1930’s
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The Glenmore Ploughing Association, Est. 1938
Today, we are going to highlight the first two years of the Glenmore Ploughing Association which held its first match on the 16th of February 1938. Ploughing Associations in Ireland began to form early in the 1930’s. According to the National Ploughing Association the first inter-county ploughing contest took place in 1931. Two friends got into an argument over which of their counties had the best ploughmen. However, unlike most arguments, that remain unresolved, Denis Allen, of Gorey, Co. Wexford and J.J. Bergin, of Athy, Co. Kildare determined that a ploughing contest would settle the issue. Thus, the friendly rivalry between two friends gave birth to what would become the National Ploughing Association. On Monday the 16th of February 1931 the first contest took place in W.K. Hosie’s 26 acres field at Coursetown in Athy. For the history and some old photos of the National Ploughing Association see, https://www.npa.ie/historymenu/.
The following description of the first Glenmore Ploughing Match was found in the Munster Express (Fri. 18 Feb. 1938, p. 8) and contains the names of 45 Glenmore men and women. In the early years of Ploughing Associations women were not contestants, but rather were listed for the “catering arrangements.” In reviewing a number of newspaper accounts, of early ploughing associations forming and holding matches, it is very unusual for the names of women who supported the cause to be acknowledged let alone named.
The First Glenmore Ploughing Association Match
On the hillside of Robinstown, with a beautiful panorama of fertile land stretched beneath, the first ploughing fixture in the history of Glenmore parish took place on Wednesday last, being favoured with ideal weather. The number of entries totalled 30, representative of Kilkenny and Wexford and included David O’Connor, Campile, All-Ireland champion; Michael Redmond, former champion, and Pat Walsh, Clogga, Kilkenny senior champion. The judges were Messrs John Walsh, Ballycraddick, Co. Waterford; J. Kinsella, Crosstown, Co. Wexford, and David Egan, Wexford. Interviewed by our representative, the judges stated that the work done was of an exceptionally high standard, particularly in the junior class, the winner of which was notably outstanding. So keen was the competition that a number of
competitors tied for places with equal points. Nothing was left undone to make the initial fixture a success, and the committee deserves the highest credit for the splendid success achieved, and it is almost certain that the fixture will now be an annual event.Those responsible for the arrangements were — Messrs R. Murphy, Robinstown, Chairman; Thos. Mullally, Davidstown, Vice-Chairman; James Kelly, Aylwardstown, Hon. Sec.; Patk. Corcoran, Mullinahone; Hon. Treas., and the following committee — Messrs. J. Phelan, do; Thos. Walsh, Davidstown; John Doherty, do; Nicholas Walsh, do; John Kirwan, Gaulstown; Michael Kirwan, do; John Kirwan, Robinstown; Michael Reddy, do; Thomas Murphy, do; Thos. Roche, do; Thos. Heffernan, Kearney Bay; Ml. Heffernan, do; Ed. Heffernan, do; James Irish, Aylwardstown; Jas. Delahunty, do; John Culleton, Kilbride; Thos. Freyne, do; Wm. Grace, do ; Nicholas Mullins, Flemingstown; Joe Walsh, Rochestown; P. Roche, Rathinure; Luke Roche, Haggard, and John McBride, Newtown.
The catering arrangements were efficiently carried out by the following ladies’ committee —The Misses Molly Culleton, Kilbride; Teresa Freyne, do; Alice Grace, do; Stasia Aylward,Parkstown; Mary Aylward, do; Sarah Kelly, Graignakill; Margaret Kelly, do; Bridget Connors, Ballyfacey; Mary Connolly, Scartnamore; Minnie McDonald, Gaulstown; Margt. McBride, Robinstown; Margt. Sheehy, Ballinclare; Kathleen Walsh, Rochestown; Bridget Roche, Rathinure; Bridie Delahunty, Aylwardstown; Cecilia Heffernan, Kearney Bay; Bessie Murphy, Mullinakill, and Bridie Phelan, Mullinahone.
A number of subscriptions were contributed by Waterford and New Ross traders, as well as locally, a sum of £5 being given by Glenmore Co-operative Creamery. A valuable cup presented by Major McCalmont. M.F.H., Mount Juliet, will be competed for at next year’s fixture. [Notwithstanding this announcement per a statement made by P.N. O’Gorman (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 Jan. 1939, p. 11) Major McCalmont wasn’t asked to sponsor a cup until December 1938.]
The Awards. The results were as follows —
- Class 1 (senior, open)—1st, W. Kehoe, Boley, Co. Wexford; 2nd, tie between Michael Redmond, Wexford, and David O’Connor, do : 4th. J. Byrne, Oldtown. Best furrow, Pat Walsh, Clogga; best middle and prize for Star plough, D. O’Connor.
- Class 2 (junior, open)—1st, John Golfer, Campile; 2nd, Ml. Murphy, Ballyanne ; 3rd, tie between Thomas Walsh, Davidstown; Wm. Mackey, Mooncoin, and Stephen Curtis, Clongeen, Co. Wexford. Best middle and best furrow, John Colfer.
- Class 3 (novice, confined to Co. Kilkenny) —1st, Joe Walsh, Rochestown; 2nd, tie between John Dunphy, Mooncoin, and John Walsh, Firhouse, Kilkenny; 4th, Michael Reddy, Robinstown. Best middle, tie between Joe Walsh and John Walsh; best furrow, John Dunphy.
The field was kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Mr. Richard Murphy, Robinstown, and there was an extremely large attendance of spectators, who followed the work of the competitors with keen interest. At the conclusion, Mr. Murphy, on behalf of the committee, thanked the competitors, the judges, the ladies’ committee, the subscribers, those who had kindly lent horses, and all who in any way had contributed to the success of the fixture. He announced, amidst applause, that a cup had been presented for next year’s ploughing match, and added that Wexford would have to fight hard for the honours next time. “The British Government are having a big ploughing fixture in Northern Ireland,” concluded Mr. Murphy, “and have invited representatives from Southern Ireland to compete. The Wexfordmen will go, and the Kilkenny men will go too and they will show the British Government how to plough, the same as they showed them how to fight over a hundred years ago.” (Applause.)
The New Ross Standard (Fri. 18 Feb. 1938, p. 3) also contained a large article on the first Glenmore ploughing match. Unfortunately, the New Ross Standard incorrectly identified Rochestown as the venue and its article did not name the members of the ladies committee. The article does contain several flowery statements concerning the event including, “… it can be truthfully said that this year’s initial one has with one bound placed Glenmore in a lofty place in the map of ploughing importance in the provinces of Leinster and Munster.”
The day following Glenmore’s first match, the 8th National Ploughing Championship was held at Oak Park, Carlow where it was reported that 10,000 people were in attendance. Among the numerous events the award for the best pair of farm horses went to Major McCalmont, of Mount Juliet, Kilkenny (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Feb. 1938, p. 3).
In order to fund themselves the Glenmore Ploughing Association began organising dances. The first dance was held on St. Patrick’s night (Munster Express, Fri. 4 March 1938, p. 8). Shortly thereafter an “all night” dance was held by the Association in the Glenmore Creamery on Easter Sunday night. Dancing was from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. with an admission of 3/- and 2/- including supper. (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Apr. 1938, p. 8). In September 1938 as the Association prepared for its second dance James Kelly, of Aylwardstown House, the Secretary of the Association obtained a dance license for the Glenmore Creamery (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept 1938, p. 6). The New Ross Standard reported that, “The members are leaving nothing undone to make the social as successful and enjoyable as possible, and the catering arrangements will be in the hands of a capable and experienced committee of local ladies, which is a sufficient criterion that all will be perfect in this important section. The music has been entrusted to the popular New Ross Accordion Band, which is held in high regard by local dance devotees.” (Munster Express, Fri. 23 Sept. 1938, p. 8).
By the time the 1939 Glenmore Ploughing Match was held a number of additional men had joined the Association including: Michael Phelan, John Power, George O’Connor, John O’Connor, P. Walsh, P. Hynes, J. Doherty, Thomas Fitzgerald, T. Hartley, and P. Ennett. (New Ross Standard, Fri 27 Jan. 1939, p. 11).
The Second Annual Glenmore Ploughing Match
The 1939 Glenmore Ploughing Match was held on the 18th of January and a total of 34 teams competed. The match was held in a “splendid field” kindly offered by Mr. John Fitzgerald, of Knockbrack.” “Since the Glenmore Ploughing Association was formed it has been going from record, to record in the successes of their fixtures. When the initial match was organised last year the huge number of teams competed, thus making a record that had scarcely a parallel in history of ploughing matches in any, county in this country, but this year witnessed the enormous number of teams competing. Entries were received from no less than 44 teams, ten being unable to come owing to weather; conditions and other causes. Such outstanding entries establish the immense and the widespread popularity of the Ploughing Association’s fixture. Added evidence of this was also in the fact that, it was attended; by over one thousand people. The competing teams came from the counties of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford; amongst the competitors was last year’s All-Ireland champion. Mr. David O’Connor, Knockes, Campile, and some have won the championship for several years, including Mr. Michael Redmond, The Ballagh. In Class 1. Senior open, Mr. Wm. Kehoe, Yoletown, Ballycullane, won first prize again this year.”
Awards won by Glenmore men included:
- Class, I senior (open) (All three places went to Wexford men)
- Class II, senior —3rd place, Joe Walsh, Rochestown
- Class III, junior—1st Thomas Walsh, Davidstown; best furrow (tied) Thomas Walsh, Davidstown & Michael Heffernan, Kearney Bay
- Class IV (novice)—1st Patrick Hogan, Haggard and 4th place, Thomas Freyne, Kilbride. Best middle and best furrow went to Patrick Hogan.
- The Major McCalmont Cup for the best ploughman in the parish of Glenmore was presented by New Ross auctioneer, P.N. O’Gorman due to the death of the Major’s wife in December. The Cup was won by Joe Walsh of Rochestown and Patrick Hogan, of Haggard, was second.
- The Special Prize by the Glenmore Co-op Creamery for ploughmen under 21 went to Nicholas Walsh of Davidstown with James Connolly, of Gaulston, second. Special prize for best turned out team (of horses) 1st James Freyne, Kilbride; 2nd James Cody, Weatherstown and 3rd Patrick Doolan, Jamestown. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 Jan. 1939, p. 11).
That same month newspaper accounts of the success of the Glenmore Association members at other matches began to be published. For example, at the Mooncoin Ploughing match Joseph Walsh, of Rochestown, Glenmore was first in the junior class and Thomas Walsh, of Davidstown, Glenmore was awarded a first for best centre in that class. His brother, Nicholas Walsh, of Davidstown, obtained a fourth in the novice class. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 Jan. 1939, p. 12).
Although it is not clear from the newspaper accounts whether any Glenmore men competed in the County Kilkenny contest, held three miles from Kilmacow, in January 1939, it was reported that 43 of the best ploughmen of the county vied for the honour of representing Kilkenny in the National Ploughing Contest which was to take place at Killarney on the 8th of February. “They ploughed a sod that was last ploughed by oxen 104 years ago. They acquitted themselves well in a field which, in formation and on top was very difficult.” Mr. Michael Kinsella, Mooncoin, who was only 20 years of age won the senior class and the McCalmont Challenge Cup. It was noted that championship ploughing is comparatively new in Kilkenny, and the majority of entrants were men in their late teens and early twenties. Five years earlier, at a like fixture, although there were very few fixtures, the majority of entrants were men over 40. In the last five years of the decade almost every district began holding annual ploughing matches resulting in young farmers and labourers becoming accomplished ploughmen. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 Jan. 1939, p. 11).
Special thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy for locating and sharing the 1938 Munster Express article and to other readers who furnished information concerning the Association. We hope to provide further information regarding this group in future blog posts.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rabbit Trapping in Glenmore
On Christmas Eve, while talking about when he was young, Danny Dowling (b. 1927) revealed that when he was a chap he trapped and sold rabbits. He recalled that they were a plentiful pest. “The fields were full of them and they ate anything and destroyed fields of crops.” While rabbits were plentiful hares were scarce. Danny sold the rabbits that he trapped to a man named Murphy who also bought fish. The business was located at the corner of Bridge Street and the Quay in New Ross. Danny recalled that the rabbits were sent off to England. Danny thought they were sent off to feed the men who worked in the coal mines during World War II. He recalled that when Clover Meats commenced it canned rabbit meat and that there were businesses that would come into an area to trap rabbits for a fee and then would make more money by selling the meat and skins of the rabbits they were paid to trap.
From newspaper accounts it appears that Clover Meats commenced operation in 1924. No reference could be found to the canning of rabbit by Clover Meats, however other factories were processing rabbit meat both for human and pet consumption. In the 1930’s and 1940’s there were lots of articles concerning the explosion in the rabbit population and the impact on farms, estates and even golf courses. A 1936 article in the New Ross Standard highlights the situation in Glenmore. “A Farmer’s Experience—There are many instances of the destruction that is being caused to crops by rabbits which are so numerous in many localities that they constitute a menace to the farmer.” A four acre field of barley in the Glenmore district had been so damaged by the rabbits that at the beginning of June the owner re-ploughed it and sowed turnips. “As soon as the turnips came up fairly strong the rabbits attacked the young plants and completely cleared the field.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 July 1936, p. 3)
A couple of months later another article and an advertisement appeared in the New Ross Standard advising readers that there was a new buyer for trapped rabbits. “A NEW MARKET FOR RABBITS—An advt. by Fur Dyers. Ltd. Dublin, in this issue will be read with interest by most farmers. The rabbit pest has become a serious menace to agriculture in recent years and whole districts are so over-run with the little beasts that not only corn and roots, but grassland also has been eaten bare by them. Rabbits are very prolific. They breed from four to eight times a year, and the young rabbits in turn start breeding when they are six months old, so that only a mass attack on them will keep them in check. Fur Dyers, Ltd., are offering 8d. a pair for fresh trapped rabbits delivered at any railway station, and this profitable market should stimulate trapping in lands that are over-run with rabbits. They will take any number and pay carriage by passenger train. In these circumstances rabbit trapping should be a profitable side line not only for farmers, but for their labourers also.” (New Ross Standard, Fri 16 Oct 1936)
In 1938 there was an increase in the price of rabbits and it was becoming usual for the market price of pairs of rabbits to be reported in the newspaper. The New Ross Standard reported that the increase price for rabbits was proving a strong factor in the thinning of the population of the destructive rodents. The prices paid induced many persons to engage in hunting and trapping (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1939 p. 8).
In Glenmore, Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) of Rathinure, was in his late teens and engaged full time in rabbit trapping. Being the son of a local farmer he trapped on his own farm and neighbour’s farms. As an elderly man he often spoke of his days of rabbit trapping and told my husband Peter Walsh that at one point he got half a crown (30 d.) for a pair of rabbits and made £600 one season. Local speculation is that Paddy was able to accumulate a considerable sum from his rabbit trapping enterprise. Paddy would run his traps twice a night and early in the morning would load them onto his bicycle and cycle into New Ross where he sold the rabbits to Murphy the fish and rabbit buyer. Paddy said that he had rabbits hanging from his handlebars and crossbar. Today, Johnny Garvey, of Rathinure recalled that Paddy told him on one occasion Paddy was transporting so many rabbits the cross bar on his bicycle broke.
Unfortunately, with any endeavour where money is seen as easily acquired it wasn’t long before the newspapers were full of cases involving the theft of rabbit traps. Judge A. O’Donoghue, at the Rathangan District Court, Co. Kildare, in exasperation told two defendants who “borrowed” traps belonging to another man, “I never met a man yet who did not get into trouble over rabbit trapping.” The men had been charged with stealing 6 rabbit traps valued at 15s (Leinster Leader, Sat. 14 Aug. 1937, p 7).
After World War II broke out in 1939 there was an enormous increase in rabbit trapping. This was driven by the fact that game such as rabbit was not rationed in the UK and high prices were being paid for rabbits and rabbit skins (Larne Times (Co. Antrim, N.I.) Thurs. 18 Dec. 1941). In September 1941, both the Munster Express and the Waterford Standard carried a story concerning Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) being charged with the theft of rabbit traps. It was alleged that between the 7th and 13th August Paddy stole 10 rabbit traps, valued at 2/4 each, belonging to James Rochford. One newspaper stated that Rochford lived in Robinstown and the other alleged he lived in Rochestown. Rochford is not a common name found in Glenmore, but we were able to locate his wife’s obituary from 1949. Per the obituary Mrs. M. Rochford died at the age of 40 at her home in Ballinamona, Slieverue. The family moved to Slieverue from Aylwardstown, Glenmore in 1938. Mary Rochford was a native of Clonroche, Wexford.
In 1941, after missing traps Rochford and his wife went into hiding from 3 o’clock in the morning until 6 a.m. on the 13th of August. They observed Paddy come along and pull up 5 traps. Paddy was represented by Mr. Halley, solicitor, who cross-examined Rochford. Rochford on cross stated that he was not really a professional trapper. Rochford also stated of Paddy, “I know the chap very well…I heard that last year that traps were stolen on Kennedy…The traps had belonged to a man named Ayre. I admit there is a trafficking in traps.” Both men testified that they purchased their traps from Ayers. Rochford’s wife (whose name is listed as Margaret in the court article) corroborated the testimony of her husband. Paddy testified that he purchased 48 traps the previous year and 24 had been stolen. On the night in question he placed his traps in John Power’s field in Rathinure and had no idea that Rochford had placed any traps in the field. He noted that Rochford was far from his home. Paddy showed the Court his traps and the marks he put on his traps with a file. It was noted that the marks on the allegedly stolen traps and the marks on Paddy’s traps were very similar. “The Justice in dismissing the case, said that the evidence was not entirely convincing that Kennedy had stolen the traps.” (Munster Express, Sat. 5 Sept. 1941, p. 6; Waterford Standard, Sat. 6 Sept. 1941, p. 1)
In December 1941 the New Ross Standard, (Friday 19 Dec. 1941, p. 8) reported that rabbit prices had fallen to 2s/6d per pair. Up until a few days previous the price was 4s/6d per pair. The article concludes, “[t]he prospect of a handy-easy earned revenue to supplement the meagre incomes found all sections of people traversing the hills and bogs at night time, to reap the unexpected financial return that bunny undoubtedly brought many.” It is doubtful that the men who worked like Paddy running traps twice a night thought that trapping was a “handy-easy earned revenue.”
We were able to locate the seller of the traps to Paddy Kennedy. Beginning around 1925 Alex Aird advertised his rabbit trapping service. As Danny explained trapping services would charge a small fee or seek free housing and sell the rabbits they trapped. Every year Aird advertised his services and the address provided in the adverts changed. Some examples of the advertisements are provided below. Notice in 1937 Aird was located in Glenmore.
1925—RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED. FARMERS IN CO. WEXFORD who want their rabbits killed and crops saved should write me at once; we give no trouble and no expense. Apply W. A. D. Aird. Trapper, Dunbrody, Arthurstown, Co. Wexford. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 May 1925).
1936– RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED—Any Farmer in Co. Wexford who will give me the sole right to kill his Rabbits, in return I am prepared to keep his crops clear of rabbits for 12 months. If I get sufficient support, I will move my men to Wexford and start operations at once.—Alex. Aird, Trapper, P.O. Mallow. (New Ross Standard, Fri 23 Oct. 1936)
1937—RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED—Now is the effective time to trap your rabbits before the young rabbits are out. We are prepared to trap a Farm, a Parish or a County, providing an empty house or accommodation for men is provided. Alex. Aird & Sons, TRAPPERS, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny (Kilkenny People, 20 Feb. 1937, p. 1)
Special thanks to Johnny Garvey and Peter Walsh of Rathinure, Glenmore for sharing their memories of what Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) said concerning his rabbit trapping enterprise.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The 1937 Wedding of Etta Walsh of Glenmore Village
Most wedding announcements in the local newspapers in the early decades of the twentieth century provided very few details concerning the wedding reception, if any, and guests or gifts. A long article covering the marriage of Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh published in the Munster Express on Friday the 19th of November 1937 (p. 8) is most unusual and provides an interesting glimpse into the wedding that took place a little over 80 years ago. In addition to details regarding the wedding reception, this article provides a long list of gifts the couple received from people across Glenmore parish and there are a few references to the political situation of the country. Included in the list of gifts the newlyweds received are “turkeys.” Special thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy for finding and sharing this detailed article.
Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh, of Glenmore, was the only daughter of James “J.K.” Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955). The former premises of the Gaffney’s shop sometime prior to the 1911 census was acquired by the Heffernan family. In 1913 Lizzie married James Walsh, a farmer from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and they ran the business together until his untimely death in 1934 just three years before Etta’s wedding. Lizzie continued to run the business for several years eventually turning it over to her son Patrick “Eric” Walsh.
PRETTY WEDDING AT GLENMORE. (Munster Express, Fri, 19 Nov. 1937)
A pretty Ulster and Leinster alliance took place at St. James’s Church, Glenmore, on Monday morning last when members of two well-known Cavan and Kilkenny families were united in matrimony. The contracting parties were Garda Patk. J. Fitzpatrick, Barrack St., Waterford, and Miss Bridget Mary (Etta) Walsh, only daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth and the late Mr. J. K. Walsh, Glenmore. The ceremony was performed by Very Rev. Thos. Heffernan, C.P., Rector, St. Patrick’s Retreat, Wheatfield House, Crumlin Road, Belfast (uncle of the bride), who celebrated Nuptial Mass and imparted the Papal Blessing. He was assisted by Rev. W. Brennan, C.C, Glenmore. The best man was Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick, Belturbet, Co. Cavan (brother of the bridegroom), and the bride, who was attired in oyster satin with tulle veil and shoes to tone, was attended by her cousin, Miss Mai McLoughlin, Tullow, Co. Carlow, who wore rust velvet with turban to match. The bride had as train-bearers her two little cousins, Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore, wearing pink taffeta frocks with Juliet caps. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee, carried a bouquet of white and pink chrysanthemums, and her attendants mixed chrysanthemums. Miss Peggy Curran. Glenmore, presided at the organ, and during the ceremony sang Handel’s Largo, “O Love Divine,” in a beautiful and impressive manner, and as the happy couple walked down the aisle played the bridal march from Lochingrin.
A reception was subsequently held at the home of the bride’s mother, where over 60 guests were entertained to a sumptuous dejeuner. Mrs. Walsh, wearing black crepe-de-chine trimmed with gold applique, received the guests and conducted them to the spacious hall recently constructed by this enterprising family, and which was specially decorated for the occasion with a profusion of flowers and bunting.
Guests
Those present in addition to the bride and bridegroom were—Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P. (presiding) ; Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.; Mrs. E. Walsh, Glenmore (mother of the bride) ; Mr. and Mrs. M. Fitzpatrick, Belturbet (parents of the groom); Messrs Hugh and Ed. Fitzpatrick, do; Miss Anna Fitzpatrick. do; Sergt. Francis and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Limerick; Messrs. Eric and Ml. Walsh, Glenmore; Mrs. M. Heffernan, N.T., do; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do; Miss M. McLoughlin , Tullow; Mrs. H. Curran, N.T., Glenmore; Miss Hetty Curran, do; Miss Peggy Curran , do; Miss M. Walsh, do; Miss N. Prendergast, do; Mrs. Fluskey, P.O., do: Mr. Frank Heffernan, do.. Mr. M. Hanrahan, do.; Mr. Ml. Heffernan, do; Garda J. Coakley, do; Garda K. Cummins, Waterford; Garda B. Gilsinan, do; Garda P. Dervan , do; Garda J. J. McCarthy, do; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin; Mrs. Jack McLoughlin, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford; Mrs. Prendergast, The Quay, New Ross; Mr John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Mrs. K. Forristal , do; Mr. Patk. Forristal, do; Miss Margt. Holden, Glenmore; the Misses Bridget and Mary Brennan, do; the Misses Mary and Nell Dillon, do; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown; Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. Patrick Walsh, do; Mrs. J. Dunphy, Ballyverneen ; Mrs. O’Mullane, Bannow, Co. Wexford; Mr. T. McGrath, Clonmel; Mr. Daniel Coady, Carrigcloney; Mrs. Coady, do; Mrs L. Dillon, Fahee; Mrs. E. Fitzgerald, Flemingstown; Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; Miss Mary Fitzgerald, do; the Misses Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. J. Cleere , Kilmacow; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, Waterford; Miss May Walsh, Poleberry, do: Miss Bridie Walsh, Waterford; Mr. Wm. Brophy, do; Miss Annie Brophy, do; etc., etc.
Toasts
Rev. Fr. Brennan, in proposing a toast to the health of the bride and bridegroom, referred to the great Gaelic traditions of Kilkenny and Cavan and said that both teams had gone down in the All-Ireland finals, but they would rise again. He welcomed the people from Cavan and paid a warm tribute to both families. In conclusion he wished the bride and bridegroom every joy in the future, and hoped that God would prosper them. Very Rev. Fr. Heffernan proposed the toast of the health of the visitors and said that as one who had spent over ten years in Belfast he had a great regard for his native Glenmore and was delighted to be associated with such a happy event. He paid a special tribute to Miss Peggy Curran for her beautiful singing during the ceremony and for the lovely music provided. He wished the happy couple every success in their wedded career. Mr. McLoughlin proposed the toast of “Eire,” and said if North and South could not be united politically they could at least be united in matrimony. Mr. John Dunphy also spoke, and the bridegroom, on behalf of Mrs. Fitzpatrick and himself, suitably replied amidst hearty applause.
A few enjoyable hours, followed , vocal items being contributed by Mrs. Curran, N.T.; Miss Peggy Curran, Gardai Cummins, Coakley and McCarthy; Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick and Mr. Con McLoughlin, which were greatly appreciated. The happy couple later left by the 4-20 p.m. train from Waterford in route for Dublin, Belfast and London on the honeymoon, and were given a cordial send-off. At night large numbers of friends and well-wishers assembled at Glenmore to join in the wedding festivities and were royally entertained at the home of the bride, where dancing continued until early on Tuesday morning to the strains of the splendid music supplied by the Glenmore Band, directed by Mr. James Walsh. Songs and step-dancing items were interspersed throughout the programme, the social being thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The bridegroom is a native of Belturbet, Co. Cavan, and has been attached to the Garda force since its inception, being at present Inspector of Public Service Vehicles at the Waterford-Kilkenny Divisional Headquarters, Barrack Street [Waterford], where he is very popular with his colleagues; and the general public. His bride comes of a well-known South Kilkenny family and is a popular figure amongst a wide circle of friends both in her native district and in Tramore, where she is the genial proprietress of the well-known “Prom Cafe.”
Perhaps the greatest tribute to the popularity of both was the beautiful array of expensive and serviceable wedding gifts which were on view at the bride’s home and were the synosure (sic) of all eyes. Congratulatory telegrams were received from the Rev. Mother and Community, Sacred Heart Convent, Ferrybank; Madame Martha, do; Thomas Power , Esq., The Quay, Waterford ; Jack McLoughlin, Ballyduff ; J. B. Hearne, Esq., Belfast; Mac. Giolla Brigde, Esq., Waterford.
LIST OF PRESENTS.
Included in the list of presents were the following—From bride to bridegroom, signet ring, engraved: bridegroom to bride, wristlet watch, engraved; bridegroom to bridesmaid leather handbag; Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh, Glenmore, half dozen pictures and coffee service ; Mr. A.H. Walsh, do, bed linen, brass candlesticks and match box holder; Mr. Eric Walsh, do., oak clock; Miss Maureen Walsh , do, table linen; Mr. and Mrs. Patk. Hanrahan, do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. D. Cody, Carrigcloney, silver dish and spoons; Dr. and Mrs. ‘ Coghlan, Newrath, fireside set; Garda Dervan, Waterford , silver entrée dish; Garda and Mrs. Naughton , do, silver fruit dish; Garda McCarthy, do, breakfast service; Garda K. Cummins, do., silver entree dish; Mr. P. Forristal, Ballyverneen, silver cake dish; Mr. J. Dunphy, do, silver-mounted salad bowl: Mrs. Donovan, Rosbercon, embroidered table cloth and serviettes; Miss M. Walsh, Graignakill, silk table cover; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hartley, Weatherstown, Irish linen table cloth; Miss Hartley, do, silk bedspread; Mrs. Mernagh, do, glass drinking set; Mrs. Holden, do, statue; Mr. and Mrs. M. Hoynes, Ballybrahee, set of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, do, cheque; Mr. Thos. Heffernan, Carney Bay, Indian silk cloth and serviettes; Miss Stasia Heffernan, do, silver bowel; Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Jamestown, pyrex dish with silver stand; the Fitzgerald family, do, bed linen; Miss B. Power, do, cruet; Mrs. E. Power, do, crucifix; Mrs. Curran, N.T., Robinstown, tea service; Miss P. Curran, do, hand-painted picture: Mrs. Bevans, do, bed linen; Mrs. Power, do, bed linen; Miss M. Walsh, do, Irish linen table cloth; the Misses O’Neill, Slievecorrig, linen table cloth; the Sparks family, Tramore, coffee set; Miss May Power, Waterford, silk lingerie; the Misses Kiely, Upton and Walsh, do, dinner mats; the Misses Bridie and May Walsh, do, bed linen ; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, do, ivory-handle carvers; Garda. B Gilsenan, do, staghorn handle carvers; Mr. and Mrs. Barry, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Dean Walsh, Australia, crystal manicure set; Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P., Belfast, leather suit case and cigarette case; the Rev. Mother, S.H.M. Convent, Ferrybank, night dress case; Madame Martha, do, hand-embroidered tea cosy and table runner; Val and Maisie Connolly, New Ross, fancy fruit dish; P. J. Connolly, do, candlesticks; Mrs. Prendergast, do, altar set; R. Heffernan and family, Killarney, coffee service; Mrs. Doolan, Glenmore, 21-piece tea set; Mrs. Fluskey, do, brush and comb set; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do, dinner service; Mrs. Hennessy, do, silver serviette rings; Garda and Mrs. Coakley, do, taffeta bedspread; Mrs. P. Dowling, do., blankets; the Heffernan family, do, armchair; Mrs. Cuddihy, do, butterfly-wing tray; Miss Molly Walsh, do, tea cosy ; the Brennan family, do, dressing gown; the Jones family, do, Irish linen tablecloth ; Mr. F. Heffernan, do, bed linen; Mrs. A. Forristal, do, hand-embroidered tea cloth; Miss A. Bergin, do, lingerie set; Mrs. Mernagh, do, dressing table set; the Cassin family, do, lingerie set; the Creamery Staff, do, Irish linen table cloth; Miss K. Mullins, Flemingstown, bedspread: Mrs. Fitzpatrick and family, Belturbet, Beleek china; Mr. and Mrs. Graham , do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Reilly, do, silver cake dish; Mr. and Mrs. Murtan, do, cut-glass drinking set; Mr. and Mrs. J. Blake, Main St., Wexford, hand-embroidered tea cloth and serviettes ; Sergeant and Mrs. Mullane, Bannow, tea cosy: Sergeant and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Kilmeedy, Limerick, case of cutlery; Miss M. Fitzgerald , Weatherstown, bedroom toilet set; Miss Polly Power, Busherstown, crepe-de-chine handkerchiefs ; Miss H. Walsh, do, bed linen; Miss Bridget Murphy, Mullinahone, silver mounted jam dish; Mrs. Gordon, do, cruet; Mrs. Murphy, do, statue, Infant of Prague; Mrs. P. Walsh, do, point-lace clothes; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown, bed linen; Mrs. J. Cottrell, Ballycroney, bed linen; Mr. L. Hennessy, do, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. J. McLoughlin, Ballycullane, eiderdown; Miss B. Cardiff, Sally and Mary McLoughlin, do, turkeys; Mr. and Mrs. Conran, do., chenille table cloth and house shoes; Miss Babs Sinnott, do, embroidered table cloth; Mr. J. Scanlon, Glenmore, tea pot; the Cody family, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Mr. J. McLoughlin, Tullow, blankets; Miss M. McLoughlin, do, eiderdown; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin , oil painting; Messrs. Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, pair of cushions; Miss Margaret Gaule, Slievecorrig, cut-glass fruit dish; Mr. T. McGrath, Russellstown, Clonmel, tea cosy; Messrs. Jameson and Co., Jewellers, Dublin, cut-glass salad bowl; Miss M. Holden, Clune, bed linen; Miss Margt. Holden, do, night-dress case; the Misses Kelly, Graiguakill, bed linen; Mr. P. O’Connell, Mallow, tea cosy; Mrs. Hehir, Carrick-on-Suir , manicure set., etc.. etc.
Five months after their marriage the groom was notified that he was transferred to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway after having served three years in Waterford. “He did not come into very close contact with the public in the ordinary way as a Guard, because of the fact that his principal work was in connection with the examination and testing of motor lorries and cars under the Road Act regulations. These tasks he carried out with great efficiency and success, and in the courts was regarded as an expert in all matters relating to the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and their proper conditioning for use on the roads. ” (Waterford Standard, 16 April 1938)
Further details regarding the Heffernan and Walsh family members can be found on the family and obituary pages.
The feature photo is Glenmore Village taken between 1920 and 1925. This photo can be dated because the Glenmore Barrack’s roof is missing. The JK Walsh shop is the large, long white building. The taller building to the left in the photo is the old Gaffney mill.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Early Glenmore Business Newspaper Advertisements [Updated]
While searching local newspapers various advertisements for Glenmore businesses, or businesses belonging to people from Glenmore, were found. Prior to 1925 there were very few advertisements, however several were located in local newspapers in the late 1930’s. For a short article on Glenmore Village in the 1930’s see, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-village-in-the-1930s/.
The following two ads were found together in the Munster Express of 16 December 1938. The J.K. Walsh shop and hall was the former premises of the Gaffney shop and mill. Locally Mrs. E. Walsh was called Lizzie J.K.
The Fluskey shop housed the second post office of Glenmore, was the place of the first telegraph and later the Glenmore telephone exchange. Robert Fluskey died in 1925, thus his sons who later ran the business appeared to have continued to leave the business in their father’s name. For details regarding Robert Fluskey see, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-businessman-robert-fluskey-1843-1925-and-the-sisters-of-charity-of-the-incarnate-word/.
The above ad for the Glenmore Creamery was found in the 15 December 1939 Munster Express. This ad confirms that the Glenmore Creamery had the second telephone in Glenmore. Danny Dowling earlier this month stated that he believes that the Glenmore parish priest was Glenmore 1.
The above ad for Pat Hanrahan’s shop in Glenmore Village was published in the Munster Express on 15 December 1939. For information on the Hanrahan Brothers who were reared in Glenmore and ran businesses in Glenmore Village and New Ross see, https://glenmore-history.com/michael-j-hanrahan-1888-1968-struggled-along/ and https://glenmore-history.com/michael-j-hanrahan-1888-1968-early-twentieth-century-gaelic-football-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic/.
The ad below was also published in the same newspaper in 1939.
The following two ads were published in the New Ross Standard on 17th of December 1937 for two different businesses in New Ross owned and operated by two of the Hanrahan brothers raised Glenmore.
[Update 22 June 2021: At Christmas 2020 Danny Dowling remarked that the Holden that was in business with Hanrahan in New Ross was originally from Clune, Glenmore and P.N. O’Gorman was connected to Glenmore. ]
[Update 22 June 2021: At Christmas 2020 Danny Dowling remarked that the Holden that was in business with Hanrahan in New Ross was originally from Clune, Glenmore and P.N. O’Gorman was connected to Glenmore. William Aylward was a native of Parkstown, GLenmore and operated a grocery/pub in Waterford in the early 20th century.]
Lastly, there were some earlier ads found that are not directly related to Glenmore, but are interesting. For example, below is an ad for the Michael F. Murphy Company of Kilkenny. This ad was published in the Kilkenny People in 1907 and reflects the wide range of services offered from furniture removal and warehousing to steamship agent.
However, the strangest ad found from an early 20th century newspaper was found in the Munster Express of Saturday the 12th of October 1901 on page 6.
OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT—many people have old or disused false teeth. Send your teeth to R.D. and J.H. Fraser, Ltd., Princes St. Ipswich (estab. 1833), and they will remit the utmost value by return, or make you best offer. Largest and oldest buyers of old false teeth anywhere in the world.
In attempting to find out when the Fraser Company of Ipswich may have ceased trading in the buying of old false teeth the below sign was found. The sign indicates that R.D. & J.B. Fraser engaged in more trade than just the buying of old false teeth.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Franco’s Glenmore Recruit: Richard “Dick” Fluskey (1907-1942) [UPDATED]
The Spanish Civil War of 1936-1938 is regarded by many as the opening act for the Second World War. From the Irish perspective it is viewed sometimes as a continuation of the Irish Civil War of 1922-1923 with Irish volunteers traveling to Spain and joining both sides of the conflict. According to John Dorney about 700 Irish volunteers fought for the right wing fascist side led by Francisco Franco which today tends to be the cause of much embarrassment in Ireland. He notes that greater attention is paid to the much smaller number of Irish volunteers who fought for the left wing or republicans. However, in the 1930’s the right wing cause was more popular in Ireland as it was perceived as a “crusade” against communism to support the Catholic religion. (John Dorney, “God’s Battle: O’Duffy’s Irish Brigade in the Spanish Civil War: The Irish Unit that Fought for Franco in 1936-37,” available at https://www.theirishstory.com/2018/10/24/gods-battle-oduffys-irish-brigade-in-the-spanish-civil-war/#.X7lfAM37RPY .)
The Spanish civil war began brewing in 1931 when the Spanish monarchy was peacefully overthrown. A Republic was established and intense class conflict and political polarisation between the right and left undermined democratic principles. In 1934 after the election of a right wing government in the northern province of Asturias worker’s revolted. The revolt was suppressed as was Catalonia’s declaration of independence. During the 1936 election in February, several left wing parties worked together and formed the Popular Front and won the election. In July 1936 a section of the Spanish Army mounted an attack on the Popular Front government. Spain descended into a civil war which Dorney described as an “international battleground between ideologies of left and right, depicted on one side as a war for democracy against fascism and on the other for western civilisation against communism.” The right wing or Nationalist side led by Franco was supported by Nazi Germany and fascist Italy. The Republic was backed by the Soviet Union and the communist movement. For photos taken during the Spanish Civil War, see, David Sims (2017) “Spanish Civil War: 50 Powerful Photos of the Horrific Conflict,” in International Business Times, available at https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/spanish-civil-war-anniversary-50-powerful-photos-horrific-conflict-1630676 .
In 1936 the Irish clergy and the Irish Christian Front staged rallies across Ireland in support of Franco. Many volunteered to fight in God’s battle against communism in Spain. Eoin O’Duffy led the Irish volunteers for Franco. O’Duffy had been an IRA commander in Monaghan during the Irish War of Independence. He supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty, served as a Free State army general and Garda Commissioner until 1933 when he was fired by Eamon de Valera. O’Duffy became the leader of the Blueshirt movement a semi-fascist group. Due to his increasingly extreme views O’Duffy became politically isolated and is believed to have recruited men to join in the Spanish Civil War to boost his own political prospects.
The Irish Independent on Saturday the 12th of December 1936 reported that 100 more volunteers left Dublin last night for Liverpool, to travel to Spain, where the volunteers were to join the Irish Brigade under General O’Duffy. This was the biggest contingent that set out to assist the “Patriot Forces.” The newspaper noted that the volunteers came from 18 counties and also included three volunteers from Liverpool and one from London. Included in the list were 3 Kilkenny men… William Greene, Deerpark, Mullinavat; R. Fluskey, Glenmore; and Joseph F. Doyle, Kiltown, Castlecomer. A much shorter article appear in the Kilkenny People on Saturday the 26th of December 1936 (p. 8) and provided that Mr. R. Fluskey, Glenmore “…has gone to Spain to fight with the forces of General Franco, is a native of Mile Bush, Rosbercon.” The newspaper incorrectly recorded that the R initial was for Robert.
Shipping records provide that the steamship Ardeola, of the Yeoward Line, left Liverpool on the 12th of December 1936 for Lisbon, Portugal, under Captain A.E. Jones. Richard “Dick” Fluskey and 20 other volunteers were on board the Ardeola and traveling 1st Class. The ship register provides that Mr. R. Fluskey, of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, was 24 years of age and his profession was listed as farmer. In the group of 21 volunteers are two other local men: Mr. W. Greene of Deerpark, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny, was 29 years of age, a farmer; and Mr. J. Ivory, of Ballyglen, Dunmore East, Waterford, was 26 years of age and also a farmer.
Danny Dowling yesterday was able to immediately identify that “Dick” Fluskey went to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War. He wasn’t in Spain very long and when he returned he did not get a great reception. According to John Dorney all of the Irish Brigade, save one man, were back in Ireland by 21 June 1937. Danny Dowling stated that Dick Fluskey, upon his return, stayed with Jim Fluskey in Glenmore Village. Danny wasn’t sure of the exact relationship between the two men, but did recall that Jim Fluskey wasn’t very happy with Dick. Dick went to Swansea in Wales and died shortly after his arrival in Wales. Danny stated that Dick Fluskey was a young man when he died and was ill when he left Ireland.
A newspaper article appeared in the Kilkenny People In 1939 which recited that Robert Fluskey, of Glenmore, had been denied permission to keep pigs in “the yard” due to sanitary concerns. He believed that with the outbreak of the second World War that a food shortage would occur. Danny Dowling stated yesterday that it was around this time that the Fluskey piggery was built behind Jim B’s cottage in Glenmore Village just above where the current pub is now located.
It is believed that Richard “Dick” Fluskey was a brother of the two girls that James Fluskey and his wife raised when the mother of the girls died. Both girls became nuns. For details concerning the Fluskey family see, our previous blog post on Robert Fluskey (1843-1925) at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-businessman-robert-fluskey-1843-1925-and-the-sisters-of-charity-of-the-incarnate-word/. Armed with a place of death for Richard “Dick” Fluskey, we were able to find a death record for Richard Fluskey. He died on the 28th of September 1942 in Pembrokeshire, Wales. His age is incorrectly recorded as 27 when he was actually 35 years of age. It is not known what Fluskey was doing in Wales.
The following obituary was published in the Munster Express, on Friday the 2nd of October 1942, (p. 3) for Richard “Dick” Fluskey.
LATE MR. R. FLUSKEY—At a joint meeting of the Glenmore L.D.F. and L.S.F., a vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Richard Fluskey, whose death occurred in England on Monday evening. The deceased took a leading part in the organisation of the L.D.F. and L.S.F. in Glenmore, and held the position of Group Leader in the L.D.F. up to the time of his departure to England twelve months ago. He also served with the Irish Brigade in Spain during the Civil War, and held a non-commissioned rank in the National Army before his departure to Spain. His efficiency as an organiser was responsible for the standard of proficiency attained by the L.D.F. in Glenmore at the moment. His passing at such an early age has caused sincere regret in his native county, and especially among his comrades in the L.D.F and L.S.F., he having being a verv honourable and straightforward leader. The dance to be held at Walsh’s Hall on Sunday night next in aid of the Glenmore L.D.F. has been postponed to Sunday night. Nov. 4. as a mark of respect for the death of their former Group Leader, Richard Fluskey.
After the outbreak of the Second World War in May 1940 the Local Security Force (LSF) was established. The following month the LSF was split into two groups. One group was an auxiliary to the Army while the other group was an auxiliary to the Gardai. This second group became the Local Defence Force (LDF) and was organized based on the previous Garda districts and division. For a concise article on Ireland during the Second World War see, Bryce Evans (2015) at http://www.1940.co.uk/acatalog/Ireland-in-WW2.html.
For further information concerning the Spanish Civil War see, Paul Preston (2012) The Spanish Holocaust: Inquisition & Extermination in Twentieth-Century Spain. A concise book review is available at https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/mar/09/spanish-holocaust-paul-preston-review .
Today, we do not know why Richard “Dick” Fluskey joined O’Duffy’s Irish Brigade. Was he a fascist, was he a bored young man looking for excitement, or did he go there to fight the enemies of the Church? Given his activities after returning from the Spanish Civil War it does not seem likely that he was a fascist. On the other hand, he had two sisters and three cousins in a religious order. It appears more likely that he enlisted to fight the enemies of the Church or to protect the priests and nuns of Spain.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
[UPDATE: Another local man identified. Elizabeth “Cissy” Kennedy (aged 90) a native of Rathinure, Glenmore stated on 28 November 2020 that Jimmy Morrissey from Tullogher also went out to the Spanish Civil War, she believed that he fought for Franco. When he returned to Ireland he went out with Celia Heffernan, of Kearneybay, Glenmore for a long time.]
[Update: Special thanks to Michael Hoynes for sharing the photo of “the Glenmore LDF under the command of Richard Fluskey.”]
Prosperity, Pollution and the 1931 Glenmore Waterworks
Danny Dowling this week was able to identify five known hand operated public water pumps in the Village of Glenmore. One pump was located in front of where the Glenmore pub is now located. This was a deep well. Another pump was later located across the road at Rita Cummins née Hennessy’s gate on the footpath. A third pump was located outside the old National Boys’ School. Danny also stated that he was told that Gaffneys had a pump, but Danny did not know if it was in front of the buildings or at the side or rear of the property. Today, next to the Coach House a pump painted red still remains in the Village.
As previously discussed in our post of the 9th of May 2020, the Glenmore Co-opertive Creamery was established and commenced operating in 1905. According to the newspaper coverage at the time the site was chosen because it contained a spring and a stream. An expert who advised the founders noted that a creamery needed a good supply of clean spring water and a fast moving stream to carry away the waste generated by the operations of the Creamery. The stream at the Creamery went under the road; into Hanrahan’s field where the original Glenmore chapel was located; it ran down the hill under the Village Street to meet the stream from Mullinahone at the pub side of the bridge; flowed behind the Coach House into Cappagh; on to Graiguenakill and out into the Ballyverneen marshes and into the Barrow River.
On the 23rd of October 1931 the New Ross Standard featured a long article regarding the opening of the Glenmore waterworks.
“For some years Glenmore was faced with a serious problem in its water supply. The old pump had done its duty for generations, but in all material things the wear and tear of time inevitably leaves its impress. Gradually the old fundamental work became faulty and gave grounds for misgivings as regards the purity of the water feeding the storage vault. Shortly the situation was clarified when it was proved that the water was no longer safe for human consumption.”
Although the article implies that the water became unfit due to the wear and tear on the pumps, the article also reveals that the water in the Village pumps had become so unfit that farmers would not allow their horses to drink it. Danny believes that the discharges from the Creamery polluted the stream and then the nearby wells. It was reported that anxiety arose in 1929 in the Village concerning the state of the Glenmore water. The Very Reverend, Canon Holohan, P.P. and the Very Reverend, Dr. Gibbons, Curate out of concern for their parishioners set out to find a supply of good water for the Village. They wrote to Mr. Dooley, a member of the Kilkenny County Council and Mr. Flanigan, the engineer for the County Council. Mr. Dooley and Mr. Flanigan travelled to Glenmore on a very wet day. They examined the water, the old pump, took up buckets of water, and found that it was absolutely unfit for human use.
Originally a suggestion was made that another pump be sank in the village, but this was rejected as the likelihood was that the water in a new pump would also be polluted. Finally, the priests hit on a new source of water for the Village. Danny said that they chose the Tobar Mhuire Holy or blessed well in the Flemingstown Townland on the lands of Mrs. Mary Mullins, née Walsh. [Mary Mullins, née Walsh was the daughter of Patrick and Margaret Walsh, of Davidstown, Glenmore the couple who gave the sanctuary lamp to the Glenmore Parish Church during the 1910-1912 renovations that travelled to Crosspatrick Church.] Danny explained that Tobar Mhuire translates as St. Mary’s Well. The site of the well was considered ideal because it was at a good elevation over the village and thus would ensure a good pressure. It was reported that the water was pure and abundant.
The priests wrote the Board of Health, and correspondence went on for some time between them and the board. Mr. Flanagan, engineer, then drew up plans, specifications, and an estimate for the proposed work, and submitted it all to the Board of Health. The Board agreed to the plan and guaranteed that it would pay for the work. The work started in March 1931 by the contractor, Mr. Power. This work included the running a mile of pipe to the Village. According to Thomas Mullins, of Flemingstown, grandson of Mrs. Mary Mullins, the original pipe was cast iron and subject to leaks. The newspaper article indicates that fountains or faucets were placed in the Village and several of the houses in the village and the schools immediately connected as did some houses outside the Village that were adjacent to the main pipe. It was noted that it was predicted that in a short time the scheme would be a source of substantial revenue for the Health Board and would recoup the £1,200 expended on it. At the opening ceremony Councillor Dooley was thanked for working tirelessly to get the Glenmore scheme sanctioned, and for also securing a £300 grant for the project from the Government when President Cosgrove visited Kilkenny.
A couple of hundred people attended the opening ceremony held at the well. Speeches were given by various politicians and Father Holohan blessed the water. One politician told a joke concerning a thirsty man that provides a glimpse into the humour of the time. A thirsty man was working hard under a blazing sun. He went to a neighbouring house for a drink of water. He was handed a glass of water and asked if he would have a little stick in it. “What do you mean? How could a bit of stick improve it?” asked the thirsty workman in surprise. The householder explained, “In this part of the country a bit of stick means a little whiskey.” The thirsty man replied, “Well, if that is the case then, put a telegraph pole into it.” After the ceremony had concluded, Mrs. Mullins, who so generously gave the concession of land, was handed the apparatus, and she formally turned on the water to the main at the stopcock, midst applause.”
Although various works have been performed to the system over the past 89 years, and the Village has grown, the water supply to the Village of Glenmore is still the Tobar Mhuire Holy well. [UPDATE on 28 June 2020–The New Ross Standard reported on Thursday the 28th of June 1990 that “[t]he old metal pipes which were laid 60 years ago when the Village of Glenmore got its first water supply, are currently being replaced by the outdoor staff of Kilkenny County Council. The supply is provided by a well at Flemingstown.]
On a separate matter—with the partial lifting of the lockdown this week I drove to a socially distance visit with Danny. He was in very good spirits. On my way through Cappagh I spied a May Bush in front of Pat Dowling’s house. It was nice to be out of the house, visit with Danny and see this old tradition on the approach to the Village. Apologies for the quality of the photo.
Special thanks to Thomas Mullins, of Flemingstown for providing details concerning the well and waterworks.
The featured photo is the Village Stream taken at the water pump looking toward Cappagh, Glenmore.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Tobar Mhuire Holy Well in 2020