Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
now browsing by tag
Josie Dalton (1907-1978) of Railway Cottage, Rathinure, Glenmore
Today, we are going to focus on a warm, quiet woman who lived her entire life in the railway cottage in Rathinure. The walls of the railway cottage can still be found along the abandoned railway line that operated from New Ross to Waterford. [For the past decade or so, the old abandoned railway line was to be transformed into a “greenway,” or walking/bicycling path, but this work has never been completed.] The isolated Rathinure railway cottage, had no electricity or well. It was only accessible by walking the train tracks or by narrow dirt farm lanes. After her mother’s death in 1947 Josie lived alone in that isolated cottage.
Josie Dalton often walked to neighbours’ homes in the evening for company or a game of cards etc. One of her favorite houses to visit was the Kirwan home. She walked to Glenmore for Mass or was taken as she got older by her neighbours. It does not appear that she ever held a job, but did odd jobs when extra help was needed on local farms such as at threshings or thinning beet etc. At the recent Kilcolumb Blessing of Graves (6 July 2026) attendees marveled at the thought of the elderly Josie Dalton nightly walking nearly a mile home alone on the isolated, eerie, lane past the ancient cemetery to her home with nothing but a torch or flashlight.
Danny Dowling’s Notes
Glenmore’s historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2023) shortly after Josie’s death recorded what Rathinure residents recalled about Josie. Josie’s father was a cobbler from Tullogher and moved to the Railway Cottage in Rathinure. Josie had two sisters and a brother Pat. All her siblings went to England and Josie lived in the isolated Railway Cottage until shortly before she died. Josie broke her leg and was found by a neighbour and taken to the hospital. She lived in a small mobile home where Willie Cummins had lived. Mick Mack’s house on the High Road, in Scartnamoe, had a lot where a mobile home was placed for Willie Cummins. Although Josie told friends she was going to return to the Railway House she died at the mobile home.
Josie was great friends with Mary Sean Og Kennedy (1881-1971). During the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Uprising, Josie was helping with the harvest at Mary Sean Og Kennedy’s and talk turned to Roger Casement and his State Funeral. It was recalled that Josie at the harvest stated that her grandfather arrested Roger Casement in Kerry in 1916. It was widely known that Josie’s grandfather had been with the R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary). Unfortunately, the statement was not true. Josie’s grandfather, John Hearn (c. 1828-1899) was a constable with the R.I.C., but he was retired and dead long before 1916. The man credited with arresting Roger Casement on Good Friday (21 April 1916) in Kerry, after Casement came ashore from a German U-boat, was R.I.C. Sgt. Thomas John Hearn, Josie’s maternal uncle. (See our post of 3 Oct. 2021 regarding Mary Sean Og Kennedy (1881-1971) and her photo).
While it was true her father was a cobbler he was not from Tullogher. He was a native of Knockbrack, Glenmore. Both the Dalton and Hearn families are discussed below.
The Rathinure, Glenmore Railway Cottage
The railway between New Ross and Waterford was built between 1899 and 1904, The line officially opened in 1904. (See our post of 2 Feb. 2020 regarding the changes the building of the railway caused in Glenmore etc.)
Josie’s parents Michael Dalton (1875-1944) and Bridget Hearn (1874-1947) were married at Glenmore on 23 July 1901. At the time of their marriage Michael Dalton was a shoemaker. The bride and groom both resided in Glenmore. Her father John Hearn was dead. Michael’s father was Patrick Dalton, and he was alive at the time of the wedding. The witnesses to the wedding were John Hearn and Bridget Gaffney.
It is not known when the Rathinure Railway Cottage was built, but it appears that the only family to have resided in it was the Michael Dalton family.
The Children of Michael Dalton (1874-1947) and Bridget Dalton née Hearn (1874-1947)
[1] Patrick “Pat” Dalton (b. 8 Nov. 1903) At the time of Patrick’s birth “in Glenmore” his father was recorded as being a bootmaker.
[2] Catherine “Kitty” Dalton (b. 3 Nov. 1905) At the time of Catherine’s birth “in Glenmore” Michael Dalton was recorded as being a farmer.
[3] Johanna “Josie” “Maggie” Dalton (b. 30 Dec. 1907). Johanna was born at Rathinure, Glenmore and her father’s profession was listed as “milesman on railway.”
[4] Margaret Dalton (b. 9 July 1910) was born at Rathinure and her father’s profession was recorded as “railway milesman.”
The 1926 Census provides that Michael Dalton (51) and his wife Bridget Dalton née Hearn (51) were still residing in the Rathinure Railway Cottage. They reported in the Census that they had been married for 22 years and three children were born to them. In fact, they had four children. In 1926 all three daughters: Catherine Dalton (21); Josephine (sic) Dalton (18; and Maggie Dalton (16) were not employed and living at home.
By all accounts Michael Dalton was an industrious, quiet man. Although he worked for the railway, and daily inspected his section of track and opened and closed the Rathinure railway gates, he also repaired shoes and boots. One story that has been passed down in Rathinure provides that his wife Bridget went to town for messages (to shop) and had a “sup taken”. She got off the train in Aylwardstown and Michael met her to help carry the parcels home. She was quite merry and was allegedly overheard saying in Rathinure “How did I ever think of marrying a little shit of a man like you.” Michael allegedly said nothing in reply and they continued walking home. (Attributed to Jack Walsh (c. 1893 -1982) of Rathinure).
Leaving the Rathinure, Glenmore Railway House
Locally, it is believed that Josie’s brother Pat died young, but we could not locate a death record here or in England. Both Josie’s sisters went to England to work at an unknown time after 1926. Michael Dalton died 11 March 1944 at Rathinure a 68-year-old retired railway official. He died of chronic myocarditis. A post mortem was performed by the coroner Thomas Lanigan on 11 March 1944. See our D surname page for his obituary. Bridget Dalton née Hearn died 14 March 1947 at Rathinure, a 71-year-old widow of a plate layer. She died “probably of heart failure. Her daughter Johanna Dalton was present at her death.
Trouble Getting Home
Sometime around 1976 one of Josie’s sisters came to Glenmore to visit Josie. Traveling from Waterford she asked the bus driver to drop her at the skow bridge. When she alighted from the bus she did not know where she was. The area had changed greatly. She knocked on Claridge’s door and asked directions to Kirwan’s Lane. Jimmy Claridge (c. 1911-1987) pointed to the lane directly across the N25 from his house. She did not recognise the lane because the skow bridge bus stop over the years had moved a couple hundred metres towards Glenmore.
When Josie died in in December 1978 she was not in the Rathinure Railway Cottage as described in Danny’s notes. Both of her sisters returned to Glenmore for her funeral. Johnny Garvey (1943-2026) took the two elderly ladies to the Rathinure Railway Cottage by tractor across his fields (Peter Walsh, Rathinure, 9 Aug. 2026). All of Josie’s belongings fit into two suitcases that Johnny Garvey stored until the following year when the sisters collected them (Louise Garvey Dollard, 8 July 2026). Sometime after the volunteers from Glenmore History photographed and recorded all the markers in St. James’s Cemetery in 2020, Johnny Garvey placed a head stone on Josie’s grave.
The Hearn Family of Cappa, Glenmore
Josie’s mother Bridget Hearn was born at Cappa, Glenmore, on 18 March 1874, the daughter of John Hearn and his wife Catherine Murphy. John Hearn was a sub-Constable of the R.I.C. John Hearn 1847 joined the RIC in 1847. His first posting after training in Dublin was to Co. Kerry. In 1852 he was transferred to Co. Kilkenny. He married Catherine Murphy on 2 Sept. 1861 at Carrick-on- Suir, Tipperary. The birth of their children illustrates where John Hearn was posted during his R.I.C. career. He retired in Glenmore prior to 1878
Children of John Hearne (c. 1828-1899) and Catherine Murphy (c. 1842-1908)
[1] Thomas John Hearn b. 16 May 1864 at Ash Park, Carrick-on-Suir the son of John Hearne (policeman) and Catherine Murphy. He followed his father into the R.I.C. and was a Sgt. when he arrested Roger Casement in 1916. On 3 October 1894, at Limerick he married Hanoa Teresa O’Callaghan. In 1920 he retired from the R.I.C. He died 29 August 1933, a married man of 69 years of a coronary thrombosis. He was a retired Head Constable of the R.I.C. He died at his home 18 Wallace Ave, Cork. George A. Kennedy was present at his death. His death announcement in the Evening Echo (Wed. 30 Aug. 1933, p. 8) made no mention of his arrest of Roger Casement in 1916.
[2] Michael Hearn b. 15 May 1865 at Knocktopher, Kilkenny.
[3] William Hern (sic) b. 17 May 1867 at Dangan, Kilmacow, Kilkenny.
[4] Margaret Hearn b. 17 June 1868 at Dangan, Kilmacow
[5] Mary Catherine Hearn b. 19 April 1870 at Dangan, Kilmacow,
[6] James Benjamin Hearn b. 12 April 1872 at Glenmore. James Benjamin Hearn emigrated to the US about 1910. He settled in Peoria, IL. Married, worked as a journalist and raised a family. He died 2 Aug. 1930.
[7] Bridget Hearn b. 18 March 1874 at Cappa, Glenmore [Josie Dalton’s mother]
[8] John Hearn (b. 15 June 1878) His father was listed on the birth register as John Hearn, “ex-policeman.”
The Deaths of John Hearn (c. 1828-1899) & Catherine Hearn née Murphy (c. 1842-1908)
Per the death register John Hearn died 2 Oct. 1899 at Rosbercon. He was a married 68- year-old pensioner of the R.I.C. Information for the death register was received from D. Walshe, Coroner, Co. Kilkenny. For the full article regarding his death in Rosbercon on his way into New Ross see our H Surname Page.
Catherine Hearn died 27 April 1908. Per the death register she was a 65 year-old widow of a police constable. She died of Bright’s disease suffering with it for 2 years. Her residence was listed as Rathinure, Glenmore at the time of her death. It appears that she was living with her daughter Bridget Dalton née Hearn. Her son John Hearn was present at her death in Glenmore. Josie Dalton was only 4 months old when her grandmother died.
The Dalton Family of Knockbrack, Glenmore
Per the birth register Josie’s father, Michael Dalton (1875-1944), was born 9 May 1875 at Knockbrach, Glenmore to Patrick Dalton (labourer) and his wife, Catherine Phelan. Thus, Josie’s grandparents were Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) and Catherine Phelan. They were married on 22 Jan. 1866 at Glenmore. Both their addresses were given as Knockbrack, Glenmore. Patrick listed his occupation as “Tradesman” as was his father Patrick Dalton. Catherine Phelan was the daughter of James Phelan (labourer) and her profession was listed as farm servant.
Josie’s grandfather, Patrick Dalton was baptized 27 April 1837 at Knockbrack the son of Patrick Dalton and Joney Phelan. Joney Phelan was recorded in various baptismal records of her children as Johanna, Judith and Joney.
The Children of Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) and Catherine Dalton née Phelan
[1] James Dalton (b. 17 Sept. 1866)
[2] Patrick Dalton (b. 14 March 1868)
[3] John Dalton (b. 2 May 1870)
[4] Margaret Dalton (b. 21 Dec. 1872)
[5] Michael Dalton (b. 9 May 1875) Josie Dalton’s father
[6] Johanna Dalton (b. 13 March 1880)
[7] Mary Dalton (b. 9 June 1884). Her baptism records her name as Anne. On the birth register her father’s occupation is listed as “Bullock Doctor.” Her father registered Mary’s birth on 13 June 1884.
Patrick Dalton’s (1837-1909) Death
In the 1901 Census Patrick Dalton (1837- 1909) of Knockbrack was a 63-year-old widower. He was employed as a farm labourer and two of his daughters resided with him, his son-in-law and granddaughter. Johanna Dalton was 21 and not employed. Her sister Margaret Quinn née Dalton was 27. Margaret’s husband Stephen Quinn (1876-1929) was 25 and employed as a farm labourer. Ellen Quinn was just two years of age.
Patrick Dalton (1837-1909) was found dead on 16 January 1909 in a stream of water. It was recorded that he was a 70-year-old widower. His cause of death was recorded as “drowning” and his daughter Margaret Quinn “caused the body to be buried.” Strangely no newspaper article concerning his death could be located although he drowned and had worked as a “Bullock Doctor.”
By 1911 Stephen (35) and Margaret Quinn (née Dalton) (37) had moved their family to Fahy, Mullinavat. Ellen Quinn (10) was joined by two brothers (Patrick aged 8 and James 4 months) and a sister Katie (aged 5). Also, in the household was Stephen’s brother, George Quinn (33). Stephen Quinn was born at Rathinure in 1876 the son of Patrick Quinn (1835-1906) and his wife Ellen Quinn née Tracy (1847-1932). Josie Dalton’s father was a brother to Margaret Quinn née Dalton and Josie was a first cousin to the Quinn children of Fahy (Ellen, Katie, Patrick and James). For further information on Stephen Quinn, see our post of 23 Dec. 2025.
In the 1911 Knockbrack Census a Patrick Dalton was 32 and living with his wife Mary (34). It is assumed that he was a brother of Margaret Quinn née Dalton, but her brother Patrick was born in 1868 making him 43 in 1911 instead of 32. The Patrick Dalton in the 1911 Knockbrack Census reported that he and his wife married about 1909 and had no children in 1911. In the 1926 Census they were still residing in Knockbrack, Glenmore with their 18-year-old niece, Bridget McGrath. Patrick reported his age as 46, and his employer was a farmer named Michael Murphy who had 150 acres.
***********************
For a concise account of Roger Casement’s life see, Michael Laffan, “Sir Roger Casement” which is from the RTE.ie Century Ireland series.
Special thanks to Louise Garvey Dollard for sharing the Memory Card of Josie Dalton and sharing her memories of Josie.
Please send any corrections, additional information, photos or suggestions for future posts to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Butler (1862-1933) Native of Flemingstown, Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2023) was the Glenmore Village and Parish historian for 7 decades. His files are full of queries he answered from around the world helping people to connect with their Glenmore ancestors long before there were computers and other research conveniences. Danny often lamented that none die so well as the poor. What he meant was that little is left behind after they left this life such as land records, headstones, Wills or obituaries. Generally, only baptismal, marriage and death records may survive. However, every now and then a newspaper article or two provides information about a person. Today, we are going to present three short articles involving James Butler (1862-1933) who was a native of Flemingstown, Glenmore.
Horseshoeing Argument Leads to Criminal Charges
The New Ross Standard on 22 August 1896 in a column named “Notes From Beyond the Barrow: A Pistol Presented” provides a short description of two men who argued about horse shoeing.
“An ex-army man named Butler, a native of Glenmore, and lately living in Brownstown, Tullogher, was arrested by the Rosbercon police on Saturday on a charge of presenting arms at Thomas Leigh. On the previous day Butler had been around Rosbercon and on his way home in the evening met with Leigh, who is a smith. The conversation seems to have turned on horse shoeing, and they both became excited. Butler contended that the smith knew nothing about horseshoeing, and that if he wanted to know anything in that direction he should join the army. Leigh alleged that at this point Butler presented a pistol at him. He hastily retreated to Rosbercon and reported the matter to the police. The police found on Butler’s person a breach loading American pistol and four rounds of ammunition. He was remanded for trial to petty sessions” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 22 Aug. 1896, p. 4).
This event led to two different criminal charges against James Butler. The first charge was reported in the New Ross Standard of Saturday, 19 September 1896 (p. 4). The second charge of not having a license for the pistol was reported in the 17 October 1896 edition (p. 4).
The Charge of Presenting a Pistol
“The Queen at the prosecution of District Inspector Rainsford, and a native of near New Ross at Tinnakilly, near Rosbercon, on the 14th August, unlawfully presented a pistol at Thomas Leigh, Rosbercon, with intent to do him serious bodily injury. Mr. Colfer appeared for the defendant.
Mr. Rainsford said that the case was not so serious as at first sight might appear. He read the information of Thomas Leigh, Rosbercon, who was sworn, and who affirmed it, stating that at Tinnakilly, on the 14th August, he (Thomas Leigh) met defendant, James Butler. Deponent was a blacksmith, living in Rosbercon, and on that day had been brining a horse which had been shod, up to Thomas Shea. James Butler began to ridicule deponent and his father as to the way in which they did their business, and said they knew nothing about shoeing except driving nails. Deponent offered to bet £5 that Butler would not get a man who would shoe as well as his father, and Butler replied that if he wanted to know anything about horseshoeing he should enlist in the army. Deponent denied this, and thereupon defendant asked him did he mean to insult him, and pulling a pistol out of his pocket, presented it at his (witness’s) head. Deponent was a little afraid of Butler, and said he did not wish to have any argument with him. Deponent (sic) [should read Defendant] then put back the pistol and offered to shake hands with him. Witness shook hands with him and then left. The defendant had drink taken, but was not drunk. Deponent at first thought the defendant was a man named Ribby, but afterward found he did not know his name. When he reached Rosbercon he reported the matter to the police, and on the following day identified the prisoner.
Cross examined by Mr. Colfer—You did not know this man before? No. And he had no previous quarrel with you or anything of the kind? No. You say you were a little afraid of him? Yes. Did you think he intended firing it at you with intent to do bodily harm? He looked like it, but did not pull the trigger. Nor did he threatened to do so? No.
The District Inspector here produced the pistol, which with ammunition, was found on the prisoner after his arrest. Constable Kiggins gave evidence of having arrested the defendant, and found the pistol and four rounds of ammunition in his pockets. The Inspector said that that was his case.
Mr. Colfer said that in appearing for the defendant it seemed to him that there was no evidence that he meant to inflict serious bodily harm. No doubt he was instructed to plead guilty on behalf of his client to presenting the pistol, but there was not the slightest evidence that Butler meant to discharge it, if there was anything to discharge in it. Having reviewed the deposition, Mr. Colfer said it was clear there was no wrong inflicted. Leigh had not the remotest idea as to whom the defendant was. Nothing came of the arguments or bets between them, and when the defendant put up the pistol, he, in the half-inaudible way in which usually drunken men speak, asked the other to shake hands.
Defendant had been employed in the county Wexford for some time, and was now acting as caretaker in the county Waterford with a man named Mullins. When in the County Wexford, the defendant was made a present of the pistol, and when during the last month he was up seeing some friends in County Kilkenny he brought the pistol with him. Being in the army, he did not think it was necessary to have a license for it.
Chairman—That’s another matter. Mr. Colfer—Yes, quite so. Sufficient for the day—at all events he had this pistol with him. He did not know the law. He instructs me to say he was 12 years in the army, and was a non-commissioned officer when leaving. He was all through the Egyptian War, and he says he received a clasp for his action at Tel-el-Kibar, and also possesses the Kheldives brass medal for heroism (laughter). Of course this can only go for his character. Mr. Colfer then read a character for the defendant from Mr. P.J. Roche, Woodville, with whom he had worked for 13 months.
Mr. Rainsford said he wished to have the case dealt with as an ordinary assault. Of course were the case brought under the Peace Preservation Act there should be a court of two resident magistrates to hear it. The Chairman said the defendant would be fined a guinea [21shillings or 1£ 1s] or a month in jail, and he requested Mr. Rainsford to recommend to the Excise to have defendant prosecuted of carrying a pistol without a license (New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 Sept. 1896, p. 4).
Peace Preservation Act 1881
Sir Robert Peel in 1814 drafted the first Peace Preservation Act which established what would become the Irish Constabulary. In 1870 and 1888 during periods of agrarian agitation and the Land Wars, these Acts allowed the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the power to suspend habeas corpus, declare specific areas or districts “proclaimed districts” where a person could not carry or possess any arms or ammunition without a licence. The defendant, James Butler was charged and tried before a special court under the 1881 Act.
Ironically, while James Butler was serving in the British Army putting down a nationalist uprising in Egypt, back in Ireland legislation was introduced to proclaim his home barony Ida a “proclaimed district” allowing for the suspension of habeas corpus etc.
“Subsequent to the court of petty sessions, Messrs Ulick Bourke, RM [resident magistrate] (chairman), and H.F. Considine, RM, sat as a court under the Peace Preservation Act, to dispose of the case of the Queen, at the prosecution District-inspector Ross C. Rainsford, against James Butler, an ex-army man, for having in his possession on the 15th of August, without license, a pistol and four rounds of ball ammunition.
Constable Kiggins deposed that on the 15th August he arrested James Butler for presenting a revolver at one Thomas Leigh on the previous day. The defendant made no statement. Witness brought him to the barrack and searched him, and found on his person a pistol and four rounds of ball ammunition (produced). The defendant held no license. The offence occurred in the barony of Ida, and witness was aware that Ida was a proclaimed district.
Chairman (to defendant)—Do you plead guilty? I do sir. I leave myself at your worship’s mercy. I have been away since I was a boy, and was most of that time in active service. I was used to arms, and did not know there was any necessity to have a license. When the constable asked me had I had it, I told him I had. [Appears to be referring to the pistol.]
Mr. Considine—How long are you back from the army? Three or four years. I had a good character. The district inspector on last court day prosecuted the defendant for presenting the pistol which was an American one, at Thomas Leigh.
Defendant—I thought no more about it then if it was a toy pistol. District Inspector—I would not like to get a pistol like that presented to me if it were loaded. All I have to do now is to hand in the Dublin Gazette of 1881, in which year the Peace Preservation Act was enforced within the Barony of Ida. The Gazette was then produced.
In consideration of the costs in the case, the fines and costs in the previous prosecution on last court day, and the good character of the defendant, he was allowed off with a fine of 5s, the pistol and ammunition to be forfeited (New Ross Standard, Sat. 17 Oct. 1896, p. 4).
The Defendant James Butler (1862-1933) Native of Flemingstown, Glenmore
James Butler was born on 26 July 1862 at Flemingstown, Glenmore to Thomas Butler (c. 1803-1888) and his wife Margaret Kneefe/Keefe.
Military Service
We were able to find the list of medals awarded to James Butler from 1881-1883 for the Egypt & India Campaigns. Corp. James Butler, Reg. No 2466, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, was awarded the Egyptian Medal 1882 with a Tel-el-Kebir Clasp; and was also awarded an Egyptian Bronze Star (Medal Rolls, British War Office, file WO-100/57).
Marriage
James Butler of Flemingstown married 18 May 1893 a widow named Ellen Norris (c. 1859-1937) a native of Ballyvaria (sic) Glenmore. James was the son of Thomas Butler (mason and farmer). Ellen was the daughter of Michael Norris (labourer).
Ellen Norris’s first husband was Patrick Murphy (c. 1848-1892). The couple were married on 6 February 1879 at Rosbercon. Patrick Murphy (38) and Ellen Norris (20) were both recorded as residing in Brownsford, [Tullogher]. Their fathers were recorded as Sylvester Murphy (deceased) and Michael Norris. Her husband Patrick Murphy died 2 December 1892.
It appears that Ellen only had one child in her first marriage, Michael Murphy (c. 1888-1966). Michael Murphy emigrated to Peoria, Illinois in about 1909, became a police officer, married and raised a family.
Family Life
James Butler was only married for a few years when he was arrested and tried in 1896. The 1901 Census provides that the family was residing in New Ross. James (39) was working as a labourer. In addition to his step-son Michael Murphy (c. 1888-1966) there were four other children in the household: Tom Butler (6); Ellen Butler (5); Nicholas Butler (3) and Maggie Butler (9 mos.).
Before the 1911 Rosbercon Census Michael Murphy had emigrated. James Butler (49) was working as a farm labourer. His wife Ellen was 53 years of age. Tom (17) was working as a Brewer’s labourer. Nicholas (13), Margaret (10) and the last of the children Mary was 7.
In the 1926 Census of Raheen, Co. Kilkenny, James Butler was 63 and reported that he was born at Flemingstown, Glenmore. He was employed as a farm labourer for Patrick Dooley (farmer) who had 130 acres. Ellen Butler reported her age as 67 and that she was born at Ballyveria, Glenmore. Their daughter Margaret Butler was 25, was born at New Ross and was self-employed as a dressmaker. Mary Butler was 23, born at Raheen, and was employed as a shop assistant at O’Leary and Butler Grocery and General Store.
Deaths
James Butler died 19 November 1933 of bronchial pneumonia at his home in Raheen. His daughter Margaret was present at his death. His widow, Ellen Butler née Norris died 7 March 1937 at home in Raheen of apoplexy. Apoplexy is an old medical term for a stroke. Her son Nicholas was present at her death.
The Victim Thomas Leigh/Lee (1875-1955)
All we gleaned from the newspapers accounts was that Thomas Lee was a blacksmith and his father was a blacksmith. The 1901 Rosbercon Census provides that James Lee (46) was a blacksmith and his sons Thomas Lee (21) and James Lee (20) were also blacksmiths.
A New Ross baptismal record reveals that Thomas Lee was born on 24 March 1875. His parents were James Lee and Ann Hanlon. Thus, Thomas Lee was 26 in 1901 and 21 in 1896 when he argued with James Butler regarding horseshoeing.
Thomas Lee and Gertrude Mary Begely were married on 4 October 1904 at St. Mary Priory, Highland St., Liverpool. They were parents of Rev. Brother J. A. Lee, Superior, Colaiste Muire, Dublin. The celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary was published in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Oct. 1954, p. 1). The 1911 Census reveals that Gertrude was born at Pembroke Docks in South Wales. In 1911, Thomas Lee stood for the New Ross Board of Guardians (Rosbercon Ward) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 May 1911, p. 2). In addition to their son the couple also had several daughters.
Thomas Lee died 1 May 1955 at Sugarhouse Lane, New Ross aged 80. In his obituary it was noted that he was a man of splendid physique and despite his eighty years, he worked with the vigour and skill of a man half his age (New Ross Standard, Fri. 6 May 1955, p. 8). His wife Gertrude died of influenza on the 8th of October 1959 at the age of 80 at their home on the Quay, New Ross. Her daughter Maura Lee was present at her death.
*************************
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is from the Royal Collection Trust, included in Queen Victoria’s Album, Afghanistan and Egypt Portraits, 1879 & 1882. For another photo of members of the Second Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in Egypt press here.
For other Glenmore Butler families see our B surname page.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c.1845-1920) of Glenmore
In his quest to record local history Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often asked people he encountered in Waterford if they had any Glenmore connections. Sometimes he hit pay dirt and sometimes he just jotted down something he considered interesting whether there was a Glenmore connection or not. On 1 March 1971, Danny interviewed Miss Margaret Dunphy of 52 Poleberry, Waterford. It is assumed that Danny met Miss Dunphy while working as a Waterford Health Officer. Danny learned that Miss Dunphy had a Glenmore connection and some interesting information concerning the Dunphy “eating house” of Rosbercon was recorded.
It is not known how long the eating house was operating in Rosbercon. We know from the interview and the 1901 Census that it was operational at least for thirty years. This means that from 1901-1940 every person going into New Ross from Glenmore, via the main road, passed the Dunphy eating house. This interview was found in Danny’s voluminous files recently when we were seeking information on a different Dunphy family from Ballyfacey, Glenmore.
The Interview
Philip Dunphy, a baker by trade, had an eating house in Rosbercon, on the opposite side of the street to P.N. O’Gorman’s shop. He was married to Margaret Hagan, a native of Glenmore, and she married into the shop. They had in family 8 children—7 boys and 1 girl including James who was married to ___ Crowe of Marley, Co. Carlow.
This James Dunphey worked all his life for 51 years on the railway, retiring in 1940-1941 with a pension of 15/= per week. It was he who left off the first train from Ross to Waterford, and also from Waterford to Rosslare. He lived in Waterford. The above Miss Margaret Dunphy of 52 Poleberry, Waterford, is his daughter. She is now aged almost 70 years.
The eating house in Rosbercon, was carried on until 1940, when the then owner Miss Cissie Dunphy (aunt of Miss Margaret Dunphy, of Waterford), retired and went to live in a flat in New Ross.
The Dunphy family are buried in Rosbercon, but the foresaid James Dunphy and his wife are buried in the Crowe burial plot in St. Mullins Cemetery, Co. Carlow. They were related to the Dunphy’s of New Ross. Miss Dunphy thinks that the above Philip Dunphy, had no brothers or sisters.
Miss Dunphy used to spend her holidays every year in the eating house in Rosbercon, when she was young. She told me that when the farmers went in for a meal, the bread was never cut, and each diner got a full loaf which he cut according to his needs. This bread was never used again, that is what was left over. It was given to an old woman in the town who came to collect it. Miss Dunphy said that the people in those days who went in for a meal were very particular as to the grub and particularly the bread.
D. Dowling 1-3-71
Dunphy Eating House of Rosbercon
We know that the eating house, was located across the street from P.N. O’Gorman Auctioners of Rosbercon. Prior to the new bridge being built the old bridge was up river from the present or new bridge. The main road from Waterford proceeded to the old bridge. P.N. O’Gorman auctioneers was originally on the Rosbercon side of the river almost exactly across from where it currently is on the Quay, New Ross. From the brief description provided by Miss Margaret we believe the eating house was across the main Waterford to New Ross road from P.N. O’Gorman. [See our post of 18 May 2026 regarding the P.N. O’Gorman family.]
We could not find any reference to the eating house in any contemporary newspapers although it is not known what the proper name of the establishment was. In the 1901 Census it was referred to as a shop. The 1901 Census provides that Philip Dunphy was 50 years of age, and he and his family lived in house 8 of Rosbercon. His profession was listed as an agricultural labourer. The house was comprised of 7 rooms and was listed as a shop located between a public house and another shop. In the 1901 census only Mary Ann Dunphy (25) was listed as having anything to do with the shop. She was simply listed as a “shop girl.” The shop or eating house was not reflected in the 1911 Census although four of the family were residing in the same 7 room house.
It is believed that this eating house, which operated at least in the first 3 decades of the 20th century, was a no-frills establishment where a farmer could eat a simple, hearty meal after attending New Ross on a market or fair day. My resident expert has stated that the local older generation pronounced such establishments as “atein houses.” Given that each customer received his or her own loaf of bread begs the question–how large were the loaves? For an interesting paper on public dining in Ireland see, Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire (2012) “Public Dining in Dublin: The History and Evolution of Gastronomy and Commercial Dining 1700-1900,” (25(2) International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, pp. 227-246, DOI: 10.21427/d71r03).
Philip Dunphy (c. 1841-1913) and Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c. 1845-1920)
Philip Dunphey (c. 1841-1913)
Locating when Philip Dunphy was born proved difficult because his age varied greatly in the 1901 Census (50); the 1911 Census (70) and the death register (1913; 60). Thus, he could have been born around 1851 or 1841.
Although Philip Dunphy is not a common local name four Philip Dunphys were baptised in Rosbercon from 1835 to 1865. Given that Philip Dunphy married in 1865 we can eliminate candidates [C] b. 1859 and [D] b. 1865 as being too young.
[A] Philip Dunphy was baptised 31 July 1835 to Patrick Dunphy and his wife Bridget Grangil. They were married at Rosbercon on 26 January 1832.
[B] Philip Dunphy was baptised at Rosbercon on 24 July 1841. The son of Thomas Dunphy and Mary Corcoran of Tinnakelly.
[C] Philip Dunphy was baptized at Rosbercon on 24 Jan. 1859 to Patrick Dunphy and Mary Murphy of Tinnakilly. They were married 22 Sept. 1856 at Rosbercon. Patrick was from Shanbo.
[D] On 21 February 1865 a Phillip Dunphy was born at Rosbercon to John Dunphy (baker) and Anne Crosdale, his wife. They were married 7 April 1864. John’s father was John Dunphy (boatman).
Given that Philip and his wife were recorded as the same age in the 1901 and 1911 Census it seems unlikely that he was several years older or younger than her, so we believe that Phillip was Candidate B. Regardless of when Philip was born he married Margaret Hagan on 20 February 1865 at Rosbercon. Philip Dunphy died 20 March 1913. He was aged 60 according to the Death Register, married, and his occupation was baker. His son, John Dunphy was present at his death in Rosbercon.
Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (1845-1920)
Finding Margaret Hagan was also a challenge. Danny recorded an extinct family named Hagan primarily in Ballycroney, Glenmore. No Margaret Hagan was found in Ballycroney. In reviewing the Parish records we did find a Margaret Hagan/Hogan was baptized at Moulerstown, Glenmore on 20 March 1845. Margaret was the daughter of James Hagan/Hogan and his wife Ellen Ribgy. Given the handwriting in the record the name may have been Hagan or Hogan. When Margaret Dunphy née Hagan died on 5 March 1920 at Rosberon, she was a 74-year-old widow. Her son Richard was present when she died.
Children of Philip Dunphy (c. 1841-1913) & Margaret Dunphy née Hagan (c. 1845-1920)
In the 1911 Census it was recorded that the couple were married 40 years and had had 7 children and 6 were alive in 1911. In 1911 the couple had been married 46 years. We were able to locate only 6 of their children.
[1] Mary Dunphy was born 11 Feb. 1868 at Rosbercon. Godparents Thomas Nolan and Mary Hagan. In the 1901 Census her age was recorded as 25 and she was employed as a shopgirl. In 1911 she was 30, single and a housekeeper. In the 1926 Census, Mary A. Dunphy was the sole family member living in the Dunphy home in Rosbercon. She recorded her age as 48 and was employed as a shopkeeper. It is assumed that she was Aunt Cissy that Miss Margaret Dunphy of Poleberry referenced to Danny as being the last to run the eating house.
[2] John Dunphy was born 3 Jan. 1870 at Rosbercon Godparents were William Cleere and Catherine Nolan. In the 1901 Census he was 27 and working as an engine cleaner. In 1911 he was recorded as being 32 years of age, single and working as a railway labourer.
[3] Bridget Dunphy was bapt at Rosbercon on 3 August 1871. Godparents were John Fleming and Mary Shanahan.
[4] James Dunphy was born on 3 July 1873 at Rosbercon. His godparents were Rev. John Walsh and Johanna Whelan. In the 1901 Census he was recorded as being 23 and employed as a railway guard. By 1911 he was married and living in Ferrybank.
[5] Michael Dunphy was born 11 October 1875 to Philip Dunphy (baker) and his wife Margaret Egan (sic).
[6] Richard Dunphy per the 1901 census was born about 1881. In the 1901 Census he was recorded as being 20 and employed as a carpenter. He was not living at home in 1911. It is believed that he married Esher Murphy of Mary St., New Ross, on 4 November 1907. Esther was the daughter of Patrick Murphy, baker. The groom, Richard Dunphy, of Rosbercon was a carpenter and his father is recorded as “Patrick” Dunphy, baker. Richard Dunphy, of Mary St., New Ross died on 19 October 1959 in the Fever Hospital at the age of 82. His widow Esther Jane Dunphy née Murphy died on 7 November 1966 at the age of 83.
James Dunphy (1873- ? )
James Dunphy married Ellen Crowe on 10 February 1907 at Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. James’s address was Ferrybank and he was employed as a railway guard. His father was Philip Dunphy (baker). Ellen had an address of Queen St. and she was employed as a cook. Her father was Edward Crowe (farmer).
The 1901 Census provides that Ellen Crowe was 19, employed as a general domestic servant and was living at home in Marley, Co. Carlow. Her father Edward Crowe, was 57 and employed as an agricultural labourer. Her mother Ellen was 58, and her sister Mary was 21 and also employed as a general domestic servant. In the 1901 Census there was an older woman named Ellen Crowe (27) in Glynn, Co. Carlow, but although her father was a farmer his name was not Edward.
Miss Margaret Helena Dunphy was born 11 January 1908 in Ferrybank to James Dunphy, railway guard and his wife, Ellen Crowe. No other children were found. In the 1911 Census the little family was living on New Lane in Waterford City. In the 1926 Census the family was living in Dyehouse Lane, Waterford City. James was 52, recorded he was born in Rosbercon, and was employed as a railway guard. His wife Ellen was 43 and recorded that she was born at Glynn, Co. Carlow. Miss Margaret was 18, born in Ferrybank and per the Census form was “not yet at work.”
Unfortunately, no death records or obituaries could be located for Miss Margaret Dunphy and her parents.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above depicts the old New Ross bridge taken from the Ross side looking across the river toward Rosbercon.
The Dunphy Mill of Deerpark, Mullinavat & Its Glenmore Connection
We had the pleasure of a tour of the Dunphy water powered corn mill of Deerpark, Mullinavat. Special thanks to John Dunphy for the interesting tour and information. Thanks to Noah Bradfield for taking photos. (Any photos that are not crisp and clear were not taken by Noah). The mill rightfully won the 2025 Kilkenny Heritage Award, and the mill will be open for tours on 15 August 2026 as part of Heritage Week. It is well worth a visit to step back in time and observe the mill in action and hear the water hitting the mill wheel. John Dunphy is not only passionate concerning the mill, but he is also patient when answering questions along the tour. Please see Kilkenny Heritage Week for further details regarding tours for 15 August 2026.
The Glenmore Connection: Michael Dunphy (1839-1916)
The Mill can be found on the first black and white survey maps which were undertaken between 1829 and 1842. It is believed that the earliest miller was Patrick Hayes and his name does appear in the Tithe Applotment Books. We were able to find a marriage record for Patrick Hayes and Ellen Holden The couple married on 25 May 1839 in the Parish/District of Kilmacow. The addresses of the parties at the time of the wedding was “Park.” The couple had four known children.
The first Dunphy to operate the mill was Michael Dunphy (1839-1916) a native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Michael began operating the mill upon his marriage to Mary Walsh of Deer Park on 25 October 1877. The current John Dunphy believed that Richard Hayes transferred the mill to Michael Dunphy after his marriage to Mary Walsh. Mary Walsh was taking care of Richard. In the marriage records Michael Dunphy was a farmer and the son of Michael Dunphy (deceased farmer). Mary Walsh (1846-1906) was the daughter of John Walsh (farmer). The witnesses to the wedding were Richard Hayes and Mary Hynes. It is not yet known what relation Richard Hayes may have been to Mary Walsh.
Although a death record could not be located for Patrick Hayes we did find one for Richard Hayes (c. 1827-1901) in 1901. He was a 74 year old bachelor when he died at Deer Park. “Michael Dunphy, Landlord” was present when he died. Richard Hayes (c. 1827-1901) was perhaps a brother or nephew of Patrick Hayes, but given his age at death he could not have been one of Patrick Hayes’s children. Richard Hayes was about 50 years of age when Michael Dunphy and Mary Walsh married in 1877.
Training of Michael Dunphy (1839-1916)?
One of the questions that struck me was how a farmer from Ballyfacey, Glenmore, would have the experience to run a corn mill? Obviously he could have been instructed by Richard Hayes or others. However, in researching Michael Dunphy several names associated with the Gaffney Mill of Glenmore were found as godparents to Michael and his siblings raising the possibility that Michael Dunphy gained milling experience in Glenmore prior to his marriage.
William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798) of Glenmore Village, married Bridget Dunphy, of old Ballfacey, on 30 October 1783 at Slieverue. William Gaffney was a miller. During the 1798 Rebellion William was the leader of the local United Irishmen, captured and executed. His widow, Bridget Gaffney née Dunphy, kept the Glenmore mill operating and their son Nicholas Gaffney (bapt. 19 Sept. 1790-1873) eventually took it over and ran it until his death. The widowed, Bridget Gaffney née Dunphy married her second husband Richard Young and had at least three children with him.
Siblings of Michael Dunphy (1839-1916)
Michael Dunphy’s (1839-1916) godfather was William Young. Michael’s siblings include:
(1) Judith Dunphy, bapt 10 Sept. 1830, at Ballyfacey, Godparents: James Dollard and Mary Young.
(2) Mary Dunphy bapt. 13 Nov. 1831 at Ballyfacey, Godparents: Richard Phelan and Anastasia Dollard.
(3) Richard Dunphy bapt. 20 Dec. 1833 at Ballyfacey, Godparents: John Doherty and Mary Doherty.
(4) Bridget Dunphy bapt 20 Feb. 1836 at Balyfacey, Godparents: Nicholas Dunphy and Ellen Roche.
(5) Margaret Dunphy bapt 1 Oct. 1837 at Ballyfacey. Godparents: William Gaffney and Catherine Long.
It is possible that Michael Dunphy (1839-1916) worked at Gaffney’s Mill in Glenmore Village. He was not the eldest brother in the family and was not destined to take over the farm in Ballyfacey. If he worked at Gaffney’s Mill, or another mill, he would have gained milling experience. It also appears likely that his marriage may have been an arranged match as was very common at that time.
Michael Dunphy’s (1839-1916) Father and Possible Grandfather
Michael Dunphy’s (1839-1916) father per his marriage cert. was Michael Dunphy. Michael Dunphy (bapt. 1794) was the son of Nicholas Dunfy (sic) and Margaret Dunfy. Nicholas Donphy (sic) married Margaret Donphy on 18 Feb. 1792 at Ballefacy (sic). Witnesses to the wedding were: James Roach; Rev. John Deen and James Roach, Jr. We located a Nicholas Dunphy baptized at “old Ballyfacy” on 26 February 1770 to Morris Dunphy and Joane Roach. We cannot be 100% certain that this is the correct Nicholas Dunphy, but the name in Ballyfacy was not common. We were unable to locate a baptismal record for Bridget Gaffney Young née Dunphy, but if she married in 1783 she was born c. 1763 or before. The earliest baptismal records for the joint Glenmore-Slieverue parish is 1766.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
See our post of 22 Feb. 2020 regarding William Gaffney’s (c. 1762-1798) execution during the 1798 Rebellion.
See our post of 12 Aug. 2024 regarding the discovery of William Gaffney’s (c. 1762-1798) skeleton.
Blessing of Glenmore Graves 2026
There were several ancient churches in what is now Glenmore Parish. However, there are only four old cemeteries surrounding the ruins of four of the ancient churches. A committee of volunteers every year cleans these old cemeteries for the Rosary and blessing of the graves. It is a tradition that highlights our heritage. Then at the end of July a Mass is celebrated in St. James’s Church yard in Glenmore Village bringing together family, friends and neighbhours from near and far.
Monday the 6th of July was the first of the Rosaries and blessing of the graves at Kilcolumb in Rathinure. In this isolated place, down a narrow lane that has changed little over the centuries, thirty people gathered. After the Rosary led by Fr. Liam Taylor and the blessing of the graves, the attendees spent some time exploring the old graveyard and the nearby headache stone. A few brave youngsters tried to visit the holy well Thubber na gcullen.
If you were not able to attend Kilcolumb there are three more of the old cemeteries on the schedule, and hopefully the weather will continue to be nice.
Thursday, 9th July, Kilbride, Weatherstown
Monday, 13th July, Ballygurrim, Jamestown
Thursday, 16th July, Kilmakevoge, Graiguenakill (known locally as Kilivory).
All Rosaries start at 7.30 pm.
We are so lucky that Danny Dowling (1927-2023) recorded 60 years ago the grave stones in the old cemeteries because many of the grave stones are limestone and no longer legible. The inscriptions Danny recorded from Kilcolumb, Killbride, Ballygurrim and Kilivory are found under “Roots” on our main page.
If you would like to know more about the Ancient Churches at Rathinure, Rochestown and Davidstown, see our post of 21 January 2024 regarding Kilcolumb, Rochestown, & Davidstown. If you would like to know more about the Ancient Churches at Weatherstown, Kilbride and Kilmakevoge see our post of 19 November 2023.
Lastly, on Friday, the 24th of July the Glenmore Cemetery Mass will commence at 7:30 pm in St. James’s Churchyard, Glenmore Village.
One of the most frequent questions we are asked concerns where people or families are buried. We can search Danny’s records and the newspapers for obituaries etc., but the blessing of the graves is the best time to ask neighbors, friends and extended family members.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Tragic Death of Johanna Fitzgerald (1910-1916) of Moulerstown, Glenmore [Updated]
Recently while attempting to track a Glenmore emigrant in New York, I came across the report in the Irish American Advocate (1916) that referenced a 6 year old girl from “Moulerstown, Glenmore” being killed in her father’s haggard (barn yard). The Irish Times (Fri. 4 Aug. 1916, p. 7) carried the same two sentence report. “While Johanna Fitzgerald, aged six years, was seated in a horse cart in her father’s haggard, at Moulerstown, County Kilkenny, a bee stung the horse, which took fright, overturning the cart. The girl was caught underneath, and died in a few minutes.”
A quick review of the death certs verified that Johanna Fitzgerald, aged 6, died on 26 July 1916 at Moulerstown. Her cause of death is listed as “injuries to head caused by the accidental overturning of a cart. Death instantaneously.” Father of the deceased, John Fitzgerald, was present at her death.
However, the newspapers closer to Glenmore carried a slightly different story and did not mention a bee. Unfortunately, the Coroner was on holidays and his replacement did not think it necessary to hold an inquest. Thus, there is no record of what actual witnesses at the scene 110 years ago observed.
Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 5 Aug. 1916, p. 5)
SAD DEATH OF A CHILD—A little girl named Johanna Fitzgerald, aged six years, daughter of Mr. John Fitzgerald, a large farmer residing at Moulerstown, Glenmore, has been the victim of an unfortunate accident, which resulted in her death shortly afterwards. It would appear that at abour five o’clock on the evening of the 26th of July a number of men were engaged in carting hay from a field on Mr. Fitzgerald’s farm to his haggard, and after emptying a load one of the horses was allowed to go loosely around while the other horses were being unloaded.
The little girl got into the empty cart unobserved and the horse pulled the cart over some obstacle, overturning it and pinning the child underneath. When extracted the little one was in a dying condition and expired shortly afterwards. Dr. P.J. Murphy, Thomastown, who is acting for Dr. D.J. Walshe, J.P., Graiguenamanagh, Coroner for South Kilkenny, who is away on holidays, was communicated with, but did not consider an inquest necessary. Needless, to state, much sympathy is felt for Mr. Fitzgerald in the terrible bereavement that has befallen him.
Johanna Fitzgerald’s Family
Parents
Johanna was born 25 February 1910 to John Fitzgerald (1881-1970) and Marian “Mary” “Molly” Fitzgerald née Fitzgerald (1884-1960). Her parents were married on Sunday, 1 July 1906 at St. Saviours in Waterford City. (Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore; verified with parish records.) The father of the groom was Thomas Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, and the father of the bride was Paul Fitzgerald of Knockbrack. John and Molly Fitzgerald would have 11 children comprised of 6 boys and 5 girls.
Grandparents
Johanna’s Paternal Grandparents
Johanna’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Fitzgerald (1839-1910) and Ellen Roche (1850-1922). Her paternal grandparents were married on 19 February 1879 at Rosbercon. A dispensation was granted as the couple were distantly related. The groom was a farmer from Moulerstown and the bride was the daughter of a farmer from Ballycurran. The groom’s father was John Fitzgerald and the bride’s father was Luke Roche. The witnesses to the wedding were Patrick Fitzgerald of Weatherstown, Glenmore and Mary Wall of Ballynakill, Tullogher. Thomas and Ellen Fitzgerald lived in Moulerstown, Glenmore, and had at least six known children.
The 1911 Census reveals that Ellen Fitzgerald née Roche was 60 years of age and her youngest child James Fitzgerald was only 9 years older than her eldest grandchild by her son John, i.e. Ellen “Eily” Ryan née Fitzgerald (1906-2001).
Johanna’s Maternal Grandparents
Johanna’s maternal grandparents were Paul Fitzgerald (1854 -1923) and Johanna Freyne (c. 1857-1945). Paul Fitzgerald, of Knockbrack, married Johanna Freyne, of Kilbride, at Glenmore on 14 November 1883. Their fathers were Michael Fitzgerald (deceased farmer) and James Frehne (farmer). Paul and Johanna had at least 8 known children born and raised in Knockbrack.
The Children of John Fitzgerald and Molly Fitzgerald née Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, Glenmore
Most of the obituaries relating to John and Molly Fitzgerald, and their children, note that the couple had 11 children comprised of 6 boys and 5 girls. Thus, although no cemetery marker could be located that preserved Johanna Fitzgerald’s (1910-1916) name she was remembered as one of the 11 children in the family obituaries. Unfortunately, a lot of information concerning Johanna’s siblings had to be gleaned from newspaper sources because of current privacy laws that limit access to official records deemed old enough to release. This creates quite a lacuna in family research.
[1] Ellen “Eily” Fitzgerald (1906-2001) was born on Francis St. in Waterford 26 days after her parents married in Waterford City. It is quite an unusual arrangement, but it may have been due to parental objection(s). It was not unusual for dowries to be demanded in order to ensure that unmarried sisters could make a match and to help educate brothers not destined to receive the farm. What happened to delay this marriage is not known today. Nevertheless John and Mollie Fitzgerald married and in the 1911 Census they are living in Moulerstown with John’s mother Ellen Fitzgerald (60) and four of John’s siblings.
Eily Fitzgerald married Richard Ryan of Guilcogh, Rosbercon on 30 April 1930 at Glenmore. The couple farmed at Fisherstown, Campile, Wexford. New Ross Standard (Fri. 11 Aug. 1961, p. 10) FIRE—New Ross Fire Brigade, under Station Officer Joseph Furlong, was called out on Friday of last week to deal with an outbreak of fire at the premises of Mr. Richard Ryan, Fisherstown, Campile. About 35 tons of first crop hay were destroyed in the fire. The Brigade, which was hampered by lack of water, succeeded in saving nearby out offices.
[2] Thomas Fitzgerald (1908-1992) had Catherine Fitzgerald incorrectly listed as his mother. Thomas was an athlete as a young man and never married.
[3] Johanna Fitzgerald (1910-1916)
[4] Paul Fitzgerald (1912-1995) never married.
[5] Luke Fitzgerald (1914-1983) my resident expert stated that he recalls it being said that Luke moved to Fisherstown to help his sister Eily Ryan after her husband Richard died. Luke later returned to Glenmore. Luke did not marry.
[6] Anastatia Fitzgerald (1916 -1980) married John Phelan ( ? -1972) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Anastatia was born just five months before her sister Johanna died in 1916. Statia and John Phelan had a large family.
[7] James Fitzgerald (b. 3 Apr. 1915 )(per various family obits lived in Hanwell, London)
[8] John Fitzgerald, Jr. (1917-1979) Never married.
[9] Ann Fitzgerald [See correction below]
[10] Josephine “Josie” Fitzgerald (c. 1921 -2004) married Patrick Doolan, and the couple lived in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dubln.
[11] Michael “Mickey Fitz” Fitzgerald (1924- 2018) married, Moira Talbot (c. 1944-1998) a widow, and continued farming the home place until his death.
[Only 8 children are listed in the 1926 Census, although the form indicates 11 children were born to John and Mollie Fitzgerald of Moulerstown, Glenmore.]
[Correction 10 July 2026: Ann Fitzgerald RIP.ie death notice–Ann Ryan (nee Fitzgerald) 98 Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, Co Dublin and late of Moulerstown, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny died 19 Oct 2015. Ann; beloved wife of the late John (Jack) and mother of Cathy, John and Richard. Deeply regretted by her loving family, brother Michael, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.] Special thanks to Patty Brown for sharing the death notice for Ann Ryan née Fitzgerald]
Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School
Per the Register of Infants in Ballyfasy Girls’ National School (p. 6) Johanna Fitzgerald of Moulerstown (father farmer) started school on 1 May 1916 at the age of 5. No attendance was recorded in the upper half of page 5. Johanna’s eldest sister, “Ellie” Fitzgerald, started school 29 April 1912 (p. 5) at the age of 5. She attended 36 days in the First Examination Period.
Johanna’s younger sister, Anastasia Fitzgerald, started school in May 1920 (p. 6) at the age of 4. She attended 21 days in the first annual exam period and 159 days in the second exam period. Johanna’s youngest sister Josephine “Josie” Fitzgerald started school in May of 1927 (p. 7) at the age of 5. She attended 20 days in the first exam period.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Most of the family obituaries or death notices are on our Glenmore Family Surname pages. Please note that married women are listed under their married names. Our F Surname page may be accessed via this link.
The Register of the Ballyfasy Girls National School can be accessed via our Lists page.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com