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One Hundred Years Ago: June 1921
The Irish War of Independence ended on 11 July 1921 when a truce was agreed. The six months between 1 January 1921 and the truce were the bloodiest of the War of Independence with almost 1,500 people killed the majority of which were killed in the South. (Corrain & O’Halpin, (2020) The Dead of the Irish Revolution). On 18 June 1921 two young volunteers closely connected to Glenmore were killed in action, at Coolbawn, near Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, just 21 days before the truce.
Partition
In June 1921 the Northern Ireland Parliament was established pursuant to the Government of Ireland Act (1920). This partition of Ireland in May 1921, when the legislation went into effect, established an essentially two state solution that is still in place today. Six of the thirty-two counties of Ireland were placed under the control of the Northern Ireland Parliament. Elections were held in March 1921 for the Northern Ireland Parliament and 40 of the 52 seats went to Unionists. The other 12 seats remained empty as the Sinn Fein and the Irish nationalists who had won the seats refused to take the oath of loyalty. King George V officially opened the Northern Ireland Parliament on 22 June 1921 and called for peace and conciliation. Sinn Féin and the nationalists rejected the Government of Ireland Act and it was replaced in December 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty which founded the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
The War
By June 1921 the Crown Forces were firmly entrenched in their barracks in mainly urban areas and did not venture out much making it difficult to engage or ambush them. Both sides realized that they had reached a stalemate particularly for the IRA after the burning of the Custom House led to 5 deaths and 80 IRA volunteers being captured. To take the pressure off of Tipperary, and other areas, the IRA ordered the Kilkenny volunteers to engage the Crown Forces more notwithstanding the fact that the Kilkenny volunteers had limited arms. This led to the Coolbawn ambush. For an interesting history of Co. Kilkenny during this period see, Eoin Swithin Walsh, (2018) Kilkenny: In Times of Revolution 1900-1923.
Contrary to previous months there are fewer local events recorded in the local newspapers. It may be the case that the censorship of the newspapers increased and stopped the reporting of events, or it may be the case that there were fewer objectives remaining such as bridges or roads that were not damaged or trenched. We were able to find various local news items in some of the Dublin papers.
Waterford
The Crown forces continued to raid various premises and it was reported that the licensed premises of Miss Gleason, of O’Connell Street in Waterford were raided on the first of June. The raid lasted 20 minutes and nothing was taken from the premises (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It was reported that during week of the 10th the Granagh bridge just outside of Waterford in County Kilkenny was partially destroyed. There were two large excavations made in the centre of the bridge and dropped into the stream below (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 5).
Five young men on the 15th of June were tried by a Waterford Military court for waging war against the Crown on 12 March 1921 by attacking Crown forces at Garryricken House, Co. Kilkenny. The five defendants were James McKenna, John Luttrell, Patrick Luttrell, James Luttrell and Thomas Luttrell. A policeman was killed when he went to Garryricken House due to a report that rebels were using it as a hiding place. Ultimately three of the defendants were exonerated and only ex-solider James McKenna and Patrick Luttrell were convicted (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 2). For further information on the Garryricken battle see the podcast of Kilkenny County Library. Also tried by a Waterford military court were Rev. John Loughrey, C.C. of Thomastown and three of his parishioners: John Minogue, Patrick Ryan and James O’Neil. Although the priest was charged with multiple offences the four men were convicted of promoting the Belfast Trade Boycott in March and May 1921. The court sentence for each defendant was a fine of £10 or the alternative was 3 months imprisonment. “All chose the alternative” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 June 1921, p. 3).
Although the military did not apparently order the cancellation of the Waterford Regatta, which should have been held on 30 June, the Waterford Boat Club decided to abandon it due to the “present unsettled state of affairs,” (Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 4 June 1921, p. 6).
New Ross
As violence increased new martial laws restricted gatherings including fairs and markets. In New Ross this extended to the closing of shops. In an article entitled “Excitement in New Ross,” it was reported that Crown Forces visited the shopkeepers in New Ross and ordered them to close on Saturdays from 12 to 4. “There were a number of country people in the town at the time, and the closing of the shops gave rise to considerable speculation, but it transpired, however, that the order was in pursuance of the ban prohibiting the holding of markets” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). By mid-June one of the New Ross businesses was burned, but the newspaper report does not indicate who may have been responsible. “The premises of Timothy Butler, New Ross, consisting of his dwelling house, shop and store, with the entire contents, were completely destroyed by fire at 3 o’clock yesterday morning. The family who were in bed, were ordered out, getting only a few minutes to dress, and the place was then set on fire by four armed and disguised men who made use of bombs,” (Evening Echo, (Dublin) Tues. 14 June 1921, p. 7). By the end of June it was reported that New Ross men were being commandeered by Crown forces on a daily basis to saturate the bridge crossing the Barrow with water. “Fifteen New Ross men have been commandeered to saturate with water a wooden portion of the big bridge over the Barrow that was recently set on fire. Since the occurrence and accompanied by the town surveyor and Crown forces the urban council’s hose is taken each evening to the bridge to flush the wooden part to prevent it being set on fire again” (Freeman’s Journal, Wed. 29 June 1921, p. 6).
In May it was reported that foot and mouth disease was detected near New Ross. This report immediately stopped the shipping of cattle from Ireland to England. Eventually a 15 mile exclusion zone was established around New Ross and cattle outside the exclusion zone could be shipped. “On the afternoon of May 26th” a Dublin Castle report states, “about 100 armed men raided Newtown farm, New Ross district, Co. Wexford, and intimidated a number of workmen employed in connection with the foot and month disease operations of the Department of Agriculture. They seised and took away all appliances for the slaughter of animals. It is stated that all the carcases had been buried with the exception of a few, and that they were completed the next day” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 June 1921, p. 5). It transpired that the “appliances” seised were picks and shovels used to bury the slaughtered animals. It is assumed that they were taken to “arm” more men for the trenching of roads. On the 24th of June it was reported that Major Little, of Berkley House, New Ross had consented to the slaughter of his cattle and this had been carried out by the Department’s veterinary inspectors, “as no fresh case has occurred in the district, and it is believed that the radius limit of fifteen miles as regards restrictions will be reduced the coming week” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Thomastown
On the morning of 3 June 1921 on every route around Thomastown trees had been felled and trenches cut in all roads. In response the Crown forces at 10 a.m. commandeered a large number of men including shopkeepers, shop assistants, and laborers to remove the obstructions. Men were also commandeered from the Inistioge district (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8). The monthly Thomastown fair that was due to be held on the 7th of June was not held as Thomastown was in the “scheduled area.” Fat pigs were not taken at Thomastown stations for the same reason during the past fortnight. The result has been a serious loss to pig feeders who have pigs fit for sale” (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 June 1921, p. 8).
Mooncoin
In subtle ways the editors of the local newspapers were able to inform the public that the Crown authorities in Dublin were no longer obtaining good intelligence from outlying areas. An example is found concerning an ambush at Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny “Segt. Sweetman, Fiddown, is reported killed and a constable seriously wounded in an ambush at Mooncoin. The patrol, numbering 7, were cycling back to Fiddown when heavy fire was opened on them from both sides of the road. A Dublin Castle communique, which possibly refers to the same encounter, states a party of 8 police was attacked at Fiddown, and adds—’Const. Albert Bradford was killed and Constable John Stuart, wounded in the left arm. The police captured four shotguns and 200 cartridges charged with buckshot, a revolver, and revolver ammunition left by the rebels. At the time of receiving this report the attackers were being pursued by a mixed party of Crown forces. The casualties of the attackers are not known’” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1921, p. 5).
Glenmore
As we reported in the blog last month due to the trenching of roads and destruction of local bridges the Glenmore Creamery was closed for a month by the military. It was allowed to re-open after the closure (Irish Independent, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 6). Although there are no reports of road trenching, train or mail raids reported as occurring in or near Glenmore during June, the annual meeting of the Glenmore Creamery was reported. The meeting was held on the 15th of June and it was noted that the “Creamery had received nearly 60,000 gallons more milk in 1920 than in 1919 which brought the total received up to 519,496 gallons, from which 244,965 lbs of butter was made, or an average of 2.32 gallons per lb. The turnover for the year was over £46,000 and a profit of £198, 11s., 1 ½ d., was made.” Given the turbulent times the Company “had deemed it wise to pay a very big premium of £250, for insurance against claims of riot, rebellion and civil commotion.” The article concludes that, “The recent closing of the creamery by military order will considerably lessen its profits for the current year” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 July 1921, p. 10).
There was not a person in Glenmore that was not impacted directly or indirectly by the War by June. Notwithstanding, the raids by Crown forces, men being dragged from their homes, the difficulties of travel on trenched roads and damaged bridges, produce could not be taken to any local fairs or markets because the military ordered them all closed. Farmers had to continue to milk their cows then had to dump the milk because the Creamery was closed. Even the commodities sought by the British such as beef could not be sold because Glenmore was in the Foot and Mouth exclusionary area. Danny Dowling recorded that several area residents indicated that by the time the parish was reeling from the death of John Hartley, of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who was killed in action at Coolbawn on the 18th of June, they were sick of the conflict and just wanted it to end.
Some of the first local newspaper reports of the Coolbawn ambush were carried in the Munster Express (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6) and the Kilkenny People (Sat. 25 June 1921, p. 6). Interestingly the Munster Express article is entitled “Castlecomer Affray” while the Kilkenny People article is entitled “Mine Laying Party Attacked.” Both articles report that two men were killed, John Hartley, a native of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who until a few weeks previously had been employed as a shop assistant in the establishment of Mr. T. Grace, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City. The second man killed was Nicholas Mullins, a native of Main Street, Thomastown. The Munster Express reported that the two men were cousins. A third volunteer, Doyle, of Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny was shot in the leg and captured.
John or Jack Hartley, as he was called by his family, or Sean Hartley as is recorded on the monument erected by his comrades in arms, was the son of Edward Hartley (c. 1865-1947) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Nicholas Mullins was the son of Laurence Mullins (c. 1860-1913) a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore.
In a future post this month we will provide further information Danny Dowling gathered as well as details regarding how the volunteers who were setting up the ambush at Coolbawn became the hunted.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above of the IRA volunteers killed in action at Coolbawn, Hartley and Mullins, was a post card courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. It is believed that the postcards were sold to help raise funds for one of the memorials erected for the fallen men.
From Danny’s Files: The Glenmore Social Club
Among Danny Dowling’s voluminous records Pat Dowling recently found a small neon orange coloured poster advertising the 1970 Glenmore Social Club’s annual dance and a folded document entitled “Rules of the Glenmore Social Club,” Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny.
The Rules of the Glenmore Social Club
The undated Rules are typewritten on 3 of the 4 pages of A2 size legal document paper and bound with a brass fastener. There are 29 rules and the signatures of 42 men. The objects of the Club were to maintain the Club house for the use of the members of the Club and to promote social events in and outside of the Club house (Rule 2). Any person 18 or over was eligible to apply for membership (Rule 3) upon recommendation of a member (Rule 4) and would become a member if 2/3’s of members voting accepted the applicant (Rule 6) and the payment of the annual subscription of 2s/6d (Rules 8 & 10). The management of the Club was by a committee of at least 8 members elected at the Annual General Meeting (Rule 16) to be held in September each year (Rule 21) with the accounts of the Club balanced on the 30th of September (Rule 25). In the event of a dissolution the funds, after discharge of all debts, would be equally divided among the members (Rule 28) and all members were equally responsible for any liability of the Officers of the Club, incurred on behalf of the Club, if not covered by insurance or the funds of the Club (Rule 29). In essence the Rules of the Club established a partnership among the members.
Although the Rules do not limit membership to men only men were listed as members. The Rules do not indicate where the Club house was located but Liam Mernagh and Robbie Doherty indicated that there was a small outbuilding in the Village alongside Frank Furlong’s house that was the Club house. Pat Dowling, recalled that his father spoke of Furlong’s card room. The list of the members who signed the undated Rules are listed below.
The Annual Dance
A newspaper search revealed that there were two different dances that were referred to as the “first annual dance” of the Glenmore Social Club. One was in 1944 and the other was in 1973.
The first known annual dance was held on the 6th of August 1943 at the Olympia Ballroom in Waterford. Music was provided by the Waterford Swing Aces Band. Catering was provided by the Mayfair Café, of Waterford, with liquid refreshments provided by M. O’Sullivan & Sons. Dancing took place from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. “summer time.” The admission to the dance was 3/9 (Munster Express, Fri. 28 July 1944, p. 3). The public were informed that the proceeds from the dance would be devoted towards the cost of repairing the “Social Club Hall” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 July 1944, p. 4) although by all accounts the clubhouse was small and could not hold over 6 to 8 members at any time. An article that appeared in the Munster Express on 11 August 1944 (p. 4) provides more interesting facts concerning the dance.
“GLENMORE SOCIAL CLUB DANCE.— The first annual dance under the auspices of the Glenmore Social Club at the Olympia Ballroom on, Sunday night last, was a pronounced success, despite the many counter-attractions in Tramore and elsewhere. Large crowds cycled from Glenmore, Kilmacow, Ballyfacey, Bigwood, Mooncom, and other rural districts to Waterford for the occasion, and there was, in addition, a large local attendance of patrons. The music was supplied by the Waterford Swing Aces, who were up to the highest expectations; even though one missed the popular leader of the band, Mr. Martin (“Busty”) Griffin, who is convalescing in the County and City Infirmary. The attendance numbered 300 couples approximately, and this must be considered very good, when some huge numbers journeyed to Tramore and other seaside resorts for the weekend. The catering was in the hands of the Mayfair Cafe, and was up to the usual high standard.”
In 1945 the second annual dance was held on the 15th of August. The venue, band, admission fee, catering etc. all remained the same as in 1944. (Munster Express, Fri. 10 Aug.1945, p. 4). The advertisement for the dance ended with “Come and enjoy the dance of the season. A Half-way House from Tramore,” (Munster Express, 27 July 1945, p. 4). The 15th of August remained the date of the dance for years. Robbie Doherty explained that everyone went to Tramore on the 15th of August. While some went to the races others just enjoyed the seaside. After a day at Tramore the popular Glenmore Social Club dance was held at the convenient Olympia Ballroom. On New Year’s Eve of 1945 the Glenmore Social Club held a dance at the Olympia and 500 couples attended “[a] special feature of the programme was the very large number of spot prizes distributed. “Busty” Griffin and his Swing Aces Band, fresh from their recent engagements at Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas, etc. gave a delightful selection of music and were very liberal with encore numbers,” (Munster Express, 4 Jan. 1946, p. 1).
Tragedy struck in 1948 when due to circumstances beyond the control of the Club the annual dance was held on the 19th of June instead of the 15th of August. The Waterford Rhythm Aces Dance Band played with amplification by “Geoff” (Munster Express, 18 June 1948, p. 1). Only 200 dancers attended the annual dance in 1948 (Munster Express, 2 July 1948, p. 5). By 1951 it was being reported that up to 500 couples attended the dance (Munster Express, 24 August 1951, p. 8). A newspaper article in 1955 states that Sean Healy and his band were playing at the Glenmore Annual Social Club Dance (Munster Express, 19 Aug. 1955, p. 11).
“GLENMORE ANNUAL SOCIAL CLUB DANCE—A RESOUNDING SUCCESS—SEAN HEALY PROVIDES MUSIC FOR 7th SUCCESSIVE YEAR—For the past six years, Sean Healy and his band — although its personnel have been changed from time to time — have been providing, to the utmost satisfaction of its patrons, the music for the annual Glenmore Social Club dance. On Monday night last (“The Fifteenth”), from nine until 3 a.m.—for the seventh successive year, the good-humoured Carrick-on-Suir band leader took the stand at the Waterford Olympia Ballroom, Parnell Street, and waved his baton in front of his talented seven-man Waterford combination, who served up a really delightful programme of dance music, to an almost packed “house.” This was the ‘tenth function, under the auspices of the Glenmore Social Club, and its success was indeed a resounding one. It was estimated that upwards of 1,000 patronised the dance, the majority of which came from Co. Kilkenny. On the drums was Pierce White; the trumpeters were Monty Cloony and Jack Bible; Dick Cooper and P. Power were on the saxophones; at the piano was young Paschal Kennedy; double-bass player was Ernie Myser; at the “mike” was soft voiced vocalist, Tommy O’Brien, and the leader himself took over with the accordion. Highlights? Yes, indeed. With the accent on sambas, mambos, and quick-steps, a lively, gay mood prevailed throughout the entire night- One of the selections which really deserve special mention was that in which the following numbers were given a fresh “dressing” up by the entire band: Little Things Mean a Lot: To-morrow; Sunny Side of the Street; and Side by Side. Withal, it was one of the happiest functions held in the Olympia this year.”
The following year the annual dance was declared a success in spite of the poor weather and the names of the Club Committee were published:
“THEY DEFIED THE RAINS.—The Glenmore Social Club’s 11th Annual Dance, held in the Olympia Ballroom, Waterford, on Wednesday, was a remarkable success. Despite an almost continuous downpour, some 1,100 dancers, drawn chiefly from South Kilkenny, patronised this firmly-established annual “August Fifteenth” re-union. The striking popularity of this dance must mainly be credited to the very active committee, the principal members of which are: Messrs. Patrick Irish (hon. sec), Patrick Corcoran (hon. treas.), John Hennessy, Walter Power, Tom Malone, Michael Reddy, and Tom Roche. Music was supplied by Sean Healy’s (Carrick- on-Suir) augmented band” (Munster Express, 17 Aug. 1956, p. 6).
In 1958, the 13th Annual Dance was held on the 15th of August. The admission fee was increased to 5/-, catering was by Mrs. Rice, of Borris, the licensed bar was provided by H. Gallway. Pete Cody and his Orchestra provided the music (Munster Express, 1 Aug. 1958, p. 6). In the 1958 newspapers there were advertisements for several Race Week ballrooms. Tramore boasted the Atlantic and Silver Slipper while Waterford had the Olympia and Arundel Ballrooms (Munster Express, 8 Aug. 1958, p. 6).
The annual dance held on 15 August continued into the 1960’s. The attendance in 1961 was reported at over 1,000 patrons an increase of 300 over the previous year. The Southern Stars Showband from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary was a big hit. (Munster Express, 18 Aug. 1961, p. 14) The only reported tragedy at one of the dances occurred in 1962 when Thomas Whelan, a 42 year-old single farmer from Boolattin, Leamybrien, collapsed and died at the dance. It was reported that the morning of the dance the decedent attended the monthly fair at Dungarvan where he sold about £1,000 worth of cattle. In the afternoon he attended the Tramore races and then went to the dance. It was also reported that the decedent and his two brothers farmed about 1700 acres (Munster Express, 17 Aug. 1962, p. 1). In 1969 the annual dance was held on Sunday the 17th of August in the Olympia, and admission was 10/- to dance to the popular Mick Delahunty Orchestra (New Ross Standard, 9 Aug. 1969, p. 13.
In the 1970’s the annual dance was no longer held in August. The 1970 annual dance of the Glenmore Social Club was held on the 6th of November at the Olympia and the Ravens Showband, from Dublin, played. The following year the annual dance was held on the 3rd of December, at the Olympia and D.J. & Kerry Blues band played (Waterford News and Star, 26 Nov. 1971, p. 20). No newspaper article or advertisement for a dance could be located for 1972, and on Sunday the 18th of February 1973 the “First Annual Dance of the Glenmore Social Club was held in the Mullinavat Hall with a 50 pence charged for admission. The Davitt Brothers, of Wexford, provided the music (Munster Express, 16 Feb. 1973, p. 12). The 1973 dance held in Mullinavat was reported as being an enjoyable dance that drew a good crowd from the southern area as well as from Waterford and New Ross (Munster Express, 23 Feb. 1973, p. 8). No newspaper articles or advertisements for the Glenmore Social Club were found after 1973. It thus appears that on the eve of its 30th anniversary of its first annual dance the dances came to an end. Other bands that played at Glenmore Social Club dances over the years included:
- Andy Smith and his Band (Munster Express, 29 July 1949, p, 8);
- Frankie King and his Band (Munster Express, 14 Aug. 1959, p. 6);
- Kevin O’Doherty and his Showband (Munster Express, 9 Aug. 1963, p. 16); and
- Pacific Showband (Munster Express, 12 Aug. 1966, p. 8).
Christmas Parties & Trophies
According to Robbie Doherty the members of the Club enjoyed playing cards. The clubhouse (alongside Frank Furlong’s house in the Village) was too small to accommodate large card parties or other social events. From the proceeds of the dances the members held Christmas parties that often went on for a couple of days. The members’ Christmas parties were held elsewhere and no newspaper account of any of these parties could be located. The Club did support other local groups by sponsoring trophies and prices. An example was reported in 1962. The Glenmore Athletic Club held its 19th annual sports day at the Skow Bridge with 18 events on the programme. Six cups were presented on the day from: Murphys’ Motors, Snowcream (Waterford); Mr. Brook (New Ross); Dermot McCalmont (Thomastown), the Glenmore Athletic Club and the Glenmore Social Club (New Ross Standard, 25 May 1962, p. 12).
Below is a list of the signatures taken from the rules. Robbie Doherty, on 22 May 2021, kindly identified the townlands of the majority of Club members on the list.
1. Edward O’Connor, (Neddy O’Connor, of Graiguenakill) 2. Patrick Doolan, (Paddy Doolan was reared in the Village and when he married he moved to Ballyverneen) 3. Thomas Aylward (Tommy Aylward, of Ballinclar) 4. Patrick Griffin (Paddy Griffin, of Newtown) 5. Michael Phelan (of Mullinahone) 6.Walter Power(name struck through, appears later in list) 7. William Walsh, of the Village 8. Philip Hoynes, (of Ballybrahee) 9. Luke Murphy, (of Ballybrahee) 10. John Power, (of the Village, believed to be Wattie Power, the postman’s son) 11. Thomas Ryan, (of Milltown) 12. Thomas Roche, Committee Member in 1956 (of Jamestown) 13. Daniel Dowling, (born in the Village, moved to Jamestown c. 1938, moved back to the Village after he married) 14. Michael O’H? 15. Edward Murphy, (of Forristalstown, worked for Kilkenny Co. Council) 16. Pat Power, (of the Village, believed to be son of postman Wattie Power) 17. Richard Dunphy, (of Ballyverneen.) 18. Eric Walsh, (of the Village; drove a taxi) 19. Mick Reddy, Committee Member 1956 (of Robinstown, worked on the Kilkenny Co. Council. Married to Mary Walsh, the sacristan. 20. Michael Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power the postman) 21. James Cashin R.I.P. (of the Village, worked in the Creamery) 22. Sean Mernagh R.I.P. 23. Martin Kennedy, (of Kilbride, a builder by trade) 24. John Hennessy, Committee Member 1956 (the Village Blacksmith) 25. Patrick Irish, Secretary of the Club in 1956 (married to Daisy Walsh, lived alongside the National School in the Village, worked at the Creamery) 26. Frank Furlong (of the Village, originally from New Ross) 27. J. Aylward (John Aylward of the Village?) 28. Jas Irish (native of Aylwardstown and brother of Patrick. Nick named “The Skinner.”) 29. John O’Brien, (of the Village, postmaster at Fluskey's. Francis O’Brien’s father) 30. Patrick Murphy 31. Edward Mernagh (son of Sean Mernagh) 32. Sean Power, (of Jamestown) 33. William Hennessy, (of the Village. Blacksmith. Noeleen Fogarty's father) 34. Patrick Power (of the Village, Wattie Power the postman’s son) 35. Seamus Dunphy, (of Ballyverneen; brother of Richie Dunphy) 36. Sean Walsh, (of the Village. Married to Betty McKenna. Built the Village pub in 1963.) 37. Daniel Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power, the postman) 38. Michael Power, (of the Village, son of Wattie Power, the postman) 39. Patrick Hennessy (Pakey Hennessy, son of John Hennessy the blacksmith) 40. James Walshe, (Jim B. of the Village?) 41. Walter Power, Committee Member 1956 (of the Village. Postman. Nick name Foxy Wattie Power) 42. Eammon Walsh, (of the Village. Son of Wm. “Bill” Walsh,” worked in the Creamery).
Other known members who did not sign Rules:
Tom Malone—Committee Member per the 1956 published list. (Originally from Tullogher, he workd with Phil Hoynes, of Ballybrahee, for years). Paddy Corcoran—Committee Member per the 1956 published list. (Farmer in Mullinahone, married to Katie McDonald).
Any and all additional information or corrections welcomed. Please forward additions or corrections etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Robbie Doherty and Liam Mernagh for the information they provided regarding the Glenmore Social Club and to Jackie Walsh for sharing the photo of the young Glenmore dance crowd (early 1960’s).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured black and white photo is the Frankie King Dance Band (Munster Express, 11 Dec. 1959, p. 8).
Cycling at the Turn of the 20th Century [Updated]
Danny Dowling recorded the names of local people who were the first to own bicycles as well as information concerning the brands or types of bicycles purchased. Please see our post of 28 December 2019 for the details.
The young men and women of the 1890’s were the first to have access to what were known as the early “safety bicycles.” These bicycles replaced the dangerous penny farthings. By the end of the decade the price of bicycles declined and their popularity in Ireland increased. The fall in the price of bicycles was due to new methods of mass production and fierce international competition resulted in bicycles being made affordable to more people which in turn paved the way for a social revolution in terms of recreation and transport. “Previous distances which may have taken the best part of a day could now be easily done within an hour” (Barry Shepherd, The Irish Story blog, 7 Nov. 2019 “Recycling History: The Bicycle and Protest in Ireland“). One common problem across Ireland was the state of road surfaces.
Shepherd has noted that at the same time cycling was becoming popular in Ireland there was a cultural revolution rapidly spreading across the country, revitalising the Irish language, literature and sport that eventually reached politics. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in late 1884 and immediately sought to incorporate field sports, athletics and cycling under its control. Earlier in 1884 the Irish Cycling Association (ICA) had been founded. The rivalry between the two groups continued until 1910 when the ICA ceased operating. Irish cycling clubs attached to preservation and language revival groups at the turn of the 20th century became very popular.
The activities of the first generation who took up cycling not only changed their own lives but changed society as a whole. For example, people living in rural areas, such as Glenmore, the bicycle dramatically increased the number of potential spouses as they were able to socialize more frequently and meet others outside the parish. As the price of bicycles decreased in the 1890’s it became increasingly possible for working class women to purchase bicycles. The bicycle was not only a symbol of, but also a means of achieving freedoms for women (William Manners, “The Secret History of 19th Century Cyclists,” The Guardian, 9 June 2015).
One of the liberated ladies who had “a machine” had a bit of a crash in Waterford in 1899 which was reported in the Munster Express (Sat. 2 December 1899, p. 5). On the first of December sometime between one and two in the afternoon an English lady, who was visiting friends in Catherine street, Waterford, had an “exciting and perilous experience.” While riding her bicycle out of Syme’s Lane on to the Waterside she turned in the direction of the park “and something went wrong.” The lady and her machine splashed into John’s Pill “to the utter astonishment of some men in a barge belonging to Messrs Murphy Brothers, who fortunately were working in their boat near at hand. They promptly assisted the lady to terre firma very wet, considerably frightened, but otherwise none the worse for her impromptu bath. Her great anxiety when on land once more was as to the fate of the machine, which was ultimately fished out of the river, and handed to its damp but grateful owner.”
In 1900 the Waterford, Limerick and Western Railway time table (p. 17) advertised special fares for cyclists. The railway would convey the owner’s bicycle at the owner’s risk from or to Limerick and Waterford to enable cyclists to go out by train and return by road or vice versa. The cyclist fares were available for all trains except the first morning train in each direction. The Munster Express in reviewing the advertised fares observed that “the wording of the directions like the sections in an Act of Parliament, are beautifully ambiguous.” Under the terms of the offer the railway charged five pence more for the carrying of a cycle 8 miles than it would charge a passenger (Munster Express, Sat. 7 July 1900, p. 5). Further afield the Cycling newspaper of Britain began publishing articles about cycle tours in Ireland including a run from Kilkenny to Thurles (Cycling, Sat. 26, April 1902, p. 44) and from Dublin to Killarney by Wicklow which directed cyclists through “New Ross, Glenmore and Waterford.” (Cycling, Sat. 20 July 1901, p. 70). Later in the decade other areas, such as Mullinavat, sought the business of cyclists. “A Pleasant Run for Waterford Cyclists—The Pioneer House, Mullinavat, has opened a rustic Tea Room, for cyclists. D.B.C. charges, pot of tea, 3d; roll and butter, 2d.; cake, 2d; barm-brack freshly cut, 2d; cream, 1d; hams, honey etc. Large parties catered for. Tables reserved if postcard stating hour reaches Manageress, Pioneer House, Mullinavat, same morning (Munster Express, Sat. 16 July 1910, p. 5).”
Glenmore was not immune to the cycling craze and by the turn of the 20th century the Glenmore Cyclists Association was founded. Unfortunately, very little information is available regarding the group, but from a newspaper account it is known that both men and women were members. The following article appeared in the Munster Express (16 March 1901, p. 5)
“A meeting of the Glenmore Cyclists Association was held on last Sunday. Several of the lady members kindly graced the meeting by their presence. After some preliminary business being transacted it was unanimously adopted, on the proposition of Mr. J. Dunphy, seconded by Mr. N. Gaffney, and ably supported by Messrs. J. Fluskey and M. Murphy, that –“We, the members of the Glenmore Cyclists Association, shall take our first run for the season on St. Patrick’s Day, our destination being Tramore. All members are requested to meet at the “Churns” at 12 o’clock sharp.”
A review of the 1901 census provides that N. Gaffney was Nicholas Gaffney who lived in Glenmore Village and was 27 years of age. J. Fluskey was James Fluskey who was 19 in 1901. J. Dunphy may refer to John Dunphy, of Ballyverneen, who was 21 in 1901. Attempting to identify M. Murphy is very problematic as 5 young men named Michael Murphy were found in the 1901 census. The townlands and ages are as follows: Ard Beg (Coolnaleen) aged 19; Ballylammy, aged 19; Ballybrahee, aged 20; Cappagh, aged 22; and Rathinure, aged 22.
To cycle in 1901 from Glenmore to Tramore the main road went through Slieverue Village and the cyclists had to pay a toll to cross the Suir at Waterford city. The old Waterford wooden bridge was called Timbertoes. In early 1908 it was reported in Cycling that the old wooden toll bridge, after 50 years efforts, and a large public demonstration attended by cyclists, was freed. The Waterford Corporation obtained the power for compulsory purchase of Timbertoes and paid the owners £63,885, 17s, 9d, as compensation (Cycling, Wed. 8 Jan. 1908, p. 22).
A couple of months after the Glenmore Cyclists Association’s 1901 run to Tramore the Munster Express (Sat. 15 June 1901, p. 5) reported on a “great bicycle race” which took place on the “New Line” in Glenmore on Sunday evening the 9th of June.
“The favourite won on his old “Dunlop” in a canter. “Jem” was a good second; N.G’s tyre got punctured. “Ter,” said he would not think worth his while to race against any of them. I understand the man on the “rotten bundle of sticks” would have a narrow escape only for the starter.” [It is believed that N.G. refers to Nicholas Gaffney and Ter may refer to Terrence Fluskey who was 16 years of age in 1901. Jem may refer to Jim Fluskey aged 19 in 1901.]
However, at the turn of the 20th century, just like today, not everyone liked cyclists. “A case of unexampled blackguardism occurred on the road from Waterford to Tramore on Sunday,” the 27th of April 1901 when four or five Waterford cyclists encountered a road block. “[S]ome fellows of the ‘pot-boy’ class who seemed to have laid in a larger stock of some intoxicating beverage” stood with their arms locked and blocked the public road. They apparently sought to impose a toll on the cyclists who refused to pay. The editor of the Waterford News & Star advised cyclists subjected to similar insult to thrash the blackguards (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 May 1901, p. 3).
Update 2 June 2021–while searching for something else the following was discovered regarding some “fancy trick riders” in Glenmore in 1903. “Our wonderful acrobats and fancy trick cyclists continue to vie with each other at ‘the Churns.’ Martin and Tom are certainly famous, but be h—ls Jimmy hasn’t yet appeared. We all anxiously await next Sunday at six when Tom intends managing four bikes at a time. ‘Tatler'” (Munster Express, 5 Sept. 1903, p.1).
The popularity of bicycles continued to grow as the 20th century progressed, and during the War of Independence the bicycle played an important means of transportation and communication. As we have reported in other blog posts the Crown military authorities severely limited the use of bicycles in some areas in an effort to stop attacks on Crown forces and the R.I.C.. See generally, Barry Shepherd, Recycling History: The Bicycle and Protest in Ireland.
The featured photo above is a Player’s Cigarette Card, courtesy of the New York City Library’s digital collection.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Gallant Glenmore Brothers: Seamus & Pakie Jones [Updated]
Today, we are going to highlight a tragic event that took place in Glenmore in 1955 and the gallant actions of two young Glenmore brothers Seamus and Pakie Jones who risked their lives attempting to rescue another.
On Monday the 25th of July 1955 after a long hot day Nicholas “Nick” Hanrahan (c. 1926-1955) cycled from his home in Glenmore Village to Maid’s Quay on the River Barrow in Ballyverneen, Glenmore. Nick was 29 years of age and drowned at about 9:30 p.m. shortly after entering the River Barrow. According to Danny Dowling, Maid’s Quay (sometimes referred to as Ballyverneen Quay) was where the Glenmore Creamery built a coal shed to receive coal shipped by ship from Britain. Although Maid’s Quay was a busy and popular spot it was also said to be very dangerous because of the river currents. In 1955 the main road from Waterford to New Ross ran through Ballyverneen, under the railway line, along the river past Maid’s Quay and the Pink Rock.
At the inquest held on Tuesday the 26th of July at the Glenmore Barracks, Sergeant J.C. Dalton, Glenmore conducted the proceedings on behalf of the Garda. Mr. T.G. Lanigan, solicitor, Kilkenny, Deputy Coroner, heard the evidence without a jury.
Seamus Jones (c. 1932-2016) testified that he was 23 years of age and provided evidence concerning the events leading up to Nick’s death. On the previous evening, Seamus went to Ballyverneen Quay, accompanied by Paddy Griffin, Liam (sic) Griffin, Martin Cass and Walter Walsh. It is believed that the correct name of Paddy Griffin’s brother was Larry. It is also believed that Patrick “Pakie” Jones (c. 1932-2006) was also in the group although he was not named with the others.
Seamus testified that at about 9 p.m., Nick Hanrahan cycled down the lane from the main road to where Seamus and his friends were gathered. Nick undressed and went into the river. He swam along by a rope which was anchoring a pontoon. Seamus noticed Nick drifting away from the rope, and then he began to drift further away as he was being pulled by the tide. Nick gave a shout, and Seamus took off his coat and jumped into the water to save him. It was reported in the newspaper that Nick wasn’t a strong swimmer.
Seamus testified, “When I got to him he gripped me around the waist and I tried to turn him out of the current, but we were being carried away. He slipped away from my grip, and then he caught me by the legs. At this stage, my brother Pakie swam out to me in the river and I caught hold of Pakie by the shoulders.”
When Nick began to lose his grip on Seamus’s leg, Seamus “clutched him by the hair of the head.” Unfortunately, Seamus had a bad grip and was unable to hold onto Nick and stated, “the current swept him away from me. My brother held on to me and helped me in. I would say there were from 18 to 20 feet of water in the place where deceased went down. I did I not see him after I lost my grip on his hair, and at that time we were about seven yards from the pier. The tide was about half full at the time, and there was a strong current at the place. I had my shirt, trousers and shoes on me when I jumped into the water.”
Local gardai and fishermen appeared at first light the following morning and began dragging the river. Philip Connolly, of Rochestown, Glenmore, testified that he arrived at the Quay at about 4 a.m. on Tuesday and he Ned Connolly and Dick Kennedy recovered the body about an hour later in about 15 feet of water. The recovered body was taken to the Glenmore Dispensary where Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (c. 1929-2006) identified his brother. Dick testified at the inquest that he last saw his brother Nick alive at 7:30 p.m. on the date of his death and he was in his usual good health. He testified that Nick was 29, unmarried and was a farmer by occupation.
Dr. Michael J. Keating, the Medical Officer of Kilmakevogue Dispenary District (Mullinavat & Glenmore) performed a post-mortem examination at the Glenmore Dispensary. He found a lacerated wound on Nick’s upper lip and lacerated wounds on his ears which he attributed to the dragging activities. He found that death was caused by asphyxia due to drowning. In his opinion the body had been in the water for 12 to 15 hours when it was recovered.
Returning a verdict of accidental drowning, in accordance with the medical evidence, Deputy Coroner Lanigan referred to the “very gallant action” of Seamus Jones in jumping into the river and attempting to rescue Nick. Lanigan asked the Gardai to have this young man’s “plucky action” brought to the notice of the appropriate authorities with a view to adequate recognition. Sympathy was tendered to the relatives of the deceased.
Although no newspaper article could be discovered concerning any event held to recognise the gallant actions of Seamus & Pakie Jones it was verified that both Seamus and Pakie were recognised with gold watches (Ann Jones, 24 April 2021). [Correction of 9 May 2021–The New Ross Standard (Fri. 27 April 1956, p. 5) published an article entitled, “Brave Rescue Attempt Recalled: Certificate for Bravery Presented—At the New Ross District Court on Tuesday. A Certificate of Bravery from Comhairle na Mire Gaile was presented to Mr. Patrick Jones, Glenmore, who received it on behalf of his son Seumas (sic) in recognition of Mr. Seumas Jones brave attempt to rescue a drowning man from the River Barrow in July 1955. It is believed that the Hanrahan family presented both brothers with the gold watches.]
The local newspapers reported that Nick was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hanrahan, merchants and farmers, Glenmore, and brother of Richard and Annie Hanrahan. He was also nephew of Messrs. James and Dick Hanrahan, merchants, New Ross (former Glenmore and Kilkenny inter-county footballers); John and Michael Hanrahan, New York; Richard Duggan, rate collector, Glenmore; Mrs. Connolly, Slieverue and Mrs. F. Quirke, Clerihan, Clonmel. He also played with Glenmore junior hurling team and was also a prominent member of the local F.C.A. Nick was buried in Glenmore. (Munster Express, Fri. 29 July 1955 & Kilkenny People Sat. 30 July 1955).
Pakie and Seamus Jones were the sons of Patrick Jones (c. 1897-1975) and his wife Alice Jones née Dunne (c. 1890-1967). Their father, Patrick Jones (c. 1897-1975) was the second eldest son of their grandparents, George Jones (c. 1874-1945) and Bridget Jones née Murphy (c. 1879-1945). George and Bridget were married at Glenmore on 16 August 1894. At the time of their wedding George was living in Weatherstown, Glenmore and working as a labourer and his father was George Jones (farmer). Bridget was residing in Moulerstown, Glenmore and her father was Pat Murphy (labourer). The 1911 census for Graiguenakill, Glenmore indicates that George and Bridget Jones had 7 children born and all 7 were alive in 1911. Patrick’s siblings included: James (c. 1895); John (c. 1898); George (c. 1901); Thomas (c. 1906); Michael (c. 1908) and Kyran (c. 1910). Patrick Jones (c. 1897-1975) was located in the 1911 census living and working as a servant in Aylwardtown, Glenmore for Patrick Morrissey (aged 74).
A newspaper search revealed that a few months after Nick Hanrahan drowned Seamus Jones left for Britain to take up employment. He went with other Glenmore men: Tom Ryan, of Milltown; H. Walsh [Harry Walsh], Ballybrahee; Wm. Irish, Ballinlammy; and Billy Walsh, Mullinahone (Munster Express, 16 Sept. 1955, p. 9). At some point Seamus returned to Glenmore and spent the rest of his life in the Village living with his brother Pakie. Pakie worked for the Glenmore Creamery and never drove a vehicle. Pakie died on 16 April 2006. Seamus worked for Roadstone as a roller driver and died on 29 September 2016. Although neither of the brothers married an obituary for Seamus noted that he had a lifelong friend Kitty Power. The brothers were both buried in Glenmore.
[Update of 9 May 2021–the newspaper article concerning the Certificate of Bravery (New Ross Standard, 27 April 1956, p. 5 provides a few more details regarding the tragic drowning.
“Jones who was fully dress, discarded his coat and jumped from a height of about five feet into the water, swam through about 18 yards of stiff current to the drowning man, who gripped him around his waist. Despite the hold, and being brought under the surface a few times, Jones succeeded in bring the drowning man with the current for a distance of about 25 yards upstream. By this time the drowning man had lost hold on Jones waist and gripped him by the legs before eventually losing his grip altogether.
Mr. Jones then gripped him by the hair and held him afloat now unconscious. By this time the pair were about six yards, from the upper portion of the jetty and the rescuer’s brother came close to him in the water. Seamus now in a state of exhaustion put his hand on his brother’s shoulders for support and in doing so lost his grip on the unconscious man, who disappeared and was not found until the following day. Jones had to be assisted from the water.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the 1942 Glenmore Boys’ School photograph and identifying the boys. In addition to the Jones brothers and Dick Hanrahan, some of the other men mentioned above are also in this photo. Special thanks to Ann Jones, Glenmore Village, for sharing the photos of Pakie and Seamus as adults.
Front row (left to right): Seamus Mullally, Watt Cody, Martin Connolly, Pat Walsh, Dick Cody, Michael Barron, Martin Cody, Jimmy Rochford, John Walsh, Johnny Roche. Second row: Liam Power, Martin Foristal, Richie Mullally, Harry Walsh, Tommy Mullally, Peter Roche, Mikey Murphy, Watty Walsh, Willie Irish. Third row: Paddy Phelan, Pakey Jones, Paddy Power, Kieran Mernagh, Neddie Doyle, Paddy Kennedy, Seamus Jones, Mikey Dowling. Top Row: Dinny Rochford, Billy Walsh, Johnny Cody, Neddie Hennessy, Mick McDonald, Christy Power, Seamus Power, Peter Heffernan, Dick Hanrahan, John Irish.
Month’s Mind
There is a lovely tradition in Ireland, particularly rural Ireland, called the month’s mind. A month after a person’s death a Requiem Mass is celebrated in memory of the deceased. Generally, the family of the deceased and close friends will attend the mass and will then share a meal or refreshments where the life of the deceased is celebrated. What most people today do not realize is that the month’s mind tradition is of ancient origin. In medieval England, the Venerable Bede (672-735) noted that the “minding days” were of great antiquity at that time and originated from the Norse minne, or ceremonial drinking to the dead.
Ireland is the only country where the month’s mind tradition is still widely practiced although there are still a few locations in England where it is said to survive. Further afield efforts have been undertaken to introduce the month’s mind. For example, in January 2015, Monsignor David Cassato, Chaplain of the New York Police Department at St. Athanasius Church, of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, offered a Month’s Mind Mass to mark the one-month anniversary of the assassination of two local police officers. Monsignor Cassato explained, “In the Roman Catholic Church, a Month’s Mind Mass is really a big deal because it comes a month after the initial shock and grief of death. It is a time to honor the dead with prayers, a time to hope that their lives and deaths will have a lasting meaning…” (The Tablet, 22 January 2015).
Today, we celebrate and commemorate the life of our local historian, Danny Dowling and commit ourselves to preserve, present and continue his life’s work. For many this might simply involve the oral tradition of the passing down of family information or stories to the next generation, the sharing of local knowledge, or the keeping of local traditions. Pat Dowling shared a number of photos of his father for this pictorial month’s mind. Pat said that there aren’t as many photos of Danny as other family members because Danny was usually the person behind the camera. If readers have any photos or memories of Danny that they would like to share please forward them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Further below are photos sent by the East Wall History Group depicting the commemoration ceremony held last Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of Peter Freyne’s death who was killed in action while attacking the London, North Western Railway Hotel (North Wall) Dublin. I think Danny would have been happy that Peter Freyne’s sacrifice has not been forgotten and was commemorated notwithstanding the scourge of COVID.
Danny Dowling (15 February 1927-17 March 2021)
The Laying of a Wreath in memory of Peter Freyne (1903-1921) by the East Wall History Group on 11 April 2021
Due to COVID the commemoration was small. Four volunteers held a small boat parade. For further information concerning the attack on the L.N.W.R. Hotel on the 11th of April 1921, during the Irish War of Independence, see, https://glenmore-history.com/teenage-volunteers-in-the-war-of-independence-the-freyne-brothers-of-kilcullen-thomastown/.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Glenmore Co., Local Defence Force, 1940-1946 [updated]
It is no exaggeration to state that Danny Dowling, in 70 years of gathering information and records regarding Glenmore and other local areas, filled over 8 large filing cabinets with records he collected or made. Today, straight from one of Danny’s files we are going to provide an excerpt from the speech given by Bill Roche, a native of Haggard, Glenmore, at the reunion of the Glenmore Co. of the Local Defence Force (LDF) held on 11 December 1997 at the Rhu Glenn. The speech provides a lot of information concerning Glenmore during the Emergency (Second World War). A complete list of the local men who joined the LDF is found on the lists page available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-co-ldf-1940-1946/.
“1939 was a very memorable year for all people living in the western Hemisphere. On 1st September 1939 World War Two broke out in Europe when Germany invaded Poland. On 3rd September 1939 Great Britain, France and other European countries declared war on Germany. Six long dark years of vicious fighting was to follow when a total of over 60 million lost their lives. Russia alone lost 20 million people.
Also on 3rd September 1939 something of greater interest to us Kilkenny people was happening nearer home—in Croke Park to be exact. The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Cork and Kilkenny was being strenuously fought out under a dark, damp overcast sky. The tense game ended in a flurry of thunderclaps, lightning flashes and torrential rain. When the final whistle was blown the score stood Kilkenny 2-7 (13) Cork 3-3 (12). Those of us who had the privilege of listening to the game on the radio will never forget that day. Radios were very scarce then and whatever families were lucky enough to have one made sure that the dry battery was new and that the wet battery was fully charged. For miles around all the neighbours descended on that house with the crowd overflowing into the yard outside. The cheering when Kilkenny scored was deafening. When Cork scored there was total silence…that was Jack Lynch’s first all-Ireland Final and was rated by him as one of the best all-Ireland finals in which he ever played.
In later years I got to know Jimmy Phelan very well. On that day he wore the No. 15 jersey and scored 2-1 of Kilkenny’s 2-7… I had lunch with him today in Carlow. He is the only one of the original 15 players to be still alive and is looking forward to Kilkenny’s next All Ireland win.
With the outbreak of war the Irish Government of the day adopted a policy of neutrality. This was a very brave decision since a neutral Ireland presented our neighbour, Great Britain, with very acute problems concerning the defence of their own country. Our government had to take steps to preserve this neutrality. Their outspoken policy was that the Irish army would repel first invader and by inference would accept the help of the other side in so doing. To implement this policy the government, backed by all opposition political parties launched a massive soldier recruiting drive. In September 1939 the strength of our regular army was only 6,000. By March 1941 the Army and Reserves totalled 56,000. This was boosted, however, by the strength of the Local Defence Force, including our present company…contributed over 200,000 volunteers between 1940 and 1946. Local Defence Force companies were set up in almost every parish, made up of young men totally raw in military matters but with the guts and determination to do what was needed to fight the first invaders.
It did not take long for the war in Europe to impinge on Ireland. Three Wexford women were killed when a German bomber attacked the Campile Co-Operative creamery on 26th August 1940—only 8 miles as the crow flies from where we are here tonight or about 2 ½ -3 minutes flying time. For the first time the Irish people realised that this was not just a far away war in distant places with strange sounding names, like the First World War. Bombs were dropped on Irish soil and Irish people were killed and we hadn’t declared war on anybody, nor nobody had declared war on us. By the end of the Emergency a total of 16 bombing incidents had been recorded on Irish soil, mainly along the Eastern seaboard.
The new LDF volunteers were trained in discipline and in all aspects of modern warfare of that time by Officers and NCO’s of the Irish regular army. Fifty-seven years have now passed since the Glenmore company was established and memories get a bit hazy. However, from the records that are presently filed in the military archives at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, I extracted the names and addresses of a total of 68 volunteers as being our Company’s strength 1940-1946. From investigations carried out over the past few months we have established that 43 of our colleagues, …are now deceased. May they rest in peace.
Our Company Commander in Glenmore was James Kelly, Aylwardstown…only recently he had had a new knee joint fitted very successfully and I am told it has a guaranteed life of 50 years of 100,000 miles. Neddy Aylward [of Graiguenakill]was Company Adjunct … both of these men helped me in no small way to make tonight possible. Also people like Joe Walsh, Billy Forristal and Danny Dowling were very helpful in locating our members’ present addresses and making contact. Regrettably our other Officers and NCO’s have passed to their rewards.
Just for a few minutes I will try to revive some memories of that period that are long forgotten in the mists of time.
1. Can I bring you all back in memory to the cold, wet, winter nights or else the dry, frosty, moonlit nights when we drilled in full uniforms and hobnailed boots in J.K. Walsh’s Hall in the Village. The grizzly Army Sergeants from Bawn James roared and bellowed and usually used a language that us innocent country boys have never heard before. It was the first time we became exposed to Trooper’s Language. Prior to this the four letter word was never heard in Glenmore.
p. 106
In the summer months we spent our evening training outdoors, covering all aspects of warfare tactics. We were clad in the early years in a light material khaki uniform, with a cheeky cap set at an angle. Later we were issued with a heavy green woolen uniform of tunic, pants, leggings, boots and beret cap. We were also supplied with a waterproof ground sheet and a massive heavy, warm, woolen great-coat. For up to 25 years after disbanding similar great-coats could be seen on men delivering milk to the creamery, or ploughing, or at the fair in Ballybricken which looked very similar to the LDF great-coats in cut and appearance but peculiarly none of them were of army green colour. These great-coats always did take a good dye. Brown and black were the commonest colours and the most practical for farm wear. We were also armed with rifles and bayonets and shotguns; Remington and Lee Enfield being the commonest rifle types. We always carried 50 rounds of live 303 ammunition. Bayonet practice consisted of charging at full speed at a strawman or sand bags and sticking the bayonet into the hilt in it. Throwing of lighted Molatov Cocktails gave us an exhilarating time. Hand grenade throwing was a skill many Glenmore men excelled at.
2. How many of you can remember the summer camps at Pickardstown, Tramore where for 2 weeks every year we lived under canvas—2 men to every bivouac. The sergeants woke us each morning with the banging of a heavy stick on the taut canvas roof. You could hear the shout—“show a leg, show a leg” half-mile away. Shaving was done from a canvas bucket of cold water, drawn from the stream alongside. Breakfasts on the sunburned grass were synonymous with hard-boiled eggs and boiling hot tea. After a strenuous day of training we walked every evening into Tramore. There were two dancing sessions each evening in the Majestic Ballroom. The first session generally had about 80% of green uniformed virile young men in heavy leather boots trying to negotiate their female partners across the polished dance hall floor, in a very adventurous manoeuvre. Girls were heard to comment afterwards—“I will never dance with him again—he has two left legs.”
4. You will remember the Skow Bridge Platform, financed and managed by the Glenmore LDF. We charged 4 pennies, old money, entry fee. What money was left when we had paid the musicians were towards an annual spree in the Village Hall after Christmas each year. We wined, dined and danced all night and it was generally about noon on the following day when many got home to bed. I later years the West of Ireland was attributed with having launched and expended into every town in the West what became known as ‘The Ballroom of Romance.’ If truth be known the real first ‘Ballroom of Romance’ as J.K. Walsh’s Hall in Glenmore. I should add that the word ventilation and sound decibels were not in the vocabulary. The expression that ‘even the walls ere weeping’ was coined about our Village Hall.
5. You will remember the rifle firing sessions we had down in the Grannagh Quarries on hot Sunday afternoons. Remember the meat teas in Londergan’s café on the Quay in Waterford on our way home and then on to the dancing session at the Skow Bridge.
I pity the young men and women of today that have not experienced the feeling of open air dancing on a warm sunny evening with the sun slowly slipping down behind Tory Hill, when the beautiful melodious strains of piano accordion and violin could be heard on a calm evening up to two miles away. The music was generally rendered by Jim Walsh (Jim B) and Mick Gahan. Those not dancing were involved in animated discussion on the progress of Hitler’s armies across Europe, or why Glenmore failed to win the Kilkenny Senior Football Final that afternoon. We thank God for those very happy memories and pray that God has been merciful to all those friends of our youth…Who knows, Jim B, may still be playing the accordion for those ‘tripping the light fantastic’…and Paddy Tyler may still be acting as MC…
You may remember the competition we entered at the New Ross Feiseanna when all the commands were given in Irish.’
A service certificate was printed and provided to each volunteer present by James Kelly. [A copy not issued was found in Danny’s file.] It was also noted at the reunion that service medals were supposed to have been awarded to all LDF members after discharge. This did not occur and after discussion with the Army application forms were provided for medals at the reunion. The speech concluded with the sponsors of the reunion being thanked.
The feature photo is the front cover of the Local Security Force Gazette, Christmas 1940. The Local Security Force Gazette, Christmas 1940 was also located in Danny’s file.
[UPDATE 3 October 2021, for an early photo of the Glenmore LDF marching under the command of Richard Fluskey see, https://glenmore-history.com/francos-glenmore-recruit-richard-dick-fluskey-1907-1942/. This early photo was shared by Michael Hoynes, of Ballybrahee, Glenmore.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Photo of Glenmore Co. of LDF 1944 at Tramore shared by Marion Coady Hendrick
Her father, Bill Walsh, of Cappagh, is middle row 2nd from left.
Her cousin, Jim Mernagh is middle row 4th from left.
Jim B. Walsh, of GLenmore VIllage is middle row far right (no relation).
If you can identify any other members of the Company in the photo please email glenmore.history@gmail.com
[UPDATE 4 May 2021] Joe Walsh, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore has been identified by his nephew Leo Walsh as being in the back row on the far left.