1960’s
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1960 Glenmore Confirmation Photo [Updated]
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for sharing this photo. On the 9th of May 1960 students from Glenmore and Ballyfacey National Schools were Confirmed.
[Update 13 June 2025]
Back row of girls: Eily Fitzgerald (?); Ann O’Rourke; Breda Hartley(?); Josie Culleton; ____ Tracey (?); ____ Butler (?)
Second Row of girls: ?, Mary Cody, ?, Mary Mullins
Front Row of girls: It is believed that the girl in the suit at the right was a Phelan.
The Munster Express published the following:
“Confirmation at Glenmore—Most Rev. Dr. Collier, Bishop of Ossory, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the Children of Glenmore and Ballyfacey National Schools at Glenmore Parish Church on Monday last” Munster Express, Fri. 13 May 1960, p. 6.
If you can identify any of the people in the photograph taken 65 years ago, please comment below or email glenmore.history@gmail.com .
“Glenmore Boy” & the Tramore Donkey Derby [Updated]
Last week a reader queried whether Danny Dowling (1927-2021) had collected any information on the famous Tramore Donkey Derby. No such information was located, and a newspaper search was conducted. The Tramore Donkey Derby appears to have operated from 1960 to 1965. It was labelled a “fringe” attraction of the Waterford Light Opera Festival. Unfortunately, although Donkey Derbies were advertised often the results, particularly heat results, were not published. We have been able to identify two Glenmore donkeys that participated in the Tramore Donkey Derby. One was owned by Larry Kirwan of Scartnamore and the other by Dan Aylward of Ballyfacey.
Before the Tramore Donkey Derby
Donkey Derbies were popular in this area long before the Waterford Light Opera Festival’s involvement. For example, in 1919 the Suirvale Carnival in Carrick-on-Suir featured a Donkey Derby as well as Donkey Polo (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Aug. 1919, p. 2). In the 1950’s the various local Fetes held Donkey Derbies as fund raisers.
Kilmacow Fete
The Kilmacow Fete held Donkey Derbies in 1951 (Munster Express, Fri. 1o Aug. 1951, p. 1) and 1953. The 1953 Fete was held on Sunday the 2nd of August with the Donkey Derby at 8 p.m. (Munster Express, Fri. 24 July 1953, p. 5). The event was won by Master J. Phelan, Lower Kilmacow with his unnamed mount (Munster Express, Fri. 7 Aug. 1953, p. 6).
Tenpleorum Fete
Templeorum held a Fete on 1 July 1951. Their Fete contained a a tug-of-war competition, donkey derby and a bullock raffle (Munster Express, Fri. 22 June 1951, p. 5).
Slieverue Fete
The 1951 Slieverue Fete stated that it had 10 declared runners for the Donkey Derby. The Donkey Derby was held Sunday the 17th of June 1951 at 7:30 p.m. (Munster Express, Fri. 15 June 1951). First place went to T. Kavanagh on Griffin’s donkey; 2nd went to M. Cummins on Cashin’s donkey and the fastest lap went to W. Rochford on Haberlin’s donkey (Munster Express, Fri. 22 June 1951, p. 7).
In 1952, the Slieverue Fete, held a Fancy Dress Cycle Race and Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Friday 23 May 1952, p. 5). The Fancy Dress Bicycle Race was from Ferrybank to Slieverue. Winners were Wm. Doyle, Billy Atkins and James Kavanagh. There were 8 entries in the Donkey Derby as follows: (1) Mr. R. Grace’s “Lough Cullen” was ridden by Gay Donovan; (2) Mr. M. Kirwan’s “Bucko was ridden by Pat Evans; (3) Mr. M. Connolly’s “Rockey Rover” was ridden by Bud Freany; (4) Mr. T. Flynn’s “Gracedieu Belle” was ridden by T. Flynn; (5) Mr. T. Flynn’s “Beefsteak” was ridden by J. Flynn; (6) Mr. J. Maher’s “Charlie” was ridden by Sean Kirwan; (7) Mr. P. Cashin’s “Big Lad” was riden by Eddie Hartley; and (8) Mr. T. Wall’s “Luffany Lass,” was ridden by Liam Rochford (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
The Derby was described as follow: “All got away to a good start, and ran well—some too well for their riders, and others somewhat in the wrong direction. Kirwan’s Bucko, with his broncho antics, as he tried unsuccessfully to unseat his rider (Pat Evans) provided the spectators with much amusement, as did Bud Freany on Rockey Rover, who had ten falls to the lap, but still rode his mount to the finish.” The Donkey race results were: (1) Big Lad; (2) Charlie; and (3) Luffany Lass (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
“A realistic note was provided by the presence on the course of that well-known turf-accountant, Mr. Jim Rice. The erratic behaviour of the runners militated against a successful book” (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
For an unknown reason, in 1953 the Slieverue fete announced it would hold a “New Style Donkey Derby” (Munster Express, Fri. 12 June 1953, p. 4). No explanation could be found regarding the new style derby. The races were also held in 1954 (Munster Express, Fri. 11 June 1954, p. 6).
Mooncoin Fete
A one-day Fete was held by Mooncoin in 1952 with a Donkey Derby. The Derby was held on Sunday the 20th of June at 3 p.m. Admission was 3/ (Munster Express, Fri. 18 June 1954, p. 6). The Donkey Derby was held again in 1954 (Munster Express, Fri. 18 June 1954, p. 8).
Glenmore Fetes
There were Donkey Derbies held in Glenmore. In 1957, at the Glenmore Muintir na Tire’s 2nd Annual Feis, held at the Scow Bridge, a Donkey Derby was held as well as a Senior Football Challenge between Tullogher and Glenmore (Munster Express, Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 19). Another Donkey Derby was held by the Glenmore Fete & Hurling Tournament on Sunday 28 June 1964. All entry forms were to be sent to L. Byrne, of Haggard, Glenmore (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 June 1964, p. 4).
Glenmore Boy & his Glenmore Jockeys
One of the entrants to the Tramore Donkey Derby was a donkey owned by the Larry Kirwan family of Scartnamore, Glenmore named “Glenmore Boy.” At home when he was relaxing with his hooves up “Glenmore Boy” was simply known as Neddy. He won a few donkey races at Tramore. Jim Kirwan (d. 2019) or Peter Doran, of Aylwardstown were his jockeys. “Glenmore Boy” was transported to Tramore by Johnny Garvey of Rathinure.
The Tramore Donkey Derby
1960
In September 1960 it was reported that thousands had attended the Donkey Derby held on the strand in Tramore (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 30 Sept. 1960, p. 10). People travelled all across the south of Ireland to attend the Tramore Donkey Derby which was labelled a “fringe” attraction for the Waterford Light Opera Festival. Over 40 animals took part, which was run over a course of about six furlongs. Mr. Ronnie Milne’s (Waterford) “Scant Bikina” was the first donkey home and won £20. Second place went to Tom Power, Farrenogue, Mullinavat whose “Tory Hill Boy” earned £10. Third place went to Edward Phelan (Kilmacow) with “Silver Catch” who won £5. The starter was James Power, the Mayor of Waterford.
Another popular “fringe” attraction was the waiter’s race. Waiters dressed in white would run holding a tray with a drink upon it. There were a large number of entrants from local hotels and guest houses. Oliver O’Reilly of the Grand Hotel won the race. J. Coffey of the Terminus Guest house was second, and John Ryan of the Grand Hotel was third.
1961
In 1961, the Tramore Donkey Derby moved to Tramore Racetrack because at previous year’s Derby on the strand, “which attracted one of the biggest crowds ever seen in Tramore in September, it became, at times, impossible to control the spectators, particularly children” (Munster Express, Fri. 1 Sept. 1961, p. 3). An entry form was published in the Munster Express for the 1961. Rules were published: No whips, sticks, or spurs to be used. Only short reins permitted. Jockeys limited to 9 stone (126 pounds). All animals subject to full veterinary and S.P.C.A. inspection before taking part in the race (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Sept. 1961, p. 14). The prizes or purses for the Tramore Donkey Derby in 1961 were: Winner £80; 2nd £15 and 3rd £5. Also cash prizes were paid to heat winners (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Sept. 1961, p. 14).
In 1961, buses were arranged to bring spectators from across the Southeast to the Tramore Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Sept. 1961, p. 14). There were 90 entries for the Derby (Waterford News & Star, Tues. 19 Sept. 1961, p. 1). After the event it was estimated that 15,000 attended the “fringe attraction.” A BBC unit was in Waterford for the Light Opera Festival attended the Donkey Derby and made a special film of it (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
It was reported to be the best Donkey Derby ever held in Ireland in recent years. “Winner of First Prize of £80 went to Ned Gleason, of Ballyheen, Templemore, Tipperary, whose entry “Rip It Up,” ridden by J. Ryan, pipped the odds on favourite “Flying Saucer,” owned by Joe McCarthy, Hill Height, Tralee with J. McCarthy in the saddle. Another County Tipperary donkey, “Galtee Rover,” owned by G. Fleming, of Brown Bog, Bansha, and ridden by J. Walsh was third (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
The Waiters’ Race was also held at the racecourse. First prize of £5 went to Patrick Coffey of the Terminus Guest House, Tramore. William Curran won £2 for coming in second. He worked at the Grand Hotel as did Oliver O’Reilly who came in third and received a prize of £1 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
1962
In 1962 the Tramore Donkey Derby was held at the Tramore Racetrack. It was noted that attendance was down from the previous year, but an estimated 10,000 attended in 1962 with 13 or 14 bookmakers also in attendance. Mr. T.A. Fleming, Manager and judge of the Irish Racing Board arrived from Dublin to act as a judge with the Marquis of Waterford and two other men. The race was sponsored by several brewers of Phoenix Ale, Harp Lager, Double Diamond, and Skel Lager. In the fifth heat, Mr. Dan Aylward, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, took second with his donkey “Shebeen” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
The waiters’ race results were: (1) W. Curran, of the Grand Hotel; (2) Oliver O’Reilly, of the Grand Hotel and (3) N. Kiely, of Hotel Majestic (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
The Munster Express published an article concerning Michael Fogarty of Clone, Freshford, and the two Donkey Derbies he won. Fogarty related that his proudest memory was when he won a Donkey Derby at the age of 10 at a local sporting fixture. In August 1961, at the Freshford Carnival at the age of 69, Fogarty was “accorded a tremendous ovation” when he won his second Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Fri. 4 May 1962, p. 14).
1963
The Tramore Donkey Derby was held on Sunday, 8 September 1963. In August it was announced that two fleeted footed ladies from London were considering running in the Tramore Derby. Their names were “Violetta” and “Carmen.” “Violetta” had recently won the Epsom Donkey Derby as well as the Brighton Donkey Derby. “Carmen” was a maiden but placed in her two previous races (Munster Express, Fri. 30 Aug. 1963, p. 10). Unfortunately it is not clear whether the two ladies participated.
(Munster Express, 26 June 1964, p 16)
1964
In 1964 the Tramore Donkey Derby was moved by the Waterford Light Opera Executive to Sunday, 16 August 1964. The Derby was to be held at the end of Tramore Race Week. It was hoped that race goers and tourists would remain in Tramore for an extra day to attend. There were 60 donkeys entered in the Derby. The prize money increased to £175 with 5 heats. The price of admission to the enclosure was Adults 3/; Children 6d (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Aug. 1964, p. 6).
That same year the Ferrybank Convent Committee arranged a Donkey Derby to be held at Kilcohan Park, Waterford, for the Ferrybank Convent Building Fund. The entry fee was 5/ per donkey (Munster Express, Sun. 26 June 1964, p. 16).
1965
It was announced by the Waterford Light Opera Executive in 1965 the demise of the popular Tramore Donkey Derby (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 Aug. 1965, p. 7). “The vagaries of our Irish weather which last year caused a serious loss on the Festival Donkey Derby at Tramore caused the Festival Executive to change its policy on promoting outdoor “fringe” events… the trend now is to making assurance double sure by putting on events of an indoor nature only” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 10 Sept. 1965, p. 7).
Special thanks to Tom Kirwan for sharing his memories of “Glenmore Boy.” Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above depicts the Marchioness of Waterford presenting the winner’s prize to jockey John McCarthy who rode his father’s donkey “Fast Away to Victory” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
[Update 11 June 2025: Special thanks to John Kirwan, of Scartnamore, for sharing the above photo of Glenmore Boy.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Photo Album 5.0
Today, we are featuring a winter photo Danny Dowling (1927-2021) took at the top of “the Churns” at its intersection with the “New Line” or Main Road from Waterford to New Ross, currently called the N25.
We believe the photo was taken in the winter of 1963 and snow is visible. The van was owned by Clover Meats. Clover Meats was an important local employer at that time. The driver was a Forristal, but his first name is not known.
Can you identify any of the people in the photo?
Special thanks to Martin Gahan for sharing this photo he received from Danny.
If you would like to view previous posts from Danny’s Photo Album see our,
Post of 4 May 2022;
Post of 10 May 2022;
Post of 24 May 2022;
Post of 9 June 2022.
If you have any photos of Glenmore or Glenmore people you would like to share please send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Glenmore Sports Day 1964
Today, we are going to feature the 1964 Glenmore Sports Day and try to identify the Glenmore people who won some of the events. By this time athletes were traveling great distances to compete in Glenmore. For example, in 1963 the Glenmore Athletic Association hosted its 20th annual sports day. Entrants came from ten counties to compete. “The feature was an outstanding treble by Frankie O’Rourke of Wexford, who won the one, two and three mile cycle races. Liam Power of Waterford secured a good double by winning the 100 and 200 yards” (Evening Echo, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 6).
Other 1963 winners published in national papers included:
440 yards—J. Jordan, Waterford
880 yards—Fintan Walsh, Waterford
880 yards (confined)—Garda Denis Donovan, Glenmore
1 mile flat—Stephen Mulqueen, Newbridge
3 miles flat—Edward Hartley, Clover Meats, Waterford
1 mile walk—John Harty, Ring, Dungarvan (Evening Echo, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 6)
Relay—won by Waterford A.C. (Irish Press, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 12).
Glenmore Sports Day 1964
The Kilkenny People (Fri. 29 May 1964, p. 8) advertised that the first event of the day would commence at 2 pm. A raffle on the field for a Foxford Rug, presented by Richard Hanrahan, draper, New Ross was to take place and a dance was to be held that night in Mullinavat with the music by the Mighty Barrow Boys from 9-2, admission was 5/- [Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (c. 1929-2006) was a native of Robinstown, Glenmore.]
Notwithstanding the fact that entrants in 1963 came from ten counties it was proclaimed in 1964 that there was a “record entry from eight counties.” The event was held at the Scough Bridge on Sunday, 31 May 1964. “The weather was ideal and a good standard was maintained in all events,” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 5 June 1964, p. 5.) Mostly only first initials were used in the newspaper articles providing the results, and we have placed in [square brackets] the names of the persons we believe may be a local winner and their townland.
Event Winners and Runner Ups
The Kilkenny People trophy for the best all round athlete went to cyclist Thomas O’Neill of Graigue, Aglish, Cappoquin, who pulled off a hat trick by winning all three cycling events. Thirty-seven year old, Thomas had been cycling competitively for 19 years in 1964.
100 yards—(1) S. McCarthy, Waterford; (2) E. Wynberry, Waterford.
200 yards—(Brooks Cup) (1) O. Noonan, Newbridge; (2) S. McCarthy, Waterford.
400 yards—(1) F. Walsh, Waterford; (2) P.J. Kelly, Wexford.
880 yards—(1) M. Ryan, Rockwell, Cashel; (2) F. Walsh, Waterford.
Mile—(1) P. Walsh, Tullamore; (2) J. Bergin, Dundrum.
Three Miles—(Athletic Cup)—(1) E. Hartley, Kilmurry, Slieverue; (2) J. Comerford, Thomastown.
[Eddy Hartley of Kilmurry, Slieverue]
Mile Cycle—(1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin; (2) B. Keane, Waterford
Two Miles Cycle—(Social Club Trophy) (1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin; (2) B. Keane, Waterford.
Three Mile Cycle—(McCalmont Cup) (1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin and P. Walsh, Glenmore.
[Pat Walsh (b. c. 1936) of Jamestown, and later Robinstown, Glenmore. See our post of 14 August 2022 regarding the Glenmore I.C.F. Cycling Club.]
Two Miles Cycle—(novice ) ordinary machines (1) P. Power, Forristalstown, Glenmore; (2) B. Boland, Glenmore.
[Pat Power (1940- 2019) of Forristalstown and Billy Boland (1947-2022) of Ballycroney]
100 yards—(under 21) (1) T. Kirwan, Glenmore; (2) P. Kennedy, Glenmore.
[Who were T. Kirwan and P. Kennedy?]
100 yards—(under 14) (Pattison Cup) (1) M. Kennedy, Glenmore, (2) M. McDonald, Glenmore.
[Martin Kennedy (b. 1950) Ballinclare?; Michael McDonald (1951-2004) of Gaulstown?]
100 yards—(under 16) (1) P. O’Connor, Glenmore; (2) R. Colbert, Waterford.
[Peter O’Connor (b. 1949) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore?]
880 yards (confined) Murphy Cup (1) P. Power, Forristalstown, Glenmore; P. Power, Glenmore.
[The apparent battle of the postmen’s sons. Pat Power of Forristalstown (1940-2019) son of postman Tommy Power] and Pat Power (b. 1941) Cappagh, son of postman Foxy Watty Power.]
440 yards (under 18) Creamery Cup (1) F. Boyle, Shanbough, Rosbercon; (2) P. O’Connor, Glenmore.
[Peter O’Connor (b. 1949) of Graiguenakill?]
Mile Walk—(1) B. O’Keefe, Thomastown; (2) P. Power, Glenmore.
[Pat Power (b. 1941) Cappagh?]
Ladies 100 yards—(1) Miss M. Kennedy, Glenmore; (2) Miss O. Bolger, Waterford. [The Irish Examiner, Mon. 1 June 1964, p. 9) identified Margaret Kennedy as the ladies’ winner.
[Margaret Kennedy (b. 1950) was from Ballinclare and the twin of Martin Kennedy.]
Sack Race—(1) T. Boland, Glenmore; (2) P. Kirwan, Glenmore.
[Tom Boland (1955 -2023) Ballycroney and Patsey Kirwan (c. 1956-2023) of Gaulstown]
Three Legged Race—(1) J. Mernagh and Miss M. Walsh, Glenmore; (2) P. Larrissey & Miss N. Larrissey, Kilmacow.
[Jimmy Mernagh (b. c. 1952) of Jamestown, Glenmore? Who was Miss M. Walsh?]
56 lbs. (without follow)—(1) P. Larrissey, Kilmacow; (2) M. McDonald, Glenmore.
[Mick McDonald (1929-2002) worked in the Creamery and lived in Haggard and later Cappagh. Known as Mick Mac of the Creamery.]
Obituary of Michael McDonald (1929- 2002)
Munster Express, Fri. 16 Aug. 2002, p. 8–Passing of Mr. Michael (Mick) McDonald, Robinstown, Glenmore with his wife Edie McDonald, née Barron of Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford at St. James Hospital, Dublin after a long illness. Born in Haggard, Glenmore in 1929. Mr. McDonald was an esteemed employee of the staff of Glenmore Co-operative Creamery and later Waterford Co-op, up to his retirement nearing a decade ago.
Mick, gave a lifetime of service to the parish of his beloved Glenmore, been involved in all of the parish activities, the old Mhuintir Ns Tire Guild, the Pioneers and the Church in Glenmore. Hiss passing will be mourned by all who knew him and in particular his family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
In his young & sporting days, Mick McDonald, played Gaelic Football for Glenmore parish teams and also excelled as an athlete when that sport was popular in that district. He was keen on sport in general and encouraged many around him to do likeise. He was an avid Glenmore and Kilkenny GAA supporter and attended matches whenever possible.
Mick McDonald was predeceased by his brother Bill McDonald, of Haggard, Glenmore, his sisters Catherine, Glenmore, Peggy Manchester and Mary Ann, Rochestown. He is survived by his wife, Edie, his daughters, Joan, in Camross, Co. Wexford; Mary in Lucan, Dublin; Margaret in Salt Lake City, Idaho (sic) USA; his sisters Alice, in Manchester and Bridget (Biddy) in Portsmouth, both in England. Also, by his two nephews in South Kilkenny, John McDonald, Thomastown and Thomas Gahan, Glenmore. Fr. Kavanagh paid tribute to his work involving the church and the different parish organisations that he was so involved in.
A large and representative gathering attended on both the funeral day and burial in Glenmore. Fr. Kavanagh was joined by Fr. Liam Barron of Millinavat, Monsignor Paul Fitzgerald, Thomastown, and Fr. Dick Phelan, Ballycallan. To his wife, daughters and families, sisters and family members we extend our sympathy. Go Déanna Dia Trócaire ar Anam.
***************************************
Please send any corrections, additional information, photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is Pat Walsh, of Jamestown and later Robinstown, taken c. 1970 by Danny Dowling (1927-2021). The photo of Michael McDonald (1929-2002) was taken in 1993 at the time he retired after 46 years’ service to Glenmore Creamery (Kilkenny People, Fri. 8 Jan. 1993, p. 19).
The photos of Patsey Kirwan (c. 1956-2023) and Billy Boland (1947-2022) are courtesy of their families that published the photos on R.I.P.ie.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Obits Reported on 3 March 1961 [updated]
Five Glenmore deaths were reported in the Munster Express on Friday the 3rd of March 1961, on page 9. It is unusual to find more than two Glenmore death notices or obituaries in a single edition of any local newspaper. What is also interesting is the fact that most of the obituaries are very short, the ages provided in the obituaries in this single edition are not exact, and often the age recorded on the death register does not match baptismal or the birth register records.
Four of the deaths occurred in County Kilkenny, and the fifth in San Francisco of a Glenmore native. It has proven difficult to identify the Glenmore native that died in San Francisco.
Information from 4 Irish Death Certs
Gender: 3 males, 1 female
Average age at death: 75.5 years’ (although most of the ages are suspect)
Professions: 2 labourers; 1 farmer; 1 no profession provided
Causees of death: 2 influenza; 2 senile decay; 1 broncho-pneumonia
Married/widowed: 2
Single: 2
Died in medical facility: 2
Died at home: 2
Glenmore Townlands: 1 Busherstown; 1 Ballycroney; 1 Gaulestown; & 1 Haggard.
Death of Patrick Power (1881-1961) of Busherstown, Glenmore
“Mr. Patrick Power, whose death occurred at St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown, was a native of Busherstown, Glenmore, where he was a popular and familiar personality. Deceased, who had attained to the fine old age of 80 years, had not been in robust health for a long time past., though the end came rather unexpectantly and he had been in hospital only a week. An esteemed member of the farming community for many years, he is survived by one brother, Mr. Michael Power, Jamestown, Glenmore. Interment took place at Glenmore Cemetery after Office and High Mass, of which the celebrant was Rev. J. Murphy, C.C. Glenmore—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
According to the death register, Patrick Power, of Busherstown, died on 12 February 1961 of “senile decay.” He was a 76 year-old bachelor at the time of his death and his recorded profession was labourer.
We could not locate a parish record for Patrick Power or Michael Power in the 1880’s, but Patty Lee Brown located the brothers. Patrick Power was born on 29 June 1881, and his brother Michael Power was born 5 December 1882. In the civil birth register the address provided is Jamestown, but their address in the Glenmore parish register is Busherstown.
In addition to Michael Power (1905-1980) living in Jamestown we located in Danny’s 1961 list a farm labourer named Michael Power who told Danny he was born 12 December 1882. Michael Power (1905-1980) was the eldest of 18 children of John and Mary Power. of Jamestown. To view Michael Power’s obit see our P Surname page. Michael Power (b. 1882) and his brother Patrick Power (1881-1961) were the sons of Patrick Power (farmer) and his wife Bridget Gaule. Other children born to this couple include: Patrick Power (b. 1878); John Power (b. 1879); Edmund Power (b. 1884); and Richard Power (b. 1887).
Death of Mary Butler née Maddock (c. 1886-1961) of Ballycroney, Glenmore
“The [death] took place at her residence, Ballycroney, Glenmore, of Mrs. Mary Butler, at the age of over 70 years. A native of Rahora, Tullahought, she was a member of the Maddock family, do., and enjoyed much esteem in Glenmore, since her advent ot the parish on the occasion of her marriage. She was widow of the late John Butler, Ballycroney, who died in 1958 and mother of Miss Mary Butler, do; Mrs. F. Flynn, Rosbercon, and sister of Mr. Andrew Maddock, Rahora. Interment took place at Glenmore after Requiem Mass, of which the celebrant was Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P. do.—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
According to the death register, Mary Butler née Maddock, died on 5 February 1961 of broncho-pneumonia. At the time of her death she was a 75 year old widow. Her daughter Mary Butler was present when she died at home in Ballycroney. At the time of her death she had been under a doctor’s care for two weeks.
John Butler and Mary Maddock were married at Rosbercon on 20 June 1923. John Butler was a labourer from Ballycroney, Glenmore and Mary Maddock was from Rahora. Her father was William Maddock (labourer) and John’s father was James Butler (labourer). According to the birth register we believe Mary was born 20 October 1895 to William Maddock and his wife, Mary Doyle.
Death of Michael Martin (c. 1889-1961) of Haggard, Glenmore
“Mr. Michael Martin, whose death has occurred at St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown, was a native of Haggard, Glenmore. Deceased who had reached an advanced age, was a popular figure in the district, where news of his demise was learned with sincere regret. He was uncle of Mr. Nicholas Martin, Haggard. Interment took place at Kilbride Cemetery, Glenmore—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
Per the death register Michael Martin (Kennedy) died 2 February 1961 of influenza. At the time of his death he was a 72 year old bachelor and his profession was listed as labourer. His residence outside the County Home is not recorded, and it is not clear why (Kennedy) is listed on his death cert. His nephew Nicky Martin (c.1928-2017) is also buried in Kilbride.
Death of Mr. John “Jack” Reddy (1882-1961) Gaulstown, Glenmore
“The death has occurred at his residence, Gaulstown, Glenmore, of Mr. John Reddy at the age of over 80 years. Deceased, who was a well known figure in the farming life of the district, was husband of Mrs. Margaret Reddy, do., and father if Mr. James Reddy, do., Mrs. M. Merigan, Kilbraghan, Rosbercon; Mrs. H. Maher, Slieverue; Mrs. N. Grace, Kilbride, Glenmore and brother of Mrs. Brigid Forristal, Ballinaraha, do. Interment took place at Glenmore after Office and High Mass, of which the celebrant was Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P., do. The attendance both at the removal of the remains and burial included many relatives and friends from the local and adjoining parishes—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
The death register lists the deceased’s age as 79. He was a married farmer and died from influenza. His daughter Ellen Grace, of Kilbride, Glenmore was present when he died.
John Reddy was known as Jack. He was born on 2 July 1882 at Ballinaraha, Glenmore. His parents were James Reddy and Johanna Grant. John Reddy married Margaret Hennessey on 23 June 1920 at the Church of the Rower. Margaret Hennessy (c. 1887-1970) was the aunt of Katie (1912-1967) & May Roche (1916-2001) of Scart, Glenmore.
Death of Bartholomew Holden, native of Bushestown, Glenmore
Died in USA—Mr. Bartholomew Holden, who has died in San Francisco, was a native of Busherstown, Glenmore, whence he emigrated many years ago. He was brother of Mr. Fred Holden, do; Miss Mary Holden, do; and nephew of Michael Linegar, Parkstown, Glenmore; James Linegar, Ballyverneen, do. and Mrs. Lil Walsh, Glenmore Village (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
Although Bartholomew is an unusual name it is proving challenging untangling this short article. There were two Holden families in Busherstown, or Clune, and both had Bartholomew or Bartley names. The first Bartholomew Holden we could locate in the parish records was born at Clone (sic) in January 1821 the son of John Holdin (sic) and Anastatia Aylward. The next Bartholomew Holden found in the parish records was born at Parkstown in January 1847 the son of James Holden and Bridget Linegar.
Willie Holden, of Ballycroney (a native of Clune) today said that his neighbour Neddy Holden (b.c. 1919) said that he was related to people in Parkstown. Neddy also said that he had an uncle in San Francisco who wanted Neddy to come out to him. Norah Holden (Willie’s aunt) said that Neddy’s uncle arrived in San Francisco right after the earthquake.
We could not locate a death record in 1960 or 1961 for Bartholomew Holden in San Francisco, so we have no idea of how old he was when he died to determine when he was born. We could not locate a Fred Holden in Glenmore records. The only Bartholomew Holden that we could locate that would have been old enough to be in San Francisco after the earthquake was born 26 May 1880, the son of John Holden (1846-1909) (farmer) and Honor Grant (c. 1846-1909) of Busherstown. John Holden (Cluan) married Honor Grant of Robinstown on 13 February 1877. The couple are buried in Kilbride cemetery, Glenmore. John’s father was Bartholomew Holden (Clune) and Honor’s father was Michael Grant (deceased farmer). John Holden (b. 1846) at Clone (sic) was the son of Bartholemew (sic) Holden and Jony Riby. Other children of John Holden and Honor Grant included: Joanna Holden (b. 1878-1907) and Walter Holden (b. 1882). Unfortunately, their son Bartholomew died 30 November 1943.
The Linegar Connection
Although the Munster Express article states that the deceased was a nephew to three Glenmore residents interestingly all three are Linegars and no Holdens were listed. James Walsh (carpenter) married Mary Ellen Linegar on 23 November 1915 at Glenmore. James Walshe was the son of James Walshe (farmer) of Ballyfacey and Mary Ellen Linegar was the daughter of Charles Linegar (farmer) of Parkstown. Mary Ellen Walsh née Linegar (c. 1893-1968) went by “Lill” and was the mother of Jim B. A photo of Lill and her family can be found on our Graiguenakill Townland page.
Lill’s brother, Michael Linegar (c. 1888-1963) married Bridget Holden (c. 1881-1964) at Glenmore on 24 October 1917. Michael was the son of Charles Linegar, Parkstown and Bridget was the daughter of Bartley Holden (c.1834-1914) of Clune. Bridget was born at Busherstown on 11 February 1881 and her mother was Margaret Merrigan (c. 1842-1916). Her siblings included John Holden (1878-1955); Patrick Holden (1876-1894); and Mary Holden (1873-1891).
If anyone can shed some light on Bartholomew Holden who died in 1961 in San Francisco we would appreciate receiving it.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Mary O’Mahony for sharing the photo of her grandparents John and Mary Butler née Maddock of Ballycroney, Glenmore. Also, special thanks to Patty Lee Brown for finding Patrick and Michael Power and sending on the information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Brigid Hunt née Brennan (1922-2015) of Glenmore Village & the 1965 Tramore Murder
While transcribing Danny Dowling’s Notebook 30 this week, there were two entries recorded where Danny twice interviewed Brigid Hunt née Brennan (1922-2015) who was born and reared in Glenmore Village. Danny after providing her full name in his notes thereafter referred to her a “Bridgie.” Danny’s interviews with “Bridgie” centred around her time in Glenmore, and what she remembered about her school day and her early work that led her to Tramore. However, it was only after attempting to locate an obituary for this Glenmore native that we learned of her direct link to a murder that shocked Tramore in 1965.
Early Years in Glenmore
Brigid Brennan was born on 23rd November 1922 [DD Notebook 25] to John Brennan (1872 -1957) and his wife Ellen Cahill (1876-1946). Her father was employed by the Kilkenny County Council on the roads and was paid fortnightly. Although he held a steady job, Bridgie stated, “the poverty we experienced was terrible as wages even on the Council were small.” John did odd jobs to supplement his income such as gardening for Bevan’s and Curran’s. Sometimes he also worked for Pat Hanrahan (1886-1957). [DD Notebook 30].
John Brennan (labourer) and Ellen Cahill of Ballycroney, Glenmore were married at Glenmore on 27 October 1903. John’ address at the time of the marriage was Cluan, Kilmaganny, he was 30 years of age and his father was John Brennan (labourer). Ellen was 24 years of age and was the daughter of Peter Cahill (labourer) [Civil Marriage Records].
Ellen Cahill was the daughter of Peter Cahill and his wife Mary Carty. She was born on 29 May 1876 and baptized the following day. Her godparents were James Norris and Bridget Dooling (Glenmore Parish Records).
Bridgie’s Siblings
According to Bridgie her parents, John Brennan and Ellen Brennan née Cahill had four daughters in their family. [1] Margaret “Maggie” [1905-1997] was the eldest. She was born in Kilmaganny [Birth Register: on 25 Feb. 1905] and married to Willie Brown of Tramore. They had family. [According to the marriage Register Margaret Brennan married William Browne on 25 September 1939]. [2] Bridgie married Sean Hunt (1928-1965) and lived in Tramore. [3] Mary Brennan never married and lived with Bridgie in Tramore. [4] Ellie Brennan died aged 11 of eczema in St. Patrick’s in Waterford, “in Dr. Michael Gibbon’s time in Glenmore. He made all the funeral arrangement and she is buried in Ballygurrim with the Cahills” [DD Notebook 30].
The 1911 Census shows that John, Ellen and their eldest were residing in Kilmaganny. John was working as an agricultural labourer and the couple had been married for 6 years and had two children born, but only one child was alive in 1911.
According to the death register Ellen Brennan (c. 1919-1934) died 4 December 1934 in the Co. Hospital of Waterford. She was aged 15 and died of “acute eczema of the whole body and nephritis” (12 days) (Death Register). It is likely that the renal problems she suffered caused the eczema.
Glenmore Girl’s School
Bridgie told Danny that when she was going to the girls’ school in Glenmore in the 1930’s there were about 90 girls attending the school. The teachers were Mrs. Heffernan, the principal, and Mrs. Alice Power who taught the infants and the younger girls. There were about 60 girls in Mrs. Power’s class and in Mrs. Heffernan’s class there were about 30 girls. There was religious instruction every day and the religion class started at 11 o’clock.
She said the country girls used to bring kindling for the fire. She remembers a lot of the boys were barefoot, and some of the girls in the summertime. She also remembered the children in the top seats of the chapel every Sunday before second Mass for prayers.
Danny also interviewed his sister, Mary Barron née Dowling (1928-2019) of Ballyconway concerning the girl’s school. Mary reported that when she was going to school in the 1930’s the principal teacher in the girl’s school was Teressa McGrath a native of Russellstown, Clonmel. Miss Russell came to Glenmore in the early years of the century. She then married Mikey Heffernan of Cappagh, Glenmore Village. Alice Power née Curran of Jamestown was the assistant teacher with Mrs. Heffernan. She was a native of Robinstown, Glenmore.
The school consisted of two rooms each with a fireplace. When the fire was lit in the wintertime some of the girls were sent out to collect kindling and firewood from the nearby ditches on a regular basis. Sanitary facilities consisted of dry toilets situated outside at the back of the school. There was a half hour of religious studies every morning [DD Notebook 30].
Jo Doyle née Mernagh (1932-2021) always stated that it was a wonder that children were not injured or killed on the hill behind the old schools. The dry toilets were located about a quarter way down the steep hill behind the old schools. Children would stop their rapid descent by grabbing the trees.
Glenmore Dispensary
Bridgie when working for JK’s used to tidy and clean the dispensary which was used every Tuesday when the doctor attended. She remembered well old Dr. Matt Coughlan and his son Dr. Val. The old man, she said was very lucky with his patients He used also pull teeth without an anaesthetic. She remembers Mollie Murphy of Moulerstown, to have teeth extracted by Dr. Matt Coughlan without any anaesthetic and Dick Walsh of Ballyfacey, to have a lump removed surgically from him without the aid of an anaesthetic [DD Notebook 30]. For a history of the Glenmore dispensary see our post of 25 April 2020.
Bridgie also recalled Danny’s father threshing the corn in the yard behind Patsy Ryan’s with Martin Walsh’s engine. She also said that one of the Dowling’s of Jamestown stood for her mother. A review of the baptismal record of Ellen Brennan née Cahill shows that Ellen’s godmother was Bridget Dooling [Dowling].
Glenmore Shops
The Brennan family dealt in Lizzie JK’s for their groceries and obtained their milk in Hanrahan’s. At that time Hanrahan’s and Fluskey’s, who had the Post Office, did the best business. Lizzie JK’s shop also did a reasonable trade. Bridgie said Mike Heffernan’s did the least business.
Brigid herself worked with Lizzie and said she was great to make a living. Her sister Minnie Heffernan lived with her. Their brother Fr. Tom used to spend his holidays with them in Glenmore. [DD Notebook 30] Lizzie JK Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955) was a sister of Mike Heffernan. Mike Heffernan was the husband of Teressa Heffernan the schoolteacher.
Moved to Waterford
During the Emergency [WW II] about 1943 Lizzie got the running of one of the canteens in the Military Barracks in Barrack Street in Waterford. Bridgie worked with her as well as another girl from the City. The canteen was opened between 9 am and noon and from 6 pm until midnight. Lizzie rented a big house in Thomas Street, and it was there that they both lived. The canteen closed after the war ended in 1945.
After the War Lizzie ran a café in Tramore during the summertime. It closed during the winter. Bridgie also worked with her in Tramore. [DD Notebook 30]. On 25 September 1939 her sister Maggie married William Browne of Tramore.
Tramore, Co. Waterford
Around 1950 Bridgie married Sean Hunt and they had three children. Sean was employed with CIE as a goods porter at the Waterford north railway station. The couple had three children and resided in Ballinattin, Tramore in a Council House on Lodge Lane just off of Shrine Road. [People v. Dominic Griffin, Cr. Ct. Appeal 1965]
Bridgie told Danny that her mother went to visit her daughters in Tramore in June 1950 and died suddenly while visiting. Ellen Brennan née Cahill was in her 70’ and had been suffering with heart trouble. Ellen was buried in Tramore [DD Notebook 30]. Ellen actually died in 1946 (Death Register). John Brennan also died in Tramore in 1957 and is also buried in Tramore.
The Ballinattin, Tramore Murder 1965
There is no notation or mention in Danny’s Notebook 30 concerning the murder of Bridgie’s husband on 24 January 1965.
John Hunt was 37 and on that Sunday night he had been in Tramore at his local playing cards and enjoying a few pints with his sister and friends. He caught the bus and when he reached his stop he bid goodnight to a friend and started the mile walk home. Within 150 feet of his front door he was found by his wife Bridgie the following morning kneeling dead against the ditch. Bridgie had gone out a number of times during the night looking for him but never saw him. She only found him when she was taking her child to school. The Coroner reported that Sean had been stabbed 20 times.
The murder was widely reported in the local press. Johnny Garvey’s mother operated a guest house in Tramore and Johnny said the entire population of 4,000 were shocked and alarmed. He also said that ugly rumours circulated (Johnny Garvey, 10 Feb. 2024).
A fund was established “for the widow and young family of the late Sean Hunt, who was found stabbed to death in the vicinity of his home at Ballinattin, Tramore… The widow, Mrs. Brigid Hunt, is daughter of the late John and Mrs. Brennan, Glenmore Village” (Munter Express, Fri 12 Feb. 1965, p. 4).
Arrests & Conviction
Eventually, Dominic Griffin [Jr.], a 24 year old married panel beater from 12 Mall Lane in Waterford City was charged with the murder (Munster Express, Fri. 19 March 1965, p. 1). The ugly rumours that Johnny recalled may have been due to the fact that Dominic Griffin, Jr. was charged with raping a 17- year-old Tipperary girl at Ballinattin between November 1963 and April 1964 (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Feb. 1965, p. 1).
It is not clear what happened in the rape case, but Dominic Griffin was sentenced to “penal servitude” for life by Justice Teevan in the Central Criminal Court on 30 June 1965. The jury returned after 90 minutes finding Griffin guilty of the murder of Sean Hunt (Irish Independent Thur. 1 July 1965, p. 5).
The Appeal
Dominic Griffin appealed and his appeal was dismissed (Irish Press, Sat. 6 Nov. 1965, p. 13; (People v. Dominic Griffin, Docket 34-1965, delivered 5 Nov. 1965). The Appeals Court outlined the facts before dismissing the appeal. Dominic Griffin married on 1 August 1964 and he and wife lived in a seaside hut on Shrine Road, Tramore. On the night of 3 January 1965 a man shouted offensive remarks about he and his wife. Griffin was concerned because they were expecting their first child shortly. He suspected 3 men and the deceased was one of his suspects.
On 16 January he took his wife to the nursing home where she gave birth. On the 24th he drove to the hut to tidy it for the homecoming of his wife and child. He heard a man outside addressing offensive remarks to him. Arming himself with a bicycle lamp, shovel handle, and a knucleduster with an attached knife, he went out to search.
At the intersection of Shrine Road and Lodge’s Lane he heard the shuffling of feet on the Lane. He ran up the lane and claimed that he was attacked by the deceased. The jury and the court of appeal rejected that he had acted in self defence. The State argued that the physical evidence supported that the killer lay in wait. The Appeals court was not persuaded that the physical evidence matched the defendant’s version of events. Further the State effectively argued that “in considering self-defence, the jury would be entitled to take into account that the deceased was in his own laneway, where he had a right to be and that Griffin was in a laneway where he had no business.”
Widowhood
Bridgie appears to have remained a widow from 1965 to her death in 2015. If Brigid spoke to Danny concerning her husband’s murder Danny either did not record it or perhaps it was recorded in a notebook yet to be transcribed.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
See our post of 9 April 2020 regarding Glenmore Village in the 1930’s.
For a few interesting Tramore historical facts see the Tramore Surf School’s webpage.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh