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Jim B. (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village [Updated]
In 1988, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Jim Walsh (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village. Locally Jim Walsh was known as Jim B. and worked as a painter. His passion was music. See our post of 7 April 2022 for John Ennett’s clip of Jim B. and others playing in the Glen Bar. Jim B. was interviewed by Danny just a month before his death. Danny wrote that when he called to see Jim B. he was sitting up in a chair in his pyjamas. He was so thin; he was nothing but skin and bones. Although looking very bad Jim B.’s memory was good. His voice was very low.
Below are Danny’s notes entitled “Conversation with Jim Walsh, late of Glenmore Village, in St. Bridget’s Unit in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford on Monday 22 February 1988″. Information, such as birth and death dates, has been added and most added information has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Danny was the First Baby Jim B. Saw
Jim B. said that Danny was the first baby he ever saw. He was brought down by Liz, his mother, to see Danny’s mother. Jim told Danny that Danny was born in the room over the parlour and that the bed was over by the gable wall. Nellie Doyle (c. 1930-2015) was the next baby he remembers seeing. She was born in the little room off of the kitchen.
[It is assumed that Jim B. was referring to new born babies. Ellen “Nellie” Doyle (c. 1930-2015) was the daughter of Statia Doyle née Cassin (c. 1906-1996). Nellie was born in the Village next to Heffernan’s shop. Nellie married John Sutton (1927-1989), and they lived in Ballyrobin, Ferrybank. They are buried in Glenmore.]
Mill Fire in Glenmore Village
Jim stated that he was 69 years of age, and he remembered the fire in J.K.’s mill in the Village. He said he was about 6 years of age at the time. That would have been about 1925. It took place in the harvest time and during the day.
J.K.’s mill had an “overshot wheel.” Jim said that it was extremely well balanced, and it was quite easily turned.
[We performed a newspaper search and found that the old Gaffney Mill, then owned by James K. Walsh (1891-1934) and his wife, “Lizzy J.K.” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955), did catch fire in December 1923. “FIRE AT GLENMORE—On Saturday evening a fire occurred at Glenmore which destroyed a corn mill and corn the property of Mr. James Walsh, a merchant. The machinery was damaged. A number of outhouses surrounding the mill escaped, water from an adjoining pond having been thrown over them (Free Press (Wexford), Sat. 22 Dec. 1923, p; 12).]
Circus Wagon Crash in Glenmore Village in 1941
Jim B. also remembered the day well that the circus waggon carrying the “king pole” went out of control coming down the hill opposite Mary Walsh’s of the chapel. There were two ponies under the waggon and it was driven by two young men. The one from Enniscorthy was killed when it crashed into Fluskey’s gable end. Both the ponies had to be put down. One had his leg severed from his body.
The wheels of the wagon were iron shod, and the brake block broke around Mary Walsh’s. The breaking of the brake block was responsible for the accident. It appeared that the driver had the ponies galloping when they were passing the chapel gate. The circus was to be in the field at the Barracks.
When the circus wagon crashed into Fluskey’s gable, the impact threw all of the tins and jars from shelves. The crash nearly knocked the wall. See our post of 27 June 2020 for further details regarding the circus wagon crash on 4 July 1941.
Jim Brien [Fitzgerald] of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Jim also remembered Jimmy J.K. Walsh having a charalanc(?). [See our post of 28 Dec. 2019 regarding the first motor cars etc. in Glenmore Parish.]
“Jim Brien” [Fitzgerald] (1896-1979), of Aylwardstown “gave years working in J.K.’s. Jim Brien always wore a cover over one of his eyes. He lost it owing to getting lime in it. The accident happened at J.K.’s.” [“Jim Brien” was married to Mary Murphy, of Moulerstown, Glenmore. The couple lived beside Hoynes in Aylwardstown, and they had no family.]
Mick Power (c. 1905-1980), of Jamestown, also worked at J.K.’s. [Mick Power was the eldest of eighteen children in the family of John and Mary Power, of Jamestown.]
Jim “the Weaver” Walsh (1870-1960) of Glenmore, Village
Jim described “the Weaver” as a decent quiet little man. He was always “spic and span” and kept himself very clean. Every Sunday he wore a spotless serge suit to Mass. See our post of 31 Oct. 2020 for further information on Jim “the Weaver” Walsh.
The Glen Bar
Jim B. lived next to the Glen Bar. He told Danny that there was a curse on the pub and there was no luck attached to it. Jim B. said that he was in the Glenmore Bar the evening when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
Danny wrote a note at the end of the interview notes that Jim B. died on Monday, 21 March 1988 at 20 minutes to 9 at night in Rosario Nursing Home, Ferrybank, of cancer which he had for four years. See our W family page for information concerning Jim B’s parents James Walsh (c. 1875-1946) (carpenter) and his mother Mary Ellen “Lill” Walsh (1892-1968) as well as James K. Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzy J.K.” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955).
[Update 15 October 2025–The drawing below was drawn by Jim B. in 1973 in front of the Slieverue Church during an all night vigil on the first anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Jim B., Martin Gahan and others attended the vigil. In less than five minutes Jim B. drew Sitting Bull with a marker on cardboard. Martin said Jim B. loved Native Americans’ history. Martin saw a lovely sitting dog that Jim B. painted on a silk scarf for a lady.
Martin also noted that Danny Dowling’ (1927-2021) mother, Hannah Dowling (1903-1989) née Murphy was Jim B.’s godmother. She was very fond of her godson.]
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of Jim B. above is from John Ennett’s clip. Special thanks to Martin Gahan for sharing the drawing of Sitting Bull and more information concerning Jim B.
Thatched Houses in Glenmore at the End of WWII [Updated]
Danny Dowling (1929-2021) made lists of various local things including: local Irish words, Mass Paths, elderly parish residents and thatched houses in Glenmore at the end of WWII. Thatch was the traditional roof in Glenmore prior to the twentieth century. The Second World War ended in 1945, and it appears that thatch roofs were then in the minority. Below is Danny’s list of the 35 houses identified and their respective townlands. The list is not dated. We note that several townlands are not included. The entire original list with notes from Danny is included. Any comments or additional houses that have been added are is square brackets [ ].
- Jack Forristal, of Cappagh (Bolger’s) [today Frankie Kirwan’s].
- Greene’s, of Jamestown
- Wattie Power, of Jamestown
- Anne Gaule, of Busherstown
- Johanna Closh Walsh, of Busherstown
- Main Gaule, of Busherstown
- Neddie Power, of Busherstown
- Anne Doherty, of Busherstown
- Doherty’s, of Milltown (part of)
- Haberlin’s, of Forristalstown
- Grace’s, of Forristalstown
- Jimmy Doherty’s, of Forristalstown
- Statia Butler, of Ballycroney
- Seamus Fitzgerald, of Ballycroney
- Luke Murphy, of Ballybrahee [See our post of 15 Aug. 2021 for more information on Luke Murphy]
- Dick Power, of Ballybrahee
- Dick Murphy, of Robinstown
- Pat Grant, of Robinstown
- Reddy’s, of Robinstown
- Neddie (Watts) Fitzgerald, of Ballinaraha
- Brophy’s, of Ballinaraha
- Moran’s, of Ballinlammy
- Doherty’s, of Ballinlammy
- Gahan’s, of Rochestown
- Shawn’s, of Rochestown [nickname for 1 of the Forristal families of Rochestown. We believe that this was the home of John Forristal (c. 1838-1915) and his wife Mary née Reddy (c.1851-1917). The couple were married at Glenmore on 31 Aug. 1880 and had five children; Bridget, James, John, Thomas and Patrick.]
- James “Browley” Walsh, of Rochestown
- Larry Walsh, of Rochestown
- Foran’s, of Kearney Bay
- James Phelan “The Walker”, of Ballyhobuck
- Larry Kirwan, of the Shanty [Scartnamore]
- John Kennedy, of Rathinure [Sean Óg where Johnny Garvey lives today]
- Pat Kennedy, of Rathinure [The Faddies]
- John Haberlin, of Aylwardstown
- Jim “Brien” Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown
- Ryan’s, of Kearney Bay
- Pat Ryan, of Kearney Bay (Cousin of Mike Ryan, went to Ringville)
The following not on Danny’s original list
[37] [Johnny “Billy” Roche, of Rathinure] [Thatched house remained until 1972]
[38] [Holden’s, of Clune, Jamestown]
[39] [Paddy Kennedy, of Newtown]
[40] [John Power, of Newtown]
[41] [Martin Forristal, of Rochestown]
[42] [Paddy Mullally, of Ballyhobuck] [Later Walsh’s of Ballyhobuck]
[43] [Condon’s of Mullinahone (part thatched)]
[44] [Pat & Jimmy McDonald of Ballyfacey]
[45] [Kitty Murphy of Mill Road, Mullinahone (part thatched)]
[46] [John Power, of Newtown, lived in until the mid-1970’s; last coat of thatch by Murty Kearney with rushes.]
[Update of 9 Oct. 2025–Jimmy Roche (1927-2018) of Rathinure often told the story of when he was a young fellow helping to rid the Faddie’s of rats in their thatch roof. A ferret was placed on the roof, and soon rats were attempting to escape by leaping from the roof. Jimmy and a number of young men armed with hurley’s dispatched the rats as they leaped from the thatch.]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glen Bar Fire 1987
This afternoon a reader contacted us by email enquiring whether we knew when the Glen Bar fire occurred in the 1980’s. Apparently the reader and another Glenmore native disputed the date of the fire. One believed the fire occurred in 1985 and the other believed it occurred in 1986. A quick newspaper search revealed that both gentlemen were wrong. The fire occurred according to the Munster Express on Tuesday, 3 March 1987. The short articles regarding the fire and re-opening are below.
Glenmore Watering Hole Badly Damaged–
“The well-known Glenmore licensed premises ‘The Glen Bar’ was partly destroyed by fire, which was first noticed by a neighbour in the early hours of Tuesday morning of last week, the owner of the establishment, Mr. Michael Barron and his family were not in the premises at the time as they live on the family farm some miles away. Michael is a current selector on the Kilkenny under 21 hurling team and he told us that limited business is being carried out in that portion of the premises not affected by the fire.”
“Units of Thomastown, New Ross and Waterford fire brigade services were quickly on the scene and had the fire controlled. The Glen Bar was purchased by Mr. Barron some years ago from its former owner Mr. Sean Walsh, and has, as the only public house in the parish of Glenmore, enjoyed a very good trade, needless to say most of the conversation is about hurling and we do hope that Mr. Barron’s premises will again see a prosperous trade after renovations have been carried out” (Munster Express, Fri. 13 March 1987, p. 20).
Five months later the pub re-opened. “The Glen Bar, Glenmore has re-opened its new lounge and has a full line-up of entertainment this weekend. On Friday top entertainer Pat Hogan and his band Travelling Sound will appear (Saturday is Glenmore Field Day). And on Sunday it’s the turn of Seattle” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Aug. 1987, p. 23).
See our post of 8 May 2023 concerning the opening of a Glenmore pub in 1963.
Please send any corrections, additional information, queries or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part II
Part I was posted on 8 September 2025 and focused on 1984 to 1987. Today, we are going to focus on 1988-1994. During this period important Kilkenny hurlers such as D.J. Carey and Christy Heffernan were also playing handball and a young D.J. Carey is in one of the photos below.
1988
O’Loughlin’s Juvenile Tournament
The finals of the O’Loughlin’s juvenile handball tournament were played before a capacity crowd in early January 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, the game everyone had been looking forward to was the under 14 single decider between two of the county’s best players, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore. Kenneth started brilliantly and led 8-1 at one stage. The powerful Fitzgerald pulled back and won 15-13. Dominic dominated the early stage of the second game, but Kenneth recovered and won 15-9. The crunch game was a thriller. Both tired and the stronger Dominic Fitzgerald eventually won 15-11 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 Jan. 1988, p. 12).
All-Ireland Juvenile Handball Final
Dominic played in the juvenile All-Ireland in April 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, he knew that he had to be brilliant to beat Ciaran Curran (Tyrone) in under 14. “While Dominic put in one of his best performances that year it was not enough …he lost 15-5, 15-7” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 6 May 1988, p. 15).
Glenmore: Kilkenny Féile n Gael Championship 1988
There was a close contest in the County Féile n Gael championship at Talbot’s Inch where Glenmore became the new Kilkenny County Champions in 1988. The Glenmore Club (Dominic Fitzgerald, Kenneth Cottrell, Tomás Hanrahan and Eamon Aylward) had a hard semi-final game with Talbot’s Inch when both teams finished level in games and aces. However, Glenmore easily won the play-off and then defeated Windgap in the final. The Glenmore team represented Kilkenny in the Féile n Gael all Ireland championship in Offaly in June 1988, but did not make it to the finals (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 May 1988, p. 15).
Under 14 County Kilkenny Champion
Dubbed an “Alley Cracker” by the New Ross Standard, Dominic won the Co. Kilkenny handball title at under 14 and represented the county in the Leinster semi-final on Sunday 28 August 1988 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 Aug. 1988, p. 17).
Under 14 Doubles Millennium Tournament
Dominic partnered by Damien McMahon, Wicklow, surprised an accomplished Offaly pair, C. O’Brien and B. Doherty in the under 14 doubles millennium trials at Croke Park on Sunday. The seeded Offaly pair were expected to advance to the televised finals on December 18 at Croke Park, but Dominic and Damien combined well to defeat them 44-22 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 18 Nov. 1988, p. 11).
1988 Kilkenny Juvenile Achievement Awards
Dominic received the Kilkenny Juvenile Board’s Achievement Award following an excellent year in the under 14 grade. Dominic won Leinster Championships in under 14 singles, in the 40X20 and 60X30 courts. He also combined with Damien McMahon (Wicklow) to win the Millennium juvenile tournament in December. Dominic was selected on the Rest of Ireland team to play Ulster in the Ulster Foundation tournament in Newry in April.
This article also highlighted D.J. Carey, of Goresbridge, who received the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s Achievement Award for 1988. D.J. won the 40X20 minor singles and doubles All-Irelands and also the senior college’s all Ireland singles and doubles championships. He represented Ireland in the under 19 U.S.H.A. junior championships in America over Christmas and did very well (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 14).
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The photo to the right appeared in the Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 March 1989, p. 15). It represents the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s achievements awards for 1988. (left to right) Sean Kennedy, Chairman, Juvenile Board; Dominic Fitzgerald, Juvenile Award; Eamonn Hanrahan, County Chairman; Tommy O’Brien, Leinster Administrator; Con Moore, County Secretary and winner of special achievement award for administration; D.J. Carey, senior award and Mary Moore.
1989
At the Goesbridge handball club’s juvenile tournament in January 1989, Dominic played an exhibition game against Stephen Barcoe (Goresbridge) who won the O’Loughlin’s tournament a few weeks prior. “This was a great game. Dominic edged ahead to win 22-19” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 Jan. 1989, p. 13).
Glenmore Handball Club
Members of the Glenmore Handball Club did well in the Leinster championship quarter finals against Carlow and Laois at the end of April 1989. Kenneth Cotterell, a promising young player won a one-sided under 14 singles by 15-5, 15-1. Dominic did not have things as easy against Tommy Donohoe although winning 15-13, 15-13 in the under 16 match. In the special novices E. Dowling, Glenmore, beat N. Harding (Comer) in the 40X20 county championship. Sean Kennedy got a walkover from Jim Duggan (New Ross Standard, Thur. 4 May 1989, p. 27). Unfortunately Dominic was defeated in the Leinster Under 16 finals played on the 20th of May 1989 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 May 1989, p.19).
Kilkenny County Handball Finals
It was reported at the special novice doubles of the County Finals that this final turned out to be a contest between four of “our best juvenile players” when Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore overcame Michael Maher and Colm Love (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1989, p. 14) in an exciting game. Dominic Fitzgerald and Sean Kennedy, Glenmore, had a close victory over Tom Feeny and Sean Kiely, Kilfane, in the novice doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 7 Sept. 1989, p. 21).
Leinster Juvenile Handball
Enda Hawe, Niall Kennhy, Alan Hawe (Windgap), Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore) completely comminated the Leinster juvenile league in Dublin on Saturday when they annexed the title for the fifth successive year. Dominic and Kenneth won this title an unprecedented four times, Alan Hawe three times, Enda and Nial twice and it was Willie Murphy’s first honour (Kilkenny People, Fri. 8 Sept. 1989, p. 14).
“Everyone knew that the meeting of Kilkenny and Offaly in the under 16’s doubles Leinster final could constitute an All Ireland final, as they would be the best players in the country. Joe Daly, O’Loughlin’s, and Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did not combine well, and lost to the excellent Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly 11-15 , 15-10, 11-15 in a game which could have gone either way. The Kilkenny pair did not play up to scratch” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Oct. 1989, p. 20)
1990
Glenmore Handball Club
The newspapers reported that Christy Heffernan was going to be seen in a different role in March 1990 as he was playing in the novice singles handball championship. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell were playing in the under 17 juvenile trials at O’Loughlin’s Court on the 14th of March 1990 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 8 March 1990, p. 18).
The Glenmore Club played matches at Mullinavat. Sean Kennedy won his match in the novice singles against D. Forristal , Kilfane., while Dominic Fitzgerald defeated another Kilfane player, R. Ryan. Kenneth Cotterell got a walkover (New Ross Standard, Thur. 31 May 1990, p. 21).
Leinster Juvenile Handball
Kilkenny achieved seven Leinster juvenile handball finals as a result of their successes in Cloughbawn at the end of March 1990. They include under 16 doubles partner Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald of Glenmore. They won their match at Cloughbawn in two straight games—15-10, 15-2 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 April 1990, p. 18).
In October 1990 Kilkenny crashed with seven defeats in eight Leinster finals. “However, the county can be proud of some displays, especially those of Brendan Walpole …and Dominic Fitzgerald and Ken Cottrell, Glenmore. In the under 16 doubles, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, never reached the standard which they are capable of and still were unlucky to lose 15-9, 7-15 and 15-9 to All Ireland champions, Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly (Kilkenny People, Fri. 26 Oct. 1990, p. 15).
Good Counsel Handball
The next month, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell created history when they gave Good Counsel College, New Ross its first All Ireland junior “A” Colleges Championship at Croke Park. They beat Roscommon C.B.S. by two straight games in the final 21-11, 21-7 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 24 May 1990, p. 17). Dominic was also on the Good Counsel Senior Football team (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Dec. 1990, p. 21).
Kilkenny County Under 16 Doubles Champions
At the festival of juvenile handball (60X30) county championships played at various venues over two weeks. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore won the under 16 doubles. The Kilkenny teams selected to play in the Leinster League at the Garda depot in September included: Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore and Enda Hawe, Windgap in the Under 15 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Aug. 1990, p, 7).
Glenmore Under 21 Football
When Glenmore got through to the 1990 under 21 football final (played in 1991), after beating Thomastown and Piltown, one member of the winning Glenmore team was Dominic Fitzgerald (New Ross Standard, Thur. 26 Dec. 1991, p. 22).
1991
There was a three-pronged assault by Wexford schools on the Leinster 60X30 Colleges Handball Championships which began the last week of November 1991. Through to the provincial finals in senior A singles was Dominic Fitzgerald (Good Counsel, New Ross). Raymond Breen and Ken Cottrell (Good Counsel) went through in the senior A doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 Dec. 1991, p. 62).
International Trials
The international trials to select players in under 15, 17 and 19 singles were played at various venues in November 1991. The winners secured a seat on the plane to Dallas, Texas in December to compete in the U.S. championship. In under 17, Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did well, but was no match for Ciaran Curran, Tyrone (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Nov. 1991, p. 21).
All Ireland Handball Colleges Final
Good Counsel, had students in two All Ireland Handball Colleges Finals in 1991. Ken Cotterell and Raymond Breen, beat Belmullet in the semi-finals of the A division, but lost to St. Patrick’s Cavan in the final (New Ross Standard, Thur. 19 Dec. 1991, p. 39). Dominic Fitzgerald brought further glory to himself and to Glenmore when he won the All Ireland 60X30 senior singles championship at Croke Park. He has already won two All Ireland titles. He beat his Cavan opponent by 21-10, 21-18 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 12 Dec. 1991, p. 29).
1992
The county handball championships got off to a good start in early January 1992. In minor singles Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore, beat Willie O’Neill, of O’Loughlin’s Club, 21-6, 21-17 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 Jan. 1992, p. 12).
Glenmore Successes
Glenmore was celebrating an All Ireland club senior hurling success at their annual meeting in January 1992. It was noted that along with the senior success, the junior hurlers won the championship. Thus, Glenmore became the first club in Kilkenny to field teams in the top two championships simultaneously. The club provided five players for the Kilkenny team that lost the senior All Ireland to Tipperary., while Seamus Dollard won a minor All Ireland and Bridget Mullally won a second senior camogie All Ireland medal. “The chairman also extended good wishes to Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell who won Leinster and All Ireland Handball Honours” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Jan. 1992, p. 14).
Good Counsel Handball
Two Good Counsel students won the senior doubles Leinster Final against Kilkenny CBS. The double players were Kenneth Cottrell and Raymond Breen. “Dominic Fitzgerald was unlucky to lose 2-1 in the Leinster Senior Singles semi-final in Borris” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 20 Feb. 1992, p. 54).
1993
Very few newspaper articles could be located regarding Dominic in 1993. By this time he had left Good Counsel and was pursuing a degree in hotel management. In 1993 Dominic was in Switzerland working. He came home from Switzerland for the All Ireland and spent a holiday with his parents (New Ross Standard, Thur. 23 Sept. 1993, p. 26). Given the date of this article it is assumed he was home for the hurling All Ireland.
1994
In June 1994 the Kilkenny People published a short article regarding Dominic. “Mr. Dominic Fitzgerald, youngest son of John and Rita Fitzgerald, Rathinure, who had been studying hotel management in Switzerland for two years has arrived home to complete his studies. He arrived in time for the funeral of his aunt, Bridget Fitzgerald. Dominic was educated in Glenmore N.S. and Good Counsel College, New Ross and later in N.I.H.E. Limerick (Limerick University.)”
“He will study hotel courses in a Kilkenny Hotel in the next few weeks and then do his final courses in Limerick University. He won single and doubles in the Kilkenny handball championship also Leinster and won two All-Ireland medals. He won Leinster and All Ireland championships in hurling and football with Good Counsel College, and helped Glenmore in Minor, Junior and under 21 in both games” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 June 1994, p. 21).
The obituary of Dominic’s aunt, Miss Bridget Fitzgerald (c. 1928 -1994) provides that Dominic and his elder brother Peter were the Readers at the Requiem Mass. It was also noted that Mr. Liam Aylward, T.D., Minister of Sport, was present at the removal (New Ross Standard, 2 June 1994, p. 38). The complete obituary may be read on our F Glenmore Family page.
The New Ross Standard later in 1994, noted Dominic won trophies in both grades of hurling and football with Good Counsel College, New Ross and many underage championships in Kilkenny also in both grades. “He also won 4 Leinster and 3 All Ireland trophies for handball” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Oct. 1994, p. 33).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to Dominic’s parents John and Rita Fitzgerald for the photos and information they provided.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part I
While sorting through some loose newspaper clippings in Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) vast collection a clipping was found regarding Dominic Fitzgerald, of Rathinure, Glenmore, who won an All-Ireland in handball. Over 130 newspaper articles, between the years 1984 and 1994, were found and read. As it transpired Dominic was the first Glenmore Handball Club member to win an All-Ireland in handball. In addition to handball, Dominic won Leinster and All Ireland championships in hurling and football with Good Counsel College, and helped Glenmore in Minor, Junior and under 21 hurling and football. To keep this post to a manageable length only select handball games will be highlighted, and Part I focuses on the years 1984 to 1987.
Glenmore Handball Club only came into existence in 1978. According to the Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 May 1985, p. 17) the first set of All-Ireland handball finals commenced in May 1985. In 1994, the Kilkenny People (Fri. 10 June 1994, p. 21) reported that Dominic won single and doubles in the Kilkenny handball championships, also Leinster championships, and won two All-Ireland medals. The New Ross Standard (Thur. 6 Oct. 1994, p. 33) later that same year reported that Dominic won 4 Leinster and 3 All Ireland trophies for handball.
Made Glenmore Club History
The first article we located regarding Dominic and handball was published in September 1984. The article also provides information concerning other Glenmore players. The Division B matches of the Lisdowney handball tournament, sponsored by Coca-Cola, commenced 17 September 1984. In the first-round singles: P.J. O’Connor (Glenmore) beat Nigel Dunpjy (Lisdowney). Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore) lost to Kevin Wall (Lisdoney). In the doubles P.J. O’Connor and Shay Vereker (Glenmore) beat Brian Whyte and Andy Doyle (Talbot’s Inch) (Kilkenny People, Fri 21 Sept. 1984, p. 15).
However, just five months later, at the end of February 1985, Dominic made Glenmore Club history when he became the first juvenile from his club to represent Kilkenny in handball. “He would have preferred a less talented rival—his Wicklow opponent Damien McMahon won the under 12 Leinster title last year, and is still under age this year. So, Dominic was up against it from the start. He gave more than could be fairly be expected of him, and showed fine, two-handed play in some long and hotly disputed rallies. He was never really in with a decent chance of beating his vastly more experienced rival and was beaten 2-nil” (Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 May 1985, p. 17). Ironically, Damian McMahon (Wicklow) would later become Dominic’s doubles partner.
Playing for Kilkenny
Selectors Sean Kennedy (Glenmore) and Bobby Falsey took charge of the Kilkenny team. They started off strong when Clinton Maher (Talbot’s Inch) and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore), combined at under 11 to defeat Wexford’s Francis Cleary and Paddy O’Connor 11-5. The Wexford pair soon reversed this with an 11-7 win. In other age groups Kilkenny secured four points in the race for the top two spots. Dominic Fitzgerald and Clinton Maher went one better than their first outing when they beat J. and D. O’Brien (Oldtown, Dublin) 11-2, 11-5.
Kilkenny played its last league games against Westmeath. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald and Maher lost 11-6, 11-1. Ultimately Kilkenny and Westmeath met in the final and Westmeath with home court advantage were the favourites. They won their league games 16-5 compared to Kilkenny 11-10. “This form seemed justified” when Clinton Maher and Dominic Fitzgerald lost again. However, this time the gap narrowed considerably. They lost 11-8, 11-4 to give Westmeath a 2-0 lead. Kilkenny won in the tight race. It was noted that Kilkenny scored 64 aces to Westmeath’s 48 in the final and brought the Leinster Division 1 title back to Kilkenny. The newspaper concluded that Clinton Maher and Dominic Fitzgerald “caught a few tartars in their rounds, but played very well and could be a major force in the championships” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 2 Dec. 1985, p. 14).
Leinster Championship Finals 1986
The Kilkenny juveniles at Baltinglass played in the Leinster championship finals. Kilkenny captured four of the six championships they contested. Unfortunately, in the under 12 doubles Dominic Fitzgerald and Clinton Maher were defeated (Kilkenny People, Fri. 3 Oct. 1986, p. 10).
Leinster Championship Finals 1987: First Championship Medals for Glenmore
In 1987, the Kilkenny Juvenile team was comprised of under 11, Kenneth Cottrell (Glenmore) and Michael Clifford (Talbot’s Inch); under 13, James Bourke (O’Loughlin’s) and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore); under 15, Graham O’Brien and Brian Aldridge (Mullinavat). The Kilkenny juvenile team won the Leinster League at Kells. They beat Meath, Louth and Westmeath (Kilkenny People, Fri. 2 Jan. 1987, p. 12).
In April 1987 it was announced that Kilkenny had good fortune at juvenile level when Kilkenny players beat the best of Meath and Louth to assure places for Kilkenny players in seven out of ten Leinster finals. Seán Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore put a lot into juvenile handball in Glenmore. “Kenneth Cottrell and Dominic Fitzgerald did him proud with magnificent wins over strong opposition.”
In the Under 12 singles, Kenneth Cottrel was brilliant when he hammered John Heany of Meath 15-1 and 15-2. The newspaper noted that Kenneth must be favourite to win a title. In the under 13 singles, Dominic Fitzgerald was “up against it” when he played a strong Meath player named Tom O’Connor. In one of the best games of the day, Dominic lost the first game 7-15. “He showed tremendous heart and won the others 15-10 and 15-13” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 3 April 1987, p. 14).
Ultimately, Dominic won the Leinster under 13 singles and Kenneth Cottrell (Aylwardstown) won the under 12 Leinster singles. These were the first Leinster Championship handball medals won by Glenmore Handball Club members (Munster Express, Fri. 17 April 1987, p. 11). Later in the year they went on to win Leinster handball championship medals for the 60X30 grade (Munster Express, Fri. 4 Sept. 1987, p. 14).
First All-Ireland Handball Medal for Glenmore
Later in April 1987, Kilkenny travelled to Monaghan to contest the under 12, 13, 14 and 16 single All Ireland Semi-Finals. “Ken Cotterell was under pressure from the start against M. Finnegan (Cavan) in under 12 singles”. Ken lost 7-15, 3-15. Dominic was in excellent form and easily dismissed P. Cunningham (Donegal) 15-3, 15-12 in the under 13 single semi-final (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 April 1987, p. 7).
Dominic played in the juvenile handball All-Ireland final at a packed Croke Park on 10 May 1987. Dominic faced a tough opponent in Martin Murphy (Limerick), but Murphy soon knew he was in a battle. They were level again on 10, Dominic looked anxious when he fell 12-10 behind but came back to 12-all and went 13-12 up. Back came Murphy to level on 13. With excitement at fever pitch, Fitzgerald took a very vital first game 15-13 lead. Fitzgerald, serving brilliantly, and killing shots all over the court, went on to record a 15-4 victory. This was a marvellous win for the young Glenmore player (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 May 1987, p. 24). This represented the first time an All-Ireland came to Glenmore in handball (Munster Express, Fri. 22 May 1987, p. 21).
Mullinavat’s Graham O’Brien made a valiant bid to win the under 16’s title but failed against Martin McLoughlin (Ballina, Co. Tipperary). The senior singles semi-final at Newry was very controversial in 1987. International player, Michael “Ducksie” Walsh was told his game was at 7 p.m. at Newry, but was never informed that the time was moved to 2 p.m. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 May 1987, p. 24).
Kilkenny Juvenile Championships at Glenmore 1987
In July 1987, the Kilkenny County Juvenile Championships were played at Glenmore. It was reported that titles were well spread among top clubs “Glenmore court was looking great after its recent painting.” Alan Hawe (Windgap) won the under 11 championship beating D. Cottrell (Glenmore) in the final. Kenneth Cottrell (Glenmore) easily beat Nial Kenny (Windgap) in the under 12 final while his clubmate, Dominic Fitzgerald, had a close encounter with Clive Carroll (Talbot’s Inch) in under 13 winning 15-10, 15-10. Alan Hawe, Kenneth Cottrell, Dominic Fitzgerald and Graham O’Brien all brought off the double as they had won their respective 40X20 county championships earlier in the year (Kilkenny People, Fri. 24 July 1987, p. 14).
Dominic went on to play in the All-Ireland 60X30 Juvenile Championship finals. In the under 13 singles M. Crowe (Limerick) beat Dominic 15-8, 15-13 (Irish Examiner, Tues. 6 Oct. 1987, p. 16).
Glenmore Handball Club 1987 Awards Night
In January 1988, Glenmore Handball Club held a function in the Rue Glen to celebrate their club’s success during 1987 and to mark the tenth anniversary of the club’s founding. County Chairman, Eamon Hanrahan and Leinster Secretary, Tommy O’Brien praised the club’s players and officials on their achievements during the year and especially in 1987 when Dominic Fitzgerald won the club’s first All-Ireland championship in under 13 singles. Dominic also won the Leinster under 13 singles championships in both 60X30 and 40X 20 courts.
County Secretary, Con Moore, presented Dominic with the 1987 juvenile achievement award and complimented coach and trainer Sean Kennedy on the great work that he put into Glenmore and Kilkenny over the years. Kenneth Cottrell also had a magnificent year, winning Leinster under 12 singles in both 60X30 and 40X20 courts. Leinster secretary Tomás Ó Briain presented Kenneth with Kilkenny Crystal in recognition of his achievements in 1987.
“Sean Kennedy the man behind Glenmore handball club, was praised for his work for the club over the years and especially for devoting his time to juvenile members. Dominic Fitzgerald gave a fitting oration to his trainer and Kenneth Cotterell presented Seanie with a silver tankard in recognition of his help in coaching the juvenile players in Glenmore to the standard where they are among the best in Ireland” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Jan. 1988, p. 13).
In Part II we will cover 1988 through 1994 which includes his time playing for Good Council College, New Ross.
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Special thanks to Dominick’s parents, John and Rita Fitzgerald of Rathinure for sharing photos of Dominic and some of Dominick’s trophies and patiently answering my questions about handball. I did not realize there are two different size courts!
Any and all errors are mine, and please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
For a concise history of handball see, Tom O’Connor, “A Brief History of Handball” (GAA Handball).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore 1924: Hanrahan Wedding Photo
The above photo may be found in the Poole Collection of the National Archives. Poole was a Waterford photographer and his negatives are now housed in the National Archives. There are a couple hundred Glenmore photos within the collection. The National Archive records do not identify the year this photo was taken, and simply notes the customer was Mr. Hanrahan of Glenmore.
The Photo
The above photo was taken to commemorate the 12 February 1924 wedding of Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) shopkeeper of Glenmore and Mary Duggan (1892-1989) schoolteacher of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Richard Hanrahan, a grandson of the happy couple, confirmed last week that a copy of the photo still hangs in the Hanrahan home in Glenmore. He was able with the help of his mother, Kathleen Hanrahan, to identify most of the people in the photo.
Front row (seated, left to right) Richard Duggan (1894-1984) ; Margaret “Agnes” Quirke née Duggan (1896-?) (Maid of Honour); Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989) (bride); James “Jimmy” Hanrahan (1891-1977) (Best Man)
Back row (standing, left to right) Unknown ?; Unknown ?; Mullins?; Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan (1886-1957) (Groom); unknown ; Catherine “Lena” Connolly née Duggan (1891-1969) ; Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (1892-1975). (It is believed that some of the unidentified people may have been Mullins relations.)
Parents & Siblings of the groom: Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1956)
Patrick Hanrahan was the eldest child of Michael Hanrahan and his wife Hanoria Mullins of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Michael Hanrahan was from Powerswood, Thomastown and the couple married at Glenmore, on 23 July 1885. Michael was the son of Patrick Hanrahan (farmer) and Hanoria was the daughter of Nicholas Mullins (farmer) and his wife Mary Mackey. Hanoria Mullins was baptized in Glenmore on 16 Dec. 1854. Michael Hanrahan died in 1898 and his widow died in 1902. They both died of T.B.
At least 7 children were born to Michael Hanrahan and his wife, Hanoria Mullins.
[1] Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) the groom in the 1924 wedding photo.
(2) Nicholas Hanrahan (1887-1918) died in Gaulstown, Glenmore during the flu epidemic.
(3) Michael Hanrahan (1888-1968) Emigrated to the U.S. in 1911 or 1912. He lived in New York, married in 1922 and raised a family.
(4) Ellen Hanrahan (bapt. 16 Feb. 1890-died young)
(5) James Hanrahan (1891-1977) was the best man when his brother Patrick married in 1924. Jimmy had a pub and shop in New Ross, married, and raised a family.
(6) Richard Hanrahan (1892-1975) had a draper business in New Ross across the street from his brother Jimmy’s business. Richard Hanrahan married and raised a family.
(7) John Hanrahan (1894-1980) Emigrated to the US before 1910 and went to his Uncle Tom Mullins in New York. John married about 1922 and raised a family.
When her husband died Hanoria moved her six sons from Waterford to Glenmore. The boys were raised by two sets of relatives after their mother’s death. Tragically, Nicholas Hanrahan died in the 1918 flu epidemic. Thus, at the time of the 1924 Glenmore wedding only 5 brothers were alive. Three are depicted in the photo and the other two had emigrated to the U.S. We could not locate any travel records that indicated that either Michael or John Hanrahan returned to Ireland for their brother Patrick’s wedding in 1924.
Parents & Siblings of the bride: Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989)
The bride’s parents were Richard Duggan and Anne Butler. Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) (tradesman) of Kilbride, at the age of 23, married Anne Butler, of Flemingstown, on 12 November 1890 at Glenmore. Richard Duggan’s (c. 1867-1956) father was Richard Duggan of Kilbride. The father of Anne Butler of Flemingstown was Thomas Butler (farmer & tradesman). Four children were born to Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) and his wife Anne Butler. Three daughters and one son. What is striking about the Duggan sisters is that they all had nicknames.
[1] Catherine “Lena” Duggan (b. 11 Sept. 1891). Lena became a nurse and on 23 November 1926 at Faithleg, Waterford she married Michael Connolly (labourer). Her sister “M. Agnes Duggan” was her maid of honour. The couple resided in Slieverue and had a family. Lena died in 1969, and her husband died in 1973.
[2 ] Mary “Dodie” Duggan (b. 14 Aug. 1892) at Flemingstown. Her birth cert. notes that her father Richard Duggan was a shoemaker. Mary became a schoolteacher and after her marriage to Patrick Hanrahan helped run the Hanrahan shop in Glenmore Village. The couple were married for 33 years and raised a family. Mary died in 1989. She survived her husband by 32 years.
[3] Richard Duggan (b. 12 Dec. 1894) married and remained on the Duggan farm in Flemingstown. Richard farmed and was also a Rate Collector. He and his wife raised a large family. He died a widower on Christmas Day 1984.
[4] Margaret “Aggie” Duggan (b. 22 June 1896). Aggie married a man named Quirke and they resided in Clonmel per her brother Richard’s obituary. Aggie died prior to 1984.
For an account of the early life of the 5 orphaned Hanrahan Brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020.
See our H Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Hanrahan family.
See our D Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Duggan family.
Please send any additional information (such as the names of the 3 people standing on the left of the photo) or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to Veronica for reminding me of the photo and to Richard and his mother Kathleen Hanrahan who identified most of the persons depicted in the photo. .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh.