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L A T E S T P O S T S
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South Kilkenny Historical Society 2026
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
Ballyverneen, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Ballyverneen around 1961. The Irish for this townland is Baile uí Bheirnín, and Danny recorded that there was a settlement, or area in Ballyverneen, called Bearstown. We located one headstone in the cemetery adjacent to St. James that has the following transcription, “Erected by Richard Dunphy, of Bearstown, in memory of his father James Dunphy who departed this life 10th August 1841, aged 65 years.” We also found Bearstown recorded on the Ordinance Survey Maps (Between 1829 and 1842 the first large scale survey of Ireland was completed. OSI historical maps and information are available to view at Ordinance Survey Ireland. For other links to old maps click on our useful links button on our homepage.) It was only with the building of the New Ross to Waterford railway at the beginning of the 20th century that brick making in Ballyverneen ended.
Danny recorded eight families or households in Ballyverneen as well as a group of men who were dredging the river. Further information concerning the dredging operations is below. 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. The recorded information reveals that 43 people resided in Ballyverneen with the population of 24 males and 19 females. If the visiting dredgers are removed from the population there were 37 people residing in Ballyverneen (18 males & 19 females). The largest family recorded was the Forristal/O’Dwyer family comprised of eight persons and there were two households of a single person.
Recorded Residents
Males=24
Females=19
Eldest Recorded Resident= Laurence “Larry” Forristal(b. 11 Dec. 1886. Death register reveals that he died on the 27th June 1963.) Thus Laurence was 74 in 1961.
Recorded Work
Farmers= 2 (both males)
Farm/Agricultural Workers= 4 (all males)
Labourer= 6 (all males)
Carpenter= 1 (male)
Bookkeeper= 1 (female)
Domestic Servant = 1 (female)
Dredge workers= 6 (all males)
BALLYVERNEEN RESIDENTS
[1] LINEGAR
Linegar, James (b. 19 May 1889) General Labourer (died but date of death not recorded)
Linegar, Annie (b. 1912) wife
Cass, Martin, step-son, General Labourer, (note moved to Aylwardstown)
Linegar, Kathleen, daughter, domestic servant
Linegar, Anne, daughter
Linegar, Josie, daughter
Linegar, Christopher, son
[2] DOOLAN
Doolan, Patrick (b. 1919) Co. Council Labourer
Doolan, Annie (b.1929) wife [known locally as Nancy]
Doolan, Mary, daughter
Doolan, Edward, son
Forristal, Mary (10 May 1896) mother-in-law [This Forristal family was known locally as the Civil Forristals.]
[3] KENNEDY
Kennedy, John (b. 1926) Carpenter
Kennedy, Margaret (b. 1934) wife
Kennedy, Patrick, son
Kennedy, Nora, daughter
Kennedy, Daniel, son
[4] DUNPHY
Dunphy, Ellen (b. 4 June 1898) Farmer
Dunphy, Seamus (b. 1927) son, farm
Dunphy, Margaret, daughter, bookkeeper [known as Maudie Dunphy & worked in Glenmore Creamery]
Dunphy, Mary, daughter [known as May Dunphy}
Dunphy, Richard, son, farm
[5] FORRISTAL
Forristal, Patrick (b. 28 Sept. 1898) Farmer
Forristal, Kate (b. 15 Aug. 1895) wife
O’Dwyer, Denis, son-in-law, farm
O’Dwyer, Margaret, daughter
O’Dwyer, John, grandson
O’Dwyer, Moyra, granddaughter
O’Dwyer, Kay, granddaughter
O’Dwyer, Margaret, granddaughter
[6] DUNPHY
Dunphy, Mary (b. 11 July 1915)
Dunphy, Thomas, son, farm worker (recorded that he moved to England)
Dunphy, Bridget, daughter
Dunphy, Michael, son
Forristal, Laurence (b. 11 Dec. 1886) uncle, labourer (noted that he died, no date given in notebook. The death register records his date of date as 27 June 1963 ) [Larry Forristal was Nicky “the Miller” Forristal’s brother.]
[7] WALSH
Walsh, Michael (b. 1918) general labourer [locally known as Mick the Weaver.]
[8] DUNPHY
Dunphy, Richard (b. 5 July 1893) retired labourer
[9] DREDGE WORKERS
Robson, Richard Ernest (b. 1901) Skipper dredge boat
Davies, Thomas H. (b.1903) dredge worker
Johnston, Kenneth R. (b.1924) dredge worker
Matthews, Richard A. (b. 1906) dredge worker
Owen, William I. (b. 1923) dredge worker
Ethington, Fred, dredge worker
Dredging at the Pink Rock
The New Ross Standard (Fri. 17 March 1961, p. 12) reported that in an effort to improve the condition of the River Barrow to allow larger ships to enter New Ross, the New Ross Harbouor Commissioners hired a dredge from a firm in Milford Haven. The dredge, named the “Basingstroke,” arrived on the 12th of March and began working. It dredged the Kilkenny bank channel at the Pink Rock and was to remove 30,000 tons. It was reported that the dredge had an output of about one hundred tons per hour and had capacity for about four hundred tons. A crew of seven operated the dredge including John Culleton “whose parents live in the Ballymitty area.”
The dredging “on the Red Bank at the Pink Rock” was completed in mid-August with a “considerable portion of the toe of the dangerous sand bank which curtailed the length and draught of ships entering the port has been removed.” The dredger removed 24,000 cubic yards of material at a total cost of £6,000 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Aug. 1961 p. 12).
We hope that you have enjoyed or found this snapshot of Ballyverneen interesting and over the coming weeks we will feature the residents of other townlands from Danny’s notebook. The featured photo above is the railway underpass on the Ballyverneen road to the Pink Rock [known locally as the “County Road Bridge”. ]
Please send any corrections, additional information, or queries to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Thanks to all the readers who have provided additional information and we will continue to update as more information is provided.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Mid-Twentieth Century Glenmore: Muintir na Tíre, Féil na Scoil & Youth Club [Updated]
Last week we featured a recording made by John Ennett, of Cappagh, of music and dancing in the Glen Bar and an article entitled “Glenmore Concerts: 1900-1950.” Earlier this week, Jackie Walsh, of Glenmore Memories, forwarded two lovely photos of Glenmore children participating in musical events in the 1960’s. If you have not visited Jackie’s facebook page, Glenmore Memories, it is well worth a visit as it contains old photos of Glenmore and Glenmore people. In attempting to dig out information regarding the events depicted in the two photos, we came across some interesting information regarding the Glenmore groups, Muintir na Tíre, Féil na Scoil and the Youth Club. We hope that readers may be able to provide and share further information concerning the groups. The names of the children in the two photos are at the bottom of the post.
Glenmore Muintir na Tíre
John M. Canon Hayes launched Muintir na Tíre (Country People) in Tipperary in late 1937 (Muintir na Tíre webpage, “History of Muintir na Tíre”). It is not known when the Glenmore Guild was established, but we were able to locate an advertisement for a “Grand Variety Concert,” organised by the Glenmore Guild, held in late January 1957 in Kirwan’s Hall, Glenmore. The Dramatic Class “attached to the Guild” performed two one-act plays by Seamus Burke, “Love and Acid Drops,” and “Barney’s Bull.” Additionally, the advertisement state that there were “the usual variety entertainment songs, dancing, sketches etc.” (Munster Express, Fri. 18 Jan. 1957, p. 8).
Updated [Photo of the Glenmore Dramatic Society 1957 added 19 April 2022]
A newspaper article covering the Annual Meeting in 1958 listed the officers and council of the Glenmore Guild. At the meeting the following Glenmore residents were elected officers: President, Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P.; Vice-President, Rev. J. Murphy, C.C.; Chairman, Mr. Thomas Cuddihy; Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. Forristal; Secretary, Mr. P. Fitzgerald; Asst. Sec. Miss M. Dunphy; Treasurer, Garda Tim Devane; Parish Council (Farmers) T. Aylward; R. Cody; R. Duggan; John Cotterel; M. Heffernan; Ed O’Connor; (Workers) P. Fitzgerald, J. McBride; M. McDonald; E. Kennedy; L. Ryan; P. O’Connor (Business & Professional) T. Colbert, N.T.; Garda T. Devane, K. Cuddihy; R. Hanrahan, Miss M. Dunphy; E. Walsh; (Ladies’ Section) Mrs. P. Irish; Misses M. Byrne; N. Fitzgerald; H. Kennedy; N. O’Shea; Alice Walsh; (Youth Section) M. Barron; L. Griffin; E. Haberlin; Misses E. Hartley; Betty Fitzgerald and Joan Freyne. (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1958, p. l0). William “Billy” Forristal, Rochestown, Glenmore became the Chairman of the County Executive of Muintir na Tíre (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Dec. 1963, p. 130).
In the 1958 edition the Munster Express published an advertisement for the April 1958 performances of the Glenmore Guild’s Dramatic Class. Two variety concerts were being performed in aid of the Glenmore Supporters’ Club in the Glenmore Hall. The programme included “two laughable sketches entitled ‘Overcrowded Hours,’ by Harry O’Donovan and ‘The Man Who Knows All,’ by Eric Walsh; a one-act play, ‘After Closing Hours,’ by P.C. Byrne; songs; a Ceili Band; and step dancing by a troupe of Irish dancers.” It was stated that there was a complete change of the programme between the Friday and Sunday performances (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1958, p. l0).
In late February 1959, the Glenmore Dramatic Society (sic) in Kirwan’s Hall provided another variety concert. They performed a comedy, “A Damsel from Dublin.” Thomas Colbert, N.T. of Ballyfacey School, was the compere and musical accompaniments were rendered by Martin Connolly, Glenmore, on the piano accordion. At a draw held at the Sunday performance cash prizes were won by Mrs. L. Ryan, Milltown, Glenmore £1, and Pat Grace, Scartamore, (sic) Glenmore 10/ (Munster Express, Fri. 6 March 1959, p. 5). Admission was 2/6 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1959, p. 11). In March the Glenmore Dramatic Class performed the programme at Clara and Mullinavat (Munster Express, Fri. 20 March 1959, p. 10).
In 1960, the Glenmore Guild’s Dramatic Class performed “Peg Monaghan’s Mistake,” by Seamus Burke in the Parochial Hall (old Glenmore Boys’ School). The programme also included sketches, dances and a chorus. Admission was 2/6 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 March 1960, p. 11). The following year they performed “The Jailbird” a three-act comedy by George Shields with variety entertainment at the Cushingstown Hall (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 March 1961, p. 15) and at Mullinavat (Munster Express, Fri. 10 March 1961, p. 6). The group again travelled to Mullinavat in 1963 to perform a three-act play “Autumn Fire.” The performers included: Michael McDonald; Dermot Murray, N.T. ; Paddy Mackey; Edward Haberlin; Miss M. Shanahan, N.T.; Elsie Power; Mary Roche and Joan Freyne (Munster Express, Fri. 29 March 1963, p. 8).
In addition to its Dramatic Class, the Glenmore Guild members in the 1960’s also engaged in Public Speaking, Question Time, and Talent Contents. In 1960, “the first public speaking contest under the auspices of Kilkenny County Executive of Muintir na Tíre was held in the Old School, Mullinavat, to select a team of four to represent the county against Meath in the Provincial final.” Members from Mullinavat, Piltown, Gowran and Glenmore Guilds competed. Glenmore had only one competitor, Molly Dunphy, who was also the only female in the contest. The team selected included: Walter Walsh, Piltown, who spoke on hire purchase; Martin Kennedy, Gowran, who spoke on bees; Tom Carroll, Gowran, who spoke regarding bovine T.B. and Molly Dunphy, Glenmore, who spoke on the aims and objects of Muintir na Tíre (Munster Express, Fri. 18 March 1960, p.12).
In 1961, the Glenmore Guild team won the County Kilkenny Question Time and went on to take the Leinster title. At the All-Ireland Final at Cavan held in August the Glenmore Team was narrowly defeated. The following year Gowran beat Glenmore in a “very close and exciting contest” for the County title (Munster Express, Fri. 13 April 1962, p. 14). Unfortunately, the local newspapers did not include the names of the Glenmore Question Time team members.
[Update of 21 April 2022–Thankfully, Martin Forristal sent the members of the Glenmore All Ireland Question Time team; Neddie O’ Connor (Graiguenakill); Billy Forristal (Rochestown); Tom Ryan (Miltown) and Maudie Dunphy (Ballyverneen)].
Glenmore on 15 March 1968 hosted the County Talent Contest for the southern region (Munster Express, Fri. 8 March 1968, p. 8), and the following year Joan Long (step dancing) and Thomas Kirwan (accordion) represented Glenmore Muintir na Tíre at the county final in Thomastown (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 28 March 1969, p. 2).
Féile na Scoil (Festival of Schools)
The Mayor of Waterford, J. Griffin, in 1962, opened Féile na Scoil (Festival of Schools) at the Waterford Theatre Royal. The festival was held over a week in March, and attracted entries from Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary. Over 600 children presented over 108 items during the ten performances. Sixty schools from the South-East took part (Waterford News & Star, Tuesday 13 March 1962, p. 5). By 1964, in Waterford a total of 6,000 performers from infant grades to leaving cert students were involved in the Féile na Scoil (Waterford News and Star, Fr. 21 Feb. 1964, p. 5).
The Glenmore children, in addition to performing at the festival in the Waterford Theatre Royal also performed at Muintir na Tíre variety concerts. “The children of Glenmore National School” performed their Féile na Scoil piece at the Slieverue Parochial Hall (Munster Express, Fri. 12 April 1963, p.13) and in Glenmore the Glenmore and Ballyfacey Féil na Scoil children performed (Munster Express, Fri. 20 March 1964, p. 9).
At the end of the decade 75 children were confirmed at St. James Church, Glenmore comprised of 58 Glenmore National School students and 17 students from Ballyfacey National School. Teachers listed in the article included: Robert Walsh; Michael Lynch; Gabriel Penkert; Mrs. Thompson (Mary Shanahan); Mrs. McDonald and Miss Breda Mcaney (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1969, p. 15).
The Glenmore Youth Club
The Glenmore Youth Club is believed to have formed about 1968, and Glenmore Garda Eddie Cunningham was one of the founders of the group. The Tramps Ball was held annually, every January, in the then Parochial Hall (old Glenmore Boys’ School). The following description of the annual event was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 10 Jan. 1969, p. 12) of the second Annual Tramps Ball. “Old and young turned out in most amusing attire and made great use of masks, wigs and wearing apparel which would put the TV Eurovision fashion final in the shade. Music was provided by Tom Kirwan, Martin Connolly and Michael Murphy, Glenmore and Tom Grant, Kilmacow…”
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for providing the photos of the Glenmore groups.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Féile Na Scoil Photo. Glenmore N.S. at The Theatre Royal Waterford 1963/64
Joan Long (Carrigcloney) (in front with her back to the camera) Front Row Seated (left to right) Tom Kirwan, Scartnamore; Maura Doolin (Ballyverneen); Eddie Murphy (Ballyverneen); Margaret Manning (Carrigcloney); Michael McDonald (RIP), Gaulestown; Helen Power. Back Middle Group: Margaret Mernagh (Jamestown), Anne Walsh (Busherstown), Grace Kelly (Aylwardstown), Margaret Boland (Ballycroney). Back Group on Right: Anna Hoynes (Ballybrahee)?, Margaret Hoynes (Ballybrahee)?, Mary Kehoe?
The Dying Rebel, Glenmore N.S. Choir Photo (1966)
The featured photo at the top of the post was taken when the Glenmore N.S. won choir in 1966 at the Waterford Theatre Royal singing “The Dying Rebel” at the 50th Anniversary of 1916. For the Wolf Tone’s rendition (with lyrics) click here.
Left Group (back row)– ?, Eileen Roche (Busherstown), Margaret Manning (Carrigcloney); (middle row) Mary Fitzgerald (Aylwardstown), Mairita Furlong (the Village), Marion Walsh (Ballyhobuck), (front row) Joan Manning (Carrigcloney), Eileen Murphy (Ballybrahee), Margaret Hoynes (Ballybrahee).
Middle Group (back row): John O’ Dwyer (Ballyverneen), Sean Ryan (Kilivory), Peter Walsh (Rathinure), Tom Kirwan (third row from front) Sean Roche (Village), Danny Murphy (Ballybrahee), Larry Kirwan (Robinstown), Ger Hoynes (Ballybrahee) (second row from front) ?, ? Roche, Robert Hennessy (Graiguenakill), Eddie Manning (Carrigcloney) (front row) John Hogan (Village) & John Devane (Village).
Right Group: (back row) ?, ?, Anna Hoynes (Ballybrahee) (middle row) Anne Walsh, Joan Long (Carrigcloney), Marion Walsh (Cappagh) (front row) Myra Ryan (the Village), Nell Barry (Kilivory), Noleen Kennedy (Ballyverneen).
Not photographed was Francis Ennett, of Cappagh, who portrayed the dying rebel by staggering onto the stage holding an Irish tri-colour and collapsing. The teacher who trained the student choir was Mrs. Byrne. Mrs. Byrne replaced Mrs. Murphy when she retired.
Ballycroney Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling recorded in a notebook that he drafted in 1960/1961. This was an important time as it began a decade of great change nationally and internationally. It commenced in January 1961 with John F. Kennedy being inauguated as the first Catholic President of the United States. For our international readers the Kennedy ancestoral home is located across the River Barrow from Glenmore. The year ended with the launch of Telefís Éireann on 31 December. The first broadcast featured President de Valera.
Danny in his notebook recorded the residents of the parish per the townlands where they lived. Birth dates or birth years of some of the older residents are listed or were gleaned from available public records. Today, we are going to feature the 12 families recorded in Ballycroney. For some time after drafting the notebook Danny recorded dates of death or simply noted that a resident had died.
The recorded information reveals that 43 people resided in Ballycroney with the population almost equally divided between males and females. The largest family recorded was the Boland family, and there were three households comprised of one person living on their own. The majority of households were supported by agriculture with only 5 persons were recorded as being employed in non-agricultural work (1 male and 4 females).
Recorded Residents
Males=22
Females=21
Total = 43
Eldest Recorded Resident = Luke Fitzgerald (b. 1883) [Aged 78/79 in 1961]
Recorded Work
Farmers =5 (4 Males & 1 Female)
Farm/Agricultural Workers= 12 (All males)
Punch Machine Operator= 1 (Female)
Clerk Typist = 1 (Female)
Waitress = 1 (Female)
Housemaid = 1 (Female)
BALLYCRONEY RESIDENTS
[1] FITZGERALD
Fitzgerald, Luke (b. 28 Feb. 1883) Farmer
Fitzgerald, James, son, farm
[2] HENNESSY
Hennessey, Bridget (b. 15 Aug. 1887) Farmer (died, but date of death not recorded)
Hennessey, Richard (b. 1915) son, farm
Hennessey, Ellen, daughter-in-law
Hennessey, Martin, son
Hennessey, Martin, grandson
[3] BOLAND
Boland, William (b. 1915) Agricultural Labourer
Boland, Mary (b. 1916) Wife [usually called Minnie]
Boland, John, son, Agricultural Labourer
Boland, William, son, Agricultural Labourer
Boland, Anne, daughter
Boland, Nellie, daughter
Boland, Margaret, daughter
Boland, Thomas, son
Boland, Bridget, daughter
[4] HAGAN
Hagan, Patrick (b. 17 Mar. 1904) Head, Farm Labourer
[5] CODY [known locally as the Odie Cody’s]
Cody, Richard (b. 1921) Farmer
Cody, John (b. 1922) brother, farm
Cody, Walter (b. 1928) brother, farm
Cody, Michael (b. 1925) brother, farm
[6] MACKEY
Mackey, John (b. 17 July 1902) Farmer
Mackey, Brigid (b. 1907) wife
Mackey, John, son, farm
Mackey, Catherine, daughter, punch machine operator
Mackey, Johanna, daughter
[Editor’s note–Munster Express, Fri. 3 Feb. 1961, p. 14–“Examination success—Amongst the successful candidates in the Civil Service Commissioners examination for appointment to the position of Telephonist held in December last, was C. Mackey, Ballycroney, Glenmore.”
[7] GAULE
Gaule, Patrick (b. 20 Jan. 1908) Lorry Driver
Gaule, John Joseph, son
Gaule, Mary Angela, daughter
Gaule, Elizabeth, daughter
Gaule, Brigid, daughter
[8] HARTE
Harte, Mary (b. 10 Feb. 1910)
Harte, Ellen, daughter, shorthand typist
Harte, Bridget, daughter
[9] COTTERELL
Cotterell, John (b. 23 May 1909) Farmer
Cotterell, Thomas (b. 16 Nov. 1912) brother, farm
[10] BUTLER
Butler, Anastatia (b. 17 May 1888)
[11] BUTLER
Butler, Mary (b.1924) housemaid
[12] POWER
Power, John, old age pensioner
Power, Bridget (b. 1904)
Power, Thomas Richard, son, farm labourer
Power, Margaret, daughter, waitress (hotel)
We hope that you have enjoyed or found this snapshot of Ballycroney interesting and over the coming weeks we will feature the residents of other townlands from this notebook.
Please send any corrections, additional information, or queries to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Concerts: 1900-1950
In previous blog posts we highlighted various Glenmore entertainment activities including: the Glenmore Mummers , The Amazing Dr. Powell and his traveling show,, the Irish music and dancing held at Lucy’s Rock, and the Glenmore cinema operated by Bill Walsh. Earlier this week we posted a video clip recorded by John Ennett, a native of Cappagh, Glenmore who recorded local musicians and dancers circa 1980 playing and dancing in the Glen Bar. We received several requests for further information concerning local music. A search of local newspapers provided some interesting information concerning concerts held in Glenmore and various Glenmore musical and dramatic groups. Today, we are going to feature the Glenmore concerts held in the first half of the Twentieth Century.
The Munster Express in 1903 reported via its local correspondent that on Saturday the 20th of September, Mr. and Mrs. Cussens gave a “splendid entertainment in the schoolroom. They provided the “most enjoyable entertainment ever presented in Glenmore.” Although the weather looked threatening a bright sky appeared at six and a crowded house at seven. “The programmed was a wisely selected one for a country audience, and received well merited appreciation. Mr. Cassens always managed to set the house in roars of laughter which sometimes waxed to excitement, yet the evening might have lacked completion without the appearance of our local artists, Messrs Peter Brophy and McManus. ‘Peter’ ever happy in the ‘Harbour Lights,’ took the house by storm, while Mr. McManus rendered his Irish songs with truly exquisite pathos” (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Sept. 1903, p. 8). It is believed that Peter Brophy was a native of Ballinaraha, Glenmore and later lived in Buckstown, Mullinavat.
In 1911 a concert was held to buy new school desks for the Robinstown Boys’ National School on Easter Sunday evening. The “indefatigable pastor,” Rev. T. Phelan, P.P. suggested the fund raiser. It was reported in the newspaper article that Father Phelan had already made several improvements to the school buildings of the parish. Father Phelan was also responsible for renovations to St. James at this time. For further details concerning the Church renovations click here.
Relying upon the teachers of the boys’ and girls’ schools a programme was developed including a “comic” skit performed by the Glenmore schoolboys regarding two poor house inmates. Artistes included: Miss Marian Spratt, Feis Gold Medalist, Rosbercon; Miss Harris, pianist, Waterford; Mr. M. Murray, Waterford’s leading tenor and Mr. Tommy Power, Waterford’s famous comedian. “The house was perhaps overcrowded and many who travelled far were unable to get admission. So many were unable to procure seats that it has been decided to repeat the concert next Sunday. There will be new attractions to the programme, and the artistes from Waterford and Rosbercon will again contribute.”
“The concert opened with a beautiful rendering of ‘Let Erin Remember,’ in two-part harmony, by a mixed choir of boys and girls of the Glenmore Schools. This choir, in opening the second part of the programme, also sang with much tase and soul stirring Irish anthem ‘Go Mairigh ar nGaedig Slan,’ and rendered equally well the national anthem ‘A Nation Once More,’ at the close. The school girls gave a beautiful exhibition of Irish dancing, which evinced very careful training, and evoked rounds of applause. A most humorous play, descriptive of the petty jealousies and quarrelsome tendencies of two workhouse inmates was admirably staged by the school boys. The boys grasped to perfection the wit and humour of parts, and succeeded in throwing their audience into roars of laughter. These schoolboys also gave an exquisite rendering, in two party harmony of that quaintly pathetic melody, ‘Home Sweet Home,’ beautifully intermingling with the different performances of the school children were the songs of the artistes … Miss Marian Spratt, Rosbercon, who possesses a voice remarkable for truth and sweetness in a pretty Irish song, and ‘Sweet Vale of Avoca.’ Miss Harris who presided at the piano, in addition to her excellent accompaniments, gave very artistic piano selections … Mr. Murray, in the ‘Fairy Boy’ and ‘She is Far from the Land,’ held the audience spell bound with a beautifully clear and cultured tenor voice. For encores he sang ‘Kitty of Coleraine,’ and ‘Believe me if all These Endearing Young Charms.’ For a rendition of “Kitty of Coleraine” by Bing Crosby click here and “Believe me…” by John McCormack, click here.
“Mr. Tommy Power was comicality personified. His songs possessing the richest vein of humour never even approached vulgarity, and were appreciated beyond measure. His friends in Glenmore would like to have a few more hours with Mr. Power. Mr. W. Curran, though looking fatigued from the strain of stage management did justice to his comic “Walkers Walked Away.”
“At the close, Rev. T. Phelan, P.P. delivered a short address in which he thanked the artistes from Waterford and Rosbercon who had contributed, the teachers Miss F. McGrath, Miss A. Curran and Mrs. H. Curran who trained the children with such success, and the people who had appreciated their efforts by attending” (Waterford News & Star, 21 April 1911, p. 6).
No Glenmore concerts could be located in the local newspapers in the turbulent 1920’s. The Waterford News & Star reported in 1931 that “for the first time in many years a concert and dramatic entertainment will be held at Glenmore by the re-organised Dramatic Class with Waterford artistes contributing to the concert programme” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 June 1931, p. 5).
In June 1933 the New Ross Standard advertised a “Grand Concert and Dramatic Entertainment” was to be held at Glenmore on June 29th and July 2nd. A programme of Irish Music was to be performed by Liam Walsh, of Waterford, the Champion Irish Piper. Comedy was to be provided by Box and Cox, of Slieverue and comic sketches by P. Delaney and John Kehoe, of New Ross. Musical selections were to be provided by the Glenmore String Band with choruses and dances. “Doors open 7.30 (old time). Admission 2/- and 1/-. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1933, p. 10).
A few years later the Munster Express reported on a “Talkie and Variety Show” that visited Glenmore. “Patrick Walsh is at present showing to full houses in Ballyfacey with his Irish-American Talkiedrome. He will visit Tullogher on Sunday and Glenmore on Friday next. This show is meeting with great success, as part of the country, and apart from the entertainment provided, are a novelty, while the variety items are first-class, making this show the best and most up-to-date touring at present” (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Oct. 1937, p. 8).
In the 1940’s concerts became a favoured fundraiser for groups such as the Glenmore GAA, Glenmore Ploughing Association and the Glenmore LDF. The Glenmore venue of choice was Lizzie J.K.’s dance hall built according to Danny Dowling in 1937 behind the old Gaffney shop premises. The dance hall was the subject of a public health report to the Kilkenny County Council. The report stated that an inspection of the building for structural and fire safety had been performed and concluded that it was “all right.” The report noted that one fire extinguisher was installed and also a stirrup pump. The report concluded that these should be replaced by a pump with a long hose and fire buckets (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Sept. 1945, p. 6). The Munster Express in its column, “Echoes from South Kilkenny” stated that concerts and variety entertainment had become a very popular pastime in the southern area (Munster Express, Fri. 16 March 1945, p. 3).
On St. Patrick’s Day 1940 the Glenmore Ploughing Association held a Ceilidhe in Walsh’s Hall (Munster Express, Fri. 15 March 1940, p. 8), and the following year the Glenmore Football club held a Ceilidhe and Old Time Waltzes in Walsh’s. The advertised admission fee was £1 (Munster Express, Fri. 21 Nov. 1941, p. 5).
The LDF in 1946 also held a fundraiser consisting of a “grand concert and dramatic entertainment” in Walsh’s Hall. The Slieverue Dramatic Class presented a two-act comedy entitled “When a Man Marries.” The programme also included “concert items by leading Waterford and district singers and dancers (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Feb. 1946, p. 5). Unfortunately, none of the district singers and dancers were identified. The comedy theme regarding marital status also appeared in the “Grand Concert” held in 1947 to aid the Glenmore Football club on the 1st and 2nd of November. The Mullinavat Dramatic Society presented a 3 act comedy entitled “Troubled Bachelors” along with a “full variety programme (Munster Express, Fr. 31 Oct. 1947, p. 5).
The Glenmore Hurling and Football Club held a “Grand Concert” in 1949. The “Rathinure Players” were the advertised featured group with the admission advertised as £2 (Munster Express, Fri. 8 April 1949, p. 5). The following year the Glenmore PTAA (Pioneer Total Abstinence Association) held a “Grand concert and variety entertainment” as a fundraiser in Kirwan’s Hall. The Poulpeasty Dramatic Society presented a three-act comedy “Poor Jimmy” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Dec. 1950, p. 7). From this advertisement it appears the Lizzie J.K. Walsh family had sold the hall.
Although local musicians played at local cross road dances and in homes across the parish these activities were not reported in local newspapers. If readers have any information concerning Glenmore musicians and singers we would like to record and share this information.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
John Ennett’s, “Dancing at Sean Walsh’s”
For generations, the local pub has been a venue for meeting and catching up, whether it be GAA, politics, work matters and sometimes for a musical get together. Glenmore for a long period of time after 1870 had the distinction of being the only parish in Ireland that was dry and had no pub, at least not a legal one. This changed when our own local pub, The Glen Bar was opened in 1963 by Sean Walsh, and he continued to trade there until 1982, when Michael Barron took ownership of the premises. We are very fortunate to be given a piece of movie gold, by John Ennett, originally from Cappagh, who now resides in England. John recorded this piece in Sean Walsh`s bar around 1980. It`s guaranteed to bring back memories.
Below are a list of local people that appear in the short clip. If you recognise anyone else please describe what they are doing or where they are seated, their name and where they lived or if you have any corrections to the list and information below please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
If you would like to read about the pre-1870 pubs and local shebeen’s recorded by Danny Dowling see our blog post of 30 March 2020 by clicking here.
Special thanks to John Ennett for sharing this wonderful clip.
Pat Dowling
Musicians
James “Jim B.” Walsh, of the Village (18 Sept. 1918-21 March 1988)
Watt Murphy, of Mullinahone, was married to Kitty Walsh.
Jimmy Long (playing the spoons) of Carrigcloney (17 July 1913-11 Oct. 2003)
Nicky Larrissy (playing the banjo) of Slieverue (son-in-law of Jimmy & Alice Long)
Dancers
Paddy Phelan of Ballyhobuck (28 Nov. 1934-28 Dec. 1992)
Alice Long (15 July 1924-7 Nov. 1997)
Ritchie Forristal, son of Bob the Miller, and nephew of Nicky the Miller, of Graiguenakill (21 Jan. 1923- ).
Patrons
Mr. O’Donnell the schoolteacher’s husband seated on right, leaning on his knees (gray hair)
Mikey Phelan, of Mullinahone, standing a the bar with hat, coat and gray hair.
John Ryan, of the Village, far left near Watt Murphy wearing a sports coat.
Nicky Martin, of Upper Ballinlammy, next to Jimmy Long, (wearing a flat cap, tweed coat, jumper, open collar white shirt)
Johnny Sinnott and his wife, of Weatherstown, seated to the right of Jim B (Johnny wearing a flat cap)
“Mick Mack” McDonald?, of Scartnamore, dark hair & sideburns to the left of Watt Murphy (wearing a tie & lit a cigarette)
Jack Dollard, of Ballyfacey, seated on right (hat, white shirt and tie).
Special thanks to John Hennessey for identifying some of the patrons.
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