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Sergeant Garvey (1895-1960) and His Glenmore Bride
Last week we highlighted the determination of the Garda Siochána to have a presence in Glenmore as well as a list of the sergeants that served in the Glenmore Garda Station over the years. One of these sergeants was Nicholas Garvey (1895-1960) who, according to the list Danny Dowling put together, was the Sergeant in Glenmore from 1936 – 1938. Today, we are going to highlight how Sergeant Garvey’s duties in Glenmore brought him to Rathinure to meet the woman who was to become his wife, Mary Grace (1913-1988). This story provides a glimpse into parish life in the 1930’s.
Prior to coming to Glenmore, Sergeant Garvey tragically lost his first wife, Mary Garvey née Aylward on the 19th August 1934. Mary Garvey née Aylward (c. 1902-1934) was only 32 when she died at her parent’s home on New Street in Carrick-on-Suir after an illness “of some months” duration. (Munster Express, 31 Aug. 1934, p. 8). At the time of Mary’s death Sergeant Garvey was stationed at Ballylanders, Co. Limerick (Irish Independent, 4 Oct. 1934) and the couple had two young daughters, Kathleen and Monica Garvey. With his young children being cared for by their maternal grandparents in Carrick-on-Suir, the widower, Sergeant Garvey was transferred first to Tullogher and then to Glenmore. While at Tullogher the locals made up a verse regarding the Sergeant and his four men, “Garvey let Lyons Loose to catch Salmon on the Shannon.” (This verse or ditty was given to Johnny Garvey by Dick Cotteral (c.1920 -2008) native of Ballycroney, Glenmore).
The petty session records from the 1930’s reflect that the Gardaí in Glenmore spent most of their time issuing summons for public intoxication, noxious weeds, dog licenses and wandering livestock. According to Danny Dowling, as often happened, some of the various Rathinure neighbours fell out with each other although the majority of Rathinure residents were related. During threshing times neighbours generally helped one another. The threshing would commence on one farm and move on to the next until the harvest was complete. Shortly after Sergeant Garvey came to Glenmore, the hamlet of Rathinure and the neighbours, who were generally named Kennedy or were descendants of Kennedy’s, were divided when the threshing was to commence.
The Grant brothers, of Carriganura, Slieverue were threshing for John Sean Óg Kennedy, of Rathinure, Glenmore. On the same day another rival threshing set by the name of Power were threshing for Statia Roche née Kennedy. Statia was a daughter of the late William Kennedy. The Grants were very intolerant of any opposition or competition. Some of the Grant brothers were very fond of the drink, but all were reported to be fond of fighting. Further information on the Grant brothers is below.
With the two rival threshing sets in close proximity, a Rathinure resident notified the Gardaí of the impending breach of peace which may have been termed a faction fight in earlier times. In response, the Glenmore Garda Station was emptied and Sergeant Nicholas Garvey and the four officers proceeded with due haste to Rathinure where they spent most of the day keeping the rival threshing sets from fighting. During the course of the day Sergeant Garvey met Mary Grace, the niece who was living with John Sean Óg Kennedy and his sister Mary Sean Óg Kennedy. According to Danny Dowling, Mary Grace offered the Sergeant a cup of tea and a bit of cake and he was smitten. According to the wedding announcement that appeared in the Munster Express, Mary Grant had lived in Rathinure for 8 years before she married.
Jimmy Roche, of Rathinure (1927- 2018) was just a young fellow when Sergeant Garvey used to walk from the Village to Rathinure. It is assumed that he followed the mass path that provided a direct route from Glenmore Village to the Bushing Fada lane that led to the back of John Sean Óg Kennedy’s house. Jimmy Roche told me years ago that Sergeant Garvey thought that he was not observed arriving via the Bushing Fada lane, but all the local youngsters were gathered in a field to play hurling and observed the courting bound Sergeant Garvey. Within a short time all the Rathinure adults also were observing how often Sergeant Garvey found his way to Rathinure.
Ultimately Sergeant Nicholas Garvey married Mary Grace (1913-1988) at the Pro-Cathedral of Dublin in the summer of 1937. Mr. John Grace, the bride’s brother was best man and the bride “was attended by her niece.” The bride wore cream satin dress with a hat to mach. A wedding breakfast was held in the Ormond Hotel, Dublin and the newlyweds honeymooned in Blackpool. (Munster Express, 16 July 1937, p. 7).
After the couple were married Sergeant Garvey was transferred to Cork. In addition to the two daughters Kathleen and Monica that Sergeant Garvey had with his first wife, he and Mary Grace had 9 children: [1] Patrick Garvey; [2] William Garvey; [3] Margaret Garvey; [4] Johnny Garvey; [5] Frederick Garvey; [6] Mary Garvey [7] & [8] Twins Peter and Paul Garvey (died in infancy); and [9] Bernadette Garvey. When he retired from An Garda Siochana the couple ran a guest house in Tramore. At the age of 15 Johnny Garvey, like his mother before him, moved to Rathinure to work with his great-uncle and aunt, John Sean Óg Kennedy and Mary (Sean Óg) and has remained in Rathinure to this day.
The year 1960 was a very tragic year for Mary Garvey née Grace. Her father, William Grace (c. 1881-1960) died in March (Munster Express, 25 March 1960, p. 2) and her husband, retired Sergeant Nicholas Garvey died in June (Munster Express, Friday 17 June 1960, p. 8). In 1960 according to William’s obituary Patrick Garvey, was with Customs and Excise, in Tullamore, Offaly. William Garvey, was with the Tourist Board, London. Johnny Garvey was farming in Rathinure while Margaret Garvey was employed by London and Newcastle in Waterford. Fred, Mary and Bernie Garvey were living in Tramore.
Mary Garvey née Grace died on 21 July 1988 at the age of 75. At the time of her death Bill Garvey, was working for British Airways, London, and Fred Garvey, was a Garda Inspector, at the Templemore Training Centre. Fred Garvey was the only child to follow his father into An Garda Siochána. Ultimately Fred became a Chief Superintendent based in Tralee and served in one of the stations where his father previously served. Margaret Fitzsimmons née Garvey, Mary Walsh née Garvey and Bernie Martin, née Garvey were all married and living in Dublin (Munster Express, Fri. 29 July 1988, p. 15). Her step-daughters were both married and Monica Clancy née Garvey lived in Carrick-on-Suir and Kathleen Burke née Garvey lived in Dublin.
Ancestors of Mary Garvey née Grace (1913-1988)
Mary Garvey née Grace was born on 29 January 1913, the daughter of William Grace and his wife Margaret Grace, née Kennedy of Ballyhomuck, Big Wood, Mullinavat. William and Margaret were married on 16 February 1909 at Glenmore. Margaret Grace née Kennedy (b. 1880) was 28 years of age when she married and she was the daughter of John Kennedy (c. 1840-1920) and Ellen Kennedy née Walshe (c. 1942-1911) of Rathinure. William Grace and his wife Margaret Grace née Kennedy had five children: [1] William Grace; [2] Ed Grace; [2] John Grace; [3] Ellie Grace and [4] Mary Garvey née Grace. Mary was the only Grace sibling to marry.
Mary Garvey née Grace’s maternal grandparents were John Kennedy ( c. 1840-1920) of Rathinure, and Ellen Walshe (c. 1842-1911), of Jamestown, Glenmore who married on 10 Feb. 1879. The bridegroom was the son of John Kennedy and the bride was the daughter of Walter Walshe. The couple had five children: [1] Margaret Kennedy (b. 24 Feb. 1880) married William Grace; [2] Mary Kennedy (13 April 1881-8 Feb. 1971); [3] Anne Kennedy (b. 11 Jan. 1883) (Church record Honor) Hannie Sean Óg married James Donovan the first creamery manager in Glenmore. [4] John Kennedy (John Sean Óg), 11 Feb. 1885-11 Feb. 1962); [5] Patrick Kennedy called Patsy Sean Óg (20 Jan. 1887-5 Nov. 1951) (married Catherine O’Grady, 22 Nov. 1939 Chicago Cathedral).
Parents and Siblings of Sergeant Nicholas Garvey
Nicholas Garvey was born 10 October 1895 at Mornington, Co. Meath son of Patrick Garvey (c. 1855-before 1931) and his wife, Kate Garvey née Reynolds (c. 1858- 1931). At the time of his birth, Patrick Garvey gave his profession as pilot. Mornington is a coastal village on the River Boyne estuary and means “Town of the Mariner.” In 1895 a pilot worked on a ship. Ships took on pilots who were responsible for navigating the ship into port or up a river. Nicholas Garvey was the youngest of the children listed in the 1901 Census. [1] Mary Anne Garvey (aged 24); [2] John Garvey (aged 20); [3] Peter Garvey (aged 19); [4] Patrick Garvey (aged 19); [5] Bridget Garvey (aged 17); [6] Anastatia Garvey (aged 15); [7] Lawrence Garvey (aged 12); [8] Philomena Garvey (aged 10); [9] William Garvey (aged 8); and [10] Nicholas Garvey (aged 6).
The Grant Brothers
The Grant brothers were all big, rough men. There were five brothers and none of them married. Their parents were John Grant and Anne Aylward who were married on 13 February 1899 in Waterford. The couple were married by Rev. Father Thomas Grant, C.C. of St. Dominick’s. John was the son of William Grant. Anne Grant née Aylward was born on 12 August 1870 to Thomas Aylward and Ellen Henebery of Ballytasnia, Ballyhale. According to the 1911 census of Carrignurra, Slieverue John Grant was 11 years older than his wife.
The first four Grant brothers were born at Ballytasnia, Ballyhale. [1] William Grant (8 Oct. 1902-19 July 1956); [2] Thomas Grant (2 Feb. 1905-4 Jan. 1973); [3] James Grant (b. 20 Nov. 1906) and [4] John Joe Grant (8 June 1908-7 April 1987). [5] Richard Grant was born on 20 August 1917 at Carrignurra, Slieverue and died on 18 January 2001. This information was obtained from the birth registry and the Grant headstone in Glenmore cemetery.
Special thanks to Johnny and Breda Garvey for sharing their family photos and providing family information. Please send any and all corrections, omissions or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Glenmore Garda Station [Updated]
Danny Dowling in his quest for information concerning Glenmore and its people corresponded with various agencies from the Naval Historical Center of the U.S. Navy to the Garda Siochána Archives. Although Danny was unable to verify that a Glenmore native was killed while serving on the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbour in 1898, Danny was able to obtain correspondence concerning the early Glenmore Garda Station. This correspondence not only provides information concerning the local Garda Station, but it also gives a fascinating glimpse into the early workings of the Free State. Lacking in the correspondence is any indication as to why the presence of Garda in Glenmore was so important to generate the correspondence where the “occupation” of Glenmore was deemed important. As we highlighted in a previous post of 11 April 2020, the Glenmore R.I.C. Barracks was burned in 1920 by the Glenmore Company of the old I.R.A.
Occupation of Glenmore
In early February 1924 a memo was sent to the Garda Commissioner regarding the “Occupation of Glenmore.” Notwithstanding this interesting choice of words, it was noted that the Board of Works apparently located a temporary accommodation in Glenmore but the owner was not willing to rent the house. The Board of Works wanted to know whether it should proceed to “commandeering under the Acquisition of Premises Act.” In turn on 21 February 1924, a letter was written to the “Minister of Home Affairs” noting that there was no suitable accommodation in Glenmore for the Garda except for a cottage belonging to Mr. Dalton, of Waterford. The owner offered the house for sale but refused to rent it to the Garda. “Under the circumstances the Commissioner is of the opinion that the Board of Works should be urged to negotiate for the rebuilding of the old R.I.C. Barracks at Glenmore so as to provide accommodation of a suitable permanent nature for the Garda.” Then 11 days later, on 4 March 1924, a second letter was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs stating that the Commissioner was of the opinion that the “provision of the Civic Guard (Acquisition of Premises) Act 1923 should be brought into operation in order to secure the vacant cottage belonging to Mr. Dalton, for the use of An Garda.” Although it is not clearly stated in the correspondence one interpretation could be that the Commissioner was seeking both a temporary and permanent accomodation in Glenmore to provide immediate services to an area without police since 1920.
The Garda Commissioner received a response letter dated 22 March 1924, where it was queried if “it has been definitely decided to have a Garda Station permanently at Glenmore…” The Board of Works had stated that the “landlord of the old Royal Irish Constabulary Barrack has received compensation for the destruction of the house. He will not rebuild but is understood to be willing to sell the site and ruins.” If a permanent Garda Station is required for Glenmore the Board of Works would be instructed to open negotiations with the landlord with a view to submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Finance for authority to purchase the site and ruins and to restore the building as a permanent station for the Garda. The owner of the site and ruins was Lord Bessborough although his name does not appear in the letter.
Two days later the Commissioner wrote to the Kilkenny Chief Superintendent informing him that the Board of Works were of the opinion that securing Mr. Dalton’s premises “would scarcely be worthwhile.” The Chief Superintendent on the 24th stated he only recommended it “owing to the very urgent necessity for the Guards in this area.” He noted that the purchase and rebuilding of the old R.I.C. barracks would require a couple of years. Ultimately the Board of Works concluded terms for the purchase of the site and ruins in late November 1924 and on 3 December 1924 the Commissioner was advised that “the legal steps for the conveyance are now in progress.”
On 23 December 1924 the Chief Superintendent received a letter from the Thomastown Superintendent that a vacant house was located in Weatherstown, Glenmore for Garda accommodation. The house was visited and Mr. Fitzgerald, the owner, agreed to rent it for £25 per year. The house was located 1.5 miles from the Village and 3.5 miles from the Glenmore Railway Station, 6 miles from Tullogher, 5 miles from New Ross and 7 miles from Mullinavat. After erecting a “dry closet” (a.k.a. outhouse/privy) the Weatherstown Garda Station received three gardai from Thomastown on the 24th of January 1925. For the first time since 1920 there was an operating police station in the parish of Glenmore.
Repairs to the Old R.I.C. Barracks were completed and on the 3rd of November 1925, the key of the Weatherstown Garda Station was returned to Mr. Fitzgerald. The only item not completed at the Glenmore Village Garda Station was the installation of a cooking range. “Although the Barrack is suitable for the permanent accommodation of An Garda, married quarters are not available.” Within 20 days of occupation a request was made for the installation of a telephone. It was noted that the “cost of installation would be small as the wires pass close to the barracks.” (Letter DC/1806/23 dated 23 Nov. 1925).
[Update 10 April 2022: Amazingly the Civic Guards taking over the old R.I.C. barracks at Glenmore was reported in the New York newspaper The Advocte (Sat. 18 Dec. 1925, p. 5). It was noted that these barracks were “wrecked during the troubled times and recently repaired.]
The Glenmore Water Scheme
A lull in correspondence occurred until an article was published in the Kilkenny People on 21 March 1931. The article stated that the Board approved a new water supply for the Village of Glenmore as the public water available was unfit for human consumption. The article was attached to letter dated 26 March 1931 asking the Commissioner to approve the Glenmore station for “private water supply” at the estimated cost of £2 per annum. This letter, written by J. Murphy, provides interesting details concerning the conditions in the Station. “The old village pump is situate about 140 yards down a steep incline from the Garda barracks,” and under the new scheme it is here that the public tap would be provided. For information on the pollution of the Glenmore public water, we previously published an article on the Glenmore water scheme on 23 May 2020.
During the summer months it was reported that about 30 gallons of water was needed in the Glenmore station for domestic and other purposes. “The Barrack servant provides only what is necessary for household use, and the remainder is provided by the Station party at an expense of approximately £3.10.0 per annum. I was not aware until now that the Station party were paying for the carriage of water to the Station…The expense is not shown in the Mess Book as the money is paid from a reserve fund on hand at the Station as a result of discount received on mess bills.” Thus the Station had a servant who carried the water from the Creamery to the Station. The village pump was located in front of where the pub is now and described in the letter as being on a “steep incline.” Instead the water came from the local creamery pump which “is situate about 300 yards from the Station, with the consent of the manager.” No mention is made of the steeper incline between the Station and the creamery or further reference to the “reserve fund.”
When J. Murphy did not receive a response he sent a memo dated 14 May 1931 to Commissioner “A” noting that should his recommendation that a private water supply be provided to the Glenmore Station it would be necessary to advise the contractors as the work on the scheme had commenced. He noted that “…special piping to which connections can be linked up will only be provided where ordered…” In December 1931 a private water supply was approved for the Glenmore Garda Station and the connection was made in January 1932.
In August 1934 the Glenmore Garda Station made a request for a “bucket or receiver for use in closet.” It thus appears that although the Station received running water in 1932 no sanitary improvements such as a flushing toilet followed. In October 1934 a list of works and repairs was made. In addition to the painting and distempering of various walls and ceilings in the kitchen, day room, hall, stairs and sergeant’s office and bedrooms the strong room walls required white wash. The strong room was a cell which was located at the back of the building. It was also noted that the water supply should be extended to the wash house with three basins and taps to be provided. “The lavatory is of the pail type and is unsuitable owing to its close proximity to the kitchen door a flush lavatory or septic tank should be provided.” The Board of Works invited tenders for repairs and the contractor hired was M. Bailey of New Ross with work to be completed on the 5th of December 1934. However, the extension of the waterline to the washhouse and the lavatory were recommended but not approved for tender.
In March 1936 the request to extend the water line to the wash house and the provision of flush lavatory and septic tank was renewed. It was also requested that two window blinds be fitted to the bedroom windows as the rooms face the street and have neither shutters nor blinds. Here the correspondence file ends. It is believed that the station did obtain a flushing lavatory, but it is not known when this occurred.
Lastly, the file contains a handwritten list of Sergeants stationed in Glenmore from 1932 to 1997:
1932-1935 John Mullane
1935 Corneilius Tully
1936-1938 Nicholas Garvey
1939-1956 John Dalton
1957-1964 James Flynn
1965 VACANT
1966-T.D. Malone
1967-VACANT
1968 D.F. Bulger
1969-1970 M. Murphy
1971-1974 A.J. Hallissey
1975-1976 J. O’Sullivan
1977-1979 P.F. M’Govern
1980-1981 F.J. Stafford
1982-1985 No Directories
1985-1997 VACANT
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for the photo of the the Glenmore Barracks after it was set on fire by the local Company of the Old I.R.A.
Next week we are going to highlight Garda Sergeant Nicholas Garvey and the story of how he met his Glenmore bride.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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