Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

Glenmore Co. Kilkenny

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The Glen Bar Fire 1987

This afternoon a reader contacted us by email enquiring whether we knew when the Glen Bar fire occurred in the 1980’s. Apparently the reader and another Glenmore native disputed the date of the fire. One believed the fire occurred in 1985 and the other believed it occurred in 1986. A quick newspaper search revealed that both gentlemen were wrong. The fire occurred according to the Munster Express on Tuesday, 3 March 1987. The short articles regarding the fire and re-opening are below.

Glenmore Watering Hole Badly Damaged–

“The well-known Glenmore licensed premises ‘The Glen Bar’ was partly destroyed by fire, which was first noticed by a neighbour in the early hours of Tuesday morning of last week, the owner of the establishment, Mr. Michael Barron and his family were not in the premises at the time as they live on the family farm some miles away. Michael is a current selector on the Kilkenny under 21 hurling team and he told us that limited business is being carried out in that portion of the premises not affected by the fire.”

“Units of Thomastown, New Ross and Waterford fire brigade services were quickly on the scene and had the fire controlled. The Glen Bar was purchased by Mr. Barron some years ago from its former owner Mr. Sean Walsh, and has, as the only public house in the parish of Glenmore, enjoyed a very good trade, needless to say most of the conversation is about hurling and we do hope that Mr. Barron’s premises will again see a prosperous trade after renovations have been carried out” (Munster Express, Fri. 13 March 1987, p. 20).

Five months later the pub re-opened. “The Glen Bar, Glenmore has re-opened its new lounge and has a full line-up of entertainment this weekend. On Friday top entertainer Pat Hogan and his band Travelling Sound will appear (Saturday is Glenmore Field Day). And on Sunday it’s the turn of Seattle” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Aug. 1987, p. 23).

See our post of 8 May 2023 concerning the opening of a Glenmore pub in 1963.      

Please send any corrections, additional information, queries or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

Dominic Fitzgerald of Rathinure, Glenmore, Part II

Part I was posted on 8 September 2025 and focused on 1984 to 1987. Today, we are going to focus on 1988-1994. During this period important Kilkenny hurlers such as D.J. Carey and Christy Heffernan were also playing handball and a young D.J. Carey is in one of the photos below.

1988

O’Loughlin’s Juvenile Tournament

The finals of the O’Loughlin’s juvenile handball tournament were played before a capacity crowd in early January 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, the game everyone had been looking forward to was the under 14 single decider between two of the county’s best players, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore. Kenneth started brilliantly and led 8-1 at one stage. The powerful Fitzgerald pulled back and won 15-13. Dominic dominated the early stage of the second game, but Kenneth recovered and won 15-9. The crunch game was a thriller. Both tired and the stronger Dominic Fitzgerald eventually won 15-11 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 15 Jan. 1988, p. 12).

All-Ireland Juvenile Handball Final

Dominic played in the juvenile All-Ireland in April 1988. According to the Kilkenny People, he knew that he had to be brilliant to beat Ciaran Curran (Tyrone) in under 14. “While Dominic put in one of his best performances that year it was not enough …he lost 15-5, 15-7” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 6 May 1988, p. 15).

Glenmore: Kilkenny Féile n Gael Championship 1988

There was a close contest in the County Féile n Gael championship at Talbot’s Inch where Glenmore became the new Kilkenny County Champions in 1988. The Glenmore Club (Dominic Fitzgerald, Kenneth Cottrell, Tomás Hanrahan and Eamon Aylward) had a hard semi-final game with Talbot’s Inch when both teams finished level in games and aces. However, Glenmore easily won the play-off and then defeated Windgap in the final. The Glenmore team represented Kilkenny in the Féile n Gael all Ireland championship in Offaly in June 1988, but did not make it to the finals (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 May 1988, p. 15).

Under 14 County Kilkenny Champion

Dubbed an “Alley Cracker” by the New Ross Standard, Dominic won the Co. Kilkenny handball title at under 14 and represented the county in the Leinster semi-final on Sunday 28 August 1988 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 Aug. 1988, p. 17).

Under 14 Doubles Millennium Tournament

Dominic partnered by Damien McMahon, Wicklow, surprised an accomplished Offaly pair, C. O’Brien and B. Doherty in the under 14 doubles millennium trials at Croke Park on Sunday. The seeded Offaly pair were expected to advance to the televised finals on December 18 at Croke Park, but Dominic and Damien combined well to defeat them 44-22 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 18 Nov. 1988, p. 11).

1988 Kilkenny Juvenile Achievement Awards

Dominic received the Kilkenny Juvenile Board’s Achievement Award following an excellent year in the under 14 grade. Dominic won Leinster Championships in under 14 singles, in the 40X20 and 60X30 courts. He also combined with Damien McMahon (Wicklow) to win the Millennium juvenile tournament in December. Dominic was selected on the Rest of Ireland team to play Ulster in the Ulster Foundation tournament in Newry in April.

This article also highlighted D.J. Carey, of Goresbridge, who received the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s Achievement Award for 1988. D.J. won the 40X20 minor singles and doubles All-Irelands and also the senior college’s all Ireland singles and doubles championships. He represented Ireland in the under 19 U.S.H.A. junior championships in America over Christmas and did very well (Kilkenny People, Fri. 17 Feb. 1989, p. 14).

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The photo to the right appeared in the Kilkenny People (Fri. 3 March 1989, p. 15). It represents the Kilkenny County Handball Board’s achievements awards for 1988. (left to right) Sean Kennedy, Chairman, Juvenile Board; Dominic Fitzgerald, Juvenile Award; Eamonn Hanrahan, County Chairman; Tommy O’Brien, Leinster Administrator; Con Moore, County Secretary and winner of special achievement award for administration; D.J. Carey, senior award and Mary Moore.

1989

At the Goesbridge handball club’s juvenile tournament in January 1989, Dominic played an exhibition game against Stephen Barcoe (Goresbridge) who won the O’Loughlin’s tournament a few weeks prior. “This was a great game. Dominic edged ahead to win 22-19” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 Jan. 1989, p. 13).

Glenmore Handball Club

Members of the Glenmore Handball Club did well in the Leinster championship quarter finals against Carlow and Laois at the end of April 1989. Kenneth Cotterell, a promising young player won a one-sided under 14 singles by 15-5, 15-1. Dominic did not have things as easy against Tommy Donohoe although winning 15-13, 15-13 in the under 16 match. In the special novices E. Dowling, Glenmore, beat N. Harding (Comer) in the 40X20 county championship. Sean Kennedy got a walkover from Jim Duggan (New Ross Standard, Thur. 4 May 1989, p. 27). Unfortunately Dominic was defeated in the Leinster Under 16 finals played on the 20th of May 1989 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 25 May 1989, p.19).

Kilkenny County Handball Finals

It was reported at the special novice doubles of the County Finals that this final turned out to be a contest between four of “our best juvenile players” when Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell of Glenmore overcame Michael Maher and Colm Love (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1989, p. 14) in an exciting game. Dominic Fitzgerald and Sean Kennedy, Glenmore, had  a close victory over Tom Feeny and Sean Kiely, Kilfane, in the novice doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 7 Sept. 1989, p. 21).

Leinster Juvenile Handball   

Enda Hawe, Niall Kennhy, Alan Hawe (Windgap), Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald (Glenmore) completely comminated the Leinster juvenile league in Dublin on Saturday when they annexed the title for the fifth successive year. Dominic and Kenneth won this title an unprecedented four times, Alan Hawe three times, Enda and Nial twice and it was Willie Murphy’s first honour (Kilkenny People, Fri. 8 Sept. 1989, p. 14).

“Everyone knew that the meeting of Kilkenny and Offaly in the under 16’s doubles Leinster final could constitute an All Ireland final, as they would be the best players in the country. Joe Daly, O’Loughlin’s, and Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did not combine well, and lost to the excellent Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly 11-15 , 15-10, 11-15 in a game which could have gone either way. The Kilkenny pair did not play up to scratch” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 13 Oct. 1989, p. 20)

1990

Glenmore Handball Club

The newspapers reported that Christy Heffernan was going to be seen in a different role in March 1990 as he was playing in the novice singles handball championship. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell were playing in the under 17 juvenile trials at O’Loughlin’s Court on the 14th of March 1990 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 8 March 1990, p. 18).

The Glenmore Club played matches at Mullinavat. Sean Kennedy won his match in the novice singles against D. Forristal , Kilfane., while Dominic Fitzgerald defeated another Kilfane player, R. Ryan. Kenneth Cotterell got a walkover (New Ross Standard, Thur. 31 May 1990, p. 21).

Leinster Juvenile Handball

Kilkenny achieved seven Leinster juvenile handball finals as a result of their successes in Cloughbawn at the end of March 1990. They include under 16 doubles partner Kenneth Cotterell and Dominic Fitzgerald of Glenmore. They won their match at Cloughbawn in two straight games—15-10, 15-2 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 April 1990, p. 18).

In October 1990 Kilkenny crashed with seven defeats in eight Leinster finals. “However, the county can be proud of some displays, especially those of Brendan Walpole …and Dominic Fitzgerald and Ken Cottrell, Glenmore. In the under 16 doubles, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, never reached the standard which they are capable of and still were unlucky to lose 15-9, 7-15 and 15-9 to All Ireland champions, Conor O’Brien and Brian Doherty, Offaly (Kilkenny People, Fri. 26 Oct. 1990, p. 15).

Good Counsel Handball

Fitzgerald & Cotterell, New Ross Standard

The next month, Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell created history when they gave Good Counsel College, New Ross its first All Ireland junior “A” Colleges Championship at Croke Park. They beat Roscommon C.B.S. by two straight games in the final 21-11, 21-7 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 24 May 1990, p. 17). Dominic was also on the Good Counsel Senior Football team (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Dec. 1990, p. 21).     

Kilkenny County Under 16 Doubles Champions

At the festival of juvenile handball (60X30) county championships played at various venues over two weeks. Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore won the under 16 doubles. The Kilkenny teams selected to play in the Leinster League at the Garda depot in September included: Kenneth Cottrell, Glenmore and Enda Hawe, Windgap in the Under 15 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Aug. 1990, p, 7).

 Glenmore Under 21 Football

 When Glenmore got through to the 1990 under 21 football final (played in 1991), after beating Thomastown and Piltown, one member of the winning Glenmore team was Dominic Fitzgerald (New Ross Standard, Thur. 26 Dec. 1991, p. 22).

1991

There was a three-pronged assault by Wexford schools on the Leinster 60X30 Colleges Handball Championships which began the last week of November 1991. Through to the provincial finals in senior A singles was Dominic Fitzgerald (Good Counsel, New Ross). Raymond Breen and Ken Cottrell (Good Counsel) went through in the senior A doubles (New Ross Standard, Thur. 5 Dec. 1991, p. 62).

International Trials

The international trials to select players in under 15, 17 and 19 singles were played at various venues in November 1991. The winners secured a seat on the plane to Dallas, Texas in December to compete in the U.S. championship. In under 17, Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore did well, but was no match for Ciaran Curran, Tyrone (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Nov. 1991, p. 21).

All Ireland Handball Colleges Final

Good Counsel, had students in two All Ireland Handball Colleges Finals in 1991. Ken Cotterell and Raymond Breen, beat Belmullet in the semi-finals of the A division, but lost to St. Patrick’s Cavan in the final (New Ross Standard, Thur. 19 Dec. 1991, p. 39). Dominic Fitzgerald brought further glory to himself and to Glenmore when he won the All Ireland 60X30 senior singles championship at Croke Park. He has already won two All Ireland titles. He beat his Cavan opponent by 21-10, 21-18 (New Ross Standard, Thur. 12 Dec. 1991, p. 29).

1992

The county handball championships got off to a good start in early January 1992. In minor singles Dominic Fitzgerald, Glenmore, beat Willie O’Neill, of O’Loughlin’s Club, 21-6, 21-17 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 Jan. 1992, p. 12).

Glenmore Successes               

Glenmore was celebrating an All Ireland club senior hurling success at their annual meeting in January 1992. It was noted that along with the senior success, the junior hurlers won the championship. Thus, Glenmore became the first club in Kilkenny to field teams in the top two championships simultaneously. The club provided five players for the Kilkenny team that lost the senior All Ireland to Tipperary., while Seamus Dollard won a minor All Ireland and Bridget Mullally won a second senior camogie All Ireland medal. “The chairman also extended good wishes to Dominic Fitzgerald and Kenneth Cotterell who won Leinster and All Ireland Handball Honours” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 31 Jan. 1992, p. 14).

Good Counsel Handball

Two Good Counsel students won the senior doubles Leinster Final against Kilkenny CBS. The double players were Kenneth Cottrell and Raymond Breen. “Dominic Fitzgerald was unlucky to lose 2-1 in the Leinster Senior Singles semi-final in Borris” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 20 Feb. 1992, p. 54).

1993

Very few newspaper articles could be located regarding Dominic in 1993. By this time he had left Good Counsel and was pursuing a degree in hotel management. In 1993 Dominic was in Switzerland working. He came home from Switzerland for the All Ireland and spent a holiday with his parents (New Ross Standard, Thur. 23 Sept. 1993, p. 26). Given the date of this article it is assumed he was home for the hurling All Ireland.

1994

In June 1994 the Kilkenny People published a short article regarding Dominic. “Mr. Dominic Fitzgerald, youngest son of John and Rita Fitzgerald, Rathinure, who had been studying hotel management in Switzerland for two years has arrived home to complete his studies. He arrived in time for the funeral of his aunt, Bridget Fitzgerald. Dominic was educated in Glenmore N.S. and Good Counsel College, New Ross and later in N.I.H.E. Limerick (Limerick University.)”

“He will study hotel courses in a Kilkenny Hotel in the next few weeks and then do his final courses in Limerick University. He won single and doubles in the Kilkenny handball championship also Leinster and won two All-Ireland medals. He won Leinster and All Ireland championships in hurling and football with Good Counsel College, and helped Glenmore in Minor, Junior and under 21 in both games” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 10 June 1994, p. 21).

The obituary of Dominic’s aunt, Miss Bridget Fitzgerald (c. 1928 -1994) provides that Dominic and his elder brother Peter were the Readers at the Requiem Mass. It was also noted that Mr. Liam Aylward, T.D., Minister of Sport, was present at the removal (New Ross Standard, 2 June 1994, p. 38). The complete obituary may be read on our F Glenmore Family page.

The New Ross Standard later in 1994, noted Dominic won trophies in both grades of hurling and football with Good Counsel College, New Ross and many underage championships in Kilkenny also in both grades. “He also won 4 Leinster and 3 All Ireland trophies for handball” (New Ross Standard, Thur. 6 Oct. 1994, p. 33).

Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com

Special thanks to Dominic’s parents John and Rita Fitzgerald for the photos and information they provided.

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

From Danny’s Files: Rose Strange (1847-1935) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore

As we sort through the vast amount of material Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected over 7 decades our progress is often hampered when interesting interviews or clippings send us looking for more information. Such was the case of an 1880 Kilkenny Journal article announcing a Waterford Prize winner.

Kilkenny Journal (10 Nov. 1880)

The Proprietors of “Society,” a London publication, announced that they awarded the prize for the best Parody of Sir Walter Scott’s lines, “Breathes there a man,” etc. to Miss Rose Strange, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, Waterford. (To read the original poem see, Scottish Poetry Library.) The original poem questions whether there exists any man with such an empty heart and dead soul that he has no love for his country. The prize winning parody penned by Miss Rose Strange is:

Lives there a man who once loved sound,
Of echoing horn and baying hound,
When Autumn yellows o’er the plain,
Feels not his soul within him burn,
Feels no bright dreams of youth return,
With Winter’s glorious sport again,
Oh, be there such, whose heart is stealth,
The cities’ toil, the race for wealth,
Has stolen away, or made too cold,
To quicken as in days of old,
When the good hunt came sweeping by,
With all its’ gladsome revelry,
Masters of thousands though he be,
Broad through his acres, poor is he,
Vainly for him good steed shall neigh,
Life’s keenest joy has “Gone Away.”

Who was Miss Rose Strange of Aylwardstown, Glenmore?

We could not locate a Miss Rose Strange born at Aylwardstown. However, we did locate Rose Charlotte Strange who was baptized on 11 August 1847 at Trinity Within of Waterford City. Her father was recorded as Thomas Strange, but her mother and godparents were not recorded. Rose C. Strange was the daughter of solicitor Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) and his wife Mary Strange née Nevins (1821-1909). Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) was born and raised at Aylwardstown. According to Danny, in the 1830’s Thomas and one of his brothers moved to Waterford where they purchased the Waterford Chronicle newspaper. For a history of the Strange family in Aylwardstown see, Danny Dowling (1996) “Cardinal WIseman & His Association WIth South Kilkenny” (Kilkenny Archaeological Society, p. 38).

While Thomas F. Strange went to Waterford and became a solicitor his eldest brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) remained in Aylwardstown. Although Peter did not marry the parish records reveal that he had an illegitimate son also named Peter Strange. The infant was baptized at Glenmore on 4 July 1840. He was born at Roachestown (sic) and his mother was Mary Forestal. It is not known what became of this infant. Peter Strange (1805-1872) never married, and when he died in 1872 he left Aylwardstown to his nephew Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) and Rochestown to his niece Rose Charlotte Strange (Danny Dowling, p. 43). See our post of 9 February 2025 for a letter written in 1873 to James Heffernan of Glenmore, Wisconsin, which provides details regarding Peter Strange’s (1805-1872) death and the refusal of the Glenmore Parish Priest to pray for him or bury him.

We believe that Thomas A. Strange and his sister Rose C. Strange took up residence in Aylwardstown House. The newspapers of the era refer to Mr. and Miss Strange of Aylwardstown House attending many hunts with Lord Waterford and others.

Siblings of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)

Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) married Maria Nevins (1821-1909 ) on 9 December 1845 in Holy Trinity, Parish of Brikenhead, Cheshire, England. In addition to Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) and Thomas A. Strange (1856-1907) the couple had 3 more daughters and another son.

[1] Agnes Mary Strange (1850-1947) died 23 October 1947 at East Ferry, Ballincura, Middleton, Ireland. Agnes never married. She apparently liked to travel and went to the US several times. Agnes died of influenza at the age of 97.

[2] Grace or Frances Strange (1854-1946).  Grace Strange died on 18 May 1946 at East Ferry at the age of 91. She was a retired nurse and spinster.

[3] Mary Strange (1852-1942) died at Ballincura, Middleton, Cork. In 1913 she sought to become the executor of her father Thomas F. Strange’s estate. Her mother and brother, Laurence C. Strange had commenced the Estate in March 1897, but due to circumstances discussed below the Estate was never administered. Mary Strange, spinster was granted letters. In 1913 the Estate was worth £550 5s. 4d.  

[4] Laurence Charles “Charlie” Strange (1858-1902) was baptized 12 August 1858 at Tramore. On the record his mother is incorrectly listed as Mary Burns. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a solicitor in 1883. The following year,  Laurence Charles Strange of 6 Harcourt Row (solicitor) married Letitia Janette Scott daughter of James Scott (gentleman) of 23 Upper Sheriff St. Dublin. The couple were married at St. Barnabas, Church of Ireland on 20 December 1884.

The Aunt, Eliza Chapman née Strange (c. 1807-1881)

Peter (1805-1872) and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) had a sister Mary Elizabeth or Eliza Strange. Eliza married Edward Chapman on 28 August 1832 at Glenmore. Edward Morgan Chapman, Esq. of Ringwood, the Rower, died on 18 May 1852 at the age of 48 (Dublin Evening Mail, Mon. 31 May 1852, p. 3). The couple do not appear to have had any children. In 1863, Eliza sought to sell the lands she held at Busherstown (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 25 Feb. 1863, p. 1).

At some point before her death in 1881 Eliza Chapman née Strange returned to live in her childhood home in Aylwardstown. Eliza Chapman died 18th January 1881 at Aylwardstown. She was a 73 year old widow of a gentleman. Her nephew, Thomas Strange, was with her during her last illness. According to the death register she died of “severe pain probably in connection with curvature of the spine and old age.” When Eliza Chapman died she named her brother Thomas F. Strange as her executor and her secondary beneficiary was Rose Charlotte Strange. (Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1852-1922). 

Shortly after the death of Eliza her nephew, Thomas A. Strange began selling Aylwardstown. See our post of 8 January 2024 to learn what happened to Thomas A. Strange after he sold Aylwardstown circa 1883. Thus, just three years after Rose Strange won the poetry contest “life’s keenest joy” hunting went away. Mary Eliza Chapman née Strange is the only woman listed on the Strange family stone in Kilivory Cemetery, Glenmore.

The Marriage of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)

In the later part of 1889, Rose C. Strange married William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) in Dublin South. They were not married in a Catholic Church. She was William’s second wife. His first wife Clara, died earlier in 1889. At the time of their marriage Rose was 42 years of age and about 6 years older than William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) . William had a daughter, Gertrude Nevins (b.c. 1874) from his first marriage. Gertrude Nevins, aged 23, married William Charles Seaton (aged 28) on 16 January 1897. His father was Walter Lewis Seaton (gentleman). In 1901 William and Rose were living in Lambeth, London at 39 Electric Avenue. The 1901 census provides that William was born in Canada and listed no profession or trade in the census.

One Tragedy After Another

In the 1901 Census, Laurence C. “Charlie” Strange (solicitor) was a guest at a home in Greystones, Dublin. He refused to provide his religion to the census taker. In Waterford, his wife, Janette Strange was listed as the head of the house on Mary Street. She was 37 years of age. Her sister-in-law (sic) Frances E. Scott, was 39 and not married. Both ladies were Church of Ireland members and born in Dublin. Also living with them was Laurence Strange (cousin) solicitor, aged 30, born in County Kildare. Laurence Strange, cousin, was part of the Strange and Strange law firm of Waterford. We believe that he was the son of Richard Strange, J.P. (1824-1877) another brother of Thomas F. Strange ( 1812-1897). Laurence “Laurie” Strange was baptised on 13 February 1871 at Graney, Rashvilly, Union of Baltinglass.

Death of Laurence Charles Strange (1858-1902)

L.C. Strange Evening Herald, Sat. 10 Jan. 1903, p. 5

At the end of the Boer War, Laurence C. Strange was appointed to take a position in South Africa as an Assistant Crown Prosecutor. He traveled to South Africa and shortly after arriving died on 8 December 1902. He was 42 years of age and died of acute nephritis which he suffered with for 8 days. He is buried in the Klerksdorp Old Municipal Cemetery.

Death of an ex-Mayor of Waterford–News reached Waterford on Tuesday of the death at Klerksdop, Transvaal, of Mr. Laurence C. Strange, solicitor, formerly of the firm of Strange and Strange, solicitors, Waterford. Mr. Strange who was, comparatively speaking, a young man, was prominently identified with local, Municipal, and political affairs for many years. He was Mayor of Waterford in 1899. He went to South Africa early last year, and shortly after the termination of the war was appointed Assistant Crown Prosecutor at Klerksdorp (Evening Herald, Thur. 8 Jan. 1903, p. 3).

Death of Laurence “Laurie” Strange (1871-1903)

Twelve months later, Laurence “Laurie” Strange died in Denver Colorado. DEATH OF MR. LAURIE Strange—The death is announced at Denver City, Colorado, of Mr. Laurence Strange, solicitor, formerly of Waterford. The deceased gentleman, who was admitted a solicitor in 1893, contracted a severe cold some time ago, and serious lung trouble supervening, he went to Colorado, thinking that its climate might stay the ravages of the disease. He was cousin to the late Mr. L.C. Strange (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Dec. 1903, p. 8).

Death of Letitia Jannette Strange née Scott (c. 1854-1904)

Laurence C. Strange’s 40 year old widow, Letitia Jannette Strange died in London on 20 January 1904.

            Death of Mrs. L C Strange—We regret to announce this evening the death of Mrs. L C Strange, which took place this morning at Somerleyton Road, Brixton. She was widow of the late Mr. L C Strange, solr., ex-Mayor of Waterford. We also announce with regret the death of Mr. William Nevins, the brother-in-law of Mr. L C Strange, solr., which was coincident with that of Mrs. Strange. These dual announcements will doubtless be heard with much regret (Waterford Chronicle, Wed. 20 January 1904, p. 2). It is not clear how the two deaths are coincident, but it is assumed that Janette Strange was visiting her sister-in-law Rose C. Nevins née Strange when she died.

East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork

At some point Rose C. Nevin née Strange returned to Ireland and lived in Cork. Either she joined her three spinster sisters or they joined her. Rose Charlotte Strange (1848-1935) died 15 September 1935 at East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork. At the time of her death she was an 88 year old widow and her death cert notes she was a “Lady of Independent means.” She was the first of the four sisters to die. Both of her brothers pre-deceased her.

     

Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

Early Glenmore Death Records

Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often expressed how lucky we were that Fr. Stephen Lower (c. 1727-1799) became the Parish Priest of Slieverue and began keeping records of his flock. Prior to 1846 Glenmore was not a separate parish as it was part of the Parish of Slieverue. The early combined Slieverue/Glenmore parish began recording deaths in December 1766. Below we have reviewed three years of death records. Unfortunately, none of the early parish death records recorded the age of the deceased. Thus we do not know how many adults and children are reflected in the death records. After Glenmore became a parish in its own right there are no death records. See our post of 11 November 2020 for further information regarding Fr. Lower.

The National Library of Ireland has digitalized the old parish records. The early combined Slieverue/Glenmore parish records are available on line. The earliest death records cover December 1766 to 21 February 1778 (Microfilm 05031/01). Deaths from 8 March 1778 to 28 November 1799 are also available (Microfilm 05031/02). After November 1799 there are no further parish death records available on line for Slieverue/Glenmore.  

The First Deaths Recorded in December 1766

The very first death recorded in the parish records was on the 4th of December 1766. Unfortunately, due to what appears to be an ink stain all that is visible is James Ha… The second entry does not have a legible date, but John Burke at Trinneree is visible. The other three deaths do not indicate where the deceased resided, but their names are James Mylott, Mary Hacked and Anastasia Costelly.

Deaths Recorded in 1767

Of the three years reviewed 1767 is the most complete. Deaths are recorded for ten months in 1767. There were no deaths recorded in October or December of that year. More localities where the decedent resided are included. For example, on 3 June 1767, [Entry 33] Honour Welsch died at “Boher Bee” (which my resident Irish speaker translated as the Yellow Road). In November 1767, two places of residence are provided. On 10 November 1767, [Entry 45] John Welsh of “Ballycroan” died. Almost a week later on the 16th James (last name not legible) [Entry 46] of “Boherbee ” died. Entry 47 provides the townland of Weatherstown [Glenmore] but failed to list the name of the deceased.

John Welsh of Ballycroan [Entry 45] appears to be the first entry with enough details for us to determine that he was from what would become the parish of Glenmore.

Names recorded in 1767 with no townland or road include: [Entry 34] Catherine Rigby; [Entry 35] Margaret Grant; [Entry 16] Honour Culleton; [Entry 17] William Irish; and [Entry 40] John Haberlin. Within the death records the last name of Welsh is very common.

Deaths Recorded in 1768

The deaths recorded from January to June 1768 are not available on line. From the available on-line records that commence in June 1768 (with entry 76) we know that 28 deaths were recorded in the first 5 months of 1768. Entry numbers 48-75 are missing. Commencing in June 1768 most entries record the residence of the deceased. Of the 21 deaths recorded in 1768 from 15 June to the end of the year, 12 of the decedents were from what would become Glenmore (or 57% of the entries).

June 1768

Entry 76—15 June 1768, died Sylvester Welsh inhabitant of Councelor’s Road
Entry 77—20 June 1768, died at Kilbride, Catherine Welsh  [Glenmore]

July 1768

Entry 78—6 July 1768, died at Aughmore, Martin Kelly

August 1768

Entry 79—4 August died at Coolneleen, Catherine Doherty [Glenmore]
Entry 80—10 August 1768, an unnamed person died at Balleneraha [Glenmore]
Entry 81—29 August died at Ballingile, Joane O’Mara
Entry 82—31  August, died at Ballerobin, Mary Burke

September 1768

Entry 83—9 September 1768, died at Gragnekill, Catherine Kehow [Glenmore]
Entry 84—23 September died at Davidstown, James Murphy [Glenmore]
Entry 85—25 September 1768, died at Newrath, Margerit Conway

October 1768

Entry 86—15 October 1768 died Patrick Forastal at Ballinlammy [Glenmore]

November 1768

Entry 87—unknown date November 1768,  died at Roachestown, John O’Bryan  [Glenmore]
Entry 88—unknown date November 1768, died at Abby, Patrick Lawless
Entry 89—unknown date November 1768, died at Nockbrack, Edw. Fitzgerald  [Glenmore]
Entry 90—unknown date November 1768, died at Ballycrone, Elizabeth Walsh [Glenmore]
Entry 91—17 November 1768, died at Corrigneglouneey, Anistice Welsh [Glenmore]
Entry 92—25 November 1768, died at Ballerobbin, Edm. Phelan
Entry 93—26 November 1768, died at Flemingstown, Ellener Lahy [Glenmore]
Entry 94—28 November 1768, died at Attatemore, Mary Denn

December 1768

Entry 95—2 December 1768 died at Nicholastown, Edm. Murphy
Entry 96—27 December 1768 died at Corrigenurre, Nicholas Henebry [Glenmore]

Death Chart: 1766-1768

YearNo. Months RecordedNo. EntriesStart & Ending Entry Nos.No. of MalesNo. of FemalesNo. of UnidentifiedTotal Deaths Recorded
17661(Dec)51-53205
176710426-471823142
176872176 -961010121
  TOTAL  18 mos.  68  entries Missing entries
48-75
  31 males  35 females  2 unknown  68 [+28]= [96]

Interestingly, for the same years there were 26 months of baptisms recorded with a total of 318 infants baptized. Based solely on the entries recorded and the missing entry numbers, there were 96 deaths recorded in the first three years of the combined Slieverue/Glenmore Parish records. Thus, there were over 2/3’s more baptisms recorded than deaths recorded. See our post of 10 June 2023 “Early Glenmore Baptismal Records.”

The featured drawing above of an Irish Wake is courtesy of the Digital Public Library of America. It was published in Harper’s Weekly of 15 March 1873 (vol.17, p. 204). Michael Angelo Woolf, American, 1837–1899, Harper & Bros., New York, New York, USA. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America <http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/kq4fb38612a-76df-4755-9e4f-34722cd7b165>.

Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

Glenmore 1924: Hanrahan Wedding Photo

The above photo may be found in the Poole Collection of the National Archives. Poole was a Waterford photographer and his negatives are now housed in the National Archives. There are a couple hundred Glenmore photos within the collection. The National Archive records do not identify the year this photo was taken, and simply notes the customer was Mr. Hanrahan of Glenmore.

The Photo

The above photo was taken to commemorate the 12 February 1924 wedding of Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) shopkeeper of Glenmore and Mary Duggan (1892-1989) schoolteacher of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Richard Hanrahan, a grandson of the happy couple, confirmed last week that a copy of the photo still hangs in the Hanrahan home in Glenmore. He was able with the help of his mother, Kathleen Hanrahan, to identify most of the people in the photo.

Front row (seated, left to right) Richard Duggan (1894-1984) ; Margaret “Agnes” Quirke née Duggan (1896-?) (Maid of Honour); Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989) (bride); James “Jimmy” Hanrahan (1891-1977) (Best Man)
Back row (standing, left to right) Unknown ?; Unknown ?; Mullins?; Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan (1886-1957) (Groom); unknown ; Catherine “Lena” Connolly née Duggan (1891-1969) ; Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (1892-1975). (It is believed that some of the unidentified people may have been Mullins relations.)

Parents & Siblings of the groom: Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1956)

Patrick Hanrahan was the eldest child of Michael Hanrahan and his wife Hanoria Mullins of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Michael Hanrahan was from Powerswood, Thomastown and the couple married at Glenmore, on 23 July 1885. Michael was the son of Patrick Hanrahan (farmer) and Hanoria was the daughter of Nicholas Mullins (farmer) and his wife Mary Mackey. Hanoria Mullins was baptized in Glenmore on 16 Dec. 1854. Michael Hanrahan died in 1898 and his widow died in 1902. They both died of T.B.

At least 7 children were born to Michael Hanrahan and his wife, Hanoria Mullins.

 [1] Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) the groom in the 1924 wedding photo.
(2) Nicholas Hanrahan (1887-1918) died in Gaulstown, Glenmore during the flu epidemic.
(3) Michael Hanrahan (1888-1968) Emigrated to the U.S. in 1911 or 1912. He lived in New York, married in 1922 and raised a family.
(4) Ellen Hanrahan (bapt. 16 Feb. 1890-died young)
(5) James Hanrahan (1891-1977) was the best man when his brother Patrick married in 1924. Jimmy had a pub and shop in New Ross, married, and raised a family.
(6) Richard Hanrahan (1892-1975) had a draper business in New Ross across the street from his brother Jimmy’s business. Richard Hanrahan married and raised a family.
(7) John Hanrahan (1894-1980) Emigrated to the US before 1910 and went to his Uncle Tom Mullins in New York. John married about 1922 and raised a family.

When her husband died Hanoria moved her six sons from Waterford to Glenmore. The boys were raised by two sets of relatives after their mother’s death. Tragically, Nicholas Hanrahan died in the 1918 flu epidemic. Thus, at the time of the 1924 Glenmore wedding only 5 brothers were alive. Three are depicted in the photo and the other two had emigrated to the U.S. We could not locate any travel records that indicated that either Michael or John Hanrahan returned to Ireland for their brother Patrick’s wedding in 1924.

Parents & Siblings of the bride: Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989)

The bride’s parents were Richard Duggan and Anne Butler. Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) (tradesman) of Kilbride, at the age of 23, married Anne Butler, of Flemingstown, on 12 November 1890 at Glenmore. Richard Duggan’s (c. 1867-1956) father was Richard Duggan of Kilbride. The father of Anne Butler of Flemingstown was Thomas Butler (farmer & tradesman). Four children were born to Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) and his wife Anne Butler. Three daughters and one son. What is striking about the Duggan sisters is that they all had nicknames.

[1] Catherine “Lena” Duggan (b. 11 Sept. 1891). Lena became a nurse and on 23 November 1926 at Faithleg, Waterford she married Michael Connolly (labourer). Her sister “M. Agnes Duggan” was her maid of honour. The couple resided in Slieverue and had a family. Lena died in 1969, and her husband died in 1973.
[2 ] Mary “Dodie” Duggan (b. 14 Aug. 1892) at Flemingstown. Her birth cert. notes that her father Richard Duggan was a shoemaker. Mary became a schoolteacher and after her marriage to Patrick Hanrahan helped run the Hanrahan shop in Glenmore Village. The couple were married for 33 years and raised a family. Mary died in 1989. She survived her husband by 32 years.
[3] Richard Duggan (b. 12 Dec. 1894) married and remained on the Duggan farm in Flemingstown. Richard farmed and was also a Rate Collector. He and his wife raised a large family. He died a widower on Christmas Day 1984.
[4] Margaret “Aggie” Duggan (b. 22 June 1896). Aggie married a man named Quirke and they resided in Clonmel per her brother Richard’s obituary. Aggie died prior to 1984.

For an account of the early life of the 5 orphaned Hanrahan Brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020. 

See our H Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Hanrahan family.

See our D Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Duggan family.

Please send any additional information (such as the names of the 3 people standing on the left of the photo) or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com

Special thanks to Veronica for reminding me of the photo and to Richard and his mother Kathleen Hanrahan who identified most of the persons depicted in the photo. .

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh.



From Danny’s Files: A Glenmore Shooting Affray [Updated]

The infamous Grant Brothers, of Ballyvarring, Glenmore [Ballyvarring is actually in Slieverue] were known for being big, rough men . They were not born in Glenmore. However, in the first half of the 20th Century they engaged in threshing around the Glenmore area, and they had two or three steam engines. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected several stories about the Grant Brothers including a 1948 criminal case that was reported in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 20 Nov. 1948, p. 3). For another incident involving the Grant Brothers, see our post of 3 October 2021. At the end of the post we attempt to reveal how the Grant Brothers came to the Glenmore area.

In the Circuit Court in Kilkenny on the 15th of November 1948 Thomas Grant of Ballyvarring, Glenmore [this is the address the newspaper published] stood trial charged with three criminal offences. It was alleged that he (1) had a shotgun in his possession without having a firearm certificate; (2) “he maliciously by gun-shot ammunition caused an explosion likely to cause serious injury to property” and (3) having in his possession a shotgun with the intent to cause serious injury to property. Mr. T.L. Doyle, B.L. represented the State. The newspaper account did not record that the Defendant, Thomas Grant, was represented, but a Mr. D’Arcy questioned several witnesses. It is assumed Mr. D’Arcy represented the Defendant. The jury was comprised of men from across the county.

The State’s Case

Patrick Halligan, a farmer, lived with his wife, Annie, in a remote house in Ballinlaw, Slieverue. On the night of 29 June 1948, Patrick Halligan went to bed at 10 o’clock. Annie was in the kitchen. He awakened by a noise which he thought was some of the rendering falling off of the ceiling. “He then heard three shouts by a man coming from the direction of Ballinlaw.” This was about 11 p.m. He went back to sleep.

The next morning Annie found that one of their kitchen windows had been shot. The glass was broken and there were pellets in the window sash. This was the window near where they ate their meals. Patrick searched the area and found several pellets on the ground below the broken window as well as an empty cartridge on the road about 55 yards away. He also found some wads between the road and the broken window.

Witness Patrick Halligan

In response to questions from Mr. D’Arcy, Patrick Halligan stated that there was no light in the kitchen when the shot was fired. He lived in the house for about 20 years. Patrick Halligan testified that he knew the defendant, Thomas Grant for over 30 years. He had trouble with the Grants back in 1935 when they tried to stop him threshing. The Grants were taken to court. After that incident they were no longer on speaking terms, but over the 13 years since the threshing incident there was no repetition. He was at a loss why it “should heat up again.”

Witness Annie Halligan

Annie Halligan testified that at about 11 p.m. she was in the bedroom preparing to go to bed. She heard a shot and about 5 minutes later three shouts. The sounds were coming from the road at the back of the house. She knew the defendant and his brothers for over 30 years. They were always on good terms until they had the threshing incident. In response to Mr. D’Arcy she was not frightened when she heard the shot that night. However, the next morning when she saw the window she did become frightened. When it was suggested that someone was hunting rabbits, she replied that at one time there were a lot of rabbits. However, she said there were not many rabbits now.

Witness Richard Vereker & Thomas Menton

Richard Vereker testified that the defendant and his brother John Joe did some ploughing for him. John Joe owned the tractor and Thomas helped him. Vereker stated that he had bought an old single barrel shotgun from Thomas Menton and gave it to John Joe Grant in part payment for the ploughing.  The value of the shot gun was £4 10s. In response to a question from the judge he stated he never discussed the shotgun with the Defendant.

Thomas Menton, of Waterford, testified that he sold the shotgun to Vereker about six months before the trial.

Detective Sgt. J. Hanafin

Detective Sgt. J. Hanafin stated that on 30 June he visited the Halligan home. After observing the damage to the window and holes in the wall of the house he collected various pellets. He went to the Grant house on 1 July and all four brothers were interviewed. The defendant denied that he had a shotgun. The police carried out a search and found a number of empty cartridge cases and some ammunition. No shotgun was found. At a later date he returned to the Grant home and told them that he had a statement from Dick Vereker that Vereker has sold the gun to John Joe and he gave them 10 minutes to consider.

The Defendant then took them through several fields and showed them where the gun was hidden. Notwithstanding the fact that the Defendant had originally stated that they had no gun, he persisted in stating that he was no where near the Halligan house on the night the window was shot. Sergeant Dalton testified that he had not issued a firearms certificate to the defendant.

Witness James Walsh

James Walsh, an employee of a Waterford business testified that the Defendant sometime in the early summer produced a license for a box of cartridges in the name of William Knox. He gave him the box.

The Defence Case

The Testimony of the Defendant Thomas Grant

The Defendant testified that he lived with his four brothers. William owned the farm. Thomas worked for his brother John Joe. He admitted that he had not been on friendly terms with the Halligans for 13 years. He admitted that he and John Joe did work for Dick Vereker in the Spring and part of their pay was the shot gun that was given to John Joe.

The Defendant insisted that he never used the gun and it was not his. On the 29th of June he was in Waterford and got home at 4:30. At 8:30 he went to Halligan’s pub in Ballinlaw. He left at closing time. After talking for sometime he took the shortcut home across the fields. Along the way he met Patrick Moore and they walked together. He did not go near the Halligan’s house.

The following day he heard from Sgt. Dalton that a shot had been fired at Halligan’s house. He shifted the shotgun from the thresher in the yard to a field. He originally told Sgt. Hanaflin that he did not have a gun. However, when he returned with a statement from Dick Vereker he brought the detective to the gun. He told the officer that the gun was his, he got it, but had not used it. He also admitted buying a box of cartridges for William Knox. However, he denied shooting at the Halligan house.

In reply to Mr. Doyle he said that they had three threshing sets, a tractor and other machinery. They farmed about 120 acres. He stated that the 1935 dispute arose from Halligan getting someone else to thresh for him. He and his brothers went down to stop it. He stated that they were more against the owner of the thresher than the Halligans. Mr. Doyle responded, “You are the Stalin of Ballinlaw?” The defendant stated, “I thought we were more entitled to the threshing than a man 60 miles away.”

The Judge noted that the defendant appeared to admit possession when he moved the gun from the thresher to the field.

Testimony of Grant Brothers

William Grant stated that the Defendant was home when he arrived home before 11 p.m. new time on June 29. John Joe Grant admitted to Mr. Doyle that he lied when he said he knew nothing about the gun. He also admitted stating that “they made me do it,” when in fact his lies were voluntary. Richard Grant testified that while his brother took the short cut home on the 29th he had a bicycle and cycled home via the road. Thomas was in bed when he got home. He did not recall telling the Guards that he was not sure what time Thomas got home.

Other Defence Witnesses

Martin Kneeffe testified that the Defendant walked home over Knox’s Lane. In reply to Mr. Doyle he said he too went home by Knox’s Lane, but Grant was in front of him. He admitted he did not tell the Guards that Grant walked home ahead of him. He told the Guards that he left the Defendant in the taproom.

Patrick Moore stated that he was on his way through Conway’s farm when he met the Defendant. Defendant told him the pub was closed and he then went back with the Defendant to the Grant house.

William Knox testified that the Defendant bought 25 cartridges for him in Waterford. When asked why he did not tell the Guards Knox replied that they never asked him.

Verdict & Sentence

After a short absence the jury returned a verdict of guilty to the first charge of having a shotgun without the required firearm certificate.  The Defendant was found not guilty of the other two charges. The Judge imposed a fine of £10, or alternatively a month’s imprisonment. He also ordered that the shotgun was forfeited.

How the Grant Brothers Came to the Glenmore Area

The Grant Brothers home place was Ballyvarring. Locals recall that they obtained this farm from a relative. In the 1911 Census, James Grant (aged 55) was living in Ballyvarring with his wife Catherine Grant née Ennett of Cappagh (aged 45). The couple had been married for ten years but had no children. The couple were married on 20 November 1900 at St. John’s of Waterford. The father of the groom was William Grant and the father of the bride was Patrick Ennett. James Grant (c. 1853-1915) died in 1915.

The Grant Brothers were born in Ballyhale. They were the sons of John Grant (c. 1859-?) and his wife Anne Grant née Aylward. On the marriage cert Anne’s address is Ballytarsnia. To this marriage at least five sons were born: [1] William Grant (b. 1902); [2] Thomas Grant (b. 1905); [3] James Grant (b. 1906); [4] John Grant (b. 1908) and [5] Richard Grant. No record could be located for Richard Grant. John Grant (c. 1859-?) and Anne Aylward married on 13 February 1899 in Waterford. John was from Ballyvarring, and his father was listed as William Grant. Thus, it appears that the Grant Brothers came to the Ballyvarring farm sometime after the death of their uncle James Grant (c. 1853-1915).

Interestingly, the 1911 Census revealed that the Grant Brothers were residing in Carriganura, Slieverue in the home of their maternal grandmother Ellen Aylward née Hennebry (aged 70). Anne Grant née Aylward (c. 1872-? ) was 39 and her husband John Grant (c. 1862- ?) was 48. John Joe Grant obtained a farm in Carrignurra, but he eventually lost it and returned to Ballyvarring. It is not known if this was the Aylward farm. Ellen Aylward née Hennebry died in 1926 at the age of 84 in Ballyvarring.

Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh

The featured photo is from The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Hired man working tractor engine used for threshing on farm of Alfred Shaffner, a farmer in the submarginal area of Sugar Hill, near Townsend, Connecticut.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1940. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f2614c80-ebb6-013d-4c72-0242ac110002