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The Tenacious Glenmore 1915 Football Team: Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions
According to the Gerry O’Neill’s Kilkenny GAA Bible (2014, pp. 60-61) http://www.kilkennygaa.ie/Downloads/KK_GAA_BIBLE_2014.pdf Glenmore between 1900 and 1950 won the Ned Langton Cup (county senior football championship) 15 times. Previously we posted information and a photo of the 1906 Glenmore football team that won the senior football championship (available at https://glenmore-history.com/the-glenmore-football-club-the-trials-and-tragedy-of-the-1906-county-kilkenny-gaelic-football-champions/). Today, we are going to highlight the 1915 Glenmore football team that also took the county championship. Although there were several years where no Co. Kilkenny senior football championship was held the senior football championship of 1915 (played in 1916) is unique. This is the only year where the two semi-finalist teams played four championship games because the first three games all resulted in ties.
Interestingly some of the 1915 County Kilkenny senior football matches were played outside of Kilkenny. For example, in February 1916, Glenmore played Tullogher in Barrett’s Park, New Ross in a semi-final match. The New Ross Standard (Fri. 18 Feb. 1916) reported “an enormous amount of interest was centred in the match, and crowds of the followers of both teams came to Ross on bicycles, cars and walking.” Although it was reported that there was a rumour that the game was likely to be rough, it was not. A very large crowd of spectators attended the match and cheered the players. Tullogher had the best of the play for the greater part of the first half hour, as they kept the ball in Glenmore territory. However, they failed to score and Glenmore notched a point. During the second half Glenmore dominated and won the match with a score of 1 goal, 2 points to Tullogher’s 1 point. It was reported that both teams missed several scoring opportunities, but the play was good and “well sustained from start to finish.” Gus Kennedy, of New Ross was the referee. By winning Glenmore qualified for the final against Coolagh.
The Co. Kilkenny GAA Annual Convention was held in April 1916. John Dunphy, Glenmore the outgoing Chairman presided. The delegates from Glenmore were M. Heffernan and P. Hanrahan of the Glenmore Hurling Club. At this meeting it was proposed by Glenmore that county championships for hurling and football should continue on the League system. This was agreed. Also during the Convention, Coolagh Football Club were declared champions for the 1914 senior football championship, as “the other matches to be played having been cancelled” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 17 April 1916). Although the Easter Rising did not take place until the 24th of April the tension between the British authorities and the GAA was noted by the delegates. The British Government was attempting to levy an “entertainment” tax on matches; seeking the GAA pay income tax; agreeing not to interfere with Gaelic sports so long as the gatherings were not political and generally were according to P. Hanahan trying to break the GAA.
On the 19th of March 1916 the reigning senior champions Coolagh were to play Coolroe at St. James’ Park with Glenmore’s M. Heffernan as referee in the second football semi-final. The winner of this semi-final match was to play Glenmore at St. James’ Park on the 2nd of April with John Lalor as referee (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 11 March 1916). Coolagh won this semi-final. Due to a number of factors the final match between Coolagh and Glenmore was not played on the 2nd of April.
The senior football final between Glenmore and Coolagh was “re-fixed” for Sunday the 7th of May 1916 at St. James’ Park with referee D. Kennedy. Glenmore and Coolagh tied (Glenmore 1-1; Coolagh 1-1). The New Ross Standard (Friday 14 July 1916) reported that the replay between Glenmore and Coolagh was being “awaited with considerable interest.” Spectators had been buoyed by the unexpected display made by Glenmore during the first championship game when they nearly beat the county champions. “Coolagh can be relied upon to leave nothing to chance too, and when both teams meet there is sure to be a rattling good contest.”
The second championship match between Glenmore and Coolagh was held on Sunday the 16th of July 1916 at St. James’ Park, Kilkenny. “After a most exciting struggle both teams played a drawn game, with each team scoring a single goal. Although the first half of the game was “full of exciting passages” no scores were made. In the second half both teams scored a single goal each. “The general opinion on the match was that Glenmore should have won.” The referee was Mike Byrne of Coolroe Football Club (New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 July 1916).
The third championship match between Glenmore and Coolagh was held on Sunday the 20th of August 1916 at the sports field in Waterford. “After a very closely contested game a draw was the result. A regrettable incident occurred in the first half hour, when a few of the players came to blows. However, the affair quietened down and the match was proceeded with. Mr. Walsh, Waterford, proved a capable referee” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 Aug. 1916).
Notwithstanding the statements that the GAA was not political in any manner, shortly before the fourth championship match the Carrickshock Monument committee, applied for the proceeds of the match (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Aug. 1916). See, generally, Glenmore and the Tithe Tax, available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-and-the-tithe-tax/. It is not known whether the Monument Committee received the proceeds, but a monument was erected in 1925.
On Saturday the 18th of October 1916 a very detailed article in “The Whip’s” sporting column of the Kilkenny People covered the fourth championship match between Glenmore and Coolagh. Unfortunately, the author in what might best be described as a “prissy” tone spent a substantial amount of the article exerting his views on punctuality, the weather, and the roughness of the game without actually explaining what happened. It was noted that Glenmore had a “submarine” that torpedoed 6 or 7 Coolagh players, but the name of the Glenmore player was never revealed. The author also noted that the guardians of the law had taken an interest in us of late, “I should, imagine they would find a more profitable (if a little more dangerous) work to do in Flanders. But this ‘small nationality’ is now ruled by a Coercion Government and martial law still prevails…” Excerpts from the article follow.
“MARGIN OF ONLY ONE POINT. A HARD GAME. The senior football final has been finished at last, and Glenmore have won. They got the verdict by the narrowest possible, margin—one point. It took over four hours’ play in the aggregate to decide the tie and of the four matches, three were played in Kilkenny and one in Waterford. Coolagh put up a very good fight, but they were not able for the Glenmore lads on Sunday’s play. The match is now finished, and the series of games played should have a very good effect on football in the county. For a few years past the football championship has been decided on the League system, and this of course necessitated all teams entered playing a number of matches. Under the old order a team, once it, was beaten: in the first round, had perforce to wait until the following season before they could play another official match…”
ABOUT THE GAME.
A most strenuously contested game it was every, inch of the way being fought with a dogged tenacity. The element of roughness was, however, too conspicuous, and scientific football was all too rare. ..From start to finish … it was veritably a case of the survival of the fittest, and it surprised how any man could stand such an hour… On the play Glenmore were the better of the two, and for the greater part of the second half Coolagh were always on the defensive. The backs put up a very stubborn resistance and never allowed the Glenmore men to score. A few dashes to the other end were made by Coolagh, but the finishing power was not there, and, the backs always came out on top. The same teams, it is interesting to note, will meet again in the first round of the coming Championship. Mr. John Lalor, Secretary of the County Board, refereed, and he performed a difficult task very well.
THE TEAMS.
Glenmore—James Murphy, E. Roche, J Roche, T. Doherty, P. Fitzgerald, P. Forristal, M. Connolly, John Phelan, James Phelan, M. Murphy, E. McDonald, W. Walsh. P. Foran, W. Hartley, Thomas Forristal.
Coolagh—W. (Saunders (captain), J. McKenna, W. Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, Matt Fitzgerald, M. Hoyne, L. Murphy, E. O’Neill, T. Somers, J. Somers, James Leahy, J. Leahy, P. Murray, and M. Moore.
FIRST HALF.
Coolagh got away from the throw in, per Murphy, but the Glenmore backs returned and immediately the southern forward made tracks for the Coolagh posts. From a good kick by Johnnie Phelan an exciting scrimmage took place opposite the Coolagh sticks, and a grand shot by Doherty was only saved at the expense of a “fifty.” Another interest tangle followed, but nothing came of it, and Doherty, got a chance immediately after but sent it wide. Jim Phelan-both himself and his brother played a faultless game—returned the delivery, and another most exciting struggle took place in Coolagh territory. The later’s citadel was in jeopardy and a score seemed imminent, but the defence prevailed, and in a twinkling play was at the other end, thanks to some excellent play by Saunders who did a wonderful amount of work.
They were pressing pretty strongly, and a free to them put them in a very good position to score. Saunders was entrusted with the kick, and he made no mistake in opening Coolagh’s scoring account with a point. Johnnie Phelan and Saunders were most conspicuous in the following exchanges, honours as superiority being about equally divided. A lift off the ground by Phelan gave Coolagh another free, and Saunders centred beautifully. Leahy got possession, and with a very fine effort scored Coolagh’s second point. Saunder’s was again “in the picture” following the delivery, and Doherty then got away on his own, but a free to Coolagh brought relief, and a bad miss by one of the Glenmore half-backs let Coolagh into possession and a bombardment of the Glenmore posts followed. Nothing came of the opportunity thanks to the good defence of the backs.
The game was now very rough and the order apparently was to watch the man and not the ball. Saunders getting the ball after that delivery was tackled by Johnnie Phelan and badly heaved, but he was up in a twinkling; and though challenged by three of his opponents he got through and played the ball. Following this O’Neill sent it wide for Coolagh. Following the kickout Glenmore invaded, per Johnnie Phelan and a free was sent to the right wing.
Here Doherty got possession and with a grand shot landed the ball in the net to the accompaniment of loud cheers. Another attack followed, and a Coolagh. man (Fitzgerald) got hurt and had to retire, his place being taken by Vaughan. Glenmore kept up the pressure and forced a ” fifty,” which was well centred by Doherty, but the backs saved and Saunders, who was exceptionally well watched, was fouled, and the free put Coolagh attacking. Another Coolagh man got hurt but resumed after a short interval, and Glenmore again took up the offensive but a penalty spoiled the chance. Murphy got away on his own after the free kick, and an over by O’Neill followed. Yet another Coolagh man was rendered hors-de-combat but he also- resumed, and Coolagh were-pressing when the half-time whistle went, leaving the scores: Glenmore 1 goal; Coolagh 2 points.
A SCORELESS HALF.
The second and final half of the game opened very roughly. Glenmore, with the aid-of the wind, pressed strongly, and McKenna got knocked out. After some minutes he resumed, and following another over by Glenmore another Coolagh man got injured and had to retire; his place being taken by Peters. This gave rise to a protracted dispute,’ and matters looked dangerous. A bad row was only averted by the efforts of some of the Coolagh men. As usual the spectators went in to investigate, and some of the partisans did not help to throw oil on the troubled waters. After a long delay the teams were got together again, and frees went to both sides in rapid succession.
It was now veritably a case of rough-and-tumble and football in its true meaning was a premium. McDonald who was twice hurt, got a kick in the arm but still kept on, and Glenmore, forcing matters was awarded a “fifty” off a good shot by Doherty. Saunders blocked the kick and the ball was sent wide. Another series of frees followed to both sides and in a struggle Murphy (Coolagh) and, Connolly (Glenmore) both got knocked out. There was another delay, and on resuming Forristal met the delivery as the ball was touching the ground and sent dead for the net, but the goalkeeper saved well and sent out. A few incursions were made by Coolagh, but they always lacked finish and for the most part were on the defensive. Neither side registered in the second half, and the long whistle went leaving Glenmore winners after a total of over four hours’, play. The long score was—Glenmore 1 goal (3 points); Coolagh 2 points (2 points).”
| First Half | ||||
| Team | Overs | Frees | 50’s | Scores |
| Glenmore | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1-0 |
| Coolagh | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0-2 |
| Second Half | ||||
| Glenmore | 6 | 3 | 1 | -o- |
| Coolagh | 0 | 6 | 0 | -0- |
| TOTALS | ||||
| Glenmore | 11 | 5 | 4 | 1-0 |
| Coolagh | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0-2 |
Lastly, Coolagh sent in an objection stating that the Glenmore football team was illegally constituted. However, the players from Mullinavat had early in the season been granted permission by the County Committee to play with Glenmore. At the December 1916 GAA Kilkenny meeting no representative of the Coolagh team appeared and the championship was awarded to Glenmore (Kilkenny People, Sat. 16 December 1916).
The featured photo of the Glenmore 1915 County Kilkenny Champion Senior Football Team is from the Poole Collection of the National Archives of Ireland and published here with its kind permission.
Identification of players in photo is from a 1982 newspaper article in the Kilkenny People marking the death of Peter Forristal the last surviving member of the team.
Back Row: John Phelan, of Clonessy, Mullinavat; Wattie Walsh, of Rochestown, Glenmore; Pat Foran, of Rochestown, Glenmore; Jim Phelan, of Clonessy, Mullinavat
Second Row: Paul Fitzgerald, of Knockbrach, Glenmore; William Hartley, of Busherstown, Glenmore; Richard McDonald, of Ballynooney, Mullinavat; James Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore (goalie); Tommy Forristal, Rochestown, Glenmore.
Front Row: James Roche, Rathinure, Glenmore; Peter Forristal, Rochestown, Glenmore; Jack Doherty, Davidstown, Glenmore (Captain); Ned Roche, Rathinure, Glenmore; Phil Connolly, Rochestown, Glenmore.
Sitting: Maurice Murphy, Buckstown, Mullinavat & Michael Connolly, of Rochestown, Glenmore.
Club Officials: Maher (on left) and Dunphy (on right).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions
It is not yet known when the first Gaelic football team was established in Glenmore. Prior to 1890 there were few newspaper articles concerning sports and most of the earliest accounts of football matches appear to have been written and submitted to newspapers by the teams. However, in petty session records commencing in about 1887 there are several references to Glenmore men being charged with assaults that occurred coming home from football matches. Unfortunately, there are no details provided in the newspaper accounts to indicate whether the men were returning from attending a Gaelic football match where a Glenmore team played. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011, p. 56) in the first half of the twentieth century Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. Glenmore won its first Senior County Football Championship in 1906 although the final was actually played on 5 May 1907. Thanks to the sports columns that began appearing in newspapers at the turn of the century we also know that by 1908 Glenmore had a Senior, Junior and “Schoolboy” teams. Glenmore was a recognised Gaelic Football powerhouse in County Kilkenny.
From the newspaper accounts it appears that GAA clubs in the early decades of the twentieth century engaged in fundraising by hosting tournaments among other activities. To entice teams to a tournament medals or jerseys were advertised and provided for the winning team members. On the 31st of July 1904 a “highly successful tournament” took place at Glenmore (The Waterford News and Star, 5 Aug. 1904). It was held in a field given by Dr. Philips, of Rochestown House (Mount Ida). Two matches were to be held that day. The first was a championship match between Slieverue and Nore Bangers and the other a friendly between Mullinavat and Campile. It was reported that the young and inexperienced men of Slieverue proved that they were equal to their opponent though they did not win. The Campile team failed to appear for the friendly, so the Glenmore team took to the field to play Mullinavat and the game ended in a draw. The article concluded that the Glenmore Football Club Committee are to be congratulated on the silver medals awarded, the excellent field arrangements and it was noted that the “new extension railway line affords unique facilities to meet in Glenmore” with a field convenient to the Aylwardstown station. Undoubtedly the opening of the railway line through Glenmore aided in allowing Glenmore teams to compete in more matches. One article in 1907 referred to a match being held at “Lucy Rock” Glenmore (Munster Express, 23 Feb. 1907).
Letters to the editor of local newspapers proved a popular vehicle for players and spectators to comment on the matches, issue challenges, appeal to the public, and call for corrective lenses for referees. At the end of 1903 the New Ross Standard printed several letters to the editor which criticised a match that took place in the Rower between neighbouring parishes Tullogher and Glenmore. Glenmore lost and J. Dunphy and J. Grace, the Honorary Secretary and Captain of the Glenmore Football team, sought to appeal the loss. There was also an allegation that they had referred to the Tullogher team as half savages. (New Ross Standard, 25 Dec. 1903). The grudge continued and played out in the letters to the editor in 1904 when the appeal was granted and the re-match was held in Kilkenny on the 24th of April 1904. The language of the time is interesting particularly the use of the word “unmanly” to describe what might be described today as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The newspapers, at that time, were full of reports of appeals of championship match results. Most of these appeals reflect some of the teething problems of the young organisation. It was also not unusual for a team that felt rules had not been followed to refuse to play or to continue to play the match. For example, in 1889 a semi-final match result was appealed. Kells played the Thomas Larkin team in what was thought to be the final. The game was declared not the final and Ballyhale was allowed back into the championship. Kells refused to play Ballyhale, and Ballyhale was awarded the 1889 County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship title.
During the 1906 championship matches, Kilmacow knocked Lamogue (the Senior Football County Champions of 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1905) out of contention. Kilmacow then played Glenmore in a semi-final at Ballyhale on the 20th of January 1907. The account below of the match appeared in the Munster Express on 26 January 1907. Glenmore wore scarlet and green jerseys and fielded the following team: J. Grace (captain), R. Dunphy, J. Dunphy, B. Grace, M. Morrissey, J. Heffernan, J. Power, M. Murpby, R. Reddy, P. Reddy, J. O’Brien, T. Kennedy, M. Hoynes, John Walsh, P. Hanrahan, N. Curran, and P. Morrissey.
[Update: John Grace, of Kilbride (Captain); Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen; John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Bill Grace, of Kilbride….Tom Kennedy (townland unknown)….John Walsh (townland unknown)…Pat Hanrahan, the Village; Nick Curran, the Village…]
Semi-final, Kilmacow vs. Glenmore
Kilmacow won the toss, and got possession from throw in, and scored a point per Reid within two minutes of the start. From the kick out Glenmore got possession, and the ball travelled along the left wing. Murphy making a good run. A free against Kilmacow was taken by John Dunphy, who kicked a beautiful goal. Kilmacow again got down by the good kick in of Byron, Burris, Synntt, Cooke, O’Keeffe and M Walsh, and registered a second point. The play remained for some time in the Glenmore half, until a free brought relief, but Kilmacow came on again and keeping up pressure forced a “fifty,” and soon afterwards a second, but were unfortunate in not making either materialise a score, as the Glenmore defense was too strong. Afterwards Glemore attacked along the right, and Tom Kennedy, handling, had hard luck in hitting one of the goal uprights. From this till the interval Glenmore had the better of the game, and scored a goal and two points per Dunphy, Kennedy, and Brien. The half-time score was: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
Kilmacow got possession of the ball on resuming, and made tracks for the Glenmore citadel, and were again unfortunate, as the defence was sound and the ball travelled back. After some mid-field and wing play Glenmore added a point by Kennedy, and shortly afterwards a second by Brien. At this point the men from the Big Glen were undoubtedly holding the whip hand in the game, and the conquerors of Lamogue were rarely ever able to cross the half way. At three quarter time Kilmacow, owing to a dispute originated by an outsider, refused to continue the match. The referee, Mr. D. Hoyne, of the Kilkenny County Team, awarded the match to Glenmore. . . The final score: Glenmore—2 goals, 3 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
The article noted the contribution to the win of the Dunpheys, Currans, Brien, Grace, Kennedy, Morrissey “and some others played with magnificent dash and accuracy. The goal scored by one of the Dunphys from a free was one of the most brilliant pieces of football kicking I ever witnessed. Young John Curran, the junior I believe of the Glenmore boys, deserves a word of praise for the manner in which he held his own amid a team of veterans. After a few years he bids fair to outshine his stalwart brother, Nick, in brilliant play. I still hold to my opinion that it will be Kilkenny’s own fault if they are not the next All Ireland Champions.”
Within a few days the Captain of the Kilmacow team, James Burris, of Gaule’s Mill, wrote a letter to the editor of the Munster Express, taking sole responsibility for the withdrawal of his team. He noted that there were some trips and catching and when he brought to the referee’s attention that a spectator had rushed onto the field and held the hands of one of his men the referee stated that he did not see the occurrences. Burris wanted to assure the public that he was not influenced by any person and his action was not due to cowardice or fear of defeat.
Kilmacow objected and appealed the semi-final, not based on the incident involving a spectator, but rather based on the composition of the Glenmore team. It was reported in the Kilkenny People (2 March 1907) that after a lengthy discussion the Kilkenny County Committee awarded the match to Glenmore, owing to the fact that Kilmacow left the field before the game terminated. Kilmacow gave notice of appeal of this decision to the Leinster Council and the final of the football championship between Glenmore and Kells was set for March 31st at St. James Parkland, Kilkenny with Mr. John Lalor, the Central Leinster Representative, as referee.
The Championship Final, Kells vs. Glenmore
Due to the objection and appeal the final between Kells and Glenmore was not played until 5 May 1907. “Ned of the Hill” reported in the Munster Express on 11 May 1907 that Glenmore prevailed in “one of the hardest fought contests that was witnessed in the Marble City for many a long day. The Boys of the Big Glen well deserved their victory, for they won on sheer merit. The fight was fought out tooth and nail…and the better team unquestionably won.” The referee was praised for his impartiality and at the final whistle the score stood: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kells—1 goal, 2 points. Ned of the Hill singled out Glenmore players Nick Curran, the Dunphy’s, Grace’s, Reddy’s, Morrissey’s and Tom Kennedy and his colleagues in the front as deserving a word of praise.
In the same newspaper Kilmacow issued a public challenge to Glenmore. Notwithstanding, the fact that Kilmacow refused to continue playing in the semi-final, then filed appeals based on the composition of the Glenmore team, the Kilmacow team wanted to play the Glenmore champions. They stated that the gate receipts, after meeting the costs of medals, could go to charity. It is not known if this challenge was accepted.
The Withholding of the Championship Medals
By the time that the final championship match was held in May 1907 newspapers had already moved on to the regional championships, so very little was written about the match. “Ned of the Hill” published an article in the Munster Express on 2 November 1907 entitled, “Who Won the Kilkenny Football Championships 1906? Kells or Glenmore?” calling attention to the fact that after the normal appeals had been exhausted the Championship medals for the Glenmore team had not been given to the team.
To those Gaels of Kilkenny who are clear sighted this question may sound extravagant, if not humorous. There are those, however, who would deem it debatable; some, in fact, who witnessed the great final struggle in Kilkenny last May; some, may I add, who actually played in that great contest. My apologies, then, to our clear-sighted and honest-hearted Gaels, since I intend offending your sense of justice. I intend making public how it is that the Glenmore champions have so far been refused the County Championship medals for 1906. The exposure of wrong-doing may scandalise the innocent, but it may bring to light the wrong-doers.
I shall begin at the beginning. Glenmore played and beat Kilmacow at Ballyhale last February. Kilmacow objected. The case came before the Kilkenny County Council, D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., in the chair. At this meeting D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., proclaimed in loud and soul-stirring tones that if Glenmore met Kells in the final Kells, if beaten, would never object. Not those men Kilmacow were objecting to—never. We shall instantly see was D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., a man of his word. As it happened, Glenmore and Kells did meet in the final, and Kells came under. D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., lodged an objection in hot haste. He lost his case at the home Council, and in hot haste again he appealed to the Leinster Council, which was unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny. Nothing daunted, D. J. Gorey, Esq , J.P., approached in August the highest Council of the Gaels of Ireland with this same objection he had pledged his word at home never to bring forward. This Central Council were again unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny.
A rule of the G.A.A. states that there can be no appeal beyond the Central Council; yet, not later than last week, the County Secretary, Mr. D. O’Donnell, with characteristic good faith to the Chairman, forewarned to the Secretary of the Glenmore F.C., a marvelous document, stating that he cannot hand over the medals as Mr. D. J. Gorey had again objected. What Council has D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., now in view? There can be no appeal beyond the Central Council. I wonder has he sought the benign protection of the Crown. Is it possible we may yet read of a long and heated discussion in the English House of Lords on the rules of the G.A.A.? Should not the G.A.A. feel mighty secure and consoled in having as one of its chief advisers a Magistrate of the Crown! No wonder, indeed, the boys of the Big Glen have decided to stay quietly at home this year. No wonder Gaelic football is fast declining in Kilkenny county. To my mind it is high time that the Secretary of the Glenmore Football Club should ask the Central Council to compel D. J. Gorey and Co. to hand over the medals so bravely won.
“Ned of the Hill” reported on 21 September 1907 that the Glenmore football club was “out of fighting line.” He had a sad good-bye from Dick Grace one of Glenmore’s best backs. He and Edward O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, were leaving for the United States. Both stated that they were going to return to Glenmore. Ned reflected that he thought that there was enough “material in Glenmore” to make a championship team and wanted to once again hear the well known rallying cry “Gee Up, Glenmore.” A month later he reported that big sinewy “Tom” Phelan, Mullinahone, a latter day “Matt the Thresher,” was also off to the United States (Munster Express 19 Oct 1907).
Finally, in March 1908 at a meeting of the Kilkenny County Committee the Secretary called attention to the question of providing the County Championship to Glenmore. Mr. Gorey, as representing Kells, apparently having exhausted every avenue of appeal and delay, directed the Secretary to forward the medals to Glenmore. It is not known what, if any, impact the withholding of the championship medals had on the Glenmore players, however it is apparent that several of the Glenmore football team immigrated. The month following the decision to forward the medals, Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen, Glenmore, tragically died at the age of 30.
The death of Richard Dunphy had a profound impact on the remaining team members. According to the death register Richard was only ill for four weeks and died at home with his brother at his side. In an obituary written by an unnamed team mate it was stated that when the Glenmore Football team needed help Richard was home like a streak of lightening. He worked in England as an Excise Officer and several times he travelled home from England to help the Glenmore boys win the 1906 championship. “He was our guiding star and light.” (Munster Express, 18 April 1908). It is believed that Richard was one of the players that both Kilmacow and Kells named in their objections.
“Ned of the Hill” in September 1908 revealed that “the boys of the Big Glen met during last week to reorganise their football club. There was cause for both joy and sadness in the meeting. The county champions of 1906–all that was left of them—were glad to renew the old committee that heralded woe to many a team up the county. But some of its bravest and best were missing. Emigration, and alas! even death, had told the old, harrowing tale. The proceedings were marked by hopeful enthusiasm. Arrangements were made for weekly practice matches and means of bettering the unsatisfactory condition of the funds. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Father Crotty, C.C., Glenmore: captain, N. Curran: vice-captain, John Grace hon. sec., N. Curran; committee, J. Dunphy, M. Murphy, T. Morrissey, M. Hoynes, P. Reddy, P. Hanrahan.”
Special thanks to Pat Dowling for the photo of the 1905/1906 team. Pat said that the team photo came from a post card. At the bottom it states Winners of the Hugginstown Medal Tournament 1905 and Co. Kilkenny Football Champions 1906. If anyone can identify the first names of the players, their townlands, any of the men in the photo or can identify where Lucy Rock is in Glenmore, please comment below or email glenmore.history@gmail.com to update the information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A few readers asked for a larger copy of the team photo. One reader believes the team captain is John Grace, of Kilbride. His brother Richard Grace was a teacher in Ringville School, and another brother Bill Grace was actually the player that emigrated to the US in 1908 where he sadly passed away within a few years.
John Grace, of Kilbride, Captain, holding the football.
Sports Update
Kilbride Cricket
On the 4th of July 2020 we posted an article highlighting the Kilbride Cricketers as recorded by Danny Dowling. The post also sought to identify the Glenmore weight throwing champion who was recorded by Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) of Rathinure, Glenmore, in the National Folklore Collection. The post is available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-19th-century-sports-cricket-and-weight-throwing/
A helpful reader suggested a 2006 book by Michael O’Dwyer entitled, The History of County Kilkenny Cricket: The Forgotten Game. The book was located in the local Kilkenny library branch in Ferrybank, in the reference section, however, it could not be accessed because of COVID 19 restrictions. Martin Gahan came to the rescue and lent his copy of the book. The book was read in its entirety in the hopes of finding any reference to the Kilbride team or indeed any mention of Glenmore or players from Glenmore.
Although there is no reference to Kilbride or Glenmore, it was an interesting read explaining the rise and decline of cricket in Kilkenny by highlighting the political realities of the time. A concise review of the book is available at https://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/the-history-of-cricket-in-county-kilkenny-the-forgotten-game/.
After discussing the book with Danny Dowling he suggested that his brother Dick Dowling might shed some light on cricket and Glenmore sports in general. Dick recalled hearing that the Glenmore cricket players travelled to Mount Juliet to play and that many teams were sponsored by landlords. It was suggested that the Kilbride players may have played on a team sponsored by a local landlord. Dick also pointed out the close link between Glenmore and Wexford teams in other sports such as hurling and thought that the cricket players may have played for a New Ross Team. The book was searched again but the list of Bessborough team players did not provide an obvious link to any known local cricket player. Special thanks to Martin Gahan and Dick Dowling. The quest for information concerning the Kilbride Cricketers continues.
Weight Throwing in Glenmore
In terms of the weight throwing an article appeared in the Munster Express on Saturday the 25th of August 1900 stating that Glenmore was to participate in the New Ross athletic events and there was a “big practice every evening at weight-throwing” in two townlands in Glenmore. One group met at the Aylwardstown forge and the other at Kilbride.
The 1900 article also indicates that the GAA was to be revived again in Glenmore parish. The author stated, “I know Captain Ned Hartley will be highly delighted at this news; he is always in high spirits when taking an active part with the dashing young Glenmorians on the football field.” The term “revived again” appears to suggest that the GAA fell out of favour in Glenmore prior to the turn of the twentieth century.
Gaelic Football in Glenmore
Given the coverage of sports in media today, it may be surprising to a lot of people that prior to 1890 very few sporting events were covered in newspapers. Commencing in the 1890’s newspapers began to print more and more articles about a variety of sports and eventually there were dedicated sports columns. For several years after the turn of the twentieth century, a sports column by “Ned of the Hill” featured in the Munster Express. What may also be surprising is that Glenmore was a Gaelic Football stronghold in the first half of the twentieth century. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011) from 1900 to 1950 Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. “Ned of the Hill” dubbed the Glenmore Football players “the men of the Big Glen.” Thanks to Ned’s column there is a public record of the withholding of the County Kilkenny Championship medals from the “men of the Big Glen.” The medals were not awarded until 1908, just as one of the players fell ill and tragically died. This Sunday we will post “The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore 19th Century Sports: Cricket and Weight-Throwing
Most people today know that Glenmore produced some high achieving athletes. The 20th century hurling and football teams, and indeed a four legged Glenmore bred athlete that won Cheltenham gold, are well known. Today, at the request of a reader we are going to highlight two of the lesser known Glenmore sports of the 19th century, cricket and weight-throwing and hope that readers might be able to provide more information.
Cricket
In the late 1950’s Danny Dowling interviewed Jim Culleton (1867-1962), of Kilbride, Glenmore who at the time of the interview was one of the oldest members of the parish of Glenmore. When Jim died a few years later in 1962, he was 95 1/2 years of age. Jim informed Danny that in his father’s time Kilbride had a good cricket team. Jim’s father, John Culleton (1836-1882) died aged 46 in 1882. Jim stated that prior to the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), being established cricket was very popular in Glenmore. (For a concise history of the organisation see, https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/history/ ). Jim Culleton was able to recite a verse from a local song, “Kilbride Cricketers” that was composed in honour of the team.
“I have been at Kilbride Crickets on the 8th April last, I have been in many places during thirteen summers past, Pleasures sure, I always had but pleasure I cannot describe, I enjoyed them beyond measure on the green hills of Kilbride.”
Although an extensive newspaper search was made for any matches played by the Kilbride cricket team, or a Glenmore parish cricket team, none could be located. However, there are reports in newspapers in the 1890’s concerning the Raheen and Rosbercon cricket teams. Although fields have been identified as the practice fields for later Glenmore Gaelic football teams, no field was ever identified to Danny as the field where cricket was played in Glenmore.
According to the Cricket Ireland website, cricket by the mid 1850’s had become the most popular sport in Ireland and was blind to class or creed. In 1855, the first team to represent Ireland beat the English team by a 107 run “thrashing.” (See, https://www.cricketireland.ie/about/history ). While cricket may have become popular in Ireland by 1855, a review of newspapers articles from the south east suggests that it was more popular and commonly reported on in urban areas. The Waterford Steamship Co. announced on 18 June 1879 that it was running “their favourite river Steamer ‘Ida’ to New Ross” on the 1st of July for those who wished to attend the cricket match at Ross. “Several metropolitan amateur athletes intend coming down to see what they can do…1 s. 6 d. for the double journey.” (New Ross Standard, Wed. 18 June 1879). It is believed the athletes referenced were coming down from Dublin.
Although it has been asserted that cricket was blind to class an article in 1879 clearly indicates that engagement in sport was a luxury not provided to the poor. Most of Glenmore was in the Waterford Poor Law Union which meant that children of the Glenmore poor were taken to the Waterford workhouse. In 1879 a motion was made to provide a playground for the boy inmates of the workhouse to play sports such as cricket. At a special meeting of the Poor Law Guardians a motion was made to set aside half an acre on the grounds of the workhouse to provide a playground for healthy recreation. The proposer reminded the other Guardians that the boys were “inmates” through no fault of their own. “It was a pitiful site to see those poor boys caged like prisoners within the precincts of the workhouse without anything to relieve the dull monotony of their lives.” It was decided by these civic leaders of the day, that the duty of the Guardians was to provide training to make the boys into farm labourers and therefore useful members of society. Teaching them to play cricket or football was not necessary. One Guardian warned that the boys might regard the workhouse as home and seek to return to it if a playground was allowed. A vote was taken and the Guardians rejected the playground by a vote of 10 to 6. (Waterford Standard, 5 Nov. 1879).
Weight Throwing
According to Paul Rouse the author of Sport and Ireland: A History (2015, OUP, Kindle Ed.) weight throwing and running and jumping were woven into the fabric of rural life. Men gathered on Sunday evenings or during long summer evenings and competed. “Weight throwing was perceived to be a great form of exercise and was practiced in many variations across the countryside.” (Rouse 2015, p. 139). It was only in the 1860’s and 1870’s, that formal athletic events and associations were organized in towns, cities, and villages across Ireland. A contemporary and very condescending article on Irish athletics was published in London in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News on 6 May 1875. With respect to Irish weight throwing, heavy weight throwing was considered good, however the 16 pound or hammer throwing was considered bad “as it is little practiced.” Notwithstanding the 1875 opinions concerning Irish weight throwing, Rouse notes that the tradition of weight throwing in Ireland “…was the back story to the extraordinary success enjoyed by Irishmen in the Olympic Games throwing competitions after 1896” (Rouse 2015, p. 139).
No newspapers accounts of weight-throwing events in Glenmore were located. However, the New Ross Standard of 14 Sept. 1889 does provide information concerning the events of the programme held in the Rower, Kilkenny. There were 21 events, 14 of which were open to all comers. There were two weight throwing events, slinging 56 lbs between legs without follow, in “the usual way in which this weight is thrown when a number of young fellows meet for ‘diversion,’ and throwing 7 lbs with follow.”
(c) Illustrated London News Gr.
Within ten years the local newspapers covered a greater number of weight throwing events and results. For example, in 1899 an all-round weight throwing and jumping competition was held in Carrick-on-Suir. “The weather was most unfavourable, yet the competitors decided to have the issue tried out, and the contest was held amidst a heavy downpour of rain. Kiely had three firsts—7 lbs (standard 78 ft), 80 ft 3 in; hammer from 7 ft circle (standard 115 ft), 142 ft 6in; slinging 56 lbs unlimited run and follow (standard 30 ft.), 35 ft 6 in. Horgan had also three firsts—throwing 14 lbs (standard 48 ft), 50 ft 9in ; putting shot, 7 ft circle (standard 35 ft), 42 ft 5 inches ; putting 28 lbs (standard, 29 ft), 33 ft 4in.; Phelan, Mullinahone, was the third with a trio of events: pushing 56 lbs (standard 20 ft), 21 ft 2 in; slinging 56 lbs between legs with follow (standard 25 ft), 27 ft 8 in; slinging, 56 lbs over bar (standard 12 ft), 12ft 3in.” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 4 Nov. 1899).
A weight-throwing champion from Glenmore is found recorded in the National Folklore Collection. In 1935 young Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997), of Rathinure interviewed his father Patrick Kennedy, Sr. (c. 1868-1951) concerning a Glenmore weight-thrower named William Forristal, of Ballyverneen. (Nat’l Folklore Collection UCD, The School’s Collection, vol. 845, p. 13, Ringville School Roll 6621.)
Patrick Kennedy, Sr. stated that 60 years previously William Forristal, of Ballyverneen was noted for his strength. He was a champion weight thrower for several years. Once he threw in Wexford. To get there he had to cross the River Barrow and then walk seven or eight miles. He was put against the Wexford champion. After several heavy throws he was awarded the title which he never lost. He walked a further ten miles and was put against a man named Pat Kent who was champion of Belfast “and William’s success was never doubted.”
An extensive newspaper search was conducted but no articles could be located concerning William Forristal, of Ballyverneen or Pat Kent and weight-throwing. It is likely that these men competed before weight-throwing events were well organised and covered in newspapers.
A search then was conducted to determine if the William Forristal, of Ballyverneen, the weight-thrower circa 1875, could be identified. In the Tithe Applotment Books (Griffith’s Valuation 1830) there were only two tenants named Forristal in Ballyverneen; James Forrestal and Patrick Forrestal. The Glenmore parish records indicate that James Forristal of Ballyverneen married Bridget Dunhy and had a son William baptized on 23 June 1857. Patrick Forrestal (c. 1816-1901), of Ballyverneen married Ellen Kennedy (c. 1819-1887) and had a son named William baptized on 13 May 1851. The parish records reveal that in 1857 the James Forristal family moved to Graiguenakill as all the children born after 1857 are recorded in Graiguenakill. Thus in 1875 the only known William Forristal, of Ballyverneen was the son of Patrick Forristal and Ellen Kennedy.
Thus, it is very likely that William Forristal, the weight-throwing champion circa 1875, recalled by Patrick Kennedy, Sr., of Rathinure in 1935 was his first cousin Billy Forristal (1851-1931) who died at Mount Ida, Rochestown a few years earlier. Billy Forristal remained in Ballyverneen from his birth in 1851 until 1919 when he sold his farms in Ballyverneen and Rathinure to purchase Mount Ida, in Rochestown, Glenmore. Further, Tom Walsh (1908-1992) of Rathinure, formerly of Davidstown, often repeated stories he heard concerning young Billy Forristal. Tom Walsh’s father was also a first cousin to Billy. Billy was described as a big, strong, rough kind of man. Fairs were often rowdy affairs. When Billy was a young man attending the Waterford Fair with his father a dispute arose which was a common occurrence at fairs. As young Billy squared off to fight the other fellow to settle the dispute, his father Paddy, offered a wager to all on the outcome of the fight– “5 pounds on my Billy.” That was a great sum of money before 1900, and it is said that Paddy did not lose his money.
The featured photo above is the earliest drawing found depicting a weight thrower in the 19th century. It is a drawing of George Stephenson (1781-1848) throwing a hammer. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. George Stephenson throwing the hammer. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c5831e4d-c31d-1ecb-e040-e00a18067b87.
The cover of Ireland and Sport features a weight thrower.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh