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100 YEARS AGO: January 1921
On the 23rd of December 1920, the long awaited Home Rule for Ireland became law, however the War of Independence was continuing with no sign of a truce. Below are some of the local events recorded in local newspapers 100 years ago.
CO. KILKENNY TRAGEDY—Mrs. Ryan, the heavily pregnant wife of Michael Ryan, Bridge St., Callan, Co. Kilkenny, was wounded on Tuesday evening of last week (21st of Dec.), and died Thursday (the 23rd of Dec.) in the local hospital, following an operation. Tuesday evening the residents of Callan were ordered to keep their houses closed and remain indoors while the funeral of Sergeant Thomas Walsh, killed in one of Monday’s ambushes, was passing through the streets. After the funeral passed Mrs. Ryan was letting a customer out of the door, a shot rang out, and Mrs. Ryan was wounded. A military inquest commenced on the 24th of December but was adjourned to gather witnesses. (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Jan. 1921, p. 6; Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Jan. 1921, p. 4.) It was later determined that RIC Sergeant Thomas Walsh had been shot and killed by “friendly fire” from other Crown forces at the ambush on the 20th.
CO. KILKENNY PRIEST SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IMPRIONMENT WITH HARD LABOUR—Rev. Patrick H. Delahunty (c. 1880-195) C.C. Callan, Co. Kilkenny was arrested the 4th of December 1920 for being in possession of seditious publications and documents likely to cause disaffection. Fr. Delahunty’s home had been searched on the 3rd of September 1920 and several documents were seized including letters from Dail Eireann, Department of Finance. One of the letters was signed by Michael Collins. After his arrest in December Fr. Delahunty was transferred from Kilkenny under military escort and tried by court martial in Waterford Prison on the 17th of December. On Christmas Eve he was sentenced to imprisonment for two years with hard labour. (Munster Express, 8 January 1921, p. 4; Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 18 Dec. 1920, p. 4)
After the sentence it was reported that Fr. Delahunty was transported to England, by military escort, but eventually it was reported that “[i]t has been intimated to Rev. Patrick H. Delahunty that the hard labour portion of the sentence has been remitted along with the fifth charge that he repudiated.” He always repudiated that he was an officer of the then unlawful association Sinn Fein. The article concluded, “He is still under hospital treatment in the Waterford prison, but is in good spirits.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 22 January 1921, p. 7) Thereafter, Fr. Delahunty was returned to Kilkenny gaol and remained there until he and 43 other political prisoners escaped by tunneling out of the goal in November 1921. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 Nov. 1921) After the Irish Civil War Father Delahunty moved to Kansas, U.S.A. where he ironically became a chaplain of the penitentiary at Lansing, Kansas (Kansas City Times, 7 Nov. 1968, p. 13). For further information regarding Fr. Patrick Delahunty see, http://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/father-patrick-delahunty/ . For further information regarding the escape from the Kilkenny gaol see, http://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/kilkenny-jail-escape/ .
Bishop of Ossory’s Christmas Message—Most Rev. Abraham Brownrigg (1836-1928) Bishop of Ossory, on Christmas Eve, 1920 had a Christmas message read out in all churches of the diocese. The message was printed in the Kilkenny Moderator as well as the Munster Express. The following excerpts are from that message that was read out at Christmas mass in Glenmore and other churches.
“…Let us in the true spirit of Christian charity sympathise deeply with, and pray for, all those who have lost friends, relatives, or dependents, whose property has been destroyed, and whose prospects in life have been blighted and ruined for ever. If an opportunity should offer, and, if called upon, let us, as generously as we can, help them in their wants and privations.
Let us not forget and pray, too for the magnitude of our countrymen—the very flower of our youth and manhood—who are languishing at this Christmas time in jails throughout Great Britain and Ireland, that they may have strength to bear their suffering and privations and be soon restored to their homes and friends.
In the spirit of Christ-like forgiveness, let us pray also for the cruel men, who direct the present regime of death and destruction on our county, asking God to open their eyes to the wrong they do our people to stay their hand.”
AUXILIARIES & SINN FEIN FLAG–On Christmas Day three members of the auxiliary police force visited the City Hall Waterford, and demanded of the caretaker (Mrs. Collins) that the Sinn Fein flag which was flying over the building be taken down. Mrs. Collins informed them that none of the Corporate officials or employees were on the premises. Munster Express, Sat. 1 January 1921, p. 6.
EDITORIAL, IRELAND’S NEW YEAR—The following editorial appeared in the Waterford News & Star, summed up 1920 and expressed hope for 1921.
“1920 was a dark and desperate year for Ireland. But her resolution has been strengthened by the ordeal, and her spirit remains unbroken. Sinn Fein has won those victories of the heart and the intellect—victories such as that achieved by Terence MacSwiney—victories which prepare the body politic to make the best and highest uses of the material victory which is at hand. England’s foreign and domestic difficulties render an Irish Peace Conference and an Irish Peace Treaty essential to British interests. Industrial unrest grows apace in England, whilst her economic situation cause her serious thought. Abroad, she has India, where as Young Ireland put it in today’s issue, ‘her Redmond’s can no longer restrain the anger of centuries.’ In Turkey, Mesopotamia, and Egypt there is trouble for England. And there is her unpopularity in America and on the Continent, Ireland on the contrary, ‘has every reason to envisage the coming of the new year with gladness in her heart, for the dark hour which we traverse forebodes the dawn.’ We quote these last words from Young Ireland, which stands for what the Irish people voted for at the last general election—an Irish Republic.” Waterford News & Star, Fri. 7 Jan. 1921, p. 4.
Martial Law for Kilkenny—On the 4th of January 1921 martial law that had been imposed in Cork was expanded and imposed on various counties including Kilkenny. The terms were:
(a) All arms, ammunition, and explosives had to be surrendered by the 11th of January 1921. Any person in possession of same who was not a member of His Majesty’s armed forces or police forces, or who did not have a permit would be liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death.
(b) Wearing the uniform or equipment of His Majesty’s armed forces or police forces, or wearing similar clothing likely to deceive will be liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death. Being in possession of the banned items, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer Penal Servitude.
“NOTE WELL: That a state of armed insurrection exists; that any person taking part therein, or harbouring any person who has taken part therein, or procuring, inviting, aiding or abetting any person to take part therein, is guilty of levying war against His Majesty the King, and is liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death.”
All Law Courts, Corporations, Councils and Boards are directed to continue to carry out their functions. Signed by General Macready, Commander-in-Chief the Forces in Ireland. (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Jan. 1921, p. 3)
CURFEW—Further restrictions were applied. On the 11th of January, Major-General Strickland, Cork, the Military Governor, prohibited the use of motor cars, motor-bicycles, and pedal bicycles between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the martial law areas, which included the whole of Munster and Counties of Wexford and Kilkenny. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 Jan. 1921, p. 7) FUNERALS—During the funeral of Michael McGrath, one of the I.R.A. men killed outside of Tramore during the Pickardstown Ambush, only 40 persons were allowed to attend his funeral that proceeded from St. John’s Church in Waterford City to Carbally cemetery. Vehicles not containing immediate family members were prevented from joining the funeral procession. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 14 Jan. 1921, p. 2) For details of the Pickardstown Ambush posted by Waterford County Museum see, https://www.facebook.com/waterfordcountymuseum/posts/10160809436494012
EARLY MORNING TROUBLE AT GLENMORE & ARRESTS—”Considerable unpleasant activity was evinced early yesterday morning (13th of January) in the little village of Glenmore and its surroundings. A large number of houses were visited and the male occupants ordered up from their beds. It is stated that two arrests were by the auxiliary. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 14 January 1921, p. 4) GLENMORE MEN ARRESTED—Military arrested J. Walsh and J. Mernagh of Glenmore (Co. Kilkenny). The military were very active in Glenmore district on Thursday morning. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 Jan. 1921, p. 5).
ROBINSTOWN, GLENMORE: LANDLORD’S COUSIN IN THE NEWS—It is not clear why the story was newsworthy, but all local newspapers covered it. “Miss Ponsonby, a cousin of the Earl of Bessborough, has assumed the stage name of Ninette Corday, and is now playing in the Gaiety Theatre, London in Maeterlinek’s new fairy play. Miss Corday is the daughter of Mr. Arthur Ponsonby who died three years ago. Arthur was the brother of Lord Bessborough who died a few weeks ago.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri 14 Jan. 1921, p. 13)
COW KILLED BY TRAIN AT ALYWARDSTOWN, GLENMORE—At the Quarter Sessions in Kilkenny on Wednesday, the 26th of January 1921, Richard Delahunty, Glenmore claimed £50 damages from the Dublin and South Eastern Railway Company in respect of the killing of a heifer through the alleged negligence of the defendants or their servants. Plaintiff stated that in common with five other families he had a right of way across the railway line near Glenmore. There was a gate lodge at the level crossing, and on the 4th October he found one of his milch cows dead on the line, it having been run over by a goods train. Further evidence given included that of Stephen Heffernan, who valued the cow at £35. Richard Delahunty was awarded £30 damages. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 29 Jan. 1921, p. 5). Thanks to Brian Forristal we know that Stephen Heffernan was very active at this time in the Old I.R.A. which begs the question why he traveled to Kilkenny regarding a neighbour’s cow. Was it an opportunity to pass messages or gather intelligence? For two stories regarding Stephen Heffernan from this time see Brian Forristal’s articles accessed via the guest author button on the home page.
The featured photo depicts the Waterford gaol or sometimes referred to as Waterford prison. It stood in Ballybricken until the 1940’s when he was demolished. A decade earlier several people were killed when one of its walls collapsed on adjacent houses. The photo is from the Munster Express.
The photograph of Bishop Abraham Brownrigg, of Ossory, taken from the Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900) by the Library of Ireland available at https://www.libraryireland.com/Atlas/Bishop-Brownrigg-Ossory.php .
The photograph of Fr. Patrick Delahunty is from the Kansas City Times.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rabbit Trapping in Glenmore
On Christmas Eve, while talking about when he was young, Danny Dowling (b. 1927) revealed that when he was a chap he trapped and sold rabbits. He recalled that they were a plentiful pest. “The fields were full of them and they ate anything and destroyed fields of crops.” While rabbits were plentiful hares were scarce. Danny sold the rabbits that he trapped to a man named Murphy who also bought fish. The business was located at the corner of Bridge Street and the Quay in New Ross. Danny recalled that the rabbits were sent off to England. Danny thought they were sent off to feed the men who worked in the coal mines during World War II. He recalled that when Clover Meats commenced it canned rabbit meat and that there were businesses that would come into an area to trap rabbits for a fee and then would make more money by selling the meat and skins of the rabbits they were paid to trap.
From newspaper accounts it appears that Clover Meats commenced operation in 1924. No reference could be found to the canning of rabbit by Clover Meats, however other factories were processing rabbit meat both for human and pet consumption. In the 1930’s and 1940’s there were lots of articles concerning the explosion in the rabbit population and the impact on farms, estates and even golf courses. A 1936 article in the New Ross Standard highlights the situation in Glenmore. “A Farmer’s Experience—There are many instances of the destruction that is being caused to crops by rabbits which are so numerous in many localities that they constitute a menace to the farmer.” A four acre field of barley in the Glenmore district had been so damaged by the rabbits that at the beginning of June the owner re-ploughed it and sowed turnips. “As soon as the turnips came up fairly strong the rabbits attacked the young plants and completely cleared the field.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 July 1936, p. 3)
A couple of months later another article and an advertisement appeared in the New Ross Standard advising readers that there was a new buyer for trapped rabbits. “A NEW MARKET FOR RABBITS—An advt. by Fur Dyers. Ltd. Dublin, in this issue will be read with interest by most farmers. The rabbit pest has become a serious menace to agriculture in recent years and whole districts are so over-run with the little beasts that not only corn and roots, but grassland also has been eaten bare by them. Rabbits are very prolific. They breed from four to eight times a year, and the young rabbits in turn start breeding when they are six months old, so that only a mass attack on them will keep them in check. Fur Dyers, Ltd., are offering 8d. a pair for fresh trapped rabbits delivered at any railway station, and this profitable market should stimulate trapping in lands that are over-run with rabbits. They will take any number and pay carriage by passenger train. In these circumstances rabbit trapping should be a profitable side line not only for farmers, but for their labourers also.” (New Ross Standard, Fri 16 Oct 1936)
In 1938 there was an increase in the price of rabbits and it was becoming usual for the market price of pairs of rabbits to be reported in the newspaper. The New Ross Standard reported that the increase price for rabbits was proving a strong factor in the thinning of the population of the destructive rodents. The prices paid induced many persons to engage in hunting and trapping (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1939 p. 8).
In Glenmore, Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) of Rathinure, was in his late teens and engaged full time in rabbit trapping. Being the son of a local farmer he trapped on his own farm and neighbour’s farms. As an elderly man he often spoke of his days of rabbit trapping and told my husband Peter Walsh that at one point he got half a crown (30 d.) for a pair of rabbits and made £600 one season. Local speculation is that Paddy was able to accumulate a considerable sum from his rabbit trapping enterprise. Paddy would run his traps twice a night and early in the morning would load them onto his bicycle and cycle into New Ross where he sold the rabbits to Murphy the fish and rabbit buyer. Paddy said that he had rabbits hanging from his handlebars and crossbar. Today, Johnny Garvey, of Rathinure recalled that Paddy told him on one occasion Paddy was transporting so many rabbits the cross bar on his bicycle broke.
Unfortunately, with any endeavour where money is seen as easily acquired it wasn’t long before the newspapers were full of cases involving the theft of rabbit traps. Judge A. O’Donoghue, at the Rathangan District Court, Co. Kildare, in exasperation told two defendants who “borrowed” traps belonging to another man, “I never met a man yet who did not get into trouble over rabbit trapping.” The men had been charged with stealing 6 rabbit traps valued at 15s (Leinster Leader, Sat. 14 Aug. 1937, p 7).
After World War II broke out in 1939 there was an enormous increase in rabbit trapping. This was driven by the fact that game such as rabbit was not rationed in the UK and high prices were being paid for rabbits and rabbit skins (Larne Times (Co. Antrim, N.I.) Thurs. 18 Dec. 1941). In September 1941, both the Munster Express and the Waterford Standard carried a story concerning Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) being charged with the theft of rabbit traps. It was alleged that between the 7th and 13th August Paddy stole 10 rabbit traps, valued at 2/4 each, belonging to James Rochford. One newspaper stated that Rochford lived in Robinstown and the other alleged he lived in Rochestown. Rochford is not a common name found in Glenmore, but we were able to locate his wife’s obituary from 1949. Per the obituary Mrs. M. Rochford died at the age of 40 at her home in Ballinamona, Slieverue. The family moved to Slieverue from Aylwardstown, Glenmore in 1938. Mary Rochford was a native of Clonroche, Wexford.
In 1941, after missing traps Rochford and his wife went into hiding from 3 o’clock in the morning until 6 a.m. on the 13th of August. They observed Paddy come along and pull up 5 traps. Paddy was represented by Mr. Halley, solicitor, who cross-examined Rochford. Rochford on cross stated that he was not really a professional trapper. Rochford also stated of Paddy, “I know the chap very well…I heard that last year that traps were stolen on Kennedy…The traps had belonged to a man named Ayre. I admit there is a trafficking in traps.” Both men testified that they purchased their traps from Ayers. Rochford’s wife (whose name is listed as Margaret in the court article) corroborated the testimony of her husband. Paddy testified that he purchased 48 traps the previous year and 24 had been stolen. On the night in question he placed his traps in John Power’s field in Rathinure and had no idea that Rochford had placed any traps in the field. He noted that Rochford was far from his home. Paddy showed the Court his traps and the marks he put on his traps with a file. It was noted that the marks on the allegedly stolen traps and the marks on Paddy’s traps were very similar. “The Justice in dismissing the case, said that the evidence was not entirely convincing that Kennedy had stolen the traps.” (Munster Express, Sat. 5 Sept. 1941, p. 6; Waterford Standard, Sat. 6 Sept. 1941, p. 1)
In December 1941 the New Ross Standard, (Friday 19 Dec. 1941, p. 8) reported that rabbit prices had fallen to 2s/6d per pair. Up until a few days previous the price was 4s/6d per pair. The article concludes, “[t]he prospect of a handy-easy earned revenue to supplement the meagre incomes found all sections of people traversing the hills and bogs at night time, to reap the unexpected financial return that bunny undoubtedly brought many.” It is doubtful that the men who worked like Paddy running traps twice a night thought that trapping was a “handy-easy earned revenue.”
We were able to locate the seller of the traps to Paddy Kennedy. Beginning around 1925 Alex Aird advertised his rabbit trapping service. As Danny explained trapping services would charge a small fee or seek free housing and sell the rabbits they trapped. Every year Aird advertised his services and the address provided in the adverts changed. Some examples of the advertisements are provided below. Notice in 1937 Aird was located in Glenmore.
1925—RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED. FARMERS IN CO. WEXFORD who want their rabbits killed and crops saved should write me at once; we give no trouble and no expense. Apply W. A. D. Aird. Trapper, Dunbrody, Arthurstown, Co. Wexford. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 May 1925).
1936– RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED—Any Farmer in Co. Wexford who will give me the sole right to kill his Rabbits, in return I am prepared to keep his crops clear of rabbits for 12 months. If I get sufficient support, I will move my men to Wexford and start operations at once.—Alex. Aird, Trapper, P.O. Mallow. (New Ross Standard, Fri 23 Oct. 1936)
1937—RABBIT TRAPPING WANTED—Now is the effective time to trap your rabbits before the young rabbits are out. We are prepared to trap a Farm, a Parish or a County, providing an empty house or accommodation for men is provided. Alex. Aird & Sons, TRAPPERS, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny (Kilkenny People, 20 Feb. 1937, p. 1)
Special thanks to Johnny Garvey and Peter Walsh of Rathinure, Glenmore for sharing their memories of what Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) said concerning his rabbit trapping enterprise.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The 1937 Wedding of Etta Walsh of Glenmore Village
Most wedding announcements in the local newspapers in the early decades of the twentieth century provided very few details concerning the wedding reception, if any, and guests or gifts. A long article covering the marriage of Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh published in the Munster Express on Friday the 19th of November 1937 (p. 8) is most unusual and provides an interesting glimpse into the wedding that took place a little over 80 years ago. In addition to details regarding the wedding reception, this article provides a long list of gifts the couple received from people across Glenmore parish and there are a few references to the political situation of the country. Included in the list of gifts the newlyweds received are “turkeys.” Special thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy for finding and sharing this detailed article.
Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh, of Glenmore, was the only daughter of James “J.K.” Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955). The former premises of the Gaffney’s shop sometime prior to the 1911 census was acquired by the Heffernan family. In 1913 Lizzie married James Walsh, a farmer from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and they ran the business together until his untimely death in 1934 just three years before Etta’s wedding. Lizzie continued to run the business for several years eventually turning it over to her son Patrick “Eric” Walsh.
PRETTY WEDDING AT GLENMORE. (Munster Express, Fri, 19 Nov. 1937)
A pretty Ulster and Leinster alliance took place at St. James’s Church, Glenmore, on Monday morning last when members of two well-known Cavan and Kilkenny families were united in matrimony. The contracting parties were Garda Patk. J. Fitzpatrick, Barrack St., Waterford, and Miss Bridget Mary (Etta) Walsh, only daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth and the late Mr. J. K. Walsh, Glenmore. The ceremony was performed by Very Rev. Thos. Heffernan, C.P., Rector, St. Patrick’s Retreat, Wheatfield House, Crumlin Road, Belfast (uncle of the bride), who celebrated Nuptial Mass and imparted the Papal Blessing. He was assisted by Rev. W. Brennan, C.C, Glenmore. The best man was Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick, Belturbet, Co. Cavan (brother of the bridegroom), and the bride, who was attired in oyster satin with tulle veil and shoes to tone, was attended by her cousin, Miss Mai McLoughlin, Tullow, Co. Carlow, who wore rust velvet with turban to match. The bride had as train-bearers her two little cousins, Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore, wearing pink taffeta frocks with Juliet caps. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee, carried a bouquet of white and pink chrysanthemums, and her attendants mixed chrysanthemums. Miss Peggy Curran. Glenmore, presided at the organ, and during the ceremony sang Handel’s Largo, “O Love Divine,” in a beautiful and impressive manner, and as the happy couple walked down the aisle played the bridal march from Lochingrin.
A reception was subsequently held at the home of the bride’s mother, where over 60 guests were entertained to a sumptuous dejeuner. Mrs. Walsh, wearing black crepe-de-chine trimmed with gold applique, received the guests and conducted them to the spacious hall recently constructed by this enterprising family, and which was specially decorated for the occasion with a profusion of flowers and bunting.
Guests
Those present in addition to the bride and bridegroom were—Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P. (presiding) ; Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.; Mrs. E. Walsh, Glenmore (mother of the bride) ; Mr. and Mrs. M. Fitzpatrick, Belturbet (parents of the groom); Messrs Hugh and Ed. Fitzpatrick, do; Miss Anna Fitzpatrick. do; Sergt. Francis and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Limerick; Messrs. Eric and Ml. Walsh, Glenmore; Mrs. M. Heffernan, N.T., do; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do; Miss M. McLoughlin , Tullow; Mrs. H. Curran, N.T., Glenmore; Miss Hetty Curran, do; Miss Peggy Curran , do; Miss M. Walsh, do; Miss N. Prendergast, do; Mrs. Fluskey, P.O., do: Mr. Frank Heffernan, do.. Mr. M. Hanrahan, do.; Mr. Ml. Heffernan, do; Garda J. Coakley, do; Garda K. Cummins, Waterford; Garda B. Gilsinan, do; Garda P. Dervan , do; Garda J. J. McCarthy, do; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin; Mrs. Jack McLoughlin, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford; Mrs. Prendergast, The Quay, New Ross; Mr John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Mrs. K. Forristal , do; Mr. Patk. Forristal, do; Miss Margt. Holden, Glenmore; the Misses Bridget and Mary Brennan, do; the Misses Mary and Nell Dillon, do; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown; Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. Patrick Walsh, do; Mrs. J. Dunphy, Ballyverneen ; Mrs. O’Mullane, Bannow, Co. Wexford; Mr. T. McGrath, Clonmel; Mr. Daniel Coady, Carrigcloney; Mrs. Coady, do; Mrs L. Dillon, Fahee; Mrs. E. Fitzgerald, Flemingstown; Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; Miss Mary Fitzgerald, do; the Misses Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. J. Cleere , Kilmacow; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, Waterford; Miss May Walsh, Poleberry, do: Miss Bridie Walsh, Waterford; Mr. Wm. Brophy, do; Miss Annie Brophy, do; etc., etc.
Toasts
Rev. Fr. Brennan, in proposing a toast to the health of the bride and bridegroom, referred to the great Gaelic traditions of Kilkenny and Cavan and said that both teams had gone down in the All-Ireland finals, but they would rise again. He welcomed the people from Cavan and paid a warm tribute to both families. In conclusion he wished the bride and bridegroom every joy in the future, and hoped that God would prosper them. Very Rev. Fr. Heffernan proposed the toast of the health of the visitors and said that as one who had spent over ten years in Belfast he had a great regard for his native Glenmore and was delighted to be associated with such a happy event. He paid a special tribute to Miss Peggy Curran for her beautiful singing during the ceremony and for the lovely music provided. He wished the happy couple every success in their wedded career. Mr. McLoughlin proposed the toast of “Eire,” and said if North and South could not be united politically they could at least be united in matrimony. Mr. John Dunphy also spoke, and the bridegroom, on behalf of Mrs. Fitzpatrick and himself, suitably replied amidst hearty applause.
A few enjoyable hours, followed , vocal items being contributed by Mrs. Curran, N.T.; Miss Peggy Curran, Gardai Cummins, Coakley and McCarthy; Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick and Mr. Con McLoughlin, which were greatly appreciated. The happy couple later left by the 4-20 p.m. train from Waterford in route for Dublin, Belfast and London on the honeymoon, and were given a cordial send-off. At night large numbers of friends and well-wishers assembled at Glenmore to join in the wedding festivities and were royally entertained at the home of the bride, where dancing continued until early on Tuesday morning to the strains of the splendid music supplied by the Glenmore Band, directed by Mr. James Walsh. Songs and step-dancing items were interspersed throughout the programme, the social being thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The bridegroom is a native of Belturbet, Co. Cavan, and has been attached to the Garda force since its inception, being at present Inspector of Public Service Vehicles at the Waterford-Kilkenny Divisional Headquarters, Barrack Street [Waterford], where he is very popular with his colleagues; and the general public. His bride comes of a well-known South Kilkenny family and is a popular figure amongst a wide circle of friends both in her native district and in Tramore, where she is the genial proprietress of the well-known “Prom Cafe.”
Perhaps the greatest tribute to the popularity of both was the beautiful array of expensive and serviceable wedding gifts which were on view at the bride’s home and were the synosure (sic) of all eyes. Congratulatory telegrams were received from the Rev. Mother and Community, Sacred Heart Convent, Ferrybank; Madame Martha, do; Thomas Power , Esq., The Quay, Waterford ; Jack McLoughlin, Ballyduff ; J. B. Hearne, Esq., Belfast; Mac. Giolla Brigde, Esq., Waterford.
LIST OF PRESENTS.
Included in the list of presents were the following—From bride to bridegroom, signet ring, engraved: bridegroom to bride, wristlet watch, engraved; bridegroom to bridesmaid leather handbag; Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh, Glenmore, half dozen pictures and coffee service ; Mr. A.H. Walsh, do, bed linen, brass candlesticks and match box holder; Mr. Eric Walsh, do., oak clock; Miss Maureen Walsh , do, table linen; Mr. and Mrs. Patk. Hanrahan, do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. D. Cody, Carrigcloney, silver dish and spoons; Dr. and Mrs. ‘ Coghlan, Newrath, fireside set; Garda Dervan, Waterford , silver entrée dish; Garda and Mrs. Naughton , do, silver fruit dish; Garda McCarthy, do, breakfast service; Garda K. Cummins, do., silver entree dish; Mr. P. Forristal, Ballyverneen, silver cake dish; Mr. J. Dunphy, do, silver-mounted salad bowl: Mrs. Donovan, Rosbercon, embroidered table cloth and serviettes; Miss M. Walsh, Graignakill, silk table cover; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hartley, Weatherstown, Irish linen table cloth; Miss Hartley, do, silk bedspread; Mrs. Mernagh, do, glass drinking set; Mrs. Holden, do, statue; Mr. and Mrs. M. Hoynes, Ballybrahee, set of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, do, cheque; Mr. Thos. Heffernan, Carney Bay, Indian silk cloth and serviettes; Miss Stasia Heffernan, do, silver bowel; Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Jamestown, pyrex dish with silver stand; the Fitzgerald family, do, bed linen; Miss B. Power, do, cruet; Mrs. E. Power, do, crucifix; Mrs. Curran, N.T., Robinstown, tea service; Miss P. Curran, do, hand-painted picture: Mrs. Bevans, do, bed linen; Mrs. Power, do, bed linen; Miss M. Walsh, do, Irish linen table cloth; the Misses O’Neill, Slievecorrig, linen table cloth; the Sparks family, Tramore, coffee set; Miss May Power, Waterford, silk lingerie; the Misses Kiely, Upton and Walsh, do, dinner mats; the Misses Bridie and May Walsh, do, bed linen ; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, do, ivory-handle carvers; Garda. B Gilsenan, do, staghorn handle carvers; Mr. and Mrs. Barry, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Dean Walsh, Australia, crystal manicure set; Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P., Belfast, leather suit case and cigarette case; the Rev. Mother, S.H.M. Convent, Ferrybank, night dress case; Madame Martha, do, hand-embroidered tea cosy and table runner; Val and Maisie Connolly, New Ross, fancy fruit dish; P. J. Connolly, do, candlesticks; Mrs. Prendergast, do, altar set; R. Heffernan and family, Killarney, coffee service; Mrs. Doolan, Glenmore, 21-piece tea set; Mrs. Fluskey, do, brush and comb set; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do, dinner service; Mrs. Hennessy, do, silver serviette rings; Garda and Mrs. Coakley, do, taffeta bedspread; Mrs. P. Dowling, do., blankets; the Heffernan family, do, armchair; Mrs. Cuddihy, do, butterfly-wing tray; Miss Molly Walsh, do, tea cosy ; the Brennan family, do, dressing gown; the Jones family, do, Irish linen tablecloth ; Mr. F. Heffernan, do, bed linen; Mrs. A. Forristal, do, hand-embroidered tea cloth; Miss A. Bergin, do, lingerie set; Mrs. Mernagh, do, dressing table set; the Cassin family, do, lingerie set; the Creamery Staff, do, Irish linen table cloth; Miss K. Mullins, Flemingstown, bedspread: Mrs. Fitzpatrick and family, Belturbet, Beleek china; Mr. and Mrs. Graham , do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Reilly, do, silver cake dish; Mr. and Mrs. Murtan, do, cut-glass drinking set; Mr. and Mrs. J. Blake, Main St., Wexford, hand-embroidered tea cloth and serviettes ; Sergeant and Mrs. Mullane, Bannow, tea cosy: Sergeant and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Kilmeedy, Limerick, case of cutlery; Miss M. Fitzgerald , Weatherstown, bedroom toilet set; Miss Polly Power, Busherstown, crepe-de-chine handkerchiefs ; Miss H. Walsh, do, bed linen; Miss Bridget Murphy, Mullinahone, silver mounted jam dish; Mrs. Gordon, do, cruet; Mrs. Murphy, do, statue, Infant of Prague; Mrs. P. Walsh, do, point-lace clothes; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown, bed linen; Mrs. J. Cottrell, Ballycroney, bed linen; Mr. L. Hennessy, do, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. J. McLoughlin, Ballycullane, eiderdown; Miss B. Cardiff, Sally and Mary McLoughlin, do, turkeys; Mr. and Mrs. Conran, do., chenille table cloth and house shoes; Miss Babs Sinnott, do, embroidered table cloth; Mr. J. Scanlon, Glenmore, tea pot; the Cody family, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Mr. J. McLoughlin, Tullow, blankets; Miss M. McLoughlin, do, eiderdown; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin , oil painting; Messrs. Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, pair of cushions; Miss Margaret Gaule, Slievecorrig, cut-glass fruit dish; Mr. T. McGrath, Russellstown, Clonmel, tea cosy; Messrs. Jameson and Co., Jewellers, Dublin, cut-glass salad bowl; Miss M. Holden, Clune, bed linen; Miss Margt. Holden, do, night-dress case; the Misses Kelly, Graiguakill, bed linen; Mr. P. O’Connell, Mallow, tea cosy; Mrs. Hehir, Carrick-on-Suir , manicure set., etc.. etc.
Five months after their marriage the groom was notified that he was transferred to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway after having served three years in Waterford. “He did not come into very close contact with the public in the ordinary way as a Guard, because of the fact that his principal work was in connection with the examination and testing of motor lorries and cars under the Road Act regulations. These tasks he carried out with great efficiency and success, and in the courts was regarded as an expert in all matters relating to the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and their proper conditioning for use on the roads. ” (Waterford Standard, 16 April 1938)
Further details regarding the Heffernan and Walsh family members can be found on the family and obituary pages.
The feature photo is Glenmore Village taken between 1920 and 1925. This photo can be dated because the Glenmore Barrack’s roof is missing. The JK Walsh shop is the large, long white building. The taller building to the left in the photo is the old Gaffney mill.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Early Glenmore Business Newspaper Advertisements [Updated]
While searching local newspapers various advertisements for Glenmore businesses, or businesses belonging to people from Glenmore, were found. Prior to 1925 there were very few advertisements, however several were located in local newspapers in the late 1930’s. For a short article on Glenmore Village in the 1930’s see, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-village-in-the-1930s/.
The following two ads were found together in the Munster Express of 16 December 1938. The J.K. Walsh shop and hall was the former premises of the Gaffney shop and mill. Locally Mrs. E. Walsh was called Lizzie J.K.
The Fluskey shop housed the second post office of Glenmore, was the place of the first telegraph and later the Glenmore telephone exchange. Robert Fluskey died in 1925, thus his sons who later ran the business appeared to have continued to leave the business in their father’s name. For details regarding Robert Fluskey see, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-businessman-robert-fluskey-1843-1925-and-the-sisters-of-charity-of-the-incarnate-word/.
The above ad for the Glenmore Creamery was found in the 15 December 1939 Munster Express. This ad confirms that the Glenmore Creamery had the second telephone in Glenmore. Danny Dowling earlier this month stated that he believes that the Glenmore parish priest was Glenmore 1.
The above ad for Pat Hanrahan’s shop in Glenmore Village was published in the Munster Express on 15 December 1939. For information on the Hanrahan Brothers who were reared in Glenmore and ran businesses in Glenmore Village and New Ross see, https://glenmore-history.com/michael-j-hanrahan-1888-1968-struggled-along/ and https://glenmore-history.com/michael-j-hanrahan-1888-1968-early-twentieth-century-gaelic-football-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic/.
The ad below was also published in the same newspaper in 1939.
The following two ads were published in the New Ross Standard on 17th of December 1937 for two different businesses in New Ross owned and operated by two of the Hanrahan brothers raised Glenmore.
[Update 22 June 2021: At Christmas 2020 Danny Dowling remarked that the Holden that was in business with Hanrahan in New Ross was originally from Clune, Glenmore and P.N. O’Gorman was connected to Glenmore. ]
[Update 22 June 2021: At Christmas 2020 Danny Dowling remarked that the Holden that was in business with Hanrahan in New Ross was originally from Clune, Glenmore and P.N. O’Gorman was connected to Glenmore. William Aylward was a native of Parkstown, GLenmore and operated a grocery/pub in Waterford in the early 20th century.]
Lastly, there were some earlier ads found that are not directly related to Glenmore, but are interesting. For example, below is an ad for the Michael F. Murphy Company of Kilkenny. This ad was published in the Kilkenny People in 1907 and reflects the wide range of services offered from furniture removal and warehousing to steamship agent.
However, the strangest ad found from an early 20th century newspaper was found in the Munster Express of Saturday the 12th of October 1901 on page 6.
OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT—many people have old or disused false teeth. Send your teeth to R.D. and J.H. Fraser, Ltd., Princes St. Ipswich (estab. 1833), and they will remit the utmost value by return, or make you best offer. Largest and oldest buyers of old false teeth anywhere in the world.
In attempting to find out when the Fraser Company of Ipswich may have ceased trading in the buying of old false teeth the below sign was found. The sign indicates that R.D. & J.B. Fraser engaged in more trade than just the buying of old false teeth.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Patrick Hawe (1871-1933) of Rochestown, Glenmore & the Curse of the River Barrow
When Jo Doyle née Mernagh, of Weatherstown, Glenmore, was a child she often heard the story that a curse had been put on the river Barrow. As she recalled it had to do with a woman condemned or left to die in New Ross. It was said that because the Friars in the Priory somehow let the woman down she died. As she was dying she placed a curse on the River Barrow that every year it would claim three lives. Last summer Danny Dowling recalled the curse involving three drownings but stated that he believed the curse sprang from the killing of friars in New Ross during the middle ages.
The Friar’s Curse
The only priory in New Ross in the middle of the twentieth century belonged to the Augustinians. I thought that I was on the right track when my husband told me that when he was a student at Good Counsel in New Ross, from 1966 to 1972, Father Kelly while discussing superstition told the amazed students that people sometimes came to the priory and asked for the Friar’s curse to be placed on another person. According to the Topographical Dictionary of Ireland published in 1837 a chapel belonging to a community of Augustinian Friars, consisting of only four friars, stood on the hill near the site of an older friary of the same order. However, Patrick Donovan in 1946 published an article in the New Ross Standard identifying the “Bearers of the Cross” Friars, popularly known as the “Crouched” Friars as authoring the curse. Crouched is said to have developed from crux the Latin word for cross. According to Donovan the Priory of the “Crouched Friars” lay in the rectangle bounded by the present Priory Street, Priory Lane, Quay and a line formed by the continuation of William St. to the river. He believed that it stood quite near the river. It was established in the 13th century. Thus, it was not near the site of the oldest Augustinian Priory referenced in the 1832 text. (Patrick Donovan, “The Story of Ross,” New Ross Standard 29 Nov. 1946, p. 2)
According to Donovan, there were several different stories concerning the origin of the curse, but the oral tradition of the upper parts of New Ross, provided that the “Crouched” Friars were demanding more money from the townspeople than they were prepared to provide. Eventually things came to a head and there was a fight on the Quay between the “Crouched” Friars and the Rossmen. Three friars were killed or drowned; the priory was broken into, the remainder of the Friars were driven from New Ross and their priory destroyed. When departing the Prior stood up in his boat, raised his arms and cursed the town. He commanded the Barrow to take each year the lives of three townsmen as a penalty for the deaths of his three friars. (New Ross Standard, 29 Nov. 1946, p. 2). After the killing of the “Crouched” Friars the Church placed an interdict on the townspeople, churches were closed and Christian burial was denied to all. According to Donovan the interdict was not lifted until the Franciscans rebuilt the destroyed priory about 25 years later. Donovan noted that the townspeople of Ross passed the story down through the generations and continued to believe in the curse as each year they counted the persons drowned.
Intentionally or not, the New Ross Standard over the years when reporting on drownings often reinforced the curse in the minds of readers. Such was the case in August 1933 when two different articles appeared in the New Ross Standard on the 18th of August. On the last page of the newspaper a short article entitled “Three Drowning Cases in a Month,” gave brief details of three drownings that occurred in the previous month in the vicinity of New Ross. The first death involved a boy from The Maudlins (New Ross) was lost at the Quay. The second reported case involved a young man named Doolan who lost his life at Tinneranny and the third drowning was Patrick Hawe, of Rochestown, Glenmore. It was also reported that Patrick Hawe was a fisherman and champion oarsman. Over the previous 35 years Patrick had competed and won numerous prizes in cot racing at New Ross, the Pink Rock and Waterford Regattas (New Ross Standard, 18 Aug. 1933, p. 12). It is not known whether young Doolan was from New Ross, but Patrick Hawe was living in Glenmore, approximately 8 miles south of New Ross at the time of his death in 1933.
The August 1933 Third Drowning Victim
The second and much longer article published in the New Ross Standard, on the 18th of August, was entitled, “The Toll of the Barrow” and provided details regarding the discovery and recovery of Patrick Hawe’s body from the river and the subsequent inquest (18 Aug. 1933, p. 7).
In 1933, Patrick Hawe, was living in Rochestown, Glenmore with his daughter Catherine Dillon. On the eighth of August Patrick had gone out fishing with his 17 year old grandson Patrick Dillon. After returning home that evening Patrick went back to the river to secure Tommy Connolly’s boat. There was a strong wind blowing and it was believed that he pushed the boat out in the water to moor it a safe distance from the rock. When he did not return to the house his grandson went down to the river around 4 p.m. and saw the boat drifting near the Wexford side of the river and raised the alarm. Two days later, on Thursday the 10th of August, Patrick’s body was recovered in about ten feet of water approximately twenty yards from the bank. On both Wednesday and Thursday extensive dragging of the river was performed by Sergt. O’Mullane and Gardai Nolan, Price and Barrett, of the Glenmore Barracks and local fishermen.
On Friday the 11th of August Mr. J.D. Fitzgerald, coroner of Kilkenny conducted an inquest at Rochestown into the circumstances of the death of Patrick Hawe. Inspector O’Donovan, Thomastown, conducted the proceedings for the Gardai. The following jury made up of local Glenmore men from the townlands of Rochestown and Rathinure were sworn—Mr. M. Roche, Rathnure (foreman), Messrs. J. Kennedy, do.; Martin Kehoe, do.; Peter Forristal, Rochestown; Jas. Walsh, do.; John Aylward, do.
The first witness was Catherine Dillon, the daughter of the deceased. She testified that her father lived with her. On the day of his death he left the house telling her that he was going to the river to secure Phil Conway’s(sic) fishing boat. She saw him walking in the direction of the river until he was out of sight. She never saw him alive again. When he left the house he was in his usual good health. He was 63 years of age and his occupation was fisherman. She was aware that he was not able to swim and stated that she identified his remains when they were found.
The second witness was Patrick Dillon, aged 17, the grandson of the deceased. Patrick Dillon testified that when his grandfather did not return to the house he went to look for him. He saw a boat drifting on the river Barrow on the Wexford side. He and Patrick Delahunty rowed over to the drifting boat and brought it back. He stated that it was Philip Connolly’s boat, the one that his grandfather had. When Patrick found the boat the oars were tied in it as was the anchor. Patrick Dillon said he fished with his grandfather last year and this year. He was fishing with him the morning of his death and when they came in his grandfather secured the boat. The reason his grandfather went down afterwards was to secure the boat because of the wind. He never saw his grandfather swimming. He believed he must have fallen out of the boat. To his knowledge, he was not able to swim.
Michael Kent of Piltown, Campile stated that he and Thomas Molloy helped search for the body of the deceased. They used hooks and searched some sixty yards below the pill, and at five p.m. on Thursday they recovered the body. The body was fully clothed. He assisted in bringing the body to the house of Catherine Dillon.
Dr. M.P. Higgins, Waterford testified that he performed a post mortem along with Dr. Valentine Coughlan, Waterford. The lungs of the deceased were water-logged and the stomach and intestines were full of water. The heart and other internal organs were well developed and normal. There were no marks of violence on the body. In his opinion death was caused by asphyxia, due to drowning. Dr. Coughlan agreed. The Coroner said that apparently the deceased must have got heaved out of the boat into the water. The jury, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence that the deceased accidentally drowned.
Patrick Hawe (1871-1933)
Patrick Hawe was baptized at Glenmore on the 16th of March 1871. He was the son of Michael Hawe and Catherine Hawe née Malone of Rochestown, Glenmore. The following siblings of Patrick were gleaned from the Glenmore parish records: (1) Catherine Hawe, b. 26 August 1865; (2) Bridget Hawe, b. 25 January 1867; (3) Daniel Hawe, b. 17 February 1869; (4) Edward Hawe, b. 24 April 1875; and (5) Elizabeth Hawe, b. 6 November 1877.
Patrick Hawe married Mary Merrigan (c. 1862-1922) of Milltown at Glenmore on 30 October 1895. Mary was the daughter of Michael Merrigan and Mary Morrissey. Patrick and Mary Hawe née Merrigan had one child Kate Hawe who was born on the 28th of October 1896. Kate Hawe married John Dillon, a fisherman from Carrigcloney, Glenmore on the 2nd of August 1915. John was the son of Michael Dillon a platelayer for the railway. At the time of Patrick Hawe’s death in 1933 he was residing with his daughter Kate Dillon née Hawe and her husband and children.
It may seem odd today that a man who made his living on the River Barrow could not swim, but according to Danny Dowling it was quite common for local fishermen not to be able to swim.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The above featured photo of the Crouched Friars statute in London is available at http://[[File:Statue Of ‘Two Crutched Friars’.jpg|thumb|Statue of two Crutched Friars in London]]
![http://[[File:Statue Of ‘Two Crutched Friars’.jpg|thumb|Statue of two Crutched Friars in London]]](http://[[File:Statue Of 'Two Crutched Friars'.jpg|thumb|Statue of two Crutched Friars in London]]){kind=link}
The page of the medieval manuscript is from the Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library. “Historiated initial and another coat of arms.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed December 12, 2020. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-e47a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Michael J. Hanrahan (1888-1968): Struggled Along
Last week we highlighted the article written by Peter Roughan for the Kilkenny People concerning his interview of Michael J. Hanrahan. Today, we will focus on Mick’s early years as he disclosed to Peter Roughan in the 26 September 1959 article in the Kilkenny People. The interview is in italics. We conclude with some information we were able to find about Mick and his brother John’s time in the U.S.
Mick’s Early Life
Roughan quoted Mick, “Well, I suppose I’ll have to start now with the day I was born, although ’tis very little I can remember about that, but, dad — God be good to him — came from Powerswood, over near Thomastown. I was called after him; and God rest my mother, she was Hanora Mullins — they always called her Onie Mullins — from Gaulstown, here in Glenmore; and I was born on December 8, 1888, the very same year that Kilmacow footballers beat Wexford county team. I often heard them all talking about that match when I was a lad. We were living then in No. 2 Barronstrand Street, Waterford, and the place is a big shoe shop now.
A review of the Glenmore Parish records reveals that Michael Hanrahan (farmer) of Powerswood, Thomastown married Hanoria Mullins, of Gaulstown, Glenmore, on 23 July 1885. Michael was the son of Patrick Hanrahan (farmer) and Hanoria was the daughter of Nicholas Mullins (farmer). Hanoria Mullins was baptized in Glenmore on 16 Dec. 1854 the daughter of Nicholas Mullins (farmer) of Gaulestown, Glenmore and Mary Mullins née Mackey. In the Thomastown records a record was found where a Michael Hanrahan was baptized in 1848 in Powerswood, the son of Patrick Hanrahan and Ellen Hanrahan née Cassian.
Orphaned
Returning to Mick Hanrahan in his 1959 interview he recalled, “I was one of six lads, Pat — God rest him — died here in Glenmore about two years ago; Dick has a drapery business beyond in Ross, and Jim has a grocery and bar right opposite Dick’s place; poor Nick – Lord have mercy on him — died over in Gaulstown during the 1918 flu; and John is out in New York. We were all very young when we lost our parents, but thank God we struggled along nicely.”
The death register reveals that Michael Hanrahan, shopkeeper, died in Waterford on 3 October 1898, at the age of 45. His widow, Honora Hanrahan née Mullins died in Glenmore on 5 April 1902 at the age of 42. Her cousin John Hanrahan was present at her death. Per statements made to Danny Dowling by various Powerstown, Hanrahans, Michael Hanrahan was buried in Inistioge. Honora was buried in Glenmore.
The following children were born to the couple. Only Patrick the eldest was born in Gaulestown, Glenmore. All the other children were born on Barron-Strand St. in Waterford City.
(1) Patrick Hanrahan (26 June 1886-9 Sept. 1957) (2) Nicholas Hanrahan (8 Dec. 1887-14 Nov. 1918) (3) Michael Hanrahan (8 Dec. 1888- 1 June 1968) (4) Ellen Hanrahan (bapt. 16 Feb. 1890-died young) (5) James Hanrahan (5 May 1891-14 Sept. 1977) (6) Richard Hanrahan (3 Sept. 1892- ?) (7) John Hanrahan (3 Feb . 1894-15 Aug. 1980)
In the 1901 Census, three of the orphaned Hanrahan brothers, Nicholas (age 13), Mick (age 12) and John (age 7) were residing in Gaulestown, Glenmore on the Mullins farm with their maternal uncle Richard Mullins (age 39) and their two maternal aunts Kate (age 29) and Bridget Mullins (age 33). The other three orphaned Hanrahan brothers were living in Glenmore Village with John Hanrahan (age 55) who was listed as a farmer and cooper. Pat (age 14), James (age 9) and Richard (age 8) are listed as nephews although John Hanrahan is listed as their mother’s cousin on the death register. Also residing in the home of John Hanrahan in 1901 was his wife Ellen (age 60) and their 25 year old son James (farmer).
In the 1911 Census, John and Ellen Hanrahan are both aged 69. John is still working as a cooper. Two of their nephews are residing with them. Patrick is 24 and also working as a cooper. James is 19 and is employed as a shop assistant. On the Mullins farm in Gaulestown, Richard Mullin’s age is recorded as 62. Nicholas Hanrahan is 23 and Michael Hanrahan is 22. Richard Hanrahan is not recorded in either home and as discussed below John Hanrahan emigrated to the US in 1909.
School Days
Mick in speaking of his school days stated, “I first went to the Brothers’ school in Mount Sion [Waterford], where I can always remember a grand man there, Bro. Hamilton. who used to try to teach us to sing, he was a great singer himself, but he had a hard ]ob with some of us!
In my class at that time we had lads whose names I can remember very well, Nicky Gaule, Nicky Bowe, a chap of the Kervicks, and a lad named Colfer. I finished my schooling beyond in Ringville school under a man named Dick Grace, a great teacher Dick was.”
Farming
“I left school when I was confirmed, I was just turned eleven then, and took to the farm, and I was following a pair of horses long before I was fourteen. That was nothing in those days, lads were better able to manage a pair of horses then than driving a motor now. Sure farming today is a holiday compared to my time. I can remember the old harvest day. Begor we were going here and there after the threshing engine from one haggard to another giving a hand everyone used to help each other then. Now, the whole job is done in the field in less than a day with all the machinery they have in the country. In a way, ’tis a blessing, for farming in my young days was next door to slaving.”
Emigration
Naturalization Records filed by Mick on the 18th of August 1913 reveals that he left Queenstown on the SS Philadelphia and arrived at the port of New York on the 24th of January 1912. The physical description of Mick is provided in the application. Mick recorded that he was 5’9”, 155 lbs., with brown hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion, with a scar in the middle of his forehead. Mick recorded that he was born in Waterford on the 8th day of December 1888 and in 1913 was employed as a porter and residing at 524 First Avenue, New York City. The entry records from 1912 reveal that Michael gave his contact person in Ireland as his uncle Kieran Mullins of 25 St. Alphonsus Road, Waterford. He also stated that he was going to his brother John Hanrahan of 220 Harrison Street, Brooklyn, New York.
The 1930 Federal Census reveals that Mick had married and was residing at 2340 102nd St., Queens, New York. Mick was 41 years of age, recorded that he immigrated in 1912, was married to Anna, aged 35. The couple were parents to Richard, aged 8; Michael aged 4 and Laurence not yet a year. Mick reported that he was employed as a chauffeur for a builder. In the first half of the twentieth century people who drove professionally in most US states were required to obtain “chauffeur” licenses. Thus, truck drivers, bus drivers etc. were the holders of chauffeur licenses. During the World War II draft registration in 1942 Mick recorded his employer as Huron Stevedore Co., of Pier 57, New York City.
The following small death notice was located in the Daily News (New York, New York) of 3 June 1968 for Michael J. Hanrahan:
“Hanrahan—Michael J. On June 1st–Native of Glen More (sic), Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Member of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Husband of the late Anna. Father of Richard, Michael and Laurence. Brother of John of Hampton Bays, and Richard and James of New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Survived by 7 grandchildren. Reposing at William E. Law Funeral Home, 1 Jerusalem Ave., Massapequa. Requiem Mass, Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church, Massapequa Park, Wednesday, 9:45 A.M. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery.”
In researching Mick it came as a surprise to find that his youngest brother, John, emigrated to the US in November 1909 at the age of 15, three years before Mick emigrated. In most cases older siblings went to the US and later younger siblings joined them. However, in this instance John sailed on the SS Teutonic from Queenstown to New York. He listed his last address in Ireland was with his Uncle Richard Mullins, of Gaulestown, Glenmore and his final destination was to his uncle John Mullins, 283 Clinton St., Brooklyn, New York. John registered for the WW1 draft, listed his age as 23 with an address of 220 Harrison St. of Brooklyn. He was employed as a clerk. By 1930 he was married to Marion F., had a daughter also named Marion and was employed as a salesman (clothing). The 1942 WWII draft registration provided his physical description as 5’7” tall, with blond hair, gray eyes and was employed at Roger’s Peet Co. at 479 Fifth Avenue, New York City. The Social Security Index revealed that John died in August 1980.
Although Mick and his siblings were orphaned when they were young with the help of their extended family as Mick said himself “they struggled along nicely.” Three of the brothers became businessmen and raised families. Two emigrated to the US where they played Gaelic sports, worked and raised families, and one brother remained single and died tragically in the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The obituary of James Hanrahan is on the obituary page, accessed from the homepage by clicking on the Roots button and the death notice for Patrick Hanrahan is on the H family page.
The featured map is of New York City printed in the Commercial and Financial Chronical 1909 (c) University of Toronto.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh