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Glenmore Man Killed 120 Years Ago on the U.S.S. Bennington
Historian, Damian Shiels, on 25 November 2025 posted an interactive map with biographical information and addresses for over 700 people in Ireland who received U.S. pensions. His work is entitled, American Pensioners in Ireland c. 1845-1905. Shiels spent 15 years researching the U.S. pension files. These payments from the U.S. were based on military service rendered between c. 1845 and 1905. About 80 percent of the pensions were the result of participation in the American Civil War.
Many of the pensions were paid to the widows of men who died while serving in the military or to mothers who were dependent on their sons who were killed. Some were paid to the veterans themselves who were wounded or injured while serving. It is a fascinating resource. Thanks to this work, we found a pension made to a Glenmore woman, Mrs. Margaret Quinn, of Rathinure, Glenmore. Her son Michael George Quinn was serving with the U.S. Marines when he died on 21 July 1905 in San Diego harbour. His ship the U.S.S. Bennington’s boiler exploded killing 66 crew (Shiels, 2025).
The 1905 U.S.S. Bennington Disaster
The U.S.S. Bennington (gunboat No. 4) was named for an important battle of the American Revolutionary War fought in Vermont in 1777. She was a 1700-ton gunboat of the Yorktown class. The ship was built at Chester, Pennsylvania, and commissioned in June 1891. Originally the ship served in the Atlantic and Europe, but was transferred to the Pacific in 1894. After the catastrophic boiler explosion on 21 July 1905 the ship was not repaired and sold for scrap in 1910. See the video “Revisiting the U.S.S. Bennington Explosion 120 Years Later” (ABC & San Diego History Center (2025)).
According to the Navy Casualties: Lost and Wrecked Ships, 1801-1941—Explosions 1804-194—Steam Casualties, 1855-1941, on 21 July 1905 when the U.S.S. Bennington exploded 62 service men were killed and 3 officers. “At 10:38 a.m. an explosion occurred in port fireroom compartment of the vessel, listing the ship to starboard. The ship shook violently for several seconds, large volumes of steam and ashes filling most of the living compartments and deck spaces.” A list of the men killed included “Quinn, Michael George, Oiler.”
Contemporary newspaper articles provide graphic details of the condition of some of the bodies found in the engine room. The crew had just finished loading coal and most were in their quarters cleaning up when the boiler exploded. Unfortunately, the crew quarters were over the boilers. The crew killed were buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery. Quinn was buried in Section Bm site 28. To view his grave see Find-a-grave.
Notwithstanding the 1905 tragedy, the U.S. named an aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Bennington. The aircraft carrier served in the Pacific during World War II. After a refitting the U.S.S. Bennington (aircraft carrier) suffered an explosion in 1954. An old newsreel covering the 1954 disaster revealed that the aircraft carrier also suffered an explosion the year before. Both of these explosions on the aircraft carrier resulted in loss of crew and serious injuries. All three of the Bennington explosions discussed above occurred during peacetime.
Prior to Joining the Marines
According to the concise biography written by Damian Shiels, Michael Quinn was a 29-year-old fireman when he enlisted at Boston, Massachusetts on 24 September 1903. He served aboard U.S.S. Wabash, U.S.S. Cleveland, U.S.S. Straggler, U.S.S. Independence and U.S.S. Bennington. Shiels also noted that Margaret Quinn (née Conway) was 55 when she applied for the pension in 1906. She was married at Glenmore to Thomas Quinn on 28 October 1869. Thomas Quinn died at Glenmore on 10 November 1902. Margaret Quinn (née Conway) died on 5 December 1914 (Shiels, 2025).
Today, it is generally thought that a fireman is a fire fighter. During the age of steam a fireman was the person who maintained the fire needed to produce the steam. Steam engines were used on railways and on ships. Buildings, particularly in cities with cold winters, heated with steam boilers.
The Battle of the Boston Papers
At least two Boston papers printed obituaries of Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905) just three days after his death. It is obvious that the Boston Globe was attempting to locate Quinn family members and published several false statements. For example, the entire Quinn family did not emigrate. There were photos published by each newspaper allegedly of the deceased Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905). The two photographs do not appear to depict the same man. The men do not part their hair on the same side and one has straight hair and the other does not. Given that the Boston Herald actually interviewed the deceased’s brother Patrick Quinn we believe that the photo in the Boston Herald is the correct photo.
Obituary in the Boston Globe (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 7)
MICHAEL G. QUINN—Bennington victim was a member of Jeffries Point R.A. [Rowing Association], and one of Winning Four at Centennial Grove. Michael G. Quinn one of the victims of Friday’s explosion on the Bennington, was one of the best known young men of East Boston, and one who had figured prominently in athletics.
Quinn was born in the town of Glenmore, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and was 32 years old. At the age of 12 years young Quinn with his parents and brothers and sisters, came to this country and since most of his years had been spent in East Boston.
In September 1903, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy being assigned from the Charlestown Navy Yard to the U.S.S. Cleveland. He served on the Cleveland till April last, when he was transferred to the Bennington. Quinn was a member of Jeffries Point rowing association of East Boston, and two years ago was a member of the four oared crew of the club which won the race at Centennial Grove.
The day before the Boston Globe printed that the deceased Michael G. Quinn had a sister Kate Quinn in East Boston. She formerly lived on Pleasant Street, Winthrop, but she moved to East Boston and could not be located. A brother of was said to live in Somerville (Boston Globe, Sat. 22 July 1905, p. 3).
Obituary in the Boston Herald (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 4)
Michael G. Quinn, one of the victims of the Bennington disaster, was well known in East Boston, having been a member of the junior four-oared crew of the Jeffries Point Rowing Association which won at Centennial Lake in 1902. His brother, Patrick Quinn, of 88 Marginal Street, East Boston, is a member of the intermediate four of the same association and was to have rowed with that crew in the Metropolitan regatta yesterday, but on receipt of the dispatch from the secretary of the Navy announcing his brother’s death, he retired, and his place was taken by substitute Frank Walsh.
The man killed was born in Waterford, Ireland, about 30 years ago. He came to this country when a lad of 15 years and lived in New York for about a year, when he went to sea finally becoming a member of the British naval reserve. At the break out of the Boer War he volunteered in the Grenadier Guards and served in South Africa under Lord Roberts, taking part in the siege of Kimberly, where although in the thick of the fight, he escaped injury. At the close of his enlistment period, he received a Boer war medal and then returned to this country, making his home with his brother in East Boston. He worked for the Cunard company, and also as a fireman for the Merchants and Miners’ company.
In October 1903, he enlisted in the navy and did duty on board the Wabash, and later at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Then he was assigned to the Cleveland, when that vessel was accepted by the government, and remained on board her until she was sent to join the European squadron. The last letter his brother received from him came from Florida in April. In it he stated he expected to come north in time to be in Boston for the Fourth of July. Since then he had not been heard from.
His mother and one sister still live in Ireland; a brother lives in Bristol, England; his brother Patrick, as stated, lives in East Boston; a sister Mrs. James Howland, lives at 63 Everett Street, East Boston, and another sister, Nora Quinn, lives in Somerville. [This obituary was also published in the Derry Journal (Wed. 9 Aug. 1905, p. 1) but we were unable to locate it or another obituary in newspapers local to Glenmore.]
The Quinn Families of Rathinure, Glenmore
There were two Quinn brothers, and their families, that resided in Rathinure in the late 19th century. Thomas and Patrick Quinn were sons of Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin. Stephen Quinn and Catherine Haberlin were married on 11 February 1834 at Glenmore. They resided and farmed in Coolnaleen, Glenmore. There were six known children born to this couple: [1] Patrick Quinn (1835-1906); [2] Honor Quinn (b. 1836); [3] Richard Quinn (b. 1839); [4] Mary Quinn (b. 1842); [5] Thomas Quinn (1843-1903); and [6] James Quinn (b. 1846).
Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) of Rathinure, Glenmore
Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) was baptized 16 March 1835 to Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin at Glenmore. Patrick Quinn of Rathanure (sic) married Ellen Tracy of Ballyfacy (sic) on 24 February 1873 at Glenmore. The bride’s father was George Tracy (a smyth (sic)) and her mother was Catherine Conway. George Tracy, of Haggard, married Catherine Conway on 8 February 1843 at Slieverue. Ellen Tracy was baptised at Ballinlammy, Glenmore on 17 March 1847.
Patrick Quinn died at the age of 80 in the Waterford Workhouse Hospital on 29 July 1906 of hemiplegia. In other words, one side of his body was paralyzed. His widow, Ellen Quinn née Tracy (1847-1932) continued to live in their small house until she went to live with a daughter. The small house where Patrick and Ellen lived was to the east of Sean Óg Kennedy’s (c. 1885-1962) house (where Johnny Garvey presently lives). The house in the 1901 Census was described as one room. It was owned by Patrick Quinn. Ellen Quinn née Tracy’s Memory Card is recorded on our Memory Card page.
Children of Patrick Quin and Ellen Tracy of Rathinure, Glenmore
The following children were identified in the parish and civil birth records: [1] Unnamed child (1874); [2] Honor “Nora” Quinn (1875); [3] Stephen Quinn (1876); [4] George Quinn (1878); [5] Catherine Quinn (1880); and [6] Honor Quinn (1883). In the 1911 Census, Ellen Quin née Tracy stated that she had six children and 4 were alive in 1911. Peter Walsh of Rathinure recalls that his mother said that Ellen’s youngest daughter Nora was handicapped and became abusive toward her elderly mother. Nora was placed in a home.
Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) of Rathinure, Glenmore
Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) was baptized on 19 December 1843 at Mullinavat to Stephen Quinn and his wife Catherine Haberlin. Margaret Conway was baptized on 14 July 1843 at Carrigloney the daughter of Michael Conway and Mary Barry. Thomas Quinn (23), of Rathinure, (labourer) married Margaret Conway (22) of Carrigcloney on 28 October 1869. Per the 1901 Census Thomas and Margaret Quinn were renting their 1 room home in Rathinure, Glenmore from John Kennedy. We assume that this was Sean Óg Kennedy (c. 1885-1962).
Children of Thomas Quinn & Margaret Quinn née Conway of Rathinure, Glenmore
[1] Stephen Quinn (bapt 8 May 1871-15 May 1871) Died of convulsions in Carrigcloney
[2] Catherine Quinn (22 July 1872-19 Nov. 1913) emigrated to the US in 1900. She married James M. Howland on 25 July 1904 at Boston. James Howlan was born c. 1876 at Tarrytown, New York, the son of Nicholas Howland and Margaret Cummins. They had a son [2a] George Michael Howland (b. 9 Nov. 1905) just 4 months after her brother Michael was killed. The couple also had two daughters: [2b] Margaret M. Howland (1907-1992) and [2c] Catherine M. Howland (1909-1998). Catherine Howland née Quinn died in 1913 of diabetes. See our H surname page for her short obituary.
[3] Michael Quinn (1874-1905) died in the U.S. Marine Corp on board the U.S.S. Bennington.
[4] Patrick Quinn ( 28 Feb. 1876) emigrated to Boston.
[5] Mary Quinn (b. 15 Feb. 1878) married John Curran (laborer), of Carrigcloney on 28 September 1909 at Glenmore. John was the son of Richard Curran (carpenter). John and Mary had one son [5a] Richard Curran born 13 August 1910.
[6] Stephen Quinn (18 March 1880-5 Feb. 1929) in 1900 married Margaret Dalton of Knockbrack, Glenmore. Margaret was the daughter of Patrick Dalton. The couple had at least 5 children: [6a] Ellen Quinn (1901); [6b] Patrick Quinn (Rathinure); [6c] James Quinn (1908) Knockbrack; [6d] James Quinn (1910) Fahee; and [6e] Johanna Quinn (1913).
[7] James Quinn (bapt. 5 Feb. 1883—22 Aug.1967) emigrated to the U.S. On 28 August 1916 he married Helen Davis (1886-1949) in Detroit, Michigan. His WWI draft Registration (1918) provided that he was 32 years of age, working as a fireman for Detroit Edison, and living at 913 Ellery St., Detroit. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair medium height and medium build. His WWII draft registration showed that he was 56 years of age, born in Waterford and worked for the Detroit Edison Co. He and his wife had six known children. [7a] James Thomas Quinn (1917-1979); [7b] William George Quinn (1919-1998); [7c] Patrick J. Quinn (1922-1994); [7d] Margaret Helen Chaney née Quinn (1924-2022); [7e] Sr. Mary E. Quinn (1925-2008); and [7f] Kathleen C. Quinn (b. 1929).
[8] Thomas Quinn (b. 5 Feb. 1883)
[9] Honor (Nora Theresa) Long née Quinn (30 April 1885—12 Feb. 1957) emigrated 29 July 1903 to Boston via the ship Ivernia. Information gleaned from her Naturalisation Declaration (16 April 1914) provides that she claimed that she was 26 years of age, unmarried, with fair hair, 5’4” tall and weighed 180 pounds. She worked as a cook and lived at 23 Garden St., Cambridge Mass. She gave her birthdate as 1 May 1887. Nora married Alvin Wallace Long (1894-1989) on 1 November 1922, in Detroit Michigan. Nora died in 1957 in Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan.
Death of Parents
Father, Thomas Quinn (1843-1903) died on 14 November 1903 at the Waterford Union hospital at the age of 60. His cause of death was heart disease and bronchial pneumonia.
Mother, Margaret Quinn (1843-1914) died the 5th of December 1914 at Carrickcloney, aged 71, a widow of a labourer. With no medical attention before her death. John Curran of Carrickcloney was present at her death. The 1911 Census reveals that Margaret was living with her daughter Mary Curran née Quinn and her husband John Curran in Carrickcloney. With Margaret Quinn’s death the pension ended.
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The featured photo of the U.S.S. Bennington was described as “dressed with flags in harbour, probably while serving with the Squadron of Evolution, c. 1891-1892. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Catalog No.: NH 67551.”
The photo of Michael G. Quinn (1874-1905) was published in the Boston Herald (Sun. 23 July 1905, p. 4).
For more information on the U.S.S. Bennington see the webpage entitled U.S.S. Bennington.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) Parish Priest of Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) a little over a year before his death. At that time Fr. Brennan was the Glenmore Parish Priest although he was over 80 years of age. Fr. Brennan provided Danny with an outline of his assignments since being ordained and provided a list of his siblings. Fr. Brennan spent over 30 years in Glenmore and continued to reside in the Glenmore Priest’s House until his death on 30 September 1973. Danny at the end of the interview noted that Fr. Willie was a well-liked man, keen gardener and hurling enthusiast.
Brennan Family
Danny recorded that Fr. Brennan was the son of James Brennan (Huggingstown) and his wife, Bridget Fitzpatrick (Kilcreddy, Ballyhale). Based upon parish records we believe that Fr. Brennan’s mother was Bridget O’Donnell. His parents were married on 26 Februrary 1881 at Piltown. James Brennan was from Kilkeasy and the bride, Bridget O’Donnell was from Barnacole, Co. Kilkenny. The groom’s father was Edmund Brennan (farmer) and the bride’s father was Thomas O’Donnell (farmer).
James and Bridget Brennan farmed at Kilkeasy and had three sons and two daughters.
[1.0] Edmond Brennan (b. 1882) remained on the farm. He survived Fr. Brennan. Danny noted that he was married to ______ Farrell, of Scart, Dungarvan(?), Co. Kilkenny. Edmond and his wife had 5 sons and 2 daughters. Edmond appears to have predeceased Fr. Brennan. However, one of Edmond’s daughters was Anna Culleton née Brennan (c. 1933-2025) of Kilbride, Glenmore.
[2.0] Thomas Brennan (b. 1883) survived Fr. Brennan and was residing in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. He farmed in Flood Hall, Knocktopher. Sometime after his wife died in 1953 he sold out and moved to Dublin. He was married to E. Holden a native of Windgap, Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Brennan, and his wife, had two children [2.1] Earnest Brennan and [2.2] Lulu Brennan.
[3.0] Bridget Brennan (b. 1885) married James Carroll, of Stonyford. Bridget and James had 3 sons and 2 daughters. In 1973 at the time of Fr. Brennan’s death Bridget was living in Laucus, Stoneyford.
[4.0] Margaret Brennan (b. 1887) married Martin Farrell of Scart and at the time of the interview the couple were living in Jerpoint Hill, Thomastown. The couple had 4 sons and 1 daughter.
[5.0] William Brennan (1891-1973)
Assignments
William Brennan was ordained at St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny 1917 (his obit has 1919 as his date of ordination). Below are the nine assignments and the duration of each assignment that Danny recorded in Father Brennan’s 1972 interview. Further information has been gleaned from Fr. Brennan’s obituary as well as contemporary newspaper articles.
Assignment 1.0 British Mission
Fr. Brennan after ordination served on the British Mission. He first went to North Shields, England, where he spent 2 years.
Assignment 2.0
Thereafter he was transferred to Jarrow on Tyne, where he gave 5 years.
Assignment 3.0
For his third assignment he was sent to Whitley Bay, U.K. for a period of 6 months.
Assignment 4.0 Back to Ireland
Fr. Brennan was recalled to Ireland from Whitley Bay. He was appointed the temporary C.C.in Inistige for 6 months.
Assignment 5.0
Fr. Brennan was then transferred to Ballycallan, as C.C. for 2 years.
Assignment 6.0
After Ballycallan Fr. Brennan was transferred to St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, as C.C. for 9 years. While at St. Mary’s Fr. Brennan presided at a meeting in June 1933 of the Junior and Minor Hurling Selection Committee held in City Hall Kilkenny (Munster Express, 23 June 1933, p. 8). At the end of May 1934, the Kilkenny All-Ireland Hurling team winners of the 1933 All-Ireland Championship travelled to the United States by ship. “The players were accompanied by Sean Gibbons, Chairman of the Kilkenny Board and Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.. (now curate at Glenmore)…” (Munster Express, Fri. 19 May 1939, p. 6 ).
Assignment 7.0–C.C. of Glenmore
After St. Mary’s he became C.C. of Glenmore, replacing Dr. Michael Gibbon’s who had died. According to Fr. Brennan’s grave marker he served in Glenmore from 1935 to 1946. During this time in 1941 he was elected Chair of the Glenmore Football Club and re-elected in 1942 (Munster Express, Fri. 18 April 1941, p. 3).
Assignment 8.0–C.C. Seir Kieran, Offally
After 9 years as C.C. in Glenmore he was transferred to Seir Kieran, in Offally where he was A.D.M. for 7 years.
During this assignment he conducted a wedding with his cousin. His cousin was also named Rev. William Brennan. This Fr. W. Brennan was the C.C. Murrinstown, Co. Wexford (Munster Express, Fri. 27 Aug. 1948, p. 3.)
Assignment 9.0–Parish Priest of Glenmore
Fr. Brennan was reappointed to Glenmore this time as the Parish Priest in 1953. He remained in this post until shortly before his death in 1973.
In 1953, as Glenmore Parish Priest, he was appointed to the Kilkenny Old Age Pensions Committee to fill one of the vacancies due to the deaths of Thomas Mullally and John Irish of Glenmore (Munster Express, 11 Dec. 1953, p. 3).
Fr. Brennan also represented Glenmore on a Committee of the Kilkenny Co. Vocational Education, regarding the erection of a new vocational school in this area. Other Glenmore representatives included: T. Cuddihy, Glenmore Creamery Manager; James Kelly, Aylwardstown; Wm. Walsh, Cappagh and Nicholas Mullins, Flemingstown (Kikenny People, Fri. 18 June 1955, p. 6).
In 1967, Fr. Brennan celebrated his Golden Jubilee. The following year he was elected President of the Glenmore Muintir na Tire (Waterford News & Star, 6 Dec. 1968, p. 2). He is credited with the building of the new National Schools in Ballyfacey and Robinstown in 1958. He is also credited with establishing a Parish Hall in the old National School. He also completed extensive work on St. James Church including having the exterior pebble dashed. The Church was re-dedicated in June 1973.
Fr. Brennan retired shortly before his death. He was replaced by his Curate Rev. Phil Madigan. Fr. Brennan was allowed to stay in the Glenmore Parish Priest House on the Priest Lane, Robinstown. His housekeeper, Hannie Kennedy (c. 1920-1982) of Ballinclare, Glenmore worked for Fr. Brennan from his days as the Curate of Glenmore right up to the time of his death. See our obituary page for Fr. Brennan’s obituary.
As a mark of respect the National Schools in Robinstown and Ballyfacey were closed. The children formed an honour guard. Fr. Brennnan was laid to rest next to his predecessor Fr. William Grace (c. 1899-1953).
Fr. Brennan’s Estate Sale at the Glenmore Parochial House
A Notice to Creditors was published in the Kilkenny People (19 October 1973, p. 5) for the very Rev. William Brennan, late of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Parish Priest, deceased. It called upon all persons claiming to be creditors or otherwise having any claims against the estate to send detailed particulars in writing to James P. Coughlan and Co. of New Ross.
The next month advertisements were in all the local newspapers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Nov. 1973, p. 19) for the Estate of Fr. Brennan. The Estate sale was held on 5 November 1973. Fr. Brennan’s black Morris Minor 1000 with license plate LIP 75 had 31,000 miles, and was insured until February 1974. It is believed that Ned Kennedy “the builder” of Kilbride purchased this automobile.
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Fr. Brennan conducted a lot of Glenmore marriages. Do you have a photo of Fr. Brennan that we can add to this post? Did you attend the Estate Sale on 5 November 1973?
Please send any corrections, additional information or photographs to glenmore.history @gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Interviews of Andrew Heffernan (1893-1975) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over 7 decades interviewed and recorded various Glenmore residents. We have discovered two short interviews that Danny recorded on 28 February 1964 and 28 August 1964. Both took place in Waterford. These interviews address some queries that we received earlier this year concerning the origin of the Heffernan family of Aylwardstown and the relationship between the Kennedys of Dunganstown and Rathinure. Dates of birth and death have been added, and other information not from the interviews has been placed in square brackets [ ]. Andrew Heffernan was able to provide information back to the early years of the 19th Century.
From Haggard to Aylwardstown
According to Andy Heffernan, the Heffernan family came to Aylwardstown from Haggard, Glenmore. The Heffernan family had been evicted from Haggard. They lived in Haggard where John Byrne (1893-1976) was in 1964.
[John Byrne married Mary Aylward (c. 1898-1983) of Haggard on 8 February 1932. Her father was John Aylward (farmer). John Byrne was a native of Taghmon, Wexford. He was the son of Laurence Byrne (farmer). As an interesting aside, (per Thomas Walsh (1908-1992)) John Byrne during WWII drove his horse to either Slieverue or Ferrybank seeking cigarettes. No cigarettes were available, but he heard that cigarettes were available in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. He drove his horse all the way to Carrick-on-Suir and back. For our international readers Carrick is today (via the N24) about 43 km from Glenmore. However, if John cut across country on smaller lanes the journey would have been shorter. We hope and assume it was a successful mission.]
In Aylwardstown there was a farm of about 100 [Irish] acres at the time the Heffernan family moved. This farm was divided among the Heffernan’s, two Morrissey families and the Delahunty’s. They all came to Aylwardstown together. Each family had 25 [Irish] acres [or 40 statute acres]. Later, Delahunty’s bought the second Morrissey place.
Heffernan Glenmore Burials
The Heffernan’s were buried in Kilivory. Andy told Danny to look for the headstone of Tim Heffernan. [Danny did find the headstone and recorded it as follows:
Erected by Tim Heferin of Haggard
in memory of his father Patrick Heferin
who dep’d this life April 7th 1797 aged 60 yrs
Also the body o Bridget Heferin who dep’d this
life March 17th 1797 aged 34 years]
Andy stated that his brother was the first of the family to be buried in Glenmore Cemetery. His brother died 52 years previously [or in 1912]. He came home from America owing to being delicate. [James Heffernan (1882-1912) died on 2 August 1912 at Aylwardstown. He was single, 30 years of age at the time and worked as a draper’s assistant. He died of heart disease, and his sister Mary O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, was present when he died. In 1908, James Heffernan (25, a draper) traveled with James Delahunty (35,farmer) aboard the Adriactic to New York landing on 1 October. The address in the old country was Glenmore, Waterford and they were going to Chicago, Illinois. Both gave James’s brother Richard Heffernan (1889-1947) as nearest relative or friend. Richard James Heffernan (1889-1947) resided in Chicago. ]
Rathinure Link with Dunganstown, Wexford?
Andy told Danny that he was a first cousin to Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) of Rathinure. [Andy’s mother was Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) her father was Pierce Kennedy (b. 1809). Bridget Kennedy married Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) on 12 February 1879 at Glenmore. Their photo is above.] Andy often heard his mother say that the Kennedy’s of Dunganstown used to visit Rathinure regularly. She said that they were related. Andy believed that a Kennedy went to Dunganstown from Rathinure originally. Andy also stated that all the Kennedy families in Rathinure were originally the one family. [It is not surprising that Dunganstown came up in this interview. President Kennedy was assassinated just 3 months earlier in November 1963.] For more information on the Heffernan family see our H surname page. For further information on Dunganstown see The Kennedy Homestead webpage.
[Around 1996 an elderly lady named Mrs. Doyle stopped to ask me directions. She said that her grandmother, Hannie Kennedy, came from Rathinure and married her grandfather, Tom Shanahan, of Dunganstown. I took her to Danny who after asking a few questions started searching his copy of the parish records. He found a marriage that took place on 15 February 1843 at Glenmore between Thomas Shannon (sic) and Johanna Kennedy of Rahanure (sic). A notation in the record noted a certificate was provided by Rev. James Cullen, P.P. of Sutton Parish, Wexford for the groom. He explained to Mrs. Doyle that there were a lot of marriages across the Barrow. Before the automobile it was easier to travel by boat than by road.]
Grants of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Andy stated that the Grants lived where Dick Brien (Fitzgerald) lived. [Per Ann Fitzgerald, Dick Brien was the name Richard Fitzgerald went by. The Fitzgerald family came to Aylwardstown in the early 1800’s from Ballinaraha, Glenmore. They used their mother’s maiden name (Brien) to distinguish themselves from other local Fitzgerald families.]
The last of the Grant’s was a woman. She had a public house there. [We believe that Andy was referring to the Half Way House of Aylwardstown located on the old Stage Coach or High Road.] Jim Dunphy (1855-1943) of Ballyverneen, born over the Rock, gave his life to the Clyde Shipping Company. Jim Dunphy told Andy that a British soldier got a drink in Grant’s public house on one occasion and was leaving without paying for it. The Grant woman told him he would pay or it would be on his soul. The soldier replied, “Will you give me another on my soul?” [Jim Dunphy’s obituary may be read on our D surname page. We are uncertain what “born over the rock” means in this context, but it is likely that he was referring to Jim Dunphy being born on the far side of the Pink Rock.]
The Brien Fitzgerald’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Andy explained to Danny that Dick Brien’s uncle was the present Jim Brien’s father. [We believe that Andy was explaining that Dick Brien and Jim Brien (1896-1979) were first cousins. We were able to verify through parish records every statement made by Andy regarding the Brien Fitzgeralds.] See our F Surname page for further information on the Brien Fitzgerald’s.
Michael Coady of Carrickcloney, Glenmore was married to one of the Brien’s (Fitzgerald’s) of the Half-Way House. [We found in the parish records that Michael Cody married Catherine Fitzgerald of Aylworthstown (sic) on 3 February 1823.]
Pierrie Barron, of Carrigcloney, married into a Mrs. Kirwan née Brien of the Half-Way House. He was her second husband. He came from where Richie Barron had the farm in Carrigcloney. Pierrie Barron was Mikey’s father. [We found where Bridget Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown, married Michael Kiervan (sic) on 29 February 1848 at Glenmore We also found where Peter Barron married Bridget Cervan (sic) on 22 January 1852. Michael Barron was baptized on 26 May 1855 at Carricklony (sic) to Pierce Barron and his wife Bridget Kerivan.]
Uncles Emigrated to U.S.
Andy told Danny that he had grand uncles who went to America in the early part of the last century [ie early 1800’s]. [See our post of 9 February 2025 regarding his grand-uncle James Heffernan (1825-1891). It is not altogether clear if Andy was also referring to John Dollard (1801-1888) who was married to his great-aunt Bridget Dollard née Heffernan (1811-1891) native of Aylwardstown. See our post of 17 February 2025 regarding John Dollard and Bridget Dollard née Heffernan.
Andy also had two uncles who later went to America. They settled near Stone Wall City on virgin territory and called the settlement Glenmore. They also called the church there St. James’s. When Andy’s uncle John first went out first they could only go to Mass once a year on Christmas Day as they lived 40 miles from the nearest church. This man John on one occasion with a man called Brennan rode 40 miles to the Christmas Mass. Andy said that this took place in South Dakota. [We believe based on contemporary documents that these events actually took place in Glenmore, Wisconsin. We were not able to find a Glenmore in South Dakotas, but we did locate an obituary for Andy’s uncle John Heffernan (1842-1930) who was an early settler of Grant County, South Dakota.]
Grant County Review, Thurs. 19 June 1930
[A VALUED CITIZEN PASSED SATURDAY—Pioneer Settler Near Big Stone Victim of Heart Attack Last Saturday
Big Stone township and Grant county lost one of their most honorable citizens with the sudden death last Saturday evening of John Heffernan, a pioneer of this section. Exactly one month and one day previous to his death Mr. and Mrs. Heffernan celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. At that time and since the deceased appeared to be enjoying ordinary health, was about daily and assisted his sons with work about the farm, taking a lively interest and apparently with many years of life and usefulness before him. Saturday afternoon, accompanied by Mrs. Heffernan, he visited the pastures and looked over the stock, and made no complaint of felling ill until about 8:00 o’clock that evening. He then told Mrs. Heffernan that he had a pain in his chest, and went and laid down for a short rest, which was not an unusual procedure on his part.
When the pain persisted Mrs. Heffernan volunteered to apply a mustard plaster or something of that sort. About that time, however, Mr. Heffernan remarked that it had left his chest and gone into his arm, and then without further word or complaint dropped peacefully into that long, last slumber. Mrs. Heffernan was alone in the house at the time, but despite the shock managed to summon her son James, who was about the place, and also just at that time her son John and daughter Alice, who had been to town trading, arrived home. Aid was immediately procured, but the spark of life had fled and all efforts to rekindle it were unavailing.
John Heffernan was born October 12, 1851, at Glenmore, county Kilkenny, Ireland. In 1874, when 23 years of age, he came to America and located at DePere, Wis. In 1879 he came among the pioneers to this county and filed on a homestead in Big Stone township. The following year he returned to DePere and was united in marriage with Miss Mary Shea, his surviving wife. Together they returned to this county and since that time have resided continuously in Big Stone township. For better than a half century the deceased has commanded the respect, friendship and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances in this section in a most unusual manner, and never hesitated to lend his support to any worthy project or enterprise. Religiously he was always a devout and faithful practitioner of the Catholic faith, and his home was truly a model husband and father.
Besides his wife the immediate family members are seven sons and two daughters, namely, James, John, Raymond, William and Norbert, all of Big Stone township; Thomas, Omaha, Neb., and Dr. Bernard Heffernan, Milwaukee, Wis.; Miss Alice at home and Mrs. A. H. Flatley, Stockbridge, Wis. All the children and their families were home to attend the funeral.
During his residence in Big Stone township deceased had served as a member of the school and township boards and at the time of his death was president of the Gib Stone Creamery Association, a position he had filled continuously since the association was organized and the creamery built 33 years ago. It will be remembered also that when the Grant County Telephone Co. was organized in this city many years ago, Mr. Heffernan served it for some time as president and in able and praise-worth manner. During the World War he served faithfully in the Liberty loan drive. He was a member of the Milbank Council, Knights of Columbus, and also charter member of Milbank Camp 1887 Modern Woodmen of America.
The funeral services were held at 10:00 o’clock yesterday forenoon at St. Charles Catholic church, Big Stone City, with a solemn Requiem Mass celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Estergard, with Fr. Joseph O’Neill, of Danvers, Minn., as deacon, and Fr. P. J. Callanan, of Ortonville, Minn., as sub-deacon. A short but very appropriate sermon was preached by Fr. Estergard at the conclusion of the services, and the remains then taken to the church cemetery and laid at rest. Members of Milbank Council, Knights of Columbus, attended in a body. The pallbearers were John Gowan and Dr. O’Donnell, Ortonville, Minn.: Edward Rourk, Big Stone City, and John Huben, C. W. Martens and W. S. Dolan, Milbank. As a mark of respect and the high esteem in which deceased was held in that community, the business places of Big Stone City remained closed yesterday forenoon.
Other relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral were Mrs. Ellen Daugherty, Medford, Oregon; Mr. and Mrs. Will Daugherty, Brainard, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Calnan and daughter Marguerite, DePere, Wis.; William Calnan and Miss Esther Calnan, Miss Ella Conley and George Peters, all of Green Bay, Wis.; Mrs. Margaret Irish, Stockbridge, Wis., and Mrs. Carl Coe, Minneapolis.] To view John Heffernan’s grave see Find-a-Grave.
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Special thanks to Ann Fitzgerald for the information on the Brien Fitzgerald’s and texasceltfirl for posting John Heffernan’s obituary.
The featured photo above his Andy Heffernan’s parents, Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) and Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. A copy given to me in around 1993 by Nellie Doherty (their granddaughter). Nellie thought the photo was taken around 1920.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
Eigse Sliabh Rua 2025
We are proud to present the flier for Eigse Sliabh Rua 2025. There are 5 events scheduled for Slieverue. See details below.
Glenmore Walking Tour
Please note that on Saturday the 15th of November commencing at 11 a.m. a historical walking tour of Glenmore Village will take place. Hopefully the weather will co-operate. See further details below.
Kilkenny Library
We have also been asked to circulate the following talk which will take place in the Kilkenny Library.
“Lady Louisa Tighe of Woodstock: A Life Well Spent”
Date: Thursday 20th, November
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Place: Loughboy Library,
Speaker: John Kirwan, retired archivist and manager of the Kilkenny Archives Ltd.
Lady Louisa Tighe (1803-1900) led a fascinating life. She was born in 1803, a daughter of the 4th Duke of Richmond. In 1825, she married William Tighe of Woodstock. Together, they created the High Victorian gardens at Woodstock. During and after the famine they provided help and support to locals & tenants through various schemes. Her husband established the Woodstock Agricultural School in an effort to improve farming methods. Lady Louisa Tighe died in 1900.
Places are limited. Phone 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie to book a place.
James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
The National Archives has the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922 and the index is available on line. The list has the names of two sailors who listed Glenmore as their place of birth. Today, we are going to highlight James O’Neill who provided to the authorities that he was born in Rochestown, Kilkenny in 1853 or 1858 depending on the various crew lists for ships upon which he worked. James O’Neill provides a perfect example of Glenmore people moving to an urban area for more opportunities.
The O’Neill Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
The name Neil/Neill (locally pronounced nail) or O’Neill was not a common name in Rochestown in the mid to late 19th century. Bridget Walsh of Rochestown on 20 August 1855 at Glenmore, married Richard Neil. The witnesses to the marriage were James Murphy and Mary Ryan. This marriage produced seven sons. Their baptisms allow us to track the family from Rochestown Glenmore to Ferrybank. The family moved sometime between 1869 and 1873 to Ferrybank.
[Update–Per the 1957 obituary (below) of James’s son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) his father and grandfather worked on the Suir Ferry that plied between Ferrybank and Waterford City. Thus it appears that his grandfather moved the family to Ferrybank between 1869 and 1873 to take up a job as a ferryman.]
Their eldest child, [1] James Neil was baptized on 15 January 1857 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Neil and Margaret Maher.
[2] John Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 11 October 1859 at Rochestown. His Godparents were John Doyle and Margaret Kennedy.
[3] Michael Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 22 June 1862. His Godparents were John Haberlin and Mary Gahan. Michael O’Neill (labouer) married Margaret Burns on 6 September 1903 at Trinity Without, Waterford.
[4] Daniel Neill was baptized on 18 May 1865. His Godparents were William Walsh and Judith Malone. Daniel Neill (labourer) married Joanna Power on 10 May 1890 at Trinity Within Waterford. Her father was John Power (labourer).
[5] Richard Neil was baptized on 11 August 1867. His Godparents were Thomas Connolly and Maria Gahan. Richard Neil married Ellen Frisby at Ferrybank on 23 October 1894. At the time of the wedding Richard was employed as a sailor. A Richard Neil was located on the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922, however this Richard Neil stated in December 1885 that he was born in Waterford in 1863.
[6] Laurence Neill was born on 25 June 1869 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Walsh and Mary Hennebery.
[7] Thomas Neill was born on 15 April 1873 at Ferrybank per the Civil Birth Register. His mother, Brigid Neil née Walsh registered his birth and made “her mark” on the Register rather than signing it. The Slieverue Church records reveal that Thomas was born on 29 January 1873 and was baptised on 31 January 1873. His Godparents were Michael Walsh and Ellen Dargan. Thomas Neill, of Ferrybank, married Bridget Sutton on 27 June 1900. The bride’s father was John Sutton (labourer).
Richard Neil and Bridget Neil née Walsh
It was difficult to locate birth or death records for Richard Neil and his wife Bridget Walsh. A Richard Neil was baptized 23 September 1832 at Ballahabuck (sic) Glenmore to Daniel Neil and his wife Mary Warran. A Richard Neil was baptized 24 March 1840 at Rahanure (sic) Glenmore the son of Laurence Neil and Ellen Kennedy. Rathinure is adjacent to Rochestown, but given Richard married Bridget in 1855 it is unlikely he was born in 1840.
In terms of Bridget Neil née Walsh a death record was found for a Bridget Neil who died 24 August 1888 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. She was a 74 year old widow of farm a labourer. Her son James Neil was present at her death. This may be Bridget Neil née Walsh except her age would be incorrect. Bridget Neil née Walsh had her last son in 1873. If she were 74 in 1888, she was born about 1814 and she would have been 59 when she gave birth to Thomas in 1873.
A Richard Neill died 29 January 1873 at the Waterford workhouse hospital. He was a married labourer 60 years of age. He died of chronic bronchitis. If this is Bridget Neil née Walsh’s husband he was born about 1813 and died the day their youngest son Thomas was born.
James O’Neill (1857-1933) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
As stated above James O’Neill was born in Rochestown in 1857 per his baptismal record. When signing on as a crew member James gave different years of birth. For example, in 1881 he gave his birth year as 1853, yet the previous year he gave his birth year as 1858. What is consistent in the records is his place of birth, Rochestown, Kilkenny.
Able Seaman
James O’Neill (b. 1853 at Rochestown, Kilkenny) signed onto the Geraldine at Waterford on 9 May 1881 as an able seaman. He was required to be on board at 6 a.m. It was agreed that he would be paid £3 per month and was given an advance of 1/10. There was no agreed weekly or monthly allotment to be paid. He was discharged at Waterford on 3 September 1881. He was paid the balance of his wages or £9 10d at his discharge (Ireland, Crew Lists & Shipping Agreements, 1863-1920).
James O’Neill (b. 1852, Kilkenny) joined the Lynwood (Vessel Number 73993) on 4 July 1888 at Waterford as an able seaman and reported his age as 36. He left the ship on 15 October 1888 (Aberystwyth, Wales, Index to Crew Lists, 1850-1914).
James O’Neill & Annie O’Neill née Butler
On June 23, 1886 James O’Neil (sailor) married Anne Butler, of the Mall, Waterford. The couple were married in Trinity Within, of Waterford City. The bride’s father was John Butler, the Mall, Waterford City.
The 1901 Census provides that James had given up being a sailor and was employed as a general labourer. The family was residing on the Lower Yellow Road, Waterford City. James and Annie were both 40 years of age, and they had 7 children. Helpfully Annie’s surname was recorded as Butler in the census. In 1901 the couple had five boys and two girls. Their son John O’Neill was 13; Richard O’Neill was 12; Mary O’Neill was 10; Thomas O’Neill was 7; Laurence O’Neill was 5; George O’Neill was 3 and Annie O’Neill was 1.
The 1911 Census finds the family living at 23 New Ports Lane, Waterford City. James O’Neill reported his profession as “boatman.” He was 49, but his wife Annie was only 46. Their children who were still at home included: John O’Neill, aged 23 was employed as a van man; Richard O’Neill was 21 and was a van man; Thomas O’Neill was 18 and also a van man; Laurence O’Neill was 15 and employed as a messenger; George O’Neill was 13 and still at school; as were Annie O’Neill, aged 11 and Bridget O’Neill aged 8.
We believe in 1911 their daughter Mary O’Neill was working as a domestic servant for Alderman Richard Hearne, J.P. and family at 5 William St., Waterford City. She gave her age as 17 and recorded that she had been born in County Kilkenny. We know from her father’s obituary below that he was employed by the Waterford Corporation as a ferryman for over 40 years at the time of his death in 1933.
[Update–Their son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) also worked on the Suir Ferry until it stopped operating. Obituaries for Richard (1890-1957) and his brother Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980) are below.]
Deaths
James O’Neill, of Newport Lane, Waterford died 11 July 1933, aged 70 years at the County Hospital. His profession was listed as labourer, he was married and died of bronchitis and senility. His widow, Anne O’Neill died 15 November 1940 at 24 Newport Lane, aged 70. Their son Richard O’Neill, of 19 Morrison’s Road, was present when she died of cardiac failure.
James and Annie O’Neill must have lived a quiet life as no local newspaper articles could be located regarding them. A short obituary was located for James O’Neill.
“FERRYMAN’S DEMISE—The death occurred on Wednesday morning at St. Patrick’s Hospital, of Mr. James O’Neill, Newport’s Lane, who had been ferryman at the Corporation ferry for over forty years. The late Mr. O’Neill was well known among a wide circle, particularly devotees of boating, and although 70 years of age, he was working as usual up to nine months ago, when he was first stricken with illness” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1933, p. 2). According to my calculations James O’Neill was 77 years of age when he died in 1933.
From a quick review of local newspapers it appears that the Waterford Ferry was in operation since ancient times. At some point the ferry service was purchased by the Waterford Bridge Committee. By 1920 it was reported that the service needed an update to meet the needs of the new meat factory being built at Cromwell’s Rock (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 19 March 1920, p. 2). In 1925 it was reported that the Sunday Service was operating at a loss. The receipts on the Sunday Ferry Service for the 4 weeks ending 8 February were £4 19/3 and wages £5 12/-, leaving a loss of 12/9 (Munster Express, Fri. 13 Feb. 1925, p. 5).
For a fascinating short article on the Waterford Ferry see, P.J. Ryan (1997) “Memories of the Old Waterford Ferry” Old Kilkenny Review 1997, p. 163-165. Interestingly, two cousins named John and Dick O’Neill worked as Waterford ferrymen in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Hopefully further research can confirm if they were sons or nephews of James O’Neill (1857-1933).
Further Research
[Thanks to a Waterford reader who was a neighbour we learned that Dick O’Neill was the son of James O’Neill and Dick died about 1955 at his home on Morrisson’s Road, Waterford. Two obituaries were located for 1957.]
Obituary for Richard “Dick” O’Neill (1890-1957) Suir Ferryman
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2) provided, MR. RICHARD O’NEILL—a retired Corporation worker, of Morrisson’s Road, Waterford, who fell down the stairs in his home yesterday (Thursday) fortnight, and sustained severe head injuries, died at St. Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, on Tuesday. He was removed to the hospital in an unconscious condition and passed away without regaining consciousness.
Husband of the late Mrs. Ellen O’Neill (nee O’Riordan), deceased was for a long number of years employed on the Waterford Corporation ferry service before it was discontinued some years ago. Mr. O’Neill’s father and grandfather before him were also employed in a similar capacity. On the dissolution of the ferry service, Mr. O’Neill was appointed caretaker of the John’s Lane Park, and subsequently was employed in different capacities by the Corporation. He retired last September.
Father of Messrs. James O’Neill, Morrisson’s Road, attached ot the Waterford G.P.O.; Sean O’Neill, Convent Hill, Waterford-Massey Ironfounders, Ltd.; Thomas O’Neill, Armatage Staffs, England and Mrs. Kathleen Walsh, The Aviary, Marian Park. He was brother of Mr. Thomas O’Neill, Newport St., Waterford Accompanied by a large and representative cortege the remains were conveyed to the Church of the Holy Faith on Tuesday. (Munster Express, Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2).
The Waterford News & Star, (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 3) provided further information, “The name of O’Neill in Waterford was synonymous with the Suir ferry, which was operated by the Corporation up to some years ago. Richard O’Neill, his father, and his grandfather, each in turn, ran the ferry service.”
Obituary for Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980)
While looking for the ferryman John O’Neill we came across the obituary for James’s son Thomas (c. 1893-1980).
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 Oct. 1980, p. 2) published, “Mr. Thomas O’Neill, of 24 Newport’s Terrace, Waterford, whose death took place recently in Ardkeen Hospital, was in his earlier years employed by Messrs. M. O’Sullivan and Sons Ltd. Ballinaneeshagh and formerly of High St., Waterford. He was aged87 and was pre-deceased by hi wife, Mrs. Agness O’Neill. He was father of Mr. Martin O’Neil, Gracedieu Road, Waterford and Mrs. Nan Power, Doyle Street, do. His remains were removed to Ballybricken Church ad following Requiem Mass, the funeral took place for interment in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.” The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 3 Oct. 1980, p. 19) listed a second son Mr. Thomas O’Neill, England and noted that his daughter Mrs. Nan Power, Shopkeeper, Doyle Street. He left 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
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The featured drawing above is “The Ferry Boat,” an engraving from Lady’s Own Paper, Sat. 8 October 1870, p. 4.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files, Michael “Mick the Mason” Walsh (1874-1948) of Haggard, Glenmore [Updated]
Earlier in the week we published a short interview that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) conducted of Tom Jones (1908-1978) of Glenmore Village. Tom during the interview mentioned Mick Walsh of the “Masonry Walsh’s” was building “a bridge” in the Village when his grandfather died in 1912. Also within the file was an article about a court case in 1912 held at Thomastown arising over Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) bicycle. We have since located an obituary and newspapers articles that reveal that Michael Walsh built the Glenmore and Slieverue Creameries as well as a new Garda Station in Inistioge in 1938 (Waterford Standard, Sat. 23 Oct. 1937, p. 10, contract awarded). One of our readers noted that this Haggard family were known as the “Mhicil’s” [pronounced Vickel’s]. Mhicil is Irish for Michael.
The Bicycle Case
The Kilkenny People ( Sat. 22 June 1912, p. 3) published details of the bicycle case. On Thursday, the 13th of June 1912 the Hon. David Fitzgerald, K.C. County Court Judge sat in the Thomastown Courthouse and opened the business of the quarter Sessions for the Thomastown district.
William J. Cordner was a cycle agent with a shop on Henrietta Street in Waterford. In 1912, Cordner sued Michael Walsh, mason and contractor, Haggard, Glenmore to recover £2 14s. 6d. for repairing and overhauling Walsh’s bicycle. Walsh counter-sued claiming damages to cover the expenses he incurred because Cordner had not carried out his instructions. Walsh claimed he had to pay 3s. 6d. a week for the hire of a bicycle while his own machine was lying in Cordner’s workshop. He also included in his claim an item for expenses incurred in going to Waterford about his bicycle. Solicitor H.D. Keane, of Waterford represented the plaintiff Cordner, and Solicitor O’Conner represented the defendant Walsh.
Cordner testified that Michael Walsh came to his establishment in Waterford and asked for a quotation for doing up his bicycle. Cordner stated his price of £2 7s for the agreed upon work. The bicycle was to be stove enamelled, and plated with old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. A few days later Walsh brought in his bicycle and it was in very bad shape.
During the trial, the bicycle was placed on the witness table to allow the Judge to examine it. Some of the old parts that Cordner said he replaced out of necessity were also produced for the Judge to examine. The difference of 7s. 6d. represented the cost of the new parts.
In cross examination by Mr. O’Connor, Cordner stated that the lining of the bicycle was never mentioned. “If the defendant had asked him to line the bicycle he would have done so with the greatest pleasure.” When Walsh saw the bicycle finished, himself and a friend who was with him, expressed themselves highly pleased with it. In fact, Walsh told Cordner that he would not have recognised it as his own machine owing to its improved appearance.
The defendant Walsh was sworn. On direct examination he stated that he was in the habit of carrying out contracts around the country. The bicycle was to be stove-enamelled. Cordner agreed to do the work for £2 7s. Walsh claimed the bicycle he took to Cordner was almost as good as a new and it required no new parts. He stated that he bought the bicycle 3 years before. He asked to have the bicycle stove enamelled, plated and lined, and Cordner said he would carry out the instructions.
Walsh claimed that when he took the bicycle to Cordner the front wheel was bright. At trial he noted it was removed and full of rust. When he saw the bicycle finished, he was not pleased with it at all. He noticed that several new, and what he considered were inferior parts had been put on it. None of his bicycle remained except the frame. All he wanted to have done was to have his own bicycle, which was a strong one, properly repaired. He did not want any new parts put onto it. He stated that he refused to pay for the repairs because he considered the machine produced in court was not as good for the work he had to do with it as was the one he brought to Cordner
Cordner’s solicitor stated to Walsh, “But you are getting a new bicycle instead of an old one that was scarcely worth rolling across the bridge when you brought it into Waterford.” Cordner produced the book in which he had entered Walsh’s instructions concerning the bicycle. It was to be stove enamelled, plated, and the old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. He produced the old front wheel which was in the same condition then as it was when the bicycle was brought in to be repaired. It was almost eaten through with rust, and it could not be put on the machine again “if a good job was to be done.” He made a first-class machine out of the old bicycle, and the old parts were only replaced where necessary and the new parts were of the best possible make.
The Judge gave a decree for the claimed amount and dismissed the counter claim. In other words, Cordner was awarded £2 14s. 2d.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Parents & Siblings
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) was the son of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) (stone mason) of Haggard, and Margaret Walsh née Moore (c. 1852 -1917) of Knockbrack, Glenmore. His parents were married on 1 August 1870. The wedding records reflect that the groom’s father was also Michael Walsh, and he was deceased at the time of the wedding. The bride’s father was Michael Moore (labourer).
The children of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) and his wife Margaret Walsh née Moore included:
- Mary Walsh (b. 26 Jan. 1872)
- Michael Walsh (b. 23 Sept. 1874)
- Ellen Walsh (b. 28 Nov. 1876)
- Edmund “Ned the Mason” Walsh (b. 6 June 1880)
- Brigid Walsh (1882-1958) married Joseph Walsh of Drumdowney, Slieverue
- Margaret Walsh (1885-1956) on 9 Oct. 1917 at Glenmore, Edward Griffin (railway man) of Rathpatrick married Margaret Walsh, dressmaker of Haggard.
- Andrew Walsh (b. 30 May 1888) per family obits Andrew emigrated to the U.S.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Wife and Child
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) married Anastatia Walsh (1874-1948) of Ballyhomuck, Mullinavat, on 3 March 1908 at Glenmore. The groom’s father was Michael Walsh (mason of Haggard) and bride’s father was Thomas Walsh (farmer of Ballyhomuck).
Anastatia Walsh née Walsh was baptized at Bigwood on 29 October 1874 to Thomas Walsh and Mary Carroll. Her parents were married at Glenmore on 9 February 1871. Thomas Walsh was the son of John Walsh (farmer) of Ballyhomic (sic) and her mother was Mary Carroll, the daughter of Richard Carroll (farmer) of Foristalstown, Glenmore.
Michael Walsh and his wife Anastatia Walsh were living at Cappagh, Glenmore when their son Michael Walsh was born on 10 April 1910. As far as we have been able to find this was their only child. Michael Walsh (1910-1984) did not follow the family trade of becoming a stone mason. He obtained a degree in Agricultural Science and in the 1930’s became a vocational teacher and later, Headmaster of Ferbane (Offaly) Vocational School. He married a Glenmore girl, Margaret Roche, the daughter of Thomas Roche (c. 1875 -1960) of Coolnaleen, Glenmore.
Death of Michael & Anastatia Walsh, of Haggard Glenmore
Michael Walsh died the 24th of July 1948 at Haggard. He was married and aged 73. He died of cancer of the larynx. His son Michael Walsh (1910-1984) was present when he died.
Michael Walsh’s death notice was published in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3) “DEATH—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, whose death has taken place was a mason by trade and was responsible for the erection of Slieverue and Glenmore creameries.” A longer obituary was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3).
Death of Mr. Michael Walsh—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, who died at his residence on Saturday night last, was a well known mason by trade in former years, and built many houses in the area, as well as constructing the creameries at Slieverue, Glenmore, and other places, which will remain as a monument to his art and genius. Deceased who had attained to the age of over 70 years, was husband of Mrs. Walsh, Haggard; father of Mr. Michael Walsh, Technical Instructor; and brother of Mr. Ed Walsh, Glenmore (also a well-known mason); Mr. Andrew Walsh, U.S.A.; Mrs. Walsh, Slieverue; and Mrs. Ed. Griffin, Rathpatrick, do. To all of whom sincere sympathy will be extended in the sad loss they have sustained. Interment took place at the family burial ground at Glenmore on Monday, in presence of a large attendance of relatives and sympathisers.—R.I.P.
Five months later Michael’s widow, Anastatia Walsh née Walsh, died on 7 December 1948 at Haggard of senile decay. She was 73 years old. Her son Michael Walsh (1910-1984) was present at her death.
We will be adding a number of Walsh obituaries to our W Surname Page that were located in researching this post.
The featured drawing above is “Stone Mason at Work,” Louis Phillippe Joseph, duc de Chartres (French 1762) courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum (New York).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Tom Roche for providing the wedding photo of his aunt Margaret Walsh née Roche.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh