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The Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) read a lot of Victor O’Donovan Power’s short stories when he was a lad and as an adult he became very interested in the author. Victor O’Donovan Power (1858-1933) was a prolific writer and was a native of Rosbercon. In addition to several interviews Danny recorded regarding Victor O’Donovan Power, in Danny’s voluminous collection is one of Victor O’Donovan Power’s violins. If Danny recorded how, when or where he obtained the violin, this information has not yet been uncovered. Today, we are going to share excerpts from two interviews that Danny recorded in 1971 regarding Victor O’Donovan Power and in particular his Touring Company that operated in the mid to late 1920’s as explained to Danny by a man who worked in the company. See our previous post of 28 October 2020 for further information regarding Victor O’Donovan Power .
Statia Butler (1887-1973) A Native of Ballycroney, Glenmore
The first interview was of “Statia Butler, of Ballyden” dated 28 February 1971. Anastatia Butler (1887-1973) of Rosbercon, died on 29 August 1973, single, aged 86 at the County Home in Thomastown. The interview notes do not record it, but Danny may have interviewed Statia in the County Home. He often visited the County Home in Thomastown to visit elderly Glenmore people residing there. Per the 1901 Census, Anastatia Butler resided in Rosbercon with her family. She was 14; her sister Margaret was 24 and her brother James was 17. Their parents were James Butler (60) and his wife Ellen (52). Armed with this information we found Statia’s birth record. She was born on the 28th of April 1887 at Ballycroney, Glenmore, the daughter of James Butler (labourer) and his wife Ellen Berrigan.
A Physical Description of Victor O’Donovan Power
According to Statia Butler, “Victor O’D Power was a small thin man. [He] wore a hat with his grey hair protruding out.” He used to go often to Paddy Mullally’s of Ballycroney. He would sing, and play the fiddle.
Pat Sullivan, of Raheen, Rosbercon
The second longer interview was of Pat Sullivan, of Raheen, Rosbercon. This interview took place on St. Patrick’s Day (17 March 1971). Unfortunately, we were unable to locate any information on this interviewee.
Aileen Mary Josephine Hearne née Power (1857- c. 1937)
Pat Sullivan told Danny that Victor O’Donovan Power had a sister who was married to J.B. Hearne of Chilcomb House. A review of marriage records reveals that Mary Josephine Power of Chilcomb married James Bernard Hearne of New Ross at Rosbercon on 5 July 1881. The bride was the daughter of Michael Power and Ellen O’Donovan and her baptism records her given name as Aileen Mary.
James B. Hearne and Mary J. Power had six known children: [1] Mary Florence Hearne (b.1883); [2] Harold Hearne (1883-1883); [3] Victor Hearne (1883-1883); [4] Ellen Josephine Hearne (b. 1884) Ellen’s baptismal record wrongly notes that she married A. Dempsey in 1920. [5] Ethel Margaret Hearne (b. 1888) married Dr. Alexander Dempsey ( ? -1963) on 10 Jan. 1920 in Dublin; and [6] Michael James Hearne (b.1888) married Teresa Doyle, of Brandon, New Ross, in 1915.
Harold, Mary Florence and Victor Hearne were triplets. Victor died 21 days after his birth. Harold died at the age of one month. No death record could be located for Mary Florence Hearne. Ethel and Michael were twins born on Halloween 1888. By 1883 James B. Hearne was described on the birth records as a gentleman, however, in the death records for his children his occupation was listed as grocer. By 1915 James M. Hearne was the only living son of J.B. Hearne of Chilcomb House (Limerick Chronicle, Tues. 28 Sept. 1915, p. 2).
Thomas Victor O’Donovan Power (1858-1933)
Per the baptismal records of Rosbercon “Thomas Victor” Power was born 29 July 1858 at Chilcomb House. A year later Alfred James Power joined the family on 8 August 1859.
Pat Sullivan described Victor as having a slight build of medium height, with a moustache. He was a very jolly man. Pat Sullivan said that Victor lived where Jack O’Leary lived in 1971. His parents, Jack O’Leary and Mrs. O’Leary worked for Victor. He had one half of the house. One room downstairs and one room upstairs.
Pat Sullivan stated that Victor wrote his stories in a hut erected on J.B. Hearne’s land, although in fairness the land had originally belonged to the Power family. As noted above J.B. Hearne married into Chilcomb House. Jack Doherty, of Milltown, Glenmore, built the hut and brought it down on wheels. Pat Sullivan noted that in 1971 the hut was a hen house in Pascal Doolan’s, of Hoodgrove, Rosbercon.
Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company
Pat Sullivan, of Butterbridge, Rosbercon, travelled with Victor Power in his traveling company at the end of 1924. It was known as the Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company. Pat Sullivan went on tour with the Company twice. In the 1924/5 trip Pat Sullivan spent 9 months with the Company. Pat joined the Company when they were playing the old cinema in New Ross. The Company wasn’t too long started when Pat joined it at New Ross. They spent three nights there. It was the only place they played in Co. Wexford. The Company lasted 6 or 7 years. Harkem Smith also travelled with the Company.
Members of the Company included:
Frank O’Donovan—Dublin;
Lewis Dalton—Dublin;
Tom Tobins—Carrick-on-Suir;
Edith Kehoe—Dublin
Kitty McMahon—Dublin
Paddy Lonegan—Carrick-on-Suir
Cecil Wiseman—Leslie, West Cork (pianist and took parts)
Pat Sullivan—Buttersbridge (took small parts and on the door taking the money).
Another girl also was in the company and she had a daughter who also took part.
Pat Sullivan took part in the play, “The Heir of Liscarragh.” Pat was also the servant in David Carrick’s play. “The Lone House on the Moor,” was another play they produced.
Victor O’Donovan Power did not take any part in the performances. He only came now and again to visit the Company. It was a general show with music, songs, dances etc. The first year that Pat Sullivan went with the company they started at Cahir, Cashel Hospital. They also went to Doneraile, Midleton, Millstreet, Bandon, and parts of Clare. The Company spent 3 nights in each place and in some places a couple nights longer.
Hearne Family
Pat Sullivan and his wife believed that Victor only had a sister that married J.B. Hearne. They noted that J.B. Hearne had at least 2 children. They did not appear to know about the triplets or twins. Their daughter Ethel Hearne went to Belfast. She was married to an English Army Officer. When JB Hearne went bust in Chilcomb he went to Belfast where he died. He is buried in the Old Chapel Yard in Rosbercon. His wife is also buried there where the old chapel was located. A newspaper search turned up an obituary for J.B. Hearne. He died in 1952 in Cork at the age of 96 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 March 1952, p. 2.) Victor O’Donovan Power was mentioned in the obituary as well as the fact that Victor’s uncle was the Dr. Thomas Joseph Power (1830-1893) the Bishop of Newfoundland.
1926 Rosbercon Census
JB Hearne was 69 years of age and reported being born in New Ross. He was employed as a maize miller. His wife, Mary Josephine was 75 years of age (in the 1901 Census they were recorded as the same age). The 1926 House and Building Return shows that there were two Chilcomb Houses, namely: Chilcomb House and Chilcomb Park House. One house is occupied by the John O’Leary family (3 men and 1 woman) in three rooms and Victor Power (1 male) in 2 rooms. David Mulligan (1 man and 1 woman) resided in a tent. J.B. Hearne (his wife and 1 servant) occupied 10 rooms.
Victor Power recorded his age as 67. He was single, and for his occupation he listed that he was a novelist and playwright. He could read Irish but could not speak it. According to Pat Sullivan Victor wasn’t well off and said so himself. However, he was able to earn his living.
Victor O’Donovan Power’s Ramblings
According to Pat Sullivan, Victor used to visit Pat Sullivan’s and Johnnie Power’s of Butterbridge, Rosbercon; Pat Murphy’s of Ballycroney, Glenmore; Lanigan’s of Ballylog (the Rower?); Tom Lenihan’s? of Ballycurran, Tullogher; the Ryan’s of Guilcogh; Cahill’s of Ballygurrim and several other places. Victor mainly travelled the South Kilkenny area around New Ross and West Cork. However, sometimes people came to Victor. Pat Sullivan said that he saw Lil Linegar in an ass and car coming to visit Victor in Raheen.
Death
Victor was only sick for about 3 days when he died. He died in the Haughton Hospital of New Ross. “They brought him down from the hospital to Shanbogh out the new line.”
Victor had 3 fiddles one of which he called the Fairy Fiddle. He also had and played fifes and flageolets (similar to a tin whistle). Victor wanted his Fairy Fiddle buried with him, but it was not according to Pat Sullivan.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com . We are particularly interested in finding more information on the interviewee Pat Sullivan (son of Pat Sullivan) formerly of Butterbridge and Raheen.
The drawing to the right is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1780 – 1950). Violin from Horní Lužice. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f5fc8920-c558-012f-b833-58d385a7bc34
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Poet Peter Brophy (1871-1951) a Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
A poem entitled “The Rose of Glenmore” was read out at Mary Aylward’s (née Heffernan) funeral earlier this year. We obtained a copy from her daughter-in-law Joan Aylward (née Doherty) and on the copy it was noted that the poem was composed by a grand-uncle of the present Brophy family of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. We visited Michael Brophy and his sister Ann Brophy who indicated that their great-uncle Peter Brophy wrote poetry and lyrics to songs. He worked for a time for the Nightingale newspaper. (See our post of 28 April 2024 regarding the Nightingale publication).
Peter Brophy also worked for the Dunphy Mill in Deerpark, Mullinavat, where the present owner, John Dunphy has several of Peter’s poems on display. John Dunphy listened to a recording of Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) (Michael and Ann’s father) reciting his uncle’s poems, and John Dunphy wrote out the poems. For further information on the historic Dunphy Deerpark Mill see our post of 13 July 2026. Peter Brophy also wrote “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” and other poems available on our Guest Author’s page of local verses collected by Dick Claridge.
Unfortunately, it is not known when Peter Brophy authored his many poems, but the titles of some of his poems include: [1] “The Rose of Glenmore,” [2] “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” [3] The Famous Buckstown Trap,” [4] “The Ship that Sailed from Mullinavat,” [5] “Landmarks of Olden Days,” [6] “Hills of Mullinahone,” [7] “Jack Jepson and His Ass,” [8] “Eucharistic Congress Dublin 1932,” [8] “Mount Mellary,” [9] “The Famous Chicken Gang,” [10] “The Half Past Nine,” [11] “The Slopes of Tory Hill,” and [12] “The Cross on Tory Hill.”
These poems are important as they record local events, people and areas. Today, we are going to feature two of Peter Brophy’s poems, “The Rose of Glenmore,” and “The Famous Buckstown Trap” which celebrates a rat trap made by Richard Dunphy.
The Rose of Glenmore
Some cherish the lakes of Kilarney,
And others Avoca’s green vale,
Give me the home of my childhood,
The fairest around Inis Fáil.
I often hear poets sing the praises
of the beautiful Suir and the Nore,
But where there’s a river could equal,
The Barrow that flows through Glenmore.
The linnet and thrush you’ll hear warbling,
The lark every morning will soar,
Along o’er the banks of the Barrow,
And the green groves surrounding Glenmore.
I have sailed up the Barrow for many a mile,
I have met many friends from New Ross and Campile,
Where the fair sex are pretty along the Wexford shore,
But none could compare to the Rose of Glenmore.
On the banks of the Barrow every evening we’d stroll,
To see the ships pass and hear the ships’ carol,
And pluck the wild bluebells every summertime poured,
Their sweet, scented fragrance on the banks of Glenmore.
But to my old darling I must bid adieu.
It breaks my heart to be parting from you.
Since fate have decreed that I should be tore,
Away from my home and the Rose of Glenmore.
Now Katie I ask one last token,
You’ll promise for me you won’t weep,
But say that you’ll think of me sometimes
If only in dreams through your sleep.
For your sake the high seas I will furrow,
and hope to gain riches in store,
Then I’ll build on the banks of the Barrow,
A home for the Rose of Glenmore.
The Famous Buckstown Trap
We hear about inventions of the Russian’s and the Jap,
But we hear very little of the famous Buckstown Trap.
With the aid of angle grinders and bits of this and that,
By the time the job was finished, all he wanted was the rat.
But the rat will come in his own time and much to his regret,
We must give it up to Dunphy as the best invention yet.
It’s a wonderful invention, yet as good as can be seen,
They claim it is much better than the Singer sewing machine
It consists of wire and metal and bits of iron bars,
Complete with chrome finish and parts of motor cars.
To set this trap is simple; you can set it at your ease,
With Mitchelstown or Three Counties or any type of cheese.
Now if you are interested in any kind of trap,
Support home industry and forget about the Jap.
Now if you are in trouble with mink, mouse or rat,
Just contact Richard Dunphy of Deerpark, Mullinavat.
Peter Brophy (1871-1951) Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
Peter Brophy was baptized 16 Oct. 1871 at Ballynaraha, Glenmore to James Brophy (1840-1910) and his wife Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915). His parents were married at Glenmore on 3 May 1869.
Peter Brophy’s Grandparents
When Peter’s parents were married in 1869 his mother Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915) was from Graiguenakill, Glenmore. She was the daughter of James Barron (deceased labourer). Peter Brophy’s father was James Brophy of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. James Brophy was the son of Peter Brophy (tailor) (c. 1805 -1872) and his wife Bridget Sutton.
Children of James Brophy (1840-1910) and Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915)
[1] Margaret Brophy (b. 11 Oct. 1869)
[2] Peter Brophy (bapt. 16 Oct. 1871)
[3] Michael Brophy (b. 20 Dec. 1873). Michael Brophy (1873-1960) married Mary Phelan (1885-1961) at Mullinavat in 1916. Mary was the daughter of Edmund Phelan (labourer) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. Their witnesses were Peter Brophy and Kate Dollard. Their son Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) was employed at Murphy Motors, Glenmore and recorded his uncle Peter’s poems.
[4] Thomas Brophy (b. 25 Dec. 1875)
[5] John Brophy (b. 1 June 1878)
[6] James Brophy (b. 16 Feb. 1882)
[7] Patrick Brophy (b. 20 Aug. 1884) married in Waterford 23 Feb. 1933. Per his obit (Munster Express, Fri. 31 Jan. 1947, p. 8) he was a member of the R.I.C. until 1921 and retired. He then went to work for Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
[8] William Brophy (b. 18 July 1887)
[9] Richard Brophy (b. 10 Feb. 1892)
Marriage and Family
Peter Brophy was still living at home in Ballynaraha, Glenmore in the 1901 Census. He reported his age as 27 and was employed as a servant. His father, James Brophy was 60 and employed as an agricultural labourer. His mother, Mary Brophy (née Barron) was 59. Four of his brothers were also living at home including: John (21); James (19); Patrick (17) and William (14). William was still at school. All the other brothers except James were employed as servants. James was employed as an agricultural labourer.
By the 1911 Census Peter was employed at the Dunphy Mill at Deerpark, Mullinavat. He was living with a farmer and his wife in Killahy, Mullinavat. On 15 October 1917, he married Johanna Watters (b.c. 1887) at Mullinavat. He gave his address as Deerpark, Mullinavat. Johanna’s address was Ballintlea, Mullinavat. Her father was Thomas Watters (labourer). When Peter Brophy married he gave his occupation as labourer, and he was 46 years of age.
Known Children of Peter Brophy (1871-1951)
[1] Mary Brophy was born 24 Feb. 1918 at Ballynooney, Mullinavat. Mary married Edward Lannon, Ballycarron, Ballyraggett in Mullinavat on 23 April 1951 per the baptismal record. In fact, the couple were married 23 April 1941. The bride was a resident of Buckstown at the time of her marriage. At the time of her marriage Mary was residing in Kilkenny City (Munster Express, Fri. 2 May 1941, p. 8).
[2] James Brophy was baptized 24 Feb. 1919 and died 29 March 1919.
[3] Margaret Brophy was born 31 Dec. 1920 at Buckstown. Margaret Brophy married Richard Nugent in Cappoquin on 28 Sept. 1949.
[4] John Brophy was born 24 June 1922 at Buckstown.
[5] Johanna Brophy was born 24 May 1924 at Buckstown
The family in 1926 was living in Inchcarran, Killea, Mullinavat per the 1926 Census.
Death
Peter Brophy died 28 June 1951 at Buckstown, Mullinavat. He was 79, and his profession was listed as labourer. His son John Brophy was present at his death. A newspaper search did not find any articles concerning Peter Brophy or his poems. We are hopeful that readers may be able to provide more information concerning Peter Brophy and his poems.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
We do not know what the Buckstown Trap looked like, but we were able to find a photo of an antique rat trap.
Special thanks to Michael Brophy; Ann Brophy; Joan Aylward (née Doherty); and John Dunphy for their help and information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
“Glenmore Boy” & the Tramore Donkey Derby [Updated]
Last week a reader queried whether Danny Dowling (1927-2021) had collected any information on the famous Tramore Donkey Derby. No such information was located, and a newspaper search was conducted. The Tramore Donkey Derby appears to have operated from 1960 to 1965. It was labelled a “fringe” attraction of the Waterford Light Opera Festival. Unfortunately, although Donkey Derbies were advertised often the results, particularly heat results, were not published. We have been able to identify two Glenmore donkeys that participated in the Tramore Donkey Derby. One was owned by Larry Kirwan of Scartnamore and the other by Dan Aylward of Ballyfacey.
Before the Tramore Donkey Derby
Donkey Derbies were popular in this area long before the Waterford Light Opera Festival’s involvement. For example, in 1919 the Suirvale Carnival in Carrick-on-Suir featured a Donkey Derby as well as Donkey Polo (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Aug. 1919, p. 2). In the 1950’s the various local Fetes held Donkey Derbies as fund raisers.
Kilmacow Fete
The Kilmacow Fete held Donkey Derbies in 1951 (Munster Express, Fri. 1o Aug. 1951, p. 1) and 1953. The 1953 Fete was held on Sunday the 2nd of August with the Donkey Derby at 8 p.m. (Munster Express, Fri. 24 July 1953, p. 5). The event was won by Master J. Phelan, Lower Kilmacow with his unnamed mount (Munster Express, Fri. 7 Aug. 1953, p. 6).
Tenpleorum Fete
Templeorum held a Fete on 1 July 1951. Their Fete contained a a tug-of-war competition, donkey derby and a bullock raffle (Munster Express, Fri. 22 June 1951, p. 5).
Slieverue Fete
The 1951 Slieverue Fete stated that it had 10 declared runners for the Donkey Derby. The Donkey Derby was held Sunday the 17th of June 1951 at 7:30 p.m. (Munster Express, Fri. 15 June 1951). First place went to T. Kavanagh on Griffin’s donkey; 2nd went to M. Cummins on Cashin’s donkey and the fastest lap went to W. Rochford on Haberlin’s donkey (Munster Express, Fri. 22 June 1951, p. 7).
In 1952, the Slieverue Fete, held a Fancy Dress Cycle Race and Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Friday 23 May 1952, p. 5). The Fancy Dress Bicycle Race was from Ferrybank to Slieverue. Winners were Wm. Doyle, Billy Atkins and James Kavanagh. There were 8 entries in the Donkey Derby as follows: (1) Mr. R. Grace’s “Lough Cullen” was ridden by Gay Donovan; (2) Mr. M. Kirwan’s “Bucko was ridden by Pat Evans; (3) Mr. M. Connolly’s “Rockey Rover” was ridden by Bud Freany; (4) Mr. T. Flynn’s “Gracedieu Belle” was ridden by T. Flynn; (5) Mr. T. Flynn’s “Beefsteak” was ridden by J. Flynn; (6) Mr. J. Maher’s “Charlie” was ridden by Sean Kirwan; (7) Mr. P. Cashin’s “Big Lad” was riden by Eddie Hartley; and (8) Mr. T. Wall’s “Luffany Lass,” was ridden by Liam Rochford (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
The Derby was described as follow: “All got away to a good start, and ran well—some too well for their riders, and others somewhat in the wrong direction. Kirwan’s Bucko, with his broncho antics, as he tried unsuccessfully to unseat his rider (Pat Evans) provided the spectators with much amusement, as did Bud Freany on Rockey Rover, who had ten falls to the lap, but still rode his mount to the finish.” The Donkey race results were: (1) Big Lad; (2) Charlie; and (3) Luffany Lass (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
“A realistic note was provided by the presence on the course of that well-known turf-accountant, Mr. Jim Rice. The erratic behaviour of the runners militated against a successful book” (Munster Express, Fri. 20 June 1952, p. 2).
For an unknown reason, in 1953 the Slieverue fete announced it would hold a “New Style Donkey Derby” (Munster Express, Fri. 12 June 1953, p. 4). No explanation could be found regarding the new style derby. The races were also held in 1954 (Munster Express, Fri. 11 June 1954, p. 6).
Mooncoin Fete
A one-day Fete was held by Mooncoin in 1952 with a Donkey Derby. The Derby was held on Sunday the 20th of June at 3 p.m. Admission was 3/ (Munster Express, Fri. 18 June 1954, p. 6). The Donkey Derby was held again in 1954 (Munster Express, Fri. 18 June 1954, p. 8).
Glenmore Fetes
There were Donkey Derbies held in Glenmore. In 1957, at the Glenmore Muintir na Tire’s 2nd Annual Feis, held at the Scow Bridge, a Donkey Derby was held as well as a Senior Football Challenge between Tullogher and Glenmore (Munster Express, Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 19). Another Donkey Derby was held by the Glenmore Fete & Hurling Tournament on Sunday 28 June 1964. All entry forms were to be sent to L. Byrne, of Haggard, Glenmore (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 June 1964, p. 4).
Glenmore Boy & his Glenmore Jockeys
One of the entrants to the Tramore Donkey Derby was a donkey owned by the Larry Kirwan family of Scartnamore, Glenmore named “Glenmore Boy.” At home when he was relaxing with his hooves up “Glenmore Boy” was simply known as Neddy. He won a few donkey races at Tramore. Jim Kirwan (d. 2019) or Peter Doran, of Aylwardstown were his jockeys. “Glenmore Boy” was transported to Tramore by Johnny Garvey of Rathinure.
The Tramore Donkey Derby
1960
In September 1960 it was reported that thousands had attended the Donkey Derby held on the strand in Tramore (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 30 Sept. 1960, p. 10). People travelled all across the south of Ireland to attend the Tramore Donkey Derby which was labelled a “fringe” attraction for the Waterford Light Opera Festival. Over 40 animals took part, which was run over a course of about six furlongs. Mr. Ronnie Milne’s (Waterford) “Scant Bikina” was the first donkey home and won £20. Second place went to Tom Power, Farrenogue, Mullinavat whose “Tory Hill Boy” earned £10. Third place went to Edward Phelan (Kilmacow) with “Silver Catch” who won £5. The starter was James Power, the Mayor of Waterford.
Another popular “fringe” attraction was the waiter’s race. Waiters dressed in white would run holding a tray with a drink upon it. There were a large number of entrants from local hotels and guest houses. Oliver O’Reilly of the Grand Hotel won the race. J. Coffey of the Terminus Guest house was second, and John Ryan of the Grand Hotel was third.
1961
In 1961, the Tramore Donkey Derby moved to Tramore Racetrack because at previous year’s Derby on the strand, “which attracted one of the biggest crowds ever seen in Tramore in September, it became, at times, impossible to control the spectators, particularly children” (Munster Express, Fri. 1 Sept. 1961, p. 3). An entry form was published in the Munster Express for the 1961. Rules were published: No whips, sticks, or spurs to be used. Only short reins permitted. Jockeys limited to 9 stone (126 pounds). All animals subject to full veterinary and S.P.C.A. inspection before taking part in the race (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Sept. 1961, p. 14). The prizes or purses for the Tramore Donkey Derby in 1961 were: Winner £80; 2nd £15 and 3rd £5. Also cash prizes were paid to heat winners (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Sept. 1961, p. 14).
In 1961, buses were arranged to bring spectators from across the Southeast to the Tramore Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Sept. 1961, p. 14). There were 90 entries for the Derby (Waterford News & Star, Tues. 19 Sept. 1961, p. 1). After the event it was estimated that 15,000 attended the “fringe attraction.” A BBC unit was in Waterford for the Light Opera Festival attended the Donkey Derby and made a special film of it (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
It was reported to be the best Donkey Derby ever held in Ireland in recent years. “Winner of First Prize of £80 went to Ned Gleason, of Ballyheen, Templemore, Tipperary, whose entry “Rip It Up,” ridden by J. Ryan, pipped the odds on favourite “Flying Saucer,” owned by Joe McCarthy, Hill Height, Tralee with J. McCarthy in the saddle. Another County Tipperary donkey, “Galtee Rover,” owned by G. Fleming, of Brown Bog, Bansha, and ridden by J. Walsh was third (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
The Waiters’ Race was also held at the racecourse. First prize of £5 went to Patrick Coffey of the Terminus Guest House, Tramore. William Curran won £2 for coming in second. He worked at the Grand Hotel as did Oliver O’Reilly who came in third and received a prize of £1 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Sept. 1961, p. 8).
1962
In 1962 the Tramore Donkey Derby was held at the Tramore Racetrack. It was noted that attendance was down from the previous year, but an estimated 10,000 attended in 1962 with 13 or 14 bookmakers also in attendance. Mr. T.A. Fleming, Manager and judge of the Irish Racing Board arrived from Dublin to act as a judge with the Marquis of Waterford and two other men. The race was sponsored by several brewers of Phoenix Ale, Harp Lager, Double Diamond, and Skel Lager. In the fifth heat, Mr. Dan Aylward, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, took second with his donkey “Shebeen” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
The waiters’ race results were: (1) W. Curran, of the Grand Hotel; (2) Oliver O’Reilly, of the Grand Hotel and (3) N. Kiely, of Hotel Majestic (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
The Munster Express published an article concerning Michael Fogarty of Clone, Freshford, and the two Donkey Derbies he won. Fogarty related that his proudest memory was when he won a Donkey Derby at the age of 10 at a local sporting fixture. In August 1961, at the Freshford Carnival at the age of 69, Fogarty was “accorded a tremendous ovation” when he won his second Donkey Derby (Munster Express, Fri. 4 May 1962, p. 14).
1963
The Tramore Donkey Derby was held on Sunday, 8 September 1963. In August it was announced that two fleeted footed ladies from London were considering running in the Tramore Derby. Their names were “Violetta” and “Carmen.” “Violetta” had recently won the Epsom Donkey Derby as well as the Brighton Donkey Derby. “Carmen” was a maiden but placed in her two previous races (Munster Express, Fri. 30 Aug. 1963, p. 10). Unfortunately it is not clear whether the two ladies participated.
(Munster Express, 26 June 1964, p 16)
1964
In 1964 the Tramore Donkey Derby was moved by the Waterford Light Opera Executive to Sunday, 16 August 1964. The Derby was to be held at the end of Tramore Race Week. It was hoped that race goers and tourists would remain in Tramore for an extra day to attend. There were 60 donkeys entered in the Derby. The prize money increased to £175 with 5 heats. The price of admission to the enclosure was Adults 3/; Children 6d (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Aug. 1964, p. 6).
That same year the Ferrybank Convent Committee arranged a Donkey Derby to be held at Kilcohan Park, Waterford, for the Ferrybank Convent Building Fund. The entry fee was 5/ per donkey (Munster Express, Sun. 26 June 1964, p. 16).
1965
It was announced by the Waterford Light Opera Executive in 1965 the demise of the popular Tramore Donkey Derby (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 Aug. 1965, p. 7). “The vagaries of our Irish weather which last year caused a serious loss on the Festival Donkey Derby at Tramore caused the Festival Executive to change its policy on promoting outdoor “fringe” events… the trend now is to making assurance double sure by putting on events of an indoor nature only” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 10 Sept. 1965, p. 7).
Special thanks to Tom Kirwan for sharing his memories of “Glenmore Boy.” Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above depicts the Marchioness of Waterford presenting the winner’s prize to jockey John McCarthy who rode his father’s donkey “Fast Away to Victory” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Sept. 1962, p. 10).
[Update 11 June 2025: Special thanks to John Kirwan, of Scartnamore, for sharing the above photo of Glenmore Boy.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
“For the Love of a Glenmore Girl” (1903)
While recently transcribing one of Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks we came across several poems or verses recorded by Danny. Danny noted the editions and dates where the verses were published in The Nightingale. After a search we located a reference to The Nightingale in the National Library of Ireland’s Catalogue. It is described as a “weekly broadside of news, verse, etc.” published by Kellystown, Co. Wexford, and printed by J.J. Evoy. The National Library only holds one edition of The Nightingale, and this does not feature in Danny’s Notebook. We believe Danny must have read The Nightingale in the New Ross or Wexford libraries.
From the verses Danny recorded, it appears that at the turn of the twentieth century young men entertained themselves by making fun of their friends or foes. In the verses Danny recorded, the common theme is that young men were making fools of themselves over a girl seldom identified by name. The most prominent of the verses Danny recorded is “The Love of a Glenmore Girl,” appearing in the 24 October 1903 edition of The Nightingale (Vol. 34, No. 15). Danny noted the price of the publication was ½ d. (half a penny) and he found the verse in the “Co. Kilkenny Notes” section of the publication.
It is not known how long The Nightingale was published, but before radio or television it must have been something young people looked forward to reading each week.
“The Love of a Glenmore Girl” is below followed by the possible identification of persons named in the verse. Rather than recite other verses that Danny recorded from The Nightingale we have an extract where another Glenmore suitor was mentioned.
“The Love of a Glenmore Girl” (1903)
Come on now Mr. Editor,
I’m going to make a start,
I’m looking at a couple here,
Which nearly broke my heart.
Around the windows in the shed,
Each night I see them stray,
And one of them his Sunday trousers,
He’s wearing every day.
His name it tis D. B—n,
He came here from the Rower,
And I need not tell the dolly’s name,
It is well known before.
She said she loved him deeply,
And letters to him wrote,
And where they met to stand the set,
Was at the Ferryport.
But when he saw the sight of her,
His heart it leaped with joy,
But alas she did him pass along,
With a John Hill’s boy.
Poor Dick lamented sorely,
The day that he went there,
He raised his hands where he did stand,
And began to tear his hair.
I thought she loved him dearly,
But now I understand,
That everyday she does the Quay,
With Johnny—clap—hands.
Her name I’ll here not mention,
She is a charming maid,
A soaper in the laundry,
I think is her trade.
She’s known by every corner boy,
From John’s Street to the Square,
In Barrack Lane I heard them say,
Each night she travels there.
But now she’s home on furlough,
Theres others on her track,
D. Barron at the front door,
And T. Kelly at her back.
T. Kelly says he’ll gain her,
And Barron have no chance,
The other night I saw him kiss her,
At a threshing dance.
Each night he comes to see her,
And to the street he will jog,
And then he’s watching at the door,
Just like John Hearne’s dog.
So now Mr. Kelly I think its better you’d knock off,
And let D.B. go there and play ram-cat-faf.
And if you don’t o’r the railroad your car stick,
And then on Sunday you won’t have a penny in your fist.
Yours Truly, Dog Breath(?) Esq.
The Suitors
T. Kelly—In a notation on the page Danny wrote Graiguenakill. In the 1901 Census there was a Thomas Kelly (b.c. 1881) aged 20 years of age in Graiguenakill, Glenmore. Thomas Kelly in 1901 was working as a railway labourer. He lived with his widowed mother Catherine (aged 53) and his maternal uncle Michael Breen (aged 54). The railway was being built through Glenmore and Thomas Kelly probably came and went with the railway.
Dick Barron—in the 1901 census there were two Richard Barron’s in the Rower. The first candidate was a 19 year old farm labourer working for the 70 year-old widow, Bridget Carney at Ballyfolle Upper, the Rower, Kilkenny. The second candidate was an 18 year old son of John Barron (farmer aged 50) and his wife Ellen aged 45 of Kiltown, the Rower. The second candidate was still living at home in Kiltown in the 1911 census. The birth register reveals that candidate 2 was born on the 28th of February 1883.
John Hearne—The 1901 Census does not reflect a John Hearne in Glenmore. There are over a dozen John Hearne’s in Waterford including a 20 year old carpenter living on Barrack St. His father was a publican. In New Ross there were ten John Hearne’s in the 1901 census. It is unclear from the census who owned a dog that watched doors.
Excerpt from “The Big Blow-up in Newtown(?) Co. Kilkenny”
There’s another boy he’s a courtin stray,
His name I will give down,
His name it is Jack Heffernan,
And lives in Aylwardstown.
He was courting one Miss Orchard,
And that without a doubt,
Until by Richard Dehy,
He was finally done out.
The Aylwardstown, Glenmore Suitor
John Heffernan (1881-1951) was the eldest child of Michael Heffernan and his wife Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (c. 1853-1947). According to the 1901 Census, John was 20 years old and was one of 11 children. According to a diary kept by James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore (and recorded by Danny Dowling) John Heffernan of Aylwardstown married Mary Freney (c. 1880-1913) of Fahee, Kilmacow on 24 July 1907. “They sailed for America July 31st 1907.” Tragically, Mary died on 18 June 1913, aged 30 of T.B. See our H Surname Page for further information on the large Heffernan family.
For further information concerning the killing of Mary Heffernan née Freney’s father at Christmastime 1884, see our post of 12 December 2021.
For additional local verses see, Dick Claridge’s collection.
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Please send any and all corrections or additional information or local verses to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “The two suitors” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1913. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/9410fddb-04ac-cc65-e040-e00a180623c3
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Lighting the Glenmore Village Christmas Tree 2022
On Saturday, the 10th of December 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the cold Glenmore residents, young and not so young, bundled up to witness the annual lighting of the Village Christmas tree. For those who are far away, or who were unable to attend, we recorded the event. Due to copyrite we were unable to use the music that was played at the event, but found a couple of substitutes. Santa made an appearance behind a vintage tractor and rocked. We hope you enjoy the short video. To view it please click on https://youtu.be/VUuD9QXBhxo.
Next Sunday afternoon, the 18th of December 2022, Glenmore History will have a small exhibit of historical items at the parish Christmas Bazaar. We are also going to have some old fashion leisure items for sale such as a variety of books from Danny Dowling’s vast book collection and jigsaw puzzles for anyone looking for some last minute, unique gifts or entertainment for the long winter nights.
From Danny’s Files: 1937 Application for a Glenmore Dance License
As previously published Glenmore from about 1870 until 1963 had no pub in the parish. Even pubs that were on the borders of the parish became the target of objections from the Glenmore clergy. (See our post of 31 March 2020 ). Today, we are going to feature an article from the New Ross Standard found in Danny Dowling’s voluminous files that provides some insight into the attitudes and legislation in 1937 concerning dance venues.
Glenmore Dance Licence Opposed
On Friday the 22nd of January 1937 the article “Dance Licences Opposed” was published in the New Ross Standard (p. 11). Richard Fitzgerald (1868-1955) of the Half-way House, Glenmore, applied for a dance license under the Public Dance Hall Act 1935. The Act came about due to the work of the Carrigan Committee that was established in 1930 by the Cosgrove led government to determine if new legislation was needed to deal with juvenile prostitution (Finola Kennedy, “The Suppression of the Carrigan Report: A Historical Perspective on Child Abuse,” 89 (356) Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review (2000) p. 354). Interestingly, what prompted the Committee was the increase in births outside of marriage which appears to have become equated with prostitution.
Schools of Scandal
The Carrigan Committee heard the testimony of clerical, lay and government witnesses, who all appeared to agree that the degeneration in the standard of social conduct had taken place. It was attributed primarily to the loss of parental control and responsibility during a period of general upheaval (the War of Independence, the Civil War). Notwithstanding the country returning to a “settled condition” the standard of social conduct had not improved. This fact was said to be “due largely to the introduction of new phases of popular amusement…The commercialised Dance Halls, Picture Houses of sorts, and the opportunities afforded by the misuse of motor cars for luring girls,” were identified as “the chief causes alleged for the present looseness.”
One Limerick Priest opined that the Dance Hall Craze began in his parish about 1925 and they became “Schools of Scandal” which were not subject to supervision, control or license (Carrigan Report, c. 16 available online at https://the-knitter.blogspot.com/2005/06/full-carrigan-report_24.html). What appears to be lacking from the Carrigan Committee’s contemplation was the impact of the limited free primary school education on young people. After attending a local national school until the age of 11 or 12 young people were sent to work often in shops, homes or farms away from the influence of their parents.
Public Dance Hall Act 1935
After the Carrigan Committee determined that the popular amusements were the cause of moral decay, to get control over the so-called “Schools of Scandal” the Public Dance Hall Act 1935 was enacted. Richard Fitzgerald sought a license under the Act to hold dances. He was represented by E.T. Lalor. The application was heard in the District Court of New Ross before District Judge J.V. Fahy. Ireland has and continues to have a unique feature in the District Court where the State is represented by a senior police officer. In this case it was Superintendent Feeney.
Glenmore Application
Richard Fitzgerald sought a dance license as secretary of the local Cumann of the Fianna Fail party. It was noted that Richard Fitzgerald was a substantial farmer, an ex-member of the Kilkenny County Council, secretary of the South Kilkenny Comhairle Ceanntair and a delegate to the Ard Fheis. Richard testified that his house was about three-quarters of a mile from the Glenmore Garda station and he produced a map made by a Waterford engineer of his premises. It was also noted that dances had been held on the premises over the past 25 years and no complaint had ever been made for any function held. The last dance was held about four years prior after a mumming exhibition. [For an explanation of mummying in Glenmore see our previous post of 5 December 2021.]
In anticipation of the application Richard spent about €50 making improvements, and he stated that he would not personally benefit from the dances. The parish records reveal that Richard Fitzgerald was born on 9 March 1868 at Aylwardstown to John Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Margaret “Peggy” Donovan of the Mill. Richard on the 30th of November 1911 married Mary Walsh, of Coolroebeg, Thomastown. Thus, at the time of the application proceedings in 1937 Richard was a married man of 69 years of age. It does not appear that Richard was attempting or applying to operate a “School of Scandal.”
The Application Hearing
From the onset of the application proceedings, according to the information in the newspaper account it appeared that the Judge was not well disposed toward the application.
“Justice—The apartment is described as a dance hall right off the kitchen. What did you call it before you christened it a dance hall?
Applicant—It has been used for the distribution of free milk. I am contractor under the scheme.” When asked by the judge if the free milk was for the dance Richard explained that the free milk was a scheme for the poor of Glenmore.
Richard Fitzgerald went on to testify that he resided on the premises with his wife, two sons and two daughters. He stated that there were about two thousand people residing in the parish. Superintendent Feeney asked if his premises were a suitable place to hold dances. Richard Fitzgerald replied, “We have no better place; we have no hall in Glenmore to hold anything.”
Suitability of Premises?
When pressed concerning the suitability of the premises Richard Fitzgerald stated that the Minister for Education and the Comba rte Ceanntair (sic) hold meetings there. The Judge responded “Leave that out of it. We are only discussing as to the suitability of the premises from the point of view of they being licensed for a dance; don’t be bringing in the Minister’s name.” Richard protested that he was simply addressing suitability.
After the questioning concerning the suitability of the premises Solicitor Lalor suggested that the judge could go out and inspect the premises. In response the judge stated that “…He had not the least notion. He would like to hear what the sergeant of the district had to say.” Sergeant Garvey (1895-1960) of Glenmore testified that he inspected the premises. In his opinion the room appeared to be suitable, and had been recently repaired. He considered the applicant capable of looking after a dance.
Sgt. Garvey’s only objection concerned the sanitary arrangements. He agreed that the premises had the usual sanitary accommodation for Glenmore. Superintendent Feeney then interjected that the circumstances would be different where over one hundred people would be gathered together. [For a previous article regarding Sergeant Garvey see our previous post of 3 October 2021.]
Objection of Parish Priest
Perhaps the strangest element of the case concerned the objection of the parish priest which was not articulated in the article. “Justice—How is it the parish priest has such a decided objection? Applicant—I don’t know. Justice—Don’t you think his views ought to be regarded with the greatest respect? Applicant—Yes, but he is prejudiced and a sickly man. Justice—We are all sickly.” From the newspaper account it does not state how the objection was made, but the priest did not appear in court to state his objections so he could not be questioned concerning his views and opinions.
Application Denied
The case concluded with the Judge announcing, “I would not dream of granting this application, especially in view of the objection of the parish priest, which I consider as reasonable and properly founded. I refuse the application, on the unsuitability of the house.”
On 24 November 2019 we published an article regarding the rise and demise of the Glenmore post office and in the article identified how the Half-way House of Aylwardstown, Glenmore obtained its name.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh