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: 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
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Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
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From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
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November Updates
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A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
One Hundred Years Ago: April 1923
The Tenth Month of the Civil War
Although the Civil War continued, the ferocity of previous months was not reported in local newspapers. With hindsight today it appears that the Civil War was winding down. An editorial in the New Ross Standard noted that people were crossing the channel for a quiet holiday, thus suggesting that 100 years ago people sensed or knew that the war was ending.
“The Eastertide has so far passed with comparative quiet in the capital. The glorious spell of summer-like weather…attracted thousands to the seaside, and a notable feature of this year, due to the condition in the country, was the remarkable number of people who crossed the channel for a quiet holiday…The only sad feature of the season in Dublin is the recurrence of a particularly painful …tragedy.” Not less than three young men were found dead this week in Dublin (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 April 1923, p. 4).
Arrests & Prisoners
At the beginning of April “New Ross troops made close on twenty arrests…”(New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 April 1923, p. 5). Troops operating from Wexford arrested two Irregulars, named Parcell (sic) and Hartley, of Glenmore (Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 7).
J. Egan, a Republican leader, of Mullinahone (Tipperary) was “killed in a duel” with Lt. McGrath, of the National Garrison of Fethard. The fight was a sequel to the capture of Egan’s column. Egan attempted to escape, but was pursued by Lt. McGrath for a mile across country and mortally wounded. The officer was wounded slightly (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 April 1923, p. 2).
Seventy-one prisoners escaped from the Curragh Camp by means of a tunnel on the morning of the 24th of April. A number were immediately re-captured (Munster Express, Sat. 28 April 1923, p. 6).
Attacks
On the 5th of April Irregulars were firing from Carrickbeg hills into Carrick-on-Suir. This was the heaviest attack the town experienced for months. The firing lasted for about two hours. Bullets went through windows in houses opposite the new bridge and whizzed through the streets and the Park. No one in the town was injured.
However, it was reported also on the same page that Mr. Clarke, Lord Waterford’s chauffeur, was shot in the head about 7 o’clock the evening of the 5th. Lord Waterford and his sisters, Ladies Blanche and Katharine Beresford, were traveling from the Kilkenny Hunt Races to Curraghmore by the short cut through Jonestown near Carrick. “The firing was going on when his lordship arrived in Carrick. He crossed the bridge and motored up part of the Mothel road towards the main road that would take him to the back entrance gates of Curraghmore.”
“There was a regular hail of bullets from the Carrickbeg hills at the time. Some of them struck the car, and the chauffeur received a bullet in his head. He was taken into a house on the Mothel Road and attended by the Ladies, Lord Waterford, some neighbours and Dr. Stephenson.”
At first it was thought that Clarke had been killed. “The latest news is that his condition is much improved.” The wound was described as deep and tore the man’s scalp badly. Lord Waterford and the Ladies attended the Waterford Hunt Point-to-point race the following day, and “appeared to be none the worse for their exciting experience.” The irregulars on the hills mistook Lord Waterford’s motor car for a military car. When they ascertained that it was not a military car the firing ceased. Lord Waterford left for England on Saturday evening (Munster Express, Sat. 14 April 1923, p. 3).
The following week the Kilkenny People reported that military operations “on a big scale” are going on in Co. Waterford, from the Comeraghs near Carrick-on-Suir to West Waterford. “Some interesting developments are expected from the operations” (Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 11). The same day, it was reported that “after a lull of several weeks there was an outbreak of firing in Waterford… The outburst, which started after 10 o’clock, lasted about twenty minutes (Munster Express, Sat. 28 April 1923, p. 6).
Piracy
On the 14th a “motor barge plying between Waterford and Graiguenamanagh was boarded by a number of armed men, who carried off a large quantity of whiskey and some bacon.” The raid occurred at about 12:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Ballinlaw. Shots were discharged across the bow of the barge and the barge was ordered to “pull up.” Simultaneously two small boats containing the armed men boarded the boat and selected from its cargo six dozen bottles of whiskey, one complete bale of bacon, and three further sides of bacon. “On the same day a similar raid was effected (sic) on a private barge trading between Graiguenamanagh and New Ross. Two bags of sugar and other foodstuff were stolen” (Munster Express, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 5).
By the end of the month it was also reported that there was “considerable military in Thomastown and surrounding districts” with large parties of troops operating from Inistioge (sic) to Stoneyford. The River Nore between both places was being carefully guarded (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 April 1923, p. 8).
Arson
The burning of “big houses” continued and there was an attempt to burn down the Kilkenny Carnegie Library. The arson was foiled when the petrol and other flammable substances, matches and cloth were found. It appears that the would-be arsonist was waiting for the library to close. A couple of night previously books were stolen from the building by gaining entry though a window (Kilkenny People, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 6).
Another foiled arson involved an attack on the home of Mrs. Powell, sister of the late General Michael Collins. The firing lasted a half hour. The assailants were, after an intense attack, repelled by National Troops who were guarding the house since a previous attempt to burn it (Munster Express, Sat. 18 April 1923, p. 6).
Not all arsons were stopped. James Walsh, of Templeorum (near Carrick) had his home and business premises burned the same week. The damage was estimated at several thousands of pounds. Prior to losing his home and business premises his vans and shops were regularly raided (Munster Express, Sat. 14 April 1923, p. 3).
Blocking of Roads
On the 16th of April a large tree was felled across the road between Kilkenny and Johnswell. A notice was affixed to the tree warning against removing the tree as the area was mined. The tree was removed that evening by prisoners under military escort. Trees were also felled across the road at Bennetsbridge (Kilkenny People, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 6).
Glenmore Bridges Repair Costs
The Secretary Kilkenny Co. Council forwarded a list of claims for repairs to bridges in No. 2 district from Mr. George Nolan, builder. By resolution of the Council the claims were referred to the No. 2 District Council for their views. The particulars included: Glenmore (No. 1 bridge, £117.2s.0d); Glenmore (No. 2 bridge, £204.9s.4d); Glenmore (No. 3, £349.5s.3d). In the first two claims half to be paid by Ida R.D.C.
The following order was made. The No. 2 District Council consider that too much money was allowed for repairs to these bridges, which should have been repaired in the ordinary way by tender, and they cannot offer any precise opinion on the matter, not having been consulted with the estimates. In their opinion there was an excess of £100 in each case (Munster Express, Sat. 7 April 1923, p. 3).
Other News Items
The Kilkenny People carried the story of Patrick Aylward (1860-1935) of Rochestown, Mullinavat who was accused of throwing a neighbour’s 18 month old child into the fire causing his death (Sat. 28 April 1923, p. 2). See our blog post of 28 March 2022 for details concerning this case.
James Larkin was deported from New York on the 21st on the S.S. Majestic as a third class passenger. He violently protested against traveling on a British vessel. He landed at Southhampton (Munster Express, Sat. 28 April 1923, p. 6). Ironically James Larkin was born in England to Irish emigrants. He travelled to the US in 1914 was convicted and pardoned by Al Smith, the Governor of New York.
Farming & Fishing
This was printed as an “old farmer’s rhyme” in 1923.
A cold April, with no leaves,
Will fill the barn full of sheaves;
If it rains on Good Friday or Easter Day,
It’s a good year for grass but a bad one for hay. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 April 1923, p. 5)
It was also reported that price of eggs dropped in April 1923. Previously a dozen eggs were selling at 10d. to 1s. (12d were in a shilling). In April a dozen eggs fell to 9d. This was the lowest price eggs sold for since 1916 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 April 1923, p. 5).
The fishing reports were often contradictory in the same newspaper edition.
The salmon fishing “practically since the season opened is bad in general, even down to Duncannon” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 April 1923, p. 5). In the Boris District column on the same page it was reported that although catches of salmon during the past two weeks were not as good as they were for the two preceding weeks, some of the anglers landed large pike, which were abundant in the Barrow.
The Barrow also provided an interesting catch near the Pink Rock. An unnamed fisherman while fishing with a cot near the Pink Rock observed an object floating with the tide. He thought it was a badger, and when he got closer he discovered that it was a “half barrel of liquid. He took it ashore, he tested the contents and found it was beer, and on sampling it declared it to be the best he ever drank” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 13 April 1923, p. 5)
Glenmore in the News
Confirmation 1923
His Lordship the Most Dev. Dr. Downey, Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large number of children in the Glenmore, Rosbercon, Inistioge and other South Kilkenny parishes. His Lordship was very pleased with the answering of the children and their comprehensive knowledge of the Christian doctrine (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 April 1923, p. 5).
Robinnstown, Glenmore Auction
Robinstown (Glenmore) Co. Kilkenny–Auction of Small Holding (Lately occupied by Miss Anastasia Hanway, Deceased). On Thursday 12th April 1923, on the premises by directions of the Misses Dalton, a comfortable two-storey dwelling house, containing kitchen, parlour, and two bedrooms with garden attached, of about one rood statute measure. All held in fee simple, free of rent forever. Immediate possession. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp.
Further particulars from, P.A. Murphy and Co, Solicitors, O’Connell St., Waterford; or John Murphy and Son, Auctioneers and Valuers, 11 O’Connell St., and Thomas Hill, Waterford (Munster Express, Sat. 7 April 1923, p. 2). We will provide the information we located on Anastasia Hanway (1855-1923) in a future post.
Glenmore Senior Football
Several members of the Glenmore Senior Football team were selected to play on the Kilkenny County team in the Leinster Football Championship..
“Buoyed up by their very creditable record in last season’s championship, Kilkenny Senior footballers are making great preparations for their opening match this season with Kildare, and are confident of passing on to the next stage. Of the championship. Some changes have been made in the positions, and some new blood has been infused.”
The team for Sunday’s contest will be —P. Dalton (goal) (Knocktopher); J. McKenna, W. Landy, L. Murphy (Cotterstown); P. Hughes, M. Brenna (Cloneen); Mr. Cody (capt.), P. Cody, J. Fitzgerald, M. Connolly, A. Heffernan, J. Phelan, M. Flannelly (sic), W. Irish, J. Doherty, J. Hanrahan, W. Hartley, P. Hartley (Glenmore) Their experience in last season’s competition should enable Kilkenny to give a good account of itself …. (Freeman’s Journal, Mon. 9 April 1923, p. 3).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.hstory@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Parkstown, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Parkstown, Glenmore, around 1961.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 116) is Baile Phaircéir, Park’s or Parker’s homestead. The townland is divided into Upper and Lower Parkstown with a total acreage of 357 acres.
The following is the oldest newspaper account located regarding Parkstown. It was published in 1824.
Hampshire Chronicle (Mon. 14 June 1824, p. 1)–Several tons of Irish iron ore have been entered at Waterford, for export, for Cardiff. T is of excellent quality, and this commencement bids fair to open the way to an extensive and highly profitable branch of commerce, of very peculiar interest at this moment that the public attention is so decidedly turned towards the discovery of mineral riches in Ireland. This ore is from Parkstown, in the county of Kilkenny, about midway between Waterford and Innistogue (sic), It is from a plentiful and very rich bed, and other valuable minerals are supposed to be in the immediate neighbourhood.
An earlier version of this article appeared in the Droheda Journal (Wed. 2 June 1824, p. 3) citing the Waterford Paper and providing a few more details. For example, the ore was loaded onto the Janet, of Kincardine. James Scotland, the master of the ship was sailing for Cardiff.
The Tithe Applotment Books 1833
The Applotment Books of 1833 list two areas: [1] Parkstown, Kearneytown and [2] Parkstown.
Parkstown, Kearneytown
Five tenants were listed in Parkstown Kearneystown: Michael Walsh (24 acres); Charles Linegar (19 acres); Pat Henesy (19 acres); William Butler (13 acres); Thomas Linegar (28 acres). “These lands are held from Major Kearney by lease.”
Parkstown
Seven tenants were listed in Parkstown and three were recorded for “Glebe Land.” Edmund Hanway (5 acres); Willam Doyle (11 acres); John Aylward (18 acres); Thomas Aylward (18 acres); Charles Linegar (46 acres); Widow Walsh (10 acres) and Carlisle (1 acres). A notation on the record reads that “these lands are held from Mr. Careau by the present occupiers by lease).
Glebe Lands
Three tenants of Parkstown were listed on Glebe Lands: John Enid (10 acres); Laurence Murphy (3 acres); and Thomas Howell(?) (1 acre). “The Glebe is held from the Vicar the Rev. Thomas Wallis.”
“Extermination” in Parkstown, Glenmore
A decade after Griffith’s Valuation, on the eve of the Great Famine, the following newspaper article was published about Thomas Linegar, of Parkstown, Glenmore in the Vindicator (Wed. 12 June 1844, p. 4).
Extermination in the County Kilkenny—Another Job for Lord Devon—We have just heard of another horrible case of extermination which, we are told, took place a few days since at a locality about six miles from this city. The facts which have been related to us are briefly as follows: A poor man, named Thomas Linegar (or Linegan), who held a small farm (about twenty acres) at Parkstown, parish of Glenmore, county Kilkenny, having been served with an ejectment for a sum amounting to only £4-6s-4d arrears, was, some short time since, driven from his little holding, though perfectly inclined to pay the alleged debt.
But this is not all—we have yet to state the most frightful, the most heart rending(sic) part of our narrative. He (Linegar) happened to be at the fair of Mulliavat the day on which the ruthless exterminators settled on besieging his comfortless domicile; but, on his return home, the first scene that came before his eyes (and oh! How awful it must have been!) was, his wife and her six little ones lying beside a ditch on the road-side, with all his scanty furniture thrown over the ditch and broken in pieces!
He then begged to be admitted, for a day or two, under his own roof (where his countless ancestors lived before him), until he would look out for some place for his family—But to no avail. All would not do—the heartless landlord, or his fiends of the law, were inexorable! The poor creatures, it appears, are now trying to live in a cabin adjacent to this city, in the most deplorable condition! Oh! What a painful case have we not here?
When shall the people’s condition be bettered? Will the “landocracy” ever happen to have hearts that can feel for their fellow beings? We have heard that one or two kind hearted gentlemen are about taking this poor family’s case into consideration. A more charitable act could not be performed. For the present we shall forbear giving the landlord’s name, though we almost think it a pity. However, he may rest assured we shall not lose sight of him.—Waterford Chronicle. (The same article appeared in the Dublin Weekly Register, Sat. 8 June 1824, p. 4).
1961 Parkstown, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 3 families or households in the townland of Parkstown. One family lived in Parkstown Lower and two families in Parkstown Upper. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland. Amazingly all the surnames found in Parkstown in 1961 were also present in 1833.
The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 14 people resided in the townland of Parkstown (Lower= 4; Upper= 10) with the population comprised of 5 males and 9 females. The largest family was the Butler family with 6 in the household. There was no household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Parkstown not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets[ ].
Recorded Parkstown Residents
Males= 5
Females= 9
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Parkstown was Bridget Aylward (15 May 1875-2 Feb. 1963) of Parkstown Lower. The death register provides that Bridget Aylward was 87 years of age when she died in 1963. She was listed as a single farmer. Her nephew John Aylward was present at her death. For further details on Bridget’s family see our post of 21 June 2020 concerning her brother who made headlines in 1909 when he died on his honeymoon.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 3 (2 Males; 1 Female)
Farm Workers = 2 (2 Males)
PARKSTOWN LOWER
[1] AYLWARD
Aylward, Bridget (23 Dec. 1890) Farmer
Aylward, Bridget (15 May 1875) sister-in-law “died 2 Feb. 1963”
Aylward, Mary, daughter
Aylward, Margaret, daughter
PARKSTOWN UPPER
[2] LINEGAR
Linegar, Michael (18 March 1887) Farmer “died 11 Jan. 1963”
Linegar, Bridget (11 Feb. 1881) wife “died 17 April 1964”
Linegar, Charles, son, assisting relative
Linegar, Bertie, son, assisting relative
[3] BUTLER
Butler, Thomas (21 April 1906) Farmer
Butler, Mary (4 May 1910) wife
Butler, Patrick, son, at school
Butler, Mary, daughter, child
Butler, Statia, daughter, child
Butler, Bridget, daughter, child
Dick Claridge collected some local poems and one is entitled “Charlie Linegar’s Ball” regarding a prank. See our guest author’s page to read “Charlie Linegar’s Ball” by clicking here. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) thought that the Linegars were French Huguenots. Huguenots were French protestants who fled France to avoid persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Please send any additional information, corrections or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
When Glenmore Lost Its Distinction
It is hard to believe today that Glenmore was once heralded the only Village in the country that did not have a pub. In previous posts we identified some of the early pubs in the Village and ultimately the entire parish was dry from 1906 to 1963. For information on early Village pubs, see our post of 31 March 2020. The lack of a pub led to some unusual cases where locals were charged with operating shebeens. This law was generally enforced against the poor. It was presumed alcohol was being sold when the police deemed the person in possession could otherwise not afford the alcohol. For further details on Glenmore people charged with operating shebeens see our post of 5 April 2020. Today, we are going to feature the newspaper accounts from 1963 when Glenmore lost its distinction as the only Village in the country without a pub.
Front Page Kilkenny People
On Friday the 5th of April 1963, Glenmore was splashed across the front page of the Kilkenny People under a headline “Dry Village May Get Two Pubs.” The first sentence of the article shows the lack of knowledge the jounalist had regarding Glenmore. “Glenmore’s traditional boast it never had a pub or a police-barracks may end as far as the pub aspect is concerned.” Over three years ago when we were doing the shebeen research I read this first sentence of this Kilkenny People article to Danny. I can still recall Danny’s reaction. He moved swiftly from amazement, visited annoyance and settled on dismissal. “The author,” he concluded with a smiled “hasn’t a clue.”
Just Plain Got It Wrong
Danny identified the field where the Sallies now stands as the site of the first RIC Barracks in Glenmore. The old people often spoke about its location when he was a young chap. He was not certain of the date it moved to its present location, but he noted it was before the mid-19th century. He also stated that he knew of no Glenmore man who boasted that there was no pub in the Village or Parish. Danny explained that there was a belief that many people were killed returning to Glenmore from distant pubs. It was believed that it would have been safer to have a local pub. When I queried whether the article was correct that “two pubs” were on the cards for Glenmore, Danny nodded and said that much was true.
Other Front Page Kilkenny People Articles
We then spent some time laughing at other stories on the same front page. One was entitled “Should Women Be in Public Life,” and another that caught Danny’s attention was simply entitled “A Papal Bull.” (For our non-Catholic readers a papal bull is an edict or official document issued by the Pope.) The papal bull on the front page was in reference to the fact that Ireland was presenting an Aberdeen Angus bull to the Papal Farm at Castle Gandolfo. That short article really tickled Danny.
Glenmore’s Two Applications
[1] Anastatia Walsh
Getting back to the two pubs proposed for Glenmore, the article relates that Mrs. Anastatia Walsh, of Graiguenakill, Glenmore was granted an application by Judge McD. Fawsitt for a declaration that premises she proposed to build in Glenmore Village were suitable for a pub. The application for the actual license had to go before the Circuit Court at a later date.
Getting a license to operate a pub was an expensive undertaking. Mrs. Walsh was represented by a barrister in the circuit court, various notices had to be placed in newspapers and the number of licenses across the country was limited. An existing license had to “be extinguished” before a new license could be issued. Needless to say a person with a license willing to extinguish did it for a fee.
[2] Richard “Dick” Hanrahan
At the Kilkenny Circuit Court in April 1963, a similar application was made by Richard Hanrahan of the Village. His application was adjourned to be heard in Carlow Circuit Court the following week. We did find that Richard Hanrahan placed a notice in the Munster Express (Fri. 25 Jan. 1963, p. 12) advising that on the 2nd of April he would seek a certificate from the Circuit Court allowing him to apply for an intoxicating liquor licence for premises in Glenmore. We were unable to find what happened at Carlow Circuit Court, but Dick Hanrahan never opened a pub in Glenmore.
Midleton’s Loss Was Glenmore’s Gain
Mrs. Walsh’s application was brought under Section 15 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1960. Although it was stated in the article that the Village had a population of 1,250 it was the entire parish that had that population not the Village. The article noted that Mrs. Walsh had procured the consent of two existing license holders in Midleton, Co. Cork, to the extinguishment of their licenses (Kilkenny People, Fri. 5 April 1963, p. 1).
Michael Keohan, Main Street, Midleton, testified that he was the holder of a license in Midleton and he was prepared to extinguish his license if Mrs. Walsh’s application was granted. Miss Johanna Kavanagh, Main Street, Midleton also testified that she was prepared to extinguish her license if Mrs. Walsh’s application was granted. The Judge then stated, “I hope they have not given up drinking in Midleton.” Miss Kavanagh replied that there “were still a good number of public houses there.”
Other Witnesses
Supt. W. Coonan, Thomastown, testified that the gardai had no objection to Mrs. Walsh’s application. The plans for the proposed premises had been submitted to him, and he considered they were satisfactory.
Michael J. Shalloe, a Waterford architect, testified that Glenmore was ten miles from Waterford and as far as he could judge the nearest licensed premises would be four and a half to five miles away in Slieverue.
Mrs. Walsh told the court that if her application was granted she would run the business herself.
Munster Express
The journalist from the Munster Express was a bit more knowledgeable concerning Glenmore, but still managed to confuse the Village with the Parish. On the same date of publication, the Munster Express placed its article on page 16 while the Kilkenny People placed it on the front page. In its article entitled “Glenmore Loses Its Distinction,” the Munster Express explained that “after a lapse of just over 100 years, the parish reputed to be the only one in Ireland without a “pub” is again to have a licensed premises. The Village was without a pub, but the parish had a licensed pub until 1906. Citing the Licensed Vintner’s March issue, the Munster Express noted “the last pub in Glenmore was closed just over a hundred years ago by a decree of the then parish priest” (Munster Express, Fri. 5 April 1963, p. 16). The article ironically ended with the fact that the Glenmore district was renowned for its malting barley contracts for Guinness, Smithwicks and other breweries and distilleries.
Correction by Kilkenny People
After its front page article of 5 April 1963 the Kilkenny People on 26 April 1963 attempted to correct its earlier article. Ignoring the fact that it got the information concerning the police barracks incorrect, it did attempt to address the widely held belief that Mrs. Walsh’s establishment would be the first licensed premises in Glenmore Village. “However, this is not the case as a seven day licence was held by the late Mr. J. Kirwan, of Scartnamore, Glenmore. The licence was withdrawn 57 years ago in 1906,” when an RIC sergeant caught a housewife leaving the premises with a “can” of beer, before opening time on a Sunday morning.” (Fri. 26 April 1963, p. 8). Needless to say Scartnamore is not in the Village of Glenmore, cans of beer were not available in 1906, and there were pubs in the Village of Glenmore prior to c. 1870 when Masses were disrupted and the parish priest caused the pubs to close their doors.
Grand Opening
The long awaited Glenmore Village pub opened in November 1963. Notwithstanding its popularity in the press earlier in the year, very little was written about its opening. The Waterford News & Star in its Clover Meats Column wrote that “during opening night at the new local pub at Glenmore last Friday, Mick Morrissey, Bacon Dept, was the first to tap out a hornpipe on the new floor” (Fri. 15 Nov. 1963, p. 12).
The Munster Express also published a few lines. “New pub opened for the first time in many years—a new licensed premises opened in Glenmore village on Friday night last and good patronage is being accorded the new enterprise. The proprietoress (sic) is Mrs. Anastasia Walsh” (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Nov. 1963, p. 10).
Distinctive Glenmore Discussed in New York
Perhaps the most unusual article appeared in the Evening Herald written by a correspondent in New York in May 1964 just six months after the grand opening. The correspondent stated that he had the pleasure of meeting a young hurler, Mike Duggan, of Glenmore ”which he described as a “fair sized town” near New Ross. “Mike who hurls for Kilkenny, told me an interesting fact about Glenmore. The fair sized town never had a pub until last year. Mike is a Pioneer” (7 May 1964, p. 12).
Anastatia Walsh née Doherty (c. 1907-1972)
Anastatia Walsh continued to operate the pub from 1963 until her death in June 1972 at the age of 65. She was a native of Rosbercon and was the widow of James Walsh (c. 1901-1958). James Walsh was a native of Glenmore and was the Captain of the Glenmore Company of the old IRA. In 1933 he joined An Garda Siochana and was serving in Limerick where he died in 1958. He was survived by Anastatia and two sons and two daughters. James’s obituary can be viewed on our W Family page by clicking here.
After Anastatia’s death the pub was operated by her son Sean Walsh (c. 1936-1995) for a time, and Sean sold the pub to Mickey Barron. We are happy to report that the Glen Bar has survived COVID and continues to operate in Glenmore Village and is run by Pat Barron.
See our post of 7 April 2022 featuring a recording made by John Ennett entitled, “Dancing at Sean Walsh’s.”
Please send any photos, corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. For anyone who hasn’t visited Glenmore in a while I did not crop the photo of the pub because it shows the recent addition of road and parking lines as well as the patio area in the front of the pub.
Update 8 May 2023: A reader contacted me to state that the village of Annestown, Co. Waterford has never had a pub. However according to Annestown Heritage Trail From Battles to Tranquility (p. 5) Annestown once had 5 pubs! A local magistrate in the early 1800’s ordered all the pubs closed because they were used as meeting places for local gangs.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Mullinahone, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Mullinahone, Glenmore, around 1961. Over the years the spelling of Mullinahone, similar to other townlands, has varied and included Mullenahone. Mullinahone is located in the Civil Parish of Kilmakevoge.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 116) is Mullan na h-uamhan, or hillock of the cave. The townland is comprised of 295 acres. O’Kelly notes that “there was a mill on the Glenmore river which rises in Ballynaraha and flows into the Barrow at Ballyverneen. The site of a castle which was levelled circa 1800 is in the Castle field a few fields west of Glenmore chapel. Another field is Moin fhluich.” Danny recorded that Muínlucs was the area of Mullinahone near the Ballybrahee bridge. For further information on Glenmore Castles see our previous post of 8 July 2021.
The Tithe Applotment Books 1833
The Applotment Books record 5 tenants in the townland. The Mullinahone tenants listed in the 1833 Applotment Book include: [1] Richard Phelan, 119 acres; [2] Kyran Mullins, 29 acres; [3] Pat Grace, 6 acres; [4] James Aylward, 16 acres and [5] Thomas Aylward & [6] James Aylward, 21 acres. “These lands are held from the Earl of Bessorough by Mr. Richard Phelan.”
1961 Mullinahone, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 4 families or households in the townland of Mullinahone. The only surname recorded in Griffith’s in 1833 that was recorded in 1961 (and is still present today) is the Phelan family. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland.
The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 13 people resided in the townland of Mullinahone with the population comprised of 7 males and 6 females. The largest families were the Walsh/Murphy and Phelan families which each had 4 members in the two households. There was no household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Mullinahone not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets[ ].
Recorded Residents
Males = 7
Females= 6
Eldest Recorded Resident
Walsh, Patrick (31 Oct. 1899-30 July 1965) who was only 62 in 1961 was the oldest resident recorded in Mullinahone, Glenmore. Update: Patrick was buried with his in-laws the Condons. The inscription on the stone states that he died on 30 July 1965 at the age of 53 or it might be 63. Special thanks to Patty Brown for locating the information on the Condon stone. Patrick’s wife, Catherine “Kate” Walsh née Condon died on 9 December 1971 at the age of 71. The death register reveals that Patrick Walsh was 65 when he died in 1965. His daughter Kathleen Murphy was present at his death.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 (2 males)
Farm Labourer= 1 (1 male)
Creamery worker = 1 (1 male)
Builder= 1 (1 male)
MULLINAHONE RESIDENTS (1961)
[1] MACKEY
Mackey, John (28 Oct. 1908) Farm Labourer
Mackey, Bridget (28 Nov. 1908) wife
Mackey, Patrick, son
[2] WALSH/MURPHY
Walsh, Patrick (31 Oct. 1899) Retired Creamery Worker “dead” [died 1965]
Walsh, Catherine (4 June 1900) wife [died 1971]
Murphy, Walter, son-in-law, builder [c. 1918-1995]
Murphy, Kitty, daughter [c. 1929-2011]
[3] CORCORAN
Corcoran, Patrick (24 April 1911) Farmer [died 6 Jan. 1970, aged 58]
Corcoran, Catherine (b. 1919) wife [née McDonald died 30 March 2013, aged 94]
[4] PHELAN
Phelan, Michael (b. 1920) Farmer
Phelan, Mary (b. 1923) wife
Phelan, Bridget, daughter, child
Phelan, John Joseph, son, child
Further Information
“South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club, ” (Munster Express, Fri. 6 Feb. 1976, p.1)
Paddy Mackey, of Mullinahone, Glennmore was the Founder and later Hon. Secretary of the of the South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club. In 1976, Paddy was elected Hon. Secretary of the Irish Hot Rod Racing Federation, the governing body of the sport, at its annual general meeting, held in Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Paddy was educated at the Glenmore National School and C.B.S., New Ross. He was married, the father of three children, and employed at the Sunraised Fruit Co. Ltd., Waterford.
See our post of 12 September 2021 regarding Mullinahone native, Patrick Condon (1898-1989).
The carved stone head featured above was found in Mullinahone, Glenmore and is in Danny Dowling’s collection.
Please send corrections and additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: March 1923
Although the Civil War continued in March 1923 there were spells of comparative quiet interrupted by attacks. On Monday, 5 March after such a period of quiet every military post in Dublin city came under a simultaneous attack (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 March 1923, p. 5).
By the middle of March 1923, there was widespread belief in Dublin that the country was near the end of the Civil war. Although the public generally believed that the policy of executions was abandoned, in fact, they continued. In Wexford three executions were carried out during the week of 16 March arising from an armed raid on 15 February. All three of the men were volunteers in the War of Independence. One of the executions clearly illustrates the horror of civil war where brother is pitted against brother. John Creane, aged 19, of Clonerane, Taghmon, was executed in Wexford in March 1923. He had one brother in the Free State Army and another in the Civic Guards (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 March 1923, p. 6).
Today, we are going to feature the local events of March 1923.
Attack Near Glenmore Station
On Monday the 5th at about 8:30 p.m. a mixed passenger and goods train, was ambushed as it travelled near the Aylwardstown station.
Over a distance of 700 yards fire was opened on the train from both sides of the railway line by a large party of Irregulars. The passenger section of the train contained military and civilian passengers, and it was peppered with bullets. The glass in several of the doors and windows was smashed. When the firing started, the military on the train took whatever cover was available and returned fire. They were successful in driving back the attackers. No casualties were suffered by the troops, but it was presumed some of the Irregulars were wounded.
The six or seven passengers had a “most unnerving experience.” During the shooting they remained on the carriage floors. The noise of the attack, which lasted about ten minutes, was heard in the city. When attacked the train was travelling at a fast speed over a stretch of level road. The driver and fireman remained at their posts although unsheltered they escaped injury while they managed to deliver their train and freight at Waterford close to the scheduled time. (Freeman’s Journal, Wed. 7 March 1923, p. 4 & Munster Express, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 3). The Derry Journal (Wed. 7 March 1923, p. 5) reported one civilian was wounded.
Other local attacks on the railway included a raid on the Mullinavat railway station on 1 March where the armed men unsuccessfully attempted to burn the signal cabin (Kilkenny People, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 5). Irregular operations at the Bennetsbridge railway station were more successful; it was destroyed by fire (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 March 1923, p. 8). On the 18th armed men attempted to burn the signal cabin at the Dungarvan railway station, but the fire was put out by the military. The signal cabin was not used for over 8 months before the attempted fire (The Waterford News, Fri. 23 March 1923, p. 5).
A raid also was carried out on the Waterford (G.S.W.R.) goods yard on Monday. Around midnight armed men entered the yard and held up the inspector and night staff. The raiders then ransacked wagons loaded with goods awaiting transit from Waterford. Fourteen wagons were broken into and goods scattered in disorder around the yard. Goods were stolen but no estimate of value was provided (The Waterford News, Fri. 23 March 1923, p. 3).
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Local Battles
A two-hour battle took place between National troops and Irregulars north east of Mullinavat on Thursday morning between Smithstown, Glenpipe and Listerlin. Two columns of national troops were in the district. One came from Kilkenny City and the other from Waterford. The Kilkenny troops came in contact with the Irregulars at Glenpipe, where they had outposts. The National troops captured one outpost with no fight, but the Irregulars became aware of their presence and opened fire. The Waterford column, advanced from the opposite direction. Rifle and machine guns were used by both the National troops and Irregulars. Three Kilkenny National soldiers were slightly wounded. The casualties on the Irregular side were not known. Six Irregulars were captured (Munster Express, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 5).
A sharp attack was made on the New Ross military posts on the night of the 21st. The shooting lasted nearly 90 minutes (The Waterford News, Fri. 23 March 1923, p. 5). “The miniature effigy of a pig over the old bacon factory on the New Ross Quay was pieced through the centre by a bullet” during the attack (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 March 1923, p. 7).
At Glenmore (Co. Waterford) within 3 miles of Dungarvan, the military found a large quantity of arms and ammunition concealed under a bee hive (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 March 1923, p. 8.)
Raids and Attacks on other Infrastructure
On the road from Dungarvan to Waterford more bridges were destroyed early in the month. Cars traveling between Waterford and Dungarvan were obliged to go by Ballyvoile, which “is rather dangerous, as the cliff road is much cut up…” and lorries could not use it safely (Munster Express, Sat, 3 March 1923, p. 6).
Some post offices in the New Ross District were raided and money and stamps taken (New Ross Standard, Fri.9 March 1923, p. 5). In Kilkenny post offices were raided at Bennetsbridge and Nine-Mile-House by armed men. On 1 March armed men smashed the telegraph machinery. On the evening of the 5th armed men again entered the Nine-Mile-House post office, burned the cash account book and all official forms. They departed with 9 shillings in cash, a similiar amount in stamps, and £16 in postal orders (Kilkenny People, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 5).
Stately Homes Burned
During the War of Independence several stately homes belonging to the Anglo-Irish aristocrats or British sympathisers were burned. However, commencing in late February 1923 the homes of T.D.’s, civil servants etc. were targeted. Below we have highlighted some of the homes destroyed in Kilkenny and Wexford during this period.
Lord Bessborough’s mansion near Piltown was burned. The damage to the house and furnishings was estimated at £100,000. Ratepayers of each county were responsible for all damage caused by burnings after 6 February 1923. The State paid the awards for the damages done prior to that date. Bessborough House was destroyed about midnight by armed men, who came with petrol and all the necessary paraphernalia for a big fire. Only a few servants were in the house and “prevailed of the opportunity presented to clear out.” “The flames leaped at times to a height of 60 feet over the highest part of the mansion. All the contents of the house were burned, and nothing but the gaunt, charred walls”… remained (Munster Express, Sat. 3 March 1923, p. 6) Lord Bessborough who was known as Fred Ponsonby, was one of the landlords of Glenmore.
Ballynastragh House, near Gorey in Co. Wexford, the home of Sir Thomas Esmonde (1862-1935) was burned on 9 March 1923 by Irregulars (Kilkenny People, Sat. 17 March 1923, p. 7).
Wilton Castle, the residence of Captain P.C. Alcock, situated about 3 miles from Enniscorthy was burned to the ground on Monday the 5th by armed men. It was the fourth mansion in the Enniscothy area to be burned. The New Ross Standard recounted that Wilton Castle was the seat of the Alcock family for 250 years. After the 1807 election for an MP for Co. Wexford. William C. Alcock, of Wilton Castle, challenged John Colclough, of Tintern Abbey, to a duel over some remarks Colclough made. Colclough was engaged to marry Alcock’s sister. The duel proceeded, and Colclough was shot dead. Alcock became insane through grief and after lingering six years died 4 September 1813 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 March 1923, p. 4).
For further information on the 250 mansions burned or bombed see The Irish Times.
Arrests & Surrenders
Around the middle of the month it was reported that over 208 Irish men and women were arrested in England and Scotland. All the persons taken into custody in England were conveyed under escort to Liverpool and placed aboard the British cruiser Castor which sailed to Ireland. The people arrested in Scotland were put aboard two destroyers: the Wolfhound and the Victory and they too set out for Ireland (Kilkenny People, Sat. 17 March 1923, p. 7).
Closer to Glenmore the following arrests were published. Eamonn Aylward, a former anti-Treaty T.D. was arrested near Windgap and removed to Kilkenny military barracks. He was released a couple days later, but the terms of his release were not provided. National troops operating at Glenpipe, arrested a man named Reidy (Kilkenny People, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 5).
Some anti-Treaty soldiers decided to surrender and take the oath. One “well known” Irregular surrendered to the military in Kilkenny with his arms and having undertaken to cease activities was allowed to return home. An Irregular named Thomas Ryan, Kilbrahan, New Ross, surrendered to the New Ross garrison with arms (Kilkenny People, Sat. 31 March 1923, p. 6).
The newspapers also attempted to track prisoner movements. For example, about 100 prisoners were transferred from Kilkenny Prison during the last week of the month (Kilkenny People, Sat. 31 March 1923, p. 6) and an unknown number of prisoners were removed from Waterford prison on the 28th (The Waterford News, Fri. 30 March 1912, p. 11).
Waterford Axe Murder
In February we highlighted the gruesome axe murder of Mrs. Anne Devereaux and her eleven-month-old daughter Kathleen at No. 29 Slievekeale Road in Waterford City. The victim’s brother-in-law, William Devereaux, was charged with the murders and in early March a preliminary hearing was held where Devereaux entered a plea of not guilty (The Waterford News, 2 March 1923, p. 2 & Munster Express, Sat. 3 March 1923, p. 6). See our previous post of 20 February 2023 for further details of the murder.
Glenmore Football
The Kilkenny County Final Senior Football match between Glenmore and Cottierstown was to be played on Sunday the 10th. It did not take place because the Cottierstown team did not show up at Knocktopher to play. The Glenmore team showed up ready to play. “The matter was to be discussed at the next meeting of the County Board (Munster Express, Sat. 24 March 1923, p. 3).
On 25 March at Mullinavat Glenmore was to play the Barrow Rovers in the final Southern Division Kilkenny Junior Football Championship (Kilkenny People, Sat. 24 March 1923, p. 9). “It was a grand contested game. The scores at half time were one point each.” The ending scores were Tullogher 1 goal, 4 points to Glenmore 1 point. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 March 1923, p. 6).
The Glenmore Football Club passed votes of sympathy with Messrs. Thomas Forrestal and James Roche, two respected members in their recent bereavement (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 March 1923, p. 6). Another local death reported was Joseph Gaule, a publican of Big Wood on the 7th of March. His funeral went to Kilmacow and was largely attended (Munster Express, Sat. 10 March 1923, p. 5). A review of the death registrar reveals that Joseph Gaule was only 40 years of age, a married farmer/publican and living at Fahee. His brother-in-law, James Hobin, was present when he died of a suspected heart attack.
Farming & Fishing
The Waterford Fair of March 1923 was held at Ballybricken on Monday the 5th where buyers were in large attendance. Yealings sold at £7 to £10, two year olds sold from £12 to £16 and up to £18, while mutton sold for 1/6 to 1/8 per lb. Trade in cows and bulls was dull. There was a fair demand for a good supply of pigs and the horse fair was small (The Waterford News, Fri. 9 March 1923, p. 5).
The amount of rainfall in February 1923 caused great difficulty for farmers. In February 1923, 8.62 inches rain fell. The average of 20 years ending 1922 was 4.12 inches. Prior to February 1923, the previous record was set in 1904 of 7.77 inches (The Waterford News, Fri. 9 March 1923, p. 5). On the other hand, the massive rain is credited with improving fishing. Barrow fishermen reported that salmon were favourable. At Graiguenamanagh salmon were fetching 3s. per pound (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 March 1923, p. 7).
Lastly, it was reported that an expert was lecturing famers that the use of nicotine, obtained from home grown tobacco, could be used to cure sheep scab and to kill the warble fly which caused over £1,500,000 damages annually (Kilkenny People, Sat. 31 March 1923, p. 5).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing above is of the Celtic Cross Stamp issued by the Free State Government for St. Patrick’s Day 1923 (Freeman’s Journal, Fri. 16 March 1923, p. 7).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Pat Green (b.c. 1949) of the Glenmore Cycling Club
Recently Ger Barry shared some photos of the Fermoy Open Sports Day circa 1973. Pat Green, of the Glenmore Cycling Club, was in the final and racing for gold. It was reported in 1973 that Pat Green was not competing that year (Evening Echo, Thurs. 26 July 1973, p. 12). We did, however, find that Pat Green was in the finals at both the 1971 and 1972 Fermoy Open Sports Day.
The early 1970’s were an exciting time for cycling as young men such as Pat Green, Willie Baggott (Limerick) and Pat Walsh (Glenmore) were bursting onto the racing scene. Although all the newspaper articles spelled Pat’s family name as Greene a quick check of the family headstone records the name as Green. To view our previous article regarding The Glenmore Cycling Club, see our post of 22 August 2022.
Commenced Competing
Pat Green, a farmer from Jamestown, Glenmore was a member of the Glenmore Cycling Club. In 1971 at the age of 22 he began to compete in track cycling races with only 12 months experience. Due to the lack of keen track competition in Kilkenny, and surrounding counties, he became a regular rider at Cork fixtures in 1971 (Irish Examiner, Mon. 9 August 1971, p. 11).
In early April 1971 he competed in the 50 kilometre road race, under ICF rules, which was promoted by the Glenmore Cycling Club. This road race was won by Donal Crowley a Ballincollig rider who won in an exciting finish with Pat Hegarty (Fermoy). Donal Crowley won by a wheel. The newspaper reported that “Local rider Pat Green was caught with just 200 yards to go” (Cork Weekly Examiner, Thurs. 8 April 1971, p. 9).
Fermoy Open Sports Day 1971
There were four heats leading to the mile Irish Championship final at Fermoy in early June 1971. Heat 1 was won by Pat Greene (Glenmore) with Peter Hegarty (Fermoy) second. In Heat 4 another Glenmore man competed, D. Walsh who came in third.
In 1971 Willie Baggott, a 24-year-old Limerick motor mechanic “stole a march on more fancied opponents to lift his first Irish cycling championship at Fermoy under BLE and ICF rules.” Baggot was a member of the newly formed Shannon Wheelers club and won the ½ mile and mile races. The former Phoenix Road club rider was not a favourite. More experienced men like Eddie Dunne, Round Towers, Dublin; Mick Kelly of Galway, Mick Kingston of Hilltown’s and the Fermoy representatives were favoured.
Baggott caught Dunne the Round Towers star by surprise in the mile. The final was an anti-climax with Baggott much too strong for Kingston, “Patsey Greene of Glenmore” and Fermoy’s Mick O’Connor (Cork Weekly Examiner, Thurs. 10 June 1971, p. 9).
Doubles at Ballyduff and Ballyhooly
A month after Fermoy Pat raced at Ballyduff Upper and completed a double by winning the one mile and two-mile cycling events. In the mile scratch he easily beat Peter Hegarty (Fermoy) and he came home in similar style against his clubmate, Pat Walsh, in the three mile open handicap (Irish Examiner, Thurs. 8 July 1971, p. 13).
On 2 August 1971 Pat won a silver medal in the national five-mile championship at Youghal. On the 8th Pat won his first Irish senior track cycling championship at Ballyhooley Open Sports Day under BLE and ICF rules. At Ballyhooley he reduced the opposition “to tatters, such was his power on the testing 400 metre circuit in later stages. Youghal’s Gerry Geary forced the pace and had a 50-metre lead with a little over half of a mile remaining.
All eyes were on Willie Baggot, the Limerick winner of three titles earlier in the year, when Pat Green and John Hegarty (Fermoy) broke clear of the pack to chase Geary.” The rest of the field did not react. Six hundred metres from home “the powerful Kilkenny man hit the front. In the final circuit nobody could match his strong pedalling into the wind in the back straight and he flashed across the line the easiest of winners,” Irish Examiner, Mon. 9 August 1971, p. 11).
Fermoy Open Sports Day 1972
Cycling events took premier position in the 1972 Fermoy Open Sports day although the weather was reported as unfavourable (Corkman, Sat. 17 June 1972, p. 11). After four qualifying heats the line up for the half-mile final was comprised of Willie Baggott (Limerick). Sylvie Murphy (Hilltown), who edged out the fancied Eddie Dunne of Round Towns in the second heat. Pat Green (Glenmore) was the winner of the third heat and local star John Hegarty was the fourth finalist.
Sylvie Murphy took the quarter through the bell and held the advantage until 150 yards from home. Baggot swept by on the outside to go on to win by 1.5 lengths clear. John Hegarty, who had been hemmed in came with a late flurry to pip the gallant Sylvie Murphy at the line for the silver (Irish Examiner, Mon. 12 June 1972, p. 11).
Five Mile National Track Champion 1972
In July 1972, Pat Green as the holder of the 1971 Five Mile National Track Title was the favourite in 1971 (Nationalist & Leinster Times, Fri. 14 July 1972, p. 14). Pat went on to win the five-mile championship for the second successive year (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Nov. 1972, p. 19).
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history.com.
Special thanks to Ger Barry for sharing the photos from the Fermoy Open Sports Meeting. He believes that the photos show Pat Green (Glenmore); Frank O’Sullivan (Fermoy); the third person is unknown but could be Paddy Flanagan (of Midlands Cycling Club) and Willie Baggot (Shannon Wheelers). “All were racing for the Gold All Ireland Championship” at the Fermoy Open Sports Meeting. In the black and white featured photo above Ger identified Pat Green, ?, Mick Kingston and Willie Baggott
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh