore to attend it. Old Johnny Hanrahan of the Village (1843-1921) used go every year. On one occasion Tom Mullins (c. 1873-1936) of Flemingstown, was with him and on the train on their return journey when it stopped, Johnny went to the window of the train and adderssed the multitude on the platform on the greatness of Parnell. He spoke at great length was thunderously cheered and Tom Mullins later said, “It was as good a speech as I ever heard. No doubt the people thought him to be some M.P. or famous personage.”
The conversation then turned to Old Johnny Hanrahan, and Nicky the Miller revealed that old Johnny Hanrahan was a cooper by trade and the son of Denis Hanrahan (b. 1811) of Powerswood, and his wife Bridget Gaffney (b. 1813) of Glenmore Village. The parish records reveal that the couple were married 6 February 1837 at Glenmore, but we will save the details concerning these Glenmore families to future post.
If there are any errors or omissions please contact glenmore.history@gmail. com. The featured photo is of John Redmond in 1917 (The Irish Times). The photo of Michael Davitt is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_davitt.jpg.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Previous blog posts that provide further information on local politics of the time include;
“Glenmore and Mr. Parnell,” blog post of 17 March 2020.
“Glenmore Land League Split,” blog post of 29 March 2020.
“Glenmore Redmond Volunteers and the Fife & Drum Band,” blog post of 4 Jan. 2020.
Fairs & Markets of New Ross c. 1900
Danny Dowling interviewed Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore several times in 1964. Today, we are going to feature Danny’s interview of Friday the 13th of March of that year where Nicky provided information about the New Ross fairs and markets of his youth. “Nicky the Miller” was born on 1 February 1888 and was blessed in that his father, Patrick Forristal (c. 1849-1931) and grandfather lived long lives and shared their knowledge of events and the area with Nicky. Where possible the actual words recorded by Danny of Nicky during the interview are used and marked by quotation marks.
For anyone not familiar with the Parish of Glenmore, Kilkenny lies half way between the City of Waterford, Co. Waterford and the Town of New Ross, Co. Wexford. Until the twentieth century the only market town in Kilkenny close to Glenmore was Thomastown which was further away than both New Ross and Waterford. For information and maps regarding the early main road between New Ross and Waterford see the previous blog post of 14 December 2019. Prior to the earliest bridges being built at New Ross and Waterford people from Kilkenny had to make use of ferries to take their produce to New Ross and Waterford. After bridges spanned the River Barrow at Ross and the River Suir at Waterford tolls were a cost for our Glenmore ancestors when they sought to purchase or sell items in Waterford or New Ross or sought employment in the city or town.
Ancient Fairs and Markets of New Ross
Although the words fairs and markets have come to mean the same thing at one time they were considered distinct occurrences. Generally speaking, market days were set days when sellers and buyers gathered for the buying and selling of a specific commodity e.g. butter, corn etc. The prices agreed in the haggle between the buyers and sellers became the market price. Fairs originally did not occur on a regular basis and were often associated with religious days, where there might be entertainment and a variety of trading e.g. horse and employment fairs. Fairs and markets were vital to the economy of towns and cities and residents relied on food from the countryside. New Ross was no different and several of the early New Ross Corporation books survive and reflect the importance attached to the fairs and markets. The County Wexford Archive has placed some of the surviving books on line with transcriptions.
A fragment from the New Ross Corporation Minute Books for 1634-5 is held in Carlow library. It provides an interesting glimpse into the turbulent 17th century in Ireland. “Most of the entries…concern day-to-day life—keeping the streets clean, securing the water supply, renting out property, protecting the markets and keeping citizens safe.” Control of hucksters at markets was a great concern. (Gráinne Doran & Linda Doran (2020) “A Light on Early Town Governance in New Ross,” 28(1) History Ireland 8-9.) On 17 October 1662 “the toll and customes of the markets and faires of Ross sett and let unto Mr. Barnard White for the ensueing yeare for twenty pound sterling” (New Ross Corporation Minute Book, 1658-1685, vol. 1). In other words, Barnard White for the huge sum in 1662 of £20 became essentially the landlord of the New Ross markets and fairs for a year, and he could set and charge the people engaged in markets and fairs.
Some very ancient customs surround fairs such as the symbol of the glove. In 1710 an order was made in New Ross that no arrests would be made before and after the fair held on the 10th of August. This was not an attempt to encourage or allow criminals to engage in trade. At that time if a person was unable to pay his or her debts that person could be sent to debtor’s prison. Thus, to ensure the success of fairs a sort of safe passage developed. An entry on the 6th of October 1726 ordered that a glove be set up two days before each “faire” day and remain up for two days after the “faire.” The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (30 June 1901, p. 179) in reviewing the entries published extracts of two publications explaining the glove symbol.
“An annual fair is held on Trinity Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Southhampton. It is opened by the Mayor and bailiffs with much ceremony on the proceeding Saturday afternoon. The Mayor erects a pole with a large glove fixed to the top of it, near the miller’s house, and the bailiff then takes possession of the fair as chief magistrate in its precinct during the fair, and invites the Mayor and his suite to a collation in his tent…during the fair no person can be arrested for debt within its precincts. On Wednesday at noon the Mayor dissolves the fair by taking down the pole and glove, or rather ordering that it be taken down” (Sir H. Englefield (1805) Wald Through Southhampton, p. 75). At Exeter a similar custom prevailed:–The charter for Exeter Lammas Fair [Aug. 1] is perpetuated by a glove of immense size, stuffed and carried through the city …It is afterwards placed on the top of the Guild hall and then the fair commences (Hone, Every Day Book, ii, 1059).”
As early as 1662, during the reign of Charles II, legislation was enacted that standardised a firkin of butter as weighing 64 pounds comprised of at least 56 pounds of butter and up to 8 pounds for the barrel. Over a century later, the New Ross Corporation books reflect that in 1783 a clerk of the market was appointed at a salary of £10 per year to ensure proper weight and measures were used and to prevent butchers and bakers from committing frauds. As early as 1747 there were complaints that butter and salmon were being sold at the gates and roads leading to New Ross to the detriment of the town’s people and merchants. In an attempt to control and regulate trading a corn market was built in Robert Street in 1818 just twenty years after the 1798 Rebellion. According to Linda Doran the corn market was not altogether successful. Ten years after it was built all tradesmen were required to weigh and sell their corn at the market. In 1832 markets which were deemed street obstructions in New Ross were removed to the corn market. In 1864 a meeting was called to investigate the possibility to free the bridge from tolls (Linda Doran (2011) “Capturing the Quotidian: New Ross Corporation Books,” 1685-1900,” in 19(5) History Ireland 22-25.)
Fairs & Markets of New Ross at the Turn of the 20th Century
Accoring to Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, up until about 1899 New Ross fairs were held on different dates. In about 1899 the second Tuesday of the month was introduced as the fair day of Ross. When he was a boy Nicky recalled fairs being held on Easter Monday, the 10th of February, and on the 3rd of May—the hiring fair. On the hiring fairs the men and women seeking work “used present themselves with a spancil round their wrists so as to indicate their calling. Those spancils were called booracs and búltáins. Used hire for the quarter. The settlement between the parties was made on the fair. The agreement in most cases was adhered to because if not, the labourer was not paid if he left.”
For non-farmers a spancil is a short length of rope used to hobble an animal. The animal could graze but could not wonder off too far. Well into the twentieth century spancils also were used to keep cows from kicking while being milked. It appears that from what Nicky said that different types of spancils were used to indicate the type of work that the prospective employee was able or willing to perform. The employee would work for 3 months before being paid and if the employee left before the end of the 3 months he would not be paid anything. According to Danny Dowling the agreement included wages, room and board and additionally there might be an agreement on the type and amount of ‘grub’ that would be provided to the employee.
“The fat pig market at Ross was always held on the day before the general fair. Small pigs were sold on the general fair. The people used drive the pigs into Ross on a Sunday evening and put them in some of the yards in the Irishtown. Brewer’s, Teehan’s (where Shea’s were) and Campbell’s yards etc. When the pigs were sold they had to be driven to the boat (Ida etc.) early as it left for Waterford at 9 o’clock in the morning. Hence the reason for the very early start of the fairs.”
Nicky recalled that he drove pigs to Kough’s Bacon Factory on the Quay in about 1899. “Good deal of people worked there, men and women. Made sausages, puddings items and every shop in Ross sold offal meats then. Nicky saw cards up in the shops selling meat which read thus ‘Buy Kough’s Bacon well known for its delicious flavour and standard quality.’ ” According to Nicky, Kough’s Bacon Factory went into liquidation long before the first Great War.
Markets were held in Ross every Thursday and Saturday. The spud market was held on the Quay at Fox’s Pub. The weighing scales for the spuds were “opposite beside river.” The butter market ran from “Bridge to Market House.” Salmon sold at Fish House. At Bank of Ireland—vegetables sold. Opposite the Bank of Ireland on the Quay side fresh herrings were sold from dray cars while in season.
The fowl market was held in John and North St. at either side of the Hotel. Asses, jennets and carts full of fowl were lined up. “The man who would buy the lot would chalk his name on the cart. They were then brought to the boat which was moored opposite Foxe’s. Each fowl buyer had a bed on the Quay where the fowl were put after taking them from the carts, before being put on the boat. This market used always start before the break of day. Hardly any men attended it, only women and chaps. Over before 9 o’clock as the fowl had to be on the boat which left at that time. This market was held on a Thursday. This early market finished when the boat ended in 1904.” For information regarding the Ida and the shipping of animals see our previous blog of 29 February 2020.
“The firkin butter market was held in Charles Street. People brought the fresh butter in buckets to the market. It ended about the First War. Glenmore people stopped attending when the creamery started.” Only the larger farmers who kept several cows could produce a firkin or 56 pounds of butter. Before the Glenmore Creamery opened there were not many cows in Glenmore. Prior to the Creamery opening people from the area with butter went mainly to the Waterford Butter Market. People from Tullogher, who were closer to New Ross, used to travel with the firkins of butter on the Ida to Waterford.
Until the 1880’s a lot of wheat was grown in the Glenmore area. “Then the bottom dropped out of the market owing to the imports of foreign wheat. The last wheat Tommy Forristal, of Ballyverneen [Glenmore] ever had, he was forced to bring it to Thomastown by horses and carts. That was in the 1880’s.” “Very few cattle kept by the local people of this area” prior to 1900. Nearly all cattle were sold as yearlings and even younger. Cows were also scarce. “The farmers with the largest cow herds in Glenmore then were Coady’s of Carrigcloney and Tommy Forristal of Ballyverneen with 20 cows each. After introduction of creamery here the farmers increased their herds.” For information concerning the establishment of the Glenmore Creamery see the previous post of 9 May 2020.
At the turn of the twentieth century Nicky recalled the following prices which ‘were got’ at Ross markets:
- “Seed potatoes 3d stone;
- Pig’s heads 2/= for 12 lbs.;
- Danish Pig’s Heads 1 ½ d [per] lb;
- Butter 6d to 8d per lb;
- Barrel of oats 7/6;
- Barrel of barley 13-14/=;
Nicky went on to explain that fowl and turkeys then were never sold by weight. Instead they were sold by the pair. Until about 1894, “people from this area used go to the fowl market of Grannagh. Had to leave the night before… At that time turkey realised by the pair, cocks 18-20/=; hens 8-10/=.”
To illustrate the prices under the Imperial system–which some elderly Glenmore residents today refer to as “old money”– there were pounds £, shillings / and pence d. There were 12 pence in a shilling, and 20 shillings in a pound. Thus, seed potatoes sold for 3 pence per stone (14 pounds) of potatoes. A barrel of oats sold for 7 shillings and 6 pence etc..
In the next couple of weeks we shall highlight some of the other “business” that occurred at and after local fairs as commented upon by Nicky the Miller in 1964 and recorded by Danny Dowling. Please send any errors or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of the New Ross Corn Market appeared in Linda Doran’s excellent 2011 article “Capturing the Quotidian: New Ross Corporation Books,” 1685-1900,” in 19(5) History Ireland 22-25. The photo of the corn market is from a glass plate belonging to Jimmy Fitzgibbon and was part of the Cavanagh Magic Latern Collection. Prior to cinemas, Magic Laterns were used to entertain people by the showing of projections from early photographic glass plates. William Cavangh had a collection of these early glass plates of the New Ross area. The photo to the right shows Jimmy Fitzgibbon (on left) with his 150 year old Magic Latern. Edward Delany is on the right. (New Ross Standard, 31 August 2015).
The featured photo above is art work from the New Ross Corporation Minute Book, 1658-1687, p. 50. It reads, “Eusebius Cotton, Esquire, Soveraigne of New Ross, Anno D’ni 1662.”