Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

  • From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore

    In one of the numerous files of Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021), was a short handwritten note on the back of an envelope. The noteRead More

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  • The Tragic Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue

    There was a tragic farm death in 1935 on the border of the parishes of Glenmore and Slieverue that was reported across Ireland and inRead More

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Fatality at the Glenmore Creamery: Martin Forristal (1879-1931) [updated]

Last Saturday we focused on the establishment of the Glenmore Co-Operative Creamery. According to Danny Dowling only two fatalities were associated with the operations of the Creamery. One involved the death of an employee, Martin Forristal (1879-1931) and the other involved the death of a volunteer worker on the Creamery threshing engine, Jack Mernagh, in 1911. The Mernagh tragedy was briefly covered in our blog of 2 February 2020  entitled “Glenmore and the New Ross to Waterford Railway Line.” Today we will focus on Martin Forristal.

Martin Forristal (1879-1931)

Martin Forristal was born on the 16th of August 1879 in Robinstown, the son of Michael Forristal, of Rochestown and Anastasia Grant. Martin only had one sibling, his brother John Forristal who was born on the 15th of June 1877. At the time of the birth of his sons, Michael Forristal listed his occupation as servant. Michael Forristal died prior to 1901. [According to Francis O’Brien, of Glenmore Village, his great-grandfather was the coachman, Michael Forristal, who died in October 1880 in Rochestown, Glenmore of meningitis at the age of 35. Thus Martin was only a year of age when his father died.] The 1901 Census of Robinstown provides that Martin was living with his mother, Anastasia Forristal and they both list their occupation as farmers. In 1911 in addition to Martin and his mother, Mr. James P. O’Donovan, the first Glenmore Creamery manager, is aged 27 and is also living in the home. Anastasia is 60 years of age and Martin is 31. John Forristal was not residing at home in 1901 or 1911.

On the 9th of June 1915 Martin Forristal, aged 36 married Anne Roche (1890-1955) of Rathinure, Glenmore. Anne was 26 years of age, having been born on the 1st of January 1890 and the daughter of farmer John Roche and Kate Phelan. (See Guest Author, Walsh, (2020) The Enduring Names of Rathinure for additional information regarding the eviction of Johnny Paddy Roche from his field in Rathinure).

Forristal Children 1935

 Martin Forristal and Anne Roche were married by Rev. Fr. Thomas Phelan, Glenmore P.P. and witnesses were Patrick Kennedy and Kate Roche. To this union at least 8 children were born: (1) Michael “Mick” Forristal (1916-1981); (2) Stasia “Sister Paschal” Forristal (1918- 1990) of the Sacred Heart of Mary Order; (3) Catherine “Kit” Forristal (1920-1998) married John Phelan; (4) John Forristal (1927-2004); (5) Bridget “Sister Bernadette” Forristal (1921-2001) of the Sacred Heart of Mary Order; (6) Mary Forristal (1923-1975); (7) Ann “Nancy” Forristal (1924-1997) married John O’Brien and (8) Martin Forristal (1930-1995). The obituary of Nancy Forristal O’Brien provides that another child, Johanna Forristal died young (at the age of 5 weeks in 1927). The photo of eight Forristal children was taken in front of their home in 1935.  All of the Forristal children remained single except Kit and Nancy. [Ironically, Martin Forristal, Jr. like his father was only about a year old when his father died.]

In addition to operating the small farm Martin Forristal began working at the Glenmore Creamery in 1905 when it was being built and began operations. Martin Forristal died tragically on the 8th of June 1931 at the Glenmore Creamery. At the time of his death, at his place of employment, Martin Forristal was 51 years of age, married with eight children between the ages of 15 and 11 months. An inquest was held on the 10th of June and extensive newspaper articles appeared in the New Ross Standard (12 June 1931) and the Waterford Standard (13 June 1931) providing graphic details of the death.  Dr. Fitzgerald, coroner, held the inquest into the death, and the following jury was sworn: Patrick Hanrahan, merchant (foreman), Patrick Dowling, Edward Corcoran, M. O’Hanlon, John Phelan, M. Hynes, and M. Kelly. Superintendent N. Walsh, Thomastown, conducted the proceedings for the Garda. Mr. Shannon, inspector of factories and workshops under the Department, was in attendance, as was Mr. O’Shaughnessy, solicitor, Waterford, for the Creamery Committee.

There were ­six witnesses called. Dr. Matthew P. Coghlan, the dispensary doctor, testified that be saw the body of the deceased on Monday evening. The deceased was then lying on the loft of the creamery at the place of the accident. Dr. Coghlan made a superficial examination of the body, and satisfied himself that he was dead. The following day in conjunction with Dr. Valentine Coghlan, he performed a post mortem. There were contusions, on the back of the shoulders and on both arms, hips, and legs, and the back of his skull was broken into small pieces, some of it was driven into the brain. The scalp at the back was also in pulp. The brain was lacerated, and a portion protruded at the back of the head. In his opinion the cause of death was fracture of the skull, with laceration of the brain. He testified that the injuries were consistent with the deceased being caught in a revolving shaft. Dr. Valentine Coghlan stated that he performed the post mortem with Dr. Matthew P. Coghlan, and had heard his evidence, and agreed with it in every particular.

The third witness was Martin’s brother John Forristal. John Forristal testified that he resided at the Quay, New Ross, and was a grocer’s assistant. He viewed and formally identified the body of his brother Martin. He stated that the deceased would have been 52 years of age next August and was employed as an engine driver by Glenmore Cooperative Creamery.

Glenmore Creamery (2020)

The fourth witness was James Cashin a general worker of the Glenmore Creamery. Cashin testified that at about 3:30 p.m. on the 8th of June he was on the ground floor of the creamery. He stated that he was having a cup of tea and the deceased talked to him for about two minutes. The deceased then went upstairs to the mill. “I heard an awful racket upstairs, and it sounded like bones cracking. I dashed up the stairs, and the first thing I saw was some clothes spinning around on the mill shafting.” Without waiting to ascertain if Forristal had been injured, Cashin ran back to the ground floor and stopped the machinery. When he went back upstairs he saw the deceased lying on his back on the pulley. The shaft had ripped the clothing off of the deceased; the only clothing on the deceased were his boots and socks.  He appeared to be dead. Cashin immediately informed the manager James O’Donovan.

The fifth witness was the Creamery Manager, James P. O’Donovan. He testified that James Cashin reported the death and he immediately went to the mill loft. He stated that the deceased was employed as engine driver and had been an employee of the Creamery for 26 years. When he went up to the mill on the 8th with Cashin he saw the deceased on his back under the pulley. He was devoid of clothes, and appeared to be dead. He saw the deceased’s clothing on the shafting between the small pulley and the driving wheel. O’Donovan immediately sent William Walsh for the priest and phoned the guards and Dr. Coughlan. In response to questions O’Donovan stated that it was the business of the deceased to look after and work all machinery in the creamery. The wheel that was part of the accident was protected by a timber guard. The coroner requested the exact duties o the deceased and O’Donovan stated that his duty was to start the engine in the morning, fire the boiler, and work the mill and other machinery in the creamery. It was usual for the deceased to go to the loft to grind corn. To engage or start the shafting it was on the ground floor. He had been grinding corn for eleven years. In order to start the screen working it was necessary to get in between the driving wheel of the mill and the wall. As a precaution the deceased should have stopped the shaft which would have required him going downstairs.  

The final witness was Mr. Shanahan, inspector stated that the machinery where the accident occurred was in what was known as a dangerous area, and, owing to its character, it was impossible to fence off every portion of it. He opined that the deceased should have shut off the shafting and made it safe before going into the loft. In his opinion, all the necessary precautions had been taken by the management of the creamery.

After a few minutes’ deliberation, the jury returned a verdict that the cause of death was due to fracture the skull and laceration of the brain as a result of being accidentally caught in the shafting. The Foreman, on behalf of the jury, tendered their deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased, who was a most upright and popular man. The coroner, the doctors, the Superintendent, Mr. 0’Shaughnessy, solicitor, and inspector Shannon joined in the expression of sympathy. The New Ross Standard noted that the eldest son, Michael, had been at school at St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, during the preceding nine months, and came home on vacation the day before the tragedy. It was also reported that the deceased had a most excellent work record. “He was intensely devoted to his work, and was held in the greatest esteem by the manager and the creamery committee. He had a most pleasant manner, very obliging, and was extremely popular in the district.” 

After the inquest the remains were taken to the Glenmore Parish Church, accompanied by a large concourse of people. The following morning Office and High Mass, at which a large number of clergy were present, was held in the Parish Church, after which the remains were interned in the Glenmore cemetery. It was reported that the funeral was one of the largest seen in the district for a long time, and it was notable tribute to his memory and expression of sympathy with his family and relatives.

Danny Dowling said that after Martin Forristal’s tragic death his eldest son Mick went to work at the Glenmore Creamery. Mick’s brother John worked the small Robinstown farm and during busy periods at the Creamery also worked there. Their brother Martin, who was almost a year old when their father died, worked for 43 years at the Glenmore Creamery. When the son, Martin Forristal, retired in 1995 it was noted in a New Ross Standard article that his retirement ended a 90 year employment relationship between the Forristal family and the Glenmore Creamery.  

Special thanks to Francis O’Brien, Glenmore Village for the photos of his grandfather, Martin Forristal, the eight Forristal children and the 1958 photo of the Glenmore Creamery workers and also for the dates of births and deaths for his grandmother and aunts and uncles.

The featured photo is of the Forristal house in Glenmore Village as it looks today. [The post was updated on 28 May 2020 with additional information provided by Francis O’Brien.]

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

The Glenmore Co-Operative Creamery (Est. 1905)

The Glenmore Co-operative Creamery was registered on the 18th of April 1905 under the Friendly Societies Act. This registration required the Creamery to submit its accounts yearly to a government auditor. The object of the society was to manufacture cream, butter, the sale of artificial manures, seeds, farm implements and all other occupations allied to agriculture.

A lengthy newspaper article appeared in the New Ross Standard of Friday the 12th of January 1906 (p. 5) extensively covering the first annual meeting of the Creamery of shareholders. The meeting was chaired by Rev. Thomas Phelan, P.P. of Glenmore. Over 100 shareholders were in attendance, the first annual report was delivered, the first year of operations was reviewed, future plans were discussed and a new board of management was elected.

To become a shareholder or member of the Glenmore Creamery famers were required to apply for admission. Applicants were required to purchase the number of shares equal to their number of cows. In 1905 the cost per share was set at £1 per cow, payable in instalments, as determined by the Committee. By resolution passed at the start of the creamery, members were required to pay on admission an instalment of 2s. 6d. each share, and a second instalment of 2s. 6d. payable in June 1906. Because the Glenmore Creamery was registered as a limited society, the liability of each member was limited to the sum unpaid on any share the member held. This was an important feature of the Glenmore Creamy; in the event of voluntary liquidation or on a winding-up order, a farmer shareholder was liable for nothing except any outstanding instalment on his shares. After just ten weeks of operation in 1905, all expenses were met, a good price was paid to the members for their milk, and £106 profit was achieved and used to reduce the bank debt.  

The First Year

It was noted that the Glenmore Creamery was built on a large site, with an ample supply of spring and stream water, and was built on a plan which provided for extension. The stones were given free by Mr. Curran and on the 20th May 1905 the foundation stone was laid. On the 12th of September 1905 the building and equipment were complete, and on the 13th of September 1905 milk was received by the Glenmore Creamery for the first time. At the time of its opening the Glenmore Creamery was an auxiliary plant where milk was collected and sent via horse drawn wagons to the central creamery at Mullinavat. The Committee was from the outset of the view that the Glenmore Creamery should become a central plant. Therefore, when the Committee sought machinery they chose machinery for a central rather than auxiliary creamery. The required machinery was obtained from Burmeister and Wain.

The operation of the early auxiliary Glenmore Creamery was recorded in the first annual report and printed in the newspaper article. Milk was received by weight. Each morning a sample was taken and preserved, and twice in the month the sample was tested to determine the quantity of butter fat contained in each supplier’s milk. The test provided the number of pounds of butter fat in every hundred pounds of milk. The farmers were paid per pound of butter fat, and the  payments were made at the end of the month. The Mulllinavat Central creamery churned the Glenmore cream. “To provide against injury to the character of the cream, or the dairy, the [Glenmore] manager … received strict orders to refuse milk offered in bad condition.” Shareholders who needed milk cans for the forthcoming season were asked to order them through the manager by the end of January 1906. Payment was accepted in cash or by instalments, with payment for the milk cans spread over the season. Any shareholder availing of the instalment payment scheme was charged 5 per cent interest.

Future Plans

In its first annual report in January 1906, the Glenmore Creamery Committee acknowledged that there was a desire to move the Glenmore Creamery from an auxiliary plant to a central plant where it would churn and produce its own butter. It was noted that …”sentiment is a very bad producer of butter fat and until the guarantee of 1,100 cows, has been completed, it would not be advisable to undertake the additional outlay of approximately £7OO needed for a central.”

In addition to moving to becoming a central creamery plant there were also plans for a co-operative store in which shareholders could purchase at “first cost” with a guarantee of genuineness artificial manures, oil and cotton cake, flax-seed for calf-feeding, seeds and other agricultural requirements. “Shareholders desirous of availing of the advantages of the cooperative prices” were asked to provide their orders to the manager without delay.

Election of New Committee

After the first annual report was presented Mr. John Mullaly moved, and Mr. Thomas Kelly seconded, the following six resolutions: “That the report and balance sheet be approved.” “That we thank the committee for their attention to the business and their satisfactory report.” “That as a mark of our confidence we re-elect the following: Patrick Walsh (Davidstown), P. Fitzgerald, J. Hartly, D. Doolan, W. Forristal, J. Reddy., James Kirwan (Gaulstown), R. Fitzgerald, John Curran (N.T. Glenmore).” “That we re-elect the Rev. T. Phelan, P.P.. hon, president, and Rev. W. Walsh. C.C.. vice-president.” “That we desire the committee to proceed with the erection of the central as soon as they are satisfied it will be for our benefit, and we call on all who purpose becoming members to pay their instalments at once.” “That we appeal to the county committee of agriculture to send an expert to give a series of practical demonstrations in the preventive methods of that dread scourge–contagious abortion in cattle—which has caused great loss in the district.” ” That the committee arrange for a veterinary surgeon to treat by special arrangement the cattle of the shareholders.”

Guest Speakers

Mr. Drew, secretary, committee of agriculture, stated that the Department had issued a leaflet which gave full information on the treatment of contagious abortion, and that any man of ordinary intelligence could successfully carry out the instructions. Any chemist could supply the articles needed at the cost of a couple of shillings. Farmers needed to put their heads together and stamp out the disease, otherwise the dairy industry would suffer. Mr. Drew also explained the various schemes for the improvement of livestock and pointed out the necessity and utility of getting good stock animals.

Mr. Thomas Ray, horticulturist with the county, appealed to the people to take up more fully the growing, of vegetables, fruit and flowers. He opined that every house should have a garden and in it a succession of vegetables. He stated that he would gladly give instruction and advice. Apple trees cost one shilling and gooseberries a few pence, so he hoped to receive large orders from the Glenmore district. He stated that during this season 4,000 fruit trees already had been planted in County Kilkenny.

Early Years

In October 1905 the Mullinavat Creamery wrote to the Glenmore Creamery stating that another auxiliary creamery was seeking for it to churn for them. Mullinavat asked Glenmore its intentions regarding becoming a central creamery. If Glenmore did not move to churning its own butter, Mullinavat needed to put in larger machines to meet the churning demands of both auxiliary creameries. If Mullinavat went to the expense of larger machines it would require a contract with Glenmore Creamery that would require the Glenmore Creamery to remain an auxiliary creamery for several years. The Glenmore Committee noted that there were 700 cows in the district and felt that if shareholders would guarantee an additional 500 cows Glenmore Creamery could become a central creamery (New Ross Standard, 20 October 1905). Rather than be tied to Mullinavat the farmers of Glenmore guaranteed the needed 500 cows and Glenmore Creamery became a central creamery.

The early newspaper accounts do not provide any information concerning the first creamery manager, Mr. James O’Donovan. According to Danny he had a difficult job particularly in the early years as he was responsible for detecting and rejecting milk that was sour or would in anyway cause problems with the production of butter. Wild garlic was soon eradicated across the district because if eaten by cows it made their milk offensive and the milk would be rejected at the creamery. Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore explained to Danny that in the early years of the Creamery most householders in Glenmore kept a goat or two. Some farmers mixed goat’s milk in with the cow’s milk and this caused the butter to be streaky because goat’s butter is very white. When James O’Donovan became aware of the milk being adulterated with goat’s milk he ordered that the Creamery would not accept milk from farmers who kept goats.

In addition to dealing with the farmers the manager also had to manage the creamery staff. On 16 May 1908 it was reported that he rendered every assistance, including sending for Fr. Crotty and Dr. O’Dwyer, when an unnamed dairy maid suffered the loss of a finger while working at the Creamery. “It was miraculous she escaped so well.” (Wicklow People, 16 May 1908). [Update: Maria Cleary was the dairy maid that had her fingers crushed in machinery. She was taken to workhouse infirmary where one finger was removed. (Waterford & Tramore Visitor, 28 May 1908)] In our next article we will highlight a Glenmore Creamery employee who was killed while working in 1931.

1933 ad for Glenmore butter

From its humble auxiliary beginnings, within four years of the Glenmore Creamery being established it was reported in January 1909 that Glenmore butter had “topped the London Market” (New Ross Standard, 22 January 1909).

Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the old photo of the Glenmore Creamery.

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

[Update providing the name of the injured dairymaid was completed on 21 June 2020.]

[Correction made on 14 August 2021–the newspaper of 12 Jan. 1906 recorded that the laying of the cornerstone took place in May 1905 rather than March 1905.]

Glenmore in the News: Gymkhana, Aylwardstown Train Crash, the Scow Bridge Platform & More

During the current pandemic research discussions with Danny Dowling have been limited to phone calls, access to libraries is limited to internet sources and in particular old newspapers that may be found on line. Below are some of the Glenmore newspaper articles encountered while looking for other information. These articles span 110 years.

CATHOLIC CHURCH. New Cathedral, Kilkenny—

(Waterford Chronicle—Sat., 17 Dec. 1842)

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny

On last Sunday the people of Glenmore district subscribed the large sum of £lO, 7s, Id. On the previous Sunday the people of Slieverue had given the sum of £67, 0s, 8d which we have now to add Alderman Forrestal’s subscription of two guineas, and one pound from two others. Besides which Lady Esmonde, some time ago, subscribed fifty pounds—making in all the splendid sum of £209, Os, 9d from this union. —Kilkenny Journal.

For a brochure on renovation of St. Mary’s Cathedral with information regarding the building of the Cathedral click here.

“Kilmacow Petty Sessions: A Serious Case”

(Waterford Chronicle—Wed., 18 Sept. 1895)

Thomas Phelan, described as a fisherman, residing near Glasshouse, was charged on remand before the magistrates at Kilmacow Petty Sessions on Thursday, with having murderously having assaulted a young man named John Roche by striking him on the head with a bar of iron, near Glenmore, County Kilkenny. Mr. Allingham defended. After hearing evidence, which showed the assault to be of a most murderous nature, the accused was sent to gaol for two months.

[Just beneath this “serious case” was found the following. It is assumed that the turn of the century joke was a space filler for the newspaper.]

A very stout lady got into an omnibus and overheard the grumbling remark of a gentleman there, “Omnibuses were not made for elephants.” “Sir,” she replied, “Omnibuses are like Noah’s Ark—intended to carry all sorts of beasts.”

Glenmore Post Office Gets Telegraph

(New Ross Standard,  Fri., 8 Feb. 1907   p. 1)

Pursuant to the Provisions of the Telegraph Acts, 1863-1892—Notice is hereby given, that His Majesty’s Postmaster-General, having obtained the consent in that behalf of the body having the control of the public road between railway crossing near Bearston and Glenmore Post Office, intends to place a telegraph over and along the said public road, and have for that purpose to erect and maintain posts in and upon the said public road under the powers conferred on him by the telegraph Acts above mentioned. R.A. Egerton, Sec., General Post Office, 29th January 1907

CONFUSION OVER GLENMORE?

The unemployed left rural areas to work in towns and cities. If they sought “relief” Unions in towns and cities sought to send the poor back to the areas they left often decades earlier. In response the Unions of their birth often sought to stop transfers back. In the article below, James Grant gave his birthplace as the townland of Glenmore which is in the Electoral District of Stonyford in the Barony of Knocktopher…not so far from Thomastown. The clerk ignored Glenmore townland and focused on Glenmore parish which was mainly in the Waterford Union.

THOMASTOWN GUARDIANS—Transfer of a Pauper. A communication was received from the magistrates assembled at Birkenhead petty sessions, in the county of Chester, authorising the transfer to the Thomastown union from the Birkenhead union of a pauper named James Grant who (the communication stated) was born in the townland of Glenmore, County Kilkenny. The Clerk stated that when he got that communication, he wrote back stating that the parish of Glenmore was not in the Thomastown union but in the Waterford union, and that if he was sent, he would not be received at the union. He did not get a reply to that letter since (New Ross Standard, Friday 4 Sept. 1908).

Unknown train crash.

BRAKES FAIL RAILWAY MISHAP AVERTED

STATIONMASTER’S PROMPTITUDE—An exciting incident, that might have been attended with serious consequences, and possibly grave loss of life, took place at Glenmore near New Ross, on Thursday morning.  The brakes of a special goods train from Waterford to Wexford failed, and the train, running down an incline to Glenmore, crashed into a stop-block, the driver, fireman and guard being obliged to jump clear to save their lives. Fortunately, when the mishap occurred, the train was deflected off the main line, which an oncoming passenger train was due.

The force, of the impact turned the engine across the main line. The first two trucks were crumpled in a heap across the engine, and the remaining wagons were thrown off the rails. The 9.30 train from New Ross and the 9.40 from Macmine Junction were both held up, but passengers were transferred by special conveyance to Glenmore and taken by special train to Waterford.

For the prevention of a catastrophe which would have resulted had the mail and goods train collided, much credit is due to Mr. Peter O’Sullivan, stationmaster, Glenmore, for the presence of mind he displayed. He was in the signal box when the train was due, and seeing her come, he said at the rate of about forty miles an hour, the siren whistling all the time, he suspected what was wrong and made the line for the train to be deflected into the stop-block siding.

So great was the crash, the engine was lifted into the air and thrown across the main line, the two next trucks were smashed, and the bank which formed the stop was practically cut away. Had the train gone on to collide, with the ordinary train due from New Ross, the crash would be too fearful to contemplate (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Dec 1927).

Photo of French Nun (1910)

THE RELIGIOUS LIFE

Miss Kathleen Aylward, Glenmore, has left for France to enter the Sacred Heart Convent there. She is niece of Very Rev. Canon Aylward, P.P., Durrow (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Oct. 1935).

GLENMORE NOTES

(New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Aug. 1951)

Regretted Death

The death of Mr. Patrick Foran, formerly of Kearney Bay, Glenmore, which occurred last Monday evening at Waterford, where he was in residence for a number of years, is deeply regretted. The funeral took place from Ballybricken Church to Glenmore cemetery on Wednesday, and was attended by a large gathering of relatives and friends. R.I.P.

Prize Winners

Glenmore prize winners at the New Ross Agricultural show were:  M. Aylward, Ballinclare; J. J. Doherty, Forritalstown; Reps. of the late T. Mullally, Davidstown; Maura Mullally, do.; James Freyne, Kilbride, and Laurence Walsh, Rochestown.

Back to the States

Mr. James Walshe, Weatherstown, returned to America last Saturday after an enjoyable holiday in the homeland. He has played in the Kilkenny senior hurling and football teams in New York and while at home, played a few matches with the Glenmore club.

Home on Holidays

Messrs. Michael O’Connor, Ballyfacey, and Sean Hennessy, of Glenmore village are home from England on holidays. Miss Nellie Grace, of Kilbride, is also home on a holiday from Dublin.

Gymkhana

The Glenmore gymkhana was held last Sunday at Robinstown, and attracted a fair crowd, which would have been larger, but for the inclemency of the weather. Jumping was of a high standard, over thirty horses; competing. The following were the owners of the winners, the riders being in brackets.

Class A–1st—Mr. Rd. Doherty, Coolnaleen (Patk. Hartley); 2nd—Mr. Foskin, Mullinavat (owner); 3rd—Mr. D. McEvoy, Mullinavat (Luke Doyle).

Class B—First and second divided between Miss Maura Mullally, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Hutchinson. 3rd Mr. R. Doherty, Coolnaleen (P. Hartley).

Class C—1st—Miss Bury, Ballymountain; 2nd—Mr. T. Walsh, Mullinavat (owner); 3rd—Mr. P. Hutchinson, Danesfort, (owner).

Class D Sweepstakes—1st—P. Hutchinson; 2nd—Miss M. Mullally; 3rd—Miss Costelloe.

The tractor backing competition was won by Mr. Michael Murphy, Robinstown, who received a silver cup. The runner-up was Mr. T. Mullally, Davidstown.

The Dance Board

The Scow Bridge dance board was patronised by a huge crowd last Sunday night, most of the visitors having remained over after the gymkhana. A couple of touring buses stopped when passing, and helped to swell the throng of dancers, where an enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. Paul Fitzgerald, well known in Gaelic circles, was in charge, and has succeeded in making the dance board at Scow Bridge a most popular rendezvous for outdoor dancing in South Kilkenny.

___________________

The black and white photos of the train crashes were found in old newspapers, but are not photos of the Aylwardstown crash of 1927. The horse and rider appeared in a magazine; it is not a photo taken at the Glenmore Gymkhana of 1951. The photo of St. Mary’s Cathedral is from the Renovation brochure. The photo of the French nun is from an old 1910 postcard.

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

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

New Ross Standard, 24 Sept. 1909

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

New Ross Standard (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

Traveling Glenmore Sanctuary Lamp in Crosspatrick

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.”

Inscription on Traveling Glenmore Sanctuary Lamp

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).

Kilkenny Courthouse (dochara.com)

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).

Old postcard of Four Courts

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.

Dispensary is in the building to the left of people in road.

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

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