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
Glenmore Parish Church: 1910-1912, Renovations & Re-Consecration
In one of our first posts the building of St. James, the Glenmore Catholic parish church, was discussed. In this post we shall highlight information from some of Danny Dowling’s recently transcribed notebooks particularly the names and townlands of some of the parishioners who donated pews, windows and confessionals when the church was renovated in 1910-1912 and donor information as published in the New Ross Standard at that time. See our post of
1813-1898
St. James was built in 1813 and according to the New Ross Standard of 17 May 1912, the church was built by Father Fitzpatrick with the help of the parishioners. Danny in a January 1969 interview of Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore recorded that during Father Dunphy’s administration collections were undertaken and the alter and two side alters were erected. Father Dunphy left Glenmore in 1898 following the death of Father Nolan. Father Dunphy went to Danesfort as Parish Priest and died while serving there. (When the Glenmore Land League split, Father Dunphy led the anti-Parnell faction.) According to Nicholas Forristal from 1813 until the Dunphy renovations, the alter was against the back wall and there were two doors leading to the Sacristy, with one door on each side of the alter. There were also two sets of stairs leading to the old gallery each at the side of each wall. Nicholas Forristal stated that from the time of the building of the church until the renovations the Strange family, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore had a private pew in the gallery which was divided into two parts. One part was for the ladies and the other for the men. There was a door to each part. Nicholas Forristal explained in his interview that the Strange family helped a lot in the building of St. James in 1813 and “on this account got a private pew.”
Fr. Thomas Phelan Arrived
Around 1903 Father Thomas Phelan became Parish Priest of Glenmore. It was reported in an article that the church had fallen into a state of disrepair which caused anxiety to Father Phelan (New Ross Standard, 17 May 1912). About 1907 during a Mission the chapel bell was being rung when it split in half. The newspaper accounts do not indicate how the new bell was obtained, but the Most Rev. Dr. Browning, Lord Bishop of Ossory, blessed the new bell on 3 October 1909. At this blessing Father Phelan began in earnest the fundraising for the extensive renovations he proposed. For the dedication of the new bell the Jesuit preacher, the Very Rev. Michael Phelan was the featured preacher (New Ross Standard, 1 Oct. 1909) and an advertisement was placed in the local papers inviting support.
1910-1912 Renovations
For two years the tradesmen and renovators worked on the Glenmore church. At a Mission held in June 1911 (which was the third mission within five years) a sort of progress report was published. It was reported that fourteen Stations of the Cross, costing in the aggregate of about £l6O were donated as were two new confessionals, a sanctuary lamp of great value, several new pews, and several altar requisites. The new belfry, new gallery, new floor, with tiled sanctuary and sides and new church roof and ceiling were all complete (New Ross Standard, 30 June 1911).
In a final push for donations, on 15 March 1912 the New Ross Standard reported that the parishioners… “in addition to their contributions they have given many costly presents to adorn and ornament the House of God and the place where His glory dwelleth. These presents have taken a very practical form, commemorating at the same time the faith and generosity of the donors and needed furniture and equipment. The Stations of the Cross, confessionals, sanctuary lamp, baptistry, windows, pews, and vestments are all included in the presentation. Many articles are still needed, and those who claim Glenmore as their place of birth, or are otherwise associated with the parish, and within whose consecrated graveyards lie the remains of near and dear friends, should lose no time in communicating with the priests of the parish and secure before everything is disposed of some article as an offering to the church: on which their name can be inscribed. What a happiness one’s name perpetuated in connection with the church of one’s own native parish, around which so many happy memories are entwined.”
Re-Consecration 1912
The long awaited dedication and re-consecration of St. James, the parish church of Glenmore, is covered in an article that almost covers an entire page of the 17 May 1912 edition of the New Ross Standard. A photo of Father Phelan and St. James church is featured in this article as well as a description of the interior renovations. “On entering the church one is struck by the extent and magnificence of the renovations, improvements and decorations. The sanctuary is decorated in Mosaic with a handsome frieze and three arches forming a background for the three beautiful oak altars, which have been renovated and picked out in gold. The central arch bears the emblem of the Passion. The vane portion has been decorated with great taste, and the frieze and decorations of the windows are very artistic in effect. The Stations of the Cross, by Messrs. Bull, of Dublin, form a beautiful ornament to the sacred edifice, as also the beautiful new confessionals. The beautiful and well-finished pews and benches were made by Hearne and Co. Waterford.”
Donated Items
A list of the donated items was printed as follows: A set of Stations of the Cross (Irish Manufactured), in oak frame, walnut pillars, carved capitals and oil pictures, with zinc backs, the whole costing £150, and to each of which is attached a brass plate giving the names of the donors, were presented to Father Phelan in memory of the Rev. Nolan, P.P., by the following parishioners: Mr. John Curran, N. T., and Mrs. Curran, N.T., and Mr. P.N. O’Gorman, Rosbercon; Mr. Thomas Forrestal, and Mrs. Forrestal, Ballyverneen, Mrs. Dunphy, Ballyverneen, Mr. Mullins, Haggard; Mrs Aylward, do; Mr. John Ennett, Cappagh; Mr. Richard Doherty and Mrs. Doherty, Ballinlammy; Mr. James Delahunty, Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald and Mrs. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; Miss Mary Walsh, Weatherstown; Misses Murphy, Kearneybay.
- Beautiful carved scotch pine confessionals by Mr. John Hynes, Ballybrahee, and Mr. P. Green, Jamestown.
- A very fine sanctuary lamp by Mr. P. Walsh and Mrs. Walsh, Davidstown.
- A set of brass altar candlesticks, by Mrs. Forrestal, Carrickloney.
- Benediction cape and vestments by the Sacred Heart Sodality.
- The baptistry by Mr. John Aylward, Ballinclare, in memory of Mr. Joseph Gahan, Ballylogue.
- (Unfortunately the list of donors for windows is not legible)
- Processional cross, by the children of the Robinstown Female School.
- Pews, by Mr. Michael Barron, Clarrigcloney; Mr. John Phelan, Mullinhone; the Misses Gahan, Newtown; Mr. John Grace, Forristalstown; Mr. Richard Keogh, Rathinure; Mr. Michael Hynes, Ballybrehee; Mrs. Hanrahan, Glenmore, and by “donor.”
At the end of this publication it is stated, “It is understood the list is not yet completed.”
For our international readers, the tradition in St. James is (that facing the alter) men sat on the left hand side of the church and women sat on the right. It is not known why or when this tradition developed, but the statue of St. Joseph is on the left and the Virgin Mary is on the right.
Seats in Chapel Men’s Side (from alter) recorded by Danny Dowling
- Presented by James Doherty, Coonaleen
- In Memory of Mrs Ellen Cahill, Ballymountain R.I.P., Presented by Mrs. Rd. Doherty
- Presented by Michael Delaney, Newtown
- In Memory of John Curran, N.T., Robinstown R.I.P.
- In Memory of Anastasia Walsh, Ballyverneen R.I.P.
- In Memory of Patrick Walsh, Ballyverneen R.I.P.
- In Memory of Wm. and Bridget Irish, Carrickcloney R.I.P.
- Presented by Mary Hennessy, N.T. in Memory of Her Mother and Brother R.I.P.
- Presented by Richard Kehoe, Rathinure
- Presented by John Grace, Forristalstown
- In Memory of Patk. Kennedy, USA, Native of Gaulstown R.I.P.
- In Memory of Thomas Mullally, Grogan R.I.P.
- Pray for Donor
- In Memory of John Walsh, Ballybrahee R.I.P
- no name
- Presented by Michael Barron, Carrigcloney
- Presented by Thomas Kennedy, Rathinure
- Confessional on men’s side–Presented by John Hynes, Ballybrahee
- Confessional on women’s side–Presented by Patrick Greene, Jamestown
Nicholas Forristal stated in his interview that the confessionals were given in 1910 “on occasion of marriage.”
Danny also recorded the donors of windows on the women’s side starting at the back, but these are not the windows from the 1910-1912 renovations.
- Presented by the Parishioners of Glenmore,
- Plain window
- Presented by the Hartley Family, Ballinclare
- St. Martin of Tours, Pray for Us–Presented by the People of Haggard
- St. Joseph, Pray for Us–Presented by Pat and Anne Dowling & family, Rickardsland
- Lady Hear My Prayer; Let My Cry Come Unto Thee–Donated by Thomas & Essie Mullally & family, Busherstown
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic we were unable to visit the Church to determine how many of the donations from the parishioners in 1910-1912 are still present and to record the pews on the womens’ side etc. Later in the twentieth century the remaining gallery was removed and the 1910-1912 windows were replaced.
The Traveling Glenmore Sanctuary Light
Notwithstanding the public statements enticing parishioners to donate to have one’s name perpetuated in connection with their parish church, yesterday, Danny related that the sanctuary lamp donated by Mrs. Walsh, of Davidstown, my husband’s great-grandmother, was removed from the Church by a priest when he was transferred to another parish. Danny could not recall who or when this occurred. Mrs. Maureen Claridge, née Walsh with the aid of a cousin went in search of the lamp donated by her grandparents and located it in Crosspatrick chapel in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny. It is believed that she visited Ballypatrick in the 1990’s and photographed the sanctuary lamp.
In 2011 Maureen’s youngest brother, Nicholas Walsh, of Davidstown, Glenmore visited Crosspatrick and viewed the sanctuary lamp donated by his grandparents to Glenmore Church during the 1910-1912 renovations. The sanctuary lamp in Crosspatrick bears an inscription “Gift of Patrick and Margaret Walsh, Davidstown A.D. 1911.”
The featured photo of St. James, Glenmore parish church, came from the 1912 article. Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh, for the old photos of St. James and to Dick Claridge and Margaret Phelan née Claridge for the information and Margaret for the photos she took of the traveling Glenmore sanctuary lamp in 2011.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Dr. James Butler Norris Cane (c. 1840-1906)
In 1867, Dr. James Butler Norris Cane (c.1840-1906) became the Kilmakevogue Dispensary doctor. From 1867 until his retirement in 1900, Dr. James Cane attended to the poor of the very large Kilmakevogue Dispensary area which included most of the parish of Glenmore and also treated private patients in the area. Dispensary doctors are said to have had a difficult and thankless job and an examination of his early paternal influence may provide an understanding of his dedication to his professional duties often in the face of extreme interference by Poor Law Guardians.
Dr. James Cane was the son of Alderman Robert Cane, M.D. (1807-1858) and his Protestant wife. Dr. James Cane was born and raised in Kilkenny City, and he had at least four brothers. Richard and Francis became doctors, and Robert Jr. became an army officer. His father, Alderman Robert Cane, was a doctor with a thriving private practice that included the Butler family of Kilkenny Caste, but he was also the Medical Officer for the Kilkenny Poor Union (Waterford Chronicle, 27 June 1906).
In addition to medicine, Dr. Robert Cane, was involved in politics and became a leading figure in the Young Ireland Movement. In July 1848 the Tablet newspaper of London printed that Dr. Robert Cane, of Kilkenny, handed in a list of 1,700 men, including the mayor of the city and three magistrates, stating that English Parliament offered sufficient proof of the “utter hopelessness of looking to it for either justice or good government.” Dr. Robert Cane was a magistrate and was stripped of his office. On the 31st of July, Dr. Robert Cane was arrested in the middle of the night under the Habeas Corpus Act (Cork Examiner, 2 Aug. 1848). During his imprisonment in the Kilkenny gaol his third son Edward became ill. The authorities refused to allow him to see or treat his child, and Edward died on 2 November 1848 (Freeman’s Journal, 4 Nov. 1848). The citizens of Kilkenny were outraged.
Ultimately Dr. Robert Cane was released after several months, without any charges having been made against him. He was elected Alderman a post which he held until his death. He was also elected Mayor. Due to his popularity, for a week prior to his death the newspapers carried updates on his illness. He died on 17 August 1858 (Cork Examiner, 23 Aug. 1858). One newspaper reported that he died of kidney disease (Waterford Mail, 19 Aug. 1858, yet it has also been stated that he died from consumption. Dr. Robert Cane is buried in St. John’s Cemetery on Maudlin Street, Kilkenny. In 1874 a large memorial was placed on his grave (Kilkenny Moderator, 12 Dec. 1874). Among other achievements, Dr. Robert Cane was the editor of the Celt and wrote The History of the Williamite and Jacobite Wars in Ireland: From Their Origin to the Capture of Athlone. This book was published shortly after his death.
At the time of Dr. Robert Cane’s death he had not made sufficient financial provision for his young family and a subscription appeal was published as well as an auction was held to sell off various personal property including his horse and car and silver household items (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, 15 Sept. 1858 & 6 Oct. 1858). The eldest son, Dr. Richard Cane applied in September 1858 to his father’s post as medical officer for the Kilkenny Union, but he was not successful. It was noted by the Poor Law Guardians of Kilkenny that he obtained his diploma from the Edinburgh Medical School on 8 May 1858 (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, 4 Sept. 1858).
In the 19th century work of a doctor was difficult. Doctors were called to the sick at all times of the day and night and in rural districts a doctor could be required to travel miles to a patient. Often dispensary doctors caught the illnesses and diseases in the district. An ill dispensary doctor was required to pay for his replacement, however by 1875 it was reported that a dispensary doctor was entitled to up to a month if ill, but thereafter would be required to pay for his replacement (Waterford Standard, 16 Oct. 1875). In February 1862, Dr. B. C. Fitzpatrick, the relieving medical officer in Mullinavat wrote to the Guardians outlining the “malignant fever epidemic” that killed the district’s medical officer, the Catholic Curate and nearly killed himself (Waterford News, 7 Feb. 1862). In 1865, Dr. MacCabe, the Medical Officer in Mullinavat contracted typhus and no replacement doctor could be found (Kilkenny Moderator, 11 Feb. 1865). One of Dr. Cane’s first reports contains reference to treating 14 typhoid cases in the district in 1868 (Kilkenny Moderator, 17 Feb. 1869).
Shortly after Dr. James Cane took up his post he married Mary Carroll on 10 August 1869 at St. John’s in Waterford. His bride was the daughter of Thomas Carroll, a deceased merchant. At the time of her marriage, Mary Carroll, was the Matron of the Waterford Leper Hospital, which was located on John’s Hill (Waterford Chronicle, 27 June 1906.)
In that same year Dr. Cane encountered interference concerning the treatment of a patient from one of the Guardians. Dr. Cane wrote to the Board stating that he did not think that he was required to follow the directions of any Guardian with respect to a patient (Waterford Standard, 9 Oct. 1869). This appears to have been the beginning of a power struggle between some of the Guardians and Dr. Cane. Dr. Cane openly defied some Guardians who expected the doctor to drop everything when they issued a red ticket. A few of the Guardians began to report alleged complaints made by patients concerning Dr. Cane. Commencing in 1872 complaints regarding Dr. Cane’s attendance at the dispensaries as well as the language he used were reported. Although the Guardians found that the matters raised were trivial at least three of the Guardians were vocal and accusatory. Even the Glenmore parish priest at the time, Rev. James Aylward wrote to the Guardians complaining that Dr. Cane had failed to attend the Glenmore dispensary on the 21st of January 1873 as well as having not addressed housing and other sanitary issues. An exasperated Dr. Cane, wrote to the Guardians noting that he was not the sanitation officer and explained that he was ill on the 21st. He asked the Guardians to split the large Kilmackevogue district into thirds and give Rev. Aylward to one of the new hired doctors. (Waterford Chronicle, 8 Feb. 1873). The district was not split.
For a couple of years Dr. Cane on almost a monthly basis replied to one alleged complaint after another. He sought a sworn inquiry to face the accusations. The complaints became more outrageous. At one point Dr. Cane was accused of telling a man he would castrate him. When Dr. Cane requested the dates of the alleged conduct the accusing Guardian refused to provide it. In August 1875, the Secretary of the Local Government Board advised the Kilmakevogue Dispensary committee that after considering the many charges brought against Dr. Cane it declined to grant any sworn inquiry (Waterford Standard, 11 August 1875).
Eventually Dr. Cane sued William Raftis, a Guardian from Mullinavat, for slander. The case was heard by the Queen’s Bench in Dublin in December 1875. It was alleged that the defendant, William Raftis was a large farmer who subjected Dr. Cane to relentless persecution in an effort to destroy his reputation. Raftis denied he uttered the words alleged and if he did utter the words they were true in substance or he was protected by privilege as he was elected. During a two day trial, one witness after another stated that Raftis had been abusive, and had set out to ruin Dr. Cane. One woman who had allegedly told Raftis that Dr. Cane verbally abused her testified that Dr. Cane had never used abusive language in her hearing. The Court rendered a verdict finding Raftis liable. Damages were awarded of £500.
Thereafter very little is reported in the newspapers except from time to time temporary replacements were appointed for Dr. Cane due to illnesses or accidents he suffered. He was granted leave in 1888 (Waterford Standard, 29 Sept. 1889) and in late June 1895 local newspapers reported that Dr. JBN Cane was better. He had suffered an “excessive attack of bronchitis” (Waterford Mirror and Tramore Visitor, 4 July 1895). In 1899, Dr. Cane suffered injuries with a horse and car. He was off work for four months and applied for two more months (Waterford Standard, 2 Dec. 1899). Dr. Cane retired in 1900 after, it was stated, 38 years of service. It was agreed that a sum between £7O and £8O a year superannuation to Dr. Cane be recommended for approval to the Local Government Board (Irish Independent, 1 Feb. 1900). Dr. Cane was awarded the largest pension from the Board of Guardians which the regulation permitted. (Waterford Chronicle, 27 June 1906). Only one candidate sought Dr. Cane’s position at his retirement. Dr. W. White was hired at the rate of £120 per year plus £2O for vaccination fees.
After his retirement Dr. Cane and his family moved to Dublin. The 1901 Census indicates that Dr. Cane was living in Dublin with his wife, Mary Joseph and daughter Catherine Frances, age 26. Dr. Cane lists himself as a medical professional of the Royal College of Surgeons. Also residing in the home is a boarder, Henry Burke, who was 21 years of age, was born in County Mayo, and was a medical student. When his son, Dr. Richard James Cane, obtained the medical officer post for the Swinford Union in County Mayo in 1902, Dr. Cane and his family moved to County Mayo. Dr. Cane died there on 22 June 1906, aged 66.
On 20 May 1910, Dr. Cane’s youngest brother, Dr. Frank Cane, a Division Surgeon of the London Metropolitan police, died at Edmonton, London. The last surviving brother was listed as Lieut. Colonel Robert Cane, R.H.A. (Royal Horse Artillery), Blackheath, London. The 1911 Census of Kilmore, Urlur, Mayo provides that Dr. Cane’s widow, son and daughter were still living in Mayo. In late 1912, Dr. Richard James Cane resigned his position as medical officer of the Swinford Union (Kilkenny Moderator, 30 Nov. 1912). Dr. Cane’s widow, Mary Joseph Cane, died at Rathmines, South Dublin on 12 February 1916 at the Harold’s Cross Hospice. Her death cert provides that she was the widow of a doctor, and died of cancer of the liver. An address is recorded as 156 Old Ford Road, London. In the index of Wills of the National Archive of Ireland, William F. Delaney is listed as her primary heir.
An obituary for Dr. Cane appeared in the Waterford Chronicle of 27 June 1906 and provides a fitting conclusion
“As a professional man he was clever, and he possessed a kindly heart for the poor. He has been known at dead of night, in slush and rain, to travel miles on foot to the relief of a suffering patient, and to find himself abused next morning for not coming in time, an accusation which he bore with the most perfect equanimity. The late Dr Cane was a careful student of national history, a lover of birds and animals, and an expert in their habits. He was first to, herald in the local newspapers the coming of the pioneer swallow, and the first primrose by the river’s brim. He was a book lover as well, and his fondness of archaeological works was such that he accumulated a valuable collection of old books and records, which we hope have not been carelessly dissipated.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Dispensary
Prior to the Poor Law Act of 1838, a dispensary doctor could be employed for the giving of medicine and advice free to the poor. However, to pay for the service local donations were collected and the grand jury, which today would be similar to a County Council, was required to match the donations with local taxes. In general, there were few dispensaries and they were unevenly spread across pre-famine Ireland. The Poor Law Act of 1838 divided Ireland into 130 administrative units called Poor Law Unions. This Act is often cited as the first real effort to put in place a public health system. Each Union had its own workhouse governed by the Poor Law Guardians who were elected by the rate payers. The existing dispensaries were now run by the Guardians and new dispensaries were established.
The dispensary system generated a substantial amount of criticism. Although the Guardians were elected they were all men and came from the upper classes. As highlighted in our last post, the Guardians “elected” the medical staff to treat the poor within their districts. The newspapers are full of reports of conflicts between Guardians over these “elections.” Other controversies arose around decisions regarding the award of contracts as well as to who was eligible for free services, and the nature of the free services.
In general, for medical treatment a ticket system was utilised. The Guardians were each issued with a ticket book. The Guardian would scrutinise the request for services and issue a ticket if he deemed it appropriate. In many cases the persons seeking medical services had to ask their landlord for a ticket. A black ticket entitled the recipient to see the doctor in the dispensary, and a red ticket entitled the recipient to have the doctor call to the recipient’s home. The red ticket was meant to convey urgency, and the doctor would be required to attend the patient as soon as able.
There are numerous complaints of favourtism and graft surrounding the dispensary ticket system. Around the turn of the 20th Century due to the ongoing abuse of the system auditors were appointed by the Government. Any Poor Law Guardian wrongfully providing “outdoor relief” or dispensary tickets to a person not eligible was made to bear the cost of the support wrongly provided. Outdoor relief was support provided without requiring the person to enter the workhouse. Due to the stigma attached to entering the workhouse outdoor relief was preferred by the poor and discouraged by the authorities. The workhouse and Poor Law Union system were not abolished until after Irish Independence in 1922. The dispensary system, for the provision of medical services, continued until 1972 when the medical card was introduced. Today, Danny Dowling related that when he was about 13 (around 1940) he was asked to take a ticket to Rosbercon to get Dr. Fitzgerald for an elderly neighbour. The Greens, of Jamestown, were in charge of the tickets, and Danny rode his bicycle to Rosbercon.
In terms of the parish of Glenmore during the Poor Law Union it was in the Kilmakevogue Dispensary District which fell under the control of the Waterford Poor Law Union. The workhouses of the Waterford Union were all located in Waterford. A description of the vastness of the Kilmakevogue Dispensary District was articulated by the Glenmore Parish Priest, Rev. Robert Phelan, in 1912 when he was seeking a fairer proportion of medical services for the poor of Slieverue and Glenmore.
“It is 18 Irish miles long, extending from a point near Harristown; five miles north of Mullinavat village to the Barrow; 13 Irish miles south of Mullinavat, and varies in breadth from Lukeswell to Kilmacow village, from the bounds of New Ross to Slieverue village and from Ballyverneen Pill to Ballinlaw Ferry. It includes the greater part of the parish of Glenmore, a part of Slieverue and Kilmacow parishes, and all Mullinavat parish, and is intersected by the Bishop’s Mountain, which forms a natural barrier dividing Glenmore parish from Mullinavat parish, thus cutting off all traffic between the parishes. The extent and general hilly formation of the district make it impossible for one doctor to work it without very great hardship to his patients and himself and at a cost for car hire almost equal to his salary. The roads are soft and bad, and after heavy rain almost dangerous to traffic…” (New Ross Standard—Friday, 13 Dec. 1912).
Today, Danny stated that he believes that there was no dispensary in Glenmore until the 1840’s. A newspaper article in 1846 supports this observation as a Glenmore district was formed when the Guardians agreed to appoint Dr. Boyd to the Kilcolum, Kilbride and Rathpatrick electoral divisions within the Kilmakevogue Dispensary district (Waterford Chronicle, 27 May 1846). On 14 October 1853, an advertisement appeared in the Waterford News seeking a medical officer for the Kilmackevogue Dispensary District. The salary was £80 a year and the area to be covered was 30,000 acres, with a population of 8,000. The election for the post was to take place at Glenmore on the 1st of November 1853. Candidates were instructed to send their qualifications to Robert Grant, Honorary Secretary, of Haggard, Glenmore.
Danny believes that the first dispensary was located in attached premises adjoining the Gaffney shop and currently the end of Danny’s house in the Village. However, Danny stated that an old man years ago told him that the dispensary was once located in an outbuilding near where the current Glenmore Pub is located. The Waterford News of 18 September 1857 provides an account of the report of Dr. Purcell, the medical inspector. When Dr. Purcell went to visit the Glenmore dispensary he found that it had been converted into a public house, by the owner and caretaker. Unfortunately, the owner is not identified. The room where the committee held their meetings was converted to a whiskey shop and the patients’ room was a drinking room. This conversion had been done with the “approbation of the managing committee.” The Guardians were requested to immediately provide other and more suitable premises for a Glenmore dispensary.
Whether the Gaffney dispensary was the first or second dispensary is not known, however, by 1874 Gaffney was reported in the newspapers as being the caretaker of the Glenmore dispensary. Mr. Duggan, the Guardian, proposed that the salary of Nicholas Gaffney, the caretaker of the Glenmore dispensary, be raised from 9d a month to 16d per month. Dr. Mackesy, of Waterford, seconded the motion and it passed with one dissenting vote.
Eventually, due to the fact that the Kilmakevogue Dispensary district was so large dispensary buildings were established at Mullinavat, Slieverue and Glenmore. The doctor established hours at the various dispensaries and did his best to respond to the needs of the poor in the district. The dispensary doctor was required to provide and pay for his own horse and car. Danny does not believe that a dispensary doctor ever lived in Glenmore. The doctors were generally based in Mullinavat, and over the years much has been written about the poor quality of the house provided to the dispensary doctor in Mullinavat. The work of the dispensary doctor has been described as a hopeless and thankless job (John Dorney, A Hopeless and Thankless Job: The Dispensary Doctor in Ireland (2017) available at https://www.theirishstory.com/2019/12/13/a-hopeless-and-thankless-job-the-dispensary-doctor-in-ireland/#.XqQyCGhKhPY. ) The next post will highlight the trials and tribulations of Dr. James Butler Norris Cane who for 38 years was the dispensary doctor of Glenmore.
In 1906 P.N. O’Gorman & Co., of New Ross, purchased the premises of Nicholas Gaffney and was prepared to take over the Glenmore dispensary and caretaking on the same terms. This was accepted by the Guardians. (Waterford Standard, 31 March 1906). In June 1908 the medical inspector issued a report concerning the poor condition of the Slieverue and Glenmore dispensaries. Repairs were immediately commenced in both dispensaries and it was reported that the Glenmore dispensary was temporarily moved to allow for the repairs.
By August there was an open and very public dispute with the newspaper labelling the meeting of the Guardians as heated. The dispute centred on whether the dispensary should remain where it had been or move. It was agreed to put in place a Glenmore Committee to review and make recommendations. Only after the committee was agreed was a letter from Robert Fluskey provided to the Guardians. Fluskey offered a detached house with sanitary accommodation and stabling for the doctor’s horse at the rent of £3, 17s., 6d.. P.N. O’Gorman was getting £13. Various Guardians expressed outrage that the letter was withheld and the arguments erupted again. (Waterford Standard, 22 August 1908). Eventually the Glenmore committee met and more battles took place until it was agreed to recommend to the Guardians that the dispensary stay in the P.N. O’Gorman building with extensive repairs and improvements being carried out at the landlord’s expense. (Waterford Standard, 19 September 1908). This dispensary was later incorporated into the end of Danny’s house.
Danny believes that the last dispensary that was built on the hill (just above the barracks) in the late 1940’s. Prior to it being built a temporary dispensary was on that spot until the new one was built. After 1974 the last dispensary was used infrequently by the public health nurse until it was eventually sold around 2000 and became a house.
The featured photo is a Google Earth view of Glenmore Village.
Further reading: Brian Donnelly, “The Historical Development of Irish Hospitals and the Importance of their Records,” in National Archives, Survey of Hospital Archives in Ireland (2016) p. 5-10 available at https://www.nationalarchives.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PRF_106780_SURVEY_OF_HOSPITAL_BOOK_V7.pdf
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Election of Glenmore Midwives
An interesting article can be found in the Waterford Standard newspaper of Saturday the 23rd of July 1910 where two young Glenmore women were being considered for the same midwife post. The article notes that the Waterford Board of Poor Law Guardians met in their weekly meeting on Wednesday the 20th of July 1910 in the Boardroom of the Union Workhouse. The Chairman of the Board of Guardians, Mr. David Hyland presided. One of the items on their agenda was the “election” of a maternity nurse for the Workhouse. The salary associated with the position was £25 per year with the “usual allowances.” The Clerk reported that he had received two applications for the position. The first candidate was Miss Johanna Young, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, who had a certificate of training from the Cork Lying-in Hospital which was dated the 14th of December 1909. The second candidate was from Miss Annie Power, of Glenmore, who obtained her diploma from the Coombe hospital, in Dublin, in June of 1910.
It is reported that the Board immediately became divided. A vote was taken and how each member of the Board voted is reported in the article. Newspapers from before and around the turn of the twentieth century are full of criticisms regarding the political nature of how people were appointed to positions under the control of the Poor Law Guardians.
The 1910 article provides that eleven members of the Board voted in favour of Miss Power including: Thomas Power, of Callaghane; Michael Flynn, of Ballygunner; George Gamble, of Kilmeaden; James Power, Raheen; Edmond Curran, Ballintray; Thomas Kelly, of Aylwardstown; John Power, Ballygunner—temple; Richard Fitzgerald; Edmond Donovan; Captain W. Coghlan; and James Kirwan.
Seventeen members of the Board voted in favour of Miss Young including: The Mayor of Waterford, Councillor James Hackett; Captain R.C. Carew, Justice of the Peace; Maurice Power, of Moonamantra; James Maddock, of Gracedieu; Patrick Shortis, Ferrybank; John Vereker, Michael Riordan, of Ballyshoneen; John Healy; T. Holden; J. Holden; John Moore; G.D. Bishop; P.W. Kenny; James Farrell; P. Fitzgerald; John O’Neill, of Ullid; and James Young.
Miss Johanna Young, was declared elected to the position. Miss Young obtained her qualification 6 months prior to Miss Power, but that is not discussed in the newspaper article. A review of the 1901 Census of Glenmore reveals that Johanna Young was from Ballyfacey Upper, Glenmore and was born in about 1885. She was the daughter of Richard Young (c. 1843) and Kate Young (c. 1844). Her father was a carpenter and farmer. Johanna Young in 1901 had three brothers and a sister living at home including: George Young (farm labourer, aged 32); Laurence Young (carpenter, aged 26); Richard Young (farm labourer, aged 21) and Mary Young (aged 23). Also living with the family was Richard and Kate’s niece Kate O’Leary who was 4 years of age. In the 1911 Census, Johanna Young was 25 years of age living at John’s Hill in Waterford City with 27 other health care workers, primarily nurses. Johanna’s occupation is listed as “maternity nurse, workhouse.”
The unsuccessful candidate Miss Annie Power, was the daughter of Thomas Power (c. 1847) and Mary Power (c. 1847) of Robinstown, Glenmore. Annie was born around 1883, so she was about two years older than Johanna Young. Annie’s father, Thomas Power was a farm labourer and in the 1901 Census four of her brothers are also living in the home as well as her 12 year old cousin Michael Walsh. The names of her brothers are: Patrick Power (farm labourer, aged 25); John Power, (labourer, aged 23); William Power (farm labourer, aged 20); and James Power (scholar, aged 15). The 1911 Census reveals that Annie is 27 and her occupation is maternity nurse. Her parents are aged 66 and only one of her brothers is living at home; James Power is 24 and employed as a post man. Also in the house is Kate Power, aged 10, Thomas and Mary Power’s granddaughter.
Twenty-four years before the two young Glenmore women sought the midwife position at the workhouse, the Kilmackevoge Dispensary Committee met to commence finding a midwife to replace Mrs. Alice Mackey who had died. The death register provides that a Mrs. Anne Mackey, of Weatherstown, Glenmore died at the age of 80 on the 8th of June 1886. Her husband Philip Mackey was present when she died and her occupation is listed as midwife.
An account of the Kilmackevoge Dispensary Committee meeting is found in the Waterford Standard of 17 July 1886. The Committee members in attendance included: Thomas Reidy, William Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald, Thomas Freaney, Richard Phelan, P.L.G. (Poor Law Guardian); David Carroll, and Mr. John Lawless, P.L.G. These men determined that due to the size of the area to be covered that the district should be divided into thirds and two new midwives were required for the poor to “obtain the attendance of a midwife when required.” The Committee men then went on to recommend that the salary of Mrs. McGrath, the midwife at Mullinavat, be reduced from £12 to £7 per year, and that the two new midwives would also be paid £7 per year. One of the new midwives would reside at Glenmore and the other at Slieverue. They were required to send their proposal for approval to the Local Government Board. It was also proposed that the “election” of the new midwives would take place at Slieverue the first Tuesday in August.
As reported in the Waterford Standard of 16 October 1886, the Local Government Board wrote to the Kilmackevogue Dispensary Committee and inquired into whether Mrs McGrath, midwife, was satisfied regarding the reduction of her salary from £12 to £7 as proposed by the Dispensary Committee. Not surprising it was reported that Mrs. McGrath was not satisfied with the proposal to reduce her salary. The attendees at the October meeting were: Thomas Reidy; John Lawless, P.L.G.; M. Malone; Patrick O’Reilly; J. McDonald, P.L.G,; P. Grant; Edmond Forristall, P.L.G., William Fitzgerald; Edmond Delahunty; Edward Duggan, Ryan, and Major Gyles, J.P.; Thomas Freany and John Fitzgerald.
John Lawless proposed and John Fitzgerald seconded a motion that recommended that Mrs. McGrath’s salary would be reduced from £12 to £8 a year, which was the original salary she had when appointed. It was noted that in the future she would have a smaller district and less duties. An amendment to this resolution was proposed by Mr. Forristall, seconded by Mr. Ryan, that proposed no reduction in Mrs. McGrath’s salary. The amendment lost by one vote. The Lawless resolution to cut Mrs. McGrath’s salary to her starting wage of £8 was adopted by one vote.
It was further proposed to divide the district midwife duties as follows. For the midwife to be appointed for Slieverne, she would be responsible for part of district of Electoral Division of Rathpatrick and Kilcolent (sic), also adjoining townlands of Ballincrea Electoral Division, including: Nicholastown, Attateemore, Ballincrea, Davidstown, and Monroe. The midwife to be appointed for Glenmore, would be responsible for the Electoral Division of Kilmackevogne and Kilbride, also the adjoining townlands of Ballincrea Electoral Division, including Knockbrack, Catsrock, Coolnaleen, Ballindare, and Ballinlaimmy. Mrs. McGrath would be responsible for the Electoral Divisions of Killahy, Farnogue, and Kilbacon.
Just prior to the meeting ending a resolution was made not to reduce Mrs. McGrath’s salary. Perhaps there was concern that the Local Government Board would not sanction the advertising of the two needed midwife posts if the Committee continued to seek to cut Mrs. McGrath’s salary. Unfortunately, the newspaper does not record the reason for the resolution. Mr. Forristall seconded the motion. Although the Chairman said in his opinion it would be unwise to interfere with the matter he took a vote. Mr. Lawless opposed the motion on the grounds of economy and convenience. Unfortunately, the newspaper article does not record why he thought his proposal to put Mrs. McGrath back on her starting salary was convenient. The motion not to cut Mrs. McGrath’s salary was voted upon and declared passed.
Our next posting will outline some of the unusual events surrounding the Glenmore Dispensary.
The featured image of the midwife is by Andres Campillo. The drawing of the nurse is by Henry Monnier.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Tragedy and Perseverance on Both Sides of the Atlantic
A recent query from a young reader caused further research into Laurence “Larry” Duggan (1832-1905) born and raised in Ballinaraha, Glenmore. In the U.S. most of the records are in the name “Lawrence or Larry Dugan” and in Ireland most of the records record his name as “Laurence Duggan.” According to the 1900 New York Census, “Lawrence Dugan” of Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York was a farmer, 68 years of age and a widower. He reported that he was born in Ireland in February 1832, immigrated to the US in 1853, and was a naturalised U.S. citizen. What makes Laurence Duggan unusual is the fact that at the age of 72 he returned to Glenmore to visit his family and drowned in St. John’s River in Waterford City in early 1905.
The Inquest
On Tuesday the 24th of January 1905, the body of what was described as a middle-aged man was pulled out of St. Catherine’s Pill in Waterford City near the bridge at the courthouse grounds. The Waterford Chronical newspaper of 25th of January 1905, wrongly identified the remains of those of Martin Duggan, a returned American. “The circumstances concerning his death are involved in mystery, but the Constabulary entertain no suspicion of foul play.” The alleged mystery is never explained, but it is reported that some letters were found on the body which showed that the deceased was attempting to have his return ticket to New York extended. His return ticket was due to expire in February and he sought the assistance of Messrs. Ward Bros., the general Emigration and Shipping Agents, of 2 Barronstrand Street, Waterford. A review of the Waterford City Directory of 1900 indicates that the Ward Bros. also conducted a saddlery business at those premises.
Although the name of Lawrence Duggan’s brother is not provided in the newspapers account of the inquest, based on the 1901 census, it is believed he was staying at his brother Peter Duggan’s home in Ballinaraha, Glenmore. Peter and Larry’s sister, Margaret Duggan was the second wife of Martin Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Martin Murphy and Margaret Duggan Murphy were the parents of Michael Murphy. Based on the 1901 Census, Martin Murphy was dead and his widow, Margaret was 75 years of age in 1901. Michael Murphy was 45 and his wife Mary was 28. According to the Diary of James Aylward, of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore, Michael Murphy and his wife Mary were married in February 1901.
During the course of the inquest into the death of Lawrence Duggan it was noted that money was found on the deceased when he was pulled from the water. The police were directed to give the money to Michael Murphy to bury his uncle. A witness, James J. McKenna, of 38 Johnstown Road, Waterford testified that he was coming home through the Park on Monday night about 6.30 o’clock and entered the park at the gate lodge. He saw a man who walked past him and when he glanced at the man he was standing at a tree near the bank of the river near the lavatory. When the witness got to the park fountain he heard a splash and cries of “Help, help!.” The witness raised the alarm and sought help from another man because witness could not swim. He saw the man in the water give a couple of “kicks” but was pulled out by the tide and disappeared.
Dr. J. H. Kelleher testified that he viewed the body in the morgue, and with the exception of a few scratches on the face, which were possibly caused at the time of death, there were no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due suffocation through drowning. The third witness at the inquest was Owen Long, of Miller’s Marsh, who testified that he found the body at John’s Bridge at 11: 30 o’clock on Tuesday morning. A verdict of death by accidental drowning was returned, but a rider was added calling on the ” responsible authorities” to provide more protection along this portion of the river.
Life in the US
A search revealed that a Laurence Duggan sailed on a ship called the Laurence Forristal from Waterford and arrived in New York on the 20th of May 1853. The records provide that he was 25 years of age. Laurence Duggan married his wife Anna, another Irish immigrant, and their first child, Richard Dugan was born in Albany, New York in 1856. By 1860 the family was in Schoharie County, New York and a second son, John, was born in 1858. In 1863 Laurence registered for the draft. He reported that he was 32 years of age, married, and worked as a labourer. A James Dugan, age 34, is also on the list. It appears that Laurence did not serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. By 1870 the family was resident in Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. Laurence had purchased a farm and he and Anna had 7 children: Richard Dugan, 13; John Dugan, age 12; Mary Dugan, age 9; James Dugan, age 7; Thomas Dugan, age 5; Maggie Dugan, age 3 and Annie Duggan, age 1. At least one more child was born to the couple, Ellen “Nellie” Dugan was born in April 1878. Unfortunately, the 1890 Federal Census was destroyed by fire.
There are several farm related documents in state records submitted by “Larry Dugan” of Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. By 1900 Anna had died as well as their eldest son, Richard Dugan (1856-1890); and it appears that Mary Dugan may have died of TB on the 8th of July 1874. In the 1900 Census Laurence is 68 and living on his farm with his daughter, Margaret who is 26, his son Thomas who is 35 and his married daughter Nellie Kelly who married in 1898 to James Kelly. Nellie is 23 and James is 33. In October 1904 Laurence Dugan set off, apparently on his own, to Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. He never returned to his home or children in New York state. Laurence Duggan left an estate in New York and his Will was duly probated in Oneida County.
In an attempt to discover how or if the news of his tragic drowning was reported in New York a different tragedy was discovered in the Boston Globe edition of the 19th of March 1906. At the Dugan Farm on Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York, Thomas Dugan awoke to find the farmhouse on fire shortly before midnight. He raised the alarm and the newspaper account reports that he perished while saving the others in the house. His sister Maggie, after escaping the smoke filled house, dressed only in a nightdress ran barefooted in the snow half a mile to a neighbour seeking help. His sister Nellie and her husband James gathered their two small children and also escaped the burning house. A 14 year old farm worker who was sleeping upstairs escaped by knocking out the window and jumping. The Dugan family lost their brother, home and possessions, but the 1940 Census reveals that Margaret Dugan was still operating the dairy farm. Ellen “Nellie” Duggan Kelly died on 1 May 1936. Nellie’s children in 1940 were residing on the Dugan Farm with Margaret. Margaret Dugan lived to the age of 86 and died on the 12th of December 1961.
Shortly after Laurence Dugan’s drowning death in January 1905 his sister Margaret Duggan Murphy died in May 1905. His brother Peter Duggan died in 1911. (DD Notebook 2, Interview of Hannah Murphy Dowling). Tragically his nephew, Michael Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore died suddenly on the 11th of November 1909 leaving his widow, Mary with 6 young children after eight years of marriage. In the 1911 Census Maggie Murphy was 9, Hannah Murphy was 8, Mai Murphy was 6, Martin Murphy was 5, Bridget Murphy was 3 and Michael Murphy was 1. Young Hannah Murphy above was Danny Dowling’s mother.
The featured portion of a modern map of the City of Waterford is included to illustrate the area of the park and St. John’s River which empties into the tidal River Suir.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
New Book on the Forrestals and Blog Updates
Michael Forrestal Keller just published The Forrestals of Ireland: An Historial and Genealogical Guide (2020). The author identified, after two decades of research of early records, the main branches of the Forrestal/Forristal or Forstal families and their origins. Three of the main branches were located in three areas within the current parish of Glenmore. These include the townlands of Carrigcloney, Mullinahone and Forristalstown. Although the book does not attempt to trace the various main branches to current descendants it is an important work. This is true for any person interested in researching Forristal, or is interested in other early Glenmore families such as the Aylward or Strange families that married a Forristal. For further information see, https://www.blurb.com/b/9993769-the-forrestals-of-ireland.
Blog Updates
A list of the officers and men in the Glenmore Company of the old IRA can be found on the website list page. The names and 1935 addresses were gleaned from records of the Military Archive. You may access the page by clicking here.
A new page “Connections” will be added to Glenmore-History.com to allow individuals who are researching the same Glenmore family or families to make contact. Due to the fact that email addresses will be public please consider what email you wish used for this purpose. It may be advisable to have in place an email to be used solely for this purpose. If you would like others to contact you regarding a Glenmore family you are researching please send an email with the family name, townland and the email address you want used to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
A number of readers have asked how Danny is doing during these difficult times. I spoke to him on the phone last Saturday. Danny is in good spirits. He answered several queries and expressed delight in how many people around the world are reading and using his notes. Danny looks forward to the pandemic ending and being able to have visitors again.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh