Members of the Ballyfacey, Glenmore Tug of War Team
Popularity of Sport
When placing an obituary from Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous files on the webpage it referenced that the deceased was one of the last members of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. In trying to track down information on this team it became apparent that there were a lot of men who competed over the years on the Ballyfacey team. Tug of war competitions were so popular at the turn of the 20th century that the Olympics held competitions from 1900 to 1920.
Locally at several types of gatherings, sports’ days, feiseanna, and fairs, tug of war competitions were promoted and popular. In general, the advertisements seeking teams limited the size of a team to 10 members with a 220 stone limit. For our international readers a stone is 14 pounds, so 220 stone represents a weight limit for the team of 3080 pounds. Sometimes Tug of War Contents had different divisions. For example, an Inistioge contest held on Sunday, 25 June 1933 provided that teams of 10 could compete in a heavy weight (unlimited) division or a light weight division (maximum weight 12 stone). A valuable set of medals was advertised as the trophy to be presented to the winning teams (Kilkenny People, Sat. 3 June 1933, p. 1).
The Ballyfacey Tug of War Team
The earliest description of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team competing was found in a 1919 newspaper reporting on the Slieverue Cycling and Athletic Sports day. “Great interest was evinced in the tug of war contests, for which there were four teams entered. The first contest was easily won by Ballyfacey against McDonald’s Creamery Team. The second tug was much more exciting. The competing teams were Bigwood and Barrow Rangers holding each other in the first pull for a space of well over 5 minutes. Bigwood were, however, declared the winners after two terrific pulls. The finalists were Ballyfacey and Bigwood.” Ballyfacey won after a very strenuous contest. The names of 3 of the competing teams were provided:
Ballyfacey—J. Aylward, J. Hartley, W. Hartley, J. Coady, M. Coady, T. Freaney, P. Fitzgerald, J. Murphy and W. Deady. [only 9 names recorded]
Bigwood—P. Power, J. Walsh, J. Doherty, R. Doherty, P. Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, T. Doogan, P. Sutton and M. Ivory.
McDonald’s Creamery—P. Walsh, P. Robinson, D. Condon, J. Murphy, W. Reid., M. Lacey, J. Day, J. White, P. Murphy, W. Walsh, and J. Long. [We believe this team was from W. McDonald’s Creamery of Waterford City.] (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Aug. 1919, p. 4)
With just first initials it was not possible to identify with certainty the 1919 Ballyfacey Tug of War Team. Utilizing the 1911 census we commenced with Ballyfacey and surrounding townlands and have identified a number of likely candidates. [1] J. Aylward may have been John Aylward, of upper Ballyfacey who was 21 in 1911. [2] J. Hartley may have been James Hartley of Weatherstown (b. c. 1899). [3] W. Hartley may have been William Hartley of Busherstown (b.c. 1896). [4] & [5] J. and M. Coady may have been in 1911 James Cody (aged 20) and Mike Cody (aged 15) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. [6] T. Freany may have been Tom Freaney, of lower Ballyfacey who was 12 in 1911. [7] W. Deady we believe should be M. Deady for Michael Deady who was from upper Ballyfacey and aged 20 in 1911. [8] P. Fitzgerald, may have been Paul Fitzgerald (aged 19) of Knockbrack in 1911. [9] J. Murphy, may have been James Murphy of Ballywairy, Glenmore who was 15 in 1911.
On Sunday the 8th of July 1934, at a Sports meeting held at Weatherstown, Glenmore, “under a beaming sun a huge crowd enjoyed themselves…There was a big number of entries and valuable prizes being offered for the different events.” Results reported included: [1] 220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First. [Believed to be Larry Walsh (c. 1911-XXXX); [2] 100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place. [3] Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First. [4] 440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First. [5] One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First. [6] High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First [Believed to be Mick Walsh (c. 1913-1982)). [7] Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First. [8] Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious. (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8). Unfortunately, the names of the Tug of War team members are not provided. We know from Jack Aylward’s obituary in 1936 that he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey team and the team was still active in 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
In the 1970’s a couple of articles appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27) when some members of the Ballyfacey team died naming other members of the team and their native townlands.
“Old Tug o’ War Team—The death of Mr. Jack Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore, at the week-end recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-of-war team which won many honours in the early 1930’s in the area and adjoining counties. Jack was a member of the team, which also included : Jack Aylward, Michael Deady, James Dullard, of Ballyfacey; Larry, Tom and Billy Roche, Haggard; Paul, Mick and John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack; Dick Doherty, Coolnaleen; Martin Murphy, Ballinlammy. Six of the above team have since passed away” (Munster Express, Fri. 29 May 1970, p. 42).
“Old Tug-o’-War Team—the death of Mr. John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack Glenmore, recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-o’-war team which won numerous honours at sports fixtures in Leinster and Munster over forty years ago. The team at that time was: John, Paul and Michael Fitzgerald (all brothers); Dick and Jack Doherty, John Aylward, Michael Deady, Pat Power, Bob Grace and Jimmy Dollard. Coach for the team was Maurice Power, of Farnogue. Only three members of the team are now living” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27). What may be of interest to readers is the fact that John Fitzgerald was the grandfather of hurler Henry Shevlin who has provided Kilkenny with hours of sporting entertainment.
Members of the Ballyfacey Team
Below is the information we were able to locate regarding the persons named in 1970 as members of the Ballyfacey team. We believe, based on some of the obituaries, that the Ballyfacey team and the Bigwood team combined or perhaps some of the men were members of both teams.
Jack Aylward (1890-1936) was born on 27 August 1890, the son of John Aylward (farmer) and his wife Margaret née Roche of upper Ballyfacey Glenmore. Jack Aylward was locally called “Big Jack Aylward” and he was unmarried farmer. At the time of his death in 1936, at the age of 45, he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. The death register provides that he died on the 6th of February 1936 as patient in Aut Even Hospital of a “decayed molar tooth and cavernous thrombosis.” This is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus cavity. Jack’s obituary is provided on our A Surame Family page.
Michael Deady (1890-1945) was the son of Patrick Deady (farmer) of Ballyfacey and his wife Anastasia Fitzgerald (birth register). In 1932, Michael married Margaret Doherty (1902- 1968) a native of Forristalstown, Glenmore, and the couple had four children. Michael died on the 23rd of January 1945 aged 52, of gastro enteritis toxaemia at the County hospital (death register). The obituaries for Michael and Margaret are on our D Surname Family page.
An article was found in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 March 1928, p. 3) concerning some land Michael purchased, “BIG PRICE FOR FARM—Last week Messrs. O’Gorman and Murphy, auctioneers, New Ross, put up for sale by directions of Mr. George Connors, administrator of the estate of Thomas Connors, deceased, lots 1 & 2 at Ballyfacey, containing a total of 63 ½ acres statute. They realised the big price of £1,255. Bidding was very brisk between several parties. Lot 1, containing 33 acres, 28 perches, was purchased by Mr. Michael Deady, Ballyfacey Upper at £505 and lot 2 of 30 acres by Mr. George O’Connor, Ballyfacey Lower, at £750. This is of particular interest due to a prayer recorded by Danny Dowling which was allegedly recited by Michael’s mother and allegedly overheard and repeated by the Paddy O’Connor family of Ballyfacey. “God Bess me, and my man Pat, make Mariah and Mikey fat, Us four, no more. Amen.” For further information see our post of 11 January 2020 entitled “Glenmore Verses, Rhymes & Lyrics.”
Jack Doherty (1894- 1974) of Coolnaleen (Arbeg) was born on 22 October 1894 to James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Jack married Bridie Wall of Davidstown, Glenmore and they farmed the Wall farm in Davidstown. The couple bought land at Attamore, Slieverue, where the Irish scholar John O’Donohue was born. Jack and Bridie had a large family and he served for over three decades on the Board of Directors of Clover Meat, Ltd. (For further information on John O’Donohue see, our post of 13 March 2021). For further information regarding Jack and his family Jack’s obituary is on our obituary page.
Dick Doherty (1889-1976) of Coolnaleen (Ardbeg) was born on 5 October 1889, the son of James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Dick married Bridget Fitzgerald (b. 1890) of Knockbrock, and they had several daughters. Their daughter Jo married John Doherty, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Interesting the obituary of Dick states that he was on the Bigwood Tug of War team. No mention is made of the Ballyfacey team. Dick’s obituary may be found on our obituary page.
James “Jimmy” Dollard (1899-1957) was born to Edward Dollard (farmer) and his wife, Mary née Walsh of Ballyfacey, Glenmore on 17 April 1899. James married Ellen Wash (c. 1879-1957) a native of Glendonnell. The couple farmed at Kellandrew, Mullinavat. James died on the 11th of February 1957 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Feb. 1957, p. 12) of a sub-arachnoid hemoreage (death register). His widow, Ellen died three months after James on 6 May 1957 aged 78 (Munster Express, Fri. 10 My 1957, p. 22). The couple do not appear to have had any children. James Dollard’s obituary is posted on our Family D Surname page.
Mick Fitzgerald (1887-1968) of Knockbrack , was born on 16 February 1887 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. Michael obtained a farm in Fahee, Mullinavat and in 1914 married Margaret Dungan (c. 1881-1951) of Glendonnell, Mullinavat. Michael also operated a milling business for 34 years but gave up milling in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War when restrictions were imposed. The couple raised a large family. Michael’s obituary is posted on our family F surname page.
John Fitzgerald (1896-1970) of Knockbrack, was also the son of Paul Fitzgerald and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. John was a younger brother of Paul and was aged 15 in the 1911 Census. John married Ellen Vereker (c. 1905-1986) of Davidstown and they had a large family. At the time of John’s death in 1970 there were only 3 members of the team still alive. John’s obituary may be found on our obituary page for a fuller list of his family members.
Paul Fitzgerald (1891-1972) of Knockbrack, was born on 2 May 1891 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. He married Mary Foskin (c. 1914-1999) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. The couple had four children. Paul’s obituary does not mention the Tug of War team. Paul’s obituary can be found on our obituary page.
Jack Kennedy (1908-1970) of Ballinclare was born on 1 March 1908 to Martin Kennedy (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Wall. In the 1911 census Jack had 5 sisters. Jack was a farmer and married Bridget née McDonald (1911-1991). The couple do not appear to have had any children.
Martin Murphy (1906-1969) of Ballinlammy was born on 3 June 1906 the son of Michael Murphy (farmer) and his wife Mary née Brennan. Martin married Elizabeth “Bessie” Gaule (1916-1970 ) of Slievecorrig, Tullogher. Martin died in Waterford of cancer of the liver and a few months later Bessie tragically died. Bessie and Martin’s obituaries and information recorded by Danny Dowling regarding his cousin Martin may be found on our Family M Surname page.
Pat Power—this is a common name with no obvious match in Ballyfacey. Limiting dates of birth still provided multiple candidates.
Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was born on 15 October 1909 the son of James Roche (farmer) and Catherine née Aylward of Ballyfacey. Larry was a farmer and never married. Although Larry’s obituary highlights the weight throwing contests that he won there is no mention of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team. Larry’s obit may be found on our Family R Surname page.
Tom Roche ( ? ) although the 1970 article above states that Tom Roche was from Haggard no record could be found of a Tom or Billy Roche from Haggard. We did find a Thomas Roche who was born 21 August 1897 at Grogan, the son of Edward Roche (farmer) and his wife Catherine née Delahunty.
Billy Roche –No William or Billy Roche could be found in Haggard. However, we did find a William Roche (1882-1963) of Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was born on 2 September 1882 the son of Robert Roche (farmer) and his wife Anastatia née Phelan of Tullogher. This William Roche died on 30 April 1963 at Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was 80 years old at the time of his death, a retired farmer and widower (Munster Express, Fri. 10 May 1963, p. 18).
Bob Grace—Without a townland listed we are not certain which Bob Grace may have been on the Ballyfacey team. Robert Grace (1902- ? ) of Cappah, Glenmore, was born on 16 November 1902 to Patrick Grace (Police Constable) and his wife Marian née Cody. There was also Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) of Forristalstown, Glenmore who was the son of John Grace (farmer) and his wife, Margaret (née Carroll). This Bob Grace was a publican in Ballybricken, Waterford. For his full obituary of Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) see our obituary page.
Coach Maurice Power (1882-1970) of Farnogue West, Mullinavat, was aged 35 in the 1911 census and was a farmer. Per the birth register he was born Maurice was born on 8 April 1882 at Fannogue (sic) West to John Power (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Boyle. According to Maurice’s obituary he was “coach of the old Bigwood tug of warm team of over 50 years ago, which won many honours in contests including a great victory over the famous Dublin Metropolitan Police team in a competition in Waterford, when the latter side were practically champions of Ireland at that time” (Munster Express, Fr. 23 Jan. 1970, p. 4). No mention is made of him coaching the Ballyfacey team. Maurice was the brother of Tom Power the Ferrybank undertaker.
The featured photo above is courtesy of the Freeman’s Journal (Mon. 5 May 1924, p. 12). Caption–The Dublin Metropolitan police Tug of War team perfecting the famous manoure which won then their victory over the Bristol Police team at Wembly on Sat. Among those present was Prince Henry.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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