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The School Collection: Ballyfacey, Glenmore, National School, Local Heroes
Between 1937 and 1939, 5000 primary schools in Ireland participated in recording local information for the National Folklore Commission. Over 288,000 pages were created by students in exercise books. Students in all 26 counties were aksed to collect information ranging from oral history, topographical information, folklore, legends, riddles, pastimes, games, trades and crafts by interviewing their parents, grandparents and neighbours. From 15 November 1937 to 7 December 1938 a dozen students in the Ballyfacey, Glenmore National School, under teacher Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh, participated in the School Collection. The Ballyfacey Glenmore School Collection (Vol. 845, pp 484-596) is available on line, (Roll Number 9880).
The School Collection not only recorded valuable oral histories and traditions, but it also provides the names and addresses of the participating students as well as the persons interviewed. Today, we are going to feature the topic that generated the least number of responses from the Ballyfacey students, the topic entitled “Local Heroes.” While we hoped that the students recorded information concerning the men and women who banded together to stop the Ballyfacey evictions of 1885, or engaged in the more recent War of Independence, this was not the case. (Our previous post of 8 March 2020 provides information on the Glenmore Land League and the Ballyfacey eviction riots). On 26 March 1938, four students recorded information concerning “Local Heroes.” All four students identified athletic or physical abilities with the topic. Three of the students were from Ballyfacey and one was from Haggard.
Jumping the Áth
A local stream called the Áth was “in olden times” jumped for sport. “The part of the stream that was jumped across was about twenty-three feet wide. The best jumper was Marks Walsh who is now about 83 years old,” (William Roche, of Haggard, p. 514). Dick Grace was also identified as a man who jumped the Áth (Eddie O’Connor, Ballyfacy (sic), p 515). Other men who were identified as performing this feat were Tom and Pat Power, of Farnogue and Jack Malone (Mary Aylward, Ballyfacey, p. 513).
Weight Lifting & Throwing
In terms of weight lifting and weight throwing, Ned Moore, of Shambo and Jack Power of Jamestown were identified for their ability to lift heavy stones (Peggy Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 513). It was also recorded that Old Paddy Grace lifted the Kilbride stone on his back and brought it up to Grace’s yard and down again on his back. The Kilbride stone was also lifted by Tommy Freyne of Kilbride (Mary Aylward, Ballyfacey, p. 513-514). We know from the information that Danny Dowling (1929-2021) recorded that local men gathered, usually at or near blacksmith forges around the parish, to lift heavy stones to test their strength. As previously discussed in an earlier blog weight throwing was a regular athletic event. Larry Roche, of Haggard, and James Power, of Bigwood were identified as heavy weight throwers (Peggy Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 513). Tommy Murphy, of Kilbride, was noted for carrying forty stones (for our international readers a stone is 14 pounds of weight) at Mullen’s threshing (Eddie O’Connor, of Ballyfacy (sic), p. 515). For a previous blog post on weight throwing see our post of 4 July 2020.
Running & Mowing
In terms of running, some current runners and former runners were identified. Peter Egan and Pat Roche of Haggard were good runners in athletic sports as was Tommy Fitzgerald (Mary Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 513). “There was once a man named Hollyhawk and he used to beat horses running.” “Pat Roche of Haggard is a good runner he runs at sports and runs about three miles” (Peggy Aylward, Ballyfacey, p. 513).
Men good at mowing were also identified. Ned Long, of Guilcough, was a good mower and was said to mow more than an acre in a day (Mary Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 513). Jack Murphy, of Moulerstown, on the other hand was credited with mowing 1.5 acres in a single day (Peggy Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 514).
Lastly, only one woman was identified in the topic “Local Heroes.” “Mrs. Statia Dunphy walked to Kilkenny and home again in less than a day” (Mary Aylward, of Ballyfacey, p. 513).
Given the fact that Glenmore had by the 1930’s won several senior county Gaelic football championships it is surprising that none of the Ballyfacey National School students identified any of the persons named above as GAA players. In fact, a review of the items recorded by the students reveals that very few persons were interviewed, or perhaps the persons interviewed, did not wish to have their names recorded. It is also not known what instructions these students received. The students did identify a number of local people with some addresses that may aid researchers particularly as the last publicly available census is from 1911.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: June 1922
In keeping with previous reviews of local newspapers from 100 years ago, today we are going to feature local events and news from June 1922 including the General Election and a summary of a local article at the end of the month that informed local readers that a Civil War had commenced.
Glenmore in the News
“Boy’s Narrow Escape—When riding a young horse home from New Ross a boy named Irish from Glenmore had a narrow escape from being killed. Near the Pink Rock the animal reared up and fell backwards on the top of the rider pinning him to the ground. Part of the boy’s skull was fractured, and he was taken to New Ross hospital where he was surgically treated. He is progressing satisfactorily” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1922, p. 4).
June 1922 marked the First Anniversary of the Coolbawn Ambush. A large gathering of people from different parts of the Co. Kilkenny, New Ross, Waterford and Carlow assembled at Coolbawn, Castlecomer, “where two brave IRA officers, Jack Hartley, Glenmore, and his cousin, Nicholas Mullins, lost their lives.” The proceedings were very impressive. An eloquent oration was delivered by the Rev. Father MacNamarra, C.C., and a touching address by Mr. Philip Lemmon, MCC, Brigade Registrar, New Ross. The Rosary was recited for the repose of the souls of the deceased. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1922, p. 4). An Anniversary Office and High Mass was held at Glenmore on Monday the 26th for the late Sean Harley. The members of the Cuman na mBan and several of the IRA were present. The Rev. Father Holohan, P.P., presided and the celebrant was Rev. Father Bergin, C.C. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 June 1922, p. 5). For previous articles concerning Jack Hartley and Nicky Mullins see our previous post of 20 June 2021.
The Glenmore Creamery Co-op showed a reduction in the number of gallons of milk it received during 1921. In 1920, 568,496 gallons were received but only 465,804 were received in 1921. This was due to the creamery being forced to close by order of the British in June 1921. The newspaper went on to note that the 1921 reduction was not an indication of the lowering of milk production in the district. In 1921, 203,066 pounds of butter were made and the Creamery showed a profit available for distribution to shareholders of £672. The newspaper noted that the Glenmore Creamery came through “the troublous period” of the previous year very well (Munster Express, St. 17 June 1922, p. 6).
Sports
Glenmore played in the junior football championship. The opposing team was Curagh. The final was played at the Rower, “and after a good exhibition of football, Glenmore retired winner, the scores being Glenmore 6 points; Curagh, nil (Munster Express, Sat. 10 June 1922, p. 5).
Denis McDonald, of Tullogher, covered himself with glory on Sunday the 18th when he won three first places at the Leinster Championship Sports held in Croke Park. He threw the disc 113 feet 6 inches nearly 9 feet further than his nearest opponent. He hurled the 56 lbs. between legs without follow 25 feet, 4 inches, and cleared the bar with the 56 lbs. at the “magnificent height” of 13 feet, 10 inches. “At the Tailteann Games to be held in Dublin in August it was opined that “some of the premier honours are sure to be captured by the Tullogher boy” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1922, p. 4). For a previous article regarding Glenmore weight thowing click here.
During the last week of June 1922, a large number of Irish Americans arrived in New Ross on a visit to their friends in the town and rural districts. They stated that a big number of people were coming across for the Tailteann Games in Dublin in August (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 June 1922, p. 5).
Dublin & South Eastern Railway
During the month of June the newspapers carried several notices of special excursion trains and fares for events taking place. It appears that people were eager to get back to sport and other entertainments greatly curtailed during the War of Independence. A special excursion train ran from New Ross to Kilkenny for the Co. Kilkenny Feis held on Sunday the 25th of June 1922. Leaving New Ross at 11:15, a third class return fare to Waterford was 2 shillings while passengers joining the train at Glenmore at 11:27 paid 1 shilling. The train arrived in Waterford at 11:45 and departed for Kilkenny at noon arriving at Kilkenny at 1:10 p.m. The Waterford to Kilkenny return ticket was 4 shillings (New Ross Standard, Fri 23 June 1922, p. 1). A special excursion train was also arranged for the Diocesan Choir Festival held at Wexford on the 29th. A single fare was charged for the double journey from various stops including Glenmore. Glenmore residents also had the opportunity to travel via the excursion train to Dublin on the 29th with a first class ticket costing 20 shillings while a third class cost 11 shillings. On 2 July an excursion train was arranged for the Waterford Feis with the train leaving Glenmore at 11:50 with a ticket costing 1 shilling (New Ross Standard, Friday 23 June 1922, p. 1).
Local Farming & Fishing
In a few places near New Ross farmers intended to cut early meadowing at the end of the month. The salmon season was disappointing. With the exception of the first month of the salmon season the season was very poor (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1922, p. 4).
On the night of Thursday, the 15th a number of cattle were driven off the lands of Patrick Foskin, Deerpark, Mullinavat, and put on the lands of a farmer in Bigwood. The reason reported in the newspapers was that Foskin’s sons had taken an active interest in the Pro-Treaty or Free State side. The matter was referred to in condemnatory terms at both Masses in Mullinavat on the following Sunday (Munster Express, Sat. 24 June 1922, p. 6).
Law & Order
The total number of Officers and men of the RIC in Southern Ireland prior to disbandment was approximately 10,000 according to British Parliamentary Papers. No disbanded man was offered or accepted employment under the Provisional Free State Government. Of the 8,000 men disbanded, 5,200 left Ireland. Some of these men who left Ireland enlisted in Great Britain (3,200), and 300 men joined the Palestine Gendarmerie (Munster Express, Sat. 3 June 1922, p. 5).
On the 4th of June a number of Ex-RIC men were served with notice, purporting to come from the IRA, ordering them to leave Kilkenny within a specified time. In a number of cases the order was immediately complied with (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 10 June 1922, p. 5).
In the early hours on Wednesday the 7th of June, “a sensation was created in Mullinavat.” Previously some men were working in Mullinavat in the interest of the Treaty and were arrested. Consequently, Free State troops came down from Kilkenny and, at 2 a.m., rushed the Mullinavat barracks and made prisoners of all the occupants. The prisoners were then taken away in lorries. As a result of a conference in Kilkenny, the prisoners were set at liberty and returned to their quarters in Mullinavat (Munster Express, Sat. 10 June 1922, p. 5).
General Election
A General Election was scheduled for 16 June 1922. Prior to the election, the Labour Election Committee announced that reports from various places in Carlow-Kilkenny were encouraging. On Sunday, the 21st of May, large and enthusiastic meetings were held at Kilmacow, Mooncoin, Mullinavat and Glenmore in Co. Kilkenny (Nationalist & Leinster Times, Sat. 3 June 1922, p. 3). We know from information that Danny Dowling recorded that politicians generally spoke from the stage of the small building near the Village bridge and next to the Glen Bar. This building was removed when the houses were built behind the pub.
Just prior to the General Election it was reported that here were 34,297 voters on the County Kilkenny Register of voters. Voters in selected districts were recoded as: Glenmore 1,517; Kilmacow 2,229; Mullinavat 1,221, Thomastown 1,712 (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 10 June 1922, p. 5). One of the candidates D.J. Gorey, of Burnchurch House, ran as a Farmers’ Union candidate for a Carlow-Kilkenny seat. About 5:30 am on the 4th of June 8 or 9 armed men arrived at Burnchurch House. On hearing the men enter the yard Gorey went to his bedroom window and asked them their business. They asked him to come down to speak to the men, but Gorey declined. He said he would hear whatever they had to say from his window. The leader of the visitors told him to come down or he would have to bear the consequences. Gorey left the window and returned with shotgun which caused his visitors to leave the vicinity of the house. One of Gorey’s workmen was taken prisoner. The visitors subsequently returned to the house and opened fire. Gory had no ammunition in the house and barricaded the window. In the meantime, Mrs. Gorey slipped out of the house and went for help. When she returned with neighbouring farmers the visitors had left. The only damage was the bedroom window smashed by bullets (Munster Express, Sat. 10 June 1922, p. 6).
Ultimately Gorey was elected to one of the four Carlow-Kilkenny seats. Also elected was P. Gaffney (Labour), Alderman Cosgrove (Pro-Treaty), and Major General O’Sullivan (Pro-Treaty). The defeated candidates were both sitting members: E. Aylward (Anti-Treaty) and J. Lennon (Anti-Treaty) (Munster Express, Sat. 24 June 1922, p. 6).
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 June 1922, p. 4) published an article stating that a special courier from Dublin reported that on the 28th “irregulars” or anti-treaty fighters seized various buildings in the centre and suburban areas of Dublin. One of the buildings seized was the Four Courts. Free State troops entered the Four Courts and took 33 Anti-Treaty forces prisoner. The streets were dangerous and no fewer than 11 civilians were killed, while 25 were wounded. Business was at a standstill. The Beggar’s Bush official bulletin that was released stated, “after considerable fighting during the course of yesterday evening our troops succeeded in dislodging the irregulars from the greater part of the Four Courts.” The fragile peace ended.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. We would be interested in learning the first name of the Irish boy injured in June 1922 near the Pink Rock.
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sharing the featured c. 1924 photo of the Glenmore Creamery.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Photo Album 2.0 [updated]
Last week we had a very good response to the photo readers identified as Forristal’s Mill of Graiguenakill, Glenmore. Today, we are featuring a photo of 11 Glenmore boys with hurleys found in one of Danny’s photo albums. Can you identify any of these boys and when Danny took this photo?
[Thanks to everyone for the speedy responses. So far we have several possible identifications…
From row (left to right) [1] Billy O’Keefe of the Village (?) ; [2] John Shea or Pat Power, the Village (?); [3] John Power, the Village(?); [4] —?—; [5] —?—
Back row (left to right: [1] Neddy Dowling, of Jamestown; [2] Jimmy Phelan (?); [3] Seamus Jones (?) the Village; [4] —?—; [5] Paddy Griffin (?); [6] Packie Jones (?) the Village or Martin Forristal (?) the Village. ]
Update 1 June 2022–back row (chap with glasses) [4] Christy Power, of Carrigcloney
Glenmore Players in the Leinster Senior Football Final 1922
In the 1920 County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship, finished in February 1922, Glenmore played Cloneen (Castlecomer), thus a team from the south of the county played a team from the north. In November 1922 when the County Kilkenny team was being selected for the Leinster Senior Football Final nine members of the 1920 Glenmore County Champion team were selected and five members of Cloneen. It is not known which Kilkenny club the 15th player belonged. It was reported in the Kilkenny People concerning the Leinster Final that the historic struggles that ensued from the 1920 County Championship battle between Glenmore and Cloneen were still fresh in the memory of all Kilkenny Gaels (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1). For details concerning the final game of the 1920 Kilkenny Senior Football Championship, played in February 1922, see our post of 20 February 2022.
Two attempts in 1922 to schedule the Leinster Senior Football Final were cancelled due to the persistent Great Southern railway strikes. After consulting with the officials in Kilkenny it was decided “to refix in Croke Park, irrespective of the rail situation.” A Dublin newspaper declared this to be a sensible course to “get rid of arrears of work as quickly as possible,” although it was conceded that it would prove difficult for the Kilkenny followers to attend the match in Dublin without the train services. It was reported that the ready acquiescence of the Kilkenny Gaels heralded a “refreshing confidence in their capacity to make a bold bid for three provincial honours…against the accomplished and formidable Dublin champions (Sport, Sat. 4 Nov. 1922, p. 4) which is at odds with the fact that the Kilkenny People noted that the battle between Glenmore and Cloneen was still fresh.
The Kilkenny team that played at the Leinster Final was reported as follows: J. Hanrahan, M. Connolly, J. Fitzgerald, P. Hughes, J. Coady, A. Brennan, M. Coady, A. Heffernan, P. Hartley, J. McKenna, W. Irish, Jas. Phelan, T. Brennan, W. Landy, P. Dalton (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1). The GAA Bible, on the other hand, lists the team as: Martin Cody (Capt.), Andy Heffernan, Paddy Hanley, I. Phelan, Bill Irish, P. Cody, Jimmy Hanrahan, Mick Connolly, John Fitzgerald, Paddy Dalton, Andy Brennan, Paddy Hughes, Tom Brennan, Jack McKenna, and Watt Landy. (Gerry O’Neil, Kilkenny GAA Bible 2018, p. 134). It is not known why the two lists differ slightly, but it appears that the first nine players in the GAA Bible list were the Glenmore players.
The Leinster Final Game
The travel difficulties did impact on attendance and “a couple of the chosen [Kilkenny] team were held up en route” to the match (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 7). It was estimated that only about 10,000 people were present in Croke Park on Sunday the 5th of November 1922 for the Senior Leinster Football Championship. However, it was stated in press reports that the attendance figure was not official (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1). What was agreed in all press reports was the fact that the weather was poor. It was a dull evening, with sharp showers (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 7). In the second half a “great change came over the weather … A strong wind swept up the field and sleets of rain made matters worse. Dublin had the advantage of the wind, but Kilkenny fought gamely to the end,” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1).
Most of the following account of the Leinster Final was reported in the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 7) with additional details gleaned from other newspapers.
“Kilkenny were first away, and had a fine point by Connolly in the first five minutes. The Synotts, Carey and M’Donnell sent Dublin into Kilkenny ground soon after, but the Kilkenny defence, led by Irish, held out, and Dalton in goal, when called upon, proved reliable, as he did all through the game.”
“Fluctuation of fortune were fast and vigorous, but Kilkenny were giving a flattering display. The Dublin lot were entertaining, however, and in a sharp attack. P. M’Donnell equalised with a minor. Very interesting play followed, in which every sector participated, and no further scoring ensued for a long time, till Fitzgerald sent over a flying point for Kilkenny. The game continued an excellent one, Kilkenny being very good and M’Kenna was very prominent in initiating dangerous assaults which the Dublin backs found it hard to cope with. There was no decided superiority on either side, and at the interval Kilkenny led with 2 points to 1 for Dublin.”
“The resumption soon saw the Metropolitans exerting their clever tactics, and despite a vigorous Kilkenny struggle the champions settled down into Kilkenny ground. Scores were not easily got, however, and any opportune chances were ably frustrated, till Reilly sent down for P. M’Donnel to secure and equalise with a point.”
“With only the goalman to beat on two occasions in the second half, Connolly was disgracefully pulled down by one of the Dublin backs.” The Kilkenny correspondent opined, “A simple free kick is certainly not sufficient punishment for such a mean foul”(Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1).
“The Kilkenny defence, including the goal man, a veteran of 1911, was good throughout, and frustrated the wiliest of Dublin attack, which, however, could not altogether be denied.” Kilkenny’s power of penetration was almost completely curbed during the second half.”
“The Dublin half line were invulnerable, and Kilkenny were constantly defending; but some of the Dublin finishes were very wild. A lead was a long time coming, however, but Dublin at length got ahead when M’Donnell shot a nice minor. Play was still in Kilkenny ground, and Shanahan added a point, which M’Donnell supplemented very soon after.”
“It was hard luck when Connolly (who played a great game) with the Dublin goalie beaten, struck the base of the post on the inside with a great shot. Dublin’s goal a few minutes later had a charmed escape when Kilkenny stormed and the ball was swept in… Kilkenny’s goalman had several great ovations for his brilliant saves. He was not to blame for the only goal that entered his net—it was a soft shot, and came through several players, and Dalton was completely unsighted”(Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1).
“Robbins contributed a point before the final whistle, and Dublin had won well on the score: Dublin—1 goal, 7 points; Kilkenny—2 points.”
The Kilkenny People summed up that it was a thrilling game in the first half, when weather and ground were favourable and Kilkenny simply “snowed” Dublin. However, Kilkenny missed some scoring opportunities in the first half where three frees should have yielded points in the opening stages of the match, and missed two frees in the closing stages of the match (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 1) The Kilkenny Moderator similarly concluded that, “It was not a great final by any means. The opening half, in which Kilkenny played a fine, dashing game, and held Dublin at all points, was up to a good standard, but in the end the field craft and combination of Dublin prevailed. The second half was altogether in Dublin’s favour, and they dominated the game in an unmistakable fashion” (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 7).
Perhaps the most interesting Dublin newspaper article concerning the final is found in Sport, which also recognised the impact of the railway strikes on the Kilkenny team being able to practice. “Kilkenny gave a wonderfully virile and effective display, and held their experienced opponents well. They adopted admirable tactics for a team short of collective practice, played a fast, loose, bustling game, and maintained it splendidly to the interval…The scorer for Kilkenny in the first half was Connolly (a smart and opportune forward), but Cody and Fitzgerald gave fine assistance, both showing great forward qualities. For a team however, which has been so hampered in practice, without regular matches, and deprived at the last moment of selected players, Kilkenny did grandly. With the exception of one veteran—the goalman, Dalton—who saved his posts in extremis repeatedly, they are all a young team with limitless possibilities when trained in the proper manner” (Sport, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 14).
Although the Kilkenny team did not win the Leinster Senior Football Final in November 1922, it is a remarkable feat that 9 of the 15 members of the Kilkenny team were Glenmore players, and with little opportunity for collective practice with their rivals Cloneen, this team of rivals showed great promise.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing above of the Leinster flag drawn by Setana Saki, based on the 1651 Arms of Leinster and the work is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Leinster.svg with use permitted under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Roaring Twenties: Glenmore’s Championship 1920 Senior Football Match Played in February 1922
According to the Kilkenny GAA Bible, Glenmore won the Kilkenny Senior Football Championships in 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1929 (Gerry O’Neil, Kilkenny GAA Bible 2018, p. 64). As we previously highlighted the football season commenced in one year and the championship was held usually in the spring of the next year. During the War of Independence, no Kilkenny County football championships were played or awarded for 1917 or 1918. Further no championship was held in 1921 and the 1920 Senior County Football Championship did not conclude until February 1922. For details concerning the first 1920 championship game between Glenmore and Cloneen (Castlecomer) see our previous blog of 9 August 2021.
The Kilkenny People, on Saturday the 18th of February 1922 (p. 2) covered the G.A.A. County Finals, held on Sunday the 12th of February 1922, but never provided what championship year was being played. However, the football teams and the scores line up with the information recorded in the Kilkenny GAA Bible for the 1920 Championship.
Although the article was to cover the County junior hurling and senior football championships it commences with a statement regarding other events that were occurring in Kilkenny City at that time. The author also employs a great deal of flowery language that is not generally found in more modern sports commentary, but does provide unsolicited advice that is found generally in more modern sports commentary.
“St. James’s Park, historic through the mobilization there of our Irish soldiers for the taking over of the City Military Barracks last week, was again a scene of giant national life on Sunday. The beautiful spring sunshine on that day—a harbinger of another season of freedom now that the foreign garrisons have left our midst, and the eager anxiety as to the destination of the coveted championships all tended to encourage the Gaels of our county to make the Marble City their rendezvous on Sunday last” Moondharrig (Mooncoin) was one of the teams to play in the first fixture, the junior hurling championship, and “brought in their train a huge crowd of admirers. “And what shall we say of the study supporters of the boys from the Big Glen all ready to cheer their doughty footballers to victory. The combined teams from the south—Moondharrig (Mooncoin) and Glenmore—with their big quota of supporters, supplied a goodly cargo to the Waterford special, and their jubilant mood on arrival in the Marble City showed that they fancied the south were confident of capturing the double honours of the day.” The author then went on to describe that the train from the north, “the Castlecomer special disgorged by far the greater portion of a thousand enthusiastic Gaels, all confident of a victory…”
“About 2 o’clock, as the hour approached for the opening contest, the Park presented an animated appearance—the pitch was in splendid condition, bare, firm, and showing just a faint tinge of reviving green, the hundreds of spectators already assembled eagerly discussed the prospects of the clubs concerned and the ideal weather conditions with the prospect of two thrilling encounters seemed to make everybody happy, not excepting the County Board officials, who, though exceedingly busy, were still being aptly rewarded by the large patronage afforded the fixture. Close on 2,000 people must have been present when the teams appeared for the first contest.”
The first fixture was the junior hurling championship. The newspaper account provides that the Tulla team beat Moondharrig (Mooncoin) 5 goals, 1 point (16) to 1 point. The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2018) p. 30 provides that in the 1920 championship Tulla beat Mooncoin by a score of 5 goals, 1 point (16) to 1 goal, 1 point (4) and the teams played a total of four times before Mooncoin was declared the 1920 County Kilkenny Junior Hurling Champions.
The Senior Football Final
“The chief interest of the day was centred in the replay of the senior football championship final between Glenmore and Cloneen (Castlecomer). A regrettable delay of almost three-quarters of an hour was caused through disagreement as to the referee for the game—this hitch was the more unseemly as it was the only blot on a splendid day’s sport, all other arrangements for which left nothing to be desired. Eventually the game was started with Mr. P. Dunphy (Dublin) in charge and the game was as expected, a robust one.” Unfortunately, the newspaper article does not indicate which team objected to the referee. As highlighted in our previous post Glenmore was fined £1 for not being punctual in an earlier championship game in 1921 with Cloneen where the team objected to a referee and thereby delayed the start of the first championship match.
In the 12 February 1922 match “[t]he ball was only set in motion when the game was held up through a foul, and Glenmore getting free were early invading. They pressed very strongly, but from a spectator’s point of view the game was most disappointing, as it was nothing but a succession of fouls—no less than ten frees being awarded in the first eight minutes of the game. The players on settling down were more amendable to discipline and a very fast, vigorous contest resulted. Glenmore were the stronger, heavier team, and being better fielders they did nearly all the pressing in the first half. Their large following were loud in their applause when, after about twelve minutes’ play they scored a major, to which they added two points before the interval, which case with the scores: Glenmore 1 goal, 2 points; Cloneen 1 point.”
In the second half, “the teams were quickly into stride and though not so numerous as in the opening stages fouls were still frequent. Doherty, Heffernan, Hanrahan, Cody and Connolly were the outstanding players on the Glenmore side, and though the back division of Cloneen was sound, they were unable to cope with the strain which two weak front lines allowed to press on the and the Glenmore team notched several useful points. Cloneen made some spirted rushes, but the finishing was weak, and though they scored two points in this half they lost several openings, while Glenmore grasped every opportunity, and with brilliant goal in the closing stages they ran out winners on the score: Glenmore 2 goals, 6 points (12); Cloneen 3 points (3).”
Not content with reporting on what other newspapers dubbed the “splendidly contested match” the author provided advice to the Kilkenny G.A.A. County Board. “Concerning the game we must say that though the pace was fairly fast and the fielding of Glenmore exceptionally good, there was absent altogether that technique and finish which is characteristic of present day football, notably among the leading clubs of Leinster’s premier football counties—Dublin and Kildare. They display of the teams on Sunday was rather an aggregate of disjointed good individual work than a harmonious combination and blending into a unified whole, hence we had no brilliant passages that delight and thrill in the big games of the inter-county contests. No doubt this is due to lack of training, but we point out this as we feel it a pity that such splendid material is not properly trained, as then Kilkenny might look again to making fame on the football field. Cloneen seemed to have lost their old dash, and one got the impression that they never got properly going, at least their display fell short altogether of the standard reached by them in the previous contests. A judicious selection from both teams, strengthened by some leading players, from other clubs in the county, should do credit to Kilkenny in the approaching Leinster championship contests.”
“Concerning the fixture we must admit—that never was better order kept in the Park and while congratulating the County Board and its officials on the arrangements so splendidly carried out, we trust that this high standard of order, regularity and punctuality will be maintained. That no team can have any ground of dissatisfaction as there was “A fair field and no favour” for all, and we agree with the wisdom of the Co. board in ordering all finals to be played in the Park. That the Co. Board has no excuse to plead poverty for many days to come, but after all the airgead síos (money down) is necessary to provide the sinews of war.”
For an account of earlier teams see, The Tenacious Glenmore 1915 Football Team: Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions and The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 Co. Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.
The featured photo above was taken in 1925 and 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.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Remembering the Glenmore Senior Hurling Teams of 1960 & 1964
With the week that has passed, seeing Glenmore reach the top table within the ranks of Kilkenny hurling, we find time to reflect on past glories. Most of us remember the great teams of the 80`s and 90`s that really put Glenmore on the hurling map. Five senior county titles, two Leinster titles and the coveted Club All Ireland in 1991. We were the first club in Kilkenny to have teams representing at both Intermediate and Senior level when Glenmore won the Junior title in 1991. Numerous players represented at county level and not to forget the famous 5 of the 1992 All Ireland team; Christy Heffernan, Liam Walsh, Titch Phelan, Eddie and Willie O Connor. Currently we have probably one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era, Eoin Murphy, in our ranks as well as his brother Alan representing Kilkenny. Recently retired county player and club captain Ger Aylward is another legend. Paddy and Richie Mullally represented at county levels during the noughities and have All Ireland winning medals also.
In the lead up to our success of the 1980`s, we had a couple of opportunities to make a mark on the senior title Roll of Honour. In 1960 and 1964, Glenmore reached the senior finals and were beaten both times by a great Bennettsbridge team. Between the years 1952-1974, Bennettsbridge contested 16 county finals, winning 11. The 1960 and 1964 Glenmore hurling teams, that were contenders for the senior county championship, don’t seem to be spoken about today, but the men who represented this Parish sixty years ago deserve recognition for the effort they put into reaching these finals. Glenmore had no trainer and organised their training sessions at the Scow Bridge in Gaulstown. Seamus Dunphy was secretary and would have had an input to picking the teams along with the captain at the time. All household names in their own right. This week we would like to remember these teams by reaching into the archives of the match reports from these years.
1960 Glenmore Senior Hurling
In 1960 Glenmore played St. John’s in the first round and won on a scoreline of 5-12 to 1-04. Second round opponents were Eire OG and Glenmore came out on top with a scoreline of 5-08 to 3-05. Local rivals Slieverue were the semi-final opponents Glenmore played in Nowlan Park.
The members of the Glenmore and Slieverue teams included—
Glenmore—M. Cody; J. McDonald; P. O’Connor; D. Dowling; D. Doherty; P. Fitzgerald; N. Hanrahan; J. Doherty; P. Power; J. O’Shea; W. Fitzgerald; M. Cass; J. Sutton; R. Mullally and M. Barron.
Slieverue—S. Griffin; P. Fitzgerald; T. Phelan; E. Dwyer; M. Walsh; T. Walsh; J. Hartley; P. Buggy; P. Irish; E. Horgan; N. Power; G. Buggy, R. Rocket; W. Irish and J. Walsh.
Richie Mullally played at full forward and scored a hat trick of goals on the day. Paul Fitzgerald played at centre back and was noted to have given an “outstanding display in the Glenmore defence”(KP Aug 5 1960) . Slieverue had Sean Griffin play in goal that day and Sean holds the record for scoring 5 goals in the 1954 county final against Tullaroan. That day the future GAA president Paddy Buggy lined out at midfield for Slieverue. Glenmore came out on top in this semi-final with a scoreline of 4-8 to 4-5.
Scorers on the day for Glenmore were: Richie Mullally 3-00; Martin Cass 1-00; John O’Shea 0-04; Micky Barron 0-03; and John Sutton 0-01. Slieverue scorers included: Gerry Buggy 1-00; Dick Rocket 1-00; J. Walsh 1-00; P. Grant 1-00; E. Horgan 0-02; N. Power 0-02 and Pat Irish 0-01.
The county final in 1960 was played between Bennettsbridge and Glenmore. The members of the final teams included:
Glenmore—M. Cody; J. Mc Donald; P. O’Connor; D. Dowling; R. Doherty; P. Fitzgerald; N. Hanrahan; J. Doherty; W. Fitzgerald; J. O’Shea; J. Sutton; J. Boyle; P. Power; R. Mullally and M. Barron.
Bennettsbridge—L. Cleere; M. Treacy; J. Galway; J. Dobbyn; P. Moran; S. Cleere; J. McGovern; R. Carroll; J. Dowling; M. Kelly; T. Kelly; J. Carroll; F. Ryan; M. McCarthy and S. Treacy.
The final game was reported to be a tame affair (KP Oct 14 1960) and saw Bennettsbridge win 4-05 to Glenmore 3-04. The Bridge seemed to have the upper hand in most positions although Glenmore player’s Paul Fitzgerald and John Sutton held their own.
Scorers for Glenmore in the final were: John Sutton 2-02; R. Mullally 1-00; M. Barron 0-01; D Dowling 0-01. Scorers for Bennettsbridge included: M. Kelly 1-01; F. Ryan 1-00; S. Treacy 1-00; J. Carroll 1-00; D. Carroll 0-02; and S. Cleere 0-02.
1964 Glenmore Senior Hurling
In 1964 Glenmore commenced its championship quest with a meeting against Tullogher and winning 3-11 to 2-06. Second round was against James Stephens and Glenmore won with a score of 3-08 to 1-02. Glenmore in its semi-final played against Thomastown in Nowlan Park. The members of the two hurling teams included:
Glenmore—Paul Fitzgerald; John McDonald; Nicky Forristal; John Dowling; John O Shea; Dick Doherty; John Vereker; Billy Fitzgerald; Pat Power; Sean Fitzgerald; Martin Cass; Pat Dowling; Dick Dowling; John Sutton and Mike Phelan. Subs included: Nicky Hanrahan for Sean Fitzgerald and Mickie Barron for Pat Dowling.
Thomastown–Ollie Walsh; W. Grace; Cha Whelan; J. Gibbons; S. Sullivan; J. Doyle; J. Blanchfield; R. Walsh; P. Kelly; T. Walsh; M. Walsh; S. Challoner; J. Murray; J. Kelly and J. Delaney.
Glenmore were not the favourites to win and according to the Kilkenny Journal caused a surprise when they beat Thomastown. The veterans of Glenmore had a big say in the victory as John Sutton scored 3-04 (3-01 from play) and Paul Fitzgerald in the goal saved and cleared brilliantly. Thomastown goalie Ollie Walsh was brought into attack near the end of the game to try and turn it in Thomastown`s favour. Tom Walsh got great praise for his performance, but Glenmore proved too strong on the day. Final score was Glenmore 4-09 to Thomastown 4-06.
Scorers on the day for Glenmore were: John Sutton 3-04; M. Barron 1-00; Billy Fitzgerald 0-02; Pat Power 0-01; Martin Cass 0-01; Nicky Hanrahan 0-01. Scorers for Thomastown included: Tom Walsh 2-05; J. Delaney 1-00; P. Kelly 1-00 and Ollie Walsh 0-01.
For the county final Glenmore again met Bennettsbridge. The teams were comprised of the following players:
Glenmore—Paul Fitzgerald; John McDonald; Nicky Forristal; John Dowling; John O’Shea; Dick Doherty; John Vereker; Pat Power; Billy Fitzgerald; Nicky Hanrahan; Mike Phelan; Martin Cass; Richie Mullally; John Sutton; John Dowling and Mickie Barron subbed for Nicky Hanrahan.
Bennettsbridge—L. Cleere; M. Treacy; T. Bennett; J. Treacy; S. Cleere; J. McGovern; P. Moran; T. Kelly; N. Skeehan; R. Carroll; J. Carroll; P. Treacy; M. McCarthy and S. Treacy.
Glenmore got off to a flying start scoring 1-01 within 2 minutes. Glenmore didn`t score for the next 50 minutes, and this allowed the Bridge to settle and pick off their scores. Most prominent of the Glenmore defence were John Dowling and John Vereker who had a very good first half and relieved many dangerous situations. John O’Shea also played well. None of the forwards were very successful, but the keenest triers were John Sutton and Dick Dowling.
The final score was Glenmore 1-04 to Bennettsbridge 4-09.
Scorers in the final for Glenmore included: John Sutton 1-01; Dick Doherty 0-02 and Martin Cass 0-01. Scorers for Bennettsbridge that day included: P. Treacy 2-00; P. Moran 0-06; N. Skeehan 1-00; M. McCarthy 1-00; S. Carroll 0-02 and T. Kelly 0-01.
Glenmore dropped to Junior level in 1966 and remained there until 1980.
Thanks to J. Vereker and D. Dowling for sharing their team photos. It is not known whether the 1960 photo was taken before the semi-final or final game.
If you have any corrections, additional information concerning these two teams or attended any of the games etc. and would like to share your memories please place them below or send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Pat Dowling