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
From Danny’s Files: The 1985 Interview of Dinny Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
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Marking Founder’s Birthday: Tracing Your Family Tree Workshop
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Kate Raftice née Gahan (1854-1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
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South Kilkenny Historical Society 2026
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From Danny’s Files: Frank Meehan (c. 1862-1930) a Glenmore Stonebreaker
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A Glenmore Photo: The Forristal’s
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From Danny’s Files: An Interview of Nicky Walsh (1919-2015) of Davidstown, Glenmore
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Glenmore Photos from the Eamon Jones Collection–Updated
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Glenmore Man Killed 120 Years Ago on the U.S.S. Bennington
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Maurice Hennebry (1859-1917) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore—Killed on the S.S. Formby [Updated]
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) of Ballinlammy
Today, we are going to feature the early life and family of a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977). His nephew, Leo Walsh wrote a book called “Rough Justice” (Dec. 2023) “which is an account of how a simple mistake led to a near death sentence for Uncle Tom on the Burma-Siam railway.” (p. 7.) Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) was a WWII prisoner of war held by the Japanese. In our next post we will highlight his military service, internment and life after the war. Ironically, another man with Glenmore connections, also named Thomas Walsh (1911-1945) was a Japanese POW in Burma. See our post of 25 July 2020. Both men survived their internments.
Thomas Kieran Walsh, Tom, as he was called, was born 11 July 1917. He was the eldest child of William Walsh (1892-1971) and his wife, Bridget Dooley (1884-1958). Walsh is a common name in Glenmore and this family was nick-named the “Game Keeper Walsh’s” because William worked part time as a game keeper (Walsh, p. 14) around Davidstown, Ballinlammy, and Ballinclare. The farmers in the area clubbed together to create “a preserve” to stop people from hunting, and they hired William Walsh (1892-1971) as their gamekeeper.
Parents
William Walsh (1892-1971) of Jamestown, Glenmore married Bridget Dooley (1884-1958) of Ballylammy (sic) on 9 October 1916 at Glenmore. William was the son of Thomas Walsh (labourer) and Bridget was the daughter of John Dooley (labourer). According to the civil records William Walsh was born 1 September 1892 at Jamestown to Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) (labourer) and his wife Mary Roche. According to the Glenmore baptismal records he was born 23 August 1892 and baptized the following day.
Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) was born 11 October 1884 at Ballinlammy the daughter of John Dooley (labourer) and his wife Anne Kennedy. Per the death register Brigid Walsh née Dooley died in 1958 of a cerebral thrombosis, her husband, William Walsh, was present when she died at home in Ballinlammy.
Siblings of Thomas Kieran Walsh
In his book, Leo Walsh noted there were five brothers and two unnamed siblings who died in infancy. The five brothers were Tom, Jack, Patrick, Bill and Joe (p. 13). From the Dooley Glenmore headstone were found the names of the children who died in infancy, Mary and Edward Walsh.
Mary Walsh (9 Nov. 1919-4 March 1924) died on 4 March 1924 at the age of 4. Her death cert noted that she was delicate from birth. Her father William Walsh was present at her death in Ballylammy (sic). Edward Walsh (c. 1924-22 July 1928) died on 22 July 1928 aged 4, of suspected sunstroke. His father William Walsh was present at his death in Ballinlammy.
Glenmore Ancestors: Walsh, Dooley, Roche and Kennedy
Paternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) and his wife Mary Roche (b. 1856 ). Thomas Walsh, aged 26, of Haggard and Mary Roche, of Jamestown, were married at Glenmore on 21 January 1886. Thomas was a labourer and son of Edmund Walsh. Mary Roche was a 29 year old servant and the daughter of William Roche (labourer). Known children born to this union include: [1] Mary Walsh (b. 2 Nov. 1886); [2] Ellen Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1888); [3] Hannah Walsh (b. 9 March 1889); [4] Edward Walsh (29 Dec. 1890); and [5] William Walsh (b. 23 August 1892). The father, Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) died a year after William’s birth leaving his wife of 7 years with five young children.
A newer headstone in Glenmore recites that Thomas Walsh died in 1894 at the age of 38. According to the death register a Thomas Walsh died on 22 October 1893 of bronchitis at Haggard, Glenmore. He was 32 years of age and his father Edmond Walsh was present at his death.
Mary Walsh née Roche (1856- ?) was baptized at Forristalstown on 9 July 1856 the daughter of William Roche and his wife Mary Murphy. Two years later her brother Patrick Roche was born at Jamestown. Today, there are still Roches in Jamestown.
Maternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s maternal grandparents were John Dooley (c.1839 -1889) and his wife Anne Kennedy (c. 1843-1913). The couple were married at Glenmore on 7 February 1881. John was the son of Michael Dooley (labourer) and Anne was the daughter of William Kennedy (mason). At the time of the wedding both fathers were deceased, and John’s profession was “pensioner.” The couple were only married 8 years before his death.
Anne Dooley née Kennedy died, widowed, aged 70, on 2 January 1913 at Ballinlammy. Her son Michael Moore (?) was present at her death. John Dooley died on the 28th of December 1889 at Ballinlammy. He was 50 years of age, and his profession was listed as “Army Pensioner.” It was noted he died of natural causes “probably heart disease.” His widow, Anne Dooley was present at his death.
From the Dooley Glenmore Headstone in addition to Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884 -1958) there were at least two other children of John Dooley and his wife Anne Dooley née Kennedy: Patrick Dooley (c. 1882- 1956) died 9 October 1956, aged 74; William Dooley (?-1963) died 10 March 1963, aged 63?, in Santa Barbara California.
In the 1911 Census Anne Dooley was aged 68 and farming in Ballinlammy. Her son William was aged 24 and working as an agricultural labourer and her daughter Bridget was 26. We believe that William Walsh married into the Dooley holding in Ballinlammy.
Tough Times in Ballinlammy
Leo Walsh described the cottage where Thomas Kieran Walsh was raised in Ballinlammy as isolated with no running water, no electricity and no sanitation. The cottage had a thatched roof that was leaky and it was upgraded to a slate roof. There were no ceilings, just the rafters and at night stars could be seen. The floors were concrete with no luxuries such as carpeting or a rug. There were no windows just window openings fitted with removeable wooden panels to help keep the cold out. The front door was called a half door. The bottom could be closed to keep out animals while the top half could be opened to let in light and air (Walsh, p. 14-15).
As was the custom of the time the family kept a cow, some goats, chickens and a pig. The cows and goats provided milk and cream and a pig was slaughtered every year with some meat being kept back for the family to consume. Although they produced eggs they were not usually consumed. Only at Easter they would each be given a boiled egg (Walsh, p. 15). It appears that most of what was produced on the small holding was sold.
Their father William Walsh (1892-1971) worked elsewhere as a farm labourer and thought his sons would also become farm labourers. Their mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) recognised her children’s intellectual potential and encouraged them to do well in school. The school they attended was a good few miles away. After doing their chores they would walk to school in bare feet in warm weather.
“The Walsh boys were a humble bunch without an aggressive bone in their bodies, but their frugal and challenging up-bringing may have given Tom the fortitude and skills necessary to walk away alive from the jungles of Thailand, after three and a half years of imprisonment as a POW. He was born to survive” (Walsh, p. 16).
The Sugar Beet Factory Opportunity & Disappointment
Early in the 1930’s Tom went to a vocational school and earned a trade certificate. He applied for 1 of 3 apprenticeships offered by the newly nationalised sugar beet factories. The whole world was impacted by the Great Depression and jobs were scarce. Tom was awarded one of the five-year apprenticeships to train to become an electrician. Tom was assigned to the Tuam factory. He worked 9 hour days and earned a quarter of what electricians made. In his second year, in 1935, he bought a bicycle for 5 shillings.
Unfortunately, the bicycle had been stolen, and Tom’s protests of innocence were ignored by the arresting officer and the judge who found him guilty. The verdict was published in the local newspaper and Tom’s apprenticeship was terminated. Mortified he decided to go to London rather than return home (Walsh, p. 20-21). In 1936, at the age of 19 Tom said goodbye to his apprehensive family and sailed from Rosslare to Fishguard (Walsh, p. 21).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Leo Walsh for writing “Rough Justice” and to Martin Gahan for sharing his copy of the excellent book. The photos are from the book. The featured photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh in uniform is from the front cover. The photo of his mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley is from page 18.
ÉIGSE SLIABH RUA 2024
The annual festival of history returns to Slieverue on November 15th and events continue until November 24th. The topics presented at Éigse this year will vary from the Macro to the Micro, from National and International events to the local townlands.
The official opening of Éigse will take place in the Rhu Glenn Hotel at 7.30 p.m. on November 15th and the festival will be opened by Mr. Sean Nugent, sport historian, GAA official and author. Professor Paul Rouse of the U.C.D. School of History will then deliver the opening lecture on the “Tailteann Games: Myth, History and Memory.“
On Tuesday November 19th Éigse will meet at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Slieverue at 8.00 p.m. The Lecture titled “Taking the Boat” will be delivered by Ultan Cowley. Ultan himself took the boat, and is the author of The Men Who Built Britain; A History of the Irish Navy.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall is again the venue on Thursday November 21st at 8.00 p.m.. The lecture is on a now largely forgotten incident a century ago, “The 1924 Irish Army Mutiny.” The lecturer is John Dorney author of Peace After The Final Battle; The Fight for The Irish Capital and the Civil War in Dublin.
Éigse will visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and the new Emigration Exhibition as well as the Kennedy Homestead on Saturday November 23rd.
Katherine Grant will explore local history through a series of talks in the local schools Ringville and Slieverue. Topics will include the local links with Newfoundland, Big Houses, Slieverue Village and Church. Of special interest will be the local folklore submitted to the Irish Folklore Commission in 1937/38 by the school children at that time.
All are Welcome
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Parish Death Records 1975
In a blue binder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) kept a copy of the Glenmore parish burial records from 1927-2013. While it was initially thought that the records would provide information as to when most deaths occurred in a given year, unfortunately, the records are not as complete as the parish records for baptisms and marriages. Today, we publish the parish burial records for 1975. See our previous post of 23 September 2024 for information regarding available on-line records and 1974 parish death records.
Glenmore Deaths 1975
Sixteen deaths are recorded in the 1975 parish records. For the most part the only information recorded is the deceased’s name, age, and date of death as well as the date of burial. All other information below was been found in newspaper obituaries, census records, Danny’s notes or from asking local residents. If an obituary of a deceased was already on our Glenmore surname pages an abridged obituary is provided below with a link to the surname page.
Average Age at Death
Of the sixteen deaths recorded two were young boys tragically killed in a farmhouse fire. Excluding the two boys 9 men died and 5 women. The average age for the 9 men was 66.6, while the average age for the 5 women was 65.4. In most developed countries 50 years ago the life expectancy for women was greater than that for men. However, this is one year in isolation. This list also contains another set of brothers who died within a few months of each other.
Married Glenmore People Lived Longer
The other interesting fact concerns the marital status of the deceased. Excluding the children, information was found for 8 of the men. Five had been married and 3 never married. The average age of death for the married men was 72.8 and for the never married men 62.3. Information was found for all 5 women. The average age of death for the 2 married women was 69. The average age of death for the three women who never married was 53.
The Glenmore List
[1] Thomas Walsh, aged 47, died 1 March 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 14 March 1975, p. 20. The death occurred in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford of Mr. Thomas Walsh (c. 1928-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore at the comparatively early age of 46. A well-known figure in farming circles, he was the husband of Mrs. Maureen Walsh, who is a member of the Hartley family Half-way House, Co. Waterford; father of Eleanore, Edmund and Marie. The full obituary can be found on our W Surname page.
[2] Michael Tobin, aged 49, died 12 March 1975, Mullinaharigle [no further information could be located]
[3] Rev. M. Brennan, aged 80, died 23 March 1975.
Rev. Michael Brennan was the Parish Priest of Glenmore in 1975. He lived in the Parochial House on Priest Lane, Robinstown, Glenmore and kept greyhounds. He also hunted pheasants. A nice, humble, gentleman. He was only in Glenmore for a short time, but was missed when he died. Shortly before his death he was asked to say a few words at a Creamery Dance. He said that the creameries were set up in hard times by people who did not have much and were stretched. He hoped that they now were getting the benefit of the business they created.
[4] Patrick Jones, aged 78, died 9 April 1975.
Patrick Jones (1897-1975) was born 29 January 1897 at Moulerstown the son of George Jones (c. 1866-1945) and his wife Bridget Murphy (c. 1869-1945). Patrick Jones married Alice Dunne (c.1890-1967) and was the father of Seamus (c. 1932-2016) and Pakie (c. 1932-1006) Jones. The family lived in Glenmore Village near Eily Heffernan’s shop and in 1961 Patrick’s profession was listed as a road worker in Danny Dowling’s list of residents. See our post of 25 April 2021 regarding the “Gallant Glenmore Brothers.”
[5] Ellen Purcell, aged 54, died 6 June 1975.
Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 June 1975, p. 10. Miss E. Purcell—the death took place in the Auxiliary Hospital, Kilkenny, of Miss Ellen Purcell (53) [c. 1921-1975] Moulerstown, Glenmore. A well-known and respected inhabitant of the district, she had been unwell for some time past. She was sister of Mrs. Margaret Greene (c. 1918 -2013) Moulerstown, and the late Mrs. M. Maher, Derrylackey, Ballyhale. Interment took place at Glenmore after Mass celebrated by Rev. P. Madigan, C.C., do.
Luckily her older sister Margaret was born on 22 December 1919, and we were able to obtain information from Margaret’s birth registration. Their father was Peter Purcell (farmer) of Moulerstown, Glenmore. Their mother was Anne Purcell née Long.
[6] Mrs. Mary Dunphy, aged 92, died 18 June 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 27 June 1975, 6. Mrs. Mary Dunphy (c. 1883-1975), Ballyfacey Upper Glenmore, died at her residence at the age of 92 one of the oldest inhabitants of the parish. She was the last surviving member of the Gorey family, Ballyconnacht, Tullogher, and had been residing in Ballyfacey since her marriage over sixty years ago. Her husband, the late Michael Dunphy (c. 1881-1941) died in 1941, and she was the mother of Richard Dunphy, Miss Nora Dunphy, Ballyfacey; the late Eily Dunpphy, do: mother-in-law of Mrs. Eileen Dunphy, and grandmother of Mary, Noreen, Michael, Seamus, Richard, Billy, and twin boys, John and Patrick Dunphy. She was also sister of the late Ellie and Annie Gorey, Ballyconnacht, and the late Mrs. Bridie Walsh, do, and aunt of Denis Walsh, do. and Mrs. Stasia Ryan, do. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening, and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. William Dalton, Chaplain, Holy Faith Convent, Killester, Dublin (a native of Ballinaraha, Mullinavat) relative of deceased, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P., Glenmore.
[7] Mary Forristal, aged 52, died 19 July 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1975, p. 5. Death of Miss M. Forristal (c. 1923-175) The death took place in St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Thursday last of Miss Mary Forristal, Robinstown, Glenmore, at the age of 52. Deceased, who had been out of her health for some time past, was in her youth, a shop assistant at McKeon’s, South Street, New Ross, for some years.
She was sister of Messrs. Michael, John and Martin Forristal, Robinstown; Sister M. Bernadette, Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Montebello, California; Sr. Paschal of the same order Tarrytown, New York; Mrs. Nancy O’Brien, Robinstown; Mrs. Catherine Phelan, Ballyveria, Glenmore; and aunt of Francis O’Brien, Robinstown. The remains were removed to St.. James Parish Church, Glenmore, on Friday evening, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Saturday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. Madigan, C.C., Glenmore, and the final prayers at the graveside were recited by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P. do. See our post of 13 May 2020 regarding the tragic death of her father Martin Forristal (1879-1931) when she was about eight years old.
[8] Richard Cody, aged 55, died 7 Sept. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Sept. 1975, p. 20. Richard Cody (c. 1921-1975) of Ballycroney, Glenmore died at Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford, following a brief illness, at the age of 54. Deceased, who well known in farming circles in the district, was unmarried, and brother of Messrs. John, Walter, and Michael Cody of Ballycroney. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev.. Thomas Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
Their father was Michael Cody (c. 1878-1947) who married their mother Bridget Aylward of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 4 February 1920. Michael was a farmer and the son of Otho Cody (farmer) of Ballycroney. Bridget was the daughter of John Aylward (farmer) of Ballyfacey. The witnesses to the wedding were James Cody of Ballycroney and Maggie Aylward of Ballyfacey.
[9] Andrew Heffernan, aged 82, died 7 Sept. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Spt. 1975, p. 20. Death of Mr. A. Heffernan—Mr. Andrew (Andy) Heffernan (1893 -1975) who died suddenly at his daughter’s residence, Rochestown, Glenmore, was a native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, and a well known figure in farming and sporting circles in the parish. He was captain for some years of the Glenmore team which won a record of nine county senior championships between 1915 and 1924, all in succession with the exception of 1920, when Coolagh were awarded the title as Glenmore took the field after the appointed time.
He also played with Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Championships in 1915, 1920 and 1922, with a number of colleagues of the Glenmore team. When he was married in 1919, to the former Miss Bridget Roche, of Rathinure Glenmore, he was presented with a Testimonial by the local football club in appreciation for his services and leadership which were an inspiration to the players and club members.
Aged 82, he was husband of Mrs. Bridget Heffernan, and father of Messrs. Mick Hefernan, Maypark, Waterford; Jimmy Heffernan, Ballyneale, Tullogher (former Kilkenny All-Ireland hurlers); Paddy Heffernan, Rockenham, Ferryban; John Hefernan, Aylwardstown; William Heffernan, Newcastle Road, Galway; Peter Heffernan, London; Mrs. Mary Aylward, Rochestown; Mrs. Nellie Doherty, Ballinlammy; and Mrs. Biddy Myles, London.
He was brother of Mr. Nicholas Heffernan, London; Mr. Stephen Heffernan, Chicaggo, and is also survived by over 50 grandchildren. Interment took place at Glenmore on Tuesday of last week after Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. Delaney, Adm. Tullogher; Rev. Richard Phelan, Castletown, Laois, and Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, Director of Social Services, Kilkenny, and Rev. P. Dalton, C.C. Ferrybank.
The large attendance, both at the removal of the remains and burial, included representatives f Kilkenny County Board GAA, Kilkenny Souther Board, Glenmore Hurling and Football Club, Mount Sion and Tullogher GAA Clubs, Clover Meats Ltd., Ferrybank, a number o surviving members o the old Glenmore and Kilkenny Football teams, as well as many relatives, friends, and sympathisers from Countiies Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. His six sons acted as pall bearers. Funeral arrangements were by T. Power and Sons Ferrybank.
Andy was the son of Michael Heffernan (c. 1847-1924) of Aylwardstown and his wife Bridget Kennedy (c. 1854-1947) of Rathinure. Interestingly Andy married his sister Alice Roche’s (née Heffernan) sister-in-law Bridget Roche.
[10] Gerard Kehoe, aged 11, died 1 Oct. 1975 and
[11] Richard Kehoe, aged 7 ½, died 1 Oct. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 3 Oct. 1975, p. 1—Two young brothers, Gerard and Richard Kehoe lost their lives when fire swept through their home shortly before midnight. They got trapped on a landing in the two-storey old mansion type farmhouse [Mount Ida] at Rochestown, and their badly charred bodies were later found on the ground floor by firemen, both having been thrown down when part of the ceiling collapsed.
Gerard and Richard were the sons of John Kehoe (c. 1916-1991) and Peggy Kehoe née Aylward (c. 1935-2023) of Rochestown. Peggy was Paddy “the Barrister” Walsh’s granddaughter. Peggy’s photo and obituary is available on RIP.ie.
[12] Michael Cody, aged 79, died 29 Oct. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 7 Nov. 1975, p. 6 of Weatherstown. Michael Cody’s (c. 1896-1975) full obituary is on our C Glenmore family page.
A former well-known footballer, with his brothers Martin and Paddy won a number of senior County championships with his parish during the period from 1915 to 1924, when with the one exception in 1920, Glenmore took all the titles. He was married to Anne Cody (c. 1909-1989 née Woods) who was a native of Ballymartin, Tullogher and father of Messrs Paddy and Donal Cody, Weatherstown; Michael Cody, Athlone, Co. Westmeath; Nicholas Cody, Ballyveria, Glennmore; and Mrs. Mary Dowling, Tara, Co. Meath.
Michael Cody (1896-1975) was born on 1 April 1896 at Weatherstown to Patrick Cody and his wife Mary Knox. One elderly Glenmore resident today stated that Michael Cody sang in the Glenmore Choir for years until he was an old man.
[13] Catherine Murphy, aged 76, died 2 Nov. 1975
Catherine “Kate” Murphy née Irish (1891-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore died at Rosario Nursing Home. Her obituary lists her age as 84. She was widow of William Murphy of Davidstown who died in 1954 and mother of Edward Murphy of Davidstown.
Catherine was born 14 August 1891 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the daughter of James Irish and his wife Mary Heneberry. It is believed (from Danny Dowling (1927-2021) that James Irish bought the farm where Michael Walsh poisoned two bailiffs. See our post of 6 October 2024. Catherine’s complete obituary can be read on our M Glenmore surname page.
[14] John Cody, aged 52, died 12 Nov. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 21 Nov. 1975, p. 19. Death of Mr. J. Cody—Mr. John Cody (c. 1923-1975) Ballycroney, Glenmore, who has died in St. Canice’s Hospital Kilkenny, was a member of a well-known farming Families. Deceased, who has been out of his health for some time past, was brother of Messrs Walter and Michael of Ballycroney, and the late Richard Cody, do, who died last September. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening last, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C. Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
[15] Mary Moran, aged 53, died 7 Dec. 1975
Mary Moran proved impossible to locate in newspaper searches etc. The Moran headstone in cemetery attached to St. James provides that Mary may have been called Bridget Moran (4 Nov. 1916—6 Dec. 1975).
Mary/Bridget was the daughter of Hubert Moran (25 April 1886-10 May 1951) and his wife Mary Kate Moran née Irish (15 Aug. 1888-12 Dec. 1935). It is believed that Mary/Bridget resided and worked on a farm in Co. Waterford.
[16] Nicholas Mernagh, aged 78, died 9 Dec. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri.19 Dec. 1975, p. 19—Death of Mr. N. Mernagh—the death occurred at Arkeen Hospital, Waterford, of Mr Nicholas Mernagh (c. 1897-1975), Jamestown, Glenmore. Deceased, who was a well-known and esteemed personality in the district and was husband of Mrs. Margaret Mernagh, do., and father of Mrs. Johanna Doyle and Mrs. Bridie Murphy. He is also survived by a number of grandchildren and other relatives. The remains were removed to St. James’s Parish Church, Glenmore on Wednesday evening of last week an interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Thursday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore who also recited the prayers at the graveside.
Nicholas Mernagh was born in Wexford. His father, John (Jack) Mernagh (c. 1855-1911) worked for the railway and moved his family to Ballyverneen, Glenmore circa 1906. The 1911 Census reveals that Jack was 53 years of age and had been married to Mary (aged 42) for 26 years. They were both born in Wexford and were the parents of 16 children, but only 12 of the children were alive in 1911. The ten children living with them in 1911 included: Patrick, aged 23; John, aged 21; James, aged 19; Stephen, aged 17; Bartholomew, aged 13; Thomas, aged 10; Adain, aged 8; Nicholas, aged 6; Mary, aged 5 and Lizzie, aged 3. All the children except Mary and Lizzie were born in Wexford. The 1911 census records that there were 12 members of this family living in a three room house owned by the Dublin and South East Railway.
Nicholas married Margaret Mackey (c. 1905-1978) of Weatherstown, Glenmore.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Happy Halloween!
Mr. Jack O’Lantern is visiting Glenmore for a few days thanks to the Glenmore Tidy Towns & Glenmore History.
For an interesting history of jack-o-lanterns see , The History Guy, “Best of Halloween.” Chapter 1 is the history of the jack-o-lantern and chapter 2 is the mysterious death of Harry Houdini.
For a classic local tale see our post of 27 October 2020 with a link to an RTE recording from 1974 of Kitty the Hare telling the story of the headless coach.
A Ballyhobuck, Glenmore Murder?
In January 1846 nearly every newspaper in the country carried multiple articles concerning starvation and “outrages,” which included threats, attacks and murders. One article that was included was a mysterious death in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore that one newspaper listed in their murder column. The deceased that garnered such attention was John Crosby (c. 1796-1846) a saddler by trade, from Dublin, who was approximately 50 years of age and working in the Glenmore area for the previous four years. On Sunday the 25th of January 1846, John Crosby was last seen alive by a constable near the Mile Post. His corpse was found the following morning on the High Road, the former main road between Waterford and New Ross, in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore.
The account below was taken primarily from the Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 28 January 1846, p. 4). Extra or differing facts reported in other newspapers and explanations are contained in square brackets.
The Deceased John Crosby (c. 1796-1848)
On Wednesday, the 21st, Mr. Izod held an inquest at Ballyhobuck, near Glanmore (sic) on the body of a man named John Crosby, a saddler by trade, from Dublin, and about 50 years of age. [Mr. Izod the Coroner of County Kilkenny, upon arriving at the scene on Wednesday the 21st of January, “a jury was sworn on the spot” and while a post mortem was being performed, by Dr. James Boyd, the deceased was identified. The deceased was described as a quiet man and not known to have a quarrel with anyone. (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Deceased was occasionally employed by the farmers in that neighbourhood, and, about 4 o’clock in the evening of the previous Sunday, was seen by a policeman near the Mile Post. From his appearance, the policeman conceived him to be drunk, but on entering into a conversation with him discovered that such was not the case, but that he seemed weak.
The Scene
About three miles onward, on the old Waterford and Ross Road [today called the High Road], at Ballyhobuck, he was subsequently discovered dead, and lying by the ditch. Six or seven yards from the body, there was a stream of blood on the centre of the road, which is very rough and having a quick descent. At the commencement of the run of blood there were stones fixed in the road, which might have inflicted the injuries apparent on the head of deceased, had he fallen thereon sideways with considerable force, to effect which he should have been running at the time.
The Deceased’s Injuries
There was a puncture wound on the head, baring the skull, which was fractured, with extravasation of blood underneath, causing death. [Extravasation refers to the leakage of fluids]. [There were marks of violence upon the body, consisting of several wounds on the hand and arm, all on the right side. The principal wound that caused his death was one likely to be produced by the blow of a blunt instrument inflicted with force—that it and all the other wounds might have occurred from a fall with great force whilst running, and that he might have been able to get up and walk afterwards to the ditch (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2).
No food had been in the stomach for six hours before death, nor was there any trace of intoxicating liquor; consequently the man, from weakness, was not supposed to be likely to run so as to endanger life. The medical witness also stated that a blow of a stick or blunt instrument, would have inflicted the injury received.
A noise, as of persons in anger, had been heard near where the body lay, at about the time the deceased may have been passing there. He might also, it seemed, have recovered sufficiently to move from the spot where he had first fallen, to where he was subsequently found. [There was no noise heard the evening before by anyone in the neighbourhood, except the voices of a few men about 9 o’clock as if passing by quietly (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
The Verdict
The respectable jury found that “death from the effect of a blow or injury to the head.” [After evidence was summed up the jury returned a verdict “that Crosby’s death was occasioned by a wound on the right side of the head, but whether the blow was effected by design or accident they could not determine (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Evidence Viewed Today
One hundred and seventy-eight years have passed and modern forensics might have been able to shed light on this death if sketches of the injuries had been recorded and kept. In fact the death of John Crosby occurred about four decades before the world was introduced to the fictional Sherlock Holmes. Although fictional Sherlock Holmes helped shape forensics and he would have been searching for trace evidence in the deceased’s wounds. There is little doubt that a man weak from not eating could fall on a roadway and injure himself, however it is unlikely that such a collapse would lead to such an extensive injury to the right side of the deceased’s head causing his skull to be exposed and fractured.
Additionally, wounds to his right hand suggests that if he fell he was able to get his right hand out to break his fall. However, this would not account for the injuries to his right arm unless the injuries were on the lower arm. Although it was not discussed, at least not in the newspaper accounts, could the injuries to his right hand and arm have been what today are called defensive wounds? If so, the death was not an accident.
No time of death was established and probably could not have been established in 1846. We know the deceased was last seen alive at the Mile Post on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. and was found dead in the road on Monday morning. Did he die while walking on Sunday afternoon or did he die late on Sunday or early Monday? Today it seems odd that no passerby found his corpse until Monday, but before automobiles on a cold winter’s night there were probably not a lot of people traveling along that road.
What do you think murder or an accident from being weak from hunger?
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For further information and maps of the High Road see our post of 14 December 2019.
From Danny’s Files: 1977 Glenmore Clippings
During the 7 decades that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected information on Glenmore he often tore or cut newspapers articles out of local newspapers. Some of these articles were placed in files that were then deposited in one of his several filing cabinets. The file marked Parochial House contained articles regarding the sale of the property in 1977, but there were several articles in the file that were not related including a newspaper photo of the Glenmore Under 12 School Hurling Team.
Sale of the Glenmore Parochial House
In September 1977 the work was almost complete on the new priest’s house next to St. James’s Church. Prior to this time the parish priests lived in a two-storey house on Priest’s Lane in Robinstown, Glenmore. Below is an advertisement for the sale of this four bedroom house on Priest’s Lane. The featured photo above was from the sales advertisement.
P.N. O’Gorman Ltd. of New Ross announced the “important sale” of the “Glenmore Parochial House with out-offices and approximately 2 acres. The property which is situated midway between Waterford and New Ross, and convenient to the main road, held in Fee Simple. P.L.V. £11.50. Consists of: attractive two-storey residence, containing porch, pantry and scullery, two bedrooms (16’ x 14’), bedroom (12’ x 10’ 6”), small bedroom (10’ 6”x 6’9”), bathroom and toilet, oil fired central heating, ESB lighting.”
“The out-offices, comprise of two stables, cow house, fuel house, garage, small hay shed, etc. The above holding is one of the most attractive properties to come on the market in this area for a number of years, ideally situated, and convenient to Church and schools. Viewing: only by appointment with Auctioneers” (New Ross Standard, Friday 30 September 1977, p. 20).
Eight Acres Sold to Glenmore GAA
It was reported in the Kilkenny People in 1977 that Glenmore GAA purchased eight acres of parochial land for £8,000 which they hoped to develop into hurling and football pitches (Kilkenny People, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 21). The land purchased was part of the Priest Lane holding. No pitches were built on this land. This land was traded to Neddy O’Connor, of Graiguenakill for lands in Graiguenakill where a pitch was built.
Completion of New Glenmore Parochial House
The new Parochial House at Glenmore, which is adjacent to the Parish Church, was i late October 1977, now nearing completion. It was reported that it would be ready for occupation in the near future. The contactor was Mr. John Kennedy, Slieverue, who deserved to be complimented on the excellent job he did on the new building, “which replaces the old Parochial House at Robinstown, recently sold” (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 22).
Sale Details
The Parochial House at Glenmore together with 2 acres of land, was sold by public auction to Mr. Pat Walsh, Jamestown, Glenmore, for £19,000. Bidding opened at £15,000, and continued between Mr. Walsh and Mr. Kelly, Solicitor, New Ross, acting for a client, until a figure of £19,000 was reached, at which it was knocked down to the former, who is a haulage contractor with the firm of Bellferry, Waterford. The sale was conducted by Messrs. P. N. O’Gorman Ltd. auctioneers, New Ross (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Oct. 1977, p. 22).
Glenmore Priest Applied for Public Dance Hall License
In addition to the parish being in the news over the building of a new Parochial House, and the sale of the old one, Glenmore’s Parish Priest,
“the Very Rev. Joseph O’Shea, … made application under the Public Dance Halls Act 1936 to the New Ross District Court for a public Dancing License for premises known as the Parochial Hall, situated in Glenmore” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 August 1977, p. 16). This Parochial Hall was the old National School which closed in 1958. It too was sold and is currently in a terrible state with the partial collapse of its roof.
Glenmore Karate Club
In the summer of 1977, the New Ross Standard, stated that “Glenmore is an unlikely place for a Karate Club, but one does exist there, has 24 members who have already made their mark in competition and are now preparing for the All Ireland championships which will be held at the Mansion House, Dublin, in September. The club is affiliated to the Shotakan Karate Club of Ireland.” The only person named in the article from Glenmore was Monica Walsh (the daughter of Bill Walsh (1912-1985). See our post of 27 Feb. 2022.) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 23).
Were you a member of the Glenmore Karate Club? Do you have any photos of members?
Glenmore Blood Donor Honoured
Danny’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Dowling (née Grace) (1919-2010), of Forritalstown, Glenmore received a “Silver Pelican” for donating blood (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 April 1977, p. 1).
The Glenmore Police Blotter
Dismissed on the merits were summons against John Foran, Aylwardstown, Glenmore, who had no insurance and no driving license when stopped at Shanbogh on 14th May 1977. He was also summoned for failing to produce the documents and these summonses were also dismissed. Defendant said he called four times to the Garda Station in Glenmore to produce the documents and no one was present (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 10).
Other Glenmore residents were not as fortunate. Margaret Walsh, Ballybrahee, Glenmore was fine £5 in each case for not having tax or insurance on a tractor driven by a juvenile Fines totalling £15 were imposed on Michael Green, Jamestown, Glenmore, who had no tax, no tax displayed and no front or rear marks on a tractor.. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Dec. 1977, p. 17).
Denis Cotterell, Alwardstown, Glenmore was fined £5 and Kathleen Dolan, Glenmore was fined £10 for parking offences (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 July 1977, p. 10). (See our post of 28 Nov. 2021 regarding Kathleen’s husband silversmith Pat Dolan.)
Glenmore Photos
Glenmore Under 12 School Team
“Glenmore under 12 Schools Team, Co. League and Championship winners. The team was managed and trained by Mr. Michael “Mick” Lynch, N.T. [Mick Lynch (c. 1938-2021].
Front Row (l to r) Dick Murphy; David Power; Jimmy Hartley; Paschal Hennessy; John Boyle, Sean Fitzgerald and Vincent O’Connor.
Centre Row (l to r) Declan Cass; Michael Freyne; Martin Freyne, (Captain of Championship team); Michael Phelan, Pat Barron (Captain of League Team); Willy O’Connor; Richard O’Connor.
Back Row (l to r) Raymond Cass; Eamon Walsh; Thomas Mullins; Francis Kirwan; Michae Duggan; Pat Dowling and Gerard Cass. (Photo by Joe McGrath).” (Munster Express, Fri. 12 Aug. 1977, p. 18).
Dancer Mary Hennessy, of Glenmore
Mary Hennessy, Glenmore and Mary McDonald who took part in the Mulcahy-Bible dancing competitions in the Ardree during the August Bank holiday (Munster Express, Fri. 12 August 1977, p. 15).
Please send any corrections or further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh