20th Century
now browsing by category
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
____________________
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.
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