War of Independence
now browsing by category
One Hundred Years Ago: The Peace Christmas 1921
In December 1921, most of the local newspapers referred to the impending Christmas as the Peace Christmas. The War of Independence had ended, the fragile truce was holding and the Civil War although smouldering did not commence until June of 1922. Below are a selection of events, advertisements, prices and wages reaped from local newspapers in December 1921 prior to Christmas. In 1921 these local newspapers could be purchased for 2d (2 pence).
Royal Proclamation Regarding Internees
At the beginning of December 1921, it was reported that a Royal Proclamation was issued ordering the immediate release of interned prisoners. On Thursday the 15th of December 5,000 men, who were never charged, were to be released. It was further reported that an English Press Agency had provided that the question of amnesty for all Irish political prisoners are discussed at the Conferences, but it was decided to leave the matter to be adjusted after the ratification of the terms of the Agreement by the British and Irish Parliaments (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 4).
On Thursday the 8th a large number of prisoners and internees, including two belonging to Waterford, arrived in Waterford by the 8 o’clock train from Maryborough. They were met at the station by a huge crowd carrying Sinn Fein flags. As the train steamed in many fog signals were exploded and bonfires blazed on the rock overhanging the station. On the same date two prisoners were released from the Waterford jail, Miss Cullanane, of Kilmacthomas and Miss Lilian Hawe, of Cobh (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Dec.1921, p. 5)
Across the river in County Kilkenny the entire population of the Walsh Mountains went to Mullinvat on the 16th to welcome home the released prisoners. The street of Mullinavat was decorated and the windows of the houses illuminated. In the centre of the village an enormous bonfire blazed that burned for several days. The surrounding hills were also ablaze with bonfires. The released men were R. Foskin; J. Foskin, P. MacDonald; P. Raftis; J. Durney; and M. McGrath (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Dec. 1921, p. 5).
1921 Local Christmas Shopping & Business Advertisements
In reviewing local newspapers from December 1921 there are a couple of surprising items. The abbreviation “Xmas” is used in most local business advertisements. The second surprise was the fact that many local businesses advertised a wide range of Christmas gifts for sale which were well outside the type of items or goods usually sold by the business. For example, Murphy’s Bakery, on John Street in New Ross informed shoppers that “now is the time to make your selection of Christmas Presents—Great Variety of Toys, games and fancy goods and proclaimed that it was the house for china and delph (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 December 1921, p. 4).
Christmas Turkey
It was reported in the New Ross Standard that nearly 15,000 turkeys were “despatched” from New Ross by local buyers with nearly £10,000 being paid for the turkeys Amongst the turkeys brought into Ross during the past few weeks were a few cocks that weighed 27 lbs. each. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 Dec. 1921, p. 4).
The Wexford Poultry Society placed the following verse in the New Ross Standard to promote their product (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1921, p. 2).
Turkeys. Turkeys. Turkeys. What is home without a mother? Or what is Christmas Day without a turkey? We tell the truth, we don’t tell lies, We have the finest turkeys every size. Come early and avoid the rush, If you are satisfied tell others, if not tell us.
Other Foods for the Festive Season
James Fleming of New Ross advertised for Xmas 1921… a choice selection of goods suitable for the festive season including: meats of every kind; finest young beef and mutton; bacon of every description; hams; sausages; rashers; and heads etc. Also, Fleming claimed the best selected teas, new fruits and new season’s jams and every variety of Jacob’s biscuits and cakes—Plum, Cherry, Ginger, etc. Only the best brands stocked. SOLD AT LOWEST FIGURES. However, no prices were provided to test if the prices were the lowest (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 Dec. 1921, p. 1).
The London & Newcastle Tea Co. at 3 Charles St., New Ross provided some prices for “Xmas Groceries” but sent out a slightly garbled message to customers. “Shop early in the week and early in the day if possible, but if not come any time. Best Value in the Trade. Raisins from 1/-per lb. Currants from 7 ½ d per lb.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 6).
C. Sheehan & Sons, Bridge St., New Ross appealed to potential customers by advertising “All our goods are plainly marked in our windows. Shop with the firm that displays prices and stocks only the best.” Their advertised special included fancy boxed fruit from 1/-; South African oranges from 1/- per dozen; and tinned meats, potted meats; brawn from 10d. per lb.; onions, 4s per stone and Irish cheddar cheese, 1 /4 per lbs. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1921, p. 5).
The most straightforward advertisements came from Murray’s Victuallers, of South St., New Ross and William Aylward Family Grocer of O’Connell Street and Thomas St., Waterford. Murray’s “Ye Olde Butchers’ Shop (established over 50 years)” had prime beef and mutton for Christmas “specially fed on my own lands” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1921, p. 5). William Aylward was a native of Parkstown, Glenmore and in addition to groceries sold tea, wine and spirits. In December 1921 the word Christmas or Xmas does not appear in his advertisements. However, he offered “stabling accommodation free to customers” (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Dec. 1921, p. 3).
Christmas Presents
Moran Brothers Printers and Stationers of New Ross advertised a number of items including: Christmas and New Year cards, religious cards and markers, children’s gift books and annuals, prayer books, writing cases, wallets, pocket books, fountain pens, photo frames and stationary cabinets (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 1).
Doyle and Dillon Jewellers, of 76 Quay, Waterford stated “gifts that last are the gifts to give.” They noted that they had Christmas presents of silver or plate ranging from 2/6 to £50. They advertised silver candlestick from 25 per pair; silver mounted salad bowl and servers from £6 6s; and a cut glass butter dish with lid and stand from 10/- (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Dec. 1921 p. 1). Zimber Brothers Jewellers, of 7 Charles St., New Ross advertised alarm clocks for 7s 6d (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 dec. 1921, p. 6). Next door, R.G. Vickers, watchmakers, jewellers, and opticians (late Fegan) of 5 Charles St. offered gold expanding bracelet watches from £3.18s.6d; ladies’ wrist watches from 15s; and alarm clocks from 3 s. 11d. Vickers also noted that it had “a choice selection of spider jewellery” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 dec. 1921, p. 8).
Clothing
Very few businesses advertised in a newspaper in another town or city. One exception was the Phelan Brothers, of George St., Waterford who advertised in the New Ross Standard as well as the Munster Express. Phelan Brothers, was also unique because it had the largest ads taking up a fourth of the newspaper page. In an effort to avoid the continued boycotting of non-Irish goods the Phelan Brothers noted that they were the “Cheapest Drapery and Boot Stores in Ireland,” and 75 per cent of their goods were Irish made. Within the long list of items on sale several of the items were army surplus such as socks and blankets. Phelan Brothers stated, “We pay carriage on all orders over £1. All enquiries when accompanied with remittance to cover cost of postage will be attended to as quickly as possible…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 5).
French and Hayden, The Cloth Hall, New Ross were selling men’s heavy tweed overcoats at 33s that cost £3 to make; men’s Irish-made trousers at 20s; boys’ suits, 16s, 11d; men’s shirts 3 s, 11d; inside cotton pants and vest, 2s, 6d [long underwear]…all wool socks 1s 2d; ladies’ all wool tweed coats, 19s 6d; tweed costumes, 45s; raincoats 24s; tweed skirts 3s 11d; and heavy ribbed stockings 1s, 2d (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1921, p. 4).
Edward Deevy and Co. of 1 & 2 Michael St. and 54-55-56-57-58 & 59 Patrick St., Waterford, in addition to having unusual addresses advertised gents overcoats 35s. up; suits from 35 s. up..caps from 1s each…soft hats from 8s. 6d; ladies’ handkerchiefs neatly boxed from 1s. 3d. per box (of half dozen) to 15s.; scarves from 2s 6d to 45 s. “Dressmaking department—have our expert cutter make you a costume. Now taking orders…navy serge costume to order £3 10s.; tweed costume to order, in ten colours £2 19s 6d. Orders executed strictly in rotation (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 1).
Santa & Toys
The vast majority of 1921 Christmas advertisements in local newspapers do not mention toys or Santa Claus. Santa Claus only appears on the pages of the Waterford News & Star in December 1921. Edward Deevy & Co. with the unusual address in Waterford stated that they were the “store of Christmas spirit,” and their advertisement had a drawing of the head of Santa. “Santa Claus has arrived with his trunks full of toys for the children…it will be a treat don’t let them miss it” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 1). Thanks to the Deevy ads we have a list of some of the toys available in 1921 for those who could afford them. Deevey shamelessly advertised “Toys in great variety for the kiddies—do not deny the little ones the treat of inspecting our huge collection of toys. Santa Claus has made our shop his headquarters, and has brought with him a present for everyone including: coloured lead soldiers; bugles; tops; musical boxes; dolls’ sets of kitchen and table utensils; teddy bears; mechanical trains; xmas stockings; dressed and undressed dolls; etc. etc. Come along and see them—it does not matter whether you buy or not” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Dec. 1921, p. 11).
John Carroll & Co., 47 Quay, Waterford utilized a full drawing of Santa Claus in their advertisement in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 9 Dec. 1921, p. 4). Although Robertson, Ledlie, Ferguson & Co., the Quay, Waterford (now Shaw’s Dept. Store) made no reference to Santa Claus, it did declare itself Waterford’s greatest store for Christmas gifts. “Our great xmas bazaar and toy fair is in full swing. Immense variety of toys; dolls; games; motor cars; scooters; engines and hundreds of other choice gifts suitable for xmas presents” (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Dec. 1921, p. 2).
Charity
The New Ross Standard carried several articles in December advertising the Annual Pound Day which was to take place on 2 January 1922 to raise funds for the County Wexford Infirmary. Readers were asked to bring or send a pound of anything, money, Foodstuffs etc. to the Institution or to Mrs. G.H. Fitzgerald, Johnstown Castle, Wexford. “FUNDS MORE URGENTLY NEEDED THAN EVER” (Fri. 23 Dec. 1921, p. 9). It was widely reported that by the end of January the workhouse system would end and institutions caring for the poor were scrambling seeking funding.
Wages
The New Ross Market, held in mid-December 1921 had the following reported prices paid to farmers for their produce: turkeys, 10d to 1s per lb; geese, 7d to 9d per lb; ducks, 6d per lb.; chickens, 1s per lb; hens, 6d per lb; eggs, 2s 6d per dozen; butter, 1s.3d per lb; and potatoes, 6d. per stone, wholesale (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1921, p. 8).
On Christmas Eve it was reported in the Munster Express that the County Council of Kilkenny had announced and endorsed a plan to reduce the wages of its road workers by 7 shillings per week representing a reduction of a quarter of the wages of a road worker. This proposal to cut the wages of road workers was made to tackle high unemployyment. It was thought that if wages were reduced more men could be hired. It was noted that agricultural labourers were earning 30 shillings per week and were better off than the road workers because the agricultural labourers were in constant employment while the roadmen only worked part of the year. After objections and discussion, it was agreed that for employees earning £2 or more would have their wage reduced by 7 shillings per week, and employees on lower wages would have their wages reduced by 5 shillings per week (Munster Express, Sat. 24 Dec. 1921, p. 5).
Glenmore in the News
The only article concerning Glenmore just prior to Christmas 1921 noted that a branch of the Gaelic League was started in Glenmore Parish, where a “most successful” meeting in furtherance of the League’s objects was held. “The special schoolroom in which the inaugural meeting was held was not equal to accommodating the large numbers present.” Nicholas O’Currin (sic), the teacher in the old Glenmore Boys’ School directed the meeting. (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Dec.1921 p. 6).
Please send any errors or omissions to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The photo to the right is St. James Catholic Church, of Glenmore, with a Christmas tree in front. The photo was taken Christmas Eve 2021.
The featured photo above is a photo of the Glenmore Village Christmas tree and light display 2021.
We wish all our readers a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year!
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: August 1921
As July 1921 ended it was noted that July was one of the sunniest months the area had experienced for 80 years, and rain only fell on five days in July amounting to only one-fifth of an inch for the total rainfall for the month (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 4). The weather broke and by the 6th of August it was reported that the Barrow had overflowed its banks and hundreds of acres of meadows were under water in the Monstrevan district (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). The extreme weather also resulted in mushrooms. On the 2nd and 3rd of August “buckets of mushrooms were brought into New Ross and sold at prices that were remunerative to the pickers,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8). At the beginning of August, Patrick Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, Glenmore suffered a fire in a big shed containing about 50 tons of hay. The fire was observed by neighbours around 10 o’clock. It was reported that Patrick Fitzgerald was not at home, and when the neighbours rushed to the fire they could not save the large rick. “The big hay barn was also very much damaged. Cars and machines in a house were also destroyed. The flames reached a house where a fat bull and a cow were tethered. The bull succeeded in freeing himself from the tether and escaping with a burned face; but the cow not being able to free herself was burned to death. It is not yet known what the amount of the damage is, but it is considerable. It is believed it was insured” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
The Truce
The truce of the 11th of July continued to hold. The local newspapers reported on some of the damage from the war. An engineer from the Kilkenny County Council inspected the burned Ferry Mountgarret bridge, outside New Ross. There were rumours that a light bridge would be erected until a new bridge could be built. It was reported that “[s]ome years ago the Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils passed a certain sum for the building of a new bridge” about a hundred yards above the old bridge (New Ross Standard, 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8).
Most of the local roads and bridges were trenched and “considerable inconvenience was caused.” By mid-August it was reported that while many were filled since the truce was called, in County Wexford many trenches remained open. “Perhaps it would be well in the public interest if they were filled” (New Ross Standard, 12 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Commandant Tom Barry, I.R.A., chief officer for Munster, Wexford and Kilkenny reported 12 further complaints of breaches of the truce by the Crown. One complaint concerned 16 men held in Waterford whose terms of sentence expired, and they were removed to Spike Island on August 1. It was also reported that Crown troops had not returned property including parts of motors in some districts causing considerable loss of trade and the mail was only being delivered every other day in Piltown (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Complaints that would previously not pass censorship began to appear in local newspapers. For example, it was reported in the Waterford Gaol that political prisoners, both tried and untried, went on a hunger strike as a protest against the quality and quantity of food supplied in the prison (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 August 1921, p. 13). Complaints were printed regarding the higher postal rates “and in some respects the service is less efficient than in war time. The abolition of the Sunday delivery…caused loss and inconvenience to almost all sections of the community both here and in Britain” (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Before the end of August articles began to appear that prisoners were being released. In New Ross Republican flags were flown from The Tholsel, the ’98 Monument, the Town Hall, St. Thomas’s Club, the workhouse, and in the Irishtown on Sunday the 21st. It was believed that the flags were put up in celebration of the release of the Dáil Éireann members who had been in prison (New Ross Standard, 23 Aug. 1921, p. 5). One of the members of Dáil Éireann released from Mountjoy Prison, was Commandant Seán MacEoin, over the objections of Dublin Castle. Commandant MacEoin issued the following statement upon his release, “Following the statement I made at my court martial, it is now clear to the Irish people that my release by the English Government is an admission on their part that I am not only a Representative of the People, but a realisation that the English recognise me as an officer of the Irish army, as stated by one at the court martial, when I made it clear that I was not guilty of the foul offence of murder. My release is an acceptance of my attitude that my act was an act of war, and it is, therefore, clear that my release is a final abandonment of any claim by the enemy that the Irish war is murder. The Irish war was war—war waged in accordance with the prevailing conditions. I am released as a representative of the people to attend a meeting of the Parliament of my nation. I should not have been chosen as a representative of the people. That situation makes it clear that all my fellow soldiers in jails and camps must be similarly recognised” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 14).
It was also reported that John Cotterell, of Dobbyn’s Mill, Thomastown, was released from Wormword Scrubbs after serving 12 months. He had been convicted by court martial of having a document in his possession relating to attacks on police barracks. Prior to his arrest he was employed as a shop assistant in Graiguenamanagh (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). Nicholas O’Toole, of Hacketstown, Co. Carlow was released from Rath Camp early in August after six months’ imprisonment. The newspaper went on to state that his sister, Miss Mary O’Toole, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law had been nominated judge of the Washington Municipal Court in the U.S. and was the first “lady lawyer” to receive such a distinction (Kilkenny People, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 7).
Perhaps the most unusual reference to imprisonment during the War of Independent was an advertisement placed in local newspapers in August 1921 by the Phelan Brothers, of George’s Street Waterford.
“Historic After-Season Event: Dress Buyer in Jail—Owing to our dress buyer, Mr. Pierce Purcell being arrested and placed in jail a short time ago, just as he had returned from Markets after having made huge purchases of dress materials and costume goods at sensationally low prices, we were deprived of one of our best and most efficient buyers consequently a large portion of his purchases remain unsold. As the season is drawing to a close, and these goods must be paid for, we have decided to clear our entire stock of seasonable dress material and costume goods this week…Phelan Bros, Waterford’s Cheapest and Fastest Growing Drapery, Tailoring and Boot Shop, George’s Street, Waterford” (Munster Express, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
The New Order
August also marked the beginning of the I.R.A. openly dealing with local crime. For example, it was reported that Ferrybank inhabitants were subjected to petty burglaries and larcenies. “The matter was placed in the hand of the local I.R.A.” and on 22 August two young men were arrested who were believed to have been connected to the thefts (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was also reported that in several districts in South Wexford notices, purporting to be from the I.R.A. were posted in pubs, to restrict the hours during which drink could be supplied to bona-fide travellers on Sundays. Many of the notices were removed by the police (Kilkenny People, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Resumption of Fairs and Sporting Events
On the first of August the Waterford monthly fair was held and it was reported that it was small as there was a depression in trade due to the effect of the drought on live stock. “Three-year-olds in good condition commanded prices varying from £30 to £36; two-year-olds from £20 to £25; and yearlings from £10 to £16. There were practically no supplies of sheep” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 13).
The following week it was reported that the New Ross Fair was a very changed scene. “The first pig fair since the imposition of the military restrictions, which were further intensified by the Departmental embargo contingent on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, took place in New Ross on Monday [the 7th]. There was a large supply of pigs and a great attendance of buyers from Waterford, and the town generally presented an animated appearance, which was absent for the past three months, when it was suggestive of a deserted village. On Tuesday the first cattle fair since the restrictions were removed took place” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 2).
In addition to fairs and markets re-opening, the first Sunday excursion train from Clonmel to Waterford for Tramore since 1917 was run on 31st of July (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was announced in the Waterford News that on the 14th an excursion train would run from Waterford, through Glenmore to New Ross for the inter-county hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny. It had been approximately five years since there had been a Sunday excursion on this line. “It is unnecessary to point out that owing to the trials that the country has gone through and the many restrictions, including the imposition of Martial Law that no hurling or football inter-county games have been held either in Kilkenny or Wexford for a considerable time…” The fare from Waterford on the excursion train was set at 2s. 6d. return” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
It was reported that upwards of 5,000 spectators attended the semi-final Leinster Hurling (1920) Championship match between Kilkenny and Wexford held on the 14th in New Ross. In addition to the excursion train from Waterford special trains were provided from Wexford, Enniscorthy and Kilkenny via Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). It was reported that 600 people crossed on the ferry boat near the burned bridge at the Ferry Mountgarrett. They came from the Kilkenny side as far up as Inistioge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 Aug. 1921, p. 8). It was reported that the gate receipts amounted to £161 17s. (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). There were no Glenmore men identified on the Kilkenny hurling team, however the team did have three Mooncoin players; L. Cantwell, J. Grant and J. Foskin. Kilkenny won that day with a final score of 5 goals, 1 point to Wexford 1 goal, 2 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). Immediately after the match the result was “despatched to Kilkenny by pigeons” brought to the match in baskets (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
August 1921 began and ended with renewed hope that the truce would hold and life was returning to normal. Although the truce would hold within ten months the country would be plunged into Civil War.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: July 1921
On the 11th of July 1921 a truce was agreed that ended the Irish War of Independence. It is generally acknowledged that both sides thought that the truce would not hold, but it did. The following highlights the local events and news contained in local newspapers 100 years ago. The month of July began with the usual reports of the disruptions to transportation and communication carried out by local I.R.A. volunteers and the impact of the continued marital law that gagged the press, closed fairs, markets and creameries, restricted the use of bicycles as well as the activities of the Crown forces in searching, detaining and forcing civilians to repair damaged infrastructure.
Trenches
Just before the first of July another trench was opened in the Ballyanne road, and a notice posted by the “I.R.A.” warning people not to fill it or they would face a penalty. Further, reports were received that a trench was opened midway between New Ross and Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). In Kilkenny the road was blocked between the Rower and Graiguenamanagh with a barricade of stones built across the road (p. 5).
Bridge Destroyed
The big wooden bridge which crosses the Barrow at the Ferry Mountgarrett, about two miles from New Ross, was set on fire in late June. Petrol or paraffin was sprinkled on some of the planks on the Wexford side. The fire was noticed and was put out by an unknown individual before it did serious damage. A number of the wooden planks were blackened and partially charred (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). On the 3rd of July the bridge was set on fire again. Nearly all of the structure for about 60 feet from the Wexford side to the drawbridge was destroyed. While the bridge was on fire persons going towards it were warned frrm a distance not to attempt to put it out. It was reported that a man from County Wexford arrived at the Kilkenny side with a horse and trap. He did not wish to go back to Graiguenamanagh and round by Carlow to get home, so he whipped his horse and with the flames rising dashed across the burning bridge. He was the last person to cross the bridge; crossings thereafter were done by boat (New Ross Standard, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Commandeering of Civilians
The military continued to commandeer men. Sometimes these men were taken from their place of employment and town or city and transported to fill trenches. Mr. Gardiner, the Postmaster of Waterford, and his assistant Mr. Rafter were commandeered and taken to Glenmore to fill trenches (Waterford News and Star, 1 July 1921, p. 5). The military rounded up a number of New Ross men to fill a trench that obstructed the road between the mudhouse and the lower part of Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4) as well as making ten to twelve new men join in the saturation of the New Ross bridge with water as the weather was dry (p. 5). In Thomastown, men, their horses and carts were commandeered by Black and Tans as they brought milk to the creamery. They were compelled to cut up the trees felled on the Coolmore and Ballyduff roads and cart the wood 4 miles to Woodstock. “The men were required to work until six o’clock in the afternoon without food or refreshments” (p. 5). Some Wexford men refused to obey orders in connection with commandeered labour, were taken into custody, arrested and taken under military escort to Waterford to stand trial (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Wires Cut
No telegraph or telephone messages could be sent from New Ross on the first of July because all wires were cut and damaged in all direction from New Ross (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). It was several days before service was partially restored.
Mail Raids
On the 25th of June at 2 p.m. a party of ten armed men raided the General Post Office in Waterford city. They took £140 in cash and an undisclosed amount of stamps (Munster Express, 2 July 1921, p. 6). On the evening of the 29th of June masked armed men boarded the mail train at Aylwardstown, Glenmore and took some bags of mails from the “up train.” Male passengers were ordered out of the train onto the platform where they were searched and questioned by the armed men (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). On the 7th of July, at 1 pm twelve men raided the New Ross post office. It was reported that £1,000 was stolen in the raid, and the payment of the old age pension on Friday was cancelled because there was no money to pay the pensioners. One raider was arrested (New Ross Standard, 15 July 1921, p. 8).
Miscellaneous Activities
Whiskey consigned to Crown forces in the Thomastown district was destroyed at the Thomastown railway station. The newspaper reported that “there was some activity on the part of the forces afterward” (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5).
About a mile from Callen in Coleshall Lower, in County Kilkenny, eight men appeared at the home of Peter Kinsella at 1 a.m. on the 8th of July and dragged his daughter outside and cut off her hair for being with the Black and Tans “all the time.” At gunpoint she was then told to kneel and was forced to swear that she would give them up (New Ross Standard, Fri 15 July 1921, p. 7). The age and name of the daughter was not reported in the newspaper.
The Truce
Irish peace discussions commenced on Monday the fourth of July, and a great crowd waited for hours for news. It was reported that after the peace discussions began the list of events issued by Dublin Castle was the smallest it had been for years with only one attack on the police chronicled. The weekly summary, however, recorded 14 police killed; 20 wounded; 1 military killed, 5 wounded and 25 ambushes were recorded. Readers were reminded that the number of Irishmen interned was still increasing and was now well over 3,000 (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5). It was not until the 15th of July that a local paper reported on the truce, “All Ireland rejoiced at the intelligence the [Dublin] newspapers contained on Saturday morning that a truce to the unfortunate conditions of affairs in Ireland had been called by Mr. de Valera on the one side and the Crown authorities on the other” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 4).
It was reported that except in Lurgan, the last shot in the land was fired at 11:55 on Monday the 11th of July at police in Kingscourt. In the twelve hours immediately preceding the truce there were numerous attacks on Crown forces. In accordance with the truce all activities ceased in New Ross and districts at Noon on Monday. On Monday afternoon the military and police carried no firearms when going about. On the succeeding days the military went in processional order through the town to bath in the river, taking bath towels with them. A number of I.R.A. men came into town and moved about freely. On Monday night people moved about the streets until midnight singing patriotic songs. At the churches on Sunday the people were asked to pray for the success of the peace negotiations. Since Monday people could be seen going about on bicycles. During the week people who were afraid to come to town on business came in large numbers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 7). Within a week it was reported that the martial law restrictions were lifted on motor vehicles and bicycles. The bans on fairs and markets were removed and all creameries ordered closed by the military were allowed to re-open. The ban on the tri-colour flag was lifted in Dublin but was reported as still being in place in Cork, (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 July 1921, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the fact that press censorship continued (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 4) the military allowed the newspapers to report on a demonstration organised and held in New York city by the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic. The organisation was formed by de Valera when he previously visited the U.S. It was estimated that 25,000 people participated and it took 2 ½ hours for the procession to pass (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
The Rest of the Story
Following up on events we highlighted in previous posts, in July the following items were published:
Three men arrested at the funeral of Nicholas Mullins were released from Woodstock. The released men were John Voss, of Jerpoint; Andrew Walsh, of Kiltorcane, and John Kearns, of Coolmeen (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). James McKenna and Patrick Luttrel who were convicted in the Waterford military court on the 15th of June 1921 for levying war against the King at Garryricken, near Callan, Co. Kilkenny and being in possession of arms and ammunition, were sentenced to penal servitude for life (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 8). For further details see the blog post of 30 May 2021.
In the New Ross Standard of 15 July 1921 (p. 5) the following poem, “To the memory of Jack Hartley, Fifth Battalion I.R.A.” was published. Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins were killed in action on 18 June 1921 at the Coolbarn ambush. For further details see the blog post of 20 June 2021.
He’s gone—he’s dead, A noble hero for his country’s bled, A rebel’s grave ever was his doom, But, ah alas! He fills it all too soon. No more his stalwart form we’ll see, Until we meet him in eternity; No more that loving smile we’ll greet, Or hear those tones and accent sweet. But why lament for such as he, Whose early wish to die for thee and Eire? He’s gained and tasted sweet, And gone with glory to his Saviour’s feet. And many a youth will yet lie low, For ideals which from heaven glow, For Faith and Love and Liberty, For thee oh down trodden country. And then at least the light will speed, Which glimmers now in Eastern skies, And by that light we’ll all be free, And shout from hill and vale resound, Of Lliberty—glorious Liberty. M. C. McP.
Other Local Matters
All the local newspapers reported that unemployment was increasing across both Britain and Ireland. In July 1921 it was also reported that the old fishermen had declared that the number of salmon caught in the Barrow and Nore in that season was the largest for any season during the previous 40 to 50 years (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). Additionally, at a joint meeting of Slieverue and Glenmore branch of the transport union a harvest bonus was agreed. Men over 18 years were to receive £2 10s; men under 18 years to receive £1 10s. The harvest bonus was to be paid before 1 October, or before the threshing. Men who had been in the same employment for at least 12 weeks prior to harvest were entitled to the harvest bonus. A threshing allowance to 3s. was to be given in lieu of drink. The men at threshing would be allowed overtime pay at the rate of 1s. per hour. Casual harvest worker to be paid 7s per day, “with diet” during harvest period; this included binding corn. In consideration of the fact that Glenmore and Slieverue were largely a dairy part of the county, and it was necessary to extend milking periods to as near as possible to twelve hours between each milking, the hours during the harvest period were set at ten hours per days (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the photo of the Aylwardstown railway station. The feature photo was published in the Illustrated London News (c) Illustrated New Group on 16 July 1921, p. 4. The caption under the photo provides: “With Camera Instead of Machine Gun and Revolver–Cadets Fraternising with Crowd Outside Dublin Castle.”
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Remembering the Fallen: Hartley and Mullins 1921-2021
Yesterday afternoon a commemoration ceremony was held in Glenmore to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921) of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who was killed in action at Coolbawn, Castlecomer during the War of Independence. Also killed in the Coolbawn Ambush of 18 June 1921 was Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) of Market Street, Thomastown, the son of Glenmore native Laurence Mullins (1858-1913). Yesterday, it was a fine day and a crowd gathered at Glenmore for the ceremony. Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh, the author of Kilkenny In Times of Revolution 1900-1923 (2018) provided details concerning Jack Hartley’s life prior to Coolbawn, but did not discuss the grisly details and the controversy concerning the ill-fated ambush that cost these young volunteers their lives. However, a concise account of the ambush may be found in his book and some of the highlights are below (Walsh, 2018 p. 122-127).
John Hartley was born and raised in Weatherstown, Glenmore and was generally referred to by his family as Jack. He “was engaged in the grocery trade in New Ross, …and assisted the [Glenmore] Kilkenny County senior football team in the Leinster championship” (New Ross Standard, 29 April 1938, p. 2). At an early age he became involved in the Republican movement and joined the New Ross unit of the old I.R.A., was arrested for his activities in 1916 and imprisoned in Wakefield prison. After his release he went to work in Kilkenny City for a grocer/publican named Grace and continued with his volunteer activities. He was arrested in Kilkenny in 1921 when his bedroom above the business premises was searched and a handgun and other materials were found. He was imprisoned again, but because he shared the room with others he was not convicted and released. Knowing that he was being watched he decided to go on the run and joined the Flying Column in Graiguenamanagh. A copy of the pension application file is available on line. Ultimately Jack’s father was awarded a £50 gratuity (gift) by the grateful new nation.
Nicholas Mullins was born and raised on Market Street in Thomastown. His father, Laurence Mullins (1858-1913) was a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Laurence married Anne Hanrahan of Coolroebeg near Thomastown. Laurence moved to Coolroebeg and (according to the residence recordings on the birth certificates of their children) as their family grew they eventually moved to Market St. where Laurence ran a pub. In the 1911 census Nicholas was already at work as a carrier for a brewery. After his father died in 1913 according to his mother she struggled to raise her dependent children. Nicholas secured a job working for the Council and earned £1 a day as he had a horse and cart. At the time of his death he was the main breadwinner for his mother and siblings. Portions of the pension application files for Nicholas are also available on line.
The Coolbawn Ambush
Early in 1921 the 5th Battalion Active Service Unit was established in Graiguenamagh. Generally known as a Flying Column these units were an elite group of volunteers who dedicated themselves full time to the War of Independence. Most volunteers continued to work their normal jobs and engaged in military activities as and when called upon. On the 18th of June 1921 the Flying Column set an ambush just north of Castlecomer at Coolbawn. They hoped to attack a convoy of Crown forces that regularly protected explosives that were transported along that road to a mine. Mines were laid in the road and people were stopped from using the road. A local woman named Florrie Dreaper apparently realized what was being planned and walked to Castlecomer and alerted the Crown Forces who surrounded the volunteers. John “Jack” Hartley was immediately killed in the first volley. Nicholas Mullins was wounded, but managed to cross the road where he was then shot in the abdomen the bullet damaging his liver. He died approximately two hours later from his wounds.
Florrie Dreaper lived nearby and the requests of the volunteers to shoot her in reprisal were denied. The local I.R.A. Company was ordered to burn the house she lived in with her sister. Four days before the truce the volunteers went to the Drapier home to burn it. The volunteers helped her sister remove her belongings from the house, but Florrie refused to leave her house and got into a steel watertank on the roof of the house with her dog. Florrie attempted to summon the Crown Troops from Thomastown from the roof. Both she and the dog survived the fire and she and her sister subsequently moved to England.
The Funerals
Much has been written concerning the large number of mourners that turned out for the funerals of both young men and the conduct of the Crown authorities at the funerals. Danny Dowling, in the summer of 2020, stated that when he was a boy the activities of local people during the War of Independence, and particularly the Civil War, were known by everyone. Glenmore was too small a place for there to be any anonymity or secrets. It was reported in the newspapers of the time that after Jack Hartley’s funeral a volley was fired over his grave and this brought the “Black and Tans” back to the cemetery. What wasn’t reported was that the local volunteers only waited for the Crown Forces to get up past the National School. “Pat Hanrahan and a few of the lads fired the volley. They wanted the volley to be heard.” By the time the Crown Forces turned around and made it back to the cemetery most of the volunteers had vaulted the cemetery walls and disappeared into the adjoining fields with the arms. Danny said that it was stated that Pat Hanrahan and his brother calmly exited the front church gates and walked to his shop and home across the road. They then prepared to go to Thomastown to attend their cousin Nicholas Mullin’s funeral that was held the following day. For the list of local Glenmore volunteers click here.
Memorials
Shortly after Jack Hartley’s death efforts began for a memorial to be erected. In 1927 it was reported that while he was interred at Glenmore it was not known whether the memorial would be at Glenmore or at Coolbawn (New Ross Standard, 18 March 1927, p. 8). Through the efforts of his comrades in arms, primarily in New Ross, on Easter Sunday in 1929 a large Celtic Cross monument was erected on his grave” (Waterford News & Star, 31 March 1929, p. 5).
“Erected to the memory of Captain Sean Hartley, I.R.A., Weatherstown, Glenmore, by his comrades of the South Wexford Brigade. He fell in action at Coolbawn, Castlecomer, in 1921, in defence of the Republic proclaimed by Pearse in 1916, and established by Dail Eireann on the 21st of January 1919.”
The Coolbawn memorial was unveiled at Easter in 1934. To raise funds for the memorial the receipts from GAA matches were donated and special matches held. By 1934 several veterans of the War of Independence were upset. On the same page in the Irish Independent where the dedication of the Coolbawn memorial was reported it was also reported that “the annual march to the graves of the leaders, executed in 1916, was abandoned this year…as a protest against the deplorable division of the Republican parties, each claiming the dead as their own for political purposes” (Irish Independent, 2 April 1934, p. 5).
The last and least known memorial was erected in Graiguenamanagh. It was reported in December 1947 that £718 12s. 5d had been subscribed for the erection of a memorial to the memory of Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins (Munster Express, 24 Dec. 1947, p. 8). Unfortunately, the newspaper failed to indicate where the memorial was being erected. However, in August 1949 an Italian marble figure of the Sacred Heart was unveiled and blessed at Graiguenamanagh before a crowd of 2,000 people in memory of Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins, and the other members of the 5th Battalion Active Service Brigade I.R.A. The memorial was unveiled by ex-Battalion commandant, John Walsh, Graiguenamanagh, who survived the ambush.
John Walsh provided a brief history of the unit which formed early in 1921. The unit carried out a successful ambush as Uskerty and then proceeded to the borders of Leix. A few days later the unit was surrounded by two battalions of Crown troops. The column succeeded in escaping under cover of darkness. The next operation was Coolbawn. The strength of the unit increased from 17 to 19 men. Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins joined the unit at Graiguenamanagh. John Walsh provided a brief description of the Coolbawn Ambush. “The battle went on at a terrific pace for more than an hour, and it was here that Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins fell, while Jamey Doyle received rifle and bayonet wounds from which he recovered…The unit was trapped by the superior converging forces and were subjected to concentrated fire. Another section which escaped the encirclement, directed heavy fire on the attackers which allowed the remainder of the trapped section to force its way out.” Notwithstanding the fact that Nicholas Mullins was shot through the liver the 1949 article states that he would not have died except for the brutal treatment inflicted by the Crown forces. “James Doyle was severely wounded and subjected to bayonet stabbing. The fact that he was not identified saved him from a similar fate to Nicholas Mullins. He was subsequently sentenced to death by a British court martial. The truce intervened” (New Ross Standard, 12 August 1949, p. 9). Interestingly there is no mention of Florrie Dreaper and the role she played in the ambush.
The family members who were present at the 1949 ceremony included: Mr. James Hartley, Weatherstown, Glenmore, (brother); Mrs. M. (Alice) Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore (sister); Miss Mary Hartley, Miss Ciss Culleton (nieces); Edward and Sean Hartley (nephews); Mr. James Morrissey, Kilbride, Glenmore (cousin). Of the individuals listed above as attending in 1949 only Jack Hartley’s niece, Ciss Roche née Culleton survives.
Mr. Thomas Mullins, Thomastown (brother), Mrs. J. Bookle, Bridge Hotel, Thomastown and Miss Kathleen Mullins, Market St, Thomastown, (sisters); Misses Evelyn Bookle, Zeta and Emelda Renner, Anne Mullins (nieces); Nicholas Mullins (nephew); John Walsh, Mullinavat (cousin).
The Extended Families–contrary to the assertions in one of the newspapers in 1921 Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins do not appear to have been first cousins. The two men do not appear to share any grandparents, however it is possible that the link was further back. They were, however, both related to a large number of Glenmore families.
John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921)
Parents: Edmund “Neddy” Hartley (farmer, Weatherstown) married Anastasia Hartley (Weatherstown) on 1 June 1892 at Glenmore. Groom was the son of James Hartley (farmer) and bride was the daughter of Edmund Hartley (farmer). The couple were both 27 years of age when they married.
Paternal Grandparents—Edmund Hartley (1865-1947) was born on 12 June 1865 son of James Hartley (farmer) and Bridget Hartley née Grant at Weatherstown. James Hartley (Weatherstown) married Bridget Grant (Ballinaraha) at Glenmore on 3 March 1860. Four siblings were located for Edmund Hartley (1865-1947) [1] Mary Hartley (b. 4 April 1861); [2] Ally Hartley (b. 26 May 1863); [3] Bridget Hartley (b. 7 Nov. 1867) and [4] Anastatia Hartley (b. 27 April 1872).
Maternal Grandparents—Anastatia Hartley (1865-1943) was born 14 June 1865 at Weatherstown the daughter of Edward Hartley and Ally Henebry. The civil birth records record her parents’ names as Edmund Hartley and Alice Henneberry. Edmund Hartley (Weatherstown) married Ally Henebery (Miltown) on 20 Feb. 1855 at Glenmore. Three siblings were located for Anastatia Hartley née Hartley (1865-1943); [1] James Hartley (b. 23 February 1867), [2] Edmund Hartley (b. 21 October 1869), [3] Philip Hartley (b. 11 April 1861). The 1901 Census for Weatherstown indicates that Alice Hartley née Henneberry was living with her son Philip Hartley (b. 1861) and his wife and children.
Great-Grandparents—it appears that Bridget Grant (c. 1825-1895) was the daughter of John Grant and Mary Grant née Power. John Grant and Mary Grant née Power were married on 30 January 1823. The Glenmore Parish records has a child born to this couple baptized on 21 Feb. 1826 at Ballynaraha. The couple were married on 30 January 1823.
A baptismal record for Alicia Henebry of Milltown was found. Alicia Henebry was the daughter of William Henebry and Mary Henebry née Cody. Alicia Henebry was baptized at Milltown on 16 October 1825. However, other children born to Mary Henebry née Cody from this decade have Thomas Henebry listed as their father.
Unfortunately, the marriage records of his Jack Hartley’s grandparents do not list the names of their fathers. The 1833 Tithe Applotment Books of 1833 only records John Hartley in Weatherstown, but there is a James Hartilly (sic) in Flemingstown. Glenmore parish records reveal that John Hartilly and his wife, Ally Norris, had a son William Hatilly baptized on 17 April 1835. Glenmore baptismal records list a James Hartley baptized on 28 Sept. 1833 to Patrick Hartley and Bridget Power. In a previous blog on 20 October 1920 we highlighted a branch of the Flemingstown Hartley family that settled in the US around 1850.
Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921)
Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) was the son of Laurence Mullins and Anne Hanrahan. He was born 1 June 1893, Market St., Thomastown and at the time of his birth his father’s profession was listed as grocer.
Parents
Laurence Mullins, of Gaulstown, Glenmore married Anne Hanrahan, of Coolroebeg, at Thomastown on 27 November 1884. Laurence was a farmer and the son of Nicholas Mullins (deceased) and Anne Hanrahan was the daughter of Thomas Hanrahan (farmer). The following children were born and the place of residence and changes to Laurence’s occupation is provided to track the family as it grew: [1] Mary Mullins (b. 17 Jan. 1885) father, Coolroebeg labourer; [2] Johanna Mullins (b. 18 June 1886); [3] Ellen Mullins (b. 3 May 1889); [4] Nicholas Mullins (b. 1 June 1893) father, grocer, Thomastown; [5] Thomas Mullins (b. 20 Oct. 1895); [6] Richard Mullins (b. 15 Nov. 1898) father, publican Thomastown; [7] John Mullins (b. 12 Oct. 1900); [8] Bridget Mullins (b. 7 Feb. 1903); [9] Margaret Mullins (b. 18 April 1905); [10] Kathleen Mullins (b. 2 June 1906); [11] Laurence Mullins; (b. 29 March 1908). The 1901 Census family living on Saw Street in Thomastown and Laurence’s profession is listed as shopkeeper. In the 1911 Census the family is simply listed as living in house 58 in Thomastown, Laurence’s profession is listed as publican, and the family of 11 occupied 9 rooms.
Paternal Grandparents
Nicholas Mullins and Mary Mullins née Mackey, of Weatherstown, were married on 26 February 1838. Eleven children were found for this family: [1] John Mullins (bapt. 18 Sept. 1839); [2] Ellen Mullins (bapt. 3 Sept. 1841); [3] Patrick Mullins, (bapt. 16 March 1844) [4] Richard Mullins (bapt. 16 Oct. 1848); [5] Mary Mullins (bapt. 13 Dec. 1850); [6] Margaret Mullins (bapt 25 Dec. 1852) [7] Honoria Mullins (bapt. 16 Dec. 1854 m. Michael Hanrahan, of Powerswood, at Glenmore on 12 July 1885); [8] Bridget Mullins (bapt. 27 Jan. 1857); [9] Laurence Mullins (15 August 1858—died 3 March 1914, aged 54 at Thomastown); [10] Kieran Mullins (b. 16 Sept. l860); and [11] Catherine Mullins (b. 11 Feb. 1865). The first five children were born at Weatherstown, starting with Mary in 1850 the family was in Ballinamona, Glenmore, then starting with Honoria in 1854 their residence is recorded as Gaulstown which is adjacent to Ballinamona. For further information on some of the Glenmore Hanrahan cousins see, the blog of 6 December 2020.
Maternal Grandparents
Anne Mullins née Hanrahan was the daughter of Thomas Hanrahan (c. 1829-1894) and Mary Dalton, of Coolroebeg, Thomastown. Her parents were married on 9 November 1853 at Coolroebeg and the following children were located: [1] Bridget Hanrahan (bapt. 2 Jan. 1855); [2] Bridget Hanrahan (bapt. 18 Oct. 1856); [3] James Hanrahan (bapt. 24 Nov. 1858); [4] Richard Hanrahan (bapt. 24 Nov. 1858); [5] James Hanrahan (bapt. 15 March 1860); [6] John Hanrahan (b. 26 May 1862); [7] Anne Hanrahan (b. 12 July 1864); [8] Margaret Hanrahan (b. 12 July 1866); [9] William Hanrahan (b. 6 Oct. 1868); [10] Patrick Hanrahan (b. 8 Nov. 1870); [11] Denis Hanrahan (b. 1 Oct. 1872) and [12] Ellen Hanrahan (b. 13 Nov. 1875). A death cert for a Thomas Hanrahan was found dated 14 June 1894. Thomas was a widower, aged 75 and his son Denis Hanrahan was present when he died at Coolroebeg.
Great Grandparents
Nicholas Mullins was bapt. 10 July 1813 at Flemingstown. His parents were John Mullins and Nelly Grace. John Mullins and Eleanor Grace were married on 16 Feb. 1806 at Glenmore.
Due to information gleaned from headstones in Glenmore cemetery it is believed that Mary Mackey (c. 1821-1892) was born around 1821. Unfortunately, there were two Mary Mackey’s born in Weatherstown, Glenmore in 1821 and 1822. One Mary Mackey was the daughter of John Mackey and Mary Mackey née Hanrahan, of Weatherstown and was baptized on 16 April 1821. The other Mary Mackey was also born in Weatherstown and was the daughter of David Mackey and Mary Furlong, baptized on the 30th of August 1822.
Please forward corrections, errors or omissions to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above was taken at the commencement of the 100th Anniversary Commemmoration held on 19 June 2021 at Glenmore Cemetery. The crowd and colour guard gathered on the Vee Road just before the Creamery and walked to the cemetary.
Coolbawn Ambush Centernary Commemoration
Castlecomer, Friday June 18th 2021
To mark the Centenary of those that died, injured, or participated (now deceased) of the 1921 Coolbawn Ambush, a Commemoration Mass will be offered for the deceased on Friday June 18th at 6 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer. The Mass will be attended by descendants of the Volunteers. A Colour Party will also attend from St. Stephens Barracks Kilkenny as will Finbarr McCarthy, Piper. At 11.15 a.m. on the day the Church Bell will toll to remind us of these events 100 years ago. After Mass all are invited to the Discovery Park for the Exhibition of Projects on the Ambush by six National Schools from the area Presentation Convent, Wandesforde, Moneenroe, Clogh, Coon and Muckalee. Due to road safety issues the following will also take part in the Discovery Park.
1. The Preamble of the Constitution.
2. A minutes silence.
3. Oration; For those on active service during the Coolbawn Ambush, for those injured and those who gave their lives. The speaker is Mr. Tom Teehan former judge.
4. Amhrán na bhFiann.
Finally families of Captain John Hartley, Lieutenant Nicholas Mullins, and other family members of the volunteers, will depart to lay a Commemoration Wreath at the Coolbawn Monument. Again road safety practice will require the general public not to be at the site. An Garda Síochána and Stewards will be assisting in this safety matter. Proceedings including Drone Footage from the Lotts to Coolbawn can be viewed online at https://www.facebook.com/TheCoolbawnAmbush https://www.twitch.tv/coolbawnambush https://www.castlecomerparish.ie/webcam/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFqL1nFt-DhB8wbn8nowisw
Glenmore, Saturday June 19th 2021
A prayer service and wreath laying ceremony will take place, commencing at 3pm, in Glenmore churchyard
____________________
Special thanks to Ed Synnott for sending this.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: June 1921
The Irish War of Independence ended on 11 July 1921 when a truce was agreed. The six months between 1 January 1921 and the truce were the bloodiest of the War of Independence with almost 1,500 people killed the majority of which were killed in the South. (Corrain & O’Halpin, (2020) The Dead of the Irish Revolution). On 18 June 1921 two young volunteers closely connected to Glenmore were killed in action, at Coolbawn, near Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, just 21 days before the truce.
Partition
In June 1921 the Northern Ireland Parliament was established pursuant to the Government of Ireland Act (1920). This partition of Ireland in May 1921, when the legislation went into effect, established an essentially two state solution that is still in place today. Six of the thirty-two counties of Ireland were placed under the control of the Northern Ireland Parliament. Elections were held in March 1921 for the Northern Ireland Parliament and 40 of the 52 seats went to Unionists. The other 12 seats remained empty as the Sinn Fein and the Irish nationalists who had won the seats refused to take the oath of loyalty. King George V officially opened the Northern Ireland Parliament on 22 June 1921 and called for peace and conciliation. Sinn Féin and the nationalists rejected the Government of Ireland Act and it was replaced in December 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty which founded the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
The War
By June 1921 the Crown Forces were firmly entrenched in their barracks in mainly urban areas and did not venture out much making it difficult to engage or ambush them. Both sides realized that they had reached a stalemate particularly for the IRA after the burning of the Custom House led to 5 deaths and 80 IRA volunteers being captured. To take the pressure off of Tipperary, and other areas, the IRA ordered the Kilkenny volunteers to engage the Crown Forces more notwithstanding the fact that the Kilkenny volunteers had limited arms. This led to the Coolbawn ambush. For an interesting history of Co. Kilkenny during this period see, Eoin Swithin Walsh, (2018) Kilkenny: In Times of Revolution 1900-1923.
Contrary to previous months there are fewer local events recorded in the local newspapers. It may be the case that the censorship of the newspapers increased and stopped the reporting of events, or it may be the case that there were fewer objectives remaining such as bridges or roads that were not damaged or trenched. We were able to find various local news items in some of the Dublin papers.
Waterford
The Crown forces continued to raid various premises and it was reported that the licensed premises of Miss Gleason, of O’Connell Street in Waterford were raided on the first of June. The raid lasted 20 minutes and nothing was taken from the premises (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It was reported that during week of the 10th the Granagh bridge just outside of Waterford in County Kilkenny was partially destroyed. There were two large excavations made in the centre of the bridge and dropped into the stream below (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 5).
Five young men on the 15th of June were tried by a Waterford Military court for waging war against the Crown on 12 March 1921 by attacking Crown forces at Garryricken House, Co. Kilkenny. The five defendants were James McKenna, John Luttrell, Patrick Luttrell, James Luttrell and Thomas Luttrell. A policeman was killed when he went to Garryricken House due to a report that rebels were using it as a hiding place. Ultimately three of the defendants were exonerated and only ex-solider James McKenna and Patrick Luttrell were convicted (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 2). For further information on the Garryricken battle see the podcast of Kilkenny County Library. Also tried by a Waterford military court were Rev. John Loughrey, C.C. of Thomastown and three of his parishioners: John Minogue, Patrick Ryan and James O’Neil. Although the priest was charged with multiple offences the four men were convicted of promoting the Belfast Trade Boycott in March and May 1921. The court sentence for each defendant was a fine of £10 or the alternative was 3 months imprisonment. “All chose the alternative” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 3).
Although the military did not apparently order the cancellation of the Waterford Regatta, which should have been held on 30 June, the Waterford Boat Club decided to abandon it due to the “present unsettled state of affairs,” (Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 4 June 1921, p. 6).
New Ross
As violence increased new martial laws restricted gatherings including fairs and markets. In New Ross this extended to the closing of shops. In an article entitled “Excitement in New Ross,” it was reported that Crown Forces visited the shopkeepers in New Ross and ordered them to close on Saturdays from 12 to 4. “There were a number of country people in the town at the time, and the closing of the shops gave rise to considerable speculation, but it transpired, however, that the order was in pursuance of the ban prohibiting the holding of markets” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). By mid-June one of the New Ross businesses was burned, but the newspaper report does not indicate who may have been responsible. “The premises of Timothy Butler, New Ross, consisting of his dwelling house, shop and store, with the entire contents, were completely destroyed by fire at 3 o’clock yesterday morning. The family who were in bed, were ordered out, getting only a few minutes to dress, and the place was then set on fire by four armed and disguised men who made use of bombs,” (Evening Echo, (Dublin) Tues. 14 June 1921, p. 7). By the end of June it was reported that New Ross men were being commandeered by Crown forces on a daily basis to saturate the bridge crossing the Barrow with water. “Fifteen New Ross men have been commandeered to saturate with water a wooden portion of the big bridge over the Barrow that was recently set on fire. Since the occurrence and accompanied by the town surveyor and Crown forces the urban council’s hose is taken each evening to the bridge to flush the wooden part to prevent it being set on fire again” (Freeman’s Journal, Wed. 29 June 1921, p. 6).
In May it was reported that foot and mouth disease was detected near New Ross. This report immediately stopped the shipping of cattle from Ireland to England. Eventually a 15 mile exclusion zone was established around New Ross and cattle outside the exclusion zone could be shipped. “On the afternoon of May 26th” a Dublin Castle report states, “about 100 armed men raided Newtown farm, New Ross district, Co. Wexford, and intimidated a number of workmen employed in connection with the foot and month disease operations of the Department of Agriculture. They seised and took away all appliances for the slaughter of animals. It is stated that all the carcases had been buried with the exception of a few, and that they were completed the next day” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It transpired that the “appliances” seised were picks and shovels used to bury the slaughtered animals. It is assumed that they were taken to “arm” more men for the trenching of roads. On the 24th of June it was reported that Major Little, of Berkley House, New Ross had consented to the slaughter of his cattle and this had been carried out by the Department’s veterinary inspectors, “as no fresh case has occurred in the district, and it is believed that the radius limit of fifteen miles as regards restrictions will be reduced the coming week” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Thomastown
On the morning of 3 June 1921 on every route around Thomastown trees had been felled and trenches cut in all roads. In response the Crown forces at 10 a.m. commandeered a large number of men including shopkeepers, shop assistants, and laborers to remove the obstructions. Men were also commandeered from the Inistioge district (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8). The monthly Thomastown fair that was due to be held on the 7th of June was not held as Thomastown was in the “scheduled area.” Fat pigs were not taken at Thomastown stations for the same reason during the past fortnight. The result has been a serious loss to pig feeders who have pigs fit for sale” (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8).
Mooncoin
In subtle ways the editors of the local newspapers were able to inform the public that the Crown authorities in Dublin were no longer obtaining good intelligence from outlying areas. An example is found concerning an ambush at Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny “Segt. Sweetman, Fiddown, is reported killed and a constable seriously wounded in an ambush at Mooncoin. The patrol, numbering 7, were cycling back to Fiddown when heavy fire was opened on them from both sides of the road. A Dublin Castle communique, which possibly refers to the same encounter, states a party of 8 police was attacked at Fiddown, and adds—’Const. Albert Bradford was killed and Constable John Stuart, wounded in the left arm. The police captured four shotguns and 200 cartridges charged with buckshot, a revolver, and revolver ammunition left by the rebels. At the time of receiving this report the attackers were being pursued by a mixed party of Crown forces. The casualties of the attackers are not known’” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Glenmore
As we reported in the blog last month due to the trenching of roads and destruction of local bridges the Glenmore Creamery was closed for a month by the military. It was allowed to re-open after the closure (Irish Independent, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 6). Although there are no reports of road trenching, train or mail raids reported as occurring in or near Glenmore during June, the annual meeting of the Glenmore Creamery was reported. The meeting was held on the 15th of June and it was noted that the “Creamery had received nearly 60,000 gallons more milk in 1920 than in 1919 which brought the total received up to 519,496 gallons, from which 244,965 lbs of butter was made, or an average of 2.32 gallons per lb. The turnover for the year was over £46,000 and a profit of £198, 11s., 1 ½ d., was made.” Given the turbulent times the Company “had deemed it wise to pay a very big premium of £250, for insurance against claims of riot, rebellion and civil commotion.” The article concludes that, “The recent closing of the creamery by military order will considerably lessen its profits for the current year” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 10).
There was not a person in Glenmore that was not impacted directly or indirectly by the War by June. Notwithstanding, the raids by Crown forces, men being dragged from their homes, the difficulties of travel on trenched roads and damaged bridges, produce could not be taken to any local fairs or markets because the military ordered them all closed. Farmers had to continue to milk their cows then had to dump the milk because the Creamery was closed. Even the commodities sought by the British such as beef could not be sold because Glenmore was in the Foot and Mouth exclusionary area. Danny Dowling recorded that several area residents indicated that by the time the parish was reeling from the death of John Hartley, of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who was killed in action at Coolbawn on the 18th of June, they were sick of the conflict and just wanted it to end.
Some of the first local newspaper reports of the Coolbawn ambush were carried in the Munster Express (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6) and the Kilkenny People (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6). Interestingly the Munster Express article is entitled “Castlecomer Affray” while the Kilkenny People article is entitled “Mine Laying Party Attacked.” Both articles report that two men were killed, John Hartley, a native of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who until a few weeks previously had been employed as a shop assistant in the establishment of Mr. T. Grace, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City. The second man killed was Nicholas Mullins, a native of Main Street, Thomastown. The Munster Express reported that the two men were cousins. A third volunteer, Doyle, of Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny was shot in the leg and captured.
John or Jack Hartley, as he was called by his family, or Sean Hartley as is recorded on the monument erected by his comrades in arms, was the son of Edward Hartley (c. 1865-1947) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Nicholas Mullins was the son of Laurence Mullins (c. 1860-1913) a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore.
In a future post this month we will provide further information Danny Dowling gathered as well as details regarding how the volunteers who were setting up the ambush at Coolbawn became the hunted.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above of the IRA volunteers killed in action at Coolbawn, Hartley and Mullins, was a post card courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. It is believed that the postcards were sold to help raise funds for one of the memorials erected for the fallen men.