19th Century
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The Public Execution of Henry “Bounce” Walsh in 1847
In our last blog we outlined the local story passed down in Glenmore concerning Henry “Bounce” Walsh, of Knockbrack, Glenmore, as well as the contemporary newspapers accounts of his 1847 murder trial. Today, we will outline the circumstances concerning his execution.
Henry “Bounce” Walsh was convicted of murdering John Walsh in July 1847. The Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser, of Saturday the 31st of July 1847 on its front page, covered the murder trial. The judge charged the jury, who retired and returned in less than half hour with verdict of guilty. The prisoner heard the verdict with apparent indifference, and was removed from the bar to await his sentence at the end of the assizes. Throughout the trial it was reported that the accused seemed quite indifferent to the proceedings.
On Friday the 30th of July 1847, Henry “Bounce” Walsh appeared for his sentencing with two others, James Daniel and James Larkin, who were convicted during the assizes of the murder of Arthur William Prim. The trial judge addressed all three convicted men together and told them, “I cannot hold out to any of you prisoners, the slightest hope of a change in the sentences that the law obliges me to pronounce. I have no discretion whatsoever…I would conjure then to employ the short time that remains between the present moment and that in which they are to leave this world, in making their peace with God—repent for the crime that they have committed—and in the hope of that mercy which, through the merits of our Saviour, the Almighty, will show the repentant—in endeavouring to obtain the peace in the next world which they have forfeited in this one…” The convicted man Larkin requested of the judge, “The longest day you can give my lord.” The judge replied that he would provide sufficient time for the convicted murders to seek God’s forgiveness.
Upon hearing his sentence of death, Henry “Bounce” Walsh asked the judge if his father could have his body. The judge replied that was not possible as the law required that he be buried in the gaol yard. Henry “Bounce” Walsh then stated that Jones and another man in the courtroom that he pointed at were responsible for his death. It is not clear who Henry “Bounce” Walsh indicated were responsible for his death sentence. In the newspaper accounts there is no mention of a juror, witness or prosecutor named Jones.
The date of execution for Larkin and Daniel was set for the 25th of August and Henry “Bounce” Walsh was to be executed on the 1st of September. The Kerry Evening Post on Wednesday the 8th of September 1847 reported that Henry “Bounce” Walsh and the other two condemned men, Larkin and Daniel, had on “Monday week” attempted a daring escape from the jail. Given the fact that Larkin and Daniel were hanged on Wednesday the 25th of August the unsuccessful jail break involving the three convicted men, if it occurred, must have occurred at that time or prior to the 25th of August. It was also reported that after the unsuccessful jail break Henry “Bounce” Walsh was exemplary and penitent. “His attention to his religious duties has been intense and unwavering.” It was reported that he regretted involvement in the failed jail break and stated that Larkin had enticed his involvement. When he heard that the other two convicted men had been executed he is alleged to have stated that his mind was at ease and he could devote himself to “making peace with an offended Deity.”
In addition to the alleged jail break another unusual aspect of the newspaper account provides that as he was being prepared for his execution the condemned man joined in the prayers with “great fervency” his “knowledge of English was very imperfect.” An article in the Waterford Mail on the 8th of September stated that when he entered gaol he did not know the Lord’s Prayer, but by the time of his execution he recited it with fervor. It is not clear how much English Henry “Bounce” Walsh understood. For a fascinating account of the impact of the failure to provide interpretation and translation services to Irish speakers see, Margaret Kelleher, The Maamtrasna Murders: Language, Life & Death in Nineteenth Century Ireland (2018).
Henry “Bounce” Walsh was publicly executed on the 1st of September 1847 in front of the Kilkenny gaol in what was described as a mis-managed hanging. His hanging was covered in a number of newspapers across Ireland and England. The below account is taken from the front page of The Waterford Mail, published on Wednesday, the 8th of September 1847.
Execution of HENRY WALSH, (alias BOUNCE), for the MURDER at BISHOP’S HALL
On Wednesday another of those disgusting and barbarous exhibitions, a public execution, took place in front of our [Kilkenny] county prison. Walsh the unfortunate convict let under sentence of death at our last assizes for the murder of a man, also named Walsh, at Bishop’s Hall, expiated that fearful crime by the hands of the executioner. . .
About half-past one o’clock on Wednesday, the unfortunate criminal made his appearance in the corridor, preceded by the High and Under Sheriffs, and the governor of the prison—gentlemen who, we understand exhibited the greatest humanity and kindness to the unfortunate culprit, and throughout were most anxious that all the wretched men who suffered the extreme punishment of the law, should have every comfort and attention consistent with the duty and discipline of the prison, and the miserable condition of the criminals.
His step was firm and unshaken, and his countenance, serene, the colour remaining in his cheeks, and his eyes bright and steady. He joined with his two attending clergymen, the Rev. Messrs. Maher and Hennessy, in prayer, with great fervency, though his knowledge of English was very imperfect. On reaching the press room he prayed with them for a length of time, repeating the responses to the several litanies and penitential psalms with apparent devotion, particularly such portions as from the greater simplicity of the language he appeared to understand. The by-standers, who had heard that on his first entering the prison he did not know the Lord’s prayer, were much surprised at the decency, fervour, and firmness which he displayed all through. When told by the hangman to get up, he did so with readiness, displaying no weakness whatsoever; and he gave that functionary every facility in his power whilst pinioning his arms. He then walked forward boldly on the drop, having the usual white cap over his face, and being placed in the proper position, after standing a moment or two, the unhappy culprit turned his head half round to the pressroom, and exclaimed—“Will I be let spake (sic) a few words? There was no answer, as his meaning was not at once caught. He then repeated firmly—“Will I be let spake a few words, gentlemen?” It was at once intimated to him that he might do so; when he said in a satisfied voice, “that’s right.”
After obtaining permission to speak, the prisoner remained for some time beating his breast, and exclaiming in a low tone, “Lord have mercy upon me. He then in a loud and distinct voice, and leaning forward over the drop, exclaimed in Irish, “Wilshiev-in-shin?” (Are you there?) There being no answer he said in English—“Boys, are ye all there?” More than one voice from outside exclaimed, “we are, we are.” The unhappy man then continued as follows:–“Now, I’m goin’ to die, an’ I’m innocent. An’ I hope I haven’t a lie in my mouth goin’ before my God, bringing my poor soul before him. I wasn’t there, or hadn’t hand, act or part in it. I came up after—if I had been five minutes sooner I’d have saved his life and my own. I forgive all that swore against me,” (here he mentioned various persons by soubriquets, “living,” he said, “in Sliev-rhu,” and “father and brothers,” he continued, “don’t have any revenge in your hearts against them—I forgive them all. An’ boys, let ye all keep from bad company and drinkin’—and iv I was said by me true love I wouldn’t be here today. Let ye all pray for my poor soul (murmurs outside.) “An’ God be wid ye all now, neighbours.” According to other newspaper accounts the crowd cried out, “Lord, have mercy on your soul.”
Here the fatal bolt was drawn, but from the mismanagement the poor culprit, instead of being thrown off, fell on his back upon the board, so that the hangman was obliged to push him out from behind; and from the short and gradual fall the wretched man struggled very hard for some moments, appearing to suffer most poignant agony. During his struggles his father and two brothers who were on the green, beneath the drop, vented their grief in loud cries and exclamations. We were sorry to perceive that a large crowd had assembled to witness this brutalising exhibition, and that women formed a considerable proportion of the multitude, and some of those of a class which though humble, we had hoped did not contain the depraved or indelicate.
We are not advocates for the total abolition of capital punishments—in murder cases alone we think it necessary, but we agree with those who contend for private executions. Should such a barbarous “treat” we again offered to our citisens (sic) a more efficient apparatus of death should be provided than the strangling process which disgraced the execution on Wednesday. Kilkenny Moderator
It is not clear how much of the above account is accurate. For example, a condemned man’s arms were generally pinioned behind his back, yet in the account it is alleged that he beat his chest after his arms were tied. Almost every newspaper that covered the execution in detail condemned public executions. However, it was not until the Capital Punishment (Amendment) Act 1868 that executions were restricted to take place within the confines of prison walls. Shortly before this execution a short article appeared in the Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial Advertiser (18 August 1847) concerning the number of capital convictions and death sentences imposed as reported in the House of Commons. For ease a chart of the information is provided below.
| Years Covered | Persons Convicted of Capital Crimes | Persons Executed |
| 5 yrs prior to 1826 | 5,286 | 307 |
| Next 5 years | 7,077 | 304 |
| Next 5 years | 3,877 | 175 |
| Next 5 years | 707 | 44 |
| 5 years ending in 1846 | 304 | 56 |
It is difficult to believe today that under the common law in the 19th century capital offences included a number of crimes in addition to murder such as rape and even some thefts. For an online list of Irish executions from 1831 to 1899 please see, Richard Clark. From this list persons executed in Tipperary after 1847 were reviewed but there is no apparent link to the Glenmore oral tradition that the real killer was discovered and executed in Tipperary.
Over the past week we received several queries concerning the victim, the executed Henry “Bounce” Walsh and possible links to local Walsh families.
The Victim—John Walsh
Danny Dowling yesterday was not able to shed any light on the murder victim John Walsh. Because the witnesses stated that he turned off the road near the Black Corner it is assumed that he was a resident of Kilmacow parish. There is nothing contained in any newspaper account regarding the age of the victim, whether he was married, had children, or was supporting a widow mother etc. John Walsh was a common name and without a townland or other information we have no way of determining which John Walsh was the murder victim.
The Link—Ned “the Mason” Walsh & Henry “Bounce” Walsh?
Danny stated that he believed that Henry “Bounce” Walsh lived in Knockbrack based upon what he was told over the years by Glenmore residents. Danny believes that this Walsh family, or part of this family, eventually moved to Haggard as this is where Ned “the Mason” Walsh and his brother Michael were born and raised.
The 1901 Census provides that Ned was 21(c. 1880) and Michael was 25 (c. 1876). Thus the men claiming kinship to Henry “Bounce” Walsh were born about 30 years after his execution. The parents of these two brothers were Michael Walsh (bapt. 9 Apr. 1841 at Haggard) and Margaret Walsh née Moore (c. 1849). Michael Walsh and Margaret Moore were married at Glenmore on 1 August 1870. Michael’s father is listed as Michael Walsh, deceased. Michael Walsh (1841) was the son of Michael Walsh and Mary Walsh née Aylward. Michael Walsh and Mary Walsh née Aylward were married at Glenmore on 12 October 1832 and the record indicates that they were both from Hagard (sic). Unfortunately the parents of the bride and groom are not recorded. The only Walsh listed in the 1833 Griffith’s Valuation in “Higgart” (sic) was Michael Walsh who had 21 acres. Thus, it appears that “the Mason” Walshes were in Haggard at least fifteen years before the hanging. We have not ruled out a family relationship, but we have yet to uncover the relationship link. It could be that Michael Walsh married into Haggard and was a brother, uncle or cousin etc. to Henry “Bounce” Walsh.
Other Possible Family Links?
Griffith’s Valuation was conducted in Knockbrach in 1829, and there were no Walshes recorded there. There is no Walsh listed in Coolnaleen, but there is a Michael Walsh in Ardbeg who had 42 acres. Also, in nearby Cat’s Rock, Walter and John Walsh had a joint holding of 120 acres. Danny explained that Ardbeg was the old name for Coolnaleen and just as the Catholic parishes changed in Ossory in 1842 the names of various areas have changed. Unfortunately, there is no obvious baptismal record for a Henry “Bounce” Walsh. No clues are provided in the newspapers as to his age. With respect to his family the newspapers reported that his father and two brothers attended his execution, but no further information was provided.
Lastly, an inquest into the death of a Henry Walsh, aged about 31, was held in Parkstown, Glenmore in December 1864. (Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial Advertiser, 17 December 1864). The jury ruled that this Henry Walsh died of natural causes. It appears that he was born about 1833 and thus was about 14 when Henry “Bounce” Walsh was executed. Could this man who died in 1864 be a cousin or nephew? There are two potential baptismal records for the Henry Walsh that died in 1864. [1] Henry Walsh, baptized 11 March 1831 in Glenmore, the son of John Walsh and Antice Gill. [2] Henry Walsh, baptized 4 June 1835, at Rochestown, Mooncoin, son of Philip Walsh and Mary Smith.
Hopefully a reader will be able to provide further or different information concerning Henry “Bounce” Walsh.
Blog update—Long obituaries are being moved onto their own page which is located under the “Roots” button on the home page. Short obituaries and death notices will remain on the relevant family pages.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Murder Trial of Henry “Bounce” Walsh, of Knockbrach, Glenmore
Local Account
In November 1955, Pat Coady, of Ballycroney, Glenmore told Danny Dowling of a murder case that had taken place over a hundred years previously and was still remembered in Glenmore. Pat Coady informed Danny that Bounce Walsh, of Knockbrack, Glenmore was hanged in the wrong for the Black Corner murder. Further details were provided in November 1977 by Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Gaiguenakill. He stated that Bounce Walsh’s real name was Henry Walsh. Henry Walsh was executed for the murder of a local man at what is now known as the Black Corner which is opposite the entrance to Bishop’s Hall. Henry Walsh was in Waterford and when coming home with either his horse or ass and cart, stopped and gave a lift to a farm laborer who was employed somewhere around Bigwood. During the journey this man asked Bounce for a loan of his penknife to cut a pipe full of tobacco. Bounce gave it to him and forgot about it. He left the farm labourer at his destination, and he went off home. As it afterwards transpired, the man lay in waiting for the murdered man with whom he had a row earlier and killed him. The murderer then left Bounce’s knife which had its owner’s initials stamped on it, beside the body. The murderer then shouted “don’t kill me Bounce,” and a local farmer working in a nearby field heard the shout.
The farmer who heard the shout was a Doherty from Rathnasmolagh. Doherty afterwards testified what he heard, and with Bounce’s knife found alongside the body, Bounce was arrested, charged with murder, tried, convicted and executed. It was discovered afterwards that the farm labourer had already murdered a man in Co. Tipperary, and was a fugitive from justice in that county. The farm labourer was eventually arrested, tried for murder and executed. Before he died he confessed to the murder for which Bounce Walsh was executed. Bounce Walsh was related to Ned and Mick Walsh, the masons of Haggard, who provided details of the story to Nicholas Forristal. It was said that the locals afterwards never liked the Doherty man.
Contemporary Newspaper Accounts
A newspaper search revealed that during the Kilkenny Assizes in July 1847, Henry “Bounce” Walsh was convicted of murdering John Walsh. The Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser, of Saturday the 31st of July 1847 on its front page covered the murder trial. In 1847 the country was in the midst of the Great Famine and it was noted that several jurors had sent to the court doctor statements explaining that they could not attend due to illness and fever. Eventually twelve men were selected and the trial commenced.
The first witness called for the State was Peter Doherty who testified that he, his mother, the deceased and others were in Halligan’s pub Easter Monday evening after the Waterford fair. The defendant was there and was talking to Michael Boyle. A group comprising the witness, his mother, the victim (John Walsh) and Michael Boyle left the pub walking home. Although he insisted that none of the group was drunk the victim fell in the road and his mother picked up the victim’s hat. She asked Michael Boyle to help her get the victim up onto his feet and he declined to help. Bounce Walsh who had not been with the party, was three or four yards away. The victim left the group to go up the path to his house. About “40 perches” up the road Peter Doherty testified that he heard a “bawl” and “Don’t kill me Bounce.” He testified that he wanted to turn back, but Michael Boyle dissuaded him. The group went to a house where a wake was being held and Doherty noticed that Boyle had deceased’s stick at the wake house. He did not leave the wake until after 3 a.m.
The defendant’s barrister cross-examined Doherty who admitted that he was in goal for twelve months for attempted rape. The attempted rape case was before Mr. O’Gorman, and Doherty took the pledge to stop drinking. Doherty explained that he broke his pledge when a doctor gave him leave to drink to cure a tooth ache. He admitted he drank the previous night, but could not say whether it was for his tooth or for himself he drank. He bizarrely went on to explain that the tooth was pulled, and because he is married he will hand the tooth to his eldest son as an heirloom, if he can find it. In a response to a question from a juror, Doherty stated that Bounce Walsh and Michael Boyle went out of Halligan’s in advance of witness and his mother. He admitted that he did not tell anyone at the wake regarding what he heard and did not tell the magistrate when he was questioned immediately after the murder that he heard “don’t kill me Bounce.”
The next witness was Michael Boyle who testified that he knew the defendant, the victim and Peter Doherty. On Easter Monday last, in Halligan’s he heard the victim, in the hearing of the defendant, bargaining about a cow. He testified after passing Foley’s a little stone got under the victim’s foot and he took a tumble. The defendant was within two or three yards of Ellen Doherty when she was picking up the victim’s hat. Ellen Doherty asked Boyle to help the victim up, but Boyle said he refused telling Ellen that he would not like to have anything to do with the victim on account of having heard him talking about money. He didn’t want to be blamed if something happened to the money. Boyle and Peter Doherty continued. Boyle testified that Foley’s was the last place where he saw the defendant. At Baron’s Lodge Doherty’s mother bid good night and safe home to the victim, Johnny Walsh. Shortly after leaving the victim they heard “two bawls.” Boyle did not hear anything but the bawls. He described the defendant as having on that night an old pair of pataloons, and old blue bodycoat. When questioned by the Court, Boyd stated that it was not a very dark night.
Ellen Doherty was the third witness to testify. She testified that on last Easter Monday night she was in company of the victim, Johnny Walsh, until they came to Baron’s lodge. She did not hear any noise after parting with the victim. She testified that she did not hear Boyle say anything in reply when she asked him help the victim up, but admitted that he did not help the man.
Patrick Hackett next testified. He stated that he knows the place where the victim’s body was found. On the night of the murder, Henry “Bounce” Walsh came and bought bread and tea from him. He could not state at what hour the defendant arrived because he had been in bed before the defendant arrived. To get from Foley’s to his place a person would have to pass where the victim’s body was found.
Betsy Murphy, of Coolnaleen, Glenmore testified that on the night of the murder Henry “Bounce” Walsh came to drink tea with her. She did not know the time when he arrived. He brought tea and bread with him that he said he purchased at Hackett’s. He remained with her for an hour and a half. He had a candle and they had tea. He had about 8 or 9 shillings silver and some pence. He told her that he had sold some pigs and was going to sell more pigs. She testified that his manner was as usual. To the Court’s question she stated that she lives about two miles from the scene of the murder and she believed that the defendant lived about a quarter of a mile from her.
Michael O’Neill testified that he was the manager to Mr. Milford, of Waterford. On the 5th of April he gave the victim, John Walsh £4. O’Neill heard of his death the next morning.
Micheal Keating was the last witness called by the State. He testified that he lives in Ballinamooney within about two miles of Waterford. He had only been living there since the third of April just two days before the murder. Prior to this he lived at Ballykeoghan, (Kilmacow) about six miles from Waterford. He testified that he had been working on the public works, and that made him move. He stated that on Easter Monday night he went out, but did not know at what time. It was a bright night when he went out leaving his wife, three sons and a daughter at home. He testified that he was going to the house at Ballykeoghan “to throw down the house that he had lived in” as required by his landlord. He stated that he went at night in order to be back at his work next morning. At Mr. Baron’s gate he heard a bawl and went into the field to get closer. He described the noise as being similar to the bawl of a calf or yearling that was being killed. Thirty of forty yards away he saw a man striking another man. He got closer and leaned across the ditch and saw the defendant striking the other man with a lump. After the defendant left he came out and the “body was dead.” He went home terrified. To answer questions posed by jurors he stated that he could not distinguish anything the two men said because dogs were barking. He said that the defendant had a blue coat and corduroy trousers on that night and the moon did not appear. During cross-examination Keating admitted that he did not divulge what he had seen until the 18th of May. He and other men were dismissed from the public works on the 14th of May because James Aylward charged him with breaking an old gate for fire. When he went to confession his confessor told him he would be culpable in the sight of God if he did not tell what he saw.
Perhaps the most damning evidence was a statement alleged to have been made by the defendant after the murder. William Cooke, Resident Magistrate, noted that the defendant was present during his examination of several witnesses. When the Magistate took Bounce’s statement he informed him that it was going to be in writing. Because the statement could be used against as evidence, he cautioned Bounce that he should not “criminate” himself. The statement the defendant provided stated that when he left Foley’s he came upon two men and a woman who had a man on the ground. He named them as Dick Walsh, James Walsh and Dick Walsh’s wife. They swore him to secrecy. He stated he went on to Hackett’s and then onto Betsy Murphy who he was courting. All of the persons named in his statement denied any involvement and had alibis for the night of the murder.
Bounce Walsh was arrested in Waterford on the 7th of April. He had purchased new clothes and the police collected his old clothes from the shop. At the time of his arrest he was drunk and had £1.2.6 and some coppers in his possession. The Dublin Evening Mail, on Monday the 2nd of August 1847 noted that after a great many witnesses were examined to corroborate the facts on which the prosecution rested, Mr. Howard opened the case for the defendant in an able and energetic speech. He called the previous landlord of Michael Keating, who denied knowledge of any agreement to level the house at Ballykeoghan.
Obviously the account that was orally passed down in Glenmore regarding a knife is incorrect. Next week we shall present the rest of the story as found in contemporary newspapers.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore: The Final Resting Place of Capt. Patrick Colford (1811-1887)
Colford is not a name usually associated with the Glenmore area, hence when we were recently transcribing headstones in the cemetery adjacent to St. James’ parish church in Glenmore an old stone with the name Colford stood out. In attempting to determine the Colford connection to Glenmore we came across a shipwreck, a sailmaker from Glenmore and the High Constable from Waterford City. The inscription on the Colford stone simply reads;
In memory of CapT P. Colford of Waterford Who Died Nov 11th 1881 And his deceased children Sarah who died young And his wife Catherine Who Died August 5th 1894 Aged 73 years Pray for the souls of the undernamed Michael & Patrick who drowned at sea 3rd October 1895 Aged 38 and 37 years
What connection this family had to Glenmore was not apparent, without the wife’s maiden name, and unfortunately Danny Dowling was unable to provide a Glenmore connection. The British Merchant Service records were able to provide some information concerning Captain Patrick Colford, of Waterford. Per his Masters’ Certificate of Service (No. 36.954) Patrick Colfer (sic) was born at Slade, Wexford on 1 January 1811. In January 1851 it was noted that he had been employed as a Seaman Master and Master for 25 years in the British Merchant Service in the coasting and foreign trade.
Attached to the certificate was a copy of Captain Colford’s service record. From 1826-1830 he served as a seaman on the Hibernia, of London which was engaged in foreign trade. From 1830-1835 he served as a Mate on the Three Sisters, of Waterford which was engaged in coasting. During the period of 1835 to 1841 he served as a Master on the Pilgrim, of Waterford which was engaged in coasting. From 1841 to 1850 he returned to serve on the Three Sisters, this time as the Master.
A couple of years after obtaining his Masters’ Certificate, Patrick Colfer (sic) married Catherine Grant on 5 April 1853 at the Cathedral, Waterford. Danny Dowling explained today that there were numerous families of Grant in several townlands in Glenmore. The Glenmore headstone provides the names of two children born to Captain Colford and his wife Catherine (Kate) Colford née Grant. Michael Colford was born in 1857 and Patrick Colford in 1858.
The death register for Patrick Colford, who died on 11 Nov. 1881, states that he was a carpenter rather than a master mariner and lived on Queen’s Terrace in Waterford City. He was married, aged 75 and his wife, Kate Colford was present at his death. Kate Colford, née Grant died on 5 August 1894, aged 73. Her niece Sarah Grant was present when she died.
After a newspaper article revealed a close relationship between Patrick Colford, Jr. and Michael Grant, the High Constable, of Waterford, Danny Dowling easily made the Glenmore connection. Danny explained that the High Constable of Waterford in the late 19th and early 20th Century was Michael Grant and he was buried in the right hand side of the Glenmore cemetery near the road wall. Unfortunately, the marker is now gone or the marker is perhaps the one next to the Colford stone and is not legible.
The High Constable, Michael Joseph Grant (1858-1920) was the son of Michael Grant (1823–1887) who was baptized in Glenmore on the 10th of August 1823. His parents were Michael Grant and Sally Murphy, and it appears that he was the youngest child in the family. Michael Grant (1823—1887) went to Waterford and became a sailmaker. His sister Catherine (Kate) Colford née Grant (1821- 1894) married Captain Patrick Colford (1811-1887). Given that the graves in the front of the churchyard are the oldest it is believed that the Colford grave was utilised by the Grant family long before Captain Colford’s death in 1887. In notebook 13 Danny recorded several townlands where Grants lived and Michael Grant is associated with Ballybrahee. The farm later went to the Henneberry’s. Today, at the mention of Michael Grant being a sailmaker on King Street in Waterford Danny thought that this Grant family may have originated in Rochestown.
The sons, Captain Patrick Colford (c. 1858-1895) and Michael Colford (c. 1857-1895)
A little over a year after their mother died Patrick and Michael Colford drowned when their ship the Zoe sank. The Munster Express on the 5th of October 1895 printed that it had received a telegram at 10 that morning from the editor of the Swansea Daily Post stating “Brigantine Zoe supposed wrecked off Mumbles with all hands. Lifebuoy picked up.” The Munster printed that the crew all “belonged to Waterford. The Skipper was Captain Colfer (sic), Thomas Terrace, and the mate was his brother. They are near relations of the (Waterford) City High Constable Mr. Grant.”
The Irish Independent on Saturday, the 5th of October 1895 reported that the Mumbles lifeboat went at 2 a.m. on the 4th after the brigantine Zoe, of Waterford, was driven on to Mizen sands during a strong gale from the north west. The first alarm was raised by the women of Mumbles Head who could hear the cries of the ship wrecked mariners. The lifeboat men, reached Mizen in time to see the schooner sink suddenly, stern first, and then break up. All of her crew were lost. The lifeboat crew picked up a board from among the wreckage, bearing the words “Zoe, Waterford.” A Waterford correspondent reported that the brigantine Zoe was on her way to Swansea from Liverpool with a cargo of pitch. The Zoe put into Waterford “on Monday week,” and sailed again on last Wednesday evening. In addition to the two Colford brothers the crew consisted of Michael Hanley and his son.
A week later the Munster Express (12 October 1895) published what it stated was the complete list of the crew of the brigantine Zoe: Master, Patrick Colfer (sic), Waterford; mate, Michael Colfer (sic), Waterford; AB, Martin Hanlon, Cheekpoint; boy, Michael Hanlon, Cheekpoint; AB, shipped in Liverpool, name unknown. “Mr Kirwan, Mall-lane, and several other Waterford people have been to, the scene of the wreck, but excepting a few things washed ashore, which were identified as being portion of the things in the Zoe, no bodies have yet been recovered, although a ceaseless watch is being maintained.”
Later, the Kerry Weekly Reporter (Sat. 19 Oct. 1895) noted that the body of a man of about fifty years of age and bearing the initials J.B. on his left arm was washed ashore at Portcawl. Although it was stated that authorities believed that it was one of the crew of the brigantine Zoe, of Waterford, no further articles could be located.
A review of the personal estates of Michael Colford (mariner) and Patrick Colford (master mariner), of Queen’s Terrace, reveals that the men had a sister, Catherine Furniss the wife of Captain Thomas Furniss, of 46 the Glen, Waterford. Michael Colford left an estate of £120.11.2 and Patrick left an estate of £79.5.2. Kate Colford had married Thomas Furniss of Henry St., Waterford on the 19th of July 1891. Kate was 28 and Thomas Furniss was 35 and working as a master mariner. It is believed that Catherine Furniss put the inscription on the Colford headstone in the Glenmore cemetery for her two brothers who were drowned when the Zoe sank in 1895.
The Brigantine Zoe: Sank Twice
In 1880 the Belfast Newsletter (Fri. 14 Nov. 1880) advertised that the Zoe would be sold at Carrickfergus by Public Auction. She was described as being 96 feet in length, 26 feet in breadth, with a depth of 9 feet. It was noted that she carried 245 tons d.w. on 10 ½ feet of water. It is noted in the advertisement that the Zoe sank in Belfast lough on the 17th of March 1879 and was raised and placed in dry dock. She was to be sold in her damaged condition, together with all Masts, Spars, Rigging, Sails, Anchors and Chains etc. The advertisement concludes that “the Zoe was built at New Brunswick, in 1868, in a very strong and substantial manner, and she is copper fastened in the bottom. She is an admirable and profitable coaster, carries a large cargo on a light draught, sails fast, and crosses Channel without ballast.”
Eight years later the Munster Express (Sat. 15 Dec. 1888) published an article stating that a new coal vessel, the “handsome brigantine, the Zoe,” was towed up the river with a cargo of 294 tons of coal. “The Zoe has been purchased by Captain Colford, and others, and is intended for the Waterford trade, principally in coal…In 1882 she was completely remodelled at Fleetwood, and is now one of the fastest sailing and thoroughly-equipped coasting vessels afloat.” Unfortunately, after only 7 years engaging in the Waterford trade under Captain Patrick Colford (c. 1858-1895) she sank for the second time, taking the entire crew down with her.
Blog update—A link has been added to the Irish page of a transcript of a recording made of the last Glenmore native Irish speaker, Patrick Power (c. 1853-1945), of Jamestown, Glenmore. This was part of the work undertaken by the Folklore Commission in the 1930’s. The original is held at UCD.
Special thanks to Louise Walsh for the photos of St. James (taken 2019) and the Colford Stone (taken 2020).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the 1860’s
In searching for information on one subject in local newspapers it is quite common to come across interesting articles relating to Glenmore or its people. The following articles were recently discovered concerning events in Glenmore in the 1860’s. Although it is generally known that there were several local murders of landlords in the 19th century Danny Dowling stated this week that he was not aware of the manslaughter of John Kelly of Graiguenakill by his friend Thomas Forrestal in 1862. The majority of incidents in the articles below occurred after a Waterford fair and we previously highlighted that it was in early 1867 that ice took down the New Ross Bridge. For an account of the 1867 bridge collapse see our post of 14 December 2019.
Manslaughter of John Kelly of Graiguenakill, Glenmore–1862
In the Penny Despatch and Irish Weekly Newspaper on Saturday the 25th of October 1862 it received a report dated the 18th from Kilkenny that a quarrel took place in Kilkenny between John Kelly, a farmer’s son, residing at Graiguenakill, and Thomas Forrestal. The two men were returning from the fair of Waterford, on the 6th of October, when Forrestal drew a knife and stabbed Kelly in the breast, penetrating the right lung. Kelly lingered until the 15th of October when he died from his wound. Previous to Kelly’s death Walter Sweetman, Esq., J.P., attempted to take his dying declaration, but Kelly refused to give the name of the party who stabbed him. An inquest was held on the I6th of October, at which an unnamed witness testified that Kelly told him he was stabbed by Forrestal. The jury indicted Forrestal for manslaughter. Forrestal absconded. The newspaper article concludes by reporting that both Kelly and Forrestal were under the influence of liquor at the time of the “unfortunate occurrence.”
The Trial of Thomas Forrestal–1863
The Saunder’s News-Letter of Wednesday the 29th of July 1863 reported on the trial of Thomas Forrestal for the manslaughter of John Kelly during the Kilkenny Summer Assizes on the 28th of July 1863. The defendant, Thomas Forrestal is described as a respectable farmer and he was defended by Mr. P. White. From the article it appears that Thomas Forrestal on the 21st of October 1862 surrendered to the police and was jailed for nine months as he awaited his trial. The case was prosecuted by Sergeant Armstrong, Messrs. Wall, Q.C., and Curtis. The principal witness for the Crown was Philip Walsh.
Philip Walsh testified that on the 6th of October 1862 he was at the fair in Waterford, with Forrestal and the deceased Kelly. They had ridden into Waterford, and on the way home in the evening, Kelly appeared have fallen upon the road, for his clothes were covered with dust. Forrestal suggested to Kelly to get into a creel, but Kelly said he would walk. [For our international readers a creel, was made when slated wooden sides were added to a horse’s cart to form a sort of cage to convey pigs or a calf to market. The creel sides would slot into the cart and add between two or three feet to the four sides of the cart.]
The three men “proceeded accordingly” on the road as far as the house of a man named Donovan. It was surmised by Danny that this may have been Donovan of the Mill at Ballyrowrah as this was near the junction of the old Waterford to New Ross post road (today known as the High Road) and the New Line (today the N. 25). [Regarding these two roads, see, Glenmore: Between Waterford and New Ross, posted 14 Dec. 2019] The three men remained for some time at Donovan’s. Kelly at first refused to leave the place with Forrestal. The witness Walsh testified that Kelly wished to court a girl who was there.
Eventually, the witness Walsh, with Forrestal and Kelly, proceeded from Donovan’s, and Forrestal was angry with Kelly for delaying. The witness stated that he said to the defendant Forrestal, “Tom, have sense.” The witness Walsh then left Kelly and Forrestal and crossed the field for a short cut, leaving the others on the public highway. Walsh heard some altercation in the distance, and a voice he considered to be Kelly’s saying first, “Keep out of that,” and afterwards, “That is the worst turn that ever you done.”
The next witness called was James Hanrahan who testified that the morning after this occurrence he went to Forrestal’s house, and informed him that the police were coming. Forrestal and Hanrahan left Forrestal’s house before the police arrived. Constable Powell testified that Kelly was wounded on his left side by a knife, which cut through his shirt. Kelly died on the 15th of October, and on the 21st Forrestal surrendered to the police. When Forrestal surrendered he told Constable Powell “that there was a bad case against him.” [Constable Powell when he retired from the RIC became the first postmaster of Glenmore, see, The Glenmore Post Office: Its Rise and Demise posted 24 Nov. 2019]
Forrestal’s counsel submitted that there was not sufficient proof that the voice heard on the road was that of Kelly, and that in any event the accused might have been defending himself from the attack of an excited drunken man. The dying declaration of Kelly was given in evidence, in which he said he did not know who wounded him and he had himself to blame for what occurred. The article concludes that Forrestal received the highest character reference, was found guilty, and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Given that Forrestal had spent nine months in jail awaiting his trial the three months’ sentence gave him a total period of incarceration of 12 months for the manslaughter. Unfortunately the townlands of the defendant Forrestal and the witnesses were not provided nor any of the ages of the victim, defendant or witnesses making it difficult to identify these persons.
Another Assault after the Waterford Fair—1864
The Waterford Mail on Monday the 16th of May 1864 reported the following: “Ferocious Assault—Mr. John Costello, a respectable farmer from the vicinity of Glenmore, while returning from the Waterford May fair on the 4th, was met near the Glenmore Police-station, by James Irish at the head of party. Irish knocked Costello out of the car with a blow of a stick, and while on the ground struck him several times on the head with a large stone. A man named Delany came to the assistance of Costello, and Irish fled. Costello reached the barrack in an exhausted state. His assailant has absconded.”
Killed on the Way to a Funeral–1864
The Waterford Mirror & Tramore Visitor on Wednesday the 12th of October 1864 reported that on Tuesday a man was killed when he fell from his horse while attending the funeral of a man named Irish. Irish had been killed on Monday evening when he too fell from his horse. “It was stated that the melancholy occurrence [on Tuesday] took place near Carriganurra, on the road leading to Glenmore, the destination of the [Irish] funeral.” The article concludes that this was the third death which took place in this “melancholy” manner within the past week.
Killed from Fall Off Horse Coming Home from Waterford Fair–1866
It was reported in the Waterford Mirror & Tramore Visitor on Wednesday the 21st of November 1866 that an inquest was held at Parkstown, near Glenmore, by T. Izod. Esq., Coroner on the body of Patrick Murphy, a labourer. Murphy fell from a young horse on the 1st of November when he was returning from the fair of Waterford. Murphy lingered until the 5th of November when he died. “A verdict was returned that deceased died from paralisis (sic), caused by injury to the spine from the effects of the fall.”
Police Raids at Cat’s Rock–1867
In the Waterford Mirror & Tramore Visitor of Wednesday the 24th of April 1867 it was reported that the police of Kilmacow, Mullinavat and Glenmore Police Stations, under Constables Warde and Powell, have been to Cat’s Rock, in the Glenmore District,, and searched several house for concealed arms or other “contraband of war” but without success. No further information was supplied regarding why the inhabitants were suspected of having arms or other “contraband of war” and no further articles were found on the subject.
The featured drawing above is from 1849 found in the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Appearance Of Ye Crymynyal Courte Dvryng An “Interestyng” Tryal For Mvrder.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-0cbd-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Blog update—we are pleased to announce that two guest articles from Brian Forristal were published earlier in the week on our guest author page. These articles are stories recorded by Brian as told to him by Tommy “of the river” Connolly (1907-1987) concerning Tommy’s experiences as a boy in Aylwardstown, Glenmore during the War of Independence.
Grave Inscriptions—We have completed a survey of the headstones in the churchyard adjacent to St. James the Glenmore parish church, and we are in the process of placing all the inscriptions in a searchable file. The searchable file we hope to put on the blog (technology permitting) and the photos of the markers are being also submitted to Find a Grave to allow descendants around the world to view the headstones.
Glenmore 19th Century Sports: Cricket and Weight-Throwing
Most people today know that Glenmore produced some high achieving athletes. The 20th century hurling and football teams, and indeed a four legged Glenmore bred athlete that won Cheltenham gold, are well known. Today, at the request of a reader we are going to highlight two of the lesser known Glenmore sports of the 19th century, cricket and weight-throwing and hope that readers might be able to provide more information.
Cricket
In the late 1950’s Danny Dowling interviewed Jim Culleton (1867-1962), of Kilbride, Glenmore who at the time of the interview was one of the oldest members of the parish of Glenmore. When Jim died a few years later in 1962, he was 95 1/2 years of age. Jim informed Danny that in his father’s time Kilbride had a good cricket team. Jim’s father, John Culleton (1836-1882) died aged 46 in 1882. Jim stated that prior to the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), being established cricket was very popular in Glenmore. (For a concise history of the organisation see, https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/history/ ). Jim Culleton was able to recite a verse from a local song, “Kilbride Cricketers” that was composed in honour of the team.
“I have been at Kilbride Crickets on the 8th April last, I have been in many places during thirteen summers past, Pleasures sure, I always had but pleasure I cannot describe, I enjoyed them beyond measure on the green hills of Kilbride.”
Although an extensive newspaper search was made for any matches played by the Kilbride cricket team, or a Glenmore parish cricket team, none could be located. However, there are reports in newspapers in the 1890’s concerning the Raheen and Rosbercon cricket teams. Although fields have been identified as the practice fields for later Glenmore Gaelic football teams, no field was ever identified to Danny as the field where cricket was played in Glenmore.
According to the Cricket Ireland website, cricket by the mid 1850’s had become the most popular sport in Ireland and was blind to class or creed. In 1855, the first team to represent Ireland beat the English team by a 107 run “thrashing.” (See, https://www.cricketireland.ie/about/history ). While cricket may have become popular in Ireland by 1855, a review of newspapers articles from the south east suggests that it was more popular and commonly reported on in urban areas. The Waterford Steamship Co. announced on 18 June 1879 that it was running “their favourite river Steamer ‘Ida’ to New Ross” on the 1st of July for those who wished to attend the cricket match at Ross. “Several metropolitan amateur athletes intend coming down to see what they can do…1 s. 6 d. for the double journey.” (New Ross Standard, Wed. 18 June 1879). It is believed the athletes referenced were coming down from Dublin.
Although it has been asserted that cricket was blind to class an article in 1879 clearly indicates that engagement in sport was a luxury not provided to the poor. Most of Glenmore was in the Waterford Poor Law Union which meant that children of the Glenmore poor were taken to the Waterford workhouse. In 1879 a motion was made to provide a playground for the boy inmates of the workhouse to play sports such as cricket. At a special meeting of the Poor Law Guardians a motion was made to set aside half an acre on the grounds of the workhouse to provide a playground for healthy recreation. The proposer reminded the other Guardians that the boys were “inmates” through no fault of their own. “It was a pitiful site to see those poor boys caged like prisoners within the precincts of the workhouse without anything to relieve the dull monotony of their lives.” It was decided by these civic leaders of the day, that the duty of the Guardians was to provide training to make the boys into farm labourers and therefore useful members of society. Teaching them to play cricket or football was not necessary. One Guardian warned that the boys might regard the workhouse as home and seek to return to it if a playground was allowed. A vote was taken and the Guardians rejected the playground by a vote of 10 to 6. (Waterford Standard, 5 Nov. 1879).
Weight Throwing
According to Paul Rouse the author of Sport and Ireland: A History (2015, OUP, Kindle Ed.) weight throwing and running and jumping were woven into the fabric of rural life. Men gathered on Sunday evenings or during long summer evenings and competed. “Weight throwing was perceived to be a great form of exercise and was practiced in many variations across the countryside.” (Rouse 2015, p. 139). It was only in the 1860’s and 1870’s, that formal athletic events and associations were organized in towns, cities, and villages across Ireland. A contemporary and very condescending article on Irish athletics was published in London in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News on 6 May 1875. With respect to Irish weight throwing, heavy weight throwing was considered good, however the 16 pound or hammer throwing was considered bad “as it is little practiced.” Notwithstanding the 1875 opinions concerning Irish weight throwing, Rouse notes that the tradition of weight throwing in Ireland “…was the back story to the extraordinary success enjoyed by Irishmen in the Olympic Games throwing competitions after 1896” (Rouse 2015, p. 139).
No newspapers accounts of weight-throwing events in Glenmore were located. However, the New Ross Standard of 14 Sept. 1889 does provide information concerning the events of the programme held in the Rower, Kilkenny. There were 21 events, 14 of which were open to all comers. There were two weight throwing events, slinging 56 lbs between legs without follow, in “the usual way in which this weight is thrown when a number of young fellows meet for ‘diversion,’ and throwing 7 lbs with follow.”
(c) Illustrated London News Gr.
Within ten years the local newspapers covered a greater number of weight throwing events and results. For example, in 1899 an all-round weight throwing and jumping competition was held in Carrick-on-Suir. “The weather was most unfavourable, yet the competitors decided to have the issue tried out, and the contest was held amidst a heavy downpour of rain. Kiely had three firsts—7 lbs (standard 78 ft), 80 ft 3 in; hammer from 7 ft circle (standard 115 ft), 142 ft 6in; slinging 56 lbs unlimited run and follow (standard 30 ft.), 35 ft 6 in. Horgan had also three firsts—throwing 14 lbs (standard 48 ft), 50 ft 9in ; putting shot, 7 ft circle (standard 35 ft), 42 ft 5 inches ; putting 28 lbs (standard, 29 ft), 33 ft 4in.; Phelan, Mullinahone, was the third with a trio of events: pushing 56 lbs (standard 20 ft), 21 ft 2 in; slinging 56 lbs between legs with follow (standard 25 ft), 27 ft 8 in; slinging, 56 lbs over bar (standard 12 ft), 12ft 3in.” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 4 Nov. 1899).
A weight-throwing champion from Glenmore is found recorded in the National Folklore Collection. In 1935 young Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997), of Rathinure interviewed his father Patrick Kennedy, Sr. (c. 1868-1951) concerning a Glenmore weight-thrower named William Forristal, of Ballyverneen. (Nat’l Folklore Collection UCD, The School’s Collection, vol. 845, p. 13, Ringville School Roll 6621.)
Patrick Kennedy, Sr. stated that 60 years previously William Forristal, of Ballyverneen was noted for his strength. He was a champion weight thrower for several years. Once he threw in Wexford. To get there he had to cross the River Barrow and then walk seven or eight miles. He was put against the Wexford champion. After several heavy throws he was awarded the title which he never lost. He walked a further ten miles and was put against a man named Pat Kent who was champion of Belfast “and William’s success was never doubted.”
An extensive newspaper search was conducted but no articles could be located concerning William Forristal, of Ballyverneen or Pat Kent and weight-throwing. It is likely that these men competed before weight-throwing events were well organised and covered in newspapers.
A search then was conducted to determine if the William Forristal, of Ballyverneen, the weight-thrower circa 1875, could be identified. In the Tithe Applotment Books (Griffith’s Valuation 1830) there were only two tenants named Forristal in Ballyverneen; James Forrestal and Patrick Forrestal. The Glenmore parish records indicate that James Forristal of Ballyverneen married Bridget Dunhy and had a son William baptized on 23 June 1857. Patrick Forrestal (c. 1816-1901), of Ballyverneen married Ellen Kennedy (c. 1819-1887) and had a son named William baptized on 13 May 1851. The parish records reveal that in 1857 the James Forristal family moved to Graiguenakill as all the children born after 1857 are recorded in Graiguenakill. Thus in 1875 the only known William Forristal, of Ballyverneen was the son of Patrick Forristal and Ellen Kennedy.
Thus, it is very likely that William Forristal, the weight-throwing champion circa 1875, recalled by Patrick Kennedy, Sr., of Rathinure in 1935 was his first cousin Billy Forristal (1851-1931) who died at Mount Ida, Rochestown a few years earlier. Billy Forristal remained in Ballyverneen from his birth in 1851 until 1919 when he sold his farms in Ballyverneen and Rathinure to purchase Mount Ida, in Rochestown, Glenmore. Further, Tom Walsh (1908-1992) of Rathinure, formerly of Davidstown, often repeated stories he heard concerning young Billy Forristal. Tom Walsh’s father was also a first cousin to Billy. Billy was described as a big, strong, rough kind of man. Fairs were often rowdy affairs. When Billy was a young man attending the Waterford Fair with his father a dispute arose which was a common occurrence at fairs. As young Billy squared off to fight the other fellow to settle the dispute, his father Paddy, offered a wager to all on the outcome of the fight– “5 pounds on my Billy.” That was a great sum of money before 1900, and it is said that Paddy did not lose his money.
The featured photo above is the earliest drawing found depicting a weight thrower in the 19th century. It is a drawing of George Stephenson (1781-1848) throwing a hammer. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. George Stephenson throwing the hammer. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c5831e4d-c31d-1ecb-e040-e00a18067b87.
The cover of Ireland and Sport features a weight thrower.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Creative Boycotting in Late 19th Century Ireland
Long before old newspapers were available on-line, Danny Dowling spent a substantial amount of time visiting libraries in Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny, pouring over the old newspapers, and making notes or copies of various articles about Glenmore or other subjects or places that took his interest. One area of interest was boycotting. Although protests and the joining of ordinary people to shun, or place economic pressure on another person, in an effort to change behaviour, probably goes back to the beginning of humans living together, and forming societies, the term boycott to describe such a protest only came into popular use in 1880. The verb boycotting came about due to Captain Charles Boycott, a land agent in County Mayo.
Charles Stewart Parnell advocated non-violence and the banding together of tenant farmers and labourers to stop the abuses associated with evictions. In 1880, Boycott, a retired army officer, raised the rent on his tenants and evicted a number of families. The newly formed local Land League pressured local farmers, labourers and tradesmen to refuse to work for or deal with Boycott. What started as a local protest soon garnered international news coverage after Boycott wrote to London newspapers complaining about his treatment. With no workforce willing to bring in his harvest several hundred Protestant farmers from northern Ireland journeyed to Mayo and clashed with local Land League members. By the end of the year Boycott left Ireland and died 123 years ago on the 19th of June.
Within a short time of 1880 Land League Branches were established in parishes across the country and boycotting became a common means of protesting evictions. Not only were landlords and their agents targeted, but people who took up cottages and farms where evictions occurred were identified as “land grabbers.” By placing pressure on prospective tenants not to take up evicted farms this reduced the economic benefit of the landlord to evict existing tenants. In some instances when farms sat idle deals were brokered and evicted tenants were returned to their previous holdings. As reflected in our earlier post on 8 March 2020 “The Glenmore Land League and the Ballyfacey Evictions” the local Parish Land League Branches were formed and influenced by the clergy. Father Cody, born in Glenmore, and the curate of Mullinavat, was arrested and tried for engaging in boycotting against Darby Walsh.
Generally boycotting included not associating with or engaging in any business with the landlord, his agent, and the “land grabber.” Often the “land grabber” was the only local person that people could influence. When the “land grabber” came into the local village or town he was followed around the village or town by a bell ringer to warn local people and businesses that he was present. The Waterford Standard of the 22nd of December 1880 reports that when Darby Walsh arrived in Mullinavat the Railway Bell was rung and he was followed up the street by a large crowd, amid shouts of “boycott him.” The newspaper stated “much excitement prevailed.” As time went on people became creative in how they protested or boycotted. In addition to “land grabbers,” people were also identified and shunned for “grass grabbing.”
Shortly after the Ballyfacey, Glenmore failed evictions in 1885, Father Patrick Neary, the Parish Priest of Mullinavat, attended and spoke at a “monster meeting” at Portlaw, Co. Waterford. The meeting was held to consider the action to be taken against a local farmer and cooper named Michael Hickey. The meeting was chaired by Rev. T. Aherne the Parish Priest of Portlaw and sitting with him on the stage were four other priests including Father Neary. Also present were two MP’s and “a number of minor lights in the National ranks.” Father Neary was introduced to the meeting by the chair as the “unconquered and unconquerable hero of Mulllinavat.”
After speeches a usual resolution of boycotting was unanimously adopted, “[t]hat we, the labourers and farmers of this Branch, resolve to have no dealings with Michael Hickey in the way of labour, lime, milk, or cooperage, and call on the surrounding Branches to take due notice of this resolution particularly.”
What occurred next was reported widely across Ireland and England and resulted in another unanimous resolution. “Miss Margaret Sheehan came forward and said—Reverend Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, it is with no ordinary feeling of gratitude that I present myself here as a lover of my oppressed country, as a sympathiser with her coerced children, and as far as is in my power a vindicator of her rights. To serve Erin has been, and must always be, the cherished wish of my heart, but words of mine are not adequate to express the gratitude I feel for the honour conferred on me by being chosen to propose a resolution to this monster meeting—a meeting whose unanimous voice will condemn any man whose desire is like that of Michael Hickey, to crush the spirit of the poor labourer—the labourer who by the sweat of his brow produces the fruits of the earth. I certainly feel honoured by the warmth of your reception; but by adopting the following resolution you will afford me far more pleasure—”
“That we the young girls of Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny resolve and promise this day, before this vast multitude, to treat with scorn and contempt any matrimonial proposals from Michael Hickey, as punishment for his high handed hostility to the poor labourer Burke and his young and helpless family of seven.” (Waterford Standard, 18 September 1885).
Although a large number of evictions and boycotts were reported in the newspapers sometimes evictions did not result in boycotts or other actions by the local Land League Branch. The New Ross Standard of the 17th of June 1893 reported that on the 10th of February 1893 a faction fight took place on the streets of Rosbercon resulting in the arrest of fourteen people including two women. The cause of the faction fight was an eviction in Busherstown, Glenmore in 1891. It does not appear that the Glenmore Land League Branch engaged in boycotting when this eviction took place. However, as illustrated by four other newspaper accounts of assaults and arrests the fighting between the two families continued for some time.
Danny had a mark next to the reference to the following article which provides another example of a creative boycott and the involvement of the clergy in carrying it out. The Kilkenny Moderator of the 2nd of January 1889 reported the following:
“SANGUINARY IN CHAPEL. An extraordinary scene occurred in Dungloe chapel, near Londonderry, before Mass on Sunday last, on two boycotted men named Condy Boyle and Charles Gallagher attempting to take their accustomed seats. At the annual auction of pews on Sunday week the boycotted men had been dispossessed, and their seats given to men who had been imprisoned for refusing to attend the so-called “Star Chamber” inquiry. On the arrival of the opposing factions at the chapel they found the doors locked, and a crowd assembled, which the priest let in through the sacristy until the disputed pews were filled. When the boycotted people entered the gallery they were violently assaulted. Blood flowed freely, eight combatants being injured. The chapel had to be re-consecrated, and the police called in.”
In the twentieth century boycotting was widely used and became an effective means by various groups including civil rights, animals rights, trade unions and environmental groups. Today it continues to be an important means of non-violent protest. However, the more creative 19th century boycotting involving pews and matrimonial proposals appear to be resigned to history alongside pew auctions.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh