1940’s
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The Glenmore Athletic Club 1944-1946
A reader has a battered newspaper clipping that revealed that her grandfather won a race at a Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day. Unfortunately, the clipping lacks a date or name of the publication where it was printed. In helping locate the date of the race we found a lot of articles regarding Glenmore’s Sports Days that name a large number of Glenmore athletes. A search of local newspapers revealed that the first fixture of the Glenmore Athletic Club took place on Sunday the 10th of July 1944 which was applauded as “a successful revival of athletics in Glenmore parish, after a lapse of over 10 years” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Today, we are going to focus on the Glenmore Athletic Club events that took place in 1944-1946. Any additional information we have included not gleaned from the Munster Express has been placed in square brackets [ ]. Can you help identify any of the athletes?
The First Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1944
Although WWII was still raging the Glenmore Athletic Club organised a sports day in 1944. The Munster Express (Fri. 14 July 1944) reported that “despite unfavourable weather conditions, a good crowd patronised the first annual sports of the Glenmore Athletic Club.” In a field provided by Richard Murphy, the fixture proved a very good success. The newspaper reported there was keen competition in each event, especially the track contests, where some finishes were exceptionally close. “Larry Kiely, who scored a dual success at the sports, is the son of T.P. Kiely, Carrick-on-Suir, a former world’s champion” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
To illustrate the distances some athletes travelled for the 1944 event, it was reported that Nicholas Phelan of Conahy, aged 17, cycled to Glenmore and won the 440 yards Kilkenny County Championship event from keen competition. He cycled home subsequently, covering about 80 miles that day (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Great credit was given in the article to the Officers and committee of the club, including Rev. William Brennan, C.C., President; T. Fitzgerald, Chairman; P. Fitzgerald, Treasurer; and William Walshe, Hon. Secretary. A special feature was the beautiful array of prizes. [See our post of 27 Feb. 2022 regarding William “Bill” Walsh (1912-1985) of Cappagh.]
The Results
Although the total number of events was not recorded 14 event results were published as follows:
100 yards (schoolboys under 14, confined to Glenmore Parish)—1st W. McDonald, Haggard; 2nd Billy Walsh, Mullinahone
100 yards (open)—1st Cpl. Martin (Army); 2nd Sgt. McGlynn (Army)
220 yards (confined)—1st Paddy Roche, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Stephen Walsh, Glenmore A.C. [It is believed that Paddy Roche (1919-1989) was from Rathinure, later emigrated to England and Stephen Walsh was from Rochestown, later moved to Knocktopher].
440 yards (open)—1st L. Kiely , Carrick-on-Suir; 2nd M. Killian, Glenmore A.C.
440 yards, under 18, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st Nicholas Phelan, Conahy; 2nd Richard Hennessy, Glenmore A.C. [Richard “Richie” Hennessy (c. 1925-2008) of Glenmore Village and later Ballycroney became a builder and built the Glenmore Community Centre.]
880 yards (open)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Larry Kiely [We believe that Larry Dillon (1921-2016) was a native of Rochestown. For more information on the Rochestown Dillon family see our post of 27 March 2021.]
One Mile Flat (confined)—1st Sean Robinson, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Peter Egan, Glenmore A.C.
Three Miles Flat, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st John Dunne, Ballycallan; 2nd Peter Egan
High Jump, County Championship—1st Cpl. Martin, 5 ft. 3 inch; 2nd William Kearney, Noreside A.C., 5 ft.
Broad Jump—1st Larry Dillon [Glenmore], 17 ft, 6 in; 2nd Stephen Walsh, 17ft, 2 in.
56 lbs without follow—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore A.C., 22 ft. 10in; 2nd John Forristal, Shanbogh, 17ft, 8 in [See our post of 4 July 2020 regarding the sport of weight throwing.]
One Mile Cycle (open)—1st William Walsh, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Paddy Joy, Waterford Wheelers
Two Mile Cycle (ordinary machines)—1st James Kennedy, Kilbride; 2nd James Haberlin, Slieverue [James Kennedy of Kilbride was born in 1923 to Patrick Kennedy (carpenter) and his wife Johanna Grace.]
Three Mile Cycle (open)—1st P. Joy; 2nd Ed. Ryan, Waterford Southern Sprinters.
The newspaper published that “broadcasting arrangements” were carried out by T. O’Brien, Waterford, The broadcasting was a loudspeaker system rather than a radio or television broadcast. Judges were Rev. Fr. Brennan, C.C.; James O’Hanrahan, Richard Murphy and W. Forristal.
The Glenmore Athletic Club thanked the businesses and people who donated prizes and the list contains several businesses owned and operated by Glenmore natives including: Hanrahan Brothers, Glenmore & New Ross; Brady & Co., Waterford; George Wright, Waterford; Phelan’s of Waterford; Clover Meats Ltd, Waterford; Brooks of New Ross; Holden & Hanrahan, New Ross; Mrs. Heffernan-Walsh, [Lizzy J.K.] Glenmore; and Miss Jo Phelan, Rosbercon. Subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Brennan, C.C., Glenmore; Glenmore Creamery Manager; Cherry’s, New Ross; Hickey’s New Ross; Doyle’s New Ross; Murphy’s, New Ross; James Power, Mile Post. See our post of 19 Dec. 2020 for early Glenmore business advertisements.
The Second Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day, 1945
The 1945 event was held in Robinstown on Sunday the 18th of June in a field owned by Laurence Kirwan. It was reported that the weather was ideal and the programme was comprised of 16 events completed in “record time.” Amplification was carried out by the Crescent Motor Garage, Wexford with commentators being W. Roche and William Walsh, the Secretary of the Club. The prizes were presented by Rev. J. Hynes, (sic) Ballybrahee, Glenmore, who was home from England on holiday (Munster Express 22 June 1945, p. 2). [Fr. John Hoyne (1916-1978) of Ballybrahee was ordained in 1942 for the diocese of Ossory. During his life he had a number of parish assignments including Callan, Glenmore and Bennettsbridge.]
Partial List of Results
The results of all 16 events are provided in the Munster Express, but few addresses of the winners were provided. The following is a partial list of the results featuring Glenmore athletes or those assumed to be Glenmore athletes.
880 Yards (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—2nd P. O’Connor, Glenmore [It is believed that this may have been Pat O’Connor a native of Ballyfacey and late of Rathinure. Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure.]
100 Yards (boys under 14, confined)—1st W. Walsh; 2nd R. Cody [We believe R. Cody was Richard Cody of Carrigcloney].
880 Yards (confined)—1st Larry Dillon [Larry Dillon (1921-2016) see above, was a native of Rochestown and subsequently emigrated to Wolverhampton.]
Three Legged Race—1st D. Doherty & Miss Doherty; 2nd James Kennedy & Miss Mary Connolly
56 lbs (without follow)—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore
Glenmore School Sports Day
In the autumn of 1945, the Glenmore Athletic Club arranged a School Sports Day held in Robinstown. It was noted that “entries were not as large as anticipated” and for the first time events for girls were included (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Oct. 1945, p. 6).
80 Yards (boys under 10)—1st Larry Byrne [of Haggard. Larry never married. He followed the hunt and was an excellent horseman]; 2nd Kevin Cuddihy [Kevin was the son of the 2nd Glenmore Creamery Manager Tom Cuddihy. Kevin eventually became the third Glenmore Creamery Manager and was killed by a horse in 1973.]
80 Yards (girls under 10)—1st Mary Heffernan; 2nd May Phelan [We believe Mary Heffernan was Mary Alyward née Heffernan (1933-2026) of Rochestown].
100 Yards (under 12)—1st R. Cody; 2nd D. Cody [We believe that these were two Cody brothers from Carrigcloney, Richard and Fr. Daniel Cody (1937-2021).
100 Yards (under 14)—1st Billy Walsh; 2nd D. Cody
100 Yards (girls under 14)—1st Annie Sinnott; 2nd tie between Jo Fitzgerald and Jo Mernagh [Jo Meragh Doyle (1932-2021) late of Weatherstwn, see our post of 15 May 2022 for more information.]
440 Yards (under 16)—1st Christy Power [(c. 1932-c. 2020) of Carrigcloney]; 2nd Billy Walsh
880 Yards (under 16)—1st T. Mullally; 2nd R. Mullally [ Brothers Tommy and Richard Mullally of Davidstown]
3 Miles Flat (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore Athletic Club; 2nd Thomas Byrne (holder) Noreside Athletic Club.
In a football challenge, Glenmore juniors defeated the senior team on a score of 1-5 to 0-3. The winners led at the change-over by three points to two. Michael Morrissey, Tullogher, refereed.
The Third Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1946
At its annual meeting in March 1946, the Glenmore Athletic Club elected officers. The Chairman was Thomas Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, while the Vice-Chairman was John Hennessey of the Village. The Secretary was William Walsh, of Cappagh and “Mr. Fitzgerald of Moulerstown” was the Treasurer. The Committee was comprised of T. Cotterell; P. O’Connor; T. Malone; D. Doyle; Larry Dillon; S. Walsh and P. Roche (Munster Express, Fri. 15 March 1946, p. 6).
The Glenmore Athletic Club’s annual Sports Day was held on Sunday the 14th of July 1946 at Robinstown. It was reported that the weather conditions were favourable and a large entry reflected leading athletes from Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny. The Club Secretary, William Walsh, of Cappagh, was praised for “Keeping the old flag of athletics flying in the South.” Nineteen results were reported and subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Grace, P.P. Glenmore; Rev. W. Brennan, C.C.; Hanrahan Bros., New Ross; Mrs. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; and the Moulerstown Dance Board Committee.
Partial List of Results
Below are the successful Glenmore athletes:
440 Yards (open)—2nd J. Conway (Glenmore AC). Seven competed.
880 Yards (confined to Glenmore parish)—1st Paddy O’Connor, Ballyfacey; 2nd Michael Fitzgerald, Coolnaleen. Seven competed [We believe this Paddy O’Connor was Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) who worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure].
100 Yards (boys under 12)—1st Michael Doherty, Ballinlammy; 2nd P. Fitzgerald, Aylwardstown. Ten competed. [We believe P. Fitzgerald was Petey Fitzgerald (c. 1932 -2025) a brother of John Fitzgerald of Rathinure who emigrated to the UK.]
100 Yards (boys under 14)—1st James Freeman, Glenmore; 2nd Richard Cody, Carrickcloney (sic). Eight competed. [Dick Cody (c. 1932-2024) of Carrigcloney was a farmer.]
220 Yards (boys under 18)—1st John Joe Aylward, Parkstown; 2nd Peter Roche, Rathinure. Eight competed. [John Joe Aylward (c. 1930-2018) never married and farmed. Peter Roche (brother of Jimmy Roche (c. 1926-2018) Rathinure is living in Canada.]
56 lbs. (without follow)—1st Larry Roche (Glenmore AC) [Haggard] 23 ft, 4 in. Five competed. [Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was a farmer and his obituary provides that he was a prominent athlete and won many prizes and championships for weight throwing at various sports meetings in Kilkenny and adjoining counties.]
Two Miles Cycle (ordinary machines, confined)—1st Paul Fitzgerald, Moulerstown; 2nd Joe Walsh, Ballinlammy. Eight competed. [Joe Walsh was brother of Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) a POW held by the Japanese. See our posts of 11 Nov. 2024 and 18 Nov. 2024 .]
Three Legged Race—Pat Roche, Haggard & P. McDonald, Haggard. Ten competed.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: A Glenmore Shooting Affray [Updated]
The infamous Grant Brothers, of Ballyvarring, Glenmore [Ballyvarring is actually in Slieverue] were known for being big, rough men . They were not born in Glenmore. However, in the first half of the 20th Century they engaged in threshing around the Glenmore area, and they had two or three steam engines. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected several stories about the Grant Brothers including a 1948 criminal case that was reported in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 20 Nov. 1948, p. 3). For another incident involving the Grant Brothers, see our post of 3 October 2021. At the end of the post we attempt to reveal how the Grant Brothers came to the Glenmore area.
In the Circuit Court in Kilkenny on the 15th of November 1948 Thomas Grant of Ballyvarring, Glenmore [this is the address the newspaper published] stood trial charged with three criminal offences. It was alleged that he (1) had a shotgun in his possession without having a firearm certificate; (2) “he maliciously by gun-shot ammunition caused an explosion likely to cause serious injury to property” and (3) having in his possession a shotgun with the intent to cause serious injury to property. Mr. T.L. Doyle, B.L. represented the State. The newspaper account did not record that the Defendant, Thomas Grant, was represented, but a Mr. D’Arcy questioned several witnesses. It is assumed Mr. D’Arcy represented the Defendant. The jury was comprised of men from across the county.
The State’s Case
Patrick Halligan, a farmer, lived with his wife, Annie, in a remote house in Ballinlaw, Slieverue. On the night of 29 June 1948, Patrick Halligan went to bed at 10 o’clock. Annie was in the kitchen. He awakened by a noise which he thought was some of the rendering falling off of the ceiling. “He then heard three shouts by a man coming from the direction of Ballinlaw.” This was about 11 p.m. He went back to sleep.
The next morning Annie found that one of their kitchen windows had been shot. The glass was broken and there were pellets in the window sash. This was the window near where they ate their meals. Patrick searched the area and found several pellets on the ground below the broken window as well as an empty cartridge on the road about 55 yards away. He also found some wads between the road and the broken window.
Witness Patrick Halligan
In response to questions from Mr. D’Arcy, Patrick Halligan stated that there was no light in the kitchen when the shot was fired. He lived in the house for about 20 years. Patrick Halligan testified that he knew the defendant, Thomas Grant for over 30 years. He had trouble with the Grants back in 1935 when they tried to stop him threshing. The Grants were taken to court. After that incident they were no longer on speaking terms, but over the 13 years since the threshing incident there was no repetition. He was at a loss why it “should heat up again.”
Witness Annie Halligan
Annie Halligan testified that at about 11 p.m. she was in the bedroom preparing to go to bed. She heard a shot and about 5 minutes later three shouts. The sounds were coming from the road at the back of the house. She knew the defendant and his brothers for over 30 years. They were always on good terms until they had the threshing incident. In response to Mr. D’Arcy she was not frightened when she heard the shot that night. However, the next morning when she saw the window she did become frightened. When it was suggested that someone was hunting rabbits, she replied that at one time there were a lot of rabbits. However, she said there were not many rabbits now.
Witness Richard Vereker & Thomas Menton
Richard Vereker testified that the defendant and his brother John Joe did some ploughing for him. John Joe owned the tractor and Thomas helped him. Vereker stated that he had bought an old single barrel shotgun from Thomas Menton and gave it to John Joe Grant in part payment for the ploughing. The value of the shot gun was £4 10s. In response to a question from the judge he stated he never discussed the shotgun with the Defendant.
Thomas Menton, of Waterford, testified that he sold the shotgun to Vereker about six months before the trial.
Detective Sgt. J. Hanafin
Detective Sgt. J. Hanafin stated that on 30 June he visited the Halligan home. After observing the damage to the window and holes in the wall of the house he collected various pellets. He went to the Grant house on 1 July and all four brothers were interviewed. The defendant denied that he had a shotgun. The police carried out a search and found a number of empty cartridge cases and some ammunition. No shotgun was found. At a later date he returned to the Grant home and told them that he had a statement from Dick Vereker that Vereker has sold the gun to John Joe and he gave them 10 minutes to consider.
The Defendant then took them through several fields and showed them where the gun was hidden. Notwithstanding the fact that the Defendant had originally stated that they had no gun, he persisted in stating that he was no where near the Halligan house on the night the window was shot. Sergeant Dalton testified that he had not issued a firearms certificate to the defendant.
Witness James Walsh
James Walsh, an employee of a Waterford business testified that the Defendant sometime in the early summer produced a license for a box of cartridges in the name of William Knox. He gave him the box.
The Defence Case
The Testimony of the Defendant Thomas Grant
The Defendant testified that he lived with his four brothers. William owned the farm. Thomas worked for his brother John Joe. He admitted that he had not been on friendly terms with the Halligans for 13 years. He admitted that he and John Joe did work for Dick Vereker in the Spring and part of their pay was the shot gun that was given to John Joe.
The Defendant insisted that he never used the gun and it was not his. On the 29th of June he was in Waterford and got home at 4:30. At 8:30 he went to Halligan’s pub in Ballinlaw. He left at closing time. After talking for sometime he took the shortcut home across the fields. Along the way he met Patrick Moore and they walked together. He did not go near the Halligan’s house.
The following day he heard from Sgt. Dalton that a shot had been fired at Halligan’s house. He shifted the shotgun from the thresher in the yard to a field. He originally told Sgt. Hanaflin that he did not have a gun. However, when he returned with a statement from Dick Vereker he brought the detective to the gun. He told the officer that the gun was his, he got it, but had not used it. He also admitted buying a box of cartridges for William Knox. However, he denied shooting at the Halligan house.
In reply to Mr. Doyle he said that they had three threshing sets, a tractor and other machinery. They farmed about 120 acres. He stated that the 1935 dispute arose from Halligan getting someone else to thresh for him. He and his brothers went down to stop it. He stated that they were more against the owner of the thresher than the Halligans. Mr. Doyle responded, “You are the Stalin of Ballinlaw?” The defendant stated, “I thought we were more entitled to the threshing than a man 60 miles away.”
The Judge noted that the defendant appeared to admit possession when he moved the gun from the thresher to the field.
Testimony of Grant Brothers
William Grant stated that the Defendant was home when he arrived home before 11 p.m. new time on June 29. John Joe Grant admitted to Mr. Doyle that he lied when he said he knew nothing about the gun. He also admitted stating that “they made me do it,” when in fact his lies were voluntary. Richard Grant testified that while his brother took the short cut home on the 29th he had a bicycle and cycled home via the road. Thomas was in bed when he got home. He did not recall telling the Guards that he was not sure what time Thomas got home.
Other Defence Witnesses
Martin Kneeffe testified that the Defendant walked home over Knox’s Lane. In reply to Mr. Doyle he said he too went home by Knox’s Lane, but Grant was in front of him. He admitted he did not tell the Guards that Grant walked home ahead of him. He told the Guards that he left the Defendant in the taproom.
Patrick Moore stated that he was on his way through Conway’s farm when he met the Defendant. Defendant told him the pub was closed and he then went back with the Defendant to the Grant house.
William Knox testified that the Defendant bought 25 cartridges for him in Waterford. When asked why he did not tell the Guards Knox replied that they never asked him.
Verdict & Sentence
After a short absence the jury returned a verdict of guilty to the first charge of having a shotgun without the required firearm certificate. The Defendant was found not guilty of the other two charges. The Judge imposed a fine of £10, or alternatively a month’s imprisonment. He also ordered that the shotgun was forfeited.
How the Grant Brothers Came to the Glenmore Area
The Grant Brothers home place was Ballyvarring. Locals recall that they obtained this farm from a relative. In the 1911 Census, James Grant (aged 55) was living in Ballyvarring with his wife Catherine Grant née Ennett of Cappagh (aged 45). The couple had been married for ten years but had no children. The couple were married on 20 November 1900 at St. John’s of Waterford. The father of the groom was William Grant and the father of the bride was Patrick Ennett. James Grant (c. 1853-1915) died in 1915.
The Grant Brothers were born in Ballyhale. They were the sons of John Grant (c. 1859-?) and his wife Anne Grant née Aylward. On the marriage cert Anne’s address is Ballytarsnia. To this marriage at least five sons were born: [1] William Grant (b. 1902); [2] Thomas Grant (b. 1905); [3] James Grant (b. 1906); [4] John Grant (b. 1908) and [5] Richard Grant. No record could be located for Richard Grant. John Grant (c. 1859-?) and Anne Aylward married on 13 February 1899 in Waterford. John was from Ballyvarring, and his father was listed as William Grant. Thus, it appears that the Grant Brothers came to the Ballyvarring farm sometime after the death of their uncle James Grant (c. 1853-1915).
Interestingly, the 1911 Census revealed that the Grant Brothers were residing in Carriganura, Slieverue in the home of their maternal grandmother Ellen Aylward née Hennebry (aged 70). Anne Grant née Aylward (c. 1872-? ) was 39 and her husband John Grant (c. 1862- ?) was 48. John Joe Grant obtained a farm in Carrignurra, but he eventually lost it and returned to Ballyvarring. It is not known if this was the Aylward farm. Ellen Aylward née Hennebry died in 1926 at the age of 84 in Ballyvarring.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo is from The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Hired man working tractor engine used for threshing on farm of Alfred Shaffner, a farmer in the submarginal area of Sugar Hill, near Townsend, Connecticut.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1940. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f2614c80-ebb6-013d-4c72-0242ac110002
Happy Anniversary! [Updated]
Seventy-seven years ago today (January 14, 1948) this couple were married at Glenmore. This wedding photo was taken by Annie Brophy of Waterford. Do you recognise this well known Glenmore couple?
The happy couple on their wedding day is Phil Hoynes (c. 1918-1990) and Kathleen Hoynes née O’Connor (1917-2018) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore.
See our post of 19 Sept. 2021 for further details concerning Kathleen Hoynes née O’Connor her parents, siblings and children.
The Glenmore Cornflour Case [Updated]
In attempting to locate information on Glenmore skittles teams we came across an article that appeared in the New Ross Standard about 8 weeks prior to the end of World War II. As we highlighted in our previous post, World War II was known locally as the Emergency. Due to the disruption to manufacturing and transport during the war, people across Ireland had to cope with shortages. Imports such as coal and foodstuffs were particularly impacted. One Glenmore businessman, Jim Fluskey (c. 1882-1960) was summoned before the New Ross District Court in June 1945 for “selling cornflour that was not up to the nature, substance and quality demanded” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 June 1945, p. 5).
The case was heard on Tuesday the 12th of June in the New Ross District Court before Mr. J.V. Fahy, District Judge. Guard Tom Griffin of the Glenmore Barracks bought the substance from James Fluskey and sent it off to a lab to undergo analysis. James Fluskey of Robinstown, Glenmore. Mr. Coghlan, solicitor for the Kilkenny County Council, prosecuted and Mr. J. Colfer, solicitor, appeared for the defendant Fluskey and admitted the offense.
“Mr. Coghlan read the analyst’s certificate which stated that the sample contained 100 per cent potato starch. Cornflour, he added, should be prepared from starch prepared from either maize or rice. The article made from maize had been an article of commerce for over 80 years and that from rice nearly as long. He (analyst) had not met with potato starch as cornfour until recently and in his opinion it was a substitute for the genuine article.”
Mr. Colfer said on behalf of the defendant that “there was a case, on appeal, before the Wicklow Circuit Court where they had specialists to decide in a case like this whether it was cornflour or not.” Mr. Colfer concluded with, ” We sold the cornflour as we received it.” In other words Jim Fluskey ordered cornflour, received what he thought was cornflour and sold it as cornflour.
Mr. Coghlan replied that the Circuit Court Judge in the Wicklow case decided it was illegal to sell potato starch as courflour.
Judge Fahy took a practical view and approach to the Glenmore case. “The Justice said in a time of short supplies people were trying to do their best to supply substitutes that would be possible or tolerable…In the circumstances I am imposing a nominal fine of 3s. with 7s. costs. I am not saying anything about the analyst’s fee.”
Tom Griffin (c. 1897-1978) was from Scarriff, Co. Clare and was stationed at Glenmore for years. After retiring from Garda Siochana Tom took up bee keeping that he passed onto his son Paddy Griffin.
Please see our post of 28 May 2020 regarding the Fluskey family and shop.
[Update: see our post of 13 February 2023 where James Fluskey in 1943 went to court for his wife selling cafe in error instead of coffee. It was reported that Jim had been in business 45 years and this was his first appearance. ]
Update 20 June 2023–Andrew Doherty of Waterford Tides & Tales shared the following story from the Emergency Era.
“We had a character here who was ex Royal Navy and from the descriptions of his antics I’d imagine he had ptsd after serving in WWI. Anyway, because of his contacts it was known that he could “import” almost anything. A lady in one of the better houses was having a supper and approached him for tea leaves.
He duly obliged with a 1/4lb of loose tea leaves in a box for which he charged a handsom price – due to the lengths he had to go. They got about four spoons out of it, until they started to dig into something very much unlike tea…the Gardner was summoned to pass judgment as there was some dispute, and also disbelief in the kitchen. Turned out he had filled the box with dried horse manure, then topped it off with a scattering of tea.
The gardner tracked him down in Jack Meades pub drunk and now penniless and when challenged he uttered only two words – Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).”]
Please send additional information, photos or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Skittles Teams & Tournaments
A few months ago a reader asked if we have any information on a Glenmore skittles team. The reader’s grandfather mentioned that he played skittles before he emigrated to the UK. We were able to locate quite a few articles regarding local skittle tournaments held from 1938 -c. 1949. Apparently different areas of the country employed different rules and some tournaments were for teams and some were for individual contestants.
The local tournaments were played in the summer and were impacted by weather, so the games were played outdoors. We did find that there is an indoor skittles game which is often played in pubs. We could not find an article referencing a tournament being played in Glenmore Village, but it would be difficult to find a flat area for the game in the village. Ballycroney and Moulerstown were the two Glenmore townlands that were mentioned regularly as having skittle teams competing in local skittles tournaments.
Skittle Rules
It is widely accepted that skittles are played in various countries using various rules and equipment. For our American readers skittles is said to be the forerunner of bowling or ten pin bowling as it is often called here.
A brief description of how the local children played the game was recorded in the 1930’s by a Ballyfacey school child. See our post of 27 November 2022. This description is consistent with the RTE Archives (1979). Donncha Ó Dúlaing had a series entitled “Donncha’s Travelling Roadshow” where he travelled across Ireland highlighting the people, music and traditions of rural Ireland. On 4 April 1979 he featured a Cavan skittles match.
“Five skittles with values 1,2,3,4 and 10 are placed in a ring in a cross shape. Each player takes his turn at a throw line and attempts to knock all of the skittles with four throwers made from cylindrical blocks of wood.” To view the wonderful RTE archived 1979 footage click here.
1938 Glenmore Teams
Skittles may have been played in Glenmore long before 1938, but local newspapers only began reporting on and advertising skittles tournaments around this time. Several teams from Glenmore and nearby parishes/townslands were identified. Unfortunately the number of players on a team was not revealed in any newspaper article.
Shambo-Rosbercon Tournament
The New Ross Standard (Fri. 2 Sept. 1938, p. 12) reported that the Shambo (sic) Rosbercon Skittles Tournament began on Sunday the 27th of August 1938 “with players from Shambo, Ballycroney, Ballygurran (sic), New Ross, Glenmore, Waterford, Pink Rock and Moulerstown.” The games were described as very interesting to the large crowd of spectators.
“The ‘Butler’ Moulerstown team were very unlucky to go over the game number in the semi-finals after a grand display, but for being the most consistent players all round, the Egan team Ballycroney highly deserved their victory in the initial round. Saunders’ team, of Shambo, being runners up. The Committee thanked Mr. Daniel Whelan for seating and all other facilities provided during the game. The tournament will be continued on next Sunday.”
The second round of the tournament took place on Sunday the 11th of September 1938. Ten teams made it through the semi-finals and the third day of the tournament was scheduled for the 18th where the newspaper predicted “an exciting finish is anticipated.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept. 1938, p. 12).
Final Between Two Ballycroney, Glenmore Teams
The Shambo skittle tournament was played on the 18th and was proclaimed “an outstanding success.” The full ten team took part “in the final issues. Ballycroney, Moulerstown and Shambo teams proved their skill to enter the semi-final after very keenly contested games with excitement at its highest. Moulerstown and Shambo had to admit defeat, leaving the final issue, which was only decided by the best hand, between the two Ballycroney teams, the winners being D. Cahill, B. Hogan, J. Hennessy and W. Walsh, the Runners-up, Pat Egan, and the Holden Brothers, being very unlucky to be only beaten by the small margin of four. The teams are beginning another challenge game on next Sunday” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 Sept. 1938, p. 12.)
The Emergency Years
The Second World War is often referred to as the Emergency in Ireland. On 2 September 1939 the Emergency Powers Act was passed into law the day after Germany invaded Poland. Hardships prevailed as commodities such as coal, medicines and foodstuffs were difficult to import. Skittles remained a popular pastime in this area during the War.
A South Kilkenny Committee was established to run tournaments in the summer months with most of the parishes in South Kilkenny represented. For this league teams were grouped to allow draws and fixtures to be made “locally to suit players and the committee” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 June 1940, p. 8 and Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 66). However, teams were not limited to parishes, townlands or villages. Clover Meats had a skittles teams. Its July 1944 contest against Dangan, fixed for Ballykeohan Crossn had to be postponed “owing to unfavourable weather conditions” (Munster Express, Fri. 21 July 1944, p. 4).
One of the new features of skittles during the Emergency were concrete rings. An individual skittles contest was advertised for Tullahought (near Piltown) where a “new concrete ring” was built. “It is sure to attract a big entry from members of the skittles teams.” The entry was 10s. and first prize £1. “It is hoped to have all the contests in the one day” (Munster Express, Fri. 3 July 1942, p. 6). In early July 1942, it was reported that Jamestown (assumed to be Jamestown, Glenmore) “formed a new team and a newly painted ring” was announced (Munster Express, Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 6).
Ballycroney, Glennmore 1945 Team
The skittles tournament organised by the Listerlin Club attracted an entry of nineteen teams to the local venue on Sunday the 22nd of July 1945. It “provided a nice afternoon’s sport for a record attendance. After keen competition, in which some interesting play was witnessed, Ballycroney and Acres (Mullinavat) qualified for the final, which was won by the former after a great contest. The teams were as follows: Ballycroney—W. Holden, B. Holden, M. Holden, P. Hogan, J. Hennessy¸ J. Cody, T. Fitzgerald. Acres—Thomas Holden, Ed. Holden, Hames Holden, J. Holden, Jas. Farrell, Wm. Fitzpatrick, E. Kelly, Pat Anderson. Sergt. Conlon was judge and Mr. P. O’Connor marker.” (Munster Express, Fri. 27 July 1945, p. 5).
Moulerstown, Glenmore Tournaments
Tullogher’s tournament was played in early August 1945, and 18 teams competed (Munster Express, Fri. 10 Aug. 1945, p. 5).
Twelve teams entered for the skittle tournament held at Moulerstown, Glenmore, on the 12th of August, “which attracted a large attendance of spectators. After an interesting series of games, first prize went to the Moulerstown team, who defeated Smithstown in the final after an exciting contest” (Munster Express, Fri. 17 Aug. 1945, p. 5). The newspaper did not indicate where in Moulestown the 1945 tournament was held.
The following week the Moulerstown team competed in the Ballyanne (Wexford) tournament. “There was a large attendance at the … tournament held on Sunday, [the 19th] and great interest was centred in the games. Seventeen teams competed and Rathgarogue team were the winners of the tournament. Moulerstown came second and Rathnure were third. The prize for the best throw was won by J. Breen of Ballintubber, and gate prize by M. Fitzpatrick of Carranoure (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 August 1945, p. 6).
In 1946, the Moulerstown tournament was held at the Moulerstown Dance Board on Saturday the 19th of June “commencing at 1:30 p.m. (old time) with £14 in prizes advertised (Munster Express, Fri. 21 June 1946, p. 5). A tournament held in an enclosed yard in the Borris & Graig district raised £29 7s. at the entrance gate “which goes to prove the interest taken in such contests” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 August 1945, p. 6).
Local Decline of Skittles
After 1949 fewer articles appeared in local newspapers concerning skittles. In the summer of 1949 it was announced that a “monster” skittles tournament was to be held in Mooncoin the first Sunday in August “in conjunction with the local sports. A number of new teams [were] also being organised in the area for the competition” (Munster Express, Fri.29 July 1949, p 8).
Stand alone skittles tournaments were no longer reported, however, skittles continued to be played in conjunction with sports days and sometimes with dances. For example, in the summer of 1952 a “Monster Skittles Tournament was held at the Glenmore Skow Bridge Dance Board on Sunday the 27th of July at 1 p.m. (old time). The entry fee was 16/- for a team of eight and £12 in prizes were on offer. A “big dance” was to be held the same night (Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1952, p. 10).
Request
If you played skittles for a Glenmore team, or you recall hearing someone speak of their experiences, we would love to hear from you. If you have any old skittles trophies, medals or photos of skittle players or games please send a photo of them to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Please also contact via the email provided regarding any errors, omissions, or additional information.
The drawing featured above is courtesy of the New York Public Library and is a cigarette card issued in 1938; available at George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Skittles.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 28, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7d20cdeb-e40d-4a73-e040-e00a18060ccc.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Sr. Mary Theresa “Nellie” Moran (1925-2005) of Ballinlammy, Glenmore [Updated]
The term miracle is often bandied about, but one Glenmore woman received a miraculous cure in 1946. Her miraculous cure was attributed to the foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparation, Emilie de Vialar (1797-1856). The cure was investigated by the Catholic Church and became one of the miracles leading to the canonization of Saint Emilie. Saint Emilie founded her congregation at Christmas 1832 in the South of France. For further information on Saint Emilie and her congregation click here.
Sr. Theresa’s Glenmore Family
Although Sr. Theresa was born in Waterford City in 1925 her maternal line came from Glenmore, and her family moved to Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Her name at birth was Ellen Theresa Moran, but her family called her “Nellie.” Her mother, Mary Catherine Irish (1885-1935) was born in Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the daughter of Robert Irish (c. 1840-1909) and Mary Kiely (c. 1841-1923).
Mary Catherine Irish married Hubert “Hughie” Moran (1886-1951) on the 31st of January 1916 at the Cathedral in Waterford. The bride was residing at 15 the Quay and the groom was residing at 22 Bridge St. The couple were both working in Waterford and met (Interview of Robbie Doherty, of Haggard, Glenmore on 5 March 2023.)
Hughie and Mary Catherine Moran had seven known children: (1) Bridget Moran (1916-1969); (2) Kathleen Moran (1919-1999) (Sr. Huberte); (3) Thomas Moran (1920-1987); (4) Hubert J. Moran (1921-1995); (5) Robert A. Moran (1921-1990); (6) Michael Moran (1923-1941); (7) Ellen Theresa “Nellie” Moran (1925-2005). Hubert J. and Robert were twins. All the children were born at 22 Bridge St., Waterford City. For further information on the Moran family see our Glenmore Family M surname page.
The Irish Farm of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
When the lease on 22 Bridge St. expired the family moved to the Irish farm in Ballinlammy (Interview of Robbie Doherty on 5 March 2023). The 1901 census indicates that Mary Catherine’s parents, Robert and Mary Irish, were living on the farm with three of their children: John Irish (c. 1881-1949), Ellen Irish (c. 1870-1940) and Stasia Irish (c. 1878-c. 1941). By the time of the 1911 Census Robert was dead and Mary was still residing with John Irish (c. 1881-1949); Ellen Irish (c. 1870-1940) and Stasia Irish (c. 1878-c.1941). In filling out the 1911 Census Mary noted that she had been married for 43 years, she bore nine children and six were alive in 1911. It appears from the census records that Mary Catherine Irish was away from home working by 1901.
The farm was 110 acres and after his mother died John Irish (c. 1881-1949) ended up in St. Canice Hospital and never returned home. At St. Canice John did all the ploughing and tilling for the hospital. Notwithstanding the work John performed a “hold” was put on the farm by the hospital (Robbie Doherty interview of 5 March 2023).
After John went into St. Canice, his sister Ellen kept a couple of cows, and she went to the creamery with an ass and car with a ten gallon can. Ellen and Stasia Irish used to sleep in chairs. When Ellen Irish died in her chair, there was difficulty straightening her corpse (Interview of Robbie Doherty on 5 March 2023).
For further information concerning the Irish family see our Glenmore Family I surname page.
The Miracle
Most of the following information is from an article in the Munster Express (Fri. 22 June 1956, p.3.) In about 1942 Nellie joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. She took the name Mary Theresa. Two years later while still a novice and training as a nurse at Withington Hospital, in Manchester, she developed a condition that worsened. In March 1946, a Manchester specialist diagnosed Nellie as suffering from Disseminated Sclerosis, or what is called today Multiple Sclerosis.
Another specialist was called in to review her case. The second specialist was the European authority on the disease. He confirmed the diagnosis and said that it was incurable and she would never walk again. Nellie was paralysed in her legs, arms and body and described herself at the time of being “a handful of rubbish.”
According to the Munster Express Nellie’s superior arranged a novena desiring two things. She wanted Sr. Theresa’s recovery and a miracle to help the canonisation of Blessed Emilie de Vialer, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. On the third day of the novena while the Community was in the chapel praying for a cure, Sr. Theresa “jumped out of bed, danced around the sickroom crying, ‘I am cured’” and in the words of a priest nearly gave the community hysterics.”
Medical Exam of the Miracle
The two specialists were summoned. After a detailed examination they declared Sr. Theresa “cured beyond the reach and knowledge of medical science.” The newspaper noted that the two specialists were not Catholics. At the same time a second miraculous cure of another Novice of the Order took place in Manchester. Unfortunately, the Munster Express did not reveal any details of the second miracle.
Luckily another newspaper identified Sister Maria Brendan McConville, of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Whalley Range as the other novice (Manchester Evening News, Tues. 19 June 1951, p. 7). Sister Brendan suffered from Potts Disease where her spine began to waste away due to tuberculosis.
The Investigation of the Miracle
A report was sent to Rome. After a considerable lapse of time, and without any notice, a commission arrived in Manchester to investigate. Archbishop Masterson was then the Diocese’s Vicar-General, was appointed scrutineer. A long enquiry took place. Once all the evidence was gathered the Commission returned to Rome to assess it. The resulting report was sent to 13 specialists of disseminated sclerosis. None of the specialists could explain the cure on medical grounds. “Rome gave its judgment: God had worked a miracle for the glory of His Servant Blessed Emilie” (Munster Express (Fri. 22 June 1956, p.3.).
The Canonisation of St. Emilie
Blessed Emilie was canonised in 1951. Thirty-six Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition journeyed to Rome to witness the canonisation ceremony of their founder. The two sisters who were cured of diseases because of the intercession of Saint Emilie were present (Manchester Evening News, Tues. 19 June 1951, p. 7).
In 1956 the Parish Priest of Blackley, Manchester, Fr. Frederick Kershaw presented to the John Rylands Library all the documents collected and issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites in the canonisation cause of St. Emilie. Prior to his death Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) gave Sr. Theresa a relic of St. Emilie. By 1966 Sr. Theresa was working as a pathologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, of Manchester (Munster Express, Fri. 29 April 1966, p. 8.)
The Relic
Robbie Doherty related that every summer Sr. Theresa came home with her sister Kathleen who was also a nun, Sister Huberte, of the Community of the Perpetual Adoration at Chelsea. The two sisters were usually always accompanied by another nun. The nuns would stay in Ballinlammy for a month in the Irish farmhouse. Tommy Moran and his brother Hughie would go out and sleep in the barn loft to make room for the nuns.
During these visits a party would be arranged for all persons who had sought the relic since their previous visit. The relic remained in Glenmore and continued to remain in Glenmore until the death ofHubert Moran in October 2024. Hubert’s son Robert now has possession of the relic. In turn the attendees of the first party would invite the nuns to their homes. Bill and Alice Mackey, of Jamestown, acted as the drivers of the visiting nuns.
On one particular evening Robbie Doherty came into the yard and saw his brother Paddy peering into the window. The nuns had come for tea and were still present because their lift had been delayed. The young men did not want to go into the house. It was best to remain outside than to risk saying or doing the wrong thing.
Mysterious Ways
Although two of his sisters entered religious life, Tommy Moran (1920-1987) was in the process of becoming a priest when the Church authorities became aware that his sister Maureen was with child. Tommy was dismissed from his vocation. Maureen went into Waterford to have her baby and while there met Mrs. Lynch who farmed near Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. Mrs. Lynch took Maureen and her son, Don Moran, home with her. Maureen raised her son on the Lynch farm. Don Moran went on to university and ironically became a priest and served in the U.K. Fr. Moran often said Mass for his Glenmore kin.
Special thanks to Robbie Doherty for the lovely visit, chat and information.
Please send corrections, additional informaton or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
[This post was updated on 23 April 2026 after Robert Moran forwarded corrections regarding his father Hughie’s year of death and graciously provided several family photos which may be found on our post of 23 April 2026.]