Whether you are climbing your family tree or interested in social history, local place names or folklore we welcome you to Glenmore-History.com and hope that you enjoy your visit.
L A T E S T P O S T S
From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore
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The Tragic Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue
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Family Tree Workshop 2026 Photos & Forms
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More Glenmore Photos: From the Eamon Jones Collection
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Family Tree Workshop & Upcoming Lecture
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From Glenmore to Ontario, Canada: Maurice Denn (1825-1873)
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From Danny’s Files: The 1985 Interview of Dinny Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
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Marking Founder’s Birthday: Tracing Your Family Tree Workshop
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Kate Raftice née Gahan (1854-1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
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South Kilkenny Historical Society 2026
A Glenmore Version of the Ballad of Carrickshock [updated]
As outlined in our last post, concerning the tithe tax and tithe war of the 1830’s, a ballad was penned and sung in Glenmore concerning Carrickshock. On the 25th of February 1970, Danny Dowling recorded the Ballad of Carrickshock as told to him by Nicholas Forristal (1888-1979), of the Mill, Griaguenakill, Glenmore. In 1970, Nicky Forristal was 82 years of age and the subject of the ballot had occurred almost 140 years previously. Nicky’s father, Patrick Forristal (1849-1931) was born 18 years after Carrickshock and died on the Carrickshock centenary in 1931. Thus, Carrickshock took place during the lifetime of Nicky Forristal’s grandfather. Thanks to Danny’s work 50 years ago we have a version of the Ballad of Carrickshock that was sung in Glenmore.
According to an online exhibit in the National Archives entitled “Singing Sedition: Ballads and Verse in the Age of O’Connell” ballads are particularly important as a reflection of the interests and opinions of ordinary people of nineteenth century Ireland.
“Arising out of unofficial channels ballad sheets express the opinion and sentiment of the ordinary people of nineteenth century Ireland, often revealing their private attitudes to the great questions of society, politics and religion. As a medium of communication from an otherwise unrepresented class, such verses and songs provide a critical counterbalance to the views of the landed elite. … Certain types of ballads may not be readily accessible to the modern reader, since they can contain cryptic references to local persons or events.”
“Singing Sedition: Ballads and Verse in the Age of O’Connell” is available at https://www.nationalarchives.ie/article/singing-sedition-ballads-verse-age-oconnell.
Within the exhibit is a copy of a ballad entitled “The Downfall of the Tithes,” this ballad makes reference to Carrickshock, and is available at https://www.nationalarchives.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CSORP_OR_1832_2928_0001.jpg .
Below is a transcription of the Carrickshock Ballad recorded by Danny in 1970.
Ballad of Carrickshock (Sang in Glenmore)
Those valiant sons of the Irish Nation, Where is the country that can boast of more? Through extensive Europe they gained rank and stature, And for their loyalty great credit bore. May Britain boast of their fame and glory, Auld Scotsman too, King William’s name, But Irish valour won’t lie from story, While lives a bard to record their fame. T’was a December on a Wednesday morning, Strange rumours circled our country round, And it was confirmed by chief ??? Warning to force the tithes or our cattle pound. Our chapel bells they were kept sounding, The people hearing in great number clocked, Our ??? and ditches with all speed bounding, To meet the peelers in Carrickshock. They hired Bert Butler to serve citations, To force the peasant from home or tithes, To feed the gluttons of the reformation, Whom honest Catholics always deride. The first to start was courageous Power, He beat(?) Butler with manly skill, Saying rally boys for the very hour, Well pay no tithes but those traitors kill. And chief Gibbins saw that his dog lay sprawl, And to his forces did loudly call, Saying prime and load boys it is appalling, And he shot brave Power with a pistol ball. And then commences the bloody slaughter, For 15 minutes we had but fun, With pikes and scythes we gave them no quarter, We stood our ranks without fife or drum. But 26 and their chief commander, Was left them lifeless without a groan, And not to conquer like Alexander, We left 3 survivors to bring them home. Sergeant Wylie that orange traitor, That day he ran with great force and speed, Tis well he knew if he was overtaken, His body like the rest would be left to bleed. If you were to see them of the after ??? Like pigs or ??? they were drown, Along to standing ??? in Reid’s barn. In Kilmaganny they all did say, May providence crown you Tracy and Whelan, Who fell Tithe victim upon that day, They stood the brunt without courage failing, And fought courageously in that bloody fray. Now my song is ending and all is over, Come fill your Bumfords and drink brown ale, And where you’ll meet them in rapture, Greet them the jovial champions of Ballyhale.
Gary Owen, “The Carrickshock Incident, 1831: Social Memory and Irish Cause Célebre,” 1(1) Culture and Social History (2004) pp 36-64 available at http://www.traceyclann.com/files/carrickshock.pdf
The National Archives also has the correspondence of the Chief Secretary’s Office concerning the “Carrickshock murders” including costs of burials of constables, doctor bills for the treatment of injured constables, the efforts to arrest, and the efforts of two Catholic clergy in raising funds to hire Daniel O’Connell to defend those accused of murder etc. [CSO/PR/OR/1831/1328 et seq]
Update 2 Feb. 2021–while going through the Munster Express newspaper of 27 Dec. 1946 the following poem or ballad concerning Carrickshock was discovered. It appears to have been penned in the 1930’s.
Update: 24 Dec. 2022–
Munster Express (Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 6)–Death of Mr. James Treacy, Ballymagill—it is with much regret we have to record the death of M. James Treacy, who passed away on Friday, 3rd inst. The deceased was one of the famous Carrickshock Treacy’s. The interment took place at Kilcurl. We tender our sympathy to his relatives in their bereavement.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and the Tithe Tax [Updated]
It is difficult to believe today, that taxes were imposed to support the clergy of the Established Church, the Church of Ireland. Thus, other protestants and Catholics were taxed to support a religion to which they did not belong. To address the resentment of the people toward the tithes, the authorities offered to share the collected tithes with the Irish Catholic Church. The Irish Catholic Church refused the offer fearing that it would lead the Church to come under the control of the Government. In order to evade the tax some Catholic priests encouraged their parishioners to place their livestock in the ownership of the parish priests to keep the animals from being seized by authorities attempting to collect the hated tax.
Not all Catholic Priests sided with the people against the tax. It was reported in January 1831 that threatening notices, against tithes and tithe-payers were posted on the Chapel doors of Kilmacow and Glenmore Catholic Churches. (Kerry Evening Post, Sat. 8 Jan 1831). In both places the clergy expressed disproval for the notices from the altar. In Danny Dowling’s notes an article in the Waterford Chronicle on the 7th of August 1830 reported that there was great “public distress” in the parish of Glenmore. Rev. Fr. Foran, the Curate, obtained a ton of oatmeal from the corporation of Waterford valued at £20; Lady Esmond donated £5 and several other individuals including Mr. Wallis, the Church of Ireland Rector, of Rosbercon, donated £1. The money was used to improve the high road and provide wages to the labourers to enable them to feed their families. It was noted that “during this time of general distress,” Lady Esmonde relieved or fed at least thirty poor people per day. Priests like Father Foran, who sought the aid of the authorities to feed starving parishioners, may have felt unable to support the objectors and risk the withholding of aid.
In March 1831 at Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny, 120 troops tried to enforce seizure orders on cattle the local priest “owned” and clashed with locals. In June 1831, in Newtownbarry, Wexforrd (since 1952 the town is now called Bunclody) locals again resisted the seizure of cattle, and The Royal Irish Constabulary killed 12 and wounded 20. Thus began what is often referred to as the Tithe War.
Objectors to the tax began to organise and employed church bells in the Catholic Churches to warn the local people to hide livestock and gather to resist the armed collectors. In December 1831 a detachment of about 40 Royal Irish Constables served notices and seized animals around the Carrickshock, Kilkenny area. On the third day objectors answered the call of the church bells. In 1977, Danny Dowling interviewed James Bookle, of Grennan, Thomastown who was aged 83. James recalled that as a lad he was told that a lot of people from various Kilkenny areas, went to Carrickshock. Two brothers named Shea from Coolhill, in the Rower, walked to Carrickshock with two sprongs (pitch forks) on their shoulders. They crossed Ida and travelled via Tullogher and Ballyhale.
On the third day, the detachment of Constables collecting animals in the Carrickshock area was ambushed in a boreen flanked by stone walls. Armed with only sticks, stones, hurleys and farm implements such as sprongs the gathered objectors surrounded the Constables. The Constables were able to fire upon the objectors once, but due to the rain of stones from the assembled protestors the Constables were unable to re-load their muskets. It is believed that 13 of the Constables and 3 local objectors were killed at Carrickshock. Danny in July 1962 interviewed Nicky Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore who reported that Pand Irish of Carrigcloney, Glenmore stated that when they were fighting that day in Carrickshock the battle cry was “Remember Newtownbarry.”
Nicky Forristal also provided the lyrics to a song sung in Glenmore regarding Carrickshock. He also reported that he heard his father say that Sergeant Wylie, who was referred to as “The Orange Traitor” in the song, was at Carrickshock and was later stationed in the Glenmore RIC barracks, as a sergeant.
“Sergt. Wylie the Orange Traitor, that day he ran With great force and speed, And well he knew if he was overtaken his body, Like the rest would be left to bleed.”
Carrickshock appears to have had a long term effect on Sergeant Wylie according to Nicky Forristal. Years after Carrickshock the Glenmore Chapel bell began to ring suddenly and Wylie took fright. He ran down to Gaffney’s yard and “got in under a barrell to hide.” Danny explained that Gaffney was in with the landlord, Lord Bessborough, and Wylie thought he would be safe at Gaffney’s.
Immediately after Carrickshock local men were charged with murder, and in 1832 about 200,000 people gathered in Ballyhale, Kilkenny to support the men. The large crowd was addressed by Daniel O’Connell. The men were not convicted.
The following list of persons tried and acquitted in the Kilkenny Assizes 1832 was provided to the House of Commons and included: [1] John Kennedy (murder, Carrickshock case); (the remaining defendants had the same notation “Carrickshock case, no proseution;” [2] John Ryan; [4] Thomas Ryan; [5] Patrick Carty; [6] John Daly; [7] Richard Grennan; [8] Patrik Dwyer; [9] Edmond Duggan; [10] William Walsh; and [11] Thomas Egan. It was noted that the defendant John Ryan on two consecutive days was tried before two different juries and both juries were discharged after they could not agree to a verdict (Return of Number of Persons tried found Guilty or acquitted in Counties of Kilkenny, Mayo and Queen’s). digitalized by the University of Southamptom available at www.jstor.org/stable/community.29946989).
After continued violence when authorities attempted to collect the tithes, parliament enacted the Church Temporalities Act in 1833 and thereby reduced the size of the Church of Ireland hierarchy and abolished the parish cess or church rate which was a separate but also resented tax. Resistance to the tithes continued and it became increasingly difficult for the authorities to find and collect livestock. Often the cost of attempting to collect far exceeded the value of the property seized. The government in the face of continued violence and strained police relations suspended collections.
Shortly after the first anniversary of Carrickshock a proclamation was published in the Dublin Gazette (3 Jan. 1834) stating that several houses in the village of Ballyhale, on the high road between Waterford and Thomastown, were illuminated and bonfires lighted to “celebrate the murder of the police at Carrickshock” on the 14th of December 1831. A reward of 50 pounds was offered to any person who could within 6 months provide information that would lead to the apprehension and conviction of all or any of the persons involved in the celebrations.
The Waterford Chronicle, of the 19th of March 1836 provides an interesting account of an Anti-Tithe meeting held in Glenmore. The article not only provides the names of several Glenmore men, but also provides a different non-violent approach some took to protest the tithes.
“At a numerous and highly respectable meeting of the above Parish, held in the Chapel-yard, on SUNDAY, the 13th Instant, LAURENCE STRANGE, Esq., Aylwardstown, was unanimouslv called to the chair. Mr. JOHN BOLGER, acted as Secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to :
Moved Mr. Andrew PheIan—seconded by Mr. Richard Fitzgerald. Resolved—That as we view the compulsive payment of Tithes by the professors of one religion, to the support of a different creed, unjust in principle as it is pressive and vexatious in its operation, and that so anomalous an impost, in the estimation of an enlightened world, reflect immeasurable discredit on the legislative, and on its passive victims.
Moved by Mr. Richard Phelan—seconded Mr. Robert Grant. Resolved—That the unrighteous system last yielding to the progress of intelligence, and a sense of right among all classes of people, we, the Inhabitants of this Parish, in common with every friend of human happiness, feel ourselves imperatively bound to resist, by every legal and constitutional means, the payment of so iniquitous an impost.
Moved by Mr. Mark Walsh— seconded Mr. Nicholas Gaffney. Resolved—That as we view the blessing of peace and preservation of life of paramount importance among all grades of society, we cannot but cry aloud against that system which so heavily pressed on the industry of the people, and was, alas the prolific cause of so many revolting scenes too shocking for human nature to contemplate; and no modification whatever of tithes short their entire annihilation both in name and substance, can satisfy the country or consistent be with justice.
Moved Mr. James Holden—seconded by Mr. Silvester Murphy. Resolved—Should any attempt be made levy the payment of that iniquitous impost, Tithes, in this Palish, we, one and all, pledge ourselves to resist it every legal means in our power, and do hereby promise to indemnify such person or persons persecuted.
Moved Mr. Thomas Heneberry—seconded Mr, Michael Freney. Resolved —That Petition presented to Parliament grounded on the foregoing resolutions, to be presented by our County Members, the Hon. Colonel Pierse Butler, and W.F. Finn, Esq.
Moved Mr. Michael Gahan—seconded Mr. Andrew Phelan. Resolved —That the foregoing resolutions be published in the Waterford and Weekly Waterford Chronicles. LAURENCE STRANGE, Chairman. JOHN BOLGER, Secretary.
Laurence Strange, Esq., having left the Chair, Mr. Andrew Phelan being called thereto, the thanks the Meeting were given to Mr. Strange for his very dignified and proper conduct in the Chair. ANDREW PHELAN, Chairman. John BOLGER, Secretary. “To the Right Honourable and Honorable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Parliament assembled. The humble Petition of the inhabitants of the Parish of Glenmore, in the county of Kilkenny, Humbly Shewether, That your petitioners, in approaching your honorable House, beg to state their unqualified loyalty and attachment to his Majesty’s person, and their entire confidence in his Majesty’s Government, and constitutional advisers. Your petitioners, persuaded of the kind and benevolent disposition of your honorable house, redress the grievances which affect the people of Ireland. Among their grievances the Tithe system holds a prominent portion, it has uniformly been the source of dissatisfaction and jealousy, and has in very many instances caused the shedding of the blood of several of his Majesty’s subjects in Ireland. Your Petitioners humbly submit your Honourable House, that it is not consonant with the principles of justice, that six millions of his Majesty’s loyal and dutiful Roman Catholic subjects in Ireland, should be taxed for the spiritual instruction of half a million members of the Established Church–a tax, from which the said Roman Catholics derive no benefit, and from which they receive no equivalent. Your petitioners further beg to state to your Honourable House, that as the amount of Tithes in Ireland is far above the want of the Established Church and more than adequate renumeration for its Ministers, it would as unjust as it would he impolitic continue it. Your Petitioners therefore pray your Honourable House, so to modify the Tithe system in Ireland, that it may be no longer a burden on those who receive no benefit. And your Petitioners will ever pray, etc, etc.”
In 1838, parliament enacted the Tithe Commutation Act for Ireland. This reduced the amount payable directly by about a quarter and made the remainder payable in rent to landlords. The landlords were required to collect the tithe as part of the rent and send it on to the authorities. Two Glenmore landlords, Sir John Newport and Major Gahan, of the lands of Kilmakevogue, Graigunakill and Carrigcloney were heralded as patriots when they publicly agreed not to demand the tithe as a rent charge (Dublin Morning Register, 14 September 1838).
Full relief from the tax was not achieved until the Irish Church Act 1869. One of the local events that may have helped bring about the Act was the highly publicised case of Elizabeth Simpson v. Reverald Henry Helsham. For several months in 1864 notices appeared in the Kilkenny Moderator advising people in Ballygurrim and Kilmakevogue, Glenmore not to pay their tithe rent to Reverend Henry Helsham. Under a court order a plaintiff owed moneys could appeal to the bishop of the releant diocese to execute on the goods and chattles (personal property) of the debtor in his diocese. In an article in the Saunder’s News-Letter on Thursday the 14th of May 1868 (in another case where Reverend Helsham was being sued) it was noted that in 1861 he “became embarrassed by his circumstances and had to leave the parish [Rosbercon] for awhile.” The tithe rent charges were collected by a sequestrator who paid the judgments against the Reverend from the rents collected. The tithe rents collected amounted to about £220 a year and clearly illustrates that the tithes which were levied against all holdings in the Union of Rosbercon, to support the Church of Ireland, were directed to support the lifestyle and debts of the Vicar even when he was not working as the Vicar of the parish.
For further details concerning Carrickshock see, http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/101014/101014.pdf Richard Lahert, The Mayor and the Outlaw: A Postscript to the Carrickshock Affray 1831 (Decies, spring 1994).
The featured drawing is from sheet music, The Irish Peasant (Ireland 1800-1870) © Trustees Indiana University http://purl.dlib.indiana.edu/iudl/lilly/starr/LL-SSM-2-136-0014.
Updated 1 Dec. 2021. The Return of Number of Persons Tried Found Guilty or Acquitted in Counties of Kilkenny, Mayo and Queen’s was digitalized by the University of Southamptom is available at www.jstor.org/stable/community.29946989.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Steam Ship (1897-1908)
A reader from Indiana recently came across a turn of the 20th century stern paddle wheel steam ship named Glenmore. He wondered if the original owners or builders may have been natives of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny.
The Glenmore was built in 1897 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by the Howard shipyard. Jeffersonville, Indiana is on the Ohio river near Paducah, Kentucky. The Howard shipyard was founded by James Howard in 1834. The company was owned by the Howard family until shortly before World War II. After the war, it became known as the Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company and later it became Jeffboat. The company was the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States and the second-largest builder of river barges in the United States before it closed in 2018.
Built as a packet ship, the Glenmore was originally named the John W. Thomas and she plied the Ohio river carrying mail, passengers and freight between Evansville, Indiana and Paducah, Kentucky for the Louisville and Evansville Packet Co . At some point the John W. Thomas was renamed Glenmore (according to the University of Wisconsin virtual library), and she was named after a popular bourbon. The Glenmore Distillery Company was established by two men named Thompson in 1901 at Owensboro, Kentucky.
In May 1908 the Glenmore was at Paducah, Kentucky and put up for sale. The Messenger-Inquirer of Owensboro, Kentucky reported on 15 May 1908 that Captain George Block, of St. Louis was in Louisville to inspect the 500 ton Glenmore for purchase. On 23 May 1908 the Kansas City Star reported that the Glenmore was sold to Philip McCrory and Booth Baugham who were to bring the ship to Kansas City, Missouri where it would be refitted and operated as an excursion or party boat on the Missouri River. The Glenmore was described as being 160 feet in length with a 26.5 foot beam. She was due to arrive within two weeks and she could carry up to 1,000 persons.
Newspapers of the era in river towns and cities carried commentary concerning her progress up the Mississippi on way to her new home port of Kansas, City. The Kansas City Star of 17 July 1908 reported that the Glenmore left the foot of Main St. carrying a number of important local figures and various civic groups to inspect local flood damage. The Baughham and Pryor Excursions were very popular in 1908. Beer and other liquid refreshments were sold 7 days a week, 7 kinds of gambling were allowed and there was a very popular dance hall on board (Kansas City Star, 3 April 1909). Missouri traditionally did not allow gambling nor did it allow the purchase of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. At St. Louis, and other major centres of population in Missouri, race tracks and other gambling establishments were built in nearby states such as Illinois. It is assumed that the State of Kansas may have also catered for residents in Kansas City, Missouri to engage in drinking and gambling in Kansas. Thus the Glenmore could legally provide gambling and drinking when it operated on the Kansas side of the Missouri river.
In November 1908 it was widely reported that John J. Pryor, one of the Glenmore owners, and an ex-saloon keeper, was charged with operating gambling devices on the Glenmore. John J Pryor, was a colourful character, who was charged with murder in 1907 and his trial collapsed. (Kansas City Star, 7 November 1908). It is assumed that he was charged because he operated the devices within the jurisdiction of the State of Missouri or on the Missouri side of the river. The Glenmore operated for one season as an excursion or party boat on the Missouri River. When the Glenmore was being put up for the winter it was discovered that her hull was unsafe. No newspaper accounts report whether she was purchased in a poor state or whether her excursions on the flooded Missouri may have damaged her hull. She was taken to Harlem, Missouri where $5,000 was spent fitting her with a new hull. She was placed on cribbing and in early March 1909 just as the work on her new hull was being finished high flood water swept away her cribbing. She fell into 12 feet of water stern first. Her boilers fell into her hold causing her upper works to collapse (St. Louis Globe-Democrat, 12 March 1909).
Although it was originally hoped that she might be raised and saved, it soon became apparent that the damage was too extensive. Her estimated value at the time she sank in 1909 was $19,000 (University of Wisconsin, Digital Library, “Glenmore (Packet, 1905-1909)”). Undaunted the newspapers soon carried reports that the Glenmore owners had purchased the Uncle Sam to replace the Glenmore.
No links could be discovered between the builders or owners of the steamer, Glenmore or the owners of the Glenmore Distillery in Kentucky and Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. However, we do know that one of Danny’s great-great uncles, Nicholas Murphy, resided near Kansas City, Kansas in the early 1900’s. Did Nicholas Murphy ever see the Glenmore or take an excursion on her in 1908? We shall never know, but we might ponder what a man who had not seen his native parish of Glenmore for over 50 years may have thought if he saw the Glenmore ship. Thanks John for bringing the steamer Glenmore to our attention.
The featured broadside photo of Steamer Glenmore, Ohio River, photo taken at Madison, Indiana by Flora, Hubert M, (1904) Glenmore. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://digital.cincinnatilibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16998coll28/id/10781.
The photo of the docked Glenmore Riverboat was taken about (1904) at Tell, Indiana. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://digital.cincinnatilibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16998coll28/id/10782. Original in the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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