Whether you are climbing your family tree or interested in social history, local place names or folklore we welcome you to Glenmore-History.com and hope that you enjoy your visit.
L A T E S T P O S T S
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Lecture: “100 Years of Ireland’s National Police Force, 1925-2025”
Jim B. (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village [Updated]
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Thatched Houses in Glenmore at the End of WWII [Updated]
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1798: “The Rebels Are Gone to Glenmore”
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The Glen Bar Fire 1987
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Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part II
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From Danny’s Files: Rose Strange (1847-1935) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
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Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part I
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Early Glenmore Death Records
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Glenmore 1924: Hanrahan Wedding Photo
Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902) from Ballyfacey, Glenmore to Clontarf, Minnesota
On 30 September 2024 we posted information on the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. James J. McDonald was born at Ballyfacey on 2 June 1866 to Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?). Today we are going to feature the work that James was sent to do in Minnesota and his premature death due to TB.
Education
The Irish Standard newspaper published the following information in 1902 concerning Fr. James J. McDonald. Rev. James J. McDonald was born in 1867 (sic), at Glenmore, in the county of Kilkenny and the ancient diocese of Ossory, Ireland. He was educated in the national schools [Ballyfacey], and at the classical schools of Kilmacow and Waterford. In 1887 he entered the diocesan seminary at Kilkenny [St. Kieran’s], and took up his ecclesiastical studies at that institution from which he was graduated in 1894 (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8). He was described by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millennium Memories ((2000), p. 41) as an outstanding athlete.
Fr. McDonald was ordained on 1 July 1894 at the age of 28 by the Bishop of Ossory, Abraham Brownrigg (1836-1928). While a seminarian at St. Kieran’s College, Fr. McDonald was sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. After his ordination Fr. McDonald “set out for the field of his labours” the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. In September, 1894, he was appointed curate of the Immaculate Conception church of Faribault. He remained there until March 1898, when he was appointed pastor of Clontarf, Minn. This appointment he held until his death (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8).
For any readers not familiar with Minnesota it is situated in the north of the US. Its eastern boundaries bounce Lake Superior and Wisconsin and to the north is Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. North and South Dakota lie to its west and Iowa to its south. It is known for its extreme winters.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul
One of the more unusual facts discovered regarding where Fr. McDonald was going to serve concerns the fact that St. Paul was originally a small settlement called “Pig’s Eye.” For a concise and interesting history of the work of the Church gentrifying Pig’s Eye see the “History of the Cathedral of St. Paul.” St. Paul is located on the south eastern side of the state. When Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894 another Kilkenny man was the Bishop.
Archbishop John Ireland (1838-1918)
Archbishop John Ireland was born in Burnchurch, Co. Kilkenny in 1838. He emigrated to the US as a child with his family and ultimately, they settled in Minnesota. For a brief biography of Archbishop Ireland see, The Minnesota Historical Society (2012) or Historic Kilkenny. In 1876, Archbishop Ireland established the Catholic Colonization Bureau in southern Minnesota to act as an agent for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad to sell 117,000 acres of unsold land grants. The Bureau sought Irish immigrant families toiling in the cities along the east coast of the U.S. to come to Minnesota to farm and set up Catholic communities.
In early 1879 it was reported in the Drogheda Argus & Leinster Journal (Ireland), that Archbishop Ireland’s Catholic colonies in Minnesota were proving a popular success. In Swift County 12,000 acres were settled. Although Big Stone County colony was being established in 1879 it already had 175 families. In Nobles County 70,000 acres were procured and 52,000 acres in Murray County. One of the reasons that Archbishop Ireland’s colonization plan was a success, was that he sent a priest first to the place earmarked for a colony. This provided assurance from the start that the spiritual affairs of settlers would be attended to (Sat. 1 Feb. 1879, p. 3).
For further information on the Catholic colonies of Minnesota, see Eileen R. McCormack “Holy Alliance: How a Bishop and a Railroad Teamed Up to Form Clontarf, MN” (2015)(Minnesota Historical Society).
Fr. McDonald’s Assignments
Faribault, Minnesota
According to a brief biography on Find-a-Grave (assumed to be from the St. Paul Diocese Records) Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894. He was first assigned as an Assistant, at Immaculate Conception, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. He served in this capacity from 1894 to 1898.
Faribault, Minnesota is named after fur trader Alexander Faribault who came to the area in 1826. In 1835 he established a trading post, and in 1852 he founded the town.
Clontarf, Minnesota
In 1898, Fr. McDonald was transferred to Clontarf, Swift County, Minnesota as Pastor, of St. Malachy. He served in this capacity from 1898-1901. It is said that at Clontarf “he laboured zealously to build up the parish. The many improvements made during his administration bear ample testimony to his zeal and devotion to his work (Swift County Monitor, Fri. 28 March 1902). He is credited with building the new St. Malachy church.
It is obvious from the names of the assigned churches that Fr. McDonald was serving in the Catholic Colony areas. Fortunately, excerpts from some contemporary letters of one of his parishioners concerning Fr. McDonald survive and have been published on the Clontarf History webpage (26 June 2012, “Noble Patriot and Irishmen”). It is wonderful to read how the parishioner felt about the young Fr. McDonald and give us nuggets of information. Fr. McDonald liked to play checkers and did not like to lose.
Clontarf became well known for its hay. With the railroad in the town the hay was shipped to cities and the Chicago Fire Department fed it to its horses. For some old photos of St. Malachy, see Clontarf History webpage.
Returned Home?
Local newspapers to Glenmore did not carry articles regarding Fr. McDonald. However, we did locate on 1899 article in the Munster Express.
The members of the Mullinavat Choir went on their annual excursion on Tuesday the 27th of June. For 1899 they selected Dunmore as their destination. They chartered a “wagonette and an outside car”. They left Mullinavat at 10 a.m. and arrived at Dunmore at about 12:30. Father Mullins, C.C. and Father McDonald, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied the excursion party (Munster Express, Sat. 8 July 1899, p. 7).
A railway station was located in Mullinavat. We believe the choir took the train to Waterford and from there travelled by the horse drawn vehicles to Dunmore. Without first names it is difficult to identify the two priests, However, we believe that Fr. McDonald was Fr. James J. McDonald of Ballyfacey, and we believe that Fr. Mullins was John Mullins (1868-1911) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Fr. John Mullins also attended Ballyfacey National School and St. Kieran’s College. He entered the seminary in 1886 and was ordained for the Diocese of Ossory. He was appointed curate of Mullinavat and later Cullohill (by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millenneum Memories (2000), p. 41). Like Fr. McDonald he too died young from TB.
The 1900 census for Clontarf, Minnesota provides that Rev. James McDonald was back at work in Clontarf and his younger brother Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) was visiting. The record provides that Patrick entered the USA in 1899. Did Patrick travel to the US with his brother James? We know Patrick was back in Ballyfacey by 1904 when he married.
Death of Rev. James J. McDonald
In September 1901 Fr. McDonald was compelled to give up his parish duties at Clontarf due to ill health. He went to the Arizona Territory for the autumn and winter, but the change in climate did not improve his health. Two weeks before his death on 25 March 1902 he returned to St. Paul to die among friends. He died of TB at St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul, aged 35 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Fr. McDonald was buried in the priests’ section of Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.
The original headstone had Fr. McDonald’s correct name and other information. Sometime around 2012 a new headstone replaced the original stone that was quite weathered and unfortunately Fr. McDonald’s first name is provided on the new stone as “Joseph” instead of “James.” See, Find a Grave.
Obituaries
Several newspapers published death notices and/or obituaries such as The Saint Paul Globe (Fri. 28 March 1902, p. 2) and The Irish Standard (Sat. 29 March 1902, p. 5).
Below are some excerpts. The Minneapolis Journal (26 March 1902) described Fr. McDonald as “widely known as an earnest, kindly man, and faithful priest” who died of consumption after a years’ illness with it.
The Irish Standard (Sat. 19 April 1902, p. 4) outlined in an article how his former parishioners and friends at Faribault celebrated Fr. McDonald’s life.
“Faribault, Minn.—A solemn high mass of requiem for the repose of the soul of the late Rev. J.J. McDonald was celebrated Monday morning of last week, at 9 o’clock, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A large audience of the former parishioners and friends of the late priest were present, and the children of the “Hill School” attended in a body, Rev. F. Elshorst, pastor of the Church of St. Lawrence, was the celebrant, with Rev. J.J. Slevin as deacon and Rev. E. Monge as sub-deacon. Rev. Chas. Cavanagh, of St. Paul, was master of ceremonies, and Rev. John Walsh delivered the eulogy. Taking for his text the words, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord,” Father Walsh preached a most instructive and effective sermon on the life of his deceased friend, eulogizing his many virtues and exhorting his hearers to follow the precepts of his teaching and the many good examples of his exemplary life.”
The Swift County Monitor (Fri. 28 March 1902) wrote that “It is with feelings of deepest regret that we announce the death of Rev. J.J. McDonald, lately of Clontarf, who departed this life on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s hospital, St. Paul. His many friends in Clontarf and Swift County will deplore the loss of so gentle and true hearted a friend…”
“He had the special faculty of making friends and all who came in contact with him deeply loved him. He loved his people and was beloved by them in return. They will mourn his loss, but must be satisfied with God’s will. It is sad to have a young man cut down in the midst of a career full of hope and bright prospects for the future, but wonderful are the ways of God and it is His will, not ours, that must be done.”
“The funeral took place on Thursday from the cathedral, St. Paul, and his remains were laid to rest in Calgary Cemetery. He is gone from us forever, and while we mourn his loss, let us not forget to pray for him. His many friends will be shocked when they read of his death, but they must be reconciled to God’s Will and say ‘Peace to his ashes and rest to his soul.’”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of Fr. McDonald was taken by R.E. Brandmo, of Benson, Minnesota. Benson is the County Seat of Swift County, Minnesota. Thus it is likely the photo was taken between 1898 and 1901.
The photo of the original headstone was taken by FJE on 25 June 2012.
The featured colour photo is of St. Malachy Catholic Church of Clontarf, Minnesota and is courtesy of the St. Isadore the Farmer Area Faith Community website.
The obituary from the Swift County Monitor was added to Find-a-Grave by Joseph Gallatin on 19 Sept. 2023.
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Criminal Injuries Claims 1924
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) copied a large number of newspaper articles into small notebooks. Today we are going to feature an article Danny copied regarding property claims heard in December 1924 involving two Glenmore residents and a New Ross man who tracked his stolen automobile to Glenmore.
The Damage to Property (Compensation) Act 1923
The Damage to Property (Compensation) Act 1923 applied to “injuries” to property committed on or before the 11th day of July 1921. Section 8 excluded Railway companies from applying for compensation. This was probably due to the extensive damage inflicted on the railways during the War of Independence and subsequent Civil War.
Section 7 excluded losses for (i) watches, jewellery or articles of personal ornament kept by the owner otherwise than as part of his stock in trade; (ii) Coins, bank or Government notes or currency of any country; (iii) postage or other adhesive stamps and (iv) postal orders or post office money orders. In other words the things of value most often stolen were not covered.
Section 9 excluded applicants who “connived, assisted in or actively facilitated” the injury. Section 9 also excluded applicants who associated or “were in league” with the person(s) who committed the injury or the applicant was “a member or helper of or active sympathiser with any organisation engaged in armed opposition to the late Provisional Government of Ireland or the Government of Saorstát Eireann.
The Glenmore Related Claims
The Kilkenny People (6 Dec. 1924, p. 9) published a long list of claims heard in Kilkenny by Judge Scally or Sealy. (The name is spelled differently in each article.) The actual wording of the article is in italics.
Claim by Patrick Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore
Patrick Hanrahan, Glenmore, claimed £36 5s for goods taken. Capt. W.A. Redmond, BL, T.D. (instructed by Mr. Kelly, solicitor, New Ross), for applicant. James Hanrahan, brother of the applicant, gave evidence as to the goods being taken by armed Irregulars. Judge Scally reported for £24 6s. Captain William Archer Redmond (1886-1932) was the only son of John Redmond (1856-1918). For information concerning Glenmore support for John Redmond see our post of 4 January 2020.
Claim by Thomas Mullins of Flemingstown, Glenmore
Thomas Mullins claimed £7 17s. 6d. for clothes taken. Same counsel was engaged. Applicant Mullins stated the clothes were taken by armed Irregulars. Judge Scaly said he would report for £5.
Claim by Charles Kavanagh of New Ross
Charles Kavanagh, New Ross, claimed £608 for a motor car. Mr. Matheson, BL (instructed by Mr. Kelly, solicitor) for the applicant. Applicant’s motor driver stated he drove the car with passengers to Kilkenny Feis in 1921. When he went to the yard where he left the car, it was gone and a note was left saying, “Taken by the I.R.A.” The Kilkenny Feis of 1921 was held on Sunday the 9th of October( New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Oct. 1921, 4). We could not locate any newspaper article regarding the car being taken in Kilkenny in October 1921.
Witness got to know that the car was in Glenmore and he went there and saw the car with the I.R.A. He asked for the return of the car but this was refused.
Applicant stated that the motor car was used by the I.R.A. to drive around a commandant named McDonald, who afterwards became an Irregular. Witness had not got back the car. The Judge reported for £50 for the car; £5 for two overcoats; and £2 for a rug taken away with the car.
There was no McDonald listed in the volunteers of the Glenmore Old IRA see our list including ranks and dates of service.
Appeals
The Kilkenny People (Sat. 27 Dec. 1924, p. 5) reported that the state appealed two of Judge Sealy’s (sic) judgments at the recent special sitting of the criminal injury to property. The State was relying on Section 9 of the Act which barred people who gave active assistance to the enemies of the duly constituted Government from any right to compensation to which they would otherwise be entitled. None of the cases above were reported as appealed.
The newspaper concluded with “it is only fair to say that Mr. Justice Sealy patiently investigated the circumstances of the cases, and his judgments in both cases seemed to be models of fairness, common sense and judicial impartiality.”
The Glenmore Claimants
Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) was the eldest child of Michael Hanrahan (1848 -1898) (farmer) of Powerswood, Thomastown and his wife, Hanoria Mullins (1854-1902) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Patrick was born in Gaulestown, Glenmore. The family moved to Waterford City where they ran a business. Tragedy struck when the parents both died leaving their young sons orphaned. For information on the orphaned Hanrahan Brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020.
Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) (shop keeper) of Robintown, Glenmore married Mary Duggan of Flemingtown, Glenmore on 12 February 1924. Thus the couple were married 10 months before his claim was heard. For further information on Pat Hanrahan during the War of Independence see our post of 20 June 2021.
Thomas Mullins (1873-1936) of Flemingstown was the son of John Mullins and Mary Mullins née McDonald. Thomas Mullins married Mary Mullins née Walsh (1873 -1948) of Davidstown on 2 March 1897. Mary was the daughter of Patrick Walsh and his wife Margaret “Peggy” Walsh née Kennedy. Thomas Mullin’s funeral in 1936 was the last horse drawn funeral in Glenmore according to Danny Dowling. An inquest was held on 22 August 1936 where his death from a gunshot was ruled an accident.
Charles Kavanagh (b. 1890) of New Ross
There were two men named Charles Kavanagh living in New Ross in 1924 per a newspaper search. One was a Civil Guard and the other was a publican/undertaker. We do not believe that the claimant was a Civil Guard.
On the 15th of September 1922, Charles J. Kavanagh of Cross Lane, New Ross, applied to have a liquor license transferred from Mary Anne Kavanagh to himself (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1922, p. 1). The 1911 Census shows only one Charles Kavanagh in New Ross. He is 21 and a grocer’s assistant living with his 48 year old widowed mother, Mary Anne Kavanagh, publican and grocer. Interestingly, a boarder in the house is Austin A. Butler, aged 22, a newspaper reporter.
In 1913 Charles Kavanagh began an undertaking business at “Kelly’s (old posting establishment) Cross Lane, New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 June 1913, p. 7). In searching for a birth record we found a Charles Kavanagh, born 25 March 1890 at Balynamcont (?), Wexford to James Kavanagh (farmer) and his wife Marianne Butler.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The photo of Capt. W.A. Redmond (1886-1932) is courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, part of the First World War Portrait Collection, Catalogue number: HU 124788. The featured photo above is the Kilkenny Courthouse.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Trial for the Killing of Catherine Hanrahan (c. 1798-1822) of Rochestown,Glenmore
On 6 November 2022 we published newspaper accounts of the manslaughter of Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822 at her home in Rochestown, Glenmore. While transcribing another Danny Dowling (1927-2021) notebook we discovered that Danny recorded articles from the Waterford Mirror that outline the testimony presented during the murder trial. These newspaper accounts provide more detail including the testimony of the landlord Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. and conflicting testimony of other witnesses. It appears that the testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. influenced the jury that only considered the case for a few minutes before returning its manslaughter verdict.
The Arrest
Danny recorded the following from the Waterford Mirror (Sat.20 Aug. 1822). Thomas Marks was charged with the murder of Catherine Hanrahan, at Rochesstown, in Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Marks was taken without resistance at a house in Kilmacthomas. Marks when arrested stated that he was on his way to surrender. He was transmitted to the County Kilkenny gaol.
The Waterford Mail on Wednesday the 14th of August 1822 provided an account of day three of the Kilkenny Assizes. In this account Thomas Marks was indicted for the murder of Catherine Hanrahan and the assault of Luke Power “by presenting a pistol at him.” Hereafter Marks is described as the prisoner.
The Testimony of Luke Power
Luke Power was sworn and testified. Unfortunately, the newspaper account does not provide his relationship, if any, to the deceased Catherine Hanrahan née Power, his occupation or residence. Later in defence testimony it appears that Luke and Thomas Power are brothers. Luke Power testified that he knows Rochestown and was there the Monday after the fair of Thomastown. He knows Thomas Power who lives at Rochestown. On that Monday, very early in the morning, he saw the prisoner at Rochestown.
Luke Power testified that the dog barked at the prisoner. Luke Power got up and asked who was there. The prisoner responded that he was distraining for Mr. Forristal. Luke Power testified that the prisoner was armed. Witness shut the door and would not let the prisoner in. Luke Power then went down to where the cows were and saw three bailiffs there, but the prisoner was not with them.
Luke Power heard a shot and returned to the house and saw Catherine Hanrahan “kilt” on the floor. She died six days after being shot. Luke Power went out to the road where some of the neighbours were gathered. The prisoner said “here’s the man was going to kill me,” and cocked his pistol at Luke Power. It was an hour before sunrise when the prisoner came with six men.
Cross-Examination of Luke Power
Luke Power testified that Mr. Forristal was his landlord. He stated that he paid some rent to Mr. Sherlock and owed Mr. Forristal one hundred pounds “or that way rent.” His brother was his partner in the land. He first saw the prisoner and his assistants in the yard, it was not then 3 o’clock.
Sherlock distrained Luke Power four weeks earlier, but he did not think there was a reason at that time. He did testify that a horse had been taken away to the bog at that time. The prisoner distrained Luke Power before for Mr. Forristal, but could not say how long before. At the time the shot was fired Luke Power was four or five fields away and had not walked a step with the prisoner that morning.
The Testimony of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Power testified that she was the daughter of Thomas Power and the sister of the deceased Catherine Hanrahan. She remembered people coming to her father’s on the first of July last before sunrise. She saw the prisoner there. She testified that her sister was driving pigs out of the bawn. The prisoner desired that her sister leave them there. When she refused Alicia Power testified that the prisoner ran over and caught her sister by the neck and “squeezed her.” Her neck was cut by his “iron hand.”
Alicia Power stated that she could hear “all that occurred” between the deceased and the prisoner. The prisoner said, “Come leave the pigs there.” Deceased answered, “How do you know who owns them?” Prisoner then struck the deceased and was choking her. Prisoner lifted his foot on a stone and saying, “by G-d I’ll shoot you,” and then fired his pistol. Deceased was then running away and was shot 6 yards from the prisoner. She fell at the door, the ball entered her back. There was another man there minding the pigs where the deceased left them.
Her sister was “shot on Monday morning and died the Sunday following.”
Cross Examination of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Powers was driving the pigs with her sister the deceased. “They had been in the cabin and were driving them out of the bawn.” Deceased had a stick in her hand. She usually brought a stick to drive the pigs. The deceased did not strike the prisoner and Alicia Power never saw a stone in the deceased’s hand. Alicia Power testified that she never saw the prisoner fall or see any stone thrown at him. She testified that the deceased could not have thrown a stone without her seeing it. Alicia Power was at the prisoner’s side when he fired.
Alicia Power said that the prisoner had only one pistol. She saw Luke Power come up. But never saw the prisoner “present a pistol at him.” Alicia Power swore information against prisoner before Mr. Snow. She did not swear against any other person except the prisoner. She did not hear the deceased, or any other person calling out, “kill the black protestant,” and firmly stated that she did not say it either.
Examined by the Bench—Alicia Power clarified to the judge that the prisoner had six or seven men in his party, one of whom was present when the shot was fired. Bridget Cashin was present but no boys or men. They were down on the land where the cows were.
The Testimony of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin was present when Catherine Hanrahan was shot. She saw the prisoner that morning and saw him fire a shot at Catherine Hanrahan. The deceased was Bridget Cashin’s cousin. She observed the deceased driving the pigs out of the bawn. Only her sister was with the deceased. None of the men of the house were present. She testified that the prisoner had two men with him. She denied that the deceased struck the prisoner or threw stones at him. “He cursed G-d, he would fire at her in a minute.”
Bridget Cashin testified that the prisoner caught the deceased by her neck and choked her. The prisoner laid the pistol on his left knee and fired. The deceased walked four steps and fell. “She did not get up since.” Deceased was 24 years of age, was married 2.5 years, and had one child. Interestingly the Waterford newspaper did not acknowledge that the deceased was pregnant when she was shot in the back.
Cross Examination of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin could not identify the two men with the prisoner. The house was distrained for Mr. Forristal’s rent, but she could not say whether the men were “keepers.” Deceased refused to leave the pigs and was driving them away. The deceased said she would drive them in spite of the prisoner. Bridget Cashin stated that she did not say anything, and the deceased did not say “kill the bloody or the black protestant.” She did not see Luke Power come up. She went to Mr. Snow’s and swore information about six days after “the business occurred.”
The Testimony of Dr. John Briscoe of Waterford
Dr. Briscoe testified that he attended Catherine Hanrahan at Rochestown on the second of July. She had received a gunshot wound in the lower part of the back “of which she afterwards died.”
Cross Examination of Dr. John Briscoe
The wound was horizontal in the lower part of the spine on the right side near the hip. The doctor did not see a mark of bruises or a cut on the deceased’s neck.
The Crown rested and the defence began.
The Testimony of William Cooney
William Cooney testified that he knew the prisoner and went with him to Rochestown on the first of July to distrain for Mr. Forristal. The distraining party consisted of: Thoman and John Marks; William and Richard Jeffers; —Lonergan and himself. They first went to the fields where they collected three horses and some cows. Three men were left in the field to guard the animals. Prisoner then brought Lonergan and William Cooney to the house and told them to take charge of all the property there both inside and outside. He testified that they never entered the house. The pigs were seized in the lane. Prisoner brought William Cooney down towards the fields and they met Luke Power and his brother Thomas.
Prisoner advised the Powers to get bail to release the cattle. Thomas Power had a wattle and struck at Lonergan. The blow was prevented by Luke Power. Prisoner went down to Mr. Forristal’s which was about a field away. Lonergan and Cooney were left in charge of the house. Whilst prisoner was away the two Powers and a woman (not the deceased) pushed Lonergan out of the yard. Lonergan left to tell the prisoner. Cooney was alone and went out onto the road.
Power’s two daughters and another girl were driving the pigs out of the bawn. Deceased had a wattle in her hand. When Lonergan returned one of the girls said, “Mr. Forristal knew nothing of the pigs and for God’s sake let them go.” Lonergan and Cooney refused and the deceased then said, “she would have them (the pigs) or she would knock one of their brains out sideways with the wattle.”
Cooney testified that the wattle was heavy and two and a half yards in length. Prisoner returned and upon hearing the deceased told her, “for God’s sake go in and be quiet and all will be well.” Cooney stated that deceased advanced toward prisoner and said, “you black protestant are you come again to rob us?” She made a blow of the wattle at him. She said the words in Irish. Prisoner gave the deceased a shove and said, “go in God’s name and don’t be aggravating me.”
The deceased raised the wattle and struck the prisoner two or three times. She called out for someone to come “knock the black protestant’s brains out.” The deceased then took up a stone according to Cooney and struck the prisoner in the knee. The other two women were running with stones in their hands. Cooney and Lonergan went between the women and the prisoner. Cooney saw and heard the shot fired. The deceased when shot was stooping for a stone.
The prisoner when he fired was down, “having dropped down sideways when hit on the knee with the stone.” The prisoner was not flat on the ground. He was supported by his elbow. A quarter of an hour later Luke Power came up. The prisoner only had one pistol and it was re-loaded. Luke Power was very angry and was according to Coney going to injure them if he could. Luke Power called the prisoner a “bloody rogue” and “all of them robbers.”
Cross Examination of William Cooney
Cooney was asked to repeat what the deceased had said in Irish and he did. No men of the Power family were present from the time the pigs were driven out first until after the shot was fired. Cooney admitted that he and Lonergan had sticks, but were not otherwise armed. He continued to assert that the three women were very violent, but admitted that the three men could have defended themselves without a shot.
It was daylight when they came on the ground. They left Waterford at 11 o’clock at night. They stopped at Mackey’s on the way and too refreshment. They remained at Mackey’s until “clear daylight.” Cooney described Mackey’s as 4 or 5 miles from Rochestown. Deceased had not run from the prisoner she was sideways, stooping for a stone, about 6 or 8 yards from prisoner.
When the prisoner fell his pistol went off. Cooney stated that the prisoner had not aimed at the deceased. Cooney stated his belief that the prisoner did not intend to fire at the deceased or to pull the trigger. About an hour after the shooting the prisoner said that the pistol went off by accident. Although Cooney stated that the prisoner’s life was in danger, if Cooney was in the same situation he would not have fired at the deceased. Cooney could not say how the pistol went off.
Dr. Briscoe Recalled
Dr. Briscoe was asked about the wound. He testified that it was horizontal. He stated that if the deceased was stooping he could not conceive how she received such a wound unless she and the shooter were both kneeling. Thus Dr. Briscoe did not find injuries on the deceased’s neck and ruled out that the deceased was stooping when shot.
The Testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. of Rochestown, Glenmore
“Recollected the morning when this transaction happened.” He saw the prisoner 6 or 8 minutes after the shooting. Prisoner was distraining for Forristal and had frequently before acted as bailiff on his lands. He had distrained them a short time before. The prisoner had “always behaved himself well, and if he had a bad character, he would not have employed him.” Forristal stated that the prisoner is a pensioner and lost his hand “on service.” He went on to testify that the prisoner “frequently interfered” with Forristal in favour of the tenants by always speaking kindly of them and “procured time for them.”
Cross Examination of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq.
Forristal testified that he sent for the prisoner to act as bailiff and bring 5 men with him. He also instructed that they should be very early on the land “as the Powers had removed their cattle on a former occasion.” Prisoner called to Forristal about 3 o’clock in the morning and told Forristal he had affected the distress. Forristal ordered his horse to be got ready. Jeffers arrived and said that the Powers had taken away horses and cows. The prisoner returned to Power’s. When Forristal arrived he learned of the shooting.
Forristal asked the prisoner why he fired. Prisoner responded that “he’d rather he had wounded himself than the girl.” Forristal testified that Tom Power said to the prisoner, “you have murdered my daughter.” The prisoner replied, “I did not intend to shoot her, but if I did it was her own fault.” The prisoner then unbuttoned the knee of his breeches and showed a large mark on his knee saying, “See Mr. Forristal, how I have been used.” [Of course he could have injured his knee at any time stumbling around in the dark after leaving Mackey’s where they had “refreshments.”]
The prisoner did not tell Mr. Forristal that the pistol went off by accident and Forristal never heard that it did.
The last witness called was Rev. Francis Reynett who testified that he knew the prisoner for about 18 years. He considered him a well conducted man and never heard anything against his character.
Jury Decision
The Lord Chief Justice charged the jury and they retired, “and in a few minutes they returned with a verdict, acquitting the prisoner of murder, but finding him guilty of manslaughter. They also acquitted the prisoner of presenting the pistol at Luke Power.”
The Chief justice sentenced the prisoner to be burned on the hand and imprisoned for 6 months.
What Happened to the Power Family of Rochestown, Glenmore?
We know that no one by the name of Power or Hanrahan were listed as tenants in Rochestown in the 1829 Tithe Lists. We are currently searching Prof. Mannion’s Newfoundland records of Irish emigrants 1750 to 1850 because several Rochestown families moved there in the early 19th century.
For some information on Rochestown see our post of 3 December 2023.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
E.V. Drea (1858-1929) Native of Hugginstown & Author of Carrickshock: A History of the Tithe War
Edmond V. Drea (1858-1929) was a retired school teacher and employed as a journalist for the Munster Express in 1924. He often used the name “E.V. Drea” or “Ned of the Hill.” He was also author of Carrickshock: A History of the Tithe War. The battle of Carrickshock took place on 14 December 1831. Ninety-three years later, the Carrickshock Memorial Committee, raised funds for a memorial for the scene of the battle and the foundation stone was set on 14 December 1924. The secretary of the Committee was Ed Walsh (1862-1946) the proprietor and editor of the Munster Express (20 Dec. 1924, p. 8). Today, we feature a short story that Drea recorded and published 100 years ago about a young lad who participated in the Carrickshock battle and some of Drea’s other work.
Young Fitzpatrick
One humorous incident connected with the Battle of Carrickshock related by friends to Drea concerned a Fitzpatrick boy from Ballinaraha, Mullinavat. The Fitzpatrick boy was a near relative of the late Mr. William Fitzpatrick, T.C., Blackfriars, Waterford. “This boy took part in the Battle, and was consequently on his keeping. Like all young men of the Mountains he was very fond of playing tricks and to his many other humorous accomplishments he added that of crowing like a cock. This feat, my informant tells me, he could perform to the ‘veins of nicety.’” [William Fitzpatrick (c. 1836-1919) was a grocer, wine and spirits merchant at 7 Blackfriars, Waterford.]
When finally arrested in connection with the Carrickshock affair the young Fitzpatrick was placed in the Waterford Jail. He was not long incarcerated when one night at the witching hour of 12 o’clock the jail authorities were “startled out of their seven senses” by the loud crowing of a cock which went echoing and re-echoing through the corridors and cells of the jail. The warders, when their surprise somewhat abated, proceeded to search for the rooster, whose clarion tones were still ringing through the jail.
On opening young Fitzpatrick’s cell they found the poor fellow on his knees trembling with fright. He made the most piteous appeals to them to remove him from the cell, or to have some of them remain with him. He said that the cell was haunted by a crowing cock. The jail authorities pooh-poohed the idea that the jail was haunted by a cock and “set it down to rank Popish superstition.” No one else could see the crowing cock except Fitzpatrick who was ready to swear on a stack of bibles that the demon of a cock was in the cell with him.
No matter which cell young Fitzpatrick was moved the cock accompanied him. Eventually the case became so serious “they laid the whole circumstances before Dublin Castle, who at once sent a special Commissioner to conduct a searching inquiry into the origin and genesis of this truculent ‘jail bird’ that was kicking up such an unseemly row in his Majesty’s Prison at Waterford.” The investigation was still going on when the news of the acquittal of the Carrickshock prisoners reached Waterford prison.
Fitzpatrick was released. The crowing cock was never heard after in Waterford prison although many people still living will tell you it was plainly and clearly heard for years afterwards around Acres and the Milltown hills [Mullinavat] (Munster Express, 13 Dec. 1924, p. 7).
Who Was Young Fitzpatrick?
Ballynaraha, Mullinavat, was divided into Ballynaraha north and south. It was located in the Barony of Knocktopher, Civil Parish of Killahy in the Waterford Poor Law Union. The 1850 Griffith’s Valuation lists several Fitzpatrick’s in Ballyknockbeg and Moneyhenry, but only James Fitzpatrick of Ballynaraha south was the only Fitzpatrick in either of the Ballynaraha townlands. Thomas Boyce was the landlord.
The only other clue that we have regarding the young Fitzpatrick from Drea was that Mr. William Fitzpatrick, T.C., Blackfriars, Waterford was an undisclosed near relative. William Fitzpatrick (c. 1836-1919) was a successful grocer, wine and spirit merchant at 7 Blackfriars (Waterford New & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1919, p. 5). He married Ellen Lee on 3 July 1901 at Carbally, Woodstown, Waterford. Her father was John Lee (farmer) and his father was James Fitzpatrick (famer). The 1911 Census revealed that Fitzpatrick was born in Kilkenny.
Was the young Fitzpatrick who participated in the Battle of Carrickshock and haunted the Waterford Jail William Fitzpatrick’s (c. 1836-1919) father James Fitzpatrick?
Obituary of Edmond V. Drea
The Munster Express published a lengthy obituary (Fri. 7 June 1929, p. 8) here are excerpts reflecting Drea’s work.
It is with feelings of deep and heartfelt regret we record the death of Mr. Edmond V. Drea, which took place on Sunday morning last at his residence, St. John’s Hill Waterford. Though deceased had been up and about the previous day, yet it had been noticed by his family and more intimate friends that he did not enjoy his usual robust health for some time past. Nevertheless, the news of his death came with a shock, and occasioned deep and widespread regret amongst his numerous friends in the city and far outside it. His passing has removed one who gave a long life to the service of his country in various ways.
The late Mr. Drea, who was aged over 70 years, was born near Hugginstown, Co Kilkenny, and came to Waterford as a young teacher some fifty year ago on his appointment to the workhouse male school, and following the death of Mr. Felix Moss, the Principal, he was appointed his successor. He retained that position up until the Amalgamation Act, under which he retired on a pension a few years ago.
Mr. Drea had not been long in Waterford when he began to take a prominent part in the politics of his day. Aiding the fight for Home Rule, he contributed to the Waterford and Dublin Press many stirring articles written with all the fire which characterised his deep love of country. To the Munster Express he was for many long years, under the pen name of Ned of the Hill, a prolific contributor. “Tales of the Walsh Mountains,” a serial from his pen, was followed by “Rambles Through the Walsh Mountains,” two remarkable pen pictures with a wealth of folklore and traditional incident.
He was also a lyrist of no mean order. His verses appeared regularly for years in The Shamrock, The Irish Emerald, and other publications. His verses were principally in the patriotic strain and full of genuine poetic feeling. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the GAA from its earliest foundation, and wrote many graphic descriptions of matches and article on the national games.
It was only natural a South Kilkenny man so gifted would commemorate Carrickshock, of which only a few years ago the deceased wrote a history descriptive of the gallant and bloody fight made during the Tithe War. The men who fell on Carrickshock still live in the pages of Mr. Drea’s history. It was only last week, as our readers will remember, a splendid tribute was paid to this work, published in our printing work, from a Walsh Mountaineer, at present in a prominent position in San Francisco. To the erection of the splendid monument now standing on the historic site of the decisive battle.
Mr. Drea gave a strong helping hand by tongue and pen and by none will his death be more lamented than by the surviving colleagues of the Carrickshock Memorial Committee. His interest in education led to the compilation of a School Reader which was accepted by the old National Board of Education and known in their schools as the Munster Reader.
In politics the deceased was foremost among the loyal supporters of Charles Stuart Parnell. Later his allegiance was given to his successor Mr John E. Redmond, and in recent years to his son, Captain W. A. Redmond. Years ago the late Mr. Drea was connected with many political societies in the city. He was a member of the Young Ireland Society and on the committee who made arrangements to receive the relics of Thomas Francis Meagher…
When the National Teachers’ Congress first met here over 23 years ago, Mr. Drea was instrumental in arranging the venue. He was the promoter last year, when at the Corporation, he got a resolution passed inviting the Congress to Waterford for 1929. On the former occasion he compiled a souvenir of Waterford, a guide to the city, which was much appreciated by the visitors. On the last occasion he was a constant attendant at the meeting of the reception committee where, despite increasing old age he was as enthusiastic as the youngest.
After his retirement from active teaching the deceased concerned himself with public affairs. He became a member of the Corporation and was unseated at the last election by only a few votes…It was the night of the teacher’s reception in Waterford for the Congress his health failed…He was prevented from attending the Congress having taken suddenly ill on the Mall, and was confined to bed for several weeks. He rallied and was out again, acting to the last. He worked in his garden up to Saturday evening. In the early hours of Sunday morning he summoned his daughter, whom he told the end had come. Within half an hour it did come peacefully. ..
The late Mr. Drea, who was twice married, leaves a large family…
Personal Life
Edmond Drea was born 28 July 1858 at Huggintown to John Drea and Nelly Voss. Interestingly, one of the defendants who stood trial and was acquitted for the murder of Edmund Butler at Carrickshock was William Voss. Sometime before 1885 Edmond Drea moved to Waterford. He married his first wife Margaret Caulfield on 3 February 1885 at St. John’s, Waterford. He was employed as a teacher and was 27. The bride was 22. His father, John Drea, was a carman and her father, James Caulfield, was a ship’s carpenter. The groom’s mother was listed as Ellen Bass (sic) and bride’s mother was listed as Mary Morrissey. In the Church notes the word Hugginstown is recorded.
Drea and his first wife had five children. Tragedy struck in 1901 when Margaret Drea died of TB. She was 36 years of age. Drea married his second wife on 18 February 1903. His second wife was a spinster named Eleanor O’Leary. She worked as a nurse and lived at the Waterford Union Workhouse Hospital. The bride’s father was James O’Leary, RUC. The groom was working as and living at the Waterford Union Workhouse as a teacher. His father, John Drea, was listed as a farmer. Drea and his second wife had 3 children. Eleanor Drea died the 14th of August 1912 at the age of 31. She died of a sarcomia of the neck.
E.V. Drea died on 2 June 1929 and was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford. Although his age at death was recorded as 61 he was actually 70. He died of heart disease, and his daughter Alice was present at his death at John’s Hill.
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For further information on Edward Walsh (1862-1946) Proprietor & Editor of the Munster Express see our post of 24 January 2022.
For further information on Carrickshock and the tithe war see, our post of 23 September 2020 (A Glenmore Version of the Ballad of Carrickshock) and our post of 6 March 2023 (Glenmore’s Secret Society of Whitefeet).
See generally, “The Brave Men of Carrickshock” (2020) Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The above photo of E.V. Drea (1858-1929) was published in the Munster Express on 20 Dec. 1924, p. 8. The featured drawing above of the Battle of Carrickshock was by Rev. E.A. Foran, O.S. A., New Ross, published in the Munster Express (20 Dec. 1924, p. 8).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
South Kilkenny’s Moulding of the GAA
In September 1938, the Munster Express in its column “Gaelic Memories of the Past” published a series of articles reviewing the development of the GAA over the previous 50 years. The first article in the series had the long title, “How South Kilkenny Played Its Part in the Moulding of the Greatest Amateur Sporting Organisation in the World” (30 Sept. 1938, p. 7). One of the more interesting parts of the first article is the description of early football rules where wrestling of opponents was allowed and the scoring area was 63 feet wide!
Certainly unusual for today’s press coverage of football, the 1938 article commenced with a quotation from “Oft in the Stilly Night” by Dublin born Thomas Moore (1779-1825). “Fond memory brings the light of other days around me,” as the song goes…
The First Article
And now I shall retrace for the benefit of our readers the memorable deeds of the famous footballers of South Kilkenny who played a big part in the moulding of the Gaelic Athletic Association—now considered the greatest amateur sporting organisation in the world. To older readers it will bring a thrill of pride when the spotlight of publicity is focused on the happy days of 1887 and 1888, when the renowned Kilmacow football team reached the All-Ireland final, which was not played the latter year owing to the American invasion. [The American invasion in 1888 was a sports tour of the Northeastern U.S. by GAA players. See, Mark Holan (2018) “GAA ‘American Invasion’ Began 130 Years Ago“.]
To them it will revive fond memories of many hectic battle for honours in the Gaelic Athletic arena, when their hearts beat high with joy at thrills provided when the parish representatives clashed in earnest conflict for the county title, and later when the county individual winners tested bone and sinew with other counties in the long and honoured trail to All-Ireland fame.
To the younger generation who have seen the progress of the GAA brought to a most successful fruition in the present-day records of attainment, it will Also bring a thrill of pride that their forefathers played such a heroic part in the foundations of such a noble structure, which has bravely withstood the storms of vicissitude and criticism through many a trying year. It is only fitting, then, that the men who conceived and created it, and the men who answered the clarion call in every parish should be remembered and their deeds of valour recalled. In this respect it is only right to say that the men of South Kilkenny played a noble part in that glorious chapter of the annals of the Association.
Founding of the GAA
The GAA was founded at Thurles on November 1st, 1884, Maurice Davin being elected its first President and Michael Cusack (to whose memory the new £50,000 stand was recently opened at Croke Park) its first Secretary. Clubs were formed subsequently throughout Ireland, some of the first to be formed being Waterford, Dungarvan, Gearys (Kilkenny), Callan and Ballyneale (Co. Tipperary). Michael Cusack, Secretary of the GAA, refereed the first Gaelic football match played under the rules in the county, at Kilkenny, between Gearys and Dalkey. No club being existence in existence in the area at the time, a number of players from Kilmacow and Slieverue parishes, where ample talent was available, assisted Waterford Commercials, led by Pat Brazil of the city. Included were Mike Walsh, Mickey Kinsella, Johnny Fitzpatrick, John Moore and Micky Dalton of Kilmacow parish, and Watty McGrath, Jack McGrath and Dick Walsh of the Slieverue area.
Let us cast our minds back, therefore, to 50 years ago when the famous teams of Kilmacow, Mooncoin, Piltow, Slieverue, Mullinavat, ;Ballyhale, Glenmore, Ballycallan, the Gearys, the Larkins, Conahy and others delighted the hearts of followers with their football prowess in Co. Kilkenny, and brought crowds from far and near to witness their battles for supremacy in the county championship. [Glenmore formed it local club on 17 July 1887. For further details see our post of 30 June 2023.
The Commercials’ training ground was at Ballinaneeshagh, a mile outside the city, and very often Kilmacow and Slieverue players walked to the training ground every Sunday after Mass for practice and back again the same evening. The familiar mode of transport to and from matches at the time was a wagonette; there were no bicycles, motors or buses in those days, and the added task of walking did not hamper the players’ ability in the least and they were as fresh when they returned home that night as when they left home in the morning.
Early Football Rules
The Commercials played a challenge game with Dan Fraher’s team at Dungarvan, which resulted in a draw, but the City representatives won the return game, which was played at Waterford, by a goal. In the first two years of the Association wrestling was allowed at Gaelic games, and a player could throw his opponent with a hold. I am not certain if any particular form of “Irish Whip” or “Killarney Flip” was in vogue at the time, but it became so over-vigorous that the Gaelic Athletic Association at its annual Congress held in Thurles on Nov. 15th, 1886, passed a motion prohibiting wrestling in football.
Point posts were introduced the same year, which meant that, besides the goal posts of 21 feet apart, there were also point posts at either side 21 feet apart also, which left a total scoring space of 63 feet. A point was scored when the ball was driven through the point posts and a goal when driven through the goal posts: but, strange to say, a goal would wipe out all the points—that is to say a team with one goal would be declared the winners over a team with 5, 6, 8, 20 or any number of points. The side points were abolished at the 1909 Congress held in Dublin.
Kilmacow Forms Football Team
Glancing back to 1886 again, it will be of interest to recall how the famous Kilmacow football team, which made history in the two subsequent years, came into being. Football was making good headway in the parish at that time, and practice was held in many districts notably at Skeard, Tinlough, and Grannagh Knock. The first Gaelic football match in the parish was played at Hunt’s field. Greenville (now St. Joseph’s de la Salle College grounds) in 1886, between a Waterford selection and a local team, which included Nicholas Phelan, Ballykeohan: Jack Heneberry, do’ Jack and Kieran Laffan, Greenville; Micky Hanlon, Parkereid; Dick McDonald, Milltown; Peter Ryan and Johnny Cleary of Gaustown; Jim Vereker, Ballincrea; Patsy Grant (tailor) Greenville; young Wall of Ballydaw; and others. Some of the foregoing are still hale and hearty, whilst others have passed to the Great Beyond.
A big crowd witnessed the game, which was well contested and resulted in a win for Kilmacow amidst much enthusiasm. At that time the Waterford and Kilmacow players and followers were like one big family, and a grand spirit of friendliness and co-operation existed between them. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that after the match at Greenville the visiting players were entertained at Per Heneberry’s shed at Ballykeohan that evening, and a jolly time was spent with rounds of beer, bread and cheese for all. Micky Kinsella and John Moore attended as invited guests prepartory to the formation of a club for Kilmacow.
Various suggestions were put forward, and finally it was decided to call a special meeting the following night to consider the whole matter. Accordingly, about 100 players and followers assembled at the same shed the night after, and with the light of a twopenny candle the Kilmacow Club was formed, which was later destined to shed fame, honour and renown on its birthplace, its county and Ireland.
First Kilmacow Officers
All present were enthusiastic about the project and the club was formed with the following officers—Chairman, Eddie Burris, Greenville; Vice-Chairman, Joe Dunphy, a Dublin man who was then employed as gardener at Kilcronagh House, and Kieran Laffan, Greenville, as Secretary and Treasurer. It was decided to affiliate two teams; Mike Walsh, Skeard, was appointed captain of the senior team and Micky Kinsella vice-captain. It was agreed to purchase a set of green and gold jerseys, and all members agreed to contribute a levy of 1/- and a fee of 2d. a week.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The photo of the 1888 GAA Football Rules is courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland. Further information on this historic publication can be found on the Museum’s website.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh