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
Glenmore Man Killed 120 Years Ago on the U.S.S. Bennington
-
Maurice Hennebry (1859-1917) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore—Killed on the S.S. Formby
-
Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
-
From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
-
November Updates
-
A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
-
Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) Parish Priest of Glenmore
-
Glenmore Walking Tour 2025
-
Interviews of Andrew Heffernan (1893-1975) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
-
Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
One Hundred Years Ago: April 1922
A review of the local newspapers revealed that while crime continued to be a problem across the country fewer criminal events were reported in local newspapers in April 1922. As the Free State set about governing, in April 1922 it encountered various difficulties from political meetings being disrupted to evicted farmers seeking redress in the newly established Irish Free State courts. A 25 year old Glenmore eviction case was such a case that made its way into the new Irish courts.
Disruption of Pro-Treaty Meetings
On the first of the month the Munster Express (Sat. 1 April 1922, p. 2) published an article describing a Pro-Treaty meeting held in Waterford. Michael Collins was accompanied by Joe McGrath, Sean Milroy and Ernest Blythe. The anti-Treaty side cut the railway signal lines which caused the speakers’ train to be delayed in arriving. When the meeting did commence De Valera spoke without disturbance, yet the Free State speakers were subjected to what the newspaper described as persistent and organised interruption by a party of 50 to 60 young men and women who sang and cheered drowning out the speakers. When Collins and the other speakers set off for Dungarvan the roads were blocked making them take a longer route. Upon arriving they were standing on a lorry and beginning to address the crowd when a man jumped into the lorry and attempted to drive off with Collins and his fellow pro-Treaty speakers.
On the 9th of April a “monster” pro-Treaty meeting was scheduled for Wexford. The Dublin and South Eastern Railway in support of the Treaty offered special fare to a Monster Meeting. Michael Collins was also scheduled to address this meeting. The special train left Waterford at 10:30 and Glenmore at 10:47. A third class return fare cost 4 shillings (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 April 1922, p. 1). Not content to cause a delay to the speakers, on this occasion two sections of track were removed which would have derailed the Dublin train except for the fact that a railway ganger while walking the track early that morning discovered the sabotage.
Co. Kilkenny Registered Voters
There were 34,297 voters on the 1922-23 Register of Co. Kilkenny. The number of voters registered in each of the polling districts were published and here are a local selection: Glenmore, 1517; Kilmacow 2,229; Mullinavat, 1,221; Piltown, 2,228; and Thomastown, 1,712. The Co. Kilkenny registrar was H.H. Langrishe, Clerk of the Peace assisted by Fred Chambers (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 April 1922, p. 4).
Glenmore Women in the News
The Community of Mount Carmel, New Ross, acknowledged receipt of subscriptions and gifts from 8 April 1922…nearly half the page of the newspaper contained the long list of donors, and within the list were the following Glenmore donors: Mrs. Duggan, Glenmore, 10 s; Mrs. Breen, Glenmore, potatoes and eggs; Mrs. Hynes, Glenmore, potatoes and eggs. Friends that promised farm produce were asked to deliver it to the Convent by the 15th (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 April 1922, p. 8).
Monument for Sean Hartley
“Steps are being taken to erect a monument to the late Sean Hartley, Glenmore, 5th Batt., Co. Kilkenny I.R.A., and who was killed in the Coolbawn ambush on last June. A month ago the people of the Co. Kilkenny and Wexford, and some from Carlow for the second time demonstrated their love and veneration for a brave soldier who gave his life for his country, by attending in large numbers at Glenmore when the remains were removed to the family grave almost facing the church door in the beautiful cemetery where lie the ashes of one who was gentle as a child yet brave as a lion in battle for his country’s cause. Trustees for the fund have been appointed, and there is no doubt but everyone who knew brave Sean Hartley and the thousands who heard of him will contribute toward the erection of a monument worthy of the man” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 April 1922, p. 7).
Ship Wreck in New Ross
In early April a steamer with 160 tons of flour arrived from Liverpool. The cargo was for John Butler a merchant on John Street, New Ross. While the ship was berthed at New Ross it snaped its mooring, turned on its side, got stuck and when the tide came in the water swept over it. An attempt was made by the town fire engine to pump the water from the engine room and after two hours work it had to be stopped (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 April 1922, p. 3). The cargo was estimated to be worth £3,000, and 40 tons were pulled from the vessel and placed on the quay. The flour disappeared and at the next tide several bags of flour floated from the vessel and the newspaper described the scene of poor people rushing to secure the floating bags. Several people proceeded up the town with ten stone bags of flour on their backs and water dripping from the bags. “Loads of flour were sold to farmers by people in the town, and it was reported that some of it exchanged hands at prices from 3s. to 10s. per bag (New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 April 1921, p. 3).
25 Year Old Glenmore Eviction Case
In the District Court of the Thomastown Courthouse a 90-year-old Glenmore man, Michael Walsh, and his daughter Mary Anne Walsh, sued Matthew Cottrell, of Ballycroney, Glenmore for compensation. The case was heard by: George Dooley (chair); Commandant J. Walsh; J.F. Drennan, Co. C.; Michael Delahunty and Sean O’Duffy (representing the Minister for Home Affairs). Both parties were represented by solicitors. The proceedings commenced with the solicitors stating that the parties agreed to have the justices hear the case. “This case is brought by arbitration—friendly arbitration—by two Irish people before an Irish court.” It was noted that previously evicted people began seeking redress and the Government of Ireland had to issue an order on the 20th June, 1920, preventing any claims regarding land to be made in Ireland. The court in April 1922 was being asked to decide the right of a tenant farmer, Michael Walsh, who was evicted from his 42 acre Glenmore farm 25 years previously.
Walsh, his wife and daughter were evicted by their landlord Strangman when 3 years’ rents were unpaid. Walsh’s solicitor explained, “It was not through the plan of campaign that he was evicted. If you cast your minds back to that period you will recollect at the time there was a terrible disease raging amongst cattle, and this poor man’s cattle died, one by one, until he had none left. As a consequence, he was unable to pay his rent and was evicted, and the farm was taken possession of by the present defendant, who is now before the court and is prepared to pay any compensation that the court may decide.” Walsh testified that the farm was boycotted after his eviction. He went to the landlord with a years’ rent but his landlord had rented the farm to Cottrell.
The most interesting aspect of the case was the testimony of Mary Anne Walsh who admitted on cross examination to having sent threatening letters to the defendant Cottrell. She had in one letter included an article where a man who occupied an evicted farm was executed by the I.R.A. in Tipperary. She wrote that what happened to him would happen to Cottrell. After admitting that she sent the letter she was asked if it was still her honest conviction and she said that it was. However, she agreed that she would abide with whatever the court ruled. The justices deliberated, and the chairman announced that they had decided to dismiss the claim (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 April 1922, p. 10).
Glenmore Deaths
DEATH OF MR. MICHAEL MAHER, GLENMORE—On Thursday last there was interred at Glenmore one of the fine old Type of South Kilkenny men, in the person of Mr. Michael Maher. Deceased, who had attained a fine old age, was most esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was father of the late Mr. John Maher, formerly of the firm of Power Brothers, drapers, Waterford. R.I.P. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 April 1922, p. 5). The death register reveals that Michael Maher was 82 years of age, was a widower, living at Rochestown, Glenmore and his son Michael was present when he died on 11 April 1922.
DEATH OF MRS. JOHANNA AYLWARD, GLENMORE—The death occurred of Mrs. Johanna Aylward, mother of the Very Rev. R. [Richard] Aylward, President St. Kieran’s College, at her residence, Ballinclare, Glenmore on Friday April 7th. She had attained her 88th year. She was devotedly attended to by the priests of the parish during her last illness. The funeral, which was very largely attended, took place to the family burial place in Glenmore. Solemn Requiem Office and Mass were celebrated at Glenmore. Right Rev. Mgr. Doyle, D.D., P.P., VG presided. The celebrant was Very Rev. R. Aylward, son of deceased. There was a large attendance of clergy (Munster Express, Sat. 22 April 1922, p. 5). The death register reveals that Johanna Aylward was a farmer’s widow and her son John was present when she died.
Blog Update—over the next few weeks we hope to expand the blog to publish some lists Danny Dowling compiled in 1960/1961 regarding Glenmore residents as well as photos and other items we hope that will be of interest to readers.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Miscarriage of Justice? The Case of Patrick Aylward of Rochestown, Mullinavat (1860-1935)
In addition to Glenmore related information Danny Dowling also collected a vast amount of information concerning people and events in nearby parishes and cities. Today, we are going to highlight the unusual case of Patrick Aylward, of Rochestown, Mullinavat who was accused of murdering the 18 month- old child of a neighbour. This case generated lurid headlines, questionable trial tactics and undoubtedly was the subject of conversation for quite some time in Glenmore and other local parishes.
Patrick Aylward (bapt. 7 April 1860) was the son of James Aylward and his wife, Nancy Delahunty of Rochestown, Mullinavat. Patrick had six known siblings: [1] John Aylward (bapt. 30 June 1849) [his mother on the baptismal record is recorded as Nancy Carroll]; [2] William Aylward (14 Aug. 1853-20 Oct. 1922); [3] Mary Aylward (bapt. 24 July 1856); [4] Mary Aylward (bapt. 7 July 1858); [5] Bridget Aylward (bapt. 21 March 1862); [6] Edward Aylward (b. 17 Sept. 1863).
Per the 1911 Census only William and John Aylward were living on the farm at Rochestown, Mullinavat. William’s age was recorded at 58 and John’s was recorded as 62. Patrick had emigrated to the US where he lived in Connecticut until he returned to Ireland to help his two brothers. William died in 1922 shortly after Patrick’s return after 39 years in the US.
The Inquest
Most of the information concerning the inquest regarding the death of William Holden was gleaned from the Munster Express (Sat. 12 May 1923, p. 5) and the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 5 May 1923, p. 8).
On the 21st of April 1923 William Holden, aged 18 months, the youngest of 9 children, suffered horrific burns to his back and arms. At the time the child was burned he had been left in the care of his 8 year old brother Patrick Holden. At five in the evening the mother, Mary Holden née Franklin left her four younger children in the care of 8 year-old Patrick. She told the Coroner that she went to Lisronan, about a quarter of a mile from her house to allegedly obtain an outfit for one of her children’s Confirmation. Although the country was turbulent she left the children alone and instructed Patrick to lock the door behind her. She alleged that William was in a bed not far from the fire, but although he was 18 months-old he could not walk or creep around the small house. At the time she left the children her husband, John Holden was at work. John Holden (c. 1862-1924) worked for James Malone, a farmer in Rochestown.
Mary Holden née Franklin stated that there was no fire screen; it was an open grate fireplace. The family burned wood. When she left the house she said that the fire was almost out. When asked whether the child had gotten out of bed and fallen into the kitchen fire she said it was impossible because the child could not walk or creep. She said that the other children could not lift him onto the fire. She said her husband came and told her that Willie was burned. She went home and found him in bed with burns. Her husband went to summon Dr. Coughlan of Waterford. She stated that her son Patrick said that Patrick Aylward had placed Willie on the fire. She testified that she had not been on good terms with Patrick Aylward for a long time. They had a row over a spring on Aylward’s land and there was a dispute where he accused her children of removing a stick from a gap. She alleged that he threw a stone at her and stated “I have great suspicion because I think the man would do anything. He struck me last November for little or no cause.”
Patrick Holden did not answer the Coroner when he was asked if he understood what it was to take an oath. The Coroner took the child’s unsworn testimony. The child testified that he did not go to school and was not able to write his name. The child testified that Patrick Aylward came to the door, knocked, came in without saying anything and put Willie on the fire. The child testified that Willie did not scream and that Aylward was only in the house a few minutes. When he left he lifted Willie off the fire and doused his clothes with water and put him in the bed. When another man came to the door he did not let him in and when his father came in from work he told him what happened. The father, John Holden admitted that he had been in a mental institution for two years and that another child of the family had suffered severe burns and died.
Mr. Healy one of the inquest jurors questioned the evidence. The mother stated that the boy Patrick could not lift the child onto the fire, but Patrick Holden stated that he lifted the child off of the fire.
Patrick Aylward testified that he was a farmer and resided at Rochestown, Mullinavat. He testified that from four o’clock he was with his brother and a friend taking care of a sick cow. He stated that he did not visit Holden’s house. Patrick Aylward stated that the last time he was at the Holden’s house was about five months previously when her boys were chasing his sow. He went to tell the mother to keep her boys from chasing his sow, and he alleged that she hit him in the head with a scrubbing brush. He said that he hit her back. “I have nothing against her; she may have it against me.” Although the Holdens had access to other water he allowed them to use a spring on his land. Previously he had threatened to stop them using the well if her children did not stop using his spring well for their toilet.
On Sunday, the father John Holden went to Patrick Aylward and accused him of putting his child on the fire. “Really I thought the man was crazy that was the first I knew of the child being burned. I didn’t believe it because I thought the man was crazy. I didn’t believe it until I saw the doctor come there….as far as I know this is the second child that was burned… I can not believe that any man would be guilty of taking a child and putting it in the fire to burn.” Aylward went on to state that he could not bear to look at a child burning on the fire not to say to do it himself. A charge like that should not be brought against a man.
Dr. Coughlan did not travel to Mullinavat until Sunday morning. He knocked on the Holden door but there was no answer. He saw Patrick Aylward and asked him where the Holden’s lived. Patrick Aylward stated that the father had accused him of putting a child in the fire, but he thought the man was crazy. The doctor returned to the Holden home and Mary eventually answered the door. He sent the burned child to Kilkenny Hospital where he died later that day.
The Coroner supposed they were all inclined to sympathise with the parents, but he did not know whether they should sympathise with the mother having regard to the fact that she left this little child and two other little children in the charge of a boy 8 years and 7 months old.
The jury retired, and after a short absence returned with a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony—“that the deceased died from shock and toxaemia as a result of burns received” but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the child came to get into the fire. “Mr. Healy—we consider that it is a matter for further investigation by the Civic Guard.”
The sequel to the inquest was that Patrick Aylward was arrested by the Civic Guard on a warrant for murder. He was brought before Mr. Molloy, District Justice, at a special court in Waterford Courthouse, and indicted on the capital charge. Formal evidence of arrest was given by Sergeant Jeremiah Kelly, of the Civic Guards stationed at Mullinavat, who deposed that he arrested the accused on a warrant at Rochestown and charged him with the murder of William Holden. After being cautioned Patrick Aylward said, “I did not do it.”
The Murder Trial
Most of the following information concerning the murder trial of Patrick Aylward was found in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 7 Dec.1923, p. 11).
The trial was held at the Commission in Green Street Courthouse on Monday the 3rd of December, before the Lord Chief Justice and a jury. The prosecution was conducted by Mr. Carrigan, K.C. and Mr. Dudley White, KC (instructed by the Chief State Solicitor). Mr. M. J. Leanon (instructed by Mr. P.R. Buggy) defended. The newspaper noted that there were no women on the jury.
Barrister Carrigan, said that the prisoner was charged with a crime, which, if proved against him, was as terrible a crime as anyone described as a human being could commit. He was charged with having taken a helpless infant from its bed, put it on a fire, and roasted it so that the child died within 24 hours. It might be thought inconceivable that such a thing could happen, but it would be proved that the child died of burns that could not have been inflicted by itself. Counsel went on to say that the prisoner could not be a normal man at all. The house in which he lived was not fit for human habitation. He kept cattle on the ground floor, and the place was a veritable cesspool and manure heap and he lived in a loft. The case would rest on the evidence of the children.
Dr. Matthew Patrick Coughlan, testified that he could not answer whether the child could walk, but noted the boy had rickets. He opined that the child could creep around the kitchen. When the State’s Barrister asked if the defendant was a degenerate the doctor replied, “yes. When I met him at first I made up my mind that he was mentally abnormal… A degenerate is a person whose reason does not always control his actions, and might be subject to ungovernable impulses.”
Although Patrick Holden had not been able to answer if he understood an oath at the inquest, and had never been to school, the newspaper stated that the child showed extreme intelligence. The child at the trial also altered the evidence he gave at the inquest and stated that Patrick Aylward came in and said, “What do you meant letting goats into the haggard.” The child added that Patrick Aylward then broke a mug before burning the infant. The State then called Patrick’s younger brother, Michael Holden, who also stated that he saw Pat Aylward burning Willie on the fire. Patrick Aylward was also said to have risen a stick toward Michael Holden and said to the boys not to tell their mother or he would kill them. These statements and acts were not in the deposition previously made. Mary Holden testified that the burned child was not able to creep and that Mrs. Malone, a neightbour, dressed the burns with cotton wool. Interestingly Mrs. Malone does not appear to have been called as a witness.
William Alldrick, a farm labourer, testified that the defendant had asked him which of the children was burned. Alldrick informed the defendant that he was being blamed for the burning. Alldrick testified that the defendant then stated, “Don’t you think I have a soul to save as well as anyone else, or what do you think I am?”
Dr. Bartholomew Hackett (Mountjoy Prison) testified that he kept the defendant under close observation. He believed him to be fully responsible for his actions.
In addition to Sergeant Kelly, testifying when arrested the defendant stated, “I did not do it,” James O’Keefe (farmer), and John Aylward, brother of the defendant, were examined in support of an alibi. Unfortunately, the newspaper provided no detail concerning what the two men testified to at the trial.
At twenty-five minutes past seven o’clock the jury retired to consider their verdict. After ten minutes the jury returned with a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy. The prisoner declared—“I am not guilty at all. I have not been in the house for five months. God forgive the woman that put that lie on me, and God forgive the jury.”
The Lord Chief Justice amazingly said the jury could come to no other conclusion on the evidence. A majority of the jury had made a recommendation to mercy. He would have that conveyed to the proper authority. Meanwhile he sentenced Patrick Aylward to be executed on Thursday, December 27th.
The Stay of Execution
On the day set for his execution, The Minister for Home Affairs announced that on the advice of the Executive Council, Patrick Aylward’s death sentence was commuted to penal servitude for life (Freeman’s Journal, Thur. 27 Dec. 1923, p.5). According to Colm Wallace, in Sentenced to Death: Saved from the Gallows (2016), several people including the Bishop of Ossory petitioned the government questioning the guilt of the elderly Patrick Aylward. The Bishop apparently mentioned the Holden family’s “bad moral character” as well as a previous incident where another Holden child burned to death in suspicious circumstances in 1910. Patrick Aylward was released from prison in 1932 and died 3 years later in Rochestown, Mullinavat.
The Holden Family
John Holden married Mary Franklin on 1 August 1905 at Owning, Parish of Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. His father was listed as Thomas Holden (farmer) and the bride’s father was listed as John Franklin (labourer). John Holden and Mary Holden née Franklin had nine children. We were able to locate the following children: [1] Margaret Holden (bapt. 20 April 1906) (married John Whelan 28 Oct. 1936, Mullinavat); [2] Catherine Holden (bapt 29 Apr. 1907); [3] Thomas Holden (b. 11 June 1908-8 Nov. 1910) Per the death register Thomas died, aged 2, from burns “accidentally received.” [4] John Holden (b. 20 Sept. 1909); [5] Patrick Holden was born 14 Sept. 1924 at Owning, Piltown. [6] Michael Holden was born at Owning on 29 Sept.1916; and [7] William Holden (c. 1921-1923).
John Holden, died in the Thomastown County Home, just three months after Patrick Aylward’s death sentence was commuted. John Holden became an inmate shortly after his son William died in April 1923 (Irish Independent, Thur. 13 March 1924, p. 8). According to the death registry John Holden died on 6 March 1924 of senile decay at the age of 62 or 65.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Search for Missing Friends, Part II
Last month we highlighted six entries that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) found in a set of books entitled The Search for Missing Friends: Irish Immigrant Advertisements Placed in the Boston Pilot. These books were published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society of Boston. Today, we are going to highlight several more Glenmore related entries. The original missing person advertisements are in italics and where possible we have listed the baptismal date and parents of the missing emigrant. Readers can access Part I published 13 February 2022 by clicking on the date. Most of the missing emigrants below are from the 1850’s and appear to have fled the famine and lost contact with their family as they attempted to seek opportunities in the US on the eve of the Civil War.
(1) James Roche, native of Ballyfascie (sic), Glenmore, the following advertisement was published in the Boston Pilot on 6 March 1852 (Vol. II, p. 186)
James Roche, native of Ballyfascie, Parish of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who sailed from Waterford 1st of May 1849 & landed in Quebec. When last heard from was in Peru, Clinton County, N.Y. Any information from him will thankfully received by William Gaul, North Brookfield, Worcester County, MS.
We located two possible James Roche’s from Ballyfacey. (A) James Roche (bapt. 13 July 1834) son of James Roche and Ellen Costelloe of Ballyfacy, Glenmore, and (B) James Roche (bapt. 23 Sept. 1826) son of Richard Roche and Catherine Mullins of Ballyfacey, Glenmore.
While searching for records on the above James Roche we came across some other Glenmore Roches missing in the US in the 1850’s.
(2) Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, advertisment in the Boston Pilot was published 8 Feb. 1851 (vol. II, p. 16).
Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny who sailed for Quebec in June, 1849, and not heard from since. Any information of him will be thankfully received by his brother, James Roach, care of James Coughlan, South Groton, Ms.
Although we could not locate anything on Martin Roach in the US we did find a James Roach (aged 25) in the 1855 Massachusetts State Census, for Newton, Middlesex, Mass. This James Roach was living with the Lord family who were merchants.
(3) James & Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, advertisment published in the Boston Pilot on 11 Oct. 1851 (Vol. II, p. 126)
James & Martin Roach, from parish Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. The first left Ireland 1st May, 1849, in the Lavina for Quebec; the other left 29th June 1849, in the Alert, for Quebec. Any information respecting them will be thankfully received by their brother Patrick Roach, Peoria, Ill.
We did not locate a Martin Roche from Ballyfacey, but we did locate one from Ballyhobuck (bapt. 10 April 1829). This Martin Roche was the son of John Roche and his wife, Catherine Corcoran.
In the 1870 Census for Peoria, Illinois we found a Patrick Roach (aged 33) employed as a miner and married to Johana (aged 31). The couple have a 3 year old daughter Anna. In the 1880 Peoria Census, Patrick is working as a labourer, provides his age as 45 and Johana’s age is also recorded as 45. Their daughter’s name is recorded as Anna Stacey (aged 13), but it is more likely Annastatia.
(4) Martin Malone, native of Glenmore, this advertisment was published in the Boston Pilot on 4 Dec. 1858 (Vol. IV, p. 319)
Martin Malone, a native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, when last heard from was in Albany, New York, 8 years ago. His wife Ellen (maiden name Morrissey) is anxious to hear from him, care of M.O. Grady, Canandaigua, New York.
An Irish wedding record was found for Martin Malone and Ellen Morrissey. The couple were married on 6 November 1847 in Rosbercon. Martin Malone’s address at the time of the wedding was listed as Kilbrahan. A daughter, Ellen Malone was baptized on 30 March 1849 at Rosbercon. According to the advertisment Martin emigrated in 1850 and his wife appears to have followed in 1858.
(5) Margaret Murphy (bapt. 1834) of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the advertisement below was published in the Boston Pilot on 1 Aug. 1855 (Vol. V, p. 218)
Margaret Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Parish of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who sailed from Ireland in 1855, and landed in Quebec, Canada. Any information respecting her will be thankfully received by writing to her brother Nicholas Murphy, Waverly, Morgan County, Illinois.
Danny Dowling’s mother was a Murphy from Ballinlammy. Nicholas and Margaret Murphy were his mother’s aunt and uncle. Per the Glenmore church records Margaret Murphy was bapt. 13 July 1834. For further information on Nicholas Murphy (1836-1917) see our page “Finding Glenmore Needles in US Haystacks” by clicking here.
(6) Thomas Powers of Glenmore, this advertisment appeared in the Boston Pilot on 13 January 1855 (Vol. III, p. 241)
Thomas Powers, of parish Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who came to this country 3 ½ yrs ago, and when last heard from was in Ohio. Information will be received by his sisters Bridget and Mary, care of Aaron D. Williams, Roxburs (sic), Mass.
There were four Thomas Powers baptized in Glenmore from 1826 to 1834. (A) Thomas Power of Knockbrack, Glenmore bapt. 14 April 1826, son of Maurice Power and Mary Henneberry. (B) Thomas Power, of Glenmore bapt. 3 Dec. 1832 son of Richard Power and Mary Moore. (C) Thomas Power, of Ballanguile (Gaulstown), Glenmore, bapt. 12 Oct. 1834, son of Edmund Power and Joney Aylward. (d) Thomas Power, of Ballanguile (Gaulstown), Glenmore, Bapt. 1 Aug. 1834, son of James Power and Ellen Shea
However, the only Thomas Power who had sisters named Mary and Bridget was the son of Edmund Power and Joney Power née Aylward. Mary Power (bapt. 23 Oct. 1838) and Bridget Power (bapt. 3 Nov. 1836).
Census records revealed that Aaron D. Williams was an industrialist in Roxbury, Mass. It is likely that either Mary or Bridget were working for him in 1855 when the advertisment was placed in the paper.
(7) Margaret Norris, James & Patrick Hartley, of Glenmore, the following advertisment was published on 23 January 1869 in the Boston Pilot (Vol. 6, 1866-1870, p. 430)
Margaret Norris, a native of the parish of Meelinharaga,(sic) Co. Kilkenny, Ireland; when last heard from, in 1861, was in New Orleans, La. Also of James Hartley and Patrick Hartley, of the parish of Glenmore, county Kilkenny. Any information will be gratefully received by their cousin, Alice McSweeny (maiden name Alice Norris), daughter of Michael Norris and Mary Hartley. Direct to William Moore, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Margaret Norris (bapt. 28 May 1835) at Gurteen was the daughter of Michael Norris and Mary Hartly. Her parents were married in Glenmore on 5 Jan. 1822. Her mother, Mary Hartly, was from Weatherstown, Glenmore. James Hartley and another Mary Hartly were witnesses at the wedding.
While looking for information on the above we found the following:
(8) James, John and Margaret Norris, of Gilcugh (sic), this advertisment was published 12 January 1861 in the Boston Pilot (Vol. 2, p. 4)
James, John and Margaret Norris, children of Michael and Mary Norris, of Gilcugh (co. Kilkenny), supposed to be in New Orleans. Information of them or either of them, will be thankfully received by their sister, Alice Norris. Direct to Bryan McSweeny, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
We located Alice McSweeney née Norris (b. 1835) in the 1860 US Census. She was married to Bryan McSweeney (aged 35) and the couple had two daughters Mary (aged 5) and Ellen (aged 3). The family was living in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Both Bryan and Alice were born in Ireland. Alice could not read or write and Bryan was working as a labourer. The 1870 Census provides that Alice was still living in Cape Girardeau and gave her age as 34. With her daughter Ella (age 13) who cannot read or write; John (aged 4) and Alice (aged 1). Apparently, Bryan died before the 1870 census and Alice McSweeney married John Dade on 20 January 1873 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Cape Girardeau is on the Mississippi River about 100 miles south of St. Louis. During the Civil War Missouri was a Confederate State and directly across the river Illinois was a Union State. In 1863 a small battle took place at Cape Girardeau. Alice McSweeney née Norris was living in Cape Girardeau before, during and after the Civil War.
(9) Patrick Doyle, native of Glenmore, the following advertisement was published in the Boston Pilot on 7 January 1865 (Vol. V., p. 436)
Patrick Doyle, native of Glenmore, county Kilkenny, who left Ireland for America about two years ago. His friend in America has neither seen or heard from him since his arrival, save a rumor that he was seen in the city of Newport about ten days ago. Any information respecting him will be thankfully received by his sister, Mrs. Mary Powers (maiden name Doyle). Direct to her No. 13 Lincoln street, Boston, Mass.
We found a Patrick Doyle (bapt. 30 Jan. 1836) the son of Thomas Doyle and Bridget Brian of Ballyveria, Glenmore. The couple had a daughter Mary Doyle (bapt. 17 Sept. 1840) and the address given at the time of her birth was Darbystown, Rosbercon.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1851). Irish emigrants leaving home — the priest’s blessing Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-37f2-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 .
The photo of the riverboat “Glenmore” (c, 1904) was taken on the Ohio River at Tell, Indiana. (The original photo is in the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Ohio).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Danny Dowling (1927-2021): One Year Anniversary
It is difficult to believe that St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) will mark the first anniversary of our founder Danny’s death. Much over the past year remained the same, yet at the same time much has changed. The last year witnessed the continued scourge of COVID and over the last few weeks the invasion of Ukraine has brought death and misery to millions. Locally, Danny’s death left a void with more than one person expressing that they wished they had spoken to him just one more time. Luckily, Danny left a huge corpus of information that he collected over 7 decades regarding Glenmore and the South-East of Ireland. Although Danny is no longer at the helm, providing advice, information and sending messages to readers, thanks to his son Pat, most posts continue to draw upon the interviews Danny recorded or the voluminous files he kept on the research he conducted in newspapers and libraries.
A memorial Mass for Danny will be held in St. James’ Church, Glenmore at 11 a.m. on March 17th. The website for Glenmore Parish is https://www.glenmoreparish.ie/.
For anyone who did not have the pleasure of meeting Danny, the blog in addition to the posts contains static pages where family information is found as well as Irish words and field names Danny recorded are listed. Below is a list of selected information available online regarding the man and his work:
[1] Introducing Glenmore Historian: Danny Dowling, our first post. https://glenmore-history.com/introducing-the-glenmore-historian-danny-dowling/
[2] Happy Birthday Danny: Danny’s 93rd Birthday published 15 Feb. 2020. https://glenmore-history.com/happy-birthday-danny/
[3] First Anniversary of Blog: Message from Danny, published 3 Nov. 2020. https://glenmore-history.com/first-anniversary/
[4] Some Interesting Events in 1927: The Year Danny Dowling Was Born, published 12 Feb. 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/some-interesting-events-in-1927/
[5] The Sad Farewell, published on 20 March 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/the-sad-farewell/
[6] Month’s Mind, published 17 April 2021, containing several photos of Danny,
https://glenmore-history.com/months-mind/
[7] Danny Dowling’s Appearance in Land and Sea: Talamn An Eisc, posted on 22 October 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/some-interesting-events-in-1927/
[8] The Waterford Library has put Danny Dowling’s (1998) Waterford Streets Past and Present on line. https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/library/local-history-books.htm
[9] Old Waterford Society: Decies–this journal is available on line via the Waterford Library and contains several articles written by Danny including:
- Daniel Dowling (1976) “Eviction of James Holden” (vol. 2, p. 24);
- Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” (vol. 24, p. 14);
- Daniel Dowling (1983) “New Geneva,” (vol. 29, p. 32);
- Daniel Dowling (1986) “Piltown: Kildalton and its Past,” (vol. 32, p. 28);
- Dan Dowling (1990) “Tory, Rapparee & Highwaymen: Social Unrest in the 17th & 18th Century,” (vol. 43, p. 25).
Decies is available on-line at https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/library/ejournals/decies.htm .
Lastly, after Glenmore History volunteers recorded the inscription on headstones in the cemetery adjacent to St. James’ Church in Glenmore Village during the summer of 2020, Danny reviewed the information and remarked on how his friend Nicky “the Miller” and his father died on the 17th and the 18th of March. Danny then noticed that there were a number of Glenmore men who died on St. Patrick’s Day. A computer search of all the inscriptions revealed that Danny was correct. Up to 2021, five inscriptions revealed that five men died on St. Patrick’s Day; no women were found with this date of death.
Michael Ribby died 17th March 1891, aged 84.
Patrick “the Miller” Forristal, died 17th March 1931, aged 82.
Nicholas “the Miller” Forristal, died 18 March 1979, aged 91.
Laurence Patrick Forristal, died 17th March 1994, aged 77.
John Downey, died 17th March 1995, interred in England.
Peter Kennedy, died 17th March 1962, aged 83.
Daniel “Danny” Dowling, died 17th March 2021, aged 94.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: March 1922
As we have reported over the past few months, the fledgling country began to address some of the issues and problems associated with the administration of the Free State. However, the Treaty and No Treaty politics continued to dominate the local newspapers. In March 1922, just a few months before the outbreak of the Civil War, various leaders were concerned about the possibility of a civil war. At the beginning of March, the New Ross Standard reported that Rev. Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe, whose patriotism “is so widely known,” stated, “unless we are careful we may find ourselves one day without either Treaty or Republic…” (Fri. 3 March 1922, p. 3). Today, we are going to focus again on articles that appeared in local newspapers.
Establishment of Civil Guardians
Early in the month it was announced that the arrangements for establishing a new police force were almost complete. The police were being trained at the R.D.S. grounds, Ballsbridge, under the control of Mr. P. Brennan, brother of Commandant General Brennan, of Clare. The new force was said to be strictly non-political and its duties were confined to checking the activities of criminals (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 4).
The new police were called Civil Guardians, and the public were informed that they would operate with 1,000 members outside of Dublin. The DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) continued in Dublin “for the present.” The members of the Civil Guardians were drawn from four classes: (a) The army and Irish Republican police; (b) men who were dismissed or who resigned from the RIC and DMP from conscientious or patriotic motives; (c) the civil population and (d) the RIC and DMP, after disbandment. Applications from Class B were verified according to RIC and DMP records; applications from classes B & D were also to be verified by IRA officers. The pay of a constable started at 70s per week, and a sergeant at 100s per week. The qualifications of members included: height, at least 5 feet 9 inches; mean chest measurement 36 inches; strong and active; unmarried; between the ages of 19 and 27 years, and of good appearance and physique. The public were notified that if first class men filled the available posts no men from classes (b), (c) or (d) would be hired. Candidates were examined in reading, writing from dictation, spelling and arithmetic. They were required to write a short composition on simple subject, either as a letter or statement. At Ballsbridge a party of RIC handed over 26 Ford cars, 4 Crossley tenders, and 2 Crossley touring cars to the new Civic Guards (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 March 1922, p. 9).
The new army members were being sent to Beggar’s Bush Barracks to undergo a short period of training and to be properly uniformed and equipped. “A number of armoured cars purchased from the departing British were turned over … to the authorities in Beggar’s Bush, as well as another fleet of Crossley tenders and motor transports” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 5). Thus while the RIC turned over its vehicles the British army sold unwanted vehicles to the Irish Free State.
Crime
Crime continued to plague the country. One murder that was widely reported was that of Max Green, the 57 year old, son-in-law of the late John Redmond. Max Green was murdered in St. Stephen’s Green on the 3rd of March by armed robbers fleeing and shooting at their pursuers. The alleged killers were 19-year-old, Laurence Dowling, and 23-year-old, James O’Neill. They were being chased by the IRP and DMP after a holdup in Molesworth street where they took £50. Some newspapers reported that “by sad coincidence Monday was the fourth anniversary of the death of John Redmond” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 8). [For more information concerning Redmond see our post of 13 July 2021].
More locally the National Bank , on the Quay, New Ross was robbed on the 15th of March. “A motor car conveying the robbers drove along the Quay, and suddenly pulled up outside the bank premises, remaining in gear.” One of the robbers was dressed as a woman, complete with a woman’s hat and veil and two other men wore masks across the lower part of their faces when they entered the bank and held up the staff. The sum stolen was thought to be about a thousand or twelve hundred pounds. The robbery lasted about 15 minutes. All five of the staff members were ordered to put up their hands as were some customers who were also in the bank. “The manager, Mr. O’Brien, on being asked for the keys of the safe, refused, and promptly made a dash for the door and got out, rushed up the street and gave the alarm.” In their hurried search of the Bank the robbers missed some silver and notes. “The robbers went through their work with coolness.” One of the robbers when leaving dropped a bundle of notes and left the money. The car drove quickly away and out the Greywell Road toward Ferrymountgarrett bridge. Word was sent to the IRA, and shortly afterwards they went in pursuit of the motor car armed with rifles. The IRA caught up with the motor car at Drummond on the borders of South Carlow. They found the driver tied up, but the robbers had disappeared (New Ross Standard, NRS, Fri. 17 March 1922, p. 5).
Luckily, we have further information regarding the robbery because a reporter for the Waterford News & Star, went to the premises of Sheridan Motors, on the Quay, Waterford and interviewed Michael Carolan. The car used in the robbery was owned by Mr. Sheridan, the Quay, and his employee Michael Carolan, was the driver of the vehicle used in the robbery. “At the point of the revolver, he was reluctantly compelled to drive the robbbers.” He reported that he left Waterford driving Capt. Brennan, of the IRA Headquarters Staff, who went to New Ross shortly after 10 a.m. to inspect the Ross barracks. On the way back to Waterford about a mile outside of Ross they were accosted by three men, one was dressed as a woman. Armed the three men ordered Michael Carolan to drive back to Ross and they put Capt. Brennan on the side of the road. Michael Carolan was ordered to stop at the National Bank on the Quay and two of the robbers entered the building with the man dressed as a woman leading the way. The third man stood guard outside. After ten minutes the three men rushed to the car and ordered Carolan to drive toward Graiguenamanagh. About a mile out of town he was order to stop and his hands were tied and he was blindfolded. Carolan was put in the back of the car and driven for about 15 minutes then the robbers abandoned the car and driver (Thur. 16 March 1922, p. 5).
Glenmore in the News
On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, the remains of John E. Hartley were removed from the grave in the Republican plot and re-interred in the family burial ground in Glenmore cemetery. “Following his death at the Coolbawn fight on last June the remains were brought to Glenmore encased in a magnificent coffin and interred in the Republican plot…In the same fight and on the same day his cousin, Nick Mullins, fell, and he sleeps in Thomastown…For some time back Mr. Hartley wished that the remains of his son be disinterred and laid to rest in the family grave, and the Volunteers of Glenmore decided to gratify the wish of the respected parents…From different parts of South Kilkenny Volunteers came in their numbers to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of one whom they not alone respected, but loved in life.”
A description of the event is reported. “The village was specially decorated for the occasion. Arches of evergreens, from which were suspended tricolour mourning flags, spanned the streets… A touching feature of the proceedings was the presence of over half a dozen of the young men who fought with poor Jack in the flying column and in the Coolbawn fight. To them was fittingly assigned the honour of taking the coffin from the grave to the new one, and firing the volleys over the grave when the ceremony was over. The procession formed up about three o’clock, headed by the New Ross O’Hanrahan pipers’ band, and the order was: The band, next a body of the Glenmore IRA (C) Company, carrying a large tricolour mourning banner bearing the inscription in Gaelic, “Shaun E. Hartley, who died for God and Ireland;” next the staff of the 6th Batt. IRA, including his comrades in that column; next the Glenmore C Company, IRA, followed by the Listerlin B. Company, Tullogher A Company, Graiguenamanagh Company, the Glenmore Cumann na mBan, carrying a large mourning flag; the Mile Bush Fianna, each boy being dressed in green jackets and hats, and in charge of their captain, Mr. Murphy. The generality of the IRA carried arms on their shoulders.” The newspaper then listed a number of officers including Lt. James Roche and Lt. Edward Hartley of the Glenmore Company. “The rear of the procession was brought up by the general public. It proceeded up to the Waterford road, down by the Creamery, on to the graveyard, covering a distance of close on half a mile, the band playing appropriate airs, which gave a solemn and touching tone to the demonstration” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 March 1922, p. 7). For further information on John Hartley and Nicholas Mullins see our blog post of 20 June 2021.
An unnamed Glenmore woman featured in the New Ross Standard on Friday the 24th of March 1922 (p. 8) reflecting difficulties faced by the poor in attempting to access services after the demise of the workhouse system. It also highlights the hostile attitudes unmarried mothers faced. During the monthly meeting of the County Board of Health, Patrick Kavanagh, house steward of the County Home, reported the admission of an unnamed Glenmore woman. She had applied for admission to the New Ross workhouse, but was refused. She went to the County Home but did not have a ticket. She was a maternity patient in a very fragile state and walked from New Ross to Thomastown. Dr. Mitchell questioned how such people are to get to Thomastown? He requested that an ambulance be sent. He noted that she was kicked out of her home and had no place to go except the County Home. The Mayor of Kilkenny City suggested that she could travel on the bus to Kilkenny, and then take the train to Thomastown. He did not address how the costs would be met. A Mr. Gibbons opined that at some future time a system of penitentiaries must be established for these cases. Ultimately the Board consisting of men ordered that the resident medical officer at the Central hospital and the secretary draft out a list of instruction to Receiving Officers with reference to the use of the ambulances.
Lastly, two death notices for Glenmore residents or former residents were reported in the local newspapers. The New Ross Standard reported that Mrs. Bridget O’Doherty of Moulerstown Glenmore died on 5 March 1922 (Fri. 17 March 1922, p. 1). According to the death register Bridget Doherty (sic) was a 71 year old widow. Her son Michael was present at her death. The Munster Express reported the death of Mrs. Anastatia Fluskey née Maher, wife of Mr. Terence Fluskey, of St. Ignatius street, Waterford, on the 11th of March. The deceased was interred in Glenmore in the family burial place (Sat. 18 March 1922, p. 6). According to the death register the deceased was 42 years of age and her cause of death was thought to be due to influenza. For further information regarding the Fluskey family of Glenmore see our post of 28 May 2020.
The advertisement for Sheraton’s was published in the Waterford News & Star (16 March 1922). The featured photo above was taken 19 June 2021 at the laying of the wreath on the grave of John Hartley, the Commemmoration Ceremony, Glenmore Cemetery.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Cinema: William “Bill” Walsh (1912-1985)
Over the last couple of years while typing up Danny Dowling’s notebooks and writing articles for this blog there have been several times when I wished that I could have met some of the interesting former Glenmore residents. One such person was Bill Walsh (1912-1985) who before television was available brought films to Glenmore, and other local areas, and often took films to individual homes for people who were ill. He was instrumental in the founding of the popular Glenmore Athletic Club, was an avid cyclist and operated a dancehall in Mullinavat. Thanks to Marion Coady Hendrick née Walsh we now have further information regarding her father and the social history of Glenmore of the twentieth century created by his endeavours. Information not part of Marion’s article, gleaned from public records, is included in square brackets [ ].
My Father, by Marion Coady Hendrick née Walsh
Family Background
William “Bill” Walsh was born 110 years ago this coming week on 2 March 1912. He was born in Cappagh, Glenmore and lived his entire life in Glenmore. He was the youngest child of Patrick Walsh (1857-1933) and his wife Margaret “Maggie” née McGuiness (1868-1952). Patrick and Maggie met when Maggie came from the North of Ireland to stay with relatives in Gaulstown. [The couple married on 12 September 1893 at St. John’s of Waterford. According to the marriage records Patrick Walsh, of Glenmore, was the son of John Walsh (deceased weaver) and Maggie McGuinness was residing on Hennessy’s Road, in Waterford, and was the daughter of James McGuinness (retired policeman).] Patrick and Maggie Walsh had nine children, including (1) Annie Walsh (b. 25 Oct. 1894); (2) Katie “Kit” Walsh (b. 12 Oct. 1896); (3) Jim Walsh (b. 30 Nov. 1898); (4) Mary “Molly” Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1901); (5) Ellen “Eily” Walsh (b. 4 Aug. 1902); (6) Sarah Walsh (b. 4 April 1904); (7) John “Jack” Walsh (b. 10 June 1906); (8) Margaret “Gretta” Walsh (b. 5 Oct. 1908); (9) William “Bill” Walsh (b. 2 March 1912).
Patrick Walsh died in 1933 at the age of 76. Patrick worked in the dairy in the Glenmore Creamery up until his death. Bill at 15 years of age took over his father’s job in the dairy. Sometime later there was an exam for the storekeeper’s position in the Creamery. Bill got the highest marks in the exam and got the job. He was a man of great intelligence, and this was borne out over his lifetime. He also had the greatest attribute of all which cannot be picked up in any university, he possessed common sense in abundance. [Bill worked full time in the Creamery until his retirement in the late 1970’s.] In addition to Bill being employed at the Glenmore Creamery, his sister Molly Walsh (1901-1988) was employed there as the dairy maid. While working at the Creamery she met Larry Fortune, of Shanbogh and the couple later married.
In 1946, Bill Walsh married Margaret “Peg” Roche (1917-2012) when Peg returned from England after working there throughout WWII. They had been engaged for 5 years. Peg was the daughter of Edward Roche and Mary Roche née Forristal, of the High Road, Rathinure, Glenmore. Mary was born and reared in Forristal’s Mill in Graiguenakill, Glenmore and was a sister of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal. Bill Walsh and his wife Peg had six children. The eldest three children were boys and the youngest three were girls. Their names are: (1) Pat Walsh; (2) Eamonn Walsh; (3) Jimmy Walsh; (4) Marion Walsh; (5) Ann Walsh; and (6) Monica Walsh. Sadly, Jimmy passed away at 3 years of age.
Athletic Life
In the St. Joseph’s Athletic Club, Third Annual Yearbook, 1984/85 a tribute was penned about Bill by Danny Dowling (1927-2021) under the heading “Well known athlete of former years passes away.” Danny described Bill as an “indefatigable worker for the advancement of athletics in the South East, particularly in the Glenmore/Rosbercon area, his lifelong association with the sport earned him the admiration and esteem of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His colleagues in the sport of cycle racing included such well- known personalities as Richie Cotterell of Ballycroney, Tommy and Dick Hamilton and Jack Doolan of Tinneranny, and the late Paddy O’Brien of New Ross and the Parish Pump.”
Bill was a keen racing cyclist for many years, particularly in the 1930’s and 40’s when he took part in almost every road and track event in the South East. His intense interest in the sport was mainly responsible for the foundation in 1943 of the Glenmore Athletic Club, and some of his colleagues in this venture included Larry and Pat Roche of Haggard, Peter Egan of Mullinarrigle, Stephen Walsh, Rochestown, Tommy Cotterell, Ballycroney and Tommy Fitzgerald of Moulerstown. The Glenmore Club remained active for many years and was responsible for keeping alive a vibrant interest in local athletics. Its success in that regard is mainly due to the dedication and enthusiasm of Bill Walsh. Local athletes, of both the present and future, owe him a debt of gratitude for his unselfish dedication and service which he unstintingly gave in the interest of youth and sport. He was the personality portrait in the Munster Express on more than one occasion, as Hon Secretary of the Glenmore Athletic Club, highlighting the annual sports day at Skow Bridge the only one of its kind to be held annually in South Kilkenny.
Cinema in Glenmore
Before television came into use in the early 60’s the weekly film was a huge event in the social life of Glenmore. JK Walsh’s was the venue right next to Danny Dowling’s house in the village. Every week the new film arrived. First, they came as 3 reels but later one large reel the size of a bicycle wheel. Bill had two projectors one large and one smaller. He built a high wall behind the screen to mount the screen on, but also to make the cinema easier to heat. The excitement before the film started was palpable. Some of the films included: Ben Hur, Quo Vadis, all the old cowboy films High Noon, Gunfight at the OK Corral. The boys in the village would run around firing cap guns for weeks after a cowboy film. The Song of Bernadette he showed “Pro Bono” to the Good Shepherd Nuns and girls. On different days of the week, he showed films in Mullinavat, Hugginstown, and Bigwood. When he had a free night, he showed his film of the week to whatever invalid or bedridden person in the parish who wished to see it. For a screen he used one of his wife’s starched white sheets.
In 1961, Bill installed new state of the art seating, it seemed the height of luxury to us after the benches. The winter of 1962/63 was savage, the coldest for more than 200 years. It began freezing on Christmas day 1962 and didn’t relent until March 1963. The roof of Bill’s cinema collapsed under the weight of the snow. For a while he continued to show films in the old school, but with the advent of television the popularity of local cinema died out it was the end of an era for Glenmore cinema.
Mullinavat Dance Hall
In 1957, Bill in partnership with Paulie Fitzgerald Moulerstown, bought Mullinavat Dance Hall, known locally as Harney’s Hall. They installed a new maple floor which cost £1,000 (which is €1,269.74) an enormous sum at the time when the average wage was £8. (or €10.16) per week. How we loved to slide around on that floor! There was a long tube which contained a kind of floor wax like Lux flakes that you shook on the floor, and it gleamed.
The dancehall became a popular venue during the 50’s and 60’s. It is where love stories began. A wonderful place full of music and song, youth and vitality, noise, and energy. Girls and boys from all over the country came to dance the night away, they waltzed and fox-trotted to the big bands, they huckle-bucked and jived, and twisted the night away. The excitement of the Sunday night dance.
A lot of girls and boys cycled miles to get to the dances as evidenced by the headscarves, raincoats and bicycle lamps hung in the cloakroom. Hundreds of bikes were parked in Walsh’s Garden on the corner near Mill Bridge. The girls dressed in beautiful dresses of every hue and the men wore suits.
The dance halls had to close down during Lent, the torment of that, never had 7 weeks seemed so long. During Lent we all had to lend a hand painting and refurbishing the hall for the grand opening after Lent. St. Patrick’s Day was the exception when the hall opened for concerts and anyone off drink for Lent could have a drink on that day only. Of course, there was no drinking in the dance hall, there was only a mineral bar, tea, and sandwiches. There was a license with the hall when it was first bought from Harneys, but Bill and Paulie having kept it for a while decided it was better to just have a mineral bar as most other dancehalls did at the time. The drinking was done beforehand in the local pubs. On Sunday nights the pubs all closed at 10 p.m. A big night which stood out in our minds as children was when Maggie Barry came to the Dancehall and all the mothers in the village went to see her. My mother made the tea on a Sunday night and welcomed the girls from around the area into the house, they were waiting for our father to give them a lift to the Dance after he had finished showing films in one of the halls around the country. We remembered as children the girls sitting us on their laps, they wore hoops in their dresses to make them stand out, and we would wiggle on their knees to get comfortable. All consigned to history now.
Mullinavat Fete
The Fete’s were also held at the Dance Hall, but in a huge marquee tent adjacent to it, to accommodate the crowds that came. The Junior and Senior hurling tournaments and the excitement of the hurling final. The Victors Showband and the Barrow Boys, Sean Dunphy and the Hoedowners. Buses came from all over, people got a lift, walked, and cycled, it was the highlight of the summer. There was a spinning wheel, where you bought a ticket and if your number came up you got to pick a prize. Pongo, a tea tent which served the best homemade cakes, buns and sandwiches, fish and chips and ice cream were served. Loud music and great excitement, people everywhere and of course the big bands and dancing in the Hall. Mullinavat was booming at that time.
Bill sadly passed away on 1st March 1985 the day before his 73rd birthday. It was sudden and shocking to us all, he was always so full of vitality. The day before he died, (he was in hospital for 2 days) when asked what he wanted for his birthday he said “I just want to go home, I’m only going to dig half the garden this year.” He stayed busy to the end.
On 19th January 1987 the Hall was sold to Monsignor Maher, Parish House, Mullinavat. There was a one off “Last Dance” held there on Sunday 1st June 2014 and the hall was demolished in July 2014. Today the area where the Hall stood now house the local school and community hall.
Special thanks to Marion for sharing her knowledge, memories and photos and writing the above interesting article.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh