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Gaulestown, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Gaulestown, Glenmore, in 1961. Unfortunately Danny did not leave notes as to how he determined the boundaries of this townland, and we note that Danny listed the Reddy’s in Ballyrahan townland, but according to their obituaries their address was given as Gaulestown, Glenmore.
We are fast approaching the last of the Glenmore townlands.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 113) is “Baile na nGall, homestead of the Gaul family. Area 140 acres.” That is all that O’Kelly recorded regarding Gaulestown which is located in the Civil Parish of Kilcolumb.
Tithe Applotment 1829
The Tithe Applotment books, lists David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863) as the owner of the townland. David O’Neill Power also owned Ballyrahan & Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 26 December 2022 concerning the landlord David O’Neill Power.
There were 5 tenants listed in the 1829 Applottment Books for Gaulestown. The tenants include: Plot 51 [1] Edmond & [2] John Power (69 statute acres); Plot 52 [3] Thomas Murphy & [4] John Donovan & [5] William Kennedy (66 statute acres).
1961 Gaulestown Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 4 families or households in the townland of Gaulestown. 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, 14 people resided in the townland of Gaulestown, with the population comprised of 8 males and 6 females. The largest family was the McDonald family with 7 in the household. There was 1 household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Gaulestown not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Gaulestown Residents (1961)
Males= 8
Females= 6
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Gaulestown was James Phelan (22 Jan. 1887—24 Dec. 1964) who was 74 years of age in 1961. Shortly before James died he had to have one of his legs removed. James was born in Robinstown, Glenmore in 1887 the son of Patrick Phelan (farm labourer) and his wife Mary Foran. His wife, Bridgie Phelan (19 May 1891– 5 Sept. 1972) operated a little shop out of their home in Gaulestown as late as the early 1960’s. That part of Gaulestown was known as Ballinamona (town of the turf).
Shortly after James Phelan died in December 1964 (see our P Family Surname Page for his obit), his widow sold their home. “Gaulestown, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, sale of vested cottage with .5 acre of land, to be sold by private treaty, by directions of Mrs. Bridget Phelan. The accommodation consists of: kitchen, parlour, pantry, and 2 bedrooms. E.S.B. lighting. The out-offices consists of 3 sheds including fowl house, car house, pig house, tool house, etc. The half acre of land is at present under pasture. For further particulars, apply P.N. O’Gorman,…New Ross.” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 23 Jan. 1965, p. 1)
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 ( 2 Males)
Farm Worker (retired) = 1 (1 Male)
Clover Meats Employee= 1 (1Male)
Gaulestown, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] McDONALD
McDonald, Patrick (25 Aug. 1910) Farmer
McDonald, Bridget (b. 1924) wife
McDonald, John, son, child
McDonald, Patrick, son, child
McDonald, Michael, son, child
McDonald, Timothy, son, child
McDonald, Margaret, daughter, child
[2] DOYLE
Doyle, James (b. 1918) Farmer
[3] O’CONNOR
O’Connor, Willam (b. 1921) Clover Meats
O’Connor, Alice, wife
O’Connor, Mary, daughter, child
O’Connor, Johanna, daughter, child
[4] PHELAN
Phelan, James (22 Jan. 1887) Retired (died 24 Dec. 1964)
Phelan, Bridget (19 May 1891) wife
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
BALLYRAHAN, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Ballyrahan, Glenmore, in 1961. Unfortunately Danny did not leave notes as to how he determined the boundaries of this ancient townland, and we note that the Reddy’s, according to their obituaries gave their address as Gaulestown, Glenmore.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 112) is “Baile an rathain, place of the little rath. Area 139 acres. The rath is by the roadside on the northern border. The Ridire (pronounced Ridise) O’Dea’s house, long destroyed, is near the Carriganurra border. Moin an ridise, the knight’s bogland, lies low down the slope. Ballyrahan hamlet is marked on the O.S. sheet. A field here is Garraidhin na sraide and other fields are Carraigin, and Pairc na reidhe, field of the level spot.”
Ballyrahan is located in the civil parish of Kilcolumb. For an interesting short article on the Barony of Ida click here.
Tithe Applotment Books 1829
The Applotment books, lists David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863) as the owner of the townland. David O’Neill Power also owned Gaulestown & Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 26 December 2022 concerning David O’Neill Power.
Ballyrahan Townland was divided into 4 plots with a total of 11 tenants listed. Plot 53 was comprised of 47 statute acres with J and Patt Aylward listed as the tenants. Plot 54 was comprised of 54 statute acres with 5 tenants: Patt & Edmond Aylward, Widow Neill, Wm. Neill and Michael Kirwan. Plot 55 was comprised of 18 statute acres and John Grant was the tenant. Plot 56 was comprised of 31 statute acres and had three tenants: John Kirwan, Colum Kirwan and William Bohan.
1961 Ballyrahan, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 2 families or households in the townland of Ballyrahan. 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, 17 people resided in the townland of Ballyrahan, with the population comprised of 8 males and 9 females. The largest family was the Kirwan family with 13 in the household. There was no household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Ballyrahan not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Ballyrahan, Glenmore Residents
Males= 8
Females= 9
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Ballyrahan was Margaret Reddy née Hennessy (4 Sept. 1886—2 April 1970). The headstone in St. James Cemetery in Glenmore records that John Reddy (c. 1882-1961) of Gaulestown died on the 13th of February 1961, aged 79. His wife Margaret died 2 April 1970, aged 83. Their son James Reddy (c. 1926-2011) died 14 August 2011, aged 84.
Danny interviewed his mother, Hannah Dowling of Jamestown, Glenmore on 18 January 1970 and she stated that the Reddy’s of Gaulestown originated in Ballinaraha (sic). “Jack Reddy of Gaulestown married Margaret Hennessey of Ballilogue, Rochestown, Glenmore. However, Margaret’s obituary states that she was from Ballylogue, the Rower (Munster Express, Fri. 3 April 1970, p. 41). See our R Surnames Family page for Jack and Margaret’s obituarries.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 (2 Males)
Farm Workers = 2 (2 Males)
School Secretary= 1 (1 Female)
Clerk= 1 (1 Female)
Ballyrahan, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] KIRWAN
Kirwan, John (28 Feb. 1902) Farmer [died 27 July 1993, aged 91]
Kirwan, Bridget (1916) wife [née O’Connor, died 24 Nov. 1974, aged 58]
Kirwan, Michael (20 Jan. 1906) brother, assisting relative
Kirwan, Margaret, daughter
Kirwan, Mary, daughter, school secretary
Kirwan, Anne, daughter, clerk
Kirwan, Kathleen, daughter
Kirwan, Eily, daughter
Kirwan, James, son
Kirwan, Joan, daughter
Kirwan, Michael, son
Kirwan, Patrick, son
Kirwan, John, son
[2] REDDY
Reddy, James (1926) Farmer [died 14 Aug. 2011, aged 84]
Reddy, Margaret (4 Sept. 1886) mother [died 2 April 1970, aged 83]
Maher, William, nephew, assisting relative
Reddy, Kathleen, wife [née Kitty Hanlon, of Newtown, Glenmore]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com . Please be patient for a reply, and further posts, as our home phone and internet have been out of order for over a week.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: May 1923
Although the Civil War ended on 24 May 1923 after the IRA Chief of staff issued a ceasefire order. However, after the arrest of several leaders and the apparent futility of the struggle the IRA suspended military actions. Local newspapers surprisingly carried very little on the subject. An editorial in the New Ross Standard summed up as follows:
“The country is very relieved that there is practically a cessation of the foolish but criminal conduct that has been devastating the land for some time. We are thankful that our newspapers are not now reeking of murder and destruction of property, as they were for the past year, that number of young fellows are not hurled into eternity day after day without warning, and without being given even a few minutes to prepare for death. In a few isolated instances there are still some hostilities…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11, May 1923, p. 4).
On the other hand, newspapers began to mark the changes that reinforced Ireland as a Free State.
The Cunard line, Carmania, called at Cobh on the morning of the 6th of May “to embark passengers for New York. The Carmania was the first British liner to pay the courtesy of flying the Irish tricolour from its foremast. This courtesy was done by ships entering foreign ports.
Later that evening the White Star line, Baltic, landed 326 sacks of American mail at Cohb. For the first time a Free State immigration officer. R.E. Larkin, officiated under the Aliens Act. British officials performed this duty heretofore” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Arrests Continued
Although the Civil War ended arrests of local men continued. On the 22nd of May, Thomas Hartley, Weatherstown, Glenmore, and James Hoyne, Coolroebeg, Thomastown, were arrested by the military. An irregular, Martin Hartley, Ballalog, Tulloghor, was arrested the same week by National Troops at Glenmore. Two Irregulars named Patrick Walsh and Richard Brennan, both of whom escaped from Kilkenny Military Barracks, earlier in the year were captured at Mooncoin on the 22nd (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 12).
Impact
The newspapers in May began to transition from reporting on the horrors of the Civil War to reporting on its impact on the economy of the fledgling Free State.
“Unemployment was at an abnormal level…At the end of March there were 33,000—twice the normal number… At the start of May 1923 the Dail began debating an emergency £250,000 to extend the benefits period. The Unemployment Fund of £550,000 and exhausted (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Damaged Rail Lines
In several areas the rail infrastructure remained severely damaged and this had a knock on effect. At the beginning of May 1923, after the 30 April ceasefire was declared by the IRA, the military reported to the Dail that “they are now ready to protect all the railway lines, and the companies have been so notified and urged to re-open closed lines.”
Deputy R. Corish argued in the Dail that the Great Southern & Western Railway had neglected their interests and those of the people they served. In July 1922 the line between Wexford town and Waterford was damaged and remained unrepaired.
Their boats were withdrawn that plied between Fishguard and Rosslare. The effect of their decisions reduced the Wexford Meat Supply Co. to half staff because there was no outlet for their “dead meat.” This in turn impacted on local farmers and the wages they could pay. “Ireland is suffering, and suffering badly, as a result of their laxiety” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Obviously missing from Deputy Corish’s speech was the fact that the Irregulars destroyed rail lines as fast as they were repaired, and National Troops had been unable to stop the attacks on the lines or rolling stock. Also repairs were not always easy to perform. For example, at the end of May it was reported that divers were attempting to locate the apparatus which opened the draw arch in the Barrow bridge on the G.S. and W.R. between Campile and Waterford.
The apparatus was thrown apparently into the river. Consequently, the arch could not be closed. It was hoped that if the apparatus could be located the arch could be closed, and thus allow trains to run as far as Ballycullane (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 4).
Industrial Strife
Jim Larkin returned to Ireland at the end of April 1923 after an absence of 8 years. Larken said he found the rich richer and the poor poorer than when he left. “He might have added, and industry much less evident. It has been all but killed by profiteering and doles to workers “(New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Waterford Agricultural Labourers Dispute
A dispute erupted between agricultural labourers and farmers in East Waterford in mid-May. Several incidents were reported in the Munster Express including the stealing of engine bearings at the Kilmeaden creamery which brought work to a halt and the burning of hay. Farmers moved to protect the creameries until a military party relieved them.
Farmers attempting to move goods had them seized by large groups. Mrs. Rickards, of Rossduff, was on her way home with provisions when her provisions were seized. She returned to Waterford and the military recovered her provisions in Ballygunner. Rickards was a sister of J.J. Walsh, Postmaster General and her husband was interned in 1920-1921.
The dispute soon escalated impacting on other industries. J & S Phelan, Waterford, closed “owing to” its employees refusing to handle goods purchased by farmers. “The latter preceded to another Waterford house where their requirements were supplied.”
Gaultier Creamery sent 14 tons of butter to the Great Western depot at Waterford for shipment. Agricultural labourers were picketing the depot and the dockers refused to handle the butter. The two carriers from the Creamery loaded the butter on the steamer. The picket attempted to stop them loading onto the ship, but the military intervened with bayonets.
When the butter was loaded the sailors and firemen left the ship. Passengers were on board as well as a large quantity of livestock. The Captain suggested that the butter be taken back to the creamery which was done to the cheers of the agricultural labourers, the dockers, the sailors and firemen (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 5).
Postal Dispute
Postal difficulties showed no sign of improving in Dublin. The Postmaster-General stated that Sunday collections and delivery would not be restored and bank holidays were to be observed as Sundays. To the dismay of Dublin businesses, the last delivery of letters was three o’clock.
Midnight and 5 a.m. collections were also abandoned. Businesses also reported long delays in letter delivery and a huge increase in lost letters. It was estimated that the post office “means a loss of over a million pounds a year to the Free State taxpayer” who pays more for letters and telephones than citizens in the Six Counties and Britain (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 5).
Housing & Cost of Food Inflation
Ironically the Government one hundred years ago was wrestling with two issues that face the Government today, housing and inflation.
In May 1923 discussions took place in the Dail regarding the provision of more houses in Ireland. The price of new materials in Ireland was much higher than in England, and tradesmen’s wages were higher in Ireland than England. It was argued that the tradesmen were idle for so long that when work came their way wages were higher to allow the tradesmen to live. It was argued that continuous employment would reduce high wages (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4)
It was estimated that at least 40,000 to 45,000 houses were required. Under the Labourers Act 47,965 and of these 41,851 were built in rural areas. Much was required for urban housing. The Minister for Local Government put aside £700,000 for housing in the estimates for the year. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 5).
The high cost of food was regularly aired in the local newspapers. For example, it was noted in mid-May “there is a great glut of potatoes this season, but the prices charged to consumers are very high and unfair” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Glenmore People in the News
Publican Peter Gahan
Glenmore native Peter Gahan (1888-1958) appeared in the New Ross District Court on Thursday the 17th of May 1923. Gahan was charged with two cases of breaching the Licensing Act. See our post of 19 March 2023 for further details concerning Gahan who operated a pub and funeral business in New Ross.
Case 1
The first case charged Gahan with on the 17th of April 1923 having on his premises James Martin, of William St., and Thomas Furlong, of High Street. Thomas A. Colfer, solicitor, appeared for the defendant and said, “on a former occasion he occupied a similar position and the court was kind enough to express appreciation of his action in not taking up time with a fictitious defence. In the same way he now entered a plea of guilty, and in fairness to the defendant he wished to clear up one or two matters…
Sergeant Haugh of the New Ross Civic Guards testified that at 11:22 on the 17th of April he found two men drinking on the premises and several soldiers. The defendant alleged that one man had come for a coffin and the other, Martin, was Gahan’s employee. Four national soldiers were billeted on the premises and 11 belonged to a column.
“His Worship” referred to the warning he gave New Ross publicans and expressed surprise that Mr. Gahan was again before him. “Mr. Colfer put the circumstances of the case very fully and very sensibly before him. He was glad to say that the public houses were now put out of bounds as regards the military. A public house seemed to be a snug billet for some of them, and he thoroughly appreciated Mr. Gahan’s difficulty. There was a technical offence…” He fined Gahan £1 and costs and defendant Furlong 5s. and costs. He dismissed the case against Martin.
Case 2
At 6 p.m. on Sunday the 6th of May 1923, Guard Kelly found five men in Gahan’s premises. One was a soldier from Waterford, another a traveller, and the other a wireless operator who left on Tuesday. Two of the men, James Gordon of South St. and Patrick Hunt of William St. were not travellers and should not have been served on a Sunday. Mr. Colfer again pleaded guilty for Gahan and said that Gahan invited the men in for a drink as they were personal friends of his and no money was paid.
“His Worship” told Gahan that if he “persisted in this kind of work he would lose his license eventually.” He fined Gahan €5 and costs. “He was thinking of endorsing his license, but he would give him another chance. If anything occurred between now and next September nothing would save him from losing his license.” Gordan and Hunt were fined 40s. and costs. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 8).
For further details regarding Sunday licensing requirements see our post of 21 May 2023.
Glenmore GAA Players Selected
An emergency meeting of the Kilkenny County GAA Committee was held on Sunday the 6th of May 1923. “The principal business of the meeting was the consideration of invitations to the senior hurling team, who were the Leinster champions, to play matches. “Since the defeat of Dublin in the Leinster final the county board has been deluged with invitations from various places in Leinster and Munster to allow the champions to play exhibition games against other prominent teams. It was impossible to accept all invitations, but it was agreed to field the championship team in some prominent matches.
The selection committee was held and two Glenmore players were selected for the Kilkenny Junior Football team, E. Freyne and M. Cody (believed to be Edward “Ned” Freyne and Michael Cody) (Munster Express, Sat. 12 May 1923, p. 5).
Apologies for the delay in posting this but our home internet and phone went out. Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
ROBINSTOWN, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Robinstown, Glenmore, around 1961.
BACKGROUND
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 116) is Baile Roibin, or little Rob’s homestead. It is in the Civil Parish of Kilmakevoge and contains 322 acres. O’Kelly noted that “Glenmore R.C. chapel and national school adjoin the village to the north-west. There is one semi-circular rath.”
Tithe Applotment Books 1833
The Applotment Books record 18 tenants in Robinstown in 1833. The tenants include: [1] John Roche, 2 acres; [2] Pierce Lyons, 1 acre; [3] John Walsh, 7 acres; [4] Michael Murphy, 3 acres; [5] Richard Costello, 22 acres; [6] John Costello, 23 acres; [7] Laurence Meany, 21 acres; [8] Richard Meany, 16 acres; [9] Patrick Kehoe, 20 acres; [10] John Gehan (sic) 16 acres; [11] Edmund Grant, 10 acres; [12] John Power, 10 acres; [13] James Cashin, Sr., 4 acres; [14] James Cashin, Jr., 5 acres; [15] Thomas Edward, 9 acres; [16] Patrick Kenedy (sic) 9 acres; [17] Michael Aylward, 5 acres; and [18] Nicholas Gaffney, 1 acre. “These lands are held by lease from the Earl of Bessborough.”
Gaffney
See our post of 22 February 2020 concerning Nicholas Gaffney’s father, William Gaffney, a miller, was executed as leader of the local United Irishmen during the Battle of New Ross in 1798. The photo to the right of the Gaffney Mill, in the Village of Glenmore, was taken in Dec. 2021. Nicholas Gaffney according to a marker in St. James’s cemetery was 91 years of age when he died in 1873. However, a baptismal record reveals that Nicholas Gaffney was baptized on 19 September 1790 the son of William Gaffney and his wife Bridget Dunphy.
Meany
See our post of 9 February 2020 regarding the 1833 murder of a Catholiic landlord on the old coarch road on the hill of Glenmore. One of the men convicted and hanged in 1834 for the murder was Patrick Meany. Danny Dowling believed that Patrick Meany was from the Church Lane area of Robinstown. A quick review of the Slieverue parish records reveals that Griffith’s Valuation tenant, Laurence Meany (bapt. 1789 at Robinstown) was the son of Thomas Meany and Elizabeth Ryan. Griffith’s Valuation tenant, Richard Meany was his brother and baptized in 1779. They had a brother, Patrick Meany, who was baptized 5 March 1791. If this is the convicted killer he was executed in 1834 and he was 52 rather than 45 as reflected in one of the newspaper accounts.
1961 ROBINSTOWN, GLENMORE
In 1961, Danny recorded 20 families or households in the townland of Robinstown. 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.
The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 105 people resided in the townland of Robinstown with the population comprised of 58 males and 46 females. There is one infant recorded without gender identified. The largest family was the Kirwan family with twelve people recorded in that household. There was 1 household recorded with a single person living alone (Kieran Walsh). All information under residents of Robinstown not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
RECORDED RESIDENTS
Males = 58
Females= 46
1 Infant’s gender not identified
ELDEST RECORDED RESIDENT
The eldest recorded resident was Laurence Kirwan (10 June 1880-16 January 1963). Laurence was born the 12th of June 1880 per the birth register the son of John Kirwan (publican) of Ballyrahan and his wife Mary Kirwan née Kelly. Laurence was a farmer and married Ellen Halligan on 29 April 1912 at Slieverue. The bride was the daughter of Edmund Halligan (farmer) of Drumdowney, Slieverue. At the time of his marriage Laurence was residing in Robinstown. He bought the Costello farm in Robinstown.
RECORDED WORK
Unusually Danny listed multiple work for several people in Robinstown. Only the first listed work is reflected here.
Farmer= 5 (3 males & 2 females)
Retired Farmers= 2 (2 males)
Farm Labourer= 4 (4 males)
Creamery Worker = 3 (3 males)
Creamery Manager = 1 (1 male)
Catholic Clergy= 3 (3 males)
Council Worker = 1 (1 male)
Clover Meats = 3 (2 males; 1 female)
Factory Worker = 1 (1 male)
Retired Teacher = 1 (1 male)
Tech Teacher = 1 (1 male)
Shopkeeper = 1 (1 male)
Shop Assistant = 4 (2 males; 2 females)
Sub-postmaster= 1 (1 male)
Railway (plate layer) =1 (1male)
Greyhound Trainer = 1 (1 male)
Greyhound Worker = 1 (1 female)
Garda Retired= 1 (1 male)
Garda= 11 (11 males)
Garage Proprietor= 1 (1 male)
Clerk (garage) = 1 (1 female)
Mechanic = 1 (1 male)
Lorry Driver= 1 (1 male)
Housekeeper= 3 (3 females)
OAP (old age pensioner) = 1 (1 male)
ROBINSTOWN, GLENMORE RESIDENTS (1961)
[1] PARISH PRIEST’S HOUSE
Brennan, Rev. Wm (8 April 1891) Catholic Priest
Kennedy, Hannah (29 Jan. 1915) employee, housekeeper
[2] REDDY
Reddy, Michael (4 April 1906) Council Worker
Reddy, Mary (1 June 1890) wife
Reddy, Eily, daughter
Reddy, Eily (10 June 1915) sister
Barron, Teresa, niece, shop assistant “married July 1962”
[3] McBRIDE
McBride, James (1 April 1907) Farm Labourer
McBride, Patrick (20 June 1903) brother, farm labourer
McBride, Mary (11 Sept. 1901) sister
[4] MURPHY
Murphy, Richard (b.c. 1926) Farmer [Died 12 June 2022 at the age of 97]
Murphy, Johanna, wife
Murphy, Richard D., son, child
Murphy, David M. (b. 1960) son, child “Died in farm accident 1965”
Murphy, Richard (15 Aug. 1883) father, retired farmer
Murphy, Bridget (2 Feb. 1896) mother
[5] MURPHY
Murphy, Michael, Garage Proprietor
Murphy, Margaret, wife
[Michael Murphy the founder of Murphy Motors was killed in a car crash in 1974 at the age of 44. For further details concerning Michael Murphy see our post of 27 June 2020.]
[6] KIRWAN
Kirwan, John (10 May 1915) Farmer
Kirwan, Annie (b.c. 1919) wife
Kirwan, Eileen, daughter, clerk with garage
Kirwan, Josie, daughter, Clover Meats
Kirwan, Mary, daughter, shop assistant
Kirwan, Kate, daughter, secondary school
Kirwan, Alice, daughter, at school
Kirwan, Laurence, son, child
Kirwan, William, son, child
Kirwan, Edward, son, child
Kirwan, Laurence (10 June 1880) father, retired farmer “died 16 Jan. 1963”
Kirwan, Edward (b.c. 1920) brother, assisting relative
[7] GRIFFIN
Griffin, Thomas (19 Oct. 1897) Retired Garda
Griffen, Mary, (14 April 1902) wife
Griffen, Patrick John (26 Aug. 1937) son, mechanic
[Garda Griffin has featured in a couple of our blog posts 31 May 2023; 27 June 2020]
[8] McDONALD
McDonald, Michael (b.c. 1929) Lorry Driver & Creamery Worker
McDonald, Teresa, wife
McDonald, Infant
[9] WALSH
Walsh, Kieran (25 April 1906) Farm Labourer
[10] BARRACKS
Flynn, James (23 March 1901) Head, Garda Sergeant
Bryan, John (2 July 1903) (left to Cappagh), Garda
O’Donovan (b. c. 1940) assistant, r. Garda
Thompson, James, assistant Garda
Cunningham, Edward, assistant garda
Murray, Patrick, Garda Sergeant
McArdle, Michael, assistant Garda
Malone, T.S., Sergeant
O’Halloran, J.F.,Assistant, R/Garda
Hurley, Joseph, Garda Sergeant
Dixon, P.N., Gda Sergeant
[Danny said there were usually 3 or 4 gards and a sergeant. It is assumed that Dany recorded all the men who transferred in or out of Glenmore in 1961.]
[11] WALSH
Walsh, Patrick “Eric” (b.c. 1916) Factory Worker
Walsh, Margaret (b.c. 1912) wife
Walsh, Elizabeth, daughter, secondary school
(Moved to Waterford)
[12] BEAVANS/DEVANE
Beavans, Henry Peter (3 March 1890) Retired Teacher
Devane, Margaret Mary, daughter
Devane, Ellen Carmel Ann, granddaughter
Devane, John Gerard, grandson
Devane, Margaret Mary, granddaughter
[13] FURLONG
Furlong, Francis (b.1918) Greyhound Trainer
Furlong, Stasia (b.c. 1923) wife
Furlong, Marita, niece, child
Roche, Peggy, employee, domestic greyhound woman
[14]] ROCHE
Roche, Richard (b.c. 1920) Plate Layer C.I.E.
Roche, Ellen, wife
Roche, Edward, son, child
Roche, John, son, child
Roche, Mary, daughter, child
Roche, Anastasia, daughter, child
[15] FORRESTAL/O’BRIEN
Forrestal, Michael (10 Aug. 1916) Creamery Worker
Forrestal, John (b. 1927) brother, farmer
Forrestal, Martin (b. 1930) brother, creamery worker
Forrestal, Mary (b.c. 1923) sister
O’Brien, John, brother-in-law, shop assistant
O’Brien, Nancy, sister
O’Brien, Francis, nephew, child
[See our post of 13 May 2020 regarding the tragic death of Martin Forristal (1879-1931) of Robinstown, Glenmore at the Glenmore Creamery.]
[16] CURATE’S HOUSE
Murphy, Rev. James, C.C. (14 Aug. 1913) Curate “Gone to Bennetsbridge”
Morrissey, Margaret (28 Jan. 1896) employee, housekeeper
Dunphy, Rev. Joseph, Catholic Clergy “died 31 Dec. 1961”
Phelan, Mary, employee, housekeeper
[17] HANRAHAN
Hanrahan, Mary (14 Aug. 1892) Farmer and Shopkeeper
Hanrahan, Richard (b. 1928) son, shopkeeper
Hanrahan, Nicholas, nephew, university student
[18] IRISH
Irish, Patrick (14 March 1906) Shop Assistant Creamery
Irish, Johanna (11 June 1917) wife [Known as Daisey née Walsh of Rochestown]
[19] CAHILL
Cahill, William (b.c. 1923) Creamery Manager
Cahill, Mary, wife
Cahill, Joan Marie, daughter
Cahill, Mary Selina, daughter
Cahill, Bernadette Margaret, daughter
Cahill, Aine E., daughter
Cahill, Edward Joseph, son
Nolan, Mary (12 Feb. 1890) Mother-in-law
Gone to reside at 72 Ard Muire, Ferrybank on 22 Oct. 1962 [Cahill’s lived in Danny Dowling’s house in the Village]
[19] McKENNA WALSH
McKenna Walsh, Elizabeth (b. 1940) Farmer, Shopkeeper & Post Mistress
Fluskey, Terence (25 Jan. 1885) uncle, acting sub-postmaster
Walsh, Sean, husband, technical teacher, counterhand
Walsh, Geraldine, daughter, infant
Walsh, Helen, daughter, infant
Walsh, James, son, infant
[20] POWER
Power, William (27 Sept. 1879) Retired O.A.P.
Power, Ellen (1 Nov. 1902) wife
Power, Thomas (b.c. 1921) son, creamery worker
Power, Kieran (b.c. 1925) son, Clover Meats
Power, Liam, son, Clover Meats (gone to reside Bigwood)
Power, Mary, daughter-in-law
Power, Helen, granddaughter
Power, grandson
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Cornflour Case [Updated]
In attempting to locate information on Glenmore skittles teams we came across an article that appeared in the New Ross Standard about 8 weeks prior to the end of World War II. As we highlighted in our previous post, World War II was known locally as the Emergency. Due to the disruption to manufacturing and transport during the war, people across Ireland had to cope with shortages. Imports such as coal and foodstuffs were particularly impacted. One Glenmore businessman, Jim Fluskey (c. 1882-1960) was summoned before the New Ross District Court in June 1945 for “selling cornflour that was not up to the nature, substance and quality demanded” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 June 1945, p. 5).
The case was heard on Tuesday the 12th of June in the New Ross District Court before Mr. J.V. Fahy, District Judge. Guard Tom Griffin of the Glenmore Barracks bought the substance from James Fluskey and sent it off to a lab to undergo analysis. James Fluskey of Robinstown, Glenmore. Mr. Coghlan, solicitor for the Kilkenny County Council, prosecuted and Mr. J. Colfer, solicitor, appeared for the defendant Fluskey and admitted the offense.
“Mr. Coghlan read the analyst’s certificate which stated that the sample contained 100 per cent potato starch. Cornflour, he added, should be prepared from starch prepared from either maize or rice. The article made from maize had been an article of commerce for over 80 years and that from rice nearly as long. He (analyst) had not met with potato starch as cornfour until recently and in his opinion it was a substitute for the genuine article.”
Mr. Colfer said on behalf of the defendant that “there was a case, on appeal, before the Wicklow Circuit Court where they had specialists to decide in a case like this whether it was cornflour or not.” Mr. Colfer concluded with, ” We sold the cornflour as we received it.” In other words Jim Fluskey ordered cornflour, received what he thought was cornflour and sold it as cornflour.
Mr. Coghlan replied that the Circuit Court Judge in the Wicklow case decided it was illegal to sell potato starch as courflour.
Judge Fahy took a practical view and approach to the Glenmore case. “The Justice said in a time of short supplies people were trying to do their best to supply substitutes that would be possible or tolerable…In the circumstances I am imposing a nominal fine of 3s. with 7s. costs. I am not saying anything about the analyst’s fee.”
Tom Griffin (c. 1897-1978) was from Scarriff, Co. Clare and was stationed at Glenmore for years. After retiring from Garda Siochana Tom took up bee keeping that he passed onto his son Paddy Griffin.
Please see our post of 28 May 2020 regarding the Fluskey family and shop.
[Update: see our post of 13 February 2023 where James Fluskey in 1943 went to court for his wife selling cafe in error instead of coffee. It was reported that Jim had been in business 45 years and this was his first appearance. ]
Update 20 June 2023–Andrew Doherty of Waterford Tides & Tales shared the following story from the Emergency Era.
“We had a character here who was ex Royal Navy and from the descriptions of his antics I’d imagine he had ptsd after serving in WWI. Anyway, because of his contacts it was known that he could “import” almost anything. A lady in one of the better houses was having a supper and approached him for tea leaves.
He duly obliged with a 1/4lb of loose tea leaves in a box for which he charged a handsom price – due to the lengths he had to go. They got about four spoons out of it, until they started to dig into something very much unlike tea…the Gardner was summoned to pass judgment as there was some dispute, and also disbelief in the kitchen. Turned out he had filled the box with dried horse manure, then topped it off with a scattering of tea.
The gardner tracked him down in Jack Meades pub drunk and now penniless and when challenged he uttered only two words – Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).”]
Please send additional information, photos or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Skittles Teams & Tournaments
A few months ago a reader asked if we have any information on a Glenmore skittles team. The reader’s grandfather mentioned that he played skittles before he emigrated to the UK. We were able to locate quite a few articles regarding local skittle tournaments held from 1938 -c. 1949. Apparently different areas of the country employed different rules and some tournaments were for teams and some were for individual contestants.
The local tournaments were played in the summer and were impacted by weather, so the games were played outdoors. We did find that there is an indoor skittles game which is often played in pubs. We could not find an article referencing a tournament being played in Glenmore Village, but it would be difficult to find a flat area for the game in the village. Ballycroney and Moulerstown were the two Glenmore townlands that were mentioned regularly as having skittle teams competing in local skittles tournaments.
Skittle Rules
It is widely accepted that skittles are played in various countries using various rules and equipment. For our American readers skittles is said to be the forerunner of bowling or ten pin bowling as it is often called here.
A brief description of how the local children played the game was recorded in the 1930’s by a Ballyfacey school child. See our post of 27 November 2022. This description is consistent with the RTE Archives (1979). Donncha Ó Dúlaing had a series entitled “Donncha’s Travelling Roadshow” where he travelled across Ireland highlighting the people, music and traditions of rural Ireland. On 4 April 1979 he featured a Cavan skittles match.
“Five skittles with values 1,2,3,4 and 10 are placed in a ring in a cross shape. Each player takes his turn at a throw line and attempts to knock all of the skittles with four throwers made from cylindrical blocks of wood.” To view the wonderful RTE archived 1979 footage click here.
1938 Glenmore Teams
Skittles may have been played in Glenmore long before 1938, but local newspapers only began reporting on and advertising skittles tournaments around this time. Several teams from Glenmore and nearby parishes/townslands were identified. Unfortunately the number of players on a team was not revealed in any newspaper article.
Shambo-Rosbercon Tournament
The New Ross Standard (Fri. 2 Sept. 1938, p. 12) reported that the Shambo (sic) Rosbercon Skittles Tournament began on Sunday the 27th of August 1938 “with players from Shambo, Ballycroney, Ballygurran (sic), New Ross, Glenmore, Waterford, Pink Rock and Moulerstown.” The games were described as very interesting to the large crowd of spectators.
“The ‘Butler’ Moulerstown team were very unlucky to go over the game number in the semi-finals after a grand display, but for being the most consistent players all round, the Egan team Ballycroney highly deserved their victory in the initial round. Saunders’ team, of Shambo, being runners up. The Committee thanked Mr. Daniel Whelan for seating and all other facilities provided during the game. The tournament will be continued on next Sunday.”
The second round of the tournament took place on Sunday the 11th of September 1938. Ten teams made it through the semi-finals and the third day of the tournament was scheduled for the 18th where the newspaper predicted “an exciting finish is anticipated.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept. 1938, p. 12).
Final Between Two Ballycroney, Glenmore Teams
The Shambo skittle tournament was played on the 18th and was proclaimed “an outstanding success.” The full ten team took part “in the final issues. Ballycroney, Moulerstown and Shambo teams proved their skill to enter the semi-final after very keenly contested games with excitement at its highest. Moulerstown and Shambo had to admit defeat, leaving the final issue, which was only decided by the best hand, between the two Ballycroney teams, the winners being D. Cahill, B. Hogan, J. Hennessy and W. Walsh, the Runners-up, Pat Egan, and the Holden Brothers, being very unlucky to be only beaten by the small margin of four. The teams are beginning another challenge game on next Sunday” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 Sept. 1938, p. 12.)
The Emergency Years
The Second World War is often referred to as the Emergency in Ireland. On 2 September 1939 the Emergency Powers Act was passed into law the day after Germany invaded Poland. Hardships prevailed as commodities such as coal, medicines and foodstuffs were difficult to import. Skittles remained a popular pastime in this area during the War.
A South Kilkenny Committee was established to run tournaments in the summer months with most of the parishes in South Kilkenny represented. For this league teams were grouped to allow draws and fixtures to be made “locally to suit players and the committee” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 June 1940, p. 8 and Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 66). However, teams were not limited to parishes, townlands or villages. Clover Meats had a skittles teams. Its July 1944 contest against Dangan, fixed for Ballykeohan Crossn had to be postponed “owing to unfavourable weather conditions” (Munster Express, Fri. 21 July 1944, p. 4).
One of the new features of skittles during the Emergency were concrete rings. An individual skittles contest was advertised for Tullahought (near Piltown) where a “new concrete ring” was built. “It is sure to attract a big entry from members of the skittles teams.” The entry was 10s. and first prize £1. “It is hoped to have all the contests in the one day” (Munster Express, Fri. 3 July 1942, p. 6). In early July 1942, it was reported that Jamestown (assumed to be Jamestown, Glenmore) “formed a new team and a newly painted ring” was announced (Munster Express, Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 6).
Ballycroney, Glennmore 1945 Team
The skittles tournament organised by the Listerlin Club attracted an entry of nineteen teams to the local venue on Sunday the 22nd of July 1945. It “provided a nice afternoon’s sport for a record attendance. After keen competition, in which some interesting play was witnessed, Ballycroney and Acres (Mullinavat) qualified for the final, which was won by the former after a great contest. The teams were as follows: Ballycroney—W. Holden, B. Holden, M. Holden, P. Hogan, J. Hennessy¸ J. Cody, T. Fitzgerald. Acres—Thomas Holden, Ed. Holden, Hames Holden, J. Holden, Jas. Farrell, Wm. Fitzpatrick, E. Kelly, Pat Anderson. Sergt. Conlon was judge and Mr. P. O’Connor marker.” (Munster Express, Fri. 27 July 1945, p. 5).
Moulerstown, Glenmore Tournaments
Tullogher’s tournament was played in early August 1945, and 18 teams competed (Munster Express, Fri. 10 Aug. 1945, p. 5).
Twelve teams entered for the skittle tournament held at Moulerstown, Glenmore, on the 12th of August, “which attracted a large attendance of spectators. After an interesting series of games, first prize went to the Moulerstown team, who defeated Smithstown in the final after an exciting contest” (Munster Express, Fri. 17 Aug. 1945, p. 5). The newspaper did not indicate where in Moulestown the 1945 tournament was held.
The following week the Moulerstown team competed in the Ballyanne (Wexford) tournament. “There was a large attendance at the … tournament held on Sunday, [the 19th] and great interest was centred in the games. Seventeen teams competed and Rathgarogue team were the winners of the tournament. Moulerstown came second and Rathnure were third. The prize for the best throw was won by J. Breen of Ballintubber, and gate prize by M. Fitzpatrick of Carranoure (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 August 1945, p. 6).
In 1946, the Moulerstown tournament was held at the Moulerstown Dance Board on Saturday the 19th of June “commencing at 1:30 p.m. (old time) with £14 in prizes advertised (Munster Express, Fri. 21 June 1946, p. 5). A tournament held in an enclosed yard in the Borris & Graig district raised £29 7s. at the entrance gate “which goes to prove the interest taken in such contests” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 August 1945, p. 6).
Local Decline of Skittles
After 1949 fewer articles appeared in local newspapers concerning skittles. In the summer of 1949 it was announced that a “monster” skittles tournament was to be held in Mooncoin the first Sunday in August “in conjunction with the local sports. A number of new teams [were] also being organised in the area for the competition” (Munster Express, Fri.29 July 1949, p 8).
Stand alone skittles tournaments were no longer reported, however, skittles continued to be played in conjunction with sports days and sometimes with dances. For example, in the summer of 1952 a “Monster Skittles Tournament was held at the Glenmore Skow Bridge Dance Board on Sunday the 27th of July at 1 p.m. (old time). The entry fee was 16/- for a team of eight and £12 in prizes were on offer. A “big dance” was to be held the same night (Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1952, p. 10).
Request
If you played skittles for a Glenmore team, or you recall hearing someone speak of their experiences, we would love to hear from you. If you have any old skittles trophies, medals or photos of skittle players or games please send a photo of them to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Please also contact via the email provided regarding any errors, omissions, or additional information.
The drawing featured above is courtesy of the New York Public Library and is a cigarette card issued in 1938; available at George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Skittles.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 28, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7d20cdeb-e40d-4a73-e040-e00a18060ccc.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh