Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
now browsing by tag
Glenmore GAA: May 1924
According to the local newspapers the weather in May 1924 was poor. The black clouds also appear to have plagued Glenmore payers that month. Glenmore won the Kilkenny senior football championship in 1922, 1923, and 1924, but the Glenmore players who made up the Kilkenny Senior Football Team struggled in May 1924 in the Leinster Championships. In terms of hurling, in 1923, Glenmore won the Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship against Dicksboro. These two teams met in the championship replay in May 1924 with devastating consequences for one Glenmore player.
Glenmore Attends Rain or Shine
The Annual Convention of the Kilkenny GAA had to be postponed because of “severe inclement weather.” From the south of the county only Glenmore had delegates that attended. Due to the small number of delegates present it was agreed to postpone the convention until the 29th of May (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 3 May 1924, p. 6).
Glenmore Football
Glenmore vs. Wexford
At New Ross on Sunday the 4th, Glenmore, “who were short several of their best men, engaged the Wexford County team in a challenge match which, after a great contest, went in favour of Wexford on the score of 3-4 to 2-5. For Glenmore, the brothers Cody, Irish, Fitzgerald, Hartley and Murphy were seen to good advantage for great work” (Munster Express, Sat. 10 May 1924, p. 3).
Leinster Championship
The Leinster championships were advanced another stage on Sunday the 11th, when three games were decided at Croke Park. In senior football Louth scored a rather easy victory over Kilkenny, who had to rely practically on the Glenmore team. It is to be regretted that Co. Kilkenny, which has such splendid material at its disposal; should be rendered an impotent factor by internal dissension (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5).
Louth Defeats Kilkenny—Munster Express, Sat. 17 May 1924. p. 3.
“At Croke Park on Sunday last Louth defeated Kilkenny in their tie in the Leinster Football Championship. It was a stubborn struggle. Louth, fresh from their engagements in the inner-county League with their neighbours from Cavan, Monaghan, and Meath, showed good form. Their forwards were quick to avail of scoring opportunities, while their backs were at all times reliable. Owing to internal differences Kilkenny were not at full strength, their team being in the main drawn from Glenmore.”
THE PLAY
“The Kilkenny custodian brought off a couple of good saves early, and lively, well-contested play was the order. After a hot duel with the Louth backs Fitzgerald opened the scoring with a point for Kilkenny. Louth pressing forced a “50,” which was placed to advantage by Garland for Burke to fist into the net or the first goal. Working back from the kick-out, Reynolds added a goal for Louth. A Kilkenny attack was well held by the back, of whom Mohan was prominent. Louth again attacked and Garland sent wide from a free close in.
At this stage Louth were doing best, and after Burke had centred nearly, Reynolds boxed a goal. Burke followed up with a point. Kilkenny forced a “50” which went for nought. The Kilkenny custodian cleared a trying shot, but Louth returned, and Reynolds notched a point . Louth continued on the aggressive, and Byrne sent over from far out. Kilkenny sprang away, and from a free in good ground the “Louth sticks had a narrow escape.”
Dashing off, Louth forced a “50,” to find the Kilkenny backs on the alert. Hot pressure by Kilkenny was checked by a reliable Louth Defence. Kilkenny were attacking at the interval when the scores were: Louth, 3-2; Kilkenny, 0-1.
On resuming the pace was fast, and some fine football was witnessed. Louth backs beat down the opposition, but Kilkenny were quick to return. Mohan saved repeatedly for Louth, whose defence was being hotly tested. Kilkenny persisted in the attack, and after an exciting and stubborn duel the Louth end was crossed. Kilkenny worked back from the kick out, and a free well placed by P. Cody was received and sent over for a point by P. McKenna. Tuite replied with a like score for Louth.
From a “50” to Louth Mohan’s kick was well judged, but the Kilkenny backs were not to be beaten, and a lively bout of play ended in an over. Louth failed on a second “50” shortly after. Kilkenny showing fine form., engaged in a determined attack, but the Louth backs continued to give a capital display. Sarsfield (Louth) went off injured, and was replaced by P. Garland. A feature of the game was close tackling. Kilkenny, still fighting hard, met with ill luck, a stinging shot striking the upright. Tuite put on a point for Louth, who held the upper hand, and tested the Kilkenny custodian with a few rasping shots near the close.”
Mr. F. Donnelly refereed.
The Kilkenny Team
M. Cody (Captain); P. Cody; W. Irish; W. Hartley; J. Fitzgerald; L. Murphy, J. McKenna; M. Brennan; P. Murphy; J. Shiels; J. Murphy; J. Hanrahan; J. Nunan and T. Brennan.
Glenmore Hurling
A replay of the County Hurling Final between Glenmore and Dicksboro took place on Sunday the 24th of May at St. James’ Park. The match “had scarcely progressed 20 minutes, when one of the spectators, said to be a brother of a player, rushed on to the playing pitch and assaulted a Glenmore player, with the result that the members of both teams came into conflict.”
“A melee ensured in which blows were exchanged. A few players were injured before the intervention of officials and clergy brought about peace. The match was abandoned.”
One of the Glenmore players, named Irish, was severely injured during the melee. He is one of the most promising players that the county has produced for some years (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 3).
In the “Echoes from South Kilkenny” column in the same edition it was noted that Bill Irish was able to leave the Infirmary on Tuesday the 27th. “He was one of the Kilkenny men selected to represent Leinster in the forthcoming Tailteann trials.” The newspaper described him as “one of the outstanding Gaels of the county either on the hurling or football field…”
See, our post of 6 February 2012 regarding Bill Irish (1899-1976) and Glenmore’s fight to receive its medals.
For further Glenmore GAA records see the Kilkenny GAA Bible (2018).
The players in the featured team photo above: (the football has 1925 printed on it)
Back Row: James Vereker (Davidstown), Jim Murphy, William Irish, Pat Hartley, Andy Heffernan, Richard Hanrahan.
Next Row: Mick Heffernan, John Fitzgerald, John Doherty, Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Connolly, Peter Kirwan, Paddy Cody, James Dunphy.
Next Row: Stephen Heffernan, James Fitzgerald, Martin Cody (Captain), Fr. Richard Vereker, John Phelan, Bill Hartley (Busherstown).
Front Row: Jim Hanrahan, John Mullins, Mick Cody, Paddy Murphy.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the News: May 1924
In May 1924 Glenmore GAA hurling and football were prominent in the local newspapers. Due to the volume of information we shall supply the May 1924 hurling and football information in our next post. Today, we feature other news items from local newspapers that were probably discussed at lenth in Glenmore.
The Free State continued to wrestle with the legacies of the War of Independence as well as the Civil War. Unemployment and in particular resistance of the citizens to taxes including rates on land made it difficult to deliver services and repair damages. During April 1924 unemployment in the country fell from 28,391 (persons registered for employment) to 27,947, showing a decrease of 444 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 2). The emigration flow of young people out of Ireland also slowed due to U.S. restrictions. However, by the end of May 1924 bookings to the United States were resumed by the Cunard and White Star line subject to passengers obtaining visa immigration certificates from the U.S Consul (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 30 May 1924, p. 8).
Civil War Internees
Although the Free State continued to release people arrested during the Civil War the leaders, such as Eamonn de Valera (1882-1975) continued to be incarcerated. It was reported in early May that De Valera’s mother, Mrs. Catherine de Valera Wheelwright, travelled from her home in Rochester, New York, to Washington D.C. where she plead before the U.S. Congress for de Valera’s release. She based her plea on the US action in 1923 on behalf of the Russian Archbishop the Soviets sentenced to death (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 May 1924, p. 5). Later in the month, the Supreme Court of New York ruled that de Valera and O’Mara were entitled to a reasonable part of the two and a half million dollars of the Irish Republic Fund deposited in New York. A Commission was to be appointed to determine what constituted a reasonable part (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 May 1924, p. 5).
Rates & Rent Arrears
Every local newspaper carried articles regarding the newly established rates. The chart below covered Glenmore.
| IDA District (in £) | (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8) | ||
| Agricultural Land | Sums Deducted for Agricultural Grant | Other Hereditaments | |
| County Charges | 32 ½ | 3 | 35 ½ |
| Board of Health Charges | 6 | 10 ½ | 16 ½ |
| District Charges | 27 | 7 ½ | 34 ½ |
| TOTAL RATES FOR YEAR | 65 ½ | 21 | 87 ½ |
Notwithstanding the difficult financial circumstances most Councils and other public bodies encountered appointments to posts continued. For example, Mr. James Farrell, Ballynock, Tullogher, a member of the Ida District Council, was appointed Peace Commissioner (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 5).
Taxes
Citizens had been urged during the War of Independence not to pay rates or other taxes to the British authorities. Some citizens critical of the Free State continued this practice. Over 100 rate defaulters were summoned to the New Ross Court in mid-May. The cases were from the New Ross Urban area and some were from South Kilkenny districts. It was noted that several defaulters had paid before the court date. The justice said that out of 68 cases there were only 9 decrees given (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 May 1924, p. 2).
All Councils were seeking methods to increase their revenues, and the Waterford County Council placed a £3 tax on petrol pumps erected on the roads of Co. Waterford during its May meeting (Munster Express, Sat. 24 May 1924, p. 4)
Wexford Rate Collectors’ Case
Wexford Rate Collectors who were not retained after the establishment of the Free State made a claim. Mr. Justice Wylie was appointed in October 1923 to conduct the inquiry. Justice Wylie awarded pensions in six cases for rate collectors with over ten years’ service, and gratuities in six other cases when the rate collectors had less than 10 years’ service. The Wexford County Council refused to pay any of the awarded compensation and it was noted that there was a rightf appeal to the Minister for Local Government.
Captain W. Redmond raised the failure to pay the rate collectors in the Dáil to Seamus Burke the then Minister for Local Government. Captain Redman—Was not this tribunal set up by Government, and have not awards been made by this tribunal, and is it not the Government’s duty to insist on these awards being executed?
Mr. Burke—”That is not altogether true. The matter should have come before me in a different way as a matter of fact” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 2).
[Minister Burke’s approach appears to still serve as a method of answering questions by politicians today.]
Rent Arrears
In May 1924, the thorny issue of the evicted tenants under British rule continued to evade settlement, and the various Councils that provided housing had to deal with current tenant defaulters.
The editor of the New Ross Standard recalled that two or three years before a number of evicted tenants took possession of their former holdings, some of them using violence to “gain their object.” They were prosecuted for taking forcible possession and the holdings given back to the people in possession. The evicted tenants were told that courts would be established immediately to hear their claims and that they should wait and lay their cases before these courts. The promised courts were never established and the evicted tenants under the Free State were still required to “grin and bear their unhappy lot” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 May 1924, p. 4).
Glenmore Rent Defaulter
The Waterford No. 2 R.D. Council met and after considering a number of rent arrears made the following order regarding Richard Young of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. If the arrears of £3 6s were not paid to Mr. Fitzpatrick, collector, before the next meeting of the Council, the Council solicitors would be instructed to proceed against him. Young was also told that he should apologise to the collector for his behaviour toward the collector (Munster Express, Sat. 3 May 1924, p. 5). In the last Munster Express published in May 1924 it was reported that Richard Young tendered “his regret if he used offensive words towards the collector, and also paid up the arrears of £3 6s (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 6).
Public Works
The question of rebuilding the old GPO in Dublin destroyed in 1916 was being debated in May 1924. The British intended to re-build it and obtained several adjacent sites on Henry St., but when it became evident that an Irish Government would be coming into power the work on re-building ceased. The British never got beyond clearing the debris. Each side wanted the other to pay for the re-building (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 5).
The work of repainting the New Ross bridge began in mid-May 1924. It was reported that it would take two or three months at a minimum to complete the job (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5).
The Waterford RD 2 Council awarded a contract to James Butler of Moulerstown, Glenmore “to maintain 173 perches of road between the main road at Moulerstown and the district bounds at Guilcogh, for one year; cost not to exceed 1s per perch–£4” (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 6).
Similar to today one hundred years ago when funding was tight rural services were cut. It was stated in the New Ross Standard, “For some considerable time alarm has been caused and indignation has been expressed in a great many of the rural districts in consequence of the curtailment of the postal facilities they used to enjoy” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 2).
Farming and Fishing
Farm Prices
The highest price realised for hay during the past winter and spring was that paid for a quantity in New Ross in the last week in April at the rate of £6 per ton. The average price was £5 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8).
There was an improvement in demand and prices for stock at Campile monthly fair at the end of April. Fat lambs sold particularly well, some cases reaching 57s. each (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8). The price of wool at New Ross was 1s 3d or 1s 9d for washed wool (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). Calves realized from £2 to £4 at New Ross on the 10th of May. Some calves made £4 10s according to their age, quality and condition (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). Fat pigs sold at New Ross on the 12th from 50s to 54s per cwt, live weight (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). The following prices were published for the New Ross Market: eggs 1s per dozen; chickens (young)1s 2d per lb; hens 3s per pair; butter 1s 2d fresh and 1s 3d salted; potatoes 1s 3d per stone; salmon 2s 3d per lb. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 May 1924, p. 8).
Fishing
Salmon fishing on the Barrow and Nore continued to be poor in May. “There was scarcely one good week of fishing since the season opened” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). However, during the second week of May a glut of herrings were found off of Dunmore. So great were the catches that hands engaged in the kippering sheds of Mr. Arthur Miller were employed throughout Saturday dealing with the catches from Thursday and Friday. A fleet of Irish, English and Scotch steam and motor boats engaged in the herring fishing. It was stated that there was not such an abundance of fish in local waters for a quarter of a century. The shoal was predicted to remain off the coast until July (Munster Express, Sat. 17 May 1924).
Two fish dealers from New Ross named Mrs. Harney and Michael Cotton, were driving along the Quay in a pony cart when the pony became frightened. When the frightened pony headed for the river, Mrs. Harney threw herself from the cart and had a “miraculous escape from serious injury.” “Cotton, however, pluckily held on to the reins, and retained his position in the cart until the pony, came into contact with the chains opposite the Graving Bank, came to a temporary standstill.” The backband broke, and the cart fell on to the quayside. Cotton was not injured. Released from the cart the pony turned round and careered madly along the quay heading toward the bridge. A young man caught the pony after going 200 yards. The animal suffered minor injuries to one of his hind legs (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 9 May 1924, p. 8).
Commemorating the Kilkenny Fallen
Large numbers from Co. Kilkenny and adjoining counties took part in the commemoration ceremony at Thomastown on Sunday the 11th of May to honour the memory of the men who sacrificed their lives for Ireland during the fight with the British and of other men who died since the evacuation of the British forces.
The different Sinn Fein Clubs, and Cumman na mBán in the County took part in the procession which formed at Jerpoint Abbey at 2. The bands that took part included: Waterford Fianna Pipers (headed the procession), Kells Pipers, Inistioge, Kilkenny City, Thomastown, Ballyhale, the O’Hanrahan Pipers, New Ross, and the Callan Brass Band. The route of the procession was Mill St., Low St., Logn St., Chapel St., the Quay, Market St., and Church St. Passing the graveyard where the remains of the late Mr. N. Mullins, Thomastown, who was killed by British soldiers in the Coolbawn ambush, and the late Mr. Peter Frehne, Kilcullen, who lost his life in the attack on the North Star Hotel (Auxilary Headquaarters) Dublin, are interred.
The procession, on the Quay, under the cemetery halted and the “Last Post” was played. The procession marched on to the field on the Station Road, where the cenotaph, the work of James Kelly, of Oldtown was admired. Thirty-one names were inscribed on the cenotaph including: Nicholas Mullins, Thomastown; Peter Freyne, Kilcullen; and John Hartley, Glenmore. Both Nicholas Mullins and Peter Freyne were the sons of Glenmore men and John Hartley was born, raised, and buried in Glenmore (Kilkenny People, Sat. 17 May 1924, p. 5).
The Waterford News & Star provided some additional information. The cenotaph, was in the shape of a large Celtic Cross and it was inscribed “In Proud and Loving Memory of the Faithful Soldiers of the Republic.” No trains were running to Thomastown that day. “Despite restricted travelling facilities available, at least 10,00 people attended” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 6).
For further information on Peter Freyne (1903-1921) see our post 5 April 2021. For further information on John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921) and Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) see our post of 20 June 2021.
***************
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured drawing above is the Triumphant Studebaker found in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 7). It was stated that over 154,000 people bought Studebaker Automobiles during 1923.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Obits Reported on 3 March 1961 [updated]
Five Glenmore deaths were reported in the Munster Express on Friday the 3rd of March 1961, on page 9. It is unusual to find more than two Glenmore death notices or obituaries in a single edition of any local newspaper. What is also interesting is the fact that most of the obituaries are very short, the ages provided in the obituaries in this single edition are not exact, and often the age recorded on the death register does not match baptismal or the birth register records.
Four of the deaths occurred in County Kilkenny, and the fifth in San Francisco of a Glenmore native. It has proven difficult to identify the Glenmore native that died in San Francisco.
Information from 4 Irish Death Certs
Gender: 3 males, 1 female
Average age at death: 75.5 years’ (although most of the ages are suspect)
Professions: 2 labourers; 1 farmer; 1 no profession provided
Causees of death: 2 influenza; 2 senile decay; 1 broncho-pneumonia
Married/widowed: 2
Single: 2
Died in medical facility: 2
Died at home: 2
Glenmore Townlands: 1 Busherstown; 1 Ballycroney; 1 Gaulestown; & 1 Haggard.
Death of Patrick Power (1881-1961) of Busherstown, Glenmore
“Mr. Patrick Power, whose death occurred at St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown, was a native of Busherstown, Glenmore, where he was a popular and familiar personality. Deceased, who had attained to the fine old age of 80 years, had not been in robust health for a long time past., though the end came rather unexpectantly and he had been in hospital only a week. An esteemed member of the farming community for many years, he is survived by one brother, Mr. Michael Power, Jamestown, Glenmore. Interment took place at Glenmore Cemetery after Office and High Mass, of which the celebrant was Rev. J. Murphy, C.C. Glenmore—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
According to the death register, Patrick Power, of Busherstown, died on 12 February 1961 of “senile decay.” He was a 76 year-old bachelor at the time of his death and his recorded profession was labourer.
We could not locate a parish record for Patrick Power or Michael Power in the 1880’s, but Patty Lee Brown located the brothers. Patrick Power was born on 29 June 1881, and his brother Michael Power was born 5 December 1882. In the civil birth register the address provided is Jamestown, but their address in the Glenmore parish register is Busherstown.
In addition to Michael Power (1905-1980) living in Jamestown we located in Danny’s 1961 list a farm labourer named Michael Power who told Danny he was born 12 December 1882. Michael Power (1905-1980) was the eldest of 18 children of John and Mary Power. of Jamestown. To view Michael Power’s obit see our P Surname page. Michael Power (b. 1882) and his brother Patrick Power (1881-1961) were the sons of Patrick Power (farmer) and his wife Bridget Gaule. Other children born to this couple include: Patrick Power (b. 1878); John Power (b. 1879); Edmund Power (b. 1884); and Richard Power (b. 1887).
Death of Mary Butler née Maddock (c. 1886-1961) of Ballycroney, Glenmore
“The [death] took place at her residence, Ballycroney, Glenmore, of Mrs. Mary Butler, at the age of over 70 years. A native of Rahora, Tullahought, she was a member of the Maddock family, do., and enjoyed much esteem in Glenmore, since her advent ot the parish on the occasion of her marriage. She was widow of the late John Butler, Ballycroney, who died in 1958 and mother of Miss Mary Butler, do; Mrs. F. Flynn, Rosbercon, and sister of Mr. Andrew Maddock, Rahora. Interment took place at Glenmore after Requiem Mass, of which the celebrant was Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P. do.—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
According to the death register, Mary Butler née Maddock, died on 5 February 1961 of broncho-pneumonia. At the time of her death she was a 75 year old widow. Her daughter Mary Butler was present when she died at home in Ballycroney. At the time of her death she had been under a doctor’s care for two weeks.
John Butler and Mary Maddock were married at Rosbercon on 20 June 1923. John Butler was a labourer from Ballycroney, Glenmore and Mary Maddock was from Rahora. Her father was William Maddock (labourer) and John’s father was James Butler (labourer). According to the birth register we believe Mary was born 20 October 1895 to William Maddock and his wife, Mary Doyle.
Death of Michael Martin (c. 1889-1961) of Haggard, Glenmore
“Mr. Michael Martin, whose death has occurred at St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown, was a native of Haggard, Glenmore. Deceased who had reached an advanced age, was a popular figure in the district, where news of his demise was learned with sincere regret. He was uncle of Mr. Nicholas Martin, Haggard. Interment took place at Kilbride Cemetery, Glenmore—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
Per the death register Michael Martin (Kennedy) died 2 February 1961 of influenza. At the time of his death he was a 72 year old bachelor and his profession was listed as labourer. His residence outside the County Home is not recorded, and it is not clear why (Kennedy) is listed on his death cert. His nephew Nicky Martin (c.1928-2017) is also buried in Kilbride.
Death of Mr. John “Jack” Reddy (1882-1961) Gaulstown, Glenmore
“The death has occurred at his residence, Gaulstown, Glenmore, of Mr. John Reddy at the age of over 80 years. Deceased, who was a well known figure in the farming life of the district, was husband of Mrs. Margaret Reddy, do., and father if Mr. James Reddy, do., Mrs. M. Merigan, Kilbraghan, Rosbercon; Mrs. H. Maher, Slieverue; Mrs. N. Grace, Kilbride, Glenmore and brother of Mrs. Brigid Forristal, Ballinaraha, do. Interment took place at Glenmore after Office and High Mass, of which the celebrant was Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P., do. The attendance both at the removal of the remains and burial included many relatives and friends from the local and adjoining parishes—R.I.P.” (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
The death register lists the deceased’s age as 79. He was a married farmer and died from influenza. His daughter Ellen Grace, of Kilbride, Glenmore was present when he died.
John Reddy was known as Jack. He was born on 2 July 1882 at Ballinaraha, Glenmore. His parents were James Reddy and Johanna Grant. John Reddy married Margaret Hennessey on 23 June 1920 at the Church of the Rower. Margaret Hennessy (c. 1887-1970) was the aunt of Katie (1912-1967) & May Roche (1916-2001) of Scart, Glenmore.
Death of Bartholomew Holden, native of Bushestown, Glenmore
Died in USA—Mr. Bartholomew Holden, who has died in San Francisco, was a native of Busherstown, Glenmore, whence he emigrated many years ago. He was brother of Mr. Fred Holden, do; Miss Mary Holden, do; and nephew of Michael Linegar, Parkstown, Glenmore; James Linegar, Ballyverneen, do. and Mrs. Lil Walsh, Glenmore Village (Munster Express, Fri, 3 March 1961, p. 9).
Although Bartholomew is an unusual name it is proving challenging untangling this short article. There were two Holden families in Busherstown, or Clune, and both had Bartholomew or Bartley names. The first Bartholomew Holden we could locate in the parish records was born at Clone (sic) in January 1821 the son of John Holdin (sic) and Anastatia Aylward. The next Bartholomew Holden found in the parish records was born at Parkstown in January 1847 the son of James Holden and Bridget Linegar.
Willie Holden, of Ballycroney (a native of Clune) today said that his neighbour Neddy Holden (b.c. 1919) said that he was related to people in Parkstown. Neddy also said that he had an uncle in San Francisco who wanted Neddy to come out to him. Norah Holden (Willie’s aunt) said that Neddy’s uncle arrived in San Francisco right after the earthquake.
We could not locate a death record in 1960 or 1961 for Bartholomew Holden in San Francisco, so we have no idea of how old he was when he died to determine when he was born. We could not locate a Fred Holden in Glenmore records. The only Bartholomew Holden that we could locate that would have been old enough to be in San Francisco after the earthquake was born 26 May 1880, the son of John Holden (1846-1909) (farmer) and Honor Grant (c. 1846-1909) of Busherstown. John Holden (Cluan) married Honor Grant of Robinstown on 13 February 1877. The couple are buried in Kilbride cemetery, Glenmore. John’s father was Bartholomew Holden (Clune) and Honor’s father was Michael Grant (deceased farmer). John Holden (b. 1846) at Clone (sic) was the son of Bartholemew (sic) Holden and Jony Riby. Other children of John Holden and Honor Grant included: Joanna Holden (b. 1878-1907) and Walter Holden (b. 1882). Unfortunately, their son Bartholomew died 30 November 1943.
The Linegar Connection
Although the Munster Express article states that the deceased was a nephew to three Glenmore residents interestingly all three are Linegars and no Holdens were listed. James Walsh (carpenter) married Mary Ellen Linegar on 23 November 1915 at Glenmore. James Walshe was the son of James Walshe (farmer) of Ballyfacey and Mary Ellen Linegar was the daughter of Charles Linegar (farmer) of Parkstown. Mary Ellen Walsh née Linegar (c. 1893-1968) went by “Lill” and was the mother of Jim B. A photo of Lill and her family can be found on our Graiguenakill Townland page.
Lill’s brother, Michael Linegar (c. 1888-1963) married Bridget Holden (c. 1881-1964) at Glenmore on 24 October 1917. Michael was the son of Charles Linegar, Parkstown and Bridget was the daughter of Bartley Holden (c.1834-1914) of Clune. Bridget was born at Busherstown on 11 February 1881 and her mother was Margaret Merrigan (c. 1842-1916). Her siblings included John Holden (1878-1955); Patrick Holden (1876-1894); and Mary Holden (1873-1891).
If anyone can shed some light on Bartholomew Holden who died in 1961 in San Francisco we would appreciate receiving it.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Mary O’Mahony for sharing the photo of her grandparents John and Mary Butler née Maddock of Ballycroney, Glenmore. Also, special thanks to Patty Lee Brown for finding Patrick and Michael Power and sending on the information.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Blueshirt Sports at Weatherstown, Glenmore in 1934
We recently came across an article entitled “Blueshirt Sports at Glenmore,” in the United Ireland newspaper of Saturday, the 18th of August 1934 (p. 4). The newspaper the United Ireland was published by the proprietors of the Star Publishing Co. Ltd. and printed by Cahill and Co., of Parkgate, Dublin. It was published from 1927 to 1961 and until it ceased publishing 1,792 editions were published.
The article mentioned the Glenmore tug of war team which prompted a search for an earlier article on the Ballyfacey, Glenmore tug of war team. See, our post of 13 Nov. 2022 . We noticed that the Munster Express published on 13 July 1934 an article about a sports day in Weatherstown. The Munster Express covered some of the winners of some of the events, but made no mention of the fact that the event was associated with Blueshirts (Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8).
The Munster Express covered the results of the sports day but made no mention of the fact that the event was associated with Blueshirts (Friday 13 July 1934, p. 8). In the next column in the same edition the Munster Express published an article that a “big Blueshirt parade, comprising 200 (men and women) took place at Hugginstown. Forming up near the village, the procession, headed by the local Blue Shirt Band, marched around the village, and forming up at the cross adjacent to the ruins of the old RIC barracks, were briefly address by Captain Quinn, Gowran. A large number of supporters were also present. The singing of the National Anthem and the Blue Shirt marching song concluded the proceedings, during which there was no untoward incident” (Munster Express, Fri.13 July 1934, p. 8).
The article in the United Ireland was not published until 18 August 1934. However, because the two articles name most of the same winners of events the two articles must be about the same event. It also seems unlikely that there were two sports days held in Weatherstown in the summer of 1934.
United Ireland Article
“Keen Contests and Large Entries–The Glenmore Blueshirt, sports, held at Weatherstown, were an outstanding success. Large entries were received for each event and keen contests were the order of the day. Hundreds of Blueshirts—men and girls—were present, and there was an extremely large attendance of the general public. The national flag and the blueshirt flag were prominently displayed on the field. A refreshment stall was run by the local Blueshirt girls in charge of Miss K. Freyne. Captain P. Quinn, leader of the Blueshirts in Carlow-Kilkenny was among those present.”
Captain Padraig Quinn (c. 1903-1980) native of Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny
Padraig Quinn was the youngest survivor of the 1921 Coolbawn ambush. While it was reported that he was just 16 years old at the time of the ambush his obituary provided that he was born about 1903. In 2012 the Webley revolver that he carried during his War of Independence service was auctioned (Kilkenny People, 24 March 2012).
Quinn after service in the Free State Army in the 1930’s became one of Eoin O’Duffy’s most loyal captains, as part of the Kilkenny Blueshirt Division. He started as the director of the League of Youth (Blueshirt’s organisation) in Carlow and Kilkenny and in the fall of 1934 was attached to the head quarter staff in Dublin. He with four other members were arrested on 16 October 1934 and conveyed to Waterford Prison (Belfast Newsletter, Wed. 17 Oct. 1934, p. 11). Quinn was arrested with another prominent Blueshirt , Thomas Fitzgerald (of Old Town, Co. Kilkenny) for failing to “account to the Civil Guards for their movements on recent occasions when tree felling and cutting of telegraph poles occurred on the main roads in Co. Kilkenny.” Both men were sentenced to three months (Tipperary Star, Sat. 3 Nov. 1934, p. 10).
In 1937, Padraig Quinn was part of a brigade that left Ireland for Spain to fight alongside General Franco’s men. He took an active part in that war “and received the Bandero from General Franco.” When he died in August 1980 messages of sympathy were sent from Liam Cosgrave, T.D. and former Taoiseach and from the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland (Nationalist & Leinster Times, Fri. 29 August 1980, p. 7). For a recent short article on the Blueshirt movement see, Seán Donnelly’s “Michael Tierney and the Intellectual Origins of Blueshirtism, 1920-1938”
The Sporting Results: United Ireland
Fifteen events were listed in the United Ireland newspaper article. Unfortunately no townlands were provided and few first names.
100 yards, boys under 16 (1) Tom Byrne; (2) Stephen Walsh.
100 yards, ladies—(1) Miss Walsh; (2) Miss Cotterell
100 yards open—(1) T. Roche; (2) Larry Walsh
220 yards—(1) Larry Walsh; (2) N. Mullins
440 yards—(1) P. Roche; (2) T. Power
Half Mile Cycle—(1) Jim Cuddihy; (2) John O’Connor
Three Legged Race—(1) John Culleton and L. Walsh; (2) Jas. Fitzgerald and P. Ryan
Throwing 56 lbs—(1) S. Kenny, 21 feet, 4 inches; (2) M. Laracy, 20 feet, 10 ½ inches
High Jump—(1) M. Walsh; (2) L. Walsh
Long Jump—(1) L. Walsh
880 yards—(1) S. Phelan; (2) T. Power
Sack Race—(1) S. Walsh; (2) J. Hogan
One Mile Open—(1) S. Phelan; (2) J. Hogan
One Mile Cycle—(1) J. Cuddihy; (2) J. Malone
A tug of war contest was won by the Glenmore Team (United Ireland, Sat. 18 Aug. 1934, p. 4).
Sporting Results: Munster Express
“On Sunday the 8th of July 1934, at a Sports meeting held at Weatherstown, Glenmore, “under a beaming sun a huge crowd enjoyed themselves…There was a big number of entries and valuable prizes being offered for the different events.” Eight events were reported in the Munster Express with some townlands and first names of winners provided.
100 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, and P. Roche, do., tied for first place.
220 Yards—L. Walsh, Davidstown, Glenmore, First.
440 Yards—S. Phelan, Ballincrea, First.
Three Legged Race—L. Walsh and John Culleton, Kilbride, Glenmore, First.
One Mile—Stephen Phelan, First.
High Jump—M. Walsh, Davidstown, First.
Half Mile Cycle—J. Cuddihy, Knockroe, First.
Tug-of-war—After a thrilling tug between Coolroe and Glenmore the latter were victorious (Munster Express, Fri. 13 July 1934, p. 8).
Glenmore Participants
(1) Laurence “Larry” Walsh (b. 20 Dec. 1909) was the son of Robert Walsh (farmer) and his wife Mary Walsh of Davidstown. Larry’s parents were married 19 September 1899 at Slieverue. Robert Walsh was the son of Patrick Walsh and Margaret Kennedy. Mary Walsh was from Carriganurra and was the daughter of Thomas Walsh and Mary Purcell. Wedding witnesses were Edward Vereker and Anastatia Walsh.
(2) John Culleton, of Kilbride, was born 18 October 1911. John was the son of James Culleton (farmer) Kilbride and his wife, Hannah Grace. John’s parents were married at Glenmore on 8 February 1904. The groom, James Culleton (farmer, aged 34) was the son of John Culleton (farmer). Hannah (aged 26 was the daughter of Patrick Grace (farmer). Witnesses at the wedding were David Walsh and Ellen Mullins.
(3) James Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, was born on 30 November 1906 the son of Patrick Fitzgerald (farmer) and his wife Mary MacDonald. Patrick Fitzgerald of Weatherstown (farmer) married Mary Macdonald, of Ballintlear, Mullinavat at Glenmore on 5 February 1902. Patrick was the son of William Fitzgerald (deceased farmer) and Mary was the daughter of James MacDonald (farmer).
(4) John Hogan, of Haggard, was born 29 April 1904 the son of John Hogan (tailor) and Alice Manning. John Hogan married Alice Manning of Haggard on 6 November 1890 at Glenmore.
Why Weatherstown, Glenmore?
Although Weatherstown is closer to New Ross than the Village of Glenmore it certainly is not in the centre of the parish. When Captain Quinn was attempting to build the Blueshirt membership in Kilkenny he likely planned and held events where he already had support from the men he served with during the War of Independence and Civil War. Two men he served with in the War of Independence were killed at the Coolbawn Ambush that he survived. These men were Jack Hartley (1897-1921) of Weatherstown, Glenmore and Nicky Mullins (1893-1921) of Thomastown, whose father Laurence was a native of Gaulstown, Glenmore.
For more information on the Coolbawn Ambush and the Glenmore family connections of Jack Hatley and Nicky Mullins see our post of 20 June 2021 and our post of 30 May 2021 for further information and a photo of the men.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
The featured drawing above is of one of the banners used by the Blueshirts. See our post of 22 November 2020 regarding Franco’s Glenmore Recruit who also went to Spain.
Please send any corrections of additional information to glenmore.hiistory@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Building of a Railway Through Glenmore
The biggest change in Glenmore during the early years of the twentieth century was the building of the New Ross to Waterford railway line. We have previously published several posts concerning the railway and the posts are listed at the end. Today, we are going to highlight the set backs encountered by the railway itself, the recorded feelings of New Ross leaders toward the project and the published list of proposed compensation to people in the path of the line from Rosbercon to Ballyverneen, Glenmore..
The Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway [hereinafter DW&W] incorporated in 1846. In 1876 it purchased the line from Macmine to Ballywilliam and built the line from Palace Junction to New Ross. The New Ross branch opened for traffic in 1887. That same year efforts were made to extend to Waterford. This was never carried out and the enabling Act expired through lapse of time. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Dec. 1897, p. 2). For a concise history of Wexford railways see, Oliver Doyle, “Tracking Wexford’s Railway History” Irish Independent, 21 April 2015.
New Ross Against the Railway Extension
In 1897, the DW & W again sought an Act of Parliament to extend its line to Waterford. The New Ross Town Commissioners and New Ross Harbour Board both opposed the proposed extension to Waterford. The railway pointed out that opposing the line only helped the Fishguard and Rosslare extension which would choke the port of New Ross. In the opinion of the Town Commissioners the extension line from Rosbercon to Waterford would be more damaging to New Ross than the other line would be (New Ross Standard, Sat. 13 Feb. 1897, p. 2).
Unfortunately, the New Ross newspaper did not print any articles concerning how the people of Rosbercon and Glenmore felt about the extension through their parishes. The Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway (New Ross and Waterford Extension) Act 1897 was passed into law on 6 August 1897 and the company estimated that it would require capital of £200,000 to build the extension (New Ross Standard, Sat. 18 Dec. 1897, p. 2).
Funding Difficulties
Although the Act was passed through Parliament the funding did not follow. In December 1897, it was agreed by the stockholders of the DW & W that the building of the extension line was to be a joint undertaking with the Waterford, Limerick and Western Company. Shortly, after the agreement the Waterford Company’s lines were amalgamation with the Great Southern and Western Company. After the withdrawal of support from the Waterford and Limerick Company the DW&W decided to proceed with no partners in the building of the extension (New Ross Standard, Sat. 22 July 1899, p. 8) through the issuance and sale of stocks.
It was reported in the New Ross Standard, in February 1899 that “[f]or the past six months there was not much talk in New Ross concerning the projected railways in the neighbourhood. The general opinion was that the South Wexford railway would be built sometime, but the New Ross to Waterford extension was never going to be constructed. This gave Rossonians time to breath, as the prospect of having their river barred, and about half their trade diverted from them was not a pleasant thing to look forward to. But of late Ross is again threatened with being made a by-way…the building of both lines will soon be commenced, and the line that was considered as all but dead and buried, is perhaps the first to be constructed” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 11 Feb. 1899, p. 4).
Official sources revealed that the promotors of the DW&W secured the necessary cash and construction was to commence in a couple of months. Two engineers were busy making preparations for the work (New Ross Standard, Sat. 11 Feb. 1899, p. 4).
An editorial published later in February 1899 addressed the continued decline in the trade of Ross. “It is to a great extent traceable to the difficulty of obtaining building leases. The Ross people are business people, but instead of being facilitated in enterprise, they are often cramped. Of course it was only human to expect that after Colonel Tottenham was rejected for the borough of Ross he (as its head landlord) would not go out of his way to help its people…Of course Colonel Tottenham would persist in refusing long term leases, those who would have in view certain enterprises might easily get building ground at the other side of the river, and when the railway extension is made to Waterford, a factory in Rosbercon could have splendid rail and water facilities” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 25 Feb. 1899, p. 4).
Building Commenced Without Ceremony
In late July it was announced that the construction of the New Ross to Waterford Extension was to commence in August 1899. Lists of the sums of compensation proposed to be allowed landlords and tenants for acquiring their lands for the railroad were issued. The newspaper published the list for the portion of the line between Rosbercon and Ballyvergin (sic) [Ballyverneen]. It was noted that the landlords are the “best off” and the tenants were not getting what they expected. The newspaper predicted lawsuits (New Ross Standard, Sat. 29 July 1899, p. 5).
The building of the extension commenced at the New Ross end during the week of 20 August 1899. Active preparation had been in progress for over a month and on the 25th two gangs of navvies were put to work at Rosbercon and Raheen. “The contractors…had nothing in the nature of a ceremony attaching to the digging of the first sod”(New Ross Standard, Sat. 26 Aug. 1899, p. 4).
It was assumed that the contractors, Pearson and Co., would complete the extension line and have it ready for traffic by the end of two years. It was noted that its construction would provide much needed employment in the district” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 26 Aug. 1899, p. 4).
The newspaper stated its belief that the completion of the “missing link” at Macmine junction would allow trains from Dublin to Waterford without shifting. Another anticipated improvement was the erection of a “more respectable” station house at New Ross ”(New Ross Standard, Sat. 26 Aug. 1899, p. 4).
“Mr. Hobson, an eminent engineer, is the gentleman entrusted by the contractors with the supervision of the building of the New Ross Extension Railway line. Mr. Hobson will reside at Airmount House, New Ross, until the line is constructed. There are now over a dozen gangs of navvies engaged, comprising in all about 400 men. Satisfactory to say, three-fourths of the workmen are local, so that there are no labourers in New Ross District idle who wish to work” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 16 Sept. 1899, p. 4).
Railway Compensation—Rosbercon to Ballyverneen, Glenmore List
The New Ross newspaper published the compensation list for the extension from Rosbercon to Ballyverneen, Glenmore. From the fact that the adjudicator who heard the claims sat in New Ross and Waterford it appears that jurisdiction was based on the Poor Law Union division. In other words, the eastern edge of Glenmore parish was in the New Ross Poor Law District and the rest of Glenmore parish was in the Waterford Poor Law District. We have divided the list between landlords and tenants, but we believe that the list was not exhaustive.
Landlords
[1] Major Guilburne, in respect of property in Rosbercon, to receive £? 10s. [not legible]
[2] Colonel Tottenham, to receive £220.
[3] Captain Glascott, to receive about £202.
[4] Mr. Thomas Boyd, Chilcomb House, was offered the “nice sum of somewhere about £460 out of different lands.
[5] John T. Tottenham “got a good sum.”
[6] Dr. Mackey [landlord of Graiguenakill, Glenmore] to receive about £220 out of different lands
Tenants
[1] Mrs. Mary Anne Kenny, to receive £136, her rent was to be extinguished.
[2] James Shea to get £7 5s 10d; his rent was to be reduced by 25s 6d.
[3] P. Dooley, for different lands in Raheen, was offered $99 16s 8d, and a rent to be reduced to £8 4s 4d.
[4] Representatives of Edward Doolan, Shanbough to receive £36 odd, and a rent reduction of £2 7s;
[5] Mr. John Mullally, Forristalstown, [Glenmore] was offered £19 8s, and a rent reduction of 13s 10d.
[6] Mr. James Cullen to get £14 19s and a rent reduction of £1 13s 2d;
[7] Mr. John Doherty (Ned) was offered £25 and a rent reduction of £2 9s 4d.
[8] William Forristal, Ballyverneen, was offered £101 7s 6d, with a rent reduction of £3 19s 8d.
[9] Ellen Dunphy, Ballyverneen, was offered £13 17s and a rent reduction of 14s 2d.
[10] Mr Patrick Forristal, Ballyverneen, [believe this was Nicky the Miller’s father] was offered £42, and a rent reduction of £3 17s.
[11] Mr. Richard Dunphy, Ballyverneen, was asked to accept £22 16s 8d, and a rent reduction of 28s 10d.
In a future post we will provide the claims brought by these people and others to arbitration for the damages suffered by the building of the extension line through their fields, haggards and sometimes their homes.
For further information see our previous posts:
[1] Post of 2 Feb. 2020, “Glenmore and the New Ross to Waterford Railway Line”
[2] Post of 10 Oct. 2021, “A Glenmore Fire & the ‘Hell Fire Jack’ Steam Engine”
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Character: Billy Boland (1912-1998)
Last week Brian Forristal nominated Billy Boland (1912-1998) as a Glenmore Character. In the 1980’s Brian Forristal, on a summer day, sat on the bank outside of Tommy Connolly’s cottage in Aylwardstown with his father and Tommy Connolly. Along came Billy Boland a “story teller supreme.” Brian in 2011 wrote the article below entitled “Billy Boland and the Derelict Prong.” Brian also came across John Fitzgerald’s book, Kilkenny: A Blast From the Past and also sent the chapter about Billy Boland to us. Fitzgerald dubbed Billy Boland the man of a thousand stories (Callan Press (2005) p. 48-54). Billy also became a bit of a local celebrity when he was interviewed by local radio stations and entertained with his humorous stories regarding true life struggles of the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s.
Early Life
According to Billy’s obituary (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 Nov. 1998, p. 16) he was born in Bannow, Co. Wexford. A quick search revealed that William Boland was born on 9 June 1912 to Michael Boland (agricultural labourer) and his wife Mary Chapman/Jackman. Some records record his mother’s maiden name as Chapman, but most of his siblings birth records record her maiden name as Jackman.
The 1911 Census provides that Michael Boland was 43, Mary Boland was 42 and four children were residing in the home. The record provides that the couple were married for 21 years and 9 children were born to the union. Five children were alive in 1911. [1] Mary Boland (b. 23 April 1900); [2] Michael Boland (b. 23 March 1903); [3] Anastatia “Annie” Boland (b. 18 March 1906) and [4] Kathleen Boland (b. 29 Nov. 1908).
Billy lived in Ballyhack and Ballycullane and came to Glenmore when he was nine years old. Both of his parents died when he was young and he had to fend for himself (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 Nov. 1998, p. 16). When he was nine or ten Billy slept on a sheet of corrugated iron with a few bags thrown over him. “The following morning, I had tracks on me that you wouldn’t see on a zebra” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 4).
Billy remained in Glenmore where he fished and worked with farmers. One of his least favourite farm jobs was thinning turnips and mangolds. He claimed that with a graufawn (a pick with a wide blade at one end) to have dug more than 30,000 drains, cleared ten miles of ditches and turned 50 acres of land. When work was scarce he waded into the Barrow and filled 4 stone bags with river gravel (Fitzgerald, p. 53).
In 1935, Billy married Mary “Minnie” Power (1916-1990) (Fitzgerald, p. 43). Minnie was born on 3 April 1916 the daughter of Jack “The Miner” Power of Aylwardstown and his wife Anastatia Power. Billy and Minnie had 15 children. Our founder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) was the godfather to their son Billy.
Minnie Boland died 28 September 1990, aged 74, and Billy died 6 November 1998, aged 86. Their obituaries may be read on our B Glenmore Surname page.
Waging War on Fleas
Several articles refer to the war Billy waged on the army of fleas which were the scourge of rural Ireland. He reported that before he was married he had one shirt. He washed it and hung it on a bush in the yard to dry. The following day he put on his shirt and found it was “jumping alive with fleas.” He went out back and put the shirt on the anvil and took a hammer to it. “It was like beating blackberries out of the shirt it was that populated with the little devils.”
Billy struggled with fleas, but when his children came along and were attacked by fleas he went into New Ross and bought DDT powder for a shilling. “It was like the atom bomb falling on Hiroshima such was the effect the powder had when I shook it on the bedclothes” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 4).
Poaching Salmon
When one of his daughters was home from England she wanted to bring some fish back with her. That was on 3 September, and Billy and a accomplice were caught at the Ross side of the Pink Rock poaching salmon. Each man was ordered to pay £300. “We were going to go to jail but decided to pay up” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 4).
“Billy Boland & The Derelict Prong,” by Brian Forristal (2011)
The prong is a native boat used mainly in the Waterford Estuary, and up the river Barrow as far as the town of New Ross. “The Barrow prong” as I like to call it was a familiarity with the fishing tradition on the Barrow to which its shape was aptly suited.
The Barrow had its share of great boat builders down through the generations. In my mind, Tommy Connolly of Aylwardstown was one of the masters and his skills were in great demand down through the years. Today the only example of his work that I know of still on the river is a prong situated at the northern end of Rochestown marsh, and owned by Michael Ryan of Kearney Bay. To look at her now either floating on the river during the summer months or on her winter stand by the river bank is to revel in the delight of craftsmanship of such a high standard. To think these craft were almost entirely hand made adheres to the skills of the men who created them.
Billy Boland was a man who liked his prong. During the 1980’s he had a prong on the river bank at Aylwardstown. Billy who lived out past Jamestown way at Ballycroney near Glenmore, fished in his younger days. Sadly, the prong he had on the river bank was not in good repair, it had laid there for a number of years mostly forgotten about. One Saturday afternoon in the 1980’s Dad and I were at Tommy’s sitting outside the cottage talking to Tommy on a glorious summer’s day, the sun was boiling hot, the sky blue and the birds in full song.
As we chatted we heard a car making its way down the lane towards us, at first we did not recognise the vehicle but noticed it was towing a trailer. Stopping just where we were sitting who should get out but Billy Boland himself. Taking the pipe from his mouth, he shouted a loud and bellowing hello as if he did not see us for years. He sat himself down beside us with his large expanded waistline acting as a support for his pipe hand, when not puffing on his favourite brand.
The usual introduction and banter begun as everyone caught up on the gossip from Barrowside. Tommy enquired what brought Billy and his trailer down to the river. Billy said he wanted to bring the prong home and have it repaired as his son wanted to use it to fish on the river. I don’t know how he thought he was going to get the prong on the trailer as he was on his own, and if Dad and I were not there only Tommy was present and he was in no condition to help at his age.
On being questioned about this Billy said he was going to wait for the high tide and back the trailer out into the water and float the prong onto the trailer. Billy forgot that the drop into the pill would not let the trailer out far enough to drag the prong in on.
We sat around talking and wating for the tide to rise, fishing stories doing the rounds, punctuated with bouts of laughter. An hour before high water, Dad, Billy and I—Wellingtons’ on us—dragged the prong into the shallow water near the bank. We managed to get her near the sluice gate hoping she would not sink. We positioned her nose into the trailer, and just on the high water the three of us managed to manoeuvre her into the trailer. All this time we had an able foreman in Tommy who gave great instructions on the best form of making the most of what abilities we had.
With the prong securely fastened to the trailer, we all sat down again on the grassy bank and the elders of our group, that excluded me, discussed the best procedures in the repairing of the boat, all the years of experience were levelled on Billy who digested them accordingly.
As the afternoon progressed, the sun was extremely hot still, the tide was now caught between ebb and flow, stopped in all its glory, the only sound to be heard was the voices emanating from the grassy bank. Billy arose and thanked us all for our help and said as soon as the boat was ready to re-launch he hoped we would be here and offer out services. As it transpired, he never did come back to the river with the prong and we never did find out what became of her.
Billy pushed his large frame into the car and in a cloud of dust took off up the lane prong in tow. We stayed on the grassy bank for another while enjoying the remaining of the afternoon. After some time, Molly came to the cottage door and called Tommy for his tea, he arose shook hands and turned from us to the gate.
As he walked away, I thought to myself there goes a man who has lived through and seen so many trials and tribulations in his life, but contented now he seemed in the twilight of his years, a fisherman, a master boat builder, musician and great story teller. Had he been a few years younger I am sure he would have offered to repair Billy’s derelict prong, but now it had to be done by someone else. The gate closed and he disappeared in the dim light of the doorway, it was also time for Dad and me to head home.
XXXXXXXXX
Special thanks to Brian Forristal for sharing his article about Billy Boland and his prong and sending on the Fitzgerald chapter. The photo of Billy Boland and Danny Dowling is from Danny’s photo album. See our post of 9 June 2022 for the entire photo. Billy is on the left and Danny is on the right.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh