20th Century
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From Danny’s Files: Robert Hamilton Edwards, Esq. (c. 1872-1932) & The Freeman’s Journal
It is common to come across unusual items in Danny Dowling (1927-2021) voluminous collection. This past week we discovered in the back of a drawer several folders of documents regarding Robert Hamilton Edwards, Esq. (c. 1872-1932). We could not find any link to Glenmore except the documents have been preserved in Danny’s collection. The most unusual item was an envelope containing a medical report and two x-rays from 1908. These x-rays were taken by Dr. William Ironside Bruce (1876-1921) an early radiologist who died young from exposure to his work. King George in 1921 publicly expressed sympathy at Bruce’s death (North Star & Farmer’s Chronicle, Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 8). Dr. Ironside Bruce’s widow, Violet, survived him by 39 years dying in 1960 (Middlesex Independent (Fri. 9 Sept. 1960, p. 7). Danny may have collected the Hamilton Edwards’ files because of his association with the demise of The Freeman’s Journal.
Early X-Rays
X-rays were discovered in 1895 with the first x-rays in Britain being made in 1896. From the typed report and the envelope containing the x-rays we know that “Mrs. Hamilton Edwards of Wenbley Orchard Wembley, Middlesex,” was the patient. For a concise article on the history of x-rays see, the British Society for the History of Radiology, “X-Rays in Medicine: The First Century.” For further information on Dr. William Ironside Bruce (1876 -1921) of Charing Cross Hospital, London, see, Dr. Adrian Thomas, Chairman of the International Society for the History of Radiology, (2021) “Ironside Bruce and the Sacrifices Made by the Early X-Ray Martyrs.”
The Patient
In 1898, Robert Hamilton Edwards married Marjorie L. W. Alexandersen (c. 1868). Thus the 1908 x-rays belonged to Marjorie. Per the 1901 Census the couple were living at Hertfordshire, Harpenden. Robert was 29 working in journalism. He reported being born in St. Pancreas, Middlesex. His wife Marjorie was 33 and was born in Leicester, Market Harborough. While little could be found in a quick search regarding the private life of the couple, Robert Hamilton Edwards became famous due to some Irish business dealings.
The Report is typed, dated 17 March 1908 and signed W. Ironside Bruce, M.D. He found that there was a fracture of the ulna, the radius and the metacarpal bone of the index finger. The two photographs of the x-rays are on green card stock with the “Case of Mrs. Hamilton Edwards” written in the upper right corner of the card stock. At the bottom of the cardstock is written “With Dr. Ironside Bruce’s Compliments.”
The Freeman’s Journal
The Freeman’s Journal was the first national newspaper published in Ireland. It was in production from 1763 to 1924. See, Felix M. Larkin (2006) “A Great Daily Organ: The Freeman’s Journal, 1763-1924” 3(14) History Ireland website.
About 1919, the Freeman’s Journal became a two man company. The only shareholders and directors were Hamilton Edwards and Martin Fitzgerald. The commercial or business side of the management of the undertaking was in the hands of Hamilton Edwards and running of the newspaper and its policy were, for convenience, entrusted to Martin Fitzgerald who lived in Dublin (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5). Martin Fitzgerald was a wealthy Dublin wine merchant and Robert Hamilton Edwards was a well-known Fleet Street personality and formerly the managing director of the Amalgamated Press.
In 1919, the authorities raided the offices of The Freeman’s Journal. Hamilton Edwards proclaimed that “this was the greatest abuse of authority yet perpetrated on the Press of Ireland and the proper Freedom of the Newspaper was non-existent, at any rate in Dublin.” (Freeman’s Journal, Tues. 15 Dec. 1919, p. 9).
Six charges were brought under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations against Fitzgerald and Hamilton Edwards for publishing statements likely to cause disaffection. In late November and early December 1920 they were Court Martialled. The Military Court found the two defendants not guilty to charges, 2, 4, 5 and 6. However, the defendants were informed by the court that they were being conveyed to Mountjoy Prison for charges 1 & 3. Prior to said time they were never arrested and attended their trial without any issues (Irish Independent Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
Per Hamilton Edwards’ obituary, the men were sentenced to six month’s imprisonment. “This action of the military authorities, and the sentence, provoked great resentment in England. Questions were asked in Parliament, and within a few days the British Government ordered the immediate release of the men” (Belfast Telegraph, Mon. 6 June 1932, p. 5).
Civil Cases
Reading the 1932 obituary for Hamilton Edwards’ it appeared this was the end of the Freeman’s Journal saga. However, on 12 May 1920 Robert Hamilton Edwards signed four contracts for the delivery of 7,800 tons of paper at the price of £429,528. At the time of the signing of the contracts, they were only using 15 to 29 tons of paper a week. The purchase price was four times the nominal capital and eight times the actual issued capital of the company. Martin Fitzgerald did not learn of the four contracts signed by Hamilton Edwards until both men were in Mountjoy Prison in July 1920 (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
A judgment was entered against the two men and Fitzgerald argued that Hamilton Edwards had signed without authority. On appeal when the judge asked where Hamilton Edwards was it was stated that he was not available. Hamilton Edwards was in Justice Pinn’s Court and had not yet been discharged from it. He had been declared bankrupt (Irish Independent, Tues. 31 Oct. 1922, p. 5).
The last edition of the Freeman’s Journal was published in January 1924. It was sold to its rival the Irish Independent. In 1925, details of the Hamilton Edwards’ bankruptcy were published. It was reported that his total liabilities amounted to £13,576. A dividend of 6s. 8.d on the £ was ordered to be paid to his creditors (Irish Examiner, Sat. 25 July 1925, p. 11).
Obituary
The Belfast Telegraph (Mon. 6 June 1932, p. 5) published an obituary for Hamilton Edwards that did not mention his civil cases or bankruptcy.
A former well-known personality in Fleet Street, Mr. Robert Hamilton Edwards, at one time managing director of the Amalgamated Press, died suddenly, aged 60, in the West End of London.
The son of Mr. John Edwards of Oswestry and London, Mr. Edwards was educated privately. Following an early teaching in financial journalism and on the staff of the late Sir George Newnes, he was for 20 years associated with the late Lord Northcliffe in the publication of “Answers” and other publications now issued from Fleetway Houses. Later Mr. Edwards became interested with Mr. Martin Fitzgerald in the direction of the Dublin Freeman’s Journal, on which he spent a large sum of money.
During the Irish troubles in 1920 both he and Mr. Fitzgerald were before a military court martial in Dublin and accused of publishing statements likely to cause disaffection. They were sentenced to six month’s imprisonment. This action of the military authorities, and the sentence, provoked great resentment in England. Questions were asked in Parliament, and within a few days the British Government order the immediate release of the men.
Latterly Mr. Edwards had been living for a great deal of his time in Paris. He was at one time the owner of a number of racehorses and had many interests. Mr. Edwards was largely interested in the land question, and had done much to assist in the development of small ownership.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photographs to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Updates
Register of Infants in Ballyfasy, Glenmore, Girls’ School
Due to requests information from the second page of the Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School has been added to our Glenmore & Nearby Lists Page. As time permits we will add the remaining 6 pages and then work on providing the Register from the Ballyfacy Boys School.
Weatherstown, Glenmore native Bridget Walsh née O’Rourke
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for sharing the photos of her sister Bridget Walsh née O’Rourke in her Confirmation dress made for her by Glenmore dressmaker Mairita Cummins née Hennessy (c. 1933-2023). Bridget was confirmed in 1963. In the early 1960’s Confirmations were held every three years, so Bridget was 13 and attending secondary school when her Confirmation was held. She was Confirmed in Rosbercon. In the group photo Bridget is on the right. In the photo below, the lady holding the camera is thought to have been a teacher. This photo will be added our post of 24 May 2026 regarding the Mairita Cummins née Hennessy Collection.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Mr. Justice Gardner Budd (1904-1976)
Our founder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) corresponded with people from all over the world. Some were people doing family research, others were academics researching specific events or industries, and one correspondent was a sitting member of the Irish Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Gardner Budd (1904-1976).
Today, we are going to present a letter Danny wrote in 1969 to Mr. Justice Gardner Budd who was seeking apparently information on the Budd’s of Kilmacow. There were apparently other letters, but they have yet to be uncovered in Danny’s vast collection. Carefully pinned by Danny to a copy of the discovered letter was an obituary for Mr. Justice G. Budd which Danny clipped from the Irish Independent (Tues. 10 Feb. 1976, p. 12). The featured photo above is from that obituary.
The Letter from Glenmore
Below is the letter in full and any additional information has been placed in square brackets. The letter is typed, 2 ½ pages in length on thin paper, measuring 8 inches (20 cm) by 10 inches (25 cm).
Justice Budd, Esq.
73 South Hill
Dartry
Dublin 6
30th May 1969
Dear Mr. Justice Budd,
Thanks very much for your letter of the 1st May which I received but am sorry for the delay in replying which was due to the fact that I was in hospital for three weeks.
The Budd family lived in the townland of Blossomhill, in the parish of Kilmacow Co. Kilkenny, until about the year 1881, when the last male member of the family in the locality left the homestead and went to live for a short time with Mr. William Power, of Christendom, in the parish of Slieverue near Waterford. He was William Joseph Poulter Budd. Whilst with Mr. William Power he became ill and was taken to London by his daughter Florence.
According to a letter from this Miss Florence Budd from London, dated the 30th of October 1881, to Mr. William Power her father had died and was buried in London. In this letter she thanked Mr. Power for his kindness to her father and she also stated that she was leaving her father’s furniture etc. to Mr. Power. This Mr. Budd had no male issue—only two daughters. One was married to an English Army Officer—Colonel Free, and the other daughter Florence to a gentleman named Blake, who was a Deputy Lieutenant for Co. Kilkenny. Mrs. Florence Blake had a son Poulter Charles Blake and they lived in London. According to Mr. Patrick Power, the present owner of the Budd property, two sons of the Blakes are living in Culpeper, Virginia, U.S.A.
The Budd residence at Blossomhill is now in ruins but a fine residence nearby, which the said William Joseph Poulter Budd, built but never actually lived in, still stands. Due to some trouble or other, he never put the finishing touches to this fine house but went to live as already stated with Mr. William Power of Christendom. I enclose herewith photographs which I took of the ruins and the aforesaid house which is now a cattle shed.
[Rev. Joseph Poulter (c. 1738-1789) of Dunkitt]
The Budd family is buried in the old Churchyard at Dunkitt and there is a tomb there with the following inscription which is now almost undecipherable:
“Here lieth the remains of Mary Ann Budd, wife of Tobias Budd of Dunkitt Esq.; who departed this live October 6th 1817, aged 35 years”
This Mary Ann Budd (1781-1817) was the youngest daughter and co-heiress of Rev. Joseph Poulter, Rector of Dunkitt, by his second wife, Margaret, daughter of the Rev. William Dennis D.D. of Waterford, and was born on the 12th of November 1781.
On another monument in the same graveyard is the following inscription:
“Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of Thomas Lewis Mackesy M.D., a daughter of the Rev. Joseph Poulter, who died 18th October 1818.”
This lady was the eldest daughter of Rev. Joseph Poulter and his wife Margaret Dennis and was born on the 11th June 1776. Mrs. Mary Ann Budd and Mrs. Mary Mackesy (1776-1818) were sisters. The Poulters lived in Dunkitt House which is now occupied by a Mr. Porter. The aforesaid Rev. William Dennis was Rector of Kilculliheen, and he died on the 11th of April 1815 aged 59 years. From what I can ascertain the above Rev. Joseph Poulter had only two daughters in his family, Mrs. Budd and Mrs. Mackesy, and he divided his estate between the two of them. [See generally Wiki Family Tree for Joseph Poulter (c. 1738-1789.]
Attached to the Blossomhill residence of William Joseph Poulter Budd was an estate of about 100 acres at the time of his departure from there. As well as farming he worked a white limestone quarry, situated on the lands. He had about 40 men working for him in this quarry.
[Glenmore Landlords]
As far as the parish of Glenmore is concerned, a Tobias Budd, a minor, owned in 1830 the entire townlands of Flemingstown and Weatherstown. This information is from the Tithe Applotment Books of the old Civil Parish of Kilcoan. According to the same document a Mr. Budd is shown as the occupier of 12 acres and 2 roods in the townland of Flemingstown. Whether or not this Mr. Budd lived there I cannot say. In Griffiths General Valuation or Ireland circa 1850, a Mrs. James Budd is shown as the owner of the entire townland of Ballybraghy containing 160 acres and 2 roods and 32 perches. The family of Mackesy were also extensive landowners in Glenmore Parish. [See our post of 3 March 2025 regarding Glenmore landlord Dr. Mackesy].
As a matter of interest, I will now quote two entries from the Catholic Register of Marriages for Glenmore Parish which is now preserved in the Library of St. Kieran’s College, In Kilkenny:
“14th February 1780. Joyn’d in Wedlock by ye Certificate of Mr. James Budd; Mary Brenon of Ballinlammy unto Rich. Wallice of Mullinahone. Witness ye Rev. James Newman, Mr. James Cody and Mr. Patrick Brennon.”
“12th November 1780. Joyn’d in Wedlock by ye Certificate of Mr. Tobias Budd; Michael Mullally unto Mary Murphy both of Nicholastown. Witnesses Michael O’Naile, James O’Naile and William Murphy.” [During this period landlords sometimes provided certificates to regulate the lives of their tenants, manage their estates by ensuring that unauthorized subletting did not occur, and enforce the moral and behaviour the landlord set.]
With reference to the Budd Estate at Ballybraghy in the old Civil Parish of Kilcoan which is now part of the present Catholic ecclesiastical Parish of Glenmore, I would suggest you look up Record No. S. 4931 in the Records Branch of the Land Commission at 24 Upper Merrison St., Dublin.
Any information which you have on the Budd family and estate would be much appreciated by me as I am collecting material for the history of my area. I would also like to get a copy of said Record No. S.4931 and perhaps you could help me in this as well as copies of any old Estate maps which you may have.
When next you visit the area, please let me know beforehand and I will only be too glad to show you where the Budds lived and are buried etc.
In conclusion, I would like to correct the impression which you possibly got from my previous correspondence. I am not a member of the Garda force but a Health Authority employee—a Health Inspector.
Yours Very Sincerely,
Daniel Dowling.
Mr. Justice Gardner Budd (1904-1976)
Mr. Frederick Gardner Orford Budd was born on 11 April 1904 at Ennis Co. Clare. His father, Samuel Duquid Budd (c. 1864-1934) was employed as a bank manager at the time of his birth. His mother, Fanny Beatrice Orford (c. 1865-1955) was the daughter of Dr. Frederick James Orford of Leicestershire, and she was the second wife of Samuel D. Budd. His parents were married on 12 July 1899 in Surrey, England.
Samuel D. Budd married his first wife, Susan West Stuart (c. 1854-1897) on 30 May 1882 in a Church of Ireland in Galway. His father was recorded as James Budd, a merchant and Susan’s father was John Simson Stuart, a Senior R.I.C. Inspector. Susan West Budd, of Bindon? St., Ennis died on 27 January 1897, of albuminuria at the age of 43. She was the mother of 5 children.
Gardner Budd was educated at the Manor School, Fermoy, Co. Cork; Felsted in England and Trinity College, Dublin. He was a scholar of T.C.D. in history in 1925, the year in which he obtained a B.A. (Mod.) in history in 1925 and political science to be followed two years later with an LLD. He was called to the bar in 1927 and to the Inner Bar in 1940. [He married Oonah Blennerhassett in Sligo in 1931 and the couple had four children.] In 1951 he represented TCD on the university panel in Seanad Eireann. Later that year he was appointed a Judge of the High Court, a position he occupied until 1966 when he was raised to the Supreme Court. He retired from the Supreme Court right before Christmas 1975 and died 9 February 1976 (Irish Examiner, 10 Feb. 1976 p. 14). (For a concise outline of his important decisions see, Pauric J. Dempsey, Dictionary of Irish Biography.)
Waterford City Roots
The obituary of Sanuel D. Budd (c. 1864-1934) (Irish Examiner, Mon. 27 Aug. 1934, p. 4) provides some interesting details regarding Justice Gardner Budd’s Waterford City Roots.
“The death has taken place of Mr. Samuel Duguid Budd, a Waterfordman, who reached a very high position in Irish banking circles. He was son of the late Mr. James Budd, of [Waterford City*], and father of Mr. F. G. O. Budd, the well known barrister on the Waterford circuit. After a distinguished career in the Provincial Bank of Ireland, during which time he was for many years manager in Cork, the late Mr. Samuel Budd became Chief Officer of the bank. He retired from this position [in 1919 per the Southern Star (Sat. 2 Aug. 1930, p. 10)] and, was succeeded by his son-in-law, Mr. D. Bradshaw, the present Chief Officer. The late Mr. Budd was co-opted a member of the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland.” [*per the Munster Express, 31 Aug. 1934, p. 7]
James Budd of Waterford City
Samuel D. Budd (c. 1864-1934) reported in the 1901 Census that he was born in Waterford. Danny in a handwritten note recorded that in the Thomas S. Harvey (1865) Waterford Almanac & Directory for 1866 there were two entries for James Budd in the Directory. The first James Budd was listed as a commercial traveller living on Barker St. A second listing was for James Budd & Company, Guano Merchants on Thomas Street. [Guano was the excrement of seabirds and bats. It was historically prized as a fertilizer and a key ingredient for the production of gunpowder.]
Hopefully further correspondence between Danny and Justice G. Budd is discovered and we shall be able to update this information.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Mairita Cummins née Hennessy Collection
Recently a small box of memorabilia was donated by the family of the late Mairita Cummins née Hennessy (c. 1933-2023) of Glenmore Village. This box is a treasure trove of information regarding local groups such as the Glenmore Social Club, Glenmore businesses, and the Hennessy family.
Mairita was the daughter of John Hennessy (1894-1981) and his wife, Hannah Flynn (c. 1889-1961). Mairita’s parents were married on the 28th of February 1922 at Kilmacow. Her father John, of Narabane, Kilmacow, was a blacksmith and the son John Hennessy (labourer). Hannah’s father was John Flynn, a blacksmith, of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Mairita’s parents met and married in Kilmacow. Her mother was working as a housekeeper for the Kilmacow parish priest. The old post card of Kilmacow was in the box. They moved to Glenmore first living in Weatherstown then moving into the Village. John Hennessy built his forge on the V Road.
Mairita was born and reared in Glenmore Village. She was the only daughter and had seven brothers including: Michael (died in infancy); Sean, Richie, Tommy, Packie ( -2014), Willie (1927-2018) and Ned. Mairita became a dressmaker and married Lory Cummins (c. 1936-1990) who was from near Campile, Wexford. She reared her family in Glenmore Village in the same house where she was born and reared. For a photo of Mairita and her obituary, see RIP.ie.
The Mairita Collection
Today, we are going to highlight some of the local receipts and orders found in the donated box. In the near future we will present other information from her collection. Perhaps the most important receipt or order form is the blank J. Hennessy and Sons, Horseshoeing & General Smithwork form. As stated above John Hennessy built his forge on the V Road and later his son Willie built a house next to the forge.
There is a receipt from Robert Fluskey and appears to be dated 26 April 1960 to May Hennessy. Purchases over three different days on the receipt include: ham, sausage, bacon, milk, eggs, cheese, and sweets. The total of the purchases came to £2 8s 4d. Robert Fluskey died in 1925, but apparently the shop continued to be operated in his name.
Also, in the box were receipts from Hanrahan Brothers, 12 North St. New Ross, grocery, provision and spirit merchants. These receipts are from the 1940’s. Dick and Pat Hanrahan, natives of Glenmore, ran this business.
Another receipt is from the Glenmore Co-opertive Creamery Society dated 22 October 1940. The receipt is made to John Hennessy for £4 and has a vintage 1930’s Eire 2 pinsin green postage stamp affixed to it.
Duplicate Order Books
The Fawn Coloured Order Book
Lastly, there were two duplicate order books in the collection. The proprietor would write the order and a carbon copy was made for him or her to keep. Most of the entries in the fawn coloured order book were from 1958 and were primarily orders for Mairita to make, alter or repair clothing. For example, Miss Mary Fitzgerald had a uniform made in April 1959. Her address was listed as Ardkeen Hospital (p. 67).
However, the most extraordinary item found in the book is on page 34 where John Hennessy wrote out the details of his service during the War of Independence. He noted that he was with Company D of Battalion 6 of the Kilkenny Brigade to June 1921. From June 1921 to July 1922 he served with the 9th Battalion. His address in 1921 was John Hennessy, Narabane, Kilmacow, Waterford. His date of birth was 16 April 1894 (p. 34). A quick review of the military archives confirms that John Hennessy was a member of Company D of the Old IRA. See p. 26 of the membership list of Kilkenny Brigade Companies.
An order on page 35 was from Charles Gray, Esq. of Castle Annaghs, New Ross, to William Hennessey for shoeing seven horses for £1 10s.
The Blue Coloured Order Book
The entries in the blue order book were primarily from 1961. Mairita and her brother Willie shared the blue order book. For example, on page 18 Willie did work for Murphy Motors, of Robinstown, Glenmore, for welding and repairing a manure spreader, and combine and also made parts for a spring harrow and draw bar.
On the back of page 17 we found the small pencil drawing that appears to be the Hennessy house in the Village. The drawing is not signed. A second drawing was found on the back of page 22 of a dress. On page 23 is an order from Mrs. R. Walsh, of Robinstown, for making a “frock.” Other customers included Mrs. E. O’Connor, of Graiguenakill, who had two blouses made, a coat and a skirt for the sum of £1 6s 6d (p. 20).
Mrs. J. Culleton, of Kilbride, ordered school slips, a coat, and shirt for 13s 6d. (p. 12). Mrs. R. Rourke, of Weatherstown, ordered blouses, a frock, a skirt, and was charged for spools of thread for a grand total of £1 13s 2 d.
It is apparent that the customers supplied the fabric for their garments as well as any necessary things like thread, buttons and zippers. If they did not provide the necessary items they were charged for the required spool of thread or buttons etc.
Curiosity led to attempting to determine the difference between a “frock” and a “costume.” A frock was generally a dress with the bodice and skirt attached. A costume was often called a tailored costume and was a structured two piece set, for example a tailored jacket and matching skirt.
In the coming weeks we shall present other items from Maritia’s wonderful collection.
For another post regarding Glenmore business receipts, see our post of 11 June 2020 regarding Glenmore Victualler & General Trader, Michael O’Hanlon (1897-1957). See generally, our post of 19 December 2020, “Early Glenmore Business Newspaper Advertisements.”
Special thanks to Mairita’s family for the donation.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Athletic Club 1944-1946
A reader has a battered newspaper clipping that revealed that her grandfather won a race at a Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day. Unfortunately, the clipping lacks a date or name of the publication where it was printed. In helping locate the date of the race we found a lot of articles regarding Glenmore’s Sports Days that name a large number of Glenmore athletes. A search of local newspapers revealed that the first fixture of the Glenmore Athletic Club took place on Sunday the 10th of July 1944 which was applauded as “a successful revival of athletics in Glenmore parish, after a lapse of over 10 years” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Today, we are going to focus on the Glenmore Athletic Club events that took place in 1944-1946. Any additional information we have included not gleaned from the Munster Express has been placed in square brackets [ ]. Can you help identify any of the athletes?
The First Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1944
Although WWII was still raging the Glenmore Athletic Club organised a sports day in 1944. The Munster Express (Fri. 14 July 1944) reported that “despite unfavourable weather conditions, a good crowd patronised the first annual sports of the Glenmore Athletic Club.” In a field provided by Richard Murphy, the fixture proved a very good success. The newspaper reported there was keen competition in each event, especially the track contests, where some finishes were exceptionally close. “Larry Kiely, who scored a dual success at the sports, is the son of T.P. Kiely, Carrick-on-Suir, a former world’s champion” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
To illustrate the distances some athletes travelled for the 1944 event, it was reported that Nicholas Phelan of Conahy, aged 17, cycled to Glenmore and won the 440 yards Kilkenny County Championship event from keen competition. He cycled home subsequently, covering about 80 miles that day (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Great credit was given in the article to the Officers and committee of the club, including Rev. William Brennan, C.C., President; T. Fitzgerald, Chairman; P. Fitzgerald, Treasurer; and William Walshe, Hon. Secretary. A special feature was the beautiful array of prizes. [See our post of 27 Feb. 2022 regarding William “Bill” Walsh (1912-1985) of Cappagh.]
The Results
Although the total number of events was not recorded 14 event results were published as follows:
100 yards (schoolboys under 14, confined to Glenmore Parish)—1st W. McDonald, Haggard; 2nd Billy Walsh, Mullinahone
100 yards (open)—1st Cpl. Martin (Army); 2nd Sgt. McGlynn (Army)
220 yards (confined)—1st Paddy Roche, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Stephen Walsh, Glenmore A.C. [It is believed that Paddy Roche (1919-1989) was from Rathinure, later emigrated to England and Stephen Walsh was from Rochestown, later moved to Knocktopher].
440 yards (open)—1st L. Kiely , Carrick-on-Suir; 2nd M. Killian, Glenmore A.C.
440 yards, under 18, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st Nicholas Phelan, Conahy; 2nd Richard Hennessy, Glenmore A.C. [Richard “Richie” Hennessy (c. 1925-2008) of Glenmore Village and later Ballycroney became a builder and built the Glenmore Community Centre.]
880 yards (open)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Larry Kiely [We believe that Larry Dillon (1921-2016) was a native of Rochestown. For more information on the Rochestown Dillon family see our post of 27 March 2021.]
One Mile Flat (confined)—1st Sean Robinson, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Peter Egan, Glenmore A.C.
Three Miles Flat, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st John Dunne, Ballycallan; 2nd Peter Egan
High Jump, County Championship—1st Cpl. Martin, 5 ft. 3 inch; 2nd William Kearney, Noreside A.C., 5 ft.
Broad Jump—1st Larry Dillon [Glenmore], 17 ft, 6 in; 2nd Stephen Walsh, 17ft, 2 in.
56 lbs without follow—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore A.C., 22 ft. 10in; 2nd John Forristal, Shanbogh, 17ft, 8 in [See our post of 4 July 2020 regarding the sport of weight throwing.]
One Mile Cycle (open)—1st William Walsh, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Paddy Joy, Waterford Wheelers
Two Mile Cycle (ordinary machines)—1st James Kennedy, Kilbride; 2nd James Haberlin, Slieverue [James Kennedy of Kilbride was born in 1923 to Patrick Kennedy (carpenter) and his wife Johanna Grace.]
Three Mile Cycle (open)—1st P. Joy; 2nd Ed. Ryan, Waterford Southern Sprinters.
The newspaper published that “broadcasting arrangements” were carried out by T. O’Brien, Waterford, The broadcasting was a loudspeaker system rather than a radio or television broadcast. Judges were Rev. Fr. Brennan, C.C.; James O’Hanrahan, Richard Murphy and W. Forristal.
The Glenmore Athletic Club thanked the businesses and people who donated prizes and the list contains several businesses owned and operated by Glenmore natives including: Hanrahan Brothers, Glenmore & New Ross; Brady & Co., Waterford; George Wright, Waterford; Phelan’s of Waterford; Clover Meats Ltd, Waterford; Brooks of New Ross; Holden & Hanrahan, New Ross; Mrs. Heffernan-Walsh, [Lizzy J.K.] Glenmore; and Miss Jo Phelan, Rosbercon. Subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Brennan, C.C., Glenmore; Glenmore Creamery Manager; Cherry’s, New Ross; Hickey’s New Ross; Doyle’s New Ross; Murphy’s, New Ross; James Power, Mile Post. See our post of 19 Dec. 2020 for early Glenmore business advertisements.
The Second Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day, 1945
The 1945 event was held in Robinstown on Sunday the 18th of June in a field owned by Laurence Kirwan. It was reported that the weather was ideal and the programme was comprised of 16 events completed in “record time.” Amplification was carried out by the Crescent Motor Garage, Wexford with commentators being W. Roche and William Walsh, the Secretary of the Club. The prizes were presented by Rev. J. Hynes, (sic) Ballybrahee, Glenmore, who was home from England on holiday (Munster Express 22 June 1945, p. 2). [Fr. John Hoyne (1916-1978) of Ballybrahee was ordained in 1942 for the diocese of Ossory. During his life he had a number of parish assignments including Callan, Glenmore and Bennettsbridge.]
Partial List of Results
The results of all 16 events are provided in the Munster Express, but few addresses of the winners were provided. The following is a partial list of the results featuring Glenmore athletes or those assumed to be Glenmore athletes.
880 Yards (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—2nd P. O’Connor, Glenmore [It is believed that this may have been Pat O’Connor a native of Ballyfacey and late of Rathinure. Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure.]
100 Yards (boys under 14, confined)—1st W. Walsh; 2nd R. Cody [We believe R. Cody was Richard Cody of Carrigcloney].
880 Yards (confined)—1st Larry Dillon [Larry Dillon (1921-2016) see above, was a native of Rochestown and subsequently emigrated to Wolverhampton.]
Three Legged Race—1st D. Doherty & Miss Doherty; 2nd James Kennedy & Miss Mary Connolly
56 lbs (without follow)—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore
Glenmore School Sports Day
In the autumn of 1945, the Glenmore Athletic Club arranged a School Sports Day held in Robinstown. It was noted that “entries were not as large as anticipated” and for the first time events for girls were included (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Oct. 1945, p. 6).
80 Yards (boys under 10)—1st Larry Byrne [of Haggard. Larry never married. He followed the hunt and was an excellent horseman]; 2nd Kevin Cuddihy [Kevin was the son of the 2nd Glenmore Creamery Manager Tom Cuddihy. Kevin eventually became the third Glenmore Creamery Manager and was killed by a horse in 1973.]
80 Yards (girls under 10)—1st Mary Heffernan; 2nd May Phelan [We believe Mary Heffernan was Mary Alyward née Heffernan (1933-2026) of Rochestown].
100 Yards (under 12)—1st R. Cody; 2nd D. Cody [We believe that these were two Cody brothers from Carrigcloney, Richard and Fr. Daniel Cody (1937-2021).
100 Yards (under 14)—1st Billy Walsh; 2nd D. Cody
100 Yards (girls under 14)—1st Annie Sinnott; 2nd tie between Jo Fitzgerald and Jo Mernagh [Jo Meragh Doyle (1932-2021) late of Weatherstwn, see our post of 15 May 2022 for more information.]
440 Yards (under 16)—1st Christy Power [(c. 1932-c. 2020) of Carrigcloney]; 2nd Billy Walsh
880 Yards (under 16)—1st T. Mullally; 2nd R. Mullally [ Brothers Tommy and Richard Mullally of Davidstown]
3 Miles Flat (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore Athletic Club; 2nd Thomas Byrne (holder) Noreside Athletic Club.
In a football challenge, Glenmore juniors defeated the senior team on a score of 1-5 to 0-3. The winners led at the change-over by three points to two. Michael Morrissey, Tullogher, refereed.
The Third Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1946
At its annual meeting in March 1946, the Glenmore Athletic Club elected officers. The Chairman was Thomas Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, while the Vice-Chairman was John Hennessey of the Village. The Secretary was William Walsh, of Cappagh and “Mr. Fitzgerald of Moulerstown” was the Treasurer. The Committee was comprised of T. Cotterell; P. O’Connor; T. Malone; D. Doyle; Larry Dillon; S. Walsh and P. Roche (Munster Express, Fri. 15 March 1946, p. 6).
The Glenmore Athletic Club’s annual Sports Day was held on Sunday the 14th of July 1946 at Robinstown. It was reported that the weather conditions were favourable and a large entry reflected leading athletes from Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny. The Club Secretary, William Walsh, of Cappagh, was praised for “Keeping the old flag of athletics flying in the South.” Nineteen results were reported and subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Grace, P.P. Glenmore; Rev. W. Brennan, C.C.; Hanrahan Bros., New Ross; Mrs. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; and the Moulerstown Dance Board Committee.
Partial List of Results
Below are the successful Glenmore athletes:
440 Yards (open)—2nd J. Conway (Glenmore AC). Seven competed.
880 Yards (confined to Glenmore parish)—1st Paddy O’Connor, Ballyfacey; 2nd Michael Fitzgerald, Coolnaleen. Seven competed [We believe this Paddy O’Connor was Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) who worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure].
100 Yards (boys under 12)—1st Michael Doherty, Ballinlammy; 2nd P. Fitzgerald, Aylwardstown. Ten competed. [We believe P. Fitzgerald was Petey Fitzgerald (c. 1932 -2025) a brother of John Fitzgerald of Rathinure who emigrated to the UK.]
100 Yards (boys under 14)—1st James Freeman, Glenmore; 2nd Richard Cody, Carrickcloney (sic). Eight competed. [Dick Cody (c. 1932-2024) of Carrigcloney was a farmer.]
220 Yards (boys under 18)—1st John Joe Aylward, Parkstown; 2nd Peter Roche, Rathinure. Eight competed. [John Joe Aylward (c. 1930-2018) never married and farmed. Peter Roche (brother of Jimmy Roche (c. 1926-2018) Rathinure is living in Canada.]
56 lbs. (without follow)—1st Larry Roche (Glenmore AC) [Haggard] 23 ft, 4 in. Five competed. [Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was a farmer and his obituary provides that he was a prominent athlete and won many prizes and championships for weight throwing at various sports meetings in Kilkenny and adjoining counties.]
Two Miles Cycle (ordinary machines, confined)—1st Paul Fitzgerald, Moulerstown; 2nd Joe Walsh, Ballinlammy. Eight competed. [Joe Walsh was brother of Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) a POW held by the Japanese. See our posts of 11 Nov. 2024 and 18 Nov. 2024 .]
Three Legged Race—Pat Roche, Haggard & P. McDonald, Haggard. Ten competed.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Some Ballinlammy, Glenmore, Moran Family Photos
Special thanks to Robert Moran for sharing some of his family photos and correcting a typo and error on our post of 26 March 2023 regarding his great aunt Sr. Mary Theresa “Nellie” Moran (1925-2005). See our post of 26 March 2023 for details regarding the Moran family of Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
The Moran Farm of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh