Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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The Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) read a lot of Victor O’Donovan Power’s short stories when he was a lad and as an adult he became very interested in the author. Victor O’Donovan Power (1858-1933) was a prolific writer and was a native of Rosbercon. In addition to several interviews Danny recorded regarding Victor O’Donovan Power, in Danny’s voluminous collection is one of Victor O’Donovan Power’s violins. If Danny recorded how, when or where he obtained the violin, this information has not yet been uncovered. Today, we are going to share excerpts from two interviews that Danny recorded in 1971 regarding Victor O’Donovan Power and in particular his Touring Company that operated in the mid to late 1920’s as explained to Danny by a man who worked in the company. See our previous post of 28 October 2020 for further information regarding Victor O’Donovan Power .
Statia Butler (1887-1973) A Native of Ballycroney, Glenmore
The first interview was of “Statia Butler, of Ballyden” dated 28 February 1971. Anastatia Butler (1887-1973) of Rosbercon, died on 29 August 1973, single, aged 86 at the County Home in Thomastown. The interview notes do not record it, but Danny may have interviewed Statia in the County Home. He often visited the County Home in Thomastown to visit elderly Glenmore people residing there. Per the 1901 Census, Anastatia Butler resided in Rosbercon with her family. She was 14; her sister Margaret was 24 and her brother James was 17. Their parents were James Butler (60) and his wife Ellen (52). Armed with this information we found Statia’s birth record. She was born on the 28th of April 1887 at Ballycroney, Glenmore, the daughter of James Butler (labourer) and his wife Ellen Berrigan.
A Physical Description of Victor O’Donovan Power
According to Statia Butler, “Victor O’D Power was a small thin man. [He] wore a hat with his grey hair protruding out.” He used to go often to Paddy Mullally’s of Ballycroney. He would sing, and play the fiddle.
Pat Sullivan, of Raheen, Rosbercon
The second longer interview was of Pat Sullivan, of Raheen, Rosbercon. This interview took place on St. Patrick’s Day (17 March 1971). Unfortunately, we were unable to locate any information on this interviewee.
Aileen Mary Josephine Hearne née Power (1857- c. 1937)
Pat Sullivan told Danny that Victor O’Donovan Power had a sister who was married to J.B. Hearne of Chilcomb House. A review of marriage records reveals that Mary Josephine Power of Chilcomb married James Bernard Hearne of New Ross at Rosbercon on 5 July 1881. The bride was the daughter of Michael Power and Ellen O’Donovan and her baptism records her given name as Aileen Mary.
James B. Hearne and Mary J. Power had six known children: [1] Mary Florence Hearne (b.1883); [2] Harold Hearne (1883-1883); [3] Victor Hearne (1883-1883); [4] Ellen Josephine Hearne (b. 1884) Ellen’s baptismal record wrongly notes that she married A. Dempsey in 1920. [5] Ethel Margaret Hearne (b. 1888) married Dr. Alexander Dempsey ( ? -1963) on 10 Jan. 1920 in Dublin; and [6] Michael James Hearne (b.1888) married Teresa Doyle, of Brandon, New Ross, in 1915.
Harold, Mary Florence and Victor Hearne were triplets. Victor died 21 days after his birth. Harold died at the age of one month. No death record could be located for Mary Florence Hearne. Ethel and Michael were twins born on Halloween 1888. By 1883 James B. Hearne was described on the birth records as a gentleman, however, in the death records for his children his occupation was listed as grocer. By 1915 James M. Hearne was the only living son of J.B. Hearne of Chilcomb House (Limerick Chronicle, Tues. 28 Sept. 1915, p. 2).
Thomas Victor O’Donovan Power (1858-1933)
Per the baptismal records of Rosbercon “Thomas Victor” Power was born 29 July 1858 at Chilcomb House. A year later Alfred James Power joined the family on 8 August 1859.
Pat Sullivan described Victor as having a slight build of medium height, with a moustache. He was a very jolly man. Pat Sullivan said that Victor lived where Jack O’Leary lived in 1971. His parents, Jack O’Leary and Mrs. O’Leary worked for Victor. He had one half of the house. One room downstairs and one room upstairs.
Pat Sullivan stated that Victor wrote his stories in a hut erected on J.B. Hearne’s land, although in fairness the land had originally belonged to the Power family. As noted above J.B. Hearne married into Chilcomb House. Jack Doherty, of Milltown, Glenmore, built the hut and brought it down on wheels. Pat Sullivan noted that in 1971 the hut was a hen house in Pascal Doolan’s, of Hoodgrove, Rosbercon.
Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company
Pat Sullivan, of Butterbridge, Rosbercon, travelled with Victor Power in his traveling company at the end of 1924. It was known as the Victor O’Donovan Power Touring Company. Pat Sullivan went on tour with the Company twice. In the 1924/5 trip Pat Sullivan spent 9 months with the Company. Pat joined the Company when they were playing the old cinema in New Ross. The Company wasn’t too long started when Pat joined it at New Ross. They spent three nights there. It was the only place they played in Co. Wexford. The Company lasted 6 or 7 years. Harkem Smith also travelled with the Company.
Members of the Company included:
Frank O’Donovan—Dublin;
Lewis Dalton—Dublin;
Tom Tobins—Carrick-on-Suir;
Edith Kehoe—Dublin
Kitty McMahon—Dublin
Paddy Lonegan—Carrick-on-Suir
Cecil Wiseman—Leslie, West Cork (pianist and took parts)
Pat Sullivan—Buttersbridge (took small parts and on the door taking the money).
Another girl also was in the company and she had a daughter who also took part.
Pat Sullivan took part in the play, “The Heir of Liscarragh.” Pat was also the servant in David Carrick’s play. “The Lone House on the Moor,” was another play they produced.
Victor O’Donovan Power did not take any part in the performances. He only came now and again to visit the Company. It was a general show with music, songs, dances etc. The first year that Pat Sullivan went with the company they started at Cahir, Cashel Hospital. They also went to Doneraile, Midleton, Millstreet, Bandon, and parts of Clare. The Company spent 3 nights in each place and in some places a couple nights longer.
Hearne Family
Pat Sullivan and his wife believed that Victor only had a sister that married J.B. Hearne. They noted that J.B. Hearne had at least 2 children. They did not appear to know about the triplets or twins. Their daughter Ethel Hearne went to Belfast. She was married to an English Army Officer. When JB Hearne went bust in Chilcomb he went to Belfast where he died. He is buried in the Old Chapel Yard in Rosbercon. His wife is also buried there where the old chapel was located. A newspaper search turned up an obituary for J.B. Hearne. He died in 1952 in Cork at the age of 96 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 March 1952, p. 2.) Victor O’Donovan Power was mentioned in the obituary as well as the fact that Victor’s uncle was the Dr. Thomas Joseph Power (1830-1893) the Bishop of Newfoundland.
1926 Rosbercon Census
JB Hearne was 69 years of age and reported being born in New Ross. He was employed as a maize miller. His wife, Mary Josephine was 75 years of age (in the 1901 Census they were recorded as the same age). The 1926 House and Building Return shows that there were two Chilcomb Houses, namely: Chilcomb House and Chilcomb Park House. One house is occupied by the John O’Leary family (3 men and 1 woman) in three rooms and Victor Power (1 male) in 2 rooms. David Mulligan (1 man and 1 woman) resided in a tent. J.B. Hearne (his wife and 1 servant) occupied 10 rooms.
Victor Power recorded his age as 67. He was single, and for his occupation he listed that he was a novelist and playwright. He could read Irish but could not speak it. According to Pat Sullivan Victor wasn’t well off and said so himself. However, he was able to earn his living.
Victor O’Donovan Power’s Ramblings
According to Pat Sullivan, Victor used to visit Pat Sullivan’s and Johnnie Power’s of Butterbridge, Rosbercon; Pat Murphy’s of Ballycroney, Glenmore; Lanigan’s of Ballylog (the Rower?); Tom Lenihan’s? of Ballycurran, Tullogher; the Ryan’s of Guilcogh; Cahill’s of Ballygurrim and several other places. Victor mainly travelled the South Kilkenny area around New Ross and West Cork. However, sometimes people came to Victor. Pat Sullivan said that he saw Lil Linegar in an ass and car coming to visit Victor in Raheen.
Death
Victor was only sick for about 3 days when he died. He died in the Haughton Hospital of New Ross. “They brought him down from the hospital to Shanbogh out the new line.”
Victor had 3 fiddles one of which he called the Fairy Fiddle. He also had and played fifes and flageolets (similar to a tin whistle). Victor wanted his Fairy Fiddle buried with him, but it was not according to Pat Sullivan.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com . We are particularly interested in finding more information on the interviewee Pat Sullivan (son of Pat Sullivan) formerly of Butterbridge and Raheen.
The drawing to the right is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1780 – 1950). Violin from Horní Lužice. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f5fc8920-c558-012f-b833-58d385a7bc34
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Two Priests Named Grant Buried Together in Glenmore
Update
The best thing about posting on a blog is that mistakes can be corrected and posts can be updated as additional information is found. Last night an advertisement from 1830 was found regarding the Graiguenakill Mill that was the home of Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) good friend Nicky the Miller Forristal (1888-1979 ). The advertisement has been added to the original post of 7 June 2020. This may have been the time that James Cardiff (Nicky the Miller Forristal’s grandfather) acquired the mill.
Glenmore Grave: Rev. Wm. Grant (c. 1783-1821) & Rev. Thomas Grant (c. 1861-1929)
Close to the door into the porch of Glenmore Chapel (St. James) is an old crypt. The flat top of the crypt is inscribed, but difficult to read due to its age and exposure to the elements. Rev. William Grant and Rev. Thomas Grant died over one hundred years apart and any stated relationship between the two priests if recorded can no longer be read.
In 1821, the Saunder’s News-Letter (Thurs. 30 Aug. 1821, p. 2) recorded the death of Rev. William Grant the Curate of Glenmore as follows: “DEATHS–On the 21st instant, at Glinmore (sic), County Kilkenny, the Rev. William Grant, Assistant Catholic Priest in the Parish of Glinmore”. The flat top of the crypt records, “To the memory of the Rev. William Grant late curate of Glenmore, Who departed this life Aug. 17th 182?, Aged 38.”
The second inscription is for Rev. Thomas Grant died [illegible] 1929, Aged 68. The Death Register revealed that Rev. Thomas Grant, aged 68, PP, died on the 8th of Dec. 1929. A death notice was located in the Irish Independent (Sat. 14 Dec. 1929, p. 14) “Rev. Thomas Grant, P.P. who has died at Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny, was ordained at St. Kieran’s Kilkenny, 45 years ago, and ministered as curate for over 25 years at Clough, Rathdowney. About three years ago he was appointed P.P. of Galmoy.” Although buried in Glenmore, Fr. Thomas Grant does not appear to have ever been assigned to Glenmore.
The obituary of Fr. Thomas Grant’s sister, Miss Mary Grant (c. 1857 -1919) revealed that the two Grant priests whose remains were interned in the same crypt in Glenmore were great-uncle and great-nephew. We regret to announce the death of Miss Mary Grant, of Ballyvaring, Slieverue, which occurred on the 17th inst. The deceased was sister of the Rev. Thomas Grant C.C., Aghaboe, and grand-niece of Rev. Wm. Grant, who got the Chapel of Glenmore built. She was about 62 years of age…The chief mourners were: Rev. T. Grant (brother); John Grant (brother; Mr. John Grant and family; Mr. James Grant (Waterford Star, Sat. 27 Sept. 1919, p. 5).
Fr. William Grant’s Housekeeper
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often laughed about the story of Fr. Grant’s housekeeper. Apparently the housekeeper was a formidable woman and gave out to Fr. Grant. He informed her that he would put her where all the parishioners would walk on her. Just at the door to the porch of the Chapel is a large flat stone that all parishioners entering the porch of the chapel must walk on. This is alleged to be Fr. Grant’s housekeeper’s grave. Unfortunately, due to the weather over the years and people walking on the stone the inscription can no longer be read.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Early Glenmore Notes by Danny Dowling (1927-2021)
Over seven decades Glenmore Village Historian Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded what people told him about Glenmore and nearby parishes. Recently while going through a large box of Danny’s notebooks we came across a small green pocket size spiral notebook with dated pages from January 1951. We believe this to be one of Danny’s earliest notebooks. Today, we present one entry that covers eight of the small notebook pages. The notes are presented as written by Danny. Any editorial explanations or comments have been placed in [square brackets]. Danny turned 24 in February 1951.
We believe that Danny recorded notes from conversations with his Jamestown neighbour and friend Wattie Power (1887-1961) and Wattie’s wife Alice Power née Curran (1881-1974). Prior to their deaths the couple moved from their farm in Jamestown to 114 the Quay in Waterford sometime before 1961.
13/1/51 [13 January 1951]
Mrs. Power remembers the time when there was no postman in Glenmore. At that time the people had to collect their letters from the post office. One incident which stands out in memory was when her brothers, children at the time, used to deliver the post to the P.P. Fr. Nolan. On that occasion her two brothers tore up the letters. One of which was an important one from the Bishop. She also remembers Powell’s house standing.
[William Powell (c. 1808-1880) was the first post master of Glenmore. He retired from the R.I.C. and opened the first post office around 1870 across from Francis O’Brien’s gate on the same side of the road as Hanrahan’s shop and post office. Powell’s wife Bridget died in 1891 in Robinstown. It is assumed that their house stood until after her death. See our post of 24 Nov. 2019 regarding the rise and demise of the Post Office in Glenmore].
[Fr. Edward Nolan (c. 1833-1898) is buried in Glenmore. He died 22 January 1898 aged 65. His headstone records that he was in the 38th year of his sacred ministry when he died. In 1883, according to the Waterford News (Fri. 18 May 1883, p. 3] he was moved from the Curacy of Mullinavat to Parish Priest of Glenmore. Thus, the incident regarding his letters being destroyed by the Curran boys occurred between 1883 and 1898. See our N. Surname page to read Fr. Nolan’s obituary.]
[Alice Curran (1881-1974) of Robinstown, Glenmore Village married Walter “Wattie” Power (1887-1967) of Jamestown. Alice had a sister Margaret (c. 1890-1946) who married Henry Bevans (c. 1890-1967) the principal of Glenmore (Robinstown) National School. In addition to being a principal Henry Bevans operated a bookshop and stationary business at 114 the Quay, Waterford. He and his wife lived above the shop and the Powers went to live with him sometime before 1961. For further information on the Curran family see our post of 30 Nov. 2019.]
Walter “Wattie” Power (1887-1961)
Wattie said there was a lime kiln around where Jim Dunphy’s cottage is now.
[Glenmore Grub in the Old Days]
A dish called Flummery was made from dried wheat ground in a quern. [See, “Ancient Ireland Grain Processing Quern Stones 101,” (2019) by Celtic RnR Tours.]
Wattie believed that it was made in the “praupeen” style. Praupeen [or prápin] was made from raw oatmeal and milk, either fresh or sour, and eaten raw. It was also made with cream. It was a common dish in Glenmore Parish down to Wattie’s early years. [Wattie was born in 1887]. It was generally eaten for supper and often during other times of the day.
[Typical Menu]
Typical days menu in Wattie’s father’s time—young days. [Wattie’s father Patsey Power was born in 1855].
Breakfast
Oaten bread and curds. Butter was used on the bread.
Supper
Boiled turnips and oatmeal dumplings, called dumblings, and sour milk. The dumblings were balls of oatmeal but with milk and boiled with the turnips. They say that there was no necessity then for Beacham’s pills. [In the 19th century English chemist Thomas Beecham marketed his pills as a laxative and general cure all for stomach and nervous ailments. It allegedly treated everything from constipation, headaches, melancholy and menstrual cramps.]
Dinner
Spuds, milk and salt and a salted herring. In the early days of Patsy Power they never sat down to a meal—they always stood as they had no seats. On the occasion of Fr. Power-a silanced priest ate standing up at Patsey Power’s, preyeats [potatoes] and herrings.
In lots of houses in those days a barrel of herrings was to be found. They bought the herrings fresh and salted them.
Patsy Walsh (son) told Wattie Power that when he was working with Johnny Mullins (present Nicky’s grandfather) of Flemingstown, he was sodding corn on this occasion and had been working from 7 am to 7 pm. when Johnny Mullins came down and said, “I think ‘gore you’d want a praupeen.” He sent him down a paper bag of oatmeal and a quart of sour milk.
Wattie himself brought out the dinner to Martin and Mick Fitzgerald, of Ballycroney, during the harvest time about 55 years ago [c. 1907] and it consisted of a square of oaten bread and a quart of sour milk.
At Dan Cody’s, of Carrigcloney, (present Danny’s great-grandfather) a workman said it was the best house for grub. He got oaten bread and curds for his breakfast.
[The Glenmore Creamery]
Mick Walsh of Haggard built the creamery in Glenmore, and the farmers of the parish dug the foundation, drew stones and other materials voluntarily.
[Land]
Field of Powers where rick was built was brought from its owner for 2/6 the price of a pair of brogues. [pair of shoes] The man who sold it was old at the time.
The 8 acres belonging to the Walsh’s of Jamestown, in Forristalstown was bought for £8 (£1 per acre) by Watt Walsh –present Tom’s grandfather from Pitt’s? Doherty’s father, Dicky Vorshalla. No one in Forristalstown would buy it from him.
[Jury Service]
When Dick Carroll, of Forristalstown, was called on the jury in Kilkenny he walked to and from Kilkenny, via Thomastown every night and morning. That was about 100 years ago now [c. 1861].
[Richard Carroll (c. 1804-1888) of Forristalstown, Glenmore is buried in St. James’s cemetery with his wife Ellen née Henneberry (c. 1813-1891) and family. It is 33 miles from Glenmore Village to Thomastown and a further 20 miles from Thomastown to Kilkenny City. ]
[Glenmore Men’s Fashion]
In Wattie’s father and grandfather’s time all the men wore corduroy knee breeches and long stockings and brogues.
[Wattie’s father was Patrick “Patsey” Power (1855-1942) the last native Irish speaker in the area. Patsey Power (1855-1942) was the son of Walter Power (c. 1809-1885) and his wife Catherine Merrigan.]
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@glenmore-history
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The 1870 drawing of the dapper fellow to the right is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1870). The stage Irishman Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/30376a40-c564-012f-9b7a-58d385a7bc34
The featured photo today is Danny’s 1951 green spiral pocket sized notebook.
From Danny’s Glenmore Photo Album 6.0 [Updated]
Today, we are featuring a harvest photo Danny Dowling (1927-2021) took at the Dowling Farm in Jamestown, Glenmore.
We believe that the photo was taken in the 1950’s. We believe that the women in the photo were Danny’s sisters. The only person positively identified thus far is the man kneeling in the front row, 2nd person from right, Richie Dunphy (c. 1936-2015) of Ballyverneen, Glenmore.
Can you identify any of the people in the photo? If so please indicate their placement in the photo, their name and townland if known to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
If you would like to view previous posts from Danny’s Photo Album see our,
[5] Post of 8 January 2025;
[4] Post of 4 May 2022;
[3] Post of 10 May 2022;
[2] Post of 24 May 2022;
[1] Post of 9 June 2022.
If you have any photos of Glenmore or Glenmore people you would like to share please send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Update: Thanks to Bernard and Jackie Walsh the following people have been identified.
Front row: (left side) (kneeling) First man with hat–Danny Aylward, Ballyfacey; the next man could possibly be Robbie Doherty Haggard.
Front row: (right side) (kneeling) from right Dinny Murphy, Milltown; Richie Dunphy (c. 1936- 2015) Ballyverneen; possibly Neddy Holden, Clune.
Second row: (standing) Mikey Dowling is standing beside his sister (she is holding a bottle); man with hands on his head is old Jack Fitzgerald of Busherstown.
Back row: (standing) from right Pat Fitzgerald, Busherstown; next with flat cap is Seamus Fitzgerald, Ballycroney
William Murphy (b. 1879) Native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Most people interested in football have heard of James “Jimmy” Murphy (1910-1989) the Assistant Manager of Manchester United. He is credited with keeping the franchise going after the 1958 Munich air crash that killed 20 of 40 passengers. Several of the dead were Man United players along with reporters and support staff. Jimmy Murphy’s friend, Matt Busby was the General Manager and was injured in the crash. Jimmy Murphy was not on the plane because he was coaching the Wales team that went to the World Cup finals in 1958. While Matt Busby was recovering from the crash Jimmy Murphy put together a Manchester United team and managed the hastily comprised team to the FA Cup Final.
Books have been written about Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy that highlight how they met while serving in WWII, how they managed and built Manchester United etc. While very interesting men, today we are going to highlight the tragic and elusive life of Jimmy Murphy’s father, William Murphy, a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. At various times wrong information has been published concerning William Murphy, e.g. it was published that he hailed from Carlow and emigrated to Wales during the famine (see, Fergus Dowd, “Jimmy Murphy—y dyn a achubold Man United” (2021) A Bohemian Sporting Life). William was born in Glenmore almost 30 years after the famine ended. It was also published that Jimmy Murphy was “The Kilkennyman who Rebuilt Manchester United” (Kilkenny People, 27 Feb. 1998, p. 9). Jimmy Murphy was born in Wales, but his father William Murphy was born in Glenmore, Kilkenny.
William Murphy (b. 1879) native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore
William Murphy was the eldest son of Edmond Murphy (1839- 1923) and his wife Margaret Deady (1852-1894). William Murphy was born on 8 March 1879 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. His parents were married at Glenmore on 24 February 1876.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Parents
Edmond Murphy was a farmer and at the time of his marriage his address was Ballinakill, Mullinavat. His bride, Margaret had an address of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Their fathers were William Murphy (deceased, farmer) and Michael Deady (farmer). Thus, it appears that William Murphy (b. 1879) and his siblings were the first of the family born in Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
William Murphy’s (b. 1879) Grandparents
Edmond Murphy’s father, William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) died at Ballinakill on 11 April 1874. William Murphy was 63 years of age when he died of bronchitis. Robert Murphy was present at his death. In attempting to locate a record for William’s birth in 1811, we did find a William Murphy baptized on 29 June 1802 at Ballinloney (sic), Glenmore. He was the son of Patrick Murphy and Alice Welsh. We could not find any other children born to this union. We could not verify that this William baptized in 1802 was William Murphy’s (b. 1879) grandfather.
Children of William Murphy (c. 1811-1874) and Mary Wall (c. 1812-1882)
[1] Robert Murphy (bapt. 5 April 1837)
[2] Edmund Murphy (bapt. 26 Jan. 1839)
[3] John Murphy (bapt. 1 Mar. 1841)
[4] Catherine Murphy (bapt. 21 Feb. 1843)
[5] Michael Murphy (bapt. 25 Jan. 1845)
[6] Mary Murphy (bapt. 15 Mar. 1847)
All the children were born at Ballinakill, Mullinavat.
Within a few years of their father William’s death, Edmond and John Murphy married. As outlined above Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) married Margaret Deady (1852-1894) in 1876. The couple lived at Ballinlammy. In the 1926 Census, the Ballinlammy farm was described as containing 70 statute acres.
Uncle John Murphy (1841-1914)
John Murphy married Mary Dungan, of Buckstown, Mullinavat, on 4 May 1875. John’s address at the time of the wedding was Ballinakill. It is recorded in the marriage record that he was a 25-year-old farmer, the son of William Murphy (deceased, farmer). His bride, Mary Dungan was the daughter of John Dungan (farmer).
John Murphy continued to reside in Ballinakill after his marriage. His mother, Mary Murphy née Wall (c. 1812-1882) died at Ballinakill on 23 May 1882 at the age of 70. John was present at her death. John’s wife, Mary Murphy née Dungan (c. 1834-1891) died at Ballinlammy on 5 April 1891 of bronchitis. She was 57 years of age. John was present when she died. John died on 7 March 1914 at Ballinlammy at the age of 72. His nephew James Murphy was present when he died.
Children of Edmond Murphy (1839-1923) and Margaret Deady (1852-1894)
[1] Mary Murphy (b. 25 Jan. 1877)
[2] William Murphy (b. 8 Mar. 1879) Godfather was Robert Murphy.
[3] Catherine Murphy (b. 11 April 1881)
[4] Michael Murphy (b. 26 Jan. 1883) d. 1919
[5] Honor “Annie” Murphy (b. 25 June 1885)
[6] James Murphy (b. 16 Dec. 1886) d. 1961
[7] Anastasia Murphy (b. 18 Sept. 1889)
Margaret Murphy née Deady (1852-1894) died at the age of 41 on 12 January 1894 of scarlatina or scarlet fever. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 15 years old when his mother died.
In the 1901 Census there were 9 people recorded in the Ballinlammy household. Edmond Murphy gave his age as 50 and his brother John Murphy as 45. They were both widowers and their true ages were 62 and 60. William was recorded as being 21. His siblings in the 1901 Census were recorded as M. Anne Murphy (23); Mike Murphy (19); Annie Murphy (14); James Murphy (12); Stasia Murphy (10); and Eddy Murphy (7).
William Murphy’s First Marriage
The Kilkenny People (21 June 2019, p. 56) quoted a biography written about Matt Busby describing how Jimmy Murphy’s father emigrated to Wales. “Late in the first decade of the 20th century William “Billy” Murphy, a manual labourer from Kilkenny, a city in the South East of Ireland, arrived in South Wales with the intention of working in the pits. Billy was a widower and travelled with the son from his marriage, Patrick.”
As stated above William Murphy (b. 1879) was a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. As far as I can ascertain he never lived in Kilkenny City. In 1901 he was still single residing in Ballinlammy. At some point he married Johanna Dalton and the couple were living on Philip St. in Waterford City when their son Patrick was born on 29 October 1905. Patrick was baptized on 9 November 1905 and died on the 11th of November. His mother Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1885-1905) also died on the 11th of November 1905 of puerperal fever (childbirth fever). She was 25 years of age. William was present at her death.
Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) Native of Knockbrack, Glenmore
We found a Johanna Dalton born on 13 March 1880 at Knockbrack, Glenmore to Patrick Dalton and his wife Catherine Whelan/Phelan. We were not able to find a marriage record for William and Johanna, nor could we locate a birth record for their son Edward Murphy (b. 1904). In the 1911 Wales Census Edward’s place of birth is recorded as Co. Kilkenny. See our post of 10 August 2026 for further information on the Dalton family of Knockbrack, Glenmore.
In attempting to find more information concerning the short marriage of William Murphy and Johanna Murphy née Dalton (1880-1905) we searched the 1901 Census of Philip St. in Waterford. In 20 Philip St., we found two Glenmore natives., namely Edward Murphy and his wife Catherine Grace both natives of Forristalstown. The couple were married on 26 April 1899 at Glenmore and one of the witnesses to the wedding was Johanna Dalton. See the obit of Edward Murphy (c. 1874-1951) of 14 Griffith’s Place on our M surname page. He worked for over 50 years at Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
Emigration to Wales
It is not known when William Murphy (b. 1879) moved to Wales, but in early 1910 William Murphy (b. 1879) married Florence Louisa Eynon née Scourfield (c. 1876-1960) in Pontypridd, Glanmorgan, Wales. Florence was the daughter of William Scourfield (grocer) and his wife Ada Nichols. Florence was widowed in 1905 when her first husband Benjamin Eynon (1876-1905)(butcher) died leaving her to raise their 5 children.
In 1911 there were 9 persons residing in the Murphy household. William Murphy (b. 1879) was 33 and employed as a colliery repairer. His place of birth was Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Florence Murphy née Scourfield was 33 and her place of birth was Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales. They recorded they were married 2 years and one child was born to the marriage.
The Blended Family of William Murphy (b. 1879) & Florence Scourfield (c. 1876-1960)
In the 1911 Census the following children were in the household reflecting children of the first marriages of both William and Florence and Jimmy their child together.
[1] William J. Eynon (16) Asst. coal miner, b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[2] Cyril Eynon (15) Asst. Coal miner b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[3] Mary Eynon (13) b. Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[4] Sydney Eynon (12), Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
[5] Benjamin Eynon (5) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
[6] Edward Murphy (6) b. Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
[7] James Murphy (8 mos.) b. Ystrad, Glanmorgan
The 1921 Census finds the family residing at 43 Treharne St., Pentre, Rhondda, Glanmorganshire, Wales. Work was not good after the War. William Murphy (42), was a collier hewer, for Cory Bros. , Pentro Colliery. It is noted that he was out of work. Florence was 43.
[1] Edward Murphy (16 yrs 8 mos) son, collier boy, Cory Bros, Pentro Colliery (out of work)
[2] James Murphy (10 yrs 10 mos. ) son, was still at school
[3] William Eynon (26 years) step-son, miner, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[4] Sidney Eynon (22) step-son, miner, Cory Bros, (out of work) served in WWI. Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
[5] Benjamin Eynon (15) step-son, was a collier boy, Cory Bros. (out of work)
[6] Mary Eynon (23) step-daughter m. 1937 Arthur P. Lewis. Mary Lewis née Eynon died in August 1987.
Back in Ballinlammy, Glenmore
It is not known if William Murphy (b. 1879) ever returned to Glenmore. His father Edmond died at Ballinlammy, on 8 May 1923. His son James Murphy was present. His age was given as 67 when in fact he was 84.
James Murphy (1886-1961) played on the Inter County Kilkenny Gaelic Football team from 1910 to 1924. He also joined the Glenmore Co. of the Old IRA. His obit is on our M Surname page. See generally the list of men in the Glenmore Company of the old IRA. In 1926 only three of William’s (b. 1879) siblings were residing in Ballinlammy. All three were single. James was 35; Michael was 39 and Anastasia was 32. They had an 18-year- old servant named Thomas Murphy (b. Glenmore) also residing in the household.
Patrick Bookle contacted the Kilkenny People in 2019 and explained that William Murphy was his granduncle and hailed from Ballinlammy, Glenmore, not Kilkenny City. Patrick confirmed that William moved to Wales, Ned moved to the US, and two brothers remained in Ballinlammy. James [Murphy] was Patrick Bookle’s grandfather. James was the goalkeeper on the Glenmore football team (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Sept. 2019, p. 62).
Unknown End
While we were able to locate a newspaper account of the death of Florence Murphy née Scourfield we were unable to verify when William Murphy (b. 1879) died. We hope that one of our readers may be able to shed some light on when William died and where he is buried.
Florence Louisa Murphy née Scourfield of Treharne Street, Pentre, Wales, died in January 1960.
SAD TIME FOR JIMMY MURPHY—It was a unhappy homecoming last weekend for Manchester United Assistant manager, Jimmy Murphy. For his mother, 82-year-old Mrs. Florence Louise Murphy of Treharne St., Pentre, passed away after a long illness. Mrs. Murphy was a loveable character, who will be sorely missed by neighbours and also members of the Welsh international team, such as John Charles and Ivor Allchurch, who as far as she was concerned were not great footballers but boys she could mother (Pontypridd Observer, Sat. 30 Jan. 1960, p. 3).
Mrs. Florence Murphy of Pentre, Rhondda, with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Lewis reading the good news that her son, Jim Murphy (Manchester United) had been appointed Welsh Soccer team manager (Western Mail Wed. 10 Oct. 1956 , p. 10).
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@glenmore-history
The feature photo above is an old postcard of Pentre , Rhondda, Wales circa 1920.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Poet Peter Brophy (1871-1951) a Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
A poem entitled “The Rose of Glenmore” was read out at Mary Aylward’s (née Heffernan) funeral earlier this year. We obtained a copy from her daughter-in-law Joan Aylward (née Doherty) and on the copy it was noted that the poem was composed by a grand-uncle of the present Brophy family of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. We visited Michael Brophy and his sister Ann Brophy who indicated that their great-uncle Peter Brophy wrote poetry and lyrics to songs. He worked for a time for the Nightingale newspaper. (See our post of 28 April 2024 regarding the Nightingale publication).
Peter Brophy also worked for the Dunphy Mill in Deerpark, Mullinavat, where the present owner, John Dunphy has several of Peter’s poems on display. John Dunphy listened to a recording of Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) (Michael and Ann’s father) reciting his uncle’s poems, and John Dunphy wrote out the poems. For further information on the historic Dunphy Deerpark Mill see our post of 13 July 2026. Peter Brophy also wrote “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” and other poems available on our Guest Author’s page of local verses collected by Dick Claridge.
Unfortunately, it is not known when Peter Brophy authored his many poems, but the titles of some of his poems include: [1] “The Rose of Glenmore,” [2] “Charlie Linegar’s Ball,” [3] The Famous Buckstown Trap,” [4] “The Ship that Sailed from Mullinavat,” [5] “Landmarks of Olden Days,” [6] “Hills of Mullinahone,” [7] “Jack Jepson and His Ass,” [8] “Eucharistic Congress Dublin 1932,” [8] “Mount Mellary,” [9] “The Famous Chicken Gang,” [10] “The Half Past Nine,” [11] “The Slopes of Tory Hill,” and [12] “The Cross on Tory Hill.”
These poems are important as they record local events, people and areas. Today, we are going to feature two of Peter Brophy’s poems, “The Rose of Glenmore,” and “The Famous Buckstown Trap” which celebrates a rat trap made by Richard Dunphy.
The Rose of Glenmore
Some cherish the lakes of Kilarney,
And others Avoca’s green vale,
Give me the home of my childhood,
The fairest around Inis Fáil.
I often hear poets sing the praises
of the beautiful Suir and the Nore,
But where there’s a river could equal,
The Barrow that flows through Glenmore.
The linnet and thrush you’ll hear warbling,
The lark every morning will soar,
Along o’er the banks of the Barrow,
And the green groves surrounding Glenmore.
I have sailed up the Barrow for many a mile,
I have met many friends from New Ross and Campile,
Where the fair sex are pretty along the Wexford shore,
But none could compare to the Rose of Glenmore.
On the banks of the Barrow every evening we’d stroll,
To see the ships pass and hear the ships’ carol,
And pluck the wild bluebells every summertime poured,
Their sweet, scented fragrance on the banks of Glenmore.
But to my old darling I must bid adieu.
It breaks my heart to be parting from you.
Since fate have decreed that I should be tore,
Away from my home and the Rose of Glenmore.
Now Katie I ask one last token,
You’ll promise for me you won’t weep,
But say that you’ll think of me sometimes
If only in dreams through your sleep.
For your sake the high seas I will furrow,
and hope to gain riches in store,
Then I’ll build on the banks of the Barrow,
A home for the Rose of Glenmore.
The Famous Buckstown Trap
We hear about inventions of the Russian’s and the Jap,
But we hear very little of the famous Buckstown Trap.
With the aid of angle grinders and bits of this and that,
By the time the job was finished, all he wanted was the rat.
But the rat will come in his own time and much to his regret,
We must give it up to Dunphy as the best invention yet.
It’s a wonderful invention, yet as good as can be seen,
They claim it is much better than the Singer sewing machine
It consists of wire and metal and bits of iron bars,
Complete with chrome finish and parts of motor cars.
To set this trap is simple; you can set it at your ease,
With Mitchelstown or Three Counties or any type of cheese.
Now if you are interested in any kind of trap,
Support home industry and forget about the Jap.
Now if you are in trouble with mink, mouse or rat,
Just contact Richard Dunphy of Deerpark, Mullinavat.
Peter Brophy (1871-1951) Native of Ballynaraha, Glenmore
Peter Brophy was baptized 16 Oct. 1871 at Ballynaraha, Glenmore to James Brophy (1840-1910) and his wife Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915). His parents were married at Glenmore on 3 May 1869.
Peter Brophy’s Grandparents
When Peter’s parents were married in 1869 his mother Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915) was from Graiguenakill, Glenmore. She was the daughter of James Barron (deceased labourer). Peter Brophy’s father was James Brophy of Ballynaraha, Glenmore. James Brophy was the son of Peter Brophy (tailor) (c. 1805 -1872) and his wife Bridget Sutton.
Children of James Brophy (1840-1910) and Mary Barron (c. 1846-1915)
[1] Margaret Brophy (b. 11 Oct. 1869)
[2] Peter Brophy (bapt. 16 Oct. 1871)
[3] Michael Brophy (b. 20 Dec. 1873). Michael Brophy (1873-1960) married Mary Phelan (1885-1961) at Mullinavat in 1916. Mary was the daughter of Edmund Phelan (labourer) of Bigwood, Mullinavat. Their witnesses were Peter Brophy and Kate Dollard. Their son Edward “Ned” Brophy (1924-1996) was employed at Murphy Motors, Glenmore and recorded his uncle Peter’s poems.
[4] Thomas Brophy (b. 25 Dec. 1875)
[5] John Brophy (b. 1 June 1878)
[6] James Brophy (b. 16 Feb. 1882)
[7] Patrick Brophy (b. 20 Aug. 1884) married in Waterford 23 Feb. 1933. Per his obit (Munster Express, Fri. 31 Jan. 1947, p. 8) he was a member of the R.I.C. until 1921 and retired. He then went to work for Strangman’s Brewery of Waterford.
[8] William Brophy (b. 18 July 1887)
[9] Richard Brophy (b. 10 Feb. 1892)
Marriage and Family
Peter Brophy was still living at home in Ballynaraha, Glenmore in the 1901 Census. He reported his age as 27 and was employed as a servant. His father, James Brophy was 60 and employed as an agricultural labourer. His mother, Mary Brophy (née Barron) was 59. Four of his brothers were also living at home including: John (21); James (19); Patrick (17) and William (14). William was still at school. All the other brothers except James were employed as servants. James was employed as an agricultural labourer.
By the 1911 Census Peter was employed at the Dunphy Mill at Deerpark, Mullinavat. He was living with a farmer and his wife in Killahy, Mullinavat. On 15 October 1917, he married Johanna Watters (b.c. 1887) at Mullinavat. He gave his address as Deerpark, Mullinavat. Johanna’s address was Ballintlea, Mullinavat. Her father was Thomas Watters (labourer). When Peter Brophy married he gave his occupation as labourer, and he was 46 years of age.
Known Children of Peter Brophy (1871-1951)
[1] Mary Brophy was born 24 Feb. 1918 at Ballynooney, Mullinavat. Mary married Edward Lannon, Ballycarron, Ballyraggett in Mullinavat on 23 April 1951 per the baptismal record. In fact, the couple were married 23 April 1941. The bride was a resident of Buckstown at the time of her marriage. At the time of her marriage Mary was residing in Kilkenny City (Munster Express, Fri. 2 May 1941, p. 8).
[2] James Brophy was baptized 24 Feb. 1919 and died 29 March 1919.
[3] Margaret Brophy was born 31 Dec. 1920 at Buckstown. Margaret Brophy married Richard Nugent in Cappoquin on 28 Sept. 1949.
[4] John Brophy was born 24 June 1922 at Buckstown.
[5] Johanna Brophy was born 24 May 1924 at Buckstown
The family in 1926 was living in Inchcarran, Killea, Mullinavat per the 1926 Census.
Death
Peter Brophy died 28 June 1951 at Buckstown, Mullinavat. He was 79, and his profession was listed as labourer. His son John Brophy was present at his death. A newspaper search did not find any articles concerning Peter Brophy or his poems. We are hopeful that readers may be able to provide more information concerning Peter Brophy and his poems.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
We do not know what the Buckstown Trap looked like, but we were able to find a photo of an antique rat trap.
Special thanks to Michael Brophy; Ann Brophy; Joan Aylward (née Doherty); and John Dunphy for their help and information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh