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From Mullinahone, Glenmore to the Somme & Back: Patrick Condon (1898-1989) [UPDATED]
In a previous blog we highlighted some of “the firsts” Danny Dowling recorded regarding Glenmore inhabitants. For example, John Condon was the first person in Glenmore to own a bicycle and it was a penny farthing. Recently, Frank Condon made contact and shared information concerning his father Patrick Condon and his grandfather John Condon. Today, we are going to highlight the Condon family of Mullinahone, Glenmore and particularly Patrick Condon (1898-1989) who served in the Somme during the First World War. This family is an interesting example of how a family name appeared and disappeared from Glenmore in just one generation.
John Condon (1859-1934)
According to the information provided by Frank, John Condon (1859-1934) left his home in Mitchelstown, County Cork, to pursue “the rambling trade as a journeyman tailor.” This is how he found himself in the little village of Glenmore. “Just a bit down the lane from the village was the home of the master tailor Mr. Malone. Malone’s business was thriving and so he was glad to employ another experienced tailor. Here John Condon settled down in that Malone home doing business in that cottage in Mullinahone. The young Miss Margaret Malone…was pleased with her father’s new tailor. In the passage of time Margaret Malone and John Condon fell in love and married. In time their family consisted of six girls and three boys.”
A review of the Glenmore parish records revealed that John Condon married Margaret Malone on 10 February 1881. The father of the bride was Philip Malone (tailor) and the father of the groom was David Condon (deceased tailor). The bride, Margaret Malone, was baptized at Glenmore on 13 April 1857, the daughter of Philip Malone and his wife Bridget Malone née Grace, of Mullinahone. Philip Malone and Bridget Grace were married on 25 April 1844 at Slieverue, both parties resided in Mullinahone. Four siblings of Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1913) were found in the records [1] Mary Malone (bapt. 14 Mar. 1845); [2] Patrick Malone (bapt. 2 Mar. 1847); [3] William Malone (bapt. 7 May 1850); and [4] Johanna Malone (b. 6 Mar. 1860). Based upon the information provided on the headstone in Glenmore cemetery John Condon was born about 1859, and a baptismal record was found for John Condon (bapt. 1 Jan. 1859) the son of David Condon and Mary O’Brien, of Furrow, Mitchelstown, County Cork.
Ten birth records for the children of John Condon (1859-1934) and Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1912) were located: [1] Mary Condon (b. 19 Mar. 1882); [2] David Condon (b. 6 Nov. 1883); [3] William Condon (b. 5 Nov. 1885); [4] Bridget Condon (b. 1 Aug. 1887); [5] Ellen Condon (b. 3 Oct. 1889); [6] Edmund Condon (b. 17 Oct. 1891); [7] Johanna Condon (b. 14 March 1894); [8] Margaret Condon (b. 18 May 1896); [9] Patrick Condon (b. 13th May 1898); [10] Catherine Condon (b. 4 June 1900). It is believed that the eldest two children of the family died prior to 1901. Mary and David could not be located in the 1901 Census and in the 1911 Census it was reported that 10 children were born to the marriage, but only 8 were alive in 1911. In 1901 two elderly lodgers: Patrick Byrne (65) a farm labourer and Mary Washington (70) a domestic servant were residing with the family. By 1911 only the three youngest children were living at home: Margaret (15); Patrick (13); and Katie (11). The death registry provides that Margaret Condon née Malone died on the 16th of December 1912 of TB.
Private Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
Patrick Condon was the youngest son of the family and worked at the Glenmore creamery in his youth. Frank reported that a local constable by the name of Halpin encouraged his father to “take the English shilling. Four months later my father found himself in a muddy, water filled trench in Flanders.” According to Frank his father was involved in communication. “He was a top class signaller in ‘Aldis Lantern,’ wireless and semaphore signalling which was accomplished with flags. However, by 1916 semaphore signalling fell out of use on battlefields. For an interesting article on W.W. 1 communications see, “Innovating in Combat: Telecommunications and Intellectual Property in the First World War.”
According to the British National Army Museum records, Patrick Condon enlisted at New Ross on 21 March 1916 with the Royal Munster Fusiliers. His place of birth is listed as Glenmore, New Ross, Kilkenny and he listed his father, John Condon, Mullinahone, Glenmore, Kilkenny as his next of kin. His army service number was 7211530. The World War I Medal Rolls Index Cards states that Patrick Condon entered the “theatre of War” 19 December 1915.
When Patrick was discharged his address was still Glenmore and his character on discharge was recorded as “exemplary.” In his 1989 obituary it is noted that his only legacy from his active service in the Battle of the Somme where half a million British soldiers died, and from the battle of Ypres was a foot swelling problem known as “French feet” (trench foot). (New Ross Standard, 21 Dec. 1989, p. 6). While searching contemporary newspapers an article was located entitled “The Munsters in the Retreat from St. Quentin, 27 March 1918.” It is not known if Patrick was involved in this event, but in this harrowing account the Munster Fusiliers were trapped 9 miles behind enemy lines and fought their way toward the safety of the British trenches. In order to reach the British lines they had to cross the Somme on a bridge, between Chipilly and Céristy, held by the Germans. Under the cover of darkness they observed the bridge and overheard the password used by the German sentries. The Munsters boldly marched in formation up to the bridge where a German sentry halted them and demanded the password. The Munster adjunct who could speak a little German called out the password. The Munsters then stormed the bridge and crossed before the surprised Germans could regroup (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
According to Frank, at the conclusion of the war Patrick’s regiment was transferred to Palestine. While in Palestine Patrick was able to complete his secondary education. In 1922 with the establishment of the Free State the Irish Royal Regiments such as the Dublin and Munster Fusiliers were disbanded. Patrick returned to Ireland and joined the Free State Irish Army. According to the British National Army Museum, it is estimated that half of the Irish National Army, formed in 1923, were former members of the Munsters.
Frank revealed that his father was much perturbed when he discovered that he had to buy his own boots. He resigned his enlistment with the Irish Free State army after an incident when a sentry nearly shot him when he went to relieve the sentry. Frank noted that at this time the electrification of Ireland was underway. His father secured a job building the massive pylons for the cables. Ironically Patrick found that he was employed by a German company that got the contract to erect the pylons.
Civilian Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
On 31 October 1927 Patrick Condon, (labourer) of Glenmore married Johanna Henneberry, of Michael Street, New Ross. Patrick Henneberry was the father of the bride and Elizabeth Henneberry was one of the witnesses.
In 1985 the following article was published in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Nov. 1985, p. 9) regarding Patrick Condon and his bride–
“58 years married—One of New Ross’s oldest couples, Patrick and Annie Condon, Bullawn, will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on Thursday (today). Married in the Parish Church, New Ross, on 31st of October 1927, Thursday will also mark a further anniversary for Annie Condon (nee Henneberry), for she will be 88 years old. A retired milk roundsman who worked with Sutton’s Dairy Company, Patrick Condon is a native of Glenmore, while his wife is from Michael St., New Ross. Both are the last surviving members of their families.”
Patrick Condon died on 16 December 1989 at the age of 92. He was survived by his wife and the following children: John Condon, of New Ross; Frank Condon of Sheffield; Bill Condon of Swindon; Noel Condon of London and Anne Foley née Condon of Knockmullen, New Ross. Patrick was the last surviving member of his family. The obituary that was published in the New Ross Standard may be found on our obituary page.
Patrick Condon’s Siblings
It proved difficult to find information on the siblings of Patrick Condon. Thanks to the information provided by Frank we know that William Condon is buried in Carrick-on-Suir. During the early years of the twentieth century William Condon played on the Glenmore Junior Football team and a William Condon was located in the Waterford City Census, living in the Glen, aged 24, single, born in Kilkenny.
There in only one headstone in the Glenmore cemetery bearing the name Condon and it was erected by Margaret Condon and it contains references to her parents as well as her sister Kate. Catherine “Kate” Condon (1900-1971) married Patrick Walsh (1899-1965) at Glenmore on 13th August 1929. The groom was the son of William Walsh (labourer) of Glenmore. We believe that Patrick was born on 31 October 1899 the son of William Walsh (labourer) and Katie Walsh née Aylward of Robinstown, Glenmore. Lastly, Johanna Condon lived and worked for James and Hannah Culleton of Kilbride, Glenmore (1911 Census).
[Update 9 Oct. 2021: In a previous update a helpful reader believed that Mary Reddy née Walsh, known as Mary Walsh of the Chapel, the Glenmore sacristan, was a daughter of Patrick Walsh and Kate Condon. Frank Condon contacted us and said that Kitty Walsh was the neice of Paddy Walsh and Kate Walsh née Condon. Paddy Walsh and his wife Kate Walsh née Condon had no children. Their niece Kitty Walsh married Watty Murphy.]
Special thanks to Frank Condon who shared information concerning his father and grandfather. Please send any corrections, additional information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of the Royal Munster Fusilier’s cap badge is courtesy of the © National Army Museum, Army gallery available at https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1970-12-236-10.
The drawing of the Munsters storming the bridge over the Somme was by D. MacPherson (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
UPDATED 28 Oct. 2021, Special thanks to Frank Condon who sent the photos of his parents, the photo of himself and brothers in uniform and Kitty Murphy née Walsh, as well as photos of the members of the New Ross Condon line. Unfortunately due to space limitations we are only able to publish a few here, but hope to share the others in future posts.
One Hundred Years Ago: September 1921
Only one article in local newspapers could be located which mentioned Glenmore in September 1921, and it involved a meeting of the Glenmore Branch of the Transport Workers. The industrial strife that had plagued Britain after the end of the First World War was initially dampened in Ireland by the Irish War of Independence, but by September 1921 it was developing. In terms of the War of Independence the truce continued to hold and negotiations between Britain and Dail Eireann sought an agreed settlement. While the national newspapers contained large articles on the negotiations, which were conducted by letter, the local newspapers contained much smaller articles and these articles were often found on the inner pages of the newspapers. The New Ross Standard summed it up as “the greatest anxiety still prevails to what the outcome of the peace negotiations regarding Ireland will be. The Government, through Mr. Lloyd George, aver that full Dominion status has been offered, while Dail Eireann deny this…” (New Ross Standard, 2 Sept. 1921, p. 3).
Prisoners
While the politicians negotiated, 3,200 citizens remained interned awaiting a decision regarding their status. It was reported that there were 1,500 political prisoners serving sentences, and there were approximately 1,000 more who were neither tried nor sentenced. It was estimated that there were 15,000 dependents of the prisoners (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 16 Sept. 1921, p. 5).
The prisoners at Spike Island became impatient and it was reported that 450 went on hunger strike. The Cork Liaison Officer of the I.R.A. reported that when he went to “arrange matters” he was not allowed to see the prisoners. Twenty prisoners in Spike Island Internment Camp went on hunger strike on Sunday the 28th of August because their demands for unconditionally release were not met. They were joined by others and ultimately 450 of the 473 prisoners joined the hunger strike. The demand served on the Government by the 450 stated “Take notice that we, on behalf of the internees here, demand immediate and unconditional release on the grounds that the English Government has neither legal nor moral right to hold us by force. If the internees here are not released by Tuesday, 30th inst., at 6 p.m., we will refuse, and continue to refuse to partake of any food until our just demand is complied with.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p. 6). In contrast on the 16th of September between 40 and 100 prisoners escaped from the Rath Interment Camp, the Curragh. It was reported that they escaped via a tunnel (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 17 Sept. 1921). It was also reported that Rev. Father Loughrey, C.C. Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny was released from Waterford Jail on the expiration of the sentence “inflicted on him by a court martial in connection with the Belfast boycott” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p. 4).
Early in the month the withheld corpse of an executed R.I.C. Officer was provided to his widow. District Inspector Potter, of Cahir, was executed by the I.R.A. in April. Potter was motoring from Clogheen in his private car when he ran into an ambush at Carraghclooney, Cahir on April 22nd. One soldier was killed, two soliders were wounded and Potter was taken prisoner. Potter was allowed to write a farewell letter dated the 27th of April to his wife and children. The letter stated that he was to be executed later that day. With the letter were his personal effects including his diary, a signet ring and gold watch. The parcel was postmarked the 27th at Cahir. In late August Mrs. Potter received a message that if she went to Clonmel her husband’s remains would be provided to her. She went and the remains were removed from an ordinary motor car to a Crossley tender and conveyed to the Cahir military barracks, where a military inquiry into the cause of death was held. The medical evidence showed that he had been shot in the head (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 3 Sept. 1921, p. 5).
Courts & Police
After the signing of the truce, and the withdrawal of martial law, the court system was again in operation, however I.R.A. courts sprang up in some areas. On Monday the 27th of September “a Republican district court was in New Ross” with four cases listed for hearing. No further details were provided (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 Sept. 1921, p. 4). At a Republican Court in Thomastown, the first of its kind held in public in Co. Kilkenny, about twelve cases were dealt with, principally dealing with trespass. Some of the cases were appeals from decisions of Parish Courts. A number of youngsters were fined for stealing apples. However, in nearby Bennettsbridge, two young men were tied to the church railings on Sunday morning. Each had a label indicating that they had been convicted of theft (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 Sept. 1921, p. 8). A similar event took place in Wexford where a “man of the tramp class” was tied to the railings of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, on Sunday morning with a card hanging from his neck. The inscription on the card, “robbers beware.” “The exposure and punishment were evidently the carrying out of a sentence passed on him by a Sinn Fein tribunal” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept. 1921, p. 4).
In addition to providing Republican courts volunteers also engaged in policing. It was reported early in the month that Volunteers in Youghal had captured a runaway couple. The young man captured was an ex-soldier from Cork and the young lady was from Macroom. The young ladies’ mother contacted the Macroom Volunteers and was present to witness the capture which caused a sensation in Youghal (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p. 15). More locally it was reported that the antics of “a lunatic” in Slieverue caused considerable alarm amongst women and children. “Roaming around the roads and making violent gestures, the mentally deranged man” chased women and children. It was reported that he also attacked houses, using stones as missiles. Eventually I.R.A. forces arrived and hunted down the lunatic who put up a violent resistance. “After some time he was overpowered and carried to a waiting car.” He continued to resist, and it was found necessary to bind him. He was taken to an unknown destination. The man was a complete stranger and from his appearance he did not look as if he escaped from any mental institution (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p.2).
Local Funeral
Under Martial Law attendance at funerals was restricted and the military removed the Tricolour from coffins etc. It was reported in the Waterford News & Star on Fri. 2 Sept. 1921 ( p. 7) that a mason named William Power, of Tramore, died from shocking injuries sustained by falling from the scaffolding at the site of the new Munster and Leinster Bank Building (Gladstone Street). The deceased was about 50 years of age, and left a wife and young family. The deceased was also a staunch and active member of the I.R.A. The coffin as draped with the Tricolour and about half way along the route from Waterford to Tramore the funeral was met by a large contingent of the Tramore Volunteers, who marched in military formation behind the hearse.
Local Industrial Strife
At the end of August, a “lightening strike was declared on the Dublin and South Eastern Railway in consequence of a remark made by an official at the arbitration tribunal last week. The whole system was idle from midnight on Sunday to Monday afternoon” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p. 2). “Motorists in New Ross were literally besieged with people looking for cars on Monday as a result of the railway strike. Travellers and others intending to travel by the morning mail train were not aware of the strike until they reached the station,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Sept. 1921, p. 8). Toward the end of September it appeared that the dispute was settled then it was reported that there were disastrous developments with the practical closing down of the Great Southern and Western railway system. “The continuation of the dispute has meant grave losses to the traders and farmers of the south as well as the greatest inconvenience to the traveling public…”“That such a shut down of the railways should occur at a critical time in the history of the country is a double misfortune in that it depresses public spirts and makes for lasting bad feeling between classes in Ireland” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 Sept. 1921, p. 7). This strike resulted in no trains through New Ross.
In addition to the difficulties with the railway, it was reported that an industrial dispute left Waterford without gas. Business and manufacturing firms, including newspaper offices, were seriously inconvenienced and the two evening papers could not be published. The dispute was solely between employees of the gas works. The fitters left the Irish Transport Union to join the Engineers’ Society, with the result that members of the Transport Union declined to work with the fitters (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Sept. 1921, p. 3). A notice was placed in local newspapers as follows, “NOTICE—The city of Waterford Gas company regrets that, owing to a dispute between their employees resulting in the fitters being out from work, they cannot give prompt attention to complaints, and ask for the forbearance of their consumers pending a settlement. J. Grant, Manager” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 23 Sept. 1921, p. 5).
The Glenmore Branch of the Transport Union held a meeting and M. O’Sullivan, addressed the members on the necessity of preserving their branches and increasing the number of active members. O’Sullivan noted that the wages board was to be demolished and if labourers did not have a union at their back then their present wages would fall to pre-war rates. It was agreed that any member more than 8 weeks in arrears, or any non-member, after 11 September would not be worked with in any part of the districts and that action would be taken immediately at the creameries and non-members names published (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Sept. 1921, p. 5). The Kilkenny Moderator noted that “All over the country farmers are facing absolute ruin. To the great majority of them the only possible solution appears to be a sweeping reduction in the labour bill. This could be achieved with a reduction in wages or the reduction in the number of labourers employed.” The second solution the paper claimed is the “attitude” of the Union (Sat. 3 Sept. 1921, p. 2). In the same article it was opined that farmers need a tractor which can be used for road haulage at a speed or four or five miles an hour.
By the end of the month so-called profiteering was identified as the culprit for unrest locally. “Every day there are fresh exposues of the disgraceful way in which the public are being fleeced by retailers. Cattle prices have fallen enormously, so has wheat. Yet the price of meat and the price of bread are just as formerly” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 Sept. 1921, p. 4).
Lastly, efforts to produce items locally resulted in the proposed opening of a cigarette factory in Waterford. J.P. O’Shea, President of the Dublin Industrial Development Association stated that a new private enterprise by a “very large wholesale tobacconist and cigarette distributor” was to be located in Waterford City. The enterprise was prompted when it was discovered that there was a weekly consumption of about 2,500,000 cigarettes in Waterford and within a radius of 30 miles including Kilkenny and Wexford. The venture was expected to provide thirty jobs and to incur an outlay of about £2,000 per week in wages. A machine of the most up to date American pattern will soon be installed capable of turning out 130,000 cigarettes a day. It is expected, in time, to extend the industry to tobacco making (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 23 Sept. 1921, p. 7). For an interesting account of tobacco manufacturing in Waterford prior to W.W. 1 see our previous blog post of 22 March 2020.
The featured photo above is the Kilkenny Courthouse from an old postcard.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The 1961 Irish Press Article on Luke Murphy [Updated]
Tucked safely in Danny Dowling’s voluminous collection of Glenmore related files is a sixty-year-old article featuring Luke Murphy (c. 1927-2003) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore. The article is entitled “High Production on an 18-Acre Farm: Little Denmark in South Kilkenny,” written by Maurice Liston and published in the Irish Press on Saturday the 11th of February 1961. In addition to honouring the industrious Luke Murphy and his high produce yields, the article is important as it is one of the markers of the development of Irish agricultural journalism. According to the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, which was founded also in 1961, “the first half of the twentieth century Ireland was a barren land as far as agricultural communication of any kind was concerned.” (Guild of Agricultural Journalists, 50th Anniversary, p. 4). The Guild publication notes that Maurice Liston was one of two prominent national Irish agricultural journalists when the Guild was founded in 1961. Maurice Liston (c. 1901-1973) was a native of Co. Limerick, and began his journalistic career with regional newspapers such as the Limerick Leader, the Drogheda Independent and Mayo News before joining the national Irish Press in 1932. Although Maurice Liston covered all types of news stories he became “best known for his well-informed articles on farming” (Irish Press, 20 April 1973, p. 3).
Today, we are going to highlight various aspects of the ground breaking 1961 article that provides a glimpse into a self-sufficient mixed farming enterprise that was once prevalent in Glenmore, but has disappeared. We will conclude with some information on Luke Murphy’s parents and grandparents.
The 1961 Article
In early February 1961 Maurice Liston visited Luke Murphy’s 18 statute acre farm in Ballybrahee, Glenmore “famed for top quality potatoes and mixed farming generally.” The author noted that the parish of Glenmore previously had been described “by a well-known agriculturalist as a ‘little Denmark.’” He noted that Luke Murphy “by intelligent planning and personal hard work, has achieved an output even greater than that of the Danes.” Luke Murphy had 2 acres of potatoes, 13 acres dedicated to tillage and hay production and the remaining 3 acres were devoted to pasture for grazing. The article further breaks down that 2 acres were in feeding barley, 1.5 acres in wheat, 1 acre in sugar beet, 1 acre in mangold, and half an acre in turnips and 3.5 acres in hay.
Ballybrahee in 1961 was one of the few districts in Ireland where the yield of Golden Wonders potatoes averaged 12 tons an acre although Luke Murphy enjoyed even higher yields. The author noted that the soil “is a typical South Leinster Silurian, free working loam and eminently suitable for tillage and early sowing.” The early sowing and good management of the crop were identified as the reason for the high yields. In addition to the high yield Luke Murphy maximised his profit by selling his Golden Wonders mainly after Christmas. He built a special potato store for sorting and grading the potatoes for market.
The beet crop produced sixteen tons to the acre and it was noted that in some years Luke Murphy was able to achieve twenty tons to the acre. “The farm is practically self-supporting with by-products of the beet crop, roots and barley in plentiful supply for stock feeding. The stock consists of four fine milch cows which yield around 700 gallons each per year. The milk is sent to Glenmore Co-operative Creamery…one of the most successful creameries in the South of Ireland…The calves are fed with hay, roots and beat pulp and are sold as yearlings. The pig enterprise is a highly successful one. Three sows are kept and they average twelve bonhams each, which is really very prolific and well above the national average…with around 70 store pigs sold off the farm annually. All are fed on home produced food supplemented by purchased pig meal produced at the local creamery.”
It was noted that the rotation of crops on this farm was sound but flexible. Farm manure was the main fertilizer. Root crops followed stubbles in some years, but invariably feeding barley and wheat followed beet or potatoes. “One of the outstanding successes on the farm [was] the creation of new pastures, which have trebled the stock carry capacity of the land. This high yield output results from the method of sowing down tilled land to a crop of grass…by direct seeding…” In 1961 Luke Murphy maintained four milch cows, five yearlings, two horses and three sows. “on six statute acres is tremendous stocking—exceeding the very high outputs that we hear of from New Zealand and other countries.”
Luke Murphy attributed his success to science. “Convinced that science is as necessary to agricultures as to any other industry” he regularly attended agricultural classes” including those held in Glenmore the previous year. The article concludes that from “a very small acreage Mr. Murphy has provided himself and his family with a high standard of living, using his car for business and for pleasure. The comfortable residence, well-appointed out-offices, including haybarn and well-kept yards, are in keeping with the exceptionally high standard of husbandry practised.” Interestingly, although an automobile is mentioned there is no mention of a tractor which may explain why two horses were kept.
The Murphy Family
Luke Murphy was married to Alice Murphy née Forristal (c. 1922- 2018) of Rochestown, Glenmore. The couple had four children. Unfortunately, public records for births after 1920 are not available nor are marriages after 1945, thus we have provided what information that we could verify concerning Luke Murphy’s parents and grandparents. A tree is provided for ease of access followed by further information including townlands etc.
Luke Murphy’s Parents
Luke Murphy (c. 1927-2003) was the son of Daniel Murphy (5 April 1876-18 Nov. 1948) and Ellen Murphy née Murphy (c. 1884-29 July 1951). Daniel Murphy and Ellen Murphy were married on 8 November 1911 at Glenmore. The groom, Daniel Murphy, was 35 years of age, a farmer from Shambogh (sic) and his father was listed as James Murphy (farmer). The bride, Ellen Murphy, was 27 years of age, from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and her father was listed as John Murphy (farmer).
The following children of Daniel Murphy and Ellen Murphy née Murphy have been identified from various family obituaries: [1] Mary Murphy (c. 1908-1998)(emigrated to England); [2] James Murphy (29 Nov. 1915-2 Dec. 1941); [3] John Murphy; [4] Con Murphy (emigrated to England); [5] Stasia Furlong née Murphy ( ?-1999); [6] Hannie Brennan née Murphy (? -c. 1996)(emigrated to England); [7] Luke Murphy (c. 1927-29 March 2003).
Luke Murphy’s Grandparents
Daniel Murphy (1876-1948) was the son of James Murphy and Johanna Neil of Shanbogh, Rosbercon. James Murphy and Johanna Neil, of Glyn, were married on 28 February 1870 at Rosbercon.
Ellen Murphy née Murphy was born on 1 August 1884 the daughter of John Murphy and Mary Murphy née Henneberry. John Murphy (farmer) of Ballybrahee and Mary Henneberry, of Ballyverneen, were married at Glenmore on 19 January 1884. John Murphy’s father was listed as John Murphy (deceased) and Mary Murphy née Henneberry’s father was listed as James Henneberry (labourer). James Henneberry married Ellen Walsh, of Weatherstown, on 17 January 1853.
Mary Murphy née Henneberry was born on 23 June 1859 at Jamestown. Her parents were James Henneberry and his wife Ellen Henneberry née Walsh. James Henneberry and Ellen Walsh, of Weatherstown were married on the 17th of January 1853.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Luke Murphy was a contemporary of Danny Dowling, and for further information about 1927 see our previous post.
[Updated 16 August 2021–Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending the photo of the three men of Ballybrahee. Updated 17 August 2021–Special thanks to Julie Hoyne for the correction: the man in the centre of the men of Ballybrahee is Jim Murphy, the older brother of Luke Murphy. ]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Football During the Roaring Twenties: 1920-1921
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). This impressive list only tells part of the story. As we previously highlighted the football season commenced in one year and the championship was held usually in the spring of the next year. With the War of Independence underway no Kilkenny County football championships were played or awarded for 1917 or 1918. Although the hurling championship match for 1919 was dropped, Glenmore junior and senior football teams fought their way to their respective finals to be played in March 1920. Today, we are going to focus on 1920 and 1921.
At the February 1920, GAA County Committee Meeting as the venues were being decided for the junior and senior championships, it was noted that although the rules at the time stated that all finals and semi-finals should be played in St. James Park the Leinster Council suggested fixing venues at central and neutral places. “Mr. N. O’Keeffe, C.Y.M.S. (Kilkenny City) proposed that the senior football final between Glenmore and Coolagh be played before the junior football final, as Glenmore, he said, was trying to run off the two championships with the one team.” This proposition was carried. The senior match was to be played at Knocktopher on the 14th of March and the junior on the 21st also at Knocktopher (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat, 21 Feb. 1920, p. 7).
Coolagh were declared the senior champions in 1919 because they were awarded a walkover against Glenmore. “The chairman said that no medals would be given in this case when no match was played” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 March 1920, p. 7). No information was provided in the newspapers why Glenmore did not play the final, but it is believed that in addition to the difficulties imposed by martial law at least two Glenmore players had been arrested and others were attempting to avoid arrest. At the next County Committee Meeting Mr. J. Doherty (Glenmore) responded to the accusation of using one team to play both championships “was a confounded lie.”
Due to various assaults and invasion of the pitch at a hurling match near the original venue a decision was taken to hold the junior final at Waterford on the 11th of April with Mr. W. Walsh to referee (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 March 1920, p. 7). The Glenmore junior team was to play C.Y.M.S. (Kilkenny City) which may go some way to explain O’Keefe’s disputed remark. Ultimately, Glenmore prevailed and became the 1919 Co. Kilkenny Junior Football champions with a final score of: Glenmore 2-4; C.Y.M.S. 0-1.
Glenmore vs. Cloneen (Castlecomer)
At the Kilkenny County GAA meeting on the 31st of March 1921, a letter from John Doherty, of Coolnaleen, was read out. Glenmore had been promised £20 for expenses to play the senior football final and they had received a cheque for £19. It transpired that the team were fined £1 for “unpunctual attendance.” Glenmore was present at the appointed time but objected to the referee, Paddy Dunphy, of the Leinster Council. Ultimately, Mr. Gibbons “for the sake of the County Committee” talked the Glenmore team into playing. The Chairman pointed out that prior to this re-play match two Glenmore representatives were informed that the meeting would make the final arrangements. T. Brennan, of Cloneen, stated, “It was Connolly’s whole fault,” yet he did not elaborate. It is assumed that he was referring to Mick Connolly, of Glenmore (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 April 1921, p. 9). There is no indication in the newspaper report which team won the “final.”
The reporting of matches during this period is often confusing and lacking in detail compared to earlier seasons. The Kilkenny GAA Bible provides that Glenmore played Cloneen (Castlecomer) twice to win the Senior Football Championship 1920. Glenmore won the first game with a score of 1-5 to Cloneen 1-3. An objection was filed and replay ordered. Glenmore won the second game with a score of 2-6 to Cloneen 1-3. (p. 64).
We were able to locate a newspaper account of a match held on the 23rd of October between Glenmore and Cloneen at St. James Park for the County Kilkenny senior football championship. Strangely Glenmore, as Kilkenny Senior Football Champions played the Wexford Senior Football Champions on 9 October 1921 in a charity match (New Ross Standard, (Fri., 14 Oct. 1921, p. 6). With respect to the Glenmore-Cloneen match on 23 October, the championship year is not provided in the article. The newspaper report on the match stated that the sudden arrival of wintery weather impacted on attendance. It was described as a strenuous, well contested encounter, the pace, in spite of the heavy pitch, being “wonderfully fast.” “Glenmore provided a surprise packet—their splendid fielding, speedy delivery, their wonderful readiness to adapt themselves to varying circumstances and their great powers of endurance, marked them as a sound combination.”
The first half Cloneen took an early lead. By half time the scores were Cloneen—1 goal, 3 points to Glenmore—2 points. When the game restarted Glenmore attacked, but the Cloneen defence held. “A clever pass for a fifty saw the Glenmore captain advance his side a point and now a wonderful vigour was displayed by both sides. Glenmore persistently attacked and made several great efforts to capture the citadel for a major but Cloneen backs saved again and again in fine style and against a stiff breeze. Glenmore were not to be denied, and after some exciting struggles they added two further point. With only a point, between the game was now eventing, and a fast exchange saw Cloneen rush down for what seemed a certain score, only to shoot inches wide. Glenmore halves played like Trojans, and from a quick centre their full forward scored a grand goal, which proved the last score of the match.” The final score was Glenmore—1 goal, 5 point and Cloneen 1 goal, 3 points (Kilkenny People, Sat. 29 October 1921, p. 2). This score suggests that this was the first game as recorded in the Kilkenny GAA Bible.
Interestingly, it was reported in the Munster Express that the objection lodged by Cloneen, against Glenmore being awarded the senior football championship, was referred by the Kilkenny County Board to the Leinster Council. The Leinster Council considered the appeal at its November meeting and after discussing the objectio they referred it back to the Kilkenny County Board for reconsideration. “It is generally anticipated that a replay will take place, and should…Glenmore be capable of reproducing the form they displayed in the previous game they should experience little difficulty in again emerging victorious” (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Dec. 1921, p. 5). When the second game was held could not be located in a newspaper article.
Glenmore vs. Gusserane
The match that Glenmore played in October 1921 as Kilkenny Football Champions is provided below because it provides information regarding the game and lists the names of the players. It is not clear why Glenmore was considered the Kilkenny Senior Football Champions on 14 October 1921. The last championship Glenmore won was in 1916 and no championships were played in 1917, 1918, and in 1919 Glenmore made it to the final, but did not play providing Coolagh with a walk over.
At Barrett’s Park, New Ross a GAA tournament in aid of the Dependents’ Fund was held. “For this very worthy object Co. Wexford and Co. Kilkenny football and hurling champions met, and notwithstanding that other fixtures clashed on the same day there was a good attendance of spectators, who came to witness fast and scientific play, as well as to help the cause for which the tournament was organised. Each of the four teams that competed were minus some of their players who were unable to be present, and substitutes were put on. The weather was beautiful, and the O’Hanrahan pipers’ band, New Ross, played the teams into the arena and out when the games were over, as well as playing selections of Irish airs on the field during the evening. The play in general during both contests was fast, scientific and well sustained…”
“Glenmore were the first to invade and sent the oval to their opponents’ grounds, where some fast exchanges took place, eventuating in the ball going wide. After the kick out Gusserane forced the pace, and the leather was taken to the front of the Glenmore uprights, and M. Myler nicely placed for Martin Fowler, who with a splendid kick sent it into the net. Glenmore next carried the ball midfield and sustaining the attack Jim Hanrahan from an angle struck one of the uprights, but the ball rebounded. Again, Gusserane came on and the Glenmore goal-keeper neatly saved. Glenmore took the leather to the left wing, and pushing on bid fair to bring off a major which was averted by the alertness of the Gusserane goal custodian. A midfield rally ensued for some minutes. Glenmore came on, and from a kick far out the field Jim Hanrahan scored a point. Following the kick-out Gusserane forced the issue, and Jim Byrne sent to Martin Howlett, who placed for Martin Fowler to raise the white flag. Gusserane again contended for a score per Tom O’Hanlon, who passed to Peter Corish, but the Glenmore backs were as firm as a rock, and the ball was again transferred to midfield. At half-time Gusserane was leading by 1 goal 1 point to 1 point for Glenmore. On resuming Glenmore attacked, and the ball narrowly missed the net. Gusserene next invaded, and a spirited rally followed in front of Glenmore posts eventuating in the leather going wide. After some centre field play Glenmore spurted, and Jim Hanrahan neatly shot the oval between the posts, registering a minor, which he repeated three minutes later. Gusserane narrowly missed bringing off a score during an invasion of the Glenmore territory. Play for the ensuing five minutes was very brisk. Gusserene played a fine game, and so did Glenmore, who lost only by one point. At full time the scores were: Gusserance-1 goal I point. Glenmore–3 points. Mr. P. J. Doyle, Irishtown, capably refereed.
The teams were: Gusserane–T. O’Hanlon (capt.), E. Cullen (goal). M. Howlett, P. Corish, J. Byrne, T. Howlett, J. Colfer, J. Quinn, H. Quinn, M. Fowler, M. Myler, J. Kenny, J. Butler, P. Byrne and J. Finn. Glenmore –Jack Doherty (capt.), Jim Murphy, Paul Fitzgerald, Martin Cody, Michael Cody, Pat Cody, Bill Irish, Stephen Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Hanrahan, Bill Hartley, Wat Walsh, Peter Forrestal, Martin Williams and Jim Cody” (New Ross Standard, Fri., 14 Oct. 1921, p. 6).
No 1921 Kilkenny senior football championship was held. We shall return to report on the 1922, 1923, 1924 championships in future post.
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: August 1921
As July 1921 ended it was noted that July was one of the sunniest months the area had experienced for 80 years, and rain only fell on five days in July amounting to only one-fifth of an inch for the total rainfall for the month (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 4). The weather broke and by the 6th of August it was reported that the Barrow had overflowed its banks and hundreds of acres of meadows were under water in the Monstrevan district (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). The extreme weather also resulted in mushrooms. On the 2nd and 3rd of August “buckets of mushrooms were brought into New Ross and sold at prices that were remunerative to the pickers,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8). At the beginning of August, Patrick Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, Glenmore suffered a fire in a big shed containing about 50 tons of hay. The fire was observed by neighbours around 10 o’clock. It was reported that Patrick Fitzgerald was not at home, and when the neighbours rushed to the fire they could not save the large rick. “The big hay barn was also very much damaged. Cars and machines in a house were also destroyed. The flames reached a house where a fat bull and a cow were tethered. The bull succeeded in freeing himself from the tether and escaping with a burned face; but the cow not being able to free herself was burned to death. It is not yet known what the amount of the damage is, but it is considerable. It is believed it was insured” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
The Truce
The truce of the 11th of July continued to hold. The local newspapers reported on some of the damage from the war. An engineer from the Kilkenny County Council inspected the burned Ferry Mountgarret bridge, outside New Ross. There were rumours that a light bridge would be erected until a new bridge could be built. It was reported that “[s]ome years ago the Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils passed a certain sum for the building of a new bridge” about a hundred yards above the old bridge (New Ross Standard, 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8).
Most of the local roads and bridges were trenched and “considerable inconvenience was caused.” By mid-August it was reported that while many were filled since the truce was called, in County Wexford many trenches remained open. “Perhaps it would be well in the public interest if they were filled” (New Ross Standard, 12 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Commandant Tom Barry, I.R.A., chief officer for Munster, Wexford and Kilkenny reported 12 further complaints of breaches of the truce by the Crown. One complaint concerned 16 men held in Waterford whose terms of sentence expired, and they were removed to Spike Island on August 1. It was also reported that Crown troops had not returned property including parts of motors in some districts causing considerable loss of trade and the mail was only being delivered every other day in Piltown (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Complaints that would previously not pass censorship began to appear in local newspapers. For example, it was reported in the Waterford Gaol that political prisoners, both tried and untried, went on a hunger strike as a protest against the quality and quantity of food supplied in the prison (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 August 1921, p. 13). Complaints were printed regarding the higher postal rates “and in some respects the service is less efficient than in war time. The abolition of the Sunday delivery…caused loss and inconvenience to almost all sections of the community both here and in Britain” (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Before the end of August articles began to appear that prisoners were being released. In New Ross Republican flags were flown from The Tholsel, the ’98 Monument, the Town Hall, St. Thomas’s Club, the workhouse, and in the Irishtown on Sunday the 21st. It was believed that the flags were put up in celebration of the release of the Dáil Éireann members who had been in prison (New Ross Standard, 23 Aug. 1921, p. 5). One of the members of Dáil Éireann released from Mountjoy Prison, was Commandant Seán MacEoin, over the objections of Dublin Castle. Commandant MacEoin issued the following statement upon his release, “Following the statement I made at my court martial, it is now clear to the Irish people that my release by the English Government is an admission on their part that I am not only a Representative of the People, but a realisation that the English recognise me as an officer of the Irish army, as stated by one at the court martial, when I made it clear that I was not guilty of the foul offence of murder. My release is an acceptance of my attitude that my act was an act of war, and it is, therefore, clear that my release is a final abandonment of any claim by the enemy that the Irish war is murder. The Irish war was war—war waged in accordance with the prevailing conditions. I am released as a representative of the people to attend a meeting of the Parliament of my nation. I should not have been chosen as a representative of the people. That situation makes it clear that all my fellow soldiers in jails and camps must be similarly recognised” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 14).
It was also reported that John Cotterell, of Dobbyn’s Mill, Thomastown, was released from Wormword Scrubbs after serving 12 months. He had been convicted by court martial of having a document in his possession relating to attacks on police barracks. Prior to his arrest he was employed as a shop assistant in Graiguenamanagh (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). Nicholas O’Toole, of Hacketstown, Co. Carlow was released from Rath Camp early in August after six months’ imprisonment. The newspaper went on to state that his sister, Miss Mary O’Toole, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law had been nominated judge of the Washington Municipal Court in the U.S. and was the first “lady lawyer” to receive such a distinction (Kilkenny People, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 7).
Perhaps the most unusual reference to imprisonment during the War of Independent was an advertisement placed in local newspapers in August 1921 by the Phelan Brothers, of George’s Street Waterford.
“Historic After-Season Event: Dress Buyer in Jail—Owing to our dress buyer, Mr. Pierce Purcell being arrested and placed in jail a short time ago, just as he had returned from Markets after having made huge purchases of dress materials and costume goods at sensationally low prices, we were deprived of one of our best and most efficient buyers consequently a large portion of his purchases remain unsold. As the season is drawing to a close, and these goods must be paid for, we have decided to clear our entire stock of seasonable dress material and costume goods this week…Phelan Bros, Waterford’s Cheapest and Fastest Growing Drapery, Tailoring and Boot Shop, George’s Street, Waterford” (Munster Express, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
The New Order
August also marked the beginning of the I.R.A. openly dealing with local crime. For example, it was reported that Ferrybank inhabitants were subjected to petty burglaries and larcenies. “The matter was placed in the hand of the local I.R.A.” and on 22 August two young men were arrested who were believed to have been connected to the thefts (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was also reported that in several districts in South Wexford notices, purporting to be from the I.R.A. were posted in pubs, to restrict the hours during which drink could be supplied to bona-fide travellers on Sundays. Many of the notices were removed by the police (Kilkenny People, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Resumption of Fairs and Sporting Events
On the first of August the Waterford monthly fair was held and it was reported that it was small as there was a depression in trade due to the effect of the drought on live stock. “Three-year-olds in good condition commanded prices varying from £30 to £36; two-year-olds from £20 to £25; and yearlings from £10 to £16. There were practically no supplies of sheep” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 13).
The following week it was reported that the New Ross Fair was a very changed scene. “The first pig fair since the imposition of the military restrictions, which were further intensified by the Departmental embargo contingent on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, took place in New Ross on Monday [the 7th]. There was a large supply of pigs and a great attendance of buyers from Waterford, and the town generally presented an animated appearance, which was absent for the past three months, when it was suggestive of a deserted village. On Tuesday the first cattle fair since the restrictions were removed took place” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 2).
In addition to fairs and markets re-opening, the first Sunday excursion train from Clonmel to Waterford for Tramore since 1917 was run on 31st of July (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was announced in the Waterford News that on the 14th an excursion train would run from Waterford, through Glenmore to New Ross for the inter-county hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny. It had been approximately five years since there had been a Sunday excursion on this line. “It is unnecessary to point out that owing to the trials that the country has gone through and the many restrictions, including the imposition of Martial Law that no hurling or football inter-county games have been held either in Kilkenny or Wexford for a considerable time…” The fare from Waterford on the excursion train was set at 2s. 6d. return” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
It was reported that upwards of 5,000 spectators attended the semi-final Leinster Hurling (1920) Championship match between Kilkenny and Wexford held on the 14th in New Ross. In addition to the excursion train from Waterford special trains were provided from Wexford, Enniscorthy and Kilkenny via Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). It was reported that 600 people crossed on the ferry boat near the burned bridge at the Ferry Mountgarrett. They came from the Kilkenny side as far up as Inistioge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 Aug. 1921, p. 8). It was reported that the gate receipts amounted to £161 17s. (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). There were no Glenmore men identified on the Kilkenny hurling team, however the team did have three Mooncoin players; L. Cantwell, J. Grant and J. Foskin. Kilkenny won that day with a final score of 5 goals, 1 point to Wexford 1 goal, 2 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). Immediately after the match the result was “despatched to Kilkenny by pigeons” brought to the match in baskets (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
August 1921 began and ended with renewed hope that the truce would hold and life was returning to normal. Although the truce would hold within ten months the country would be plunged into Civil War.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: July 1921
On the 11th of July 1921 a truce was agreed that ended the Irish War of Independence. It is generally acknowledged that both sides thought that the truce would not hold, but it did. The following highlights the local events and news contained in local newspapers 100 years ago. The month of July began with the usual reports of the disruptions to transportation and communication carried out by local I.R.A. volunteers and the impact of the continued marital law that gagged the press, closed fairs, markets and creameries, restricted the use of bicycles as well as the activities of the Crown forces in searching, detaining and forcing civilians to repair damaged infrastructure.
Trenches
Just before the first of July another trench was opened in the Ballyanne road, and a notice posted by the “I.R.A.” warning people not to fill it or they would face a penalty. Further, reports were received that a trench was opened midway between New Ross and Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). In Kilkenny the road was blocked between the Rower and Graiguenamanagh with a barricade of stones built across the road (p. 5).
Bridge Destroyed
The big wooden bridge which crosses the Barrow at the Ferry Mountgarrett, about two miles from New Ross, was set on fire in late June. Petrol or paraffin was sprinkled on some of the planks on the Wexford side. The fire was noticed and was put out by an unknown individual before it did serious damage. A number of the wooden planks were blackened and partially charred (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). On the 3rd of July the bridge was set on fire again. Nearly all of the structure for about 60 feet from the Wexford side to the drawbridge was destroyed. While the bridge was on fire persons going towards it were warned frrm a distance not to attempt to put it out. It was reported that a man from County Wexford arrived at the Kilkenny side with a horse and trap. He did not wish to go back to Graiguenamanagh and round by Carlow to get home, so he whipped his horse and with the flames rising dashed across the burning bridge. He was the last person to cross the bridge; crossings thereafter were done by boat (New Ross Standard, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Commandeering of Civilians
The military continued to commandeer men. Sometimes these men were taken from their place of employment and town or city and transported to fill trenches. Mr. Gardiner, the Postmaster of Waterford, and his assistant Mr. Rafter were commandeered and taken to Glenmore to fill trenches (Waterford News and Star, 1 July 1921, p. 5). The military rounded up a number of New Ross men to fill a trench that obstructed the road between the mudhouse and the lower part of Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4) as well as making ten to twelve new men join in the saturation of the New Ross bridge with water as the weather was dry (p. 5). In Thomastown, men, their horses and carts were commandeered by Black and Tans as they brought milk to the creamery. They were compelled to cut up the trees felled on the Coolmore and Ballyduff roads and cart the wood 4 miles to Woodstock. “The men were required to work until six o’clock in the afternoon without food or refreshments” (p. 5). Some Wexford men refused to obey orders in connection with commandeered labour, were taken into custody, arrested and taken under military escort to Waterford to stand trial (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Wires Cut
No telegraph or telephone messages could be sent from New Ross on the first of July because all wires were cut and damaged in all direction from New Ross (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). It was several days before service was partially restored.
Mail Raids
On the 25th of June at 2 p.m. a party of ten armed men raided the General Post Office in Waterford city. They took £140 in cash and an undisclosed amount of stamps (Munster Express, 2 July 1921, p. 6). On the evening of the 29th of June masked armed men boarded the mail train at Aylwardstown, Glenmore and took some bags of mails from the “up train.” Male passengers were ordered out of the train onto the platform where they were searched and questioned by the armed men (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). On the 7th of July, at 1 pm twelve men raided the New Ross post office. It was reported that £1,000 was stolen in the raid, and the payment of the old age pension on Friday was cancelled because there was no money to pay the pensioners. One raider was arrested (New Ross Standard, 15 July 1921, p. 8).
Miscellaneous Activities
Whiskey consigned to Crown forces in the Thomastown district was destroyed at the Thomastown railway station. The newspaper reported that “there was some activity on the part of the forces afterward” (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5).
About a mile from Callen in Coleshall Lower, in County Kilkenny, eight men appeared at the home of Peter Kinsella at 1 a.m. on the 8th of July and dragged his daughter outside and cut off her hair for being with the Black and Tans “all the time.” At gunpoint she was then told to kneel and was forced to swear that she would give them up (New Ross Standard, Fri 15 July 1921, p. 7). The age and name of the daughter was not reported in the newspaper.
The Truce
Irish peace discussions commenced on Monday the fourth of July, and a great crowd waited for hours for news. It was reported that after the peace discussions began the list of events issued by Dublin Castle was the smallest it had been for years with only one attack on the police chronicled. The weekly summary, however, recorded 14 police killed; 20 wounded; 1 military killed, 5 wounded and 25 ambushes were recorded. Readers were reminded that the number of Irishmen interned was still increasing and was now well over 3,000 (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5). It was not until the 15th of July that a local paper reported on the truce, “All Ireland rejoiced at the intelligence the [Dublin] newspapers contained on Saturday morning that a truce to the unfortunate conditions of affairs in Ireland had been called by Mr. de Valera on the one side and the Crown authorities on the other” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 4).
It was reported that except in Lurgan, the last shot in the land was fired at 11:55 on Monday the 11th of July at police in Kingscourt. In the twelve hours immediately preceding the truce there were numerous attacks on Crown forces. In accordance with the truce all activities ceased in New Ross and districts at Noon on Monday. On Monday afternoon the military and police carried no firearms when going about. On the succeeding days the military went in processional order through the town to bath in the river, taking bath towels with them. A number of I.R.A. men came into town and moved about freely. On Monday night people moved about the streets until midnight singing patriotic songs. At the churches on Sunday the people were asked to pray for the success of the peace negotiations. Since Monday people could be seen going about on bicycles. During the week people who were afraid to come to town on business came in large numbers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 7). Within a week it was reported that the martial law restrictions were lifted on motor vehicles and bicycles. The bans on fairs and markets were removed and all creameries ordered closed by the military were allowed to re-open. The ban on the tri-colour flag was lifted in Dublin but was reported as still being in place in Cork, (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 July 1921, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the fact that press censorship continued (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 4) the military allowed the newspapers to report on a demonstration organised and held in New York city by the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic. The organisation was formed by de Valera when he previously visited the U.S. It was estimated that 25,000 people participated and it took 2 ½ hours for the procession to pass (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
The Rest of the Story
Following up on events we highlighted in previous posts, in July the following items were published:
Three men arrested at the funeral of Nicholas Mullins were released from Woodstock. The released men were John Voss, of Jerpoint; Andrew Walsh, of Kiltorcane, and John Kearns, of Coolmeen (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). James McKenna and Patrick Luttrel who were convicted in the Waterford military court on the 15th of June 1921 for levying war against the King at Garryricken, near Callan, Co. Kilkenny and being in possession of arms and ammunition, were sentenced to penal servitude for life (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 8). For further details see the blog post of 30 May 2021.
In the New Ross Standard of 15 July 1921 (p. 5) the following poem, “To the memory of Jack Hartley, Fifth Battalion I.R.A.” was published. Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins were killed in action on 18 June 1921 at the Coolbarn ambush. For further details see the blog post of 20 June 2021.
He’s gone—he’s dead, A noble hero for his country’s bled, A rebel’s grave ever was his doom, But, ah alas! He fills it all too soon. No more his stalwart form we’ll see, Until we meet him in eternity; No more that loving smile we’ll greet, Or hear those tones and accent sweet. But why lament for such as he, Whose early wish to die for thee and Eire? He’s gained and tasted sweet, And gone with glory to his Saviour’s feet. And many a youth will yet lie low, For ideals which from heaven glow, For Faith and Love and Liberty, For thee oh down trodden country. And then at least the light will speed, Which glimmers now in Eastern skies, And by that light we’ll all be free, And shout from hill and vale resound, Of Lliberty—glorious Liberty. M. C. McP.
Other Local Matters
All the local newspapers reported that unemployment was increasing across both Britain and Ireland. In July 1921 it was also reported that the old fishermen had declared that the number of salmon caught in the Barrow and Nore in that season was the largest for any season during the previous 40 to 50 years (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). Additionally, at a joint meeting of Slieverue and Glenmore branch of the transport union a harvest bonus was agreed. Men over 18 years were to receive £2 10s; men under 18 years to receive £1 10s. The harvest bonus was to be paid before 1 October, or before the threshing. Men who had been in the same employment for at least 12 weeks prior to harvest were entitled to the harvest bonus. A threshing allowance to 3s. was to be given in lieu of drink. The men at threshing would be allowed overtime pay at the rate of 1s. per hour. Casual harvest worker to be paid 7s per day, “with diet” during harvest period; this included binding corn. In consideration of the fact that Glenmore and Slieverue were largely a dairy part of the county, and it was necessary to extend milking periods to as near as possible to twelve hours between each milking, the hours during the harvest period were set at ten hours per days (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the photo of the Aylwardstown railway station. The feature photo was published in the Illustrated London News (c) Illustrated New Group on 16 July 1921, p. 4. The caption under the photo provides: “With Camera Instead of Machine Gun and Revolver–Cadets Fraternising with Crowd Outside Dublin Castle.”
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh