Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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Mid-Twentieth Century Glenmore: Muintir na Tíre, Féil na Scoil & Youth Club [Updated]
Last week we featured a recording made by John Ennett, of Cappagh, of music and dancing in the Glen Bar and an article entitled “Glenmore Concerts: 1900-1950.” Earlier this week, Jackie Walsh, of Glenmore Memories, forwarded two lovely photos of Glenmore children participating in musical events in the 1960’s. If you have not visited Jackie’s facebook page, Glenmore Memories, it is well worth a visit as it contains old photos of Glenmore and Glenmore people. In attempting to dig out information regarding the events depicted in the two photos, we came across some interesting information regarding the Glenmore groups, Muintir na Tíre, Féil na Scoil and the Youth Club. We hope that readers may be able to provide and share further information concerning the groups. The names of the children in the two photos are at the bottom of the post.
Glenmore Muintir na Tíre
John M. Canon Hayes launched Muintir na Tíre (Country People) in Tipperary in late 1937 (Muintir na Tíre webpage, “History of Muintir na Tíre”). It is not known when the Glenmore Guild was established, but we were able to locate an advertisement for a “Grand Variety Concert,” organised by the Glenmore Guild, held in late January 1957 in Kirwan’s Hall, Glenmore. The Dramatic Class “attached to the Guild” performed two one-act plays by Seamus Burke, “Love and Acid Drops,” and “Barney’s Bull.” Additionally, the advertisement state that there were “the usual variety entertainment songs, dancing, sketches etc.” (Munster Express, Fri. 18 Jan. 1957, p. 8).
Updated [Photo of the Glenmore Dramatic Society 1957 added 19 April 2022]
A newspaper article covering the Annual Meeting in 1958 listed the officers and council of the Glenmore Guild. At the meeting the following Glenmore residents were elected officers: President, Very Rev. W. Brennan, P.P.; Vice-President, Rev. J. Murphy, C.C.; Chairman, Mr. Thomas Cuddihy; Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. Forristal; Secretary, Mr. P. Fitzgerald; Asst. Sec. Miss M. Dunphy; Treasurer, Garda Tim Devane; Parish Council (Farmers) T. Aylward; R. Cody; R. Duggan; John Cotterel; M. Heffernan; Ed O’Connor; (Workers) P. Fitzgerald, J. McBride; M. McDonald; E. Kennedy; L. Ryan; P. O’Connor (Business & Professional) T. Colbert, N.T.; Garda T. Devane, K. Cuddihy; R. Hanrahan, Miss M. Dunphy; E. Walsh; (Ladies’ Section) Mrs. P. Irish; Misses M. Byrne; N. Fitzgerald; H. Kennedy; N. O’Shea; Alice Walsh; (Youth Section) M. Barron; L. Griffin; E. Haberlin; Misses E. Hartley; Betty Fitzgerald and Joan Freyne. (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1958, p. l0). William “Billy” Forristal, Rochestown, Glenmore became the Chairman of the County Executive of Muintir na Tíre (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Dec. 1963, p. 130).
In the 1958 edition the Munster Express published an advertisement for the April 1958 performances of the Glenmore Guild’s Dramatic Class. Two variety concerts were being performed in aid of the Glenmore Supporters’ Club in the Glenmore Hall. The programme included “two laughable sketches entitled ‘Overcrowded Hours,’ by Harry O’Donovan and ‘The Man Who Knows All,’ by Eric Walsh; a one-act play, ‘After Closing Hours,’ by P.C. Byrne; songs; a Ceili Band; and step dancing by a troupe of Irish dancers.” It was stated that there was a complete change of the programme between the Friday and Sunday performances (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1958, p. l0).
In late February 1959, the Glenmore Dramatic Society (sic) in Kirwan’s Hall provided another variety concert. They performed a comedy, “A Damsel from Dublin.” Thomas Colbert, N.T. of Ballyfacey School, was the compere and musical accompaniments were rendered by Martin Connolly, Glenmore, on the piano accordion. At a draw held at the Sunday performance cash prizes were won by Mrs. L. Ryan, Milltown, Glenmore £1, and Pat Grace, Scartamore, (sic) Glenmore 10/ (Munster Express, Fri. 6 March 1959, p. 5). Admission was 2/6 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1959, p. 11). In March the Glenmore Dramatic Class performed the programme at Clara and Mullinavat (Munster Express, Fri. 20 March 1959, p. 10).
In 1960, the Glenmore Guild’s Dramatic Class performed “Peg Monaghan’s Mistake,” by Seamus Burke in the Parochial Hall (old Glenmore Boys’ School). The programme also included sketches, dances and a chorus. Admission was 2/6 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 March 1960, p. 11). The following year they performed “The Jailbird” a three-act comedy by George Shields with variety entertainment at the Cushingstown Hall (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 March 1961, p. 15) and at Mullinavat (Munster Express, Fri. 10 March 1961, p. 6). The group again travelled to Mullinavat in 1963 to perform a three-act play “Autumn Fire.” The performers included: Michael McDonald; Dermot Murray, N.T. ; Paddy Mackey; Edward Haberlin; Miss M. Shanahan, N.T.; Elsie Power; Mary Roche and Joan Freyne (Munster Express, Fri. 29 March 1963, p. 8).
In addition to its Dramatic Class, the Glenmore Guild members in the 1960’s also engaged in Public Speaking, Question Time, and Talent Contents. In 1960, “the first public speaking contest under the auspices of Kilkenny County Executive of Muintir na Tíre was held in the Old School, Mullinavat, to select a team of four to represent the county against Meath in the Provincial final.” Members from Mullinavat, Piltown, Gowran and Glenmore Guilds competed. Glenmore had only one competitor, Molly Dunphy, who was also the only female in the contest. The team selected included: Walter Walsh, Piltown, who spoke on hire purchase; Martin Kennedy, Gowran, who spoke on bees; Tom Carroll, Gowran, who spoke regarding bovine T.B. and Molly Dunphy, Glenmore, who spoke on the aims and objects of Muintir na Tíre (Munster Express, Fri. 18 March 1960, p.12).
In 1961, the Glenmore Guild team won the County Kilkenny Question Time and went on to take the Leinster title. At the All-Ireland Final at Cavan held in August the Glenmore Team was narrowly defeated. The following year Gowran beat Glenmore in a “very close and exciting contest” for the County title (Munster Express, Fri. 13 April 1962, p. 14). Unfortunately, the local newspapers did not include the names of the Glenmore Question Time team members.
[Update of 21 April 2022–Thankfully, Martin Forristal sent the members of the Glenmore All Ireland Question Time team; Neddie O’ Connor (Graiguenakill); Billy Forristal (Rochestown); Tom Ryan (Miltown) and Maudie Dunphy (Ballyverneen)].
Glenmore on 15 March 1968 hosted the County Talent Contest for the southern region (Munster Express, Fri. 8 March 1968, p. 8), and the following year Joan Long (step dancing) and Thomas Kirwan (accordion) represented Glenmore Muintir na Tíre at the county final in Thomastown (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 28 March 1969, p. 2).
Féile na Scoil (Festival of Schools)
The Mayor of Waterford, J. Griffin, in 1962, opened Féile na Scoil (Festival of Schools) at the Waterford Theatre Royal. The festival was held over a week in March, and attracted entries from Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary. Over 600 children presented over 108 items during the ten performances. Sixty schools from the South-East took part (Waterford News & Star, Tuesday 13 March 1962, p. 5). By 1964, in Waterford a total of 6,000 performers from infant grades to leaving cert students were involved in the Féile na Scoil (Waterford News and Star, Fr. 21 Feb. 1964, p. 5).
The Glenmore children, in addition to performing at the festival in the Waterford Theatre Royal also performed at Muintir na Tíre variety concerts. “The children of Glenmore National School” performed their Féile na Scoil piece at the Slieverue Parochial Hall (Munster Express, Fri. 12 April 1963, p.13) and in Glenmore the Glenmore and Ballyfacey Féil na Scoil children performed (Munster Express, Fri. 20 March 1964, p. 9).
At the end of the decade 75 children were confirmed at St. James Church, Glenmore comprised of 58 Glenmore National School students and 17 students from Ballyfacey National School. Teachers listed in the article included: Robert Walsh; Michael Lynch; Gabriel Penkert; Mrs. Thompson (Mary Shanahan); Mrs. McDonald and Miss Breda Mcaney (Munster Express, Fri. 28 March 1969, p. 15).
The Glenmore Youth Club
The Glenmore Youth Club is believed to have formed about 1968, and Glenmore Garda Eddie Cunningham was one of the founders of the group. The Tramps Ball was held annually, every January, in the then Parochial Hall (old Glenmore Boys’ School). The following description of the annual event was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 10 Jan. 1969, p. 12) of the second Annual Tramps Ball. “Old and young turned out in most amusing attire and made great use of masks, wigs and wearing apparel which would put the TV Eurovision fashion final in the shade. Music was provided by Tom Kirwan, Martin Connolly and Michael Murphy, Glenmore and Tom Grant, Kilmacow…”
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for providing the photos of the Glenmore groups.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Féile Na Scoil Photo. Glenmore N.S. at The Theatre Royal Waterford 1963/64
Joan Long (Carrigcloney) (in front with her back to the camera) Front Row Seated (left to right) Tom Kirwan, Scartnamore; Maura Doolin (Ballyverneen); Eddie Murphy (Ballyverneen); Margaret Manning (Carrigcloney); Michael McDonald (RIP), Gaulestown; Helen Power. Back Middle Group: Margaret Mernagh (Jamestown), Anne Walsh (Busherstown), Grace Kelly (Aylwardstown), Margaret Boland (Ballycroney). Back Group on Right: Anna Hoynes (Ballybrahee)?, Margaret Hoynes (Ballybrahee)?, Mary Kehoe?
The Dying Rebel, Glenmore N.S. Choir Photo (1966)
The featured photo at the top of the post was taken when the Glenmore N.S. won choir in 1966 at the Waterford Theatre Royal singing “The Dying Rebel” at the 50th Anniversary of 1916. For the Wolf Tone’s rendition (with lyrics) click here.
Left Group (back row)– ?, Eileen Roche (Busherstown), Margaret Manning (Carrigcloney); (middle row) Mary Fitzgerald (Aylwardstown), Mairita Furlong (the Village), Marion Walsh (Ballyhobuck), (front row) Joan Manning (Carrigcloney), Eileen Murphy (Ballybrahee), Margaret Hoynes (Ballybrahee).
Middle Group (back row): John O’ Dwyer (Ballyverneen), Sean Ryan (Kilivory), Peter Walsh (Rathinure), Tom Kirwan (third row from front) Sean Roche (Village), Danny Murphy (Ballybrahee), Larry Kirwan (Robinstown), Ger Hoynes (Ballybrahee) (second row from front) ?, ? Roche, Robert Hennessy (Graiguenakill), Eddie Manning (Carrigcloney) (front row) John Hogan (Village) & John Devane (Village).
Right Group: (back row) ?, ?, Anna Hoynes (Ballybrahee) (middle row) Anne Walsh, Joan Long (Carrigcloney), Marion Walsh (Cappagh) (front row) Myra Ryan (the Village), Nell Barry (Kilivory), Noleen Kennedy (Ballyverneen).
Not photographed was Francis Ennett, of Cappagh, who portrayed the dying rebel by staggering onto the stage holding an Irish tri-colour and collapsing. The teacher who trained the student choir was Mrs. Byrne. Mrs. Byrne replaced Mrs. Murphy when she retired.
Glenmore Concerts: 1900-1950
In previous blog posts we highlighted various Glenmore entertainment activities including: the Glenmore Mummers , The Amazing Dr. Powell and his traveling show,, the Irish music and dancing held at Lucy’s Rock, and the Glenmore cinema operated by Bill Walsh. Earlier this week we posted a video clip recorded by John Ennett, a native of Cappagh, Glenmore who recorded local musicians and dancers circa 1980 playing and dancing in the Glen Bar. We received several requests for further information concerning local music. A search of local newspapers provided some interesting information concerning concerts held in Glenmore and various Glenmore musical and dramatic groups. Today, we are going to feature the Glenmore concerts held in the first half of the Twentieth Century.
The Munster Express in 1903 reported via its local correspondent that on Saturday the 20th of September, Mr. and Mrs. Cussens gave a “splendid entertainment in the schoolroom. They provided the “most enjoyable entertainment ever presented in Glenmore.” Although the weather looked threatening a bright sky appeared at six and a crowded house at seven. “The programmed was a wisely selected one for a country audience, and received well merited appreciation. Mr. Cassens always managed to set the house in roars of laughter which sometimes waxed to excitement, yet the evening might have lacked completion without the appearance of our local artists, Messrs Peter Brophy and McManus. ‘Peter’ ever happy in the ‘Harbour Lights,’ took the house by storm, while Mr. McManus rendered his Irish songs with truly exquisite pathos” (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Sept. 1903, p. 8). It is believed that Peter Brophy was a native of Ballinaraha, Glenmore and later lived in Buckstown, Mullinavat.
In 1911 a concert was held to buy new school desks for the Robinstown Boys’ National School on Easter Sunday evening. The “indefatigable pastor,” Rev. T. Phelan, P.P. suggested the fund raiser. It was reported in the newspaper article that Father Phelan had already made several improvements to the school buildings of the parish. Father Phelan was also responsible for renovations to St. James at this time. For further details concerning the Church renovations click here.
Relying upon the teachers of the boys’ and girls’ schools a programme was developed including a “comic” skit performed by the Glenmore schoolboys regarding two poor house inmates. Artistes included: Miss Marian Spratt, Feis Gold Medalist, Rosbercon; Miss Harris, pianist, Waterford; Mr. M. Murray, Waterford’s leading tenor and Mr. Tommy Power, Waterford’s famous comedian. “The house was perhaps overcrowded and many who travelled far were unable to get admission. So many were unable to procure seats that it has been decided to repeat the concert next Sunday. There will be new attractions to the programme, and the artistes from Waterford and Rosbercon will again contribute.”
“The concert opened with a beautiful rendering of ‘Let Erin Remember,’ in two-part harmony, by a mixed choir of boys and girls of the Glenmore Schools. This choir, in opening the second part of the programme, also sang with much tase and soul stirring Irish anthem ‘Go Mairigh ar nGaedig Slan,’ and rendered equally well the national anthem ‘A Nation Once More,’ at the close. The school girls gave a beautiful exhibition of Irish dancing, which evinced very careful training, and evoked rounds of applause. A most humorous play, descriptive of the petty jealousies and quarrelsome tendencies of two workhouse inmates was admirably staged by the school boys. The boys grasped to perfection the wit and humour of parts, and succeeded in throwing their audience into roars of laughter. These schoolboys also gave an exquisite rendering, in two party harmony of that quaintly pathetic melody, ‘Home Sweet Home,’ beautifully intermingling with the different performances of the school children were the songs of the artistes … Miss Marian Spratt, Rosbercon, who possesses a voice remarkable for truth and sweetness in a pretty Irish song, and ‘Sweet Vale of Avoca.’ Miss Harris who presided at the piano, in addition to her excellent accompaniments, gave very artistic piano selections … Mr. Murray, in the ‘Fairy Boy’ and ‘She is Far from the Land,’ held the audience spell bound with a beautifully clear and cultured tenor voice. For encores he sang ‘Kitty of Coleraine,’ and ‘Believe me if all These Endearing Young Charms.’ For a rendition of “Kitty of Coleraine” by Bing Crosby click here and “Believe me…” by John McCormack, click here.
“Mr. Tommy Power was comicality personified. His songs possessing the richest vein of humour never even approached vulgarity, and were appreciated beyond measure. His friends in Glenmore would like to have a few more hours with Mr. Power. Mr. W. Curran, though looking fatigued from the strain of stage management did justice to his comic “Walkers Walked Away.”
“At the close, Rev. T. Phelan, P.P. delivered a short address in which he thanked the artistes from Waterford and Rosbercon who had contributed, the teachers Miss F. McGrath, Miss A. Curran and Mrs. H. Curran who trained the children with such success, and the people who had appreciated their efforts by attending” (Waterford News & Star, 21 April 1911, p. 6).
No Glenmore concerts could be located in the local newspapers in the turbulent 1920’s. The Waterford News & Star reported in 1931 that “for the first time in many years a concert and dramatic entertainment will be held at Glenmore by the re-organised Dramatic Class with Waterford artistes contributing to the concert programme” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 June 1931, p. 5).
In June 1933 the New Ross Standard advertised a “Grand Concert and Dramatic Entertainment” was to be held at Glenmore on June 29th and July 2nd. A programme of Irish Music was to be performed by Liam Walsh, of Waterford, the Champion Irish Piper. Comedy was to be provided by Box and Cox, of Slieverue and comic sketches by P. Delaney and John Kehoe, of New Ross. Musical selections were to be provided by the Glenmore String Band with choruses and dances. “Doors open 7.30 (old time). Admission 2/- and 1/-. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 June 1933, p. 10).
A few years later the Munster Express reported on a “Talkie and Variety Show” that visited Glenmore. “Patrick Walsh is at present showing to full houses in Ballyfacey with his Irish-American Talkiedrome. He will visit Tullogher on Sunday and Glenmore on Friday next. This show is meeting with great success, as part of the country, and apart from the entertainment provided, are a novelty, while the variety items are first-class, making this show the best and most up-to-date touring at present” (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Oct. 1937, p. 8).
In the 1940’s concerts became a favoured fundraiser for groups such as the Glenmore GAA, Glenmore Ploughing Association and the Glenmore LDF. The Glenmore venue of choice was Lizzie J.K.’s dance hall built according to Danny Dowling in 1937 behind the old Gaffney shop premises. The dance hall was the subject of a public health report to the Kilkenny County Council. The report stated that an inspection of the building for structural and fire safety had been performed and concluded that it was “all right.” The report noted that one fire extinguisher was installed and also a stirrup pump. The report concluded that these should be replaced by a pump with a long hose and fire buckets (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Sept. 1945, p. 6). The Munster Express in its column, “Echoes from South Kilkenny” stated that concerts and variety entertainment had become a very popular pastime in the southern area (Munster Express, Fri. 16 March 1945, p. 3).
On St. Patrick’s Day 1940 the Glenmore Ploughing Association held a Ceilidhe in Walsh’s Hall (Munster Express, Fri. 15 March 1940, p. 8), and the following year the Glenmore Football club held a Ceilidhe and Old Time Waltzes in Walsh’s. The advertised admission fee was £1 (Munster Express, Fri. 21 Nov. 1941, p. 5).
The LDF in 1946 also held a fundraiser consisting of a “grand concert and dramatic entertainment” in Walsh’s Hall. The Slieverue Dramatic Class presented a two-act comedy entitled “When a Man Marries.” The programme also included “concert items by leading Waterford and district singers and dancers (Munster Express, Fri. 15 Feb. 1946, p. 5). Unfortunately, none of the district singers and dancers were identified. The comedy theme regarding marital status also appeared in the “Grand Concert” held in 1947 to aid the Glenmore Football club on the 1st and 2nd of November. The Mullinavat Dramatic Society presented a 3 act comedy entitled “Troubled Bachelors” along with a “full variety programme (Munster Express, Fr. 31 Oct. 1947, p. 5).
The Glenmore Hurling and Football Club held a “Grand Concert” in 1949. The “Rathinure Players” were the advertised featured group with the admission advertised as £2 (Munster Express, Fri. 8 April 1949, p. 5). The following year the Glenmore PTAA (Pioneer Total Abstinence Association) held a “Grand concert and variety entertainment” as a fundraiser in Kirwan’s Hall. The Poulpeasty Dramatic Society presented a three-act comedy “Poor Jimmy” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Dec. 1950, p. 7). From this advertisement it appears the Lizzie J.K. Walsh family had sold the hall.
Although local musicians played at local cross road dances and in homes across the parish these activities were not reported in local newspapers. If readers have any information concerning Glenmore musicians and singers we would like to record and share this information.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
John Ennett’s, “Dancing at Sean Walsh’s”
For generations, the local pub has been a venue for meeting and catching up, whether it be GAA, politics, work matters and sometimes for a musical get together. Glenmore for a long period of time after 1870 had the distinction of being the only parish in Ireland that was dry and had no pub, at least not a legal one. This changed when our own local pub, The Glen Bar was opened in 1963 by Sean Walsh, and he continued to trade there until 1982, when Michael Barron took ownership of the premises. We are very fortunate to be given a piece of movie gold, by John Ennett, originally from Cappagh, who now resides in England. John recorded this piece in Sean Walsh`s bar around 1980. It`s guaranteed to bring back memories.
Below are a list of local people that appear in the short clip. If you recognise anyone else please describe what they are doing or where they are seated, their name and where they lived or if you have any corrections to the list and information below please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
If you would like to read about the pre-1870 pubs and local shebeen’s recorded by Danny Dowling see our blog post of 30 March 2020 by clicking here.
Special thanks to John Ennett for sharing this wonderful clip.
Pat Dowling
Musicians
James “Jim B.” Walsh, of the Village (18 Sept. 1918-21 March 1988)
Watt Murphy, of Mullinahone, was married to Kitty Walsh.
Jimmy Long (playing the spoons) of Carrigcloney (17 July 1913-11 Oct. 2003)
Nicky Larrissy (playing the banjo) of Slieverue (son-in-law of Jimmy & Alice Long)
Dancers
Paddy Phelan of Ballyhobuck (28 Nov. 1934-28 Dec. 1992)
Alice Long (15 July 1924-7 Nov. 1997)
Ritchie Forristal, son of Bob the Miller, and nephew of Nicky the Miller, of Graiguenakill (21 Jan. 1923- ).
Patrons
Mr. O’Donnell the schoolteacher’s husband seated on right, leaning on his knees (gray hair)
Mikey Phelan, of Mullinahone, standing a the bar with hat, coat and gray hair.
John Ryan, of the Village, far left near Watt Murphy wearing a sports coat.
Nicky Martin, of Upper Ballinlammy, next to Jimmy Long, (wearing a flat cap, tweed coat, jumper, open collar white shirt)
Johnny Sinnott and his wife, of Weatherstown, seated to the right of Jim B (Johnny wearing a flat cap)
“Mick Mack” McDonald?, of Scartnamore, dark hair & sideburns to the left of Watt Murphy (wearing a tie & lit a cigarette)
Jack Dollard, of Ballyfacey, seated on right (hat, white shirt and tie).
Special thanks to John Hennessey for identifying some of the patrons.
From Danny’s Files: The Search for Missing Friends, Part II
Last month we highlighted six entries that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) found in a set of books entitled The Search for Missing Friends: Irish Immigrant Advertisements Placed in the Boston Pilot. These books were published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society of Boston. Today, we are going to highlight several more Glenmore related entries. The original missing person advertisements are in italics and where possible we have listed the baptismal date and parents of the missing emigrant. Readers can access Part I published 13 February 2022 by clicking on the date. Most of the missing emigrants below are from the 1850’s and appear to have fled the famine and lost contact with their family as they attempted to seek opportunities in the US on the eve of the Civil War.
(1) James Roche, native of Ballyfascie (sic), Glenmore, the following advertisement was published in the Boston Pilot on 6 March 1852 (Vol. II, p. 186)
James Roche, native of Ballyfascie, Parish of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who sailed from Waterford 1st of May 1849 & landed in Quebec. When last heard from was in Peru, Clinton County, N.Y. Any information from him will thankfully received by William Gaul, North Brookfield, Worcester County, MS.
We located two possible James Roche’s from Ballyfacey. (A) James Roche (bapt. 13 July 1834) son of James Roche and Ellen Costelloe of Ballyfacy, Glenmore, and (B) James Roche (bapt. 23 Sept. 1826) son of Richard Roche and Catherine Mullins of Ballyfacey, Glenmore.
While searching for records on the above James Roche we came across some other Glenmore Roches missing in the US in the 1850’s.
(2) Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, advertisment in the Boston Pilot was published 8 Feb. 1851 (vol. II, p. 16).
Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny who sailed for Quebec in June, 1849, and not heard from since. Any information of him will be thankfully received by his brother, James Roach, care of James Coughlan, South Groton, Ms.
Although we could not locate anything on Martin Roach in the US we did find a James Roach (aged 25) in the 1855 Massachusetts State Census, for Newton, Middlesex, Mass. This James Roach was living with the Lord family who were merchants.
(3) James & Martin Roach, of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, advertisment published in the Boston Pilot on 11 Oct. 1851 (Vol. II, p. 126)
James & Martin Roach, from parish Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. The first left Ireland 1st May, 1849, in the Lavina for Quebec; the other left 29th June 1849, in the Alert, for Quebec. Any information respecting them will be thankfully received by their brother Patrick Roach, Peoria, Ill.
We did not locate a Martin Roche from Ballyfacey, but we did locate one from Ballyhobuck (bapt. 10 April 1829). This Martin Roche was the son of John Roche and his wife, Catherine Corcoran.
In the 1870 Census for Peoria, Illinois we found a Patrick Roach (aged 33) employed as a miner and married to Johana (aged 31). The couple have a 3 year old daughter Anna. In the 1880 Peoria Census, Patrick is working as a labourer, provides his age as 45 and Johana’s age is also recorded as 45. Their daughter’s name is recorded as Anna Stacey (aged 13), but it is more likely Annastatia.
(4) Martin Malone, native of Glenmore, this advertisment was published in the Boston Pilot on 4 Dec. 1858 (Vol. IV, p. 319)
Martin Malone, a native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, when last heard from was in Albany, New York, 8 years ago. His wife Ellen (maiden name Morrissey) is anxious to hear from him, care of M.O. Grady, Canandaigua, New York.
An Irish wedding record was found for Martin Malone and Ellen Morrissey. The couple were married on 6 November 1847 in Rosbercon. Martin Malone’s address at the time of the wedding was listed as Kilbrahan. A daughter, Ellen Malone was baptized on 30 March 1849 at Rosbercon. According to the advertisment Martin emigrated in 1850 and his wife appears to have followed in 1858.
(5) Margaret Murphy (bapt. 1834) of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the advertisement below was published in the Boston Pilot on 1 Aug. 1855 (Vol. V, p. 218)
Margaret Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Parish of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who sailed from Ireland in 1855, and landed in Quebec, Canada. Any information respecting her will be thankfully received by writing to her brother Nicholas Murphy, Waverly, Morgan County, Illinois.
Danny Dowling’s mother was a Murphy from Ballinlammy. Nicholas and Margaret Murphy were his mother’s aunt and uncle. Per the Glenmore church records Margaret Murphy was bapt. 13 July 1834. For further information on Nicholas Murphy (1836-1917) see our page “Finding Glenmore Needles in US Haystacks” by clicking here.
(6) Thomas Powers of Glenmore, this advertisment appeared in the Boston Pilot on 13 January 1855 (Vol. III, p. 241)
Thomas Powers, of parish Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, who came to this country 3 ½ yrs ago, and when last heard from was in Ohio. Information will be received by his sisters Bridget and Mary, care of Aaron D. Williams, Roxburs (sic), Mass.
There were four Thomas Powers baptized in Glenmore from 1826 to 1834. (A) Thomas Power of Knockbrack, Glenmore bapt. 14 April 1826, son of Maurice Power and Mary Henneberry. (B) Thomas Power, of Glenmore bapt. 3 Dec. 1832 son of Richard Power and Mary Moore. (C) Thomas Power, of Ballanguile (Gaulstown), Glenmore, bapt. 12 Oct. 1834, son of Edmund Power and Joney Aylward. (d) Thomas Power, of Ballanguile (Gaulstown), Glenmore, Bapt. 1 Aug. 1834, son of James Power and Ellen Shea
However, the only Thomas Power who had sisters named Mary and Bridget was the son of Edmund Power and Joney Power née Aylward. Mary Power (bapt. 23 Oct. 1838) and Bridget Power (bapt. 3 Nov. 1836).
Census records revealed that Aaron D. Williams was an industrialist in Roxbury, Mass. It is likely that either Mary or Bridget were working for him in 1855 when the advertisment was placed in the paper.
(7) Margaret Norris, James & Patrick Hartley, of Glenmore, the following advertisment was published on 23 January 1869 in the Boston Pilot (Vol. 6, 1866-1870, p. 430)
Margaret Norris, a native of the parish of Meelinharaga,(sic) Co. Kilkenny, Ireland; when last heard from, in 1861, was in New Orleans, La. Also of James Hartley and Patrick Hartley, of the parish of Glenmore, county Kilkenny. Any information will be gratefully received by their cousin, Alice McSweeny (maiden name Alice Norris), daughter of Michael Norris and Mary Hartley. Direct to William Moore, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Margaret Norris (bapt. 28 May 1835) at Gurteen was the daughter of Michael Norris and Mary Hartly. Her parents were married in Glenmore on 5 Jan. 1822. Her mother, Mary Hartly, was from Weatherstown, Glenmore. James Hartley and another Mary Hartly were witnesses at the wedding.
While looking for information on the above we found the following:
(8) James, John and Margaret Norris, of Gilcugh (sic), this advertisment was published 12 January 1861 in the Boston Pilot (Vol. 2, p. 4)
James, John and Margaret Norris, children of Michael and Mary Norris, of Gilcugh (co. Kilkenny), supposed to be in New Orleans. Information of them or either of them, will be thankfully received by their sister, Alice Norris. Direct to Bryan McSweeny, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
We located Alice McSweeney née Norris (b. 1835) in the 1860 US Census. She was married to Bryan McSweeney (aged 35) and the couple had two daughters Mary (aged 5) and Ellen (aged 3). The family was living in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Both Bryan and Alice were born in Ireland. Alice could not read or write and Bryan was working as a labourer. The 1870 Census provides that Alice was still living in Cape Girardeau and gave her age as 34. With her daughter Ella (age 13) who cannot read or write; John (aged 4) and Alice (aged 1). Apparently, Bryan died before the 1870 census and Alice McSweeney married John Dade on 20 January 1873 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Cape Girardeau is on the Mississippi River about 100 miles south of St. Louis. During the Civil War Missouri was a Confederate State and directly across the river Illinois was a Union State. In 1863 a small battle took place at Cape Girardeau. Alice McSweeney née Norris was living in Cape Girardeau before, during and after the Civil War.
(9) Patrick Doyle, native of Glenmore, the following advertisement was published in the Boston Pilot on 7 January 1865 (Vol. V., p. 436)
Patrick Doyle, native of Glenmore, county Kilkenny, who left Ireland for America about two years ago. His friend in America has neither seen or heard from him since his arrival, save a rumor that he was seen in the city of Newport about ten days ago. Any information respecting him will be thankfully received by his sister, Mrs. Mary Powers (maiden name Doyle). Direct to her No. 13 Lincoln street, Boston, Mass.
We found a Patrick Doyle (bapt. 30 Jan. 1836) the son of Thomas Doyle and Bridget Brian of Ballyveria, Glenmore. The couple had a daughter Mary Doyle (bapt. 17 Sept. 1840) and the address given at the time of her birth was Darbystown, Rosbercon.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1851). Irish emigrants leaving home — the priest’s blessing Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-37f2-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 .
The photo of the riverboat “Glenmore” (c, 1904) was taken on the Ohio River at Tell, Indiana. (The original photo is in the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Ohio).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Danny Dowling (1927-2021): One Year Anniversary
It is difficult to believe that St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) will mark the first anniversary of our founder Danny’s death. Much over the past year remained the same, yet at the same time much has changed. The last year witnessed the continued scourge of COVID and over the last few weeks the invasion of Ukraine has brought death and misery to millions. Locally, Danny’s death left a void with more than one person expressing that they wished they had spoken to him just one more time. Luckily, Danny left a huge corpus of information that he collected over 7 decades regarding Glenmore and the South-East of Ireland. Although Danny is no longer at the helm, providing advice, information and sending messages to readers, thanks to his son Pat, most posts continue to draw upon the interviews Danny recorded or the voluminous files he kept on the research he conducted in newspapers and libraries.
A memorial Mass for Danny will be held in St. James’ Church, Glenmore at 11 a.m. on March 17th. The website for Glenmore Parish is https://www.glenmoreparish.ie/.
For anyone who did not have the pleasure of meeting Danny, the blog in addition to the posts contains static pages where family information is found as well as Irish words and field names Danny recorded are listed. Below is a list of selected information available online regarding the man and his work:
[1] Introducing Glenmore Historian: Danny Dowling, our first post. https://glenmore-history.com/introducing-the-glenmore-historian-danny-dowling/
[2] Happy Birthday Danny: Danny’s 93rd Birthday published 15 Feb. 2020. https://glenmore-history.com/happy-birthday-danny/
[3] First Anniversary of Blog: Message from Danny, published 3 Nov. 2020. https://glenmore-history.com/first-anniversary/
[4] Some Interesting Events in 1927: The Year Danny Dowling Was Born, published 12 Feb. 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/some-interesting-events-in-1927/
[5] The Sad Farewell, published on 20 March 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/the-sad-farewell/
[6] Month’s Mind, published 17 April 2021, containing several photos of Danny,
https://glenmore-history.com/months-mind/
[7] Danny Dowling’s Appearance in Land and Sea: Talamn An Eisc, posted on 22 October 2021. https://glenmore-history.com/some-interesting-events-in-1927/
[8] The Waterford Library has put Danny Dowling’s (1998) Waterford Streets Past and Present on line. https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/library/local-history-books.htm
[9] Old Waterford Society: Decies–this journal is available on line via the Waterford Library and contains several articles written by Danny including:
- Daniel Dowling (1976) “Eviction of James Holden” (vol. 2, p. 24);
- Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” (vol. 24, p. 14);
- Daniel Dowling (1983) “New Geneva,” (vol. 29, p. 32);
- Daniel Dowling (1986) “Piltown: Kildalton and its Past,” (vol. 32, p. 28);
- Dan Dowling (1990) “Tory, Rapparee & Highwaymen: Social Unrest in the 17th & 18th Century,” (vol. 43, p. 25).
Decies is available on-line at https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/library/ejournals/decies.htm .
Lastly, after Glenmore History volunteers recorded the inscription on headstones in the cemetery adjacent to St. James’ Church in Glenmore Village during the summer of 2020, Danny reviewed the information and remarked on how his friend Nicky “the Miller” and his father died on the 17th and the 18th of March. Danny then noticed that there were a number of Glenmore men who died on St. Patrick’s Day. A computer search of all the inscriptions revealed that Danny was correct. Up to 2021, five inscriptions revealed that five men died on St. Patrick’s Day; no women were found with this date of death.
Michael Ribby died 17th March 1891, aged 84.
Patrick “the Miller” Forristal, died 17th March 1931, aged 82.
Nicholas “the Miller” Forristal, died 18 March 1979, aged 91.
Laurence Patrick Forristal, died 17th March 1994, aged 77.
John Downey, died 17th March 1995, interred in England.
Peter Kennedy, died 17th March 1962, aged 83.
Daniel “Danny” Dowling, died 17th March 2021, aged 94.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: March 1922
As we have reported over the past few months, the fledgling country began to address some of the issues and problems associated with the administration of the Free State. However, the Treaty and No Treaty politics continued to dominate the local newspapers. In March 1922, just a few months before the outbreak of the Civil War, various leaders were concerned about the possibility of a civil war. At the beginning of March, the New Ross Standard reported that Rev. Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe, whose patriotism “is so widely known,” stated, “unless we are careful we may find ourselves one day without either Treaty or Republic…” (Fri. 3 March 1922, p. 3). Today, we are going to focus again on articles that appeared in local newspapers.
Establishment of Civil Guardians
Early in the month it was announced that the arrangements for establishing a new police force were almost complete. The police were being trained at the R.D.S. grounds, Ballsbridge, under the control of Mr. P. Brennan, brother of Commandant General Brennan, of Clare. The new force was said to be strictly non-political and its duties were confined to checking the activities of criminals (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 4).
The new police were called Civil Guardians, and the public were informed that they would operate with 1,000 members outside of Dublin. The DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) continued in Dublin “for the present.” The members of the Civil Guardians were drawn from four classes: (a) The army and Irish Republican police; (b) men who were dismissed or who resigned from the RIC and DMP from conscientious or patriotic motives; (c) the civil population and (d) the RIC and DMP, after disbandment. Applications from Class B were verified according to RIC and DMP records; applications from classes B & D were also to be verified by IRA officers. The pay of a constable started at 70s per week, and a sergeant at 100s per week. The qualifications of members included: height, at least 5 feet 9 inches; mean chest measurement 36 inches; strong and active; unmarried; between the ages of 19 and 27 years, and of good appearance and physique. The public were notified that if first class men filled the available posts no men from classes (b), (c) or (d) would be hired. Candidates were examined in reading, writing from dictation, spelling and arithmetic. They were required to write a short composition on simple subject, either as a letter or statement. At Ballsbridge a party of RIC handed over 26 Ford cars, 4 Crossley tenders, and 2 Crossley touring cars to the new Civic Guards (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 March 1922, p. 9).
The new army members were being sent to Beggar’s Bush Barracks to undergo a short period of training and to be properly uniformed and equipped. “A number of armoured cars purchased from the departing British were turned over … to the authorities in Beggar’s Bush, as well as another fleet of Crossley tenders and motor transports” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 5). Thus while the RIC turned over its vehicles the British army sold unwanted vehicles to the Irish Free State.
Crime
Crime continued to plague the country. One murder that was widely reported was that of Max Green, the 57 year old, son-in-law of the late John Redmond. Max Green was murdered in St. Stephen’s Green on the 3rd of March by armed robbers fleeing and shooting at their pursuers. The alleged killers were 19-year-old, Laurence Dowling, and 23-year-old, James O’Neill. They were being chased by the IRP and DMP after a holdup in Molesworth street where they took £50. Some newspapers reported that “by sad coincidence Monday was the fourth anniversary of the death of John Redmond” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 March 1922, p. 8). [For more information concerning Redmond see our post of 13 July 2021].
More locally the National Bank , on the Quay, New Ross was robbed on the 15th of March. “A motor car conveying the robbers drove along the Quay, and suddenly pulled up outside the bank premises, remaining in gear.” One of the robbers was dressed as a woman, complete with a woman’s hat and veil and two other men wore masks across the lower part of their faces when they entered the bank and held up the staff. The sum stolen was thought to be about a thousand or twelve hundred pounds. The robbery lasted about 15 minutes. All five of the staff members were ordered to put up their hands as were some customers who were also in the bank. “The manager, Mr. O’Brien, on being asked for the keys of the safe, refused, and promptly made a dash for the door and got out, rushed up the street and gave the alarm.” In their hurried search of the Bank the robbers missed some silver and notes. “The robbers went through their work with coolness.” One of the robbers when leaving dropped a bundle of notes and left the money. The car drove quickly away and out the Greywell Road toward Ferrymountgarrett bridge. Word was sent to the IRA, and shortly afterwards they went in pursuit of the motor car armed with rifles. The IRA caught up with the motor car at Drummond on the borders of South Carlow. They found the driver tied up, but the robbers had disappeared (New Ross Standard, NRS, Fri. 17 March 1922, p. 5).
Luckily, we have further information regarding the robbery because a reporter for the Waterford News & Star, went to the premises of Sheridan Motors, on the Quay, Waterford and interviewed Michael Carolan. The car used in the robbery was owned by Mr. Sheridan, the Quay, and his employee Michael Carolan, was the driver of the vehicle used in the robbery. “At the point of the revolver, he was reluctantly compelled to drive the robbbers.” He reported that he left Waterford driving Capt. Brennan, of the IRA Headquarters Staff, who went to New Ross shortly after 10 a.m. to inspect the Ross barracks. On the way back to Waterford about a mile outside of Ross they were accosted by three men, one was dressed as a woman. Armed the three men ordered Michael Carolan to drive back to Ross and they put Capt. Brennan on the side of the road. Michael Carolan was ordered to stop at the National Bank on the Quay and two of the robbers entered the building with the man dressed as a woman leading the way. The third man stood guard outside. After ten minutes the three men rushed to the car and ordered Carolan to drive toward Graiguenamanagh. About a mile out of town he was order to stop and his hands were tied and he was blindfolded. Carolan was put in the back of the car and driven for about 15 minutes then the robbers abandoned the car and driver (Thur. 16 March 1922, p. 5).
Glenmore in the News
On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, the remains of John E. Hartley were removed from the grave in the Republican plot and re-interred in the family burial ground in Glenmore cemetery. “Following his death at the Coolbawn fight on last June the remains were brought to Glenmore encased in a magnificent coffin and interred in the Republican plot…In the same fight and on the same day his cousin, Nick Mullins, fell, and he sleeps in Thomastown…For some time back Mr. Hartley wished that the remains of his son be disinterred and laid to rest in the family grave, and the Volunteers of Glenmore decided to gratify the wish of the respected parents…From different parts of South Kilkenny Volunteers came in their numbers to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of one whom they not alone respected, but loved in life.”
A description of the event is reported. “The village was specially decorated for the occasion. Arches of evergreens, from which were suspended tricolour mourning flags, spanned the streets… A touching feature of the proceedings was the presence of over half a dozen of the young men who fought with poor Jack in the flying column and in the Coolbawn fight. To them was fittingly assigned the honour of taking the coffin from the grave to the new one, and firing the volleys over the grave when the ceremony was over. The procession formed up about three o’clock, headed by the New Ross O’Hanrahan pipers’ band, and the order was: The band, next a body of the Glenmore IRA (C) Company, carrying a large tricolour mourning banner bearing the inscription in Gaelic, “Shaun E. Hartley, who died for God and Ireland;” next the staff of the 6th Batt. IRA, including his comrades in that column; next the Glenmore C Company, IRA, followed by the Listerlin B. Company, Tullogher A Company, Graiguenamanagh Company, the Glenmore Cumann na mBan, carrying a large mourning flag; the Mile Bush Fianna, each boy being dressed in green jackets and hats, and in charge of their captain, Mr. Murphy. The generality of the IRA carried arms on their shoulders.” The newspaper then listed a number of officers including Lt. James Roche and Lt. Edward Hartley of the Glenmore Company. “The rear of the procession was brought up by the general public. It proceeded up to the Waterford road, down by the Creamery, on to the graveyard, covering a distance of close on half a mile, the band playing appropriate airs, which gave a solemn and touching tone to the demonstration” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 March 1922, p. 7). For further information on John Hartley and Nicholas Mullins see our blog post of 20 June 2021.
An unnamed Glenmore woman featured in the New Ross Standard on Friday the 24th of March 1922 (p. 8) reflecting difficulties faced by the poor in attempting to access services after the demise of the workhouse system. It also highlights the hostile attitudes unmarried mothers faced. During the monthly meeting of the County Board of Health, Patrick Kavanagh, house steward of the County Home, reported the admission of an unnamed Glenmore woman. She had applied for admission to the New Ross workhouse, but was refused. She went to the County Home but did not have a ticket. She was a maternity patient in a very fragile state and walked from New Ross to Thomastown. Dr. Mitchell questioned how such people are to get to Thomastown? He requested that an ambulance be sent. He noted that she was kicked out of her home and had no place to go except the County Home. The Mayor of Kilkenny City suggested that she could travel on the bus to Kilkenny, and then take the train to Thomastown. He did not address how the costs would be met. A Mr. Gibbons opined that at some future time a system of penitentiaries must be established for these cases. Ultimately the Board consisting of men ordered that the resident medical officer at the Central hospital and the secretary draft out a list of instruction to Receiving Officers with reference to the use of the ambulances.
Lastly, two death notices for Glenmore residents or former residents were reported in the local newspapers. The New Ross Standard reported that Mrs. Bridget O’Doherty of Moulerstown Glenmore died on 5 March 1922 (Fri. 17 March 1922, p. 1). According to the death register Bridget Doherty (sic) was a 71 year old widow. Her son Michael was present at her death. The Munster Express reported the death of Mrs. Anastatia Fluskey née Maher, wife of Mr. Terence Fluskey, of St. Ignatius street, Waterford, on the 11th of March. The deceased was interred in Glenmore in the family burial place (Sat. 18 March 1922, p. 6). According to the death register the deceased was 42 years of age and her cause of death was thought to be due to influenza. For further information regarding the Fluskey family of Glenmore see our post of 28 May 2020.
The advertisement for Sheraton’s was published in the Waterford News & Star (16 March 1922). The featured photo above was taken 19 June 2021 at the laying of the wreath on the grave of John Hartley, the Commemmoration Ceremony, Glenmore Cemetery.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh