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Enduring Love: Peter & May Mernagh
It is often said that the true test of love is whether an individual wants to spend the rest of his or her life with another person. Today in honour of Valentine’s Day we are featuring Peter and May Mernagh who were married in Rosbercon on the 9th of July 1924 after a long courtship. Thus began a marriage that flourished until the couple were only parted when Peter died on the 16th of November 1990. When I asked their son Liam Mernagh if they ever spoke of why their marriage endured for over six decades he said with a laugh, “they didn’t have time to fight.”
The Groom
Peter Mernagh was born the 29th of February 1892 at Sparrowland, Bree, Wexford. He was one of 16 children born to John (Jack) Mernagh and Mary Mernagh née Kielthy. Peter’s parents were married on the 28th of November 1885. John Mernagh was from Galbally, Bree, Wexford and Mary Mernagh née Kielthy was from Ballybrennan, Wexford.
On 2 February 2020 we published a blog on the New Ross to Waterford railway and highlighted the tragic death of Peter’s father, Jack Mernagh, in a threshing accident in the autumn of 1911. (The blog post is available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-and-the-new-ross-to-waterford-railway-line/). The Mernagh family had moved around 1906 from Wexford to Ballyverneen, Glenmore. Jack Mernagh was employed as a ganger with the railway. From a 1988 newspaper interview we have Peter’s memories recorded concerning his father’s tragic death. His father was on the threshing machine feeding in the sheaths when one of his legs became entangled in the beater. “I’ll never forget when they told us. The man said that my father’s last words spoken in a quiet tone were ‘I’ve lost my leg.’ The Mernagh family were poor and it took all of his mother’s savings to buy the coffin. A box would cost you around nine or ten shillings.” Peter was consoled that his father had last rites before he died. The local curate had a premonition that someone was dying and made it to the injured man before he died. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 23 Dec. 1988, p. 4).
The Bride
Mary Cashin was born on the 14th of March 1897 at Shanbogh, Rosbercon. She was one of 14 children born to Thomas Cassin (sic) of Shanbo (sic) a fisherman and Statia Cassin née Roche. Thomas Cassion (sic) married Statia Roche on the 24th of May 1885 at Glenmore. Thomas was the son of Michael Cassion (sic), and Statia Roche was the daughter of William Roche of Jamestown, Glenmore.
Mary was generally known as May. As was the custom at the time when May was Confirmed her formal education ended. May was 11 when she was Confirmed and was walking with her mother one day when the widow Ellen Dunphy stopped on the road. She asked May’s mother how old May was and said that when she returned she would take the girl home with her. Thus in 1908 May Cashin moved to the Dunphy farm in Ballyverneen where she worked until she married in 1924 at the age of 27. Liam Mernagh stated that May Cashin was well treated and was fond of Mrs. Dunphy.
According to a newspaper article May revealed that she met her future husband in 1910 when he also went to work on the Dunphy farm. The 1911 Census reveals that the widow, Ellen Dunphy was 53 years of age. Her son John Dunphy was 31 years of age. There were three servants listed in the household: Mary Cashin, age 14; Peter Mernagh, age 18 and Thomas Brophy, age 33. Peter was a ploughman “who worked behind the horses from dawn ’til dusk,” and from shortly after they first met in 1910 Peter had only had eyes for May, who worked as a housemaid. (George Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12).
The Courting Years
Although May joked that Peter was a slow starter and it took 14 years after they met for Peter to propose (Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12), in addition to the couple being very young and poor the country was in turmoil for most of the years between 1910 to 1924.
Liam Mernagh stated yesterday that his parents did not speak a lot about their involvement in the Old IRA and Cumann na mBan. For our international readers Cumann na mBan was an Irish Republican women’s paramilitary organisation.
Peter came from a very republican family. In 1916 he armed himself with a double-barrel shotgun and set out walking with other members of his family for Enniscorthy to join in the Easter Rising. They were on the Enniscorthy side of New Ross when the countermand came from McNeill. They returned home (New Ross Standard, Thurs. 22 Nov. 1990, p. 10). During the War of Independence Peter was a known Republican. In a 1986 newspaper interview Peter recollected being awoken by his mother at around 4 a.m. one night with the Black and Tans at the door. “It was a frosty night …, and when I said to hold on while I’d get some clothes, they said I didn’t need any. I didn’t wait much longer after that, and leapt out the window with them firing after me.” When he later returned home his mother informed him that the Black and Tans were not actually looking for him that night (Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12).
On another occasion the Black and Tans raided his mother’s house and fearing for his life he fled the house in his nightshirt and spent the night in his bare feet in muck, kept warm by the farm animals which gave him cover. “When I got back to the house the following morning my mother noticed I was bleeding.” A bullet had grazed his backside apparently when he was escaping over the ditch (Kilkenny People, Fri. 23 Dec. 1988, p. 4).
Very little is known about May’s work in the Cumann na mBan, but Liam Mernagh stated yesterday that his mother did say that she carried hidden weapons and messages in farm buckets. Although some of the women in Dublin acted as snipers the majority of women in the organisation gathered information and carried weapons and communications.
Notwithstanding the dangers associated with the War of Independence Glenmore continued to have dances, music and sports. Glenmore, like a lot of parishes in the south, danced sets known as lancers. The dances would go on all night. Dances would be held at the end of threshing, in barns and at crossroads (Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12).
If the dance was held in a barn or home of a big farmer there would be supper, and if the host was well off he would buy a barrel of beer which cost about £10 in the early twenties. According to Peter the young and old would dance on the hard concrete floors of the houses. “That time all weddings were held in the houses and were called breakfasts, even though they would not finish ’till breakfast the following day.” Dances at cross roads were frowned upon and the young people were always worried about that the clergy appearing. “According to Peter the biggest threat were the Nightingales…correspondents from local papers would go to these parties or dances and would publish a list of those who attended. It was a terrible thing if your name was printed in the paper as the parish priest would also see it” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 23 Dec. 1988, p. 4).
As a talented musician Peter sang, played fiddle and melodian at these types of gatherings and he was a member of the Glenmore Redmond Volunteer fife and drum band. (For information regarding the Glenmore Redmond Volunteers and the Fife and Drum Band see, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-redmond-volunteers-and-the-fife-drum-band/ ). When his family moved to Glenmore they continued mumming and helped introduce it into the area. Sports were a popular pastime, and Peter along with the Hanrahan’s of Glenmore was responsible for introducing hurling to the parish. Peter remembered a time when there wasn’t a hurler in Glenmore. “It was all football in the 1920’s…My old friend Mick Heffernan played and the best sportsman that Glenmore ever had, Dick Hanrahan played his football with Wexford (Kilkenny People, Fri. 23 Dec. 1988, p. 4). “[Hurling] was quite a different game then though, as you’d rarely get to play on a cut field and could spend half the time looking for the ball in the long grass” (Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12).
Marriage
Concerning their long courtship Peter in his 1988 interview explained, “Sure we couldn’t afford it — we were hardly making £1 a year hiring out…You’d hardly get a house that time because there was none going and you would be saving a good four or five years for a wedding.” Reflecting on marriage Peter opined that young people today don’t wait long enough before getting married. “They only know each other a couple of months and they are married. The following year they are parted…The problem is that they don’t give the matter proper consideration in the first place” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 23 Dec. 1988, p. 4).
On the 9th of July 1924 the couple were married at Rosbercon by the curate, Fr. Greene. Peter was 32 when they tied the knot and May was 27. James Mernagh served his brother as best man and Kate Cashin served her sister as the maid of honour. Peter and May enjoyed a trip for breakfast to Waterford, and an afternoon in Tramore as their honeymoon. Peter had just 3s. 6d. in his pocket (New Ross Standard, 21 March 1986, p. 12). After working at Dunphy’s Peter then went to work for Jim Fluskey as the farm manager. He remained at Fluskey’s until he retired after he suffered a road accident on his way to work one morning on his bicycle.
To this union ten children were born and May proudly noted that she reared nine children on just 10 shillings per week and expressed that they were blessed because at the time she was rearing her family many families were wiped out by consumption and other diseases. (Jacob, New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 March 1986, p. 12). May went to work at 11, served in the War of Independence and reared a large family on 10 shillings per week and never indulged in alcohol or tobacco. May only survived Peter by a year and a half.
Peter and May had 3 daughters and 7 sons. Their daughters include: Maureen Mernagh, Biddy Duggan and Cissie Power. Their sons include: Liam Mernagh, Seamus Mernagh, Paddy Mernagh, Fr. Michael Mernagh, Jack Mernagh, Thomas Mernagh and their youngest child, Louis Mernagh, who died at the age of six months.
Special thanks to Fr. Michael Mernagh and particularly Liam Mernagh for sharing the family photos. The featured photo above was taken on Peter and May’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
55th Wedding Anniversary
Front row (left to right) Cissy, Peter, May and Maureen; Back row (left to right) Liam, Seamus, Paddy, Biddy, Tom, Fr. Michael and Jack.
Some Interesting Events in 1927 (The year Danny Dowling was born)
By 1927 the Roaring Twenties were in full swing with jazz, lively dances, shortened hems and bobbed hair for women. Bill Bryson wrote One Summer: America 1927 where he highlighted several events that impacted and shaped the United States and in some instances the world. For example, in 1927 the world shrank a little when Lindbergh became the first pilot to fly non-stop across the Atlantic from the U.S. to France. Silent movies were soon to become obsolete with the release in 1927of the “talkie” the Jazz Singer. One silent film actor who successfully transitioned to the talkies was Charlie Chaplain. The film industry promoted the age of celebrity with every aspect of a celebrity’s life laid open. In 1927 it was internationally reported “CHAPLAIN COLLAPSES! (New York, Saturday) Charlie Chaplin, the firm star, collapsed at the home of his attorney today. A nerve specialist, who was called in, ordered him to take to his bed, and expressed the opinion that Mr. Chaplin’s nervous system had been affected by the strain he had been going through” (Sunday Independent, Sunday 16 Jan. 1927, p. 1).
In Ireland the young Free State was finding its feet. In 1926 Fianna Fáil was established and two general elections were held in 1927. Kevin O’Higgins was assassinated in Dublin by Anti-Treaty IRA members. Constance Markieviz died of natural causes. The ESB (Electricity Supply Board) was established, and Ernest Bewley opened his Grafton Street café in Dublin.
In 1927 the first automatic telephone exchange opened in Dublin, and it was announced that in the next issue of the Official Telephone Directory the names of all of the subscribers in the Irish Free State would be published in one complete alphabetical list. “The Directors thought that if some local firm were to publish a list of local telephone users it would be a convenience, and that some advertisements would more than cover the expense” (Munster Express, Fri. 18 Feb. 1927, p. 5).
The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1921 was over, but in 1927 influenza continued to take lives and disrupt schooling etc. It was reported in the Kilkenny People on Saturday the 19th of February 1927 (p. 7) that “[t]he flu which has been raging in Kilkenny for the past fortnight has now almost abated. Schools which have been closed as a result of the epidemic have now re-opened and save for some isolated cases the attack may now be said to be on the wane.”
This was the world that Glenmore historian Danny Dowling entered 94 years ago on the 15th of February 1927.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY!!
The featured photo above is from an old postcard of Glenmore Village. The house where Danny was born is in the centre of the photo with the two people standing in front. The building to the right in the photo is Fluskey’s shop.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Long Road to Victory: Glenmore 1916 Senior Football Co. Kilkenny Champions
According to the Gerry O’Neill’s Kilkenny GAA Bible (2014, pp. 60-61, available at http://www.kilkennygaa.ie/Downloads/KK_GAA_BIBLE_2014.pdf ) Glenmore between 1900 and 1950 won the Ned Langton Cup (county senior football championship) 15 times. Previously we posted information and a photo of the 1915 senior football team that won the County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship ( available at https://glenmore-history.com/the-tenacious-glenmore-1915-football-team-co-kilkenny-senior-football-champions/ ). Today, we will highlight some of the problems the 1916 Glenmore team faced before they again won the County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship. No senior football championships were held in County Kilkenny in 1917 and 1918 which was due to a number of factors primarily linked to the souring relationship between the Irish people and the British authorities.
Four final games were played between Glenmore and Coolagh for the 1915 football championship, the fourth and final game was not played until October 1916. It was not until December 1916 that Glenmore was declared the winners by the County Kilkenny Committee of the G.A.A. Also, in December it was announced that under the Defence of Realm Regulations, under a circular issued on the 18th of November, excursion railway traffic in Ireland was to stop. The chief effect of this decision was that football and hurling matches would be adversely impacted. (Sport (Dublin), Sat. 2 Dec. 1916, p. 1). The rationale for this decision was alleged to be because of the scarcity of coal, yet the suspension of excursion trains did not extend to race meetings or coursing matches (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Dec. 1916, p. 2). As previously reported the use of automobiles was also restricted in 1917 (https://glenmore-history.com/the-prosecution-of-glenmore-wedding-guests-in-1917/).
In 1916 the U.K. Parliament sought to place a tax on the gate receipts under what was labelled the Amusement Tax. The G.A.A. prevailed upon John Redmond, M.P. who managed to insert into the proposed legislation exemptions for cultural events. In 1917, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise began taking cases again the G.A.A. for failing to pay the tax. The G.A.A. defended the cases asserting that the Gaelic games were exempt as it was engaged in the revival of national games. The Commissioners pointed out that they had not granted any exemptions and the courts became divided.
In January 1917, at the meeting of the Kilkenny County Committee of the G.A.A., long discussions took place regarding improperly constituted teams. The Chair announced that he would disqualify all improperly constituted teams from the championship. In the future there would be no refixing of matches except under special circumstances (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 13 Jan. 1917, p. 3). While Kilkenny was wrestling with the refixing of matches other aspects of legislation to support the war effort, such as mandatory food production, was impacting on G.A.A. grounds. For example, the owner of a large field at Carrickmacross announced that he had to plough the field under the imposed tillage scheme. A large crowd assembled at the field on the morning 40 ploughs were suppose to arrive to plough the ground, but none arrived (Belfast News Letter, Wed. 14 Feb. 1917, p. 6).
Notwithstanding its assertions that it was not a political organisation, in 1917 the G.A.A. began holding tournaments and exhibition matches to support the work of the Irish National Aid Association and the Volunteer Dependent’s Fund. After the Easter Uprising in 1916 financial support poured in from Irish exiles abroad, particularly those in the United States, for the dependents of the leaders of the rising who were executed. The Irish National Aid Association and the Volunteer Dependent’s Fund was established to raise and distribute the national and international relief. For documents relating to the organisation held by the National Library of Ireland see, Holdings: Irish National Aid Association and Volunteer… (nli.ie).
Notwithstanding the ban on the use of automobiles and excursion trains the G.A.A. continued to hold matches. Coolroe was to play Tullogher at the Rower but failed to travel for the first round of the 1916 senior football championship. The second time the match was cancelled due to snow. In March 1917 on the third attempt Coolroe again failed to travel and a walk over was awarded to Tullogher. (Enniscorthy Guardian, Sat. 17 March 1917, p. 6.) Apparently the awarding of the walk over was overturned by the County Committee and the two teams met on 13 May 1917. It was reported that the game was fast and well contested. The game score was Coolroe two points and Tullogher one point (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1917, p. 6).
While Glenmore was waiting for the Coolroe and Tullogher semi-final to be played a tournament was arranged at Mullinavat for the 19th of April 1917 to aid the Irish National Aid Association. Glenmore played Tullogher “and a very fine game was witnessed,” by the large number of spectators. Glenmore won by 2 goals, 9 points to 1 point (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1917, p. 2) and Kilmacow played a drawn game with Chapelhill in the hurling encounter at that tournament (Munster Express, Sat. 5 May 1917, p. 5).
Shortly after that tournament both Tullogher and Glenmore became part of the “mania” sweeping the country. Republican flags were being placed in inaccessible places making their removal difficult without risk to life or limb. “On Sunday morning a Republican flag was floating on a staff from the eaves of the Tullogher National School. It remained there all day. On Sunday morning three Republican flags were seen floating near Glenmore. It is stated that two were on the tops of trees and another on the telegraph wires, and the police proceeded to remove them” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1917, p. 3). In Tipperary after a match in July a Sinn Fein flag was displayed from the wagonette on which the Mullinahone footballers were seated, and one of the players attempted to address the crowd. When the police interfered “the crowd resented police interference, and a general melee ensued. The police charged the crowd with batons, and the people retaliated with stones.” The police withdrew to return with reinforcements, rifles and bayonets. “Some local traders and a clergyman persuaded the crowd to go home quietly.” Both police and members of the crowd received minor injuries (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 21 July 1917, p. 5).
From the newspapers it appears that Glenmore continued to play in the 1916 championship as well as the 1917 season. For example, the Glenmore v. Coolagh football tie was refixed for Knocktopher on Sunday 15th July (Munster Express, Sat. 19 May 1917, p. 5) and the 1916 senior football championship match between Glenmore and Coolroe was to be held at Knocktopher on the 22nd of July (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 14 July 1917, p. 3).
In the July meeting of the County Committee an objection was made by the Milebush junior hurling club regarding a match played at Glenmore on the 10th of June which was awarded to Mooncoin. Milebush alleged two players for Mooncoin played senior hurling the previous year for other teams and Mooncoin countered that Milebush was illegally constituted as it included players affiliated and registered with the Glenmore hurling club. Mr. Heffernan responded “that there was no hurling club affiliated from Glenmore.” It was also reported that at a recent match at Glenmore in the second round of the junior hurling championship the Glenmore field had long grass which militated against the players displaying their skill (New Ross Standard, Fri. 20 July 1917, p.6).
A description of a senior football game played by Glenmore for the 1916 championship could not be located. However, although Coolroe appeared reluctant or unable to travel to matches Glenmore played in a number of fundraising tournaments to support the funding of the Irish National Aid Association. A tournament was arranged for the 9th of September 1917 at Knocktopher and Glenmore was pitted against Coolagh, the team it played four times to win the 1915 Senior Football Championship. The Knocktopher tournament “was patronized by a large gathering of Gaels, and it is satisfactory to note that a good ‘gate’ was realised. There was an attractive programme arranged, and those who attended … were treated to a first-class exhibition of” hurling and football. It is assumed that the following concerns the junior football team. “Glenmore and Kilmoganny were the first to enter the arena and, though the latter team failed to score, there were some masterly displays. Glenmore pressed throughout and the Kilmoganny defence was hard set to cope with the repeated assaults. Hanrahan, Freany, Fitzgerald, Hartley and Heffernan were about the best of the Glenmore boys who emerged victorious with a score of 3 goals, 3 points to nil. Mr. W. Saunders proved a capable referee. The Glenmore team…M. Cody, Capt; Jim Hanrahan, W. Purcell, J. Fitgerald, T. Freany, M. Cody, P. Reddy, J. Phelan, R. Walsh, J. Aylward, A. Heffernan, J. Cody, P. Hartley, R. Flynn and J. Phelan.
The event of the evening was the meeting of Glenmore and Coolagh for senior football honours. The pace was fast and the game was scarcely five minutes in progress when Jim Hanrahan scored the first point for Glenmore. Hanrahan was again conspicuous in the remaining stages of the first half, scoring a second point from a ‘free.’ The third and fourth minor scores quickly followed per Walsh and Doherty. Coolagh put up a stubborn fight but were unable to cope with the resistance of the Glenmore backs and centre players. When the half-time whistle sounded the score was: Glenmore—4 points; Coolagh—Nil.
Coolagh made repeated onslaughts when play was resumed, but were successfully held back by their opponents. Play continued fast and exciting, both sides showing much grit and determination. Though rough at times, the game was not remarkable for any foul passages of play. After some hard fought struggles to get through, Coolagh succeeded in penetrating a strong defence and their only score, a point was the result. Glenmore had luck on their side, but their play showed lack of style, their forwards losing several changes of scoring. The Coolagh backs proved strong and put up a good defence. The final scores were: Glenmore—4 points; Coolagh—1 point.
Jim Hanrahan, Jim Phelan, John Phelan, A. Heffernan and J. Doherty did good work as Glenmore representatives, while J. McKenna, M. Saunders, M and P Hoyne and J. Murphy were about the best of the Coolagh players. Mr. Dick Holohan, who gave every satisfaction as referee…The Glenmore team: J. Doherty (capt.), Jim Hanrahan, Jim Phelan, John Phelan, A. Heffernan, M. Connolly, J. Murphy, P. Foran, P. Forristal, P. Fitzgerald, C. McDonald, M. Murphy, J. Roche, W. Walsh, W. Hartley” (Munster Express, Sat. 22 Sept. 1917, p. 4).
At the October meeting of the Kilkenny County Committee the chairman, Mr. John Gibbons, in an attempt to stop the infighting on the Committee noted that when he took up the position of chair the affairs of the county committee had been in a state of chaos and dislocation. He thanked Mr. Aylward, of Mullinavat, for taking on the secretarial work and stepping into the breach. The senior football final between Glenmore and Coolroe was fixed for New Ross on Sunday, 11th November, with Mr. G. Kennedy to referee. (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 17 Oct. 1917, p. 2). It was later reported that the Kilkenny senior football championship at Barrett’s Park, New Ross would be played on the 18th of November (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Nov. 1917, p. 5 & Waterford News & Star, Fri. 9 Nov. 1917, p. 5). The match did not occur because Coolroe notified Glenmore that they would not be able to travel (New Ross Standard, Fri 23 Nov. 1917, p. 6). The match was reset for the 6th of January 1918 (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 12 Dec. 1917, p. 3) but the only reference that we could locate in local newspapers provided that the teams met on the 10th of March 1918 for the second time at Barrett’s Park, New Ross to decide the final of the Co. Kilkenny senior football championship. The final score was reported as Glenmore, 3 goals, 2 points; to Coolroe, nil (Munster Express, Sat. 16 March 1918, p. 3). This score contradicts the score recorded by Gerry O’Neil for the 1916 final. It is also reported in his book that the 1917/1918 senior football championships were not held.
Given all the contradictions and confusion regarding the 1916 Kilkenny Senior Football Championship, with access limited to available newspaper accounts due to COVID 19 restrictions, any and all corrections would be very welcome.
There is no known photo of the 1916 Glenmore Team, but several of the players also played on the 1915 team. The featured photo above is courtesy of the National Archives. The identification of players in the photo is found with the blog post https://glenmore-history.com/the-tenacious-glenmore-1915-football-team-co-kilkenny-senior-football-champions/ .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
100 Years Ago: February 1921
In February 1921, the War of Independence continued. By February martial law–that in early January had been extended from Cork to Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford–began to result in more arrests and over crowding in the Waterford jail. The local newspapers were filled with reports of men and several women in Waterford and New Ross being arrested for having seditious material in their possession. In most instances the persons arrested refused to acknowledge the court marital courts. One of the more unusual arrests took place in early February. Mr. John Murphy, U.D.C., New Ross was arrested for failing to attach to the back of his front door the names of the persons of his household as required by martial law. It was reported that, “[t]he military, before arresting Mr. Murphy, referred him to the requirements of the proclamation, many copies of which had been posted up on his window a week previous.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 4 Feb. 1921, p. 5).
As the Crown forces went out on patrol it was reported that for protection against attack the patrols often had prisoners in their vehicles. One of the human shields was Cathal J. Kickham the nephew of fenian Charles Kickham (1826-1886) of Tipperary. Cathal J. Kickham was residing at Bushey Park, London and among an undisclosed number of Irishmen arrested in London. “He has been transferred to the Irish Bastille—Mountjoy—and since his arrest he has been taken around Dublin City as a hostage for the protection of patrols.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 4 Feb. 1921, p. 4).
It wasn’t just the Crown patrols that continued to be under attack. The police barracks at Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny were again attacked during the night of the 16th-17th of January 1921. The police and Crown forces in the barracks reported that rifle fire was directed on the barracks from the loft of a building “immediately opposite.” The loft belonged to James Ryan, of Mullinavat. Colonel Cameron, commander of the 16th Infantry Brigade, Military Governor, ordered the destruction of the loft on the grounds that James Ryan “was bound to have known of the rebel attacks and that he gave no information to the police or military authorities.” A notice of the destruction was served on James Ryan, telling him of the order, the reasons for the destruction and providing him with one hour’s notice to “clear out” any valuables, foodstuffs, corn or hay, but not furniture. The loft was destroyed on the 28th of January, but it was not officially communicated to the newspapers by the military authorities until February. (Kilkenny People, Sat. 12 Feb. 1921).
At the same time the military authorities were officially communicating with the newspapers concerning the retributive destruction of private property in Mullinavat, Crown forces on the 10th of February went to “various districts around Mullinavat” and arrested the following 11 men: Wm. Raftis, Ballyluskey; Wm. Aylward, Knockmoylan; Patrick McDonald, Ballinlea; Edward Walsh, Glendel; Michael Hoban, do; Ml. Phelan, Clonassey; James Phelan, do.; Rd. Kennealy, Ballynooney; John Cashin, do.; Jas. Malone, Redacres; and Thos, Duggan, Clonassey. The men were brought to Mullinavat police barracks, where they were interrogated at length. The following listed 5 men were detained, and the other 6 men were released—Rd. Kennealy, Wm. Raftis, Patk. McDonald, Ed Walsh, and John Cashin. The detained 5 men were removed later to Woodstock. (Munster Express, Sat. 12 Feb. 1921, p. 5) A week later Richard Kenneally, Ballynooney, was released. (Munster Express, Sat. 1921, p. 5)
As we have previously reported the empty barracks in Glenmore were burned on Easter Saturday night in 1920 by local Company C of the I.R.A. (See, https://glenmore-history.com/the-glenmore-barracks/ ). In February 1921 there were no reports in local newspapers of raids or arrests in Glenmore, however, it was reported that “[a] postman carrying a bag of mail between the village of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, and Aylwardstown railway station was held up by masked and armed men who seized the bag.” (Munster Express, Sat. l2 Feb. 1921, p. 5) It is believed that this action was performed by local I.R.A. members to discover and disrupt any reports to Crown authorities concerning local I.R.A. men or their activities.
As the jails became filled with men and women who were arrested for breaching the martial law. Under the imposed martial law there was a curfew, attendance at funerals was limited, it was an offence to have nationalist material, and as highlighted above it was an offence not to post a list of household members. Articles began to be published concerning the difficulty of visiting the prisoners in the Waterford City jail at Ballybricken.
“Any day one passes by Ballybricken prison one is treated to the spectacle of a queue of persons—men and women—lined up outside the jail gates, wearily waiting for admission to visit some loved one, or friends incarcerated within for some political offence—imaginary or real. If one perchance repasses the same way an hour or two (perhaps three hours) later, one frequently sees the same anxious faces still waiting there. Perhaps if one called around again the afternoon when the final bar is put up to mark the close of visits for that day, one will see many of those same people turning away dejectedly to seek the comfort of a few kind words from friends elsewhere in the city, for they have been unable to see their relatives that day, and must wait overnight in order to seek a successful entrance to the sombre citadel of punishment on the following day. Many of these people come from twenty to sixty miles to visit their friends; they are not all blessed with a superabundance of the world’s goods; and the cost of needlessly waiting over in the city for a night is sometimes more than their limited finances will allow. Several of these people have made complaints about this. The visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 12:30, and from 2 p.m. to 3:30. One person only (sometimes two) is allowed in at a time, the average length of each interview being a quarter of an hour. With such limited facilities for visits and interview, they say, many have to wait a day or two before they gain admission.”
It was reported that in Cork and Galway up to four or five prisoners were allowed to visit an equivalent number of friends. The newspaper suggested that reform was needed at Ballybricken. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 Feb. 1921, p. 3). Before the end of February it was reported that prisoners were being removed from Waterford jail. The tried and convicted prisoners were moved to Mountjoy Prison, and the untried prisoners to Kilworth Detention Camp, Co. Cork under heavy military escorts. (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Feb. 1921, p. 2).
Not all of the articles in the February 1921 local newspapers concerned the War of Independence. For example, brief notices appeared announcing the death of Mrs. Charles Parnell at the age of 75. Her funeral was conducted from the residence in England of her son, Captain O’Shea. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 Feb. 1921, p. 5). One interesting article highlighted the change in the status of Irish women and the bias of the obvious male reporter who wrote the article. “On Tuesday a number of Waterford ladies were served with notices to attend as jurors, common and grand, at the forthcoming Assizes … Many of the ladies, without knowledge of this feature of the franchise being extended to their sex, were taken by surprise. Those of the fine opposite sex gifted with judicial capacity—no personalities—of imparting certain lectures will now have the unique experience of trying their fellow mortals and earth born companions—apologies to Burns’ ode on the mouse—in public court.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri 25 Feb. 1921, p. 5).
Also, it was reported that the tide of Irish emigration was again rising. “The office of the American Consul in O’Connell street, Dublin and its vicinity, [were crowded with] [a] large number of intending emigrants applying for passports to America… Nearly all the applicants were young people of both sexes from about twenty to thirty years of age…The emigrants were for the most part neatly attired, and appeared to be of an intelligent and respectable class of the population. The majority left for Liverpool where they will embark for the voyage across the Atlantic.
Mr. Jerh. Howard, an Irishman resident for twenty years in Omaha, Nebraska, … said he was more than surprised…to see the huge crowds of men and women waiting to get their passport vised for America. ‘It is a shame,’ he said, ‘for those people to be allowed to go across to swell the already overstocked labour market. We have four million demobilised soldiers over there waiting for jobs, and what chance had these greenhorns when they land unless they work for practically nothing, and get half-starved in the bargain.’ Mr. Howard opined that the young people emigrating were doing what the English Government wanted which was to flee Ireland and flood the labour markets abroad.” (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Feb. 1921, p. 2).
Although the Belfast Boycott commenced in mid-1920 it was ramping up in February 1921. The Belfast Boycott came about after 5,000 loyalist workers in the Belfast shipyards refused in July 1920 to work with perceived Sinn Féin supporters due to the attacks on R.I.C. officers. It is estimated that almost 7,000 employees were terminated from their posts. In response, the Belfast Boycott was instituted to protest against the treatment of the terminated workers and the proposed partition of Ireland. In February 1921 all local newspapers carried the following advertisement promoting the boycott. Just a month later the boycott would be extended to Great Britain and both boycotts continued after the truce was declared later in the year.
The featured photo was published in the Freeman newspaper in 1922 and depicts the Black & Tans in Droheda.
The drawing depicting 1920’s clothing is from the New York City Library, Digital Collection, Image ID 823771, available at https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-202b-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Very Rev. Mother Marie Gerard Phelan (1872-1960)
Today, we are going to feature an extraordinary woman who came from Ballyfacey, Glenmore, became an educator, the president of a college, and the Superior-General of the world wide Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Before Mother Marie Gerard entered religious life she was Anastasia Phelan the youngest daughter of John Phelan and his wife Catherine Phelan née Forristal of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Anastasia was born on the 18th of January 1872. She died on the 22nd of March 1960.
Most of the information below was obtained from Mother Gerard’s obituaries in The Tablet (Brooklyn, N.Y., 26 March 1960, p. 15) and the Munster Express (Fri. 1 April 1960, p. 10); the obituary of her predecessor, Mother Marie Joseph Butler published in the Munster Express (Fri, 3 May 1940) and the biography provided by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times (2000, p. 42).
Early Education
As a child Mother Gerard attended Ballyfacey National School and went to secondary school at the Sacred Heart Convent at Ferrybank (Waterford). The noviciate at Ferrybank had been founded by her predecessor Mother Marie Joseph Butler (1860 -1940) another Kilkenny woman. Mother Gerard followed the steps of her older sister, Johanna Phelan (1862-1893) and entered the congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Mother Gerard entered at the Mother House, Beziers, Southern France, and made profession in September 1895.
The early years of her religious life were spent at Seafield, Liverpool, England, where she received her training and began her teaching career. She made her final vows in 1901 in Seafield Convent. In 1907, she was transferred to New York, where she was closely associated with Mother Mary Joseph Butler in the founding of Marymount school which in 1919 became Marymount College for Women. “In those pioneering years of this great work Mother Gerard showed exceptional ability as an educator and organiser and ably assisted Mother Mary Joseph Butler in her arduous task as foundress of Marymount and later when Mother Joseph became the first Superior General” in 1926 (Munster Express, 1960). Mother Gerard became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1928.
Educator and Administrator
Widely known as an outstanding educator and administrator, Mother Gerard received her Ph.D. from the Jesuit Fordham University in 1922. She also pursued studies at Oxford, the Sorbonne and Catholic University of America. Working closely with Mother Butler, she revised in 1937 the entire course of studies for Marymount schools in order “to integrate it more realistically with women’s enlarging sphere of activities in a rapidly changing society.” (The Tablet, 1960)
Mother Gerard served as dean and later president of Marymount College. She was also named successively Superior and Provincial of the Institute’s North American Province, established in 1877 with the founding of the order’s first American school at Sag Harbor, Long Island. See generally, information on the history of the Community.
Elected Superior-General
In 1946, Mother Gerard was elected Superior-General at a General Chapter of the Institute at Beziers, France, to succeed Mother Butler who died in 1940. Unfortunately, due to the Second World War no General Chapter could be held until the war ended. Mother Gerard was re-elected to the office in 1952. Also in that year she was awarded an honorary LL.D. from Fordham University as the first of its graduates to be called to the government of a religious order spread over many parts of the world.
Mother Gerard was the sixth Superior-General since the congregation’s foundress, Mother St. Jean Cure-Pellisser. Under Mother Gerard’s guidance, the congregation expanded its educational activities in America and throughout the world, establishing 28 schools and colleges in Bogota, Medellin and Barranquilla, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; London, England; Umtali, Africa; Dublin Ireland; Fatima, Portugal; Montpelier, France; Porto Alegre, Brazil; San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Richmond and Arlington, Virginia; Quebec, P.Q; Cuernavaca, Mexico; St. Louis, Missouri; and Miami, Florida.
In 1947, the centenary of the congregation’s founding, Mother Gerard supervised the establishment of Marymount College’s City Campus in New York’s former Junior League building at 221 East 71st Street. During her tenure, Mother Gerard opened 32 houses and opened schools in 5 countries.
During Mother Gerard’s administration as Superior-General, she initiated the beatification of Pere Gailhac and Mother Burler formally to Pope Pius XII. Shortly after his elevation to the Pontificate, His Holiness Pope John XXIII, assumed the title of Cardinal Protector of the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary.
As the congregation’s executive administrator, Mother Gerard was active in her duties until her final illness. At her death she was engaged in planning further expansion of Marymount for her congregation. The congregation in 1960 operated 145 schools and colleges in 11 countries. In New York City area, there were 13 educational establishments administered by the religious order. Mother Gerard died at Tarrytown, New York and her funeral services were conducted by Cardinal Spellman. Mother Gerard was interred in the crypt beneath the Marymount Chapel, where Mother Butler was also interred.
Eventually Marymount College at Tarrytown became part of Fordham University and the University sold the campus. The Manhattan Marymount is still in operation. Update: Mother Gerard and Mother Butler were first cousins although it was not generally known in the congregation.
[Updated 29 Jan. 2021] Special thanks to Sr. Kathleen Connell, RSHM for the update and the photos of Mother Gerard and Mother Gerard and Mother Butler.
Further information and photos of Mother Gerard may be found on Findagrave .
The above photo marked Mother M. Gerard may be found on the Marymount Manhattan College webpage.
For further information concerning Mother Gerard’s family see, our post of 24 January 2021 regarding her brother Nicholas Forristal Phelan (1857-1941) and the family pages.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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