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An Old Anglo-Norman Glenmore Family: The Forrestalls
Today, our second installment of part of Chapter 4, Vol. 4 of Carrigan’s History & Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory (1906) (p. 89-91) is presented below and features the four main branches of the Glenmore Forrestall families. The spelling of the surname varied as much a the spellings of Glenmore townlands and areas. Any editorial commentary has been placed in square brackets [ ].
The Forrestalls
“The Forrestalls, an Anglo-Norman stock were landed proprietors in Glenmore parish from an early date. They were divided into four main branches or families, one of which was seated at Forrestallstown; another at Kilbride; a third at Carrickcloney, and the fourth at Mullinahone. John Forstall M’Walter of Forristalstown, gent” had a pardon 5th June 1566. Walter and Gibbon Forstall, of the same place, gents, were pardoned, the former in 1571 and the latter in 1572. By Inquisition of 5 April 1658, it was found that Gibbon Forstall, late of Forstallstowne, was seised of Forstallstown, Ballymolgorme and Ballycroney; he died so seised thirty years before; and that his son and heir Walter Forstall, was at the time of full age and married.”
Forrestall’s Town
“By another inquisition of 12 October 1640, it was found that Walter Forstall, late of Forstall’s towne, was seised of the castle, town and lands of Forstall’s town, otherwise Ballynkenny, Ballymvegarran (Ballygurrin), Ballyheamocke, (now called Jamestown, still called in Irish Boilia-hee-omúch—the town of Séumoc or little James), Newfoer and Ballycroney, otherwise Rusheldstown; that he died 1st March 1639-40, and that his son James was then full of age and married. Under the Cromwellian regime, James Forstall, with Thomas Den, forfeited Forrestallstown, Milltown and Ballygurrim, and was transplanted to Connaght. The castle of Forrestallstown was “thrown down about the year 1800.”
“In Irish Forrestall is pronounced Furristhawl and Forrestallstown is called Bollinurristhawla.”
Kilbride, Glenmore
“Kilbride—Redmund more Forstall, of Kilbride, was pardoned Dec. 28th, 1571. Walter Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., pardoned in 1602 and 1603, was Constable of the Barony of Ida, in 1608. Edmund Forstall, of Kilbrydy, gent., was one of the jurymen at an Inquisitioin held Aug. 18th, 1623. Richard Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., and Katherine, wife of Redmond Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., are mentioned by one John Kearney as taking part in the alleged plundering of the Protestants, at the beginning of the Outbreak of 1641. Redmund Forstall, of Kilbride, gent. Appears as a juror in 1636; he forfeited Kilbride in 1653, and, with Walter Forstall, of Kilbride, was transplanted to Connaught the same year.”
Carrickloney, Glenmore
“Carrickloney—Edmund Forstall m’Thomas m’ Redmund of Karrcknelonyne, horseman, was pardoned iin 1548-9, and Walter Forstal fitz Edmund, of the same place, horseman, probably his son, was pardoned in 1566. Richard Forstall, of the same place, was Constable of the Barony of Ida, in 1608, and received a pardon in 1612. In 1639 Thomas Forstall gent., had a grant, under the Commission of Grace, of the townlands of Carrigneglonyne, Kilmakevoe and Knockbrack and ½ of Ballynerahie. Peter Forstall forfeited Carricknegloning, Kilmackvoge, Knockbrack and Rathsallagh, in 1653, but his name does not appear on the list of the transplanted.”
“The castle of Carrickloney was taken down in the memory of the people still living.” [See our post of 8 July 2021. One room of Carrigcloney Castle still stands complete with a vaulted ceiling.]
“In Irish Carrickloney is called Corrig-na-glooin-eeny, the rock of the little lawns, meadows, or insulated bog islands.” (Referenced O’Donovan).
Mullinahone, Glenmore
“Mullinahone—Walter Forstall of Monhowen, gent., had a pardon, in 1571-2, Richard Forstall, of Monynehoen, Gent, appears as a juror, Sept. 22nd, 1636. In 1653, Edmund Forstall forfeited Munmonewhone, Jamestown, Parkstown, and Ballybraghy. He is, very probably, the ‘Edmund Forstall, of Monyhoare,’ who was banished beyond the Shannan in the same year, and who was assigned lands in the Barony of Island, in the Co. Clare, amounting to 392 stat. acres, which after his death, were confirmed to his son, ‘Peter Forstall, gent., son of Edmund Forstall, deceased,’ by a royal grant of June 26th, 1677.”
“Mullinahone castle shared the fate of the other Forrestall castles, having been razed to the ground many years ago. Its site is pointed out in Mr. Richard Phelan’s ‘castle field,’ a few fields west of Glenmore chapel.” [Per Danny’s son, Pat Dowling, the stone head in Danny’s collection was found in the castle field of Mullinahone.]
“In Irish, Mullinahone is called Mullanahooan. This, too, is the local Irish for Mullinahone, in the Co. Tipperary. In both cases we have an instance of the corruption, or substitution, of the liquid ‘l’ for the liquid ‘n’—a very usual occurrence in the spoken Irish. The correct Irish sound of Mullinahone is Munnanahooan, the shrubbery of the lamb.”
Rochestown, Glenmore
“The Forrestalls of Rochestown, lately extinct, are traced by O’Donovan, in a pedigree to be quoted before the end of this Chapter, to a Captain Edmund Duff Forrestall, who fought at Limerick, in 1690, and who most probably belonged to the Mullinahone or Carrickloney branch of the family. The Forrestall name is still well represented in this parish.” [The photo to the right is the Forrestal Coat of arms on the family vault in Kilivory Church Yard, Glenmore. For further information concerning this coat of arms see the Kilivory section at the end of our headstone page.]
O’Donovan’s Letter (1839)
On pages 98-100 Carrigan inserted the entire letter O’Donovan wrote on 30 September 1839 concerning the parish of Kilcollumb [today Kilcollumb is divided between Slieverue and Glenmore]. The following extract from the letter concerns the Forstall Family of Rochestown.
“That part of Rochestown on which Lady Esmond’s house stands is now called Ringville, but in the title deeds ‘the Ring of Rochestown,’ It was purchased by Mr. Devereux, the uncle of Lady Esmond, from the father of Pierce Edmond Forstal Esqr.”
“The family of Forstal have been a long time located in the county of Kilkenny, but I have no historical account of them. The tradition among themselves is that they came to Ireland with the Earl Strongbow, and were located in the counties of Clare and Kilkenny. Pierce Edmond Forstal of Rochestown, Esqr., has a piece of copper with the arms of the family and the following inscription engraved on it :
Insignia veteris familiae Fosterorum alias Forstallorum comitatus Kilkenniensis in Regno Hibemiae, authentice et ex officio exiradita Dublinii, ultimo die Novembris 1674, anno Regni Caroli Secundi Regis vigesimo secundo, per Richardum St. George Ulster Regem Armorum.
[Translation: The coat of arms of the ancient family of Foster, alias Forstall, of the county of Kilkenny, in the Kingdom of Ireland, authentically and ex officio struck at Dublin, on the last day of November, 1674, in the twenty-second year of the reign of Charles the Second, by Richard St. George Ulster King of Arms.]
” Three pheons in sable, a helmett on the wreath, greyhound’s head, coop argent, collar and chain.”
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To view some local medieval inscriptions see, Fearghus Ó Fearghail, Old Kilkenny Review (1996) “Some Ossory Medieval Inscriptions Revisited,” p. 94-105. The featured photo above is the ancient Celtic Cross of Dunnamaggan, Co. Kilkenny (Carrigan, v. 4., p. 36). For further information see the Kilkenny Graveyards blog (post 3 July 2016).
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s Pioneer in First Aid: William C. Gaffney (1868-1929)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often spoke of the Gaffney family and how the name, so long associated with Glenmore Village, disappeared from Glenmore before the 1911 Census. Recently, a reader researching a Nicholas Gaffney sought information on the Glenmore family. Today, we are going to highlight one of the last members of the Glenmore family born and reared in Glenmore, William Christopher Gaffney (1868 -1929) who was honoured for his first aid work in his adopted city of London.
Family Background
William Christopher Gaffney was one of seven known children born to Nicholas Gaffney (c. 1834-1893) a miller and farmer, and his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty (c. 1830 -1902). The family lived in a large dwelling house in the Village that housed both their shop and the Glenmore dispensary. Behind their dwelling house was their mill that had been in operation since before 1798 when William C.’s great-grandfather, William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798), the head of the local United Irishmen, was captured and hanged from the old bridge at New Ross on 6 June 1798. See our previous post of 22 Feb. 2020 for further details.
Children of Nicholas Gaffney and Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty:
[1] Nicholas Gaffney (bapt. 28 Jan.1860- died before 1868);
[2] John Gaffney (b. 17 Sept. 1861- ? );
[3] Maryanne Gaffney (29 Aug. 1862-1865 (Q. 1)];
[4] Bridget Gaffney (14 July 1864- ?);
[5] William Christopher Gaffney (7 Feb. 1868- 27 Dec. 1929);
[6] Mary Gaffney (b. 12 Feb. 1870-1870?); and
[7] Nicholas Gaffney (12 April 1872-23 June 1944)].
According to Danny’s notes of an interview he conducted of Nicholas “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) four of the Gaffney children survived to adulthood: [2] John; [4] Bridget; [5] William; and [7] Nicholas. Nicky the Miller also stated that their mother, Kitty Delahunty was from Ballyfacey where Green’s and Freany’s were located at the time of his interview in 1964. [DD Notebook 26, Interview of Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 13 March 1964].
Emigration to London
Unfortunately, we do not know where William was educated, but there is little doubt, based upon his correspondence with the Kilkenny People in 1898, that he was educated. His older brother John lived, worked and married in Waterford in 1882. It is assumed that John and William received post primary education in Waterford and emigrated to London securing employment with two different railways.
Boarding With the Huggins Family
It is not known exactly when William emigrated to London, but he was located in the 1891 English Census. He was 23 years of age and was lodging at 17 Macfarlane Road, Hammersmith, London with the Huggins family. Mrs. Harriet E. Huggins was a 38 year old widow. Four of her children were also in the home: [1) Violet A. Huggins (16); [2] Elvina L. Huggins (14); [3] William D. Huggins (7); and [4] Constance I. Huggins.
William was employed as a railway clerk and his future wife Violet Alice was attending “Teacher School.” Two years later William married Violet Alice Huggins (2 Dec. 1874-25 Nov. 1961) at Fulham, London (England & Wales, Civil Registration Index, 1837-1915, vol. 1a, p. 609). Violet Alice was the daughter of William Huggins (1844-1886) and Harriet Elvina Huggins née Goodborn (1851-1916).
Defence of His Great- Grandfather
In 1898, the centeneriary of the 1798 Rising arrived and several articles were published blaming William Gaffney, the head of the United Irishmen for failing to support the rebels during the Battle of New Ross. Some accounts went so far as to brand him a traitor to the cause. William, and in particular his sister Bridget, wrote to editors seeking to set the record straight. Their great-grandfather was captured and hanged in Rosbercon from the old New Ross bridge by the British on the 6th of June 1798. In the letter below that was published in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1898, p. 8) William publicly thanked Fr. N. Murphy, P.P. at Queen’s Terrace, for debunking several wild assertions about his great-grandfather.
“133 Percy Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W., May 12th, 1898. Reverend and Dear Sir—I have lately received from my sister in Glenmore a copy of the Kilkenny People of March 19th, and write to express my sincere thanks for your defence of our great grandfather in that paper. While defending the fair fame of a Kilkennyman you have conferred a lasting obligation on his descendants by protecting them from an unmerited reproach. Again thanking you for your kind and just action, –I remain, reverend and dear Father, yours obediently, William Gaffney. “
For Danny Dowling’s article on William Gaffney in 1798 see, Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” Decies (vol. 24, p. 14).
William C. Gaffney’s Children
The 1911 Census provides that William and his family were residing at 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinhamshire. William was 43 years of age and was employed as a railway clerk. Violet Alice was 36 and four of their children were listed in the census: [1] Dorothy Olive Gaffney (16) (remained single); [2] Leon Arthur Gaffney (15); [3] Kathleen Ivy Gaffney (5); and [4] William Joseph Gaffney (1) (became a priest).
World War I Tragedy
Gifted Scholar
Leon Authur Gaffney (1895-1915) was a gifted student. Although William had resided in England since at least 1891, an article concerning his eldest son’s academic achievements was found in the Waterford News & Star in 1913.
“An Irish Boy at School in England Gains Nearly £800 in Scholarships—The many friends in Waterford and the neighbourhood, of Mr. William Gaffney, will be pleased to hear of the remarkable success obtained by his son while a pupil at Borlase School, Marlow.
The following remarks by the Head Master last “Speech Day,” as reported in the South Bucks Free Press, are worth quoting: “During the past year we have had successes of a type never before attempted, I believe, ion the history of the school. I will mention these first of all, because your late Head Master, who is (I am glad to say) present here today, on hearing the news, sent me this message, ‘Best thing the school has yet done.’
“He was referring ot the fact that Gaffney had obtained an Open Science Scholarship at New College; Oxford. It is indeed a great pleasure ot find that one of our boys was able to compete successfully against the best of four public schools, for the scholarship was obtaed in strong open competition. But while congratulating ourselves on the fact, I must not forget that Gaffney has shown himself a splendid worker, and I feel sure that he has a great career before him.”
“He is only 17. He came to us five years ago at the age of 23, and he has taken in succession the Minor, Intermediate, and Major Scholarships of the County Council. He has been top in the County and top in All England in Science (192 schools being represented). He now goes to College with £170 a year gain in scholarships by his own industry. I wish him every success when he leaves us, as he does at the end of the term, for Oxford.”
“The total value of the scholarships mentioned, including the Mitchell-Riley (School Leaving) Scholarship of £40 a year, which he was also awarded is £790. He passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination with honours at the age of 16; and the following year was placed in the First Division in the Matriculation Examination of the University of London.”
“Perhaps a greater honour than any, he has now been awarded the school gold medal, presented by the Chairman of the Governors (General Sir George Higginson, G.C.B.) “to the boy who irrespective of success in school, shall have proved himself, by his general conduct and bearing during the past year, to be a credit to the school” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1913, p. 7)
Gallipoli 1915
Just two years after winning all the scholarships Leon Arthur was killed in August 1915 at the age of 20 while serving in the British Army. The military records reveal that Leon was buried in the Lala Baba Cemetery Gallipoli, Turkey.
A short article in the Reading Mercury (Sat. 28 Aug. 1915, p. 6) provides:
“Second Lieutenant L.A. Gaffney, 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, who died of wounds, at the Dardanelles on August 12th, was the eldest son of Mr. William Gaffney, of Slough. He was born in 1895, and educated at Borlase School, Marlow, and from there obtained an open Science Scholarship at New College, Oxford. During the year he was at the University he passed all the examinations leading to the Final Honours, School of Natural Science, and qualified for an Eweime Exhibition. As a member of the Officers’ Training Corps he obtained his commission in August 1914.”
Employment with Great Western Railway at Paddington Station, London
The UK Railway Employment Records reveal that William commenced working at age 19 on 31 October 1887. The first Department where he was assigned was “Agreements.” His salary in 1887 was £60 per annum. By 1890 William was earning £70 per annum and at the time he married in 1893 he was earning £80 per year. William continued to receive raises and moved to the Audit Department. By 1908 be was earning £150 and in 1921, £330.
Pioneer of First Aid
William retired in early 1928. A short article in the Gloucester Journal (Sat. 11 Feb. 1928, p. 21) provides further detail regarding his work and medals.
“One of the pioneers of first aid work on the Great Western Railway, and for more than ten years secretary of the London Centre—Mr. William Gafney, (sic) of the audit department—retired on Tuesday after 31 years’ service. He has assisted in the treatment of over 1,000 accident cases at Paddington.”
“Mr. Gafney is one of the original gold medallists of the G.W.R. for twenty-five years’ first-aid service, and he also holds the King’s Coronation medal for being selected for special ambulance duty at Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of King George. In November 1919, he was decorated with the Order of Serving Brother of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem for his organising work in the London division.”
Interestingly, Johnson & Johnson reported that it was in 1888 that the commercial first aid kit in the US was developed to treat injured railway workers.
Death of William & Violet Alice Gaffney
William Gaffney, of 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinghamshire, died on the 27th of December 1929 (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995).
“Mr. William Gaffney, of King Edward Street, Slough, who has died in Windsor Hospital at the age of 61, was in the audit office at Paddington until he retired a short time ago, and he made ambulance work his hobby. He was Superintendent of Paddington or Prince of Wales District of the Ambulance Brigade, and he held the Coronation medal. He also received the G.W.R. gold medals for long service, having completed 25 years in the movement. He was a Serving Brother of the Order, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him (Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, Fri. 10 January 1930, p. 2).
William’s widow probated his estate and his effects were listed as £229 1s. 3d. (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995). William Gaffey was buried in Berkshire (England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, vol. 2 c, p. 517).
Violet Alice remained in the family home, 41 King Edward St., Slough, Buckinghamshire, and remained a widow for 32 years. She died on the 25th of November 1961 at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot Sunninghill, Berkshire. Letters of Probate were given to her children Reverend William Joseph Gaffney (clerk) and Dorothy Olive Gaffney (spinster). Her effects were listed as £2972 19s. 5d.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above is an old post card from the 1920’s of Paddington Station, London.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Native: Peter Gahan (1888-1958) New Ross Publican and Undertaker [updated]
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) spent a lot of time recording information concerning what he termed extinct Glenmore families. These were families who left the parish through emigration, or who did not have children etc. One family that Danny recorded was the Gahan family of Newtown, Kilmakevoge. In 1973, Danny interviewed Nicky “the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) who provided an account of five of the six sons of Laurence “Larry” Gahan and his wife Bridget Doherty.
In his notebook Danny had a notation “murder?” that caused a bit of searching. Ultimately after reviewing the deaths of Peter Gahan (1888-1958), his siblings, and his wife Mary Teresa “Tess” Sheehy (c.1887-1963), it was discovered that Peter Gahan’s brother-in-law, Sir John Sheehy, was murdered in 1949. Details concerning the murder are at the end as well as some of Peter Gahan’s Glenmore grandparents.
The Gahan’s of Newtown, Glenmore
Laurence “Larry” Gahan (1848-1907) of Newtown, married Bridget Doherty (c. 1848 -1924) of Coolnaleen, on 28 January 1875 at Glenmore. The groom was a 26 year old farmer and the bride was aged 28. The groom’s father was recorded as Michael Gahan (deceased farmer) and the bride’s father was recorded as Richard Doherty (farmer). Witnesses to the wedding were Felix Mullins and Bridget Mullins.
Laurence and Bridget Gahan had six sons:
[1] Michael Gahan (12 June 1876-8 Jan. 1931) was described as “delicate” by Nicky the Miller. Michael Gahan never married. When Michael died in 1931 his brother Peter, of Priory St. New Ross was present. Michael’s death was due to myocardial degeneration.
[2] Richard Gahan (16 Sept. 1877-12 July 1895) was just 16 when he died of consumption or “TB”. This is the son that Nicky the Miller failed to tell Danny about in his 1973 interview.
[3] John Gahan (b. 6 Dec. 1879-2 Oct. 1962); known as Jack, married Mary Haberlin (b.c. 1884) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore on 21 August 1911. John and Mary Gahan, had a farm at Kilurney, Ballpatrick, Tipperary. See our post of 13 Feb. 2023 regarding a threshing accident in 1899.
[4] Patrick Gahan (16 Jan. 1882- 4 May 1929) married Mary Grant of Robinstown, Glenmore. They farmed the home place in Newtown, Glenmore. They had no family and Pat died young of cancer. The farm was later farmed by Pat Grant, of Robinstown, Mary Grant’s nephew. Pat Grant was known as “Cushey”.
[5] James Gahan (12 June 1884-3 June 1904). Jim Gahan drowned at New Ross. According to “Nicky the Miller” Jim worked as a clerk in a shop on North St. New Ross where Flemings were later located. See our G family surname page for further details regarding his death.
[6] Peter Gahan (1 Apr.1888-24 Dec. 1958) was born the same year as Nicky the Miller Forristal. According to Peter’s obit he moved to New Ross about 1908. “In his early youth he played in many inter-county football games with his native Kilkenny. He was also a prominent oarsman, and a valued member of the New Ross Boat Club.”
Early Years in New Ross
In 1911, Peter was residing in New Ross at 11 North Street. James Fleming, aged 26, was a single grocer and Peter’s employer. Mary Grace, married and aged 62 was the domestic servant and cook. Peter was 22 and the eldest of the three assistant grocers. Sylvester Maddock and John Ryan were the other two assistant grocers and were both 18 years of age. Everyone except John Ryan were born in Co. Kilkenny. John Ryan was born in Carlow. Although the household return records that Fleming is a grocer employing assistant grocers the House & Building Return provides that Fleming’s building is a public house.
In the 1901 Census Peter was living at home with his parents and two of his brothers, Michael and John. Sylverster Maddocks was living in Listerin with his parents and 10 siblings. Interestingly James Fleming in 1901 was residing and working as a shop boy at 11 North Street, New Ross. He was working for a couple named Grace.
Earliest Businesses
It isn’t known exactly when Peter Gahan began his own businesses, but we know from Nicky the Miller that he was an undertaker as well as a publican. We also know that it was in 1915 that Peter applied for his first liquor license and had a premise on Priory Street. “Peter Gahan, shopkeeper, of New Ross sought to transfer a liquor license from Bernard Kinsella to sell beer, cider, spirits, wine etc. by retail at his house on Priory St., New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Sept. 1915, p. 1).
Newspaper articles from that era also suggest that Peter operated a car hire business. For example in 1916, Peter was charged in Waterford for knocking down a labourer named Browne. Peter had been hired to transport a prisoner named Simon Murphy from the Waterford Jail to New Ross Petty Sessions to stand trial for the theft of a gold ring. Browne who worked for the corporation stepped out from the footpath a few yards in front of the vehicle. Quickly reacting Peter swerved and stuck the man with the mud guard of the vehicle. Amazingly the prisoner Murphy, Sergeant O’Sullivan, of New Ross R.I.C. and a Waterford constable on duty in the street at the time all testified for Peter (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Dec. 1916, p. 12).
In 1917, Peter Gahan was one of the persons charged with supplying a vehicle for a Glenmore wedding and the case was later dismissed (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 Dec. 1917, p. 7). See our previous post of 27 Sept. 2020 for details of the infamous case against drivers who attended a 1917 Glenmore wedding.
Similarly, in 1932 Peter lent a lorry to John Quinn. Quinn was responsible for conveying a tug-of-war team from Campile to the Rower Sports Day. The driver did not have a valid license and Peter was fined 10 s. for employing an unlicensed driver and £100 for lending a lorry without a tax for passengers. The judge because Peter had lent the vehicle free of charge reduced the tax fine to £2 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Sept. 1932, p. 6).
Wedding Bells: Peter Gahan and Mary Teresa “Tess” Sheehy
Peter Gahan, merchant, of New Ross, Co. Wexford, married Mary Teresa Sheehy on 24 April 1917. The couple were married at Westport, Mayo by her maternal uncle, Rev. Fr. Edward J. Higgins. At the time of the marriage Peter Gahan was 29 years of age and his bride was 28. They both were residing in New Ross, but it is not known how or why Tess came to live in New Ross. Peter’s father was listed as Laurence Gahan (farmer) and his bride’s father was listed as Thomas Sheehy (Clerk of Petty Sessions, pensioner).
Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy (c. 1887-1963)
Mary Teresa Sheehy was known as Tessie. The 1901 Census reveals that she was living at home with her parents and siblings. There were 14 children born to Sgt. Thomas Sheehy, R.I.C. (1859- 1918) and his wife Mary Sheehy née Higgins (1865 -1912). Sgt. Sheehy was a native of Kerry and the son of a farmer. Mary Sheehy was a native of Co. Mayo. The following children were born to this marriage: [1] Kathleen Sheehy (b.c. 1885, Co. Mayo); [2] Tessie Sheehy (b.c. 1887, Co. Galway); [3] Evelyn Sheehy (b.c. 1888); [4] Elizabeth Sheehy (b.c. 1888); [5] John Sheehy (12 Oct. 1889-1949); [6] Bridget Sheehy (b.c.. 1893); [7] Joseph Sheehy (b.c. 1895); [8] Frances Sheehy (b.c. 1896); [9] Edward Sheehy (b.c. 1898) and [10] Thomas Sheehy (b.c. 1900).
Mary Sheehy née Higgins died on the 27th of September 1912 (Tuam Herald, Sat. 5 Oct. 1912, p. 2). The year after Peter and Tessie’s marriage in 1917 her father died on 20 July 1918. His obit noted that his brother-in-law was Most Rev. M. Higgins, D.D., Auxillary Bishop of Tuam (Tuam Herald, Sat. 27 July 1918, p. 2). Three months later Tess’s sister, Elizabeth Sheehy died of a weak heart (Tuam Herald, Sat. 9 Nov. 1918, p. 2).
On 18 April 1914, Tess’s sister, Kathleen Sheehy married Thomas Kitt the Mountbellow, Co. Galway, Workhouse Master. Kathleen was a national school teacher. Their eldest child, Michael F. Kitt (13 Sept. 1914-24 Dec. 1974) became a T.D. He was first elected in 1948. Lost his seat in 51 and was not elected again until 1957.
The New Ross Whiskey Case
Peter’s business and home were on Priory St. right around the corner from the courthouse and police station. The New Ross Standard carried several articles regarding petty cases against Peter. The most serious case occurred in 1918 and was dubbed the New Ross Whiskey Case by the New Ross Standard. William Roche, of Bewley Street; Andrew Culleton, of Wexford Street and Peter Gahan, of Priory Street, were charged in January 1918 with breaking into the bonded warehouse of Mrs. Alice Daly and Gahanstealing a hogshead and quarter cask of whiskey worth £400. A publican in Campile, Thomas Shea, and another New Ross man, John Hughes, were also charged.
At the first trial of the New Ross men the judge noted that there was no evidence against John Hughes. The case against the other three New Ross men was circumstancial They were seen in the vicinity of the warehouse on the night of the theft. The case against Thomas Shea was that the stolen whiskey was found on his land.
In the midst of this case, Patrick Gahan applied to have the seven day license held by his brother Peter Gahan, Priory St transferred. Patrick stated that he had taken over the premises and was going to carry on business there. The police did not object and the transfer was granted (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 March 1918, p. 7). It appeared that Peter who had only been married a year was attempting to protect his most valuable asset.
In a separate trial a jury found Thomas Shea not guilty apparently because the whiskey could have been placed on his land without his knowledge. When the three New Ross men were ready to stand trial the second time in July, the Crown announced that it could not proceed due to the serious illness of its witness Patrick Cousins an employee of Peter Gahan’s. The Crown entered a nolle prosequi (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 July 1918, p. 5.)
Undertaker
In 1922 the New Ross Standard featured ads proclaiming Peter the newest New Ross undertaker. He carried on this trade from the former premises of Paatrick Power on Priory St. No mention of this business appeared in his obituary. Some of his ads are quite humorous by today’s standards such as stating he carries the latest designs in shrouds. It is not known how long Peter was an undertaker, but in 1942 he placed an ad in the New Ross Standard which stated, “Quantity of manure for sale. Apply Peter Gahan, Undertaker, New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 March 1942, p. 1).
Death of Peter and Tess Gahan
Peter Gahan died on Christmas Eve 1958 at the age of 70 of chronic myocarditis. His daughter Mary Teresa “Trixie” Gahan, a state registered nurse, was present when he died.
Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy tragically died in a fire on 16 December 1963 at Priory Street. She was found by her son-in-law Paddy Molloy. The fire apparently commenced in the widow’s bedroom when night clothes came into contact with an electric heater (New Ross Standard, Fri. 20 Dec. 1963, p. 9).
The Children of Peter Gahan
Unfortunately, the birth records after 1916 in Ireland are not generally publicly available. From Peter’s obituary and the family marker in Glemore we believe that Peter and Tess had five children. Their daughter, [1] Bridget Mary Gahan (c. 1919-1929) died at the age of 10 of cholera.
Just four years earlier Peter had been fined 10 s. for sending a note to District Judge Fahy explaining his absence from court. Peter was prosecuted for non-compliance with the Vaccination Act, but it was noted that the child had been vaccinated. The Judge testily noted that Peter lived within 50 yards of the court and did not accept the note (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 May 1925, p. 7).
[2] Mary Teresa “Trixe” Molloy née Gahan ( ? -2009) S.R.N.; (Death notice, Munster Express, Fri. 6 March 2009, p. 15). After her father’s death Trixie married a widower, Patrick Molloy (c. 1925-2000). Paddy was a crane driver in Rosbercon, and his first wife Josephine died at the birth of their daughter Anne in 1957. Trixie is buried in Glenmore in the Gahan family grave and was survived by her son Martin and daughters Anne, Mary and Bridget.
After the death of her mother Trixie, who lived nearby on Cross St., transferred the liquor license to her name (New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 Aug. 1964, p. 2) and continued operating the pub until she transferred the license to William A. Gannon in 1979 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug, 1979, p. 15).
[3] Mrs. F. Sayers, Bromley, Kent; Frances Rita Gahan (b. 19 Feb. 1926- ?). It is believed that her husband may have been Douglas Edward Sayers, Bromley, Greater London
[4] Mrs. G. Jones, Bournemouth; Eveleen J. Gahan married Daniel T.G. Jones in Oct. 1947 at Bournemouth, Hampshire, UK.
[5] Mr. L.P. Gahan, Guildford, Surrey; Laurence Gahan (1928-2019) married his wife Kathleen (b. 1934) in Southampton. Kathleen Ann Gahan née Ryan (b. 1934) was from Kilkee, Co. Clare Their eldest son Peter Gahan (b.1957) married Diane Gawley. Peter was a constable with the metropolitan police (Surrey Herald, Thurs. 25 Sept. 1986, p. 23).
Glenmore Connections: Peter Gahan’s Grandparents
Paternal Grandparents
Laurence “Larry” Gahan (1848-1907) was the son of Michael Gahan, of Newtown and Mary Mullins (b. 1814) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Michael Gahan and Mary Mullins were married at Glenmore on 4 February 1834. The known children of this union include: [1] Richard Gahan (b. 1835); [2] Patrick Gahan (b. 1837); [3] Mary Gahan (b. 1840-1910) married on 5 Feb. 1883, James Walsh, of Rathpatrick, Slieverue son of Simon Walsh (deceased farmer); [4] John Gahan (b. 1844); [5] Laurence Gahan (b. 1846) and [6] Laurence Gahan (b. 1848-1907). Mary Gahan née Mullins was from the Felix Mullins family of Flemingstown, Glenmore.
Maternal Grandparents
Bridget Doherty (b. 1842) was the daughter of Richard Doherty and Ellenor Mullally of Coolnaleen, Glenmore. Richard Doherty married Ellen Mullally, of Davidstown, Glenmore, on the 27th of February 1838. To this union the following known children were born: [1] Mary Doherty (b. 1839); [2] Martin Doherty (b. 1840); [3] Bridget Doherty (b. 1842); [4] John Doherty (b. 1844); [5] Ellen Doherty (b. 1846); [6] James Doherty (b. 1849); [7] Peter Doherty (b. 1852); and [8] Patrick Doherty (b. 1855).
The Murder of Sir John Sheehy (1889-1949)
Peter Gahan’s brother-in-law, John Sheehy, entered the Indian Civil Service in 1914. John’s brother M.J. Sheehy (in 1949 he was in Dublin) followed him into the Indian Civil service and was one of the chief engineers on the Burma Road during World War II. The Sheehy’s were cousins of Rev. Dr. McFadden, Bishop of Cleveland (Tuam Herald, Sat. 21 May 1949, p. 5).
On the 9th of May 1949, Lady Sheehy saw her husband shot and killed by an intruder in their home in Minder, Germany. Sir John threw his slipper at the intruder and was shot in the heart. Sir John was the Assistant Financial Adviser to the British Military Governor in Germany.
With the granting of independence for India, Sir John joined Allied Control Commission on 1 July 1947, as Director of Public Revenue. He was made assistant Financial Advisor to the Military Governor on 3 August 1948. Sir John was 59 years of age at the time of his murder and in addition to his wife he was survived by two daughters and one son who were attending school in England. (Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, Tues. 10 May 1949, p.14).
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Please send any corrections, photos or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
On a recent trip into New Ross we believe that the Bumblebee sign is on the pub that Peter Gahan operated for decades. The feaured ad above is from page 1 of the New Ross Standard, 11 April 1924.
[Update 29 Sept. 2023–Peter Gahan, grandson of Peter Gahan (1888-1958), made contact and noted that his mother Kathleen Ann Gahan née Ryan (b. 1934) of Kilkee, Co. Clare is alive and well. Peter verified that his mother and father (Laurence Gahan) married in Southhampton. Peter’s mother further confirmed that her father-in-law’s pub was later called the Bumblebee. The photo of JFK above graced the pub and Peter’s grandmother, Tess Gahan née Sheehy (c. is in the upper storey window peering down on the street. Special thanks to Peter Gahan for sharing the photo as well as information]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Landlord: David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863)
David O’Neill Power, of Snowhill House, Slieverue was the landlord of the townlands of Ballinlammy, Ballyhobuck, Gaulestown, and Ballinclare in Glenmore during Griffith’s Valuation circa 1829. David O’Neill Power was a tragic figure as he suffered from some form of mental illness that lead to his sons bringing a petition for the Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo, in the Court of Appeal in 1835. Roughly translated this was a Commission established to determine the sanity of David O’Neill Power. At that time David O’Neill Power was described as a gentleman of considerable landed property (Drogheda Journal, Tues. 27 Oct. 1835, p. 4) with vast holdings in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford which generated rent in excess of £4,000 per year.
Snowhill House and Estate
An article in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places provided that the house was built about 1765 by the Snow family. In 1792 Elizabeth Snow was the heir to Snowhill and she married Patrick Lattin. Patrick Lattin apparently got into financial difficulties and the property was sold in 1808. The buyer was Nicholas Power, of Knockaderry, near Kilmeadon, Waterford. The Powers of Knockaderry were large landowners in Co. Waterford. Nicholas Power was married to Rachel O’Neil of Dublin and their family became the O’Neil Powers. David O’Neill Power married Elizabeth Nash, of Cork in 1807. It is speculated in the article that Nicholas bought the estate for his son David when he married. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
However, a newspaper search revealed that N. Power was residing at Snowhill in 1799 when at a General Meeting of the Roman Catholics of the City of Waterford, and its Vicinity, held on the 28th of June 1799, he signed a Declaration calling for a “complete and entire Union between Great Britain and Ireland, founded on equality and liberal principles…” (Saunder’s News-Letter, Mon. 22 July 1799, p. 3.) Of course, Nicholas Power may have leased the property before he bought it.
Snowhill House was an impressive three storey Georgian mansion. The house was comprised of 40 rooms which included 17 bedrooms. Around 1850 one room was converted to a private chapel. “This alteration was designed by Pugin, one of the foremost Church architects of the period and was regarded as a special feature of Power Hall.” The house was renamed Power Hall. We believe based on David O’Neill Power’s death notice the name change occurred after his death in 1863. Snowhill continued in the ownership of O’Nell Power family until 1953. The new owner Richard Power (no relation) had it demolished about 1955 due to its poor condition. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—13 October 1835
On the 13th of October 1835, “a highly respectable jury, of whom Alderman Arthur Perrin was foreman, was empanelled in the Court of Appeals, Four Courts, to determine if David O’Neill Power was sane. Master Townsend and Messrs Mitford and Beatty were the commissioners. The petitioner was identified as Edward O’Neill Power, the middle son. His barrister, Mr Moore addressed the commissioners and the jury and asked that they determine whether David O’Neill Power was sane, to determine which periods he had been sane, and determine the extent of his property, real and personal as well as his heirs of law and next of kin.
By way of background the jury was informed that “the gentleman, who was alleged to be a lunatic,” was 50 years of age, a widower, his wife having died several years before; his family consisted of three sons, the youngest was still under age; and the two eldest had only lately attained the age of twenty-one. The barrister went on to state that David was a gentleman possessed of considerable property in landed estates, but all of his life he was a person of “weak intellect.”
In 1822 David went with his family to France and took up his residence in Paris. He appeared to have become insane. “It being ascertained that he was possessed of property, he got into the hands of evil designing person, and he parted with some of his property under circumstances” leaving no doubt he was not capable of managing his affairs. Although a commission of lunacy was considered in 1822 it was determined that it might be better for his family that he not be declared a lunatic at that time. His property was entrusted to trustees, and he was not allowed the management or direction of his own property affairs.
It was explained that the petitioner and his elder brother Nicholas were not happy with how their father’s property was being administered, or with the degree of attention that was paid to their father. Two witnesses William Rounan and Patrick Hogan were examined however the newspaper account does not indicate what their said. Master Townsend adjourned the court and ordered that a communication be sent to Nicholas O’Neill Power informing him of the case. It was noted that he was at his father’s residence in Kilkenny (Saunders’s News Letter, Wed. 14 Oct. 1835, p. 1).
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—23 October 1835
Witness 1: Dr. Harty
The investigation resumed. The first witness called by the Petitioner was Dr. Harty.
Dr. Harty testified that he was asked to visit David O’Neill Power in August 1835 at his residence in County Kilkenny, near Waterford to assess his condition. The doctor stated he conversed with David very freely. He was introduced to David as Mr. Hart because he did not want to disclose his profession or mission. He opined that he had every opportunity during his visit to judge David’s state of mind. In his opinion David was both weak in mind and deranged in intellect and was not capable of managing his affairs.
The newspaper account reported in detail what the doctor observed during his visit. When Dr. Hartly arrived he was introduced to the family. He was speaking to Nicholas, the eldest son, when Edward, the petitioner, introduced the doctor to his father David. David took the doctor by his hand and entered into a conversation with the doctor. David was scarcely seat when he talked very loudly to himself regarding matters the doctor could not follow. It was a fine summer’s day, and it was proposed that the family and their guest should take an excursion down the river in a boat. The ladies of the family promised to go on the boat. The doctor reported that David, with a knowing wink, objected to waiting for the ladies, and said, “let them remain where they are.” David took the helm of the boat, under the guidance of Hogan (his keeper) and the men sailed to Dunbrody Abbey.
During the trip David was childish, and exclaimed, “D—-n the rascal! I wish he were hanged.” The doctor asked if David was alluding to Hogan and David replied, “Oh I thought it was you who said it.” David was observed constantly slapping his stomach. When asked why he did it David replied, “to keep down the flesh.” When they landed at the Abbey, they examined the building, and sat in the shade. Hogan produced some wine and bread. David then commenced talking incoherently about his property and woods. David denied that he received rent and spoke about shots being fired. David did not appear to be concerned about his safety “because his mind did not dwell for any time upon any one subject.”
At times David would speak rationally during casual conversation. At dinner that evening he sat at the foot of the table and spoke incoherently to himself. The remainder of the evening was spent listening to music which David seemed fond of. David amused himself by playing tricks on the young ladies. David showed perfect obedience to Hogan who appeared to act as David’s keeper.
Witness 2: Lady Maria Cecilia Browne
Lady Browne testified that she was David’s sister-in-law. She knew him for many years because he was married to her sister. In 1816 she did not think that he was insane. “He was not in very good circumstances” before his father’s death which occurred in 1816. Lady Browne explained that he was in the habit of drinking which made him noisy and violent when drunk. She spent two months in the household before her sister died in 1818. Lady Browne believed that he was capable of managing his affairs at that time. He made a settlement for her sister the day before she died of £1,200 a year for her three destitute children. There was no settlement made before the marriage.
In 1822, Lady Browne considered him sane, but noted that he was imposed upon by everyone. By 1828 he was not making any rational use of money and appeared to be insane. Lady Browne visited in 1830 and last saw him in 1831 when she stayed six or seven weeks at his home. “He fancied that there were persons constantly under his window, abusing him, and cracking whips.” He wanted to burn his title deeds. David would remove his shoes and dance to music. She witnessed him crushing the hat of Mr. William Rowan in 1830. She also related that there is a picure at Snowhill of the Virgin and Child, which David believed was a drawing of one of Lady Browne’s friends. Mr Rowan warned Lady Browne of David’s propensity of “secreting articles.” David took her spectacles, shawl and gloves. She found him one day in a closet where he was burning some of her vouchers. Lady Browne summed up, “I would not trust him with the rational expenditure of a pound.”
Third Witness: Denis Doyle
Denis Doyle testified that he was a gardener at Snowhill since April 1831. Being engaged by Mr. David O’Neill Power, he frequently saw him. Denis noted that he often heard his employer talking to himself. The gardener reported that on at least 50 occasions David stated that “his insanity lies in the suspicion of his being taken by some persons who have the charge of his property.” David expressed fear of a sheriff’s bailiff or a policeman, and of red cuffs and red collars. Since May of 1835 David was placed under the direction of Hogan, whom he dreads. Denis testified that Nicholas and Edward Power placed their father under Hogan’s care. Denis opined that from what he observed of Mr. Power, he is insane. By way of example, David once asked Denis for a spade because he wanted to bury some bills. The gardener agreed that the mansion was in good condition and Mr. Power appeared to be comfortable and “well off since Hogan is minding him.” He noted that Mr. Power talks about bagpipes being played across the river at Cheap-point (sic). The witness knew there is a public house and there may be dances, but he never heard bagpipes. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Sat. 24 October 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—27 October 1835
The investigation resumed on Tuesday the 27th of October 1835. Captain Thomas Pratt Barlow and Lady Browne were examined regarding a trust deed executed in Paris by Mr. Power in 1822. A lengthy conversation took place as to whether another medical man should examine David regarding his state of mind. Surgeon Cusack was the agreed doctor. The Solicitor-General expressed his readiness to produce Mr. Power in person to the jury. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Wed. 28 Oct. 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—19 November 1835
The jury in the case of Mr. Power, after hearing counsel for and against the petition, and also a very able and elaborate charge from Master Townsend, returned the following verdict, “We find that David O’Neill Power is of unsound mind, and incapable of managing his affairs, and had been so since February 1823, with the exception of a lucid interval on the 18th August 1823. The jury meets this day to find the amount of the property, real and personal, and the heir or heirs belonging to the lunatic (Saunder’s News-Letter, Wed. 18 Nov. 1835, p. 2). That Nicholas O’Neil Power, his eldest son, is heir-at-law, and that the said Nicholas, together with Edward and Joseph O’Neil Power, his other sons, are his only next of kin, and that the said Edward O’Neil Power (sic) [David] had lands in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford, with an annual value of £4,000 and upwards and that he had personal property of £5,000 and upwards (The Pilot, Friday 20 Nov. 1835).
Thus the jury by its findings, after at least four days of hearings, endorsed the prior arrangments of providing an annual income to his sons and the work of the trustees by finding that David was sane when crucial agreements were entered into. No record could be located that David was ever found to be sane after 1835.
The Death of David O’Neill Power
David died at Snowhill on the 19th of August 1863. It was reported that although he had been labouring for some time under “mental aberration” he died suddenly of disease of the heart. An inquest was held on Monday by T. Izod, Esq. county coroner, and on the evidence of the servants and Dr. P.E. Connolly a verdict of “death from natural causes” was returned (Waterford Standard, Sat. 5 Sept. 1863, p. 3).
Below is the obituary that appeared in the Waterford News (Fri. 4 Sept 1863, p. 3).
Died at his residence, Snow Hill, county Kilkenny, on the afternoon of the 29th of August. David O’Neill Power, Esq. the venerable head of that ancient and highly respectable branch of the steadfast Catholic Powers. The deceased gentleman was born at the old family mansion at Williamstown, near this city, about 80 years since, and although he had been for a considerable period in a delicate state of health, yet his death was, we regret to state, quite sudden and unexpected at the moment.
On Tuesday morning last, his remains were taken out for interment, and after High Mass and Office had been celebrated for the eternal repose of his soul, at which the Lord Bishop of Ossory, the Right Rev. Dr. Walsh, presided, assisted by several clergymen from his diocese and from Waterford, they were deposited with those of his grandchildren in the graveyard at Slieverue. The funeral cortege was very numerous and respectable stretching from the door of the magnificent mansion of Snow Hill along the avenue which winds through the splendid demesne out far on the high road, the numerous tenancy of the estate on horseback and foot, leading the way, followed by many respectable citizens of Waterford, Tramore etc. and then the carriages of several of the gentry of Waterford and Kilkenny.
Following the chief mourners were the Bishop and clergy, and next a large number of vehicles and occupants, the entire line of procession being marked with the funeral emblems of hat bands and scarfs which were worn until the funeral service was complete, and all that was mortal of David O’Neill Power, Esq., had been consigned to their last earthly home. Requiescat in pace. The deceased is succeeded in his estate by his son, Nicholas O’Neill Power, Esq.
The National Library has several photos in the Poole Collection of Snowhill House/Power Hall as well as several photos of some of David O’Neill Power’s descendents. Click here for the Catologue search page. For a list of Ballinlammy tenants in 1829 see our post of 14 December 2022.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Joe Moore (c. 1904-1976) Made Glenmore His Home
At Christmas 2020 Danny Dowling (1927-2021) spoke at length concerning rabbit trapping in Glenmore. He believed that Joe Moore, who Danny described as “a poor harmless man,” came to Glenmore to trap rabbits and never left. Danny recalled that Joe was from Wexford. By all accounts Joe was a colourful character who worked with a number of Glenmore farmers over a span of four decades. For further information on local rabbit trapping see our previous post of 27 December 2020.
When Joe first arrived in Glenmore he stayed with Danny’s uncle, Martin Murphy, of Ballinlammy. Josie Dowling (Danny’s sister) was helping her Uncle Martin and took Joe his dinner. Joe had been sleeping in the loft over the dairy. Joe started to give out to Josie. Josie responded that he should be glad to get the dinner. With that Joe threw the food at her.
Joe then moved next door to Doherty’s of Ballinlammy. The two farm yards abutted. Joe stayed with Doherty’s for a long time. Joe used to suffer with headaches. Bridie Doherty raised turkeys and had tablets to treat a disease called black head. Joe took the tablets one day in an attempt to relieve his headache. The tablets made him very dizzy.
Joe left Doherty’s and went to Johnny Garvey’s in Rathinure. He was with Johnny for about six months. One Sunday after Mass Johnny was standing at the Church gate talking. Joe was across the road sitting on Hanrahan’s wall talking. Suddenly and without warning Joe walked across the road and hit Johnny.
Joe next went to Michael Fitzgerald (c. 1917-1982) of the Halfway House, Aylwardstown, Glenmore. Michael Fitzgerald was known locally as Mikey Bryan. Joe worked on the Fitzgerald farm for years. Michael Fitzgerald secured a chalet for Joe that was placed in the football field near the house. My husband Peter Walsh remarked that Joe was great with machinery. During his stay in Rathinure Joe repaired Peter’s bicycle. Joe loved music and played a mouth organ. When Peter walked home from school passing the Halfway House he often heard Joe’s gramophone playing old records. Marion Cody Hendrick recalls that Joe sold lilies every Easter at the Glenmore church gates.
Joe never drove and was involved in some sort of accident with a car. Michael Fitzgerald set Joe up with a solicitor. Joe received a settlement and soon thereafter he started receiving visitors. When asked who were his visitors, Joe responded that he didn’t rightly know, “but they say we are cousins.” In 1976, while on his bicycle on his way to Glenmore Village Joe was tragically killed while trying to cross the N 25. The following article appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 1 Oct. 1976, p. 23).
“FATAL ACCIDENT AT GLENMORE: Joseph Moore, Aylwardstown, Glenmore, single and aged 81, died in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford, on Sunday last from injuries sustained when struck by a car as he was cycling across the main Waterford-New Ross Road near Glenmore village on Friday evening last. He was travelling from the direction of Aylwardstown and had emerged from the by-road when he collided with a vehicle. The motorist, who is from Taghmon, Co. Wexford, was not injured, but the car was damaged to some extent.
Joe, who was a native of Moore’s Cross, Palace, County Wexford, had been living in Glenmore for the past forty years, and was a popular and familiar personality in the parish, being also a keen follower of Gaelic pastimes. He is survived by a sister, Mary, and other relatives. The remains were removed to Rathgrogue Church, Co. Wexford, on Monday evening, and following Requiem Mass on Tuesday morning the funeral took place to Carnagh Cemetery, do. The attendance included a number of former colleagues of the old IRA, with which deceased and his family had been actively associated during the national movement, as well as representatives of the various clubs of Glenmore parish.”
Danny believed that his cousin Michael Murphy (c. 1950-2021) and Richie Doherty, both of Ballinlammy and Michael Fitzgerald, the Halfway House, Aylwardstown attended Joe’s funeral.
The earliest record that could be located regarding Joe, to verify his age, was the 1911 census. In 1911, Joe was recorded as being 7 years of age and his sister Mary was 6 years old. The two children were residing with their aunt Eliza Moore (aged 40 and single) and their uncle Edward Moore (aged 30 and single). Edward was working as a farm labourer, and the family resided in a three room house in Whitemore, Wexford, Palace West. The landlord was Philip Kelly. No birth record could be located for Joe or his sister Mary in Wexford.
Do you remember Joe Moore?
The featured photo is of Joe Moore on his bicycle on the High Road, outside the Halfwayhouse in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. Special thanks to Richard Fitzgerald and Anne Fitzgerald for sharing the photos of Joe and the Moore graves from their family album.
Although the inscription to the right is difficult to read it appears to state–“Underneath this stone doth lie the remains of that noble boy who by his deeds and action ? in Wexford his body was brought to earth. Now each Christian for him should pray, and to heaven straight direct his way. As on his oath that day in truth did die, it is there he fought most manfully. John Moore, son to James Moore and Margaret White of Robinstown, who was killed by the army 11th July 1798? aged 23 years. Lord have mercy on his soul.
Please send any corrections or further information concerning Joe Moore to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Aylward Siblings of Arundel Square
In our post of 9 October 2022 we featured John Aylward (1870-1929) who left Rochestown, Glenmore and became a successful businessman in Waterford. In researching John’s business, Aylward’s on the Square (located at 1 Arundal Square, Waterford) we came across some interesting articles after his death regarding his business and orphaned children. We also had the pleasure of speaking with John’s grandson and namesake, John Aylward, who graciously shared information concerning his family and family photos. Today, we are going to feature the early business trials and tribulations overcome by James Aylward (1907-1990) after taking over his father’s business and provide brief biographies of his siblings. This generation of siblings and their spouses reflect some of the most prominant business people in Waterford in the 20th century. This generation of siblings also reflects the harsh reality of early 20th century childhood diseases and epidemics such as TB that swept the country. Thanks to recent interest in the 1916 Rising we know that almost 10,000 people died in Ireland of TB in that year (See, RTE Century Ireland, “Almost 10,000 People Died from TB in Ireland in 1916”).
The Children of John and Margaret Aylward of Arundel Square
John Aylward (1870-1929) and his wife Margaret Aylward née Raftice (1877-1922) had 14 children (Munster Express, 28 Dec. 1990, p.8).
(1) James Joseph Aylward (1902-1904) Died of scarlatina (scarlet fever) at the age of 17 months. Scarlet fever generally develops from strep throat and before antibiotics were available often led to death or serious complications of the heart or other vital organs.
(2) Nicholas Aylward (1904-1964) was born at 2 Peter St., Waterford City. After Nicholas completed his education at Waterpark College, he went to Dublin where he qualified as an electrical engineer. After his mother’s death he emigrated to Australia in 1922 where he took up an engineering appointment with the Kalgolie Gold Mines. In 1930 Nicholas married Rose McArthur (c. 1909-1981) and the couple had two children. At the outbreak of World War II he joined the Australian Army. At the time of his death in Australia in 1964 he was survived by 6 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 17 March 1964, p. 13).
(3) Mary Josephine “Mai” Aylward (1905-1978) was the first child of the family born at 1 Arundel Square. Mai was a bookkeeper and in September 1930 married William “Billy” Kervick (1910-1988). Billy and Mai had one daughter, Mrs. Ita Shipsey. The Munster Express article regarding the wedding provides some interesting details regarding the bride’s family connections in South Kilkenny.
“On Tuesday morning Mai Aylward, eldest daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. John Aylward, Arundel Square, Waterford and Wm. Kervick, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kervick, Gracedieu, Waterford. The bride was given away by her brother, James Aylward. Her sister Kathleen Aylward was one of the bridesmaids. A reception was held at her brother James’ residence at Arundel Square. The bride is well connected in South Kilkenny being granddaughter of the late James Aylward, Rochestown, Glenmore, and niece of Rev. Bro. Aylward, superior, Christian Brothers, Sydney, who it will be remembered, spent many months here on holidays last year. She is also on the maternal side, grandniece of the late William Fitzpatrick, T.C., formerly of Acres, Mullinavat. The groom belonged to one of the oldest Ballybricken families, well known in the livestock trade for generations” (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Sept. 1930, p. 5).
Billy founded “one of the country’s best known and successful bookies, with a chain of 26 branches around the country” (Munster Express, Fri. 25 March 1988, p. 2). Mai was active in voluntary social services. She was a founding member of the Ladies Voluntary Aid Committee that raised funds for the County and City Infirmary and was one of the early volunteers in the provision of services for handicapped children. In the early 1960’s she worked to inaugurate Meals on Wheels for the elderly. Her favourite pastime was Bridge and she was a founding member of the 68 Bridge Club as well as the Tramore Bridge Club. She loved to travel and with her husband Billy visited five continents (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Dec. 1978, p. 14).
(4) Johanna “Josephine” Aylward (1906-1940) also emigrated to Australia and lived in Melbourne. She married George W. Hamm (motor mechanic) who was born on 1 July 1906 on Barrack Street, Waterford. George was the son of “Richard” Hamm (butcher) and Mary Shaw. The couple had two children George Hamm and Patricia Hamm. Josephine came home to Waterford to visit in 1936 and tragically died in Australia in June 1940 of TB. Her family in Waterford were told of “Josie’s” demise via cable on 18 June 1940 four days after her death (Munster Express, Fri. 21 June 1940, p. 1). George’s father Richard Hamm died in Dec. 1952. Richard was a native of Germany and he had a thriving business in processing casings for the sausage making industry. His daughter was married to James Molloy, victualler, of Michael Street (Munster Express, 12 Dec. 1952, p. 10).
(5) James Joseph “Jimmy” Aylward (1907-1990) married Johanna “Hanna” Walsh (1914-1996) at Mullinavat on 11 September 1940. Hanna was the daughter of Thomas Walsh (farmer) and Mary Ann Dermody. Jimmy and Hanna had two children. Jimmy took over his father’s business which is discussed below. In July 1945 while Jimmy and his family were enjoying a holiday at Dunmore East he heard a woman’s cries for help and rescued Miss Goodchild, of Waterford from drowning (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 July 1945, p. 3). Jimmy was a publican and was involved in the wholesale wine and spirit business. For many years he bottled his own Guinness and blended his own whiskey. When he died in 1990 he was survived by only two of his siblings Nellie and Johnny (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 21 Dec. 1990, p. 20).
(6) Michael “Mick” Aylward (1908-1937) emigrated to Australia and worked as a motor mechanic. He returned to Waterford around 1935 and died at 1 Arundel Square of TB on 20 Sept, 1937. He was 29 years of age. According to his obituary in the Munster Express he returned to Waterford due to ill health and was survived by 9 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Sept. 1937, p. 6).
(7) Ellen “Nellie” Aylward (1909-1992) married William Cummins in 1930. William (1905-1991) was the son of Nicholas Cummins (Sea Capt.) and Brigid Rockett of 5 Ballybricken, Waterford. William and Ellen had 5 children and lived at 6 Barker St., Waterford. William after being educated at De La Salle (Waterford) began working at Robertson, Ledlie, Ferguson and Co. as a draper. When he retired in 1975 he was a department manager of the company now known as Shaws and had been a member of staff for 54 years (Munster Express, Fri. 5 April 1991, p. 22).
(8) Margaret Mary Aylward (1911-1911) was born on 31 May 1911 at 1 Arundel Square and died almost 4 months later on 4 September 1911 of enteritis. Enteritis is an infection of the small intestine.
(9) Catherine “Kitty” Aylward (1912-1944) was the first of the siblings born at Kilcop, parish of Killea, Waterford. Kitty was a hairdresser and married Richard “Dick” Boland (b. 1908) in June 1933 at Butlerstown. The couple had four children. Just 11 years after her marriage, Kitty died of TB in 1944 at the age of 31. Dick Boland was the son of Henry P. Boland (Civil Servant) and Charlotte Taylor née Nolan. The death register records Kitty’s name as “Kathleen Attracta Boland.” She died at the Newtown Building and her husband was present at her death. Dick Boland in 1944 was employed as a commercial traveller (traveling salesman).
(10) Brigid Aylward (1914-1922) was born and died of Kilcop of TB at the age of 8.
(11) John “Johnny” Aylward (1915-1995) was educated at Mount Sion and worked at Hearne & Co, the Quay (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Jan. 1995, p. 12). He emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1936 and returned to Waterford in 1937. While in Australia he engaged in several occupations including fruit picking and book-keeping. Upon returning to Waterford he took up his mother’s former profession of confectionary. With his brother Patrick “Bernard” they set up a successful wholesale confectionary business that was operated from 1 Arundel Square. In 1943, in Waterford, Johnny married Margaret Hodge (1915-2002) the daughter of James Hodge (carpenter) and Margaret Doyle of “Avonlea,” Ballytruckle (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Jan. 1943, p. 5). A month after the marriage Johnny’s partner and brother, Patrick “Bernard” died. Johnny and Margaret Aylward had six children and lived at “Clooneen,” Passage Road Waterford. After returning to Waterford from Australia Johnny “conceived, promoted and established 17 companies, industries and business concerns…His first venture was in the wholesale distribution of groceries, confectionaery, fruit etc. from premises at the corner of Thomas’ Hill & O’Connell St.. He also went into the wholesale cash and carry business in Waterford and expanded to Clomel, Thurles amd Kilkenny. In 1952 with Kurt Kraus he launched Southern Refridgeration and later established Snowcream Ltd. John Aylward revealed that the original name of the business was Snow White and after a letter from Walt Disney’s lawyers the name of the business became Snowcream. In 1961 Johnny formed Arcade Ltd. dealing in the sale of furniture, TV sets, toys etc. Johnny was the last of the siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Jan. 1995, p. 12).
(12) Patrick Bernard Aylward; (1916-1943) was known by his middle name Bernard within his family. Bernard was only a little over 2 weeks past his 6th birthday when his mother died in 1922 and 12 ½ years old when his father died in 1929. Nine months after becoming an orphan he emigrated to Australia.
“Presentation to Cathedral Altar Boy—A delightful and touching little ceremony was held at the Sacristy of the Cathedral last night when the altar boys assembled to make a presentation to Master Bernard Aylward, son of the late John Aylward, Arundel Square, who is leaving Waterford tonight by the Rosslare Express, for Australia. He has been for some years one of the most regular attendants of the altar boys attached to the Cathedral, and his willingness on all occasions, coupled with a charming disposition, made him a great favourite with the priests and the boys there. In presenting him with a watch last night, the gift of his companions, Father O’Connor referred feelingly of the great grief they all felt at his departure, and express the hope the future would hold for him a bright and successful career in the new world. Master Aylward, who is only 13 years of age, will join other members of his family already settled in Australia” (Irish Examiner, Fri. 22 Nov.1929, p. 5).
Bernard remained in Melbourne, Australia until 1938 when he returned with his brother Johnny to Waterford. Bernard was a confectioner and as stated above he and Johnny set up a wholesale confectionary business. On 9 July 1942, during the Waterford Regatta, Bernard dived into the River Suir to save a young girl. He received a commendation posthumously for saving the child’s life (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 July 1945, p. 3). According to his nephew John Aylward he never fully recovered from the event and died on 21 February 1943 at the age of 26 from TB. On the death register it provides that he died at 43 St. Ursula’s Terrace and his brother Jimmy was present when he died. It is also noted that he had the TB for 3 months. The Waterford News & Star reported that the child he saved was May Drohan, of Lower Yellow Road, Waterford, a granddaughter of Col. P. Caulfield, Mayor. The child lost her footing on the Ferry hulk and toppled into the water. “Patrick Aylward, O’Connell St….plunged, fully clothed, into the river and succeeded in keeping the girl’s head above the water until she was taken into a boat…” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 10 July 1942, p. 4).
(13) Teresa Aylward (1917- 1985) married Michael O’Toole (farmer) in 1948 in Waterford. Michael O’Toole (b. 1917) was from Killea, Dunmore East, Waterford. The couple had 4 children.
The Waterford News & Star noted its regret to learn of the illness of Mrs. Teresa O’Toole, Liccawn, Dunmore East. She is wife of “a well known farmer in the area and before marriage was Miss Heeresa (sic) Boland (sic) of Waterford (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 Feb. 1985, p. 17). Her maiden name was of course Miss Teresa Aylward.
(14) Bartholomew “Bart” Aylward (1919 -1939) was the baby of the family and was only 3 when his mother died and 10 when his father died. He joined the Irish Air Corp in 1937 and was stationed at Baldonnell Aerodrone in Co. Dublin. He died at St. Bricin’s Military Hospital. He was survived by 7 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 3 Nov. 1939, p. 6) Per the death register Bart died from heart failure on 13 October 1939 at the age of 19 due to embryonal carcinoma of the testis. It is the most common form of cancer in young men aged 15-35.
No. 1 Arundel Square: The Arundel Inn
In 1952 Jimmy applied to the Waterford Circuit Court for an extension of his liquor license to change the premises to make it more suitable for the license trade. At the time of the application Jimmy was a publican and wholesaler in Arundel Square. Garda Sergt. Sammon testified that the authorities had no objection to the application and stated that the premises were congested. He opined that the new license would make the premises more suitable. However, it was Jimmy’s testimony in the case that provides insight to the business after his father’s death. Jimmy testified that his family had been in the licensing trade all of his life. He took over in 1928, but his old license lapsed in 1933 through mismanagement of business. Jimmy candidly stated, “I was young at the time and I gave out a lot of credit” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 March, 1945, p. 1). At the time Jimmy began to run the business in 1928 he was only 21 years of age and his father died early in 1929.
After Jimmy’s license lapsed Thomas Jackman held it. In 1945 an article in the Munster Express noted the “re-opening of licensed premises under the management of James J. Aylward. The proprietor has been attached to the staff of John Egan and Sons, Barronstrand St. for a number of years, and the experience gained was said to be an added advantage to the services. Mr. Aylward’s late father conducted a flourishing business in the same premises for many years” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 March, 1945, p. 1).
In 1945 Jimmy applied to the court and a new license was granted. In 1950 he took out a wholesale license, as a result of which his shop became congested with cases and barrels. In the night time he usually had to put four or five people in the small office on the Arundel Square side, but if his application for an extension was granted, he would turn it into a small snug (Munster Express, Fri. 12 Feb. 1954, p. 2). The extension of the license was granted and Jimmy secured a lease from the corporation for No. 2 Arundel Square. Part of the premises at No. 1 Arundel Square became the Arundel Inn. In 1960 Jimmy “blazed a trail at Johnstown [Waterford] by opening the Wander Inn, Waterford’s first bar-restaurant (Munster Express, Fri. 8 July 1960, p. 1).
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to John Aylward for sharing family information and photos of his fascinating family.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For a short article on life expectancy in Ireland see, Brendan Walsh, “Life Expectancy in Ireland Since the 1870s,” 48(2) The Economic and Social Review (2017) pp.127-143.