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Pat Green (b.c. 1949) of the Glenmore Cycling Club
Recently Ger Barry shared some photos of the Fermoy Open Sports Day circa 1973. Pat Green, of the Glenmore Cycling Club, was in the final and racing for gold. It was reported in 1973 that Pat Green was not competing that year (Evening Echo, Thurs. 26 July 1973, p. 12). We did, however, find that Pat Green was in the finals at both the 1971 and 1972 Fermoy Open Sports Day.
The early 1970’s were an exciting time for cycling as young men such as Pat Green, Willie Baggott (Limerick) and Pat Walsh (Glenmore) were bursting onto the racing scene. Although all the newspaper articles spelled Pat’s family name as Greene a quick check of the family headstone records the name as Green. To view our previous article regarding The Glenmore Cycling Club, see our post of 22 August 2022.
Commenced Competing
Pat Green, a farmer from Jamestown, Glenmore was a member of the Glenmore Cycling Club. In 1971 at the age of 22 he began to compete in track cycling races with only 12 months experience. Due to the lack of keen track competition in Kilkenny, and surrounding counties, he became a regular rider at Cork fixtures in 1971 (Irish Examiner, Mon. 9 August 1971, p. 11).
In early April 1971 he competed in the 50 kilometre road race, under ICF rules, which was promoted by the Glenmore Cycling Club. This road race was won by Donal Crowley a Ballincollig rider who won in an exciting finish with Pat Hegarty (Fermoy). Donal Crowley won by a wheel. The newspaper reported that “Local rider Pat Green was caught with just 200 yards to go” (Cork Weekly Examiner, Thurs. 8 April 1971, p. 9).
Fermoy Open Sports Day 1971
There were four heats leading to the mile Irish Championship final at Fermoy in early June 1971. Heat 1 was won by Pat Greene (Glenmore) with Peter Hegarty (Fermoy) second. In Heat 4 another Glenmore man competed, D. Walsh who came in third.
In 1971 Willie Baggott, a 24-year-old Limerick motor mechanic “stole a march on more fancied opponents to lift his first Irish cycling championship at Fermoy under BLE and ICF rules.” Baggot was a member of the newly formed Shannon Wheelers club and won the ½ mile and mile races. The former Phoenix Road club rider was not a favourite. More experienced men like Eddie Dunne, Round Towers, Dublin; Mick Kelly of Galway, Mick Kingston of Hilltown’s and the Fermoy representatives were favoured.
Baggott caught Dunne the Round Towers star by surprise in the mile. The final was an anti-climax with Baggott much too strong for Kingston, “Patsey Greene of Glenmore” and Fermoy’s Mick O’Connor (Cork Weekly Examiner, Thurs. 10 June 1971, p. 9).
Doubles at Ballyduff and Ballyhooly
A month after Fermoy Pat raced at Ballyduff Upper and completed a double by winning the one mile and two-mile cycling events. In the mile scratch he easily beat Peter Hegarty (Fermoy) and he came home in similar style against his clubmate, Pat Walsh, in the three mile open handicap (Irish Examiner, Thurs. 8 July 1971, p. 13).
On 2 August 1971 Pat won a silver medal in the national five-mile championship at Youghal. On the 8th Pat won his first Irish senior track cycling championship at Ballyhooley Open Sports Day under BLE and ICF rules. At Ballyhooley he reduced the opposition “to tatters, such was his power on the testing 400 metre circuit in later stages. Youghal’s Gerry Geary forced the pace and had a 50-metre lead with a little over half of a mile remaining.
All eyes were on Willie Baggot, the Limerick winner of three titles earlier in the year, when Pat Green and John Hegarty (Fermoy) broke clear of the pack to chase Geary.” The rest of the field did not react. Six hundred metres from home “the powerful Kilkenny man hit the front. In the final circuit nobody could match his strong pedalling into the wind in the back straight and he flashed across the line the easiest of winners,” Irish Examiner, Mon. 9 August 1971, p. 11).
Fermoy Open Sports Day 1972
Cycling events took premier position in the 1972 Fermoy Open Sports day although the weather was reported as unfavourable (Corkman, Sat. 17 June 1972, p. 11). After four qualifying heats the line up for the half-mile final was comprised of Willie Baggott (Limerick). Sylvie Murphy (Hilltown), who edged out the fancied Eddie Dunne of Round Towns in the second heat. Pat Green (Glenmore) was the winner of the third heat and local star John Hegarty was the fourth finalist.
Sylvie Murphy took the quarter through the bell and held the advantage until 150 yards from home. Baggot swept by on the outside to go on to win by 1.5 lengths clear. John Hegarty, who had been hemmed in came with a late flurry to pip the gallant Sylvie Murphy at the line for the silver (Irish Examiner, Mon. 12 June 1972, p. 11).
Five Mile National Track Champion 1972
In July 1972, Pat Green as the holder of the 1971 Five Mile National Track Title was the favourite in 1971 (Nationalist & Leinster Times, Fri. 14 July 1972, p. 14). Pat went on to win the five-mile championship for the second successive year (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Nov. 1972, p. 19).
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history.com.
Special thanks to Ger Barry for sharing the photos from the Fermoy Open Sports Meeting. He believes that the photos show Pat Green (Glenmore); Frank O’Sullivan (Fermoy); the third person is unknown but could be Paddy Flanagan (of Midlands Cycling Club) and Willie Baggot (Shannon Wheelers). “All were racing for the Gold All Ireland Championship” at the Fermoy Open Sports Meeting. In the black and white featured photo above Ger identified Pat Green, ?, Mick Kingston and Willie Baggott
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Sportsman: Bill Irish (1899-1976) Native of Aylwardstown [Updated]
Today, we are going to feature a Glenmore sportsman who played both hurling and football at club and county level. Unfortunately, Bill’s sporting days were tragically cut short when he was attacked and injured during a pitch invasion. Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919 and went on to win senior football titles in 1921, 1922 and 1923. He was a member of the Glenmore-Kilmacow combined team that won the 1923 junior county hurling title.
The Irish Family of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
William “Bill” Irish was baptized at Glenmore on 11 November 1899. He was the son of Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) (farmer) and his wife Margaret Ribby (sic) (1861-1917) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. His godparents were John Heffernan and Kate Ribby (sic). Robert Irish did not register his son’s birth until the 8th of May 1900. There was a fine for failing to register, or for failing to register a birth within three months. In order to avoid the fine for registering a late birth it appears that Robert recorded Bill’s birth as 11 February 1900 although we know he was born on or before 11 November 1899 from the baptismal record.
While still in his teens Bill and his siblings were orphaned. Their father died in 1908 (the death register records his first name as Robin) and their mother died in 1917 of TB. The 1901 and 1911 censuses reveal that Bill’s uncle, Thomas Irish (1844-1928) resided with the family in Aylwardstown. Tommy Irish, a bachelor, at the age of 57 took the plunge and married a widow Ellen Roche née Kennedy, of Rathinure on 18 July 1901. This apparently unhappy union may be the subject of a future blog post.
Bill’s Parents and Siblings
Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) and Margaret Rigby (1861-1917) were married on 22 November 1893 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were Peter Kennedy and Bridget Rigby. The couple had at least six children: John Irish (b. 1894); Mary “Mollie” Irish Doherty (b. 1896); Monsignor Michael Irish (b. 1897); William Irish (b. 1899); James “Skinner” Irish (b. 1902) and Patrick Irish (b. 1905).
Bill’s Grandparents
Bill’s paternal grandparents were John Irish, of Aylwardstown and Mary Irish née Irish, of Nicholastown, Slieverue. Bill’s paternal grandparents were married at Slieverue on 28 February 1832.
On the other side, Bill’s maternal grandparents were William Rigby, of Ballincrea, Slieverue and Bridget Hartley, of Busherstown, Glenmore. His maternal grandparents were married on 23 February 1857 at Glenmore.
Glenmore Football
Middle Row: Bill Irish, Richard Duggan (Flemingstown), Bill Hartley (Captain)(Busherstown), Willie Walsh, Jim Freyne (Kilbride).
Front Row: Tommy Fitzgerald (Moulerstown), Tom Conway, Mikie Murphy, Willie Hartley.
Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919, as well as senior championships in 1921, 1922 and 1923. Men on the Glenmore team included: Martin, Paddy and Michael Cody, Weatherstown; Jimmy, Dick and Pat Hanrahan, Glenmore; Andy and Stephen Hefferenan, Aylwardstown; Jim and Johnny Phelan, Clonassey, Mullinavat; Mick Connolly and Peter Kirwan, Knockbrack; John Doherty, Davidstown; Ned Freyne, Ballyfacey; Paddy Murphy, Ballyveria; John Mullins, Flemingstown; and Ned Roche, Rathnure (sic) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Bill was also a member of the Kilkenny team that lost to Dublin in the Leinster senior football final at Croke Park in November 1922. This Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. See our previous post of 4 December 2022 detailing the Leinster final, and the fact that this Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. The other players on the Kilkenny team included: Martin Cody (captain), Andy Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Phelan, Bill Irish, John Fitzgerald, Mick Connolly, Paddy Cody, Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore); Pat Dalton, goal (Knocktopher), Tom Brennan, Frank Hughes, Andy Brennan (Cloneen), J. McKenna and Wattie Landy (Cotterstown) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Glenmore Hurling
In the early part of the 20th century Glenmore was known for its football teams. Although a good football player, Bill Irish was described as being “equally adept at hurling.”
For the 1923 hurling season Glenmore amalgamated with Kilmacow and Bill Irish was the captain of the united team. The other Glenmore players included: Jimmy Hanrahan; Jimmy Fitzgerald, Martin Cody, of Weatherstown; Jimmy, P. & John Murphy, of Ballyveria. The Kilmacow players included: D. Rockett, Jim Quinn, Tom Williams, Tommy O’Neill, Luke Phelan, Peter Phelan, Jimmy Cleere (goal), and Paddy “Bagger” Grant.
The Glenmore-Kilmacow team fought their way to the 1923 junior hurling championship final that was played in 1924. The “southern combination” were the underdogs going into the championship match against Dicksboro, a Kilkenny City based GAA club that formed in 1909. However, the united Glenmore-Kilmacow team “gave a most determined performance, surprising their more fancied rivals and emerged worthy winners of a great game.” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7).
Such was the surprise at the result it was dubbed the surprise of the century, and a challenge was issued by Dicksboro. The teams met in the same venue, St. James’s Park in Kilkenny, and the winners were to receive a “beautiful set of medals.” The Glenmore-Kilmacow team journeyed to Kilkenny City and played Dicksboro again and defeated Dicksboro again.
According to a Kilkenny newspaper, published 40 years later, the game was unfinished owing to a disputed score and Glenmore-Kilmacow who were leading at the time were awarded the match (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7). Other accounts relate that disgruntled Dicksboro supporters invaded the pitch and one supporter attacked the Glenmore-Kilmacow Captain, Bill Irish (Kilkenny People, Fri 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Injury
According to the account in Bill’s obituary the invasion of the pitch occurred when there was a stoppage of play. Bill was “knocked out completely by a kick in the stomach, which troubled him for years subsequently and ended his playing career,” at the age of 25 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Munster Express reported on Bill’s injury and subsequent 2 day hospitalisation as follows:
Gaels throughout the County in general, and especially in the southern division, will regret very much the injury to Bill Irish, Glenmore’s popular player, on Sunday last in the match against Dicksboro at St. James’s Park. One of the outstanding Gaels of the county either on the hurling or football field, the many followers of the game will wish him a speedy recovery and hope he may soon be capable of donning the popular colours again. He was able to leave the Infirmary for home on Tuesday last.
We learn that he has made good progress towards recovery from the effects of the occurrence. He was one of the Kilkenny men selected to represent Leinster in football in the forthcoming Tailteann trials (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 5).
Given the severity of the injury it is surmised that the kick landed lower than Bill’s stomach and the newspaper account of the time was being polite in its description. [Update 24 Feb. 2023: Given that Bill is found in team photos of the 1925 and 1929 Glenmore football teams it appears that Bill continued to play at least football after his injury.]
The Medals
In August 1924, after repeated requests for the medals made to Mr. E. Purcell, Mr. M. Heffernan, Glenmore wrote to the Kilkenny County GAA Committee raising the issue. He attached the agreement that had been entered into by the two teams.
Heffernan wrote, “I hope the scrapping of such an agreement will not be tolerated. I would have brought the matter up sooner but I could get no definite answer from Mr. Purcell. I now learn he intends putting the medals up for another object.” In addition to withholding the medals, Heffernan noted that “Dicksboro played five of their senior players, which was contrary to the conditions in the agreement. The referee awarded the match to Glenmore. I cannot understand why Glenmore were not given the medals long ago.”
The enclosed agreement stated that the winners were to be given a set of medals and Glenmore to receive £5 towards travelling expenses. Heffernan did not raise the issue of the £5 in his letter, so it must be assumed that Dicksboro at least honoured that commitment.
The Chairman of the Committee stated, “The rule is that trophies for a friendly tournament must be deposited with the country secretary, and that rule was not enforced in this case.” He stated that he would ask the Secretary to write to Dicksboro and ask for the trophies to be deposited and the committee would deal with the issue at the next meeting (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 6 Sept. 1924, p. 6).
After Sports
Bill Irish purchased a farm in the townland of Melville, Mullinavat and married Mary Ennett, of Cappagh, Glenmore. The couple had at least 5 children including: John Irish, Bobby Irish, Marie Irish Fleming, Kathleen Irish Francis and Margaret Irish Easden.
Bill died in October 1976 and his enthusiasm for Gaelic sports did not wane after his pre-mature retirement due to the injury he suffered during the pitch invasion in 1924. It was reported that the day before he died Bill attended a National League hurling game between Cork and Kilkenny in Cork. Bill’s full obituary can be accessed on our obituary page by clicking here.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos of Bill Irish to glenmore,history@gmail.com.
For further information concerning Glenmore and other Kilkenny hurling and football teams see, The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2028) compiled by Gerry O’Neill.
The featured team photo above is the Kilkenny Jr. Hurling Team of 1922 (Freeman’s Journal, 16 Oct. 1922, p. 3.)
[Update 7 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald for supplying Margaret Rigby Irish’s date of birth. We are attempting to verify details concerning Mary Irish through her great-granddaughter who is 93 years of age.]
[Update 15 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Noeleen Fogarty née Hennessey for sharing a photo of Bill Irish.]
[Update 24 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending on two team photos and more importantly for identifying each team members.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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.
The Roaring Twenties: Glenmore’s Championship 1922 Senior Football Final
As highlighted in previous articles Glenmore won the 1920 Kilkenny Senior Football Final in February 1922 against their old rivals Cloneen. (Please see our blog post of 20 February 2022 for further details regarding the 1920 final played in February 1922). On the 5th of November 1922, nine of the Glenmore 1920 championship team members played for Kilkenny in the Leinster Final. See our blog post of 4 December 2022 for details regarding the 1922 Leinster Final. This Kilkenny team also contained three players from Cloneen. Seven days after the Leinster Final, Glenmore played Cloneen for the Kilkenny 1922 Senior Football Final. The County Final was played in St. James’s Park, Kilkenny City. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the 1922 Kilkenny Senior Football Final was that it was played actually in 1922. It also was described as a “… clean game entirely devoid of shady tactics, and the referee had an easy task” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4). Most of the following description of the County championship final was gleaned from the Kilkenny People (Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
Kilkenny Senior Football Championship Final 1922
A moderate crowd gathered at St. James’s Park on Sunday the 12th of November 1922 to watch the contest between the old rivals—Glenmore and Cloneen—in the county championship for 1922. “The evening was admirable for the game, the weather being beautifully soft and calm and the pitch in splendid form. Glenmore fielded their championship team, but were without the services of their clever inter-county wing forward—Jimmy Hanrahan.” The Glenmore team included eight of the team which battled for Leinster honours earlier in November. The Glenmore team members “were in splendid form and gave a powerful display of strong and effective football.” Cloneen on the other hand was labelled, disorganised and without training. The newspaper reported that Cloneen had great difficulty and delay in fielding a full team. Notwithstanding these difficulties the Cloneen team members that showed up played in a “spirited manner in which they contested the issue to the final whistle.” The newspaper reported that this “reflects the highest credit on the good spirit of the once famous North Kilkenny team.”
The First Half
“The game, late in starting, was fought at a fairly fast pace both ends being visited in quick succession at the outset, but once settled down Glenmore took the upper hand and fielding in faultless fashion and delivering powerfully and judiciously they stormed their opponents citadel. The Cloneen backs defended in fine style, but despite their best efforts the clever combination of Connolly, Fitzgerald and Cody, ably supported by Doherty, had accounted for a big score at the interval when Glenmore led by 2 goals, 3 points to nil. [9 to 0] A goal had been disallowed Glenmore in this half for an infringement of the “parallelogram” rule, and a second goal was lost as the whistle had just gone for a foul. The efforts of Tommy Brennan, Hughes, Shield and Andy Brennan [Cloneen] were certainly worth a couple of scores in this half but being without their old forwards the chances went abegging.“
The Second Half
“Cloneen made some spirited dashes in the second half and play was of a fairly up and down character, but the rock-like defence of Irish, Cody, the Heffernans and Hartleys was unbeatable, though Cloneen notched a very fine goal and were certainly unlucky to lose a couple of chances. Cloneen are to be congratulated on their fine defece under almost constant pressure, but they had to yield to the inevitable and the Glenmore forwards, who were deadly accurate in their shooting further increased their lead and the final whistle left the score—Glenmore—3 goals, 5 points; Cloneen—1 goal.” [For our international readers a goal is worth 3 points, thus the final score was 14 to 3].
Commentary About the Game
The sports writer for the Kilkenny People (Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4) opined that Glenmore “gave a splendid exhibition their fielding being superb. Their fine and accurate deliveries played havoc” with Cloneen. Although it was a “very much one sided game” it was stated that it was nevertheless an interesting game with some fine passages of play. The Cloneen players, the Brennans and Hughes, all made a “great effort to save a lost cause, but their work was not sufficiently supported.” “All the Glenmore players lived up to their reputations—the Coadys, Irish, Connolly, Doherty, the Fitzgeralds, Heffernans and Hartleys contributing to the success of the team.” The coverage in the Muster Express (Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 3) consisted of two sentences. “Glenmore defeated Cloneen in the final round of the Kilkenny Football Championships at Kilkenny on Sunday last. CLoneen made a very bad stand, and Glenmore ran out easy winners with a very large score to their credit.”
The sports writer for the Kilkenny People (Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4) concluded that Glenmore, “as an individual team it can be truly said that they have no equal in the province, not even among the best Dublin teams. Connolly again showed his aptitude for his position as a centre forward, some of his goals being marvellous.” The article then noted that “Many spectators were most anxious to know why Doherty was not given a place on the team which played in the Leinster Final. The selection committee only too well knew his worth and pressed him to take a place on the team, but he was adamant and more’s the pity.” Notwithstanding that the Civil War was still raging it was reported that “the members of the County Committee present were delighted that such a large number of National troops and officers patronised the fixture. It was encouraging to see our own army support our national pastime in such good numbers.”
The players of the 1922 Kilkenny Senior Football Final were:
Glenmore—J. Murphy; Martin Cody (Capt.); Paddy Cody; Andy Heffernan, of Aylwardstown; Stephen Heffernan, of Aylwardstown; J. Doherty; John Fitzgerald; P. Fitzgerald; J. Whelan; W. (Bill) Hartley, of Busherstown; J. Fitzgerald; Pat Hartley, of Busherstown; W. (Bill) Irish of Aylwardstown; Mick Connolly, of Rochestown, and Jimmy Roche, of Rathinure. [First names and townlands have been added to the newspaper list, so please send on corrections.]
Cloneen—M. Healy; T. Brennan (Capt.); P. Hughes; A. Brennan; A. McEvoy; P. Hughs; T. Brennan; J. Brennan; F. O’Grady; M. Langton; J. Shiel; J. Connors; R. Holohan; J. Phillips; P. Kavanagh.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above was taken in 1925 of the Glenmore Senior Football Team and is part of the Poole Collection (POOL_WP_2720a, POOL_K_4144 & POOL_WP_3651) and the photo is Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Leinster Senior Football Final, Nov. 1922: Kilkenny vs. Dublin
From 1920 to 1930 nine Kilkenny Senior Football Championships were held, and Glenmore played in all nine of the Finals. There was no county championship in 1921. Glenmore won in 1920; 1922; 1923; 1924; and 1929. Today we are going to feature the Leinster Senior Football final played at Croke Park on the 5th of November 1922 between Kilkenny and Dublin. Nine of the fifteen Kilkenny players were from the Glenmore Senior Football team. The referee was Mr. J. Byrne of Wexford. Previously we published on 24 April 2022 the names of the Glenmore players and an account of the game found in the Kilkenny People. Today, we are covering the accounts in the Irish Independent and Munster Express. Although the country was suffering a civil war with daily attacks on railways and motor cars no mention of the difficulties associated with players attempting to travel to practice or to matches appeared in the newspaper coverage outside Kilkenny. However, it was noted that “the crowd was very small and threatening rain made matters disagreeable for everyone. The proceedings were enlivened by the music of the Artane School Band and the O’Toole’s Pipers” (Munster Express, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 4). This game was still being mentioned in local newspapers five decades after it was played (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Leinster Senior Football Final
Most of the account below was sourced from the Munster Express (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 4). First names and teams were added to the Kilkenny players mentioned in the newspaper account. Additional information was obtained from the Irish Independent ((Mon. 6 Nov. 1922, p. 9) including the figures of the match.
The First Half
From the throw in Dublin broke away but their movement was checked. Frank Hughes (Cloneen) sent wide from a free. Bill Irish (Glenmore) held up the Dublin offensive, and Kilkenny went on the attack and were rewarded with a free which was missed by Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore). Dublin dashed off on the kickout, and P. McDonnell (sec) sent the ball outside. The Kilkenny backs cleared a Dublin return and were given two frees. One free was at midfield and the second on the right wing awarded to Paddy Cody (Glenmore). Mick Connolly (Glenmore) took the free and sent it over the bar for a point. “With five minutes gone play of a high order was the rule, and Kilkenny, doing very well against the champions, caused their supporters to grow jubilant.”
“Good play by Carey, P. McDonnell and Johnny Synott ended in Dalton bringing off a splendid save in the Kilkenny goal. Dublin kept up the offensive, and P. McDonnell semt in a minor. Kilkenny responded with a determined rush, and the Dublin side had a close shave, J. McDonnell saving and clearing a low shot from Connolly (Glenmore). Kilkenny worked back and had a free which, well judged by J. McKenna (Cotterstown), ended in Mick Connolly (Glenmore) forcing a “50”. J. McKenna’s (Cotterstown) kick was neatly placed, but the Dublin end was crossed without result. Soon the Kilkenny backs were relieving in dashing style, and Frank Hughs (Cloneen) led the Marble County attacking. Martin Cody (Glenmore) centred for Jim Phelan (Glenmore) to shoot. Bill Irish (Glenmore) returned, and the Dublin end was again crossed. Dublin went to work in a determined fashion, but they had no impression on the Kilkenny backs. From a free P. McDonnell drove wide.
Kilkenny engaged in a vigorous offensive and Mick Connolly (Glenmore), receiving from Frank Hughes (Cloneen), scored a point. The pace was remarkable fast, and both sides were giving a “grand exhibition.” Kilkenny again got the upper hand and J. McKenna (Cotterstown) took a free from which John Fitzgerald (Glenmore) met with hard luck in a splendid attempt. Bill Irish (Glenmore) was responsible for holding up a Dublin effort, but the Metropolitans were not to be denied. A stiff Dublin attack found the Kilkenny custodian, Pat Dalton (Cloneen), all alone. Dublin fought their way back from a free, but the honours were with the Kilkenny line of defence after a thrilling struggle. Norris and Reilly were prominent in a Dublin return, but the Kilkenny backs were not to be beaten, and an over resulted. Kilkenny were lasting the hot pace well. They again broke away, and a well placed centre by Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore) was mis-judge by Paddy Cody (Glenmore). At the other end P. McDonnell sent wide. A return by Dublin found the Kilkenny backs at their best. Eventually, P. McDonnell got in a great shot which Pat Dalton (Knocktopher) saved amidst cheers. Very good play marked the closing stages of the first half, the interval finding Kilkenny leading by 2 points to 1 point.
Second Half
With a breeze in their favour Dublin got away on the play resuming. P. McDonnel (sic) sent it wide. A return was beaten off, and Kilkenny pressed. Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore) sent it in for the Dublin backs to clear in capital style. Dublin were now having the better of the play. A free aided Dublin in a forward movement, which ended in P. McDonnell receiving from O’Reilly and kicking a fine overhead point. With the scores level there was keen enthusiasm, both sides battling hard for the lead. A great Dublin on rush was checked by the Kilkenny backs, who were gamely bearing the brunt of the struggle. The Dublin forwards were not doing too well, and a succession of wides were registered before Dalton once more proved to be the men in the gap, by brining off a magnificent save. When Kilkenny looked like it was getting away a foul spoiled the play. The ensuring Dublin attack, which was prolonged, met with a splendid resistance.
Dublin got three over before P. McDonald sent in a point which gave them the lead. Dublin renewed the offensive, and a minor followed for Donovan, who was always conspicuous. Nothing daunted, Kilkenny got away, and engaged in a brief attack, which was repulsed, Dublin again invading to go over. Despite the great efforts of the Kilkenny backs, Donovan and P. McDonnell were responsible for two further points. Kilkenny broke through, and looked like scoring until J. McKenna (Cotterstown) sent over. A free well placed by Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore) was sent wide of the Dublin posts by John Fitzgerald (Glenmore). Dublin again showed supremacy, and after twice crossing the Kilkenny end of the field Shanahan placed for P. McDonald who from a low ground shot, sent in an “unsavable goal.” In a Dublin return John Synott drove wide. Dublin continued to have the best of matters, and Robbins from far out kicked a point which left Dublin winning well at the end. The final score was Dublin 1-7; Kilkenny 0-2.
Often it gives a more balanced account to read what a newspaper in the opposing team’s area reported on a match, however it appears that the Munster Express was just a shorter version of the earlier article in The Irish Independent (Mon. 6 Nov. 1922, p. 9). The Irish Independent noted that for the first half hour “it was a really good game, the splendid stand made by the visitors coming as something of a surprise.” The pace was fast and Kilkenny engaged in strong, dashing tactics which resulted n their leading at half time. While their backs show up splendidly all through there were times when their forwards could have done better with the chances that came their way. Pat Dalton, of Knocktopher, acquitted himself with credit and played with the Kilkenny team which beat Meath in the Leinster final 7 years previously.
Dublin played an evenly balanced game and “though well tried in the opening half showed marked superiority in the closing stages.” The closing half was altogether in favour of the home team, but still the play continued interesting to the end “the Kilkenny men were always fighting pluckily. Kilkenny were minus the services of two of their original selection: one of the Brennans and Wattie Lawler, of Cloneen who was traveling by motor car failed to reach the city.
FIGURES OF THE MATCH
First Half Frees 50’s Wides Goals Points
Kilkenny 3 1 2 0 2
Dublin 4 0 3 0 1
Second Half
Kilkenny 3 0 2 0 0
Dublin 7 0 14 1 6
Dublin Team—P. Carey (Capt); J. McDonnell (goal); W. Robbins; J. Carey; Joe Synott; John Synott; J. Norris; J. Reilly (O’Toole’s); F. Burke; T. Pierce (Collegians); Joe Joyce (Parnells); W. Donovan (Kickhams); M. Shanahan; C. McDonnell (St. Mary’s) and sub A. Gibbons (O’Toole’s) who replaced Joe Synott who was injured in the first half.
Kilkenny Team—M. Cody (Capt); A. Heffernan; P. Hartley; J. Phelan; W. Irish; P. Cody; J. Hanrahan; M. Connolly; J. Fitzgerald (Glenmore); P. Dalton (goal) (Knocktopher), A. Brennan; P. Hughes; T. Brennan (Cloneen); J. McKenna; W. Landy (Cotterstown).
Kilkenny Team (from Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10) Martin Cody (Captain), Andy Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Phelan, Bill Irish, John Fitzgerald, Mick Connolly, Paddy Cody, Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore); Pat Dalton, goal (Knocktopher), Tom Brennan, Frank Hughes, Andy Brennan (Cloneen), J. McKenna and Wattie Landy (Cotterstown).
A week later, the Kilkenny Senior Football team members were to play each other on Sunday the 12th of November 1922, when old rivals Glenmore and Cloneen were scheduled to play at St. James Park, Kilkenny for the Kilkenny senior Football County Championship (Munster Express, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 6). After winning the Leinster Senior Football Championship, Dublin went on to become the All-Ireland Senior Football Champions (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10) beating the Connaght Champions, Galway.
Please send any corrections, further information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
For previous articles on Glenmore football see, [1] our post of 24 April 2022;
[2] “The Roaring Twenties: Glenmore’s Championship 1920 Senior Football Match Played in Feb. 1922,”
published on 20 Febuary 2022;
[3] “Glenmore Football During the Roaring Twenties: 1920-1921,” published on 9 August 2021;
[4] “Kilkenny Gaelic Football Team: USA Champions 1920,” published on 29 April 2021;
[5] “Long Road to VIctory: Glenmore 1916 Senior Football Co. Kilkenny Champions,” published on 7 February 2021;
[6] “Michael J. Hanrahan (1888-1968): Early Twentieth Century Gaelic Football on Both Sides of the Atlantic,” published on 28 November 2020;
[7] “The Tenacious Glenmore 1915 Football Team: Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions,” published on 11 October 2020;
[8] “The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedies of the 1906 Co. Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions,” published on 30 August 2020.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Members of the Ballyfacey, Glenmore Tug of War Team
Popularity of Sport
When placing an obituary from Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous files on the webpage it referenced that the deceased was one of the last members of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. In trying to track down information on this team it became apparent that there were a lot of men who competed over the years on the Ballyfacey team. Tug of war competitions were so popular at the turn of the 20th century that the Olympics held competitions from 1900 to 1920.
Locally at several types of gatherings, sports’ days, feiseanna, and fairs, tug of war competitions were promoted and popular. In general, the advertisements seeking teams limited the size of a team to 10 members with a 220 stone limit. For our international readers a stone is 14 pounds, so 220 stone represents a weight limit for the team of 3080 pounds. Sometimes Tug of War Contents had different divisions. For example, an Inistioge contest held on Sunday, 25 June 1933 provided that teams of 10 could compete in a heavy weight (unlimited) division or a light weight division (maximum weight 12 stone). A valuable set of medals was advertised as the trophy to be presented to the winning teams (Kilkenny People, Sat. 3 June 1933, p. 1).
The Ballyfacey Tug of War Team
The earliest description of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team competing was found in a 1919 newspaper reporting on the Slieverue Cycling and Athletic Sports day. “Great interest was evinced in the tug of war contests, for which there were four teams entered. The first contest was easily won by Ballyfacey against McDonald’s Creamery Team. The second tug was much more exciting. The competing teams were Bigwood and Barrow Rangers holding each other in the first pull for a space of well over 5 minutes. Bigwood were, however, declared the winners after two terrific pulls. The finalists were Ballyfacey and Bigwood.” Ballyfacey won after a very strenuous contest. The names of 3 of the competing teams were provided:
Ballyfacey—J. Aylward, J. Hartley, W. Hartley, J. Coady, M. Coady, T. Freaney, P. Fitzgerald, J. Murphy and W. Deady. [only 9 names recorded]
Bigwood—P. Power, J. Walsh, J. Doherty, R. Doherty, P. Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, T. Doogan, P. Sutton and M. Ivory.
McDonald’s Creamery—P. Walsh, P. Robinson, D. Condon, J. Murphy, W. Reid., M. Lacey, J. Day, J. White, P. Murphy, W. Walsh, and J. Long. [We believe this team was from W. McDonald’s Creamery of Waterford City.] (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Aug. 1919, p. 4)
With just first initials it was not possible to identify with certainty the 1919 Ballyfacey Tug of War Team. Utilizing the 1911 census we commenced with Ballyfacey and surrounding townlands and have identified a number of likely candidates. [1] J. Aylward may have been John Aylward, of upper Ballyfacey who was 21 in 1911. [2] J. Hartley may have been James Hartley of Weatherstown (b. c. 1899). [3] W. Hartley may have been William Hartley of Busherstown (b.c. 1896). [4] & [5] J. and M. Coady may have been in 1911 James Cody (aged 20) and Mike Cody (aged 15) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. [6] T. Freany may have been Tom Freaney, of lower Ballyfacey who was 12 in 1911. [7] W. Deady we believe should be M. Deady for Michael Deady who was from upper Ballyfacey and aged 20 in 1911. [8] P. Fitzgerald, may have been Paul Fitzgerald (aged 19) of Knockbrack in 1911. [9] J. Murphy, may have been James Murphy of Ballywairy, Glenmore who was 15 in 1911.
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.” Results reported included: [1] 220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First. [Believed to be Larry Walsh (c. 1911-XXXX); [2] 100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place. [3] Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First. [4] 440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First. [5] One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First. [6] High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First [Believed to be Mick Walsh (c. 1913-1982)). [7] Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First. [8] Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious. (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8). Unfortunately, the names of the Tug of War team members are not provided. We know from Jack Aylward’s obituary in 1936 that he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey team and the team was still active in 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
In the 1970’s a couple of articles appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27) when some members of the Ballyfacey team died naming other members of the team and their native townlands.
“Old Tug o’ War Team—The death of Mr. Jack Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore, at the week-end recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-of-war team which won many honours in the early 1930’s in the area and adjoining counties. Jack was a member of the team, which also included : Jack Aylward, Michael Deady, James Dullard, of Ballyfacey; Larry, Tom and Billy Roche, Haggard; Paul, Mick and John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack; Dick Doherty, Coolnaleen; Martin Murphy, Ballinlammy. Six of the above team have since passed away” (Munster Express, Fri. 29 May 1970, p. 42).
“Old Tug-o’-War Team—the death of Mr. John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack Glenmore, recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-o’-war team which won numerous honours at sports fixtures in Leinster and Munster over forty years ago. The team at that time was: John, Paul and Michael Fitzgerald (all brothers); Dick and Jack Doherty, John Aylward, Michael Deady, Pat Power, Bob Grace and Jimmy Dollard. Coach for the team was Maurice Power, of Farnogue. Only three members of the team are now living” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27). What may be of interest to readers is the fact that John Fitzgerald was the grandfather of hurler Henry Shevlin who has provided Kilkenny with hours of sporting entertainment.
Members of the Ballyfacey Team
Below is the information we were able to locate regarding the persons named in 1970 as members of the Ballyfacey team. We believe, based on some of the obituaries, that the Ballyfacey team and the Bigwood team combined or perhaps some of the men were members of both teams.
Jack Aylward (1890-1936) was born on 27 August 1890, the son of John Aylward (farmer) and his wife Margaret née Roche of upper Ballyfacey Glenmore. Jack Aylward was locally called “Big Jack Aylward” and he was unmarried farmer. At the time of his death in 1936, at the age of 45, he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. The death register provides that he died on the 6th of February 1936 as patient in Aut Even Hospital of a “decayed molar tooth and cavernous thrombosis.” This is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus cavity. Jack’s obituary is provided on our A Surame Family page.
Michael Deady (1890-1945) was the son of Patrick Deady (farmer) of Ballyfacey and his wife Anastasia Fitzgerald (birth register). In 1932, Michael married Margaret Doherty (1902- 1968) a native of Forristalstown, Glenmore, and the couple had four children. Michael died on the 23rd of January 1945 aged 52, of gastro enteritis toxaemia at the County hospital (death register). The obituaries for Michael and Margaret are on our D Surname Family page.
An article was found in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 March 1928, p. 3) concerning some land Michael purchased, “BIG PRICE FOR FARM—Last week Messrs. O’Gorman and Murphy, auctioneers, New Ross, put up for sale by directions of Mr. George Connors, administrator of the estate of Thomas Connors, deceased, lots 1 & 2 at Ballyfacey, containing a total of 63 ½ acres statute. They realised the big price of £1,255. Bidding was very brisk between several parties. Lot 1, containing 33 acres, 28 perches, was purchased by Mr. Michael Deady, Ballyfacey Upper at £505 and lot 2 of 30 acres by Mr. George O’Connor, Ballyfacey Lower, at £750. This is of particular interest due to a prayer recorded by Danny Dowling which was allegedly recited by Michael’s mother and allegedly overheard and repeated by the Paddy O’Connor family of Ballyfacey. “God Bess me, and my man Pat, make Mariah and Mikey fat, Us four, no more. Amen.” For further information see our post of 11 January 2020 entitled “Glenmore Verses, Rhymes & Lyrics.”
Jack Doherty (1894- 1974) of Coolnaleen (Arbeg) was born on 22 October 1894 to James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Jack married Bridie Wall of Davidstown, Glenmore and they farmed the Wall farm in Davidstown. The couple bought land at Attamore, Slieverue, where the Irish scholar John O’Donohue was born. Jack and Bridie had a large family and he served for over three decades on the Board of Directors of Clover Meat, Ltd. (For further information on John O’Donohue see, our post of 13 March 2021). For further information regarding Jack and his family Jack’s obituary is on our obituary page.
Dick Doherty (1889-1976) of Coolnaleen (Ardbeg) was born on 5 October 1889, the son of James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Dick married Bridget Fitzgerald (b. 1890) of Knockbrock, and they had several daughters. Their daughter Jo married John Doherty, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Interesting the obituary of Dick states that he was on the Bigwood Tug of War team. No mention is made of the Ballyfacey team. Dick’s obituary may be found on our obituary page.
James “Jimmy” Dollard (1899-1957) was born to Edward Dollard (farmer) and his wife, Mary née Walsh of Ballyfacey, Glenmore on 17 April 1899. James married Ellen Wash (c. 1879-1957) a native of Glendonnell. The couple farmed at Kellandrew, Mullinavat. James died on the 11th of February 1957 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Feb. 1957, p. 12) of a sub-arachnoid hemoreage (death register). His widow, Ellen died three months after James on 6 May 1957 aged 78 (Munster Express, Fri. 10 My 1957, p. 22). The couple do not appear to have had any children. James Dollard’s obituary is posted on our Family D Surname page.
Mick Fitzgerald (1887-1968) of Knockbrack , was born on 16 February 1887 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. Michael obtained a farm in Fahee, Mullinavat and in 1914 married Margaret Dungan (c. 1881-1951) of Glendonnell, Mullinavat. Michael also operated a milling business for 34 years but gave up milling in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War when restrictions were imposed. The couple raised a large family. Michael’s obituary is posted on our family F surname page.
John Fitzgerald (1896-1970) of Knockbrack, was also the son of Paul Fitzgerald and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. John was a younger brother of Paul and was aged 15 in the 1911 Census. John married Ellen Vereker (c. 1905-1986) of Davidstown and they had a large family. At the time of John’s death in 1970 there were only 3 members of the team still alive. John’s obituary may be found on our obituary page for a fuller list of his family members.
Paul Fitzgerald (1891-1972) of Knockbrack, was born on 2 May 1891 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. He married Mary Foskin (c. 1914-1999) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. The couple had four children. Paul’s obituary does not mention the Tug of War team. Paul’s obituary can be found on our obituary page.
Jack Kennedy (1908-1970) of Ballinclare was born on 1 March 1908 to Martin Kennedy (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Wall. In the 1911 census Jack had 5 sisters. Jack was a farmer and married Bridget née McDonald (1911-1991). The couple do not appear to have had any children.
Martin Murphy (1906-1969) of Ballinlammy was born on 3 June 1906 the son of Michael Murphy (farmer) and his wife Mary née Brennan. Martin married Elizabeth “Bessie” Gaule (1916-1970 ) of Slievecorrig, Tullogher. Martin died in Waterford of cancer of the liver and a few months later Bessie tragically died. Bessie and Martin’s obituaries and information recorded by Danny Dowling regarding his cousin Martin may be found on our Family M Surname page.
Pat Power—this is a common name with no obvious match in Ballyfacey. Limiting dates of birth still provided multiple candidates.
Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was born on 15 October 1909 the son of James Roche (farmer) and Catherine née Aylward of Ballyfacey. Larry was a farmer and never married. Although Larry’s obituary highlights the weight throwing contests that he won there is no mention of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team. Larry’s obit may be found on our Family R Surname page.
Tom Roche ( ? ) although the 1970 article above states that Tom Roche was from Haggard no record could be found of a Tom or Billy Roche from Haggard. We did find a Thomas Roche who was born 21 August 1897 at Grogan, the son of Edward Roche (farmer) and his wife Catherine née Delahunty.
Billy Roche –No William or Billy Roche could be found in Haggard. However, we did find a William Roche (1882-1963) of Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was born on 2 September 1882 the son of Robert Roche (farmer) and his wife Anastatia née Phelan of Tullogher. This William Roche died on 30 April 1963 at Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was 80 years old at the time of his death, a retired farmer and widower (Munster Express, Fri. 10 May 1963, p. 18).
Bob Grace—Without a townland listed we are not certain which Bob Grace may have been on the Ballyfacey team. Robert Grace (1902- ? ) of Cappah, Glenmore, was born on 16 November 1902 to Patrick Grace (Police Constable) and his wife Marian née Cody. There was also Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) of Forristalstown, Glenmore who was the son of John Grace (farmer) and his wife, Margaret (née Carroll). This Bob Grace was a publican in Ballybricken, Waterford. For his full obituary of Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) see our obituary page.
Coach Maurice Power (1882-1970) of Farnogue West, Mullinavat, was aged 35 in the 1911 census and was a farmer. Per the birth register he was born Maurice was born on 8 April 1882 at Fannogue (sic) West to John Power (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Boyle. According to Maurice’s obituary he was “coach of the old Bigwood tug of warm team of over 50 years ago, which won many honours in contests including a great victory over the famous Dublin Metropolitan Police team in a competition in Waterford, when the latter side were practically champions of Ireland at that time” (Munster Express, Fr. 23 Jan. 1970, p. 4). No mention is made of him coaching the Ballyfacey team. Maurice was the brother of Tom Power the Ferrybank undertaker.
The featured photo above is courtesy of the Freeman’s Journal (Mon. 5 May 1924, p. 12). Caption–The Dublin Metropolitan police Tug of War team perfecting the famous manoure which won then their victory over the Bristol Police team at Wembly on Sat. Among those present was Prince Henry.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore I.C.F. Cycling Club
This week we are recognising the 50th anniversary of Pat Walsh`s participation in the Tour of Ireland race held in August 1972. Pat, formerly of Jamestown, and now in Robinstown, is the only Glenmore man to take part in the Tour of Ireland, we believe. In a recent chat with Pat, he recalled every stage, from Dublin to Athlone, to Galway onto Fermoy, to Dungarvan onto Arklow and finishing in the Phoenix Park. Pat, being an amateur cyclist, finished 16th place overall. The race was won by Liam Horner from Dublin. Pat was cycling against the top Irish riders and cyclists from Europe as well. The McQuaid brothers were some of Irelands’ finest at the time and Pat McQuaid went on to be the president of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), the worlds governing body for cycling. .
Pat was a member of the Glenmore Cycling Club in the 1960`s and 70`s which was part of the ICF body. The club was formed by Bill Walsh, of Cappagh, Pat Roche, of Haggard and Paulie Fitzgerald of Moulerstown. Pat Walsh recalled other club members of that time including: John Hennessy, of Graiguenakill; John Hennessy, of Busherstown; Robbie Hennessy, of Graiguenakill; Patsy and James Kirwan, of Gaulstown; Pat Power, of Forristalstown; John Joe Murphy, of Ballinlammy; Noel and Kevin Walsh, of Ballyedeen (Tullogher); Pat Greene, of Jamestown; Pat Power, of Snowhill (Slieverue); Gus Malone, of Milepost (Slieveruue); and Tommy Grennan, of Ballyreddy (Tullogher).
Competitive Cycling
For generations, the bicycle has been a part of all our lives. Used for work, commuting and for pleasure. The bicycle has evolved since its inception way back in 1817 by a man called Karl von Drais. Since this first creation, others have had a cut at putting their stamp on it. In the 1860`s French inventors, Pierre and Ernest Michaux created prototypes with pedals attached to the front wheels. These machines were the first to be called bicycles, but also called boneshakers for their rough ride. The penny farthing was created by James Starley and these oversized front wheeled machines were all the craze in the 1870`s and 1880`s. The name has been noted to have been derived from the comparison between the penny and farthing coins at the time. They were made from all steel with a rubber tyre. Starley’s nephew, John Kemp Starley is credited for inventing what was known as the safety bicycle which had two same size wheels and a chain drive. Brakes and tyres followed shortly after. The pneumatic tyre invention was credited to John Boyd Dunlop, who developed it in Ireland in 1888. Robert Thompson, of England patented the pneumatic tyre 43 years earlier. Both men were not aware of the others work. For the earliest cyclists in Glenmore see our post of 29 December 2019.
Cycling for sport seemed to have first started in Ireland in the 1860`s. The Dungarvan Ramblers Cycling Club, is recognised as the first official club set up and records show that they had a trophy race in 1869. Governance for the sport was set up in the 1870`s in the form of the Irish Champion Bicycle Club (ICBC). This was an all-island body as Ireland was then part of the United Kingdom. Since the formation of the Free State in 1922, two governing bodies had control of Irish cycling in a 26 and 32 county set up. The ICF was the 26 county body and NCF was the body for the 32 county set up. The two groups amalgamated in 1987 and are now known as Cycling Ireland. During the time of the two separate bodies, they both had their national road race. The ICF had the Tour of Ireland and the NCA had the Ras Tailteann.
The Tour of Ireland–13th-20th August 1972
The Raleigh Dunlop Tour of Ireland bicycle race in 1972 attracted 120 riders from eleven regional teams representing six countries. Teams from France and the United States competed, and it was noted that the American team that participated were racing in France as preparation for the Olympics. The tour started on Sunday the 13th of August 1972 and consisted of eight days or stages totalling 738 miles. Day 1—Dublin to Athlone (96 miles); Day 2—Athlone to Salthill, Galway (75 miles) with an evening time trial held over a 4.5 mile circuit; Day 3—Around Connemara finishing back at Salthill (96 miles); Day 4—Salthill to Limerick (89 miles); Day 5—Limerick to Fermoy (92 miles); Day 6—Fermoy to Dungarvan (94 miles); Day 7—Dungarvan to Arklow (95 miles) and Day 8—a 60 mile dash from Arklow to Dublin, followed by a final 18 lap race around the two miles circuit of Dublin’s Phoenix Park (Liverpool Echo, Sat. 12 Aug. 1972, p. 20).
Glenmore Racers and Races
A number of newspaper reports obtained from the early 70`s detail events run by the Glenmore ICF Cycling Club. The best known of the Glenmore races was the Senior McCalmount Cup which was presented to the winner of the 70 mile road race that commenced at the Scow Bridge, on the Main Road in Ballinaraha. It followed a route past Dan Whelan’s at the Pink Rock, up to Ballycurran, on to Ballyfacey, down to Ballinclare and back to Ballinaraha. Several laps of this route were required to complete 70 miles. In 1970 a Junior race was held the same day consisting of 28 miles duration, and a Beginner’s Race was held. Unfortunately no details concerning the Beginner’s Race were provided in the newspapers. Most of the honours in 1970 went to representatives of the Dublin Wheelers’ Cycling Club. The Glenmore races attracted “a big attendance of spectators.” (Munster Express, Fri. 12 June 1970, p. 38).
In 1971, the Glenmore Club held two race dates. On 3 April 1971 two 50 K. races were held, a senior and a junior open cycle race. The senior race went from Glenmore to Mooncoin and back, and the junior covered the same distance and went from Glenmore to Ferrybank and back. All leading cyclists from Leinster and Munster competed, including representatives from the home club. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 2 April 1971, p. 10). The Cork Weekly Examiner (Thur. 8 April 1971.p. 9) proudly announced, “The 50 K road race, under I.C.F. rules, promoted by the Glenmore Cycling Club, was won by Ballincollig (Cork) rider Donal Crowley, who won by a wheel in front of Pat Hegarty of Fermoy, after local rider Pat Greene was caught with just 200 yards to go.”
In late May the second race date was held in 1971. The results were published in the Waterford News and Star, (Fri. 4 June 1971, p. 13) as follows:
Beginners Race: 1st P. Kirwan, Glenmore C.C.; 2nd J.J. Murphy, do.; 3rd C. Bryrne, Dublin Wheelers.
Unplaced Locals—1st P. Kennedy, Glenmore C.C.; 2nd P. Power, do; 3rd Gus Malone, do.
Junior—1st J. Kelly, Carrick Wheelers Road Club; 2nd T. Ryder, Eagle C.C.; 3rd D. Crowley, Ballincollig C.C.
Senior Race—McCallfont (sic) Cup; 1st T. Colbert, Tailteann C.C.; 2nd S. Lally, Obelisk Wheelers; 3rd T. Ryan, Carrick Wheelers Road Club; 4th J. Keenan, Orwell Wheelers; 5th P. Schweppes, Tailteann C.C.; 6th N. Harte, C.D.R.C.
2nd CATEGORY—1st J. Foley, Dublin Wheelers; 2nd P. Fitton, Ballincollig C.C.
Members of the Glenmore club often competed in racing events across the southeast. At the Avonree Festival in Callan it was noted that competitors from the southern area of the county won first, second, and third places in the five mile road race for ordinary bicycles. Fifteen competitors took part in the race, and according to the newspaper account all three places were won by Glenmore Club members. Mick Murphy, of Glenmore came in First; Second Place was won by Dermot Campion, do; and third went to Tommy Grennan, of Tullogher, (Munster Express, Fri. 19 June 1970, p. 37). The Irish Examiner (Thur. 8 July 1971, p. 13) reported in 1971 that “Pat Greene, the 22 year old …was in fine form at the Ballyduff Upper annual open sports day on Sunday where he completed a double in the one mile and three mile cycle events. In the mile scratch Greene scored easily from Peter Hegarty (Fermoy). In the three mile open handicap he came home in similar style over his clubmate Pat Walsh.”
In addition to road races track cycling was also popular. Pat Walsh explained that the tracks at that time were held on grass and laps of the track were done on fixed gear bikes. An article from the New Ross Standard from 24 August 1968 gave a report from a sports event in Gorey which included both athletics and track cycling. Pat Walsh raced in the 2 mile track cycle event and was beaten into second place by Liam Horner from Dublin. Horner went on to represent Ireland in the Olympics held that year in Mexico. The Rathgormac Cup was another track event, which seems to have only run for one year around 1970. Pat raced and won that cup on that occasion. Enquiries made to former cyclists from that area, confirm that the event took place for only one year. No explanation was provided as to why it did not continue.
Some Supporters
Lastly, we came across information concerning the annual Club raffle held on 21 December 1971. It provides the names of a lot of local people from fifty years ago as well as the prizes from that era. The following supporters won the following prizes:
1st Prize—£15 Dick O’Shea of Scart;
2nd Prize—£10, James Tobin of Mullinavat;
3rd Prize—£5 Triona Mackey of Glenmore;
4th Prize—bottle of whiskey, Michael Coady of Carrigcloney;
5th Prize—Sweep ticket, Patrick O’Connor;
6th Prize—bottle of wine, Thomas Hartley, Ballinclare;
7th Prize—100 cigarettes, Alice Forristal, Slieverue;
[The 8th prize and winner are missing from the newspaper article.]
9th Prize—box of chocs, Jim McBride of Robinstown. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 24 Dec. 1971, p. 5).
Thanks to Pat Walsh for his excellent recollections and explanations. The feature photo above is Pat Walsh taken by Danny Dowling at one of the Glenmore race days around 1970.
Pat Dowling
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.