Danny Dowling (1927-2021)
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The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
Most of the following was gleaned from the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 14 Oct. 1882, p. 3) reporting on the quarter sessions for the Piltown district of Thomastown division, held in the Piltown courthouse, on Tuesday 10 October 1882. Mr. de Moleyns, Q.C., was the chair and county court judges, accompanied by Peter McDermott, J.P., Registrar and deputy clerk of the peace were present. There were 140 processes served for the sessions. In addition to several civil cases, the magistrates just after noon heard, spirit license applications, and one of the applications was for Glenmore Village.
The Spirit License Application Hearings
Magistrates were not professional lawyers or judges. L.N. Izod, D.L. was the chair and twelve other magistrates joined him including: Alexander Hamilton; H. Charles Gregory; Edmund H. Maude; Dawson A. Milward; Peter Walsh, J.C. Elliott; W.H. Bolger; Matthew R. Stephenson; James A. Blake; John T. Seigne; Henry Smith, R.M.; and Col. Villiers Stuart.
There were 15 spirit license cases listed in the newspaper. There was one application withdrawn, seven involved new licenses and seven involved the transfer of an existing license. All seven transfer of license applications were granted. Only one of the new license applications was granted for Ballyclovin. Today, we are going to examine the application that took the longest time to hear. It was the application of John Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore Village. Thanks to Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) we know that the pubs in Glenmore were shut by the then Parish Priest in about 1870.
The Opposing Solicitor and his Glenmore Ties
The two solicitors in the Glenmore application case were Arthur J. Boyd, a Kilkenny City solicitor, for the applicant, and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) a Waterford solicitor, in opposition to the application. [Although Thomas Fitzgerald Strange lived in Waterford two of his children resided in Glenmore parish at this time. His children inherited holdings from his brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) upon his death in 1872. Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) inherited Aylwardstown and Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) inherited Rochestown.]
The Glenmore Application
Mr. Boyd applied on behalf of John Hanrahan, of Robinstownm Glenmore, for a new license for his house situated in “that now model village.” From the newspaper account it is not clear why Glenmore was referred to as a “now model village.” The term “model village” was used by the Victorians to describe villages built by industrialists for their workers, see generally “From Factory to Fireside” (2017) The Historic England Blog.
Mr. Strange said that he appeared to oppose the application on behalf of the Earl of Bessborough, “the lord of the soil.” [Although Robinstown township was owned by the Earl of Bessborough he did not own the adjoining townlands of Graiguenakill or Cappagh. Glenmore Village straddles the three townlands and Mr. Hanrahan’s house was the last house in Robinstown. The Fluskey shop was adjacent to Hanrahan’s house in Graiguenakill.]
Mr. Boyd noted that Lord Bessborough had no right to oppose the application, as he was not a resident or a householder in Glenmore. He had no locus standi in the hearing to oppose the application.
Mr. Strange conceded the point and stated, “Very well. I oppose on behalf of a large number of the inhabitants of Glenmore, including the Rev. Edward Farrell, parish priest, and his curate, the Rev. Mr. Corcoran.”
Testimony of John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore
John Hanrahan was then sworn and was examined by Mr. Boyd. John Hanrahan testified that he was seeking a license for his house that was located about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack at Glenmore, and it was next to the sessions’ house. He explained that the road sessions were held next door at least once a year. [A Council room was in Fluskey’s in an upstairs large meeting room.] John Hanrahan noted that there was no public house in Glenmore Village, but “refreshment” was occasionally brought there by vans from Waterford and New Ross. Several people had expressed a wish to have a respectable house of refreshment in Glenmore Village.
John Hanrahan was then cross-examined by Mr. Strange. John Hanrahan stated that he was never fined yet for being drunk. He denied that he went to the parish priest’s house and kicked the hall door. He stated that one night while on his way home from town, he was passing the house when the Priest’s dogs ran at and attacked him. John Hanrahan stated that he “of course hunted them back as well as I could.” John Hanrahan continued that the parish priest keeps very wicked dogs and he “should be very sorry indeed to kick my parish priest’s door, or do anything else that would annoy his reverence.”
Mr. Strange asked John Hanrahan if he was aware that a “memorial” against his license application had been extensively signed by the inhabitants of Glenmore? John Hanrahan stated that people were coerced to sign it.
Testimony of Constable Michael Reilly, formerly of Glenmore R.I.C.
The next witness called was Constable Michael Reilly, of the James’s street station in Kilkenny. He was examined on behalf of the applicant, John Hanrahan. Michael Reilly stated that he was stationed in Glenmore for about 12 months in the years 1880-1881. During that time he knew John Hanrahan, who was a respectable man, “and against whom he never heard anything wrong.” He went on to explain that during the Land League agitation the applicant, had “lent his car—for hire of course—to the police on duty in the district.” He agreed that the Hanrahan house was about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack.
During Constable Reilly’s time in Glenmore there were seven convictions against the keepers of shebeens in the district, and one woman was fined £2 for that offence. [For further information on Glenmore shebeens see our post of 31 March 2020. For further information on the infamous Biddy “the Flies” Whelan who was fined £2 see our post of 5 April 2020. ]
An un-named sub-constable stationed in Glenmore was examined, but his evidence was that a public house in Glenmore Village would be “the cause of strife and disorder there.” [For information on faction fighting see our post of 20 May 2021.]
Disallowed Statement of Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P. Glenmore
Mr. Strange sought to put into evidence a letter written by Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P., in opposition to the application. Mr. Boyd objected to the letter on the grounds that the writer was not present to be cross examined and the document had not been sent to the clerk of the peace for the purpose of being placed on the files of the court.
Mr. Walsh thought that the letter of the Rev. Fr. Farrell was perfectly legal evidence, and should be received. “The learned chairman, held otherwise,” and it was not admitted into evidence. [It was hearsay.]
Rev. Michael Corcoran C.C. Glenmore
The Rev. Michael Corcoran, R.C.C., Glenmore was examined by Mr. Strange. Fr. Corcoran stated that there were public houses in Glenmore Village, “and they were the cause of much strife and fighting between the inhabitants and frequenters of the Village.” “In fact, the fighting was brought into the parish chapel.” Fr. Corcoran opined that if a public house was now to be established …it would tend to excite the worst passions of the people and incite a loyal and law-abiding population to the commission of many crimes.” It was on that ground principally that Fr. Corcoran and other inhabitants signed the memorial opposing the application.
Fr. Corcoran when cross-examined by Mr. Boyd stated that the only reason the parish priest was not present in court to object to the application was because he was ill and unable to attend. Fr. Corcoran conceded that the memorial was signed in the sacristy of the chapel, but there was no coercion needed to obtain signatures. He also admitted that the persons signing the memorial were not all householders in the Village.
Mr. Boyd remarked, “We all know how easy it is to obtain signatures to a memorial. Every little boy and girl in the village will sign a memorial if asked to do so.” Fr. Corcoran argued that “every signature to that memorial is a bone fide signature, and most of them are signatures of respectable farmers residing in the district.”
Mr. Strange in an effort to move away from the memorial stated, “I believe the Village of Glenmore was the scene of many a faction fight and much bloodshed in the old days when there were public houses?” Fr. Corcoran agreed, “It was, and the bad feeling created was brought into the parish chapel.” When questioned by Mr. Boyd whether this was from his personal knowledge Fr. Corcoran conceded that it was not. “No, but I have head it from a source which can be relied upon just as if I had pledged my oath here to the truth of the statement.”
It is surmised that to make such a statement he must have heard it from the Parish Priest, Fr. Edward Farrell. Per Danny Dowling’s list of Glenmore Clergy, we know that Fr. Corcoran was C.C. from 1879 to 13 June 1885. Fr. Edward O’Farrell (sic) was C.C. from 1871 to August 1874 when he became Parish Priest.
Legal Points of Public Interest
The evidence concluded. The chairman after consulting with the other magistrates said that before announcing the decision of the court there was a matter of public importance that had arose during the hearing. Mr. Strange sought to introduce a written statement from Rev. Edward Farrell. The section of the Act of Parliament states that any person objecting to the granting of such applications “Shall be at liberty to transmit in writing to the clerk of the peace, or orally to state to such justices in sessions assembled.” The Rev. Edward Farrell had not transmitted any statement in writing in respect of this application to the clerk of the peace, and he was not here to state orally his objections. Therefore, it was proper to refuse the written statement as evidence.
The chairman also stated that one of the magistrates had expressed his opinion that evidence that the applicant had supplied cars to the police should have been excluded. The chair noted that had he refused to supply cars it would have been brought up as proof of his bad character and not a fit person to be entrusted with a license. The evidence was properly admitted.
Having referred to the two evidential matters of public importance, the justices were unanimous in their decision to reject the application. What is not clear from the newspaper account of the hearing was whether the memorial signed by persons outside the village of Glenmore was admitted into evidence given that the people who signed it were not in court that day (except Fr. Corcoran) and there was no mention of it having been provided to the clerk of the peace before the hearing.
John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore Village
John Hanrahan was the son of Denis Hanrahan and his wife Bridget Gaffney of the Mill, Glenmore Village. John was baptized at Glenmore on 9 February 1843. John like his father Denis was a cooper. The family resided in the house later occupied by Danny Dowling.
John Hanrahan married his first wife Mary Cashen, of Ballycroney, Glenmore on 19 July 1870. The couple had four known children between 1871 and 1878. Mary died of TB in 1878 at the age of 40 just 4 months after her daughter Katie was born. John on 10 February 1881 married Ellen Mullins (c. 1841-1927) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. In addition to raising John’s children the couple also raised 3 of their 6 orphaned nephews: Patrick, James and Richard Hanrahan. [See our post of 27 August 2015 regarding the orphaned Hanrahan brothers and our post of 6 Dec. 2020].
Ironically, sometime before 1901 John Hanrahan moved to a ruin of a house opposite the Glenmore chapel which was the site of a previous pub run by Nellie Grawsheen (Grace) which was closed by the Parish Priest around 1870. John Hanrahan rebuilt the house and opened a shop. Hanrahan family members to this day still reside there.
It was only in 1963 that Glenmore gained a pub when an existing license was approved to be transferred from Cork to Glenmore. For further information see our post of 8 May 2023.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
In the featured old postcard of Glenmore Village, John Hanrahan’s house in 1882 was the second from the right in front of which two boys are playing. The first building from the right is Fluskey’s shop and post office.
From Danny’s Files: Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. of Slieverue-Glenmore
In one of the numerous files of Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021), was a short handwritten note on the back of an envelope. The note Danny wrote was a copy of a short letter to the editor of the Waterford Mirror (Mon. 18 Oct 1824, p. 3) newspaper. The Letter to the Editor was written in 1824 by Rev. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) the Parish Priest of the combined Slieverue and Glenmore parish. Glenmore did not become a separate parish until 1846.
Parishioners of Forristalstown, Glenmore
” TO THE EDITOR OF THE WATERFORD MIRROR—Dear Sir—Your insertion of the following in your very useful paper, would, we think here, be productive of much good, as an example to others to act similarly.
On Monday night, in the great storm, a lighter, with 400 casks of butter, from Ross for Waterford, was swamped in the river of Ross, at Forrestalstown, in my parish, near Glenmore. All the butter went afloat. By the exertions of the honest poor farmers, some of them having boats, they were all recovered, save six, four of which seen tossing about the County Wexford side; I hope they will be recovered. 100 of the casks were consigned to a respectable merchant in Waterford, who in a note to me acknowledges the receipt of 98 of them, with grateful thanks to the people. His note was read from our Altars this day, with which country people seemed much pleased. I am Sir, with respect, your very humble Servant, John Fitzpatrick, P.P. Slieverue, County Kilkenny, October 17, 1824.“
Rev. Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835) P.P. Slieverue & Glenmore
According to the list of curates that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) compiled from 1770-1904 (available on this website) “Rev. John Fitzpatrick (PP Slieverue) was a curate from June 1799 to beginning of 1806.” From a newspaper article from 1817, we know that Fr. John Fitzpatrick was a native of Deerpark, Co. Laois. He was the son of Patrick Fitzpatrick (c. 1713-1817) who was said to have died at the age of 104 in 1817 (Freeman’s Journal, Fri. 24 Oct. 1817, p. 4). Patrick Fitzpatrick “up to the period of his dissolution, he retained the full and uninterrupted use of his mental facilities, and he was never confined by sickness until within six weeks of his dissolution.” Until this “confinement” he walked regularly to Mountrath to Mass.
We could find no record of Fr. Fitzpatrick’s birth, but according to Rev. William Canon Carrigan’s (1860-1924) authoritative history of the Diocese of Ossory Fr. John Fitzpatrick was 77 when he died on 27 November 1835 (Carrigan (1905) The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory, Vol. 4, Ch. X, p. 212).
“DEAD–At his home Valetta, County Kilkenny, at an advanced age, the Rev. John Fitzpatrick, for many years P.P. of Slieverue and Glenmore, in the diocese of Ossory. For about 40 years, first as Curate and afterwards Priest, he discharged parochial functions in that period with the kindest liberality and the most unwearied zeal. In his intercourse with general society his conduct was equally commendable” (Waterford Mail, Wed. 2 Dec. 1835, p. 3).
We know that Fr. Fitzpatrick did not enjoy the same robust health as his father. Seven years before Fr. Fitzpatrick’s death it was reported that he was unwell and not able to celebrate Mass in the new Ferrybank Chapel. “On last Sunday mass was celebrated, for the first time, in the new chapel, in the parish of Slieverue, county of Kilkenny, opposite the Quay. The Rev. Nicholas Carroll, P.P. of Mooncoin, officiated, in the absence of Rev. John Fitzpatrick, the parish clergyman, who is suffering under indisposition” (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 21 Jan. 1830, p.3).
William Canon Carrigan (1860-1924) on Fr. John Fitzpatrick
Thanks to William Canon Carrigan we know where Fr. John Fitzpatrick worked and when he was born and ordained. Carrigan provides that The Very Rev. John Fitzpatrick, was a nephew of the Rev. Edmund Fitzpatrick, P.P. Castletown. Fr. John Fitzpatrick was ordained by Dr. Troy, on 6 March 1784. He was C.C. Upperwoods from 1789 to 1791, and subsequently of Gowran, Thomastown and Slieverue. He became P.P. of Slieverue early in 1806 and was Canon of Tascoffin for many years. “He died 27 November 1835 in the 77th year of his age and 52nd in his priesthood. He is buried in Slieverue chapel” (Carrigan, p. 212). For further information on William Canon Carrigan see our post of 17 Sept. 2023.
John O’Donovan (1806-1861) on Fr. John Fitzpatrick
Ben Murtagh, archaelogist wrote an interesting article “Kilmurry Castle and Other Related Sites in Slieverue Parish,” ((2000) Old Kilkenny Review, p. 100) in which he revealed what John O’Donovan wrote about Fr. John Fitzpatrick. “By the early nineteenth century, the drunkeness and fighting associated with patterns, was becoming a source of embarrassment to the newly emerging Roman Catholic establishment in the country.” John O’Donovan the eminent Irish scholar was born and reared in Slieverue, and his mother was from what would become the Parish of Glenmore. For further information on John O’Donovan see our posts of 18 February 2024 (childhood) and 21 April 2024 (Conawee legend).
Murtagh stated, “John O’Donovan (1841 Letters Re: 1839 Ordinance Survey, Kilkenny (Typescript Bray, 1930, p. 95) tells us that the pattern in Kilmurry was abolished in his own memory by the Rev. John Fitzpatrick, parish priest of Glenmore and Slieverue (1806-35), who was a great admirer of modern civilization and not at all given to superstition unless as far as he could make use of it to make the Rahingure people pay him dues. His predecessors however, who were men of the old school, the Revd. Richard Coady, alias Archdeacon, Dr. Stephen Lower, the greatest ecclesiastic that Ida ever produced, were accustomed to say Mass near this well on Lady Day in August…”
We believe that the Rahingure–where Fr. Fitzpatrick would use superstition to get the people to pay him dues–refers to Rathinure, Glenmore. For further information on Dr. Stephen Lower (c. 1727-1800) the Saviour of Slieverue see our post of 11 November 2020. Lastly, one of the articles that Danny Dowling co-authored is cited in Murtagh’s article and the author thanked Danny and others for their help. .
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The drawing above is from the Slieverue Chaper in William Canon Carrigan’s The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory (Vol. 4, p. 243).
Family Tree Workshop 2026 Photos & Forms
To honour Danny Dowling’s 99th birthday we held a Family Tree Workshop in the Glenmore Community Hall last Sunday. Thanks to Noah Bradfield for the photos of participants. Based on the number of packets given out there were 27 participants. We hope that everyone came away with new information to help them discover their Glenmore ancestors.
If you were unable to attend here are the forms that were given out.
[1] Family Tree
This is a drawing to record your ancestors. This particular tree was downloaded from a free site, so visit a few and see which tree you prefer. Regardless of what tree you choose, I recommend using a pencil because you will find it necessary to correct and update information. Where to begin? Start with what you know.
[1.1] YOU–Place your name (one line 1) on the left, and dates of your (b) birth and (m) marriage under your name. Dates are usually written as 23 June 1978 or 1 Sept. 1779. This avoids confusion.
[1.2] YOUR PARENTS–The two lines immediately to the right of your name (lines 2 and 3) are for your parents. Your father’s name goes on the upper line (2) and your mother’s name on the lower line (3). It is up to you whether you use your mother’s maiden name or married name. If you use your mother’s married name put née [maiden name] below her name. Example Margaret Reilly née Aylwards. Between your mother and father place the date of their marriage (m. 19 Oct. 1955).
[1.3] YOUR GRANDPARENTS–There are four lines for your grandparents. Two are linked to each of your parents. Therefore, your father’s parents fill the upper two of the four lines. Your paternal grandfather is on the top. The bottom two lines are for your mother’s father and mother.
[2] RESOURCE SHEET
Most people do ok up to their grandparents, but are not sure of their great-grandparents or their grandparents birth, death and marriage dates. This leads us to our resource sheet packed with Irish resources to help you begin to uncover information. Some of the free sites that are the most helpful are the census of 1911 and 1901 as well as IrishGeneology.ie . However, one of the best resources for finding information is from older family members or neighbours, family headstones etc. Most people are quite happy to talk about the past. Please note GDPR applies to Church Records.
RESOURCES
[2.1] St. James Cemetery
Some headstones provide a lot of information. Some of it is wrong. A lot of ages are wrong. Prior to 1860 the government did not record birth or death records. Thus, parish records are often your only source prior to 1860. However, GDPR—stops the State and clergy from providing information in line with what is released by Irish Genealogy.ie (see below). Note in some early marriages the residence of the groom was recorded as the same as the bride where the marriage was celebrated. If the couple had children their residence at birth provides an avenue to record a family that moved.
Helpful Hint—a date of death usually gives you an approximate birth year for checking the parish registers. Glenmore civil records (birth, death and marriages) before 1920 are listed with Waterford and thereafter Thomastown. Helpful Hint—deaths are recorded where the person died not where s/he lived.
[2.2] glenmore-history.com
To use this site for family research a laptop or computer is best. If you do not have access to a laptop or computer both the Ferrybank and New Ross libraries have computers which are free of charge to use with a library card. Library cards are free of charge, and the card can be used at any public library. Check the surname pages for obituaries, interviews recorded by Danny and newspaper articles etc. (Married women are generally listed under their married names, with maiden names provided if known. Then check their maiden name).
In addition to the weekly blog articles, there are also lists of members of the Old Glenmore IRA, farmers etc. The blog also has a search feature that will locate up to 10 references for you. Place the name you are researching in “ “ to limit your search to that individual.
Townlands—to access most records and to ensure you have the correct record, you must determine where your ancestor lived. The townlands have been very fluid. See the list of Glenmore townlands with Civil Parishes and Danny Dowling’s 1961 list of residents.
Connecting—to see other people researching various parish names e.g. Fitzgerald etc.
Roots—contains headstone inscriptions from old cemeteries, longer obits, memory cards.
Useful Links to Online Resources—includes Danny’s publications, maps, census links etc.
[2.3] Libraries
Kilkenny Library–Online https://kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/our_services/local_studies/
Ferrybank Library 051 897200 or email ferrybank@kilkennylibrary.ie They have a number of books of local interest but also have free access to on line old newspapers. Not all old newspapers are on line. However, the main libraries in Kilkenny City and Waterford have old newspapers on micro film or fiche that are free to search.
New Ross Library 053 91 96722 or email newrosslib@wexfordcoco.ie They have books of local interest, and free access to on line old newspapers including the New Ross Standard (has more computers, book to ensure a seat).
[2.4] Irish Genealogy.ie
Civil Records – Civil Records of Births, Marriages and Deaths are the official State records of Births, Marriages and Deaths in Ireland.
- Birth 1864-1924
- Marriages 1845- 1944
- Deaths 1871- 1974
[2.5] Parish Records
Glenmore Parish Register—see https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0987
Site contains marriages from 1831 to June 1883; Baptisms from 1831 to 1880
Slieverue Parish Register—before Glenmore became a parish it was part of Slieverue see, https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/1031 Note that it states Slieverue is in the Diocese of Ossory, in County Waterford…this is because the postal address was Waterford. Baptisms from 1766 on; Deaths from Dec. 1766 to 1799; & Marriages 1766 on. The records particularly the death records are not complete.
A free on-line index is available findmypast.ie (Beware it is a pay site & offers free trials that may lead to an unwanted subscription.)
[2.6] Census Records
1901 and 1911 are available and 1925 is due to be released this year. Remember to check the townlands to ensure you get the correct Pat Walsh. See https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-census/
[3] Other sites or services
Family search.org is a free international site maintained by the Mormons. It holds a variety of Irish records and indexes.
There are a number of paid or subscription cites and services. Some have free access for two weeks to allow you access to test the site/service. It is a good idea to have a number of searches before you try the service. One of the most helpful is ROOTSIRELAND.ie. It has Baptismal and Marriage Church records across the country. BEWARE—many people rely on the research done by others and can be led astray. Always check and satisfy yourself regarding your ancestor. The record closer in time to the actual event is usually the more reliable. For example, a baptismal record is closer in time to a birth than an inscription date on a headstone or recorded in an obit.
[3] RESEARCH RECORD SHEET
I developed the third sheet to manage all the ancestors with the same or similar names and to stop researching what I previously found. Often I would perform family research in the winter and put it to the side in the summer. Then when I started researching again I would end up looking up something I previously found. Thus, for each ancestor I was trying to locate I filled out one of these sheets. Often when it is difficult to find an ancestor they might be located through a sibling or child. On this sheet you can record everything for an ancestor in one place.
Looking Ahead
We are seeking ideas for what we can do in 2027 to honour Danny Dowling’s 100th birthday. If you have any suggestions please email them to glenmore.history@gmail.com or give them to Pat Dowling.
Again thanks to Noah and the Glenmore Tidy Towns team that helped last Sunday and to everyone who helped by providing information or mentored a person beginning their family tree.
If you need a hand looking up an ancestor just send an email to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Family Tree Workshop & Upcoming Lecture
You are cordially invited to a beginners’ workshop on tracing your family tree to take place on
Sunday the 15th of February
from 2 to 4
in the Glenmore Community Hall.
This workshop is to mark our founder Danny Dowling’s 99th birthday. All you need to bring is a pencil. Printed blank family trees, family worksheets and a resource sheet will be provided as well as tea and birthday cake.
Any one with knowledge of local families as well as anyone who has experience doing family research is invited to attend to help the beginners get started.
Glenmore Golden Heritage Signs
This workshop is sponsored by glenmore.history.com and Glenmore Tidy Towns. Next month we will be adding more Glenmore Golden signs to mark 5 more historical sites around the parish. If you would like to nominate a historical site for a Glenmore Golden sign please email glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Kilkenny Archaeology Society’s 2026 Lecture
On Wednesday the 18th of March 2026, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. a lecture will be held in Rothe House in Kilkenny City. The lecture is on the archaeology & landscape in Kilkenny. What may interest readers is that the recent archaeological investigations on the New Ross by-pass will be covered. It is my understanding that such a discovery was unearthed near the Glenmore roundabout. The cost of the lecture is €10.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured family tree above is courtesy of The New York Public Library’s Digital Collection. Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. (1800 – 1910). Family tree. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/fb379be0-c574-012f-2218-58d385a7bc34
From Glenmore to Ontario, Canada: Maurice Denn (1825-1873)
Today, we are going to outline the life of a Rochestown, Glenmore man who was born just over 200 years ago. Maurice Denn was baptized at Rochestown, Glenmore on 16 January 1825. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2023) the Denn’s were major local landholders before Cromwell, however Maurice Denn was born into more humble circumstances. We know very little about Maurice Denn’s early life except what can be gleaned from parish records.
Parents & Godparents
Maurice Denn was the son of Morgan Denn and his wife Margaret Mullally of Rochestown, Glenmore. Maurice, and particularly Morgan, are not common Glenmore first names. It may be the case that the names passed down from more affluent times. Maurice’s godparents in 1825 were Patrick Dollard and Catherine Mullally. We believe that Maurice’s godfather was later to become Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) who went to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and built St. Mary’s Cathedral. See our post of 23 February 2025 regarding Rev. Patrick Dollard.
We believe that Maurice’s godmother Catherine Mullally, of Rochestown, married Garrett Murphy on 18 February 1828 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were Daniel Sullivan and Morgan Den (sic) Maurice’s father. Per the baptismal records of their two eldest children, Garret and Catherine Murphy resided at Glasshouse in Slieverue. In 1838, the address for their third child was recorded as Newtown, and Mary Denn was her godmother. The following year their address was Ferrybank. In 1841 their address was Slip, Ferrybank. In reviewing Kingston, Ontario mid 19th Century records all of these surnames are present.
Siblings
Morgan Denn and Margaret Mullally of Rochestown were married on 11 January 11, 1822 at Glenmore. The following children were found in parish records.
[1] Mary Denn, bapt. 11 May 1823
[2] Maurice Denn, bapt 16 Jan. 1825 (mother recorded as Mary Murry)
[3] Elizabeth Denn, bapt. 12 Aug. 1827
[4] Ellen Din (sic), bapt 21 May 1831 (Ellen Denn married Patrick Henneberry & was the mother of Maurice Henneberry (1859-1917). See our post of 14 Dec. 2025 for further information).
[5] Catherine Denn, bapt. 1834
Emigration to Kingston, Ontario, Canada
It isn’t clear when Maurice Denn emigrated to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, but he did marry Ellen Brennan (c.1816-1892) on 5 February 1852 in Ontario, Canada. The priest performing the marriage ceremony was Fr. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) another Rochestown, Glenmore native, and we believe was Maurice’s godfather. The bride was the daughter of Patrick Brennan (deceased) and Mary Healy from the Parish of Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.
Although we located Mary Brenan (sic) (b. 1802), at Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget, for this couple we could not locate Ellen. Our date of birth for Ellen is solely based on her published obituary although we note the 1871 Census states that she was 35 or born around 1836. However, the 1871 Census also provides that Maurice was 38 or born in 1833 and we know he was actually born in 1825. The 1871 Census also reveals that Ellen Denn née Brennan could not read or write and this may have hampered her recall of her birthdate and/or age.
Employment
The Kingston, Ontario City Directory 1857-1858 (p. 34) provides that Maurice was employed for a time as a guard at the Provincial Penitentiary and resided on Block Street. There are only three entries for Denn in the City Directory.
Denn, M.H., Brock St.
Denn, Maurice, guard, Provincial Penitentiary, Brock St.
Denn, William, gentleman, 30 Gore Street
In reviewing the 1873-1874 Kingston City Directory and Vicinity (p. 16) it soon became apparent that William and Maurice Denn were not probably related.
Denn, Maurice, res. Bay St., Grocers and Provisions
Denn, William, res Sydenham St., Sexton W.M. Church [Wesleyan Methodist]
William was a Sexton for the Sydenham Street Methodist Church, which was established in Kingston in 1852. By this time Maurice was living on Bay St. and was employed with respect to “grocers & provisions.” Contemporary newspapers report that Maurice Denn owned a tavern (Kingston Whig Standard, Thur. 18 April 1872, p. 3).
1872 Publications
Maurice Denn was 47 in 1872 and the following newspaper articles show one of his interests. This year also represented the last before the family experienced an era of tragedies.
The British Whig (Tue. 16 Jan. 1872, p. 3) reported that Mary Connell was charged with vagrancy and larceny. She admitted that she stole two buffalo robes from the sleigh of Mr. Maurice Denn. The robes were not recovered because the prisoner would not tell how she disposed of the robes.
The British Whig (Mon. 26 Aug. 1872, p. 2) under the title Aquatics reported that a four oared race of three miles for $40 a side was to take place on Monday evening at five o’clock in the harbour, providing the water is till. The strokes of the crews are Messrs. Maurice Denn and John Dacey. The amateurs are practicing up for the contest, with the two outrigger boats lately stored at O’Gorman’s. The course was from Cataraqui Bridge to the buoy off Morton’s Wharf and back.
Death of Maurice Denn (1825-1873) and Ellen Denn née Brennan (c. 1816 -1892)
The following short newspaper death notice was found in The British Whig (Thu. 18 Dec. 1873, p. 2). “In Kingston, Dec. 17th Mr. Morrice (sic) Denn, aged 45 years. The funeral will take place on tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from his late residence, Bay Street, to St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend.”
Almost twenty years later Maurice’s widow died. The following death notice was published inThe Weekly British Whig (Thu. 9 June 1892, p. 1). “Denn—In Kingston, on June 1st, Ellen, relict of the late Maurice Denn, native of the county Kilkenny, Ireland, aged 76 years.” At the time of Ellen’s death only her daughter Margaret survived her.
Children of Maurice Denn & Ellen Denn née Brennan
Three children were found in the Denn household in the 1871 Census. Two were born to the couple, and the third child was recorded as adopted. Although recorded as adopted the child retained the surname Burke.
[1] Patrick Denn was born on 30 Oct. 1852 and died from drowning on 3 July 1879 at the age of 27. The British Whig (Fri. 4 July 1879, p. 3) “SAD DROWNING CASE—Last evening about 9 p.m. an accident of a very painful character occurred just after the barge “Minnie” loaded with cordwood had passed through the locks at Kingston Mills. A young man named Patrick Denn, aged about 22 years, was busily engaged in coiling some rope near the cabin; while engaged in pulling the rope it came too suddenly and he slipped, tumbling overboard.”
“A board was thrown from the barge to him, but he was so much exhausted as to be unable to reach it. The barge was stopped and an active search made for the body which was found about an hour afterwards. He was brought to the city and tenderly carried to the home of his widowed mother, on Bay Street. The young man was well known in the city, and was highly respected by his companions. He was formerly employed in Conroy’s store on Market Square. His sister left this morning on the ‘Maud’ for Watertown, and has been telegraphed for.”
[2] Margaret Denn (1854-1892)–On 9 February 1880, William McQuaid and Margaret Denn were married in Kingston. The groom was the son of Wm. McQuaid and his wife, Mary O’Neil. Three years after their marriage, Margaret and William McQuaid were witnesses when her adopted sister Mary Burke married.
In the 1891 Census Margaret and William McQuaid had four children comprised of one girl and three boys. William was employed as a “Miller of Sounding Boards for Pianos.” [2a] Mary McQuaid was born about 1883; [2b] Parnell McQuaid was born about 1884; [2c] Maurice McQuaid was born about 1885 and [2d] John McQuaid was born about 1888. Also in the household in 1891 was Margaret’s mother, Ellen Denn née Brennan, who reported that she was 78 years of age. A fifth child was recorded in the 1900 U.S. Census [2e] Katie McQuaid who was reported as having been born in May 1890.
Margaret McQuaid née Denn died on 2 November 1892 of TB in Kingston, Ontario. Margaret died just 5 months after her mother died. Margaret McQuaid née Denn had in 20 years suffered the loss of her only brother, her father, her sister and her mother. Her husband was left with 5 young children under 10 to rear.
Apparently soon after his wife’s death, William moved with his children to Chicago Illinois. The 1900 U.S. Census provides that he was a 48 year-old widower born in Canada and both his parents were also born in Canada. We know this is not correct. He alleged that his youngest child, Katie was born in May 1890, but the child is not reflected on the Canadian 1891 Census. All four of the other children are present in Chicago, and Parnell, Maurice and William are employed as piano makers. William recorded that the family immigrated in 1892 and he was a naturalised citizen.
William McQuaid apparently died on 7 October 1904 in Chicago and at that time his occupation was saloon keeper. For further information see William McQuaid’s grave information available at findagrave.
[3] Mary Burke (1857-1889) per the 1871 Census, was adopted by Maurice and Ellen Denn. Mary Burke was born at Kingston on 15 April 1857. Her parents were John Burke and Margaret Delaney. Her parents were married on 17 April 1856. Fr. Patrick Dollards performed the marriage and noted that the witnesses were George Russell, James Burke, and Mrs. Ellen Denn (née Brennan). The groom was the son of James Burke (stone mason) and his wife Bridget Brennan and the bride was the daughter of James Delaney and Mary Brennan.
Mary Burke was born one year after her parent’s marriage. Her godmother was Mrs. Ellen Denn née Brennan. Her mother Margaret Burke née Delaney (c.1834-1859) died on 14 July 1859 at the age of 25. Her mother’s death notice states that she was a native of County Kilkenny (The Kingston Whig Standard (Sat. 16 July 1859, p. 2). Fr. Patrick Dollard conducted Margaret Burke née Delaney’s funeral and noted that she was interred in the presence of John Burke, George Russell and Maurice Denn and others. A headstone in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery of Kingston provides that Margaret Delaney died 14 July 1859 at the age of 25 and was a native of Toor Parish, Ballyragget, Kilkenny, Ireland. See findagrave to view the headstone.
Mary Burke married Patrick McKenty on 16 April 1883. Her parents were listed as John Burke and Margaret Delaney. Witnesses to the wedding were Wm. McQuade and Margaret McQuade (née Denn). Patrick McKenty was 33 years of age and the son of John McKenty and Mary Carr. The groom was born on Amherst Island, Canada.
After only six years of marriage, Mary McKenty née Burke tragically died on 23 June 1889 of Consumption [TB]. She was just 31 years and 9 months old when she died, and we believe she left three small children. The Kingston Whig Standard (Wed. 10 July 1889, p. 2) published a short article. “Much regret is expressed in Kingston circles over the untimely death of Mrs. P. McKenty, (nee Mary Burke) in your city. The deceased lady was not only well known but highly thought of by a multitude of former Kingstonians, now citizens of Chicago.”
Other Family Deaths
In the course of trying to unravel Maurice Denn’s family we came across a two related notices or obituaries.
Margaret Delaney née Brennan (c. 1834-1859) [mother of Mary Burke] The Kingston Whig Standard (Sat. 16 July 1859, p. 2) published “Died—In Kingston, on the 14th of July, Mrs. Margaret Delaney, wife of Mr. John Burke, aged 25 years a native of the County Kilkenny, Ireland. The funeral was held from the residence of Mr. John Burke on William Street.”
Patrick McKenty (c.1847-1912) (widower of Mary McKenty née Burke died 23 years after his wife)The Daily Standard (Mon. 30 Dec. 1912, p. 2) published a short obituary. “The remains of the late Patrick McKenty, who died in Hamilton last week, were brought to this city on Sunday afternoon for burial. The late Mr. McKenty was well known in Kingston, where for many years he resided and where he was accustomed of late to spend his winters. He was 65 years of age and always enjoyed the best of health. His death was quite unexpected. Survived by son John of Hamilton and two daughters. Mrs. V.C. Joyce of Fort William and Mrs. (Dr.) Keating of Chicago.”
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The feature photo is an old postcard of St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario.
The postcard of Kingston Market Square is c. 1902 and is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Market Square and City Hall, Kingston, Ont.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 8, 2026. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/9fca5540-c62c-012f-9bb0-58d385a7bc34
From Danny’s Files: The 1985 Interview of Dinny Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
On 11 January 2026 we posted an article about Frank Meehan who was a Glenmore stone breaker. Today, we will highlight additional information that Denis “Dinny” Murphy gave Danny Dowling (1927-2021). Danny interviewed Dinny Murphy on Saturday, 16 March 1985 after the funeral of Nora Holden Morrissey (c. 1920-1985) a native of Clune, Glenmore. Further information regarding Nora Morrissey née Holden is below. Dinny died the year following his interview with Danny. Dinny never married, and his interview is contains some interesting nick names used in Glenmore.
A Glenmore Ganger
A ganger was a foreman over men. The ganger on the roads of Glenmore in the 1930’s was a man from Mooncoin. He lodged at Civil’s (Forristal’s) in Ballyverneen during the week and went home to Mooncoin on weekends. Jimmy “Civil” Forristal was a timekeeper on the County Council. According to Dinny he was “a devil” to the men who worked under him. Dinny claimed that Jimmy Forristal had his men working overtime and wouldn’t pay them for the overtime.
Eventually Jimmy Forristal was sacked according to Dinny. The story related to Danny was that there was a steam roller driver who was a Protestant. This steam roller driver was working on the Council crushing stones at Forristal’s Halfway House. [Near Murphy’s Garage on the N25.] Jimmy failed to deliver 3 cwt. [336 lbs.] of coal to the steam roller. The coal had been delivered to Civil’s for storage.
James Forristal (1888-1941) of Ballyverneen, Glenmore
Due to GDPR there is a lacuna or gap of publicly available information for births after 1924 and deaths before 1871 and after 1974. Turning to Glenmore headstones we were unable to locate James “Jimmy” Forristal. Flipping the puzzle around we attempted searching from the 1961 list of Ballyverneen residents recorded by Danny. We found Anne “Nancy Civil” Doolan née Forristal (c. 1925-2001) and her mother Mary Forristal (c. 1896-1973). Annie “Nancy Civil” Forristal married Patrick Doolan (1919-1996) in 1949. No father was listed for the bride on the marriage certificate.
We believe the Jimmy Forristal of Ballyverneen, who was a ganger on the Council in the 1930’s, was James Forristal of Ballyverneen who died on 14 April 1941. At the time of his death he was 53-year-old bachelor. He died of stomach cancer. His sister Mary Forristal was present when he died. Thus, it appears that Jimmy “Civil” Forristal was an uncle of Anne “Nancy Civil” Doolan.
Parents and Siblings
Jimmy “Civil” Forristal’s parents were Patrick Forristal (farmer), of Ballyverneen, who married Bridget Morrissey, of Aylwardstown, on 6 August 1885 at Glenmore. The father of the groom was James Forristal (farmer), and the father of the bride was Patrick Morrissey (farmer) of Aylwardstown. Three known children were born to Patrick Forristal and his wife Bridget Morrissey: [1] Catherine Foristal (sic) (b. 1887); [2] James Forristal born on 16 September 1888 and [3] Mary Forristal born on 8 May 1896.
Glenmore Steam Roller
Dinny also told Danny in his 1985 interview that the Glenmore Engine was the first to steamroll the main road from Ross to Waterford. The Glenmore Creamery had a special frame for lifting the engine in order to change the front wheels. The frame was above the stores by the side of the footpath going up to the manager’s house.
Dinny recalled the stonebreakers that worked in Glenmore in his time as including: himself; his brother Jack Murphy, of Milltown; Tony Brennan, of Shanbogh; Frank Meehan; Jack Power, Jamestown; Jim McGuire of Rochestown in “Johnnie the Money’s” Quarry in Gaulstown. [Believed to have been on the MacDonald’s farm.] About 15 men were working under Purcell of the Dog’s Road [Slieverue] who was the timekeeper. About 10 men were working in Glensensaw Quarry [north of Rosbercon].
Dinny Murphy’s Parents
Dinny reported that he was born on 1 November 1901 at Milltown, Glenmore. He was the son of Jack Murphy and his wife Kitt Merrigan [the couple married at Glenmore in 1893]. He had two brothers: Jack Murphy [b. 1899] and Mikie Murphy. He also had a sister Mollie Murphy [b. 1894, never married]. His mother had a sister Ellen Merrigan who was married to Patsey Hawe of Rochestown, who were the grandparents of the Dillon’s. [Patrick Hawe married Mary Merrigan in 1895 at Glenmore.]
Kitt and Ellen Merrigan’s parents were Mick Merrigan, of Milltown, and his wife _____ Morrissey of Kilbrahan. Mick Merrigan was from the Old House in Cottage Plot on ¾ acre. Dinny asserted that his cottage was the second cottage to be built in Glenmore. Hagan’s of Ballycroney had the first cottage in the parish. Dinny told Danny his was built in 1875. Danny wrote in his notes, “but I doubt it.”
Dinny Murphy’s Employment 1942
Dinny told Danny that he worked at the Graiguenakill Mill for a time. He was working there in 1942 when Nicky Forristal bought 23 acres from Hoynes for £500. “He had 10 acres of great land in Forristalstown which he sold to Ned Grace.” It is assumed that the “he” refers to Nicky “the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979)and is an explanation of how Nicky afforded the 23 acres purchase price.
Nora Morrissey née Holden (c. 1920-1985)
In 1950 Nora Holden of Cloone (sic), Glenmore, married John Morrissey, of Coolroebeg, Thomastown. The couple had one son Richard Morrissey. Nora died in 1985. Her obit can be viewed on our M surname page under her married surname and her wedding announcement can be viewed on our H surname page under her maiden name Holden.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Willie Holden for information regarding his aunt Nora Morrissey née Holden (c. 1920-1985).
The featured photo of the steam roller is courtesy of the New York Public Library, General Research Division. “Iroquois steam roller.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 1, 2026. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c2c53ab0-c638-012f-eee2-58d385a7bc34
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh