Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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One Hundred Years Ago: June 1923
With the end of the Civil War the local newspapers filled their pages with local politics and berated the Free State Government for both its actions and inactions in attempting to deal with the continued lawlessness, strikes, unemployment, business closures, lack of housing, the damage to roads and bridges and the Civil War prisoners. The courts were attempting to deal with tenants who failed to pay rent during the unrest and the unlawful seizure of property and dwellinghouses.
PEACE AT LAST
The New Ross Standard’s editorial published on 1 June 1923 (p. 4) proclaimed “PEACE AT LAST.”
“It is evident from the documents published this week that the painful and destructive campaign that so depressed and disheartened the people of Ireland for a very long period, and would, if it had been continued much longer, have reduced the country to ruin and bankruptcy, has now been ended.”
“Would that the leaders had acted differently many months ago and ceased to mislead their too credulous followers into the belief that the course they were pursing was in the interests of their country, and would eventuate in Ireland being made a Republic. There is now a disposition on the part of very many people to forgive and forget the pact, believing that the followers were misguided…”
“It is the manifest duty of everyone to work for unity so that we may successfully build up our nation and realise that hopes of our people when a measure of freedom came to Ireland.”
ORDER TO DUMP WEAPONS
In the same edition, on the next page, the paper published the order given by de Valera to lay down weapons. This order was found on the 25th of May in the possession of a Republican leader.
“Order of the Day; To all Ranks; From the President: Soldier of Liberty—Legion of the Rear-guard, The Republic can no longer be defended successfully by your arms. Further sacrifices on your part would now be vain and continuance of the struggle in arms unwise in the national interest. Military victory must be allowed to rest for the moment with those who have destroyed the Republic. Other means must be sought to safeguard the nation’s rights.”
“Do not let sorrow overwhelm you. Your efforts and the sacrifices of your dead comrades in this forlorn hope will surely bear fruit. You have saved the nation’s honour and kept open the road to independence. Laying aside your arms now is an act of patriotism as exalted and purse as your valour in taking them up.”
“Seven years of intense efforts have exhausted our people. Their sacrifices and their sorrows have been many. If they have turned away and have not given you the active support which alone could bring you victory in this last year, it is because they are weary and need a rest. Give them a little time to recover and rally again to the standard. They will then quickly discover who have been selfless and who selfish—who have spoke truth and who falsehood…”
“The sufferings which you must now face unarmed you will bear in a manner worthy of men who were ready to give their lives for their cause…Eamon de Valera.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5).
The newspaper also published an order from Frank Aiken, Chief of Staff… “The arms with which we have fought the enemies of our country are to be dumped. The foreign and domestic enemies of the Republic have for the moment prevailed. But our enemies have not won…Frank Aiken, Chief of Staff.”
Permits, Arrests & Executions
Permits for pedal bikes were still required in New Ross and districts on the first of June (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5). However, the very next week it was reported that the permits were no longer required (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 June 1923, p. 5).
Troops searched some houses in Campile the last Friday in May. Miss Colfer and Miss Lawlor, were arrested at Campile two weeks earlier and Miss Cleary of Whitechurch, along with other arrested women were removed to Kilmainham, Dublin (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5).
Two men were executed in Tuam military barracks on the morning of the 29th of May. They were arrested the previous week two hours after the Munster & Leinster Bank of Athenry was robbed. They had £700 and two loaded Webley revolvers in their possession. They were tried by court martial and admitted the robbery but claimed that the robbery had no political significance. They claimed they were forced agents in connection with land trouble (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5).
Repairs & Destruction
G.S. and W.R. railway bridges at Ballywilliam and Taylorstown were repaired. The Barrow was dragged and the missing shaft of the big railway bridge between Campile and Waterford was returned to its “usual position” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5).
After being out of action for six months the telephone service between New Ross and Wexford was restored (New Ross Standard, Fri.15 June 1923, p. 5).
The Boyne Obelisk, erected in 1736 on the site of the “memorable battle,” was blown up on the last day of May. The monument bore an inscription to the effect that it had been erected by the Protestants of Great Britain and Ireland and was “sacred to the glorious memory of King William III, who, on 1st July 1690, cross the Boyne at this place to attack James II at the head of a Popish army (Waterford News & Star, 1 June 1923, p. 5).
Free State Army & Prisoners
General Mulchy testified before the Dail that at the beginning of 1923 there were approximately 50,000 men in the Free State Army. He said that in June there were 49,000 and the end of the year he expected there to be 28 to 30 thousand men serving. There were 12,000 men and women under arrest and the General replied that if the situation in the country rapidly changed the Government’s attitude would quickly change with regard to dealing with suspects, prisoners and convicts of certain crimes (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 June 1923, p. 5).
Proposed Legislation for Revolt
Under the Public Safety (Emergency Powers) Bill, a person could be sentenced to death or to penal servitude for a term not less that 8 years for armed revolt or for threatening any person or damaging any property in furtherance of such revolt. A person could only be detained for a week at which point he was charged or released. “With regard to whippings, in addition to other penalties for robbery under arms, youths under 16 shall not receive more than 25 strokes of a birch-rod, while in the case of any other male person the number of strokes shall not exceed 50. The court to specify the number of strokes and the instrument to be used. Every person who is now detained in custody…or held in interment by the military may be detained in custody under the Act” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 June 1923, p. 6).
Slump in Athletic Sports
With the end of the Civil War many postponed events were arranged, but the New Ross Standard reported that there was a “slump in athletic sports.“ “Not for a quarter of a century was there such a slump in athletic sports as there is this summer. For years on of the difficulties that confronted promoters of sports was to get a date on which too many other fixtures would not clash, but this year dates are going abegging” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 June 1923, p. 5).
FARMING
A large supply of wool went to the New Ross Market. Hogget wool washed brought 9.5d per pound while unwashed received 7.5d per pound. “Prices of high class and finer wool up to 1s.2d. per pound (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 June 1923. p. 8).
It was reported that the potato plants and fruit trees suffered from the “recent frosts” with the plants and blossoms being considerably burned (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 4 & 5).
Cabbage plants of good quality realised from 7s to 10s per thousand at New Ross on fair day (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 June 1923, p. 5).
“Notwithstanding the numerous predictions as to the likelihood of a failure of the hay crop owing to the dry, harsh weather,” there were many fairly good first crop meadows cut in the district during the last week of June. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 June 1923, p. 7).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Heat Wave in America—a great heat wave swept over America, and a larg2 number of victims reported. Upwards of fifty persons died from the heat. New York on Wednesday experienced its hottest day for 30 years. There were seven deaths. Transportation was impacted as the heat buckled the train rails. Temperatures of 100 Fahrenheit were reported and 17 people died in Chicago. The authorities in New York threw open the parks for sleeping purposes, and the Fire Department was ordered to arrange for constant showers of water in the streets. Thousands of persons, mainly women and children slept on the park benches. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 June 1923, p. 3).
Campbell, the English motorist, made a world’s record on a Sunbeam car at the France motor car races, covering the mile in 26.14 seconds, or at the rate of 137 miles per hour (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 June 1923, p. 5).
GLENMORE IN THE NEWS
MISHAP TO MOTOR PARTY
“When a motor car was coming round a curve on the road at the Pink Rock, between Glenmore and New Ross, on Friday morning, one of the hind wheels broke, and the car turned, throwing the occupants on to the road. One of them, Mr. O’Brien, Manor-street, Waterford, received a rather severe injury, and was taken to the Royal Hotel, New Ross, where he was medically treated, and subsequently taken to one of the local hospitals, where he was for some days” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 June 1923, p. 5).
John Dunphy of Ballyverneen, Glenmore
Amongst those appointed Commissioners of the Peace for the Co. Kilkenny in June 1923 was Mr. John Dunphy, M.C.C., chairman of Ida District Council, Ballyverneen, Glenmore (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 June 1923, p. 5).
Rev. John Phelan of Glenmore
In June 1923, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, two South Kilkenny students were ordained by Most Rev. Dr. Downey. These included: Rev. P. Darmod, Crobally, Mullinavat to San Francisco and Rev. John Phelan, Glenmore to Sydney (Munster Express, Sat. 16 June 1923, p. 5).
Glenmore Football
Owing to All Ireland football final on June 17th the date of the Kilkenny Feis, a communication was received stating that Dublin would be unable to field a hurling team to play Kilkenny at the Feis. It was decided that Kildare senior football team be invited to play Kilkenny. The invitation was accepted by Kildare, who field their best inter-county team for the match. The selection of the Kilkenny team was left to Glenmore senior football team—Kilkenny county champions (Munster Express, Sat. 2 June 1923, p. 5).
This math was eagerly anticipated. “The sternly fought contest between these two teams in Leix [in May] in which Kilkenny by a narrow margin were the winners is proof that the silver cup put up by the Feis Committee for the match will not be softly won” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 8 June 1923, p. 8).
“A great game was witnessed at Kilkenny on Sunday the 17th when Glenmore and Kildare met for the splendid cup presented by the Feis Committee. Kildare won the toss, and decided to play towards the city goal, having the advantage of the wind and sun. Kilkenny were first away from the throw in and sent wide. Several other overs resulted, and Kildare, breaking through, scored a point. Kilkenny equalised almost immediately, and missed a goal shortly afterwards. There was no further scoring until half-time, when the score stood one point each.”
“Kildare attacked for the first ten minutes of the second half, and succeeded in raising the green flag. Kilkenny now brought the play into the Kildare territory, and after a great scrimmage around the goal, the ball was boxed into the net for the equaliser. Both teams were now trying for all they were worth for the lead, and after both ends being visited, Kilkenny scored the winning point and at the final whistle the score stood: Kilkenny 1-2; Kildare, 1-1” (Munster Express, Sat. 23 June 1923, p. 6).
Edward Grace, of Glenmore v. James Holden & Others
This case was heard in Dublin in June 1923. Edward Grace, farmer, of Glenmore sought an injunction against James Holden, and his nephew, Patrick MacDonald, Daniel Doolan and James Whelan, all of Shanbogh in respect of lands at Shanbogh lower, Damages were claimed for the trespass and taking away and destruction of certain property. Plaintiff held over 75 acres under an agreement dated 17 April 1922 with Caroline H. C. Burthaell as landlord. Edward Grace paid a yearly rent of £61. . It was noted that for the last couple of years, a number of people were seizing lad which did not belong to them and held it against the true owners.
The 75 acres was on the Boyd estate, which contained about 400 acres, and it was untenanted for the previous 40 years. It had been evicted about the year 1880, and since that time had been let for grazing until 1920. Local opposition grew to the continued grazing. Mr. Colfer the solicitor for the owners and Father O’Shea tried hard to bring about an agreement with the evictees from 1880. Mr Grace paid £1,200 for an allotment of 75 acres which was to pay off the evited tenants. Holden was allocated £500 of the purchase price which he accepted, but had failed to collect from Father O’Shea.
Holden and MacDonald, broke and entered the lands and took possession of the dwellinghouse, and by threats and violence compelled the plaintiff to leave. With others they ploughed the lands, sowed them with corn, cut and saved plaintiff’s hay and converted it to their own use. The Republicans held a Court about 9 April and ordered Holden not to interfere with the lands. Holden and MacDonald disobeyed the order and were arrested by the Irregulars.
All defendants were found liable for the damages suffered by the plaintiff. Similar actions also listed included Philip Malone v. James Holden & Others; Patrick Forrestal v. James Holden & Others; Margaret Forrestal v. James Holden & Others, and John Aylward v. Daniel Holden & Others (Munster Express, Sat. 30 June 1923, p. 5).
For further information concerning the Boyd Estate see,”Glenmore & the United Irish League’s Rosberon Rally” post published 15 Jan. 2023.
For further information concerning the Boyd murder see our post of 7 Nov. 2021.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Gaulestown, Glenmore (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Gaulestown, Glenmore, in 1961. Unfortunately Danny did not leave notes as to how he determined the boundaries of this townland, and we note that Danny listed the Reddy’s in Ballyrahan townland, but according to their obituaries their address was given as Gaulestown, Glenmore.
We are fast approaching the last of the Glenmore townlands.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 113) is “Baile na nGall, homestead of the Gaul family. Area 140 acres.” That is all that O’Kelly recorded regarding Gaulestown which is located in the Civil Parish of Kilcolumb.
Tithe Applotment 1829
The Tithe Applotment books, lists David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863) as the owner of the townland. David O’Neill Power also owned Ballyrahan & Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 26 December 2022 concerning the landlord David O’Neill Power.
There were 5 tenants listed in the 1829 Applottment Books for Gaulestown. The tenants include: Plot 51 [1] Edmond & [2] John Power (69 statute acres); Plot 52 [3] Thomas Murphy & [4] John Donovan & [5] William Kennedy (66 statute acres).
1961 Gaulestown Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 4 families or households in the townland of Gaulestown. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland.
Danny’s recorded information reveals that in 1961, 14 people resided in the townland of Gaulestown, with the population comprised of 8 males and 6 females. The largest family was the McDonald family with 7 in the household. There was 1 household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Gaulestown not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Gaulestown Residents (1961)
Males= 8
Females= 6
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Gaulestown was James Phelan (22 Jan. 1887—24 Dec. 1964) who was 74 years of age in 1961. Shortly before James died he had to have one of his legs removed. James was born in Robinstown, Glenmore in 1887 the son of Patrick Phelan (farm labourer) and his wife Mary Foran. His wife, Bridgie Phelan (19 May 1891– 5 Sept. 1972) operated a little shop out of their home in Gaulestown as late as the early 1960’s. That part of Gaulestown was known as Ballinamona (town of the turf).
Shortly after James Phelan died in December 1964 (see our P Family Surname Page for his obit), his widow sold their home. “Gaulestown, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, sale of vested cottage with .5 acre of land, to be sold by private treaty, by directions of Mrs. Bridget Phelan. The accommodation consists of: kitchen, parlour, pantry, and 2 bedrooms. E.S.B. lighting. The out-offices consists of 3 sheds including fowl house, car house, pig house, tool house, etc. The half acre of land is at present under pasture. For further particulars, apply P.N. O’Gorman,…New Ross.” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 23 Jan. 1965, p. 1)
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 ( 2 Males)
Farm Worker (retired) = 1 (1 Male)
Clover Meats Employee= 1 (1Male)
Gaulestown, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] McDONALD
McDonald, Patrick (25 Aug. 1910) Farmer
McDonald, Bridget (b. 1924) wife
McDonald, John, son, child
McDonald, Patrick, son, child
McDonald, Michael, son, child
McDonald, Timothy, son, child
McDonald, Margaret, daughter, child
[2] DOYLE
Doyle, James (b. 1918) Farmer
[3] O’CONNOR
O’Connor, Willam (b. 1921) Clover Meats
O’Connor, Alice, wife
O’Connor, Mary, daughter, child
O’Connor, Johanna, daughter, child
[4] PHELAN
Phelan, James (22 Jan. 1887) Retired (died 24 Dec. 1964)
Phelan, Bridget (19 May 1891) wife
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Founding of Glenmore GAA in 1887
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BALLYRAHAN, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Ballyrahan, Glenmore, in 1961. Unfortunately Danny did not leave notes as to how he determined the boundaries of this ancient townland, and we note that the Reddy’s, according to their obituaries gave their address as Gaulestown, Glenmore.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 112) is “Baile an rathain, place of the little rath. Area 139 acres. The rath is by the roadside on the northern border. The Ridire (pronounced Ridise) O’Dea’s house, long destroyed, is near the Carriganurra border. Moin an ridise, the knight’s bogland, lies low down the slope. Ballyrahan hamlet is marked on the O.S. sheet. A field here is Garraidhin na sraide and other fields are Carraigin, and Pairc na reidhe, field of the level spot.”
Ballyrahan is located in the civil parish of Kilcolumb. For an interesting short article on the Barony of Ida click here.
Tithe Applotment Books 1829
The Applotment books, lists David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863) as the owner of the townland. David O’Neill Power also owned Gaulestown & Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 26 December 2022 concerning David O’Neill Power.
Ballyrahan Townland was divided into 4 plots with a total of 11 tenants listed. Plot 53 was comprised of 47 statute acres with J and Patt Aylward listed as the tenants. Plot 54 was comprised of 54 statute acres with 5 tenants: Patt & Edmond Aylward, Widow Neill, Wm. Neill and Michael Kirwan. Plot 55 was comprised of 18 statute acres and John Grant was the tenant. Plot 56 was comprised of 31 statute acres and had three tenants: John Kirwan, Colum Kirwan and William Bohan.
1961 Ballyrahan, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 2 families or households in the townland of Ballyrahan. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland.
Danny’s recorded information reveals that in 1961, 17 people resided in the townland of Ballyrahan, with the population comprised of 8 males and 9 females. The largest family was the Kirwan family with 13 in the household. There was no household recorded with a single person living alone. All information under residents of Ballyrahan not in Danny’s original list has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Ballyrahan, Glenmore Residents
Males= 8
Females= 9
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in 1961 in Ballyrahan was Margaret Reddy née Hennessy (4 Sept. 1886—2 April 1970). The headstone in St. James Cemetery in Glenmore records that John Reddy (c. 1882-1961) of Gaulestown died on the 13th of February 1961, aged 79. His wife Margaret died 2 April 1970, aged 83. Their son James Reddy (c. 1926-2011) died 14 August 2011, aged 84.
Danny interviewed his mother, Hannah Dowling of Jamestown, Glenmore on 18 January 1970 and she stated that the Reddy’s of Gaulestown originated in Ballinaraha (sic). “Jack Reddy of Gaulestown married Margaret Hennessey of Ballilogue, Rochestown, Glenmore. However, Margaret’s obituary states that she was from Ballylogue, the Rower (Munster Express, Fri. 3 April 1970, p. 41). See our R Surnames Family page for Jack and Margaret’s obituarries.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 (2 Males)
Farm Workers = 2 (2 Males)
School Secretary= 1 (1 Female)
Clerk= 1 (1 Female)
Ballyrahan, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] KIRWAN
Kirwan, John (28 Feb. 1902) Farmer [died 27 July 1993, aged 91]
Kirwan, Bridget (1916) wife [née O’Connor, died 24 Nov. 1974, aged 58]
Kirwan, Michael (20 Jan. 1906) brother, assisting relative
Kirwan, Margaret, daughter
Kirwan, Mary, daughter, school secretary
Kirwan, Anne, daughter, clerk
Kirwan, Kathleen, daughter
Kirwan, Eily, daughter
Kirwan, James, son
Kirwan, Joan, daughter
Kirwan, Michael, son
Kirwan, Patrick, son
Kirwan, John, son
[2] REDDY
Reddy, James (1926) Farmer [died 14 Aug. 2011, aged 84]
Reddy, Margaret (4 Sept. 1886) mother [died 2 April 1970, aged 83]
Maher, William, nephew, assisting relative
Reddy, Kathleen, wife [née Kitty Hanlon, of Newtown, Glenmore]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com . Please be patient for a reply, and further posts, as our home phone and internet have been out of order for over a week.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: May 1923
Although the Civil War ended on 24 May 1923 after the IRA Chief of staff issued a ceasefire order. However, after the arrest of several leaders and the apparent futility of the struggle the IRA suspended military actions. Local newspapers surprisingly carried very little on the subject. An editorial in the New Ross Standard summed up as follows:
“The country is very relieved that there is practically a cessation of the foolish but criminal conduct that has been devastating the land for some time. We are thankful that our newspapers are not now reeking of murder and destruction of property, as they were for the past year, that number of young fellows are not hurled into eternity day after day without warning, and without being given even a few minutes to prepare for death. In a few isolated instances there are still some hostilities…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11, May 1923, p. 4).
On the other hand, newspapers began to mark the changes that reinforced Ireland as a Free State.
The Cunard line, Carmania, called at Cobh on the morning of the 6th of May “to embark passengers for New York. The Carmania was the first British liner to pay the courtesy of flying the Irish tricolour from its foremast. This courtesy was done by ships entering foreign ports.
Later that evening the White Star line, Baltic, landed 326 sacks of American mail at Cohb. For the first time a Free State immigration officer. R.E. Larkin, officiated under the Aliens Act. British officials performed this duty heretofore” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Arrests Continued
Although the Civil War ended arrests of local men continued. On the 22nd of May, Thomas Hartley, Weatherstown, Glenmore, and James Hoyne, Coolroebeg, Thomastown, were arrested by the military. An irregular, Martin Hartley, Ballalog, Tulloghor, was arrested the same week by National Troops at Glenmore. Two Irregulars named Patrick Walsh and Richard Brennan, both of whom escaped from Kilkenny Military Barracks, earlier in the year were captured at Mooncoin on the 22nd (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 12).
Impact
The newspapers in May began to transition from reporting on the horrors of the Civil War to reporting on its impact on the economy of the fledgling Free State.
“Unemployment was at an abnormal level…At the end of March there were 33,000—twice the normal number… At the start of May 1923 the Dail began debating an emergency £250,000 to extend the benefits period. The Unemployment Fund of £550,000 and exhausted (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Damaged Rail Lines
In several areas the rail infrastructure remained severely damaged and this had a knock on effect. At the beginning of May 1923, after the 30 April ceasefire was declared by the IRA, the military reported to the Dail that “they are now ready to protect all the railway lines, and the companies have been so notified and urged to re-open closed lines.”
Deputy R. Corish argued in the Dail that the Great Southern & Western Railway had neglected their interests and those of the people they served. In July 1922 the line between Wexford town and Waterford was damaged and remained unrepaired.
Their boats were withdrawn that plied between Fishguard and Rosslare. The effect of their decisions reduced the Wexford Meat Supply Co. to half staff because there was no outlet for their “dead meat.” This in turn impacted on local farmers and the wages they could pay. “Ireland is suffering, and suffering badly, as a result of their laxiety” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Obviously missing from Deputy Corish’s speech was the fact that the Irregulars destroyed rail lines as fast as they were repaired, and National Troops had been unable to stop the attacks on the lines or rolling stock. Also repairs were not always easy to perform. For example, at the end of May it was reported that divers were attempting to locate the apparatus which opened the draw arch in the Barrow bridge on the G.S. and W.R. between Campile and Waterford.
The apparatus was thrown apparently into the river. Consequently, the arch could not be closed. It was hoped that if the apparatus could be located the arch could be closed, and thus allow trains to run as far as Ballycullane (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 4).
Industrial Strife
Jim Larkin returned to Ireland at the end of April 1923 after an absence of 8 years. Larken said he found the rich richer and the poor poorer than when he left. “He might have added, and industry much less evident. It has been all but killed by profiteering and doles to workers “(New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Waterford Agricultural Labourers Dispute
A dispute erupted between agricultural labourers and farmers in East Waterford in mid-May. Several incidents were reported in the Munster Express including the stealing of engine bearings at the Kilmeaden creamery which brought work to a halt and the burning of hay. Farmers moved to protect the creameries until a military party relieved them.
Farmers attempting to move goods had them seized by large groups. Mrs. Rickards, of Rossduff, was on her way home with provisions when her provisions were seized. She returned to Waterford and the military recovered her provisions in Ballygunner. Rickards was a sister of J.J. Walsh, Postmaster General and her husband was interned in 1920-1921.
The dispute soon escalated impacting on other industries. J & S Phelan, Waterford, closed “owing to” its employees refusing to handle goods purchased by farmers. “The latter preceded to another Waterford house where their requirements were supplied.”
Gaultier Creamery sent 14 tons of butter to the Great Western depot at Waterford for shipment. Agricultural labourers were picketing the depot and the dockers refused to handle the butter. The two carriers from the Creamery loaded the butter on the steamer. The picket attempted to stop them loading onto the ship, but the military intervened with bayonets.
When the butter was loaded the sailors and firemen left the ship. Passengers were on board as well as a large quantity of livestock. The Captain suggested that the butter be taken back to the creamery which was done to the cheers of the agricultural labourers, the dockers, the sailors and firemen (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 5).
Postal Dispute
Postal difficulties showed no sign of improving in Dublin. The Postmaster-General stated that Sunday collections and delivery would not be restored and bank holidays were to be observed as Sundays. To the dismay of Dublin businesses, the last delivery of letters was three o’clock.
Midnight and 5 a.m. collections were also abandoned. Businesses also reported long delays in letter delivery and a huge increase in lost letters. It was estimated that the post office “means a loss of over a million pounds a year to the Free State taxpayer” who pays more for letters and telephones than citizens in the Six Counties and Britain (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 5).
Housing & Cost of Food Inflation
Ironically the Government one hundred years ago was wrestling with two issues that face the Government today, housing and inflation.
In May 1923 discussions took place in the Dail regarding the provision of more houses in Ireland. The price of new materials in Ireland was much higher than in England, and tradesmen’s wages were higher in Ireland than England. It was argued that the tradesmen were idle for so long that when work came their way wages were higher to allow the tradesmen to live. It was argued that continuous employment would reduce high wages (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4)
It was estimated that at least 40,000 to 45,000 houses were required. Under the Labourers Act 47,965 and of these 41,851 were built in rural areas. Much was required for urban housing. The Minister for Local Government put aside £700,000 for housing in the estimates for the year. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 5).
The high cost of food was regularly aired in the local newspapers. For example, it was noted in mid-May “there is a great glut of potatoes this season, but the prices charged to consumers are very high and unfair” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Glenmore People in the News
Publican Peter Gahan
Glenmore native Peter Gahan (1888-1958) appeared in the New Ross District Court on Thursday the 17th of May 1923. Gahan was charged with two cases of breaching the Licensing Act. See our post of 19 March 2023 for further details concerning Gahan who operated a pub and funeral business in New Ross.
Case 1
The first case charged Gahan with on the 17th of April 1923 having on his premises James Martin, of William St., and Thomas Furlong, of High Street. Thomas A. Colfer, solicitor, appeared for the defendant and said, “on a former occasion he occupied a similar position and the court was kind enough to express appreciation of his action in not taking up time with a fictitious defence. In the same way he now entered a plea of guilty, and in fairness to the defendant he wished to clear up one or two matters…
Sergeant Haugh of the New Ross Civic Guards testified that at 11:22 on the 17th of April he found two men drinking on the premises and several soldiers. The defendant alleged that one man had come for a coffin and the other, Martin, was Gahan’s employee. Four national soldiers were billeted on the premises and 11 belonged to a column.
“His Worship” referred to the warning he gave New Ross publicans and expressed surprise that Mr. Gahan was again before him. “Mr. Colfer put the circumstances of the case very fully and very sensibly before him. He was glad to say that the public houses were now put out of bounds as regards the military. A public house seemed to be a snug billet for some of them, and he thoroughly appreciated Mr. Gahan’s difficulty. There was a technical offence…” He fined Gahan £1 and costs and defendant Furlong 5s. and costs. He dismissed the case against Martin.
Case 2
At 6 p.m. on Sunday the 6th of May 1923, Guard Kelly found five men in Gahan’s premises. One was a soldier from Waterford, another a traveller, and the other a wireless operator who left on Tuesday. Two of the men, James Gordon of South St. and Patrick Hunt of William St. were not travellers and should not have been served on a Sunday. Mr. Colfer again pleaded guilty for Gahan and said that Gahan invited the men in for a drink as they were personal friends of his and no money was paid.
“His Worship” told Gahan that if he “persisted in this kind of work he would lose his license eventually.” He fined Gahan €5 and costs. “He was thinking of endorsing his license, but he would give him another chance. If anything occurred between now and next September nothing would save him from losing his license.” Gordan and Hunt were fined 40s. and costs. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 8).
For further details regarding Sunday licensing requirements see our post of 21 May 2023.
Glenmore GAA Players Selected
An emergency meeting of the Kilkenny County GAA Committee was held on Sunday the 6th of May 1923. “The principal business of the meeting was the consideration of invitations to the senior hurling team, who were the Leinster champions, to play matches. “Since the defeat of Dublin in the Leinster final the county board has been deluged with invitations from various places in Leinster and Munster to allow the champions to play exhibition games against other prominent teams. It was impossible to accept all invitations, but it was agreed to field the championship team in some prominent matches.
The selection committee was held and two Glenmore players were selected for the Kilkenny Junior Football team, E. Freyne and M. Cody (believed to be Edward “Ned” Freyne and Michael Cody) (Munster Express, Sat. 12 May 1923, p. 5).
Apologies for the delay in posting this but our home internet and phone went out. Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Most Popular Glenmore Baby Names in 1768
A reader queried yesterday what were the most popular baby names in the 52 children baptized in 1768 in townlands that later became the Parish of Glenmore. See our post of 10 June 2023 for details concerning the early baptismal records and our Roots page for the 50 baptisms identified as being in townlands that later became the Parish of Glenmore. Hereinafter these townlands are referred to as Glenmore townlands. To view the National Library of Ireland’s digitalized parish register click here.
There were 52 babies in the 50 baptisms in 1768 in Glenmore townlands. The gender breakdown reflects 32 (62%) females and 20 (38%) males. There were 18 different baby names recorded in 1768. Nine were girls’ names and nine were boys’ names.
Girls’ Names
The most popular name was Mary with 10 or 19% of all the babies receiving that name. Among the girls the name Mary comprised 31% of the names for girls. After Mary, second place in girls’ name was a tie between the names Catherin (sic) and Anistice. There were five girls baptized Catherin (15% of girls) and five baptized Anistice (15% of girls). Third place was also a tie with 3 girls each being named Margarit (sic) or Bridgit (sic) (each name reflects 9% of the girls). Two girls each were named Elener (sic) and Honour. Thus, the remaining 2 girls were named either Ellice (sic) or Joane (or 3% of the girls).
Boys’ Names
The most popular boys name was a three way tie. Four baby boys were each named James, Thomas, or Richard (thus each of the 3 names represents 20% of the boys.) The second most common baby boy’s name was tie with Patrick and Michael being used for 2 boys each (or 10% of the boys were named either Patrick or Michael). The remaining four boy’s names tied for third most common. Thus, there was one boy each named Pierce, Dennis, John and Darby which reflects each name represents 5% of the boys’s names.
Glenmore Townlands
The Glenmore townland with the largest number of baptisms in 1768 was Ballinlammy where 7 baptisms took place. Davidstown with 4 recorded baptisms came in second. Glinmore(sic) and Ballefacy (sic) tied for third with three baptisms each.
Please send any further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh