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
Maurice Hennebry (1859-1917) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore—Killed on the S.S. Formby
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Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
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From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
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November Updates
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A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
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Rev. William “Willie” Brennan (1891-1973) Parish Priest of Glenmore
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Glenmore Walking Tour 2025
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Interviews of Andrew Heffernan (1893-1975) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
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Glenmore: Upcoming Local Talks & Walk
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James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
Counterfeiting in Glenmore
During the Famine the local newspapers were full of articles where people were arrested and convicted of “coining” or counterfeiting coins or passing or possessing counterfeit coins. Today, we are going to highlight a counterfeiting case involving a Glenmore farmer who paid part of his rent with counterfeit sovereigns. The sovereign was a gold coin introduced in 1817 as part of the Great Recoinage of 1816 to replace the guinea. The guinea was worth 21 shillings or £1.05 and the gold sovereign was worth £1. Interestingly the Great Recoinage was deemed necessary to stabilise the British currency after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars caused severe economic problems in Great Britain. The sovereign continued to be in circulation until World War I, but remains legal tender in the UK today.
The following short article appeared in the Waterford Chronicle on Saturday the 21st of March 1846 (p. 3). The case was then reported in several other newspapers including the Kerry Examiner (27 March 1846, p. 3).
“COINING. On Monday last two men named Walsh and Sweeny, farmers from the county of Kilkenny, near Glenmore, who were of good character hitherto, were arrested on a charge of coining and committed to prison. The particulars of the case are as follows: the coiners came to pay rent to their landlord, to whom they paid nine sovereigns and some notes; they received receipts and departed. In short time after the money was sent to the bank, where the gold was discovered counterfeit, but the notes were good. The following morning Constable Hughes proceeded to the residences of the prisoners, and there found some coining utensils, for making sovereigns, as well some stamps for half crowns, which, together with some metal found in the same place, the constable brought into town. The persons charged are fully committed for trial.”
The following week, two national newspapers the Pilot and the Freeman’s Journal, quoting a Waterford Freeman article, supplied more details concerning the event. Interestingly the Waterford Freemen ceased publishing in 1847 because subscribers failed to pay their subscriptions. These articles reveal that a farmer named Peter Walsh, a resident of Weatherstown, Glenmore, on the 18th of March went into Waterford City to pay his rent to his landlord Mr. Robert Smith. According to the newspaper he tendered good notes for £6 and 9 sovereigns which were “base coin.” The landlord did not suspect that the coins were counterfeit until he went to lodge them in the bank and the bank informed him that the 9 sovereign coins were not real. Sergeant Hughes was informed and he arrested Peter Walsh and a labourer named Sweeny. At the time of his arrest Peter Walsh had on his person “three bad sovereigns, two base half crowns, mixed with good coins and 9 base half-crowns concealed.” The labourer Sweeney had one bad half crown. Hughes went to Walsh’s residence where he found “the instruments for casting the coins, the dies, the metallic substances, the receipts for polishing, and chemical ingredients. Waterford Freemen.” (The Pilot, Wed. 25 March 1846, p. 1).
On the 3rd of April 1846, Peter Walsh, of Weatherstown was granted bail on the application of Mr. Hassard, a solicitor. The court required two sureties’ posting £40 each. “Walsh, the farmer, from Weatherstown [was] committed to the city jail on a charge of passing base sovereigns a few weeks back” (Waterford Mail, Wed. 8 April 1846, p. 2). Thus, for attempting to pay his rent with 9 counterfeit coins valued at £9 two men had to post £40 each in order for Walsh to be released on bail. Unfortunately, this is the last newspaper article concerning the counterfeiting and no where is the first name of the labourer Sweeney provided or whether he continued to languish in jail.
That may have been the end of the story except for the parish records and a headstone in Glenmore cemetery. From the parish records we were able to discover that a Peter Walsh, of Weatherstown, was married to Anastatia Murphy and had 7 known children: [1] James Walsh, bapt. 2 Dec. 1836; [2] Mary Walsh, bapt. 18 Mar. 1838; [3] Patrick Walsh, bapt. 1 Dec. 1839; [4] John Walsh, bapt. 19 July 1841; [5] Edmund Walsh, bapt. 17 June 1842; [6] Michael Walsh, bapt. 23 Aug. 1844; [7] Bridget Walsh, bapt. 19 April 1846. All of the children when baptized had an address of Weatherstown, except Bridget who was born about a month after Peter Walsh, of Weatherstown was arrested. Bridget Walsh’s address was provided as Busherstown, Glenmore.
The only headstone with the name Peter Walsh, in the cemetery adjacent to the Glenmore Parish Church, has the following inscription:
Erected by Mary Walsh, of Weatherstown in memory of her grandfather Michael Walsh and her grandmother Mary Walsh. Her father Peter died in 1847. Her mother Anastasia Walsh née Murphy died in 1862 (sic). Uncles Patrick and Micheal Her sister Bridget Gahan née Walsh died in America 1856 (sic) aged 42. Her brother James died 17 May 1908, aged 72.
Danny Dowling interviewed Martin Cody, of Weatherstown, Glenmore in May 1977. Martin stated that the Walsh family had a farm of 40 Irish acres in Weatherstown, Glenmore. The last of the male line of this family in Weatherstown, was James Walsh who remained a bachelor and died in 1909. He lived with his sister Main Walsh, who never married. Main or Mary Walsh died in 1919. Jim and Main spoke Irish. Their land went down to Connolly’s Cross and the old name for that part of Jim Walsh’s farm was “Flohanins.” In 1977 Martin said that the Walsh farm was owned by William Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. His father brought it. A sister of James and Main Walsh married Tom Gahan, another native of Weatherstown. They emigrated to Boston and had two sons Frank and John. Frank Gahan fought with the US Army in Europe during the First World War and visited Weatherstown at that time. Lastly, Martin stated that the Walsh’s mother was one of the Sé Óg Walshs of Tullogher, and Jim and Main were first cousins of Dickie Doherty of Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
From the parish records we believe that it was the Walsh’s grandmother, rather than mother was one of the Sé Óg Walshs of Tullogher. Also, the 1901 census reveals that Anastatia Walsh née Murphy was an 87-year-old widow in Weatherstown living with her son James Walsh and daughter Mary Walsh. James Walsh was 60 years old and Mary Walsh was 57 years of age. Also reported in the household was Andrew Cashin, aged 30 who was listed as a domestic servant with the notation “idiot”. We were able to verify that James Walsh, died on the 17th of May 1908 at Weatherstown and James Synott was present when he died. The 1911 census reveals that Mary or Main Walsh was living alone and her landlord is listed as Patrick Fitzgerald. It is assumed that when her brother Jim died she sold the farm to Patrick Fitzgerald but continued living in the farmhouse.
We also verified that Bridget Walsh, of Weatherstown married Thomas Gahan on 16 August 1881 at Glenmore. The first record located in Boston reveals that in 1883 Thomas Gahan was living at 20 Beach Chsn. and working as a labourer (Boston City Directory 1883). The couple in addition to sons Frank and John also had a son Peter who died on 18 April 1885 of measles at the age of 2. Bridget Gahan née Walsh died on 10 Dec. 1887. She and her son Peter are buried together at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Boston. Bridget’s year of birth is incorrectly recorded as 1852 instead of 1846. We were unable to locate a 1919 death record for Mary/Main Walsh and we did find that another brother of Jim and Mary or Walsh. Michael Walsh (bapt. 1844) (farmer) married Catherine Mackey, of Weatherstown, on 23 September 1866 at Glenmore. She was the daughter of Philip Mackey (farmer) of Weatherstown. There was only 1 child located for this couple. Anastatia Walsh was born on 20 January 1867 in Weatherstown. It is not known if the family emigrated or remained in Ireland.
Danny Dowling also recorded information provided by Nicky the Miller Forristal in November 1977. Nicky revealed, “Old Jim Walsh and Main Walsh, of Weatherstown were brother and sister. They had a farm. Jim Walsh was known as “Bothered Jim.” He was kind of deaf and used to talk high. He was a big man. Old Cashin, the shoemaker, was invited out by Jim Walsh to visit him. The invitation extended over a long time, and finally Cashin did visit him, thinking he was going to have a great evening with a few drinks thrown in. After sometime Jim said to Main ‘get a pawpeen for Cashin.’ That was all he got.”
Lastly, from the information provided on the headstone Main Walsh erected we were able to trace the Walsh family, of Weatherstown, back another generation.
The parents of Peter Walsh (1809-1847) were Michael Walsh, of Weatherstown and Mary Walsh née Walsh of Tennefala, Glenmore. Tennefala is near Rosbercon, Tullogher. Per the baptismal records, the following children were born to this union: [1] Bridget Walsh, (bapt. 28 Jan. 1798); [2] John Walsh (bapt. 7 May 1802]; [3] Mary Walsh (bapt. 2 June 1807); [4] Peter Walsh, (bapt. 28 Aug. 1809); [5] James Walsh, (bapt. 30 July 1812); [6] Patrick Walsh, (bapt. 7 Aug. 1815) and [7] Michael Walsh, (bapt. 23 Jan. 1820).
The grandfather of Peter Walsh (1809-1847), Michael Walsh, was baptised on 19 August 1773 at Weatherstown, Glenmore. Michael was the son of Peter Walsh and Mary Walsh.
Given the fact that Peter Walsh was quickly released on bail, that he had a solicitor, and no record of a trial could be located it may be the case that the landlord, Robert Smith, was not interested in prosecuting so long as the rent was paid. There is no conclusive proof that the Peter Walsh, of Weatherstown, charged with counterfeiting in 1846 was the Peter Walsh (1809-1847) of Weatherstown, but he is the most likely candidate at the moment based upon the available records.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is an 1843 gold soverign coin featuring a young Queen Victoria.
From Danny’s Files: The 1961 Irish Press Article on Luke Murphy [Updated]
Tucked safely in Danny Dowling’s voluminous collection of Glenmore related files is a sixty-year-old article featuring Luke Murphy (c. 1927-2003) of Ballybrahee, Glenmore. The article is entitled “High Production on an 18-Acre Farm: Little Denmark in South Kilkenny,” written by Maurice Liston and published in the Irish Press on Saturday the 11th of February 1961. In addition to honouring the industrious Luke Murphy and his high produce yields, the article is important as it is one of the markers of the development of Irish agricultural journalism. According to the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, which was founded also in 1961, “the first half of the twentieth century Ireland was a barren land as far as agricultural communication of any kind was concerned.” (Guild of Agricultural Journalists, 50th Anniversary, p. 4). The Guild publication notes that Maurice Liston was one of two prominent national Irish agricultural journalists when the Guild was founded in 1961. Maurice Liston (c. 1901-1973) was a native of Co. Limerick, and began his journalistic career with regional newspapers such as the Limerick Leader, the Drogheda Independent and Mayo News before joining the national Irish Press in 1932. Although Maurice Liston covered all types of news stories he became “best known for his well-informed articles on farming” (Irish Press, 20 April 1973, p. 3).
Today, we are going to highlight various aspects of the ground breaking 1961 article that provides a glimpse into a self-sufficient mixed farming enterprise that was once prevalent in Glenmore, but has disappeared. We will conclude with some information on Luke Murphy’s parents and grandparents.
The 1961 Article
In early February 1961 Maurice Liston visited Luke Murphy’s 18 statute acre farm in Ballybrahee, Glenmore “famed for top quality potatoes and mixed farming generally.” The author noted that the parish of Glenmore previously had been described “by a well-known agriculturalist as a ‘little Denmark.’” He noted that Luke Murphy “by intelligent planning and personal hard work, has achieved an output even greater than that of the Danes.” Luke Murphy had 2 acres of potatoes, 13 acres dedicated to tillage and hay production and the remaining 3 acres were devoted to pasture for grazing. The article further breaks down that 2 acres were in feeding barley, 1.5 acres in wheat, 1 acre in sugar beet, 1 acre in mangold, and half an acre in turnips and 3.5 acres in hay.
Ballybrahee in 1961 was one of the few districts in Ireland where the yield of Golden Wonders potatoes averaged 12 tons an acre although Luke Murphy enjoyed even higher yields. The author noted that the soil “is a typical South Leinster Silurian, free working loam and eminently suitable for tillage and early sowing.” The early sowing and good management of the crop were identified as the reason for the high yields. In addition to the high yield Luke Murphy maximised his profit by selling his Golden Wonders mainly after Christmas. He built a special potato store for sorting and grading the potatoes for market.
The beet crop produced sixteen tons to the acre and it was noted that in some years Luke Murphy was able to achieve twenty tons to the acre. “The farm is practically self-supporting with by-products of the beet crop, roots and barley in plentiful supply for stock feeding. The stock consists of four fine milch cows which yield around 700 gallons each per year. The milk is sent to Glenmore Co-operative Creamery…one of the most successful creameries in the South of Ireland…The calves are fed with hay, roots and beat pulp and are sold as yearlings. The pig enterprise is a highly successful one. Three sows are kept and they average twelve bonhams each, which is really very prolific and well above the national average…with around 70 store pigs sold off the farm annually. All are fed on home produced food supplemented by purchased pig meal produced at the local creamery.”
It was noted that the rotation of crops on this farm was sound but flexible. Farm manure was the main fertilizer. Root crops followed stubbles in some years, but invariably feeding barley and wheat followed beet or potatoes. “One of the outstanding successes on the farm [was] the creation of new pastures, which have trebled the stock carry capacity of the land. This high yield output results from the method of sowing down tilled land to a crop of grass…by direct seeding…” In 1961 Luke Murphy maintained four milch cows, five yearlings, two horses and three sows. “on six statute acres is tremendous stocking—exceeding the very high outputs that we hear of from New Zealand and other countries.”
Luke Murphy attributed his success to science. “Convinced that science is as necessary to agricultures as to any other industry” he regularly attended agricultural classes” including those held in Glenmore the previous year. The article concludes that from “a very small acreage Mr. Murphy has provided himself and his family with a high standard of living, using his car for business and for pleasure. The comfortable residence, well-appointed out-offices, including haybarn and well-kept yards, are in keeping with the exceptionally high standard of husbandry practised.” Interestingly, although an automobile is mentioned there is no mention of a tractor which may explain why two horses were kept.
The Murphy Family
Luke Murphy was married to Alice Murphy née Forristal (c. 1922- 2018) of Rochestown, Glenmore. The couple had four children. Unfortunately, public records for births after 1920 are not available nor are marriages after 1945, thus we have provided what information that we could verify concerning Luke Murphy’s parents and grandparents. A tree is provided for ease of access followed by further information including townlands etc.
Luke Murphy’s Parents
Luke Murphy (c. 1927-2003) was the son of Daniel Murphy (5 April 1876-18 Nov. 1948) and Ellen Murphy née Murphy (c. 1884-29 July 1951). Daniel Murphy and Ellen Murphy were married on 8 November 1911 at Glenmore. The groom, Daniel Murphy, was 35 years of age, a farmer from Shambogh (sic) and his father was listed as James Murphy (farmer). The bride, Ellen Murphy, was 27 years of age, from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and her father was listed as John Murphy (farmer).
The following children of Daniel Murphy and Ellen Murphy née Murphy have been identified from various family obituaries: [1] Mary Murphy (c. 1908-1998)(emigrated to England); [2] James Murphy (29 Nov. 1915-2 Dec. 1941); [3] John Murphy; [4] Con Murphy (emigrated to England); [5] Stasia Furlong née Murphy ( ?-1999); [6] Hannie Brennan née Murphy (? -c. 1996)(emigrated to England); [7] Luke Murphy (c. 1927-29 March 2003).
Luke Murphy’s Grandparents
Daniel Murphy (1876-1948) was the son of James Murphy and Johanna Neil of Shanbogh, Rosbercon. James Murphy and Johanna Neil, of Glyn, were married on 28 February 1870 at Rosbercon.
Ellen Murphy née Murphy was born on 1 August 1884 the daughter of John Murphy and Mary Murphy née Henneberry. John Murphy (farmer) of Ballybrahee and Mary Henneberry, of Ballyverneen, were married at Glenmore on 19 January 1884. John Murphy’s father was listed as John Murphy (deceased) and Mary Murphy née Henneberry’s father was listed as James Henneberry (labourer). James Henneberry married Ellen Walsh, of Weatherstown, on 17 January 1853.
Mary Murphy née Henneberry was born on 23 June 1859 at Jamestown. Her parents were James Henneberry and his wife Ellen Henneberry née Walsh. James Henneberry and Ellen Walsh, of Weatherstown were married on the 17th of January 1853.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Luke Murphy was a contemporary of Danny Dowling, and for further information about 1927 see our previous post.
[Updated 16 August 2021–Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending the photo of the three men of Ballybrahee. Updated 17 August 2021–Special thanks to Julie Hoyne for the correction: the man in the centre of the men of Ballybrahee is Jim Murphy, the older brother of Luke Murphy. ]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Football During the Roaring Twenties: 1920-1921
According to the Kilkenny GAA Bible, Glenmore won the Kilkenny Senior Football Championships in 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1929 (Gerry O’Neil, Kilkenny GAA Bible 2018, p. 64). This impressive list only tells part of the story. As we previously highlighted the football season commenced in one year and the championship was held usually in the spring of the next year. With the War of Independence underway no Kilkenny County football championships were played or awarded for 1917 or 1918. Although the hurling championship match for 1919 was dropped, Glenmore junior and senior football teams fought their way to their respective finals to be played in March 1920. Today, we are going to focus on 1920 and 1921.
At the February 1920, GAA County Committee Meeting as the venues were being decided for the junior and senior championships, it was noted that although the rules at the time stated that all finals and semi-finals should be played in St. James Park the Leinster Council suggested fixing venues at central and neutral places. “Mr. N. O’Keeffe, C.Y.M.S. (Kilkenny City) proposed that the senior football final between Glenmore and Coolagh be played before the junior football final, as Glenmore, he said, was trying to run off the two championships with the one team.” This proposition was carried. The senior match was to be played at Knocktopher on the 14th of March and the junior on the 21st also at Knocktopher (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat, 21 Feb. 1920, p. 7).
Coolagh were declared the senior champions in 1919 because they were awarded a walkover against Glenmore. “The chairman said that no medals would be given in this case when no match was played” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 March 1920, p. 7). No information was provided in the newspapers why Glenmore did not play the final, but it is believed that in addition to the difficulties imposed by martial law at least two Glenmore players had been arrested and others were attempting to avoid arrest. At the next County Committee Meeting Mr. J. Doherty (Glenmore) responded to the accusation of using one team to play both championships “was a confounded lie.”
Due to various assaults and invasion of the pitch at a hurling match near the original venue a decision was taken to hold the junior final at Waterford on the 11th of April with Mr. W. Walsh to referee (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 27 March 1920, p. 7). The Glenmore junior team was to play C.Y.M.S. (Kilkenny City) which may go some way to explain O’Keefe’s disputed remark. Ultimately, Glenmore prevailed and became the 1919 Co. Kilkenny Junior Football champions with a final score of: Glenmore 2-4; C.Y.M.S. 0-1.
Glenmore vs. Cloneen (Castlecomer)
At the Kilkenny County GAA meeting on the 31st of March 1921, a letter from John Doherty, of Coolnaleen, was read out. Glenmore had been promised £20 for expenses to play the senior football final and they had received a cheque for £19. It transpired that the team were fined £1 for “unpunctual attendance.” Glenmore was present at the appointed time but objected to the referee, Paddy Dunphy, of the Leinster Council. Ultimately, Mr. Gibbons “for the sake of the County Committee” talked the Glenmore team into playing. The Chairman pointed out that prior to this re-play match two Glenmore representatives were informed that the meeting would make the final arrangements. T. Brennan, of Cloneen, stated, “It was Connolly’s whole fault,” yet he did not elaborate. It is assumed that he was referring to Mick Connolly, of Glenmore (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 April 1921, p. 9). There is no indication in the newspaper report which team won the “final.”
The reporting of matches during this period is often confusing and lacking in detail compared to earlier seasons. The Kilkenny GAA Bible provides that Glenmore played Cloneen (Castlecomer) twice to win the Senior Football Championship 1920. Glenmore won the first game with a score of 1-5 to Cloneen 1-3. An objection was filed and replay ordered. Glenmore won the second game with a score of 2-6 to Cloneen 1-3. (p. 64).
We were able to locate a newspaper account of a match held on the 23rd of October between Glenmore and Cloneen at St. James Park for the County Kilkenny senior football championship. Strangely Glenmore, as Kilkenny Senior Football Champions played the Wexford Senior Football Champions on 9 October 1921 in a charity match (New Ross Standard, (Fri., 14 Oct. 1921, p. 6). With respect to the Glenmore-Cloneen match on 23 October, the championship year is not provided in the article. The newspaper report on the match stated that the sudden arrival of wintery weather impacted on attendance. It was described as a strenuous, well contested encounter, the pace, in spite of the heavy pitch, being “wonderfully fast.” “Glenmore provided a surprise packet—their splendid fielding, speedy delivery, their wonderful readiness to adapt themselves to varying circumstances and their great powers of endurance, marked them as a sound combination.”
The first half Cloneen took an early lead. By half time the scores were Cloneen—1 goal, 3 points to Glenmore—2 points. When the game restarted Glenmore attacked, but the Cloneen defence held. “A clever pass for a fifty saw the Glenmore captain advance his side a point and now a wonderful vigour was displayed by both sides. Glenmore persistently attacked and made several great efforts to capture the citadel for a major but Cloneen backs saved again and again in fine style and against a stiff breeze. Glenmore were not to be denied, and after some exciting struggles they added two further point. With only a point, between the game was now eventing, and a fast exchange saw Cloneen rush down for what seemed a certain score, only to shoot inches wide. Glenmore halves played like Trojans, and from a quick centre their full forward scored a grand goal, which proved the last score of the match.” The final score was Glenmore—1 goal, 5 point and Cloneen 1 goal, 3 points (Kilkenny People, Sat. 29 October 1921, p. 2). This score suggests that this was the first game as recorded in the Kilkenny GAA Bible.
Interestingly, it was reported in the Munster Express that the objection lodged by Cloneen, against Glenmore being awarded the senior football championship, was referred by the Kilkenny County Board to the Leinster Council. The Leinster Council considered the appeal at its November meeting and after discussing the objectio they referred it back to the Kilkenny County Board for reconsideration. “It is generally anticipated that a replay will take place, and should…Glenmore be capable of reproducing the form they displayed in the previous game they should experience little difficulty in again emerging victorious” (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Dec. 1921, p. 5). When the second game was held could not be located in a newspaper article.
Glenmore vs. Gusserane
The match that Glenmore played in October 1921 as Kilkenny Football Champions is provided below because it provides information regarding the game and lists the names of the players. It is not clear why Glenmore was considered the Kilkenny Senior Football Champions on 14 October 1921. The last championship Glenmore won was in 1916 and no championships were played in 1917, 1918, and in 1919 Glenmore made it to the final, but did not play providing Coolagh with a walk over.
At Barrett’s Park, New Ross a GAA tournament in aid of the Dependents’ Fund was held. “For this very worthy object Co. Wexford and Co. Kilkenny football and hurling champions met, and notwithstanding that other fixtures clashed on the same day there was a good attendance of spectators, who came to witness fast and scientific play, as well as to help the cause for which the tournament was organised. Each of the four teams that competed were minus some of their players who were unable to be present, and substitutes were put on. The weather was beautiful, and the O’Hanrahan pipers’ band, New Ross, played the teams into the arena and out when the games were over, as well as playing selections of Irish airs on the field during the evening. The play in general during both contests was fast, scientific and well sustained…”
“Glenmore were the first to invade and sent the oval to their opponents’ grounds, where some fast exchanges took place, eventuating in the ball going wide. After the kick out Gusserane forced the pace, and the leather was taken to the front of the Glenmore uprights, and M. Myler nicely placed for Martin Fowler, who with a splendid kick sent it into the net. Glenmore next carried the ball midfield and sustaining the attack Jim Hanrahan from an angle struck one of the uprights, but the ball rebounded. Again, Gusserane came on and the Glenmore goal-keeper neatly saved. Glenmore took the leather to the left wing, and pushing on bid fair to bring off a major which was averted by the alertness of the Gusserane goal custodian. A midfield rally ensued for some minutes. Glenmore came on, and from a kick far out the field Jim Hanrahan scored a point. Following the kick-out Gusserane forced the issue, and Jim Byrne sent to Martin Howlett, who placed for Martin Fowler to raise the white flag. Gusserane again contended for a score per Tom O’Hanlon, who passed to Peter Corish, but the Glenmore backs were as firm as a rock, and the ball was again transferred to midfield. At half-time Gusserane was leading by 1 goal 1 point to 1 point for Glenmore. On resuming Glenmore attacked, and the ball narrowly missed the net. Gusserene next invaded, and a spirited rally followed in front of Glenmore posts eventuating in the leather going wide. After some centre field play Glenmore spurted, and Jim Hanrahan neatly shot the oval between the posts, registering a minor, which he repeated three minutes later. Gusserane narrowly missed bringing off a score during an invasion of the Glenmore territory. Play for the ensuing five minutes was very brisk. Gusserene played a fine game, and so did Glenmore, who lost only by one point. At full time the scores were: Gusserance-1 goal I point. Glenmore–3 points. Mr. P. J. Doyle, Irishtown, capably refereed.
The teams were: Gusserane–T. O’Hanlon (capt.), E. Cullen (goal). M. Howlett, P. Corish, J. Byrne, T. Howlett, J. Colfer, J. Quinn, H. Quinn, M. Fowler, M. Myler, J. Kenny, J. Butler, P. Byrne and J. Finn. Glenmore –Jack Doherty (capt.), Jim Murphy, Paul Fitzgerald, Martin Cody, Michael Cody, Pat Cody, Bill Irish, Stephen Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Hanrahan, Bill Hartley, Wat Walsh, Peter Forrestal, Martin Williams and Jim Cody” (New Ross Standard, Fri., 14 Oct. 1921, p. 6).
No 1921 Kilkenny senior football championship was held. We shall return to report on the 1922, 1923, 1924 championships in future post.
For an account of earlier teams see, The Tenacious Glenmore 1915 Football Team: Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions and The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 Co. Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.
The featured photo above was taken in 1925 and part of the Poole Collection (POOL_WP_2720a, POOL_K_4144 & POOL_WP_3651) and the photo is Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: August 1921
As July 1921 ended it was noted that July was one of the sunniest months the area had experienced for 80 years, and rain only fell on five days in July amounting to only one-fifth of an inch for the total rainfall for the month (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 4). The weather broke and by the 6th of August it was reported that the Barrow had overflowed its banks and hundreds of acres of meadows were under water in the Monstrevan district (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). The extreme weather also resulted in mushrooms. On the 2nd and 3rd of August “buckets of mushrooms were brought into New Ross and sold at prices that were remunerative to the pickers,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8). At the beginning of August, Patrick Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, Glenmore suffered a fire in a big shed containing about 50 tons of hay. The fire was observed by neighbours around 10 o’clock. It was reported that Patrick Fitzgerald was not at home, and when the neighbours rushed to the fire they could not save the large rick. “The big hay barn was also very much damaged. Cars and machines in a house were also destroyed. The flames reached a house where a fat bull and a cow were tethered. The bull succeeded in freeing himself from the tether and escaping with a burned face; but the cow not being able to free herself was burned to death. It is not yet known what the amount of the damage is, but it is considerable. It is believed it was insured” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
The Truce
The truce of the 11th of July continued to hold. The local newspapers reported on some of the damage from the war. An engineer from the Kilkenny County Council inspected the burned Ferry Mountgarret bridge, outside New Ross. There were rumours that a light bridge would be erected until a new bridge could be built. It was reported that “[s]ome years ago the Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils passed a certain sum for the building of a new bridge” about a hundred yards above the old bridge (New Ross Standard, 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8).
Most of the local roads and bridges were trenched and “considerable inconvenience was caused.” By mid-August it was reported that while many were filled since the truce was called, in County Wexford many trenches remained open. “Perhaps it would be well in the public interest if they were filled” (New Ross Standard, 12 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Commandant Tom Barry, I.R.A., chief officer for Munster, Wexford and Kilkenny reported 12 further complaints of breaches of the truce by the Crown. One complaint concerned 16 men held in Waterford whose terms of sentence expired, and they were removed to Spike Island on August 1. It was also reported that Crown troops had not returned property including parts of motors in some districts causing considerable loss of trade and the mail was only being delivered every other day in Piltown (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Complaints that would previously not pass censorship began to appear in local newspapers. For example, it was reported in the Waterford Gaol that political prisoners, both tried and untried, went on a hunger strike as a protest against the quality and quantity of food supplied in the prison (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 August 1921, p. 13). Complaints were printed regarding the higher postal rates “and in some respects the service is less efficient than in war time. The abolition of the Sunday delivery…caused loss and inconvenience to almost all sections of the community both here and in Britain” (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Before the end of August articles began to appear that prisoners were being released. In New Ross Republican flags were flown from The Tholsel, the ’98 Monument, the Town Hall, St. Thomas’s Club, the workhouse, and in the Irishtown on Sunday the 21st. It was believed that the flags were put up in celebration of the release of the Dáil Éireann members who had been in prison (New Ross Standard, 23 Aug. 1921, p. 5). One of the members of Dáil Éireann released from Mountjoy Prison, was Commandant Seán MacEoin, over the objections of Dublin Castle. Commandant MacEoin issued the following statement upon his release, “Following the statement I made at my court martial, it is now clear to the Irish people that my release by the English Government is an admission on their part that I am not only a Representative of the People, but a realisation that the English recognise me as an officer of the Irish army, as stated by one at the court martial, when I made it clear that I was not guilty of the foul offence of murder. My release is an acceptance of my attitude that my act was an act of war, and it is, therefore, clear that my release is a final abandonment of any claim by the enemy that the Irish war is murder. The Irish war was war—war waged in accordance with the prevailing conditions. I am released as a representative of the people to attend a meeting of the Parliament of my nation. I should not have been chosen as a representative of the people. That situation makes it clear that all my fellow soldiers in jails and camps must be similarly recognised” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 14).
It was also reported that John Cotterell, of Dobbyn’s Mill, Thomastown, was released from Wormword Scrubbs after serving 12 months. He had been convicted by court martial of having a document in his possession relating to attacks on police barracks. Prior to his arrest he was employed as a shop assistant in Graiguenamanagh (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). Nicholas O’Toole, of Hacketstown, Co. Carlow was released from Rath Camp early in August after six months’ imprisonment. The newspaper went on to state that his sister, Miss Mary O’Toole, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law had been nominated judge of the Washington Municipal Court in the U.S. and was the first “lady lawyer” to receive such a distinction (Kilkenny People, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 7).
Perhaps the most unusual reference to imprisonment during the War of Independent was an advertisement placed in local newspapers in August 1921 by the Phelan Brothers, of George’s Street Waterford.
“Historic After-Season Event: Dress Buyer in Jail—Owing to our dress buyer, Mr. Pierce Purcell being arrested and placed in jail a short time ago, just as he had returned from Markets after having made huge purchases of dress materials and costume goods at sensationally low prices, we were deprived of one of our best and most efficient buyers consequently a large portion of his purchases remain unsold. As the season is drawing to a close, and these goods must be paid for, we have decided to clear our entire stock of seasonable dress material and costume goods this week…Phelan Bros, Waterford’s Cheapest and Fastest Growing Drapery, Tailoring and Boot Shop, George’s Street, Waterford” (Munster Express, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
The New Order
August also marked the beginning of the I.R.A. openly dealing with local crime. For example, it was reported that Ferrybank inhabitants were subjected to petty burglaries and larcenies. “The matter was placed in the hand of the local I.R.A.” and on 22 August two young men were arrested who were believed to have been connected to the thefts (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was also reported that in several districts in South Wexford notices, purporting to be from the I.R.A. were posted in pubs, to restrict the hours during which drink could be supplied to bona-fide travellers on Sundays. Many of the notices were removed by the police (Kilkenny People, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Resumption of Fairs and Sporting Events
On the first of August the Waterford monthly fair was held and it was reported that it was small as there was a depression in trade due to the effect of the drought on live stock. “Three-year-olds in good condition commanded prices varying from £30 to £36; two-year-olds from £20 to £25; and yearlings from £10 to £16. There were practically no supplies of sheep” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 13).
The following week it was reported that the New Ross Fair was a very changed scene. “The first pig fair since the imposition of the military restrictions, which were further intensified by the Departmental embargo contingent on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, took place in New Ross on Monday [the 7th]. There was a large supply of pigs and a great attendance of buyers from Waterford, and the town generally presented an animated appearance, which was absent for the past three months, when it was suggestive of a deserted village. On Tuesday the first cattle fair since the restrictions were removed took place” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 2).
In addition to fairs and markets re-opening, the first Sunday excursion train from Clonmel to Waterford for Tramore since 1917 was run on 31st of July (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was announced in the Waterford News that on the 14th an excursion train would run from Waterford, through Glenmore to New Ross for the inter-county hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny. It had been approximately five years since there had been a Sunday excursion on this line. “It is unnecessary to point out that owing to the trials that the country has gone through and the many restrictions, including the imposition of Martial Law that no hurling or football inter-county games have been held either in Kilkenny or Wexford for a considerable time…” The fare from Waterford on the excursion train was set at 2s. 6d. return” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
It was reported that upwards of 5,000 spectators attended the semi-final Leinster Hurling (1920) Championship match between Kilkenny and Wexford held on the 14th in New Ross. In addition to the excursion train from Waterford special trains were provided from Wexford, Enniscorthy and Kilkenny via Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). It was reported that 600 people crossed on the ferry boat near the burned bridge at the Ferry Mountgarrett. They came from the Kilkenny side as far up as Inistioge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 Aug. 1921, p. 8). It was reported that the gate receipts amounted to £161 17s. (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). There were no Glenmore men identified on the Kilkenny hurling team, however the team did have three Mooncoin players; L. Cantwell, J. Grant and J. Foskin. Kilkenny won that day with a final score of 5 goals, 1 point to Wexford 1 goal, 2 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). Immediately after the match the result was “despatched to Kilkenny by pigeons” brought to the match in baskets (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
August 1921 began and ended with renewed hope that the truce would hold and life was returning to normal. Although the truce would hold within ten months the country would be plunged into Civil War.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in 19th Century Newspapers
Below are ten short articles from a range of newspapers across the 19th century featuring Glenmore people or events. Interestingly some newspapers until 1900 spelled Glenmore as Glanmore, and the language employed by the newspapers is often quaint.
The first article deals with the two inevitabilities of life, death and taxes. The article was found in the Dublin Morning Register (Sat. 8 March 1828, p. 3), but was originally published in the Waterford Chronical.
“Tithes—Horrible Barbarity—Attend reader to the following appalling fact—“A poor man, named Pat. Bryan, lives in Haggard, mountains of Glanmore (sic), having a poor hovel he built himself on half an acre of ground; the land about him is let for 10s. per acre; he has been ill for a long time, supported by the charities of the parish, having four children and a poor wife. A day or two ago, he was called on for the tithes—there were Rectorial Tithes, Corporation Tithes, and Vicarial Tithes. Having nothing to pay them, the Collectors took from him the only blanket he had. But it would be well if it ended here—hear the sequel—the zealous parish priest of Slieverue, the Rev. J. Fitzpatrick, and his Coadjutor, the Rev. Mr. Foras, were collecting, yesterday, a subscription to purchase a coffin and shroud—for what? To bury the corpse of the man who died on the night of the day that he was stripped of his blanket!!! Waterford Chronicle.”
[2] The next article concerns a tragic death in Glenmore Village at Christmastime in 1831 found in the Freeman’s Journal (Sat. 1 Jan. 1831, p. 3)
“MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT—A most melancholy accident happened at Glanmore (sic), Kilkenny, in the night of the 23d instant. A poor blind man, upwards of 90 years of age, having taken his lodgings for the night, at a man’s house (of the name of Aylward), and going out after the family had gone to bed, he missed his way, and in attempting to return, groped by the police barrack, turned in by Gaffney’s house, and fell into the tail race of a tuck-mill, and was found in the morning frozen to death. There was no water. He was heard by many of the villagers, and in the police barracks too, crying out for assistance. Some of the people did go out after some time, but the cries ceasing, they returned without affording relief. Waterford Chronicle.”
[3] Seventy years before the Glenmore Creamery opened, the theft of butter in Glenmore was reported in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 18 Sept. 1833, p. 2).
“On Wednesday night some evil disposed persons removed part of the thatch from a dairy belonging to Philip Aylward, of Ballinclar, in the parish of Glenmore, and robbed it of a quantity of butter.”
[4] A hunting accident reported in the Waterford Chronicle during the Famine was republished around the country. Here is what was found in the Kerry Examiner (Tues. 3 March 1846, p. 3).
“On Wednesday evening, as a fine young man named John Whelan, from Glanmore (sic), county Kilkenny, was passing over a ditch, in his own neighbourhood, a loaded gun, which he was carrying, accidently struck against some briers, went off, and lodged the contents in his heart. He expired, we learn, shortly afterwards. Waterford Chronicle.”
[5] The Irish Times (Mon. 6 Aug. 1860, p. 3) reported on a lark that preferred the Glenmore Barracks to the Rosbercon Barracks…
“A Fact for Ornithologists. —A circumstance worthy of the attention of ornithologists has been communicated to us by a trustworthy correspondent. Head-constable Harkins, of the Rosbercon Constabulary, recently was made a present of a lark by a policeman of the Glanmore (sic) station, who had kept the bird in a cage in his room. The head-constable some days after bringing the lark home, opened the cage to allow it to fly about the room, when to his great disappointment it contrived to escape through a broken window. He expected never to see the bird again, but to his no small astonishment he learned next day that it had flown directly to Glanmore (sic), a distance of five miles, and sought refuge again in the cage of its old master, where it has since remained.— Kilkenny Moderator”
[6] Prior to the Land League very few evictions were reported in local newspapers. However, the Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 5 April 1865, p. 2) printed the following sentence in 1865.
“Eviction. A widow named Mullins and her ten children were evicted last Friday from her farm at Flemingstown, Glenmore, for non-payment rent, by her landlord, C. Milward, London—an absentee.”
[7] Glenmore apparently had a wholesale beer house in 1872 which is interesting as it was about this time that the parish priest prevailed upon the three publicans in the Village to shut their businesses. Glenmore remained a dry parish until the 1960’s. The following article appeared in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 7 Feb. 1872, p. 3).
“Constable Power, of Glanmore (sic), prosecuted Henry Martin,, for having persons drinking in his wholesale beer house at Ballinalammy. The defendant admitted to the court that he did sell a quart of beer to a man named Donovan. Ordered to pay a fine of 5s with 2s 6d costs.”
According to the death register, Henry Martin (c. 1813-1885) of Ballinlammy, died on the 11th of July 1885, at the age of 72. He was a fowl dealer and widower. His daughter Kate Martin was present when he died.
[8] As a rural district Glenmore was occasionally used by city dwellers to engage in illegal activities. The following article appeared in the Waterford Standard (Wed 5 June 1878, p. 2) and makes a point of stating that all people and the dogs were from Waterford.
“A DOG FIGHT INTERRUPTED—Considerable excitement was manifested in Waterford yesterday when it became known that a dog fight had been attempted during the very early hours of the morning. It has transpired that the fight was arranged between two dogs, and that it was to take place at Lucy’s Rock, near Glenmore. At a little before daylight no less than twenty-six cars, fully laden, started from Waterford for the venue of the disgraceful event; and on arriving at the spot, the two dogs had a most sanguinary fight which had lasted for thirty-five minutes when the police interfered. We trust that the police will not allow the ringleaders in such inhumane and brutal scenes to go unpunished. All the parties, dogs included, were from Waterford; and we are informed a considerable amount of money changed hands on the event.”
[9] The newspapers are full of details regarding the local petty sessions. It is interesting to see what was considered crimes in the 19th century. The following article is full of Glenmore defendants and appeared in the Waterford Standard (Wed. 12 May 1880, p. 2). The article concludes with an ironic statement that the remainder of the business conducted by the court wasn’t important.
“Rosbercon Petty Sessions—Saturday—James Kelly, Graigunakill, summoned John Hanrahan for trespass, and he was fined 1s 6d and costs. Constable John McManus, Glenmore summoned Patrick Ennett, Cappagh, for allowing an ass to wander on the public road, fined 6d and costs. Edward Murphy, Robinstown, was fined 6d and costs for a like offence. Constables McManus summoned John Hanrahan, James Cody, John Costelloe, John Fitzgerald and Philip Mackey, Weatherstown, for having unregistered dogs in their possession. Fined 1s each and ordered to take out licenses. Sub-constable Denis Cronin, Glanmore (sic), summoned Thomas Freney, Kilbride, for a like offence. Like rule. Sub-constable John Mayer, New Ross, summoned five lads for bowling on the public road. He could only identify two, who were fined 10s or 14 days’ imprisonment, the other two being discharged with a caution…The remainder of the business was unimportant.”
[10] The last article provides a glimpse of the difficulties associated with bidding for a public contract 131 years ago. It is doubtful that the public contracts of that era led to any overruns. The article appeared in the Wexford People (Wed 21 May 1890).
“THE LIMESTONE CONTRACT. In accordance with an advertisement for ten boatloads of limestones, Mr. Daniel Cody, Carrigcloney, County Kilkenny, tendered at 39s per boatload. The Commissioners did not consider this satisfactory, and on the suggestion of the Chairman, it was ordered that Mr. Cody be written to on the subject, drawing his attention to the fact that the last contract he sent the stones at 36s per load.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Sentencing & Execution of Patrick Donovan
Today, for our third and final blog concerning the murder of Michael Rigby in Kilbride, Glenmore in 1841 we are going to highlight the extraordinary exchange between the judge and the convicted Patrick Donovan as reported in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 11 Aug. 1841, p. 3). The lecture by the judge, Baron Pennyfather, provides an insight into the religious convictions of the time as well as his thoughts concerning the evidence. The contempory newspaper account of the execution is provided as well as additional information regarding the victim, the defendant, some of the witnesses etc., and the land. We conclude with a short summary of Baron Pennyfather’s most famous case with Daniel O’Connell which illustrates his integrity as a trial judge.
The Sentencing
The morning following the jury returning a verdict of guilt, Patrick Donovan was returned to the court for sentencing. The clerk of the crown (Mr. Curtin) asked Patrick Donovan if he had anything to say why a sentence of death and execution should not be carried into effect according to law.
Patrick Donovan—”If I am hung tomorrow, I will come to the judge and declare to him the truth; I will rise from the ground and speak to the judge and jury, and them that I am not guilty of the murder. I am as clear as the morning dew of it; and I said the same thing to Father Gannon today.”
Baron Pennefather—”Patrick Donovan, you have made a declaration which every one who has heard your trial and attended to the evidence must be satisfied is untrue. You have declared, and may persist in declaring your innocence in this world. If you be innocent (and quite the reverse appears) that innocence will be known to the Great Judge of the World. He must know and does know the inmost secrets of the heart, which are concealed from human eyes; and if you be innocent…” According to the newspaper Donovan interjected, “Yes, I am.”
Baron Pennefather—”If you be innocent, He in another world will view you and consider you as such; but I should ill discharge my duty to you or to the public, if I were to suffer your declaration of innocence to affect the course of the law of this country. You have been convicted upon evidence which removed every doubt from the minds of the respectable jury before whom you were tried—they maturely considered the evidence, and if they had a doubt would have given you the benefit of it, according to my direction. I told them that your life depended upon the verdict of guilty, if not satisfied beyond a doubt of your criminality. They heard me patiently, and after three hours given to the consideration of the evidence, came to the conclusion that you were guilty of the act of depriving a human being of his life who never offended you—who never raised an arm against you. You sent him, without a moment’s notice—without a moment for preparation—to meet his God, and deprived him of his life by breaking his head to pieces with a heavy implement. Was not the case fully brought home to you? Was it not fully established by evidence which could not be controverted? Independently of the unhappy man [Walsh] who witnessed the deed, and who had no motive for coming forward to accuse you, but perhaps he was not altogether innocent of the murder, having been in your company not only before but after you perpetuated the deed—independently of his testimony, was it not proved by evidence which could not be questioned, that no other person could have committed the murder: No other man had enmity against the deceased, and the unfortunate man’s life [Rigby] was spared by the interposition of providence so long as to enable him to declare to his son that you were his murderer. God Almighty spared his life until he should be an instrument in bringing his assassin to justice. Can you after such evidence—can you after the man upon the verge of eternity, and about to meet his God had declared you guilty, can you persist in asserting your innocence? No man who heard the evidence can believe you. I beseech you then, as you regard the welfare of your soul, as you regard your eternal mises of happiness, because it is not too late even for you to hope for forgiveness through the mortis of our Saviour, I beseech you not to persevere in the assertion of that which is untrue, and ask to add to the guilt you have already perpetrated the denial of your offence before that God who cannot be deceived. No remission can take place in your sentence. What persecution did you receive from the unfortunate deceased? After your landlord thought fit to dispossess you from a farm for non-payment of rent and broken covenants, Rigby took those four acres, for which you deprived him of his life.
Amazingly at this point Donovan corrected the judge indicating that it was—Two acres of land.
Baron Pennefather—That is not now of importance, except so far that it shows you had less excitement to operate on your mind.
Prisoner—Don’t take heed of any backbiting.
Baron Pennefather—I have heard nothing of you but on this trial, and nothing but the evidence on which you were found guilty.
Prisoner—I was found guilty in the wrong.
Baron Pennefather—I would not do my duty if I did not warn you to prepare for your death, and it is not in my power in any manner to avert it. The learned judge then put on the black cap, and sentenced the prisoner to be hanged on Saturday, the 28th of August, and his body to be buried within the precincts of the goal. The prisoner, whose demeanor was reckless and yet not firm, was then removed from the dock, amid the crying and exclamation of his relatives.”
The newspaper account ends with the statement that Donovan subsequently confessed his guilt, but no further details are provided concerning the alleged confession. The oddly named Kilkenny Journal, & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, whose editor had been highly critical of the Kilkenny Moderator in May concerning its reporting of the arrest, also reported on the trial. One of the differences in the Journal’s account of the trial was the fact that the defence barrister strongly objected to the introduction of the dying declaration of Michael Rigby naming Paddy Donovan as his killer. It was also reported that Donovan had only married the widow and obtained the land two years before he was evicted, and the eyewitness John Walsh testified through an interpreter as he was an Irish speaker (Sat. 7 Aug. 1841, p. 3).
The Execution
Patrick Donovan was hanged in front of the Kilkenny gaol on the 28th of August 1841. “His appearance at the place of execution was contrite and edifying. He made no declaration in public, but on different occasions since conviction he admitted the justice of his sentence, and made full acknowledgment of his guilt” (Waterford Chronicle, Sat, 4 Sept. 1841, p. 8).
Although most newspapers only published a few sentences concerning the hanging the Kilkenny Journal (Wed. 1 Sept. 1841, p. 2 ) provided the following detailed account of the event.
“On Saturday, the unfortunate man, Donovan, convicted at our last Assizes of the murder crowd of persons were collected round the scene of the execution from an early hour, and the time when the unhappy man appeared on the drop, there could not have been less than 5,000 people present. A large body of Police, with two companies of the 99th regiment, were placed within the enclosure opposite the Gaol. At half-past one o’clock, the prisoner, accompanied by the Rev Messrs. Doyle and Kavanagh, who were most unremitting in their attendance upon him ever since the time when the awful sentence of death was pronounced against him, left his condemned cell, and proceeded through the corridors of the gaol towards the place of execution. He appeared to be deeply impressed with the near approach his untimely end, and from the deep contrition, and the Christian-like resignation, which evinced, he seemed to have treasured within his soul the solemn and wholesome admonitions of the excellent clergymen who supported him in his hours of tribulation. He was a man of athletic frame, and just in the prime of life; and no doubt, his death will serve as a warning to many not to allow themselves to be carried away by the impulse of their passions. His appearance was indicative of firmness throughout, and in reciting the various religious responses, & in going through his other devotional exercises, he evinced great presence of mind and deep and fervid contrition of heart. On entering the execution-room, he seemed somewhat weak, but he rallied, and after joining for some time in prayer, he gave himself over to the executioner. The necessary arrangements having been perfected, the bolt was withdrawn, and in a few minutes he was launched into eternity. He died almost instantaneously, and with scarcely a struggle. The crowd soon afterwards separated.”
Other Information
The Murder Victim
Thanks to Ann Fitzgerald and Patty Brown we know that Michael Rigby (c. 1790-1841) married Nelly Neil and the couple had at least 7 children. [1] Thomas Ribby (sic) (bapt. 24 Dec. 1809); [2] Daniel Rigby (bapt. 12 Nov. 1811); [3] Else Rigby (bapt. 19 Nov. 1813); [4] James Rigby, bapt. 9 July 1816; [5] Richard Rigby, bapt. 7 March 1820; [6] Thomas Rigby, bapt. 17 Feb. 1822; [7] Michael Rigby, bapt. 14 April 1825. At the time of the murder in May 1841, Daniel Rigby (described by Hanrahan as the eldest son) was newly married to Margaret Rigby on 22 Feb. 1841. The year after the murder James Rigby married Catherine Rigby on 19 June 1842. Thus, two Rigby brothers from Ballyveria, Glenmore married two Rigby sisters from Ballinacrea, Slieverue. A review of the Tithe Applotment Books reveals that in 1830 F. George Caulfield was the landlord of Ballyveria and Michael Ribby (sic) occupied 24 acres in the townland. At Christmas 1840 he acquired the four acres thus at the time of his death it is believed that he occupied 28 acres. Some of his children emigrated to the US and some remained in Ireland.
[Update 28 July 2021: Per Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald– Else Rigby married Kieran Dollard and they emigrated to Norfolk, Virginia in 1851. Her brother Thomas Rigby emigrated with them; her brother Michael Rigby joined them in 1852; and her brother Richard Rigby in 1855. Of the Rigby brothers who emigrated to Norfolk only Thomas Rigby married (Bridget Moloney) and died shortly thereafter in 1854].
The Fields
Danny Dowling would always advise in untangling local farming families to track the land. Following this advice, this week several local farmers noted that the two fields that were the cause of the murder are now owned by Michael Phelan, of Darbystown. It was recalled that Michael Phelan’s aunt married a Rigby, they had no family,* and she left the land to her nephew Michael Phelan. A marriage record was located for Daniel Rigby of Ballyveria and Catherine Phelan of Ballyfacey who married on 10 July 1940. Daniel Rigby (1882-1966) was born on the 23rd of December 1882 at Ballyveria, the eldest son of Michael Rigby (1842-1934?) and his wife Anastatia Roche (married 1 March 1881). Michael Rigby (1842-1934?) was baptized 4 March 1842, just 10 months after his grandfather was murdered. Michael Rigby (1842- 1934?) was the eldest son of Daniel Ribby (sic) (1811-1889) and Margaret Ribby née Rigby (c. 1811-1897).
*Correction–Dan Rigby and his wife Catherine Phelan had a son Michael Rigby who died in 1971. After Dan Rigby’s death Catherine married Michael Tobin. Catherine Rigby, Tobin née Phelan died in 1982 at the age of 74.
The Defendant
From the facts reported during the trial it was known that Patrick Donovan was 28 years of age in 1841, married a widow and occupied the two fields for two years before being evicted in June 1840. Patrick Donovan was baptized on 6 March 1813 at Ballyveria the son of William Donovan and Anastatia Elvert (Aylward). In the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books, William Donovan was the occupier of 31 acres. Another Donovan is found in the townland, John Donovan who was the occupier of 33 acres. Patrick Donovan (1813-1841) had at least five siblings: [1] Honor Donovan (bapt. 26 Aug. 1803); [2] Patrick Donovan (bapt. 26 Oct. 1807-died before 1813); [3] Catherine Donovan (bapt. 27 May 1810); [4] Michael Donovan (bapt. 26 Mar. 1816); [5] James Donovan (bapt. 15 May 1817).
Patrick Donovan (1813-1841) married Alice Cody on 26 October 1837. Unfortunately, the marriage record does not record the fathers of the couple or whether Alice was a widow. A search revealed that an Alice Cody married James Walsh on 15 Feb. 1829. Two known children were born to this marriage [1] Mary Walsh, bapt. 13 March 1832 and [2] Philip Walsh, bapt. 17 May 1834. No further baptisms could be located. The only James Walsh in the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for the area provides that a James Walsh is listed with John Colleton, Mary Colleton and Michel Colleton of Kilbride and occupying 85 acres. Patrick Donovan and his wife, Alice Cody had two known children [3] William Donovan, bapt. 10 Nov. 1837 and [4] Patrick Donovan, bapt. 7 Oct. 1841 (about five weeks after his father was executed).
A death record was located for an Alice Donovan, aged 80, who died on 6 November 1875 at Haggard, Glenmore, the widow of a farmer. William Donovan was present at her death. A death record was located for William Donovan, of Haggard, who died on 21 March 1882, of TB at the age of 44. His father-in-law Andrew Brien was present. A marriage record provides that William Donovan (farm labourer) married Anastatia Brien on 8 February 1869 at Glenmore. William’s father is listed as Patrick Donovan and Anastatia’s is Andrew Brien. William Donovan (1837-1882) and his wife had at least 8 children before his untimely death in 1882.
A baptismal record could not be found for an Alice Cody in 1795 in Ballyveria. However, a record was located for Alice Cody baptised 12 February 1804 at Milltown, Glenmore the daughter of John Cody and Catherine Neef. Later children of this couple were baptized at Ballyveria (Margaret Cody (1809) and Edmund Cody (1810). Thus, Alice Donovan née Cody (1804-1875) was 9 years older than her second husband Patrick Donovan (1813-1841), was widowed twice before the age of 40, and was 71 when she died in 1875.
Witnesses
John Walsh testified that he was in Ballyveria for 30 years. The 1830 Tithe Applotment Books reveals that John Walsh, of Ballyveria, occupied 9 acres.
Edmund Hanrahan (1802-1874) who was ploughing in a nearby field at the time of the murder was baptized on 21 September 1802 at Wetherstown (sic), the son of Michael Hanrahan and Anastatia Murphy. On 24 February 1827 Edmund Hanrahan, of Ballyfacey married Anne Denief also of Ballyfacy. The couple had at least five children, the youngest being born a week after her father testified in the murder case. [1] Alicia Hanrahan, bapt. 10 June 1828 at Kilbride; [2] Margaret Hanrahan, bapt. 6 Aug. 1831; [3] Mary Hanrahan, bapt. 11 Dec. 1833; [4] William Hanrahan, bapt. 13 Dec. 1836; and [5] Judith Hanrahan, bapt. 14 Aug. 1841. Edmund Hanrahan’s name appears in the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for Kilbride, but he is listed with a number of others and does not appear to have a separate defined number of acres. The death register reveals that an Edmund Hanrahan, a married farmer, died on 26 January 1874 at the age of 75 in Tullogher.
Richard Grace—very little could be found regarding this witness. A Richard Grace was baptized on 28 May 1793 at Ballyfacey the son of Thomas Grace and Margaret Rigby.
The Judge
Richard Pennefather (1773-1859) was the Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland. He served an impressive 38 years on the bench and only retired a few months before he died at his home in Knockeevan, County Tipperary in 1859 at the age of 86. His most famous case was the 1829 Donneraile (Co. Cork) Conspiracy Case where he was one of two presiding judges. Seventeen men were charged with conspiracy to murder local landlords, and the only evidence against them was the testimony of an approver. An approver is a person who engaged in the crime but agreed to testify for the prosecution against the other defendants. In this case, the approver alleged that the defendants met in a tent at a fair and agreed in writing to murder local landlords. After four of the men were convicted Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847), upon payment of 100 gold guineas, took on the case and saved the lives of all the defendants save one. He did this by destroying the credibility of the approver on cross examination armed with a prior inconsistent statement made by the approver before a magistrate. However, this was only possible because Baron Pennefather himself sent for the prior deposition and when he received it he gave it to O’Connell in open court. Pennefather’s actions during the Donneraile Conspiracy case were cited with approval by Justice Hardiman (1951-2016) of the Supreme Court in 2007 (O’Callaghan v. Mahon [2007] IESC 17/1).
The drawing of Baron Richard Pennefather was done by William Tinsley (1804-1885) who was a Clonmel architect. He made several court room drawings while attending the trial of William Smith O’Brien for High Treason at Clonmel, Co. Tipperary in 1848. Interestingly Tinsley immigrated to the U.S. in 1851. The drawings were found by J.D. Forbes in the possession of Tinsley’s granddaughter in Crawfordsville, Indiana, who was researching the architectural career of Tinsley. Forbes (1953) “The Tinsley Portrait Sketches of the William Smith O’Brien Trial,” 83(1) The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, p. 86-92 at p. 90).
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Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh