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William Murphy (b. 1879) Native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Most people interested in football have heard of James “Jimmy” Murphy (1910-1989) the Assistant Manager of Manchester United. He is credited with keeping the franchise going after the 1958 Munich air crash that killed 20 of 40 passengers. Several of the dead were Man United players along with reporters and support staff. Jimmy Murphy’s friend, Matt Busby was the General Manager and was injured in the crash. Jimmy Murphy was not on the plane because he was coaching the Wales team that went to the World Cup finals in 1958. While Matt Busby was recovering from the crash Jimmy Murphy put together a Manchester United team and managed the hastily comprised team to the FA Cup Final.
Books have been written about Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy that highlight how they met while serving in WWII, how they managed and built Manchester United etc. While very interesting men, today we are going to highlight the tragic and elusive life of Jimmy Murphy’s father, William Murphy, a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. At various times wrong information has been published concerning William Murphy, e.g. it was published that he hailed from Carlow and emigrated to Wales during the famine (see, Fergus Dowd, “Jimmy Murphy—y dyn a achubold Man United” (2021) A Bohemian Sporting Life). William was born in Glenmore almost 30 years after the famine ended. It was also published that Jimmy Murphy was “The Kilkennyman who Rebuilt Manchester United” (Kilkenny People, 27 Feb. 1998, p. 9). Jimmy Murphy was born in Wales, but his father William Murphy was born in Glenmore, Kilkenny.
William Murphy (b. 1879) native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
William Murphy was the eldest son of Edmond Murphy (1839- 1923) and his wife Margaret Deady (1852-1894). William Murphy was born on 8 March 1879 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. His parents were married at Glenmore on 24 February 1876.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Parents
Edmond Murphy was a farmer and at the time of his marriage his address was Ballinakill, Mullinavat. His bride, Margaret had an address of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Their fathers were William Murphy (deceased, farmer) and Michael Deady (farmer). Thus, it appears that William Murphy (b. 1879) and his siblings were the first of the family born in Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Grandparents
Edmond Murphy’s father, William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) died at Ballinakill on 11 April 1874. William Murphy was 63 years of age when he died of bronchitis. Robert Murphy was present at his death. In attempting to locate a record for William’s birth in 1811, we did find a William Murphy baptized on 29 June 1802 at Ballinloney (sic), Glenmore. He was the son of Patrick Murphy and Alice Welsh. We could not find any other children born to this union. We could not verify that this William baptized in 1802 was William Murphy’s (b. 1879) grandfather.
Children of William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) and Mary Wall (c. 1812-1882)
[1] Robert Murphy (bapt. 5 April 1837)
[2] Edmund Murphy (bapt. 26 Jan. 1839)
[3] John Murphy (bapt. 1 Mar. 1841)
[4] Catherine Murphy (bapt. 21 Feb. 1843)
[5] Michael Murphy (bapt. 25 Jan. 1845)
[6] Mary Murphy (bapt. 15 Mar. 1847)
All the children were born at Ballinakill, Mullinavat.
Within a few years of their father William’s death, Edmond and John Murphy married. As outlined above Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) married Margaret Deady (1852-1894) in 1876. The couple lived at Ballinlammy. In the 1926 Census, the Ballinlammy farm was described as containing 70 statute acres.
Uncle John Murphy (1841-1914)
John Murphy married Mary Dungan, of Buckstown, Mullinavat, on 4 May 1875. John’s address at the time of the wedding was Ballinakill. It is recorded in the marriage record that he was a 25-year-old farmer, the son of William Murphy (deceased, farmer). His bride, Mary Dungan was the daughter of John Dungan (farmer).
John Murphy continued to reside in Ballinakill after his marriage. His mother, Mary Murphy née Wall (c. 1812-1882) died at Ballinakill on 23 May 1882 at the age of 70. John was present at her death. John’s wife, Mary Murphy née Dungan (c. 1834-1891) died at Ballinlammy on 5 April 1891 of bronchitis. She was 57 years of age. John was present when she died. John died on 7 March 1914 at Ballinlammy at the age of 72. His nephew James Murphy was present when he died.
Children of Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) and Margaret Deady (1852-1894)
[1] Mary Murphy (b. 25 Jan. 1877)
[2] William Murphy (b. 8 Mar. 1879) Godfather was Robert Murphy.
[3] Catherine Murphy (b. 11 April 1881)
[4] Michael Murphy (b. 26 Jan. 1883) d. 1919
[5] Honor “Annie” Murphy (b. 25 June 1885)
[6] James Murphy (b. 16 Dec. 1886) d. 1961
[7] Anastasia Murphy (b. 18 Sept. 1889)
Margaret Murphy née Deady (1852-1894) died at the age of 41 on 12 January 1894 of scarlatina or scarlet fever. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 15 years old when his mother died.
In the 1901 Census there were 9 people recorded in the Ballinlammy household. Edmond Murphy gave his age as 50 and his brother John Murphy as 45. They were both widowers and their true ages were 62 and 60. William was recorded as being 21. His siblings in the 1901 Census were recorded as M. Anne Murphy (23); Mike Murphy (19); Annie Murphy (14); James Murphy (12); Stasia Murphy (10); and Eddy Murphy (7).
William Murphy’s First Marriage
The Kilkenny People (21 June 2019, p. 56) quoted a biography written about Matt Busby describing how Jimmy Murphy’s father emigrated to Wales. “Late in the first decade of the 20th century William “Billy” Murphy, a manual labourer from Kilkenny, a city in the South East of Ireland, arrived in South Wales with the intention of working in the pits. Billy was a widower and travelled with the son from his marriage, Patrick.”
As stated above William Murphy (b. 1879) was a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. As far as I can ascertain he never lived in Kilkenny City. In 1901 he was still single residing in Ballinlammy. At some point he married Johanna Dalton and the couple were living on Philip St. in Waterford City when their son Patrick was born on 29 October 1905. Patrick was baptized on 9 November 1905 and died on the 11th of November. His mother Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1885-1905) also died on the 11th of November 1905 of puerperal fever (childbirth fever). She was 25 years of age. William was present at her death.
Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) Native of Knockbrack, Glenmore
We found a Johanna Dalton born on 13 March 1880 at Knockbrack, Glenmore to Patrick Dalton and his wife Catherine Whelan/Phelan. We were not able to find a marriage record for William and Johanna, nor could we locate a birth record for their son Edward Murphy (b. 1904). In the 1911 Wales Census Edward’s place of birth is recorded as Co. Kilkenny. See our post of 10 August 2026 for further information on the Dalton family of Knockbrack, Glenmore.
In attempting to find more information concerning the short marriage of William Murphy and Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) we searched the 1901 Census of Philip St. in Waterford. In 20 Philip St., we found two Glenmore natives., namely Edward Murphy and his wife Catherine Grace both natives of Forristalstown. The couple were married on 26 April 1899 at Glenmore and one of the witnesses to the wedding was Johanna Dalton. See the obit of Edward Murphy (c. 1874-1951) of 14 Griffith’s Place on our M surname page. He worked for over 50 years at Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
Emigration to Wales
It is not known when William Murphy (b. 1879) moved to Wales, but in early 1910 William Murphy (b. 1879) married Florence Louisa Eynon née Scourfield (c. 1876-1960) in Pontypridd, Glanmorgan, Wales. Florence was the daughter of William Scourfield (grocer) and his wife Ada Nichols. Florence was widowed in 1905 when her first husband Benjamin Eynon (1876-1905)(butcher) died leaving her to raise their 5 children.
In 1911 there were 9 persons residing in the Murphy household. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 33 and employed as a colliery repairer. His place of birth was Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Florence Murphy née Scourfield was 33 and her place of birth was Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales. They recorded they were married 2 years and one child was born to the marriage.
The Blended Family of William Murphy (b. 1879) & Florence Scourfield (c. 1876-1960)
In the 1911 Census the following children were in the household reflecting children of the first marriages of both William and Florence and Jimmy their child together.
[1] William J. Eynon (16) Asst. coal miner, b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[2] Cyril Eynon (15) Asst. Coal miner b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[3] Mary Eynon (13) b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[4] Sydney Eynon (12), Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[5] Benjamin Eynon (5) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
[6] Edward Murphy (6) b. Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
[7] James Murphy (8 mos.) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
The 1921 Census finds the family residing at 43 Treharne St., Pentre, Rhondda, Glanmorganshire, Wales. Work was not good after the War. William Murphy (42), was a collier hewer, for Cory Bros. , Pentro Colliery. It is noted that he was out of work. Florence was 43.
[1] Edward Murphy (16 yrs 8 mos) son, collier boy, Cory Bros, Pentro Colliery (out of work)
[2] James Murphy (10 yrs 10 mos. ) son, was still at school
[3] William Eynon (26 years) step-son, miner, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[4] Sidney Eynon (22) step-son, miner, Cory Bros, (out of work) served in WWI. Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
[5] Benjamin Eynon (15) step-son, was a collier boy, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[6] Mary Eynon (23) step-daughter m. 1937 Arthur P. Lewis. Mary Lewis née Eynon died in August 1987.
Back in Ballinlammy, Glenmore
It is not known if William Murphy (b. 1879) ever returned to Glenmore. His father Edmond died at Ballinlammy, on 8 May 1923. His son James Murphy was present. His age was given as 67 when in fact he was 84.
James Murphy (1886-1961) played on the Inter County Kilkenny Gaelic Football team from 1910 to 1924. He also joined the Glenmore Co. of the Old IRA. His obit is on our M Surname page. See generally the list of men in the Glenmore Company of the old IRA. In 1926 only three of William’s (b. 1879) siblings were residing in Ballinlammy. All three were single. James was 35; Michael was 39 and Anastasia was 32. They had an 18-year- old servant named Thomas Murphy (b. Glenmore) also residing in the household.
Patrick Bookle contacted the Kilkenny People in 2019 and explained that William Murphy was his granduncle and hailed from Ballinlammy, Glenmore, not Kilkenny City. Patrick confirmed that William moved to Wales, Ned moved to the US, and two brothers remained in Ballinlammy. James [Murphy] was Patrick Bookle’s grandfather. James was the goalkeeper on the Glenmore football team (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Sept. 2019, p. 62).
Unknown End
While we were able to locate a newspaper account of the death of Florence Murphy née Scourfield we were unable to verify when William Murphy (b. 1879) died. We hope that one of our readers may be able to shed some light on when William died and where he is buried.
Florence Louisa Murphy née Scourfield of Treharne Street, Pentre, Wales, died in January 1960.
SAD TIME FOR JIMMY MURPHY—It was a unhappy homecoming last weekend for Manchester United Assistant manager, Jimmy Murphy. For his mother, 82-year-old Mrs. Florence Louise Murphy of Treharne St., Pentre, passed away after a long illness. Mrs. Murphy was a loveable character, who will be sorely missed by neighbours and also members of the Welsh international team, such as John Charles and Ivor Allchurch, who as far as she was concerned were not great footballers but boys she could mother (Pontypridd Observer, Sat. 30 Jan. 1960, p. 3).
Mrs. Florence Murphy of Pentre, Rhondda, with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Lewis reading the good news that her son, Jim Murphy (Manchester United) had been appointed Welsh Soccer team manager (Western Mail Wed. 10 Oct. 1956 , p. 10).
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@glenmore-history
The feature photo above is an old postcard of Pentre , Rhondda, Wales circa 1920.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Athletic Club 1944-1946
A reader has a battered newspaper clipping that revealed that her grandfather won a race at a Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day. Unfortunately, the clipping lacks a date or name of the publication where it was printed. In helping locate the date of the race we found a lot of articles regarding Glenmore’s Sports Days that name a large number of Glenmore athletes. A search of local newspapers revealed that the first fixture of the Glenmore Athletic Club took place on Sunday the 10th of July 1944 which was applauded as “a successful revival of athletics in Glenmore parish, after a lapse of over 10 years” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Today, we are going to focus on the Glenmore Athletic Club events that took place in 1944-1946. Any additional information we have included not gleaned from the Munster Express has been placed in square brackets [ ]. Can you help identify any of the athletes?
The First Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1944
Although WWII was still raging the Glenmore Athletic Club organised a sports day in 1944. The Munster Express (Fri. 14 July 1944) reported that “despite unfavourable weather conditions, a good crowd patronised the first annual sports of the Glenmore Athletic Club.” In a field provided by Richard Murphy, the fixture proved a very good success. The newspaper reported there was keen competition in each event, especially the track contests, where some finishes were exceptionally close. “Larry Kiely, who scored a dual success at the sports, is the son of T.P. Kiely, Carrick-on-Suir, a former world’s champion” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
To illustrate the distances some athletes travelled for the 1944 event, it was reported that Nicholas Phelan of Conahy, aged 17, cycled to Glenmore and won the 440 yards Kilkenny County Championship event from keen competition. He cycled home subsequently, covering about 80 miles that day (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1944, p. 4).
Great credit was given in the article to the Officers and committee of the club, including Rev. William Brennan, C.C., President; T. Fitzgerald, Chairman; P. Fitzgerald, Treasurer; and William Walshe, Hon. Secretary. A special feature was the beautiful array of prizes. [See our post of 27 Feb. 2022 regarding William “Bill” Walsh (1912-1985) of Cappagh.]
The Results
Although the total number of events was not recorded 14 event results were published as follows:
100 yards (schoolboys under 14, confined to Glenmore Parish)—1st W. McDonald, Haggard; 2nd Billy Walsh, Mullinahone
100 yards (open)—1st Cpl. Martin (Army); 2nd Sgt. McGlynn (Army)
220 yards (confined)—1st Paddy Roche, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Stephen Walsh, Glenmore A.C. [It is believed that Paddy Roche (1919-1989) was from Rathinure, later emigrated to England and Stephen Walsh was from Rochestown, later moved to Knocktopher].
440 yards (open)—1st L. Kiely , Carrick-on-Suir; 2nd M. Killian, Glenmore A.C.
440 yards, under 18, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st Nicholas Phelan, Conahy; 2nd Richard Hennessy, Glenmore A.C. [Richard “Richie” Hennessy (c. 1925-2008) of Glenmore Village and later Ballycroney became a builder and built the Glenmore Community Centre.]
880 yards (open)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Larry Kiely [We believe that Larry Dillon (1921-2016) was a native of Rochestown. For more information on the Rochestown Dillon family see our post of 27 March 2021.]
One Mile Flat (confined)—1st Sean Robinson, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Peter Egan, Glenmore A.C.
Three Miles Flat, Kilkenny Co. Championship—1st John Dunne, Ballycallan; 2nd Peter Egan
High Jump, County Championship—1st Cpl. Martin, 5 ft. 3 inch; 2nd William Kearney, Noreside A.C., 5 ft.
Broad Jump—1st Larry Dillon [Glenmore], 17 ft, 6 in; 2nd Stephen Walsh, 17ft, 2 in.
56 lbs without follow—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore A.C., 22 ft. 10in; 2nd John Forristal, Shanbogh, 17ft, 8 in [See our post of 4 July 2020 regarding the sport of weight throwing.]
One Mile Cycle (open)—1st William Walsh, Glenmore A.C.; 2nd Paddy Joy, Waterford Wheelers
Two Mile Cycle (ordinary machines)—1st James Kennedy, Kilbride; 2nd James Haberlin, Slieverue [James Kennedy of Kilbride was born in 1923 to Patrick Kennedy (carpenter) and his wife Johanna Grace.]
Three Mile Cycle (open)—1st P. Joy; 2nd Ed. Ryan, Waterford Southern Sprinters.
The newspaper published that “broadcasting arrangements” were carried out by T. O’Brien, Waterford, The broadcasting was a loudspeaker system rather than a radio or television broadcast. Judges were Rev. Fr. Brennan, C.C.; James O’Hanrahan, Richard Murphy and W. Forristal.
The Glenmore Athletic Club thanked the businesses and people who donated prizes and the list contains several businesses owned and operated by Glenmore natives including: Hanrahan Brothers, Glenmore & New Ross; Brady & Co., Waterford; George Wright, Waterford; Phelan’s of Waterford; Clover Meats Ltd, Waterford; Brooks of New Ross; Holden & Hanrahan, New Ross; Mrs. Heffernan-Walsh, [Lizzy J.K.] Glenmore; and Miss Jo Phelan, Rosbercon. Subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Brennan, C.C., Glenmore; Glenmore Creamery Manager; Cherry’s, New Ross; Hickey’s New Ross; Doyle’s New Ross; Murphy’s, New Ross; James Power, Mile Post. See our post of 19 Dec. 2020 for early Glenmore business advertisements.
The Second Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day, 1945
The 1945 event was held in Robinstown on Sunday the 18th of June in a field owned by Laurence Kirwan. It was reported that the weather was ideal and the programme was comprised of 16 events completed in “record time.” Amplification was carried out by the Crescent Motor Garage, Wexford with commentators being W. Roche and William Walsh, the Secretary of the Club. The prizes were presented by Rev. J. Hynes, (sic) Ballybrahee, Glenmore, who was home from England on holiday (Munster Express 22 June 1945, p. 2). [Fr. John Hoyne (1916-1978) of Ballybrahee was ordained in 1942 for the diocese of Ossory. During his life he had a number of parish assignments including Callan, Glenmore and Bennettsbridge.]
Partial List of Results
The results of all 16 events are provided in the Munster Express, but few addresses of the winners were provided. The following is a partial list of the results featuring Glenmore athletes or those assumed to be Glenmore athletes.
880 Yards (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—2nd P. O’Connor, Glenmore [It is believed that this may have been Pat O’Connor a native of Ballyfacey and late of Rathinure. Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure.]
100 Yards (boys under 14, confined)—1st W. Walsh; 2nd R. Cody [We believe R. Cody was Richard Cody of Carrigcloney].
880 Yards (confined)—1st Larry Dillon [Larry Dillon (1921-2016) see above, was a native of Rochestown and subsequently emigrated to Wolverhampton.]
Three Legged Race—1st D. Doherty & Miss Doherty; 2nd James Kennedy & Miss Mary Connolly
56 lbs (without follow)—1st Larry Roche, [Haggard] Glenmore
Glenmore School Sports Day
In the autumn of 1945, the Glenmore Athletic Club arranged a School Sports Day held in Robinstown. It was noted that “entries were not as large as anticipated” and for the first time events for girls were included (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Oct. 1945, p. 6).
80 Yards (boys under 10)—1st Larry Byrne [of Haggard. Larry never married. He followed the hunt and was an excellent horseman]; 2nd Kevin Cuddihy [Kevin was the son of the 2nd Glenmore Creamery Manager Tom Cuddihy. Kevin eventually became the third Glenmore Creamery Manager and was killed by a horse in 1973.]
80 Yards (girls under 10)—1st Mary Heffernan; 2nd May Phelan [We believe Mary Heffernan was Mary Alyward née Heffernan (1933-2026) of Rochestown].
100 Yards (under 12)—1st R. Cody; 2nd D. Cody [We believe that these were two Cody brothers from Carrigcloney, Richard and Fr. Daniel Cody (1937-2021).
100 Yards (under 14)—1st Billy Walsh; 2nd D. Cody
100 Yards (girls under 14)—1st Annie Sinnott; 2nd tie between Jo Fitzgerald and Jo Mernagh [Jo Meragh Doyle (1932-2021) late of Weatherstwn, see our post of 15 May 2022 for more information.]
440 Yards (under 16)—1st Christy Power [(c. 1932-c. 2020) of Carrigcloney]; 2nd Billy Walsh
880 Yards (under 16)—1st T. Mullally; 2nd R. Mullally [ Brothers Tommy and Richard Mullally of Davidstown]
3 Miles Flat (Kilkenny Co. Championship)—1st Larry Dillon, Glenmore Athletic Club; 2nd Thomas Byrne (holder) Noreside Athletic Club.
In a football challenge, Glenmore juniors defeated the senior team on a score of 1-5 to 0-3. The winners led at the change-over by three points to two. Michael Morrissey, Tullogher, refereed.
The Third Annual Glenmore Athletic Club Sports Day 1946
At its annual meeting in March 1946, the Glenmore Athletic Club elected officers. The Chairman was Thomas Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, while the Vice-Chairman was John Hennessey of the Village. The Secretary was William Walsh, of Cappagh and “Mr. Fitzgerald of Moulerstown” was the Treasurer. The Committee was comprised of T. Cotterell; P. O’Connor; T. Malone; D. Doyle; Larry Dillon; S. Walsh and P. Roche (Munster Express, Fri. 15 March 1946, p. 6).
The Glenmore Athletic Club’s annual Sports Day was held on Sunday the 14th of July 1946 at Robinstown. It was reported that the weather conditions were favourable and a large entry reflected leading athletes from Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny. The Club Secretary, William Walsh, of Cappagh, was praised for “Keeping the old flag of athletics flying in the South.” Nineteen results were reported and subscriptions were received from: Rev. W. Grace, P.P. Glenmore; Rev. W. Brennan, C.C.; Hanrahan Bros., New Ross; Mrs. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; and the Moulerstown Dance Board Committee.
Partial List of Results
Below are the successful Glenmore athletes:
440 Yards (open)—2nd J. Conway (Glenmore AC). Seven competed.
880 Yards (confined to Glenmore parish)—1st Paddy O’Connor, Ballyfacey; 2nd Michael Fitzgerald, Coolnaleen. Seven competed [We believe this Paddy O’Connor was Pat O’Connor (c.1921- 2004) who worked at the Creamery, married Kathleen Aylward and they lived on the High Road, Rathinure].
100 Yards (boys under 12)—1st Michael Doherty, Ballinlammy; 2nd P. Fitzgerald, Aylwardstown. Ten competed. [We believe P. Fitzgerald was Petey Fitzgerald (c. 1932 -2025) a brother of John Fitzgerald of Rathinure who emigrated to the UK.]
100 Yards (boys under 14)—1st James Freeman, Glenmore; 2nd Richard Cody, Carrickcloney (sic). Eight competed. [Dick Cody (c. 1932-2024) of Carrigcloney was a farmer.]
220 Yards (boys under 18)—1st John Joe Aylward, Parkstown; 2nd Peter Roche, Rathinure. Eight competed. [John Joe Aylward (c. 1930-2018) never married and farmed. Peter Roche (brother of Jimmy Roche (c. 1926-2018) Rathinure is living in Canada.]
56 lbs. (without follow)—1st Larry Roche (Glenmore AC) [Haggard] 23 ft, 4 in. Five competed. [Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was a farmer and his obituary provides that he was a prominent athlete and won many prizes and championships for weight throwing at various sports meetings in Kilkenny and adjoining counties.]
Two Miles Cycle (ordinary machines, confined)—1st Paul Fitzgerald, Moulerstown; 2nd Joe Walsh, Ballinlammy. Eight competed. [Joe Walsh was brother of Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) a POW held by the Japanese. See our posts of 11 Nov. 2024 and 18 Nov. 2024 .]
Three Legged Race—Pat Roche, Haggard & P. McDonald, Haggard. Ten competed.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
More Glenmore Photos: From the Eamonn Jones Collection
First, thanks to everyone who came today to the Family Tree workshop, to Mary for opening the hall, and especially to the gang from Glenmore Tidy Towns (Pat, Orla, Trish, Aoife and Noah) for helping. If anyone needs a hand trying to find a Glenmore ancestor we are only an email away. E. Doolan I found information for your grandmother this afternoon. (Email glenmore.history@gmail.com )
Today, we are going to share some more Glenmore photos from the Eamonn Jones Collection and some information. The photo below depicts Eamonn Jones’s uncle Kieran Jones (1909-1993). Kieran is holding the bridle of a small horse or pony pulling a farm cart. This photo was taken in Glenmore Village. The stone building was Dr. Mackesy’s stage house used for storing grain. It had a stage or a dock at the front door to make it easier for loading and unloading carts and wagons. The stage house stood next to the Village Stream bridge the pub was later built to the right of this building. The stage house was removed when the Sallies estate was built. For further information on the landlord Dr. Mackesy see our post of 3 March 2025.
It is not known who the little blond boy is in the photo, but it has been suggested that it may be Billy O’Keeffe of the Village. Kieran Jones (1909-1993) was born on 30 August 1909 at Glenmore to George Jones (1868-1945) and his wife Bridget Murphy (1870-1945). Kieran emigrated to the U.K. and married, and raised a family in Birmingham. Kieran died in 1993.
Kieran Jones and Jim B.’s Adventure
It is not known exactly when Kieran emigrated, but we did locate a newspaper article that indicates he was still living in Glenmore Village in May of 1943. The New Ross Standard (Fri. 14 May 1943, p. 5) published a short article about Kieran Jones and James Walsh, Jr. (1918-1988) (better known as Jim B.) being charged with criminal damage to Mr. Henry Bevan’s (c. 1890-1966) windows. Henry Bevans was a National Teacher who resided in the teacher’s house (across from the Glenmore Community Hall).
On Sunday the 18th of April, Mr. and Mrs. Bevans were in their dining room when they heard a noise on their roof. Then they heard a crash. When they went out into the hall a glass panel was broken as was a window in their sitting room. Henry Beven’s stated that he spent £1 replacing the broken windows. While being cross-examined by the defence solicitor, Mr. J.D. Coughlan, Henry Bevans stated that he had known both defendants since they were young boys and “they had no reason for this.”
Sergeant Dalton, of the Glenmore Barracks, investigated and stated that Jim B. stated that they were cycling home and threw some stones at the roof of the house. Mr. Coughlan said that the defendants had not acted with malice. He noted that they had never had anything against them, and he had a number of letters from businessmen and farming giving both defendant’s good character references.
Notwithstanding the reported loss of £1, the Justice bound the defendants over for twelve months on their own bonds of £20 each and sureties of £20 each or in default two months imprisonment. They were ordered to pay the £1 damage and 5s each in court costs.
Glenmore had no pub until the 1960’s, and it is surmised that Kieran and Jim B. were away for refreshments on a Sunday evening and on cycling back to Glenmore they decided to throw stones onto the Bevan’s roof. Perhaps their motivation was to obtain the attention of the two Bevan daughters? Unfortunately, their aim was off, perhaps due to their refreshments, and they broke two windows. For further information on Jim B. see our post of 12 Oct. 2025.
Life in Birmingham
The first record that could be located for Kieran in Birmingham was his marriage in the autumn of 1945 to Hanora Donovan. Over the years the couple lived at various address in Birmingham including: (1947) 22 Great Brook St.; (1954) 157 Great Lister St. and (1962) 67 Rupert St.
One interesting newspaper article highlighted one of Kieran’s interests. “A folk duo called Avoca did gigs around Manchester. Avoca was comprised of a Dubliner named Larry O’Loughlin, who lived at Nechells and was studying at Bournemouth, and Kieran Jones, who was from Kilkenny” (Birmingham Mail, Sat. 10 July 1971 p. 8).
Trip Home to Glenmore
In 1990 Kieran came home to Glenmore for a visit. “SHORT HOLIDAY—Mr. Kieran Jones, who emigrated to England about 50 years ago, spent a few days holidays with his nephews last week”(Kilkenny People, Fri. 4 May 1990, p. 17).
Frank Keogh of Birmingham
The photo to the left was taken in Birmingham of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Keogh of 93 Aston Brook St., Birmingham. Their names and address are written on the back of the photo. The baby appears to be in a baptismal gown.
Slieverue Glenmore Camogie Team
We have only been able to identify a few people in the photo. We believe the photo is from the early 1950’s. The second person from the left in the front row is Alice Walsh née Walsh a native of Rochestown, Glenmore but after her marriage she lived in Scartnamore, Glenmore.
Top row, fourth from the left, Alice Hartley, of Kilmurry, Slieverue. When Noeleen Fogarty had her shop in Hanrahan’s Alice Hartley sold her eggs in the shop.
Lady standing to the far left we believe is Eily Doolan of Ballyverneen?
If you can identify any of these ladies would you please comment below or send the information by email to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Please send any corrections, further information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part II
Part I was posted on 8 September 2025 and focused on 1984 to 1987. Today, we are going to focus on 1988-1994. During this period important Kilkenny hurlers such as D.J. Carey and Christy Heffernan were also playing handball and a young D.J. Carey is in one of the photos below.
1988
O’Loughlin’s Juvenile Tournament
The finals of the O’Loughlin’s juvenile handball tournament were played before a capacity crowd in early January 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, the game everyone had been looking forward to was the under 14 single decider between two of the county’s best players, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore. Kenneth started brilliantly and led 8-1 at one stage. The powerful Fitzgerald pulled back and won 15-13. Dominic dominated the early stage of the second game, but Kenneth recovered and won 15-9. The crunch game was a thriller. Both tired and the stronger Dominic Fitzgerald eventually won 15-11 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 Jan. 1988, p. 12).
All-Ireland Juvenile Handball Final
Dominic played in the juvenile All-Ireland in April 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, he knew that he had to be brilliant to beat Ciaran Curran (Tyrone) in under 14. “While Dominic put in one of his best performances that year it was not enough …he lost 15-5, 15-7” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 6 May 1988, p. 15).
Glenmore: Kilkenny Féile n Gael Championship 1988
There was a close contest in the County Féile n Gael championship at Talbot’s Inch where Glenmore became the new Kilkenny County Champions in 1988. The Glenmore Club (Dominic Fitzgerald, Kenneth Cottrell, Tomás Hanrahan and Eamon Aylward) had a hard semi-final game with Talbot’s Inch when both teams finished level in games and aces. However, Glenmore easily won the play-off and then defeated Windgap in the final. The Glenmore team represented Kilkenny in the Féile n Gael all Ireland championship in Offaly in June 1988, but did not make it to the finals (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 May 1988, p. 15).
Under 14 County Kilkenny Champion
Dubbed an “Alley Cracker” by the New Ross Standard, Dominic won the Co. Kilkenny handball title at under 14 and represented the county in the Leinster semi-final on Sunday 28 August 1988 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 Aug. 1988, p. 17).
Under 14 Doubles Millennium Tournament
Dominic partnered by Damien McMahon, Wicklow, surprised an accomplished Offaly pair, C. O’Brien and B. Doherty in the under 14 doubles millennium trials at Croke Park on Sunday. The seeded Offaly pair were expected to advance to the televised finals on December 18 at Croke Park, but Dominic and Damien combined well to defeat them 44-22 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 18 Nov. 1988, p. 11).
1988 Kilkenny Juvenile Achievement Awards
Dominic received the Kilkenny Juvenile Board’s Achievement Award following an excellent year in the under 14 grade. Dominic won Leinster Championships in under 14 singles, in the 40X20 and 60X30 courts. He also combined with Damien McMahon (Wicklow) to win the Millennium juvenile tournament in December. Dominic was selected on the Rest of Ireland team to play Ulster in the Ulster Foundation tournament in Newry in April.
This article also highlighted D.J. Carey, of Goresbridge, who received the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s Achievement Award for 1988. D.J. won the 40X20 minor singles and doubles All-Irelands and also the senior college’s all Ireland singles and doubles championships. He represented Ireland in the under 19 U.S.H.A. junior championships in America over Christmas and did very well (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 14).
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The photo to the right appeared in the Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 March 1989, p. 15). It represents the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s achievements awards for 1988. (left to right) Sean Kennedy, Chairman, Juvenile Board; Dominic Fitzgerald, Juvenile Award; Eamonn Hanrahan, County Chairman; Tommy O’Brien, Leinster Administrator; Con Moore, County Secretary and winner of special achievement award for administration; D.J. Carey, senior award and Mary Moore.
1989
At the Goesbridge handball club’s juvenile tournament in January 1989, Dominic played an exhibition game against Stephen Barcoe (Goresbridge) who won the O’Loughlin’s tournament a few weeks prior. “This was a great game. Dominic edged ahead to win 22-19” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 Jan. 1989, p. 13).
Glenmore Handball Club
Members of the Glenmore Handball Club did well in the Leinster championship quarter finals against Carlow and Laois at the end of April 1989. Kenneth Cotterell, a promising young player won a one-sided under 14 singles by 15-5, 15-1. Dominic did not have things as easy against Tommy Donohoe although winning 15-13, 15-13 in the under 16 match. In the special novices E. Dowling, Glenmore, beat N. Harding (Comer) in the 40X20 county championship. Sean Kennedy got a walkover from Jim Duggan (New Ross Standard, Thur. 4 May 1989, p. 27). Unfortunately Dominic was defeated in the Leinster Under 16 finals played on the 20th of May 1989 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 May 1989, p.19).
Kilkenny County Handball Finals
It was reported at the special novice doubles of the County Finals that this final turned out to be a contest between four of “our best juvenile players” when Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore overcame Michael Maher and Colm Love (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1989, p. 14) in an exciting game. Dominic Fitzgerald and Sean Kennedy, Glenmore, had a close victory over Tom Feeny and Sean Kiely, Kilfane, in the novice doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 7 Sept. 1989, p. 21).
Leinster Juvenile Handball
Enda Hawe, Niall Kennhy, Alan Hawe (Windgap), Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore) completely comminated the Leinster juvenile league in Dublin on Saturday when they annexed the title for the fifth successive year. Dominic and Kenneth won this title an unprecedented four times, Alan Hawe three times, Enda and Nial twice and it was Willie Murphy’s first honour (Kilkenny People, Fri. 8 Sept. 1989, p. 14).
“Everyone knew that the meeting of Kilkenny and Offaly in the under 16’s doubles Leinster final could constitute an All Ireland final, as they would be the best players in the country. Joe Daly, O’Loughlin’s, and Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did not combine well, and lost to the excellent Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly 11-15 , 15-10, 11-15 in a game which could have gone either way. The Kilkenny pair did not play up to scratch” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Oct. 1989, p. 20)
1990
Glenmore Handball Club
The newspapers reported that Christy Heffernan was going to be seen in a different role in March 1990 as he was playing in the novice singles handball championship. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell were playing in the under 17 juvenile trials at O’Loughlin’s Court on the 14th of March 1990 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 8 March 1990, p. 18).
The Glenmore Club played matches at Mullinavat. Sean Kennedy won his match in the novice singles against D. Forristal , Kilfane., while Dominic Fitzgerald defeated another Kilfane player, R. Ryan. Kenneth Cotterell got a walkover (New Ross Standard, Thur. 31 May 1990, p. 21).
Leinster Juvenile Handball
Kilkenny achieved seven Leinster juvenile handball finals as a result of their successes in Cloughbawn at the end of March 1990. They include under 16 doubles partner Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald of Glenmore. They won their match at Cloughbawn in two straight games—15-10, 15-2 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 April 1990, p. 18).
In October 1990 Kilkenny crashed with seven defeats in eight Leinster finals. “However, the county can be proud of some displays, especially those of Brendan Walpole …and Dominic Fitzgerald and Ken Cottrell, Glenmore. In the under 16 doubles, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, never reached the standard which they are capable of and still were unlucky to lose 15-9, 7-15 and 15-9 to All Ireland champions, Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly (Kilkenny People, Fri. 26 Oct. 1990, p. 15).
Good Counsel Handball
The next month, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell created history when they gave Good Counsel College, New Ross its first All Ireland junior “A” Colleges Championship at Croke Park. They beat Roscommon C.B.S. by two straight games in the final 21-11, 21-7 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 24 May 1990, p. 17). Dominic was also on the Good Counsel Senior Football team (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Dec. 1990, p. 21).
Kilkenny County Under 16 Doubles Champions
At the festival of juvenile handball (60X30) county championships played at various venues over two weeks. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore won the under 16 doubles. The Kilkenny teams selected to play in the Leinster League at the Garda depot in September included: Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore and Enda Hawe, Windgap in the Under 15 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Aug. 1990, p, 7).
Glenmore Under 21 Football
When Glenmore got through to the 1990 under 21 football final (played in 1991), after beating Thomastown and Piltown, one member of the winning Glenmore team was Dominic Fitzgerald (New Ross Standard, Thur. 26 Dec. 1991, p. 22).
1991
There was a three-pronged assault by Wexford schools on the Leinster 60X30 Colleges Handball Championships which began the last week of November 1991. Through to the provincial finals in senior A singles was Dominic Fitzgerald (Good Counsel, New Ross). Raymond Breen and Ken Cottrell (Good Counsel) went through in the senior A doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 Dec. 1991, p. 62).
International Trials
The international trials to select players in under 15, 17 and 19 singles were played at various venues in November 1991. The winners secured a seat on the plane to Dallas, Texas in December to compete in the U.S. championship. In under 17, Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did well, but was no match for Ciaran Curran, Tyrone (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Nov. 1991, p. 21).
All Ireland Handball Colleges Final
Good Counsel, had students in two All Ireland Handball Colleges Finals in 1991. Ken Cotterell and Raymond Breen, beat Belmullet in the semi-finals of the A division, but lost to St. Patrick’s Cavan in the final (New Ross Standard, Thur. 19 Dec. 1991, p. 39). Dominic Fitzgerald brought further glory to himself and to Glenmore when he won the All Ireland 60X30 senior singles championship at Croke Park. He has already won two All Ireland titles. He beat his Cavan opponent by 21-10, 21-18 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 12 Dec. 1991, p. 29).
1992
The county handball championships got off to a good start in early January 1992. In minor singles Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore, beat Willie O’Neill, of O’Loughlin’s Club, 21-6, 21-17 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 Jan. 1992, p. 12).
Glenmore Successes
Glenmore was celebrating an All Ireland club senior hurling success at their annual meeting in January 1992. It was noted that along with the senior success, the junior hurlers won the championship. Thus, Glenmore became the first club in Kilkenny to field teams in the top two championships simultaneously. The club provided five players for the Kilkenny team that lost the senior All Ireland to Tipperary., while Seamus Dollard won a minor All Ireland and Bridget Mullally won a second senior camogie All Ireland medal. “The chairman also extended good wishes to Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell who won Leinster and All Ireland Handball Honours” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Jan. 1992, p. 14).
Good Counsel Handball
Two Good Counsel students won the senior doubles Leinster Final against Kilkenny CBS. The double players were Kenneth Cottrell and Raymond Breen. “Dominic Fitzgerald was unlucky to lose 2-1 in the Leinster Senior Singles semi-final in Borris” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 20 Feb. 1992, p. 54).
1993
Very few newspaper articles could be located regarding Dominic in 1993. By this time he had left Good Counsel and was pursuing a degree in hotel management. In 1993 Dominic was in Switzerland working. He came home from Switzerland for the All Ireland and spent a holiday with his parents (New Ross Standard, Thur. 23 Sept. 1993, p. 26). Given the date of this article it is assumed he was home for the hurling All Ireland.
1994
In June 1994 the Kilkenny People published a short article regarding Dominic. “Mr. Dominic Fitzgerald, youngest son of John and Rita Fitzgerald, Rathinure, who had been studying hotel management in Switzerland for two years has arrived home to complete his studies. He arrived in time for the funeral of his aunt, Bridget Fitzgerald. Dominic was educated in Glenmore N.S. and Good Counsel College, New Ross and later in N.I.H.E. Limerick (Limerick University.)”
“He will study hotel courses in a Kilkenny Hotel in the next few weeks and then do his final courses in Limerick University. He won single and doubles in the Kilkenny handball championship also Leinster and won two All-Ireland medals. He won Leinster and All Ireland championships in hurling and football with Good Counsel College, and helped Glenmore in Minor, Junior and under 21 in both games” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 June 1994, p. 21).
The obituary of Dominic’s aunt, Miss Bridget Fitzgerald (c. 1928 -1994) provides that Dominic and his elder brother Peter were the Readers at the Requiem Mass. It was also noted that Mr. Liam Aylward, T.D., Minister of Sport, was present at the removal (New Ross Standard, 2 June 1994, p. 38). The complete obituary may be read on our F Glenmore Family page.
The New Ross Standard later in 1994, noted Dominic won trophies in both grades of hurling and football with Good Counsel College, New Ross and many underage championships in Kilkenny also in both grades. “He also won 4 Leinster and 3 All Ireland trophies for handball” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Oct. 1994, p. 33).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to Dominic’s parents John and Rita Fitzgerald for the photos and information they provided.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part I
While sorting through some loose newspaper clippings in Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) vast collection a clipping was found regarding Dominic Fitzgerald, of Rathinure, Glenmore, who won an All-Ireland in handball. Over 130 newspaper articles, between the years 1984 and 1994, were found and read. As it transpired Dominic was the first Glenmore Handball Club member to win an All-Ireland in handball. In addition to handball, Dominic won Leinster and All Ireland championships in hurling and football with Good Counsel College, and helped Glenmore in Minor, Junior and under 21 hurling and football. To keep this post to a manageable length only select handball games will be highlighted, and Part I focuses on the years 1984 to 1987.
Glenmore Handball Club only came into existence in 1978. According to the Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 May 1985, p. 17) the first set of All-Ireland handball finals commenced in May 1985. In 1994, the Kilkenny People (Fri. 10 June 1994, p. 21) reported that Dominic won single and doubles in the Kilkenny handball championships, also Leinster championships, and won two All-Ireland medals. The New Ross Standard (Thur. 6 Oct. 1994, p. 33) later that same year reported that Dominic won 4 Leinster and 3 All Ireland trophies for handball.
Made Glenmore Club History
The first article we located regarding Dominic and handball was published in September 1984. The article also provides information concerning other Glenmore players. The Division B matches of the Lisdowney handball tournament, sponsored by Coca-Cola, commenced 17 September 1984. In the first-round singles: P.J. O’Connor (Glenmore) beat Nigel Dunpjy (Lisdowney). Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore) lost to Kevin Wall (Lisdoney). In the doubles P.J. O’Connor and Shay Vereker (Glenmore) beat Brian Whyte and Andy Doyle (Talbot’s Inch) (Kilkenny People, Fri 21 Sept. 1984, p. 15).
However, just five months later, at the end of February 1985, Dominic made Glenmore Club history when he became the first juvenile from his club to represent Kilkenny in handball. “He would have preferred a less talented rival—his Wicklow opponent Damien McMahon won the under 12 Leinster title last year, and is still under age this year. So, Dominic was up against it from the start. He gave more than could be fairly be expected of him, and showed fine, two-handed play in some long and hotly disputed rallies. He was never really in with a decent chance of beating his vastly more experienced rival and was beaten 2-nil” (Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 May 1985, p. 17). Ironically, Damian McMahon (Wicklow) would later become Dominic’s doubles partner.
Playing for Kilkenny
Selectors Sean Kennedy (Glenmore) and Bobby Falsey took charge of the Kilkenny team. They started off strong when Clinton Maher (Talbot’s Inch) and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore), combined at under 11 to defeat Wexford’s Francis Cleary and Paddy O’Connor 11-5. The Wexford pair soon reversed this with an 11-7 win. In other age groups Kilkenny secured four points in the race for the top two spots. Dominic Fitzgerald and Clinton Maher went one better than their first outing when they beat J. and D. O’Brien (Oldtown, Dublin) 11-2, 11-5.
Kilkenny played its last league games against Westmeath. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald and Maher lost 11-6, 11-1. Ultimately Kilkenny and Westmeath met in the final and Westmeath with home court advantage were the favourites. They won their league games 16-5 compared to Kilkenny 11-10. “This form seemed justified” when Clinton Maher and Dominic Fitzgerald lost again. However, this time the gap narrowed considerably. They lost 11-8, 11-4 to give Westmeath a 2-0 lead. Kilkenny won in the tight race. It was noted that Kilkenny scored 64 aces to Westmeath’s 48 in the final and brought the Leinster Division 1 title back to Kilkenny. The newspaper concluded that Clinton Maher and Dominic Fitzgerald “caught a few tartars in their rounds, but played very well and could be a major force in the championships” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 2 Dec. 1985, p. 14).
Leinster Championship Finals 1986
The Kilkenny juveniles at Baltinglass played in the Leinster championship finals. Kilkenny captured four of the six championships they contested. Unfortunately, in the under 12 doubles Dominic Fitzgerald and Clinton Maher were defeated (Kilkenny People, Fri. 3 Oct. 1986, p. 10).
Leinster Championship Finals 1987: First Championship Medals for Glenmore
In 1987, the Kilkenny Juvenile team was comprised of under 11, Kenneth Cottrell (Glenmore) and Michael Clifford (Talbot’s Inch); under 13, James Bourke (O’Loughlin’s) and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore); under 15, Graham O’Brien and Brian Aldridge (Mullinavat). The Kilkenny juvenile team won the Leinster League at Kells. They beat Meath, Louth and Westmeath (Kilkenny People, Fri. 2 Jan. 1987, p. 12).
In April 1987 it was announced that Kilkenny had good fortune at juvenile level when Kilkenny players beat the best of Meath and Louth to assure places for Kilkenny players in seven out of ten Leinster finals. Seán Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore put a lot into juvenile handball in Glenmore. “Kenneth Cottrell and Dominic Fitzgerald did him proud with magnificent wins over strong opposition.”
In the Under 12 singles, Kenneth Cottrel was brilliant when he hammered John Heany of Meath 15-1 and 15-2. The newspaper noted that Kenneth must be favourite to win a title. In the under 13 singles, Dominic Fitzgerald was “up against it” when he played a strong Meath player named Tom O’Connor. In one of the best games of the day, Dominic lost the first game 7-15. “He showed tremendous heart and won the others 15-10 and 15-13” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 3 April 1987, p. 14).
Ultimately, Dominic won the Leinster under 13 singles and Kenneth Cottrell (Aylwardstown) won the under 12 Leinster singles. These were the first Leinster Championship handball medals won by Glenmore Handball Club members (Munster Express, Fri. 17 April 1987, p. 11). Later in the year they went on to win Leinster handball championship medals for the 60X30 grade (Munster Express, Fri. 4 Sept. 1987, p. 14).
First All-Ireland Handball Medal for Glenmore
Later in April 1987, Kilkenny travelled to Monaghan to contest the under 12, 13, 14 and 16 single All Ireland Semi-Finals. “Ken Cotterell was under pressure from the start against M. Finnegan (Cavan) in under 12 singles”. Ken lost 7-15, 3-15. Dominic was in excellent form and easily dismissed P. Cunningham (Donegal) 15-3, 15-12 in the under 13 single semi-final (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 April 1987, p. 7).
Dominic played in the juvenile handball All-Ireland final at a packed Croke Park on 10 May 1987. Dominic faced a tough opponent in Martin Murphy (Limerick), but Murphy soon knew he was in a battle. They were level again on 10, Dominic looked anxious when he fell 12-10 behind but came back to 12-all and went 13-12 up. Back came Murphy to level on 13. With excitement at fever pitch, Fitzgerald took a very vital first game 15-13 lead. Fitzgerald, serving brilliantly, and killing shots all over the court, went on to record a 15-4 victory. This was a marvellous win for the young Glenmore player (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 May 1987, p. 24). This represented the first time an All-Ireland came to Glenmore in handball (Munster Express, Fri. 22 May 1987, p. 21).
Mullinavat’s Graham O’Brien made a valiant bid to win the under 16’s title but failed against Martin McLoughlin (Ballina, Co. Tipperary). The senior singles semi-final at Newry was very controversial in 1987. International player, Michael “Ducksie” Walsh was told his game was at 7 p.m. at Newry, but was never informed that the time was moved to 2 p.m. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 May 1987, p. 24).
Kilkenny Juvenile Championships at Glenmore 1987
In July 1987, the Kilkenny County Juvenile Championships were played at Glenmore. It was reported that titles were well spread among top clubs “Glenmore court was looking great after its recent painting.” Alan Hawe (Windgap) won the under 11 championship beating D. Cottrell (Glenmore) in the final. Kenneth Cottrell (Glenmore) easily beat Nial Kenny (Windgap) in the under 12 final while his clubmate, Dominic Fitzgerald, had a close encounter with Clive Carroll (Talbot’s Inch) in under 13 winning 15-10, 15-10. Alan Hawe, Kenneth Cottrell, Dominic Fitzgerald and Graham O’Brien all brought off the double as they had won their respective 40X20 county championships earlier in the year (Kilkenny People, Fri. 24 July 1987, p. 14).
Dominic went on to play in the All-Ireland 60X30 Juvenile Championship finals. In the under 13 singles M. Crowe (Limerick) beat Dominic 15-8, 15-13 (Irish Examiner, Tues. 6 Oct. 1987, p. 16).
Glenmore Handball Club 1987 Awards Night
In January 1988, Glenmore Handball Club held a function in the Rue Glen to celebrate their club’s success during 1987 and to mark the tenth anniversary of the club’s founding. County Chairman, Eamon Hanrahan and Leinster Secretary, Tommy O’Brien praised the club’s players and officials on their achievements during the year and especially in 1987 when Dominic Fitzgerald won the club’s first All-Ireland championship in under 13 singles. Dominic also won the Leinster under 13 singles championships in both 60X30 and 40X 20 courts.
County Secretary, Con Moore, presented Dominic with the 1987 juvenile achievement award and complimented coach and trainer Sean Kennedy on the great work that he put into Glenmore and Kilkenny over the years. Kenneth Cottrell also had a magnificent year, winning Leinster under 12 singles in both 60X30 and 40X20 courts. Leinster secretary Tomás Ó Briain presented Kenneth with Kilkenny Crystal in recognition of his achievements in 1987.
“Sean Kennedy the man behind Glenmore handball club, was praised for his work for the club over the years and especially for devoting his time to juvenile members. Dominic Fitzgerald gave a fitting oration to his trainer and Kenneth Cotterell presented Seanie with a silver tankard in recognition of his help in coaching the juvenile players in Glenmore to the standard where they are among the best in Ireland” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Jan. 1988, p. 13).
In Part II we will cover 1988 through 1994 which includes his time playing for Good Council College, New Ross.
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Special thanks to Dominick’s parents, John and Rita Fitzgerald of Rathinure for sharing photos of Dominic and some of Dominick’s trophies and patiently answering my questions about handball. I did not realize there are two different size courts!
Any and all errors are mine, and please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
For a concise history of handball see, Tom O’Connor, “A Brief History of Handball” (GAA Handball).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Sports Day 1964
Today, we are going to feature the 1964 Glenmore Sports Day and try to identify the Glenmore people who won some of the events. By this time athletes were traveling great distances to compete in Glenmore. For example, in 1963 the Glenmore Athletic Association hosted its 20th annual sports day. Entrants came from ten counties to compete. “The feature was an outstanding treble by Frankie O’Rourke of Wexford, who won the one, two and three mile cycle races. Liam Power of Waterford secured a good double by winning the 100 and 200 yards” (Evening Echo, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 6).
Other 1963 winners published in national papers included:
440 yards—J. Jordan, Waterford
880 yards—Fintan Walsh, Waterford
880 yards (confined)—Garda Denis Donovan, Glenmore
1 mile flat—Stephen Mulqueen, Newbridge
3 miles flat—Edward Hartley, Clover Meats, Waterford
1 mile walk—John Harty, Ring, Dungarvan (Evening Echo, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 6)
Relay—won by Waterford A.C. (Irish Press, Mon. 27 May 1963, p. 12).
Glenmore Sports Day 1964
The Kilkenny People (Fri. 29 May 1964, p. 8) advertised that the first event of the day would commence at 2 pm. A raffle on the field for a Foxford Rug, presented by Richard Hanrahan, draper, New Ross was to take place and a dance was to be held that night in Mullinavat with the music by the Mighty Barrow Boys from 9-2, admission was 5/- [Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (c. 1929-2006) was a native of Robinstown, Glenmore.]
Notwithstanding the fact that entrants in 1963 came from ten counties it was proclaimed in 1964 that there was a “record entry from eight counties.” The event was held at the Scough Bridge on Sunday, 31 May 1964. “The weather was ideal and a good standard was maintained in all events,” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 5 June 1964, p. 5.) Mostly only first initials were used in the newspaper articles providing the results, and we have placed in [square brackets] the names of the persons we believe may be a local winner and their townland.
Event Winners and Runner Ups
The Kilkenny People trophy for the best all round athlete went to cyclist Thomas O’Neill of Graigue, Aglish, Cappoquin, who pulled off a hat trick by winning all three cycling events. Thirty-seven year old, Thomas had been cycling competitively for 19 years in 1964.
100 yards—(1) S. McCarthy, Waterford; (2) E. Wynberry, Waterford.
200 yards—(Brooks Cup) (1) O. Noonan, Newbridge; (2) S. McCarthy, Waterford.
400 yards—(1) F. Walsh, Waterford; (2) P.J. Kelly, Wexford.
880 yards—(1) M. Ryan, Rockwell, Cashel; (2) F. Walsh, Waterford.
Mile—(1) P. Walsh, Tullamore; (2) J. Bergin, Dundrum.
Three Miles—(Athletic Cup)—(1) E. Hartley, Kilmurry, Slieverue; (2) J. Comerford, Thomastown.
[Eddy Hartley of Kilmurry, Slieverue]
Mile Cycle—(1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin; (2) B. Keane, Waterford
Two Miles Cycle—(Social Club Trophy) (1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin; (2) B. Keane, Waterford.
Three Mile Cycle—(McCalmont Cup) (1) T. O’Neill, Cappoquin and P. Walsh, Glenmore.
[Pat Walsh (b. c. 1936) of Jamestown, and later Robinstown, Glenmore. See our post of 14 August 2022 regarding the Glenmore I.C.F. Cycling Club.]
Two Miles Cycle—(novice ) ordinary machines (1) P. Power, Forristalstown, Glenmore; (2) B. Boland, Glenmore.
[Pat Power (1940- 2019) of Forristalstown and Billy Boland (1947-2022) of Ballycroney]
100 yards—(under 21) (1) T. Kirwan, Glenmore; (2) P. Kennedy, Glenmore.
[Who were T. Kirwan and P. Kennedy?]
100 yards—(under 14) (Pattison Cup) (1) M. Kennedy, Glenmore, (2) M. McDonald, Glenmore.
[Martin Kennedy (b. 1950) Ballinclare?; Michael McDonald (1951-2004) of Gaulstown?]
100 yards—(under 16) (1) P. O’Connor, Glenmore; (2) R. Colbert, Waterford.
[Peter O’Connor (b. 1949) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore?]
880 yards (confined) Murphy Cup (1) P. Power, Forristalstown, Glenmore; P. Power, Glenmore.
[The apparent battle of the postmen’s sons. Pat Power of Forristalstown (1940-2019) son of postman Tommy Power] and Pat Power (b. 1941) Cappagh, son of postman Foxy Watty Power.]
440 yards (under 18) Creamery Cup (1) F. Boyle, Shanbough, Rosbercon; (2) P. O’Connor, Glenmore.
[Peter O’Connor (b. 1949) of Graiguenakill?]
Mile Walk—(1) B. O’Keefe, Thomastown; (2) P. Power, Glenmore.
[Pat Power (b. 1941) Cappagh?]
Ladies 100 yards—(1) Miss M. Kennedy, Glenmore; (2) Miss O. Bolger, Waterford. [The Irish Examiner, Mon. 1 June 1964, p. 9) identified Margaret Kennedy as the ladies’ winner.
[Margaret Kennedy (b. 1950) was from Ballinclare and the twin of Martin Kennedy.]
Sack Race—(1) T. Boland, Glenmore; (2) P. Kirwan, Glenmore.
[Tom Boland (1955 -2023) Ballycroney and Patsey Kirwan (c. 1956-2023) of Gaulstown]
Three Legged Race—(1) J. Mernagh and Miss M. Walsh, Glenmore; (2) P. Larrissey & Miss N. Larrissey, Kilmacow.
[Jimmy Mernagh (b. c. 1952) of Jamestown, Glenmore? Who was Miss M. Walsh?]
56 lbs. (without follow)—(1) P. Larrissey, Kilmacow; (2) M. McDonald, Glenmore.
[Mick McDonald (1929-2002) worked in the Creamery and lived in Haggard and later Cappagh. Known as Mick Mac of the Creamery.]
Obituary of Michael McDonald (1929- 2002)
Munster Express, Fri. 16 Aug. 2002, p. 8–Passing of Mr. Michael (Mick) McDonald, Robinstown, Glenmore with his wife Edie McDonald, née Barron of Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford at St. James Hospital, Dublin after a long illness. Born in Haggard, Glenmore in 1929. Mr. McDonald was an esteemed employee of the staff of Glenmore Co-operative Creamery and later Waterford Co-op, up to his retirement nearing a decade ago.
Mick, gave a lifetime of service to the parish of his beloved Glenmore, been involved in all of the parish activities, the old Mhuintir Ns Tire Guild, the Pioneers and the Church in Glenmore. Hiss passing will be mourned by all who knew him and in particular his family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
In his young & sporting days, Mick McDonald, played Gaelic Football for Glenmore parish teams and also excelled as an athlete when that sport was popular in that district. He was keen on sport in general and encouraged many around him to do likeise. He was an avid Glenmore and Kilkenny GAA supporter and attended matches whenever possible.
Mick McDonald was predeceased by his brother Bill McDonald, of Haggard, Glenmore, his sisters Catherine, Glenmore, Peggy Manchester and Mary Ann, Rochestown. He is survived by his wife, Edie, his daughters, Joan, in Camross, Co. Wexford; Mary in Lucan, Dublin; Margaret in Salt Lake City, Idaho (sic) USA; his sisters Alice, in Manchester and Bridget (Biddy) in Portsmouth, both in England. Also, by his two nephews in South Kilkenny, John McDonald, Thomastown and Thomas Gahan, Glenmore. Fr. Kavanagh paid tribute to his work involving the church and the different parish organisations that he was so involved in.
A large and representative gathering attended on both the funeral day and burial in Glenmore. Fr. Kavanagh was joined by Fr. Liam Barron of Millinavat, Monsignor Paul Fitzgerald, Thomastown, and Fr. Dick Phelan, Ballycallan. To his wife, daughters and families, sisters and family members we extend our sympathy. Go Déanna Dia Trócaire ar Anam.
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Please send any corrections, additional information, photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is Pat Walsh, of Jamestown and later Robinstown, taken c. 1970 by Danny Dowling (1927-2021). The photo of Michael McDonald (1929-2002) was taken in 1993 at the time he retired after 46 years’ service to Glenmore Creamery (Kilkenny People, Fri. 8 Jan. 1993, p. 19).
The photos of Patsey Kirwan (c. 1956-2023) and Billy Boland (1947-2022) are courtesy of their families that published the photos on R.I.P.ie.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh