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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
Remembering the Fallen: Hartley and Mullins 1921-2021
Yesterday afternoon a commemoration ceremony was held in Glenmore to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921) of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who was killed in action at Coolbawn, Castlecomer during the War of Independence. Also killed in the Coolbawn Ambush of 18 June 1921 was Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) of Market Street, Thomastown, the son of Glenmore native Laurence Mullins (1858-1913). Yesterday, it was a fine day and a crowd gathered at Glenmore for the ceremony. Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh, the author of Kilkenny In Times of Revolution 1900-1923 (2018) provided details concerning Jack Hartley’s life prior to Coolbawn, but did not discuss the grisly details and the controversy concerning the ill-fated ambush that cost these young volunteers their lives. However, a concise account of the ambush may be found in his book and some of the highlights are below (Walsh, 2018 p. 122-127).
John Hartley was born and raised in Weatherstown, Glenmore and was generally referred to by his family as Jack. He “was engaged in the grocery trade in New Ross, …and assisted the [Glenmore] Kilkenny County senior football team in the Leinster championship” (New Ross Standard, 29 April 1938, p. 2). At an early age he became involved in the Republican movement and joined the New Ross unit of the old I.R.A., was arrested for his activities in 1916 and imprisoned in Wakefield prison. After his release he went to work in Kilkenny City for a grocer/publican named Grace and continued with his volunteer activities. He was arrested in Kilkenny in 1921 when his bedroom above the business premises was searched and a handgun and other materials were found. He was imprisoned again, but because he shared the room with others he was not convicted and released. Knowing that he was being watched he decided to go on the run and joined the Flying Column in Graiguenamanagh. A copy of the pension application file is available on line. Ultimately Jack’s father was awarded a £50 gratuity (gift) by the grateful new nation.
Nicholas Mullins was born and raised on Market Street in Thomastown. His father, Laurence Mullins (1858-1913) was a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Laurence married Anne Hanrahan of Coolroebeg near Thomastown. Laurence moved to Coolroebeg and (according to the residence recordings on the birth certificates of their children) as their family grew they eventually moved to Market St. where Laurence ran a pub. In the 1911 census Nicholas was already at work as a carrier for a brewery. After his father died in 1913 according to his mother she struggled to raise her dependent children. Nicholas secured a job working for the Council and earned £1 a day as he had a horse and cart. At the time of his death he was the main breadwinner for his mother and siblings. Portions of the pension application files for Nicholas are also available on line.
The Coolbawn Ambush
Early in 1921 the 5th Battalion Active Service Unit was established in Graiguenamagh. Generally known as a Flying Column these units were an elite group of volunteers who dedicated themselves full time to the War of Independence. Most volunteers continued to work their normal jobs and engaged in military activities as and when called upon. On the 18th of June 1921 the Flying Column set an ambush just north of Castlecomer at Coolbawn. They hoped to attack a convoy of Crown forces that regularly protected explosives that were transported along that road to a mine. Mines were laid in the road and people were stopped from using the road. A local woman named Florrie Dreaper apparently realized what was being planned and walked to Castlecomer and alerted the Crown Forces who surrounded the volunteers. John “Jack” Hartley was immediately killed in the first volley. Nicholas Mullins was wounded, but managed to cross the road where he was then shot in the abdomen the bullet damaging his liver. He died approximately two hours later from his wounds.
Florrie Dreaper lived nearby and the requests of the volunteers to shoot her in reprisal were denied. The local I.R.A. Company was ordered to burn the house she lived in with her sister. Four days before the truce the volunteers went to the Drapier home to burn it. The volunteers helped her sister remove her belongings from the house, but Florrie refused to leave her house and got into a steel watertank on the roof of the house with her dog. Florrie attempted to summon the Crown Troops from Thomastown from the roof. Both she and the dog survived the fire and she and her sister subsequently moved to England.
The Funerals
Much has been written concerning the large number of mourners that turned out for the funerals of both young men and the conduct of the Crown authorities at the funerals. Danny Dowling, in the summer of 2020, stated that when he was a boy the activities of local people during the War of Independence, and particularly the Civil War, were known by everyone. Glenmore was too small a place for there to be any anonymity or secrets. It was reported in the newspapers of the time that after Jack Hartley’s funeral a volley was fired over his grave and this brought the “Black and Tans” back to the cemetery. What wasn’t reported was that the local volunteers only waited for the Crown Forces to get up past the National School. “Pat Hanrahan and a few of the lads fired the volley. They wanted the volley to be heard.” By the time the Crown Forces turned around and made it back to the cemetery most of the volunteers had vaulted the cemetery walls and disappeared into the adjoining fields with the arms. Danny said that it was stated that Pat Hanrahan and his brother calmly exited the front church gates and walked to his shop and home across the road. They then prepared to go to Thomastown to attend their cousin Nicholas Mullin’s funeral that was held the following day. For the list of local Glenmore volunteers click here.
Memorials
Shortly after Jack Hartley’s death efforts began for a memorial to be erected. In 1927 it was reported that while he was interred at Glenmore it was not known whether the memorial would be at Glenmore or at Coolbawn (New Ross Standard, 18 March 1927, p. 8). Through the efforts of his comrades in arms, primarily in New Ross, on Easter Sunday in 1929 a large Celtic Cross monument was erected on his grave” (Waterford News & Star, 31 March 1929, p. 5).
“Erected to the memory of Captain Sean Hartley, I.R.A., Weatherstown, Glenmore, by his comrades of the South Wexford Brigade. He fell in action at Coolbawn, Castlecomer, in 1921, in defence of the Republic proclaimed by Pearse in 1916, and established by Dail Eireann on the 21st of January 1919.”
The Coolbawn memorial was unveiled at Easter in 1934. To raise funds for the memorial the receipts from GAA matches were donated and special matches held. By 1934 several veterans of the War of Independence were upset. On the same page in the Irish Independent where the dedication of the Coolbawn memorial was reported it was also reported that “the annual march to the graves of the leaders, executed in 1916, was abandoned this year…as a protest against the deplorable division of the Republican parties, each claiming the dead as their own for political purposes” (Irish Independent, 2 April 1934, p. 5).
The last and least known memorial was erected in Graiguenamanagh. It was reported in December 1947 that £718 12s. 5d had been subscribed for the erection of a memorial to the memory of Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins (Munster Express, 24 Dec. 1947, p. 8). Unfortunately, the newspaper failed to indicate where the memorial was being erected. However, in August 1949 an Italian marble figure of the Sacred Heart was unveiled and blessed at Graiguenamanagh before a crowd of 2,000 people in memory of Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins, and the other members of the 5th Battalion Active Service Brigade I.R.A. The memorial was unveiled by ex-Battalion commandant, John Walsh, Graiguenamanagh, who survived the ambush.
John Walsh provided a brief history of the unit which formed early in 1921. The unit carried out a successful ambush as Uskerty and then proceeded to the borders of Leix. A few days later the unit was surrounded by two battalions of Crown troops. The column succeeded in escaping under cover of darkness. The next operation was Coolbawn. The strength of the unit increased from 17 to 19 men. Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins joined the unit at Graiguenamanagh. John Walsh provided a brief description of the Coolbawn Ambush. “The battle went on at a terrific pace for more than an hour, and it was here that Sean Hartley and Nicholas Mullins fell, while Jamey Doyle received rifle and bayonet wounds from which he recovered…The unit was trapped by the superior converging forces and were subjected to concentrated fire. Another section which escaped the encirclement, directed heavy fire on the attackers which allowed the remainder of the trapped section to force its way out.” Notwithstanding the fact that Nicholas Mullins was shot through the liver the 1949 article states that he would not have died except for the brutal treatment inflicted by the Crown forces. “James Doyle was severely wounded and subjected to bayonet stabbing. The fact that he was not identified saved him from a similar fate to Nicholas Mullins. He was subsequently sentenced to death by a British court martial. The truce intervened” (New Ross Standard, 12 August 1949, p. 9). Interestingly there is no mention of Florrie Dreaper and the role she played in the ambush.
The family members who were present at the 1949 ceremony included: Mr. James Hartley, Weatherstown, Glenmore, (brother); Mrs. M. (Alice) Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore (sister); Miss Mary Hartley, Miss Ciss Culleton (nieces); Edward and Sean Hartley (nephews); Mr. James Morrissey, Kilbride, Glenmore (cousin). Of the individuals listed above as attending in 1949 only Jack Hartley’s niece, Ciss Roche née Culleton survives.
Mr. Thomas Mullins, Thomastown (brother), Mrs. J. Bookle, Bridge Hotel, Thomastown and Miss Kathleen Mullins, Market St, Thomastown, (sisters); Misses Evelyn Bookle, Zeta and Emelda Renner, Anne Mullins (nieces); Nicholas Mullins (nephew); John Walsh, Mullinavat (cousin).
The Extended Families–contrary to the assertions in one of the newspapers in 1921 Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins do not appear to have been first cousins. The two men do not appear to share any grandparents, however it is possible that the link was further back. They were, however, both related to a large number of Glenmore families.
John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921)
Parents: Edmund “Neddy” Hartley (farmer, Weatherstown) married Anastasia Hartley (Weatherstown) on 1 June 1892 at Glenmore. Groom was the son of James Hartley (farmer) and bride was the daughter of Edmund Hartley (farmer). The couple were both 27 years of age when they married.
Paternal Grandparents—Edmund Hartley (1865-1947) was born on 12 June 1865 son of James Hartley (farmer) and Bridget Hartley née Grant at Weatherstown. James Hartley (Weatherstown) married Bridget Grant (Ballinaraha) at Glenmore on 3 March 1860. Four siblings were located for Edmund Hartley (1865-1947) [1] Mary Hartley (b. 4 April 1861); [2] Ally Hartley (b. 26 May 1863); [3] Bridget Hartley (b. 7 Nov. 1867) and [4] Anastatia Hartley (b. 27 April 1872).
Maternal Grandparents—Anastatia Hartley (1865-1943) was born 14 June 1865 at Weatherstown the daughter of Edward Hartley and Ally Henebry. The civil birth records record her parents’ names as Edmund Hartley and Alice Henneberry. Edmund Hartley (Weatherstown) married Ally Henebery (Miltown) on 20 Feb. 1855 at Glenmore. Three siblings were located for Anastatia Hartley née Hartley (1865-1943); [1] James Hartley (b. 23 February 1867), [2] Edmund Hartley (b. 21 October 1869), [3] Philip Hartley (b. 11 April 1861). The 1901 Census for Weatherstown indicates that Alice Hartley née Henneberry was living with her son Philip Hartley (b. 1861) and his wife and children.
Great-Grandparents—it appears that Bridget Grant (c. 1825-1895) was the daughter of John Grant and Mary Grant née Power. John Grant and Mary Grant née Power were married on 30 January 1823. The Glenmore Parish records has a child born to this couple baptized on 21 Feb. 1826 at Ballynaraha. The couple were married on 30 January 1823.
A baptismal record for Alicia Henebry of Milltown was found. Alicia Henebry was the daughter of William Henebry and Mary Henebry née Cody. Alicia Henebry was baptized at Milltown on 16 October 1825. However, other children born to Mary Henebry née Cody from this decade have Thomas Henebry listed as their father.
Unfortunately, the marriage records of his Jack Hartley’s grandparents do not list the names of their fathers. The 1833 Tithe Applotment Books of 1833 only records John Hartley in Weatherstown, but there is a James Hartilly (sic) in Flemingstown. Glenmore parish records reveal that John Hartilly and his wife, Ally Norris, had a son William Hatilly baptized on 17 April 1835. Glenmore baptismal records list a James Hartley baptized on 28 Sept. 1833 to Patrick Hartley and Bridget Power. In a previous blog on 20 October 1920 we highlighted a branch of the Flemingstown Hartley family that settled in the US around 1850.
Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921)
Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) was the son of Laurence Mullins and Anne Hanrahan. He was born 1 June 1893, Market St., Thomastown and at the time of his birth his father’s profession was listed as grocer.
Parents
Laurence Mullins, of Gaulstown, Glenmore married Anne Hanrahan, of Coolroebeg, at Thomastown on 27 November 1884. Laurence was a farmer and the son of Nicholas Mullins (deceased) and Anne Hanrahan was the daughter of Thomas Hanrahan (farmer). The following children were born and the place of residence and changes to Laurence’s occupation is provided to track the family as it grew: [1] Mary Mullins (b. 17 Jan. 1885) father, Coolroebeg labourer; [2] Johanna Mullins (b. 18 June 1886); [3] Ellen Mullins (b. 3 May 1889); [4] Nicholas Mullins (b. 1 June 1893) father, grocer, Thomastown; [5] Thomas Mullins (b. 20 Oct. 1895); [6] Richard Mullins (b. 15 Nov. 1898) father, publican Thomastown; [7] John Mullins (b. 12 Oct. 1900); [8] Bridget Mullins (b. 7 Feb. 1903); [9] Margaret Mullins (b. 18 April 1905); [10] Kathleen Mullins (b. 2 June 1906); [11] Laurence Mullins; (b. 29 March 1908). The 1901 Census family living on Saw Street in Thomastown and Laurence’s profession is listed as shopkeeper. In the 1911 Census the family is simply listed as living in house 58 in Thomastown, Laurence’s profession is listed as publican, and the family of 11 occupied 9 rooms.
Paternal Grandparents
Nicholas Mullins and Mary Mullins née Mackey, of Weatherstown, were married on 26 February 1838. Eleven children were found for this family: [1] John Mullins (bapt. 18 Sept. 1839); [2] Ellen Mullins (bapt. 3 Sept. 1841); [3] Patrick Mullins, (bapt. 16 March 1844) [4] Richard Mullins (bapt. 16 Oct. 1848); [5] Mary Mullins (bapt. 13 Dec. 1850); [6] Margaret Mullins (bapt 25 Dec. 1852) [7] Honoria Mullins (bapt. 16 Dec. 1854 m. Michael Hanrahan, of Powerswood, at Glenmore on 12 July 1885); [8] Bridget Mullins (bapt. 27 Jan. 1857); [9] Laurence Mullins (15 August 1858—died 3 March 1914, aged 54 at Thomastown); [10] Kieran Mullins (b. 16 Sept. l860); and [11] Catherine Mullins (b. 11 Feb. 1865). The first five children were born at Weatherstown, starting with Mary in 1850 the family was in Ballinamona, Glenmore, then starting with Honoria in 1854 their residence is recorded as Gaulstown which is adjacent to Ballinamona. For further information on some of the Glenmore Hanrahan cousins see, the blog of 6 December 2020.
Maternal Grandparents
Anne Mullins née Hanrahan was the daughter of Thomas Hanrahan (c. 1829-1894) and Mary Dalton, of Coolroebeg, Thomastown. Her parents were married on 9 November 1853 at Coolroebeg and the following children were located: [1] Bridget Hanrahan (bapt. 2 Jan. 1855); [2] Bridget Hanrahan (bapt. 18 Oct. 1856); [3] James Hanrahan (bapt. 24 Nov. 1858); [4] Richard Hanrahan (bapt. 24 Nov. 1858); [5] James Hanrahan (bapt. 15 March 1860); [6] John Hanrahan (b. 26 May 1862); [7] Anne Hanrahan (b. 12 July 1864); [8] Margaret Hanrahan (b. 12 July 1866); [9] William Hanrahan (b. 6 Oct. 1868); [10] Patrick Hanrahan (b. 8 Nov. 1870); [11] Denis Hanrahan (b. 1 Oct. 1872) and [12] Ellen Hanrahan (b. 13 Nov. 1875). A death cert for a Thomas Hanrahan was found dated 14 June 1894. Thomas was a widower, aged 75 and his son Denis Hanrahan was present when he died at Coolroebeg.
Great Grandparents
Nicholas Mullins was bapt. 10 July 1813 at Flemingstown. His parents were John Mullins and Nelly Grace. John Mullins and Eleanor Grace were married on 16 Feb. 1806 at Glenmore.
Due to information gleaned from headstones in Glenmore cemetery it is believed that Mary Mackey (c. 1821-1892) was born around 1821. Unfortunately, there were two Mary Mackey’s born in Weatherstown, Glenmore in 1821 and 1822. One Mary Mackey was the daughter of John Mackey and Mary Mackey née Hanrahan, of Weatherstown and was baptized on 16 April 1821. The other Mary Mackey was also born in Weatherstown and was the daughter of David Mackey and Mary Furlong, baptized on the 30th of August 1822.
Please forward corrections, errors or omissions to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above was taken at the commencement of the 100th Anniversary Commemmoration held on 19 June 2021 at Glenmore Cemetery. The crowd and colour guard gathered on the Vee Road just before the Creamery and walked to the cemetary.
Coolbawn Ambush Centernary Commemoration
Castlecomer, Friday June 18th 2021
To mark the Centenary of those that died, injured, or participated (now deceased) of the 1921 Coolbawn Ambush, a Commemoration Mass will be offered for the deceased on Friday June 18th at 6 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer. The Mass will be attended by descendants of the Volunteers. A Colour Party will also attend from St. Stephens Barracks Kilkenny as will Finbarr McCarthy, Piper. At 11.15 a.m. on the day the Church Bell will toll to remind us of these events 100 years ago. After Mass all are invited to the Discovery Park for the Exhibition of Projects on the Ambush by six National Schools from the area Presentation Convent, Wandesforde, Moneenroe, Clogh, Coon and Muckalee. Due to road safety issues the following will also take part in the Discovery Park.
1. The Preamble of the Constitution.
2. A minutes silence.
3. Oration; For those on active service during the Coolbawn Ambush, for those injured and those who gave their lives. The speaker is Mr. Tom Teehan former judge.
4. Amhrán na bhFiann.
Finally families of Captain John Hartley, Lieutenant Nicholas Mullins, and other family members of the volunteers, will depart to lay a Commemoration Wreath at the Coolbawn Monument. Again road safety practice will require the general public not to be at the site. An Garda Síochána and Stewards will be assisting in this safety matter. Proceedings including Drone Footage from the Lotts to Coolbawn can be viewed online at https://www.facebook.com/TheCoolbawnAmbush https://www.twitch.tv/coolbawnambush https://www.castlecomerparish.ie/webcam/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFqL1nFt-DhB8wbn8nowisw
Glenmore, Saturday June 19th 2021
A prayer service and wreath laying ceremony will take place, commencing at 3pm, in Glenmore churchyard
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Special thanks to Ed Synnott for sending this.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Hurled for Glenmore: Henry Doolan (1923-2001) of Shanbogh (updated)
Today we are going to feature Henry Doolan, of Shanbogh, Rosbercon, a hurler who hurled for a number of teams including Glenmore in 1948 and 1949. Recently while searching old newspapers, an interesting article from 1960 concerning Henry Doolan, of Shanbough was discovered, and it triggered an old memory of a story about a hair dresser hurler.
My introduction to hurling came about 30 years ago when I first visited Glenmore and my mother’s second cousin, Jimmy Roche (1927-2018) of Rathinure, invited me to a game between Glenmore and the Shamrocks. With the patience of a saint Jimmy attempted to explain the game to me, aided by Mick Lynch (who sadly died earlier this month). When I innocently asked Jimmy if he ever won any trophies this caused Mick Lynch to laugh. As Jimmy related his story Mick would interject details most of which escape me now. What I do recall is that Jimmy said that the only time he played in a championship game, and won, he was playing as a bandit. He explained that he and John Heffernan [hope I have that correct] were asked to play in Wexford by a friend. I don’t recall the friend’s name, but I do recall it was mentioned that he was a hair dresser. Jimmy played in Wexford, the team won, but Jimmy couldn’t receive the medal.
It is not known whether Henry Doolan was the man who recruited Jimmy Roche to play with a Wexford team, but newspaper accounts do verify that Henry played with a number of teams, including Glenmore, and played with Jimmy’s brother in New York and Jimmy’s cousin, Michael Heffernan on the Geraldine O’Hanrahan team of New Ross. Some players of the era who “illegally” played for other clubs were quite proud of their recruitment. For example,in his brother Paddy’s obituary it was noted that Paddy Doolan was not adverse to playing for another club when “his services were sought” (New Ross Standard, 24 March 1994, p. 6).
The 1960 Article
“HOME FROM N.Y. — For the last month, Mr. Henry Doolan has been spending a very enjoyable holiday in his native parish of Rosbercon. A native of the townland of Shanbogh, he is a son of Mr. Henry Doolan, and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Doolan, of Shanbogh. With him are his wife and three young daughters. His wife formerly Miss Theresa O’Shea was a native of Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry, and a cousin of Mr. Jeremiah O’ Shea, the well-known Kerry All-Ireland Footballer, who played in last Sunday’s final. Henry is a brother of Mr. Patrick Doolan, Shanbogh, Mr. Michael Doolan, Shepherd’s Bush London, Mrs. Bridget Goldsmith, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey and Mrs. Mary Farrell, Finchely, London.
Hairdresser by profession, he is resident in the Bronx, New York, for the past six years. He worked for ten years in New Ross, before he emigrated to England, where he took up a position with the Cunard White Star Line Company, prior to emigrating to the U.S A. he was employed as a hairdresser on board the Queen Elizabeth, which position he held for a period of five years. At present employed in Park Avenue, Manhattan, he is keenly associated with the New York G.A.A. He is the trainer and also a playing member of the Kilkenny team in New York. He played with the Mullinavat senior hurling team in 1941 and with the Kilkenny junior team in 1949. He also played with Wexford in 1943 and 1947 and with Glenmore in 1948 and 1949. A noted G.A.A. supporter, he was prior to his departure from the country a most popular and esteemed member of the community. At present neighbours of his in the Bronx, are Mr. William Roche, a native of Rathinure Glenmore, Mr. James Walsh, Weatherstown, Glenmore, Mrs. Eily Fallon, formerly Miss Eily Foskin, of Mullinavat, and Messrs. Jack Garrigan and Terry Leahy of Kilkenny hurling renown…” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 30 Sept. 1960, p. 6).
Henry Doolan “served his time” with Bobby Walsh of South Street in New Ross. (New Ross Standard, 19 Sept. 2001). The first U.S. record that could be located for Henry Doolan is from 1950. On 27 September 1950, Henry Doolan, barber, was granted shore leave from the Queen Elizabeth at New York. He was listed as a British citizen. In 1954, Henry Doolan applied for and obtained a Social Security card thus indicating that he was living and working in the US. The following year Henry Doolan and Theresa O’Shea were issued a New York Marriage License (No. 6109). Henry became a naturalized citizen on 9 May 1960, recorded that he was residing at 2256 Walton Ave., Bronx, New York and that his birthdate was 9 February 1923.
Hurling
In addition to the teams listed in the 1960 article above, a newspaper search revealed that in 1943 Henry Doolan notified the Leinster Council that he wished to transfer from Carlow (jun) to New Ross Geraldine-O’Hanrahan (New Ross Standard, 14 May 1943, p. 6). Also in 1945, St. Fintan’s-St. Martin’s objected to Geradine-O’Hanrahan’s (New Ross) being awarded the county senior hurling final on the 7th of October on the grounds of Illegality. It was alleged that Henry Doolan and John Maddock played with the Rower against Danesfort in the Kilkenny junior hurling final. A witness stated that John Maddock was “playing all the time in the Rower game,” but Henry Doolan came in as a sub and “was a good man. He was the means of winning the match for the Rower.” (New Ross Standard, 2 Nov. 1945, p. 5).
William Roche, of Rathinure, Glenmore, named in the 1960 article as living in the Bronx, was Jimmy Roche’s brother. Henry Doolan was proclaimed a key member of the New York Kilkenny hurling club that won the New York League championships in 1957 and 1961 (New Ross Standard, 19 Sept. 2001). In 1957 in the New York finals Kilkenny beat Cork and some of the emigrant Kilkenny players included: P. Holden (Mooncoin); Willie Roche (Glenmore), P. Phelan (Mooncoin) and H. Doolan (Glenmore) (Kilkenny People, 18 May 1957, p. 5). It is not known why Henry is listed as being from Glenmore. In the 1961 New York League final Henry netted two goals in Kilkenny’s 7-2 to 3-4 victory over Galway. Terry Leahy the veteran star of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland victory at Croke Park in 1947, came out of retirement to assist the Black and Amber in the New York final. Leahy scored 2-1 whilst the other Kilkenny marksmen were Vincent Lakes (2-0) Sean O’Brien (1-0), and Hugh Dollard (0-1) (New Ross Standard, 19 Sept. 2001).
In 1993, a golden Jubilee Dinner Dance was held in New Ross to honour the Geraldine O’Hanrahan hurling team that won the senior county hurling title in 1943, 1944, and 1945. Henry Doolan travelled from New York to attend the dinner and was photographed standing near Michael Heffernan, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, who as a young man worked in New Ross and played for that team. Mick Heffernan was a first cousin to Jimmy Roche and brother of John Heffernan.
Henry Doolan died at the age of 78 in 2001 in New York. The New Ross Standard published two articles on the 19th of September 2001 concerning his death and life. One of the articles sums up that “Henry Doolan of Shanbogh was a credit in his time to the GAA as indeed were his two brothers, Paddy and Mickey.” His widow Therese died in 2009 at the age of 80 (Daily News (New York, New York) Mon. 10 Aug. 2009 p. 18).
Henry Doolan’s Brothers and Ancestors
Henry Doolan was born on 9 February 1923. He was the son of Henry Doolan and Elizabeth Doolan née Walsh. Henry Doolan, Sr. was a labourer working at Cherry’s Brewery, New Ross when he married Elizabeth Walsh, at Rosbercon on 19 August 1914. Henry Doolan, Sr. was from Garranbehy and his bride was from Rosbercon. In addition to Henry Jr. the couple had at least four other children: Patrick Doolan; Michael Doolan; Bridget Doolan; and Mary Doolan. Patrick Doolan (c. 1916-1994) never married and when he got older according to Danny Dowling’s notes he went to live in a nursing home in Waterford. He worked at Cherry’s Brewery in New Ross, and according to his obituary he played football and hurling. He won a Kilkenny junior football championship in 1935. He also played for the Geraldines before they amalgamated with the O’Hanrahans and “he wasn’t adverse to playing for other clubs in other counties when his services were sought” (New Ross Standard, 24 March 1994, p. 6). Michael Doolan also played and after living in England returned to Ireland where he lived in Carlow and finally settled in Ferrybank. He died in 1997 (New Ross Standard, 30 April 1997, p. 5).
Paternal grandparents—Henry Doolan, Sr. was the son of Patrick Doolan and Bridget Doolan née Doyle. Henry Doolan, Sr. was born on 16 March 1890 at Tinnekilly and his father was employed as a fisherman. His parents, Patrick and Bridget were married at Rosberon on 17 September 1883. The groom was from Hoodsgrove the son of Michael Doolan (labourer). The bride was from Rosbercon and the daughter of Henry Doyle (labourer). Henry Doolan, Sr. had the following siblings [1] Michael Doolan, baptized 19 July 1884 (the family was living at Millbanks); {2] Mary Doolan born 1 May 1888, at Tinekilly; [3] Mary Doolan, born 1 January 1892.
Maternal grandparents—Elizabeth Doolan née Walsh was the daughter of Michael Walsh (labourer) and Mary Walsh née Smyth. There is a conflict in records concerning the date of Elizabeth’s birth. According to the civil register Elizabeth was born 1 January 1882. According to the Rosbercon Parish records Elizabeth was baptized on 31 December 1881. Mary Walsh née Smyth registered Elizabeth’s birth. Although it would normally be difficult to find information on common names such as Walsh and Smith, thanks to Michael and Paddy Doolan an article was published concerning their hunt for information on their grandmother “Ellen” Smyth of GLensenasaw who lived on the verge of the Kyleacurragh wood (New Ross Standard, 2 Sept. 1993, p. 25). Michael Walsh, of Shanbogh married Mary Smyth, of Garahbehy on 17 September 1874 at Rosbercon. The groom’s father is listed as William Walsh (labourer) and the bride’s father was listed as Edmund Smyth (labourer). Elizabeth Doolan née Walsh had the following siblings: [1] William Walsh, born 31 August 1875; [2] Johanna Walsh, born 13 April 1877; [3] Mary Walsh, born 25 May 1879; [4] Bridget Walsh, born 1 April 1885; [5] Johanna Walsh, born 19 September 1886 and Ellen Walsh, 4 January 1890.
Shanbogh National School, June 1928 (New Ross Standard, 2 July 1992) This photo was provided by Paddy Doolan (c. 1916-1994) to the newspaper. The names he provided to the newspaper are as follows Front Row: Pat Malone; Pat Saunders; Tom Saunders; M.J. Doolan; Paddy Doolan; Ellen Power; Mag Malone–Second Row: Paddy North; Michael Doolan; Bridie Doolan, Bridie Cashin; Cathy Purcell, Maggie Purcell, Liz Power; Peg Brennan–Third Row: Tom Greene; Jim Moore, Jim Purcell, John Greene, Ned Moore, Tom Mullally–Fourth Row: Peter Purcell; Joe Malone, Maura Cashin; Mary Bird; Bessie Cashin; stasia Malone, Katie North and Tommy Murphy. Teachers Master O’Regan and Annie O’Briend, Tinneranny. [Although Henry Doolan’s four siblings are in the photo he is not.]
The featured photo is a Glenmore-Tullogher Hurling team from (it is believed) from 1953. Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for sharing it and for her and Kathleen O’Connor for identifying the players. Glenmore and Tullogher came together and formed 1 team. LEFT TO RIGHT Front Row (kneeling): (1) Dick Cody (Carrigcloney); (2) George O’Connor (Ballyfacey); (3) Jimmy Roche (Rathinure); (4) John Doherty (Coolnaleen); (5) John Heffernan (Aylwardstown); (6) Jimmy Heffernan, (Aylwardstown); (7)Tom Murphy (Tullogher); (7) Pat O’Connor (Ballyfacey). Back Row (standing): (1) Seamus Dunphy (Ballyverneen); (2) Sean Phelan, (? ); (3) Fr. John Murphy ( ); (4) John Dillon, (Aylwardstown?); (5) Richie Doherty (Ballinlammy); (6) Paul Fitzgerald (Flemingstown); (7) Neddy O’Rourke (Weatherstown?); (8) Jack Hartley (Weatherstown); (9) Mikey Fitzgerald ( Moulerstown); (10) Tommy Phelan (Mullinahone); (11) Billy Murphy ( ); (12) Tim Phelan (Tullogher) and Jim Culleton, Kilbride.
If anyone has additional information or corrections please send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Popular Lucy’s Rock, Glenmore [Updated]
Recently while going through some of Danny Dowling’s files, Pat Dowling found an old newspaper article which made reference to Lucy’s Rock, Glenmore. The location of Lucy’s Rock in Glenmore led to a lot of head scratching and a review of old maps. A newspaper search revealed numerous articles referencing Lucy’s Rock, but only one identified its exact location. One of the earliest articles located was published in 1893. Daniel Cody, of Carrickcloney, Glenmore, sought £50 to repair a sudden breach in the protection wall which ran by the side of the Barrow from Shanbogh bridge to Lucy’s rock on the “mail car road from New Ross to Waterford” (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 13 Sept. 1893, p. 3). A few years later Lucy’s Rock was the scene of an assault and intimidation of a young Waterford cattle drover on his way to the New Ross fair (Waterford Standard, Sat. 19 June 1897, p. 4). According to the young man assaulted “Lucy Rock” was two miles from the Kelly house in Graiguenakill, Glenmore.
The most numerous and interesting articles concern the annual aeridheachts and regattas held at Lucy’s Rock commencing in 1901, and eventually one of the articles identified exactly where Lucy’s Rock is located. The following account is from the New Ross Standard of Saturday the 31st of August 1901 (p. 5) and covers the first aeridheacht.
“On Sunday afternoon an aeridheacht, or open air Irish festival, the first of the kind in the district was brought off with much success at Lucy Rock, Glenmore. To Mr John Mullally, ex-PLG, [Poor Law Guardian] who organised this Irish gathering, much credit is due. Valuable prizes were offered for the best Irish dancers, and nearly two thousand admirers of the delightful terpsichorean art attended. The St. Mary’s Brass Band was present, and played at intervals a choice selection of Irish music, including “Kathleen Mavoureen,””We’re Irish Yet,” ” Ireland,” ” The Harp that Once,” and “God Save Ireland.” Mr. Mullally opened the proceedings in the Irish tongue and subsequently in English, in which he expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large attendance of Irish Ireland. The gathering was so unexpectantly large that he regretted the accommodation they had provided was not nearly sufficient. He then declared the aeridheacht open.
The judge of the dancing competitions were–Messrs T. Cashen, D.C.; Kennedy, Tullogher, and North, Camblin. Details: Irish Jig—John Walsh, Busherstown, first and only prize. Mr Mullaly, who is an ardent Irishman, competed in this event. Double—Prize won by John Walsh, Busherstown. Also competed—J Doherty, C. Cody, P Hanton, E. Purcell. etc. Hornpipe—John Walsh, Philip Morrissey, Luke Maddock, Robert Barry, C. Cody, T. Madock and Phelan. New Ross, competed for the prizes in this event and the judges singled out Barry, Morrissey, and Luke Maddock as the best and put the trio through a second round, when they declared the order of merit thus -Morrissey, 1; Barry, 2; and Maddock, 3. Barry was the best time keeper, but exhibited too much of the English clog style, whereas Morrissey was the best Irish dancer. The judges in giving their decision recommended competitors to adhere as closely as possible to the Irish ideal. Irish Reel for Ladies—Miss Roche, Glenmore, and Miss M’Namera, Rosbercon, competed. Their merits were considered equal, and each was given a prize. Irish Airs—Mr. P M’Namara, New Ross, whose excellence as a violinist, is well-known, played a selection of Irish airs on the king of instruments, and a prize was voted him. The competitions excited the keenest possible interest.
Two things in connection with the gathering were to be regretted–a heavy rainfall and two rowdies. The rowdies belonged to Rathinure and Jamestown, and there was unanimous approval of the action of the stalwart hon sec, when he promptly landed rowdy No. 1 into the pill, where he got a highly deserved and serviceable cooling.“
Newspaper articles concerning the annual event were found right up to 1910. The Dublin Evening Herald on Saturday the 10th of August 1907 (p. 7) had a short article entitled “Lucy Rock” and provides that one of the most pleasant and attractive “reunions” takes place “annually at the Pink Rock, otherwise known as Lucy Rock, situated on the Barrow near Glenmore. The programme arranged for the 1907 celebration of this popular meeting… provided amusement for every class. Splendid sports on terra firma! Exciting contest on the water! Gaelic pastimes! Vocal talent in competition.” Thus accordig to the Dublin newspaper the Pink Rock was also referred to as Lucy Rock. How or why the area had two names is not known.
A quick search of the 1901 census revealed that there were two men named John Mullally in the area. There was a 40 year-old, single man in Ballyeden (sic), Shanbogh and the second John Mullally aged 47, was a married farmer in Forristalstown, Glenmore. The 1901 census reveals that the John Mullally, of Forristalstown, could read and write English and Irish. The second John Mullally is believed to have been the organiser of the event.
Update 4 June 2021–In the 1911 census John Mullally, of Forristalstown, was still living in Forristalstown with his wife Johanna (age 57), his son Thomas (age 17), and daughters Mary (age 19) and Ellen (age 15). In January 1912 John Mullally advertised his farm for sale by public auction (New Ross Standard 26 Jan. 1912). A marriage record was located. John Mullally married Johanna Synott on 30 April 1890 at Slieverue. John Mullally was the son of Thomas Mullally (farmer) of Forristalstown, Glenmore and his bride was the daughter of Michael Synott (farmer) of Attateemore, Slieverue. It appears that the couple after selling the Forristalstown farm moved to 64 O’Connell St., Waterford where they ran a pub. John Mullally died on the 26th of November 1915 at the age of 62 and Johanna Mullally née Synott died on the 30th of Nov. 1925. Ger Doherty, of Forristalstown, today stated that he thinks that John Mullally’s father was the agent for the landlord. Ger also said that John Mullally built the coal shed in Ballyverneen at Maid’s Quay and later sold it to the Glenmore Creamery.
[Update 7 June 2021: Per a weir inquiry in 1863 Thomas Mullally was the Landlord Mackessy’s rent warner. For a discussion of the weir cases see the blog post Glenmore Fishing and Weirs. Thanks Veronica for pointing this out.]
From Ger Doherty, of Forristalstown, Glenmore, 4 June 2021–The following information concerning Lucy Rock was given to me around 1975 by Denis (Dinny) Murphy RIP late of Milltown, Glenmore. He was a fisherman on the river Barrow for many years in his youth. The Lucy was in fact a ship which sank around 1895-1900 period at the spot now known as Lucy Rock or sometimes, Lucy Point. This spot is the area around where the New Ross Port monument is now located.
At that time sailing vessels travelled regularly to New Ross Port. However, they could not put up their sails until they reached deeper water around Cheekpoint. To get around this problem, the ships were towed down on the tide by 6 or 8 men in a large rowing boat. They were called “bargemen”. On the day that the Lucy sank, she was being towed down the river. As she rounded the turn at Stokestown on the Wexford side, and Forristalstown on the Kilkenny side, she was caught by the wind and blown aground more or less where the “Pink Rock” stone is now located. As the tide was dropping, the captain ordered his crew to secure the ship with ropes to a tree on the ditch of Ned Doherty’s field. Unfortunately, as the tide fell away, either the ropes snapped or the tree gave way and the ship toppled backwards into the river where it sank.
My late father Seamus Doherty told me that the wreck could be seen at low tide up to the early 1950’s, but there is no trace of it now. In the 1960’s the New Ross Harbour Board erected a navigation light on top of a white pier on Lucy Rock. This in turn has been superseded by a light on a pole. The pier can still be seen today.
In an attempt to find a newspaper report of the loss of the sailing ship Lucy the following newspaper article regarding the building of then new line (road) between Waterford and New Ross (which continued to be the main road until the 1990’s) was found. This article indicates that the Lucy sank prior to 1836. There are several ships named Lucy, Lucy Anne etc., so it is not yet known which one sank in the Barrow.
Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 5 March 1836, p. 7–Letter to the Editor of the Waterford Chonicle, Ross, February 23d, 1836
“Sir—Permit me through the columns of your independent paper to draw the attention of those persons concerned in the navigation of the river between Cheek Point and New Ross, to what, if permitted to be carried on much longer, will render the navigation of vessels of a large class to the town wholly impeded, and I trust if this letter meet the eye of the contractor of the new line of road to Waterford, via Lucy Rock, he will see the necessity of discontinuing a practice which would eventually be incalculable injury to the trade of Ross. Whether by order of such contractor, immense quantities of stone rubbish and stuff, dug in making the new road above mention, are thrown over the rock into that part of the river called the West Channel, and at the very narrowest part too, not being more than 45 or 50 feet wide at his point; ‘tis most unwarrantable, this being heretofore the safest and deepest part for vessels of a large draft of water, flowing eight fathoms and a half at low water. But if the practice I have allude to is continued, the flow being so narrow at this point, it would eventually become as shallow as other parts of the river. If such conduct on the part of those road makers be not immediately discontinued, I call on the merchants and shipowners of Ross, in defence of their trade and the navigation of the river, to take immediate steps for its prevention. Your obedient servant, Michael Dunn, pilot”
If anyone has any further or different information concerning Lucy or Lucy’s Rock, the ship, or any of the participants etc. please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of the sheet music “Kathleen Mouvereen” is courtesy of the National Museum of American History edanmdm.nmah_670717. It was written in the 1820’s and apparently was a very popular song during the American Civil War.