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Scartnamore, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Scartnamore, Glenmore, in 1961. This townland has been spelled multiple ways over the past two centuries.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 114) is “Scairtnamoe, Scairt na mbo, the cows thicket. Area 76 acres. Fields are the long cas, a quagmire; Leamhog(O), and Muine gharbh, a rough brake.”
Tithe Applotment Books 1829
In the Tithe Applotment Books the townland is spelled Scartnamo. The owner of the townland was David O’Neil Power, Esq. See our post of 22 December 2022 for further details on this prominent 19th century Glenmore landlord. There were two occupiers who were tenants of 72 statute acres, namely; Patrick Rochford and Michael Kerwin.
Griffith’s Valuation, 1847-1869
Griffith’s Valuation in Co. Kilkenny was completed on 8 July 1853. At that time David O’Neill Power was still the landlord of the townland of Scartnamore, Glenmore and Patrick Rochford and Michael Kirwan were the main tenants.
Michael Kirwan held a house, offices and 33 acres of land. Michael Kirwan’s land holding was valued at £27 10s, while his buildings were valued at £3 15s.
Patrick Rochford held a house, offices and 42 acres of land. The buildings were valued at £4 10 s. while his land was valued at £36 10s. Additionally, Patrick Rochford leased a house to Michael Ryan that was valued at £1. The total acres recorded for this townland was 76 acres.
Dispute Regarding Place of Ancient Monument
Up until about 1820, near the meres of the townlands of Scartnamore and Carriganurra, the ruins of the house of an Ridire Deaghach (Knight of O’Dea) could be seen. The O’Dea or O’Day family was highly respectable in Ida down to the time of Cromwell. The head of the family was locally called An Ridire Deaghach. (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 2 Aug 1893, p. 4).
In 1923, after the Munster Express began publishing extracts from Carrigan’s History of the Diocese of Ossory, J. O’Donovan of Ballyrouragh, Slieverue wrote to the editor of the Munster Express. J. O’Donovan took exception to a passage where Carrigan concluded that the noted historian John O’Donovan (and his ancestor) was wrong about where an ancient monument was located in Glenmore parish. He asserted that John O’Donovan was in a better position to know or identify the Leachih Ee Deaw than Dr. Carrigan because O’Donovan was a native of the area. Leachth Ee Deaw was placed in Scartnamoe (sic) by John O’Donovan in a corner of Roche’s field, but placed across from the Half-way House in Aylwardstown by Carrigan (Munster Express, Sat. 9 June 1923, p. 3).
1961 Scartnamore, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded three families or households in the townland of Scartnamore. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland. Danny did not record any death dates for his list of Scartnamore residents.
Danny’s recorded information reveals that in 1961, 15 people resided in the townland of Scartnamore with the population comprised of 10 males and 5 females. The largest households were two families with 5 persons in their house, the Kirwan and O’Shea families. There were 2 households recorded with a single person living alone in each house. Information under residents of Scartnamore not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Scartnamore, Glenmore Residents (1961)
Males= 10
Females= 5
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in Scartnamore, Glenmore was John Connolly (13 Sept. 1889- 22 July 1972) a retired farmer living with his daughter Mary O’Shea and her family. John Connolly was about 72 years of age in 1961.
John Connolly and Brigid Roche
John Connolly married Brigid Roche (1894-1955) on 28 November 1917 at Glenmore. At the time of their marriage John was a labourer residing in Rochestown and Brigid was a servant residing in Scartnamore. John was the son of James Connolly (labourer), but no father was listed in the civil marriage record for Bridget. The witnesses were Walter Walsh and Bridget Roche. The fact that the bride and the witness had the same name highlights why nic-names were necessary.
John and Brigid Connolly had a large family that they reared in Scartnmore. We have though obituaries been able to identify 10 children. Several of the children per John’s obituary were living in the UK. One daughter Kathleen (1931-2014) entered religious life and became Sr. Miranda of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. Sr. Miranda served in Africa and her last assignment was to St. Louis Hospital, Jerusalem where she cared for terminally ill cancer patients (Fr. Michael Mernagh, Glenmore Times (2000) p. 44). Sr. Miranda died on 4 September 2014 in Jerusalem where she is buried (Family headstone Glenmore).
John Connoly became a widower when Brigid died on 12 November 1955 at the age of 63. John Connolly died on the 22nd of July 1972 and his eldest son James died two days later. The joint obituary for John Connolly and his son, James (1918 -1972) is available on our “C” Glenmore Family Surname Page.
The ”Bill” Roches of Scartnamore
It is believed that Bridget Roche was one of the “Bill” Roches of Scartnamore. Bridget Roche was born on 1 April 1894 the daughter of Mary Roche, of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore. Ballyhobuck and Scartnamore are adjoining townlands.
“John Bill” Roche was married to one of the Faddie Kennedy’s of Rathinure. The couple farmed about 40 statute acres in Scartnamore where Jimmy Walsh currently lives. “John Bill” Roche and his wife had no children. John’s brother, “Dick Bill” Roche was a harmless man and lived with the couple and later with the Connolly’s. “Maizhe Bill” Roche was their sister, and she married a man named Kavanagh, and the Kavanagh’s lived on the High Road in Rathinure where Kathleen O’Connor lives. Maizhe is how Maura (nic-name for Mary) was pronounced in Glenmore, and it is believed that Maizhe was Bridget Connolly’ mother. Bridget Roche was known locally as Carty which may have been who locals believed her father to be.
Scartnamore, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] KIRWAN
Kirwan, Laurence (1908-1979) Farmer [Died 7 January 1979]
Kirwan, Anne (1918-1982) Wife [Née Whittle died 30 June 1982.]
Kirwan, James, son
Kirwan, Noel (c. 1952- 1976) twin son [Died in a car crash 30 Oct. 1976 just aged 24.]
Kirwan, Thomas, twin son [See below on Glenmore Culture Night 2023].
[2] CONNOLY
Connolly, James (1918-1972) Farmer
[James “Jimmy” Connolly was the eldest son of John Connolly and his wife Brigid Roche. James Connolly never married and died two days after his father. He and his father were buried on the same day “side by side” in St. James’ Cemetery, Glenmore. See the “C” Glenmore Family Surname Page for the joint obituary of James and his father.]
[3] McDONALD
McDonald, Thomas (b. 1918) Farm Labourer
McDonald, Kate (b. 1919) wife
McDonald, Michael, son, Council Worker
[4] O’SHEA
O’Shea, Richard (b.c. 1926) Clover Meats
O’Shea, Mary (b. c. 1922) wife
O’Shea, Michael, son
O’Shea, Bridget, daughter
Connolly, John (13 Sept. 1889-) father-in-law, retired farmer [See above died on 22 July 1972.]
[5] HABERLIN
Haberlin, Annie (10 April 1897-24 Sept. 1968)
[Annie was a widow who died at the age of 73 in Waterford on 24 Sept. 1968. Her address on her death cert is Slieverue. A marriage record was located for Michael Haberlin and Anne Walsh for the 29th of November 1922. The couple were married in Ferrybank. Michael Haberlin (labourer) was residing in Kilmurry and the son of John Haberlin (labourer). Anne Walsh (domestic servant) was living in Prospect the daughter of Richard Walsh (farmer) of Kilaspy. Michael Haberlin died of an abscess on 30 September 1934 at the age of 37. Annie was left a widow at 36 years of age and remained a widow for 34 years until her death.]
Glenmore Culture Night
All who attended Glenmore’s first Culture Night on Friday, the 22nd of September 2023 were able to enjoy Tom Kirwan, a native of Scartnamore, playing his accordion as well as enjoy the other performers and dramatists. Glenmore History had a table of locally donated items such as a crock hot water bottle that amazed the inquisitive children. We also provided a sheet of tips and tricks to help people record their own memories/stories or their family history. It is hoped that Glenmore Culture Night becomes an annual event to encourage and show case local talent.
For further information on a talented Kirwan descendent see our post of 11 Sept. 2022 on Bernie Kirwan.
Please send any corrections, further information, or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Redgap, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the two residents of Redgap in 1961, as well as other information he recorded regarding Redgap, the smallest townland in Glenmore.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 114) is Bearna dhearg, which means “a red gap”. Redgap is the smallest townland in Glenmore and is comprised of only 33 acres. That is the sum total of the information O’Kelly provides. Redgap is located on the edge of Glenmore parish in the civil parish of Kilcolumb. It borders Slieverue on the crescent of the Rochestown/Scart hills.
Tithe Applotment Books 1829
We were unable to find any reference to Redgap, in the Kilcolumb Civil Parish list of townlands in the Tithe Applotment Books. We believe that Redgap was an area within a larger townland. Given its proximity to Slieverue it may be the case that it was once part of the townland of Ballyrowragh and was separated from that townland when the Catholic parish of Glenmore was established in 1846. In the 20th century Redgap was usually identified as being part of Rochestown.
Oral Tradition Regarding Redgap, Glenmore
Philip Wallace (c. 1806-1883)
In 1956, Danny interviewed Matt Aylward of Ballyfacey, Glenmore (DD Notebook 4). Matt stated, “In the last century a man named Philip Wallace who lived in Redgap conducted a hedge school.” Matt recited and Danny recorded the following crude local verse in reference to Philip Wallace’s school—“Philip’s scholars against the wall, A pint of piss would drown them all.”
A couple of sayings Matt shared with Danny that Phillip Wallace used were “go that” pronounced “gow that” and “No moiseac (mozhic) on him” or “No worry on him.”
Phillip Wallis (sic) (c. 1806-1883) schoolmaster, died on 24 November 1883 at his home at Redgap at the age of 77. His wife, Ellen Wallis was present when he died. According to Glenmore Parish records, Phillip Wallace married Ellen Fitzpatrick of Rochestown on 1 March 1870. According to the marriage records, Philip was a bachelor, schoolmaster, and was the son of Luke Wallace, farmer. Ellen was a servant and the daughter of Patrick Fitzpatrick (labourer) of Rochestown. If Philip’s age at his death is correct, he was about 64 when he married.
The John O’Donovan Connection to Redgap, Glenmore
According to Martin Walsh (c. 1918- 1996) of Rochestown, Glenmore there were three “botháns” in the long, narrow, hilly field in Redgap (the field currently owned by John Hoynes). The small houses were at the sheltered side of the north facing ditch where the field is level. May Roche (c. 1918-2001) of Scart, Glenmore said that her father (John “Sal” Roche (c. 1861-1931) and aunt Allie (Alice) Roche (c. 1859 -1933) told her that there was once a small shop in Redgap (May gave this information to Michael Hoynes of Ballybrahee, Glenmore).
Michael Hoynes also recalled this week that May Roche (c. 1918-2001) stated that the great Irish scholar John O’Donovan (c. 1806-1861) was connected to Redgap. Michael went on to research this statement and found a biography of John O’Donovan written by Diarmaid Ó Catháin that provides the connection.
Leased Redgap
John O’Donovan’s father, Edmund, did well during the Napoleonic wars (c. 1803-1815). In 1816, he built a new house but due to circumstances he was forced to move. Edmund leased 33 acres in the adjacent townland of Redgap near where his brother Patrick O’Donovan (1753-1831) had a cornmill. At the same time John O’Donovan’s eldest brother, Michael (bapt. 1789) leased 40 acres in Ballyrowragh, Slieverue. John O’Donovan’s father died in 1817 and John appears to have gone to live with this brother. His uncle, Patrick, was an important influence on John. Patrick went to sea as a young man, was widely read in both English and Irish, and had a great interest in history and tradition. Irish was the primary language in the locality at the time.
Donovan’s Mill, Ballyrowragh, Slieverue
The corn mill at Ballyrowragh still stands, and today it is still called “Donovan’s Mill.” The Tithe Applotment Books, 1829, provides that Patrick Donovan held 9 acres in Ballyrowragh, Slieverue. Given that Redgap, Glenmore is only comprised of 33 acres it appears that Edmund O’Donovan leased the entire townland. See our post of 13 March 2021 for information on John O’Donovan’s work.
Griffith’s Valuation (1847-1864)
Supporting the local oral tradition, Griffith’s Valuation lists three households in Redgap: [1] Philip Wallace (house & 1 acre); [2] John Gahan & Joseph Gahan (house and 13 acres) and [3] John Roche (house, offices and 17 acres). It is assumed that the Gahan’s were uncles or great-uncles of Martin Walsh (his mother was Elly Gahan). It is also assumed that John Roche was May Roche’s grandfather.
1961 Redgap, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded one family or household in the townland of Redgap. In 1961, there was a married couple living in Redgap, Edward “Ned” Baldwin and his wife, Ellen “Elly” Baldwin (1916-1988) née Ryan.
Recorded Redgap, Glenmore Residents (1961)
Male= 1
Female= 1
Eldest Redgap, Glenmore, Resident 1961
Edward “Ned” Baldwin (1903-1991)
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Redgap, Glenmore, was Edward “Neddy” Baldwin (30 May 1903- 26 May 1991). Edward Baldwin was born to John Baldwin (labourer) and his wife, Elizabeth Doyle. The address on the birth cert is Knockroe, Waterford. In his obituary it is stated that Edward was a native of Passage East. As a young man Ned was a member of the Defence forces. He was skilled in all aspects of mechanical farm equipment and worked for years for James Kelly of Aylwardstown. Please see our B Family surname page for Edward’s obituary.
Marriage
Edward Baldwin married Ellen Ryan on 26 April 1937 in the Cathedral of Waterford. Edward was a labourer living in Skeard, Kilmacow. He was the son of John Baldwin (farmer). Ellen was living in Glenmore the daughter of Michael Ryan, labourer. Given the fact that Redgap is often referred to as part of Rochestown we believe that Ned and Ellie moved to Redgap in 1947. According to the Munster Express (Friday 6 June 1947, p. 2) Edward Baldwin, of Ringville, was appointed tenant of cottage 190L, of Rochestown, formerly in the occupation of Martin Connolly.
Ellen “Ellie” Baldwin née Ryan (1916 -1988)
The second resident of Redgap, Glenmore in 1961 was Glenmore native Ellie Baldwin née Ryan. Ellie was born on 17 February 1916 at Kearneybay, Glenmore, the eldest child of Michael Ryan (labourer) and his wife Mary Manning. Her parents were married on the 9th of February 1915 at Glenmore. At the time of their wedding Michael Ryan was 35 years of age and Mary Manning was 30. Both gave their address as Karneybay (sic). Michael was the son of Jermiah Ryan (labourer) and Mary was the daughter of Martin Manning (farmer).
Ellie’s Parents & Grandparents
According to the 1911 Census Michael Ryan had 8 siblings. His father Jeremiah (66) and mother Mary (54) had five children still at home. Jeremiah Ryan (labourer) of Kearneysbay married Mary Prendergast of Scartnamore, Glenmore on 20 November 1878. Jeremia Ryan was the son of Michael Ryan (labourer) and Mary Prendergast was the daughter of Richard Prendergast (farmer).
In 1911, Mary Manning was residing in Rathinure, Glenmore, with her father Martin Manning, a widower. The 1901 Census provides far more information. Her father was 52 and was a navy. Her mother, Ellen, was 48. Mary had three brothers listed: Bartley Manning was 21; Edward Manning was 20 and John Manning was 18. All three of her brothers were also navies we assume with the railway that was being built between New Ross and Waterford.
Ellie’s Siblings
Unfortunately, Irish births after 1916 are generally not available to the public. However, per Ellie’s and other family obituaries we know that Ellie Balldwin née Ryan had at least three brothers and a sister. Her brothers included: Martin “Mattie” Ryan, Patrick Ryan (1917-1973) of Kearneybay and Dermot Ryan of Kilivory, Glenmore, and her sister was Mary Walsh née Ryan of Mary Street, New Ross. See our R family surname page for Ryan obituaries.
Children of Ned and Ellie Baldwin
Ned and Ellie Baldwin had three children: [1] John Baldwin (Newbridge, Co. Kildare) [2] Mary Baldwin Tohill (Aylesbury, England) and [3] Elizabeth “Lizzy” Baldwin Davis (Aylesbury, England).
John Baldwin went into the army as a teenager and at the age of 19 in 1962 was sent to the Congo (Munster Express, Fri. 18 May 1962, p. 9). For further information and Baldwin obituaries please see our B surname page.
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Special thanks to Michael Ryan, of Kearneybay, Glenmore for sharing the photo of his parents Dermie Ryan & Peggy Ryan née O’Neil and to Michael Hoynes of Ballybrahee, Glenmore for his help.
The featured photo above is Donovan’s Mill, Ballyrowragh, Slieverue, on the border of Glenmore Parish.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: August 1923
In August 1923, one topic dominated the local newspapers, the general election. Some newspapers dubbed it the “hurried” election. In many respects the issues concerning voters 100 years ago are still issues today such as housing, industrial strife, and inflation. Today, we highlight the local candidates and some of the other news that made it into the local newspapers in August 1923. Unfortunately, only one reference to Glenmore could be located in the local newspapers.
CIVIL WAR ISSUES
As peace settled across the 26 counties the government began to release some of the prisoners it held. Local released prisoners included Miss Lena Cleary, of Whitechurch, New Ross and Miss S. Browne, of New Ross. These ladies were released four months after being arrested by the military (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 6). At the end of August James Hartley, of Weatherstown, Glenmore was released from Wexford Military Barracks (Free Press (Wexford), Sat. 25 Aug. 1923, p. 4).
The National troops stationed in Thomastown since July 1922 left for Kilkennyin early August 1923. The barricades were removed from around the house in Thomastown where the military had been stationed (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 6).
INDUSTRIAL STRIFE
Industrial strife continued to plague the Free State. Locally, farmers had limited markets for their produce. The New Ross Standard reported that due to the “continuation of the strike at ports and other labour troubles” the weekly pig and fowl markets were suspended for over 3 weeks. (Fri. 3 August 1923, p. 5
The following week the New Ross Standard (Fri. 10 August 1923, p. 3) outlined the events that led to the port strikes.
Port Strike
“During the past few years the wages of dockers in the Free State have been the highest in Europe. The workers at the Free State ports were included in every increase of wages which were granted in Great Britain both during and immediately after the European War. At the larger ports they were in receipt of as much as 16 shillings per day, with the result that shipping freights were maintained at a fantastic level to the growing detriment of trade and commerce.”
“The British employers redued the wages of their men, and by stages the rate of pay fell to 10 shillings per day at all the big ports. The Dublin dockers and fellow workers in other Free State ports refused to discuss any reduction. Matters went from bad to worse until the last straw was laid on the camel’s back by an irregular and unauthorised strike of seaman. When the port of Dublin became paralysed the employers decided to enforce the over-due reduction of dockers’ wages. On 16 July all work ceased.”
DEADLY WEATHER
On the 2nd of August, what several newspapers described as a hurricane, swept through this area. A 15-year -old girl gathering firewood on the 2nd named Magge Lawlor, of 55 Ferrybank was killed by a tree that fell on her (Munster Express, Sat. 4 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
“The hurricane” had a serious impact on crops of grain, potatoes, manifolds (sic), and turnips all blackened (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 8). [We have had a few queries concerning manifolds. Having conferred with my resident farming expert it is believed that these were beet like vegetables used as fodder. They were stored in pits and had to be well covered to protect them from the frost. When fed the “mangals” were put through a turnip machine otherwise cattle could choke on the roots. For further information see, the Gardening Know How webpage.]
FARMING
In several areas apple trees were badly shaken by the August storm resulting in nearly all the fruit being blown off the trees. “Potato blight has made its appearance in places in the New Ross district. So far it is not serious (New Ross Standard, Friday 10 August 1923, p. 6). On the other hand the weather appeared to agree with mushrooms which were described as plentiful. “Reports came from almost every district to that effect” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug.1923, p. 5).
At the end of the month it was reported that at the New Ross market cabbage was realising as high as 3d. per head and hay sold for £4 to £5 per ton (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3).
The price of food according to the New Ross Standard was an issue the new Dáil would have to tackle. While the price of cattle was within 4 to 6 shillings per cwt. of pre-war prices, the price of butcher’s meat almost doubled. Almost every article required in the household costs an exorbitant price” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Aug. 1923, p. 4).
THE GENERAL ELECTION
Free speech and free elections were challenging in the newly established Free State. The Kilkenny People summed up the “hurried” election of 1923 as the people’s choice for construction or destruction (Sat. 25 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
The general election was set for the 27th of August. In the days before radio and television candidates held meetings to try to persuade voters to support them. It was reported that during the election campaign 90 meetings were held in New Ross and surrounding districts (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3)
Unfortunately, meetings of all parties were subject to disruptions and heckling of candidates was common. In some instances violence erupted and intimidation caused some meetings to be cancelled.
Election Meetings Disrupted
A Farmers’ Party candidate at Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford on Sunday the 19th was assaulted by a crowd of young men and boys. He was struck with clenched fists, rotten eggs, “and sound ones too.” He was covered from the top of his hat to his boots. His hat, overcoat and suit of clothes were destroyed. The Labour Party was also stopped at Ramsgrange from holding a meeting. The candidates were threatened and their election literature burned (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
By the time the New Ross Standard (Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3) went to print at the end of the month it was reported that “It is too early to ascertain what sections or parties have been successful at the general election. The result of the polling will not be completely known for some days…whatever parties have been successful, and whatever Government may result, we trust that at long last it will be enabled to devote itself uninterruptedly to uplifting the country and promoting prosperity and happiness of the people.”
Kilkenny-Carlow Candidates
Below is a list of the candidates for the Kilkenny-Carlow seats and the names of the candidates deemed elected are in bold.
(1) Michael Barry, Tombeagh, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Republican.
(2) Thomas, Bolger, of Downings, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Cumann na nGaedheal.
(3) Edw. John Broughan, of Ballybrommell, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Farmer’s Party candidate.
(4) Liam T. Cosgrave, of Beechpark, Templeogue, Co. Dublin, President of the Executive Council, and Minster for Finance, ran as a member of Cumann na NGaedheal.
(5) Edw. Doyle, of Laragh, Co. Carlow, Agricultural Worker, ran as a member of Labour.
(6) Patrick Gaffney, of Connolly Cross, Carlow, Agricultural Worker, ran as an Independent (Other newspapers noted that he was a miller.)
(7) John “Seán” Francis Gibbons, of Ballylarkin, Co. Kilkenny, Farmer, ran as a member of Cumann na nGaedheal.
(8) Denis John Gorey, of Burnchurch, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny, Farmer, ran as a member of the Farmer’s Party. See our post of 6 June 2022 for details regarding the attack on Gorey’s home and the General Election of 1922.
(9) Michael Shelly, of Green St., Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Merchant, ran as a Republican. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 24 Aug. 1923, p. 16).
WATERFORD BOXER—Battling Brannigan
“In Dublin on Wed. 22d August, Battling Brannigan, the promising young Waterford pugilist, will meet the coloured exponent, Sam Minto, who last year gave Kid Doyle a great fight” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 Aug. 1923, p. 16). It isn’t clear whether Brannigan fought Minto more than once, but according to a short article in the Munster Express in 1952, fighting “Patsy Brannigan (Gerald Hurley) despite an early injury to his hands, gained a points victory over Sam Minto.” The fight took place at the Theatre Royal, in Waterford almost 30 years earlier. (Munster Express, Fri. 16 May 1952, p. 9).
Gerald Hurley (c. 1901-1985)
Gerald Hurley (c. 1901-1985) was born in Chicago and moved to Waterford at the age of three. Although he trained as an alto singer for the Westminster Cathedral choir and sang professionally, in 1919, he began boxing as a lightweight. During a boxing career that spanned a decade, Hurley became the lightweight champion of Ireland, and went on to hold the welterweight Irish title. He never had a manager, and secured international fights.
At the same time he was a “much sought-after” professional classical singer. His dual career might explain why he fought under the name of Battling Brannigan. Hurley retired from professional boxing in 1929, but continued his professional singing. He became a physical education and boxing teacher (Munster Express, Fri. 29 Sept. 1972, p. 24) at Dublin secondary schools and also taught at the Garda Depot, Phoenix Park (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 29 Nov. 1985, p. 16).
Memories of Waterford
While living in Waterford he resided in Grange Terrace, Waterford (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Oct. 1979, p. 25). In 1959, he was residing at 32 Belgrave Square, Rathmines Dublin (Munster Express, Fri. 31 July 1959, p. 4) In a letter to the editor of the Munster Express, he recalled friends killed during the Civil War in Waterford City and working at putting up the wooden poles in the city when the first electric lights were installed (Munster Express, Fri. 31 July 1959, p. 4). His kin around Waterford city in the 1950’s included his brother Tim Hurley, of Barrack St., his nephew Michael Butler, hairdresser of Manor St. and the Moran family of Parnell St. (Munster Express, Fri. 31 Dec. 1954, p. 5)
AUCTIONS
After the establishment of the Free State several Anglo-Irish families, such as the Butlers of Kilkenny Castle, sold their estates and moved from Ireland. In the summer of 1923, the local newspapers advertised several auctions and as illustrated below not all sales were large estates.
Cholastown, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny An auction of a small holding belonging to Thomas McDonald, was advertised to be sold by Auction on the 7th of August (Tuesday) at noon (new time). The land was in Nicholastown and contained 18 statute acres with a forge and outbuildings. The land was held in fee simple subject to a terminable annuity payable to the Irish Land Commission of £4 2s. 8d.
The land was described as, being in grass, well fenced and sheltered with excellent tillage and grazing qualities with an ample and constant spring water supply (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 Aug. 1923, p. 8).
HUMOUR RETURNS
During the dark days of the War of Independence and Civil War very few jokes were published in local newspapers as fillers. In August 1923, perhaps to lighten the mood during the general election several jokes were published such as the two below.
Plucking in Haste—Knitting in Leisure
“In the Hounalow district a young Farmer’s wife, after making some hop beer, threw the hops into the garden, and several ducks ate them up. The ducks became so drunk that the farmer thought they were dead and placed them in a shed. The wife plucked them in the evening. In the morning the couple were awakened by a terrific noise in the shed. The ducks were running abound bereft of feathers. So, the farmer’s wife had to make some little jumpers until their feathers grew again” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 5). [For our international readers a jumper is a sweater.]
Faith in Surgeon
“A London surgeon found that a serious operation was necessary upon the daughter of a woman who came with her to the hospital. The details of the operation were explained, and the consent was asked for of the mother to the operation being performed. ‘Oh,’ was the reply, ‘It is all very well to talk about consenting, but who is going to pay for the funeral!’ (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 18 Aug. 1923, p 7).
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The feature phto above is the crowd in Carlow awaiting the arrival of President of the Dáil, W.T. Cosgrave. The photo was published in the Freeman’s Journal (Tues. 21 Aug. 1923, p. 7) by a member of the Freeman’s staff. Cosgrove arrived in Carlow by airplane.
Please send any corrections or further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Kearneysbay, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Kearneysbay, Glenmore, in 1961. This townland has been spelled multiple ways over the past three centuries. Sometimes it is spelled without an “s” as Kearneybay. Sometimes it is spelled as two separate words Kearney’s Bay. Some 19th century newspapers spelled it Carney Bay.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 113) is Trian an ri, or the King’s third. The townland is comprised of 141 acres. “The ‘third’ is an ancient land measure term. There is another townland in the parish [Kilcollumb] far removed from here called Trinaree. James Kearney of Kearneysbay held lands in Parkstown, Ballyvoulera, Luffany and Kearneysbay according to his will registered in the Registry of Deeds Office, Dublin, on 9th May, 1754 —from Abstract of Wills, Vol. II by P. Beryl Eustace.”
Tithe Appotment Books 1829
In 1829, Major Charles Kearney held 139 acres and was the only person listed in the applotment books for Kearneysbay.
Landlord of Kearneysbay, Glenmore, Charles Kearney (c. 1787-1871)
Major Charles Kearney (c. 1787-1871) of the 2d Dragoon Guards, or Queen’s Bays married Mary Anne Massy of Limerick. The bride was the youngest daughter of Hon. George Eyre Massy, of Limerick City (Dublin Weekly Register, Sat. 17 October 1829, p. 8).
Major Kearney was promoted to Lieut.-Col. in 1837 “by purchase” (Dorset County Chronicle, Thur. 2 Nov. 1837). Kearney died on 24 July 1871,”at his residence, 3, Upper Brook street, Grosvenor square, London.” He died in his 85th year (Waterford Standard, Sat. 29 July 1871, p. 3) His widow, Mary Anne died on the 31st of August 1886, at Homburg (Dublin Daily Express, Fri. 10 Sept. 1886, p. 1).
1961 Kearneysbay, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded three families or households in the townland of Kearneysbay. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland.
Danny’s recorded information reveals that in 1961, ten people resided in the townland of Kearneysbay, with the population comprised of 9 males and 1 female. The largest family was the Heffernan family with 8 in the household. There were 2 households recorded with a single person living alone in each house. All information under residents of Kearneysbay not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Kearneysbay, Glenmore Residents (1961)
Males= 9
Females= 1
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Kearneysbay, Glenmore was Thomas Foran (b. 14 Jan. 1885) who was 76 years of age in 1961. A headstone in St. James’s Cemetery provides that Thomas died 22 June 1973, aged 88. The birth register and parish baptismal records provides that Thomas Foran was born on the 4th of January 1885 the son of John Foran (farmer) of Kearneysbay and his wife Ellen Power. Mary Foran of Robinstown was present at his birth and registered his birth on the 13th of January 1885.
Kearneysbay, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] HEFFERNAN
Heffernan, Thomas (10 Mar. 1888-12 Jan. 1965) Farmer
Heffernan, Michael (b. 22 Mar. 1916) son, assisting relative [per headstone 1916-1988]
Heffernan, Mary, daughter-in-law [per headstone née Doherty (1931-2015)]
Heffernan, Thomas, grandson [per headstone 1929-2003 buried in Calif.]
Heffernan, John, grandson
Heffernan, Christopher, grandson
Heffernan, Desmond, grandson
Dunphy, Thomas (b. 14 Dec. 1894) employee, farm labourer
[2] FORAN
Foran, Thomas (b. 14 Jan. 1885) Retired Labourer. [See above, Tom Foran died 22 June1973].
[Tom Foran lived in a long thatched house down at the end of Kearneysbay road. He was a big man and spent most of his life in the merchant navy. Tom Foran was in England and came across another Glenmore man reared in Aylwardstown, Foxy Wattie Power’s brother. The Power man was in a fight and was so covered with blood Tom Foran said that his own mother wouldn’t recognise him. “But he stuck it out and beat the other fella.” (Tom Walsh (1908-1992) of Rathinure, Glenmore)] For further information see our F surname page.
[3] RYAN
Ryan, Patrick (b. 1917) Farm Labourer [Per newspaper notice died in July 1973].
[Paddy Ryan collapsed and died as he was about to enter a cot to go fishing on the River Barrow. His brother, Dermot Ryan (Kilmakevogue, Glenmore) was with Paddy when he collapsed and died. For further information see our family R surname page.]
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s Pioneer in First Aid: William C. Gaffney (1868-1929)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often spoke of the Gaffney family and how the name, so long associated with Glenmore Village, disappeared from Glenmore before the 1911 Census. Recently, a reader researching a Nicholas Gaffney sought information on the Glenmore family. Today, we are going to highlight one of the last members of the Glenmore family born and reared in Glenmore, William Christopher Gaffney (1868 -1929) who was honoured for his first aid work in his adopted city of London.
Family Background
William Christopher Gaffney was one of seven known children born to Nicholas Gaffney (c. 1834-1893) a miller and farmer, and his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty (c. 1830 -1902). The family lived in a large dwelling house in the Village that housed both their shop and the Glenmore dispensary. Behind their dwelling house was their mill that had been in operation since before 1798 when William C.’s great-grandfather, William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798), the head of the local United Irishmen, was captured and hanged from the old bridge at New Ross on 6 June 1798. See our previous post of 22 Feb. 2020 for further details.
Children of Nicholas Gaffney and Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty:
[1] Nicholas Gaffney (bapt. 28 Jan.1860- died before 1868);
[2] John Gaffney (b. 17 Sept. 1861- ? );
[3] Maryanne Gaffney (29 Aug. 1862-1865 (Q. 1)];
[4] Bridget Gaffney (14 July 1864- ?);
[5] William Christopher Gaffney (7 Feb. 1868- 27 Dec. 1929);
[6] Mary Gaffney (b. 12 Feb. 1870-1870?); and
[7] Nicholas Gaffney (12 April 1872-23 June 1944)].
According to Danny’s notes of an interview he conducted of Nicholas “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) four of the Gaffney children survived to adulthood: [2] John; [4] Bridget; [5] William; and [7] Nicholas. Nicky the Miller also stated that their mother, Kitty Delahunty was from Ballyfacey where Green’s and Freany’s were located at the time of his interview in 1964. [DD Notebook 26, Interview of Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 13 March 1964].
Emigration to London
Unfortunately, we do not know where William was educated, but there is little doubt, based upon his correspondence with the Kilkenny People in 1898, that he was educated. His older brother John lived, worked and married in Waterford in 1882. It is assumed that John and William received post primary education in Waterford and emigrated to London securing employment with two different railways.
Boarding With the Huggins Family
It is not known exactly when William emigrated to London, but he was located in the 1891 English Census. He was 23 years of age and was lodging at 17 Macfarlane Road, Hammersmith, London with the Huggins family. Mrs. Harriet E. Huggins was a 38 year old widow. Four of her children were also in the home: [1) Violet A. Huggins (16); [2] Elvina L. Huggins (14); [3] William D. Huggins (7); and [4] Constance I. Huggins.
William was employed as a railway clerk and his future wife Violet Alice was attending “Teacher School.” Two years later William married Violet Alice Huggins (2 Dec. 1874-25 Nov. 1961) at Fulham, London (England & Wales, Civil Registration Index, 1837-1915, vol. 1a, p. 609). Violet Alice was the daughter of William Huggins (1844-1886) and Harriet Elvina Huggins née Goodborn (1851-1916).
Defence of His Great- Grandfather
In 1898, the centeneriary of the 1798 Rising arrived and several articles were published blaming William Gaffney, the head of the United Irishmen for failing to support the rebels during the Battle of New Ross. Some accounts went so far as to brand him a traitor to the cause. William, and in particular his sister Bridget, wrote to editors seeking to set the record straight. Their great-grandfather was captured and hanged in Rosbercon from the old New Ross bridge by the British on the 6th of June 1798. In the letter below that was published in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1898, p. 8) William publicly thanked Fr. N. Murphy, P.P. at Queen’s Terrace, for debunking several wild assertions about his great-grandfather.
“133 Percy Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W., May 12th, 1898. Reverend and Dear Sir—I have lately received from my sister in Glenmore a copy of the Kilkenny People of March 19th, and write to express my sincere thanks for your defence of our great grandfather in that paper. While defending the fair fame of a Kilkennyman you have conferred a lasting obligation on his descendants by protecting them from an unmerited reproach. Again thanking you for your kind and just action, –I remain, reverend and dear Father, yours obediently, William Gaffney. “
For Danny Dowling’s article on William Gaffney in 1798 see, Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” Decies (vol. 24, p. 14).
William C. Gaffney’s Children
The 1911 Census provides that William and his family were residing at 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinhamshire. William was 43 years of age and was employed as a railway clerk. Violet Alice was 36 and four of their children were listed in the census: [1] Dorothy Olive Gaffney (16) (remained single); [2] Leon Arthur Gaffney (15); [3] Kathleen Ivy Gaffney (5); and [4] William Joseph Gaffney (1) (became a priest).
World War I Tragedy
Gifted Scholar
Leon Authur Gaffney (1895-1915) was a gifted student. Although William had resided in England since at least 1891, an article concerning his eldest son’s academic achievements was found in the Waterford News & Star in 1913.
“An Irish Boy at School in England Gains Nearly £800 in Scholarships—The many friends in Waterford and the neighbourhood, of Mr. William Gaffney, will be pleased to hear of the remarkable success obtained by his son while a pupil at Borlase School, Marlow.
The following remarks by the Head Master last “Speech Day,” as reported in the South Bucks Free Press, are worth quoting: “During the past year we have had successes of a type never before attempted, I believe, ion the history of the school. I will mention these first of all, because your late Head Master, who is (I am glad to say) present here today, on hearing the news, sent me this message, ‘Best thing the school has yet done.’
“He was referring ot the fact that Gaffney had obtained an Open Science Scholarship at New College; Oxford. It is indeed a great pleasure ot find that one of our boys was able to compete successfully against the best of four public schools, for the scholarship was obtaed in strong open competition. But while congratulating ourselves on the fact, I must not forget that Gaffney has shown himself a splendid worker, and I feel sure that he has a great career before him.”
“He is only 17. He came to us five years ago at the age of 23, and he has taken in succession the Minor, Intermediate, and Major Scholarships of the County Council. He has been top in the County and top in All England in Science (192 schools being represented). He now goes to College with £170 a year gain in scholarships by his own industry. I wish him every success when he leaves us, as he does at the end of the term, for Oxford.”
“The total value of the scholarships mentioned, including the Mitchell-Riley (School Leaving) Scholarship of £40 a year, which he was also awarded is £790. He passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination with honours at the age of 16; and the following year was placed in the First Division in the Matriculation Examination of the University of London.”
“Perhaps a greater honour than any, he has now been awarded the school gold medal, presented by the Chairman of the Governors (General Sir George Higginson, G.C.B.) “to the boy who irrespective of success in school, shall have proved himself, by his general conduct and bearing during the past year, to be a credit to the school” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1913, p. 7)
Gallipoli 1915
Just two years after winning all the scholarships Leon Arthur was killed in August 1915 at the age of 20 while serving in the British Army. The military records reveal that Leon was buried in the Lala Baba Cemetery Gallipoli, Turkey.
A short article in the Reading Mercury (Sat. 28 Aug. 1915, p. 6) provides:
“Second Lieutenant L.A. Gaffney, 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, who died of wounds, at the Dardanelles on August 12th, was the eldest son of Mr. William Gaffney, of Slough. He was born in 1895, and educated at Borlase School, Marlow, and from there obtained an open Science Scholarship at New College, Oxford. During the year he was at the University he passed all the examinations leading to the Final Honours, School of Natural Science, and qualified for an Eweime Exhibition. As a member of the Officers’ Training Corps he obtained his commission in August 1914.”
Employment with Great Western Railway at Paddington Station, London
The UK Railway Employment Records reveal that William commenced working at age 19 on 31 October 1887. The first Department where he was assigned was “Agreements.” His salary in 1887 was £60 per annum. By 1890 William was earning £70 per annum and at the time he married in 1893 he was earning £80 per year. William continued to receive raises and moved to the Audit Department. By 1908 be was earning £150 and in 1921, £330.
Pioneer of First Aid
William retired in early 1928. A short article in the Gloucester Journal (Sat. 11 Feb. 1928, p. 21) provides further detail regarding his work and medals.
“One of the pioneers of first aid work on the Great Western Railway, and for more than ten years secretary of the London Centre—Mr. William Gafney, (sic) of the audit department—retired on Tuesday after 31 years’ service. He has assisted in the treatment of over 1,000 accident cases at Paddington.”
“Mr. Gafney is one of the original gold medallists of the G.W.R. for twenty-five years’ first-aid service, and he also holds the King’s Coronation medal for being selected for special ambulance duty at Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of King George. In November 1919, he was decorated with the Order of Serving Brother of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem for his organising work in the London division.”
Interestingly, Johnson & Johnson reported that it was in 1888 that the commercial first aid kit in the US was developed to treat injured railway workers.
Death of William & Violet Alice Gaffney
William Gaffney, of 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinghamshire, died on the 27th of December 1929 (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995).
“Mr. William Gaffney, of King Edward Street, Slough, who has died in Windsor Hospital at the age of 61, was in the audit office at Paddington until he retired a short time ago, and he made ambulance work his hobby. He was Superintendent of Paddington or Prince of Wales District of the Ambulance Brigade, and he held the Coronation medal. He also received the G.W.R. gold medals for long service, having completed 25 years in the movement. He was a Serving Brother of the Order, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him (Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, Fri. 10 January 1930, p. 2).
William’s widow probated his estate and his effects were listed as £229 1s. 3d. (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995). William Gaffey was buried in Berkshire (England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, vol. 2 c, p. 517).
Violet Alice remained in the family home, 41 King Edward St., Slough, Buckinghamshire, and remained a widow for 32 years. She died on the 25th of November 1961 at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot Sunninghill, Berkshire. Letters of Probate were given to her children Reverend William Joseph Gaffney (clerk) and Dorothy Olive Gaffney (spinster). Her effects were listed as £2972 19s. 5d.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above is an old post card from the 1920’s of Paddington Station, London.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore 12: Leinster Senior Football Semi-Final 1923
On Sunday the 8th of July, 1923, at Croke Park, Kilkenny played Meath in one of the Leinster Senior Football Semi-Finals. Of the fifteen players selected to play for Kilkenny a dozen were from Glenmore. In 1922 only nine Glenmore players were selected for the 1922 senior football team. See, our post of 17 December 2022 and 4 December 2022 for details regarding Glenmore’s representation in the Leinster Senior Football Championship in 1922.
The 1923 Kilkenny team was comprised of the following players [information not from the newspaper is in square brackets]: P. Dalton* (goal); J. Fitzgerald; M. Connolly [Mick Connolly, Rochestown]; J. Hanrahan [Jimmy Hanrahan, Glenmore Village]; Matt Flannelly*; P. Cody [Paddy Cody, Weatherstown]; M. Brennan; M. Cody [Michael Cody, Weatherstown]; L. Murphy; J. Phelan; W. Hartley [Bill Hartley, Bushertstown], W. Irish [Bill Irish, Rochestown]; P. Hartley; J. McKenna* and A. Heffernan [Andy Heffernan, Aylwardstown]. The three players that were not from Glenmore we have marked with an asterisk.* We know from the newspaper account below that John Doherty [Davidstown] replaced the injured Jimmy Hanrahan. For further details regarding Glenmore players from this era see our post of 6 February 2023.
The Munster Express and the Kilkenny People both published articles regarding the match. Both newspapers commenced their coverage with a short editorial of the match then the remainder of both articles published the exact same description of “the play.” The perhaps more objective Munster Express labelled the game a “dissappointing exhibition of football.”
Munster Express
“The game was to a great extent marred by fouling, the referee being kept pretty busy all through. Luck was against Kilkenny, who, in addition to losing two of their players through injuries, had another relegated to the side line early for a breach of the rules…There were periods of high-class play, but on the whole it was a disappointing exhibition of football…” (Munster Express, Sat. 14 July 1923, p. 3).
Kilkenny People
Sweltering conditions prevailed in Croke Park on Sunday, and the attendance during the first match was rather small, but it improved when the semi-final was in progress. Fan crowds came on the special trains, but it would scarcely appear that all found their way to the matches, which local followers were not strongly represented.
The main encounter of the day—Kilkenny and Meath—proved a strong one from the very outset, and was prolonged by frequent stoppages. It was also characterised by many penalties, but the spirit of the contest was good throughout. The back divisions of both teams were the outstanding feature, and scoring in the first half was a difficult matter for Kilkenny, playing a hard short practical from the outset, were unable to make full use of their elemental advantages in the opening period and turned over level points to a goal for Meath.
Meath improved considerable in the second half, mostly, and though erratic enough at time, succeeded in effecting a couple of major scores, to which, by lack of efficient forward work, Kilkenny could make no response though they had several favourable opportunities. Irish was the outstanding player on the field, putting in a vast amount of splendid work. The Meath backs were clever and cleared fouls. The winners will now meet Dublin for the final, but will need to improve considerably if they hope to once more bring premier hours to Royal Meath.
Details: Meath 3-1; Kilkenny 0-3 ( Kilkenny People, Sat. 14 July 1923, p. 9).
The Play
Kilkenny forced the play early and were rewarded with two “50’s” which, though well taken by McKenna, went for nought. Three frees brought Meath forward to find the Kilkenny Defence sound. Kilkenny going away spoiled by fouling close in, and a little later L. Murphy (Kilkenny) was sent off by the referee for a breach of the rules. Kilkenny went attacking, a free from the left wing was well placed by Flannelly for Fitzgerald to box over for a point.
Kilkenny backs were good against a Meath assault, in which Tuite met with hard luck in a try for a score. Andy Heffernan (Kilkenny) retired injured and was replaced by J. Shiels (Kilkenny) worked away from a free, and the Meath custodian in saving a trying shot from P. Cody, conceded a point.
Strong play ruled, Meath dashing away and over Kilkenny backs were again reliable in a renewed Meath offensive. Midfield play followed, the exchanges being pretty evenly divided. Kilkenny were something the better, but were meeting with sterling opposition from the Meath backs. Two frees aided Kilkenny, but the Meath line was crossed without result.
At this stage play showed improvement, and some good football was witnessed. Kilkenny kept up the pressure and M. Cody scored a fine point from far out. Meath backs were still kept moving and did very well against persistent Kilkenny onslaughts.
A brilliant run brought Meath into the Kilkenny ground, exchanges between Keoghan and Ratty (sic) being secured by Hickey, who levelled up with a goal for Meath. Working back Meath forced a “50,” and there was an exiting struggle close up to the Kilkenny citadel. Meath were pressing at the interval, when the scores were level, as follows: Kilkenny, 0-3; Meath 1-0.
Second Half
J. Hanrahan (Kilkenny) went off injured, and John Doherty took his place. On again getting to work Kilkenny broke away, but were held up by a free, and Meath, going in, went ahead by a point from Farrelly, Kilkenny attacking, sent wide, as did Meath soon after.
Meath were now playing up strongly, but the Kilkenny backs were equal to all effort to go through. Kilkenny spoiled by fouling in good position, and Meath were attacking, to register two wides (one from a free) before Kilkenny worked back, to be repulsed by a sound Meath defence.
Irish beat off a Meath offensive, and the ensuring play provided a few brilliant passages, both sides displaying great dash and determination. Irish who had been playing a great game for Kilkenny, was injured, but resumed, amidst applause. Meath attacked with vigour, but were obliged to retire before an admirable Kilkenny defence. Coming on again for a free, Hickey dashed in for a goal for Meath, Dalton the Kilkenny custodian, failing in an effort to save a low shot. Nothing daunted, Kilkenny bounded away, but a free, close-up, brought relief to Meath, who were being hotly tested. Meath again went attacking, to go wide from a free.
Unusual vigour was being introduced into the play and frees were frequent, Meath getting most. Keelan kicked a great goal for Meath from a free. Kilkenny still going strong, made no impression on the Meath line of defence. A succession of frees again brought Meath forward, but the Kilkenny defence prevailed. Kilkenny attacking made no headway against the Meath backs who were reliable all through. Meath had the better of the closing stages and were good winners at the end.
Referee & Meath Team
Mr. P. McCullagh, Wexford, refereed.
The Meath team: B. Carey; P. Keelan; W. Dillon; J. Newman; C. Cudden; P. Reilly; J. Ledwidge; M. Keoghan; P. Tuite; C. Meade; J. Curtis; C. Carolan; P. Ratty; J. Hickey; M. Farrelly.
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For further information concerning Glenmore and other Kilkenny hurling and football teams see, The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2018) compiled by Gerry O’Neill.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail,com.
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending the team photo featured above as well as identifying each player.
The feature photo Glenmore Footballers (Unbeaten Champions 1914 – 1925). [1925 on football in photo]
Back Row: James Vereker (Davidstown), Jim Murphy, William Irish, Pat Hartley, Andy Heffernan, Richard Hanrahan.
Next Row: Mick Heffernan, John Fitzgerald, John Doherty, Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Connolly, Peter Kirwan, Paddy Cody, James Dunphy.
Next Row: Stephen Heffernan, James Fitzgerald, Martin Cody (Captain), Fr. Richard Vereker, John Phelan, Bill Hartley (Busherstown).
Front Row: Jim Hanrahan, John Mullins, Mick Cody, Paddy Murphy.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh