Danny Dowling (1927-2021)
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Kate Raftice née Gahan (1854-1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
Today, we feature a woman who died in 1925 and is still spoken about among the older Glenmore residents. Kate or Kit Raftice, as she was known, had and has the reputation of having been a very difficult woman. In a time when men, particularly the eldest son inherited the farm, she obtained the family farm over her brothers. She is reported to have had a young man working on her farm who died from ringworm. Her husband of only a few years was dead in the house, and she never told his brother who came to cut the corn that he was dead. She put a curse on her neighbour who was married to her cousin or niece. Kate Raftis died a horrible death in 1925 and that is our starting point.
Horrible Death in Rochestown, Glenmore
At about 11in the morning on Saturday the 19th of December 1925, John Murphy, a labourer, called to Kate Raftice’s home in Rochestown. It was reported in the Cork Examiner that Kate Raftice was a 70 year-old widow who lived alone on her 50 acre farm. John Murphy found Kate Raftice unconscious. She suffered terrible burns on her head, face and body. “Her features were almost unrecognisable.” It was opined that she fell into her open fire and “being very feeble” she was “unable to render herself any assistance.” She died within an hour of being found (Cork Examiner, Tues. 22 Dec. 1925, p. 7). Her death was widely reported in other Irish newspapers including Irish Independent (Tues. 22 Dec. 1925, p. 8).
Dr. Denis J. Walsh, of Graigenamanagh, in 1925 was the Coroner for South Kilkenny. Dr. Walsh decided that an inquest was not necessary (Irish Times, Sat. 26 Dec. 1925, p. 6). While a Coroner was not required to hold an inquest, the Coroner did have to hold an inquiry. At an inquiry a Coroner had to listen to or read the evidence the police provided (Dr. Ian Walsh, BL (2026)). Dr. Walsh apparently was satisfied that there was nothing suspicious and issued the death certificate for Kate Raftice.
A death was recorded in the Registrar for Kate Raftice. However, her death is incorrectly recorded as 19 December 1926. It is stated that she died of shock four hours after suffering extensive burns. Her age at death was recorded as 65. Her brother-in-law Edward Phelan of 24 John’s St., Waterford is recorded as being present when she died. There was no electricity or telephone in the Raftice home. It is assumed that the nearest telephone was at the Aylwardstown train station. If not, John Murphy had to go to the Gardai barracks in Glenmore Village. It is difficult to see how Edward Phelan was present by noon when Kate Raftice died.
In examining the death register it appears that the date may have originally been recorded as 1925 but the 5 in the entry was overwritten as a 6. The death was recorded on the 14th of May 1926 (7 months before the recorded date of death) which should have alerted the clerk that the correct year of death was 1925.
According to the Annual Report of the Registrar-General of Marriages, Births and Deaths 1925 for Saorstát Éireann (p. xxiii) there were 149 deaths in Ireland in 1925 caused from burns and scalds. This number reflects 65 males and 84 females. Of the 149 deaths 88 were children under 5 years of age. Unfortunately, the number of deaths due to burns and scalds of elderly persons is not recorded. See page 33 for the statistics dealing with County Kilkenny deaths.
The Husband, John Raftice (1862-1905)
John Raftice was a native of Davidstown, Glenmore. As a young man he went to California. He worked in a remote area and saved his money. John Raftice returned to Ireland, and on 17 February 1900 married Kate Gahan of Rochestown. The groom’s father was Robert “Robin” Raftice (c. 1826-1908) (farmer) and the bride’s father was Joseph Gahan (c. 1809-1891)(deceased farmer). (See our post of 4 March 2024 for details regarding John Raftice in California.)
1901 Census
Successive searches have not revealed a record or obituary reflecting when John Raftice died. He was married in 1900 and is present in the 1901 Census living in Rochestown. His age is recorded in the 1901 Census as 36. Kate is recorded as being 30 and her sister Ellen Gahan is 26 years of age. Also present in the house is a 12 year-old boy named Richard Dwyer.
Richard Dwyer (b.c. 1889)
In the 1901 Census Richard Dwyer was recorded as being born in Waterford, and he is listed as being a servant. No record could be located for Richard Dwyer born in Waterford circa 1889.
In 1958, Ned Roche of Rathinure told Statia Walsh née Kennedy that a young fellow died of ringworm at Kit Raftice’s. Was Richard Dwyer the young man who died of ringworm? We searched death records to no avail. Checking the 1911 Census Richard was no longer in Rochestown. However, we found a Richard Dwyer aged 22 living with the Wallace family in Ballyhack, Wexford as their servant. However this Richard Dwyer is recorded as having been born in Wexford.
Death of John Raftice
John Raftice is not found in the 1911 Census. The only clue we have as to when John Raftice died was provided by Danny Dowling (1927-2021). Danny copied the diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore. In his diary James Aylward recorded local deaths, births and marriages. James Aylward recorded that John Raftice died in September 1905. Rochestown is near Ballyhobuck. Even armed with a month and year of death we were unable to locate a death record for John Raftice. Using the death date of another Glenmore resident that died in 1905 we learned that this other person’s record is unavailable because there are quality issues with the original. We have sought further clarification.
The Gahan Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
Finding a baptismal record for Kate Raftice née Gahan was problematic. Every record provided a different year of birth. Thanks to Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal in 1969 we have quite a bit of information concerning Kate’s siblings and of course we then obtained her mother’s maiden name. The original interview of Nicky the Miller Forristal can be viewed on our G surname page under Richard Gahan.
Joseph Gehan (sic) (c. 1809-1891) married on 15 February 1844, in Mullinavat, to Bridget Bourke (c. 1822-1896) of Ballynacooly. The couple resided in Rochestown, Glenmore and had at least 9 children.
[1] Richard Gahan (1845-1927) of Scart, Glenmore, in 1908 married Anastatia Grace of Listerlin. He was over 60 when he married. The fathers of the bride and groom were Joseph Gahan (deceased farmer) and Patrick Grace (farmer). The couple lived in Listerlin and had at least two daughters (1a) Bridget Gahan born in 1909 and (1b) Ellen Gahan born in 1910.
[2] Walter Gahan (1846-1904) Never married.
[3] Mary Gahan b. 1848;
[4] Thomas Gahan b. 1852;
[5] Catherine Gahan b. 1854 to James (sic) Gahan & Bridget Rurk (sic) of Rochestown, Glenmore
[6] Bridget Gahan (1857-? ) married Edward Phelan of John St., Waterford, on 30 September 1900. She was residing on Beau St., and her father was Joseph Gahan, farmer. Her sister Ellie Gahan was the maid of honour. They were married in Waterford City.
[7] Johanna Gahan (1859-1882) Never married.
[8] Michael Gahan (1862-1892) died in Australia per the family headstone.
[9] Ellen Gahan (1864- ?) married her widowed brother-in-law Edward Phelan, publican of John St., Waterford, on 1 September 1908 at Mount Melleray, Waterford. Strangely in the 1911 Census Edward Phelan stated he was a widower and that Ellen Gahan was his sister-in-law not his wife of 3 years.
In the interview Nicky the Miller while discussing the Gahan siblings also listed Joseph Gahan who married a Fitzgerald of Moulerstown. The couple only had one child Ellen Gahan (c. 1884-1965) who was called Clara. Ellen Gahan (c. 1884-1965) married Laurence Walsh (1881-1959) of Smithstown, Tulloagher. The couple farmed in Rochestown. We could not find a baptismal record for Joseph Gahan, the son of Joseph Gahan and Bridget Bourke. Was Thomas Gahan (b. 1845) called Joseph perhaps? Neither name is reflected on the family headstone.
The Rochestown, Glenmore Farm
No Glenmore story involving a farm would be complete without accounting for the farm. Kate Raftice had no children and after her death arrangements were made to sell the farm. Thomas Walsh and Son, auctioneers, sold the Rochestown farm “containing 62 acres S.M., subject to £27 1/4 per annum. The auction was by directions of the executor of the late Mrs. Kate Raftice. The bidding was brisk. Mr. C. Quinlan, solicitor, Waterford, was declared the purchaser in trust for 825 guineas. Messrs P.A. Murphy and Co., Solicitors, Waterford, had carriage of sale. Immediately after the sale of the farm the cattle, horses, crops and farm implements were disposed of at satisfactory prices” (Waterford News & Star, 26 Feb 1926 p. 5).
A guinea was 21 shillings, so the farm sold for £866 5s or just short of £14 per acre. Ironically, it is reported that the land was purchased by the man upon which Kate Raftice placed a curse, Larry Walsh (c. 1884-1959) of Rochestown. Larry or Laurence Walsh was the father of Glenmore character Martin Walsh (1918-1996). See our post of 31 December 2023 regarding Martin Walsh.
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Special thanks to legal historian Dr. Ian Walsh, BL for explaining the Coroner issues.
If you have any additional information, corrections or photos etc. please email glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Frank Meehan (c. 1862-1930) a Glenmore Stonebreaker
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Denis “Dinny” Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore on Saturday the 16th of March 1985 at the County Home in Thomastown. Danny noted that it took place in the evening after Nora Holden Morrissey’s funeral. This interview provides a fascinating glimpse into local men who worked for the County Council in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
According to Dinny Murphy, in the 1930’s the local stonebreakers on the Council got 1/3d for breaking 25 cwt of stones. The stones had to be broken so they could pass through a two-inch riddle. It used to take a great man to break a box of stones in the day. The box was able to contain 25 cwt. [For our international readers, cwt was a unit of weight that equalled 112 lbs. 25 cwt. Therefore, it would be 2800 lbs. or 1.25 British (long) tonne or 1.4 U.S. (short) ton for 1 shilling and 3 pence or 6 shillings and 3 pence in a five day week].
Frank Meehan (c. 1862-1930)
Dinny Murphy Interview
Dinny Murphy described Frank Meehan as about 5 feet 8 inches in height and fairly stout. He had a grey black beard and wore a black hat. He was a schoolteacher in India but got sunstroke which affected his mind. He never spoke very much; he answered if spoken to. In Dinny’s remembrance Frank Meehan first lived for a couple of years in Conway’s house in Forristalstown which was then vacant. He next went to live in Ned Murphy’s in Shanbogh, where Neddy Doolan lived afterwards. He lived there for about 9 years until he died rather suddenly.
Frank Meehan is buried in Shanbogh cemetery next to Victor O’Donovan Power. (For further information on the writer Victor O’Donovan Power, see our post of 22 October 2020). Dinny Murphy related that Frank Meehan died in the late 1920’s. Frank was receiving the old age pension and died “in Ned Murphy’s.”
The Interview of Nellie Dowling née Doherty, native of Millstown, Glenmore
Around 1980, Danny Dowling interviewed his aunt Nellie Dowling at her home in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. Nellie was married to Danny’s uncle Dick Dowling. Nellie who was born and reared in Milltown, Glenmore described Frank Meehan as being about 5 feet, 10 inches in height, of bigish build and a nice looking man. Very well educated, and a great conversationalist. He had been in the British Army, and got sunstroke in India. He dressed well and wore a bowler hat. He was very friendly with the Doolan’s of Shanbogh, whom he used visit. When he came out of the army and returned home, he became a stone breaker on the roads around Shanbogh and Glenmore. He used to stay at Mullally’s house in Forristalstown and later lodged at Ned Murphy’s in Shanbough where Neddie Doolan lived afterwards [DD Notebook 24, interview of Nellie Dowling née Doherty, of Rathnew, Co. Wicklow c. 1980].
Siblings of Frank Meehan
We believed Frank was born in Waterford City because in the 1911 Census it was indicated that he was born in Waterford City. There was only one Francis Patrick Meehan, baptized in Waterford about 1862. However, this Francis Meehan’s father was an R.I.C. officer. We do not believe that the child baptized Francis Patrick Meehan on 3 August 1862, at Trinity Within, Waterford City, is the Frank Meehan who later lived in Glenmore and broke stones for a living.
Frank Meehan in his army documents named two brothers as his next of kin. Frederick and George Meehan. On 21 January 1884 Frederick Meehan married Harriet Conway in Dublin. Frederick was a tutor and said that his father was Patrick Meehan deceased soldier. George Meehan was his best man. George Meehan (porter, age 30) married Helena Egan on 17 January 1887 in Dublin. George identified his father as Patrick Meehan, soldier.
We were not able to find any birth records for these three brothers in Ireland. In the 1911 census George Meehan was 56 years of age and reported being born in Simons Town, South Africa. In 1911 he lived on Marlborough St., Dublin and managed a funeral home. George William Meehan served 10 years and 4 months in the British Army (4th BDE. Fd. Arty.) in India. His pension date was 23 October 1883.
Military Service of Francis Patrick Meehan
In the UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Pension Records a file for Francis Patrick Meehan was located. Frank Meehan enlisted in the British Army on 9 January 1885; he was 22 years and 5 months of age. He gave his profession as student and agreed to 12 year term.
His military file describes him as follows: 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall; 125 lbs.; with a 32 ½ inch chest; hazel eyes; black hair and a fresh complexion. It was noted under distinctive marks, that he had something on his right leg, but not sufficient to incapacitate him as a schoolmaster. His enlistment and military physical exam took place in London. He was certified until 2 April 1890 with service no. 72648. He was appointed to the Corps of Schoolmasters by special authority 50 R.M. Asylum-8118-2-1.
Apparently, the British Army in the late nineteenth century realized that the world was becoming more technical, and its recruits were not always literate. The authorities decided to recruit schoolmasters to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of its troops and to teach the British Schools for the children of the army, personnel and British civil servants across the Empire.
Hospitalisations
Frank Meehan spent time in hospital on 3 occasions during his service. From 18 July 1885 until 31 January 1887, he suffered enteric fever (121 days in hospital). Enteric fever is a serious systemic bacterial infection caused by typhoid or paratyphoid fever. It is spread through eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms can develop days or weeks after exposure. Before antibiotics it could be fatal.
After recovering from the enteric fever Frank Meehan was sent to India. He spent 309 days in India in late 1887 and early 1888. He gave his two brothers as his next of kin: Frederick Meehan, 19 Christ Church Place, Dublin and George Meehan 26 Castle St., Dublin.
In 1889, Frank Meehan spent 11 days in hospital for alcoholism. In 1890, he spent 86 days in hospital with melancholia [depression]. After being hospitalised, the doctors noted that he was practically recovered and ordered rest and surveillance. The melancholy they thought was partly the result of the enteric fever and aggravated by the climate in India.
On 1 March 1890, Frank Meehan appeared before a medical board. He suffered from the disease of melancholia. He was recommended for a change to England. It was noted under general remarks as to habits, conduct etc. “Habit irregular. Conduct lately unaccountable…” After returning to England, he was discharged from the army.
1901 and 1911 Census
The 1911 Census provides that Frank Meehan was 50 years of age and born in Waterford City. He was employed as a stonebreaker and lodged with the John Mullally family of Forristalstown, Glenmore. John Mullally and his wife Johanna farmed in Forristalstown.
In 1901 Frank Meehan may have lodged with John Walsh (age 85) of 10 Bewley St., New Ross. This Frank Meehan was 39 and employed as a labourer. He reported that he was born in Waterford.
An Honest Man
Dinny Murphy told Danny that “Ned Murphy on one occasion sent Frank Meehan to a neighbour’s field for a turnip. Frank returned with no turnip and was asked the reason why. Frank said that there was no one in the field to ask when he went there, and he could not take it without getting permission. Ned cursed him for returning without a turnip” (Interview of 16 March 1985).
Newspaper Articles
At a meeting of the IDA (Co. Kilkenny) District Council, John Mullally (address not provided) made a motion that single men be excluded from cottages and any single man currently in possession should be allowed to stay until Ash Wednesday unless they married. His motion failed and the Committee considered 44 applications for cottages, 30 passed and 14 failed. Francis Meehan was rejected for a cottage in Forrestalstown on the land of John Grace, as “he was not a proper person for the cottage.” It is not clear why he was deemed not a proper person. It could have been because he was not a farm labourer (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 May 1911, p. 7). For further information on the awarding of cottages see our post of 23 November 2025.
However, shortly before this cottage decision Francis Meehan, of Shanbogh, was before the New Ross Petty Sessions court for drunkenness. The case was adjourned for a week when Frank promised to “take the pledge” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 March 1911, p. 14.) It may have been the case that his drinking made him “not a proper person.”
The last article that we found was from 1917. The newspaper reported that a “letter was read at the New Ross Urban Council from Francis Meehan, Shanbogh. Frank Meehan argued that in view of the increased and increasing prices of food and the irregular and very low wages himself and his colleagues had for breaking stones they asked for an increase from 3s. allowed to 4s. per ton. The application was refused (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 March 1917, p. 2).
Death
Frank Meehan, died on 10 August 1930 in the County Home in Thomastown, the same place where Denis “Dinny” Murphy told Danny Dowling about Frank 56 years later. At the time of his death Frank Meehan was recorded as being a 68 year-old bachelor.
The featured painting above is Stonebreakers by Gustave Courbets (1819-1879) painted in 1849 and destroyed in 1945. For information regarding the painting see, Cynthia Li (2021) “A Focused Look Into Courbet’s The Stonebreakers.”
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: An Interview of Nicky Walsh (1919-2015) of Davidstown, Glenmore
Today, we present a short interview that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) conducted by telephone on 27 March 2004, of Nicholas “Nicky” Walsh (1919-2015) of Davidstown, Glenmore. Reading the interview notes it appears to be random subjects covered, but with skill Danny was able to extract information without revealing what information he wanted. Given other interviews about this time it is believed that Danny was seeking information on Fr. Thomas Phelan and an early dispute occurring within the Glenmore Creamery.
Some of Fr. Phelan’s best known acts while Parish Priest of Glenmore include: objecting in court to the continued operation of The Shanty pub of Scartnamore, Glenmore in 1906; harassing and threatening courting couples with his blackthorn stick on Sunday afternoons; and holding multiple Missions in a three year period to raise funds for the reconstruction of the Glenmore Church circa 1910.
Glenmore Animal Calls and Commands
Danny during the interview recorded the following words or sounds used by the “old people” of Glenmore to call animals and birds as reported by Nicky Walsh:
Hub, Hub–called horses;
Dhock, Dhock–called pigs;
Jhuck, Jhuck–called fowl;
Bí, Bí–called turkeys;
The following commands were used by the “old people” of Glenmore:
Hub Off–“horse language” telling the horse(s) to the right; and
Come Here–“horse language” telling the horses(s) to the left.
Two other agricultural terms were recorded:
Over & Hither–used to describe ploughing etc meaning to go over and back; and
Ghirocks–short drills in the corner of a field.
The Glenmore Creamery
Nicky Walsh’s grandfather was Pat Walsh (1838-1913) of Davidstown, Glenmore. He was first Chairman of the Glenmore Creamery Society. Pat Walsh’s first creamery number was 8. Nicky told Danny that Fr. Willie Walsh, the Glenmore Curate, got his grandfather to leave the Society. Apparently Pat Walsh wasn’t getting along with Fr. Phelan. After some time Pat Walsh was asked by Fr. Phelan, “When are you coming back to us Pat?” Pat Walsh went back, and his second Creamery number was 131. Nicky stated it was still 131 in 2004.
Although not explicit in the interview it is well known that Fr. Phelan was very single minded and forceful. In A Place in Time: Glenmore Creamery 1905-2005 (2005) it is noted that Fr. Phelan came to Glenmore in the autumn of 1904 as Parish Priest. He proposed the idea of a co-operative creamery, but his proposal was not met with universal enthusiasm (p. 16). Nevertheless the project proceeded, and Pat Walsh was elected as the first Chair. At the first AGM he was re-elected as Chair.
In June 1906, disharmony caused a rift in the Board as well as between the Parish Priest, Fr. Phelan, and the Curate, Fr. Walsh (p. 35). It centered on the Treasurer of the Society. When the Chairman (Pat Walsh) refused to sign Minutes of a meeting that was not properly noticed, the Committee was dissolved and a new Committee was elected. Only James Kirwan, of Gaulstown, was elected from the dissolved Committee onto the new committee. Fr. Phelan “was declared” both President and Chairman (p. 37). He retained both positions until 1915. Fr. Walsh, on the other hand, was excluded from the new Committee.
The Slieverue Creamery did not open until 1917, so either Pat Walsh took his milk to Mullinavat or processed his milk at home. It is not known how many other Glenmore farmers did not provide their milk to Glenmore as a result of the issues that arose in 1906. It is not known when Fr. Phelan asked Pat Walsh to rejoin the Society, but Pat Walsh died in 1913, so it must have been prior to that date. Danny believed that Fr. Phelan was motivated to establish a creamery by a desire to boost local prosperity to enable his plans for the rebuilding of St. James to take place.
For further information on the Glenmore Creamery see our post of 9 May 2020.
Taking Glenmore Milk to Slieverue
Nicky Walsh in his 2004 interview spoke about the closure of Glenmore Creamery in 1921 by order of “the Government.” We know it was closed by the British Military for a month during the War of Independence because of the number of roads and bridges in Glenmore destroyed by the Old IRA. Nicky Walsh reported that “the farmers in Glenmore had to bring their milk to Slieverue Creamery.” Nicky’s sister remembered Ned Cody of Ballycrony, bringing the milk to Slieverue Creamery via Davisdstown. “He said to her that it was the same as going to the Dardanelles.” We know that some farmers took their milk into New Ross and sold it directly to townspeople. See our post of 5 May 2021.
We believe that this Ned Cody was born in 1858 at Ballycrony, Glenmore the son of Richard Cody and his wife Catherine Holden. Edward “Ned” Cody died on Christmas Day in 1939 at home in Ballycrony of “senile decay.” His age at death was recorded as 82, and his sister Bridget Cody (b. 1862) was present at his death.
Pat Walsh (1838-1913) of Davidstown, Glenmore
Pat Walsh (1838-1913) was the son of Laurence Walsh and his wife Bridget Murphy. He was born at Davidstown on 3 May 1838. Pat Walsh had two known brothers: John Walsh (b. 1835) and Fr. Robert Walsh (1841-1909). For further information and photos of Fr. Robert Walsh see our post of 26 November 2020.
On 6 February 1868, Pat Walsh married Margaret Kennedy (1836-1913) of Rathinure, Glenmore. Margaret was the daughter of Patrick Kennedy and Margaret Kennedy née Kennedy. At the time of their marriage in 1868 both of their father’s were deceased. The couple died in 1913 within 4 months of each other. Margaret died 7 February 1913 of a malignant abdominal tumour (18 months) and asthenia (21 days). Asthenia is profound weakness. Pat Walsh died 1 June 1913 of heart failure. The couple are buried in Slieverue cemetery.
The couple had the following children:
[1] Bridget Walsh (1868-1890) went to Massachusetts to keep house for her uncle Fr. Robert Walsh.
[2] Laurence Walsh (1871-1940) (twin born at 10:30 a.m.) became an Ossory priest.
[3] John Walsh (1871-1929) (twin born at 10:32 a.m.) became an Ossory priest.
[4] Robert Walsh (1872-1951) married Mary Walsh, of Carriganurra, Slieverue. The couple had 12 children and Nicky Walsh (1919-2015) was their youngest son.
[5] Mary Walsh (1873-1948) married Tom Mullins of Flemingstown. They had a large family.
[6] Patrick Walsh (1875-1952) married Catherine Brennan. They farmed at Ballincrea, Slieverue, and had 7 children.
[7] Margaret “Maggie” Walsh (1879-1959) never married. See our post of 26 November 2020 for photos and information on Maggie and her siblings.
For information on the “traveling” Glenmore Sanctuary Lamp donated in 1911 by Pat Walsh (1838-1913) and his wife, Margaret (née Kennedy) (1836-1913) see our post of 2 May 2020.
Special thanks to Margaret Phelan née Claridge for the photos of her great-grandparents Pat Walsh (1838-1913) and Margaret Walsh née Kennedy (1836-1913) and the featured photo above of her uncle Nicky Walsh (1919-2015).
Please send any additional information, photos or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For further information on the closure of “The Shanty” of Scartnamore, Glenmore in 1906 see our post of 8 May 2023.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore 1913 School Photo
Special thanks to Ann O’Rourke for sharing this photo that she obtained from Danny Dowling (1927-2021). Danny obtained the photo from Mary Statia Ivory (second row) and recorded the names and townlands identified by Mary Statia. In addition to the names and townlands recorded by Danny, we have added the year of birth, and parents where same could be identified through baptismal records or the birth register. Luckily the 1911 Census helped. There are several sets of sisters in the group.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore National School Photograph 1913
Front Row: (left to right)
Eily Mullins, Flemingstown (b. 1906 to Thomas Mullins & Mary Walsh);
_______ Walsh, Weatherstown; (Ellen? (1904) to Wm. Walsh & Bridget Walsh
Ella Fitzgerald, Moulerstown (b. 1908 to Patrick Fitzgerald & Mary MacDonald);
Katie Purcell, Weatherstown (b. 1904 to Edmund Purcell & Mary Cashin);
Katie Ivory, Haggard (b. 1908 to John Ivory & Mary MacCarthy);
Mary Ryan, Ballyfacey (b. 1907 to Thomas Ryan & Bridget Anthony);
Kate Dollard, Ballyfacey (b. 1906 to Edmund Dollard & Mary Walsh);
Katie Butler, Moulerstown (b. 1907 to James Butler & Bridget Cashin); and
Rose Walsh, Weatherstown (b. 1906 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh).
Second Row:
Mary Statia Ivory, Haggard (b.c. 1903) to John Ivory and Bridget MacDonald of Upper Ballyfacey);
Johanna Hogan, Knockbrach; (not in 1911 Knockbrack Census, no baptismal record in Glenmore. Found as 10 yr. old boarder in home of Ellen Bradley of Rathaglish, Ballincrea.)
Jo Freany, Ballyfacey (b. 1904 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Mai Freany, Ballyfacey (b. 1900 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Baby Freany, Kilbride (Margaret? b. 1909 to Michael Freyne & Mary Farrell);
Bridie Cody, Weatherstown (b. 1902 to Patrick Cody & Mary Knox);
Mary Butler, Moulerstown; (b. 1902 to James Butler & Bridget Cashin) and
Bridget Morrissey (per 1911 Census b.c. 1900 in Waterford, boarding with Ellen Bradley, aged 60, of Rathaglish, Ballincrea with Johanna Hogan aged 10.)
Third Row:
Mary Hennessy, Teacher (Mary Phelan née Hennessey (1883-1963) of Ballyfacey married John Phelan (c. 1892-1956) of Ballyveria, on 22 May 1916 at Glenmore. See our post of 23 Nov. 2025 for further information on the Hennessey family. ;
Agsie Duggan, Flemingstown (Margaret? b. 1896 to Richard Duggan & Anne Butler);
Mary Walsh, Weatherstown (b.1903 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh);
Bridie Culleton, Kilbride (b. 1904 to James Culleton & Hannah Grace);
Josie Freany, Kilbride (Johanna? b. 1903 to James Freyne & Johanna Hennessey);
Molly Dollard, Ballyfacey (Mary? b. 1903 to Edmund Dollard & Mary Walsh);
Bridie Butler (No townland provided. May be Bridget Butler b. 1902 to Patrick Butler & Mary Aylward of Parkstown);
Bridie Walsh, Weatherstown (b. 1902 to William Walsh & Bridget Walsh);
Johanna Hurley, Knockbrach (b. 1901 to Thomas Hurley & Margaret Kelly of Farnogue).
“The above school Group according to Mary Statia Ivory who was a pupil in the group.”
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: A 1911 Haggard, Glenmore, Malicious Injury Case
Within Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) voluminous collection of newspaper clippings on Glenmore related events and people, we came across a short article concerning a malicious injury claim in 1911. Generally speaking, compensation was available in 19th century in the United Kingdom for various forms of malicious injury to various types of property. In Ireland, the main legislation included the Grand Juries (Ireland) Act 1836, and the Malicious Injury Act 1861. Reforms were introduced by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The 1898 Act broadened the categories of damage that could result in compensation, but the cases were now tried in courts rather than before Grand Juries.
After the 1898 Act, the applicant was required to prove all elements of his case including the existence of malice. If the case was made the awarded compensation was paid by the rate payers (i.e. property tax payers.) For a fascinating paper detailing the development of the Irish law see, , Niamh Howlin (2019) “Compensation for Malicious Damage to Property in Nineteenth-Century Ireland.”
The Haggard, Glenmore Fire
Sergeant McKirby, of Glenmore at noon on 13 May, 1911, took a report from John Grace of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. John Grace reported that his unoccupied house at Haggard was found on fire at 8 a.m. Sergeant McKirby went to the scene, and arrived at 2:15. The house consisted of one room only 12 feet by 9 feet wide and about 4.5 feet in height. It was on Robert Grant’s farm at Haggard.
The roof, an old thatched one, had partially burned and collapsed. The roof which resembled a manure heap was still smouldering. Grace had reported that a timber bed, chair, box and a few other small articles of furniture were in the house when it burned down, but the Sergeant saw no signs of them. The Waterford No. 2 Rural district Council ordered its solicitor to defend the application John Grace made for compensation (Munster Express, Fri. 3 June 1911, p. 3).
The Hearing
The Kilkenny People (Fri. 17 June 1911, p. 7) covered the hearing on the Application for Malicious Injury. The newspaper referred to John Grace as an old age pensioner. Grace was seeking £50 compensation for the malicious burning of his house at Haggard, Glenmore.
Solicitor P.A. Murphy of Waterford represented the applicant, John Grace. Solicitor McCoy represented Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, and Solicitor James Harte represented the Kilkenny Co. Council.
Grace testified that on the morning of the 30th of May his house and effects were completely destroyed by fire. He had not been living in the house for 7 or 8 weeks previously because boys were throwing stones at his door.
The Sergeant of Glenmore district testified. He stated that he believed the house was set on fire, but there was no malice connected with it as far as he could determine. Mr. Murphy then asked a strange question as he was representing John Grace. He asked the Sergeant, “If you have any reasons for suspecting that the old man burned it himself explain it to His Honor.” The Sergeant stated that it might be a nice way of getting a few pounds. He stated that John Grace was going to get married. In reply to a question posed by the Judge the Sergeant opined that he thought £3 or £4 would be a very fair compensation.
James Flanagan, engineer to the Waterford No. 2 District Council, valued the house for about £1. He would be able to rebuild it as it stood before the burning for 30s.
The judge stated that he was not satisfied that the burning was malicious, and even if it were he was not satisfied that the damage done was over £5. He dismissed the action.
John Grace (1837-1918) of Haggard, Glenmore
John Grace (1837-1918) was baptized 26 April 1837 at Haggart (sic), to Luke Grace and his wife Ellen Roche. The next record we could find was when John Grace married. John Grace (labourer) of Haggard on 18 February 1878, married Margaret Phelan née Neil (c. 1834-1909), a widow at Glenmore. His father Luke Grace was deceased, and Margaret’s father was James Neil, a mason.
Margaret’s first husband was Patrick Phelan (c.1844-1874) (labourer, son of Edward Phelan, labourer). Margaret and her first husband were married on 18 February 1868 at Mullinavat. Her address at the time of her first marriage was Fahee and his address was Farnogue. Patrick Phelan died of bronchitis on 26 September 1874 at Fahee. His father-in-law, James Neil, was present at Patrick’s death.
1901 Census
In 1901, John Grace, aged 62, worked as an agricultural labourer and lived in Haggard with his wife Margaret Grace who was aged 66. They were living in a 1 room house with a thatched roof which they rented from Robert Grant. It was a Category 4 house and was the worst house in Haggard. It apparently had no front windows. Strangely the Census records that only 1 person resided in the house, but it also records that both John Grace and his wife Margaret Grace resided in it.
From the description provided, It appears that the couple were living in 1901 in the same house that burned in 1911 and was the subject of the case.
Robert Grant, their landlord, was 30 years of age and living with his sister Stasia (aged 45) in Haggard. They had two servants residing with them: Bridget Fitzgerald (aged 23) and John Gaule (aged 10).
Death of Margaret Grace née Neil (c. 1834-1909) of Haggard, Glenmore
Margaret Grace (c. 1834-1909) died on 1 February 1909 at Haggard. She was 75 years of age. Her husband John Grace was present when she died.
1911 Census
John Grace was not living in Haggard when the census was taken. He also was not in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. John Grace, aged 74, a widower, was living with John and Bridget Roche, of Ballyquin, Farnogue, Mullinavat. John Grace is listed as a relative of the head of the household, John Roche (aged 35). John Grace’s mother was a Roche or it could be that his deceased wife was related to John or Bridget Roche.
In 1911, Robert Grant (c. 1848-1920) was 60 and living in Haggard with his sister Anastatia Grant (aged 56). They had two servants. William Breasdon aged 19 and Ann Murphy aged 26.
The Death of John Grace (1837-1918) of Haggard, Glenmore
John Grace, labourer, “from Glenmore” died on 23 July 1918 aged 82. He was a widower and died in the Union Hospital of Waterford of heart disease. There is no known headstone in St. James Cemetery marking the grave of John Grace (if he was brought back to Glenmore for burial). We could not locate a death notice or obituary. As Danny Dowling often remarked none die as well as the poor. There are few records of their lives.
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See our post of 24 March 2023 regarding Haggard including the oldest newspaper article referencing Haggard. In 1803, a fire destroyed the cabin of Patrick Keefe, and he and his entire family perished in the fire.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Disputed Glenmore Cottage
Before Ireland gained Independence housing was an issue particularly in rural areas. In order to address the issue for labourers various legislation was put in place including the Labourers (Ireland) Acts (1883-1906) and the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. Farm labourers who were not married usually lived in unheated outbuildings or in a loft in a stable or barn where they worked. Married labourers could apply to the Rural District Council where they resided seeking a cottage.
The authorities would seek land from landowners on which to construct cottages that were rented to a married labourer. The idea was that farmers who employed labourers would provide a building site, but often the farmers objected to giving up any of their land for cottages or the compensation for the land was considered inadequate. In 1909, an arbitrator was appointed to determine disputed compensation in the Waterford No. 2 Rural District. This was known as the Inquiry (Waterford Standard, Sat. 4 Sept. 1909, p. 2). The cottages were built for less than £150 and there were often more battles fought over who would get the cottage.
In 1911, Glenmore featured in such a battle. Under the Poor Laws, the parish of Glenmore was divided between the Waterford Union and the New Ross Union. Less than a quarter of Glenmore was in the New Ross Union. Landowners paid rates (taxes) to their respective Unions, and the elected Poor Law Guardians and District Councillors were constantly on alert to ensure that the rate payers in one district were not supporting poor persons from other Unions. Each Union had its own workhouse, infirmary, dispensaries, cottages and road maintenance etc. See our post of 28 April 2020 regarding the Poor Law Act 1838 and the Glenmore Dispensary. The elected District Councillors were responsible among other things for the cottages and road maintenance in their respective districts.
On 1 May 1911, it was announced that nominations had been received and there would be no contest in any of the divisions of Waterford No. 2 Rural District. In other words, the nominees were deemed elected without an election. Local representatives included: Kilbride: Patrick Fitzgerald & John Ennett; and Kilmakevogue: James Kirwan, and Richard Fitzgerald, Aylwardstown (Evening News (Waterford), Mon. 1 May 1911, p. 4).
The Disputed Glenmore Cottage
The Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council built a cottage in Ballywairy/Ballyveria, Glenmore on the land of Martin Phelan. It was noted by Phelan’s solicitor that Phelan agreed to the cottage, so long as he agreed to the tenant. When the cottage was complete there were two applications for the cottage. One was from John Power of the Waterford Union and the second was from Andrew Harte of the New Ross Union. John Power was awarded the Ballyveria cottage.
Sometime after getting the tenancy of the cottage John Power gave the key to Richard Young, of the Waterford Union. Richard Young moved into the cottage and applied for the tenancy. The cottage was advertised and Andrew Harte again applied for the Ballyveria cottage.
May Meeting 1911
At a meeting of the Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, held at the end of May 1911, the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 2 June 1911, p. 7) covered the meeting. However, the newspaper failed to record the date of the meeting. It did record that only 8 Councillors were present. A quorum only required 7 members be in attendance.
Two applications were received for the cottage at Ballywiera (sic), Glenmore. Richard Young wrote stating that he had possession of the cottage. It was given to him by the late tenant who “gave it up.” The other application was from Andrew Harte. The newspaper did not state the basis of the decision, but the Council decided to give possession to Harte. Mr. P. Walsh, Rent Collector was directed to get possession from Young. The District Council then adjourned.
June Meeting 1911
At the next meeting held on Saturday the 24th of June 1911, Mr. A.E. Bowers, J.P. presided and 15 other District Councillors were in attendance including John Ennett of Cappagh, Glenmore, P. Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown and Richard Fitzgerald of Aylwardstown. John Ennett did not attend the May meeting and subsequently filed a motion to rescind the decision granting Andrew Harte the tenancy of the Ballyveria, Glenmore cottage. Solicitor P.A. Murphy appeared before the council representing Martin Phelan. Both the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 June 1911, p. 7) and the Munster Express (Sat. 1 July 1911, p. 3) reported on this disputed cottage case.
Andrew Harte’s Letter
It was first queried by Richard Fitzgerald whether the previous decision to award the cottage to Andrew Harte could be rescinded. The Clerk assured the meeting that it was possible as John Ennett had provided notice of his written motion to rescind the previous decision.
A letter from Andrew Harte was produced. The letter was dated 20 June 1911. The return address was Weatherstown, Glenmore.
“Sir—At the last meeting of your Council I was accepted to be tenant on the cottage in Ballyviera (sic) and I claim to be admitted into possession. This cottage was applied for in the first instance by John Power, but he resigned before the Local Government Inquiry. At the inquiry Mr. Wm. Forristal, D.C. proposed, and Mr. P. Coady, D.C., seconded that Andrew Harte be accepted in place of Power. I gave evidence and the Inspector passed the cottage for me. When it was built Power claimed it and you gave him the cottage. He never lived in it.”
“A few weeks ago in response to your advertisement, I applied and you accepted me as tenant, and I submit I am entitled to possession. I offer testimonials from Canon Holohan P.P.; Father White, C.C.; and Father Phelan, Glenmore. I also give Mr. P. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown, my employer, as reference. I am a married man with a wife and two children.”
There were also testimonials from three R.I.C. officers as to Andrew Harte’s good character.
The Argument
For Young
John Ennett responded that he had no ill feeling to Andrew Harte and did not know him. Ennett pointed out that Harte was living in the New Ross Union, as had his father before him. They were both natives of the New Ross Union. The New Ross Council had recently refused to give a cottage to a man living in their own Union simply because he was not a native of the New Ross Union.
Ennett stated that it was only fair that the Waterford District Council should follow the New Ross rule. He concluded that he did not see why the Waterford Union District should build a cottage for a man in the New Ross Union. Thomas Holden seconded Ennett’s motion.
For Harte
Joseph Walsh stated he believed that Harte was entitled to the cottage. He reasoned that Harte was working for P. Fitzgerald who was in the Waterford Union. Ennett responded that Walsh knew nothing about the matter as he had only been on the Council for a short time. It is not clear from the newspaper coverage whether Harte’s employer was the Pat Fitzgerald sitting on the Waterford District Council considering the issue.
Richard Fitzgerald also argued that Harte was the right man for the cottage. He argued that when he first became a member of the Council 12 years previously he issued tickets for Harte’s wife who was very sick. The Kilmakevogue doctor sent her to hospital in Waterford. According to the Munster Express it was for specialised nursing.
Solicitor Murphy
Finally, Solicitor Murphy weighed in. He appeared on behalf of the owner of the land Martin Phelan. Murphy noted that at the inquiry Phelan had agreed to give a site for a cottage, but he was openly opposed to Harte, “for very good reasons. One councillor at the Inquiry nominated John Power. John Power after getting the cottage gave the key to Richard Young.” Solicitor Murphy said it was up to the Council to appoint the tenant for the cottage, but his client had a distinct and decided objection to Harte.
They were all farmers and “could understand the unpleasantness that would arise from having a labourer to whom the surrounding farmers objected to.” Murphy presented a petition signed by a “large number of people” objecting to Harte as tenant of the cottage. Murphy explained that people preferred Richard Young because Young worked “around the place.” The Munster Express quoted Murphy as saying, “ratepayers of this district naturally thought they had enough to do to build cottages for their own labourers without having to provide for outsiders…” Richard Fitzgerald observed that he could get a list on the other side of the issue as long as the distance between Ballyveria and the Waterford bridge.
The Decision Regarding the Glenmore Cottage
Ultimately a vote was taken and Ennett’s motion to rescind was successful. This meant that Harte would not get the cottage. Twelve voted in favour of Ennett’s motion including: (Edward Bowe, John Roche; Thomas Holden (Smithstown); John Vereker (Davidstown); James Farrell; James Moore, John Dunphy, Brown; Healy; E. Phelan; James Kirwan and John Ennett). Three voted against against the motion to rescind (and in favour of Harte’s tenancy) including: (Richard Fitzgerald, Pat Fitzgerald, and Joseph Walsh). Edmond Donovan abstained. After the motion passed. John Moore proposed and Thomas Holden seconded that Richard Young, the present occupier of the cottage, be appointed the tenant. This motion carried.
The Aftermath
Immediately after the vote Richard Fitzgerald handed up a notice of his motion to rescind the resolution appointing Young as tenant and Harte be appointed notwithstanding the vote. A query was posed regarding the cost of the Notice of Motion and the Clerk responded it cost 7 shillings. John Moore remarked to laughter that it was “money gone astray.”
We could not locate any further accounts of further votes on the disputed Glenmore cottage. It could be that the motion was withdrawn, it wasn’t seconded, or the newspapers did not cover it. From an interview that Danny conducted in 1970 of Mrs. Mai Aylward, of Ballyfacey, Dick and Katie Young had no children and lived in the cottage where Dwyers lived in 1970 in Mourlerstown. It is not clear if Mai Aylward was referring to the disputed cottage of Ballyveria but the two townlands adjoin.
The 1911 Census
Luckily, we have the 1911 Census, as well as parish records etc. to shed some light on some of the people involved.
The Applicants for the Disputed Glenmore Cottage
Andrew Harte in the 1911 Census was 45 years of age and working as an agricultural labourer. His wife Ellen was 47 they had a son John aged 9 and their youngest son was Andrew aged 7. They resided in Shanbogh. The couple were married 10 years. The Census records that their youngest son was “an idiot” a term now thankfully consigned to history.
Richard Young (c.1891-1936) in 1911, was a 24-year-old newlywed. He and his wife were married in November 1910. Richard worked as an agricultural labourer. He and his wife Kate née Hennessy (aged 32) were living in Ballyfacey with his father-in-law, Richard Hennessy, a 60-year-old widower. Richard Hennessy was also employed as an agricultural labourer. Others in household included three unmarried daughters: Annie Hennessy (28) was a typist; Mary Hennessy (26) was a National Teacher and Ellie Hennessy (24) was also a typist,
John Power who was granted tenancy, and apparently never took possession of the disputed cottage (and gave the key to Richard Young), is not in Ballyveria in the 1911 Census. There are two John Power’s in the parish of Glenmore in 1911 who were agricultural labourers. One was 31 and living in Aylwardstown with his wife and children. The second John Power was 36, single and living in Robinstown.
Harte’s Glenmore Employer
Pat Fitzgerald was the only Fitzgerald in Weatherstown in 1911. Notwithstanding the fact that Harte used a Weatherstown address on his letter to the Council, Harte did not reside in Weatherstown. Pat Fitzgerald (c.1883-1942 per headstone) of Weatherstown, was in 1911 a 51-year-old married farmer. In 1911 he resided with his wife and 6 children and had three servants including: Kate Grant (49, domestic servant); James Seinnott, (33, farm servant) and Pat Roorke (22, farm servant). If he was a member of the Waterford No. 2 Rural District and voted in the matter he had a clear conflict of interest as Harte was his employee.
The Glenmore Land Owner
Martin Phelan—There was no Martin Phelan residing in Ballyveria, Glenmore in 1911. There was a Martin Whelan living in Ballyfacey.
The only Phelan in Ballyveria was John Phelan (aged 20, farmer) and his sister Mary Phelan aged 24. The parish records reveal that John (c. 1892-1956) and Mary Phelan (b. 1886) were the children of Richard Phelan (farmer) and his wife Anne Donovan. Richard Phelan (c. 1842-1911) died on 20 January 1911 at Ballyweira. He was a widower and his son John was present when he died.
Ironically, John Phelan became Richard Young’s brother-in-law in 1916. They were married to 2 of the Hennessey sisters of Ballyfacey. John Phelan (c. 1892 -1956) of Ballyveria, married Mary Hennessey (1883-1963) of Ballyfacey (schoolteacher) on 22 May 1916 at Glenmore. The groom’s father was Richard Phelan (farmer) and the bride’s father was Richard Hennessey (labourer).
The Glenmore Elected District Councillors
John Ennett (1853-1939) a farmer of Cappagh, Glenmore, was first elected to the District Council around 1900.
Richard Fitzgerald (1868-1955) began his work as a public servant before 1900. He was a farmer in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. He served as Poor Law Guardian and as a District Councillor. In 1912, he ran for Kilkenny County Council.
It is not clear from the newspapers which Pat Fitzgerald of Glenmore was a member of the District Council in 1911. In addition to Pat Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, there was at least one other Pat Fitzgerald who lived in the Kilbride District Electoral Division. Pat Fitzgerald (1843-1920) of Ballyveria. He was baptized at Moulerstown on 23 September 1843. Unfortunately, no obituary was found to determine if he served on Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council.
Please send any corrections, further information or photographs to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The featured photo above was a Council cottage that has been extended over the years. It is not the 1911 disputed cottage.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh