Ballyfacey Glenmore
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Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902) from Ballyfacey, Glenmore to Clontarf, Minnesota
On 30 September 2024 we posted information on the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. James J. McDonald was born at Ballyfacey on 2 June 1866 to Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?). Today we are going to feature the work that James was sent to do in Minnesota and his premature death due to TB.
Education
The Irish Standard newspaper published the following information in 1902 concerning Fr. James J. McDonald. Rev. James J. McDonald was born in 1867 (sic), at Glenmore, in the county of Kilkenny and the ancient diocese of Ossory, Ireland. He was educated in the national schools [Ballyfacey], and at the classical schools of Kilmacow and Waterford. In 1887 he entered the diocesan seminary at Kilkenny [St. Kieran’s], and took up his ecclesiastical studies at that institution from which he was graduated in 1894 (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8). He was described by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millennium Memories ((2000), p. 41) as an outstanding athlete.
Fr. McDonald was ordained on 1 July 1894 at the age of 28 by the Bishop of Ossory, Abraham Brownrigg (1836-1928). While a seminarian at St. Kieran’s College, Fr. McDonald was sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. After his ordination Fr. McDonald “set out for the field of his labours” the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. In September, 1894, he was appointed curate of the Immaculate Conception church of Faribault. He remained there until March 1898, when he was appointed pastor of Clontarf, Minn. This appointment he held until his death (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8).
For any readers not familiar with Minnesota it is situated in the north of the US. Its eastern boundaries bounce Lake Superior and Wisconsin and to the north is Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. North and South Dakota lie to its west and Iowa to its south. It is known for its extreme winters.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul
One of the more unusual facts discovered regarding where Fr. McDonald was going to serve concerns the fact that St. Paul was originally a small settlement called “Pig’s Eye.” For a concise and interesting history of the work of the Church gentrifying Pig’s Eye see the “History of the Cathedral of St. Paul.” St. Paul is located on the south eastern side of the state. When Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894 another Kilkenny man was the Bishop.
Archbishop John Ireland (1838-1918)
Archbishop John Ireland was born in Burnchurch, Co. Kilkenny in 1838. He emigrated to the US as a child with his family and ultimately, they settled in Minnesota. For a brief biography of Archbishop Ireland see, The Minnesota Historical Society (2012) or Historic Kilkenny. In 1876, Archbishop Ireland established the Catholic Colonization Bureau in southern Minnesota to act as an agent for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad to sell 117,000 acres of unsold land grants. The Bureau sought Irish immigrant families toiling in the cities along the east coast of the U.S. to come to Minnesota to farm and set up Catholic communities.
In early 1879 it was reported in the Drogheda Argus & Leinster Journal (Ireland), that Archbishop Ireland’s Catholic colonies in Minnesota were proving a popular success. In Swift County 12,000 acres were settled. Although Big Stone County colony was being established in 1879 it already had 175 families. In Nobles County 70,000 acres were procured and 52,000 acres in Murray County. One of the reasons that Archbishop Ireland’s colonization plan was a success, was that he sent a priest first to the place earmarked for a colony. This provided assurance from the start that the spiritual affairs of settlers would be attended to (Sat. 1 Feb. 1879, p. 3).
For further information on the Catholic colonies of Minnesota, see Eileen R. McCormack “Holy Alliance: How a Bishop and a Railroad Teamed Up to Form Clontarf, MN” (2015)(Minnesota Historical Society).
Fr. McDonald’s Assignments
Faribault, Minnesota
According to a brief biography on Find-a-Grave (assumed to be from the St. Paul Diocese Records) Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894. He was first assigned as an Assistant, at Immaculate Conception, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. He served in this capacity from 1894 to 1898.
Faribault, Minnesota is named after fur trader Alexander Faribault who came to the area in 1826. In 1835 he established a trading post, and in 1852 he founded the town.
Clontarf, Minnesota
In 1898, Fr. McDonald was transferred to Clontarf, Swift County, Minnesota as Pastor, of St. Malachy. He served in this capacity from 1898-1901. It is said that at Clontarf “he laboured zealously to build up the parish. The many improvements made during his administration bear ample testimony to his zeal and devotion to his work (Swift County Monitor, Fri. 28 March 1902). He is credited with building the new St. Malachy church.
It is obvious from the names of the assigned churches that Fr. McDonald was serving in the Catholic Colony areas. Fortunately, excerpts from some contemporary letters of one of his parishioners concerning Fr. McDonald survive and have been published on the Clontarf History webpage (26 June 2012, “Noble Patriot and Irishmen”). It is wonderful to read how the parishioner felt about the young Fr. McDonald and give us nuggets of information. Fr. McDonald liked to play checkers and did not like to lose.
Clontarf became well known for its hay. With the railroad in the town the hay was shipped to cities and the Chicago Fire Department fed it to its horses. For some old photos of St. Malachy, see Clontarf History webpage.
Returned Home?
Local newspapers to Glenmore did not carry articles regarding Fr. McDonald. However, we did locate on 1899 article in the Munster Express.
The members of the Mullinavat Choir went on their annual excursion on Tuesday the 27th of June. For 1899 they selected Dunmore as their destination. They chartered a “wagonette and an outside car”. They left Mullinavat at 10 a.m. and arrived at Dunmore at about 12:30. Father Mullins, C.C. and Father McDonald, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied the excursion party (Munster Express, Sat. 8 July 1899, p. 7).
A railway station was located in Mullinavat. We believe the choir took the train to Waterford and from there travelled by the horse drawn vehicles to Dunmore. Without first names it is difficult to identify the two priests, However, we believe that Fr. McDonald was Fr. James J. McDonald of Ballyfacey, and we believe that Fr. Mullins was John Mullins (1868-1911) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Fr. John Mullins also attended Ballyfacey National School and St. Kieran’s College. He entered the seminary in 1886 and was ordained for the Diocese of Ossory. He was appointed curate of Mullinavat and later Cullohill (by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millenneum Memories (2000), p. 41). Like Fr. McDonald he too died young from TB.
The 1900 census for Clontarf, Minnesota provides that Rev. James McDonald was back at work in Clontarf and his younger brother Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) was visiting. The record provides that Patrick entered the USA in 1899. Did Patrick travel to the US with his brother James? We know Patrick was back in Ballyfacey by 1904 when he married.
Death of Rev. James J. McDonald
In September 1901 Fr. McDonald was compelled to give up his parish duties at Clontarf due to ill health. He went to the Arizona Territory for the autumn and winter, but the change in climate did not improve his health. Two weeks before his death on 25 March 1902 he returned to St. Paul to die among friends. He died of TB at St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul, aged 35 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Fr. McDonald was buried in the priests’ section of Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.
The original headstone had Fr. McDonald’s correct name and other information. Sometime around 2012 a new headstone replaced the original stone that was quite weathered and unfortunately Fr. McDonald’s first name is provided on the new stone as “Joseph” instead of “James.” See, Find a Grave.
Obituaries
Several newspapers published death notices and/or obituaries such as The Saint Paul Globe (Fri. 28 March 1902, p. 2) and The Irish Standard (Sat. 29 March 1902, p. 5).
Below are some excerpts. The Minneapolis Journal (26 March 1902) described Fr. McDonald as “widely known as an earnest, kindly man, and faithful priest” who died of consumption after a years’ illness with it.
The Irish Standard (Sat. 19 April 1902, p. 4) outlined in an article how his former parishioners and friends at Faribault celebrated Fr. McDonald’s life.
“Faribault, Minn.—A solemn high mass of requiem for the repose of the soul of the late Rev. J.J. McDonald was celebrated Monday morning of last week, at 9 o’clock, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A large audience of the former parishioners and friends of the late priest were present, and the children of the “Hill School” attended in a body, Rev. F. Elshorst, pastor of the Church of St. Lawrence, was the celebrant, with Rev. J.J. Slevin as deacon and Rev. E. Monge as sub-deacon. Rev. Chas. Cavanagh, of St. Paul, was master of ceremonies, and Rev. John Walsh delivered the eulogy. Taking for his text the words, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord,” Father Walsh preached a most instructive and effective sermon on the life of his deceased friend, eulogizing his many virtues and exhorting his hearers to follow the precepts of his teaching and the many good examples of his exemplary life.”
The Swift County Monitor (Fri. 28 March 1902) wrote that “It is with feelings of deepest regret that we announce the death of Rev. J.J. McDonald, lately of Clontarf, who departed this life on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s hospital, St. Paul. His many friends in Clontarf and Swift County will deplore the loss of so gentle and true hearted a friend…”
“He had the special faculty of making friends and all who came in contact with him deeply loved him. He loved his people and was beloved by them in return. They will mourn his loss, but must be satisfied with God’s will. It is sad to have a young man cut down in the midst of a career full of hope and bright prospects for the future, but wonderful are the ways of God and it is His will, not ours, that must be done.”
“The funeral took place on Thursday from the cathedral, St. Paul, and his remains were laid to rest in Calgary Cemetery. He is gone from us forever, and while we mourn his loss, let us not forget to pray for him. His many friends will be shocked when they read of his death, but they must be reconciled to God’s Will and say ‘Peace to his ashes and rest to his soul.’”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of Fr. McDonald was taken by R.E. Brandmo, of Benson, Minnesota. Benson is the County Seat of Swift County, Minnesota. Thus it is likely the photo was taken between 1898 and 1901.
The photo of the original headstone was taken by FJE on 25 June 2012.
The featured colour photo is of St. Malachy Catholic Church of Clontarf, Minnesota and is courtesy of the St. Isadore the Farmer Area Faith Community website.
The obituary from the Swift County Monitor was added to Find-a-Grave by Joseph Gallatin on 19 Sept. 2023.
The McDonald Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Tracing members of this family proved difficult because the name has been spelled in numerous ways from McDonald to Macdonell. Special thanks to McDonald descendants Perri Williams and Sean McCarthy as well as Barbara Barden O’Donahue for the information they shared regarding their research. The McDonald family of Ballyfacey provides an excellent example of how members of large Glenmore families sought opportunities in Glenmore, adjacent parishes and on foreign shores.
Earliest McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Glenmore was until the middle of the 19th century part of the parish of Slieverue. We are lucky that the parish records started in the mid-18th century survive. Thus, we know that Patrick McDaniel (sic) and his wife Joane Murry were the parents of at least two children baptized at “Old Ballyfacey:” Margaret McDaniel (bapt. 4 Oct. 1769) and Catherine Macdaniel (sic) (bapt. 26 Aug. 1772).
A record of a wedding on 18 February 1798 was found in the Slieverue parish records where Margaret Macdonnell (sic) “Old Ballyfacey” married John Bardin of Lismategue, Knocktopher.
The parish records provide that other McDonald children were born during this era: in Kilbride, Glenmore (Patrick, bapt. 26 Nov.1776, son of Edmond O’Danniel and Margaret Joanes); and in Mullinahone, Glenmore (Anstice, bapt. 31 July 1771, daughter of Edmund Mackdaniel (sic) and Margaret Grant).
In the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for Lower Bally Facey (sic) John McDaniel was the lessee 22 acres plus leased about 100 acres in the townland in common with others.
The Last McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The last McDonalds in Ballyfacey were two bachelor brothers. James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (26 June 1909-21 Sept. 1990) and Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (11 Sept. 1918-22 March 1986). Both are buried in Glenmore with their parents Patrick McDonald (c. 16 Mar. 1868-14 Dec. 1952) and Margaret McDonald née Henneberry (22 June 1875-10 Dec. 1957).
Their mother, Margaret was baptized in Jamestown, Glenmore, to Patrick Henneberry and his wife Bridget Joice(sic) [Joyce] on 18 June 1875. Their father, Patrick Macdonald (sic)(c. 1868-1952) was baptized at Ballyfacey on 16 March 1868. He was the son of Thomas Macdonald, of Ballyfacey, and his second wife Anastatia Neill, of Mullinavat.
Margaret Hennebery (1875-1957) of Jamestown, married Patrick Macdonald (sic) of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 22 November 1904. The groom’s father was recorded as Thomas Macdonald (deceased, farmer) and the bride’s father was Patrick Henneberry (farmer).
Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) and Magaret McDonald née Henneberry (1875-1957) had 9 known children.
[1] Thomas McDonald (c. 1906-1953) never married and died at the age of 46 at Ballyfacey after a 2 year illness. His death cert lists angina pectoris as his cause of death. His brother James was present when Thomas died on 20 February 1953. A short death notice was located in the Munster Express ( Fri. 13 Feb. 1953, p. 12). “The death occurred rather unexpectedly at his residence, Ballyfacey, Glenmore, on Tuesday last, of Mr. Thomas McDonald, at the age of 44. He was eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Patrick McDonald, and was a prominent footballer and hurler with his native parish, as well as being a founder member of Glenmore’s Ploughing Association.”
[2] Anastatia McDonald (1908) married O’Sullivan of Ballyhale.
[3] James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990) never married.
[4] Bridget McDonald (1910-1 Nov. 1991) married John Kennedy (c. 1908-1970) of Ballinclare, Glenmore. The couple farmed at Ballinclare and raised 7 known children.
[5] Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (1918-1986) never married.
[6] Catherine “Katie” McDonald (23 July 1918—30 Mar. 2013) married Paddy Cororan (c. 1912 -1970) of Mullinahone. The couple had no children.
[7] Mary “May” McDonald (b. 11 May 1914) married Quinn of Ballyhale.
[8] Margaret McDonald (b. 31 Aug 1915) married at Glenmore in 1941, Thomas Fitzgerald of Glynn, Tullogher.
[9] John McDonald (b. 2 Feb. 1920) was married and resided in Ferrybank.
After Jimmy Mac died in 1990 the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey passed to his nephew Tom Fitzgerald.
The Previous Generation: The Two Families of Thomas McDonald
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Judith/Johanna Denieffe/Neiff (c. 1826-after 1857)
On 3 November 1852 at Glenmore, Judith Deniefe married John MacDonnell (sic). Although the father of the bride and groom are not recorded we believe Judith Deniefe was baptized at Bally Verea (sic) Glenmore on 9 August 1826, the daughter of John Deneff and Honor Donovan.
The Glenmore Deneiffes
John Deneef (sic) married Honor Donnevan (sic) on 8 February 1824 at Glenmore. They are recorded as residing at Ballivera. The note on the register records they were second cousins. There were several John Kneefe’s in Glenmore in the early 19th century. Only one was born in Ballyveria. John Kneefe (sic) was baptized at Ballyverera on 10 July 1794 the son of Edmund Kneefe and Johanna Tromulty. (An earlier son bore the name John and was baptized 5 June 1792). There are multiple Honor Donovans in Glenmore, but only one was born at Ballyverera (sic) before the wedding. Honor Donovan was baptized 23 February 1795, at Ballyveria, Glenmore, the daughter of James Donovan and Mary Kennedy.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) First Marriage
[1] Catherine Macdonald (bapt. 13 Nov. 1853-1931) was born at Ballyfacey. Family lore provides that Catherine emigrated to the US at the age of 9, soon after her mother died. She was with her sister Mary who was only 7. We did find a record that Cath McDonald, age 11 arrived in New York on 11 June 1866 aboard The Royal Standard. She was traveling with Bridget MacDonald (servant) aged 22; Patrick MacDonald (labourer) aged 20. It is not clear who Patrick and Bridget were.
Catherine McDonald married John Stack (1855-1923) on 10 June 1884 in Peoria, Illinois. John was a native of Knox County, Illinois and worked as an engineer on the railroad. The couple lived and raised their family in Peoria, Illinois. When Catherine died her obituary appeared in the Munster Express and her funeral was conducted by Msgr. Patrick O’Connor Culleton (1877—1960) a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. Catherine’s obituary from the Munster Express may be found on our S Surname page. For more information on Msgr. Culleton see our post of 26 August 2024.
[2] Mary Macdonald (bapt. 13 June 1855-16 Sept. 1937) was born at Ballyfacey. While it is correct that Mary emigrated to Peoria, Illinois she did not go out with her sister. Mary never married, and worked as a domestic in Peoria. Sometime before 1913 she moved from Illinois to Pasadena, California to work as a housekeeper for a priest. According to the naturalization petition she filed in Los Angeles on the 26th of September 1913 she was born at Glenmore on 22 June 1859 (which is not correct according to her baptismal record.) She stated that she emigrated in May 1870 to New York on board a ship from Queenstown called the Queen. No record could be located.
[3] John Macdonald (bapt. 19 April 1857—3 Oct. 1906) was born at Ballyfacey. John McDonald was sent to Kilivory, Glenmore where his Aunt Brigid and her husband had a small holding. His aunt and uncle were childless. John married Honor Fitzgerald, of Newtown, at Glenmore on 25 June 1879. The Civil Mariage Registry provides the fathers were Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Patrick Fitzgerald (farmer). Two daughters were born to the couple Johanna McDonald (1881-1955) and Catherine “Kate” McDonald (1883-1958). Kate McDonald was a well-known Glenmore dressmaker.
John McDonald died 3 October 1906 . At the time of his death his profession was labourer, he was married and aged 48. He died “probably of bronchitis” without any medical attention. His daughter Johannah was present at his death in Kilmakevogue.
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) of Garrandara, Mullinavat
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808–1889) married his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) on 4 February 1863 at Mullinavat. Their fathers names are not recorded in the records nor is the fact that Thomas was a widower.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) Second Marriage
[1] Margaret Macdonald (21 April 1864-1939) of Ballyfasy (sic) married John Williams (1867) (farmer) of Miltown, Kilmacow, at Glenmore on 18 February 1896. The marriage records provide that their fathers were William Williams and Thomas Macdonald. John Williams was born 14 November 1867 to William Williams and his wife Ellen Gaul of Miltown, Kilmacow.
[2] Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902). We hope to do a post on Fr. McDonald, and are awaiting requested information from the Diocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, where Father McDonald ministered and died.
[3] Patrick McDonald (1868-1952). As outlined above, Patrick married Magaret Henneberry (1875-1957) in 1904. They farmed the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey, and it was passed on to their son James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990). Patrick McDonald visited his brother James in the US in 1900 and appears to have visited his kin in Peoria, Illinois.
[4] Bridget McDonald (b. 1870) when 29 married Philip Walsh, of Ballyfacey (farmer, aged 32) on 6 March 1905. Their fathers were Richard Walsh (c.1821-1893) and Thomas McDonald. Richard Walsh (c. 1821-1893) was married to Margaret Murphy (c. 1831-1894). It is believed that Bridget McDonald & Philip Walsh only had one child Richard Walsh (c. 1913-1988) who married Kathleen Mullins (c. 1915-1985) of Flemingstown. Bridget McDonald and Philip Walsh were the paternal grandparents of the current Andy Walsh of Ballyfacey.
[5] Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) was born 17 February 1874 at Ballyfacey the son of Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Anastatia Neill. Margaret Neill, of Garrandara, was present at his birth and registered the birth on 6 March 1874. As a young man Thomas was sent to Garrandara to work the Neill farm where his mother came from. According to his obituary Thomas was a footballer for his native Glenmore. Thomas McDonald (farmer) of Garrandarra married on 30 April 1918, Mary Henebery (c.1884-1953) of Buckstown at Mullinavat. The father of the groom was Thomas McDonald (farmer) and the father of the bride was James Henebery (farmer). Witness were Wm. Williams and Brigid Knox.
Mary McDonald née Henebery died on 16 September 1953 of myocardial degeneration. She was ill for 18 months. Five years later Thomas died. A copy of Thomas McDonald’s complete obituary can be found on our M Family Surname page.
The Deaths of Thomas McDonald (c. 1808—1889) & Anastatia McDonald née O’Neil (c. 1837-1902?)
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) died 11 October 1889 at Balllyfacey at the age of 81. He died of senile decay “gradual” and he received no medical attention. His sister-in-law, Margaret O’Neill, was present at his death. His second wife, Anastatia, died we believe in 1902 under the name Statia McDonald, aged 65. Unfortunately, the link to the death register is corrupted, so no further information was available at this time.
The last official record we could locate was the 1901 Census which provides that at Ballyfacey, Anastatia McDonnell (sic) was 65, a widow and head of the household. Her sister, Maggie Neill was 38, her daughter Bridget was 26 and single. Thomas McDonnell, her son was 24 and single. Also present was William Williams, her grandson, aged 4, and Patrick Murphy, aged 24, a servant, tailor, who was “deaf and dumb.”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above was shared by Sean McCarthy, the date of the photo is unknown, but it had to be taken prior to 1953. Photo back row left to right: Sean’s grandmother, Mary “Mollie” McDonald née Henneberry (c. 1884-1953), his mother Anna McCarthy née McDonald, William Williams (of Milltown, Kilmacow)(nephew of Thomas McDonald) the next lady he thinks is Margaret Williams née McDonald (William’s mother). His grandfather Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) is seated holding the child. Sean is not certain regarding the identity of the others in the photo. If anyone can identify the children or the nun please send on their names.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Update: John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
In 1938, just five years before John J. O’Connor’s untimely death, the Citizens Historical Association compiled a book of biographical sketches of Kansas City Citizens. The Citizens Historical Association was organized in Indianapolis in 1934, to establish a national library of historical and biographical information. With a small fee, the company prepared biographical sketches which could include genealogical information on a person’s ancestors. The association disbanded in 1952 and the biographical sketches were sold to the Indiana State Library.
John J. O’Connor was a member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Citizens Historical Association. Thanks to the Kansas City Public Library for copying and sending the biography he wrote in 1938. The helpful library staff also sent a later photo of John J. O’Connor’s business premises of 1104 Union St., Kansas City, Missouri. See our post of 5 August 2024 for further information on the O’Connor family.
Biographical Sketch
The complete sketch is below and retains the abreviations used in the original publication. Non-original additional information has been placed in [ ].
John J. O’Connor, President, O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Co., 1104 Union Street, Kansas City, Missouri (1938)
John J(oseph) O’Connor, b,, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mar. 2, 1886; s. of John Joseph and Brigid (Roche) O’Connor.
John Joseph O’Connor, b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He was a farmer in his native country prior to his death, which occurred in 1912. His wife, Brigid (Roche) O’Connor, who was b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland, died in 1905.
[John O’Connor and Brigid Roche were married at Glenmore on 4 March 1878. John was the son of George O’Connor of Ballyfacey and Brigid Roche was the daughter of Edmond Roche of Rathinure. Brigid “Conners” née Roche died at the family home in lower Balleyfacey on 1 June 1905 at the age of 58. Her son Pat was present when she died of suspected heart disease. Her husband, John “Connors” (widower) farmer died at Ballyfacey on the 16th of November 1911. His son George was present at his death. His age was recorded as 82. A baptismal record was located for John “Conors” the son of George Connors and his wife Catherine Dollard at Ballyfacey on 25 June 1830].]
John J. O’Connor, the subject of this sketch, attended rural grade schs., and the national schs. in Ireland, after which he was a student at Waterpark Coll., in Waterford, Ireland. He came to America in 1905, settling in Kansas City, Mo. and in 1908, graduated from the Kansas City School of Law with an LL.B. deg., after which he passed the bar examination. While attending law sch., he became employed as a bill clerk by the S & S Packing Company, of Kansas City, with which firm he remained 3 yrs.
He then was associated with the Commerce Trust Company, as a tell, three and a half years., following which he was identified with the Flanagan Brothers Manufacturing Company, in Kansas City, 18 mos. Mr. O’Connor subsequently was identified until 1936, with the McManus-Heryer Brokerage Company, of which he was sec., after which he organized the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company, of which firm he is pres. He serves also as a dir. of the South Side Bank. Mr. O’Connor, who is an ind. Democrat, is a mem. of the following: Central Industrial Dist. Assn.; K. of C. (3rd deg.); Ancient Order of Hibernians; Milburn Gold and Country Club; Kansas City Chapter, Citizens Hist. Assn.; and Guardian Angel (Roman Catholic) Church. His hobby is golf.
In Mar. 1912, Mr. O’Connor married Catherine Queenan, who was b. in County Mayo, Ireland. Children: (1) John J., Jr. He married Loretto Fetters, and they reside in Kansas City, Mo. (2) Catherine B., who resides in Kansas City. (3) Margaret Mary, who is employed in the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library. (4) Mary Ellen, who is in school, in Kansas City. (5) Edward Patrick, who also attends school in Kansas City.
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The featured photo above is of 1104 Union Street, the premises of the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company of Kansas City, Missouri.
Website Update–We have added a large number of obits and other information to the family surname pages over the last few weeks. We are currently reviewing the website as we are outgrowing it.
If you have any corretions, additional information or thoughts on the re-structuring of the webpage please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The O’Connor Brothers of Ballyfacey, Glenmore: Edward & John J. O’Connor
Recently we were asked about a grave marker in Kansas City, Missouri. It marks the graves of two Glenmore brothers Edward O’Connor (1882-1943) and John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. They were younger brothers of George O’Connor (1881-1966) of Ballyfacey. Today, we are going to highlight the lives of these two brothers and their tragic deaths within two weeks of each other in 1943.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The name O’Connor was generally called Connors or Conners in Glenmore even in the Parish Records. The O’Connors’ originated in Wexford (Michael Hoynes, 4 Aug. 2024). The name George Connors has long been associated with Ballyfacey, and at one point two cousins bearing the name lived side by side. To distinguish the families the locals referred to them as Big George and Little George.
The first record located in the parish records of a George Connors was a baptism on 11 November 1793 at Ballyfacey. The child’s parents were Thomas Connors and Johanna née Bolger. Two years later another George Connors was baptized at Ballyfacey on 2 May 1799, the son of John Connors and Mary née Culleton.
Parents of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) & Edward O’Connor (1882-1943)
The parents of the brothers who died in 1943 were John Connors (1830-1911) of Ballyfacey and Bridget Roche (1847-1905) of Rathinure, Glenmore. John and Bridget married on 4 March 1878 at Glenmore. John was the son of George Connors (farmer) & his wife Catherine Dollard. Bridget Roche was the daughter of Edward Roche and his wife Elizabeth Malone of Rathinure, Glenmore.
John Connors and his wife Bridget Roche had five known children all born at Ballyfacey: [1] Catherine Connors (b. 1879); [2] George Connors (b. 1881); [3] Edward Connors (b. 1882) [4] Patrick Connors (b. 1883); and [5] John Connors (b. 1886).
John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) Kansas City, Mo.
According to the Naturalisation documents that John Joseph O’Connor filed in the Federal Courts of Missouri seeking US citizenship, he emigrated from Ireland in 1905 aboard the Campania, landing in New York on 17 September 1905. He was granted citizenship at Kansas City, Missouri on 4 March 1908.
A review of the Campania’s register reveals that the ship arrived in New York on 16 September 1905. John was 19 years of age, and stated that his father paid his fare. He declared that he had $10 and was traveling to his cousin, Rev. P. Culleton at St. Mary’s Rectory, Westville, Illinois.
It is not clear how or why John went to Kansas City, Missouri, however, he attended and graduated from the Kansas City School of Law in 1908. This independent law school was founded in 1895 by three young local lawyers. Its most famous graduate was Harry S. Truman. In 1911, John married Catherine Queenan, (a native of Mayo) and the couple had 6 children. Catherine died 21 November 1941 at the age of 53.
It does not appear that John practiced law. He became a broker of food and was president of the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company, located at 1104 Union Avenue. A quick newspaper search revealed that John was busy in the community. He was a member of the Committee for Friends of Irish Freedom along with Patrick J. Harpy; James Ahren; P.A. M’Kenna; C.A. Lawler; M.J. M’Nellis; and R.E. O’Malley. During de Valera’s trip to New York in 1919, the Committee telegraphed de Valera and asked him to come to Kansas City for a “monster rally.” (Kansas City Journal, Mon. 30 June 1919, p. 1). Some of the men on this Committee and other organisations that John belonged were John’s pallbearers when he died in 1943.
According to John’s obituary his other business interest was that he was a director of the South Side Bank. He was also a member of the local Democrats, Co-operative club, the Allied Food club, the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. He held city, state and national offices in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In fact, he was first elected President of the Missouri Branch of the OAH in 1916 (Kansas City Journal, Fri. 1 Sept. 1916, p. 10).
Kansas City Scandal
The only negative news story that could be located was from 1938 when a former friend sued John. Maurice J. McNellis sued Roy W. Crimm, executor for the estate of William D. Boyle; J.L. Cashen and John J. O’Connor. McNellis stated that from 1921 until December 1935 he was President of the South Side Bank of Kansas City. He alleged the defendants conspired to destroy his professional reputation and asked for damages of $200,000 (The Kansas City Times, Thu. 29 June 1938, p. 2). It is not clear what transpired that led to this suit, but it was during the Great Depression when many banks failed. We found another case that may have been the cause of the lawsuit against John.
William D. Boyle left an estate of $484,499.61 when he died on 3 June 1938 after being hit by a bolt of lightning while watching a golf tournament. Boyle was a member of the Boyle-Pryor Construction Company. This company received city contracts and was being sued by the city to recover $356,000. Boyle’s partner Pryor was indicted in the $356,000 water leak scandal. Two notes in the Boyle estate were alleged to have been executed by McNellis. Both were listed at no value (Kansas City Star, Thurs. 6 July 1939, p. 3).
The City believed that Rathford Engineering was a dummy company operated by William D. Boyle and John J. Pryor of the Boyle-Pryor Construction Company. Rathford was set up to defraud the City (Kansas City Star, Thu. 15 June 1944, p. 6). Ultimately a ten day trial was held and Judge Thomas J. Seehorn found for the defendants. The City appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court where a new trial was ordered (Kansas City Star, Tues. 6 March 1945, p. 3).
John J. O’Connor was not named and apparently had nothing to do with the “water leak scandal.” He and the other defendant, J.L. Cashen were Directors of the South Side Bank and it appears likely they took actions to protect the bank from the scandal. The deceased, William D. Boyle had stock in the bank and secured two notes from McNellis when he was President of the bank. Maurice McNellis went on to form the McNellis Real Estate Investment company, and no further newspaper coverage of his case against John J. O’Connor could be found.
Death 24 October 1943
Just two years after his wife’s untimely death, John O’Connor was killed on 24 October 1943 at 3:55 a.m. when “a motor car in which he was riding crashed into a trolley pole across the street from 5335 Ward Parkway. The motor car spun in the roadway and struck the pole broadside. The side on which O’Connor was riding was crushed. More than an hour was required to extricate him.”
Police reported that the pole was on a curve and a downhill grade. Earlier in the year it also was the scene of a crash “which killed LeRoy Simons, the president of the Simons-Wiles Buick Company.” O’Connor was the passenger in a coupe driven by Eugene P. Sheridan, 49 of 305 West 37th St., a credit manager for a rubber company. Sheridan told police that they were returning to O’Connor’s home at 4133 Mercier St., after an afternoon and night at the Milburn Golf and Country Club (Kansas City Times, Mon. 25 Oct. 1943, p. 1).
John’s wake was held in the family home. He was buried next to his wife and infant daughter, in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. John’s pallbearers were: Frank Sullivan; John J. Sullivan; Edwin M. Thompson; James P. Aylward; R.B. Lustig; John V. Hill; James A. Edwards; and Joseph M. Morrissey (Kansas City Star, Tues. 26 Oct. 1926, 1943, p. 7). A photo of the O’Connor grave marker can be viewed on Find a Grave.
[Editor’s note: The name Aylward has long been associated with Glenmore. The James P. Aylward (1885-1982) pallbearer was an attorney and served at various times as the chairman of the Kansas City Democrats, the Jackson County Democrats and the Missouri State Democrats. In 1934 the “Pendergast” machine asked him to stand for the US Senate. Aylward declined and instead recommended a county judge named Harry S. Truman” (Kansas City Times, Mon. 26 July 1982, p. 10.) James P. Aylward (1885-1982) the pallbearer was the eldest son of Tobias John Aylward (1860-1923) a native of Rochestown, Glenmore. See our A family surname page for further information.]
Children of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943)
[1] John J. O’Connor, Jr. (1912-1959) graduated from Notre Dame and the University of Kansas City School of Law. He worked for a time as a teller at the City National Bank, and in 1940 he went into the food business as a vice-president at George Hogue Mercantile, Co. . On the death of his father in 1943 he became chairman of the board of the South Side Bank. In 1957, he sold his interest in the mercantile and became president of the South Side Federal Savings and Loan Association in Waldo. He was married and had a large young family at the time of his death aged 47 (Kansas City Star, Tues. 24 Mar. 1959, p. 13).
[2] Catherine B. O’Connor Wyrsch (1914-1976) married Frederick R. Wyrsch, Sr. who was President of the South Side Bank and died in 1964. They had a large family. After Catherine was widowed she married Leo J. Cusick who was a manager of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and was a consultant to the Chicago Regional Transportation. Catherine died on vacation while in London, England (Kansas City Times, Thur. 6 May 1976, p. 84).
[3] Eliz. E. “Betty” O’Connor (1916-1918) died in infancy.
[4] Margaret Mary O’Connor Barry (1916-1989) married Robert C. Barry. Prior to her marriage she attended Alvila College and was a 1938 graduate of the College of St. Catherine of St. Paul, Minnesota. During the 1940’s Margaret worked as a librarian in the Kansas City Public Library. She had 5 children (Kansas City Times, Fri. 5 May 1989, p. 50).
[5] Mary Ellen O’Connor Ervin (1921-1999) continued to live in the family home 4133 Mercier until at least her brother’s death in 1959 (Kansas City Star, Tues. 24 March 1959, p. 13). She married Robert Edward Ervin in 1945. He died in 1984. The couple had five known children. Mary Ellen died in Leawood, Kansas in February 1999. In her obituary it was noted that her best friend remained her brother Edward (Kansas City Star, Sun. 21 Feb. 1999, p. 28).
[6] Edward Patrick O’Connor (1924-2020) was a freshmen at Notre Dame in Sept. 1941 (Kansas City Journal, Tues. 16 Sept. 1941, p. 8) just two months before his mother’s death. He graduated from the ROTC Naval Program in May 1944 and served as a Lt. on the USS Alvin C. Cockwell, a destroyer escort ship. He was on the deck of the USS Missouri and watched General McArthur accept Japan’s surrender. Returning to civilian life in Kansas City he became President of the Heritage Federal Savings and Loan, married and raised a family (Kansas City Star, Wed. 29 Jan. 2020, p. A3). He was he last of his family and died at the age of 95 in 2020.
Edward O’Connor (1882-1943) Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Edward O’Connor filed naturalization papers in Kansas City, Mo. stating that he was born 23 April 1882. Edward stated that he arrived in the U.S. on the 27th of September 1907.
According to the Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore [Danny Dowling’s Notebook 2], “Edward Connors of Ballyfacey and W. Grace of Kilbride sailed for the U.S. on 18 September 1907.” The 1901 Census provides that only one Grace family resided in Kilbride, Glenmore. W. Grace was William Grace (b.c. 1881).
Armed with this information we were able to find the two young men on the Baltic’s passenger list. The Baltic landed in New York on 28 September 1907. William Grace, aged 26, stated that he was a farmer. Edward O’Connor was 24 and stated that he too was a farmer and was planning to go to Kansas City where he had a brother.
Edward was naturalized on 6 July 1914 at Kansas City, Missouri. One of his witnesses was Maurice O’Connor of 1822 Summit St., Kansas City, Missouri. Maurice O’Connor per the 1911 City Directory was with the Fire Department. According to the 1910 Census, Maurice (b. 1870 in Ireland) was single, an Assistant Chief, and lodged with his cousin Joseph R. Scanlon who was also employed by the City.
Edward O’Connor remained a bachelor and lived for several years with his brother John J. O’Connor and his family in Kansas City. He worked as a clerk, an accountant and later sold life insurance. In the 1940 Census he recorded that he finished his education after the sixth grade.
Around 1926 Edward moved to Chicago, and died there in 1943. He appears to have remained close to his brother and his family the newspapers reported that he was “an out of town guest” at his niece’s wedding (Kansas City Journal, Sat. 25 Oct. 1941, p. 19). No newspaper articles could be found for Edward prior to 1943. By all appearances he led a quiet life, but here in Glenmore it was reported that he was robbed and killed on his way home one evening. Another rumour was that he was shot. We were unable to find any Chicago newspaper articles that indicated that Edward was the victim of a robbery or other violence that caused his death.
Death of Edward O’Connor (1882-1943)
The Kansas City Times (Tues. 9 Nov. 1943, p. 4) reported the following:
A Second Brother Killed: Tragedy Strikes John J. O’Connor Family Twice in Two Weeks—Tragedy has struck twice in two weeks in the family of John J. O’Connor, 4133 Mercier St. Mr. O’Connor was killed in a motor car crash near 53rd St and Ward Parkway October 24th, and yesterday his family was informed that M. O’Connor’s brother, Edward O’Connor, 61 years old, was found dead along a railroad right-of-way on Chicago’s near North Side early yesterday morning.
Friends of Edward O’Connor in Chicago said he was apparently in good health and spirits when they last saw him. Edward O’Connor, a bachelor, has made his home in Chicago for the last 16 years. He was in the life insurance business. Born in Ireland, Mr. O’Connor came to the United States and Kansas City in 1905. For many years he worked for Bruce Dodson & Co., and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He left Kansas City in 1926.
He is survived by a brother, George O’Connor who lives in Ireland. A nephew, John J. O’Connor, Jr., East 61st St. Terrace, left last night for Chicago. He said that funeral services would be held in Kansas City.
The Culleton Cousin
The Rt. Rev. Mons. Culleton of Peoria was Patrick Culleton (1877-1960) of Kilbride, Glenmore. He was the son of James Culleton (1845-1912) and his wife Margaret Connors (1839-1918). His parents were married 3 February 1876 at Glenmore. Patrick was ordained in 1900 and appointed to diocese of Peoria on American Mission. He had two brothers, Michael & George Culleton (b. 1881). Margaret Connors Culleton (1839-1918) was a sister of John Connors (1830- 1911) the father of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) and Edward O’Connor (1882-1943). Thus, the three men were first cousins.
Patrick served in the Peoria Diocese all his religious life. He officiated at the marriage of John J. O’Connor’s daughters in Kansas City in the early 1940’s. Patrick died in 1960 in Miami Beach, Florida. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery of West Peoria, Illinois. To view Monsignor Patrick O’C Culleton’s headstone, see Find a Grave.
It is not known why Patrick used O’C for his middle initial. It is believed that there may have been other priests with the same or similar names, and he wished to distinguish himself by using his mother’s maiden name as his middle name. One of his nephews later became a priest and was also assigned to the Peoria Diocese.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Michael Hoynes of Ballybrahee, Glenmore for helping sort out the Ballyfacey Conners. The featured photo above is John J. O’Connor’s (1886-1943) yearbook photo from the Kansas City School of Law (1908).
We located a chapter in a book concerning John J. O’Connor which is held in the Kansas City Library. It is not available on line and when we secure a copy we may update this post.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Members of the Ballyfacey, Glenmore Tug of War Team
Popularity of Sport
When placing an obituary from Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous files on the webpage it referenced that the deceased was one of the last members of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. In trying to track down information on this team it became apparent that there were a lot of men who competed over the years on the Ballyfacey team. Tug of war competitions were so popular at the turn of the 20th century that the Olympics held competitions from 1900 to 1920.
Locally at several types of gatherings, sports’ days, feiseanna, and fairs, tug of war competitions were promoted and popular. In general, the advertisements seeking teams limited the size of a team to 10 members with a 220 stone limit. For our international readers a stone is 14 pounds, so 220 stone represents a weight limit for the team of 3080 pounds. Sometimes Tug of War Contents had different divisions. For example, an Inistioge contest held on Sunday, 25 June 1933 provided that teams of 10 could compete in a heavy weight (unlimited) division or a light weight division (maximum weight 12 stone). A valuable set of medals was advertised as the trophy to be presented to the winning teams (Kilkenny People, Sat. 3 June 1933, p. 1).
The Ballyfacey Tug of War Team
The earliest description of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team competing was found in a 1919 newspaper reporting on the Slieverue Cycling and Athletic Sports day. “Great interest was evinced in the tug of war contests, for which there were four teams entered. The first contest was easily won by Ballyfacey against McDonald’s Creamery Team. The second tug was much more exciting. The competing teams were Bigwood and Barrow Rangers holding each other in the first pull for a space of well over 5 minutes. Bigwood were, however, declared the winners after two terrific pulls. The finalists were Ballyfacey and Bigwood.” Ballyfacey won after a very strenuous contest. The names of 3 of the competing teams were provided:
Ballyfacey—J. Aylward, J. Hartley, W. Hartley, J. Coady, M. Coady, T. Freaney, P. Fitzgerald, J. Murphy and W. Deady. [only 9 names recorded]
Bigwood—P. Power, J. Walsh, J. Doherty, R. Doherty, P. Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, T. Doogan, P. Sutton and M. Ivory.
McDonald’s Creamery—P. Walsh, P. Robinson, D. Condon, J. Murphy, W. Reid., M. Lacey, J. Day, J. White, P. Murphy, W. Walsh, and J. Long. [We believe this team was from W. McDonald’s Creamery of Waterford City.] (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Aug. 1919, p. 4)
With just first initials it was not possible to identify with certainty the 1919 Ballyfacey Tug of War Team. Utilizing the 1911 census we commenced with Ballyfacey and surrounding townlands and have identified a number of likely candidates. [1] J. Aylward may have been John Aylward, of upper Ballyfacey who was 21 in 1911. [2] J. Hartley may have been James Hartley of Weatherstown (b. c. 1899). [3] W. Hartley may have been William Hartley of Busherstown (b.c. 1896). [4] & [5] J. and M. Coady may have been in 1911 James Cody (aged 20) and Mike Cody (aged 15) of Weatherstown, Glenmore. [6] T. Freany may have been Tom Freaney, of lower Ballyfacey who was 12 in 1911. [7] W. Deady we believe should be M. Deady for Michael Deady who was from upper Ballyfacey and aged 20 in 1911. [8] P. Fitzgerald, may have been Paul Fitzgerald (aged 19) of Knockbrack in 1911. [9] J. Murphy, may have been James Murphy of Ballywairy, Glenmore who was 15 in 1911.
On Sunday the 8th of July 1934, at a Sports meeting held at Weatherstown, Glenmore, “under a beaming sun a huge crowd enjoyed themselves…There was a big number of entries and valuable prizes being offered for the different events.” Results reported included: [1] 220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First. [Believed to be Larry Walsh (c. 1911-XXXX); [2] 100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place. [3] Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First. [4] 440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First. [5] One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First. [6] High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First [Believed to be Mick Walsh (c. 1913-1982)). [7] Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First. [8] Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious. (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8). Unfortunately, the names of the Tug of War team members are not provided. We know from Jack Aylward’s obituary in 1936 that he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey team and the team was still active in 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
In the 1970’s a couple of articles appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27) when some members of the Ballyfacey team died naming other members of the team and their native townlands.
“Old Tug o’ War Team—The death of Mr. Jack Kennedy, Ballinclare, Glenmore, at the week-end recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-of-war team which won many honours in the early 1930’s in the area and adjoining counties. Jack was a member of the team, which also included : Jack Aylward, Michael Deady, James Dullard, of Ballyfacey; Larry, Tom and Billy Roche, Haggard; Paul, Mick and John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack; Dick Doherty, Coolnaleen; Martin Murphy, Ballinlammy. Six of the above team have since passed away” (Munster Express, Fri. 29 May 1970, p. 42).
“Old Tug-o’-War Team—the death of Mr. John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack Glenmore, recalls the famous old Ballyfacey tug-o’-war team which won numerous honours at sports fixtures in Leinster and Munster over forty years ago. The team at that time was: John, Paul and Michael Fitzgerald (all brothers); Dick and Jack Doherty, John Aylward, Michael Deady, Pat Power, Bob Grace and Jimmy Dollard. Coach for the team was Maurice Power, of Farnogue. Only three members of the team are now living” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Oct. 1970, p. 27). What may be of interest to readers is the fact that John Fitzgerald was the grandfather of hurler Henry Shevlin who has provided Kilkenny with hours of sporting entertainment.
Members of the Ballyfacey Team
Below is the information we were able to locate regarding the persons named in 1970 as members of the Ballyfacey team. We believe, based on some of the obituaries, that the Ballyfacey team and the Bigwood team combined or perhaps some of the men were members of both teams.
Jack Aylward (1890-1936) was born on 27 August 1890, the son of John Aylward (farmer) and his wife Margaret née Roche of upper Ballyfacey Glenmore. Jack Aylward was locally called “Big Jack Aylward” and he was unmarried farmer. At the time of his death in 1936, at the age of 45, he was the Captain of the Ballyfacey tug of war team. The death register provides that he died on the 6th of February 1936 as patient in Aut Even Hospital of a “decayed molar tooth and cavernous thrombosis.” This is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus cavity. Jack’s obituary is provided on our A Surame Family page.
Michael Deady (1890-1945) was the son of Patrick Deady (farmer) of Ballyfacey and his wife Anastasia Fitzgerald (birth register). In 1932, Michael married Margaret Doherty (1902- 1968) a native of Forristalstown, Glenmore, and the couple had four children. Michael died on the 23rd of January 1945 aged 52, of gastro enteritis toxaemia at the County hospital (death register). The obituaries for Michael and Margaret are on our D Surname Family page.
An article was found in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 March 1928, p. 3) concerning some land Michael purchased, “BIG PRICE FOR FARM—Last week Messrs. O’Gorman and Murphy, auctioneers, New Ross, put up for sale by directions of Mr. George Connors, administrator of the estate of Thomas Connors, deceased, lots 1 & 2 at Ballyfacey, containing a total of 63 ½ acres statute. They realised the big price of £1,255. Bidding was very brisk between several parties. Lot 1, containing 33 acres, 28 perches, was purchased by Mr. Michael Deady, Ballyfacey Upper at £505 and lot 2 of 30 acres by Mr. George O’Connor, Ballyfacey Lower, at £750. This is of particular interest due to a prayer recorded by Danny Dowling which was allegedly recited by Michael’s mother and allegedly overheard and repeated by the Paddy O’Connor family of Ballyfacey. “God Bess me, and my man Pat, make Mariah and Mikey fat, Us four, no more. Amen.” For further information see our post of 11 January 2020 entitled “Glenmore Verses, Rhymes & Lyrics.”
Jack Doherty (1894- 1974) of Coolnaleen (Arbeg) was born on 22 October 1894 to James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Jack married Bridie Wall of Davidstown, Glenmore and they farmed the Wall farm in Davidstown. The couple bought land at Attamore, Slieverue, where the Irish scholar John O’Donohue was born. Jack and Bridie had a large family and he served for over three decades on the Board of Directors of Clover Meat, Ltd. (For further information on John O’Donohue see, our post of 13 March 2021). For further information regarding Jack and his family Jack’s obituary is on our obituary page.
Dick Doherty (1889-1976) of Coolnaleen (Ardbeg) was born on 5 October 1889, the son of James Doherty (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Fitzgerald of Weatherstown. Dick married Bridget Fitzgerald (b. 1890) of Knockbrock, and they had several daughters. Their daughter Jo married John Doherty, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Interesting the obituary of Dick states that he was on the Bigwood Tug of War team. No mention is made of the Ballyfacey team. Dick’s obituary may be found on our obituary page.
James “Jimmy” Dollard (1899-1957) was born to Edward Dollard (farmer) and his wife, Mary née Walsh of Ballyfacey, Glenmore on 17 April 1899. James married Ellen Wash (c. 1879-1957) a native of Glendonnell. The couple farmed at Kellandrew, Mullinavat. James died on the 11th of February 1957 (Munster Express, Fri. 22 Feb. 1957, p. 12) of a sub-arachnoid hemoreage (death register). His widow, Ellen died three months after James on 6 May 1957 aged 78 (Munster Express, Fri. 10 My 1957, p. 22). The couple do not appear to have had any children. James Dollard’s obituary is posted on our Family D Surname page.
Mick Fitzgerald (1887-1968) of Knockbrack , was born on 16 February 1887 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. Michael obtained a farm in Fahee, Mullinavat and in 1914 married Margaret Dungan (c. 1881-1951) of Glendonnell, Mullinavat. Michael also operated a milling business for 34 years but gave up milling in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War when restrictions were imposed. The couple raised a large family. Michael’s obituary is posted on our family F surname page.
John Fitzgerald (1896-1970) of Knockbrack, was also the son of Paul Fitzgerald and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. John was a younger brother of Paul and was aged 15 in the 1911 Census. John married Ellen Vereker (c. 1905-1986) of Davidstown and they had a large family. At the time of John’s death in 1970 there were only 3 members of the team still alive. John’s obituary may be found on our obituary page for a fuller list of his family members.
Paul Fitzgerald (1891-1972) of Knockbrack, was born on 2 May 1891 to Paul Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Freyne of Kilbride. He married Mary Foskin (c. 1914-1999) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. The couple had four children. Paul’s obituary does not mention the Tug of War team. Paul’s obituary can be found on our obituary page.
Jack Kennedy (1908-1970) of Ballinclare was born on 1 March 1908 to Martin Kennedy (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Wall. In the 1911 census Jack had 5 sisters. Jack was a farmer and married Bridget née McDonald (1911-1991). The couple do not appear to have had any children.
Martin Murphy (1906-1969) of Ballinlammy was born on 3 June 1906 the son of Michael Murphy (farmer) and his wife Mary née Brennan. Martin married Elizabeth “Bessie” Gaule (1916-1970 ) of Slievecorrig, Tullogher. Martin died in Waterford of cancer of the liver and a few months later Bessie tragically died. Bessie and Martin’s obituaries and information recorded by Danny Dowling regarding his cousin Martin may be found on our Family M Surname page.
Pat Power—this is a common name with no obvious match in Ballyfacey. Limiting dates of birth still provided multiple candidates.
Larry Roche (1909-1965) of Haggard was born on 15 October 1909 the son of James Roche (farmer) and Catherine née Aylward of Ballyfacey. Larry was a farmer and never married. Although Larry’s obituary highlights the weight throwing contests that he won there is no mention of the Ballyfacey Tug of War team. Larry’s obit may be found on our Family R Surname page.
Tom Roche ( ? ) although the 1970 article above states that Tom Roche was from Haggard no record could be found of a Tom or Billy Roche from Haggard. We did find a Thomas Roche who was born 21 August 1897 at Grogan, the son of Edward Roche (farmer) and his wife Catherine née Delahunty.
Billy Roche –No William or Billy Roche could be found in Haggard. However, we did find a William Roche (1882-1963) of Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was born on 2 September 1882 the son of Robert Roche (farmer) and his wife Anastatia née Phelan of Tullogher. This William Roche died on 30 April 1963 at Curraghmore, Slieverue. William was 80 years old at the time of his death, a retired farmer and widower (Munster Express, Fri. 10 May 1963, p. 18).
Bob Grace—Without a townland listed we are not certain which Bob Grace may have been on the Ballyfacey team. Robert Grace (1902- ? ) of Cappah, Glenmore, was born on 16 November 1902 to Patrick Grace (Police Constable) and his wife Marian née Cody. There was also Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) of Forristalstown, Glenmore who was the son of John Grace (farmer) and his wife, Margaret (née Carroll). This Bob Grace was a publican in Ballybricken, Waterford. For his full obituary of Robert “Bob” Grace (1881-1960) see our obituary page.
Coach Maurice Power (1882-1970) of Farnogue West, Mullinavat, was aged 35 in the 1911 census and was a farmer. Per the birth register he was born Maurice was born on 8 April 1882 at Fannogue (sic) West to John Power (farmer) and his wife Johanna née Boyle. According to Maurice’s obituary he was “coach of the old Bigwood tug of warm team of over 50 years ago, which won many honours in contests including a great victory over the famous Dublin Metropolitan Police team in a competition in Waterford, when the latter side were practically champions of Ireland at that time” (Munster Express, Fr. 23 Jan. 1970, p. 4). No mention is made of him coaching the Ballyfacey team. Maurice was the brother of Tom Power the Ferrybank undertaker.
The featured photo above is courtesy of the Freeman’s Journal (Mon. 5 May 1924, p. 12). Caption–The Dublin Metropolitan police Tug of War team perfecting the famous manoure which won then their victory over the Bristol Police team at Wembly on Sat. Among those present was Prince Henry.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Ballyfacey, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the Glenmore residents of the townland of Ballyfacey, around 1961. However, first a couple of facts concerning 1961. Disney released in 1961 its classic 101 Dalmatians that has stood the test of time. On 13 August 1961, fences began to be erected in Berlin that later became the Berlin wall–which did not stand the test of time.
Place of the Waste Land
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny (1969, p. 109) is Baile an fhásaigh which translated is place of the waste land. Situated in the old civil parish of Kilbride, this townland is divided into upper and lower Ballyfacy. The total acreage of Bllyfacey is 998 acres. According to O’Kelly “a great new forest stretches from Ballyfasey Upper widening through Ballynoony to Glenpipe…and Ballyfacey village nestles near the cross-roads.”
Ballyfacey Irish Field Names
Some of the field names recorded by O’Kelly include:
Bán an bhaile, the village bawn;
Bán ard;
Bán mórl Bán na lao;
Carraig an rointe, rock of the division (but O’Kelly states it might be carraig an rince, rock of the dancing; Croichtin;
Currachs’ Frachans, bilberry land;
Gort nua; Páircín na lao;
Páirc na stille, the spring well field;
Seangharraí; and
Stríoca fada, the long stripes.
Past Blog Posts
Ballyfacey was featured in our previous blog post of 8 March 2020 concerning the failed Ballyfacey evictions in 1885, and on 27 June 2022 we posted a short article on the The School Collection: Ballyfacey National School, Local Heroes.
Danny’s List
Danny Dowling, in 1961 recorded families or households in the townland of Ballyfacey. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 45 people resided in Ballyfacey Upper and 26 in Ballyfacey Lower, for a total of 71 residents. The population the townland was comprised of 35 males and 34 females. There were two children where it was not possible to determine the gender of the children. The John Phelan family was the largest family with thirteen members in the household. There were no households recorded of a single person living alone.
Recorded Residents
Males= 35
Females= 34 (The gender of 2 children not recorded.)
Eldest Recorded Resident= Bridget Walsh née McDonald (27 March 1870-25 Aug. 1961) of Ballyfacey Upper. Bridget died shortly after Danny made his list of residents. At the time of her death in August 1961 Bridget was 91 years of age. Her obituary from the Munster Express has been added to our W family page.
Recorded Occupations
Farmers = 12 ( 9 males including a retired farmer; 3 females)
Farm Workers = 9 (all males)
Co. Council Workers = 2 (males)
Creamery Workers = 1 (male)
Teachers = 1 (male)
Knit Organizer = 1 (female)
Shop Keeper = 1 (female)
RESIDENTS OF BALLYFACEY LOWER, GLENMORE
[1] O’CONNOR
O’Connor, George (9 Jan. 1881) Retired Farmer (dead—no date of death recorded)
O’Connor, Bridget (1 Aug. 1886) wife
O’Connor, John (21 Dec. 1913) son, farmer
O’Connor, Katherine, daughter-in-law
O’Connor, Bridget, granddaughter
[2] O’CONNOR
O’Connor, George (b. 1920) Farmer
O’Connor, Bridget (b. 1925) wife
O’Connor, Mary, daughter
O’Connor, Alice, daughter
O’Connor, Bridget, daughter
O’Connor, Patrick, son
O’Connor, Patrick (b. 1923) brother, creamery worker
[3] PHELAN
Phelan, William (2 Feb. 1902) Farmer
Phelan, James (6 April 1894) brother, farm worker
[4] RYAN/MURPHY
Ryan, Bridget (9 March 1882)
Ryan, John (6 Jan. 1912) son, Council worker
Murphy, Michael, son-in-law, Council worker
Murphy, Catherine, daughter
Murphy, Richard, grandson
Murphy, Bridget, granddaughter
Murphy, Margaret Mary, granddaughter
[5] FREYNE
Freyne, Edward (12 May 1889) Farmer
Freyne, Johanna (11 Feb. 1903) sister
Freyne, Margaret (4 March 1908) sister
[6] McDONALD
McDonald, James (23 June 1914) Farmer
McDonald. Patrick (11 Sept. 1918) brother, farm worker
RESIDENTS OF BALLYFACEY UPPER, GLENMORE
[7] O’MUIRITHE
O’Muirithe, Diarmuid (11 Nov. 1935) School Teacher (Family moved to New Ross)
O’Muirithe, Maire (31 Jan. 1935) wife, knitting organiser
O’Muirithe, Sean
O’Muirithe, Barra
O’Muirithe, (infant)
[8] AYLWARD
Aylward, Mary (2 Nov. 1904) Farmer
Aylward, John, son, farm worker
Aylward, Daniel, son, farm worker
Aylward, Bridget, daughter-in-law
Aylward, Matthew, grandson
Aylward, Mary, granddaughter
Aylward, James, grandson
[9] DEADY
Deady, Margaret (5 Feb. 1902) Farmer
Deady, John, son, farm worker
Deady, Anna, daughter
Deady, Patrick, son, farm worker
Deady, Michael, grandson
[10] DOLLARD
Dollard, James (27 March 1902) farmer
Dollard, Mary (27 May 1910) wife, (died 8 Jan. 1963)
[11] PHELAN
Phelan, John (17 July 1908) Farmer
Phelan, Statia (10 April 1916) wife
Phelan, Michael, son, farm worker
Phelan, Kathleen, daughter
Phelan, Mary, daughter
Phelan, John, son
Phelan, Denis, son
Phelan, James, son
Phelan, Noreen, daughter
Phelan, Thomas, son
Phelan, Anastatia, daughter
Phelan, Eileen, daughter
Phelan, Bridget, daughter
[12] WALSH
Walsh, Richard (8 Dec. 1913) Farmer
Walsh, Kathleen (15 Nov. 1914) wife
Walsh, Breda, daughter
Walsh, Philip, son, farm worker
Walsh, Thomas, son, farm worker
Walsh, Richard, son
Walsh, Andrew, son
Walsh, Bridget (27 March 1870) mother
[13] DUNPHY
Dunphy, Mary (27 March 1902) Farmer (died 24 Aug. 1961)
Dunphy, Richard, son, farm worker
Dunphy, Eileen, daughter-in-law
[14] YOUNG/O’LEARY
Young, Johanna (13 Aug. 1890) (died 9 Oct. 1960?)
O’Leary, Kate (25 Dec. 1910) niece, shopkeeper
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh