Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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Kilmakevoge, Glenmore (1961) [updated]
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded in 1961 regarding the residents of the hamlet, area or sometimes referred to as townland, of Kilmakevoge, Glenmore. Kilmakevoge is one of the local areas that has been spelled in multiple ways over the centuries.
Background
Kilmakevoge is also the civil parish in which the following Glenmore townlands are located: Aylwardstown, Ballynaraha, Carricloney, Graguenakill, Haggard, Mullinahone Parkstown and Robinstown. The Irish for this civil parish and area, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Kilkenny Ireland (1969, p. 115-116) is Mochaomhóg, which is the name of an early Celtic saint. O’Kelly cites Cannon Carrigan’s work stating that Mochaombóg’s name was Latinized as Pulcherius and the church and nunnery, “long in ruins, were appropriated to the Inistioge Priory in 1240.” For a brief history of St. Mochaombóg (c. 550-656) see his listing in the National Biography 1885-1900.
The hamlet, area or townland of Kilmakevoge is comprised of 211 acres and O’Kelly noted that it is marked on the Ordinance Survey map.
Tenants in 1833
In the 1833 Tithe Applotment Books 1833, the townlands in Kilmacanoge(sic) include: Aylwardstown, Ballynaraha, Bessborough, Carrickcloney, Glebe, Higgart (sic), Higgart Mountain, Killogeenaghan, Kilmackauogue, Kilmackavough, Kilmakevoge, Knockduff, Mullinahone, Parkstown, Parkstown Kearneystown, and Robinstown.
There are 5 tenants listed in the 1833 Applotment Records including: [1] Thomas Mcgrath, 28 acres; [2] James Aylward, 30 acres; [3] Michael Gehan (sic) 30 acres; [4] John Delany, 30 acres; and [5] Patrick Walsh, 1 acre. A notation in the record reveals the names of the landlords, “those lands are held from Sir John Newport and Major Gahan.
Danny’s 1961 List
In 1961, Danny recorded 2 lists of Kilmakevoge families or households in the hamlet or area of Kilmakevoge. The first list was comprised of the first 5 household listed below. 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. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, XX people resided in the townland of Kilmakevoge with the population comprised of XX males and XX females. The largest family was the Ryan family with 6 in the household. There was 1 household recorded with a person living alone. All information under residents of Kilmakevoge not in Danny’s original lists have been placed in square brackets[ ].
Recorded Residents
Males= 15
Females= 16
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded by Danny in Kilmakevoge hamlet or townland was Patrick “Cushey” Grant, a confirmed bachelor farmer. Patrick is said to have earned his nickname Cushey because of his clever, thrifty ways. Patrick “Cushey” Grant was born 10 October 1882 and died 26 November 1961).
The second eldest was James Cassin who was born on 23 December 1899. His parents were James Cassin (c. 1878-1907) and Ellen Cassin née Malone (c. 1879-1963). Young James (1899-1968) was only 8 when his father drowned in 1907. See our previous post of 8 November 2020 regarding the circumstances of the drowning, the rescue attempt and other family members.
It is believed that James (Jimmy) Cassin (1899-1968) was married to Ellen Synnott, of Weatherstown, Glenmore. Ellen was a talented knitter and made lovely warm jumpers for local school children. See our “C” Glenmore Surnames page for Cassin obituaries.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 2 (1 male; 1 femle)
Creamery Managers= 2 (2 males)
Creamery Worker= 2 (2 males)
Council Worker = 2 (2 males)
Electrician=1 (1 male)
Blacksmith= 1 (1 male)
Farm Labourer = 1 (1 male)
Fitter = 1 (1 male)
Typist= 1 (1 female)
Hair Stylist= 1 (1 female)
Shop Assistant= 1 (1 female)
Clover Meats= 1 (1 female)
Residents of Kilmakevoge, Glenmore
[1] CASSIN
Cassin, James (23 Dec. 1899) Retired Creamery Worker
Cassin, Ellen (13 Feb. 1913) wife
[2] BARRY
Barry, John (25 Aug. 1907) Council Worker
Barry, Kate (27 Feb. 1914)
Barry, Nellie, daughter, child
[3] JONES
Jones, Michael (10 Feb. 1910] Council Worker
Jones, Bridget (b. 1917) wife
[4] RYAN
Ryan, Dermot, farm labourer [with James Kelly, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore] [c. 1924-1998]
Ryan, Peggie, wife [née O’Neill (c. 1926-2010)]
Ryan, Michael, son, child
Ryan, John, son, child
Ryan, Germiah, son, child
Ryan, Mary, daughter, child
[5] HENNESSY
Hennessy, William (b. 1926) Blacksmith
Hennessy, Pauline (b.c. 1937) wife
Hennessy, John, son, child
Hennessy, Noleine (sic) daughter, child
[6] GRANT
Grant, Patrick (10 Oct.1882) Farmer, Died 26 Nov. 1961
[7] O’HANLON
O’Hanlon, Bridget (8 Nov. 1893) Farmer, “Dead” [no date recorded]
O’Hanlon, Catherine (4 April 1932) daughter, Clover Meats “married in Gaulestown”
[8] HENNESSEY
Hennessey, William, Fitter
Hennessey, wife [no details recorded]
[9] McBRIDE
McBride, John (12 Dec. 1903) Creamery Employee, “Dead” [no date recorded]
McBride, Ellen (15 Feb. 1908) wife
McBride, Ellen, daughter, shop assistant “married”
Connolly, Margaret, daughter, hair stylist
Connolly, Martin, son-in-law, electrician
[10] CUDDIHY
Cuddihy, Thomas (14 Aug. 1900) Creamery Manager
Cuddihy, Kathleen (15 Oct. 1900) wife
Cuddihy, Kevin, son, asst. creamery manager
Cuddihy, Hilda, daughter, typist
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured illustration above is a Player’s Cigarette Card (1929) featuring St. Canice (517-600), a better known contemporary of St. Mochaombóg (c. 550-656).
The featured illustration above, and its reverse on the right, are courtesty of the New York Public Library Digial Collections. George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library. “Kilkenny, Cill-Cainnigh” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 15, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-7c10-d471-e040-e00a180654d7
Special thanks to David A. McTameney for providing the years of birth and death of Dermot and Peggy Ryan.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the News
While searching for various information in local newspapers we often come across short interesting articles that provide a glimpse of long forgotten Glenmore events or people. Today, we are going to present some of the articles collected from primarily the twentieth century while conducting newspaper searches of local newspapers. If you have any additional information concerning these events or people please leave a comment below or email us. The email address is listed below.
Glenmore Police Blotter
Sheep Dipping
In 1914, a number of Glenmore residents were summoned by Sergeant Kirby of the R.I.C. for failing to send notice of intention to dip sheep within the sheep dipping period. The first defendant was James Doherty [no townland was published].
The Judge (to defendant), “Why did you not give notice?”
Defendant—”I had one little pet lamb.”
The Judge—”But that is a sheep. What is the penalty?
Sergeant Kirby—”You can fine him as much as £5; but I had cases at Ross the other day in which fines of 1s were imposed.”
Other Glenmore residents that were summoned for similar offences included: John Fitzgerald, Knockbrack, fined 5 s.; Paul Fitzgerald, fined 5s.; Catherine Raftis, Rochestown, fined 5s; Mary Walsh, do., fined 2s 6d; Patrick Walsh, fined 5 s. (Evening News (Waterford), Thurs. 8 Oct. 1914, p. 3).
Stolen Glenmore Bicycle 1942
Supt. Feeney prosecuted John Walsh, Annestown, on a charge of taking a bicycle at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, the property of Mr. Hynes (sic) of Ballybrahee. The bicycle had a value £4. He was also charged with taking a pair of boots the property of Mr. John O’Connor, Annestown. The defendant pleaded guilty.
Garda Doghlan, New Ross, gave evidence and said that the defendant admitted stealing a bicycle in Glenmore, but that he did not know the owner. The Garda said the frame of the bicycle was in a house and the wheels in a shed. He admitted getting the boots. There was no attempt to hide the bicycle; the Garda stated that the defendant told him where to find the bicycle.
The defendant was the son of a respectable farmer, and was in continual employment since leaving school. His employer, Mr. O’Connor of Annestown, gave the defendant a good reference and testified that he was a very good employee. The defendant’s solicitor stated that the defendant was in Glenmore and took the bicycle from Glenmore to New Ross, intending to return it. He then alleged that the owner of the bicycle was a good friend of the defendant.
The Judge imposed a sentence of one months’ imprisonment on each charge with both sentences to run concurrently (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Dec. 1942, p. 7).
Defendant Jim Fluskey (1882-1960)
During World War II, or what was known in Ireland as “The Emergency,” the disruption to shipping resulted in shortages and often consumers bought items that turned out not to be what the consumer requested. In order to tackle this problem weighing scales, food and drugs etc. were inspected more often than before the war.
In 1943, James Fluskey, of Glenmore Village, was charged with selling a substance that was not ground coffee. Gerald T. Griffin, of Foods and Drugs testified that he went to Fluskey’s shop and requested three quarters of a pound of ground coffee from Mrs. Fluskey. He sent the sample to the analyst who reported that the item was not of the nature requested.
Garda Griffin stated that he believed that Mrs. Fluskey made a mistake in giving him Café for coffee. The solicitor for the defendant Fluskey explained that Café was supplied in 1 lb. and ½ lb. packets, but as customers were in the habit of purchasing small quantities some of the packets were emptied into a biscuit tin. Besides this tin was another tin in which coffee was kept. Unfortunately, neither tin was labelled and Café was sold in mistake for coffee. He said Mr. Fluskey was 45 years in business and had never been in court before.
The justice said he would impose a nominal fine of 6d. defendant to pay the analyst’s fee (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Oct. 1943, p. 5). See our posts of 28 May 2020 and 22 November 2020 for further information on the Fluskey family and business.
Glenmore Sports
T. Kennedy Famous Glenmore Handball Player
The Waterford Chronicle reported in 1905 that “three very interesting and closely contested handball games were played in the Waterford Racquet Court.” It was noted that handball had lost some of its popularity but was being revived.
The first match was between J. Knox and F. Brennan, the Kilmacow and Slieverue champions against J. Grant another Kilkenny player and J. Hurley, a famous Kilkenny player. An exciting game was won by Grant and Hartley only by four aces.
The second game was won by Brennan and Knox with a lead of three aces. “The final match was the piece ‘de resistance.’ The contestants were J. Hurley and T. Kennedy, the famous Glenmore Player, against J. Grant and the celebrated Irish champion, Trooper Joseph Quinlisk, R.I.C.
“The spectators showed exceptional interest in the match which created the greatest enthusiasm.” “The betting was very considerable, a large sum having exchanged hands, one of the players retiring from the court with a far larger amount than when he entered.” The match was won by Grant and Quinlisk by only a single ace (Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 6 May 1905, p. 2). Does anyone know who T. Kennedy was?
South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club
Paddy Mackey, of Mullinahone,, Glennmore was the Founder and later Hon. Secretary of the of the South Kilkenny Hot Rod Motor Racing Club. In 1976, Paddy was elected Hon. Secretary of the Irish Hot Rod Racing Federation, the governing body of the sport, at its annual general meeting, held in Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Paddy was educated at the Glenmore National School and C.B.S., New Ross. He was married, the father of three children, and employed at the Sunraised Fruit Co. Ltd., Waterford (Munster Express, Fri. 6 Feb. 1976, p.1).
Glenmore Homecomings in 1998
“Paddy Kehoe formerly of Rathnure (sic), Glenmore spent a very enjoyable month’s holiday with his sister Mary Delahunty, Aylwardstown. During his visit he visited all his nephews and nieces and also attended all the GAA games played locally and also the Leinster Senior Hurling Final. Paddy emigrated to the USA 41 years previously and came home on several occasions.
Also home on holidays was Larry Dillon (1921-2016) formerly of Rochestown, Glenmore, who spent a holiday with his brother Paddy in Slieverue. Larry was in Wolverham(sic), England for over 35 years and paid yearly visits to Glenmore (New Ross Standard, Wed. 22 July 1998, p. 23). See our previous post of 27 March 2021 concerning Larry’s sister, Ciss Dillon (1919-1997).
Glenmore Lands & Buildings
In 1901, a small notice appeared in the New Ross Standard concerning Daniel Cody’s lands.
“WARNING is hereby given that any person found trespassing on my lands at Carrigcloney, Graiguenakill, and Ballinamoney (sic), otherwise than on the Mass Path, will from this date be prosecuted— Daniel Cody, Carrigcloney “(New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 Jan. 1901).
A decade later the Waterford No. 2 Rural District Council, which had charge of most of Glenmore parish, it sought tenders “to repair and cope a wall at Forrestall’s (sic) Mill, Glenmore.” However, no tender was received by the Council (Evening News (Waterford) Mon. 27 Nov. 1911, p. 3).
On the 7th of November 1917, Mount Ida, of Rochestown, Glenmore, a freehold residential estate of 154 acres, the property of Philip Conn, was put up for sale by public auction. The poor law valuation was £135 5s. Mount Ida was purchased by William Forrestal, of Ballyverneen, Glenmore for £4,700 (Enniscorthy Guardian, Sat. 17 Nov. 1917).
In 1958, Glenmore Creamery began “reconstructing” its buildings. When completed it was reported that it would be one of the finest creameries in South Kilkenny. The new premises were built by Glenmore contractor, Patrick Kennedy, of Kilbride, Glenmore (Munster Express, Fri. 3 Oct. 1958, p. 8).
Shortly after the reconstruction a house that was adjacent (in front of where the weigh bridge is now) went up for sale in 1961. The owner selling the property was Mrs. Anastatia Walsh. This was the house where Paddy Griffin (1937-2022) and his brother Larry Griffin (c. 1940) were raised.
Glenmore Farming Accidents
In August 1899, a sad occurrence took place at Michael Delaney’s farm, at Newtown, Glenmore. While threshing some corn with a horse-power machine, a man named Tom Fowley was feeding the machine and went to stop the machine. “John Gahan jumped to the feeding table and pushed a sheaf of corn into the machine,” which brought Gahan’s hand into the machine. The hand entered the drum beaters to the arm, which was mangled and torn to pieces. “Young Gahan lost an enormous quantity of blood, and when Dr. Sheehan, of New Ross attended him, he found the poor fellow in such a bad plight that he could not guarantee that his life would be saved.” He remained in a precarious condition (Evening News (Waterford) Sat. 26 Aug. 1899, p. 2).
No death for a John Gahan could be located in the 1899 death register. The Delaney farm was near the farm of Laurence Gahan and his wife Bridget Doherty. It is believed that it was their son John Gahan (b. 8 Dec. 1879) was the unfortunate victim of the threshing accident. John Gahan (farmer) of Kilmakevogue, Glenmore, married Mary Haberlin, (c. 1884) of Aylwardstown on 21 August 1911 at Glenmore.
In July 1907, a “labouring man, named Donovan,” was making a rick of hay in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. He fell 9 feet from the rick, landing on his head and broke his neck. The deceased “belonged to Slieverue” (Evening News (Waterford), Sat. 27 July 1907, p. 3).
The death register recorded that John Donovan (c. 1878-1907) died at Ballinlammy on 23 July 1907 at the age of 29 when he fell from a hay rick and died instantly. John Donovan was not married, and Richard Doherty was present at his death perhaps indicating that the accident occurred on the Doherty farm.
First Cousins in Slander Suit
In 1918, Andrew Heffernan (c. 1898-1975) of Aylwardstown sued his first cousin, Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) of Rathinure, for slander arising from an argument during a party at the home of John Irish, of Aylwardstown. John Irish was also a first cousin of Peter Kennedy. Below is the public apology issued and published by Peter Kennedy.
I, Peter Kennedy, of Rathinure, Glenmore, in the County of Kilkenny, Farmer, hereby withdraw and apologise for the statements I made against the character of Mr. Andrew Heffernan, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, aforesaid, by accusing him and his family of being dishonest, in the presence of several guests at the house of Mr. John Irish, of Aylwardstown, on the 17th July last. The statements then made by me were altogether unfounded and entirely untrue, and I deeply regret the pain, annoyance and injury such statements may have caused Mr. Heffernan. I have paid all legal expenses incurred by Mr. Heffernan in connection with the action for slander which he has taken against me, and also the expenses of the publication of the apology. Dated this 11th day of November, 1918. ((Signed)PETER KENNEDY. Witness, Thomas C. Brazil, Solicitor’s Assistant, Waterford. Daniel Dunford and Co. Solicitors, for Andrew Heffernan, O’Connell-Street, Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Nov. 1918).
Misc. Articles
In November 1931, Cullen’s travelling circus paid a visit to Ballyfacey, Glenmore. It was reported that the circus was well attended nightly (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Nov. 1931, p. 8).
Glenmore historian Danny Dowling (1927-2021) made the news in March of 1952. “HEALTH INSPECTOR TRANSFERRED Mr. D. Dowling, a native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who had been temporary health inspector for Waterford Corporation, has secured a permanent position from Kildare County Council” (Waterford Standard, Sat. 15 March 1952).
Please send any correction, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo of the handball players is courtesy of the Digital Public Library of America <http://hdl.handle.net/10339/88339>.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Sportsman: Bill Irish (1899-1976) Native of Aylwardstown [Updated]
Today, we are going to feature a Glenmore sportsman who played both hurling and football at club and county level. Unfortunately, Bill’s sporting days were tragically cut short when he was attacked and injured during a pitch invasion. Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919 and went on to win senior football titles in 1921, 1922 and 1923. He was a member of the Glenmore-Kilmacow combined team that won the 1923 junior county hurling title.
The Irish Family of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
William “Bill” Irish was baptized at Glenmore on 11 November 1899. He was the son of Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) (farmer) and his wife Margaret Ribby (sic) (1861-1917) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. His godparents were John Heffernan and Kate Ribby (sic). Robert Irish did not register his son’s birth until the 8th of May 1900. There was a fine for failing to register, or for failing to register a birth within three months. In order to avoid the fine for registering a late birth it appears that Robert recorded Bill’s birth as 11 February 1900 although we know he was born on or before 11 November 1899 from the baptismal record.
While still in his teens Bill and his siblings were orphaned. Their father died in 1908 (the death register records his first name as Robin) and their mother died in 1917 of TB. The 1901 and 1911 censuses reveal that Bill’s uncle, Thomas Irish (1844-1928) resided with the family in Aylwardstown. Tommy Irish, a bachelor, at the age of 57 took the plunge and married a widow Ellen Roche née Kennedy, of Rathinure on 18 July 1901. This apparently unhappy union may be the subject of a future blog post.
Bill’s Parents and Siblings
Robert “Robin” Irish (1838-1908) and Margaret Rigby (1861-1917) were married on 22 November 1893 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were Peter Kennedy and Bridget Rigby. The couple had at least six children: John Irish (b. 1894); Mary “Mollie” Irish Doherty (b. 1896); Monsignor Michael Irish (b. 1897); William Irish (b. 1899); James “Skinner” Irish (b. 1902) and Patrick Irish (b. 1905).
Bill’s Grandparents
Bill’s paternal grandparents were John Irish, of Aylwardstown and Mary Irish née Irish, of Nicholastown, Slieverue. Bill’s paternal grandparents were married at Slieverue on 28 February 1832.
On the other side, Bill’s maternal grandparents were William Rigby, of Ballincrea, Slieverue and Bridget Hartley, of Busherstown, Glenmore. His maternal grandparents were married on 23 February 1857 at Glenmore.
Glenmore Football
Middle Row: Bill Irish, Richard Duggan (Flemingstown), Bill Hartley (Captain)(Busherstown), Willie Walsh, Jim Freyne (Kilbride).
Front Row: Tommy Fitzgerald (Moulerstown), Tom Conway, Mikie Murphy, Willie Hartley.
Bill won a county junior football title with Glenmore in 1919, as well as senior championships in 1921, 1922 and 1923. Men on the Glenmore team included: Martin, Paddy and Michael Cody, Weatherstown; Jimmy, Dick and Pat Hanrahan, Glenmore; Andy and Stephen Hefferenan, Aylwardstown; Jim and Johnny Phelan, Clonassey, Mullinavat; Mick Connolly and Peter Kirwan, Knockbrack; John Doherty, Davidstown; Ned Freyne, Ballyfacey; Paddy Murphy, Ballyveria; John Mullins, Flemingstown; and Ned Roche, Rathnure (sic) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Bill was also a member of the Kilkenny team that lost to Dublin in the Leinster senior football final at Croke Park in November 1922. This Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. See our previous post of 4 December 2022 detailing the Leinster final, and the fact that this Dublin team went on to beat Kerry in the all-Ireland final. The other players on the Kilkenny team included: Martin Cody (captain), Andy Heffernan, Pat Hartley, Jim Phelan, Bill Irish, John Fitzgerald, Mick Connolly, Paddy Cody, Jimmy Hanrahan (Glenmore); Pat Dalton, goal (Knocktopher), Tom Brennan, Frank Hughes, Andy Brennan (Cloneen), J. McKenna and Wattie Landy (Cotterstown) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
Glenmore Hurling
In the early part of the 20th century Glenmore was known for its football teams. Although a good football player, Bill Irish was described as being “equally adept at hurling.”
For the 1923 hurling season Glenmore amalgamated with Kilmacow and Bill Irish was the captain of the united team. The other Glenmore players included: Jimmy Hanrahan; Jimmy Fitzgerald, Martin Cody, of Weatherstown; Jimmy, P. & John Murphy, of Ballyveria. The Kilmacow players included: D. Rockett, Jim Quinn, Tom Williams, Tommy O’Neill, Luke Phelan, Peter Phelan, Jimmy Cleere (goal), and Paddy “Bagger” Grant.
The Glenmore-Kilmacow team fought their way to the 1923 junior hurling championship final that was played in 1924. The “southern combination” were the underdogs going into the championship match against Dicksboro, a Kilkenny City based GAA club that formed in 1909. However, the united Glenmore-Kilmacow team “gave a most determined performance, surprising their more fancied rivals and emerged worthy winners of a great game.” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7).
Such was the surprise at the result it was dubbed the surprise of the century, and a challenge was issued by Dicksboro. The teams met in the same venue, St. James’s Park in Kilkenny, and the winners were to receive a “beautiful set of medals.” The Glenmore-Kilmacow team journeyed to Kilkenny City and played Dicksboro again and defeated Dicksboro again.
According to a Kilkenny newspaper, published 40 years later, the game was unfinished owing to a disputed score and Glenmore-Kilmacow who were leading at the time were awarded the match (Kilkenny People, Fri. 1 Sept. 1967, p. 7). Other accounts relate that disgruntled Dicksboro supporters invaded the pitch and one supporter attacked the Glenmore-Kilmacow Captain, Bill Irish (Kilkenny People, Fri 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Injury
According to the account in Bill’s obituary the invasion of the pitch occurred when there was a stoppage of play. Bill was “knocked out completely by a kick in the stomach, which troubled him for years subsequently and ended his playing career,” at the age of 25 (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Oct. 1976, p. 10).
The Munster Express reported on Bill’s injury and subsequent 2 day hospitalisation as follows:
Gaels throughout the County in general, and especially in the southern division, will regret very much the injury to Bill Irish, Glenmore’s popular player, on Sunday last in the match against Dicksboro at St. James’s Park. One of the outstanding Gaels of the county either on the hurling or football field, the many followers of the game will wish him a speedy recovery and hope he may soon be capable of donning the popular colours again. He was able to leave the Infirmary for home on Tuesday last.
We learn that he has made good progress towards recovery from the effects of the occurrence. He was one of the Kilkenny men selected to represent Leinster in football in the forthcoming Tailteann trials (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 5).
Given the severity of the injury it is surmised that the kick landed lower than Bill’s stomach and the newspaper account of the time was being polite in its description. [Update 24 Feb. 2023: Given that Bill is found in team photos of the 1925 and 1929 Glenmore football teams it appears that Bill continued to play at least football after his injury.]
The Medals
In August 1924, after repeated requests for the medals made to Mr. E. Purcell, Mr. M. Heffernan, Glenmore wrote to the Kilkenny County GAA Committee raising the issue. He attached the agreement that had been entered into by the two teams.
Heffernan wrote, “I hope the scrapping of such an agreement will not be tolerated. I would have brought the matter up sooner but I could get no definite answer from Mr. Purcell. I now learn he intends putting the medals up for another object.” In addition to withholding the medals, Heffernan noted that “Dicksboro played five of their senior players, which was contrary to the conditions in the agreement. The referee awarded the match to Glenmore. I cannot understand why Glenmore were not given the medals long ago.”
The enclosed agreement stated that the winners were to be given a set of medals and Glenmore to receive £5 towards travelling expenses. Heffernan did not raise the issue of the £5 in his letter, so it must be assumed that Dicksboro at least honoured that commitment.
The Chairman of the Committee stated, “The rule is that trophies for a friendly tournament must be deposited with the country secretary, and that rule was not enforced in this case.” He stated that he would ask the Secretary to write to Dicksboro and ask for the trophies to be deposited and the committee would deal with the issue at the next meeting (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 6 Sept. 1924, p. 6).
After Sports
Bill Irish purchased a farm in the townland of Melville, Mullinavat and married Mary Ennett, of Cappagh, Glenmore. The couple had at least 5 children including: John Irish, Bobby Irish, Marie Irish Fleming, Kathleen Irish Francis and Margaret Irish Easden.
Bill died in October 1976 and his enthusiasm for Gaelic sports did not wane after his pre-mature retirement due to the injury he suffered during the pitch invasion in 1924. It was reported that the day before he died Bill attended a National League hurling game between Cork and Kilkenny in Cork. Bill’s full obituary can be accessed on our obituary page by clicking here.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos of Bill Irish to glenmore,history@gmail.com.
For further information concerning Glenmore and other Kilkenny hurling and football teams see, The Kilkenny GAA Bible (2028) compiled by Gerry O’Neill.
The featured team photo above is the Kilkenny Jr. Hurling Team of 1922 (Freeman’s Journal, 16 Oct. 1922, p. 3.)
[Update 7 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald for supplying Margaret Rigby Irish’s date of birth. We are attempting to verify details concerning Mary Irish through her great-granddaughter who is 93 years of age.]
[Update 15 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Noeleen Fogarty née Hennessey for sharing a photo of Bill Irish.]
[Update 24 Feb. 2023: Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sending on two team photos and more importantly for identifying each team members.]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Footballers (Unbeaten Champions 1914 – 1925). [1925 on football in photo]
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.
CARRIGCLONEY, GLENMORE (1961)
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Carrigcloney, Glenmore, around 1961. In some older records the townland name is spelled Carrickcloney.
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Ireland (1969, p. 115) is Carraig Ui Chluanaigh, or Clooney’s rock. The townland covers 501 acres and is adjacent to the Barrow river. It is the only townland in Glenmore with any portion of a castle or tower house still standing. However, Carrigcloney Castle has been greatly reduced in height. See our post of 8 July 2021, regarding Carrigcloney castle. The hamlet of Carrigcloney once stood near the Barrow river. O’Kelly provided the names of three fields in the townland including Garraí glas or green tilled field; Laharta, and Poll an phuca, or the sprite’s hollow.
Tithe Applotment Books 1833
According to the 1833 Applotment Books, there were nine tenants in Carrigcloney including [1] William Barry, 23 acres; [2] John Barry, 19 acres; [3] Michael Forristal, 28 acres; [4] Michael Conway, 19 acres; [5] John Walsh, 60 acres; [6] Michael Barron, 23 acres; [7] Richard Norris, 23 acres; [8] Martin Hynes, 23 acres and [9] Richard Fitzgerald 27 acres. A notation on the right edge of the list provides, “These tenants hold from Sir John Newport and Major Gahan some have leases and others are Tenants at Will.”
1961Carrigcloney, Glenmore
In 1961, Danny recorded 9 families or households in Carrigcloney. 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. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 47 people resided in Carrigcloney with the population comprised of 23 males and 24 females. The largest family or household was the Barron family with 8 in the household. There is no household recorded with a person living alone. All information regarding residents of Carrigcloney, not in Danny’s original list, has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Recorded Residents
Males= 23
Females= 24
Eldest Recorded Resident
The eldest resident recorded in the townland was Thomas Barry (1893—1981). According to the parish records Thomas was the son of John Barry, and his wife Bridget Power, of Carrigcloney. Thomas Barry (1893-1981) married Kate Barry née Culleton (c. 1895-1974) of Rosbercon. The obituaries for both Thomas and Kate can be found on our family “B” surnames page.
Recorded Work
Farmer = 3 (2 males; 1 female)
Farm Labourer = 7 (7 males)
Council Worker = 2 (2 males)
Fisherman= 2 (2 males)
CIE Worker= 1 (1 male)
Creamery Worker = 1 (1 male)
Garage Apprentice= 1 (1 male)
Factory Worker= 1 (1 male)
Seconday School Teacher = 1 (1 male)
Residents of Carrigcloney, Glenmore
[1] TREACY
Treacy, Thomas (12 Sept. 1912) Factory Worker
Treacy, Bridget (b. 1915) wife
Treacy, Aine, daughter
Treacy, Kathleen, daughter
Treacy, Laurence, son
[2] BARRON
Barron, Patrick (6 Jan. 1898) Farmer
Barron, Ellen (20 Sept. 1905) wife
Barron, Michael, son, assisting father
Barron, Alice, daughter
Grennan, Bridget (11 Nov. 1903) sister-in-law
Murphy, Edward (10 Aug. 1913) employee
Barron, Finola, daughter-in-law
Barron, ? , granddaughter
[3] MANNING
Manning, Martin (28 Jan. 1912) CIE Employee
Manning, Mary (b. 1916) wife
Manning, Margaret, daughter
Manning, John, son
Manning, Joan, daughter
[4] POWER
Power, John (10 Dec. 1900) Farm Labourer
Power, Stephen (26 Dec. 1905) brother, fisherman (moved to Aylwardstown)
Power, Christy (18 Nov. 1929) nephew, farm labourer
[5] CODY
Cody, Bridget (3 March 1900) Farmer
Cody, Richard, son, assisting relative
Cody, Martin, son, secondary teacher
Cody, Walter, son, assisting relative
Cody, Michael, son, garage apprentice
Cody, Bridget, daughter
Cody, Thomas, son
[6] BARRY
Barry, Thomas (11 April 1893) Council Worker [died 30 Jan. 1981]
Barry, Kate (1 May 1895) wife [died in 1974]
Barry, John (29 June 1939) son, creamery worker
Barry, John (10 March 1898) brother, council worker [died 25 March 1977]
Barry, Sarah (12 Jan. 1900) sister [died 3 Sept. 1985]
[7] HANLON
Hanlon, Edward (21 Oct. 1898) Fisherman
Hanlon, Annie (b. 1913) wife
Hanlon, Mary, daughter
Hanlon, Theresa Ann, daughter
[8] AYLWARD
Aylward, James (14 March 1912) Farmer
Aylward, Mary, wife
Aylward, Mary, daughter
Aylward, Eileen, daughter
Aylward, Michael, son
[9] LONG
Long, James (17 July 1913) Farm Labourer
Long, Alice (b. 1924) wife
Long, Edward, son
Long, Joan, daughter
Long, Annette, daughter
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing above is part of the front artwork from the sheet music “Kate of Kilkenny” courtesty of the New York Public Library, Digital Collection, Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): f6e7c660-c594-012f-8577-58d385a7bc34.
We are currently researching the Carrigcloney landlords, Major Gahan and Sir John Newport, and hope to publish a post on them in the near future.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: January 1923
January 1923
Glenmore did not feature in any of the local newspapers in January 1923. Although the Civil War continued January was a quieter month. Fewer clashes were reported between the Free State Army and the Irregulars. The worst phase of the war against the railways had passed with only isolated reports of attacks on the lines or rolling stock (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
However, the damage to infrastructure continued to cause misery and even death. During January the bodies of four young men were pulled from the Suir. On Christmas night they drowned at Kilsheelan while attempting to cross the river to the Waterford side in a cot because the bridge at Kilsheelan was destroyed (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 Jan. 1923, p. 8). Today, we will present some of the local Civil War activities as recorded in local newspapers as well as some of the economic difficulties faced locally 100 years ago.
Fighting in Waterford
On Saturday the 30th of December at 10:30 p.m. Irregulars were attacking across Waterford City from “Waterford Jail and the North Station to the Workhouse.” The battle commenced when two bombs were lobbed at the Infantry Barracks, Barrack St., resulting in loud explosions but no material damage. At the same time a “determined” attack took place on the jail, the local headquarters of the National troops, the railway station, and other national posts in the city.
Snipers were directing fire on the jail and the guard room at the railway station. Some snipers were on Mount Misery overlooking the city from the Kilkenny side of the river. Windows in the GPO and the shop, Ledlie, Ferguson & Co. (now Shaw’s) on the quay were shattered by stray bullets. Houses in Ballybricken near the jail also suffered broken windows.
The national troops did not return fire until they located the positions of the Irregulars. Machine guns could be heard across the city. The shooting lasted about 30 minutes. Citizens returning home from the cinema ran for cover. Kilkenny residents who were in the city found themselves marooned. When the firing died down, some took the chance and crossed the river. Others did not attempt to leave the city until Sunday morning. There were no casualties reported (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
New Year’s Eve
It was reported that New Year’s Eve was quiet in Waterford City. The City was devoid of the usual din of ship and rail whistles, sirens, bands etc. Only the church bells rang in the New Year. One young man was shot dead in the city and another was fatally wounded (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 5).
Murder of Pierce Murphy
Pierce Murphy, a mason, aged 33, of 70 Barrack Street, was shot and killed as he walked home with friends from a New Year’s Eve dance. Three men in National troop uniforms stopped and searched the deceased and his friends. After the men were released and told to go home; deceased was walking toward his home when he was shot in the back and killed. At his inquest a military officer testified that no National Army patrols were operating in the city at that time. All men were accounted for in the barracks, the jail and the railway station.
Killing of Thomas Cullen
The second man that was shot on New Year’s Eve at about 9 p.m. was Thomas Cullen, aged 33, a married, carpenter. Thomas died the 2nd of January 1923 in the County & City Infirmary from his gunshot wound. From the inquest it appears that Thomas was shot by a stray bullet while he walked with a friend on Barrack’s Hill (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 6).
The New Ross Standard reported that Thomas was a native of Irishtown, New Ross, and was employed at the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Waterford. He had only been married a short time before his death. Thomas was shot in the abdomen. At his funeral in New Ross, the New Ross Total Abstinence Band attended and played the Dead March. Thomas was a member of the Band (New Ross Standard, Fri, 12 January 1923, p. 7).
Activities near Glenmore
On the night of the 1st of January, at about 8:30 p.m., six or eight shots were fired in New Ross. The shots came from across the river and were apparently directed toward the Tholsel where national troops were quartered. A window frame on the house of Mr. Schekby, jeweller, on the Quay was pierced and his plate glass window cracked. People who were on the streets at the time quickly took shelter (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 5).
Mullinavat
Early in the New Year, National troops arrested four Irregulars named Egan, Mackey, Morrissey and Curran who were from the Mile Bush. The arrests took place in Mullinavat, and the men were armed. Egan escaped from Kilkenny Prison last year (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 6). Mullinavat was also the place where three other Irregulars were captured about the same time. They included: Richard Brennan, a leader of the Irregulars in the Kilkenny area, together with Patrick and James Walshe, of Kilmacow (Waterford News & Star, Fri 5 Jan. 1923, p. 5).
Road Blocked at Tinneranny
On the 2nd of January a trench was dug across the road leading from New Ross to Tullogher at Tinneranny. A few trees were also cut down. On that morning Father Coughlan and Father Greene, C.C. Rosbercon, were traveling by car when they came to the blockade. They filled part of the trench and removed some of the trees to allow the car to pass (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Mooncoin
A battle took place on 18th of January near Mooncoin between a column of National troops from Kilkenny and about fifty armed men. Fourteen of the armed men were captured and brought to Kilkenny. The following day in the same area a small party of armed men were fired upon. Two were found and arrested in a farmhouse. One had a wound on his hand that appeared to be a bullet wound (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 January 1923, p. 6).
Slieverue
On the morning of the 11th the Slieverue sub-post office was visited by armed men who demanded the old age pension money. Not getting the money, they threatened the postmistress and intimated that they were about to damage the premises. The only money they secured was a solitary sixpence, which they contemptuously threw back at the postmistress. Also raided was the Kilmeaden post office where stamps and cash with a value of £25 was stolen and the Kill where £12 was stolen (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 12 Jan. 1923, p. 4). [Any readers know the name of the Slieverue postmistress?]
[Update–6 Feb. 2023–Eilish Sommers immediately identified Statia Aylward as the plucky postmistress. To verify we turned to the 1911 Census and found an Aylward family in Kilmurry, Rathpatrick. Statia Aylward was 42 and the asst. postmistress. She lived with her sister Catherine Aylward who was 50 and listed as a farmer & postmistress. Their brother James Aylward, aged 48 was also in the household. Additionally two servants were present: Eliz. Henneby (aged 40) and Richard Moore (aged 60) was the farm servant.]
Executions in Kilkenny City
Two men were executed in Kilkenny on Friday morning the 5th of January. John Phelan, Thomastown, and John Murphy, of Bishopslough, Co. Kilkenny were arrested on the 13th of December. They were charged with possession of arms and ammunition. They were also charged with raiding Sheastown House, where £180 worth of property was stolen. Both were found guilty of the charges in a military tribunal and sentenced to death Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
The total number of executions by the Free State Government to the 19th of January 1923 was 29 (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 19 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
Economic Difficulties
Unpaid Rates
The Wexford County Council reported that the chaotic state of the country meant the finances of the county were “far from encouraging.” The county required £26,000 to meet commitments, yet £90,000 rates were outstanding. Amazingly knowing that produce prices were quite low, that violence, blocked roads and destroyed bridges made it difficult to sell farm produce, the County Council blamed Wexford farmers for the hole in the County finances. It claimed many farmers did not pay their annuities to the Land Commission, “availing of the condition of the country as an excuse to evade their responsibilities.” This resulted in the Government retaining grant money meant for the county until the farmers redeemed their liabilities (New Ross Standard, Fri. 12 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Labour Unrest
January 1923 was a time of labour unrest. The grain mill workers were threatening to strike because the mill owners sought to reduce the wages of the workforce. Printers in Kilkenny went on strike the 1st of January to protest against a proposed cut of 5/- a week in their wages. The cut was to take effect the 6th of January. The strike involved the three Kilkenny newspapers (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 5). The Kilkenny Moderator and the Kilkenny People were not published in January 1923.
It was also reported that Irish publishers in Dublin were operating at a loss. The only profitable book printing was for text books (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 4).
Why Beer is Dear
Toward the end of January as Civil War activities lessened the Munster Express published an interesting article entitled, “Why beer is dear.” In 1913, the British public consumed 36,000,000 barrels of beer, and the combined profits of nine of the most important breweries amounted to £2,200,000. In 1922, the consumption of beer fell to 18,000,000 barrels, but the profits of the nine breweries were £5,280,000 more than double the 1913 figure.
It was explained that while the price of beer remained high the costs of production fell enormously. One of the driving forces behind the high price of beer was the “absurd tax” that made it impossible to lower the price of beer without making a loss. However, the Brewer’s Society themselves benefited from the arrangement, so there was no lobby to alter the tax (Munster Express, Sat. 20 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Long French Roots
The French Ministry of Agriculture sought to reward families who cultivated the same land for over 100 years. This inquiry led to the discovery that one family had been in continuity of tenure for 800 years. A deed bearing the date 1074 referred to a dispute regarding a right of way, and both the families mentioned in the dispute were still present at the same location in 1922 (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 4).
New Political Party
A new political party formed named Cumann na nGaedheal by pro-treaty supporters to support the Free State Government (New Ross Standard, Fri, 12 January 1923, p. 4). This party was the forerunner of Fine Gael.
The feature photo above is the filling in of a ditch dug across a roadway to stop traffic. Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Eilish Sommers for identifying the Slieverue postmistress in January 1923 as Statia Aylward.
For December 1922 see our post of 31 December 2022.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Animal Antics
Today, we are going present some of the newspaper clippings that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected while conducting research on Glenmore. Although the clippings do not involve Glenmore people they were found in the Munster Express and undoubtedly became the topic of conversation around the parish wherever people met.
Visiting Bovines
The first clipping printed in 1910 involves a cow in Belfast. Following it the Munster Express added a Waterford bull story. Everyone who has ever had the pleasure of working with bovines knows that they are curious animals.
“Cow Walks Upstairs—On Wednesday a cow, while being driven through Chichester street, Belfast, suddenly bolted into the offices of the rent agency of Mr. Manderson. Much to the amusement of the spectators, it made its way up the steep stairway, and calmly laid down before the office door on the first landing. Quite a crowd gathered to watch the efforts to evict the intruder, and no easy task it proved. Eventually she was obliged to descend, and on reaching the street was greeted with an enthusiastic cheer.”
“It is only the other day that a bull was being led along one of the principal thoroughfares in Waterford, when he suddenly took it into his head to walk into a chemist’s shop, which he did despite the persuasions of his custodian. Having sniffed round the emporium and scrutinised the many coloured phials, Master Taurus was coaxed back without further adventure to the open world again. He was evidently not looking for medicine” (Munster Express, Sat. 4 June 1910, p. 8).
Profitable Piggies
Prior to the middle of the twentieth century nearly every Glenmore household kept a pig or two. For the people breeding pigs, many a night was spent holding vigil awaiting a sow having bonhams. For our international readers bonhams are piglets. Large litters were widely discussed. The following article from 1962 reflects that details regarding large litters were still found in mainstream newspapers.
Record for Bonhams—During the course of a programme sponsored by Messrs. Whelans of Finglass, Dublin, from Radio Eireann during the weekend it was stated that a sow with a litter of 28 bonhams (25 of which survived), was considered an Irish record. This the Munster Express disputed. Paddy Phelan, of Ballykeohan, Kilmacow, had a sow that gave birth to 31 bonhams last August. A total of 29 of the bonhams survived (Munster Express, Fri. 13 April 1962, p. 14).
Horse Takes a Horse Less Carriage
With the advent of the motor car the newspapers were full of mishaps between the new motor cars and horse drawn vehicles. The Munster Express in 1903 published the following snippet concerning a young French horse who hitched a ride in a motor car.
In Rheims, a young horse was startled by a passing motor car. In a panic he ran toward another car and leaped into the tonneau. [I’m certain that word caused head scratching amongst local readers.] Fortunately, no one was occupying the passenger compartment. However, in leaping into the vehicle the horse’s forelegs struck the driver and thew the driver into the road. The horse was now the sole passenger of the motor car, but he did not seem to like it. He made several attempts to jump down, but appeared afraid. The vehicle was traveling at a fair speed along a broad, straight road. “Finally, the car, overtaxed by the weight of its unwanted occupant, came to a halt at a bit of steep hill. The horse scrambled out…” unhurt (Munster Express, Sat. 11 July 1903, p. 7).
Novel Bullfight
It wasn’t long before farmers recognised the benefit of the new motor cars. In the newspaper clipping below a farmer had a 10 hp Pick car in 1903 which may have been able to achieve 25 to 35 miles per hour. The Pick Motor Company of Stamford, Lincolnshire was a British motor vehicle manufacturer that operated from 1899-1925.
Mr. John Phillips, a modern Essex farmer, had several farms spread across a considerable distance. He decided that a motor car was the “most practicable means of doing his day’s work in a day. He invested in a ten horse Pick car” and learned to drive it. He began to use it to make his rounds. One morning on the road near one of his farms, “he met a vicious bull…described as a record bull, having killed two men and injured others.” The bull had broken out of his enclosure “and was stalking sullenly along in search of adventure…” When John Phillips tooted his horn the bull became enraged. “Down went the great head as he charged. There was no escaping the encounter, so the farmer likewise put on speed. The two met with a crash. The bull went down. He got to his feet and returned to the attack.” This time John Phillips turned suddenly and struck the bull in the rear. The bull went down again, but when he stumbled to his feet he decided that he had had enough. He fled bellowing, the motor car pursuing him until he was driven into a corner and captured. After this encounter it was reported that all the fight was taken out of the bull thanks to “meeting with an adversary he never bargained for” (Munster Express, Sat. 11 July 1903, p. 7).
How Much?
It is not known whether the small clipping below involved the local meat factory, Clover Meats. During its long existence Clover Meats provided much needed local employment. Below is the cutting published in the Munster Express in 1939.
An old farmer took a very decrepit looking cow into the factory yard. The foreman looked at the old cow. The foreman asked the farmer, “How much do you want for the old frame.” The farmer responded, “Here, have the frame, handlebars and all for fifty bob.” Munster Express, Fri. 11 August 1939, p. 2).
[In old money a bob was 1 shilling. There were 20 shillings in a £ (pound). Thus 50 bob represents £2.5 (pounds).]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
For previous posts regarding newspaper clippings see our post of 28 July 2021 regarding 19th century Glenmore newspaper articles or our post of 3 June 2020.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh