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Mon. Wm. Heffernan (1895-1973): Native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore [Updated]
The Right Reverend Monsignor William Heffernan died 50 years ago this month in Epping, New South Wales, Australia at the age of 80. Mons. Heffernan was educated at the Glenmore National School and attended St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny City. He was ordained in June 1919 for the Archdiocese of Sydney. After being ordained he left immediately for Australia and served in a number of parishes until he was appointed Parish Priest of Epping where he remained until his death (Fr. Michael Mernagh, “Go Ye Therefore” Pen Pictures of Glenmore Priests, Nuns, and Brothers of the Twentieth Century, Glenmore Memories (2000) p. 41).
According to Mon. Heffernan’s obituary in the Munster Express (Fri. 26 Oct. 1973, p. 16 ) he last returned home about 40 years before his death. Ship records reveals that Rev. William Heffernan departed England on 20 December 1933 on the ship Hobsons Bay, of the Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line, bound for Sydney, Australia travelling in third class.
The Heffernan Family of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
William Heffernan (1895-1973) was the 9th son of Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) and his wife Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. The couple married at Glenmore on 12 February 1879 and had a total of 14 children comprised of 11 boys and 3 girls. There were 18 years between the eldest and youngest of their children. The couple also helped raise two of their grand-children after their daughter-in-law tragically died young. They lived to see their children settled in Ireland, Australia, Chicago and England.
Grandparents of William Heffernan
Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) was the son of Patrick Heffernan (farmer) and his wife Alicia Irish of Aylwardstown. Michael’s parents were married on 7 February 1842 at Slieverue. At the time of the wedding Patrick Hefernan’s (sic) address is listed as Nicholastown.
Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) was the daughter of Peter “Pierce” Kennedy of Rathinure, Glenmore and his wife Bridget Walsh, a native of Ballytarsnia, Mooncoin.
SIBLINGS
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt. 18 Jan 1880- ) per Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy’s obit in 1947 was living in London. A descendent posted that Patrick Heffernan married Ella née Rouse (1885-1951). Patrick Heffernan married Ella on 25 July 1908 at St. Michael’s of Aldershot Hamshire, Southhampton, Surrey, England. The couple had at least two sons.
[2] John Heffernan (13 June 1881—15 Aug.1951) married Mary Frehne, of Fahee, Kilmacow married on the 24th of July 1907. “They sailed for America, July 31at, 1907” (DD Notebook 2, Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore).
Mary Frehne (1 Dec. 1880-18 June 1913) was the daughter of James W. Freyne (1841-1884) and Alice Ryan Freyne Mackey (1848-1920). See, our post of 12 Dec. 2021 regarding manslaughter of James Freyne at Christmastime 1884.
In September 1911, John Heffernan (29), his wife Mary (29), daughter Frances (2); and his brother Richard Heffernan (22) sailed on the Carmania. From the record it appears that John was returning to Chicago, “resident returning 120 D. Anseley Ave. Chicago, Illinois.” John was described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, fair complexion, fair hair, with blue eyes. Mary and Frances are listed in the 1911 Census living with her brother James Frehne in Mullinavat. It is likely that John, Mary and Frances came home in 1911 and returned to Chicago with Richard Heffernan..
In 1912 the couple had a son Michael Raymond Heffernan (1912-29 March 1927). Shortly after Raymond’s birth Mary died in June 1913 at the Heffernan house in Aylwardstown of T.B. John left his children Frances and Raymond with his parents. He returned to Chicago to work. John married his second wife, Florence, née Populorum sometime about 1920. The couple had four daughters. In 1925, John brought his second family home, and at the age of 15 Raymond returned to Chicago via Canada with his father, step-mother and sisters. The family resided at 930 Mapleton Ave., Oak Park, IL. Raymond died tragically in 1927 per Danny Dowling’s notes Raymond was struck by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (10 July 1882-2 Aug. 1912) according to his death cert worked as a draper’s assistant. He never married and was being treated for heart disease for 18 months before his death. His sister Mary O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, was present when he died just 5 weeks after his sister-in-law Mary died.
[4] Peter Heffernan (31 Dec. 1883—17 Aug. 1966) married Margaret Quinn in 1920 and became a Garda rising to the rank of Garda Superintendent prior to his retirement in 1944. The couple had children.
[5] Mary Heffernan (9 May 1885-1 Sept. 1936). Mary married Patrick O’Connor (1883-1937) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. The couple had a large family.
[6] Alice Heffernan (21 Nov. 1886—28 Nov. 1972) Alice married Edward “Ned” Roche (c. 1888-1969) farmer, of Rathinure. There were 8 or 9 children in this family.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (1888-1965) married into the Murphy farm of Kearneybay when he married on 28 April 1915, Catherine “Kate” Murphy (c. 1887 – 1961). The couple had several children.
[8] Richard Heffernan (6 June 1889*—4 Jan. 1947) immigrated to the US with his brother John in 1911. Richard was described as being 5 foot 7 inches tall, with a fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes. Richard served in the US Army during WWI. He was home in June 1919 (in uniform) for his brother’s ordination. Richard married Marie Elizabeth King (1896-1966) on 15 October 1920 in Illinois. The couple had 6 children. *On some US records his year of birth is listed as 1893, but the Glenmore Parish records lists his date of birth as 6 June 1889 and his date of baptismal as 7 June 1889.
The 1930 US Census records that Richard was 41, his wife Marie E. was 34 years of age and had been born in Illinois. Richard immigrated in 1911 and in 1930 was working as a produce salesman. His brother Stephen Heffernan was living with them (age 32) having immigrated in 1926. In 1930, Richard and Marie had six children between the ages of 8 years and 5 months.
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890) was living in Kilkenny City when his brother Peter Heffernan retired in Feb. 1944. Michael Heffernan was married and was an undertaker. Although we were unable to discover the name of his wife we did locate an advertisement in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1921, p. 9) “Michael Heffernan for cabinet making, upholstering, and French polishing, also Funeral Undertaking, at 6 Lower John St., (gate entrance) Kilkenny.”
[Editor’s update–17 Oct. Special thanks to Patty Lee Brown who found the marriage license for Michael Heffernan and shared it. On 11 February 1918 Michael (cabinet maker) of Michael St. Kilkenny married Teresa Byrne (nurse) of Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Michael was the son of Michael Heffernan (farmer) and Teresa was the daughter of Michael Bryne (farmer). The couple were married at St. John’s of Kilkenny City. The witnesses were Andrew Heffernan and Alice Byrne.]
[10] Bridget Heffernan (b. 22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893—7 Sept. 1975). He married Bridget Roche (c. 1897-1987). Bridget Heffernan née Roche was a sister of Edward “Neddy” Roche who married Andrew’s sister Alice Roche née Heffernan. Andrew farmed the home farm and after he retired he and Bridget moved to Rochestown to their youngest daughter Mary Aylward.
[12] William Heffernan (26 March 1895-17 Oct. 1973) became a priest and spent 50 years working in Australia.
[13] Nicholas Heffernan (27 June 1896) per his mother’s obituary in 1947 was living in London. According to the Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, Nicholas died aged 88 in July 1984. He is buried in Middlesex.
[14] Stephen Heffernan (15 Jan. 1898—Oct. 1977) emigrated to Chicago in 1926. In the 1930 Census he was living with his brother Richard and family. Stephen was working in the building trades. He married Agnes Kiely, and the couple had two daughters. According to his obit in the Chicago Tribune he was survived by his brother Nicholas Heffernan in England. See our guest author Brian Forristal for further information regarding Stephen’s activities during the Irish War of Independence.
Mon. Heffernan’s Work in Australia
Very little could be found regarding Mon. William Heffernan’s early work in Australia. Luckily, from the Australian, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 we know that in 1934 Fr. Wm. Heffernan was living in Boolaroo, Hunter, New South Wales, Australia. We found a second entry which indicates that in 1949, he was living at 33 Oxford St., Epping, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.
The address 33 Oxford Street, Epping is the location of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping. Our Lady Help of Christians was established on 15 June 1916, and the parish celebrated its centenary in 2016.
A triptych centenary cake records that Fr. W. Heffernan was Parish Priest from 1948-1973. From the dates provided on the cake it appears that Fr. Heffernan was their longest serving parish priest. During his 25 year assignment to this parish it grew substantially.
A year after Fr. Heffernan became the Parish Priest the parish had 920 parishioners. In 1956, the new primary school building opened with 337 pupils and an extension was added to the school in 1967. Extensions were added to the Church in 1969. The school continued to grow requiring a 2 storey extension in 1972 when pupils numbered 505. See, Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta, webpage (5 Aug. 2016) Parramatta was founded by the Sisters of Callan, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Death
Fr. William Heffernan died as he apparently lived—quietly. His death notice was just a couple of lines. He is buried in Macquarie Park, Sydney. Unfortunately, the transcription of his grave marker incorrectly lists that he died in January 1973 instead of October 1973 (Sydney, Australia, Cemetery Headstone Transcriptions, 1837-2003).
The inscription includes:
“Very Rev. Monsignor, P.C., P.P. Our Lady of Help of Christians, Epping. B. Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny 26 Apr. 1895. Ordained St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny 8 June 1919.”
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Several full obituaries for the Heffernan family can be found on our H Surname Page.
The feature photo above was taken in June 1919 at William’s ordination. He is seated between his parents and several of his siblings and their spouses are behind him. The children are his nieces and nephew including Raymond. Michael Heffernan, late of Marian Park, Waterford gave me a copy of this photo.
The photo of the parish church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping, NSW, Australia is courtesy of the Epping Civic Trust.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Kerry who sent the exact dates of death of John Heffernan and his son Raymond.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
New Ross Historical Society
Public Service Announcement–the New Ross Historical Society will hold its next lecture on Thursday, the 19th of October 2023 at 8 p.m. in the in Pastoral Centre, Michael Street, New Ross, Y34N799.
The speaker will be Dr. Bill Kissane. His lecture is entitled, “ Ireland after the Civil War.” Dr. Kissane is a native of New Ross and is an Associate Professor in Politics at the London School of Economics. He is the author of numerous publications. His last book Civil Wars: The Contemporary Challenge was published by Oxford University Press in 2016. Dr. Kissane has also participated in many historical debates and discussions on the BBC. Dr. Kissane’s webpage is available by clicking here.
On the 19th, Dr. Kissane will discuss Ireland after the civil war of 1922-1923 and highlight how the new Irish State managed to establish its authority in the period between the two World Wars.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
A non member charge of €5 is payable at the door.
A Photo of JFK’s 1963 New Ross Visit
On 19 March 2023 we published a post concerning the Gahan family of Newtown, Glenmore and featured Peter Gahan (1888-1958) who left Glenmore to work in New Ross. Eventually, Peter Gahan established two businesses in New Ross, married and raised a family. This week we received an email from Peter Gahan’s grandson, who is also named Peter Gahan. Peter corrected a few errors in our original post and forwarded the iconic photo that hung in the Gahan pub on Priory Steet, New Ross. Here is a link to the updated original post of 19 March 2023.
The Iconic Photo
There were a lot of photos taken of President John F. Kennedy (1919-1963) in New Ross during his 1963 visit. The photo forwarded by Peter depicts the easily recognisable JFK standing in his car. Over his right shoulder, looking down on the presidential motorcade from her premises on Priory St., New Ross, is Peter’s grandmother, Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy (c. 1887-1963). We were unable to find the photo in the New Ross Standard. However, we know that JFK visited New Ross on 27 June 1963.
The Presidential Schedule
Sixty years ago, the presidential schedule was published prior to his visit to Ireland. Per the Irish Independent (Thur. 17 June 1963, p. 16) the presidential schedule for New Ross was:
9:30 Meets the Taoiseah (Dublin)
10:30 Departs by helicopter for New Ross
11:15 Arrives O’Kennedy Park, New Ross. Leaves Park by Car for New Ross Quay.
11:30 Addresses crowd at New Ross Quay. [For a 3 minute audio of JFK’s remarks courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum click here.
12:00 Leaves by car for Dunganstown (For further information & photos of JFK’s visit to his ancestoral home visit the Kennedy Homestead site).
12:15 Arrives Dunganstown for visit to house of great-grandfather and meeting with cousins.
Time & Place of Photo
President Kennedy was 15 minutes late in arriving at the GAA’s O’Kennedy Park, New Ross. On the pitch was painted the word FAILTE (welcome) in 20 foot white letters. The President travelled in “his own special car through the gaily decorated streets” of New Ross. After addressing the crowds on the Quay, President Kennedy upset his schedule further by walking around and speaking with people in the large crowd. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 28 June 1963, p. 10).
Thus, given the presidential schedule, the location of the various places referenced and the roads of that time, we know that the presidential motorcade left the New Ross Quay sometime after noon on the 27th of June 1963 and proceeded down Priory St. toward Dunganstown. The photo was taken as the motorcade passed Gahan’s pub on Priory St.
Deaths
Tragically, JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on 22 November 1963. Less than a month later, on 16 December 1963, the lady photographed over his right shoulder, Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan, also died tragically in a fire on Priory St., New Ross.
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Special thanks to Peter Gahan for sending on the photograph and correcting the original post.
Does anyone know the identity of the child and woman photographed in the window above JFK’s left shoulder?
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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