Ballinlammy Glenmore
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Thatched Houses in Glenmore at the End of WWII
Danny Dowling (1929-2021) made lists of various local things including: local Irish words, Mass Paths, elderly parish residents and thatched houses in Glenmore at the end of WWII. Thatch was the traditional roof in Glenmore prior to the twentieth century. The Second World War ended in 1945, and it appears that thatch roofs were then in the minority. Below is Danny’s list of the 35 houses identified and their respective townlands. The list is not dated. We note that several townlands are not included. The entire original list with notes from Danny is included. Any comments or additional houses that have been added are is square brackets [ ].
- Jack Forristal, of Cappagh (Bolger’s) [today Frankie Kirwan’s].
- Greene’s, of Jamestown
- Wattie Power, of Jamestown
- Anne Gaule, of Busherstown
- Johanna Closh Walsh, of Busherstown
- Main Gaule, of Busherstown
- Neddie Power, of Busherstown
- Anne Doherty, of Busherstown
- Doherty’s, of Milltown (part of)
- Haberlin’s, of Forristalstown
- Grace’s, of Forristalstown
- Jimmy Doherty’s, of Forristalstown
- Statia Butler, of Ballycroney
- Seamus Fitzgerald, of Ballycroney
- Luke Murphy, of Ballybrahee [See our post of 15 Aug. 2021 for more information on Luke Murphy]
- Dick Power, of Ballybrahee
- Dick Murphy, of Robinstown
- Pat Grant, of Robinstown
- Reddy’s, of Robinstown
- Neddie (Watts) Fitzgerald, of Ballinaraha
- Brophy’s, of Ballinaraha
- Moran’s, of Ballinlammy
- Doherty’s, of Ballinlammy
- Gahan’s, of Rochestown
- Shawn’s, of Rochestown [nickname for 1 of the Forristal families of Rochestown. We believe that this was the home of John Forristal (c. 1838-1915) and his wife Mary née Reddy (c.1851-1917). The couple were married at Glenmore on 31 Aug. 1880 and had five children; Bridget, James, John, Thomas and Patrick.]
- James “Browley” Walsh, of Rochestown
- Larry Walsh, of Rochestown
- Foran’s, of Kearney Bay
- James Phelan “The Walker”, of Ballyhobuck
- Larry Kirwan, of the Shanty [Scartnamore]
- John Kennedy, of Rathinure [Sean Óg where Johnny Garvey lives today]
- Pat Kennedy, of Rathinure [The Faddies]
- John Haberlin, of Aylwardstown
- Jim “Brien” Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown
- Ryan’s, of Kearney Bay
- Pat Ryan, of Kearney Bay (Cousin of Mike Ryan, went to Ringville)
The following not on Danny’s original list
[37] [Johnny “Billy” Roche, of Rathinure] [Thatched house remained until 1972]
[38] [Holden’s, of Clune, Jamestown]
[39] [Paddy Kennedy, of Newtown]
[40] [John Power, of Newtown]
[41] [Martin Forristal, of Rochestown]
[42] [Paddy Mullally, of Ballyhobuck] [Later Walsh’s of Ballyhobuck]
[Update of 9 Oct. 2025–Jimmy Roche (1927-2018) of Rathinure often told the story of when he was a young fellow helping to rid the Faddie’s of rats in their thatch roof. A ferret was placed on the roof, and soon rats were attempting to escape by leaping from the roof. Jimmy and a number of young men armed with hurley’s dispatched the rats as they leaped from the thatch.]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977), Part II
Last week we highlighted the early life and Glenmore kin of Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 11 November 2024. Today, we are going to feature Tom’s war years as a POW of the Japanese for 3.5 years. Most of the information regarding Tom’s service was graciously provided by Tom’s nephew Leo Walsh. Leo has written a wonderful tribute to his Uncle Tom, entitled Rough Justice (Dec. 2023).
Enlistment
When Tom arrived in London in 1936 the country was still in the depths of the depression which made jobs scarce. Additionally, King George V. died early in the year and his eldest son caused a constitutional crisis when he abdicated the throne in December 1936. Just two months earlier, on 13 October 1936, Tom enlisted as a labourer with the Royal Engineers. He passed his physical although he was 6 feet tall and only weighed 136 pounds (Walsh, p. 24). We were not able to find much information regarding Tom’s maternal grandfather, John Dooley (c.1839 -1889), and his military service. Thus, it is not known if Tom’s enlistment was influenced by a grandfather he never met.
Less than a year later Tom was a certified Search |Light Operator for the 54th Field Company. In early 1938 Tom was ordered to British Malaya (Walsh, p. 24). Tom arrived on St. Patrick’s Day 1938 and found the heat very oppressive. He was sent by train to Penang on the northwest coast (Walsh, p. 26-27). Tom marvelled at the lush green of the countryside, pineapple fields and what he would later learn were rice paddy fields (Walsh, p. 27)
The Fall of Singapore 1942
Although WWII was raging in Europe, Tom was engaged in a peacetime active duty while enjoying the colonial life. The military and civilians of Malay and Singapore knew that the Japanese were interested in Singapore, but they wrongly believed that the British army’s strength discouraged an attack (Walsh, p. 29).
On the 7th of December 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The following day the Japanese attacked Malay. Tom was still in Penang, and his regiment were ordered to prepare to evacuate 600 miles south to defend Singapore. Preparations included destroying anything the enemy might find useful. Civilians also headed to Singapore believing it a safer place. At this early stage the Japanese were not taking prisoners instead executing anyone in their path (Walsh p. 30).
The battle for Singapore commenced 8 February 1942 and the city fell on 15 February. During the battle for Singapore war atrocities were committed such as the wanton execution of wounded British soldiers and the medical personnel at the Alexandra Medical Hospital (Walsh, p. 31). With the surrender of Singapore, 35,000 British soldiers became POW’s and in total 80,000 military and civilians including women and children were taken prisoner (Walsh, p. 35).
Life as a POW
Tom like the other 35,000 POW’s faced barbaric treatment. They were subjected to long periods without food or water, standing in the hot sun awaiting roll calls and orders. Eventually he was marched to a squalid River Valley Camp. On this march they were greeted by the impaled heads of the civilian Chinese victims of the Japanese army (Walsh, p. 36). Tom remained in the filthy River Valley Camp until December 1942.
Tom’s days were tedious and consisted of: tenko (roll call); work; rice; work; tenko; and sleep. Other than beating the prisoners the guards tended to ignore them. With up to 5,000 prisoners and one water tap prisoners used all their spare time queuing for water (Walsh, p. 38).
Changi Camp
In December 1942, Tom was transferred to Changi Camp which was on the mainland to work to repair bomb damaged towns. Discipline was much more severe. Before Tom arrived a POW tried to escape. He was summarily executed along with a few others who did not attempt to escape. All 20,000 POW’s at the camp were ordered into a square that could accommodate 1,000 men. Although only provided a small cup of water a day the British Officer in charge refused to sign a pledge against escaping. After several days POW’s were falling from dysentery and malaria. The Japanese Commander threatened to place 2,000 healthy POW’s in with the sick POW’s. Under duress the commanding British officer finally signed the pledge, and this led to harsher treatment by the Japanese guards (Walsh, p. 40).
Tom shared a 1 man cell with 5 or 6 others. He worked on the docks unloading ships which provided opportunities to acquire food and medicines. His worst job was burying the Chinese civilians that were bound in barbed wire, shot and dumped on the beach. The only day of rest was Sunday. It was at Changi that Tom first heard rumours that the Japanese were building a railway from Burma to Thailand (Walsh, p. 41).
Building the Burma to Thailand Railway
Tom was selected to join the Kanu Camp to build the railway. His transportation to the Camp was a closed railway car that was packed with POW’s only allowing them to stand. There was no water, food or sanitation. The following day they were provided with a small bowl of rice, a cup of water and the dead POW’s were dumped out of the car. Tom lost track of how long he was in the railway car (Walsh, p. 43). After arriving at the new railway Tom was marched 60 miles north to “Hell Fire Pass” a massive rock face along the river (Walsh, p. 44).
Camp Kanu was a living hell for Tom. Guards beat prisoners with wire whips or canes, not just to discipline, but also to push them to exhaustion and death. Not only did the POWs work long days, they were forced to work in the dark. The lanterns used attracted insects that spread malaria among the POW’s.
Guards were free to act in any way they wished with POW’s being beaten to death for being too slow or not bowing low enough etc. Often the heads of the victims would be impaled on poles in the camp to serve as a warning to others. Food was minimal and contaminated. The POW’s before setting off for work would gather firewood and whatever food they could find in the jungle near the camp like bananas and yams (Walsh, p. 50).
POW’s starved to death and died from cholera, dysentery, malaria and infections. Malaria and dysentery were Tom’s constant companions, but he avoided cholera because he was vaccinated for it when he enlisted. Tom’s uniform had fallen apart and he wore a “Jap Happy” loin cloth. In some ways Tom felt cleaner because there were less places for the lice to hide. He was also barefoot and knew that cuts from the sharp rock fragments could cut his feet and lead to an infection and death (Walsh, p. 51). At one point Tom collapsed from malaria and the guards didn’t even waste a bullet. They walked off and left him. A native came out of the jungle and nursed him for a few days. Her act of kindness restored his faith in humanity (Walsh, p. 52). At Hell Fire Pass over 700 POW’s died (Walsh, p. 54).
Camp Hintok
Tom walked a couple of miles and rejoined his crew. In September 1943 he was moved to Hintok where he remained until the Death Railway was completed in October 1943. He was unofficially promoted to Lance Corporal. This camp had a large fence around it, not to keep the POW’s in but to keep tigers out of the camp. “Tom had survived and beaten the odds despite slaving through mud and virgin jungle across deep gorges and mountainous country, sweltering heat and cold weather, torrential rains, paltry nutrition, and no shoes or access to medical supplies” (Walsh, p. 53).
Camp Tarsao
In January 1944 Tom was transferred to a hospital camp 15 kilometres south. He remained there until June 1944. While he was there in February 1944 Tom was officially declared missing by the army and his father William Walsh (1892-1971) was formally notified by the British Army. In the report that Tom made after the War (Medical Report of Repatriated POWs) he was in a bad way when he got to Camp Tarsao with an abscess on his right buttock (Walsh, p. 57). Over 806 POW’s are buried in 3 cemeteries of the camp (Walsh, p. 58). Infections without medicines and sanitary conditions were a death sentence, yet somehow Tom survived.
The Last Two Camps
In June 1944, Tom was moved to a relatively new camp called Tamuang, a former tobacco plantation. To reach it Tom travelled on the railway he helped to build with misgivings. He knew that it was weak in spots due to poor construction. Compared to previous camps Tamuang was well laid out and clean. The Japanese army was in retreat and a lot of wounded Japanese soldiers were abandoned there for the POW’s to take care of them (Walsh, p. 59).
In December 1944, Tom was assigned to a labour group that carried war supplies and rations to nearby Japanese troops. Tom would carry on his back sacks of rice weighing 120 pounds. He carried the sack for over a mile and pass it to the next man. Beatings were common and Allied aircraft bombed the area leading to more injuries and deaths (Walsh, p. 61).
Tom was transferred to his last camp, Nakom Hyok, in April 1945. Tom and others were put to work digging trenches and tunnels into the hills surrounding the camp for storing supplies and aviation fuel for the Japanese defence (Walsh, p. 62).
End of the War
The end of the war came quickly after nuclear weapons were used on two Japanese cities in August 1945. After 3.5 years as a POW, Tom was 28.5 years old and free. The 15th of August the Japanese Emperor announced the country was surrendering and it became official on 2 September 1945. Shortly thereafter Tom was on a ship heading back to England. He landed at Liverpool on 12 October 1945. Tom had a medical which noted he needed dental care. He was found not to need hospitalisation or specialist care. The Medical Officer noted that he was “somewhat subdued” (Walsh, p. 64).
Back to Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Tom was placed on leave until the end of November 1945. He went home to Glenmore to see his parents and family. Just the year before his family was told he was missing and presumed dead. One can only imagine their relief when he returned home. Tom decided to return to London and make it his home. He left the army and eventually in 1948 he landed a job at Ronson as a technical supervisor and remained with that company.
Civilian Life
While a POW Tom’s pay accumulated. He had over £400. In 1948 he met a petite and beautiful woman named Daphne Jarvis ( c. 1922-2007). They married in 1953 and bought a house in Chessington, Surrey, on Hook Road (Walsh, p. 65). Tom never spoke about his experiences as a POW to anyone but Daphne. Daphne spoke about the scars Tom carried on his neck from beatings etc. Tom died at 59 years of age in 1977. He is buried in Glenmore. His beloved wife Daphne died in 2007 at the age of 85. What is interesting is the fact that even 32 years after the end of the war no mention of his military service or his internment as a Japanese POW was in his obituary in the Munster Express.
Obituary
Munster Express, Fri. 25 Feb. 1977, p. 12
Died in England—Mr. Thomas Kieran Walsh, Chessington, Surrey, Who has died in Epsom, do. was son of the late William and Mrs. Bridget Walsh, Ballinlammy, Glenmore, whence he emigrated forty years ago. He had been on the staff of Ronson Products Ltd., Leatherhead, Surrey, since 1948, and for the past 15 years had been Assistant Manager of the Engraving Department. His demise at the early age of 59 is deeply regretted. He spent his holidays in Ireland every year with his wife at the home of his brother in Ballinlammy.
He was husband of Mrs. Daphne Walsh, Chessington; brother of Jack Walsh, Ballyeden, Rosbercon; Patrick Walsh, Airmount Slieverue; Bill Walsh, Poleberry, Waterford; Joe Walsh, Ballinlammy, Glenmore and uncle of Kevin, Noel and Carmel Walsh, Ballyeden; Leo Walsh, Dublin; Patrick, Edward and Thomas Walsh, Airmount, Slieverue; Mrs. Breda Dalton, Birmingham Bill Walsh, Poleberry; Gerard, Brendan and Vera Walsh, Ballinlammy, and Bernadette Walsh, University College, Galway. He was also son-in-law of Mrs. Daisy Jarvis, London Road, Kingston-on-Thames, Surry. The remains left Dublin Airport on Tuesday of last week for Glenmore Parish Church, and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Wednesday morning after Requiem Mass. Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, was celebrant and also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P., do. The large attendance included many relatives, friends and sympathisers from South Kilkenny and from Surrey.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.historygmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is Thomas Kieran Walsh from the front cover of Rough Justice. The photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh after his release and looking haunted is from page 74 of Rough Justice. The wedding photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh and Daphne Walsh née Jarvis is from page 68 of Rough Justice.
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) of Ballinlammy
Today, we are going to feature the early life and family of a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977). His nephew, Leo Walsh wrote a book called “Rough Justice” (Dec. 2023) “which is an account of how a simple mistake led to a near death sentence for Uncle Tom on the Burma-Siam railway.” (p. 7.) Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) was a WWII prisoner of war held by the Japanese. In our next post we will highlight his military service, internment and life after the war. Ironically, another man with Glenmore connections, also named Thomas Walsh (1911-1945) was a Japanese POW in Burma. See our post of 25 July 2020. Both men survived their internments.
Thomas Kieran Walsh, Tom, as he was called, was born 11 July 1917. He was the eldest child of William Walsh (1892-1971) and his wife, Bridget Dooley (1884-1958). Walsh is a common name in Glenmore and this family was nick-named the “Game Keeper Walsh’s” because William worked part time as a game keeper (Walsh, p. 14) around Davidstown, Ballinlammy, and Ballinclare. The farmers in the area clubbed together to create “a preserve” to stop people from hunting, and they hired William Walsh (1892-1971) as their gamekeeper.
Parents
William Walsh (1892-1971) of Jamestown, Glenmore married Bridget Dooley (1884-1958) of Ballylammy (sic) on 9 October 1916 at Glenmore. William was the son of Thomas Walsh (labourer) and Bridget was the daughter of John Dooley (labourer). According to the civil records William Walsh was born 1 September 1892 at Jamestown to Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) (labourer) and his wife Mary Roche. According to the Glenmore baptismal records he was born 23 August 1892 and baptized the following day.
Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) was born 11 October 1884 at Ballinlammy the daughter of John Dooley (labourer) and his wife Anne Kennedy. Per the death register Brigid Walsh née Dooley died in 1958 of a cerebral thrombosis, her husband, William Walsh, was present when she died at home in Ballinlammy.
Siblings of Thomas Kieran Walsh
In his book, Leo Walsh noted there were five brothers and two unnamed siblings who died in infancy. The five brothers were Tom, Jack, Patrick, Bill and Joe (p. 13). From the Dooley Glenmore headstone were found the names of the children who died in infancy, Mary and Edward Walsh.
Mary Walsh (9 Nov. 1919-4 March 1924) died on 4 March 1924 at the age of 4. Her death cert noted that she was delicate from birth. Her father William Walsh was present at her death in Ballylammy (sic). Edward Walsh (c. 1924-22 July 1928) died on 22 July 1928 aged 4, of suspected sunstroke. His father William Walsh was present at his death in Ballinlammy.
Glenmore Ancestors: Walsh, Dooley, Roche and Kennedy
Paternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) and his wife Mary Roche (b. 1856 ). Thomas Walsh, aged 26, of Haggard and Mary Roche, of Jamestown, were married at Glenmore on 21 January 1886. Thomas was a labourer and son of Edmund Walsh. Mary Roche was a 29 year old servant and the daughter of William Roche (labourer). Known children born to this union include: [1] Mary Walsh (b. 2 Nov. 1886); [2] Ellen Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1888); [3] Hannah Walsh (b. 9 March 1889); [4] Edward Walsh (29 Dec. 1890); and [5] William Walsh (b. 23 August 1892). The father, Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) died a year after William’s birth leaving his wife of 7 years with five young children.
A newer headstone in Glenmore recites that Thomas Walsh died in 1894 at the age of 38. According to the death register a Thomas Walsh died on 22 October 1893 of bronchitis at Haggard, Glenmore. He was 32 years of age and his father Edmond Walsh was present at his death.
Mary Walsh née Roche (1856- ?) was baptized at Forristalstown on 9 July 1856 the daughter of William Roche and his wife Mary Murphy. Two years later her brother Patrick Roche was born at Jamestown. Today, there are still Roches in Jamestown.
Maternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s maternal grandparents were John Dooley (c.1839 -1889) and his wife Anne Kennedy (c. 1843-1913). The couple were married at Glenmore on 7 February 1881. John was the son of Michael Dooley (labourer) and Anne was the daughter of William Kennedy (mason). At the time of the wedding both fathers were deceased, and John’s profession was “pensioner.” The couple were only married 8 years before his death.
Anne Dooley née Kennedy died, widowed, aged 70, on 2 January 1913 at Ballinlammy. Her son Michael Moore (?) was present at her death. John Dooley died on the 28th of December 1889 at Ballinlammy. He was 50 years of age, and his profession was listed as “Army Pensioner.” It was noted he died of natural causes “probably heart disease.” His widow, Anne Dooley was present at his death.
From the Dooley Glenmore Headstone in addition to Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884 -1958) there were at least two other children of John Dooley and his wife Anne Dooley née Kennedy: Patrick Dooley (c. 1882- 1956) died 9 October 1956, aged 74; William Dooley (?-1963) died 10 March 1963, aged 63?, in Santa Barbara California.
In the 1911 Census Anne Dooley was aged 68 and farming in Ballinlammy. Her son William was aged 24 and working as an agricultural labourer and her daughter Bridget was 26. We believe that William Walsh married into the Dooley holding in Ballinlammy.
Tough Times in Ballinlammy
Leo Walsh described the cottage where Thomas Kieran Walsh was raised in Ballinlammy as isolated with no running water, no electricity and no sanitation. The cottage had a thatched roof that was leaky and it was upgraded to a slate roof. There were no ceilings, just the rafters and at night stars could be seen. The floors were concrete with no luxuries such as carpeting or a rug. There were no windows just window openings fitted with removeable wooden panels to help keep the cold out. The front door was called a half door. The bottom could be closed to keep out animals while the top half could be opened to let in light and air (Walsh, p. 14-15).
As was the custom of the time the family kept a cow, some goats, chickens and a pig. The cows and goats provided milk and cream and a pig was slaughtered every year with some meat being kept back for the family to consume. Although they produced eggs they were not usually consumed. Only at Easter they would each be given a boiled egg (Walsh, p. 15). It appears that most of what was produced on the small holding was sold.
Their father William Walsh (1892-1971) worked elsewhere as a farm labourer and thought his sons would also become farm labourers. Their mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) recognised her children’s intellectual potential and encouraged them to do well in school. The school they attended was a good few miles away. After doing their chores they would walk to school in bare feet in warm weather.
“The Walsh boys were a humble bunch without an aggressive bone in their bodies, but their frugal and challenging up-bringing may have given Tom the fortitude and skills necessary to walk away alive from the jungles of Thailand, after three and a half years of imprisonment as a POW. He was born to survive” (Walsh, p. 16).
The Sugar Beet Factory Opportunity & Disappointment
Early in the 1930’s Tom went to a vocational school and earned a trade certificate. He applied for 1 of 3 apprenticeships offered by the newly nationalised sugar beet factories. The whole world was impacted by the Great Depression and jobs were scarce. Tom was awarded one of the five-year apprenticeships to train to become an electrician. Tom was assigned to the Tuam factory. He worked 9 hour days and earned a quarter of what electricians made. In his second year, in 1935, he bought a bicycle for 5 shillings.
Unfortunately, the bicycle had been stolen, and Tom’s protests of innocence were ignored by the arresting officer and the judge who found him guilty. The verdict was published in the local newspaper and Tom’s apprenticeship was terminated. Mortified he decided to go to London rather than return home (Walsh, p. 20-21). In 1936, at the age of 19 Tom said goodbye to his apprehensive family and sailed from Rosslare to Fishguard (Walsh, p. 21).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Leo Walsh for writing “Rough Justice” and to Martin Gahan for sharing his copy of the excellent book. The photos are from the book. The featured photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh in uniform is from the front cover. The photo of his mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley is from page 18.
Most Popular Glenmore Baby Names in 1768
A reader queried yesterday what were the most popular baby names in the 52 children baptized in 1768 in townlands that later became the Parish of Glenmore. See our post of 10 June 2023 for details concerning the early baptismal records and our Roots page for the 50 baptisms identified as being in townlands that later became the Parish of Glenmore. Hereinafter these townlands are referred to as Glenmore townlands. To view the National Library of Ireland’s digitalized parish register click here.
There were 52 babies in the 50 baptisms in 1768 in Glenmore townlands. The gender breakdown reflects 32 (62%) females and 20 (38%) males. There were 18 different baby names recorded in 1768. Nine were girls’ names and nine were boys’ names.
Girls’ Names
The most popular name was Mary with 10 or 19% of all the babies receiving that name. Among the girls the name Mary comprised 31% of the names for girls. After Mary, second place in girls’ name was a tie between the names Catherin (sic) and Anistice. There were five girls baptized Catherin (15% of girls) and five baptized Anistice (15% of girls). Third place was also a tie with 3 girls each being named Margarit (sic) or Bridgit (sic) (each name reflects 9% of the girls). Two girls each were named Elener (sic) and Honour. Thus, the remaining 2 girls were named either Ellice (sic) or Joane (or 3% of the girls).
Boys’ Names
The most popular boys name was a three way tie. Four baby boys were each named James, Thomas, or Richard (thus each of the 3 names represents 20% of the boys.) The second most common baby boy’s name was tie with Patrick and Michael being used for 2 boys each (or 10% of the boys were named either Patrick or Michael). The remaining four boy’s names tied for third most common. Thus, there was one boy each named Pierce, Dennis, John and Darby which reflects each name represents 5% of the boys’s names.
Glenmore Townlands
The Glenmore townland with the largest number of baptisms in 1768 was Ballinlammy where 7 baptisms took place. Davidstown with 4 recorded baptisms came in second. Glinmore(sic) and Ballefacy (sic) tied for third with three baptisms each.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Sr. Mary Theresa “Nellie” Moran (1925-2005) of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
The term miracle is often bandied about, but one Glenmore woman received a miraculous cure in 1946. Her miraculous cure was attributed to the foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparation, Emilie de Vialar (1797-1856). The cure was investigated by the Catholic Church and became one of the miracles leading to the canonization of Saint Emilie. Saint Emilie founded her congregation at Christmas 1832 in the South of France. For further information on Saint Emilie and her congregation click here.
Sr. Theresa’s Glenmore Family
Although Sr. Theresa was born in Waterford City in 1925 her maternal line came from Glenmore, and her family moved to Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Her name at birth was Ellen Theresa Moran, but her family called her “Nellie.” Her mother, Mary Catherine Irish (1885-1935) was born in Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the daughter of Robert Irish (c. 1840-1909) and Mary Kiely (c. 1841-1923).
Mary Catherine Irish married Hubert “Hughie” Moran (1886-1951) on the 31st of January 1916 at the Cathedral in Waterford. The bride was residing at 15 the Quay and the groom was residing at 22 Bridge St. The couple were both working in Waterford and met (Interview of Robbie Doherty, of Haggard, Glenmore on 5 March 2023.)
Hughie and Mary Catherine Moran had seven known children: (1) Bridget Moran (1916-1969); (2) Kathleen Moran (1919-1999) (Sr. Huberte); (3) Thomas Moran (1920-1987); (4) Hubert J. Moran (1921-1985); (5) Robert A. Moran (1921-1990); (6) Michael Moran (1923-1941); (7) Ellen Theresa “Nellie” Moran (1925-2005). Hubert J. and Robert were twins. All the children were born at 22 Bridge St., Waterford City. For further information on the Moran family see our Glenmore Family M surname page.
The Irish Farm of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
When the lease on 22 Bridge St. expired the family moved to the Irish farm in Ballinlammy (Interview of Robbie Doherty on 5 March 2023). The 1901 census indicates that Mary Catherine’s parents, Robert and Mary Irish, were living on the farm with three of their children: John Irish (c. 1881-1949), Ellen Irish (c. 1870-1940) and Stasia Irish (c. 1878-c. 1941). By the time of the 1911 Census Robert was dead and Mary was still residing with John Irish (c. 1881-1949); Ellen Irish (c. 1870-1940) and Stasia Irish (c. 1878-c.1941). In filling out the 1911 Census Mary noted that she had been married for 43 years, she bore nine children and six were alive in 1911. It appears from the census records that Mary Catherine Irish was away from home working by 1901.
The farm was 110 acres and after his mother died John Irish (c. 1881-1949) ended up in St. Canice Hospital and never returned home. At St. Canice John did all the ploughing and tilling for the hospital. Notwithstanding the work John performed a “hold” was put on the farm by the hospital (Robbie Doherty interview of 5 March 2023).
After John went into St. Canice, his sister Ellen kept a couple of cows, and she went to the creamery with an ass and car with a ten gallon can. Ellen and Stasia Irish used to sleep in chairs. When Ellen Irish died in her chair, there was difficulty straightening her corpse (Interview of Robbie Doherty on 5 March 2023).
For further information concerning the Irish family see our Glenmore Family I surname page.
The Miracle
Most of the following information is from an article in the Munster Express (Fri. 22 June 1956, p.3.) In about 1942 Nellie joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. She took the name Mary Theresa. Two years later while still a novice and training as a nurse at Withington Hospital, in Manchester, she developed a condition that worsened. In March 1946, a Manchester specialist diagnosed Nellie as suffering from Disseminated Sclerosis, or what is called today Multiple Sclerosis.
Another specialist was called in to review her case. The second specialist was the European authority on the disease. He confirmed the diagnosis and said that it was incurable and she would never walk again. Nellie was paralysed in her legs, arms and body and described herself at the time of being “a handful of rubbish.”
According to the Munster Express Nellie’s superior arranged a novena desiring two things. She wanted Sr. Theresa’s recovery and a miracle to help the canonisation of Blessed Emilie de Vialer, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. On the third day of the novena while the Community was in the chapel praying for a cure, Sr. Theresa “jumped out of bed, danced around the sickroom crying, ‘I am cured’” and in the words of a priest nearly gave the community hysterics.”
Medical Exam of the Miracle
The two specialists were summoned. After a detailed examination they declared Sr. Theresa “cured beyond the reach and knowledge of medical science.” The newspaper noted that the two specialists were not Catholics. At the same time a second miraculous cure of another Novice of the Order took place in Manchester. Unfortunately, the Munster Express did not reveal any details of the second miracle.
Luckily another newspaper identified Sister Maria Brendan McConville, of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Whalley Range as the other novice (Manchester Evening News, Tues. 19 June 1951, p. 7). Sister Brendan suffered from Potts Disease where her spine began to waste away due to tuberculosis.
The Investigation of the Miracle
A report was sent to Rome. After a considerable lapse of time, and without any notice, a commission arrived in Manchester to investigate. Archbishop Masterson was then the Diocese’s Vicar-General, was appointed scrutineer. A long enquiry took place. Once all the evidence was gathered the Commission returned to Rome to assess it. The resulting report was sent to 13 specialists of disseminated sclerosis. None of the specialists could explain the cure on medical grounds. “Rome gave its judgment: God had worked a miracle for the glory of His Servant Blessed Emilie” (Munster Express (Fri. 22 June 1956, p.3.).
The Canonisation of St. Emilie
Blessed Emilie was canonised in 1951. Thirty-six Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition journeyed to Rome to witness the canonisation ceremony of their founder. The two sisters who were cured of diseases because of the intercession of Saint Emilie were present (Manchester Evening News, Tues. 19 June 1951, p. 7).
In 1956 the Parish Priest of Blackley, Manchester, Fr. Frederick Kershaw presented to the John Rylands Library all the documents collected and issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites in the canonisation cause of St. Emilie. Prior to his death Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) gave Sr. Theresa a relic of St. Emilie. By 1966 Sr. Theresa was working as a pathologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, of Manchester (Munster Express, Fri. 29 April 1966, p. 8.)
The Relic
Robbie Doherty related that every summer Sr. Theresa came home with her sister Kathleen who was also a nun, Sister Huberte, of the Community of the Perpetual Adoration at Chelsea. The two sisters were usually always accompanied by another nun. The nuns would stay in Ballinlammy for a month in the Irish farmhouse. Tommy Moran and his brother Hughie would go out and sleep in the barn loft to make room for the nuns.
During these visits a party would be arranged for all persons who had sought the relic since their previous visit. The relic remained and continues to remain in Glenmore. In turn the attendees of the first party would invite the nuns to their homes. Bill and Alice Mackey, of Jamestown, acted as the drivers of the visiting nuns..
On one particular evening Robbie Doherty came into the yard and saw his brother Paddy peering into the window. The nuns had come for tea and were still present because their lift had been delayed. The young men did not want to go into the house. It was best to remain outside than to risk saying or doing the wrong thing.
Mysterious Ways
Although two of his sisters entered religious life, Tommy Moran (1920-1987) was in the process of becoming a priest when the Church authorities became aware that his sister Maureen was with child. Tommy was dismissed from his vocation. Maureen went into Waterford to have her baby and while there met Mrs. Lynch who farmed near Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. Mrs. Lynch took Maureen and her son, Don Moran, home with her. Maureen raised her son on the Lynch farm. Don Moran went on to university and ironically became a priest and served in the U.K. Fr. Moran often said Mass for his Glenmore kin.
Special thanks to Robbie Doherty for the lovely visit, chat and information.
Please send corrections, additional informaton or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Landlord: David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863)
David O’Neill Power, of Snowhill House, Slieverue was the landlord of the townlands of Ballinlammy, Ballyhobuck, Gaulestown, and Ballinclare in Glenmore during Griffith’s Valuation circa 1829. David O’Neill Power was a tragic figure as he suffered from some form of mental illness that lead to his sons bringing a petition for the Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo, in the Court of Appeal in 1835. Roughly translated this was a Commission established to determine the sanity of David O’Neill Power. At that time David O’Neill Power was described as a gentleman of considerable landed property (Drogheda Journal, Tues. 27 Oct. 1835, p. 4) with vast holdings in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford which generated rent in excess of £4,000 per year.
Snowhill House and Estate
An article in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places provided that the house was built about 1765 by the Snow family. In 1792 Elizabeth Snow was the heir to Snowhill and she married Patrick Lattin. Patrick Lattin apparently got into financial difficulties and the property was sold in 1808. The buyer was Nicholas Power, of Knockaderry, near Kilmeadon, Waterford. The Powers of Knockaderry were large landowners in Co. Waterford. Nicholas Power was married to Rachel O’Neil of Dublin and their family became the O’Neil Powers. David O’Neill Power married Elizabeth Nash, of Cork in 1807. It is speculated in the article that Nicholas bought the estate for his son David when he married. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
However, a newspaper search revealed that N. Power was residing at Snowhill in 1799 when at a General Meeting of the Roman Catholics of the City of Waterford, and its Vicinity, held on the 28th of June 1799, he signed a Declaration calling for a “complete and entire Union between Great Britain and Ireland, founded on equality and liberal principles…” (Saunder’s News-Letter, Mon. 22 July 1799, p. 3.) Of course, Nicholas Power may have leased the property before he bought it.
Snowhill House was an impressive three storey Georgian mansion. The house was comprised of 40 rooms which included 17 bedrooms. Around 1850 one room was converted to a private chapel. “This alteration was designed by Pugin, one of the foremost Church architects of the period and was regarded as a special feature of Power Hall.” The house was renamed Power Hall. We believe based on David O’Neill Power’s death notice the name change occurred after his death in 1863. Snowhill continued in the ownership of O’Nell Power family until 1953. The new owner Richard Power (no relation) had it demolished about 1955 due to its poor condition. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—13 October 1835
On the 13th of October 1835, “a highly respectable jury, of whom Alderman Arthur Perrin was foreman, was empanelled in the Court of Appeals, Four Courts, to determine if David O’Neill Power was sane. Master Townsend and Messrs Mitford and Beatty were the commissioners. The petitioner was identified as Edward O’Neill Power, the middle son. His barrister, Mr Moore addressed the commissioners and the jury and asked that they determine whether David O’Neill Power was sane, to determine which periods he had been sane, and determine the extent of his property, real and personal as well as his heirs of law and next of kin.
By way of background the jury was informed that “the gentleman, who was alleged to be a lunatic,” was 50 years of age, a widower, his wife having died several years before; his family consisted of three sons, the youngest was still under age; and the two eldest had only lately attained the age of twenty-one. The barrister went on to state that David was a gentleman possessed of considerable property in landed estates, but all of his life he was a person of “weak intellect.”
In 1822 David went with his family to France and took up his residence in Paris. He appeared to have become insane. “It being ascertained that he was possessed of property, he got into the hands of evil designing person, and he parted with some of his property under circumstances” leaving no doubt he was not capable of managing his affairs. Although a commission of lunacy was considered in 1822 it was determined that it might be better for his family that he not be declared a lunatic at that time. His property was entrusted to trustees, and he was not allowed the management or direction of his own property affairs.
It was explained that the petitioner and his elder brother Nicholas were not happy with how their father’s property was being administered, or with the degree of attention that was paid to their father. Two witnesses William Rounan and Patrick Hogan were examined however the newspaper account does not indicate what their said. Master Townsend adjourned the court and ordered that a communication be sent to Nicholas O’Neill Power informing him of the case. It was noted that he was at his father’s residence in Kilkenny (Saunders’s News Letter, Wed. 14 Oct. 1835, p. 1).
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—23 October 1835
Witness 1: Dr. Harty
The investigation resumed. The first witness called by the Petitioner was Dr. Harty.
Dr. Harty testified that he was asked to visit David O’Neill Power in August 1835 at his residence in County Kilkenny, near Waterford to assess his condition. The doctor stated he conversed with David very freely. He was introduced to David as Mr. Hart because he did not want to disclose his profession or mission. He opined that he had every opportunity during his visit to judge David’s state of mind. In his opinion David was both weak in mind and deranged in intellect and was not capable of managing his affairs.
The newspaper account reported in detail what the doctor observed during his visit. When Dr. Hartly arrived he was introduced to the family. He was speaking to Nicholas, the eldest son, when Edward, the petitioner, introduced the doctor to his father David. David took the doctor by his hand and entered into a conversation with the doctor. David was scarcely seat when he talked very loudly to himself regarding matters the doctor could not follow. It was a fine summer’s day, and it was proposed that the family and their guest should take an excursion down the river in a boat. The ladies of the family promised to go on the boat. The doctor reported that David, with a knowing wink, objected to waiting for the ladies, and said, “let them remain where they are.” David took the helm of the boat, under the guidance of Hogan (his keeper) and the men sailed to Dunbrody Abbey.
During the trip David was childish, and exclaimed, “D—-n the rascal! I wish he were hanged.” The doctor asked if David was alluding to Hogan and David replied, “Oh I thought it was you who said it.” David was observed constantly slapping his stomach. When asked why he did it David replied, “to keep down the flesh.” When they landed at the Abbey, they examined the building, and sat in the shade. Hogan produced some wine and bread. David then commenced talking incoherently about his property and woods. David denied that he received rent and spoke about shots being fired. David did not appear to be concerned about his safety “because his mind did not dwell for any time upon any one subject.”
At times David would speak rationally during casual conversation. At dinner that evening he sat at the foot of the table and spoke incoherently to himself. The remainder of the evening was spent listening to music which David seemed fond of. David amused himself by playing tricks on the young ladies. David showed perfect obedience to Hogan who appeared to act as David’s keeper.
Witness 2: Lady Maria Cecilia Browne
Lady Browne testified that she was David’s sister-in-law. She knew him for many years because he was married to her sister. In 1816 she did not think that he was insane. “He was not in very good circumstances” before his father’s death which occurred in 1816. Lady Browne explained that he was in the habit of drinking which made him noisy and violent when drunk. She spent two months in the household before her sister died in 1818. Lady Browne believed that he was capable of managing his affairs at that time. He made a settlement for her sister the day before she died of £1,200 a year for her three destitute children. There was no settlement made before the marriage.
In 1822, Lady Browne considered him sane, but noted that he was imposed upon by everyone. By 1828 he was not making any rational use of money and appeared to be insane. Lady Browne visited in 1830 and last saw him in 1831 when she stayed six or seven weeks at his home. “He fancied that there were persons constantly under his window, abusing him, and cracking whips.” He wanted to burn his title deeds. David would remove his shoes and dance to music. She witnessed him crushing the hat of Mr. William Rowan in 1830. She also related that there is a picure at Snowhill of the Virgin and Child, which David believed was a drawing of one of Lady Browne’s friends. Mr Rowan warned Lady Browne of David’s propensity of “secreting articles.” David took her spectacles, shawl and gloves. She found him one day in a closet where he was burning some of her vouchers. Lady Browne summed up, “I would not trust him with the rational expenditure of a pound.”
Third Witness: Denis Doyle
Denis Doyle testified that he was a gardener at Snowhill since April 1831. Being engaged by Mr. David O’Neill Power, he frequently saw him. Denis noted that he often heard his employer talking to himself. The gardener reported that on at least 50 occasions David stated that “his insanity lies in the suspicion of his being taken by some persons who have the charge of his property.” David expressed fear of a sheriff’s bailiff or a policeman, and of red cuffs and red collars. Since May of 1835 David was placed under the direction of Hogan, whom he dreads. Denis testified that Nicholas and Edward Power placed their father under Hogan’s care. Denis opined that from what he observed of Mr. Power, he is insane. By way of example, David once asked Denis for a spade because he wanted to bury some bills. The gardener agreed that the mansion was in good condition and Mr. Power appeared to be comfortable and “well off since Hogan is minding him.” He noted that Mr. Power talks about bagpipes being played across the river at Cheap-point (sic). The witness knew there is a public house and there may be dances, but he never heard bagpipes. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Sat. 24 October 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—27 October 1835
The investigation resumed on Tuesday the 27th of October 1835. Captain Thomas Pratt Barlow and Lady Browne were examined regarding a trust deed executed in Paris by Mr. Power in 1822. A lengthy conversation took place as to whether another medical man should examine David regarding his state of mind. Surgeon Cusack was the agreed doctor. The Solicitor-General expressed his readiness to produce Mr. Power in person to the jury. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Wed. 28 Oct. 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—19 November 1835
The jury in the case of Mr. Power, after hearing counsel for and against the petition, and also a very able and elaborate charge from Master Townsend, returned the following verdict, “We find that David O’Neill Power is of unsound mind, and incapable of managing his affairs, and had been so since February 1823, with the exception of a lucid interval on the 18th August 1823. The jury meets this day to find the amount of the property, real and personal, and the heir or heirs belonging to the lunatic (Saunder’s News-Letter, Wed. 18 Nov. 1835, p. 2). That Nicholas O’Neil Power, his eldest son, is heir-at-law, and that the said Nicholas, together with Edward and Joseph O’Neil Power, his other sons, are his only next of kin, and that the said Edward O’Neil Power (sic) [David] had lands in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford, with an annual value of £4,000 and upwards and that he had personal property of £5,000 and upwards (The Pilot, Friday 20 Nov. 1835).
Thus the jury by its findings, after at least four days of hearings, endorsed the prior arrangments of providing an annual income to his sons and the work of the trustees by finding that David was sane when crucial agreements were entered into. No record could be located that David was ever found to be sane after 1835.
The Death of David O’Neill Power
David died at Snowhill on the 19th of August 1863. It was reported that although he had been labouring for some time under “mental aberration” he died suddenly of disease of the heart. An inquest was held on Monday by T. Izod, Esq. county coroner, and on the evidence of the servants and Dr. P.E. Connolly a verdict of “death from natural causes” was returned (Waterford Standard, Sat. 5 Sept. 1863, p. 3).
Below is the obituary that appeared in the Waterford News (Fri. 4 Sept 1863, p. 3).
Died at his residence, Snow Hill, county Kilkenny, on the afternoon of the 29th of August. David O’Neill Power, Esq. the venerable head of that ancient and highly respectable branch of the steadfast Catholic Powers. The deceased gentleman was born at the old family mansion at Williamstown, near this city, about 80 years since, and although he had been for a considerable period in a delicate state of health, yet his death was, we regret to state, quite sudden and unexpected at the moment.
On Tuesday morning last, his remains were taken out for interment, and after High Mass and Office had been celebrated for the eternal repose of his soul, at which the Lord Bishop of Ossory, the Right Rev. Dr. Walsh, presided, assisted by several clergymen from his diocese and from Waterford, they were deposited with those of his grandchildren in the graveyard at Slieverue. The funeral cortege was very numerous and respectable stretching from the door of the magnificent mansion of Snow Hill along the avenue which winds through the splendid demesne out far on the high road, the numerous tenancy of the estate on horseback and foot, leading the way, followed by many respectable citizens of Waterford, Tramore etc. and then the carriages of several of the gentry of Waterford and Kilkenny.
Following the chief mourners were the Bishop and clergy, and next a large number of vehicles and occupants, the entire line of procession being marked with the funeral emblems of hat bands and scarfs which were worn until the funeral service was complete, and all that was mortal of David O’Neill Power, Esq., had been consigned to their last earthly home. Requiescat in pace. The deceased is succeeded in his estate by his son, Nicholas O’Neill Power, Esq.
The National Library has several photos in the Poole Collection of Snowhill House/Power Hall as well as several photos of some of David O’Neill Power’s descendents. Click here for the Catologue search page. For a list of Ballinlammy tenants in 1829 see our post of 14 December 2022.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh