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
The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
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From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore
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The Tragic Death of John Millea (1870-1935) of Treanaree, Slieverue
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Family Tree Workshop 2026 Photos & Forms
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More Glenmore Photos: From the Eamon Jones Collection
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Family Tree Workshop & Upcoming Lecture
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From Glenmore to Ontario, Canada: Maurice Denn (1825-1873)
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From Danny’s Files: The 1985 Interview of Dinny Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
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Marking Founder’s Birthday: Tracing Your Family Tree Workshop
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Kate Raftice née Gahan (1854-1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
Glenmore’s WW1 Military Marker for Private J. Gaule [Updated]
A reader recently asked about a military marker in the Glenmore church yard of a Private J. Gaule (service number 29019), who died on the 4th of July 1918, at the age of 21. Our reader said that he has wondered about J. Gaule for years. A quick check of Danny Dowling’s notebooks revealed that this military marker is for John Gaule, of Haggard, Glenmore who served in the British Infantry in WWI, with the Machine Gun Corps. Danny in notebook 21 made notes regarding John Gaule, but there is no indication where Danny obtained the information recorded. According to Danny’s notes John Gaule was the son of Richard Gaule and Mary O’Brien and the grandson of Michael Gaule and Bridget Power.
The military marker is on the right hand side of the front entrance against the front wall of the churchyard. There are two other Gaule markers that provide clues concerning John’s family. The three Gaule markers against the front wall of the Glenmore churchyard provide the following information.
Marker 1:
29019 Private J. Gaule, Machine Gun Corps (Inf), 4th July 1918, aged 21
Marker 2:
In loving memory of Mary Gaule, died 26th of April 1902,
Richard Gaule, died 28th of January 1940,
My dearest husband James Gaule, died 26th November 1912, aged 71
Interred Kensal Green, London
Marker 3:
In loving memory of our dear parents,
Martin Gaule died 25th of June 1981, aged 80 years,
His wife Ellie, died 12th June 1986, aged 84 years,
Also their twin son, Bill who died in his second year,
His brother Martin died 15 August 2014, aged 85 years,
His wife Eileen, neé Murray, died 18th July 2005, aged 84 years.
According to the birth register John Gaule was born on 15 May 1896 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The 1911 Census reveals that John Gaule was living with his family in Knockbrack, Glenmore. The Head of the household was Bridget Gaule, age 77. The rest of the members of the household are as follows: Patrick Gaule, age 38, single, son of the head of household; Richard Gaule, age 44, widower, son of the head of household, agricultural labourer; John Gaule, age 15; Martin Gaule, age 10; James Gaule, age 8 and Michael Power, age 11 (cousin).
The 1901 Census reveals further information. John Gaul (sic) was 5 years of age and living with his family in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The head of household was his father Richard Gaul, aged 40, and employed as an agricultural labourer. John’s mother is listed as Mary, aged 39. The other members of the family include: Stasia, aged 11; Maggie, aged 8; John, aged 5; Anne, aged 3 and Martin, aged 8 months.
The census records support that the three markers in the Glenmore church yard refer to the same family. For example marker 3 contains John’s brother Martin (c. 1900-1981) and Martin’s family. Marker 2 contains John’s parents Richard (c.1861-1940) and Mary (c. 1862-1902).
British military records reveal that John Gaule was awarded two medals: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The National Archives of Ireland contains John’s handwritten Will. On the 2nd of June 1916, John wrote the following simple Will, “After my death leave all to my father Richard Gaule, Haggard, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.” The Will was processed on the 29th of January 1919. Other records in the file reveal that John enlisted at Waterford. John died from wounds sustained in France/Flanders and died at the Belton Park Military Hospital, Granthan, Lincolnshire, England. Belton Park was also where WWI machine gunmen training camps and depots were located. To view John’s Will held by the National Archives see, http://soldierswills.nationalarchives.ie/reels/sw/1918_22/GauleJ_E669256.pdf.
A quick walk around the Glenmore churchyard today did not reveal additional British military markers, but according to Danny’s notebooks another Glenmore man John Ryan, of Rochestown, served in the British Army during WWI and died in 1919. We will feature John Ryan and the mystery surrounding him in a future post.
Update of 3 Sept. 2021–Catherine Davies née Kearney, aged 92, made contact via her son Stephen Davies and shared a verse written by John Gaule which he gave to his father before he went off to join the war. The verse was given to Catherine by her mother Anastatia Kearney nee Gaule (the sister of John Gaule). John Gaule was called “Jack” by his family.
Remember dearest father, Remember days gone by, Your son he is a solider, And he's not afraid to die.
From the information provided we were able to find further information regarding some of the siblings of John Gaule ( 1896-1918). His sister Maggie Gaule (b. 26 Jan. 1894) married James Treacy on 12 January 1914 at Mullinavat. James Treacy was the son of William Treacy and Mary Treacy née Dee. Annie Gaule was the maid of honour. His sister Anastatia Gaule was born on 2 May 1890 per the Glenmore parish register. However, the civil register lists her birth as occuring on 1 April 1890 and her mother is listed as Mary Murphy. The information for the civil registration was provided by Bridget Gaule who was present at the birth. Anastatia Gaule married Michael Kearney (smith) on 8 July 1912 at St. Patrick’s of Waterford City. Michael was the son of Tom Kearney (smith). Witnesses to the wedding were William Hartley and Katie Meany. The addresses of the bride and groom are “The Square.” Some of the children of this marriage were found in the publically available records including: [1] Michael Kearny (b. 5 Aug. 1912); [2] Bridget Kearney (b. 9 Feb. 1914); and [3] Mary Kearney (b. 10 Aug. 1915). We know from the birth records that the family resided in Arundal Square, Waterford City when Michael was born and then moved to Gurteens, Slieverue where the father continued to work as a blacksmith.
Update: 13 October 2021, Stephen Davies indicated that Michael Kearney and Anastatia “Statia” Kearney née Gaule had a total of 14 children. The following names were supplied by Stephen: [4] John Kearney; [5] Anastatia “Daney” Kearney; [6] Ellen “Nell” Kearney; [7] Richard “Dick” Kearney; [8] Maggie Kearney; [9] Andrew Kearney; [10] Agnes Kearney; [11] Johanna Kearney; [12] Catherine “Katie” Kearney; [13] Angela Kearney.
Michael Kearney died when his daughter Catherine “Katie” was 13. When her father died the family moved to Rathpatrick and a year later Catherine “Katie” Kearney went to her sister Mary in England.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
After the Ballyfacey Evictions: The End of the Father Neary Story
As contained in a previous post Father Patrick Neary (1828-1887), the parish priest of Mullinavat, played a prominent role in the formation of local Land Leagues branches and more importantly in the failed Ballyfacey, Glenmore evictions in August 1885. The local people remained on alert until a settlement was reached. The terms of this settlement can be found in the 11th of September 1885 edition of the Waterford News. “It appears that in those cases the evictions will not be carried out, an amicable arrangement having been made through the exertions of the respected pastor, Father Neary, which will enable the tenants under sentence of death to hold their homes, by the payment of a year’s rent, wiping away all arrears and legal costs.”
Local contemporary newspapers reveal that Father Neary continued to speak at rallies and other Land League events. For example, it was reported in the 18th September 1885 edition of the Waterford News, that Father Neary, during the National League Meeting in Portlaw, publicly stated that land agent Major Hamilton had lied and produced copies of correspondence to that effect. Father Neary continued working and supporting the Land League until his sudden death on the 20th of February 1887 a few weeks before his 59th birthday.
The following obituary was published in the Freeman’s Journal on Thursday the 24th of February 1887. The obituary contains the names of 65 clergy from across County Kilkenny and the southeast.
DEATH OF THE REV. P. NEARY, P.P., of MULLINAVAT
The death of the above reverend gentleman, which took place at Galmoy, in the north of the county Killkenny, on Sunday last, was startling news all over the diocese of Ossory, and indeed all over the south of Ireland. As an archaeologist the rev gentleman’s ability was most distinguished, which was often evidenced by the numerous papers which he contributed from time to time upon archaeological subjects. The funeral passed through Kilkenny on Monday at 3 o’clock. All the business houses were closed as a mark of respect for the deceased gentleman. As a patriot the gallant stand which Father Neary made upon a recent occasion against the cruel evictions in Mullinavat was generally believed to be one of the pluckiest and most successful which has been made during the whole land struggle. The remains were conveyed from Kilkenny to Mullinavat on Monday, and on Tuesday after the Office and High Mass the interment took place. At the Requiem Mass and Office solemnised in the parish church, there were His Lordship Most Rev. Dr Brownrigg, Bishop of Ossory, presiding; Rev. John Carroll, P.P., Kilmacow, celebrant; Rev. John Roe, C.C., deacon; Rev. R. Knaresborouglh, C. C., sub-deacon ; Rev. James Shortall, C.C., Templeorum, master of ceremonies. In the chair were: Very Rev. Edward M’Donald, P.P. V.G. ; Very Rev. Canon Kelly, P.P. Castlecomer; Rev. Walter Keoghan, Adm., St John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. M. O’Connor, C.C., Tallogher; Very Rev. M. Barry, President St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny; Rev. D. O’Halloran, C.C., Callan; Rev. Walter Walsh, C. C., Slieverue; Rev. James Dunphy, C.C., Glenmore; Rev. Patrick Tracey, C.C., Rathdowney; Rev. P. Meany, C.C., Mullinavat; Rev. John Ryan, C.C., Tullaron; Rev. J. Lynagh, C.C., Inistioge; Rev. Edward Delahunty, P.P. Thomastown; Rev. Thomas Feehan, C.C., Thomastown; Rev. Peter Doyle, C.C. Callan; Rev. J. Dillon, C.C. Ferrybank; Rev. Maurice Hawe, C.C. Mooncoin; Rev. Edward Walsh, P.P. Clara; Rev. Patrick Sheehan, Admn. Cathedral, Waterford, Rev. James Henneberry, Chaplain, Kilkenny Union; Rev. P. Aylward, C.C. St Patrick’s; Rev. Martin Keoghan, P.P. Lisdowney; Rev. Michael Murphy, Professor, St Kieran’s College; Rev. Michael Cody, P.P. Castletown; Rev. P. Hoyne, C.C., Aghavillar; Rev. J. Purcell, P.P. Temploreum; Rev. John M’Grath, Adm, St Patrick’s, Kilkenny; Rev. M. Rowe, C.C., Bennett’s Bridge; Rev. Patrick Walsh, C.C., Ballyfoyle; Rev. Edward Murphy, C.C., Temploreum, Rev. T. Grant, C.C., St. Canices; Rev. Bowe, C.C., Rosbercon; Rev. Philip Power, C.C., St John’s, Waterford; Rev. E. Walsh, C.C.; Rev. James Cosgrave, Principal, the College, Kilmacow; Rev. Peter Nowlan, C.C., Conahy; Rev. Joseph Tiothy, Professor, St Kieran’s College; Rev. T.R. Walsh. Admin., St Mary’s; Rev. John Bow, C.C., Gowran ; Rev. John Prendergast, C.C., Urlingford; Rev. John Grace, C.C., Castlecomer: Rev. J Downey, C.C, Ballyuskill; Rev. James Holohan, P P. Tullaherin; Rev. W. Egan, C. C, Waterford; Rev. M. Dalton, C.C, St Canice’s, Kilkenny; Rev. Wm. Connelly, C.C, Ballycallan; Rev Wm. Cassin, C.C, St. Mary’s, Kilkenny; Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmay; Rev. P. Phelan, C.C., Cullohill: Rev. Edward Butler, C.C., St. John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. John Shortal, P.P. Durrow; Rev. John Walsh, P.P., Slieverue, Rev. James Purcell, C.C., Slieverue; Rev. James Shortall, C.C., Templeorum; Rev. James Doyle, Adm.,Baflyhale; Rev. Father Bannan, 0 P, Black Abbey, Kilkenny; Rev. M. M’Grath, C.C., St. John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. Joseph Canon Dunphy, P.P. Mooncoin, Rev. Thomas Kennedy, C.C., Kilmacow; Very Rev Father Matthew, O S F C; Very Rev. Father Bernard, O S F C, The Friary. The chief mourners following the coffin were- Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmoy; Mr. J B. Hogan and Mr. M.A. Hogan, Ormonde House, Kilkenny; and the Right Worshipful P.M. Egan, Mayor Kilkenny.
The Wexford People of Saturday the 26th of February 1887 reported the following was on the breastplate of the coffin:Rev. P. Neary
Mullinavat
Died
20th February 1887
R.I.P.
Soon after Father Neary’s death an appeal went out internationally for funds to place a fitting memorial on his grave. A large, impressive, granite Celtic cross was acquired from William Collins and Sons, Waterford and the following inscriptions are on the granite marker:
(Side 1)
Rev. Patrick Neary
Born 2nd March 1828
Died 20th February 1887
R.I.P.
(Side 2)
Erected to the memory of a devoted priest and patriotic Irishman
By his numerous admirers at home and abroad.
Although chief mourners are generally family members there is no obvious family link between Father Neary and Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmoy; Mr. J B. Hogan and Mr. M.A. Hogan, Ormonde House, Kilkenny; and the Right Worshipful P.M. Egan, Mayor Kilkenny.
The Hogans were auctioneers and also dealt in painting and decorating per the advertisement found in P.M. Egan’s 1884 book listed below with a link. It appears that most of the listed chief mourners shared Father Neary’s interest in history and archaeology.
John Hogan (1884) Kilkenny: The Ancient City of Ossory, published and printed by P.M. Egan. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/digital-book-collection/digital-books-by-county/kilkenny/hogan-kilkenny/ John Hogan was elected Mayor of Kilkenny in 1883.
P.M. Egan (Patrick McEgan Egan) (1884) The Illustrated Guide to the City and County of Kilkenny, http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/ebooks/82-Egan-Kilkenny/82-Kilkenny.pdf was written, published and printed by P.M. Egan. P.M. Egan was twice elected Mayor of Kilkenny in 1887 and 1888. P.M. Egan died in 1903 at the age of 60 and his obituary provides that he was a National School Teacher and gave that up to go into the printing business in Kilkenny. He also had a book and stationary shop in Waterford.
Father Neary is referenced in both of the books above.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and the Great Famine
Danny Dowling interviewed older Glenmore residents in the 1950’s concerning the stories passed down to them by their parents and grandparents regarding the Great Famine that occurred over a hundred years earlier from 1845 to 1849. Although the parish of Glenmore had the benefit of being along a river, which was fished, there were still deaths in the parish from starvation and disease. In 1957, Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore, explained during his interview that potatoes were the main source of food for most families. Turnips during the Famine period were rarely grown and during that period there was a field of them in Stokestown, Wexford belonging to Deane Drake. So great was the scarcity of anything to eat that people at night from the Glenmore area rowed across the river in order to get a few turnips in order to have something to eat. Eventually guards were employed to protect crops growing in the area.
Nettles were a source of wild food that was widely consumed during the Famine in the Glenmore area. Nettles were boiled and mixed through porridge in order to make the porridge plentiful. A soft thistle knows as sharaván as well as green clover were also eaten as food during the Famine. A family in Ballyverneen called Malone sowed potatoes during this period and shortly after sowing them they had to dig them up and eat them in order to have something to eat. This Malone family were nicknamed Spur, and Jim “Spur” Malone was the last of this family. Even when work could be found it did not relieve the plight of many people because the cost of the food was still beyond the meagre wages. For example, the late Bridget Henneberry’s grandfather, old Martin Henneberry, was working in the Ballyverneen Brick Marches during the Famine and on one occasion he had to work for nine whole days with nothing to eat but green cabbage. James Culleton, Sr., of Kilbride, Glenmore reported that a Stirabout Distribution Centre was established at Gaffney’s Mill in Glenmore Village.
The only known Famine work relief scheme in Glenmore was the building of the Haggard Line. This was a road to Mullinavat that was never completed owing to the fact that the funds ran out. It started at the Bridges in Ballybrahee and went on through Tom Mullin’s land. A lot of it is now levelled off. Another section came out at Sean Jim’s Cottage on the fringe of Bishopsmountain. Nicolas Forristal told Danny that it was either Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh of Glenmore Village, or Paddy’s father worked on the building of the Haggard Line. He was paid 10d. per day wages with “no grub.” A man with a horse and cart got 2/4 per day. A stone of yellow meal then cost 2/6.
Fever, too, was rampant during the Famine. In a field situated in the townland of Ballyverneen, an isolation fever hospital was built to segregate those stricken locally with disease. It accommodated only a few patients. The field was known as Bawnneyzh, until the Ross-Waterford railway line was being built fifty years later. It then became known as the “the magazine field,” on account of it being where the powder and blasting supplies were stored.
The hunger and disease took its toll as one potato crop after another was blighted. According to Nicholas Forristal, a lot of old men and women in the Parish of Glenmore died in the ditches during the Famine. James Culleton, Sr. noted that three girls died of the hunger in Ballyveria and two people by the name of Power died in Jamestown. Andy O’Geena of Kilbride, had trouble over rent with his landlord. He had to walk to Kilkenny and back again. Although it is stated that turnips were not widely raised it was also stated that he took a turnip from a field while walking back to Glenmore from Kilkenny. He sat down and ate it at Connor’s gate in Ballyfacey. That same night he died. As Danny remarked none die as completely as the poor. There are very few headstones in local graveyards reflecting the people who died during the Famine.
As the Famine dragged on emigration became a common feature. Watty Power, of Jamestown, informed Danny that his grand-uncle Jack Power lived down the Ling Lane in the little house. Jack Power was married to Mary Barron, of Carrigcloney, Glenmore. Their two sons died during the Famine of hunger. After their deaths he and his wife emigrated to America. His brother Walter, (Danny’s interviewee’s grandfather) then got the farm which included the present holding plus the three fields now belonging to Greene’s. One morning 100 men left Jamestown for the Waterford Quay. The Landlord had evicted them and paid their passage. Danny stated that if they sailed from Waterford they probably had their passage paid to Liverpool. Danny also stated that he doubted that it was 100 men who left, but rather 100 men, women and children. In 1974 Danny interviewed Jonie Bolton, of Ramsbottom, Lancashire concerning the Brooksbottom Cotton Mill which was expanding during the Famine. The mill owner sent horses and carts to meet the emigrant ships in Liverpool in order to recruit labour for his mill. He built houses for his workers around the mill.
Due to the fact that the parish of Glenmore lies midway between New Ross and Waterford the provisions for the poor via workhouses were split between Ross and Waterford. In 1977 Danny interviewd James Bookle, of Grenan, Thomastown who was 83 years of age along with James’s daughter Evelyn Bookle. Evelyn’s noted that her grandmother Anne Hanrahan Mullins, died in 1956 aged 91 1/2 years. She was born in in 1864 in the Townland of Coolroebeg. Anne Hanrahan Mullins told Evelyn that Anne’s mother, Mary Dalton, was born in 1835 in Coolroebeg. Only two girls survived in that Dalton family. Their father Richard Dalton would take them with him in his horse and cart when he took meal to donate for distribution to the poor in Thomastown during the Famine. The meal depot was situated on the corner of the Mall and Mill street. The front door was on the Mall, but it is now closed up. James Bookle related that in 1907 he was told by an elderly man named Jim Mulrooney that Jim’s parents and five of his brothers and sisters died of fever during the Famine in a corn store on the Quay in Thomastown. The workhouse was not able to accommodate the influx of sick and dying so additional space was provided in corn stores on the Quay. The patients there were bedded on straw that was strewn on the floors.
The Famine had a lasting impact on survivors. For at least one generation special prayers and traditions were practised by the Famine survivors. See, the Christmas blog entry where the “Driving Out the Hunger” is published.
The featured drawing is “The Emigrant’s Farewell,” by Henry Doyle in Cusack’s (1868) Illustrated History of Ireland (Library of Congress).
Update—for our international readers last Thursday all the schools and universities in Ireland closed to try to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. A couple of readers have asked if we would post additional articles during this time of isolation for the elderly. Luckily Danny gave me five more notebooks to transcribe last Saturday, so we shall try to post short, hopefully interesting information regarding Glenmore and its environs. If you have information or a story, memory, photo etc. you would like to share please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Glenmore Land League and the Ballyfacey Evictions
The Birth of the Glenmore Land League 1880
On the 31st of October 1880, Father O’Farrell, the Parish Priest of Glenmore presided over a meeting of the people of the parishes of Glenmore and Slieverue for the purpose of establishing a branch of the Irish National Land League. The meeting was held in the chapel yard of Glenmore immediately after the last mass that Sunday. Father O’Farrell addressed the people gathered on the necessity of joining the National cause and stated that they should not stand idly by while their brethren in other districts were labouring and making sacrifices for the cause. (Wexford People, 3 Nov. 1880)
Father Michael Cody, native of Carrigcloney, Glenmore
A couple of weeks later on Sunday the 13th of November a similar meeting was held in the large field across from the Mullinavat chapel. Both Father Michael Cody and Father Neary addressed the gathered crowd. Father Neary called for the support of the three F’s: fixty of tenure, fair rents and free sale. (The Irishman, 20 Nov. 1880). According to Danny Dowling, Father Michael Cody was born and raised in Carrigcloney, Glenmore. The meetings of the various parish Land League, including the branches established at Glenmore and Mullinavat, were routinely covered by local newspapers.
Father Cody Summoned for Land League Activities
On the 17th of December 1880, Father Cody and Patrick Sheehan were summoned to the petty sessions court at Kilmacow for their Land League activities. It was alleged that on the 14th of December Father Cody attempted to compel by threats Darby Walsh, of Ballynooney, to give up his farm and caused a bell ringer on the 16th of December to follow Walsh through the Village of Mullinavat to ensure that no person would deal with Walsh. Walsh alleged that these activities were agreed at a Mullinavat Land League meeting chaired by Father Cody. Bail was set at €100 for Father Cody and €80 for Patrick Sheehan. Today, Danny Dowling explained that people who agreed to take land or farms where others had been evicted were generally referred to as “grabbers” and were shunned by the community.
Father Cody Defence Fund
At the Glenmore Land League meeting held on the 8th of February 1881, the meeting was chaired by Father Corcoran, and executive board members Daniel Cody and Patrick Forristal were present. In addition to suggestions being made that the conduct of certain landlords should be published in the local newspaper, Father Cody’s case was the subject of much discussion. “We beg to assure Father Cody that he is far from being deserted in his present difficulty.” (Wexford People, 12 Feb. 1881) A defence fund was established for Father Cody and a list of subscribers was so long it had to be printed in two different newspaper editions. [To view the list of subscribers on our list page press here.]
Father Cody’s Escape
It was reported in the Glenmore Branch meeting of 15 March 1881 that “great joy was manifested at the happy issue of the case against Father Cody… The whole district was illuminated with bonfires, and loud cheering night be heard in the distance. Father Cody and his companions are to be congratulated on their escape from the now famous Darby” (Wexford People, 19 March 1881). Thereafter the meetings of the Glenmore Branch focused on reporting on political matters and the activities of landlords such as Conn of Mount Ida. For example, in June 1881 it was reported, “Poor John Lambley Conn is the plaintiff again! Thomas Walshe, Davidstown, is the defendant. It is only an “ordinary civil bill!” He only requires the defendant to attend at Thomastown Court House!” (Wexford People, 11 June 1881). [For further information concerning Conn see, guest author Martin Forristal’s article Mount Ida].
(Library of Congress)
Ballyfacey, Glenmore Eviction Riots
On the 27th of August 1885 the Ballyfacey Eviction Riots commenced when locals resisted what they viewed as unfair evictions. Thanks to the forming of the local branches of the Land League the local people were united and ready to act.
Danny Dowling in 1956 interviewed Matt Aylward, of Ballyfacey. (Matt Aylward was identified by James McDonald, of Ballyfacey, as being the last survivor of those who took part in the Ballyfacey evictions.) Matt Aylward explained that Tighe of Woodstock was the landlord of a large estate including Mullinavat and Ballyfacey, Glenmore.
Major Albert Hamilton, of Inistioge, was the agent and Patsy Ryan of Buckstown, Mullinavat was the rent warner. Patsy Ryan was a native of Glendonnel, Mullinavat. The rent of Ballyfacey at the time of the evictions was 8/= per acre. At that time the people were not able to pay the full rent. The evictions were to start at Dollards of Ballyfacey.
The Ringing of the Glenmore Chapel Bell
Danny interviewed James McDonald, of Ballyfacey, in 1970 who recalled that Jimmy Carroll of Ballyveria, a small low size stout man, walked to Glenmore to have the bell of the church ring on the morning of the Ballyfacey evictions. He met the parish priest and asked him to ring the bell. The request was refused. Carroll told the priest that he didn’t own the bell, it belonged to the people of Glenmore. Carroll brushed the priest aside and he rang the bell himself. The eviction started at Dollard’s house which was barricaded. Phil Walsh, of Ballyfacey, had a sister who was at Dollards when the first three bailiffs attacked it. She threw a bucketful of boiling water on them and scalded them.
James McDonald stated that Bodkin was in charge of the proceedings. Father Neary, the Parish priest of Mullinavat, arrived on the scene, and when Bodkin read the Riot Act twice, Fr. Neary told him if he read it again his wife would be a widow that night. Bodkin asked another man to read it who stated that he had forgot the book although he had it in his pocket. This incident passed off rather peacefully in Ballyfacey, but that evening in Mullinavat, a row started between the Police, the military and the people. The disturbance continued until Father Neary and Cody came out to the people and told them that they were disappointed by their actions.
(National Library of Ireland)
James McDonald stated that four days after the Ballyfacey evictions, the famous Coolgreany evictions of County Wexford took place. [In fact, the Coolgreany evictions took place in 1887.]
In 1938, Edward Dolan of Mullinavat was interviewed and discussed the monument erected inside the Mullinavat chapel gate to Father Neary (Duchas.ie). To bring together the people Father Neary rang the parish bells. Mr. Bodkin, the Resident Magistrate, ordered Father Neary to silence the bells, and Father Neary refused stating that the bells belonged to the people of Mullinavat.
The article that appeared in the Freeman’s Journal on 29 August 1885 supports the oral tradition recorded by Danny and others and provides additional information. The Ballyfacey rents, even in the most prosperous times, were excessive. Many of the tenants vainly sought relief in the Land Court. The landlords pressed for the rent arrears and in 1882 this caused the agent of the estate, Captain Burnbury to resign. The landlords turned to the Land Corporation that appointed Mr. EC Hamilton, agent. Hamilton began moving against the tenants even after stating he would not. Patrick Ryan, the estate bailiff, resigned in protest. His family had held the post for over 100 years.
On the day of the planned eviction the Mullinavat chapel bell was ringing well before the eviction party of officials, protected by over 100 police, arrived. After attempting to silence the bell the eviction party gave up and set off for Ballyfacey a distance of 3 miles away.
The Reception Received by the Eviction Party
At Ballyquin stones were thrown at the police by the increasing crowd. Bodkin, the Resident Magistrate, stopped the eviction party, took out the Riot Act, and started to read it. Father Neary interrupted the reading and asked Bodkin if he was so thin-skinned as to be injured by shouting and groaning. Bodkin replied, “My skin is not thick enough to resist stones.” It was agreed that the reading of the Riot Act would stop if the stone throwing stopped. Father Neary asked the people to stop throwing stones and they did stop.
The march resumed and continued to the homestead of Mrs. Dollard. The stone pelting commenced again. The Riot Act was again produced, but it had no effect. The houses were barricaded and the tenants were armed with boiling water. When it was suggested that the house could be breached through the roof Father Neary implored Bodkin not to allow it or his wife would be a widow by that night. After the tenants stated that they would not yield their homes without a fight Bodkin informed Father Neary that he had been made a fool because the sheriff forgot the necessary writs. Father Neary agreed that the eviction party could retreat to Mullinavat unmolested.
The Mullinavat Riot
The eviction party returned to Mullinavat without difficulty, however later in the afternoon when attempting to leave by train, the windows of the train were smashed. The police who escorted the officials to the station were also stoned. Similar violence occurred later in the evening. All the remaining constabulary force, numbering about fifteen, were ordered out of the barracks, and with fixed bayonets they charged the people.
When Father Neary heard of the violence he arrived and ended the riots by sending the people to their homes. Dr Cane, the local medical man, had more work that evening than he had for the previous four years. Several arrests were made arising from the riots. [For information concerning the trial of persons arrested at the Ballyfacey evctions and the Mullinavat riots see our chart of the defendants, their charges and the trial outcomes.]
False Alarm
When a large number of police were observed in Mullinavat a few days later at 6 a.m,, according to contemporary newspaper accounts, chapel bells across the countryside rang out in Bigwood, Thomastown, Ballyfoyle, Rosbercon and four thousand people answered the call and rushed to Ballyfacey. Local men were armed with various things such as pitchforks, scythes, sprongs, shovels, axes or cudgel sticks. (Wexford People, 5 Sept. 1885)
A correspondent for the Freeman’s Journal (31 Aug. 1885) noted that the bells at Glenmore and Mullinaharigal were also ringing and four horsemen were stationed at the Mullinavat station to raise the alarm that the “redcoats” were coming. Father Neary remained at the Mullinavat station to direct activities and by mid-day it was apparent that no forced eviction would take place that day. The priest and people remained on alert for several weeks until all efforts to evict stopped.
History Repeats Itself at Ballyfacey 1893
Ballyfacey, Glenmore returned to the news in February 1893 when history appeared to repeat itself. Shortly after midnight the dogs of Mullinavat Village began to bark and one man went out to investigate and observed Captain Hamilton (nephew of the 1885 agent) with ten “emergencymen.” He raised the alarm by ringing the chapel bell and in less than half an hour people were gathering at Ballyfacey again.
Captain Hamilton proceeded to the house of Richard Walsh, of Ballyfacey, and seized three cows and three two year olds under a distress warrant for rent. Richard’s son, James Walsh, attempted to stop the seizure by causing havoc. His sister, Mary Walsh, went after an “emergencyman” with a pitchfork which caused him to run for his life. “The Captain, who believed he was safe in the hands of his bodyguard, was all this time indifferently puffing a cigar…young Walsh made a determined rush…and sent him spinning into the adjacent dungpit.”
The Captain sent his men off to carry out the distress on a neighbour David Grant. Grant having heard the alarm had a small army of local Ballyfacey men gathered, “who administered them such a sound thrashing that their fellow-henchmen hardly knew them when they returned.” A change in attitude is reflected in the end of the newspaper account which reports that the next morning the Glenmore police heard of the occurrence, and sent the information to District Inspector Penrose, of Pilltown, who began to investigate Captain Hamilton’s actions. (Wicklow People, 17 Feb. 1893).
The featured print above is “The Eviction: A Scene From Life in Ireland,” (Reversed Monogram) (Library of Congress).
UPDATE: Dick Claridge is our third guest author. Dick has collected local verses from the early half of the 20th Century. These verses provide an interesting insight into Glenmore humour and events.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Ida
The parish of Glenmore is strategically placed mid-way between Waterford and New Ross. Previously we highlighted the roads that connected Waterford and New Ross as well as the railway line. Today, we shall highlight the Ida a river steamship that linked these two inland ports. According to Anthony Marimon in his 1856 book entitled, The Ancient and Modern History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland, in 1835 the port of Waterford had 115 merchant sailing ships. The first steamships had paddlewheels and were designed and built for rivers and canals.
One of the first river steamers to ply between Waterford and New Ross was the Shamrock which was built in Glasgow in 1836. The last steamer to daily ply between the two cities was the Ida (Waterford Standard, 17 August 1929). For interesting articles concerning the ships and photos of the ships see, Andrew Doherty, www.tidesandtales.ie , February 2018 blog posts. See the update below for information on the Eclipse sailing between Waterford and New Ross in 1829 in 2 hours.
Launch of the Ida
In addition to conducting interviews, over the years Danny Dowling has amassed a large number of newspaper articles relating to Glenmore and nearby environs. For example, the Waterford Chronicle on 27 September 1867 published an article describing the launch of the Ida at the Neptune Iron Works in Waterford. Miss Graves, the daughter of J.P. Graves, Esq. of Waterpark House, Waterford, broke the bottle on the bow of the ship and christened her Ida. This name was selected because the Barony of Ida links Waterford and New Ross and the steam ship would link the ports via the River Barrow. The steamer was described as being 156 feet in length and had a breadth of 92 ½ feet.
After her christening the Ida was equipped by the Neptune Iron Works with a “splendid pair of engines, of about 90 horse-power, with two large and powerful boilers, and two feathering paddle wheels for speed.” It was announced that Captain George Brennan would be at the helm. The Ida first steamed between Waterford and New Ross on the 31st of January 1868. She was accompanied by the Shamrock, and although a strong gale was blowing, and rain was pouring, the Ida made the journey in 70 minutes (Wexford People, 8 Feb. 1868).
Danny interviewed Michael Forristal in 1969. Michael was born and raised in Rochestown, Glenmore but living in Ballybagley in 1969. Michael revealed that when he was young the Ida left Ross daily at 9:15 a.m.; by 10 a.m. it was at the Piltown Hulk; and at 11 a.m. it arrived at Waterford. It began its home journey at 3:15 p.m. when it left Waterford; arrived at the Piltown Hulk at 4 p.m. and was back in New Ross by 4:45 p.m. In Michael’s time, the master of the Ida was Captain Murphy of New Ross. The Ida was able to carry 600 passengers and cargo.
Rochestown Ferry
There was a ferry boat that operated from Rochestown. It ferried passengers across the Barrow to the Wexford side to Piltown Hulk or floating landing stage, to meet the Ida. This ferry was able to carry up to 40 passengers. The most Michael ever saw it carry was 34 passengers. It was powered by two men who rowed the ferry each using two oars. During his time, the two rowers of the ferry were brothers John and James Forristal, of Rochestown. John and James Forristal were the last rowers of the ferry boat. They were the sons of Michael’s cousin Johnny Forristal. They were each paid 6/= per week wages.
In 1976, Danny interviewed Nicholas Forristal, the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore, who named Sean Jim and Sean Jack Forristal of Rochestown as the two men that manned the oars of the ferryboat from the Blackrock Quay in Rochestown, to the Piltown Hulk on the Wexford shore. He noted that the two men were first cousins and were paid by the Waterford Steamship Company. Today, Danny stated that he believes Michael Forristal and Nicholas Forristal were speaking about the same men given their names, but could not clarify whether the two men were brothers or cousins.
Another Glenmore man connected to the Ida was Edward Walsh, of Glenmore Village. Edward Walsh worked as a steward on the Ida. Edward and his sister Margaret were the children of David Walsh, who had a pub near the chapel in Glenmore. Danny interviewed Miss Margaret Walsh shortly before her death in 1955 at her home on Peter Street, Waterford concerning her brother’s work on the Ida.
Cargo
Nicholas Forristal stated that local farmers brought fiskins of butter by the Ida to the Waterford Butter market. Jim Phelan, of the bog in Shanbogh, was one of the men who brought fiskins of butter to Waterford via the Ida along with the Kearneys and Farrells, of Ballyfoyle. Today, Danny explained that a fiskin was a British measure of a quarter of a barrel, it was made by a cooper for cheese and butter and when filled weighed 56 pounds (25 kilograms).
It wasn’t all clear steaming for either the Shamrock or the Ida. On the 7th of June 1852 the Shamrock made two trips because the pig fair had been held at New Ross. On the second trip as the steamer approached the quay in Waterford the pigs rushed to one side of the ship causing water to be taken. The crew and the few men aboard were saved, but several pigs drowned although sailors and others along the quay rushed to save the animals (Derbyshire Times, 10 June 1854). In 1895, it was a frightened cow that caused panic on the Ida when it attempted to jump overboard and injured two elderly ladies (Wexford People, 27 April 1895). Two years later a young lady dancing on the deck of the Ida as she steamed toward Waterford fell overboard. Patrick Dooley, of Garrenbehy, quickly dived into the river and saved the young lady from drowning (New Ross Standard, 8 April 1932).
Ida Related Deaths
At least two deaths connected with the Ida appeared in newspapers. On the 3rd of January 1872, Patrick Scanlon while unloading cargo in New Ross at 9 p.m. fell into the river and drowned. At his inquest concerns were raised regarding the lack of railings to protect workers unloading cargo (Wexford People, 13 January 1872).
In the New Ross Standard on the 28th of December 1895 it was reported that 30 to 40 people were huddled in a cabin with no light. Half way to New Ross from Waterford (ie near Glenmore) a soldier named Noy died, but no one present was aware of his death due to the lack of lighting. The newspaper was scathing of the failure of the owner of the steamship to provide lighting for passengers. “Surely the company might hang up a second hand oil lamp in this apartment of the boat, and on a winter’s evening squander a penny in paraffin …for their passengers.”
Rescued & Rescuer
Perhaps the biggest threat to the Ida occurred on Friday the 13th of February 1880. The Ida at about 4 p.m. was trying to berth at New Ross, but the Liverpool steamship Earnholm was also trying to berth. The Earnholm was owned by the New Ross Steamship Company and Captain Henry was at her helm.
The Ida was swept along by the strong spring tide, which was running at about six knots an hour and there was a strong gale from the south west. Captain Brennan let go his anchor nearly opposite Mrs. Plummer’s hotel, but the ship dragged her anchor and broke the stock of the anchor. Captain Brennan set the engines in motion, fearing that the Ida would strike the centre of the New Ross bridge. Ultimately he ran her into the bridge dock, and with her bow against the quay, her stern crashed against first cylinder of the bridge, at the Wexford side.
This caused a great commotion on the quay, and “people ran hither and thither and entertained great fears that the ship would become a total wreck, as the tide was fast rising and the ship’s stern was jammed tight under the bridge, so that the rising of the tide would keep her down.” Captain Henry brought the Earnholm to assist the Ida, made fast to the Ida and when the Earnholm steamed ahead, the Ida was pulled from her perilous position. Although the Ida suffered some damage the hull sustained no damage.
The Ida in January 1896 came to the rescue of the steamship Mermaid. The Mermaid left New Ross with a cargo of pigs and at the Pink Rock, of Glenmore, “a point on the river difficult to navigate” the steering failed and the ship struck the rocks and began to take water. The Ida was on her way to Ross, stopped to give aid, took on board all of the passengers and cargo and went on to New Ross. After depositing safely the passengers and cargo she returned to the Pink Rock with another ship, the Vandaleur, and together the two steamers could not pull the Mermaid off of the rocks (Wicklow People, 11 January 1896).
Glenmore Men Remember the Ida
In 1969, Danny interviewed Michael Walsh of 80 Manor Street, Waterford. Michael was 87 years of age and was born and raised in Rochestown, Glenmore. Michael stated that the Ida sailed between Ross and Waterford and the steamer Vandaleur sailed between Waterford and Duncannon. Both ships were plying at the same time and were owned by the Waterford Steamship Co. The Clyde Shipping Co. took over the Waterford Steamship Co. and the new owners then sold both of the river paddle steamers.
Mikey Power of Jamestown, Glenmore was interviewed by Danny in 1957. Mikey reported that he worked in the Brick Marsh belonging to Billy Forristal that was located between where the two railway bridges are now situated. He worked for a whole summer in either 1899 or 1900. Work in the Brick Marsh usually started at 8 a.m. and finished at around 6 p.m. with a break for dinner at noon and a tea break at 4 p.m. They knew what time to break for the afternoon tea as the Ida passed every evening on her way to Ross. Billy Forristal’s brick works finished up about 1900 just shortly before the Ida ceased sailing the Barrow in about 1905. The Ross-Waterford railway line caused the Brick Works and Ida to both cease operating.
For further reading see, Bill Irish (2001) Shipbuilding in Waterford, 1820-1880: A Historical, Technical and Pictorial Study.
The River Steamer Eclipse
Update: Andrew Doherty sent on the following article from the Waterford Mail (Sat. 16 May 1829, p. 4).
“COMMUNICATION BETWEEN WATERFORD AND ROSS. —That beautiful little steamer the Eclipse arrived the quay at ten o’clock morning from Ross with between twenty and thirty passengers, performing the voyage which is eighteen miles, in two hours. This vessel is quite new and has been brought over from Bristol to see if she can made to answer on our river. We think there is little doubt of the fact. As a mode of conveyance between this and Ross, it will have many advantages.
The present road is quite abominable —rough, and all up and down hill, …[and this] journey of ten miles usually occupies three good hours! The Steamer will do the thing in two ; she has plenty of room for stowage; she has a snug cabin ; the sail is quite delightful. The scenery up the Nore and Barrow, though little known, is really some of the most picturesque and beautiful in Ireland, and we dare this attraction alone will induce many persons to avail themselves of the advantage of the steam-boat. Some advertisements on this subject will be found worthy of attention; but we will not dwell on the subject at present further than to hope that fair trial will given the spirited English Gentleman’s undertakings, that it may meet with the success it so really merits.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Deep Defile Called Glynmore in 1798
Danny Dowling has interviewed and recorded the memories of Glenmore people and sometimes long held family secrets were disclosed including secrets concerning events in the days following the Battle of Ross in June 1798. A contemporary work published in 1801 by Sir Richard Musgrave (1757-1818), an MP for Lismore in the Irish Parliament provides a useful background and sheds some light on Glenmore during the 1798 Rebellion. Musgrave’s work has the unusual title Memoirs of the Different Rebellions in Ireland From the Arrival of the English With a Particular Detail of That Which Broke Out on the 23rd of May 1798; The History of the Conspiracy Which Preceded It, and The Characters of the Principal Actors in It.
For a concise biography of Musgrave see, Waterford Museum or Library of Ireland .
The Battle of Ross commenced at sunrise on the 5th of June 1798 (around 4:30 a.m.) and by all accounts it was a bloody affair. Musgrave wrote that had New Ross fallen the rebels were planning to march on to Waterford. He applauded General Johnson who was in charge of the defence of New Ross and noted that during the battle the General had two horses shot out from under him.
About ten in the morning of the 5th of June, Colonel King marched two divisions of the Roscommon regiment from Waterford to reinforce the garrison of Ross which Musgrave noted was ten miles from Waterford. After he set off Colonel King came upon some deserters from Ross, who informed the Colonel that the Ross Garrison had been overpowered by numbers, exhausted by fatigue, defeated and slaughtered. They said that they fled to Thomastown and Ross had been burned. Given that Glenmore is half way between New Ross and Waterford, and Colonel King did not set off until 10 a.m., and Colonel King had not yet reached Glenmore, it seems likely that the deserters, if they had gone to Thomastown first, had fled New Ross soon after the battle commenced.
The Colonel “determined to do his duty” marched on to a high hill over a deep defile, called Glynmore, in a straight line, about 2 ½ miles from Ross. A defile is a military term that describes a pass or gorge where troops can only march in a narrow column. With a “good glass” the Colonel saw smoke coming from Ross, but could not discern any troops in it. He concluded that the deserters had been correct. The Colonel retreated to Waterford. Musgrave noted that rebels had retired to Corbet Hill in Wexford where they saw the Roscommon regiment. Not realizing that the Roscommon regiment retreated back to Waterford, the rebels believed that the soldiers were reinforcements for New Ross and decided not to renew the attack on New Ross that evening. Mulgrave believed that had they renewed their attack New Ross would have fallen.
The following day Colonel King again marched toward Ross. He brought two battalion guns and a piece of flying artillery. He found the people of County Kilkenny in a state of general insurrection. When he approached Glynmore, “a deep valley, with a river which is crossed by a bridge,” he perceived great numbers of people on all the adjacent hills, who fired signal guns. The rebels at Glynmore had made the bridge impassable, by breaking down one of the arches of the bridge. The soldiers made the bridge passable by laying beams and planks on it. Today, Danny Dowling articulated that he believes the Glynmore bridge mentioned is near the current bridge in what is now the Village of Glynmore. The Gaffney Mill was close to the bridge.
Colonel King sent before his main column his grenadier company along with a piece of artillery. (Today, grenadiers might be called assault troops). Musgrove reports that after a few discharges of the artillery piece a large body of rebels posted on the opposite hill dispersed. The day before, the local rebels captured 25 soldiers and Captain Dillon, of the Dublin regiment who had all deserted Ross. At the first discharge of the artillery the rebels “massacred 15 of the soldiers, and Captain Dillon, whose head they converted into a foot-ball.”
According to Danny Dowling, the local leader of the United Irishmen was William* Gaffney, of the Gaffney Mill in what is now the Village of Glenmore. Danny believes that the next quotation from the Musgrave book refers to William* Gaffney. “One Gaffney, the leader of the assassins (of Captain Dillon and 15 soldiers) was taken and hanged next day at Ross. He was a miller in very good circumstances.” Musgrave throughout his work denounces the idea that the rebellion was in anyway connected to the conditions suffered by the rebelling people, thus he made a point of highlighting the “good circumstances” of several rebels. Today, Danny stated that William* Gaffney was captured at Milebush, in Rosbercon, and was hanged from the old Ross bridge. His body was buried in an unmarked grave in Rosbercon. It was uncovered a century later when the Ross-Waterford railway line was being built and his remains were moved to Kilivory Cemetery in Glenmore Parish.
Also throughout his work Musgrave states that it was discovered that the Kilkenny rebels were to co-operate with the Wexford rebels regarding the attack on Ross, but the Kilkenny rebels “mistook” the day for the attack. He noted that this was fortunate as the Kilkenny rebels if present on the 5th would have cut off a great part of the Ross Garrison when they fled over the bridge, overcome with hunger and fatigue. Obviously this does not make a lot of sense given the fact that the Kilkenny rebels captured Captain Dillion and 25 soldiers on the 5th. Perhaps Musgrave meant that they were not present at the bridge itself.
Musgrave in his appendices provides a great deal of information concerning court martial trials that took place later in 1798. In a court martial held in Waterford on the 6th of July Garret Murphy confessed before some magistrates that John Forrestall, publican at New Ross, told him that the rebel army would march through the county of Kilkenny to Waterford, if the King’s troops were beaten at Ross. Two other court martials held on the 14th of June and on the 23rd of July in Waterford proved that Walter Power, Richard Connolly and James Hynes, went to the house of Mr. Valentine Lannagan, of Charlestown (Parish of Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny) with other rebels on the 7th of June. Lannagan overhead the men state that had it not been for the cannon, they would have cut off the Roscommon regiment, on the 6th of June, as two thousand United Irishmen had assembled in Glanmore (sic) to stop reinforcements reaching Ross.
Danny today noted that several local families reported to him that their ancestors heard the Battle of Ross. Danny recorded in Notebook 13 that a monument tree stood on the bounds of John Grennan and John Cotterell’s farms in Ballycurrin (Rosbercon) and Ballycroney (Glenmore). This tree marks the spot where Captain Dillon of the Roscommon Militia was killed and buried during the 1798 Rebellion. Pat Cody, of Ballycroney, Glenmore, in November 1955 told Danny that Captain Dillon was killed in Harmon (Cody’s) field in Ballycroney. The site of the grave is presently marked by a sycamore tree. Also, there were three British soldiers killed and buried in Hogan’s rath in Weatherstown after the Battle of Ross.
Tommy Cotterell, of Ballycroney, told Danny in 1971 that Old Paddy Mullally of Ballycroney told him that Paddy’s grandmother brought sups of water and buttermilk to the dying soldiers in Ballycroney, at the time of Captain Dillon’s death. It was often repeated that a lot of soldiers were killed in the Ballycroney area at the time of the Battle of Ross.
Bartley Holden, of Clune, Glenmore told Danny in February 1980 that in 1942 or 1943 Walter Holden, whilst ploughing in a field over Tobair a Tsagairt (Priest’s Well), ploughed up the skull of an English soldier. It fell into pieces when it was disturbed. Years before his grandfather had dug up the shin bone of a man. The grave was under a bank against the ditch of the road in a field known as “Soldier’s Field.” Local tradition provides that this soldier was at the Battle of Ross in 1798. He was wounded, and strayed out into the country. The Kneefes, of Ballycroney, took in the soldier and nursed him. One day when he was better he saw a group of English soldiers approaching and he threatened he would get the soliders to burn down the house. As he ran away the Kneefes followed him, and on overtaking him, they killed him with a spade and buried him. In 1980 the field was on Peggie Holden’s farm in Ballycroney, adjacent to the Ballygurin-Ballycurran Road.
Pat Cody, of Ballycroney, in his November 1955 interview revealed a similar account. Kneefe’s owned the farm in Ballycroney now occupied by Hennessy’s and Fitzgeralds. The Kneefe family lived where Lukey Fitz is now. This house was burned in 1798 by a stray British solider after the Battle of Ross. It appears that they gave him lodging and when leaving he set fire to the house. They followed and killed him in the field under Boland’s where he is buried under the headland adjoining the road.
Ballycroney wasn’t the only area of Glenmore where soldiers were killed and buried after the Battle of Ross. Nicholas, Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, in November 1977 told Danny that there is a British Army Officer buried in the Power corner of Barron’s Field in Graiguenakill, down Kehoe’s Lane. On the evening of the Battle of Ross, or the day after, the officer rode a horse down to Kehoes and asked if he was on the right road to Waterford. The Officer was on his own, and he got down off the horse. He was armed and had a sword. From what Kehoe observed he appeared to be acting suspiciously and asked Kehoe to give him a leg up, which he did. Kehoe got afraid then, and he gave him a shot out over the horse. The officer fell and broke his neck. Kehoe then buried him, and kept the horse.
Perhaps the most unusual local 1798 story recorded by Danny was that of Wattie Power, of Jamestown, in 1956. Wattie’s great-grandfather was an elderly man during the Battle of Ross and lived in the house down the Ling Lane (Poll Guide Lane as it was formerly called). He was bedridden for several years before the Battle. One day two soldiers came down the lane and called into the house. The daughter of the house gave them a meal. After the meal one of them said he wanted to go down to the room, and she refused to let him down to the room. A violent struggle ensued and she bested him. The other soldier then stood up and said you got what you wanted and now you’re not satisfied. So come on now or you will get the contents of this meaning his rifle which he took in his hand. They both then went away. Wattie’s great-grandfather, who was in the bed, got an awful fright. Shortly afterwards when the soldiers were coming again his sons decided they would have to run for it. When they were going into the long bog they looked back and saw their elderly father coming in over the ditch from the road. He wasn’t up out of the bed for years. This reflects how terrified the people were at that period.
Locally, William* Gaffney although hanged was labelled a traitor and William* Gaffney will be the subject of a future blog.
The statue of the pikeman above is located in Wexford Town.
*On 29 February 2020 Danny asked me to correct the first name of the Gaffney man who was the South Kilkenny leader in the 1798 Rebellion. His name was William and he had a son named Nicholas. Apologies for any and all confusion. In the Links page a link is listed to an article Danny wrote in 1983 and published in Decies concerning William Gaffney.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh