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From Danny’s Files: Household Hints from the Early 20th Century
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected a large assortment of historical newspaper articles. Some were directly related to Glenmore or surrounding areas, and some articles reflect a time and activities long forgotten. Today, we are going to highlight some of Danny’s collected articles that best fall under the description of “household hints.” We have attempted to identify and explain any ingredients that may not be known today. Our explanations are in square brackets [ ]. We conclude with a 1910 joke found in one of Danny’s hints files concerning two Waterford aristocrats.
Washing Hair
Most people today probably assume that shampoo was available 100 years ago. That does not appear to be the case. “An Old Fashioned but Excellent Julep—an excellent julep for washing the hair can be made by mixing a cupful of soapy water with a teaspoonful of powdered borax and then beaten up with a yolk of an egg. This is well rubbed into the roots and length of the hair, and is then washed out in clear warm water. It leaves the scalp clean and the hair delightfully soft and glossy.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 28 July 1923, p. 4)
[“Borax is a powdery white substance, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It’s widely used as a household cleaner and a booster for laundry detergent. It’s a combination of boron, sodium, and oxygen.” For more information concerning its use as a pesticide and current research etc. see, WebMD].
An interesting note Danny made is simply dated 1913. This note also concerns hair. “Never wet the hair at night, and if there is a tendency to deafness never do so at any time.”
“Dandruff may be removed by the occasional application of a shampoo wash composed of the yolk of an egg beaten by up with a pint of rainwater and 1 ounce of rosemary spirit. The mixture must be beaten thoroughly and used warm, being rubbed well into the skin of the head.” (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 Aug. 1910, p. 11)
Clotheslines
A clothesline may be easily cleaned by wrapping it round a washboard and thoroughly scrubbing it in soapsuds. (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)
Boil a new clothesline and the it will not twist. New ropes are apt to twist. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1911, p. 11)
Pest Control
When setting a mouse trap use raw meat instead of cheese for the bait. (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)
“A preventative against moths, and one which forms a pleasant sachet powder as well. Grind to a powder the following ingredients in equal quantities: cloves; carraway seeds, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, and Tonquin beans with as much orris root as the other contents put together. Fill little bags with the powder and scatter among the clothes.” (Leinster Leader, Sat/ 23 Sept. 1911, p. 23)
[According to Mama Jean’s Natural Market website orris root powder is the dried and ground root of the iris plant. It smells similar to violets ,and today is used as a fixative in perfumes to enhance other aromas. It has stabilizing properties that help preserve scents in cosmetics, potpourri etc.]
[Tonka beans are a product of the South American cumaru tree, contain a naturally occurring chemical known as coumarin. Since coumarin can cause health problems such as liver damage, the Federal Drug Administration of the US has enforced a ban on tonka beans since 1954.]
Recipes
Potato Scones—Mash boiled potatoes quite smooth, adding a little salt. Then knead out with flour or barley meal to thickness required. Toast on gridle, pricking them with a fork to prevent blistering. Eaten with butter they are superior to crumpets and very nutritious. (1906 article name of newspaper not copied)
The secret to frying fish is to brown the breadcrumbs before using them. Bake the bread in the oven, and crush to crumbs. Be sure a beaten egg covers the fillets of fish. Then dip the fillets in the bread crumbs. Fry in plenty of hot fat (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)
If eggs that are to be boiled hard place them in rapidly boiling water. The yolk will not become dark on the outside. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1911, p. 11)
First Aid and Health
“If you get a fishbone in your throat a raw egg should be swallowed immediately. Do not drink anything, but well chewed solids, such as bread often helps to remove a fishbone.” (Lancashire Evening Post, Tues. 1 April 1913)
“For anyone suffering from rheumatism they will find great relief from this simple remedy. Put some dry mustard between flannel, and constantly wear it in your boots, house shoes etc. Replenish the mustard every now and then.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 June 1910, p. 10)
“A simple cure for Rheumatism and Gout….crush some horse chestnuts, scald them and apply as a poultice.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Feb. 1911, p. 11)
Cleaning
To clean a lamp chimney hold it over the steam of a kettle for a few moments, then polish it with a clean, dry cloth. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 Nov. 1910, p. 10)
Rubber gloves worn for dishwashing and housework should be thoroughly washed before being taken off the hand. In this way they are kept free from impurities and wear longer. (Lancashire Evening Post, Tues. 1 April 1913)
Furniture polish that will act more like varnish on furniture can be made. One gill of linseed oil, 1 gill of white wine vinegar, ½ ounce of butter of antimony. Mix each in order and shake well between each. Shake well before using. Apply a little on a soft rag, and finish with a soft duster. This will dry almost as soon as rubbed on. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 Nov. 1910, p. 10).
[“Butter of antimony” is an outdated term for antimony trichloride (SbCl3), a chemical compound known for its pungent odour and waxy, butter-like consistency. It was historically used as a reagent in various chemical reactions and tests, including a test for vitamin A. Warning Butter of Antimony is toxic if ingested, inhaled or comes into contact with the skin. For further information see, Facts.net].
“To renovate dark stained furniture, soak a rag in paraffin and rub it on the stained furniture. Leave it to dry for a few minutes. Polish with a clean soft cloth, and you will find all marks will disappear. No unpleasant smell of paraffin will be left behind.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1911, p. 11)
Miscellaneous Hints
“Sliced onions scattered about a room will absorb the odour of fresh paint.” (Irish Independent, Fri. 25 Jan. 1918, p. 2)
“Tight boots or shoes are much more easily put on when thoroughly warmed by turning the soles to the fire.” (Farmer’s Gazette, Sat. 1 March 1913, p. 22)
“A useful machine oil is made of one part of paraffin and three of olive oil”. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 July 1911, p. 11)
Joke About Waterford Aristocrats
Some years ago, Lord Charles Beresford and his brother the Marquis of Waterford were driving in London when the former suddenly said, “Wouldn’t you like to upset that truck of apples?”
Lord Charles Beresford beckoned a boy and said, “Would you like to earn half a sovereign?”
“Do you mean it, sir?”
“Certainly. Go and knock over that truck of apples.”
The boy pocketed the coin and soon the apples were rolling all over the road. A policeman immediately arrested the boy, who said: “These gentlemen over there told me to do it.”
“Sorry gentlemen; but I must make a case of this.”
The three were brought to the police court. The Magistrate asked their names.
“The Marquis of Waterford.”
“Lord Charles Beresford.”
“Your name, my boy?”
“I ain’t going to give a pal away. Put me down, The Duke of Wellington.” (Hampshire Telegraph, Fri. 9 Dec. 1910, p. 12).
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com . Please feel free to comment below or on our facebook page about any of the content.
For Glenmore Folk Remedies see our post of 22 Dec. 2019.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Photo of the Tom & Eliz. Gahan Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
Thanks to Martin Gahan of Ballinamona, Slieverue for sharing this lovely photo of his grandparents and their children.
For further information concerning Elizabeth Gahan née Forristal (1875-1929) and the Forristal family see our last post.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Glenmore’s Pioneer in First Aid: William C. Gaffney (1868-1929)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often spoke of the Gaffney family and how the name, so long associated with Glenmore Village, disappeared from Glenmore before the 1911 Census. Recently, a reader researching a Nicholas Gaffney sought information on the Glenmore family. Today, we are going to highlight one of the last members of the Glenmore family born and reared in Glenmore, William Christopher Gaffney (1868 -1929) who was honoured for his first aid work in his adopted city of London.
Family Background
William Christopher Gaffney was one of seven known children born to Nicholas Gaffney (c. 1834-1893) a miller and farmer, and his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty (c. 1830 -1902). The family lived in a large dwelling house in the Village that housed both their shop and the Glenmore dispensary. Behind their dwelling house was their mill that had been in operation since before 1798 when William C.’s great-grandfather, William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798), the head of the local United Irishmen, was captured and hanged from the old bridge at New Ross on 6 June 1798. See our previous post of 22 Feb. 2020 for further details.
Children of Nicholas Gaffney and Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty:
[1] Nicholas Gaffney (bapt. 28 Jan.1860- died before 1868);
[2] John Gaffney (b. 17 Sept. 1861- ? );
[3] Maryanne Gaffney (29 Aug. 1862-1865 (Q. 1)];
[4] Bridget Gaffney (14 July 1864- ?);
[5] William Christopher Gaffney (7 Feb. 1868- 27 Dec. 1929);
[6] Mary Gaffney (b. 12 Feb. 1870-1870?); and
[7] Nicholas Gaffney (12 April 1872-23 June 1944)].
According to Danny’s notes of an interview he conducted of Nicholas “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) four of the Gaffney children survived to adulthood: [2] John; [4] Bridget; [5] William; and [7] Nicholas. Nicky the Miller also stated that their mother, Kitty Delahunty was from Ballyfacey where Green’s and Freany’s were located at the time of his interview in 1964. [DD Notebook 26, Interview of Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 13 March 1964].
Emigration to London
Unfortunately, we do not know where William was educated, but there is little doubt, based upon his correspondence with the Kilkenny People in 1898, that he was educated. His older brother John lived, worked and married in Waterford in 1882. It is assumed that John and William received post primary education in Waterford and emigrated to London securing employment with two different railways.
Boarding With the Huggins Family
It is not known exactly when William emigrated to London, but he was located in the 1891 English Census. He was 23 years of age and was lodging at 17 Macfarlane Road, Hammersmith, London with the Huggins family. Mrs. Harriet E. Huggins was a 38 year old widow. Four of her children were also in the home: [1) Violet A. Huggins (16); [2] Elvina L. Huggins (14); [3] William D. Huggins (7); and [4] Constance I. Huggins.
William was employed as a railway clerk and his future wife Violet Alice was attending “Teacher School.” Two years later William married Violet Alice Huggins (2 Dec. 1874-25 Nov. 1961) at Fulham, London (England & Wales, Civil Registration Index, 1837-1915, vol. 1a, p. 609). Violet Alice was the daughter of William Huggins (1844-1886) and Harriet Elvina Huggins née Goodborn (1851-1916).
Defence of His Great- Grandfather
In 1898, the centeneriary of the 1798 Rising arrived and several articles were published blaming William Gaffney, the head of the United Irishmen for failing to support the rebels during the Battle of New Ross. Some accounts went so far as to brand him a traitor to the cause. William, and in particular his sister Bridget, wrote to editors seeking to set the record straight. Their great-grandfather was captured and hanged in Rosbercon from the old New Ross bridge by the British on the 6th of June 1798. In the letter below that was published in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1898, p. 8) William publicly thanked Fr. N. Murphy, P.P. at Queen’s Terrace, for debunking several wild assertions about his great-grandfather.
“133 Percy Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W., May 12th, 1898. Reverend and Dear Sir—I have lately received from my sister in Glenmore a copy of the Kilkenny People of March 19th, and write to express my sincere thanks for your defence of our great grandfather in that paper. While defending the fair fame of a Kilkennyman you have conferred a lasting obligation on his descendants by protecting them from an unmerited reproach. Again thanking you for your kind and just action, –I remain, reverend and dear Father, yours obediently, William Gaffney. “
For Danny Dowling’s article on William Gaffney in 1798 see, Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” Decies (vol. 24, p. 14).
William C. Gaffney’s Children
The 1911 Census provides that William and his family were residing at 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinhamshire. William was 43 years of age and was employed as a railway clerk. Violet Alice was 36 and four of their children were listed in the census: [1] Dorothy Olive Gaffney (16) (remained single); [2] Leon Arthur Gaffney (15); [3] Kathleen Ivy Gaffney (5); and [4] William Joseph Gaffney (1) (became a priest).
World War I Tragedy
Gifted Scholar
Leon Authur Gaffney (1895-1915) was a gifted student. Although William had resided in England since at least 1891, an article concerning his eldest son’s academic achievements was found in the Waterford News & Star in 1913.
“An Irish Boy at School in England Gains Nearly £800 in Scholarships—The many friends in Waterford and the neighbourhood, of Mr. William Gaffney, will be pleased to hear of the remarkable success obtained by his son while a pupil at Borlase School, Marlow.
The following remarks by the Head Master last “Speech Day,” as reported in the South Bucks Free Press, are worth quoting: “During the past year we have had successes of a type never before attempted, I believe, ion the history of the school. I will mention these first of all, because your late Head Master, who is (I am glad to say) present here today, on hearing the news, sent me this message, ‘Best thing the school has yet done.’
“He was referring ot the fact that Gaffney had obtained an Open Science Scholarship at New College; Oxford. It is indeed a great pleasure ot find that one of our boys was able to compete successfully against the best of four public schools, for the scholarship was obtaed in strong open competition. But while congratulating ourselves on the fact, I must not forget that Gaffney has shown himself a splendid worker, and I feel sure that he has a great career before him.”
“He is only 17. He came to us five years ago at the age of 23, and he has taken in succession the Minor, Intermediate, and Major Scholarships of the County Council. He has been top in the County and top in All England in Science (192 schools being represented). He now goes to College with £170 a year gain in scholarships by his own industry. I wish him every success when he leaves us, as he does at the end of the term, for Oxford.”
“The total value of the scholarships mentioned, including the Mitchell-Riley (School Leaving) Scholarship of £40 a year, which he was also awarded is £790. He passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination with honours at the age of 16; and the following year was placed in the First Division in the Matriculation Examination of the University of London.”
“Perhaps a greater honour than any, he has now been awarded the school gold medal, presented by the Chairman of the Governors (General Sir George Higginson, G.C.B.) “to the boy who irrespective of success in school, shall have proved himself, by his general conduct and bearing during the past year, to be a credit to the school” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1913, p. 7)
Gallipoli 1915
Just two years after winning all the scholarships Leon Arthur was killed in August 1915 at the age of 20 while serving in the British Army. The military records reveal that Leon was buried in the Lala Baba Cemetery Gallipoli, Turkey.
A short article in the Reading Mercury (Sat. 28 Aug. 1915, p. 6) provides:
“Second Lieutenant L.A. Gaffney, 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, who died of wounds, at the Dardanelles on August 12th, was the eldest son of Mr. William Gaffney, of Slough. He was born in 1895, and educated at Borlase School, Marlow, and from there obtained an open Science Scholarship at New College, Oxford. During the year he was at the University he passed all the examinations leading to the Final Honours, School of Natural Science, and qualified for an Eweime Exhibition. As a member of the Officers’ Training Corps he obtained his commission in August 1914.”
Employment with Great Western Railway at Paddington Station, London
The UK Railway Employment Records reveal that William commenced working at age 19 on 31 October 1887. The first Department where he was assigned was “Agreements.” His salary in 1887 was £60 per annum. By 1890 William was earning £70 per annum and at the time he married in 1893 he was earning £80 per year. William continued to receive raises and moved to the Audit Department. By 1908 be was earning £150 and in 1921, £330.
Pioneer of First Aid
William retired in early 1928. A short article in the Gloucester Journal (Sat. 11 Feb. 1928, p. 21) provides further detail regarding his work and medals.
“One of the pioneers of first aid work on the Great Western Railway, and for more than ten years secretary of the London Centre—Mr. William Gafney, (sic) of the audit department—retired on Tuesday after 31 years’ service. He has assisted in the treatment of over 1,000 accident cases at Paddington.”
“Mr. Gafney is one of the original gold medallists of the G.W.R. for twenty-five years’ first-aid service, and he also holds the King’s Coronation medal for being selected for special ambulance duty at Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of King George. In November 1919, he was decorated with the Order of Serving Brother of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem for his organising work in the London division.”
Interestingly, Johnson & Johnson reported that it was in 1888 that the commercial first aid kit in the US was developed to treat injured railway workers.
Death of William & Violet Alice Gaffney
William Gaffney, of 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinghamshire, died on the 27th of December 1929 (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995).
“Mr. William Gaffney, of King Edward Street, Slough, who has died in Windsor Hospital at the age of 61, was in the audit office at Paddington until he retired a short time ago, and he made ambulance work his hobby. He was Superintendent of Paddington or Prince of Wales District of the Ambulance Brigade, and he held the Coronation medal. He also received the G.W.R. gold medals for long service, having completed 25 years in the movement. He was a Serving Brother of the Order, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him (Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, Fri. 10 January 1930, p. 2).
William’s widow probated his estate and his effects were listed as £229 1s. 3d. (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995). William Gaffey was buried in Berkshire (England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, vol. 2 c, p. 517).
Violet Alice remained in the family home, 41 King Edward St., Slough, Buckinghamshire, and remained a widow for 32 years. She died on the 25th of November 1961 at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot Sunninghill, Berkshire. Letters of Probate were given to her children Reverend William Joseph Gaffney (clerk) and Dorothy Olive Gaffney (spinster). Her effects were listed as £2972 19s. 5d.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above is an old post card from the 1920’s of Paddington Station, London.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Animal Antics
Today, we are going present some of the newspaper clippings that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected while conducting research on Glenmore. Although the clippings do not involve Glenmore people they were found in the Munster Express and undoubtedly became the topic of conversation around the parish wherever people met.
Visiting Bovines
The first clipping printed in 1910 involves a cow in Belfast. Following it the Munster Express added a Waterford bull story. Everyone who has ever had the pleasure of working with bovines knows that they are curious animals.
“Cow Walks Upstairs—On Wednesday a cow, while being driven through Chichester street, Belfast, suddenly bolted into the offices of the rent agency of Mr. Manderson. Much to the amusement of the spectators, it made its way up the steep stairway, and calmly laid down before the office door on the first landing. Quite a crowd gathered to watch the efforts to evict the intruder, and no easy task it proved. Eventually she was obliged to descend, and on reaching the street was greeted with an enthusiastic cheer.”
“It is only the other day that a bull was being led along one of the principal thoroughfares in Waterford, when he suddenly took it into his head to walk into a chemist’s shop, which he did despite the persuasions of his custodian. Having sniffed round the emporium and scrutinised the many coloured phials, Master Taurus was coaxed back without further adventure to the open world again. He was evidently not looking for medicine” (Munster Express, Sat. 4 June 1910, p. 8).
Profitable Piggies
Prior to the middle of the twentieth century nearly every Glenmore household kept a pig or two. For the people breeding pigs, many a night was spent holding vigil awaiting a sow having bonhams. For our international readers bonhams are piglets. Large litters were widely discussed. The following article from 1962 reflects that details regarding large litters were still found in mainstream newspapers.
Record for Bonhams—During the course of a programme sponsored by Messrs. Whelans of Finglass, Dublin, from Radio Eireann during the weekend it was stated that a sow with a litter of 28 bonhams (25 of which survived), was considered an Irish record. This the Munster Express disputed. Paddy Phelan, of Ballykeohan, Kilmacow, had a sow that gave birth to 31 bonhams last August. A total of 29 of the bonhams survived (Munster Express, Fri. 13 April 1962, p. 14).
Horse Takes a Horse Less Carriage
With the advent of the motor car the newspapers were full of mishaps between the new motor cars and horse drawn vehicles. The Munster Express in 1903 published the following snippet concerning a young French horse who hitched a ride in a motor car.
In Rheims, a young horse was startled by a passing motor car. In a panic he ran toward another car and leaped into the tonneau. [I’m certain that word caused head scratching amongst local readers.] Fortunately, no one was occupying the passenger compartment. However, in leaping into the vehicle the horse’s forelegs struck the driver and thew the driver into the road. The horse was now the sole passenger of the motor car, but he did not seem to like it. He made several attempts to jump down, but appeared afraid. The vehicle was traveling at a fair speed along a broad, straight road. “Finally, the car, overtaxed by the weight of its unwanted occupant, came to a halt at a bit of steep hill. The horse scrambled out…” unhurt (Munster Express, Sat. 11 July 1903, p. 7).
Novel Bullfight
It wasn’t long before farmers recognised the benefit of the new motor cars. In the newspaper clipping below a farmer had a 10 hp Pick car in 1903 which may have been able to achieve 25 to 35 miles per hour. The Pick Motor Company of Stamford, Lincolnshire was a British motor vehicle manufacturer that operated from 1899-1925.
Mr. John Phillips, a modern Essex farmer, had several farms spread across a considerable distance. He decided that a motor car was the “most practicable means of doing his day’s work in a day. He invested in a ten horse Pick car” and learned to drive it. He began to use it to make his rounds. One morning on the road near one of his farms, “he met a vicious bull…described as a record bull, having killed two men and injured others.” The bull had broken out of his enclosure “and was stalking sullenly along in search of adventure…” When John Phillips tooted his horn the bull became enraged. “Down went the great head as he charged. There was no escaping the encounter, so the farmer likewise put on speed. The two met with a crash. The bull went down. He got to his feet and returned to the attack.” This time John Phillips turned suddenly and struck the bull in the rear. The bull went down again, but when he stumbled to his feet he decided that he had had enough. He fled bellowing, the motor car pursuing him until he was driven into a corner and captured. After this encounter it was reported that all the fight was taken out of the bull thanks to “meeting with an adversary he never bargained for” (Munster Express, Sat. 11 July 1903, p. 7).
How Much?
It is not known whether the small clipping below involved the local meat factory, Clover Meats. During its long existence Clover Meats provided much needed local employment. Below is the cutting published in the Munster Express in 1939.
An old farmer took a very decrepit looking cow into the factory yard. The foreman looked at the old cow. The foreman asked the farmer, “How much do you want for the old frame.” The farmer responded, “Here, have the frame, handlebars and all for fifty bob.” Munster Express, Fri. 11 August 1939, p. 2).
[In old money a bob was 1 shilling. There were 20 shillings in a £ (pound). Thus 50 bob represents £2.5 (pounds).]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
For previous posts regarding newspaper clippings see our post of 28 July 2021 regarding 19th century Glenmore newspaper articles or our post of 3 June 2020.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Mullinahone, Glenmore to the Somme & Back: Patrick Condon (1898-1989) [UPDATED]
In a previous blog we highlighted some of “the firsts” Danny Dowling recorded regarding Glenmore inhabitants. For example, John Condon was the first person in Glenmore to own a bicycle and it was a penny farthing. Recently, Frank Condon made contact and shared information concerning his father Patrick Condon and his grandfather John Condon. Today, we are going to highlight the Condon family of Mullinahone, Glenmore and particularly Patrick Condon (1898-1989) who served in the Somme during the First World War. This family is an interesting example of how a family name appeared and disappeared from Glenmore in just one generation.
John Condon (1859-1934)
According to the information provided by Frank, John Condon (1859-1934) left his home in Mitchelstown, County Cork, to pursue “the rambling trade as a journeyman tailor.” This is how he found himself in the little village of Glenmore. “Just a bit down the lane from the village was the home of the master tailor Mr. Malone. Malone’s business was thriving and so he was glad to employ another experienced tailor. Here John Condon settled down in that Malone home doing business in that cottage in Mullinahone. The young Miss Margaret Malone…was pleased with her father’s new tailor. In the passage of time Margaret Malone and John Condon fell in love and married. In time their family consisted of six girls and three boys.”
A review of the Glenmore parish records revealed that John Condon married Margaret Malone on 10 February 1881. The father of the bride was Philip Malone (tailor) and the father of the groom was David Condon (deceased tailor). The bride, Margaret Malone, was baptized at Glenmore on 13 April 1857, the daughter of Philip Malone and his wife Bridget Malone née Grace, of Mullinahone. Philip Malone and Bridget Grace were married on 25 April 1844 at Slieverue, both parties resided in Mullinahone. Four siblings of Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1913) were found in the records [1] Mary Malone (bapt. 14 Mar. 1845); [2] Patrick Malone (bapt. 2 Mar. 1847); [3] William Malone (bapt. 7 May 1850); and [4] Johanna Malone (b. 6 Mar. 1860). Based upon the information provided on the headstone in Glenmore cemetery John Condon was born about 1859, and a baptismal record was found for John Condon (bapt. 1 Jan. 1859) the son of David Condon and Mary O’Brien, of Furrow, Mitchelstown, County Cork.
Ten birth records for the children of John Condon (1859-1934) and Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1912) were located: [1] Mary Condon (b. 19 Mar. 1882); [2] David Condon (b. 6 Nov. 1883); [3] William Condon (b. 5 Nov. 1885); [4] Bridget Condon (b. 1 Aug. 1887); [5] Ellen Condon (b. 3 Oct. 1889); [6] Edmund Condon (b. 17 Oct. 1891); [7] Johanna Condon (b. 14 March 1894); [8] Margaret Condon (b. 18 May 1896); [9] Patrick Condon (b. 13th May 1898); [10] Catherine Condon (b. 4 June 1900). It is believed that the eldest two children of the family died prior to 1901. Mary and David could not be located in the 1901 Census and in the 1911 Census it was reported that 10 children were born to the marriage, but only 8 were alive in 1911. In 1901 two elderly lodgers: Patrick Byrne (65) a farm labourer and Mary Washington (70) a domestic servant were residing with the family. By 1911 only the three youngest children were living at home: Margaret (15); Patrick (13); and Katie (11). The death registry provides that Margaret Condon née Malone died on the 16th of December 1912 of TB.
Private Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
Patrick Condon was the youngest son of the family and worked at the Glenmore creamery in his youth. Frank reported that a local constable by the name of Halpin encouraged his father to “take the English shilling. Four months later my father found himself in a muddy, water filled trench in Flanders.” According to Frank his father was involved in communication. “He was a top class signaller in ‘Aldis Lantern,’ wireless and semaphore signalling which was accomplished with flags. However, by 1916 semaphore signalling fell out of use on battlefields. For an interesting article on W.W. 1 communications see, “Innovating in Combat: Telecommunications and Intellectual Property in the First World War.”
According to the British National Army Museum records, Patrick Condon enlisted at New Ross on 21 March 1916 with the Royal Munster Fusiliers. His place of birth is listed as Glenmore, New Ross, Kilkenny and he listed his father, John Condon, Mullinahone, Glenmore, Kilkenny as his next of kin. His army service number was 7211530. The World War I Medal Rolls Index Cards states that Patrick Condon entered the “theatre of War” 19 December 1915.
When Patrick was discharged his address was still Glenmore and his character on discharge was recorded as “exemplary.” In his 1989 obituary it is noted that his only legacy from his active service in the Battle of the Somme where half a million British soldiers died, and from the battle of Ypres was a foot swelling problem known as “French feet” (trench foot). (New Ross Standard, 21 Dec. 1989, p. 6). While searching contemporary newspapers an article was located entitled “The Munsters in the Retreat from St. Quentin, 27 March 1918.” It is not known if Patrick was involved in this event, but in this harrowing account the Munster Fusiliers were trapped 9 miles behind enemy lines and fought their way toward the safety of the British trenches. In order to reach the British lines they had to cross the Somme on a bridge, between Chipilly and Céristy, held by the Germans. Under the cover of darkness they observed the bridge and overheard the password used by the German sentries. The Munsters boldly marched in formation up to the bridge where a German sentry halted them and demanded the password. The Munster adjunct who could speak a little German called out the password. The Munsters then stormed the bridge and crossed before the surprised Germans could regroup (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
According to Frank, at the conclusion of the war Patrick’s regiment was transferred to Palestine. While in Palestine Patrick was able to complete his secondary education. In 1922 with the establishment of the Free State the Irish Royal Regiments such as the Dublin and Munster Fusiliers were disbanded. Patrick returned to Ireland and joined the Free State Irish Army. According to the British National Army Museum, it is estimated that half of the Irish National Army, formed in 1923, were former members of the Munsters.
Frank revealed that his father was much perturbed when he discovered that he had to buy his own boots. He resigned his enlistment with the Irish Free State army after an incident when a sentry nearly shot him when he went to relieve the sentry. Frank noted that at this time the electrification of Ireland was underway. His father secured a job building the massive pylons for the cables. Ironically Patrick found that he was employed by a German company that got the contract to erect the pylons.
Civilian Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
On 31 October 1927 Patrick Condon, (labourer) of Glenmore married Johanna Henneberry, of Michael Street, New Ross. Patrick Henneberry was the father of the bride and Elizabeth Henneberry was one of the witnesses.
In 1985 the following article was published in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Nov. 1985, p. 9) regarding Patrick Condon and his bride–
“58 years married—One of New Ross’s oldest couples, Patrick and Annie Condon, Bullawn, will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on Thursday (today). Married in the Parish Church, New Ross, on 31st of October 1927, Thursday will also mark a further anniversary for Annie Condon (nee Henneberry), for she will be 88 years old. A retired milk roundsman who worked with Sutton’s Dairy Company, Patrick Condon is a native of Glenmore, while his wife is from Michael St., New Ross. Both are the last surviving members of their families.”
Patrick Condon died on 16 December 1989 at the age of 92. He was survived by his wife and the following children: John Condon, of New Ross; Frank Condon of Sheffield; Bill Condon of Swindon; Noel Condon of London and Anne Foley née Condon of Knockmullen, New Ross. Patrick was the last surviving member of his family. The obituary that was published in the New Ross Standard may be found on our obituary page.
Patrick Condon’s Siblings
It proved difficult to find information on the siblings of Patrick Condon. Thanks to the information provided by Frank we know that William Condon is buried in Carrick-on-Suir. During the early years of the twentieth century William Condon played on the Glenmore Junior Football team and a William Condon was located in the Waterford City Census, living in the Glen, aged 24, single, born in Kilkenny.
There in only one headstone in the Glenmore cemetery bearing the name Condon and it was erected by Margaret Condon and it contains references to her parents as well as her sister Kate. Catherine “Kate” Condon (1900-1971) married Patrick Walsh (1899-1965) at Glenmore on 13th August 1929. The groom was the son of William Walsh (labourer) of Glenmore. We believe that Patrick was born on 31 October 1899 the son of William Walsh (labourer) and Katie Walsh née Aylward of Robinstown, Glenmore. Lastly, Johanna Condon lived and worked for James and Hannah Culleton of Kilbride, Glenmore (1911 Census).
[Update 9 Oct. 2021: In a previous update a helpful reader believed that Mary Reddy née Walsh, known as Mary Walsh of the Chapel, the Glenmore sacristan, was a daughter of Patrick Walsh and Kate Condon. Frank Condon contacted us and said that Kitty Walsh was the neice of Paddy Walsh and Kate Walsh née Condon. Paddy Walsh and his wife Kate Walsh née Condon had no children. Their niece Kitty Walsh married Watty Murphy.]
Special thanks to Frank Condon who shared information concerning his father and grandfather. Please send any corrections, additional information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of the Royal Munster Fusilier’s cap badge is courtesy of the © National Army Museum, Army gallery available at https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1970-12-236-10.
The drawing of the Munsters storming the bridge over the Somme was by D. MacPherson (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
UPDATED 28 Oct. 2021, Special thanks to Frank Condon who sent the photos of his parents, the photo of himself and brothers in uniform and Kitty Murphy née Walsh, as well as photos of the members of the New Ross Condon line. Unfortunately due to space limitations we are only able to publish a few here, but hope to share the others in future posts.
The Popular Lucy’s Rock, Glenmore [Updated]
Recently while going through some of Danny Dowling’s files, Pat Dowling found an old newspaper article which made reference to Lucy’s Rock, Glenmore. The location of Lucy’s Rock in Glenmore led to a lot of head scratching and a review of old maps. A newspaper search revealed numerous articles referencing Lucy’s Rock, but only one identified its exact location. One of the earliest articles located was published in 1893. Daniel Cody, of Carrickcloney, Glenmore, sought £50 to repair a sudden breach in the protection wall which ran by the side of the Barrow from Shanbogh bridge to Lucy’s rock on the “mail car road from New Ross to Waterford” (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 13 Sept. 1893, p. 3). A few years later Lucy’s Rock was the scene of an assault and intimidation of a young Waterford cattle drover on his way to the New Ross fair (Waterford Standard, Sat. 19 June 1897, p. 4). According to the young man assaulted “Lucy Rock” was two miles from the Kelly house in Graiguenakill, Glenmore.
The most numerous and interesting articles concern the annual aeridheachts and regattas held at Lucy’s Rock commencing in 1901, and eventually one of the articles identified exactly where Lucy’s Rock is located. The following account is from the New Ross Standard of Saturday the 31st of August 1901 (p. 5) and covers the first aeridheacht.
“On Sunday afternoon an aeridheacht, or open air Irish festival, the first of the kind in the district was brought off with much success at Lucy Rock, Glenmore. To Mr John Mullally, ex-PLG, [Poor Law Guardian] who organised this Irish gathering, much credit is due. Valuable prizes were offered for the best Irish dancers, and nearly two thousand admirers of the delightful terpsichorean art attended. The St. Mary’s Brass Band was present, and played at intervals a choice selection of Irish music, including “Kathleen Mavoureen,””We’re Irish Yet,” ” Ireland,” ” The Harp that Once,” and “God Save Ireland.” Mr. Mullally opened the proceedings in the Irish tongue and subsequently in English, in which he expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large attendance of Irish Ireland. The gathering was so unexpectantly large that he regretted the accommodation they had provided was not nearly sufficient. He then declared the aeridheacht open.
The judge of the dancing competitions were–Messrs T. Cashen, D.C.; Kennedy, Tullogher, and North, Camblin. Details: Irish Jig—John Walsh, Busherstown, first and only prize. Mr Mullaly, who is an ardent Irishman, competed in this event. Double—Prize won by John Walsh, Busherstown. Also competed—J Doherty, C. Cody, P Hanton, E. Purcell. etc. Hornpipe—John Walsh, Philip Morrissey, Luke Maddock, Robert Barry, C. Cody, T. Madock and Phelan. New Ross, competed for the prizes in this event and the judges singled out Barry, Morrissey, and Luke Maddock as the best and put the trio through a second round, when they declared the order of merit thus -Morrissey, 1; Barry, 2; and Maddock, 3. Barry was the best time keeper, but exhibited too much of the English clog style, whereas Morrissey was the best Irish dancer. The judges in giving their decision recommended competitors to adhere as closely as possible to the Irish ideal. Irish Reel for Ladies—Miss Roche, Glenmore, and Miss M’Namera, Rosbercon, competed. Their merits were considered equal, and each was given a prize. Irish Airs—Mr. P M’Namara, New Ross, whose excellence as a violinist, is well-known, played a selection of Irish airs on the king of instruments, and a prize was voted him. The competitions excited the keenest possible interest.
Two things in connection with the gathering were to be regretted–a heavy rainfall and two rowdies. The rowdies belonged to Rathinure and Jamestown, and there was unanimous approval of the action of the stalwart hon sec, when he promptly landed rowdy No. 1 into the pill, where he got a highly deserved and serviceable cooling.“
Newspaper articles concerning the annual event were found right up to 1910. The Dublin Evening Herald on Saturday the 10th of August 1907 (p. 7) had a short article entitled “Lucy Rock” and provides that one of the most pleasant and attractive “reunions” takes place “annually at the Pink Rock, otherwise known as Lucy Rock, situated on the Barrow near Glenmore. The programme arranged for the 1907 celebration of this popular meeting… provided amusement for every class. Splendid sports on terra firma! Exciting contest on the water! Gaelic pastimes! Vocal talent in competition.” Thus accordig to the Dublin newspaper the Pink Rock was also referred to as Lucy Rock. How or why the area had two names is not known.
A quick search of the 1901 census revealed that there were two men named John Mullally in the area. There was a 40 year-old, single man in Ballyeden (sic), Shanbogh and the second John Mullally aged 47, was a married farmer in Forristalstown, Glenmore. The 1901 census reveals that the John Mullally, of Forristalstown, could read and write English and Irish. The second John Mullally is believed to have been the organiser of the event.
Update 4 June 2021–In the 1911 census John Mullally, of Forristalstown, was still living in Forristalstown with his wife Johanna (age 57), his son Thomas (age 17), and daughters Mary (age 19) and Ellen (age 15). In January 1912 John Mullally advertised his farm for sale by public auction (New Ross Standard 26 Jan. 1912). A marriage record was located. John Mullally married Johanna Synott on 30 April 1890 at Slieverue. John Mullally was the son of Thomas Mullally (farmer) of Forristalstown, Glenmore and his bride was the daughter of Michael Synott (farmer) of Attateemore, Slieverue. It appears that the couple after selling the Forristalstown farm moved to 64 O’Connell St., Waterford where they ran a pub. John Mullally died on the 26th of November 1915 at the age of 62 and Johanna Mullally née Synott died on the 30th of Nov. 1925. Ger Doherty, of Forristalstown, today stated that he thinks that John Mullally’s father was the agent for the landlord. Ger also said that John Mullally built the coal shed in Ballyverneen at Maid’s Quay and later sold it to the Glenmore Creamery.
[Update 7 June 2021: Per a weir inquiry in 1863 Thomas Mullally was the Landlord Mackessy’s rent warner. For a discussion of the weir cases see the blog post Glenmore Fishing and Weirs. Thanks Veronica for pointing this out.]
From Ger Doherty, of Forristalstown, Glenmore, 4 June 2021–The following information concerning Lucy Rock was given to me around 1975 by Denis (Dinny) Murphy RIP late of Milltown, Glenmore. He was a fisherman on the river Barrow for many years in his youth. The Lucy was in fact a ship which sank around 1895-1900 period at the spot now known as Lucy Rock or sometimes, Lucy Point. This spot is the area around where the New Ross Port monument is now located.
At that time sailing vessels travelled regularly to New Ross Port. However, they could not put up their sails until they reached deeper water around Cheekpoint. To get around this problem, the ships were towed down on the tide by 6 or 8 men in a large rowing boat. They were called “bargemen”. On the day that the Lucy sank, she was being towed down the river. As she rounded the turn at Stokestown on the Wexford side, and Forristalstown on the Kilkenny side, she was caught by the wind and blown aground more or less where the “Pink Rock” stone is now located. As the tide was dropping, the captain ordered his crew to secure the ship with ropes to a tree on the ditch of Ned Doherty’s field. Unfortunately, as the tide fell away, either the ropes snapped or the tree gave way and the ship toppled backwards into the river where it sank.
My late father Seamus Doherty told me that the wreck could be seen at low tide up to the early 1950’s, but there is no trace of it now. In the 1960’s the New Ross Harbour Board erected a navigation light on top of a white pier on Lucy Rock. This in turn has been superseded by a light on a pole. The pier can still be seen today.
In an attempt to find a newspaper report of the loss of the sailing ship Lucy the following newspaper article regarding the building of then new line (road) between Waterford and New Ross (which continued to be the main road until the 1990’s) was found. This article indicates that the Lucy sank prior to 1836. There are several ships named Lucy, Lucy Anne etc., so it is not yet known which one sank in the Barrow.
Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 5 March 1836, p. 7–Letter to the Editor of the Waterford Chonicle, Ross, February 23d, 1836
“Sir—Permit me through the columns of your independent paper to draw the attention of those persons concerned in the navigation of the river between Cheek Point and New Ross, to what, if permitted to be carried on much longer, will render the navigation of vessels of a large class to the town wholly impeded, and I trust if this letter meet the eye of the contractor of the new line of road to Waterford, via Lucy Rock, he will see the necessity of discontinuing a practice which would eventually be incalculable injury to the trade of Ross. Whether by order of such contractor, immense quantities of stone rubbish and stuff, dug in making the new road above mention, are thrown over the rock into that part of the river called the West Channel, and at the very narrowest part too, not being more than 45 or 50 feet wide at his point; ‘tis most unwarrantable, this being heretofore the safest and deepest part for vessels of a large draft of water, flowing eight fathoms and a half at low water. But if the practice I have allude to is continued, the flow being so narrow at this point, it would eventually become as shallow as other parts of the river. If such conduct on the part of those road makers be not immediately discontinued, I call on the merchants and shipowners of Ross, in defence of their trade and the navigation of the river, to take immediate steps for its prevention. Your obedient servant, Michael Dunn, pilot”
If anyone has any further or different information concerning Lucy or Lucy’s Rock, the ship, or any of the participants etc. please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of the sheet music “Kathleen Mouvereen” is courtesy of the National Museum of American History edanmdm.nmah_670717. It was written in the 1820’s and apparently was a very popular song during the American Civil War.