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
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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
Michael Joseph Grant (1858-1920) High Constable of Waterford & His Glenmore Connections
Last month Danny Dowling was able to state where Michael Joseph Grant, the High Constable of Waterford was buried in St. James’ Cemetery, Glenmore. The location was near the Colford grave, but unfortunately no legible Grant stone is now in the cemetery for the High Constable. Danny noted that the Office of High Constable was of ancient origin and survived until the time of the Free State in 1922.
Office of High Constable
Although it might be assumed that the Office of High Constable is associated with policing the office was established long before any police forces were established. The Metropolitan Police Force, London was established in 1829 by the then home secretary Robert Peel, and the Royal Irish Constabulary was established in 1836. In contrast the High Office of Constable developed in England shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The High Office of Constable was important and ranked as the seventh great office of the Crown. The person holding the office held civil and criminal powers. In feudal times, the holder of the High Office of Constable was of military rank and became the highest judge in military offences and in questions of chivalry and honour. He was the supreme judge in tilts, tournaments and other military type games. After 1521, the title of High Office of Constable was not granted except for a special ceremony of state. In Ireland the Office of the Lord High Constable of Ireland was established after the Acts of Union in 1800 to be used during coronations of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The Irish office was abolished upon the creation of the Free State in 1922
In addition to the Office of the Lord High Constable, Irish cities or boroughs also had offices entitled High Constables. Michael Joseph Grant served as High Constable of Waterford from 1895 until shortly before his death in 1920. There is a fascinating article in the Waterford Standard of the 16th of November 1910 where Michael Grant explained his duties in a hearing concerning the city abattoir, housing, overcrowding and the lack of sanitation in Waterford City. According to the Waterford Treasures webpage from 1851 to 1901 the official residence of the High Constable of Waterford was Reginald’s Tower. The website incorrectly states that James O’Mahony was the “very last High Constable of the City and died in Reginald’s Tower in 1901. See, http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/reginalds-tower/whats-inside/the-entrance-doorway-prison-door-1819. In fact, James O’Mahony was the High Constable first elected in 1873 and held the post until his retirement in 1895 when Michael Joseph Grant was appointed. James O’Mahoney died in Reginald’s Tower in 1907 not in 1901. (Waterford Standard ,18 May 1907).
Glenmore Connections
On 20 July 2020 Danny Dowling recalled that Grant, the High Constable of Waterford, or his father was from Rochestown, Glenmore. After extensive research it has been verified that the father of the High Constable of Waterford was a native of Glenmore. The roots of the Grant family go back to before Glenmore became a parish when it was separated from Slieverue parish.
A review of the death records revealed that Michael Grant, the High Constable, died on 3 October 1920. He was married and 63 years of age when he died at his home 4 Newgate St., Waterford. His sister Mary Byrne was present at his death. He suffered from diabetes and a “carbuncle on hand that turned gangrene.” According to Waterford marriage records the High Constable was married on 7 January 1899 to Alice Devereaux, of Barker Street. Alice was the daughter of Patrick Devereaux, a farmer. No children appear to have been born to the High Constable and his wife. The High Constable’s obituary is found in the Munster Express, of Saturday the 9th of October 1920 and provides several interesting and often conflicting facts.
Death of Ex-High Constable, Michael Grant—The death took place on Sunday last at his residence Barker Street, of Mr Michael Grant, late Borough High Constable to the Corporation. For some time past deceased had been in failing health, and, though his death was not altogether unexpected, it nevertheless caused keen regret to a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The late Mr. Grant was a familiar figure in the civic life of Waterford. He was for about 30 years in the service of the Corporation, first as Borough Constable and later as High Constable. Failing health induced him to retire from the latter office some months ago. He also held the office of food inspector under the Foods and Drugs Act, was inspector of markets, abattoirs and was the sanitary sub-officer. In his young days he followed the occupation of a sailmaker and kept a shop in Hanover Street. Of an unostentatious and unobtrusive disposition, he made many friends and was deservedly popular amongst all classes, He was over 6o years of age at the time of his death. The funeral took place on Tuesday to Glenmore and was attended by the members of the Waterford Corporation and officials, and a large number of the general public.
Luckily, the information regarding sail making greatly helped in locating information regarding the parents and siblings of the High Constable. The High Constable, Michael Joseph Grant was baptized in Waterford on the 18th of March 1858. He was the eldest child of Michael Grant (1823-1887) and Mary Anne Grant née Donovan (c. 1838-1899). Michael Joseph Grant had at least 7 siblings: Edward Grant (1863–? ); John Francis Grant (7 Mar. 1867- 1900); Joe Grant (c. 1878– ); James Francis Grant ( 18 Sept. 1868 –13 Nov. 1906); Patrick Laurence Grant (9 Aug. 1865–?); Sarah Grant (c. 1862– ); and Kate Grant who married Capt. Thomas Furniss.
The obituary for James Grant (brother of the High Constable) in 1906 provided the link to Rochestown. In addition to his siblings the chief mourners of the deceased included Thomas, James and John Walsh of Rochestown, as well as John and William Barry, of Carrigcloney, Matt and Andrew Lannon, of Gaulestown, Glenmore (Munster Express 17 Nov. 1906).
In the 1901 Census for Rochestown, Glenmore the following Walsh family lived at Vereker’s Cross: Thomas Walsh, 54 farmer, Mary Walsh, 53; Bridget 27; James 24; Patrick, 23; Thomas, 26; Michael Walsh, 16; John Walsh, 15. A quick review of Glenmore marriage records revealed that Andrew Lannon, of Gaulestown, Glenmore married Kate Power on 9 February 1875. John Barry on 3 November 1883 married Bridget Power, and Thomas Walsh, of Rochestown, married Mary Power. All three of the above Power women were the daughters of Thomas Power, of Kearneybay, Glenmore and their mother was Ellen Grant. Ellen Grant married Thomas Power (c. 1825-1880) on 3 February 1845 at Glenmore.
The father of the High Constable, was also named Michael Grant (1823-1887), and he was baptized in Glenmore on 10 August 1823. The grandfather of the High Constable, was also named Michael Grant. On the 30th of October 1809 at Glenmore he married Sally Murphy. The witnesses to the wedding were Walter Grant and Anastasia Hefernan (sic). The Slieverue/Glenmore Church records support the information that Danny recorded that the name Michael Grant is connected to Ballybrahee, Glenmore. It appears that the great-grandparents of the High Constable were Richard Grant and Mary Grant née Simpson, of Ballybrahee. Four known children were born to this union: Walter Grant (1785); Michael Grant (1780); Mary Grant (1776) and James Grant (1774).
The High Constables grandparents, Michael Grant and Sally Grant née Murphy of Glenmore had the following childrren: Bridget Grant (1809); Edward Grant (1814); Catherine Grant Colford (1815); Ellen Grant Power (1817); James Grant (1818); Michael Grant (1823)(father of the High Constable) and Patrick Grant (1826).
Thus the High Constable was a first cousin to Kate Power Lannon, of Gaulestown, Glenmore; Bridget Power Barry, of Carrigcloney, Glenmore and Mary Power, Walsh, of Rochestown, Glenmore. He was also a first cousin to the Colford brothers who perished at sea in 1895 when their ship Zoe sank. See, https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-the-final-resting-place-of-capt-patrick-colford-1811-1887/ .
In researching this family some interesting newspaper articles were found concerning the High Constable’s parents, Michael Grant (1823-1887) and Mary Anne Grant née Donovan (c. 1838-1899). Michael Grant (1823-1887) was a sailmaker and had his business premises at 16 King Street (now O’Connell Street) Waterford. On the night of the 30th of March 1863, a fish business owned by James Kent caught fire and threatened to destroy Grant’s premises. The newspapers of the time are full of details concerning the want of water, the private fire tenders that responded from the brewery and other business, and the barracks of the military and Royal Irish Constabulary turning out to fight the fire. Grant made a claim to Kent’s fire insurance company and he was paid the full amount he sought (£16, 12 s, 8d) on 7 April 1863 a week after the fire (Waterford News & Star, 10 April 1863). Today, can you imagine any insurance company settling a claim in a week?
On the 12th of August 1870 the Waterford News & Star on page 2 carried the following notice
“I hereby caution all parties against giving credit to my wife, Mary Anne Grant, as I will not be accountable therefor. Michael Grant, 16 King Street.”
When I told Danny Dowling about this unusual notice he remarked, “That must have made for strained marital relations.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured engraving is “Magna Charter” (1833) (c) Trustees of the British Museum.
Fun Facts Regarding Glenmore Cemetery
The cemetery adjacent to St. James Catholic Church was surveyed in July 2020. Glenmore-History.com volunteer, Louise Walsh drafted the pdf document containing all the photographs and inscriptions of the headstones/markers as well as a map of the graves. This document may be accessed from the home page under the “Roots” drop down menu. Below are some interesting and fun facts Louise uncovered while conducting the cemetery survey. The church was built in 1813 and Danny Dowling said that burials began in the adjacent churchyard about this time. For details regarding local funerals and wakes customs see, https://glenmore-history.com/dying-funerals-wakes/ published in December 2019.
There are 516 headstones/grave markers
10 of these are illegible
3 graves are defined, but have no marker
66 headstones/grave markers are Celtic crosses
1909 persons are referenced on the headstones/grave markers
845 or 45% are female
1041 or 55% are male
Top 10 Surnames accounting for 35% of all persons reflected on headstones/markers
| Walsh | 136 |
| Forristal | 75 |
| Power | 68 |
| Fitzgerald | 65 |
| Murphy | 64 |
| Phelan | 53 |
| Doherty | 48 |
| Aylward | 47 |
| Roche | 46 |
| Kirwan | 35 |
| Gahan | 35 |
Top Girls Names accounting for 649 or 76% (!) of all girl names reflected on headstones/markers:
| Mary | 164 |
| Ellen | 132 |
| Bridget | 111 |
| Margaret | 97 |
| Catherine | 64 |
| Johanna | 29 |
| Alice | 26 |
| Ann/Anne/Annie | 26 |
Top Boys Names accounting for 748 or 72% (!) or all boy names:
| John | 152 |
| Patrick (inc 4 x Pat; and 4 x Paddy) | 125 |
| James | 114 |
| Michael | 102 |
| Thomas | 87 |
| Richard | 56 |
| William | 44 |
| Edward | 40 |
| Martin | 28 |
Glenmore Hedge Schools and Early National Schools
In 1695 two statutes became the first of the Irish penal laws restricting the rights of Irish Catholics. One of the statutes forbade Catholics, who were not covered by the Treaty of Limerick to keep weapons. The other statute sought to sever the link between Catholics and continental Catholics, by forbidding Catholics going abroad for education, and also banned Catholics from teaching or running schools within Ireland. Eventually the restrictions increased and Catholic priests were not allowed to say Mass. Just as the population found ways to attend Mass they also paid teachers to secretly educate in what became known as hedge schools.
During the most restrictive years the hedge master would meet the children in isolated places to conduct the hedge school. Often if strangers were observed in the vicinity the children and teacher would disperse and meet the following day in another isolated meeting place. Most early hedge schools operated in the summer because they operated in the open or in the shelter of a hedge or wall. Eventually the penal laws were not enforced the hedge schools moved into huts, cabins or empty outbuildings. The majority of penal laws were removed between 1778-1793, however the last penal law was not removed until 1829.
Because of the secrecy associated with the early hedge schools there are very few records concerning the hedge schools of Glenmore. In the 1950’s and 1960’s Danny Dowling interviewed several elderly Glenmore residents who provided information of what their grandparents and others had stated about local hedge schools. It is likely that over the penal law years there were multiple hedge schools operating at various times across all of the townlands in the parish. Below are some of the hedge schools that have been identified.
Coolnaleen, Glenmore
Danny Dowling has stated that Coolnaleen was formerly knowns as Ardbeg. Dick Doherty (1889-1976) of Coolnaleen as interviewed on the 25th of May 1962. Danny recorded that Dick Doherty reported that his grandfather (Richard Doherty, b. 1840) told him there was a schoolhouse in his lower yard. The Schoolmaster who taught in it was a man named John Kinnayr or Kinneir. He was a poor travelling teacher. He was paid 4 d. (old pence) a week. He taught in Coolnaleen for a “good while.” The pupils of the school were local children including Old Charlie Linegar, of Parkstown. The Schoolmaster would march the children in two’s to Glenmore for confirmation and religious exams etc. The boys at that time used to wear flannel waistcoats.
Moulerstown, Glenmore
According to Matt Aylward, of Ballyfacey, an old schoolmaster (Poor Scholar) used to teach school in Doherty’s house in Moulerstown. In his interview of 8 August 1956 Matt identified the schoolmaster as Meeshteh-Zheen (sic) Butler. Matt’s grandmother saw the old schoolmaster.
Kilbride, Glenmore
In an undated interview James Culleton, Sr., of Kilbride revealed to Danny that the Old Hedge School in Kilbride was situated eight perches beyond the Bill Grace’s House, on the other side of the road. It was a thatched structure. The last master in it was Paddy Butler of Rahora. It was closed in 1868, when the National School in Ballyfacey was built. Pupils came to it even from as far as Ballycroney. It was there for about 20 years or more.
There was another old school in Kilbride which was situated at the back of Kennedy’s house, in a house belonging to Micil Culleton. Now gone it was known as the Old College. Daniel Galavan was the school master in it. It was gone before the famine.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore
James Culleton, Sr. also reported that there was an old school in a house in the present George Connor’s farmyard in Ballyfacey about 1850. On the bounce of Bishopsmountain there was another old hedge school in the townland of Ballyfacey. All of the Knockbrack children attended this school.
Rathinure, Glenmore
A hedge school was located in the commons in the townland on the corner of the Kearney Bay Road (running from Aylwardstown to Rochestown) and the steep lane that runs from the Kearney Bay Road to the hamlet of Rathinure. Tom Haberlin’s forge later stood in the commons.
Ballycroney, Glenmore
In January 1955 Pat Coady, of Ballycroney told Danny that Paddy Butler, of Flemingstown was the last master of the old hedge school in Ballycroney.
Ballygurrim, Glenmore
Danny also took notes from the Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland (1844) which provided that the population in Ballygurrim civil parish in 1831 was 693 that increased in 1841 to 796 residents in 125 dwelling houses. In 1834 there was a pay day school attended by 45 to 50 children.
Kilmakevogue, Glenmore
The Gazetteer also reveals that the civil parish of Kilmackevogue had a population in 1831 of 1,027 which increased in 1841 to 1239 housed in 187 dwelling houses. The Roman Catholic Chapel at Glenmore had an attendance of 1,000. It was noted that in 1834, there were 2 Protestants in Kilmakevogue and 1,047 Catholics, and there were two pay daily schools that were usually attended in the summer by about 140 children.
Bob Walsh in Glenmore Times (2000) also identified hedge schools in Milltown, Parkstown and Kearney Bay.
If any reader has any information where other hedge schools may have been located in the parish please comment below or email glenmore.history@gmail.com and we will add to the list.
Establishment of National Schools
The Commissioners for National Education (National Education Board) were established in 1831 to administer £30,000 that was provided to the Lord Lieutenant for the education of the poor in Ireland. The powers of the Commissions were based on a set of instructions drawn up by Chief Secretary Stanley rather than by any legislative enactment. The Commissioners were empowered to make grants to existing schools for the payment of teachers and the provision of equipment and also to provide for the building of new schools, to appoint and pay inspectors and to establish a model school for the training of teachers. Originally the Education Offices were located at 30 Merrion Square and in 1840 moved to Marlboro House. This system was brought to an end in 1922 when its functions were taken over by the Minister for Education.
Danny Dowling, with what is now a battered old notebook, visited the Public Records Office in Dublin, reviewed the early records of the Commission, and took notes regarding local schools. Today, these records are available in the National Archives.
Hedge schools, or other fee paying schools, could apply to the Commission for grants for the payment of teachers, improving or building school buildings and provision of equipment. Records are also available as to the location, relation if any to religious house, date of establishment, date school connected with Commission, lease particulars, patrons, dimensions of school, attendance and some inspector reports. Below is the information obtained by Danny. Although not all of the National Schools are in Glenmore parish children from Glenmore may have attended these schools.
Ballyfacy School N.S. [Folio 126, Roll No. 9880; District 49, Ida] September 10, 1867 £170 to build or expenditure of £255 8 October 1867—a grant provided of £66-13-4 to build the school. An additional £100 provided (exceptional case) for 100 children 13 November 1868—Lease executed 23 March 1869—grant for £15 for the salary to Thomas O’Neill from 4 January 1869. 20 April 1869—grant of £16 for the salary to Kate Brereton as assistant from 4 January 1869. 15 June 1869—Thomas O’Neill dismissed from 30 June 1869.
Danny collected further details. Matt Aylward in 1956 revealed that the hill on which the Ballyfacey school was built was known as the “Jolla Hill.” James Culleton, Sr., of Kilbride, informed Danny that Micil Moore of Knockbrack, built Ballyfacey National School. It cost £95 to build, but £100 was collected for the building. With the extra £5 they bought a barrel of beer for the local people who drew the stones and sand. The School was repaired in 1907 at a cost of £137. The Teachers residence in Ballyfacey was built in 1904. Martin Hynes, of Aylwardstown was awarded the contract for the building of the teacher’s house, and the Malones of Shanbogh built it. George O’Connor drew the first load of sand.
Bigwood School N.S. Established May 1839 Application to Board—3 January 1841 Taken by Board—31 March 1841 Size 1 room 40 X 16 X 12 School situated in Chapel yard. Teacher Daniel Sullivan—instructions 9 to 5 in summer; 9 to 3 in winter
Shanbogh School N.S. Est. 1847 Connected with Board 13 July 1848 Not inspected. No Comments. 1 room 19 X 14 X 7
Ringville N.S., Kilcolumb Civil Parish (Folio 73) Male School Size: 2 rooms 50 X 14 X 10 and 30 X 18 X 13 Established 1832 Connected with Board 29 October 1852. Francis Drew teaching there in 10 August 1859. M.A. Drew teaching there July 1856. Situated in Ballinlow Townland.
Robinstown N.S. (Glenmore N.S.) Male School, Folio 13 11 April 1840—application for grant to pay teachers, rent and for supply of books 100 on rolls in 1855 with average daily attendance of 37 pupils
Robinstown N.S. (Glenmore N.S.) Female School 1 apartment 27 X 17 X 18 Teachers Margaret Brereton 18 and Kate Brereton 20. Went to Rosbercon Community school. Attendance in 1867 of Robinstown National Schools = 99 females; 26 males, by James Aylward
In 1834 Father Fielding, the Glenmore Parish Priest applied for a grant for a school to be built. Land for the school was provided by the landlord Lord Bessborough. The school opened in 1835 and thanks to another grant from the Commission it contained 17 desks and a teacher’s desk. The student desks each accommodated 10 students. When the school opened in 1835 two hundred students enrolled.
Slieverue N.S.—Civil parish of Rathpatrick; Townland of Slieverue Established March 1840 House is 60 feet in length by 22 feet in breadth and 10 feet in height is good repair. Divided into 2 rooms. The boy’s room is 32 feet X 18 feet; girl’s room 20 feet by 18 feet. Furnished with 22 desks all new. Thomas Keefe, master aged 37 years. Ellen Halligan mistress aged 17 years. There are 150 male and 80 female children in daily attendance from 9 until 3 o’clock. Religion instruction morning and evening in the school rooms and in Saturday in the chapel. There is a present want of books. Fr Walsh paid male teacher £20 and female £15.
Given the size of the classrooms and the large number of enrolled students these early classrooms must have been very crowded. Certainly no social distancing could take place in these small crowded spaces. The youthful age of some of the teachers is also surprising as is the duration of the school day.
For further detailed reading regarding hedge schools, see, https://www.raggeduniversity.co.uk/2017/01/02/educational-history-the-hedge-schools-of- ireland/
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the early photograph of Ballyfacey National School.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions
It is not yet known when the first Gaelic football team was established in Glenmore. Prior to 1890 there were few newspaper articles concerning sports and most of the earliest accounts of football matches appear to have been written and submitted to newspapers by the teams. However, in petty session records commencing in about 1887 there are several references to Glenmore men being charged with assaults that occurred coming home from football matches. Unfortunately, there are no details provided in the newspaper accounts to indicate whether the men were returning from attending a Gaelic football match where a Glenmore team played. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011, p. 56) in the first half of the twentieth century Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. Glenmore won its first Senior County Football Championship in 1906 although the final was actually played on 5 May 1907. Thanks to the sports columns that began appearing in newspapers at the turn of the century we also know that by 1908 Glenmore had a Senior, Junior and “Schoolboy” teams. Glenmore was a recognised Gaelic Football powerhouse in County Kilkenny.
From the newspaper accounts it appears that GAA clubs in the early decades of the twentieth century engaged in fundraising by hosting tournaments among other activities. To entice teams to a tournament medals or jerseys were advertised and provided for the winning team members. On the 31st of July 1904 a “highly successful tournament” took place at Glenmore (The Waterford News and Star, 5 Aug. 1904). It was held in a field given by Dr. Philips, of Rochestown House (Mount Ida). Two matches were to be held that day. The first was a championship match between Slieverue and Nore Bangers and the other a friendly between Mullinavat and Campile. It was reported that the young and inexperienced men of Slieverue proved that they were equal to their opponent though they did not win. The Campile team failed to appear for the friendly, so the Glenmore team took to the field to play Mullinavat and the game ended in a draw. The article concluded that the Glenmore Football Club Committee are to be congratulated on the silver medals awarded, the excellent field arrangements and it was noted that the “new extension railway line affords unique facilities to meet in Glenmore” with a field convenient to the Aylwardstown station. Undoubtedly the opening of the railway line through Glenmore aided in allowing Glenmore teams to compete in more matches. One article in 1907 referred to a match being held at “Lucy Rock” Glenmore (Munster Express, 23 Feb. 1907).
Letters to the editor of local newspapers proved a popular vehicle for players and spectators to comment on the matches, issue challenges, appeal to the public, and call for corrective lenses for referees. At the end of 1903 the New Ross Standard printed several letters to the editor which criticised a match that took place in the Rower between neighbouring parishes Tullogher and Glenmore. Glenmore lost and J. Dunphy and J. Grace, the Honorary Secretary and Captain of the Glenmore Football team, sought to appeal the loss. There was also an allegation that they had referred to the Tullogher team as half savages. (New Ross Standard, 25 Dec. 1903). The grudge continued and played out in the letters to the editor in 1904 when the appeal was granted and the re-match was held in Kilkenny on the 24th of April 1904. The language of the time is interesting particularly the use of the word “unmanly” to describe what might be described today as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The newspapers, at that time, were full of reports of appeals of championship match results. Most of these appeals reflect some of the teething problems of the young organisation. It was also not unusual for a team that felt rules had not been followed to refuse to play or to continue to play the match. For example, in 1889 a semi-final match result was appealed. Kells played the Thomas Larkin team in what was thought to be the final. The game was declared not the final and Ballyhale was allowed back into the championship. Kells refused to play Ballyhale, and Ballyhale was awarded the 1889 County Kilkenny Senior Football Championship title.
During the 1906 championship matches, Kilmacow knocked Lamogue (the Senior Football County Champions of 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1905) out of contention. Kilmacow then played Glenmore in a semi-final at Ballyhale on the 20th of January 1907. The account below of the match appeared in the Munster Express on 26 January 1907. Glenmore wore scarlet and green jerseys and fielded the following team: J. Grace (captain), R. Dunphy, J. Dunphy, B. Grace, M. Morrissey, J. Heffernan, J. Power, M. Murpby, R. Reddy, P. Reddy, J. O’Brien, T. Kennedy, M. Hoynes, John Walsh, P. Hanrahan, N. Curran, and P. Morrissey.
[Update: John Grace, of Kilbride (Captain); Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen; John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Bill Grace, of Kilbride….Tom Kennedy (townland unknown)….John Walsh (townland unknown)…Pat Hanrahan, the Village; Nick Curran, the Village…]
Semi-final, Kilmacow vs. Glenmore
Kilmacow won the toss, and got possession from throw in, and scored a point per Reid within two minutes of the start. From the kick out Glenmore got possession, and the ball travelled along the left wing. Murphy making a good run. A free against Kilmacow was taken by John Dunphy, who kicked a beautiful goal. Kilmacow again got down by the good kick in of Byron, Burris, Synntt, Cooke, O’Keeffe and M Walsh, and registered a second point. The play remained for some time in the Glenmore half, until a free brought relief, but Kilmacow came on again and keeping up pressure forced a “fifty,” and soon afterwards a second, but were unfortunate in not making either materialise a score, as the Glenmore defense was too strong. Afterwards Glemore attacked along the right, and Tom Kennedy, handling, had hard luck in hitting one of the goal uprights. From this till the interval Glenmore had the better of the game, and scored a goal and two points per Dunphy, Kennedy, and Brien. The half-time score was: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
Kilmacow got possession of the ball on resuming, and made tracks for the Glenmore citadel, and were again unfortunate, as the defence was sound and the ball travelled back. After some mid-field and wing play Glenmore added a point by Kennedy, and shortly afterwards a second by Brien. At this point the men from the Big Glen were undoubtedly holding the whip hand in the game, and the conquerors of Lamogue were rarely ever able to cross the half way. At three quarter time Kilmacow, owing to a dispute originated by an outsider, refused to continue the match. The referee, Mr. D. Hoyne, of the Kilkenny County Team, awarded the match to Glenmore. . . The final score: Glenmore—2 goals, 3 points; Kilmacow—2 points.
The article noted the contribution to the win of the Dunpheys, Currans, Brien, Grace, Kennedy, Morrissey “and some others played with magnificent dash and accuracy. The goal scored by one of the Dunphys from a free was one of the most brilliant pieces of football kicking I ever witnessed. Young John Curran, the junior I believe of the Glenmore boys, deserves a word of praise for the manner in which he held his own amid a team of veterans. After a few years he bids fair to outshine his stalwart brother, Nick, in brilliant play. I still hold to my opinion that it will be Kilkenny’s own fault if they are not the next All Ireland Champions.”
Within a few days the Captain of the Kilmacow team, James Burris, of Gaule’s Mill, wrote a letter to the editor of the Munster Express, taking sole responsibility for the withdrawal of his team. He noted that there were some trips and catching and when he brought to the referee’s attention that a spectator had rushed onto the field and held the hands of one of his men the referee stated that he did not see the occurrences. Burris wanted to assure the public that he was not influenced by any person and his action was not due to cowardice or fear of defeat.
Kilmacow objected and appealed the semi-final, not based on the incident involving a spectator, but rather based on the composition of the Glenmore team. It was reported in the Kilkenny People (2 March 1907) that after a lengthy discussion the Kilkenny County Committee awarded the match to Glenmore, owing to the fact that Kilmacow left the field before the game terminated. Kilmacow gave notice of appeal of this decision to the Leinster Council and the final of the football championship between Glenmore and Kells was set for March 31st at St. James Parkland, Kilkenny with Mr. John Lalor, the Central Leinster Representative, as referee.
The Championship Final, Kells vs. Glenmore
Due to the objection and appeal the final between Kells and Glenmore was not played until 5 May 1907. “Ned of the Hill” reported in the Munster Express on 11 May 1907 that Glenmore prevailed in “one of the hardest fought contests that was witnessed in the Marble City for many a long day. The Boys of the Big Glen well deserved their victory, for they won on sheer merit. The fight was fought out tooth and nail…and the better team unquestionably won.” The referee was praised for his impartiality and at the final whistle the score stood: Glenmore—2 goals, 2 points; Kells—1 goal, 2 points. Ned of the Hill singled out Glenmore players Nick Curran, the Dunphy’s, Grace’s, Reddy’s, Morrissey’s and Tom Kennedy and his colleagues in the front as deserving a word of praise.
In the same newspaper Kilmacow issued a public challenge to Glenmore. Notwithstanding, the fact that Kilmacow refused to continue playing in the semi-final, then filed appeals based on the composition of the Glenmore team, the Kilmacow team wanted to play the Glenmore champions. They stated that the gate receipts, after meeting the costs of medals, could go to charity. It is not known if this challenge was accepted.
The Withholding of the Championship Medals
By the time that the final championship match was held in May 1907 newspapers had already moved on to the regional championships, so very little was written about the match. “Ned of the Hill” published an article in the Munster Express on 2 November 1907 entitled, “Who Won the Kilkenny Football Championships 1906? Kells or Glenmore?” calling attention to the fact that after the normal appeals had been exhausted the Championship medals for the Glenmore team had not been given to the team.
To those Gaels of Kilkenny who are clear sighted this question may sound extravagant, if not humorous. There are those, however, who would deem it debatable; some, in fact, who witnessed the great final struggle in Kilkenny last May; some, may I add, who actually played in that great contest. My apologies, then, to our clear-sighted and honest-hearted Gaels, since I intend offending your sense of justice. I intend making public how it is that the Glenmore champions have so far been refused the County Championship medals for 1906. The exposure of wrong-doing may scandalise the innocent, but it may bring to light the wrong-doers.
I shall begin at the beginning. Glenmore played and beat Kilmacow at Ballyhale last February. Kilmacow objected. The case came before the Kilkenny County Council, D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., in the chair. At this meeting D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., proclaimed in loud and soul-stirring tones that if Glenmore met Kells in the final Kells, if beaten, would never object. Not those men Kilmacow were objecting to—never. We shall instantly see was D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., a man of his word. As it happened, Glenmore and Kells did meet in the final, and Kells came under. D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., lodged an objection in hot haste. He lost his case at the home Council, and in hot haste again he appealed to the Leinster Council, which was unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny. Nothing daunted, D. J. Gorey, Esq , J.P., approached in August the highest Council of the Gaels of Ireland with this same objection he had pledged his word at home never to bring forward. This Central Council were again unanimous in declaring Glenmore legally constituted champions of Kilkenny.
A rule of the G.A.A. states that there can be no appeal beyond the Central Council; yet, not later than last week, the County Secretary, Mr. D. O’Donnell, with characteristic good faith to the Chairman, forewarned to the Secretary of the Glenmore F.C., a marvelous document, stating that he cannot hand over the medals as Mr. D. J. Gorey had again objected. What Council has D. J. Gorey, Esq., J.P., now in view? There can be no appeal beyond the Central Council. I wonder has he sought the benign protection of the Crown. Is it possible we may yet read of a long and heated discussion in the English House of Lords on the rules of the G.A.A.? Should not the G.A.A. feel mighty secure and consoled in having as one of its chief advisers a Magistrate of the Crown! No wonder, indeed, the boys of the Big Glen have decided to stay quietly at home this year. No wonder Gaelic football is fast declining in Kilkenny county. To my mind it is high time that the Secretary of the Glenmore Football Club should ask the Central Council to compel D. J. Gorey and Co. to hand over the medals so bravely won.
“Ned of the Hill” reported on 21 September 1907 that the Glenmore football club was “out of fighting line.” He had a sad good-bye from Dick Grace one of Glenmore’s best backs. He and Edward O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, were leaving for the United States. Both stated that they were going to return to Glenmore. Ned reflected that he thought that there was enough “material in Glenmore” to make a championship team and wanted to once again hear the well known rallying cry “Gee Up, Glenmore.” A month later he reported that big sinewy “Tom” Phelan, Mullinahone, a latter day “Matt the Thresher,” was also off to the United States (Munster Express 19 Oct 1907).
Finally, in March 1908 at a meeting of the Kilkenny County Committee the Secretary called attention to the question of providing the County Championship to Glenmore. Mr. Gorey, as representing Kells, apparently having exhausted every avenue of appeal and delay, directed the Secretary to forward the medals to Glenmore. It is not known what, if any, impact the withholding of the championship medals had on the Glenmore players, however it is apparent that several of the Glenmore football team immigrated. The month following the decision to forward the medals, Richard Dunphy, of Ballyverneen, Glenmore, tragically died at the age of 30.
The death of Richard Dunphy had a profound impact on the remaining team members. According to the death register Richard was only ill for four weeks and died at home with his brother at his side. In an obituary written by an unnamed team mate it was stated that when the Glenmore Football team needed help Richard was home like a streak of lightening. He worked in England as an Excise Officer and several times he travelled home from England to help the Glenmore boys win the 1906 championship. “He was our guiding star and light.” (Munster Express, 18 April 1908). It is believed that Richard was one of the players that both Kilmacow and Kells named in their objections.
“Ned of the Hill” in September 1908 revealed that “the boys of the Big Glen met during last week to reorganise their football club. There was cause for both joy and sadness in the meeting. The county champions of 1906–all that was left of them—were glad to renew the old committee that heralded woe to many a team up the county. But some of its bravest and best were missing. Emigration, and alas! even death, had told the old, harrowing tale. The proceedings were marked by hopeful enthusiasm. Arrangements were made for weekly practice matches and means of bettering the unsatisfactory condition of the funds. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Father Crotty, C.C., Glenmore: captain, N. Curran: vice-captain, John Grace hon. sec., N. Curran; committee, J. Dunphy, M. Murphy, T. Morrissey, M. Hoynes, P. Reddy, P. Hanrahan.”
Special thanks to Pat Dowling for the photo of the 1905/1906 team. Pat said that the team photo came from a post card. At the bottom it states Winners of the Hugginstown Medal Tournament 1905 and Co. Kilkenny Football Champions 1906. If anyone can identify the first names of the players, their townlands, any of the men in the photo or can identify where Lucy Rock is in Glenmore, please comment below or email glenmore.history@gmail.com to update the information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A few readers asked for a larger copy of the team photo. One reader believes the team captain is John Grace, of Kilbride. His brother Richard Grace was a teacher in Ringville School, and another brother Bill Grace was actually the player that emigrated to the US in 1908 where he sadly passed away within a few years.
John Grace, of Kilbride, Captain, holding the football.
Sports Update
Kilbride Cricket
On the 4th of July 2020 we posted an article highlighting the Kilbride Cricketers as recorded by Danny Dowling. The post also sought to identify the Glenmore weight throwing champion who was recorded by Paddy Kennedy (1922-1997) of Rathinure, Glenmore, in the National Folklore Collection. The post is available at https://glenmore-history.com/glenmore-19th-century-sports-cricket-and-weight-throwing/
A helpful reader suggested a 2006 book by Michael O’Dwyer entitled, The History of County Kilkenny Cricket: The Forgotten Game. The book was located in the local Kilkenny library branch in Ferrybank, in the reference section, however, it could not be accessed because of COVID 19 restrictions. Martin Gahan came to the rescue and lent his copy of the book. The book was read in its entirety in the hopes of finding any reference to the Kilbride team or indeed any mention of Glenmore or players from Glenmore.
Although there is no reference to Kilbride or Glenmore, it was an interesting read explaining the rise and decline of cricket in Kilkenny by highlighting the political realities of the time. A concise review of the book is available at https://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/the-history-of-cricket-in-county-kilkenny-the-forgotten-game/.
After discussing the book with Danny Dowling he suggested that his brother Dick Dowling might shed some light on cricket and Glenmore sports in general. Dick recalled hearing that the Glenmore cricket players travelled to Mount Juliet to play and that many teams were sponsored by landlords. It was suggested that the Kilbride players may have played on a team sponsored by a local landlord. Dick also pointed out the close link between Glenmore and Wexford teams in other sports such as hurling and thought that the cricket players may have played for a New Ross Team. The book was searched again but the list of Bessborough team players did not provide an obvious link to any known local cricket player. Special thanks to Martin Gahan and Dick Dowling. The quest for information concerning the Kilbride Cricketers continues.
Weight Throwing in Glenmore
In terms of the weight throwing an article appeared in the Munster Express on Saturday the 25th of August 1900 stating that Glenmore was to participate in the New Ross athletic events and there was a “big practice every evening at weight-throwing” in two townlands in Glenmore. One group met at the Aylwardstown forge and the other at Kilbride.
The 1900 article also indicates that the GAA was to be revived again in Glenmore parish. The author stated, “I know Captain Ned Hartley will be highly delighted at this news; he is always in high spirits when taking an active part with the dashing young Glenmorians on the football field.” The term “revived again” appears to suggest that the GAA fell out of favour in Glenmore prior to the turn of the twentieth century.
Gaelic Football in Glenmore
Given the coverage of sports in media today, it may be surprising to a lot of people that prior to 1890 very few sporting events were covered in newspapers. Commencing in the 1890’s newspapers began to print more and more articles about a variety of sports and eventually there were dedicated sports columns. For several years after the turn of the twentieth century, a sports column by “Ned of the Hill” featured in the Munster Express. What may also be surprising is that Glenmore was a Gaelic Football stronghold in the first half of the twentieth century. According to the GAA Kilkenny Bible (2011) from 1900 to 1950 Glenmore won 15 Senior County Football Championships and 3 Junior County Football Finals. “Ned of the Hill” dubbed the Glenmore Football players “the men of the Big Glen.” Thanks to Ned’s column there is a public record of the withholding of the County Kilkenny Championship medals from the “men of the Big Glen.” The medals were not awarded until 1908, just as one of the players fell ill and tragically died. This Sunday we will post “The Glenmore Football Club: The Trials and Tragedy of the 1906 County Kilkenny Gaelic Football Champions.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and the Irish Language
Last week issues were raised concerning how much English the executed Glenmore man, Henry “Bounce” Walsh, understood and spoke in 1847 during the investigation, incarceration, and his trial for murder. According to Danny Dowling, the Irish language survived and flourished in Glenmore during and after the dark days of the Penal Laws. In 1844, during the surveying of the railway line that was to link New Ross and Waterford, Thomas Lacey, of Wexford, noted that Irish was spoken in Glenmore and neighbouring parishes along the proposed route.
The Decline of the Language
Glenmore people continued to speak Irish into the 1870’s and 1880’s although most younger people could also read and write in English. In the 1890’s the Irish language was in decline locally, but shops in New Ross continued to have at least one Irish speaker on staff to deal with the elderly farmers of Glenmore, Tullogher and Rosbercon who continued to speak Irish. By the turn of the twentieth century, when the long awaited railway linking New Ross and Waterford was being built, outside of pockets in the west of Ireland, and a few small rural areas, the Irish language was in a terrible state of decline. Although there was no penalty for utilizing Irish there was little support for it in Ireland.
Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language
In 1877, the Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language was founded in Dublin. This society was concerned that the Irish language was dying and issued three small books for the teaching of Irish. By 1897, over 128,521 copies of the books had been sold. Uniquely this Society was comprised by a number of non-Irish scholars from universities in Paris, Copenhagen, Prussia, England and the United States. While the books issued by the Society allowed Irish to be learned it did not enable the speaking of the language. The Society members were very interested in the old Gaelic literature and manuscripts. It was noted by these scholars that “Gaelic speakers were rare, and when found they were too shy or too ignorant to be of much service…and few could read or write in Irish.” (Monaghan, 1899)
The Gaelic League
In 1893, Conradh na Gaelige (the Gaelic League) formed. The League objected to the scholarly approach to the Irish language. The League sought to preserve and advance Irish as the national language. It also supported the study and preservation of the old literature, but importantly supported modern Irish literature. It sought to engage the population and advance the language through classes, plays, songs, recitations, debates and speeches in Irish.
The group that founded the League included Douglas Hyde (1860-1949) who insisted that the League should be free of politics and open to all. Interestingly Hyde, a Protestant, resigned from the League in 1915 because he contended it had become political. Later Hyde was elected the first president of Ireland serving from 1938-1945.
Another founder was Fr. Eugene O’Growney, who at the suggestion of the Archbishop of Dublin began publishing in the Freeman newspaper “Simple Lessons in Irish.” These articles were later published as a popular book. Other newspapers were asked to provide space for news and articles written in Irish.
The Irish Language Under Attack in Glenmore
The first Branch to be established in the Kilkenny was in Kilkenny City in 1897. To advance Irish the League provided small sums to National School Teachers to induce them to teach Irish to their students outside of the regular school classes. Danny Dowling has stated that his mother, Hannie Dowling née Murphy (1903-1989) told her children that when she attended the Glenmore National School students wore a small stick on a cord around their necks. When a student spoke in Irish a notch would be placed on the stick and punishment inflicted when the recorded notches reached a certain number. Ironically a decade after the League was established and flourishing across the country, in Glenmore, where the Irish language had survived, during the Irish language revival, it was under attack.
The Glenmore Branch of the Gaelic League
It was not until 1910 that a Branch of the Gaelic League was established in Glenmore. The Munster Express on Saturday the 16th of February 1910 announced that nation building was being conducted in Glenmore by this “function which will doubtless prove of historic interest.” Mr. Brett, of the Waterford Branch called on Fr. T. Phelan for his consent and blessing. Fr. Phelan, “ever willing to welcome any movement for the moral, social and educational uplifting of his flock…” gave his consent and blessing to the project.
At nine o’clock the Glenmore meeting was called to order by Nicholas Curran, National Teacher of the Glenmore Boy’s School. He proposed that “A Branch of the Gaelic League be established in Glenmore.” Mr. J. Dunphy seconded the resolution which was unanimously passed. The following officers were elected for the coming year—President, Very Rev. T. Phelan, P.P.; Vice-president, Rev. M. Crotty, C.C.; Secretary, N. Curran, N.T.; J.P. O’Donovan; Committee—Messrs. J. Dunphy, P. Hanrahan, M. Murphy, T. Fluskey, T. Heffernan; Delegates to Waterford District Organising Conference— N. Curran and J. Dunphy.
The meeting concluded in a little “sgoraigheact.” Mr. Foley rendered beautifully two Irish songs and Brian O’Higgins’ Irish comic “Caherciveen.” Mr J. Hanrahan sang ” Skibbereen,” his beautiful clear tenor voice making a marked impression on the visitors. It was said to be a most interesting, and, it is to be hoped, historic night in the “Big Glen.”
School Irish vs. Irish Spoken in Glenmore Homes
Eventually, through the work of the League, Irish became a subject studied in National Schools. Jo Doyle née Mernagh (1932-2021) of Weatherstown, Glenmore, noted that when she was a girl attending Glenmore National School in the 1930’s she was not aware initially that her mother “had a lot of Irish.” The Irish being taught in the National School was different than the Irish words she heard at home. See our post of May 2022 for further information on Jo Doyle née Mernagh.
In 1938, the Folklore Commission recorded Patrick Power (c. 1856-1942) of Jamestown, the last known native speaker of South Kilkenny Irish. The National Folklore Collection, is housed at UCD and has the recording of Pádraig de Paor, from Jamestown, Glenmore (archival reference NFC 323: 174-183) who was 85 at the time of the recording. It is available to read online, most of the 9 pages are in Irish. Danny has explained that one of the unique features of the local dialect of Irish was that the “r” was pronounced as a soft “z” or “s”. Thus Maura was pronounced Ma-zsa (like Zsa Zsa Gabor) a boirín was a boo-sín.
While many people remarked that their parents or grandparents would speak Irish when they did not want the children to understand the conversation an unusual story was recorded by Danny in 1975. Danny interviewed Mai Roche (c. 1918-2001) of Scart, Glenmore. Mai stated that the Michilín Kennedy’s of Rathinure, Glenmore had a young workman for a season. There were three brothers in the house at the time, Michilín, Ristardín, and Phaidín. When the workman arrived he was asked if he spoke Irish. He said that he did not. Every evening the three brothers would “cut the backs off” the neighbours in Irish to ensure that the workman did not know what they were saying. When the season ended, and the young workman was taking his leave, he spoke to the three brothers in Irish, to their horror, letting them know he was a fluent Irish speaker.
Irish Inscriptions on Glenmore Headstones
During the recent survey of the Glenmore cemetery adjoining St. James Catholic Church, there were Irish phrases found on some stones, but only the Edmond Aylward (c. 1835-1908) of Ballinclare, stone has an extensive inscription in Irish. We believe this stone reflects the Irish language revival. The earliest inscription at the top of the stone in 1890 is in English. The inscription covering deaths from 1908 to 1922 are in old Irish and the inscription covering deaths from 1956 to 1996 is in English.
Unfortunately my Irish is limited to a few curse words. Please send any corrections etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Liam Ó Bolguidhir (1992) “The Early Years of the Gaelic League in Kilkenny 1897-1910,” Old Kilkenny Review, p. 1014-1026 [Danny Dowling is acknowledged by the author in footnote 1 of this article].
R.A. Breatnach (1992) “Iargaí de Ghaeilig Chontae Chill Choinnigh,” Éige (1992) vol. 26, p. 21-42.
C. Monaghan (1899) “The Revival of the Gaelic Language,” Proceedings of the Modern Language Association, vol. 14, p. Xxxi-Xxxix. doi:10.2307/456448 available at open access https://www.jstor.org/stable/456448
The featured picture above is the “Symbols of the Evangalists.” The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1868). Symbols of the evangelists, 8th-9th cen. library of St. Gall, codex 51.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh