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Glenmore in the News: Gymkhana, Aylwardstown Train Crash, the Scow Bridge Platform & More
During the current pandemic research discussions with Danny Dowling have been limited to phone calls, access to libraries is limited to internet sources and in particular old newspapers that may be found on line. Below are some of the Glenmore newspaper articles encountered while looking for other information. These articles span 110 years.
CATHOLIC CHURCH. New Cathedral, Kilkenny—
(Waterford Chronicle—Sat., 17 Dec. 1842)
On last Sunday the people of Glenmore district subscribed the large sum of £lO, 7s, Id. On the previous Sunday the people of Slieverue had given the sum of £67, 0s, 8d which we have now to add Alderman Forrestal’s subscription of two guineas, and one pound from two others. Besides which Lady Esmonde, some time ago, subscribed fifty pounds—making in all the splendid sum of £209, Os, 9d from this union. —Kilkenny Journal.
For a brochure on renovation of St. Mary’s Cathedral with information regarding the building of the Cathedral click here.
“Kilmacow Petty Sessions: A Serious Case”
(Waterford Chronicle—Wed., 18 Sept. 1895)
Thomas Phelan, described as a fisherman, residing near Glasshouse, was charged on remand before the magistrates at Kilmacow Petty Sessions on Thursday, with having murderously having assaulted a young man named John Roche by striking him on the head with a bar of iron, near Glenmore, County Kilkenny. Mr. Allingham defended. After hearing evidence, which showed the assault to be of a most murderous nature, the accused was sent to gaol for two months.
[Just beneath this “serious case” was found the following. It is assumed that the turn of the century joke was a space filler for the newspaper.]
A very stout lady got into an omnibus and overheard the grumbling remark of a gentleman there, “Omnibuses were not made for elephants.” “Sir,” she replied, “Omnibuses are like Noah’s Ark—intended to carry all sorts of beasts.”
Glenmore Post Office Gets Telegraph
(New Ross Standard, Fri., 8 Feb. 1907 p. 1)
Pursuant to the Provisions of the Telegraph Acts, 1863-1892—Notice is hereby given, that His Majesty’s Postmaster-General, having obtained the consent in that behalf of the body having the control of the public road between railway crossing near Bearston and Glenmore Post Office, intends to place a telegraph over and along the said public road, and have for that purpose to erect and maintain posts in and upon the said public road under the powers conferred on him by the telegraph Acts above mentioned. R.A. Egerton, Sec., General Post Office, 29th January 1907
CONFUSION OVER GLENMORE?
The unemployed left rural areas to work in towns and cities. If they sought “relief” Unions in towns and cities sought to send the poor back to the areas they left often decades earlier. In response the Unions of their birth often sought to stop transfers back. In the article below, James Grant gave his birthplace as the townland of Glenmore which is in the Electoral District of Stonyford in the Barony of Knocktopher…not so far from Thomastown. The clerk ignored Glenmore townland and focused on Glenmore parish which was mainly in the Waterford Union.
THOMASTOWN GUARDIANS—Transfer of a Pauper. A communication was received from the magistrates assembled at Birkenhead petty sessions, in the county of Chester, authorising the transfer to the Thomastown union from the Birkenhead union of a pauper named James Grant who (the communication stated) was born in the townland of Glenmore, County Kilkenny. The Clerk stated that when he got that communication, he wrote back stating that the parish of Glenmore was not in the Thomastown union but in the Waterford union, and that if he was sent, he would not be received at the union. He did not get a reply to that letter since (New Ross Standard, Friday 4 Sept. 1908).
BRAKES FAIL RAILWAY MISHAP AVERTED
STATIONMASTER’S PROMPTITUDE—An exciting incident, that might have been attended with serious consequences, and possibly grave loss of life, took place at Glenmore near New Ross, on Thursday morning. The brakes of a special goods train from Waterford to Wexford failed, and the train, running down an incline to Glenmore, crashed into a stop-block, the driver, fireman and guard being obliged to jump clear to save their lives. Fortunately, when the mishap occurred, the train was deflected off the main line, which an oncoming passenger train was due.
The force, of the impact turned the engine across the main line. The first two trucks were crumpled in a heap across the engine, and the remaining wagons were thrown off the rails. The 9.30 train from New Ross and the 9.40 from Macmine Junction were both held up, but passengers were transferred by special conveyance to Glenmore and taken by special train to Waterford.
For the prevention of a catastrophe which would have resulted had the mail and goods train collided, much credit is due to Mr. Peter O’Sullivan, stationmaster, Glenmore, for the presence of mind he displayed. He was in the signal box when the train was due, and seeing her come, he said at the rate of about forty miles an hour, the siren whistling all the time, he suspected what was wrong and made the line for the train to be deflected into the stop-block siding.
So great was the crash, the engine was lifted into the air and thrown across the main line, the two next trucks were smashed, and the bank which formed the stop was practically cut away. Had the train gone on to collide, with the ordinary train due from New Ross, the crash would be too fearful to contemplate (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Dec 1927).
THE RELIGIOUS LIFE
Miss Kathleen Aylward, Glenmore, has left for France to enter the Sacred Heart Convent there. She is niece of Very Rev. Canon Aylward, P.P., Durrow (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Oct. 1935).
GLENMORE NOTES
(New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1951)
Regretted Death
The death of Mr. Patrick Foran, formerly of Kearney Bay, Glenmore, which occurred last Monday evening at Waterford, where he was in residence for a number of years, is deeply regretted. The funeral took place from Ballybricken Church to Glenmore cemetery on Wednesday, and was attended by a large gathering of relatives and friends. R.I.P.
Prize Winners
Glenmore prize winners at the New Ross Agricultural show were: M. Aylward, Ballinclare; J. J. Doherty, Forritalstown; Reps. of the late T. Mullally, Davidstown; Maura Mullally, do.; James Freyne, Kilbride, and Laurence Walsh, Rochestown.
Back to the States
Mr. James Walshe, Weatherstown, returned to America last Saturday after an enjoyable holiday in the homeland. He has played in the Kilkenny senior hurling and football teams in New York and while at home, played a few matches with the Glenmore club.
Home on Holidays
Messrs. Michael O’Connor, Ballyfacey, and Sean Hennessy, of Glenmore village are home from England on holidays. Miss Nellie Grace, of Kilbride, is also home on a holiday from Dublin.
Gymkhana
The Glenmore gymkhana was held last Sunday at Robinstown, and attracted a fair crowd, which would have been larger, but for the inclemency of the weather. Jumping was of a high standard, over thirty horses; competing. The following were the owners of the winners, the riders being in brackets.
Class A–1st—Mr. Rd. Doherty, Coolnaleen (Patk. Hartley); 2nd—Mr. Foskin, Mullinavat (owner); 3rd—Mr. D. McEvoy, Mullinavat (Luke Doyle).
Class B—First and second divided between Miss Maura Mullally, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Hutchinson. 3rd Mr. R. Doherty, Coolnaleen (P. Hartley).
Class C—1st—Miss Bury, Ballymountain; 2nd—Mr. T. Walsh, Mullinavat (owner); 3rd—Mr. P. Hutchinson, Danesfort, (owner).
Class D Sweepstakes—1st—P. Hutchinson; 2nd—Miss M. Mullally; 3rd—Miss Costelloe.
The tractor backing competition was won by Mr. Michael Murphy, Robinstown, who received a silver cup. The runner-up was Mr. T. Mullally, Davidstown.
The Dance Board
The Scow Bridge dance board was patronised by a huge crowd last Sunday night, most of the visitors having remained over after the gymkhana. A couple of touring buses stopped when passing, and helped to swell the throng of dancers, where an enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. Paul Fitzgerald, well known in Gaelic circles, was in charge, and has succeeded in making the dance board at Scow Bridge a most popular rendezvous for outdoor dancing in South Kilkenny.
___________________
The black and white photos of the train crashes were found in old newspapers, but are not photos of the Aylwardstown crash of 1927. The horse and rider appeared in a magazine; it is not a photo taken at the Glenmore Gymkhana of 1951. The photo of St. Mary’s Cathedral is from the Renovation brochure. The photo of the French nun is from an old 1910 postcard.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
New Book on the Forrestals and Blog Updates
Michael Forrestal Keller just published The Forrestals of Ireland: An Historial and Genealogical Guide (2020). The author identified, after two decades of research of early records, the main branches of the Forrestal/Forristal or Forstal families and their origins. Three of the main branches were located in three areas within the current parish of Glenmore. These include the townlands of Carrigcloney, Mullinahone and Forristalstown. Although the book does not attempt to trace the various main branches to current descendants it is an important work. This is true for any person interested in researching Forristal, or is interested in other early Glenmore families such as the Aylward or Strange families that married a Forristal. For further information see, https://www.blurb.com/b/9993769-the-forrestals-of-ireland.
Blog Updates
A list of the officers and men in the Glenmore Company of the old IRA can be found on the website list page. The names and 1935 addresses were gleaned from records of the Military Archive. You may access the page by clicking here.
A new page “Connections” will be added to Glenmore-History.com to allow individuals who are researching the same Glenmore family or families to make contact. Due to the fact that email addresses will be public please consider what email you wish used for this purpose. It may be advisable to have in place an email to be used solely for this purpose. If you would like others to contact you regarding a Glenmore family you are researching please send an email with the family name, townland and the email address you want used to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
A number of readers have asked how Danny is doing during these difficult times. I spoke to him on the phone last Saturday. Danny is in good spirits. He answered several queries and expressed delight in how many people around the world are reading and using his notes. Danny looks forward to the pandemic ending and being able to have visitors again.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Goats, Faggot Cutting and Other Miscellaneous Notes
Over the years Danny Dowling recorded a wide variety of interesting and sometimes unusual facts concerning various people, places and events in Glenmore and other areas of the Southeast of Ireland. Below are fifteen notes primarily taken from the last dozen notebooks that have been transcribed. We hope that while so many readers are housebound in the current pandemic that these notes might bring a smile, start a discussion, jog a memory or provide a little distraction.
Glenmore Goats—Goats were owned by almost every Glenmore householder and cottager in the early 1900’s. Small farmers had a couple of goats going with the cows. It was thought that the goats would eat vegetation that would be harmful to cows. A few years after the creamery opened it made an order prohibiting the taking of any milk from farmers who kept goats in the Glenmore Creamery area. Some farmers mixed the goats’ milk with the cows’ milk and brought the mixed milk to the creamery. When the butter was churned the butter was streaky because goats’ butter is very white. [DD Notebook 11, interview of Nicholas Forristal, on 22 Feb. 1974]
Father Crotty’s Housekeeper—When Father Crotty was the parish priest of Glenmore his housekeeper was Minnie McDonald from around Kilkenny City. She and her brother Jim McDonald worked for Fr. Crotty. In 1920 they went with him to his next assignment in Clogh. [DD Notebook 12, interview of Mrs. Hannah Dowling on 26 October 1981].
Lemon’s Sweets—Danny wrote in his notebook the following: “Lemon’s Sweets were founded by Mr. Graham Lemon, of Sackville Street, Dublin, in 1842. Lemon’s Sweets are still produced today in 2010.” [DD Notebook 15, miscellaneous notes].
Emigration to Newfoundland—According to Professor Mannion of Memorial University the main emigration period from Ireland to Newfoundland was 1720 to 1735. [DD Notebook 15, conversation with Professor Mannion.]
Coal after WW1—the discharging of coal at the Glenmore Creamery Coal Shed after the First World War, the barrow men got 4 d. per ton. [DD Notebook 16, interview of Nicholas Forristal on 28 September 1974].
Foxy Ned Grace—around 1900 Foxy Ned Grace was working at Patsy Purcell’s (his real name was Walsh) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore. One morning, old Patsy Purcell Walsh asked Foxy Ned if he would go out and pick some spuds. Foxy Ned replied, “ I will if they are hot ones.” [DD Notebook 16, interview of Nicholas Forristal on 28 September 1974].
Maggie Brennan, of Glenmore Village—was a talented musician. She played the melodeon, Jew’s harp mouth organ, and piano. Threshing dances were held in “Lizzie’s Hall” in Glenmore Village following the completion of the threshing of the corn after the harvest and Maggie Brennan often played at the dances. Jim Fluskey often asked Maggie’s sister Bridgie the day following a dance, “Were you at the racket last night?” Maggie Brennan married Willie Brown and Bridgie Brennan married John Hunt. [DD Notebook 11, interview of Bridge Brennan Hunt in July 2003].
Lost Hand in Horse Drawn Threshing Machine—Nick Codd was a thatcher, but did not work at it full time. He had a steel crook with a ring in it for a right hand. He lost his hand in a horse drawn threshing machine. He lived in the cottage opposite Mahon’s of Milehouse, Enniscorthy. [DD Notebook 16, interview of Myles Lambert, of Milehouse, Enniscorthy on 13 Sept. 1974].
Waterford Cinema—the Coliseum Cinema, on Adelphi Quay, closed on the 16th of January 1966. On the site of the Savoy Cinema, on Broad Street, the old Broad Street Cinema stood until it was demolished. Previously Power Brothers Drapiers were located on the site. [DD Notebook 14, miscellaneous notes].
Coal at Slieverue—The Waterford News, published on the 27th of September 1872 reported that explorations were being made today at the Slieverue coal seam by English miners. Some specimens of the coal have been shown in town and have been pronounced to be similar in quality to South Wales coal. [DD Notebook 14]
Arrived in Sydney—In 1850 the S.S. Panama took 153 girls to Australia. Two girls named Roache, aged 18 and 24, from Glenmore were on board. [DD Notebook 13, miscellaneous notes].
WW1 Soldiers from Ross—
(1) Doyle, Martin, Reg. No. 6547.
Rank Private, Irish Guards, 2nd Batt.
Killed in action, France on Sept. 18, 1915.
Born New Ross, Co. Wexford
(2) Doyle, Peter, Regimental No. 1458
Rank Private, Royal Irish Regiment, 6th Batt.
Killed in Menton, France on July 13, 1916.
Born New Ross, Co. Wexford. [DD Notebook 21, local men killed in Great War]
Faggot Cutting—Nicky Forristal saw faggots being cut on Carrigcloney hills for filling a brick hole in Robin Irish’s marsh in Carrigcloney (at the Ballyverneen side of the hill). Tommy Power, of Robinstown, and his sons were cutting the faggots. The art of faggot cutting was almost extinct in Nicky’s time but was quite common in his father’s time and earlier. They used to fill the exhausted brick holes with faggots, and then levelled off with a couple feet of earth. [Editorial note—Jack Walsh, of Rathinure, (c. 1893—c. 1988) explained to Peter Walsh, Rathinure that faggots were furze cut and tied into bundles like sheaves. Jack Walsh stated that at one time faggots were used to stabilise the banks of the river at Aylwardstown.] [DD Notebook 20, interview of Nicholas Forristal, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 18 October 1974].
Ross to Waterford Main Road—The main road from Ross to Waterford was steamrolled in 1912 for the first time. It was tarred for the first time about 1929. [DD Notebook 20, interview of Nicholas Forristal, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 18 October 1974].
Common Saying—used by the old people around Glenmore, “What comes by nature costs no money.” [DD Notebook 20, miscellaneous notes].
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY!
Today, the 15th of February 2020, is Danny Dowling’s 93rd birthday. When I visited Danny today he was enjoying his birthday cake with a number of family and friends. Danny while reflecting on his age stated that this week the theme of the blog should be, “Time Marches On.” He indicated that instead of one subject we should highlight interesting facts from across his notebooks and I’ve included interesting historical facts that Danny provided over the last few months.
Waterford Stable–Before automobiles Glenmore people who drove their ass or horse into Waterford went to a yard where later the Metropole was built. At this yard the Glenmore people would park their cart, and stable their horse or ass. If their business would take some time they might bring oats and hay to be fed to the animal while they transacted their business.
City of Waterford–At the turn of the 20th century the City of Waterford had its own abattoir on Morrison’s Road.
How Danny Met Mollie–Danny Dowling met his wife, Mollie Lambert (1926-2015) when he was a patient in the fever hospital in New Ross. Mollie was a nurse. Maureen Walsh, of Rochestown, Glenmore was working with Mollie and introduced her to Danny. Danny and Molly were married in Marshalstown, Enniscorthy and Danny’s brother Michael Dowling was his best man.
Kilcolumb Churchyard of Rathinure–Lots of Glenmore people from the western side of the parish went to work in Waterford, and until the mid 1800’s returned to be buried in Kilcolumb churchyard long after the church was converted to Protestant use and fell into ruins.
Glenmore Creamery–At one time there was a saw mill and canteen in the Glenmore Creamery.
Kearneybay–The settlement of Kearneybay, originally was down nearer the river.
Glenmore’s Last Native Irish Speaker–Patsy Power, of Jamestown, Glenmore, was the last native Irish speaker and died in 1947.
Nicholas [correction William] Gaffney, of Glenmore Village–was executed in Ross on 6 June 1798. He was involved in the 1798 Rebellion, was captured and hanged from the old New Ross bridge. [Correction 1 March 2020–Nicholas Gaffney was William’s son. A link to Danny’s 1983 published article on William Gaffney may be found on the Link’s page.]
Post Box House, Aylwardstown–The cottage that was located behind the wall containing the Aylwardstown post box was sometimes referred to as the Gate Lodge (to Aylwardstown House) or later it was often called the Post Box House. Danny identified three known families that resided in the house. Wattie Power, the post man, was reared there. The Halligan’s or Hannon’s lived in the house as well as the Irish family.
The Building of Mullaly’s House in Forristalstown–Michael Dowling, of Forristalstown, Glenmore in 1980 informed Danny that the stones of 13 dwelling-houses went to build Mullaly’s house in Forristalstown. [DD Notebook 1]
Summer of 1907–Danny copied the diary of James Aylward, of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore. In the diary it was noted that Summer of 1907 was one of the wettest in years. The harvest was out in the fields until the latter end of November. [DD Notebook 2]
Mick Keegan, from Runaway to WWI Veteran and Ross Publican–Dan Doyle, formally of Ballyverneen, Glenmore was interviewed by Danny in 1980. Dan Doyle worked on the railway and he provided information concerning Mick Keegan. Mick Keegan, was the son the station master in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. Mick Keegan ran away from home and was missing. At the time that Mick Keegan ran away his father had not become the station master in Rathgarogue. Tim McMahon, of Rathgarogue, then a member of the Irish Guards in England wrote home to say that a Mick Keegan was in the Irish Guards. It turned out the man in question was in fact the missing son of Keegan the stationmaster. Mick Keegan won the King’s Cup at Bisley, in the championship shooting before the First World War. This award enabled him to gain admission to every Irish Guards’ club in any part of the world. He was in the infantry. When the Royal Flying Corps was being established they were recruiting tradesmen and technicians. Mick Keegan joined as a carpenter. He rose to the rank of major, and was in the First World War. When the war ended, Keegan came back to Ross where he bought a public house where Maher’s Bakery was located in 1980. Keegan ran this with his wife until the Second World War started. He rejoined the Royal Air Force. [DD Notebook 3]
Quintal of Fish–Professor John Mannion, St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1976 informed Danny that a quintal (qntl) of fish is 112 pounds of fish. The word quintal is a middle English word used in the Newfoundland fish business. [DD Notebook 4]
Newtown, Glenmore–Nicky Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore was interviewed by Danny in 1957 and revealed that Newtown, Glenmore, is the old town of Kilmakevoge. Old Micky McGrath of Newtown told Nicky Forristal that the people lived in Killivory at first. They had a dispute with the landlord and when they moved they settled in Newtown hence the name. [DD Notebook 5]
Tombstone Inscriptions Recorded in St. Mary’s (Protestant) Graveyard of New Ross–In 1978 Danny recorded a number of inscriptions from headstones in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Here is one of the inscriptions. [DD Notebook 6]
Under this stone lie the remains of Margaret O’Donovan
Who died ripe in years and virtue
A.D. 1859
Christians who read this say
God give rest to her soul
Dog’s Road of Gurteens, Slieverue–Michael Cuddihy, formerly of Gurteens, was interviewed by Danny in 1980. Michael stated that at one time, long before the famine, a big lot of houses stood along the side of this road. A priest who had been appointed to Slieverue parish, was out on visitation and as he was passing this road, he found dogs in every house, and all of them were barking at him. He thereupon named the road “Dog’s Road.” Dog’s Road is situated in the townland of Gurteens, and Hackett, of Glasshouse, was the Landlord of the area and the houses in question. Hackett was not satisfied with the tenants, and he arranged with Boyd, of Ross, to have all the houses burned. This foul deed was executed on a Sunday morning when all the occupants were at mass. The ruins were later pulled down by horses and swings supplied by a family known as the “Gosh Walsh’s,” who had land in Gurteens. This family later lived in the lodge in Ringville. Among those who lived in the burned houses were Walshs, Powers and Lyons. [DD Notebook 7]
Waterford Street Fountains–Danny interview in 1971 James Ryan, Foreman Plumber, of Waterford Corporation. James stated that there were 300 street fountains in Waterford City when he came to work with the Corporation on the 19th of January 1931. There were also stand pipes for filling the water carts and about half a dozen of those still remained in 1931. [DD Notebook 8]
Kilkenny Assizes, notes from the Waterford Mail, 28 March 1825–Kilkenny, March 26, –the chief Justice arrived here on Friday evening, and on Saturday morning, at the usual time the Grand Jury was sworn. The charge was short. He congratulated the County on the state of the calendar, and the prospect of peace before us. No very important trials are expected. Two only for murder. Five o’clock—a man to be transported 14 years for having a 30 s., note no. 71,699, in his possession—knowing it to be forged. Another to be transported 7 years for robbing his master of a beam, for scales. [DD Notebook 10]
Buffalo Bill Circus Played Glenmore–Nicholas Forristal during a 1972 interview stated that he saw Buffalo Bill’s Circus in J.K’s field (over the Mill Road). They stayed one night there over fifty years ago. The night was bad and the crowd was small. At the start of the show it was stated, “We will do our best, the very best, and the best can do no more.” [DD Notebook 11]
Prices During the Economic Wars–In an undated interview with Nicky Walsh, of Grogan, Davidstown, Glenmore prices during the economic war of the 1930’s were recorded. Heifers aged 2 ½ years old were sold for £5 a piece; slaughter young calves sold for 10/= each and fat pigs sold for £1 each. [DD Notebook 12]
Update—over the past couple of weeks a second guest author’s paper was added, under the Irish menu pages have been added for field names and entries have been added to links and families.
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the old photo of the Post Box house and Louise Walsh for the photo of Kilcolumb Churchyard.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Gold
As Danny Dowling pointed out in the Story of Glenmore, the exact length of time that man has been in the Glenmore area is difficult to determine. However, the discovery of cist burials containing cremated remains at Haggard, Ballinlammy and Ballygurrim, indicate that the area was inhabited in the Bronze Age which covered the period of time from approximately 2,000 to 500 B.C. After that time various groups have visited and sometimes inhabited the area. It was often believed that these people left valuables hidden in the ground, thus the subject of treasure being unearthed by ploughing was once a favourite subject around the kitchen fires in farmhouses.
In 1980 Danny interviewed John Walsh, of Jamestown, and was informed that in the spring of 1955, whilst ploughing the Glebe Field at Ballygurrim cross, Pat Walsh of Jamestown, uncovered a pottery urn that was buried about eight inches under the surface of the field. When it was first discovered John and Pat Walsh were rather excited as they thought the urn contained gold. The pottery urn was located near the top corner of the field, about 40 yards from the ditch. The plough struck and sliced off what transpired to be the bottom of the pottery urn. The inverted urn was filled with a greyish material resembling ashes tightly packed, and mixed with small pieces of bone, yellowish in colour. The sides of the urn had an overall thickness of a quarter of an inch or slightly less. The urn was decorated with a motif of continuous circles, and it was brown in colour.
There was no stone cist or any type of surround enclosing the urn, only the soil of the field which was tightly packed against it. John Walsh removed the contents of the urn, but found nothing apart from the greyish material containing the yellowish pieces of bone. He did not remove the urn itself owing to its fragility, but filled back the contents, and covered it over with the soil of the field. John Walsh explained to Danny that the burial urn would not have been discovered under normal circumstances. The normal and usual depth for ploughing with a horse was about four inches at that time. On this particular day Pat Walsh was engaged in deep ploughing.
In January 1958, Danny met Laurence Roche, of Haggard, Glenmore on the Quay in Waterford. Larry Roche related to Danny the story of the hidden treasure he found in about 1938 whilst ploughing in the Townland of Parkstown. The field belonged to the Roches of Haggard. The field had a slight rise in it and while ploughing over the rise Larry Roche uncovered a burial cist located about one foot beneath the surface of the field although it is not clear that Larry knew that what he uncovered was a burial cist. “It was constructed of four rough flags—one on each side standing up. There was also a flag on the bottom, and it was covered by another on top. The bottom of the cist was roughly 1 ½ feet square.”
Larry explained that when he lifted off the top flag, there was an earthenware urn in an inverted position in the centre of the cyst. He described it as being about 15 inches high and 7 inches in width at the mouth, and about ½ inch in thickness. There was a black sticky substance at the bottom of the upturned urn. The bottom of the urn, which was upturned, seemed to have been broken. The hole in the bottom of the urn was not big enough to allow a person’s hand to go through it into the urn itself. There were no markings of any description on the urn, and when handled it crumbled into bits of dust. What was left of the cist, Larry placed on top of the nearby ditch.
Per the details provided by Larry, and with Larry’s assistance, Danny sketched the burial cist. The sketch to the right is copied from Danny’s notebook.
Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore provided Danny in 1967 with the details of a story involving gold hidden on the Bolger farm in Cappagh, Glenmore. The Bolger family had a farm of 35 Irish acres in Cappagh and were present for a number of generations, long before the Ennetts came.
James Bolger, was the last owner of the farm in Cappagh. Nicky thought that James Bolger died in the early 1880’s. Nicky revealed that it was often said that James Bolger was the strongest man in Glenmore. Once when James Bolger was going to New Ross with three bags of wheat when he got to Main Roche’s Hill the horse sulked and refused to pull the cart and the three bags of wheat up the hill. James Bolger did nothing but unyoked the horse and pulled the cart and the three bags of wheat himself up the hill.
A man from the Co. Carlow dreamt repeatedly that there was a crock of gold in this field, opposite a tree in the orchard ditch, so many yards outside in the field. The man’s vision was so vivid that he was able to trace his way to Cappagh, and when he described the vision James Bolger showed him where the treasure was buried or supposed to be buried. It was said that after meeting James Bolder, and getting the information of the gold’s supposed place of burial, the man from Carlow never bothered about the money. Afterwards, the man from Carlow also had no connection with James Bolger. Danny recorded that “further information and tradition tells us that over a number of years, there were several attempts by local men to find it.” However, in the course of the digging for the crock of gold, the activities were suddenly brought to an end by the appearance of a ghostly man on horseback who “stopped the proceedings.” At his appearance the diggers scattered in all directions by fright of the ghostly man on horseback. After a number of these attempts at digging up the gold, the fear of the appearance of the ghostly man on horseback brought all attempts to recover this gold to an end. This treasure is still remembered, but its recovery has never been proven, and it is now part of the folklore the area.
James Bolger never mentioned the stranger and his dream to anyone except to Dick Duggan who was working in Ennett’s at the time. This Dick Duggan’s nephew, Tom Duggan, had the house in Weatherstown where Nick Mernagh’s daughter Jo Doyle is resident. Jo Doyle is 88 years young, and when I spoke to her today she verified that people in Glenmore often spoke of the gold of Cappah and the hunt for it, but she stated that she never heard that anyone found the Cappah gold.
The earliest notation in Danny’s transcribed notebooks concerning the finding of a treasure while ploughing was provided by Jack Power, of Jamestown, Glenmore. Jack Power told Danny that Pierce Butler, of Moulerstown, Glenmore whilst out ploughing a bog in Moulerstown found a gold dollar coin about 1915. Jack stated that Pierce received £70 for the gold dollar. Danny noted in his notebook that Jack Power provided him with the information in the early afternoon of September, 4th 1955. Jack died suddenly that same night at about 11:30 whilst on his way home from Ballybrahee. Danny expressed surprise at Jack’s sudden passing because Danny noted he thought Jack had at least another 10 years in him.
In August 1956, Matt Aylward, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, also revealed to Danny that Pierce Purcell, of Moulerstown found gold about 25-30 years ago, or about a decade or two after Jack Power thought it was ploughed up. Matt Aylward said that Pierce Purcell found two gold bangles in a field while harrowing. Matt told Danny that Pierce Purcell took the two gold bangles to Dublin and sold them for £75. Although it is not clear what gold object, or objects, Pierce Purcell found while working in a field in Moulerstown, in the early part of the twentieth century, it was worth approximately £70. Unfortunately it is not known how old the gold object was, but whatever was found represents the only known gold discovered while ploughing in Glenmore.
If anyone has any other Glenmore gold stories please feel free to share the stories or preferably the gold.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Verses, Rhymes & Lyrics
Over the years Danny recorded a number of verses, rhymes and song lyrics that were recited or sung by Glenmore people. Today, we are going to focus on the local verses, rhymes and lyrics and reserve the lyrics concerning Carrickshock etc. for another day. On 4 January 2020, Danny described the contributions of verses, rhymes and lyrics that he recorded as the “giving of an account, in verse of various happenings, some complimentary and others most uncomplimentary.” The local people who composed or recited verses, rhymes and lyrics were probably not aware of the fact that verses, rhymes and lyrics are all mnemonic devices, or memory devices, that aid a person’s information retention or retrieval. These mnemonic devices were viewed as a form of entertainment, but are valued today as part of the local oral tradition where information and ideas were orally communicated from one generation to the next.
The Suitor
The jilted suitor, or “wannabe” suitor features in some of the local rhymes and verses. Mick Walsh, of Grogan, Davidstown in Glenmore was interviewed on the 10th December 1969, and stated that “Peg Harte was asked by a man to marry her, but she carted him. He was mad after her especially as she had a £1,000 fortune.” After being rejected the man wrote on a poster outside Mallinarrigle chapel, the following verse:
Eliza Harte of Darbystown,
She is little and nothing,
And no great things,
She made her fortune on eggs and hens.
Similarly, Michael Power, of Busherstown, Glenmore told Danny on St. Stephen’s Day 1969 that Pat “Pand” Sheehan was married to Mary “Purse” Walsh. Mary Purse before she married Sheehan “was doing a line with” Johnnie “Pint” Holden and “she let him down.” After being rejected Johnnie “Pint” Holden composed the following rhyme:
Bad luck to you ’ould lazy Pand,
You took my love away,
To spend her life to be your wife,
On the bogs of Ballinclea.
Father Neary–Hero of the Ballyfacy Evictions
A tribute verse to Father Neary, the parish priest of Mullinavat was recorded by Danny on the 6th of May 1958 during an interview of Wattie Power, of Jamestown, Glenmore. During the interview Wattie stated that during the Ballyfacey evictions, his mother along with Danny’s great-grandmother walked from Jamestown to Ballyfacey to protest the evictions. Father Neary was there and saved the tenants from being evicted and on that account a song was composed in Father Neary’s honour. For further information on Fr. Neary and the Ballyfacey evictions see our post of 8 March 2020. Wattie provided the following verse of the song:
The poor they lost a noble friend,
The rich they lost a guide,
The orphans lost a father,
When Fr. Neary died.
School Boy Rhymes
On the other extreme, Wattie Power also recited a rhyme from his youth that referred to a local hedge school that operated in the early 19th century by a man named Philip Wallace, of Redgap.
Phillips scholars against the wall,
A pint of piss would drown them all.
Wattie Power, in 1955, also told Danny that when Wattie was a chap Danny’s grandfather first recited to Wattie a rhyme connected with the practice of keeping hens in the dwellinghouse. According to Wattie up until about 1880 it was quite a common practice to roost hens on stout sticks called cársnáns inside the front door. In some cases the hens were kept on a roost which stretched right across the kitchen from wall to wall. Wattie and Michael Power saw such a roost in Brian McCabe’s old house in Jamestown. The incident which lead to the rhyme below happened somewhere in Glenmore.
You saucy hen of little wit, How dare you down on Cashen shit, Tis in your arse, I’d drive a peg, The way you’ll never lay another egg.
Bread
In 1955 Danny recorded two verses regarding bread that were commonly recited “100 years ago”. Although both are similar one was contributed by Wattie Power, of Jamestown, and the other came from “Nicky the Miller” Forristal of Graiguenakill, Glenmore.
I. Barley bread ’ld kill a man dead,
Rye bread will do him no harm,
Oaten bread will clean the blood
And wheaten bread will strengthen the arm.
II. Barley bread would starve you dead,
Yellow meal bread would do you no harm,
Oaten bread would strengthen your blood,
And wheaten bread would strengthen your arm.
The First Faction Fight
Wattie Power, in November 1955, also recited to Danny an old verse that he heard from the old people when he was a chap regarding St. Patrick’s Day.
The first faction fight in Old Ireland they say,
Was all on account of St. Patrick’s Day,
Some fought for the eighth,
For the ninth some would die,
And whoever said wrong,
They would blacken his eye,
Until Father Mulcahy, he told them their sin,
He said boys don’t be fighting but sometimes combine,
Don’t be always disputing about 8 and 9,
Combine 8 and 9, 17 is the mark,
And let that be his birthday,
Amen said the Clerk.
Ballad of the Drowninng of Two Donkeys
Nicky the Miller in a 1977 interview provided Danny with the following verses from a ballad composed about the “blackguardly deed” of drowning two donkeys in a late in Rochestown. For our international readers the lates of Rochestown are 10 to 12 foot deep drains in the marshes that flow into the river. A man by the name of Gahan, of Rochestown, Glenmore was suspected as being the culprit and was aided by another man. The donkeys were owned by a poor local man called James the Piper. Old James Whelan, “the Walker,” of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore often sang this ballad.
Ye drifters and ye travellers with me do sympathise,
And I hope this lamentation will draw tears down from your eyes,
Concerning this cruel murder that happened here of late,
And to piper’s pair of donkeys they were drowned in the late.
The night was cold and stormy and the north wind it blew harsh,
And for to get some shelter, they strayed into the Marsh.
At 11 or 12 o’clock, their enemy came that way,
And they shoved the pair of donkey down into the dark and dismal late.
And as for his wife Catherine, ‘tis she will feel the smart,
For she was at her liberty, when she had her ass and cart.
The Loss of My Coat
Nicky “the Miller” also provided Danny with the following which are a few verses from another ballad also sung by James Whelan.
The Loss of My Coat T’was beg’n in the month of December, I remember the day of the week, I was cuttin’ furze, earnin’ my wages, The I wasn’t inclined for to sleep, I woke with the blooming of róró, When I arrived at my business, I threw my good coat on the ground, Expecting to do my endeavours, My faggots to lie them right sound. Then I was called to my dinner, Away sure I whistled and bowled, When I returned to my business again, My coat was devoured by a cow, She instantly ran away among numbers, I couldn’t convict her on oath, I sat down in deep contemplation, Bewailing the loss of my coat. I think I will go across the Atlantic, If I can get a ship or boat, And I’ll sail into some warm climate, where I won’t want ‘era coat.
The Wall Families of Treanaree
Sometimes religion or religious practices are credited with being the inspiration, or the alleged inspiration of rhymes and verses. For example, Nicky Walsh, of Grogan, Davidstown, Glenmore, told Danny that there were 3 families of Wall in Treanaree, Slieverue, each with small farms. In the past to ensure that all parishioners contributed to the Church the names and amounts paid by parishioners were read out during Mass. It was said that the Slieverue priest when reading out the list of contributors to the collection unwittingly made a rhyme of the Treanaree Wall families that stuck.
Long Tom, Tom and Tommy,
Big Nick, Dick and Foxy Paddy.
Catechism
In 1958 in the Glenmore National School, Gerald Hines, of Ballybrahee, helped other young scholars with the spelling of Catechism both forward and backwards (although it is not clear the benefit of spelling the word backwards we have included it.)
Forward:
Catty Atty Told Elly Connolly How I Stole Money = CATECHISM
Backwards:
Master Sits In His Chair Each Time At Catechism =MSIHCETAC
Mrs. Deady’s Trimmings
Our final local verse today was said to have been a prayer said by Mrs. Deady, of Upper Ballyfacey, Glenmore as part of “the trimmings” after the praying of the rosary. In Glenmore the rosary after supper each evening was recited. Allegedly a passer-by overheard Mrs. Deady one evening. According to Tom Mullins, late of Flemingstown and Dublin, this verse was attributed to the Paddy O’Connor family of Ballyfacey. Mariah Deady, who is mentioned in the verse, taught some of the Paddy O’Connor brothers when they were at school.
God bless me and my man Pat,
Make Mariah and Mikey fat,
Us four, no more,
Amen.
Update—We will be posting on the webpage a guest article from Martin Forristal concerning Mount Ida in the next week. If you have a guest article concerning Glenmore, that you would like to have posted on the webpage please forward it for consideration to our email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
If you are not aware, material added to the webpage over the past couple of weeks includes: family updates, a list from 1884 of Glenmore farmers, and more useful links.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh