20th Century
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The Glenmore Cinema: William “Bill” Walsh (1912-1985)
Over the last couple of years while typing up Danny Dowling’s notebooks and writing articles for this blog there have been several times when I wished that I could have met some of the interesting former Glenmore residents. One such person was Bill Walsh (1912-1985) who before television was available brought films to Glenmore, and other local areas, and often took films to individual homes for people who were ill. He was instrumental in the founding of the popular Glenmore Athletic Club, was an avid cyclist and operated a dancehall in Mullinavat. Thanks to Marion Coady Hendrick née Walsh we now have further information regarding her father and the social history of Glenmore of the twentieth century created by his endeavours. Information not part of Marion’s article, gleaned from public records, is included in square brackets [ ].
My Father, by Marion Coady Hendrick née Walsh
Family Background
William “Bill” Walsh was born 110 years ago this coming week on 2 March 1912. He was born in Cappagh, Glenmore and lived his entire life in Glenmore. He was the youngest child of Patrick Walsh (1857-1933) and his wife Margaret “Maggie” née McGuiness (1868-1952). Patrick and Maggie met when Maggie came from the North of Ireland to stay with relatives in Gaulstown. [The couple married on 12 September 1893 at St. John’s of Waterford. According to the marriage records Patrick Walsh, of Glenmore, was the son of John Walsh (deceased weaver) and Maggie McGuinness was residing on Hennessy’s Road, in Waterford, and was the daughter of James McGuinness (retired policeman).] Patrick and Maggie Walsh had nine children, including (1) Annie Walsh (b. 25 Oct. 1894); (2) Katie “Kit” Walsh (b. 12 Oct. 1896); (3) Jim Walsh (b. 30 Nov. 1898); (4) Mary “Molly” Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1901); (5) Ellen “Eily” Walsh (b. 4 Aug. 1902); (6) Sarah Walsh (b. 4 April 1904); (7) John “Jack” Walsh (b. 10 June 1906); (8) Margaret “Gretta” Walsh (b. 5 Oct. 1908); (9) William “Bill” Walsh (b. 2 March 1912).
Patrick Walsh died in 1933 at the age of 76. Patrick worked in the dairy in the Glenmore Creamery up until his death. Bill at 15 years of age took over his father’s job in the dairy. Sometime later there was an exam for the storekeeper’s position in the Creamery. Bill got the highest marks in the exam and got the job. He was a man of great intelligence, and this was borne out over his lifetime. He also had the greatest attribute of all which cannot be picked up in any university, he possessed common sense in abundance. [Bill worked full time in the Creamery until his retirement in the late 1970’s.] In addition to Bill being employed at the Glenmore Creamery, his sister Molly Walsh (1901-1988) was employed there as the dairy maid. While working at the Creamery she met Larry Fortune, of Shanbogh and the couple later married.
In 1946, Bill Walsh married Margaret “Peg” Roche (1917-2012) when Peg returned from England after working there throughout WWII. They had been engaged for 5 years. Peg was the daughter of Edward Roche and Mary Roche née Forristal, of the High Road, Rathinure, Glenmore. Mary was born and reared in Forristal’s Mill in Graiguenakill, Glenmore and was a sister of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal. Bill Walsh and his wife Peg had six children. The eldest three children were boys and the youngest three were girls. Their names are: (1) Pat Walsh; (2) Eamonn Walsh; (3) Jimmy Walsh; (4) Marion Walsh; (5) Ann Walsh; and (6) Monica Walsh. Sadly, Jimmy passed away at 3 years of age.
Athletic Life
In the St. Joseph’s Athletic Club, Third Annual Yearbook, 1984/85 a tribute was penned about Bill by Danny Dowling (1927-2021) under the heading “Well known athlete of former years passes away.” Danny described Bill as an “indefatigable worker for the advancement of athletics in the South East, particularly in the Glenmore/Rosbercon area, his lifelong association with the sport earned him the admiration and esteem of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His colleagues in the sport of cycle racing included such well- known personalities as Richie Cotterell of Ballycroney, Tommy and Dick Hamilton and Jack Doolan of Tinneranny, and the late Paddy O’Brien of New Ross and the Parish Pump.”
Bill was a keen racing cyclist for many years, particularly in the 1930’s and 40’s when he took part in almost every road and track event in the South East. His intense interest in the sport was mainly responsible for the foundation in 1943 of the Glenmore Athletic Club, and some of his colleagues in this venture included Larry and Pat Roche of Haggard, Peter Egan of Mullinarrigle, Stephen Walsh, Rochestown, Tommy Cotterell, Ballycroney and Tommy Fitzgerald of Moulerstown. The Glenmore Club remained active for many years and was responsible for keeping alive a vibrant interest in local athletics. Its success in that regard is mainly due to the dedication and enthusiasm of Bill Walsh. Local athletes, of both the present and future, owe him a debt of gratitude for his unselfish dedication and service which he unstintingly gave in the interest of youth and sport. He was the personality portrait in the Munster Express on more than one occasion, as Hon Secretary of the Glenmore Athletic Club, highlighting the annual sports day at Skow Bridge the only one of its kind to be held annually in South Kilkenny.
Cinema in Glenmore
Before television came into use in the early 60’s the weekly film was a huge event in the social life of Glenmore. JK Walsh’s was the venue right next to Danny Dowling’s house in the village. Every week the new film arrived. First, they came as 3 reels but later one large reel the size of a bicycle wheel. Bill had two projectors one large and one smaller. He built a high wall behind the screen to mount the screen on, but also to make the cinema easier to heat. The excitement before the film started was palpable. Some of the films included: Ben Hur, Quo Vadis, all the old cowboy films High Noon, Gunfight at the OK Corral. The boys in the village would run around firing cap guns for weeks after a cowboy film. The Song of Bernadette he showed “Pro Bono” to the Good Shepherd Nuns and girls. On different days of the week, he showed films in Mullinavat, Hugginstown, and Bigwood. When he had a free night, he showed his film of the week to whatever invalid or bedridden person in the parish who wished to see it. For a screen he used one of his wife’s starched white sheets.
In 1961, Bill installed new state of the art seating, it seemed the height of luxury to us after the benches. The winter of 1962/63 was savage, the coldest for more than 200 years. It began freezing on Christmas day 1962 and didn’t relent until March 1963. The roof of Bill’s cinema collapsed under the weight of the snow. For a while he continued to show films in the old school, but with the advent of television the popularity of local cinema died out it was the end of an era for Glenmore cinema.
Mullinavat Dance Hall
In 1957, Bill in partnership with Paulie Fitzgerald Moulerstown, bought Mullinavat Dance Hall, known locally as Harney’s Hall. They installed a new maple floor which cost £1,000 (which is €1,269.74) an enormous sum at the time when the average wage was £8. (or €10.16) per week. How we loved to slide around on that floor! There was a long tube which contained a kind of floor wax like Lux flakes that you shook on the floor, and it gleamed.
The dancehall became a popular venue during the 50’s and 60’s. It is where love stories began. A wonderful place full of music and song, youth and vitality, noise, and energy. Girls and boys from all over the country came to dance the night away, they waltzed and fox-trotted to the big bands, they huckle-bucked and jived, and twisted the night away. The excitement of the Sunday night dance.
A lot of girls and boys cycled miles to get to the dances as evidenced by the headscarves, raincoats and bicycle lamps hung in the cloakroom. Hundreds of bikes were parked in Walsh’s Garden on the corner near Mill Bridge. The girls dressed in beautiful dresses of every hue and the men wore suits.
The dance halls had to close down during Lent, the torment of that, never had 7 weeks seemed so long. During Lent we all had to lend a hand painting and refurbishing the hall for the grand opening after Lent. St. Patrick’s Day was the exception when the hall opened for concerts and anyone off drink for Lent could have a drink on that day only. Of course, there was no drinking in the dance hall, there was only a mineral bar, tea, and sandwiches. There was a license with the hall when it was first bought from Harneys, but Bill and Paulie having kept it for a while decided it was better to just have a mineral bar as most other dancehalls did at the time. The drinking was done beforehand in the local pubs. On Sunday nights the pubs all closed at 10 p.m. A big night which stood out in our minds as children was when Maggie Barry came to the Dancehall and all the mothers in the village went to see her. My mother made the tea on a Sunday night and welcomed the girls from around the area into the house, they were waiting for our father to give them a lift to the Dance after he had finished showing films in one of the halls around the country. We remembered as children the girls sitting us on their laps, they wore hoops in their dresses to make them stand out, and we would wiggle on their knees to get comfortable. All consigned to history now.
Mullinavat Fete
The Fete’s were also held at the Dance Hall, but in a huge marquee tent adjacent to it, to accommodate the crowds that came. The Junior and Senior hurling tournaments and the excitement of the hurling final. The Victors Showband and the Barrow Boys, Sean Dunphy and the Hoedowners. Buses came from all over, people got a lift, walked, and cycled, it was the highlight of the summer. There was a spinning wheel, where you bought a ticket and if your number came up you got to pick a prize. Pongo, a tea tent which served the best homemade cakes, buns and sandwiches, fish and chips and ice cream were served. Loud music and great excitement, people everywhere and of course the big bands and dancing in the Hall. Mullinavat was booming at that time.
Bill sadly passed away on 1st March 1985 the day before his 73rd birthday. It was sudden and shocking to us all, he was always so full of vitality. The day before he died, (he was in hospital for 2 days) when asked what he wanted for his birthday he said “I just want to go home, I’m only going to dig half the garden this year.” He stayed busy to the end.
On 19th January 1987 the Hall was sold to Monsignor Maher, Parish House, Mullinavat. There was a one off “Last Dance” held there on Sunday 1st June 2014 and the hall was demolished in July 2014. Today the area where the Hall stood now house the local school and community hall.
Special thanks to Marion for sharing her knowledge, memories and photos and writing the above interesting article.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Roaring Twenties: Glenmore’s Championship 1920 Senior Football Match Played in February 1922
According to the Kilkenny GAA Bible, Glenmore won the Kilkenny Senior Football Championships in 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1929 (Gerry O’Neil, Kilkenny GAA Bible 2018, p. 64). As we previously highlighted the football season commenced in one year and the championship was held usually in the spring of the next year. During the War of Independence, no Kilkenny County football championships were played or awarded for 1917 or 1918. Further no championship was held in 1921 and the 1920 Senior County Football Championship did not conclude until February 1922. For details concerning the first 1920 championship game between Glenmore and Cloneen (Castlecomer) see our previous blog of 9 August 2021.
The Kilkenny People, on Saturday the 18th of February 1922 (p. 2) covered the G.A.A. County Finals, held on Sunday the 12th of February 1922, but never provided what championship year was being played. However, the football teams and the scores line up with the information recorded in the Kilkenny GAA Bible for the 1920 Championship.
Although the article was to cover the County junior hurling and senior football championships it commences with a statement regarding other events that were occurring in Kilkenny City at that time. The author also employs a great deal of flowery language that is not generally found in more modern sports commentary, but does provide unsolicited advice that is found generally in more modern sports commentary.
“St. James’s Park, historic through the mobilization there of our Irish soldiers for the taking over of the City Military Barracks last week, was again a scene of giant national life on Sunday. The beautiful spring sunshine on that day—a harbinger of another season of freedom now that the foreign garrisons have left our midst, and the eager anxiety as to the destination of the coveted championships all tended to encourage the Gaels of our county to make the Marble City their rendezvous on Sunday last” Moondharrig (Mooncoin) was one of the teams to play in the first fixture, the junior hurling championship, and “brought in their train a huge crowd of admirers. “And what shall we say of the study supporters of the boys from the Big Glen all ready to cheer their doughty footballers to victory. The combined teams from the south—Moondharrig (Mooncoin) and Glenmore—with their big quota of supporters, supplied a goodly cargo to the Waterford special, and their jubilant mood on arrival in the Marble City showed that they fancied the south were confident of capturing the double honours of the day.” The author then went on to describe that the train from the north, “the Castlecomer special disgorged by far the greater portion of a thousand enthusiastic Gaels, all confident of a victory…”
“About 2 o’clock, as the hour approached for the opening contest, the Park presented an animated appearance—the pitch was in splendid condition, bare, firm, and showing just a faint tinge of reviving green, the hundreds of spectators already assembled eagerly discussed the prospects of the clubs concerned and the ideal weather conditions with the prospect of two thrilling encounters seemed to make everybody happy, not excepting the County Board officials, who, though exceedingly busy, were still being aptly rewarded by the large patronage afforded the fixture. Close on 2,000 people must have been present when the teams appeared for the first contest.”
The first fixture was the junior hurling championship. The newspaper account provides that the Tulla team beat Moondharrig (Mooncoin) 5 goals, 1 point (16) to 1 point. The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2018) p. 30 provides that in the 1920 championship Tulla beat Mooncoin by a score of 5 goals, 1 point (16) to 1 goal, 1 point (4) and the teams played a total of four times before Mooncoin was declared the 1920 County Kilkenny Junior Hurling Champions.
The Senior Football Final
“The chief interest of the day was centred in the replay of the senior football championship final between Glenmore and Cloneen (Castlecomer). A regrettable delay of almost three-quarters of an hour was caused through disagreement as to the referee for the game—this hitch was the more unseemly as it was the only blot on a splendid day’s sport, all other arrangements for which left nothing to be desired. Eventually the game was started with Mr. P. Dunphy (Dublin) in charge and the game was as expected, a robust one.” Unfortunately, the newspaper article does not indicate which team objected to the referee. As highlighted in our previous post Glenmore was fined £1 for not being punctual in an earlier championship game in 1921 with Cloneen where the team objected to a referee and thereby delayed the start of the first championship match.
In the 12 February 1922 match “[t]he ball was only set in motion when the game was held up through a foul, and Glenmore getting free were early invading. They pressed very strongly, but from a spectator’s point of view the game was most disappointing, as it was nothing but a succession of fouls—no less than ten frees being awarded in the first eight minutes of the game. The players on settling down were more amendable to discipline and a very fast, vigorous contest resulted. Glenmore were the stronger, heavier team, and being better fielders they did nearly all the pressing in the first half. Their large following were loud in their applause when, after about twelve minutes’ play they scored a major, to which they added two points before the interval, which case with the scores: Glenmore 1 goal, 2 points; Cloneen 1 point.”
In the second half, “the teams were quickly into stride and though not so numerous as in the opening stages fouls were still frequent. Doherty, Heffernan, Hanrahan, Cody and Connolly were the outstanding players on the Glenmore side, and though the back division of Cloneen was sound, they were unable to cope with the strain which two weak front lines allowed to press on the and the Glenmore team notched several useful points. Cloneen made some spirted rushes, but the finishing was weak, and though they scored two points in this half they lost several openings, while Glenmore grasped every opportunity, and with brilliant goal in the closing stages they ran out winners on the score: Glenmore 2 goals, 6 points (12); Cloneen 3 points (3).”
Not content with reporting on what other newspapers dubbed the “splendidly contested match” the author provided advice to the Kilkenny G.A.A. County Board. “Concerning the game we must say that though the pace was fairly fast and the fielding of Glenmore exceptionally good, there was absent altogether that technique and finish which is characteristic of present day football, notably among the leading clubs of Leinster’s premier football counties—Dublin and Kildare. They display of the teams on Sunday was rather an aggregate of disjointed good individual work than a harmonious combination and blending into a unified whole, hence we had no brilliant passages that delight and thrill in the big games of the inter-county contests. No doubt this is due to lack of training, but we point out this as we feel it a pity that such splendid material is not properly trained, as then Kilkenny might look again to making fame on the football field. Cloneen seemed to have lost their old dash, and one got the impression that they never got properly going, at least their display fell short altogether of the standard reached by them in the previous contests. A judicious selection from both teams, strengthened by some leading players, from other clubs in the county, should do credit to Kilkenny in the approaching Leinster championship contests.”
“Concerning the fixture we must admit—that never was better order kept in the Park and while congratulating the County Board and its officials on the arrangements so splendidly carried out, we trust that this high standard of order, regularity and punctuality will be maintained. That no team can have any ground of dissatisfaction as there was “A fair field and no favour” for all, and we agree with the wisdom of the Co. board in ordering all finals to be played in the Park. That the Co. Board has no excuse to plead poverty for many days to come, but after all the airgead síos (money down) is necessary to provide the sinews of war.”
For an account of earlier teams see, The Tenacious Glenmore 1915 Football Team: Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions and The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 Co. Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.
The featured photo above was taken in 1925 and part of the Poole Collection (POOL_WP_2720a, POOL_K_4144 & POOL_WP_3651) and the photo is Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: February 1922
In February 1922 all the national and local newspapers were full of coverage of pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty stances being taken across the country by various politicians and groups. Today, we are going to focus on more local events or events that directly impacted on Glenmore residents just after the signing of the Treaty and before the Civil War commenced.
British Troops Withdrawn
The process of withdrawing British troops from the military barracks began in early February. On the 8th the Kilkenny military barracks were formally handed over to representatives of the Irish Provisional Government (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5.) The Ferrybank barracks were evacuated by the R.I.C. nine months previously and on 10 February the Ferrybank Company of the Waterford City I.R.A. Battalion flew the Tri-colour from the building. Other local barracks taken over by the I.R.A recorded in the Munster Express included Dunmore, Portlaw and Tramore (Sat. 18 Feb. 1922, p. 5). In some areas, the local economy suffered with the withdrawal of the British troops. For example, in one week 400 men were thrown out of employment in the Curragh area (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
The Glenmore Barracks could not be taken over because it was burned in April 1920 by the Glenmore Company of the I.R.A. as were several other local rural R.I.C. barracks during the War of Independence. The Glenmore Barracks was rebuilt in 1925. For more information concerning the burning of the barracks see our post of 11 April 1920. For more information concerning the re-building of the barracks see our post of 26 September 2021.
Crime
Although crime had been a feature during the War of Independence it continued and appeared to flourish as the Free State began planning for taking over the running of the country. The I.R.A. on the 30th of January 1922 proclaimed martial law in five parishes in the Dundrum area of South Tipperary “in consequence of a number of hold ups, robberies, and in one case murder, by armed desperadoes” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Feb. 1922, p. 5). A similar martial law proclamation was issued in County Kilkenny on the 9th of February “…owing to grave disorders and serious injury to property, resulting in throwing a large number of men out of employment…regulations will be rigorously enforced…in the Parish of Glogh, Parish of Doonane and that portion of Castlecomer Parish lying to the north of the town of Castlecomer…signed George O’Dwyer, commandant, Kilkenny Brigade I.R.A.” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
The Co. Kilkenny proclamation appears to have been made following an attack on coal mines near Castlecomer. On 9 February 1922 a large body of men, estimated to be 80 or more, went to the Rock Bog and Vera Pits and caused £15,000 of damage to the mines and mining equipment. The Vera Pit immediately closed throwing 250 men out of employment. It was estimated that it would take five months to get the other mine back to its normal production (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
However, in the policing vacuum it wasn’t just groups of men attacking various business, that caused unemployment. Sometimes it was direct action against businesses by the I.R.A., or members of the I.R.A., that caused businesses to threaten to close. The Munster Express published an article that the Going and Smith Mills of Cahir were to close their large mills after the 25th of February. Prior to the end of hostilities several motor cars, each worth £800, belonging to the owners of the mills were seized in lieu of levies by the I.R.A. Decrees of compensation were obtained by the owners against the British authorities. Subsequently another I.R.A. levy of £100 was made on the mills, but the owners, because of the previous seizures declined to pay. In response a load of materials sent out from the mills was seized in Cahir, but the representatives of the labourers of the Mill caused the materials to be returned to the Mill. On the 17th of February materials were again seized along with a motor lorry. The owners then gave notice of their intent to close the mills. Commandant Robinson sent a notice to the firm that there would be no more commandeering and the owners agreed to continue operating the mills (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
Closer to Glenmore, lawlessness in New Ross became such an issue that the I.R.A. directed that the electric and gas lamps in New Ross were to remain on all night (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Feb. 1922, p. 7). In Waterford City, toward the end of February, a man named Conway, described as being of the “tramp class,” smashed a large plate glass window valued at £70 of the Phelan Brothers, drapery shop on George’s street. It was stated that there was no known reason for the damage. Conway was immediately apprehended by the staff and held until the I.R.A. arrived and placed him under arrest. He was brought before the local Sinn Fein magistrates and remanded in custody to the Ballybricken jail (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 24 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
During this period two “catch and release kidnappings” were reported. On the 31st of January two men, who were not disguised, entered the offices of Colfer and Sons, Solicitors, New Ross, and asked for Mr. Colfer. When he came out of his office, he was placed in a motor car and driven across the bridge and up through Co. Kilkenny. After crossing the bridge Mr. Colfer was blindfolded and he heard shots being fired. When the car stopped he was placed in an outhouse and kept there until about 1 o’clock the following morning He was given some tea, blindfolded, put back into the motor car and driven to the Mile Bush and released. He walked from the Mile Bush to Rosbercon and was at his office at ten that morning (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Feb. 1922, p. 4). The newspaper gave no indication why Solicitor Colfer was kidnapped.
In February the courts continued to operate alongside the newly formed I.R.A. courts. In February, three railways officials from Aylwardstown, Glenmore, on their way to the Rosbercon petty sessions court were kidnapped by three or four men and held until the petty session court was over. One of the men kidnapped was Michael Fleming, a signalman, who was the complainant against Glenmore native Thomas Morrissey for assault. It was alleged that on the 23rd of January Thomas Morrissey assaulted Michael Fleming at Aylwardstown. Another signalman and the stationmaster were summoned as witnesses and were also kidnapped. When the case was called before Col. R. Tyndall, it was noted that Denis Daly had left the summons with the wife of the defendant Thomas Morrissey. The defendant did not turn up either. The railway sent Solicitor James J. O’Connor to the proceedings who reported to the court that he was instructed by the railway company to appear on behalf of the prosecution. When queried why the complainant was not prosecuting Solicitor O’Connor stated that he was and asked for the case to be adjourned. Col. Tyndall adjourned the case for a fortnight (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
The New Ross Standard published the following editorial calling on citizens to help put down crime and restore social order.
“A National Duty—In every community the criminal is ever on the alert watching his opportunity to perpetrate crime. Pending the setting up of a regular police force in this country during the transition stage there are offences committed against persons and property, mainly against the latter, and all of a more or less serious character. Robberies and minor thefts are terribly prevalent. Under our own Government, therefore, which is functioning under very great difficulties, it is the obvious duty of our people—irrespective of political views—to help to put down crime. That is the first essential of good Government, and no good citizen will hesitate to co-operate with the existing authority to restore social order. These are not the days of foreign rule when assistance in this direction would be regarded as the action of a loyalist. Our temporary police force are displaying much activity, and it is a national duty to assist them in protecting our people from opportunist criminals who are becoming so numerous” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
Football, Fishing and a Runaway Deer in Glenmore
In February 2022 Glenmore played Cloneen for the senior Co. Kilkenny football final and won by a large margin. It was described by the New Ross Standard (20 Feb. 1922, p. 7) as a “splendidly contested match” which we will feature in a forthcoming blog post. For information on the 1920-1921 Glenmore football seasons see our previous post of 9 August 2021.
Although it was reported that the salmon fishing season had started off well by mid-February it was reported that it “…had become rather poor primarily because the weather was against fishing” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
Lastly, events described in a small article in the New Ross Standard may have rivalled the football title as a conversation topic when Glenmore people met each other. It was reported that a “runaway deer” caused excitement as it “careened through parts of the South Kilkenny districts.” Unfortunately, the article does not indicate where the deer escaped, but it did note “that near Glenmore it jumped a gate eight feet high, dashed through the village and headed towards Coolnashaw.” A dog then began to chase it and “it jumped clean over a donkey and cart with a woman in it. The cart was drawn across the road whilst the woman was speaking to a neighbour. The dog soon lost sight of the antlered monarch” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
The advertisement for Barry and Butler dressmaking Carrigcloney, Glenmore appeared in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 8). More Glenmore related advertisements may be found in our post dated 19 December 2020.
The drawing of the deer is courtesy of the New York City Public Library digital collection. (The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1849). Common deer Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-4213-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.)
If anyone has any further information or corrections please send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Edward Walsh (1862-1946)Proprietor & Editor of The Munster Express
In August 2020 while we were researching the Champion 1906 Glenmore Football Team a sports journalist that wrote, under the nom de plume Ned of the Hill, for the Munster Express wrote several articles objecting to the unfair treatment of the Glenmore Football team (click here for the football article). In August 2020 Danny Dowling (1927-2021) stated that he thought that Ned of the Hill may have been Edward Walsh (1862 -1946) the proprietor and editor of The Munster Express in 1907. Glenmore and other areas of South Kilkenny featured heavily in The Munster Express in the early years of the twentieth century under Edward Walsh. A column entitled “Glenmore Notes” appeared regularly in the first decade of the century to be eventually replaced by “Echoes from South Kilkenny.” Ned of the Hill, disappeared and returned, in 1922, when Ned of the Hill authored a column entitled “Summer Rambles in the Walsh Mountains” which are located in South Kilkenny. Today, we are going to feature Edward Walsh (1862-1946), his newspaper, and Ned of the Hill
Ned of the Hill
In August 2020 we contacted John O’Connor of The Munster Express who stated that The Munster Express was originally launched as a farmers’ paper and was particularly popular in South Kilkenny. Its founding editor, Joseph Fisher, was very active in the Land League and was a leading member of the Farmers’ Club. Joseph Fisher died in 1882 and his sons took over the business. In 1889, Joseph’s son William, as editor of The Munster Express was jailed for the newspaper’s support for the Land League and its opposition to rack rents. Edward Walsh (1862-1946) purchased the newspaper from the Fisher family.
John O’Connor identified two individuals who may have been Ned of the Hill at various times during the early twentieth century. The first ‘Ned’ identified by John O’Connor was a schoolteacher or school principal, named Edward Walsh, from the Carrickshock and Hugginstown area. John did not know if the schoolteacher, Edward Walsh, was related to the proprietor, Edward Walsh.
The second ‘Ned’ identified by John O’Connor was a Mr. E.V. Drea, a town councilor in Waterford. E.V. Drea’s daughter in the early 1950’s was the subject of a news item in The Munster Express and within there was reference to her deceased father having been ‘Ned.’ (Email from John O’Connor dated 31 Aug. 2020).
For a tradition of Ned of the Hill see Duchas, Éamonn an Chnoic.
For the Pogue’s rendition of see their You Tube, Young Ned of the Hill.
Glenmore Connection
Danny Dowling recalled that Edward Walsh (1862-1946), although born in Waterford City was related to one or more Glenmore families, but Danny could not recall the details. This past week while going through some of Danny’s voluminous files a copy of an obituary provided one link between Glenmore and Edward Walsh (1862-1946). The Munster Express on 8 February 1908 published an obituary for Mrs. Mary Aylward (c. 1838-1908) of Rochestown, Glenmore. It was reported that in addition to being the wife of James Aylward (c. 1831-1916) “she was the mother to Mr. John Aylward, Arundal Square and to Mr. Bartholmew Aylward, Peter Street, and Michael Street, Waterford, and cousin to Mr. E. Walsh, T.C., Editor and proprietor Munster Express.” Other cousins of the deceased lady listed in her obituary include: John Holden, Edward Cody, John Cody, Thomas Neville, Michael Neville, Thomas O’Meara, Joseph Croke and William O’Neill. “Amongst those who attended the funeral from Waterford included…E.V. Drea…”
It is not known if Edward Walsh (1862-1946) and Mrs. Mary Aylward (1838-1908) were first or more distant cousins, but it appears from the obituary that the proprietor and editor was making a point including their relationship and other cousins that they presumably shared. Mary Aylward married James Aylward on 12 Feb. 1857 at Rosbercon. The only information that is listed is his address is listed as Ballynock. It is assumed that Mary Aylward née Aylward was from Rosbercon or Glenmore parish very near its border with Rosbercon parish. James Aylward and his wife, Mary Aylward née Aylward had at least twelve known children:
[1] Patrick Aylward (bapt. 24 Jan. 1858); [2] Ellen Aylward (b. 22 June 1859) ; [3] Tobias Aylward (b. 30 Nov. 1860); [4] Catherine Aylward (b. 7 May 1862); [5] John Aylward (b. 10 Feb. 1863); [6] Thomas Aylward (b. 25 May 1865); [7] Bridget Aylward (b. 16 Jan. 1867); [8] James Aylward, (b. 25 Oct. 1868); [9] John Aylward (b. 16 Feb. 1870); [10] James Aylward (bapt. 4 Aug 1872; [11] Michael Aylward (14 April 1874); and [12] Bartholomew Aylward (b. 19 April 1876). Four of the Aylward children had Holden godparents including: Bartholomew Holden, Mary Holden, Catherine Holden and John Holden.
Edward Walsh’s (1862-1946) obituary in The Munster Express (Fri. 12 July 1946, p. 4) provides that he was “…born in Waterford on the 23rd November 1862, he had reached the ripe age of over 83 years. He was quite active up to a few months ago and enjoyed perfect health throughout his long and eventful public and business life. The youngest of a large family, in the natural sequence of events, he survived them all. Sprung from good old County Kilkenny business, professional and farming stock on both paternal and maternal sides, he was connected with many of the oldest families in the South of Ireland, extending right down to the confluence of the Suir, Nore and Barrow to within a couple miles of, and in view of, his native City of Waterford.”
Parents & Siblings
Edward Walsh (1862-1946) was the son of Patrick Walsh and Catherine Doherty. His parents were married on 6 March 1848 at Trinity Within, Cathedral, Waterford. Unfortunately, the parish records do not provide any information as to the location of their births, the names of their fathers, or their ages. However, the records do reveal that the couple had at least seven children all baptized at Trinity Within, Cathedral, Waterford including: [1] John Walsh (bapt. 28 May 1850); [2] Joseph Walsh (bapt. 22 Aug. 1851); [3] Joseph Walsh (bapt. 27 Feb. 1853); [4] Ann Walsh (bapt 6 Nov. 1854); [5] Joanna Walsh (bapt. 3 March 1856); [6] Brigid Walsh (bapt. 7 Feb. 1858) and [7] Edward Walsh (bapt. 23 Nov. 1862). In 1854, Ann’s godfather was Joseph Doherty which may aid in discovering the location of Catherine Walsh née Doherty’s birth.
Edward Walsh (1862-1946)
Although his obituary takes up nearly a page of The Munster Express ( Fri. 12 July 1946, p. 4) very little is revealed concerning his early life in Waterford City. From the 1901 Census it is known that he was married to Margaret (c. 1865-1935) (née Power). The couple were living at 15 Peter Street, Waterford in a class 2 house comprised of 9 rooms with 5 windows across the front and one outbuilding. Edward’s profession is listed as Master Cork Manufacturer. It is assumed that he plied his trade from the outbuilding. Edward could read and write Irish. The census records that six children are in the household from 9 to 2 months of age. Also present in the home is his brother-in-law William Power, aged 45, who is married and employed as the clerk of the R.C. Cathedral. All the family except Margaret and her brother William Power were born in Waterford City. Margaret and William Power were born in Co. Waterford. By 1911 the family had moved to 6 Hanover Street, Waterford. Edward is 48 year of age and the proprietor of a newspaper. He and Margaret had been married for 21 years and had 10 children but only 8 were living in 1911. William Power, aged 59 is still with the family and still employed at the Cathedral. Two sons were employed at the newspaper, Patrick (aged 19) as a journalist and Edward (aged 16) as a printer. The house was a 12 room first class house occupied by 10 people.
In addition to losing two children under the age of 2, Edward and Margaret lost two adult sons within a period of three months. William “Willie” Walsh, aged 21, died on 26 October 1921 at 37 The Quay, Waterford of TB. He was under medical care for 18 months and his profession was listed as printer (Waterford Death Register). Three months later on 27 January 1922, John Walsh, aged 22, died of meningitis after a severe attack of influenza. At the time of his death John was employed at the National Bank of Cahir and previously had been in their Wexford Branch (New Ross Standard, 3 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
In addition to running and editing The Munster Express, Edward Walsh was also involved in Waterford politics, was a staunch Nationalist and supported a number of charities. He twice served as Mayor of Waterford and also served as the High Sheriff. It was reported that 30 years prior to his death (c. 1916) he was offered a knighthood, but he declined it because there was not an All Ireland Parliament functioning in Dublin. He was a life master of the Holy Ghost Hospital, Waterford; President of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society, Waterford and President of the Cathedral Confraternity; Director of the Tourist Association; and served on the Waterford Corporation for 40 years. He also served as a member of the governing bodies of Dublin and Cork University Colleges. In recognition for his services in the cause of Irish Nationalism he was presented with a plaque of Daniel O’Connell by Isaac Butt (Irish Press, Wed. 10 July 1946, p. 4). Resolutions of Sympathy were extended after his death to his family by Glenmore Comhaire Ceanntair, Fianna Fáil (Irish Press, Thurs. 1 Aug. 1946, p. 9.)
We hope that one or more readers may be able to shed some more light on the connections between Edward Walsh and his Glenmore and South Kilkenny connections.
Special thanks to John O’Connor and Liam Murphy for information they provided.
Please send any correction or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Tragic Death of Francis “Frank” Heffernan (c. 1917-1956)
When we were planning the blog in 2019 Danny Dowling expressed his amazement at how fast information now travels. He explained that when he was a boy, before telephones were in most Glenmore homes, most news was spread initially at meeting places such as Mass, the shops, the pub or Creamery and then would spread across the parish from neighbour to neighbour. Danny related that in 1955 or 1956 he was being driven by his uncle to Waterford to catch the bus to the UK when they passed a car on its side on the main road. Danny was heading off for a week’s holiday and he did not recognise the car. Danny said that he never knew that Frank Heffernan had been injured and died from his injuries until he returned from his holiday in England. No mobile phones or internet in those days.
Recently, articles were located concerning Frank Heffernan’s tragic death in August 1956. Frank Heffernan was just 39 years of age when he was injured in a one car crash and died from his injuries. He was home on holidays from London with his wife, Peggy (née O’Sullivan) and infant daughter Terry. He borrowed a new Ford Anglia that his brother, Rev. Dermot Heffernan (c. 1915-1973) had rented. Dermot was also home on holidays from Mayfield, Australia (Munster Express, Friday 24 Aug. 1956 p. 13).
Frank’s Parents & Siblings
Frank and Dermot were the sons of Michael Heffernan (1878-1951) and Teresa Heffernan née McGrath (c. 1882–1960). Michael and Teresa married at Glenmore on 13 June 1911. In 1911 Michael Heffernan was managing the Heffernan shop in Cappagh, Glenmore and Teresa was a National Teacher in the Glenmore (Robinstown) National School. Teresa was living in Graiguenakill at the time of their marriage. Michael’s father was Michael Heffernan, a retired R.I.C. Sergeant and Teresa’s father was recorded as Jermiah McGrath, Russellstown, Clonmel (school teacher). Michael and Teresa had at least seven children: [1] Rev. Dermot Heffernan (c. 1915-1973); [2] Francis “Frank” Heffernan (c.1917-1956); [3] Patrick J. Heffernan; [4] Eileen “Eilly” Heffernan (c. 1923-2003); [5] Seamus Heffernan; [6] Elizabeth “Bessie” Heffernan (Sr. Bernadette) (1914-1999); and [7] Resa Walsh née Heffernan (c. 1926-2012).
It was reported in the Munster Express that the car crash took place on Saturday the 17th of August at about 5:30 p.m. on the main road between New Ross and Waterford at Davidstown townland. Richard O’Farrell, of Dublin and Patrick Doyle, a van driver, from Waterford, arrived on the scene shortly after the crash and rendered assistance. They conveyed the injured Frank to St. Patrick’s Hospital in Waterford. Frank was found to be suffering from paralysis, a fracture of the cervical spine and fracture of three ribs. He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening the 18th. Interestingly the death register records his death as occurring on the 19th and his injuries were recorded as being sustained on the 18th. The family headstone in Glenmore records Frank’s death as occurring on the 18th.
According to the inquest into Frank’s death in 1956, his brother, Patrick J. Heffernan, National Bank, Portumna, Co. Galway, testified that when he saw his brother in hospital Frank told him he had no recollection of what had happened. He felt unwell at the “Scow” Bridge, about a mile from where the accident occurred. Richard O’Farrell, of Co. Dublin, testified that while “motoring” from Glenmore to Waterford he was driving about 30 miles per hour and was overtaken and passed by a car which disappeared from his view when it went around a sharp bend. When he rounded the bend he saw a car lying on its side on the centre of the road. Frank was lying in the back of the car and appeared to be unconscious. It was raining and the road was wet. No other car was involved. No one witnessed the crash. Garda T. Devane, of Glenmore, testified that when he arrived at the crash he saw the track of a motor car on a clay bank on the side of the road. The track was 36 feet long and the hedge was broken and part of it torn away (Kilkenny People, Sat. 25 Aug. 1956).
A description of the funeral includes: “When, on Monday evening, the remains of the late Mr. Heffernan were removed to Glenmore Parish Church, they were accompanied by one of the largest cortege of sympathisers to enter the village for many years. Their presence in such imposing and representative numbers was indicative of the widespread sorrow evoked by the passing, in the prime of life, of such an esteemed personality and the sympathy felt for the bereaved relatives in their sad loss” (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Aug. 1956, p. 13.)
Frank attended Glenmore National School and was a student for three years in St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny City. Subsequently, Frank worked at Hearne & Co., the Quay, Waterford, and, later joined the staff of Hickey and Co., New Ross. Later he took a job at Clover Meats, Ltd., Christendom, Waterford. For the 14 years prior to his death, Frank was employed as an overseer for Harris and Levos, a large furniture manufacturing company in London. (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Aug. 1956, p. 13.) His address was recorded on the death register as Ickworth Park Place, Walthamstow, London, E 17.
The Heffernan Shop, Cappagh, Glenmore
The Heffernan Shop in Cappagh, Glenmore was started by Frank’s grandfather, Michael Heffernan (c. 1839-1914). Michael Heffernan (c. 1839-1914) was born in Tipperary the son of Richard Heffernan (farmer). He joined the Royal Irish Constabulary and while stationed at Phillipstown, Offaly met and married Eliza Walshe on 17 October 1865. She was the daughter of Mathew Walshe (carpenter). Michael was stationed subsequently in Mullinavat, Kilmacow and finally Glenmore around 1883. After Michael retired from the R.I.C. he started the Heffernan shop in Cappagh. In the 1911 census his son Michael (1878-1951) was managing the shop and his daughter Lizzie Heffernan (1884-1955) was the shop assistant. Lizzie married James J.K. Walsh of Ballybrahe, Glenmore and the couple had a shop in the old Gaffney premises and their business was known locally as Lizzy J.K. For further information on Lizzy J.K. click here. Frank’s sister, Eilly Heffernan (c. 1923-2003), was the last family member to operate the Cappagh shop until her death. For awhile it remained a shop and later for a short time it was a chipper.
Please send any corrections, additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
It is believed that the feature photo above is a Ford Anglia.
Photos of the Hoynes of Ballybrahee, Glenmore [Updated]
It is quite interesting to dust off the old photo albums or rummage in an old chest to take out photos safely tucked away long ago. Today, we are going to feature some old photos that Michael Hoynes shared. These photos give an insight into the fashions, hairstyles etc. from around the turn of the 20th century.
The photo above is Kate Ryan née Hoynes (1878-1922) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore who married Peter Ryan of Gaulestown, Kilmacow on 22 February 1906. It is likely that this was their wedding photograph. Peter was the son of Laurence Ryan (farmer) and Kate was the daughter of John Hoynes (farmer). Below is a photo of Kate’s parents and two of her siblings.
The photo above is of Mr. and Mrs. John Hoynes of Ballybrahee and two of their children. The mother Margaret Hoynes née Aylward (bapt. 21 Oct. 1841-5 May 1896) was a native of Ballinclar. Her husband John Hoynes (bapt. 29 Oct. 1842-26 Dec. 1917) was a farmer in Ballybrahee. The two children in the photo are Annie Hoynes (10 April 1887-1 Dec. 1937) and James Hoynes (26 June 1884-Dec. 1919). James Hoynes is holding a hunting whip in his hands. Annie and her mother are holding small flower bouquets.
The photograph to the left is James Hoynes (1884-1919) as an adult. He married a woman named Freany and the couple lived at Charlestown which is where he was living at the time of his death at the age of 34. Although an obituary was located in the Waterford News and Star (Fri. 12 Dec. 1919, p. 5) no death record could be located to determine whether he was a victim of the “Spanish flu” pandemic. The obituary noted that James was for many years prominantly identified with the Bishophall racing fixture.
Update–Thanks to Patty Brown who found the following records regarding James Hoynes. The James Hoynes born in July 1877 died when he was just six days of age on the 31st of July 1877. On 26 June 1884 John and Margaret Hoynes née Aylward had another son that they named James. He was baptized at Glenmore on 28 June 1884. Patty also located the marriage record between James Hynes (sic) (1884-1919) and Mary Freney of Charlestown, Kilmacow. The couple were married on 8 February 1912 at Kilmacow Churcih and the witnesses to their wedding were Maurice Hoynes and Margret Freney. Lastly, Patty found the death record for James in 1919. The death record notes that he was 34 years of age, a farmer, and died of “probably” pneumonia. Johanna Freney was pesent at his death at Charlestown.
The photo above is Annie Hoynes (1887-1937) as an adult. Annie married John Murphy (c. 1873-1955), a shop keeper of Bridge St., New Ross on 29 April 1913. A death record was found for Annie Murphy née Hoynes that revealed that she died on 1 December 1937 of breast cancer. Her step-son James Murphy was present at her death indicating that John Murphy was a widower when they married.
John Murphy survived Annie by 18 years. He died at the age of 82 and his death record records that he was a retired poultry and salmon dealer. The obituaries of both Annie and John have been placed on the M surname page which can be accessed via the home page by clicking on the family page at the top.
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A photo of Fr. Maurice Hoynes (1865-1930) taken when he was in Australia has been added to our previous article “Rev. Maurice Hoynes (1865-1930): His Time Down Under” and further information on this Glenmore family click here .
Please send any corrections or additonal information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
If you have any old photographs of Glenmore or its people that you would like to share please feel free to email them or share them on our facebook page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy who helpfully corrected and supplied various dates. Updated 22 Jan. 2022.