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Blueshirt Sports at Weatherstown, Glenmore in 1934
We recently came across an article entitled “Blueshirt Sports at Glenmore,” in the United Ireland newspaper of Saturday, the 18th of August 1934 (p. 4). The newspaper the United Ireland was published by the proprietors of the Star Publishing Co. Ltd. and printed by Cahill and Co., of Parkgate, Dublin. It was published from 1927 to 1961 and until it ceased publishing 1,792 editions were published.
The article mentioned the Glenmore tug of war team which prompted a search for an earlier article on the Ballyfacey, Glenmore tug of war team. See, our post of 13 Nov. 2022 . We noticed that the Munster Express published on 13 July 1934 an article about a sports day in Weatherstown. The Munster Express covered some of the winners of some of the events, but made no mention of the fact that the event was associated with Blueshirts (Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8).
The Munster Express covered the results of the sports day but made no mention of the fact that the event was associated with Blueshirts (Friday 13 July 1934, p. 8). In the next column in the same edition the Munster Express published an article that a “big Blueshirt parade, comprising 200 (men and women) took place at Hugginstown. Forming up near the village, the procession, headed by the local Blue Shirt Band, marched around the village, and forming up at the cross adjacent to the ruins of the old RIC barracks, were briefly address by Captain Quinn, Gowran. A large number of supporters were also present. The singing of the National Anthem and the Blue Shirt marching song concluded the proceedings, during which there was no untoward incident” (Munster Express, Fri.13 July 1934, p. 8).
The article in the United Ireland was not published until 18 August 1934. However, because the two articles name most of the same winners of events the two articles must be about the same event. It also seems unlikely that there were two sports days held in Weatherstown in the summer of 1934.
United Ireland Article
“Keen Contests and Large Entries–The Glenmore Blueshirt, sports, held at Weatherstown, were an outstanding success. Large entries were received for each event and keen contests were the order of the day. Hundreds of Blueshirts—men and girls—were present, and there was an extremely large attendance of the general public. The national flag and the blueshirt flag were prominently displayed on the field. A refreshment stall was run by the local Blueshirt girls in charge of Miss K. Freyne. Captain P. Quinn, leader of the Blueshirts in Carlow-Kilkenny was among those present.”
Captain Padraig Quinn (c. 1903-1980) native of Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny
Padraig Quinn was the youngest survivor of the 1921 Coolbawn ambush. While it was reported that he was just 16 years old at the time of the ambush his obituary provided that he was born about 1903. In 2012 the Webley revolver that he carried during his War of Independence service was auctioned (Kilkenny People, 24 March 2012).
Quinn after service in the Free State Army in the 1930’s became one of Eoin O’Duffy’s most loyal captains, as part of the Kilkenny Blueshirt Division. He started as the director of the League of Youth (Blueshirt’s organisation) in Carlow and Kilkenny and in the fall of 1934 was attached to the head quarter staff in Dublin. He with four other members were arrested on 16 October 1934 and conveyed to Waterford Prison (Belfast Newsletter, Wed. 17 Oct. 1934, p. 11). Quinn was arrested with another prominent Blueshirt , Thomas Fitzgerald (of Old Town, Co. Kilkenny) for failing to “account to the Civil Guards for their movements on recent occasions when tree felling and cutting of telegraph poles occurred on the main roads in Co. Kilkenny.” Both men were sentenced to three months (Tipperary Star, Sat. 3 Nov. 1934, p. 10).
In 1937, Padraig Quinn was part of a brigade that left Ireland for Spain to fight alongside General Franco’s men. He took an active part in that war “and received the Bandero from General Franco.” When he died in August 1980 messages of sympathy were sent from Liam Cosgrave, T.D. and former Taoiseach and from the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland (Nationalist & Leinster Times, Fri. 29 August 1980, p. 7). For a recent short article on the Blueshirt movement see, Seán Donnelly’s “Michael Tierney and the Intellectual Origins of Blueshirtism, 1920-1938”
The Sporting Results: United Ireland
Fifteen events were listed in the United Ireland newspaper article. Unfortunately no townlands were provided and few first names.
100 yards, boys under 16 (1) Tom Byrne; (2) Stephen Walsh.
100 yards, ladies—(1) Miss Walsh; (2) Miss Cotterell
100 yards open—(1) T. Roche; (2) Larry Walsh
220 yards—(1) Larry Walsh; (2) N. Mullins
440 yards—(1) P. Roche; (2) T. Power
Half Mile Cycle—(1) Jim Cuddihy; (2) John O’Connor
Three Legged Race—(1) John Culleton and L. Walsh; (2) Jas. Fitzgerald and P. Ryan
Throwing 56 lbs—(1) S. Kenny, 21 feet, 4 inches; (2) M. Laracy, 20 feet, 10 ½ inches
High Jump—(1) M. Walsh; (2) L. Walsh
Long Jump—(1) L. Walsh
880 yards—(1) S. Phelan; (2) T. Power
Sack Race—(1) S. Walsh; (2) J. Hogan
One Mile Open—(1) S. Phelan; (2) J. Hogan
One Mile Cycle—(1) J. Cuddihy; (2) J. Malone
A tug of war contest was won by the Glenmore Team (United Ireland, Sat. 18 Aug. 1934, p. 4).
Sporting Results: Munster Express
“On Sunday the 8th of July 1934, at a Sports meeting held at Weatherstown, Glenmore, “under a beaming sun a huge crowd enjoyed themselves…There was a big number of entries and valuable prizes being offered for the different events.” Eight events were reported in the Munster Express with some townlands and first names of winners provided.
100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place.
220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First.
440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First.
Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First.
One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First.
High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First.
Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First.
Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8).
Glenmore Participants
(1) Laurence “Larry” Walsh (b. 20 Dec. 1909) was the son of Robert Walsh (farmer) and his wife Mary Walsh of Davidstown. Larry’s parents were married 19 September 1899 at Slieverue. Robert Walsh was the son of Patrick Walsh and Margaret Kennedy. Mary Walsh was from Carriganurra and was the daughter of Thomas Walsh and Mary Purcell. Wedding witnesses were Edward Vereker and Anastatia Walsh.
(2) John Culleton, of Kilbride, was born 18 October 1911. John was the son of James Culleton (farmer) Kilbride and his wife, Hannah Grace. John’s parents were married at Glenmore on 8 February 1904. The groom, James Culleton (farmer, aged 34) was the son of John Culleton (farmer). Hannah (aged 26 was the daughter of Patrick Grace (farmer). Witnesses at the wedding were David Walsh and Ellen Mullins.
(3) James Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, was born on 30 November 1906 the son of Patrick Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Mary MacDonald. Patrick Fitzgerald of Weatherstown (farmer) married Mary Macdonald, of Ballintlear, Mullinavat at Glenmore on 5 February 1902. Patrick was the son of William Fitzgerald (deceased farmer) and Mary was the daughter of James MacDonald (farmer).
(4) John Hogan, of Haggard, was born 29 April 1904 the son of John Hogan (tailor) and Alice Manning. John Hogan married Alice Manning of Haggard on 6 November 1890 at Glenmore.
Why Weatherstown, Glenmore?
Although Weatherstown is closer to New Ross than the Village of Glenmore it certainly is not in the centre of the parish. When Captain Quinn was attempting to build the Blueshirt membership in Kilkenny he likely planned and held events where he already had support from the men he served with during the War of Independence and Civil War. Two men he served with in the War of Independence were killed at the Coolbawn Ambush that he survived. These men were Jack Hartley (1897-1921) of Weatherstown, Glenmore and Nicky Mullins (1893-1921) of Thomastown, whose father Laurence was a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore.
For more information on the Coolbawn Ambush and the Glenmore family connections of Jack Hatley and Nicky Mullins see our post of 20 June 2021 and our post of 30 May 2021 for further information and a photo of the men.
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The featured drawing above is of one of the banners used by the Blueshirts. See our post of 22 November 2020 regarding Franco’s Glenmore Recruit who also went to Spain.
Please send any corrections of additional information to glenmore.hiistory@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: September 1923
Today, we are featuring some news that appeared in local newspapers in September 1923.
1923 General Election
A general election was held on Monday the 27th of August 1923. This was the first general election held since the establishment of the Free State in December 1922 and it was held shortly after the end of the Civil War. Before radio the results were distributed by newspapers and the earliest reports of results in local newspapers occurred on the first of September.
Canvassing in Glenmore
On Sunday the 26th of August 8 meetings were held in the Southwest (sic) of Kilkenny County, President Cosgrave and Sean Gibbons, accompanied by Judge Cohalan and Senator P. De Loughry wound up their election campaign. Beginning at Callan (the native place of Mr. Shelly, principal anti-Treaty candidate, and regarded as an anti-Treaty stronghold) they received a great welcome…Earlier in the morning, Mr. Gibbons, Senator De Loughry and Mr. R. Purcell, organiser, addressed meetings after Masses in Glenmore, Tullogher and Tullahought (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) stated that politicians delivered speeches in Glenmore at the “stage” that was on the front of the storehouse next to the Village Stream. This storehouse was removed when the Sallies houses were built.
President Cosgrave, said that Ireland experienced the same sort of history that every country just coming into its own had experienced. There was no reason to be disheartened or despondent. “The people should remember that on one side in this election they had real sound evidence of solid work for the nation, and on the other side practically every act made for disorder and destruction and belittling the name of the country that gave them birth.”… “He compared the work of the opposition for the past year to that of Cromwell…” ”The list of destruction performed by these people for 12 months. Were it not for that we would not be spending seven million on an army and we would have wound up last year with something in hand instead of being on the wrong side” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
Election Results
President Cosgrave had a triumphant return in Carlow/Kilkenny with 17,709 first preferences which was 11,015 more than the quota required. Election day passed off quietly in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency. The ballot boxes were delivered to the various centres during Sunday night by the military. The boxes were collected on Monday night by the military and deposited in the Courthouse with a military guard. It was not until 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night when the result of the first count was made known (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat 1 Sept. 1923, p. 6).
Cumann na nGaedheal 63 seats; Anti-Treaty 44 seats; Independents 17 seats; Farmers 15 seats; and Labour 14 seats.
Wexford Corp adopted a resolution calling on the Government, in the interest of peace, to release De Valera, Dr. Ryan, and give Bob Lambert his freedom to take up his duties as T.D. It was then added that the Government should release all the political prisoners (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
Although local newspapers mentioned Ireland joining the League of Nations in September 1923, there was very little coverage of the event in the local newspapers. For further information see, RTE‘s recent coverage.
Civil Strife
Although the Civil War was officially over, many people continued to attack others or their property. Early on the 3rd of September an extensive fire occurred at the printing works of the Waterford News. The office, editorial department and paper stores were completely destroyed, but the machinery escaped fire damage. “Strenuous exertions” by the fire brigade stopped the spread of the fire to the machinery department although extensive water damage did occur to the machinery.
The damage was estimated at several thousand pounds and was not wholly covered by insurance. Edmund Downey, the managing editor had recently taken a “decided attitude in favour of the Republican candidate Mrs. Cathal Brughu” (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 4). A £17,000 claim was made by the Waterford News for the alleged malicious burning of their commercial and editorial offices (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6)
A threshing set, the property of P. Galavan, The Rower, was burned. Galavan had presided at a meeting addressed by President Cosgrave in the run up to the general elections (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6).
Industrial Strife
Still no signs of a settlement of the County Waterford farm labourers’ strike. The farmers were co-operating among themselves and harvesting proceeded without much interruption. Pigs continue to be shipped from Dunmore the last shipment was sent to Bristol. Most ports continued to be out of commission due to striking workers (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 5). It was estimated that about 3,000 men, directly or indirectly, were unemployed in Waterford due to the agricultural labourers’ strike in Eastern Waterford and the dockers’ strike in Waterford City (Munster Express, Sat. 22 Sept. 1923, p. 7).
Food Prices
According to the New Ross Standard, it was apparent to everyone that retail food prices in Ireland were unjustifiably high. The farmer knew that he did not get the full value of his produce; the consumer knew that he paid over the shop counter double or treble the price which was originally handed to the farmer (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Thomastown Fair
The monthly fair was held on the 4th of September and showed no improvement on previous fairs due to the continuing docker’s strike. The supply of cattle was small and few buyers attended. The business done was purely local and a small number of cattle changed hands. There was a large supply of sheep and the majority were sold at remunerative prices. There was also a large supply of young pigs with the greater number were taken home unsold (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 7).
Kilkenny Potatoes
In Co. Kilkenny early sown barley turned out good although the yield was under average due to poor weather. Most of the early and mid-early potatoes were dug and used. Prices in Dublin at the beginning of September were 9s. to 10s. per cwt. (112 lbs.) for British Queens and 8s. to 9s. per cwt for other types (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 15, Sept. 1923, p. 11).
Two Glenmore Firsts at Kilkenny Agricultural Society Show
At the annual Autumn Show of the Kilkenny Agricultural Society, held in St. James Park, Kilkenny there were a record number of entries. In class 73 for best 56 lbs. box of unsalted butter, Glenmore Co-operative Agricultural and Dairy Society, Ltd. of Glenmore tied for first with Castlecomer Co-op. In Class 80 for the best three sections of honey exhibited by a cottager in the County or City of Kilkenny, John Cody of Glenmore was first (Kilkenny People, Sat. 29 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
T.B. Cures in the News
T.B., or consumption as it was called in 1923, caused great suffering and pre-mature deaths. Consumption Cure—French scientists were investigating the claim of Rafael Santos, a 25 year old medical student at the University of Paris. Santos claimed to have discovered of an infallible cure for tuberculosis in 30 minutes. Santos constructed a set of lens instruments for introducing sunrays and ultra-violet rays into human lungs (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
At the same time another medical student was working on a T.B. cure. Waterford researcher, J.V. Walsh (son of John Walsh, The Mall, Waterford City) carried out research at Oxford under Professor Deyer. Walsh was awarded the resesearch scholarship of the British Medical Associations for his work on serological variability amongst micro-organisms. (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
Some people appeared to be immune to the disease. For example, the Very Rev. John J. Roche. O.F.M., Wexford entered his 99th year in 1923. Born on 30 August 1825, Father Roche was reported to enjoy excellent health. He was uncle of Most Rev. Dr. Brownrigg, Bishop of Ossory, and had two bothers who were also priests in Wexford (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6). Per the death register, Fr. John James Roche died on 26 November 1924 at the Franciscan Convent, Wexford, just 9 months short of his 100th birthday.
Adverse Weather
A circus tent at Towyn, Mercionethshire, Wales, packed with nearly 2,000 people, partly collapsed during a violent gale. A number of people fought their way out by slashing the tent open with knives. Tents where three big elephants were kept were also blown down. The gale caused widespread havoc all over Great Britain (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 2).
New Ross Bridge
At the meeting of the New Ross Urban Council, John Hand, said that they paid a lot of money to the Wexford County Council, but the bridge at New Ross was in a disgraceful state. The upper portion was covered with rust and the underneath part was in a bad state. Others agreed and stated it was a pity that there was no New Ross representative on the County Council (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 3).
Glenmore Sports
On the last Sunday in August at Mullinavat, Glenmore scored an easy victory over Hugginstown in the second round of the South Kilkenny Junior hurling championship. The winners had a strong selection, and judging by their displays in their two games, The Munster Express said they should give a good account of themselves in the further round of the championship(Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
The Kilkenny Senior Hurling team beat Tipperary for the All Ireland Senior Hurling title. Local newspapers did not list any of the Kilkenny team members, so it is doubtful that any Glenmore players were on that team.
1923 Recipes
The Kilkenny Moderator printed a few “new” recipes in September 1923.
Tipsy Cake Recipe
Ingredients—
A stale sponge cake
½ pint of orange wine or sherry
1 pint custard
½ lb. of blanched sweet almonds
Method—Make holes in the sponge cake with a clean steel skewer. Pour the wine over it and leave it to soak till the wine is absorbed by the cake. Stick the almonds in the cake and then pour the custard over it and leave to set (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Apple Snow Recipe
A Pretty Supper Dish—peel and core some apples and stew them gently until they are quite soft. Beat them lightly and place in a glass dish. Make a thick custard, using the yokes of two eggs to a pint of milk and pour it over the apple. Beat the whites to a stiff froth with a little fine sugar and arrange in a heap on top of the dish. A few crystallised cherries and strips of angelica can be added to adorn the sweet for festive occasions (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above is from the Freeman’s Journal (Tues. Sept. 1923, p. 11) and was taken at the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship game held in Croke Park between Kilkenny and Tipperary. Kilkenny won.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: August 1923
In August 1923, one topic dominated the local newspapers, the general election. Some newspapers dubbed it the “hurried” election. In many respects the issues concerning voters 100 years ago are still issues today such as housing, industrial strife, and inflation. Today, we highlight the local candidates and some of the other news that made it into the local newspapers in August 1923. Unfortunately, only one reference to Glenmore could be located in the local newspapers.
CIVIL WAR ISSUES
As peace settled across the 26 counties the government began to release some of the prisoners it held. Local released prisoners included Miss Lena Cleary, of Whitechurch, New Ross and Miss S. Browne, of New Ross. These ladies were released four months after being arrested by the military (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 6). At the end of August James Hartley, of Weatherstown, Glenmore was released from Wexford Military Barracks (Free Press (Wexford), Sat. 25 Aug. 1923, p. 4).
The National troops stationed in Thomastown since July 1922 left for Kilkennyin early August 1923. The barricades were removed from around the house in Thomastown where the military had been stationed (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 6).
INDUSTRIAL STRIFE
Industrial strife continued to plague the Free State. Locally, farmers had limited markets for their produce. The New Ross Standard reported that due to the “continuation of the strike at ports and other labour troubles” the weekly pig and fowl markets were suspended for over 3 weeks. (Fri. 3 August 1923, p. 5
The following week the New Ross Standard (Fri. 10 August 1923, p. 3) outlined the events that led to the port strikes.
Port Strike
“During the past few years the wages of dockers in the Free State have been the highest in Europe. The workers at the Free State ports were included in every increase of wages which were granted in Great Britain both during and immediately after the European War. At the larger ports they were in receipt of as much as 16 shillings per day, with the result that shipping freights were maintained at a fantastic level to the growing detriment of trade and commerce.”
“The British employers redued the wages of their men, and by stages the rate of pay fell to 10 shillings per day at all the big ports. The Dublin dockers and fellow workers in other Free State ports refused to discuss any reduction. Matters went from bad to worse until the last straw was laid on the camel’s back by an irregular and unauthorised strike of seaman. When the port of Dublin became paralysed the employers decided to enforce the over-due reduction of dockers’ wages. On 16 July all work ceased.”
DEADLY WEATHER
On the 2nd of August, what several newspapers described as a hurricane, swept through this area. A 15-year -old girl gathering firewood on the 2nd named Magge Lawlor, of 55 Ferrybank was killed by a tree that fell on her (Munster Express, Sat. 4 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
“The hurricane” had a serious impact on crops of grain, potatoes, manifolds (sic), and turnips all blackened (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1923, p. 8). [We have had a few queries concerning manifolds. Having conferred with my resident farming expert it is believed that these were beet like vegetables used as fodder. They were stored in pits and had to be well covered to protect them from the frost. When fed the “mangals” were put through a turnip machine otherwise cattle could choke on the roots. For further information see, the Gardening Know How webpage.]
FARMING
In several areas apple trees were badly shaken by the August storm resulting in nearly all the fruit being blown off the trees. “Potato blight has made its appearance in places in the New Ross district. So far it is not serious (New Ross Standard, Friday 10 August 1923, p. 6). On the other hand the weather appeared to agree with mushrooms which were described as plentiful. “Reports came from almost every district to that effect” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug.1923, p. 5).
At the end of the month it was reported that at the New Ross market cabbage was realising as high as 3d. per head and hay sold for £4 to £5 per ton (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3).
The price of food according to the New Ross Standard was an issue the new Dáil would have to tackle. While the price of cattle was within 4 to 6 shillings per cwt. of pre-war prices, the price of butcher’s meat almost doubled. Almost every article required in the household costs an exorbitant price” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Aug. 1923, p. 4).
THE GENERAL ELECTION
Free speech and free elections were challenging in the newly established Free State. The Kilkenny People summed up the “hurried” election of 1923 as the people’s choice for construction or destruction (Sat. 25 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
The general election was set for the 27th of August. In the days before radio and television candidates held meetings to try to persuade voters to support them. It was reported that during the election campaign 90 meetings were held in New Ross and surrounding districts (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3)
Unfortunately, meetings of all parties were subject to disruptions and heckling of candidates was common. In some instances violence erupted and intimidation caused some meetings to be cancelled.
Election Meetings Disrupted
A Farmers’ Party candidate at Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford on Sunday the 19th was assaulted by a crowd of young men and boys. He was struck with clenched fists, rotten eggs, “and sound ones too.” He was covered from the top of his hat to his boots. His hat, overcoat and suit of clothes were destroyed. The Labour Party was also stopped at Ramsgrange from holding a meeting. The candidates were threatened and their election literature burned (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Aug. 1923, p. 5).
By the time the New Ross Standard (Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 3) went to print at the end of the month it was reported that “It is too early to ascertain what sections or parties have been successful at the general election. The result of the polling will not be completely known for some days…whatever parties have been successful, and whatever Government may result, we trust that at long last it will be enabled to devote itself uninterruptedly to uplifting the country and promoting prosperity and happiness of the people.”
Kilkenny-Carlow Candidates
Below is a list of the candidates for the Kilkenny-Carlow seats and the names of the candidates deemed elected are in bold.
(1) Michael Barry, Tombeagh, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Republican.
(2) Thomas, Bolger, of Downings, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Cumann na nGaedheal.
(3) Edw. John Broughan, of Ballybrommell, Co. Carlow, Farmer, ran as a Farmer’s Party candidate.
(4) Liam T. Cosgrave, of Beechpark, Templeogue, Co. Dublin, President of the Executive Council, and Minster for Finance, ran as a member of Cumann na NGaedheal.
(5) Edw. Doyle, of Laragh, Co. Carlow, Agricultural Worker, ran as a member of Labour.
(6) Patrick Gaffney, of Connolly Cross, Carlow, Agricultural Worker, ran as an Independent (Other newspapers noted that he was a miller.)
(7) John “Seán” Francis Gibbons, of Ballylarkin, Co. Kilkenny, Farmer, ran as a member of Cumann na nGaedheal.
(8) Denis John Gorey, of Burnchurch, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny, Farmer, ran as a member of the Farmer’s Party. See our post of 6 June 2022 for details regarding the attack on Gorey’s home and the General Election of 1922.
(9) Michael Shelly, of Green St., Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Merchant, ran as a Republican. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 24 Aug. 1923, p. 16).
WATERFORD BOXER—Battling Brannigan
“In Dublin on Wed. 22d August, Battling Brannigan, the promising young Waterford pugilist, will meet the coloured exponent, Sam Minto, who last year gave Kid Doyle a great fight” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 17 Aug. 1923, p. 16). It isn’t clear whether Brannigan fought Minto more than once, but according to a short article in the Munster Express in 1952, fighting “Patsy Brannigan (Gerald Hurley) despite an early injury to his hands, gained a points victory over Sam Minto.” The fight took place at the Theatre Royal, in Waterford almost 30 years earlier. (Munster Express, Fri. 16 May 1952, p. 9).
Gerald Hurley (c. 1901-1985)
Gerald Hurley (c. 1901-1985) was born in Chicago and moved to Waterford at the age of three. Although he trained as an alto singer for the Westminster Cathedral choir and sang professionally, in 1919, he began boxing as a lightweight. During a boxing career that spanned a decade, Hurley became the lightweight champion of Ireland, and went on to hold the welterweight Irish title. He never had a manager, and secured international fights.
At the same time he was a “much sought-after” professional classical singer. His dual career might explain why he fought under the name of Battling Brannigan. Hurley retired from professional boxing in 1929, but continued his professional singing. He became a physical education and boxing teacher (Munster Express, Fri. 29 Sept. 1972, p. 24) at Dublin secondary schools and also taught at the Garda Depot, Phoenix Park (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 29 Nov. 1985, p. 16).
Memories of Waterford
While living in Waterford he resided in Grange Terrace, Waterford (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Oct. 1979, p. 25). In 1959, he was residing at 32 Belgrave Square, Rathmines Dublin (Munster Express, Fri. 31 July 1959, p. 4) In a letter to the editor of the Munster Express, he recalled friends killed during the Civil War in Waterford City and working at putting up the wooden poles in the city when the first electric lights were installed (Munster Express, Fri. 31 July 1959, p. 4). His kin around Waterford city in the 1950’s included his brother Tim Hurley, of Barrack St., his nephew Michael Butler, hairdresser of Manor St. and the Moran family of Parnell St. (Munster Express, Fri. 31 Dec. 1954, p. 5)
AUCTIONS
After the establishment of the Free State several Anglo-Irish families, such as the Butlers of Kilkenny Castle, sold their estates and moved from Ireland. In the summer of 1923, the local newspapers advertised several auctions and as illustrated below not all sales were large estates.
Cholastown, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny An auction of a small holding belonging to Thomas McDonald, was advertised to be sold by Auction on the 7th of August (Tuesday) at noon (new time). The land was in Nicholastown and contained 18 statute acres with a forge and outbuildings. The land was held in fee simple subject to a terminable annuity payable to the Irish Land Commission of £4 2s. 8d.
The land was described as, being in grass, well fenced and sheltered with excellent tillage and grazing qualities with an ample and constant spring water supply (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 3 Aug. 1923, p. 8).
HUMOUR RETURNS
During the dark days of the War of Independence and Civil War very few jokes were published in local newspapers as fillers. In August 1923, perhaps to lighten the mood during the general election several jokes were published such as the two below.
Plucking in Haste—Knitting in Leisure
“In the Hounalow district a young Farmer’s wife, after making some hop beer, threw the hops into the garden, and several ducks ate them up. The ducks became so drunk that the farmer thought they were dead and placed them in a shed. The wife plucked them in the evening. In the morning the couple were awakened by a terrific noise in the shed. The ducks were running abound bereft of feathers. So, the farmer’s wife had to make some little jumpers until their feathers grew again” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug. 1923, p. 5). [For our international readers a jumper is a sweater.]
Faith in Surgeon
“A London surgeon found that a serious operation was necessary upon the daughter of a woman who came with her to the hospital. The details of the operation were explained, and the consent was asked for of the mother to the operation being performed. ‘Oh,’ was the reply, ‘It is all very well to talk about consenting, but who is going to pay for the funeral!’ (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 18 Aug. 1923, p 7).
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The feature phto above is the crowd in Carlow awaiting the arrival of President of the Dáil, W.T. Cosgrave. The photo was published in the Freeman’s Journal (Tues. 21 Aug. 1923, p. 7) by a member of the Freeman’s staff. Cosgrove arrived in Carlow by airplane.
Please send any corrections or further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore 12: Leinster Senior Football Semi-Final 1923
On Sunday the 8th of July, 1923, at Croke Park, Kilkenny played Meath in one of the Leinster Senior Football Semi-Finals. Of the fifteen players selected to play for Kilkenny a dozen were from Glenmore. In 1922 only nine Glenmore players were selected for the 1922 senior football team. See, our post of 17 December 2022 and 4 December 2022 for details regarding Glenmore’s representation in the Leinster Senior Football Championship in 1922.
The 1923 Kilkenny team was comprised of the following players [information not from the newspaper is in square brackets]: P. Dalton* (goal); J. Fitzgerald; M. Connolly [Mick Connolly, Rochestown]; J. Hanrahan [Jimmy Hanrahan, Glenmore Village]; Matt Flannelly*; P. Cody [Paddy Cody, Weatherstown]; M. Brennan; M. Cody [Michael Cody, Weatherstown]; L. Murphy; J. Phelan; W. Hartley [Bill Hartley, Bushertstown], W. Irish [Bill Irish, Rochestown]; P. Hartley; J. McKenna* and A. Heffernan [Andy Heffernan, Aylwardstown]. The three players that were not from Glenmore we have marked with an asterisk.* We know from the newspaper account below that John Doherty [Davidstown] replaced the injured Jimmy Hanrahan. For further details regarding Glenmore players from this era see our post of 6 February 2023.
The Munster Express and the Kilkenny People both published articles regarding the match. Both newspapers commenced their coverage with a short editorial of the match then the remainder of both articles published the exact same description of “the play.” The perhaps more objective Munster Express labelled the game a “dissappointing exhibition of football.”
Munster Express
“The game was to a great extent marred by fouling, the referee being kept pretty busy all through. Luck was against Kilkenny, who, in addition to losing two of their players through injuries, had another relegated to the side line early for a breach of the rules…There were periods of high-class play, but on the whole it was a disappointing exhibition of football…” (Munster Express, Sat. 14 July 1923, p. 3).
Kilkenny People
Sweltering conditions prevailed in Croke Park on Sunday, and the attendance during the first match was rather small, but it improved when the semi-final was in progress. Fan crowds came on the special trains, but it would scarcely appear that all found their way to the matches, which local followers were not strongly represented.
The main encounter of the day—Kilkenny and Meath—proved a strong one from the very outset, and was prolonged by frequent stoppages. It was also characterised by many penalties, but the spirit of the contest was good throughout. The back divisions of both teams were the outstanding feature, and scoring in the first half was a difficult matter for Kilkenny, playing a hard short practical from the outset, were unable to make full use of their elemental advantages in the opening period and turned over level points to a goal for Meath.
Meath improved considerable in the second half, mostly, and though erratic enough at time, succeeded in effecting a couple of major scores, to which, by lack of efficient forward work, Kilkenny could make no response though they had several favourable opportunities. Irish was the outstanding player on the field, putting in a vast amount of splendid work. The Meath backs were clever and cleared fouls. The winners will now meet Dublin for the final, but will need to improve considerably if they hope to once more bring premier hours to Royal Meath.
Details: Meath 3-1; Kilkenny 0-3 ( Kilkenny People, Sat. 14 July 1923, p. 9).
The Play
Kilkenny forced the play early and were rewarded with two “50’s” which, though well taken by McKenna, went for nought. Three frees brought Meath forward to find the Kilkenny Defence sound. Kilkenny going away spoiled by fouling close in, and a little later L. Murphy (Kilkenny) was sent off by the referee for a breach of the rules. Kilkenny went attacking, a free from the left wing was well placed by Flannelly for Fitzgerald to box over for a point.
Kilkenny backs were good against a Meath assault, in which Tuite met with hard luck in a try for a score. Andy Heffernan (Kilkenny) retired injured and was replaced by J. Shiels (Kilkenny) worked away from a free, and the Meath custodian in saving a trying shot from P. Cody, conceded a point.
Strong play ruled, Meath dashing away and over Kilkenny backs were again reliable in a renewed Meath offensive. Midfield play followed, the exchanges being pretty evenly divided. Kilkenny were something the better, but were meeting with sterling opposition from the Meath backs. Two frees aided Kilkenny, but the Meath line was crossed without result.
At this stage play showed improvement, and some good football was witnessed. Kilkenny kept up the pressure and M. Cody scored a fine point from far out. Meath backs were still kept moving and did very well against persistent Kilkenny onslaughts.
A brilliant run brought Meath into the Kilkenny ground, exchanges between Keoghan and Ratty (sic) being secured by Hickey, who levelled up with a goal for Meath. Working back Meath forced a “50,” and there was an exiting struggle close up to the Kilkenny citadel. Meath were pressing at the interval, when the scores were level, as follows: Kilkenny, 0-3; Meath 1-0.
Second Half
J. Hanrahan (Kilkenny) went off injured, and John Doherty took his place. On again getting to work Kilkenny broke away, but were held up by a free, and Meath, going in, went ahead by a point from Farrelly, Kilkenny attacking, sent wide, as did Meath soon after.
Meath were now playing up strongly, but the Kilkenny backs were equal to all effort to go through. Kilkenny spoiled by fouling in good position, and Meath were attacking, to register two wides (one from a free) before Kilkenny worked back, to be repulsed by a sound Meath defence.
Irish beat off a Meath offensive, and the ensuring play provided a few brilliant passages, both sides displaying great dash and determination. Irish who had been playing a great game for Kilkenny, was injured, but resumed, amidst applause. Meath attacked with vigour, but were obliged to retire before an admirable Kilkenny defence. Coming on again for a free, Hickey dashed in for a goal for Meath, Dalton the Kilkenny custodian, failing in an effort to save a low shot. Nothing daunted, Kilkenny bounded away, but a free, close-up, brought relief to Meath, who were being hotly tested. Meath again went attacking, to go wide from a free.
Unusual vigour was being introduced into the play and frees were frequent, Meath getting most. Keelan kicked a great goal for Meath from a free. Kilkenny still going strong, made no impression on the Meath line of defence. A succession of frees again brought Meath forward, but the Kilkenny defence prevailed. Kilkenny attacking made no headway against the Meath backs who were reliable all through. Meath had the better of the closing stages and were good winners at the end.
Referee & Meath Team
Mr. P. McCullagh, Wexford, refereed.
The Meath team: B. Carey; P. Keelan; W. Dillon; J. Newman; C. Cudden; P. Reilly; J. Ledwidge; M. Keoghan; P. Tuite; C. Meade; J. Curtis; C. Carolan; P. Ratty; J. Hickey; M. Farrelly.
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For further information concerning Glenmore and other Kilkenny hurling and football teams see, The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2018) compiled by Gerry O’Neill.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail,com.
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending the team photo featured above as well as identifying each player.
The feature photo Glenmore Footballers (Unbeaten Champions 1914 – 1925). [1925 on football in photo]
Back Row: James Vereker (Davidstown), Jim Murphy, William Irish, Pat Hartley, Andy Heffernan, Richard Hanrahan.
Next Row: Mick Heffernan, John Fitzgerald, John Doherty, Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Connolly, Peter Kirwan, Paddy Cody, James Dunphy.
Next Row: Stephen Heffernan, James Fitzgerald, Martin Cody (Captain), Fr. Richard Vereker, John Phelan, Bill Hartley (Busherstown).
Front Row: Jim Hanrahan, John Mullins, Mick Cody, Paddy Murphy.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Founding of Glenmore GAA in 1887
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Glenmore Skittles Teams & Tournaments
A few months ago a reader asked if we have any information on a Glenmore skittles team. The reader’s grandfather mentioned that he played skittles before he emigrated to the UK. We were able to locate quite a few articles regarding local skittle tournaments held from 1938 -c. 1949. Apparently different areas of the country employed different rules and some tournaments were for teams and some were for individual contestants.
The local tournaments were played in the summer and were impacted by weather, so the games were played outdoors. We did find that there is an indoor skittles game which is often played in pubs. We could not find an article referencing a tournament being played in Glenmore Village, but it would be difficult to find a flat area for the game in the village. Ballycroney and Moulerstown were the two Glenmore townlands that were mentioned regularly as having skittle teams competing in local skittles tournaments.
Skittle Rules
It is widely accepted that skittles are played in various countries using various rules and equipment. For our American readers skittles is said to be the forerunner of bowling or ten pin bowling as it is often called here.
A brief description of how the local children played the game was recorded in the 1930’s by a Ballyfacey school child. See our post of 27 November 2022. This description is consistent with the RTE Archives (1979). Donncha Ó Dúlaing had a series entitled “Donncha’s Travelling Roadshow” where he travelled across Ireland highlighting the people, music and traditions of rural Ireland. On 4 April 1979 he featured a Cavan skittles match.
“Five skittles with values 1,2,3,4 and 10 are placed in a ring in a cross shape. Each player takes his turn at a throw line and attempts to knock all of the skittles with four throwers made from cylindrical blocks of wood.” To view the wonderful RTE archived 1979 footage click here.
1938 Glenmore Teams
Skittles may have been played in Glenmore long before 1938, but local newspapers only began reporting on and advertising skittles tournaments around this time. Several teams from Glenmore and nearby parishes/townslands were identified. Unfortunately the number of players on a team was not revealed in any newspaper article.
Shambo-Rosbercon Tournament
The New Ross Standard (Fri. 2 Sept. 1938, p. 12) reported that the Shambo (sic) Rosbercon Skittles Tournament began on Sunday the 27th of August 1938 “with players from Shambo, Ballycroney, Ballygurran (sic), New Ross, Glenmore, Waterford, Pink Rock and Moulerstown.” The games were described as very interesting to the large crowd of spectators.
“The ‘Butler’ Moulerstown team were very unlucky to go over the game number in the semi-finals after a grand display, but for being the most consistent players all round, the Egan team Ballycroney highly deserved their victory in the initial round. Saunders’ team, of Shambo, being runners up. The Committee thanked Mr. Daniel Whelan for seating and all other facilities provided during the game. The tournament will be continued on next Sunday.”
The second round of the tournament took place on Sunday the 11th of September 1938. Ten teams made it through the semi-finals and the third day of the tournament was scheduled for the 18th where the newspaper predicted “an exciting finish is anticipated.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept. 1938, p. 12).
Final Between Two Ballycroney, Glenmore Teams
The Shambo skittle tournament was played on the 18th and was proclaimed “an outstanding success.” The full ten team took part “in the final issues. Ballycroney, Moulerstown and Shambo teams proved their skill to enter the semi-final after very keenly contested games with excitement at its highest. Moulerstown and Shambo had to admit defeat, leaving the final issue, which was only decided by the best hand, between the two Ballycroney teams, the winners being D. Cahill, B. Hogan, J. Hennessy and W. Walsh, the Runners-up, Pat Egan, and the Holden Brothers, being very unlucky to be only beaten by the small margin of four. The teams are beginning another challenge game on next Sunday” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 Sept. 1938, p. 12.)
The Emergency Years
The Second World War is often referred to as the Emergency in Ireland. On 2 September 1939 the Emergency Powers Act was passed into law the day after Germany invaded Poland. Hardships prevailed as commodities such as coal, medicines and foodstuffs were difficult to import. Skittles remained a popular pastime in this area during the War.
A South Kilkenny Committee was established to run tournaments in the summer months with most of the parishes in South Kilkenny represented. For this league teams were grouped to allow draws and fixtures to be made “locally to suit players and the committee” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 June 1940, p. 8 and Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 66). However, teams were not limited to parishes, townlands or villages. Clover Meats had a skittles teams. Its July 1944 contest against Dangan, fixed for Ballykeohan Crossn had to be postponed “owing to unfavourable weather conditions” (Munster Express, Fri. 21 July 1944, p. 4).
One of the new features of skittles during the Emergency were concrete rings. An individual skittles contest was advertised for Tullahought (near Piltown) where a “new concrete ring” was built. “It is sure to attract a big entry from members of the skittles teams.” The entry was 10s. and first prize £1. “It is hoped to have all the contests in the one day” (Munster Express, Fri. 3 July 1942, p. 6). In early July 1942, it was reported that Jamestown (assumed to be Jamestown, Glenmore) “formed a new team and a newly painted ring” was announced (Munster Express, Fri. 8 May 1942, p. 6).
Ballycroney, Glennmore 1945 Team
The skittles tournament organised by the Listerlin Club attracted an entry of nineteen teams to the local venue on Sunday the 22nd of July 1945. It “provided a nice afternoon’s sport for a record attendance. After keen competition, in which some interesting play was witnessed, Ballycroney and Acres (Mullinavat) qualified for the final, which was won by the former after a great contest. The teams were as follows: Ballycroney—W. Holden, B. Holden, M. Holden, P. Hogan, J. Hennessy¸ J. Cody, T. Fitzgerald. Acres—Thomas Holden, Ed. Holden, Hames Holden, J. Holden, Jas. Farrell, Wm. Fitzpatrick, E. Kelly, Pat Anderson. Sergt. Conlon was judge and Mr. P. O’Connor marker.” (Munster Express, Fri. 27 July 1945, p. 5).
Moulerstown, Glenmore Tournaments
Tullogher’s tournament was played in early August 1945, and 18 teams competed (Munster Express, Fri. 10 Aug. 1945, p. 5).
Twelve teams entered for the skittle tournament held at Moulerstown, Glenmore, on the 12th of August, “which attracted a large attendance of spectators. After an interesting series of games, first prize went to the Moulerstown team, who defeated Smithstown in the final after an exciting contest” (Munster Express, Fri. 17 Aug. 1945, p. 5). The newspaper did not indicate where in Moulestown the 1945 tournament was held.
The following week the Moulerstown team competed in the Ballyanne (Wexford) tournament. “There was a large attendance at the … tournament held on Sunday, [the 19th] and great interest was centred in the games. Seventeen teams competed and Rathgarogue team were the winners of the tournament. Moulerstown came second and Rathnure were third. The prize for the best throw was won by J. Breen of Ballintubber, and gate prize by M. Fitzpatrick of Carranoure (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 August 1945, p. 6).
In 1946, the Moulerstown tournament was held at the Moulerstown Dance Board on Saturday the 19th of June “commencing at 1:30 p.m. (old time) with £14 in prizes advertised (Munster Express, Fri. 21 June 1946, p. 5). A tournament held in an enclosed yard in the Borris & Graig district raised £29 7s. at the entrance gate “which goes to prove the interest taken in such contests” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 August 1945, p. 6).
Local Decline of Skittles
After 1949 fewer articles appeared in local newspapers concerning skittles. In the summer of 1949 it was announced that a “monster” skittles tournament was to be held in Mooncoin the first Sunday in August “in conjunction with the local sports. A number of new teams [were] also being organised in the area for the competition” (Munster Express, Fri.29 July 1949, p 8).
Stand alone skittles tournaments were no longer reported, however, skittles continued to be played in conjunction with sports days and sometimes with dances. For example, in the summer of 1952 a “Monster Skittles Tournament was held at the Glenmore Skow Bridge Dance Board on Sunday the 27th of July at 1 p.m. (old time). The entry fee was 16/- for a team of eight and £12 in prizes were on offer. A “big dance” was to be held the same night (Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1952, p. 10).
Request
If you played skittles for a Glenmore team, or you recall hearing someone speak of their experiences, we would love to hear from you. If you have any old skittles trophies, medals or photos of skittle players or games please send a photo of them to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Please also contact via the email provided regarding any errors, omissions, or additional information.
The drawing featured above is courtesy of the New York Public Library and is a cigarette card issued in 1938; available at George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Skittles.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 28, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7d20cdeb-e40d-4a73-e040-e00a18060ccc.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh