Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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One Hundred Years Ago: August 1921
As July 1921 ended it was noted that July was one of the sunniest months the area had experienced for 80 years, and rain only fell on five days in July amounting to only one-fifth of an inch for the total rainfall for the month (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 4). The weather broke and by the 6th of August it was reported that the Barrow had overflowed its banks and hundreds of acres of meadows were under water in the Monstrevan district (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). The extreme weather also resulted in mushrooms. On the 2nd and 3rd of August “buckets of mushrooms were brought into New Ross and sold at prices that were remunerative to the pickers,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8). At the beginning of August, Patrick Fitzgerald, of Weatherstown, Glenmore suffered a fire in a big shed containing about 50 tons of hay. The fire was observed by neighbours around 10 o’clock. It was reported that Patrick Fitzgerald was not at home, and when the neighbours rushed to the fire they could not save the large rick. “The big hay barn was also very much damaged. Cars and machines in a house were also destroyed. The flames reached a house where a fat bull and a cow were tethered. The bull succeeded in freeing himself from the tether and escaping with a burned face; but the cow not being able to free herself was burned to death. It is not yet known what the amount of the damage is, but it is considerable. It is believed it was insured” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
The Truce
The truce of the 11th of July continued to hold. The local newspapers reported on some of the damage from the war. An engineer from the Kilkenny County Council inspected the burned Ferry Mountgarret bridge, outside New Ross. There were rumours that a light bridge would be erected until a new bridge could be built. It was reported that “[s]ome years ago the Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils passed a certain sum for the building of a new bridge” about a hundred yards above the old bridge (New Ross Standard, 5 Aug. 1921, p. 8).
Most of the local roads and bridges were trenched and “considerable inconvenience was caused.” By mid-August it was reported that while many were filled since the truce was called, in County Wexford many trenches remained open. “Perhaps it would be well in the public interest if they were filled” (New Ross Standard, 12 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Commandant Tom Barry, I.R.A., chief officer for Munster, Wexford and Kilkenny reported 12 further complaints of breaches of the truce by the Crown. One complaint concerned 16 men held in Waterford whose terms of sentence expired, and they were removed to Spike Island on August 1. It was also reported that Crown troops had not returned property including parts of motors in some districts causing considerable loss of trade and the mail was only being delivered every other day in Piltown (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Complaints that would previously not pass censorship began to appear in local newspapers. For example, it was reported in the Waterford Gaol that political prisoners, both tried and untried, went on a hunger strike as a protest against the quality and quantity of food supplied in the prison (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 August 1921, p. 13). Complaints were printed regarding the higher postal rates “and in some respects the service is less efficient than in war time. The abolition of the Sunday delivery…caused loss and inconvenience to almost all sections of the community both here and in Britain” (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 4).
Before the end of August articles began to appear that prisoners were being released. In New Ross Republican flags were flown from The Tholsel, the ’98 Monument, the Town Hall, St. Thomas’s Club, the workhouse, and in the Irishtown on Sunday the 21st. It was believed that the flags were put up in celebration of the release of the Dáil Éireann members who had been in prison (New Ross Standard, 23 Aug. 1921, p. 5). One of the members of Dáil Éireann released from Mountjoy Prison, was Commandant Seán MacEoin, over the objections of Dublin Castle. Commandant MacEoin issued the following statement upon his release, “Following the statement I made at my court martial, it is now clear to the Irish people that my release by the English Government is an admission on their part that I am not only a Representative of the People, but a realisation that the English recognise me as an officer of the Irish army, as stated by one at the court martial, when I made it clear that I was not guilty of the foul offence of murder. My release is an acceptance of my attitude that my act was an act of war, and it is, therefore, clear that my release is a final abandonment of any claim by the enemy that the Irish war is murder. The Irish war was war—war waged in accordance with the prevailing conditions. I am released as a representative of the people to attend a meeting of the Parliament of my nation. I should not have been chosen as a representative of the people. That situation makes it clear that all my fellow soldiers in jails and camps must be similarly recognised” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 14).
It was also reported that John Cotterell, of Dobbyn’s Mill, Thomastown, was released from Wormword Scrubbs after serving 12 months. He had been convicted by court martial of having a document in his possession relating to attacks on police barracks. Prior to his arrest he was employed as a shop assistant in Graiguenamanagh (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). Nicholas O’Toole, of Hacketstown, Co. Carlow was released from Rath Camp early in August after six months’ imprisonment. The newspaper went on to state that his sister, Miss Mary O’Toole, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law had been nominated judge of the Washington Municipal Court in the U.S. and was the first “lady lawyer” to receive such a distinction (Kilkenny People, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 7).
Perhaps the most unusual reference to imprisonment during the War of Independent was an advertisement placed in local newspapers in August 1921 by the Phelan Brothers, of George’s Street Waterford.
“Historic After-Season Event: Dress Buyer in Jail—Owing to our dress buyer, Mr. Pierce Purcell being arrested and placed in jail a short time ago, just as he had returned from Markets after having made huge purchases of dress materials and costume goods at sensationally low prices, we were deprived of one of our best and most efficient buyers consequently a large portion of his purchases remain unsold. As the season is drawing to a close, and these goods must be paid for, we have decided to clear our entire stock of seasonable dress material and costume goods this week…Phelan Bros, Waterford’s Cheapest and Fastest Growing Drapery, Tailoring and Boot Shop, George’s Street, Waterford” (Munster Express, Sat. 13 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
The New Order
August also marked the beginning of the I.R.A. openly dealing with local crime. For example, it was reported that Ferrybank inhabitants were subjected to petty burglaries and larcenies. “The matter was placed in the hand of the local I.R.A.” and on 22 August two young men were arrested who were believed to have been connected to the thefts (Munster Express, Sat. 27 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was also reported that in several districts in South Wexford notices, purporting to be from the I.R.A. were posted in pubs, to restrict the hours during which drink could be supplied to bona-fide travellers on Sundays. Many of the notices were removed by the police (Kilkenny People, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6).
Resumption of Fairs and Sporting Events
On the first of August the Waterford monthly fair was held and it was reported that it was small as there was a depression in trade due to the effect of the drought on live stock. “Three-year-olds in good condition commanded prices varying from £30 to £36; two-year-olds from £20 to £25; and yearlings from £10 to £16. There were practically no supplies of sheep” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 5 Aug. 1921, p. 13).
The following week it was reported that the New Ross Fair was a very changed scene. “The first pig fair since the imposition of the military restrictions, which were further intensified by the Departmental embargo contingent on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, took place in New Ross on Monday [the 7th]. There was a large supply of pigs and a great attendance of buyers from Waterford, and the town generally presented an animated appearance, which was absent for the past three months, when it was suggestive of a deserted village. On Tuesday the first cattle fair since the restrictions were removed took place” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 2).
In addition to fairs and markets re-opening, the first Sunday excursion train from Clonmel to Waterford for Tramore since 1917 was run on 31st of July (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Aug. 1921, p. 6). It was announced in the Waterford News that on the 14th an excursion train would run from Waterford, through Glenmore to New Ross for the inter-county hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny. It had been approximately five years since there had been a Sunday excursion on this line. “It is unnecessary to point out that owing to the trials that the country has gone through and the many restrictions, including the imposition of Martial Law that no hurling or football inter-county games have been held either in Kilkenny or Wexford for a considerable time…” The fare from Waterford on the excursion train was set at 2s. 6d. return” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 12 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
It was reported that upwards of 5,000 spectators attended the semi-final Leinster Hurling (1920) Championship match between Kilkenny and Wexford held on the 14th in New Ross. In addition to the excursion train from Waterford special trains were provided from Wexford, Enniscorthy and Kilkenny via Waterford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). It was reported that 600 people crossed on the ferry boat near the burned bridge at the Ferry Mountgarrett. They came from the Kilkenny side as far up as Inistioge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 Aug. 1921, p. 8). It was reported that the gate receipts amounted to £161 17s. (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 Aug. 1921, p. 8). There were no Glenmore men identified on the Kilkenny hurling team, however the team did have three Mooncoin players; L. Cantwell, J. Grant and J. Foskin. Kilkenny won that day with a final score of 5 goals, 1 point to Wexford 1 goal, 2 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 7). Immediately after the match the result was “despatched to Kilkenny by pigeons” brought to the match in baskets (New Ross Standard, Fri. 19 Aug. 1921, p. 5).
August 1921 began and ended with renewed hope that the truce would hold and life was returning to normal. Although the truce would hold within ten months the country would be plunged into Civil War.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in 19th Century Newspapers
Below are ten short articles from a range of newspapers across the 19th century featuring Glenmore people or events. Interestingly some newspapers until 1900 spelled Glenmore as Glanmore, and the language employed by the newspapers is often quaint.
The first article deals with the two inevitabilities of life, death and taxes. The article was found in the Dublin Morning Register (Sat. 8 March 1828, p. 3), but was originally published in the Waterford Chronical.
“Tithes—Horrible Barbarity—Attend reader to the following appalling fact—“A poor man, named Pat. Bryan, lives in Haggard, mountains of Glanmore (sic), having a poor hovel he built himself on half an acre of ground; the land about him is let for 10s. per acre; he has been ill for a long time, supported by the charities of the parish, having four children and a poor wife. A day or two ago, he was called on for the tithes—there were Rectorial Tithes, Corporation Tithes, and Vicarial Tithes. Having nothing to pay them, the Collectors took from him the only blanket he had. But it would be well if it ended here—hear the sequel—the zealous parish priest of Slieverue, the Rev. J. Fitzpatrick, and his Coadjutor, the Rev. Mr. Foras, were collecting, yesterday, a subscription to purchase a coffin and shroud—for what? To bury the corpse of the man who died on the night of the day that he was stripped of his blanket!!! Waterford Chronicle.”
[2] The next article concerns a tragic death in Glenmore Village at Christmastime in 1831 found in the Freeman’s Journal (Sat. 1 Jan. 1831, p. 3)
“MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT—A most melancholy accident happened at Glanmore (sic), Kilkenny, in the night of the 23d instant. A poor blind man, upwards of 90 years of age, having taken his lodgings for the night, at a man’s house (of the name of Aylward), and going out after the family had gone to bed, he missed his way, and in attempting to return, groped by the police barrack, turned in by Gaffney’s house, and fell into the tail race of a tuck-mill, and was found in the morning frozen to death. There was no water. He was heard by many of the villagers, and in the police barracks too, crying out for assistance. Some of the people did go out after some time, but the cries ceasing, they returned without affording relief. Waterford Chronicle.”
[3] Seventy years before the Glenmore Creamery opened, the theft of butter in Glenmore was reported in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 18 Sept. 1833, p. 2).
“On Wednesday night some evil disposed persons removed part of the thatch from a dairy belonging to Philip Aylward, of Ballinclar, in the parish of Glenmore, and robbed it of a quantity of butter.”
[4] A hunting accident reported in the Waterford Chronicle during the Famine was republished around the country. Here is what was found in the Kerry Examiner (Tues. 3 March 1846, p. 3).
“On Wednesday evening, as a fine young man named John Whelan, from Glanmore (sic), county Kilkenny, was passing over a ditch, in his own neighbourhood, a loaded gun, which he was carrying, accidently struck against some briers, went off, and lodged the contents in his heart. He expired, we learn, shortly afterwards. Waterford Chronicle.”
[5] The Irish Times (Mon. 6 Aug. 1860, p. 3) reported on a lark that preferred the Glenmore Barracks to the Rosbercon Barracks…
“A Fact for Ornithologists. —A circumstance worthy of the attention of ornithologists has been communicated to us by a trustworthy correspondent. Head-constable Harkins, of the Rosbercon Constabulary, recently was made a present of a lark by a policeman of the Glanmore (sic) station, who had kept the bird in a cage in his room. The head-constable some days after bringing the lark home, opened the cage to allow it to fly about the room, when to his great disappointment it contrived to escape through a broken window. He expected never to see the bird again, but to his no small astonishment he learned next day that it had flown directly to Glanmore (sic), a distance of five miles, and sought refuge again in the cage of its old master, where it has since remained.— Kilkenny Moderator”
[6] Prior to the Land League very few evictions were reported in local newspapers. However, the Kilkenny Journal, and Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 5 April 1865, p. 2) printed the following sentence in 1865.
“Eviction. A widow named Mullins and her ten children were evicted last Friday from her farm at Flemingstown, Glenmore, for non-payment rent, by her landlord, C. Milward, London—an absentee.”
[7] Glenmore apparently had a wholesale beer house in 1872 which is interesting as it was about this time that the parish priest prevailed upon the three publicans in the Village to shut their businesses. Glenmore remained a dry parish until the 1960’s. The following article appeared in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 7 Feb. 1872, p. 3).
“Constable Power, of Glanmore (sic), prosecuted Henry Martin,, for having persons drinking in his wholesale beer house at Ballinalammy. The defendant admitted to the court that he did sell a quart of beer to a man named Donovan. Ordered to pay a fine of 5s with 2s 6d costs.”
According to the death register, Henry Martin (c. 1813-1885) of Ballinlammy, died on the 11th of July 1885, at the age of 72. He was a fowl dealer and widower. His daughter Kate Martin was present when he died.
[8] As a rural district Glenmore was occasionally used by city dwellers to engage in illegal activities. The following article appeared in the Waterford Standard (Wed 5 June 1878, p. 2) and makes a point of stating that all people and the dogs were from Waterford.
“A DOG FIGHT INTERRUPTED—Considerable excitement was manifested in Waterford yesterday when it became known that a dog fight had been attempted during the very early hours of the morning. It has transpired that the fight was arranged between two dogs, and that it was to take place at Lucy’s Rock, near Glenmore. At a little before daylight no less than twenty-six cars, fully laden, started from Waterford for the venue of the disgraceful event; and on arriving at the spot, the two dogs had a most sanguinary fight which had lasted for thirty-five minutes when the police interfered. We trust that the police will not allow the ringleaders in such inhumane and brutal scenes to go unpunished. All the parties, dogs included, were from Waterford; and we are informed a considerable amount of money changed hands on the event.”
[9] The newspapers are full of details regarding the local petty sessions. It is interesting to see what was considered crimes in the 19th century. The following article is full of Glenmore defendants and appeared in the Waterford Standard (Wed. 12 May 1880, p. 2). The article concludes with an ironic statement that the remainder of the business conducted by the court wasn’t important.
“Rosbercon Petty Sessions—Saturday—James Kelly, Graigunakill, summoned John Hanrahan for trespass, and he was fined 1s 6d and costs. Constable John McManus, Glenmore summoned Patrick Ennett, Cappagh, for allowing an ass to wander on the public road, fined 6d and costs. Edward Murphy, Robinstown, was fined 6d and costs for a like offence. Constables McManus summoned John Hanrahan, James Cody, John Costelloe, John Fitzgerald and Philip Mackey, Weatherstown, for having unregistered dogs in their possession. Fined 1s each and ordered to take out licenses. Sub-constable Denis Cronin, Glanmore (sic), summoned Thomas Freney, Kilbride, for a like offence. Like rule. Sub-constable John Mayer, New Ross, summoned five lads for bowling on the public road. He could only identify two, who were fined 10s or 14 days’ imprisonment, the other two being discharged with a caution…The remainder of the business was unimportant.”
[10] The last article provides a glimpse of the difficulties associated with bidding for a public contract 131 years ago. It is doubtful that the public contracts of that era led to any overruns. The article appeared in the Wexford People (Wed 21 May 1890).
“THE LIMESTONE CONTRACT. In accordance with an advertisement for ten boatloads of limestones, Mr. Daniel Cody, Carrigcloney, County Kilkenny, tendered at 39s per boatload. The Commissioners did not consider this satisfactory, and on the suggestion of the Chairman, it was ordered that Mr. Cody be written to on the subject, drawing his attention to the fact that the last contract he sent the stones at 36s per load.”
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Sentencing & Execution of Patrick Donovan
Today, for our third and final blog concerning the murder of Michael Rigby in Kilbride, Glenmore in 1841 we are going to highlight the extraordinary exchange between the judge and the convicted Patrick Donovan as reported in the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 11 Aug. 1841, p. 3). The lecture by the judge, Baron Pennyfather, provides an insight into the religious convictions of the time as well as his thoughts concerning the evidence. The contempory newspaper account of the execution is provided as well as additional information regarding the victim, the defendant, some of the witnesses etc., and the land. We conclude with a short summary of Baron Pennyfather’s most famous case with Daniel O’Connell which illustrates his integrity as a trial judge.
The Sentencing
The morning following the jury returning a verdict of guilt, Patrick Donovan was returned to the court for sentencing. The clerk of the crown (Mr. Curtin) asked Patrick Donovan if he had anything to say why a sentence of death and execution should not be carried into effect according to law.
Patrick Donovan—”If I am hung tomorrow, I will come to the judge and declare to him the truth; I will rise from the ground and speak to the judge and jury, and them that I am not guilty of the murder. I am as clear as the morning dew of it; and I said the same thing to Father Gannon today.”
Baron Pennefather—”Patrick Donovan, you have made a declaration which every one who has heard your trial and attended to the evidence must be satisfied is untrue. You have declared, and may persist in declaring your innocence in this world. If you be innocent (and quite the reverse appears) that innocence will be known to the Great Judge of the World. He must know and does know the inmost secrets of the heart, which are concealed from human eyes; and if you be innocent…” According to the newspaper Donovan interjected, “Yes, I am.”
Baron Pennefather—”If you be innocent, He in another world will view you and consider you as such; but I should ill discharge my duty to you or to the public, if I were to suffer your declaration of innocence to affect the course of the law of this country. You have been convicted upon evidence which removed every doubt from the minds of the respectable jury before whom you were tried—they maturely considered the evidence, and if they had a doubt would have given you the benefit of it, according to my direction. I told them that your life depended upon the verdict of guilty, if not satisfied beyond a doubt of your criminality. They heard me patiently, and after three hours given to the consideration of the evidence, came to the conclusion that you were guilty of the act of depriving a human being of his life who never offended you—who never raised an arm against you. You sent him, without a moment’s notice—without a moment for preparation—to meet his God, and deprived him of his life by breaking his head to pieces with a heavy implement. Was not the case fully brought home to you? Was it not fully established by evidence which could not be controverted? Independently of the unhappy man [Walsh] who witnessed the deed, and who had no motive for coming forward to accuse you, but perhaps he was not altogether innocent of the murder, having been in your company not only before but after you perpetuated the deed—independently of his testimony, was it not proved by evidence which could not be questioned, that no other person could have committed the murder: No other man had enmity against the deceased, and the unfortunate man’s life [Rigby] was spared by the interposition of providence so long as to enable him to declare to his son that you were his murderer. God Almighty spared his life until he should be an instrument in bringing his assassin to justice. Can you after such evidence—can you after the man upon the verge of eternity, and about to meet his God had declared you guilty, can you persist in asserting your innocence? No man who heard the evidence can believe you. I beseech you then, as you regard the welfare of your soul, as you regard your eternal mises of happiness, because it is not too late even for you to hope for forgiveness through the mortis of our Saviour, I beseech you not to persevere in the assertion of that which is untrue, and ask to add to the guilt you have already perpetrated the denial of your offence before that God who cannot be deceived. No remission can take place in your sentence. What persecution did you receive from the unfortunate deceased? After your landlord thought fit to dispossess you from a farm for non-payment of rent and broken covenants, Rigby took those four acres, for which you deprived him of his life.
Amazingly at this point Donovan corrected the judge indicating that it was—Two acres of land.
Baron Pennefather—That is not now of importance, except so far that it shows you had less excitement to operate on your mind.
Prisoner—Don’t take heed of any backbiting.
Baron Pennefather—I have heard nothing of you but on this trial, and nothing but the evidence on which you were found guilty.
Prisoner—I was found guilty in the wrong.
Baron Pennefather—I would not do my duty if I did not warn you to prepare for your death, and it is not in my power in any manner to avert it. The learned judge then put on the black cap, and sentenced the prisoner to be hanged on Saturday, the 28th of August, and his body to be buried within the precincts of the goal. The prisoner, whose demeanor was reckless and yet not firm, was then removed from the dock, amid the crying and exclamation of his relatives.”
The newspaper account ends with the statement that Donovan subsequently confessed his guilt, but no further details are provided concerning the alleged confession. The oddly named Kilkenny Journal, & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, whose editor had been highly critical of the Kilkenny Moderator in May concerning its reporting of the arrest, also reported on the trial. One of the differences in the Journal’s account of the trial was the fact that the defence barrister strongly objected to the introduction of the dying declaration of Michael Rigby naming Paddy Donovan as his killer. It was also reported that Donovan had only married the widow and obtained the land two years before he was evicted, and the eyewitness John Walsh testified through an interpreter as he was an Irish speaker (Sat. 7 Aug. 1841, p. 3).
The Execution
Patrick Donovan was hanged in front of the Kilkenny gaol on the 28th of August 1841. “His appearance at the place of execution was contrite and edifying. He made no declaration in public, but on different occasions since conviction he admitted the justice of his sentence, and made full acknowledgment of his guilt” (Waterford Chronicle, Sat, 4 Sept. 1841, p. 8).
Although most newspapers only published a few sentences concerning the hanging the Kilkenny Journal (Wed. 1 Sept. 1841, p. 2 ) provided the following detailed account of the event.
“On Saturday, the unfortunate man, Donovan, convicted at our last Assizes of the murder crowd of persons were collected round the scene of the execution from an early hour, and the time when the unhappy man appeared on the drop, there could not have been less than 5,000 people present. A large body of Police, with two companies of the 99th regiment, were placed within the enclosure opposite the Gaol. At half-past one o’clock, the prisoner, accompanied by the Rev Messrs. Doyle and Kavanagh, who were most unremitting in their attendance upon him ever since the time when the awful sentence of death was pronounced against him, left his condemned cell, and proceeded through the corridors of the gaol towards the place of execution. He appeared to be deeply impressed with the near approach his untimely end, and from the deep contrition, and the Christian-like resignation, which evinced, he seemed to have treasured within his soul the solemn and wholesome admonitions of the excellent clergymen who supported him in his hours of tribulation. He was a man of athletic frame, and just in the prime of life; and no doubt, his death will serve as a warning to many not to allow themselves to be carried away by the impulse of their passions. His appearance was indicative of firmness throughout, and in reciting the various religious responses, & in going through his other devotional exercises, he evinced great presence of mind and deep and fervid contrition of heart. On entering the execution-room, he seemed somewhat weak, but he rallied, and after joining for some time in prayer, he gave himself over to the executioner. The necessary arrangements having been perfected, the bolt was withdrawn, and in a few minutes he was launched into eternity. He died almost instantaneously, and with scarcely a struggle. The crowd soon afterwards separated.”
Other Information
The Murder Victim
Thanks to Ann Fitzgerald and Patty Brown we know that Michael Rigby (c. 1790-1841) married Nelly Neil and the couple had at least 7 children. [1] Thomas Ribby (sic) (bapt. 24 Dec. 1809); [2] Daniel Rigby (bapt. 12 Nov. 1811); [3] Else Rigby (bapt. 19 Nov. 1813); [4] James Rigby, bapt. 9 July 1816; [5] Richard Rigby, bapt. 7 March 1820; [6] Thomas Rigby, bapt. 17 Feb. 1822; [7] Michael Rigby, bapt. 14 April 1825. At the time of the murder in May 1841, Daniel Rigby (described by Hanrahan as the eldest son) was newly married to Margaret Rigby on 22 Feb. 1841. The year after the murder James Rigby married Catherine Rigby on 19 June 1842. Thus, two Rigby brothers from Ballyveria, Glenmore married two Rigby sisters from Ballinacrea, Slieverue. A review of the Tithe Applotment Books reveals that in 1830 F. George Caulfield was the landlord of Ballyveria and Michael Ribby (sic) occupied 24 acres in the townland. At Christmas 1840 he acquired the four acres thus at the time of his death it is believed that he occupied 28 acres. Some of his children emigrated to the US and some remained in Ireland.
[Update 28 July 2021: Per Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald– Else Rigby married Kieran Dollard and they emigrated to Norfolk, Virginia in 1851. Her brother Thomas Rigby emigrated with them; her brother Michael Rigby joined them in 1852; and her brother Richard Rigby in 1855. Of the Rigby brothers who emigrated to Norfolk only Thomas Rigby married (Bridget Moloney) and died shortly thereafter in 1854].
The Fields
Danny Dowling would always advise in untangling local farming families to track the land. Following this advice, this week several local farmers noted that the two fields that were the cause of the murder are now owned by Michael Phelan, of Darbystown. It was recalled that Michael Phelan’s aunt married a Rigby, they had no family,* and she left the land to her nephew Michael Phelan. A marriage record was located for Daniel Rigby of Ballyveria and Catherine Phelan of Ballyfacey who married on 10 July 1940. Daniel Rigby (1882-1966) was born on the 23rd of December 1882 at Ballyveria, the eldest son of Michael Rigby (1842-1934?) and his wife Anastatia Roche (married 1 March 1881). Michael Rigby (1842-1934?) was baptized 4 March 1842, just 10 months after his grandfather was murdered. Michael Rigby (1842- 1934?) was the eldest son of Daniel Ribby (sic) (1811-1889) and Margaret Ribby née Rigby (c. 1811-1897).
*Correction–Dan Rigby and his wife Catherine Phelan had a son Michael Rigby who died in 1971. After Dan Rigby’s death Catherine married Michael Tobin. Catherine Rigby, Tobin née Phelan died in 1982 at the age of 74.
The Defendant
From the facts reported during the trial it was known that Patrick Donovan was 28 years of age in 1841, married a widow and occupied the two fields for two years before being evicted in June 1840. Patrick Donovan was baptized on 6 March 1813 at Ballyveria the son of William Donovan and Anastatia Elvert (Aylward). In the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books, William Donovan was the occupier of 31 acres. Another Donovan is found in the townland, John Donovan who was the occupier of 33 acres. Patrick Donovan (1813-1841) had at least five siblings: [1] Honor Donovan (bapt. 26 Aug. 1803); [2] Patrick Donovan (bapt. 26 Oct. 1807-died before 1813); [3] Catherine Donovan (bapt. 27 May 1810); [4] Michael Donovan (bapt. 26 Mar. 1816); [5] James Donovan (bapt. 15 May 1817).
Patrick Donovan (1813-1841) married Alice Cody on 26 October 1837. Unfortunately, the marriage record does not record the fathers of the couple or whether Alice was a widow. A search revealed that an Alice Cody married James Walsh on 15 Feb. 1829. Two known children were born to this marriage [1] Mary Walsh, bapt. 13 March 1832 and [2] Philip Walsh, bapt. 17 May 1834. No further baptisms could be located. The only James Walsh in the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for the area provides that a James Walsh is listed with John Colleton, Mary Colleton and Michel Colleton of Kilbride and occupying 85 acres. Patrick Donovan and his wife, Alice Cody had two known children [3] William Donovan, bapt. 10 Nov. 1837 and [4] Patrick Donovan, bapt. 7 Oct. 1841 (about five weeks after his father was executed).
A death record was located for an Alice Donovan, aged 80, who died on 6 November 1875 at Haggard, Glenmore, the widow of a farmer. William Donovan was present at her death. A death record was located for William Donovan, of Haggard, who died on 21 March 1882, of TB at the age of 44. His father-in-law Andrew Brien was present. A marriage record provides that William Donovan (farm labourer) married Anastatia Brien on 8 February 1869 at Glenmore. William’s father is listed as Patrick Donovan and Anastatia’s is Andrew Brien. William Donovan (1837-1882) and his wife had at least 8 children before his untimely death in 1882.
A baptismal record could not be found for an Alice Cody in 1795 in Ballyveria. However, a record was located for Alice Cody baptised 12 February 1804 at Milltown, Glenmore the daughter of John Cody and Catherine Neef. Later children of this couple were baptized at Ballyveria (Margaret Cody (1809) and Edmund Cody (1810). Thus, Alice Donovan née Cody (1804-1875) was 9 years older than her second husband Patrick Donovan (1813-1841), was widowed twice before the age of 40, and was 71 when she died in 1875.
Witnesses
John Walsh testified that he was in Ballyveria for 30 years. The 1830 Tithe Applotment Books reveals that John Walsh, of Ballyveria, occupied 9 acres.
Edmund Hanrahan (1802-1874) who was ploughing in a nearby field at the time of the murder was baptized on 21 September 1802 at Wetherstown (sic), the son of Michael Hanrahan and Anastatia Murphy. On 24 February 1827 Edmund Hanrahan, of Ballyfacey married Anne Denief also of Ballyfacy. The couple had at least five children, the youngest being born a week after her father testified in the murder case. [1] Alicia Hanrahan, bapt. 10 June 1828 at Kilbride; [2] Margaret Hanrahan, bapt. 6 Aug. 1831; [3] Mary Hanrahan, bapt. 11 Dec. 1833; [4] William Hanrahan, bapt. 13 Dec. 1836; and [5] Judith Hanrahan, bapt. 14 Aug. 1841. Edmund Hanrahan’s name appears in the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for Kilbride, but he is listed with a number of others and does not appear to have a separate defined number of acres. The death register reveals that an Edmund Hanrahan, a married farmer, died on 26 January 1874 at the age of 75 in Tullogher.
Richard Grace—very little could be found regarding this witness. A Richard Grace was baptized on 28 May 1793 at Ballyfacey the son of Thomas Grace and Margaret Rigby.
The Judge
Richard Pennefather (1773-1859) was the Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland. He served an impressive 38 years on the bench and only retired a few months before he died at his home in Knockeevan, County Tipperary in 1859 at the age of 86. His most famous case was the 1829 Donneraile (Co. Cork) Conspiracy Case where he was one of two presiding judges. Seventeen men were charged with conspiracy to murder local landlords, and the only evidence against them was the testimony of an approver. An approver is a person who engaged in the crime but agreed to testify for the prosecution against the other defendants. In this case, the approver alleged that the defendants met in a tent at a fair and agreed in writing to murder local landlords. After four of the men were convicted Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847), upon payment of 100 gold guineas, took on the case and saved the lives of all the defendants save one. He did this by destroying the credibility of the approver on cross examination armed with a prior inconsistent statement made by the approver before a magistrate. However, this was only possible because Baron Pennefather himself sent for the prior deposition and when he received it he gave it to O’Connell in open court. Pennefather’s actions during the Donneraile Conspiracy case were cited with approval by Justice Hardiman (1951-2016) of the Supreme Court in 2007 (O’Callaghan v. Mahon [2007] IESC 17/1).
The drawing of Baron Richard Pennefather was done by William Tinsley (1804-1885) who was a Clonmel architect. He made several court room drawings while attending the trial of William Smith O’Brien for High Treason at Clonmel, Co. Tipperary in 1848. Interestingly Tinsley immigrated to the U.S. in 1851. The drawings were found by J.D. Forbes in the possession of Tinsley’s granddaughter in Crawfordsville, Indiana, who was researching the architectural career of Tinsley. Forbes (1953) “The Tinsley Portrait Sketches of the William Smith O’Brien Trial,” 83(1) The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, p. 86-92 at p. 90).
If there are any errors, omissions or corrections please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Castles
On the 23rd of October 1964, Danny Dowling, interviewed and recorded several stories told by “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) of the Mill, Graguenakill, Glenmore. One of the stories of particular interest concerned the Carrigcloney Castle of Glenmore. The following short story is how it was recorded by Danny.
Buried Treasure at Carrigcloney Castle
“Tom Meany a farm labourer who lived in a cabin in Carrigcloney is reported to have got a large hoard of money from the above castle. It appears that a chap from the Co. Carlow who was working in Barry’s of Carrigcloney, dreamt on a number of occasions that there was a hoard of money in a certain spot at the castle. He used to ramble to Meany’s every evening night, and he told him the story of what he had dreamt.”
The two men decided to dig around the castle one night. They went to the spot in the dream and dug, and when they came to flag stone Meany pretended to see a ghost and partly fainted. Both fled and the story goes that as soon as the chap had gone home to bed Meany and his wife went back and got the money. Meany later left the district and took a brick marsh in Gracedieu where he commenced to manufacture bricks. Old Paddy the Weaver (Walsh) of Glenmore Village worked for him in the brickworks there. Meany later bought a public house in Waterford City.”
Although the story does not indicate when the treasure was discovered at the Carrigcloney Castle, a marriage record was located for Thomas Meany (c. 1801-1873) and Bridget Hynes of Carrigcloney. The couple were married on 10 February 1834 at Glenmore. A death record was also located indicating that Thomas Meany, brickmaker, of the Glen, Waterford died on the 4th of July 1873 at the age of 72. His wife Bridget Meany was present at his death.
Tom Meany was dead prior to Nicky the Miller’s birth. This story is similar to the pot of gold that was allegedly hidden in Cappa, Glenmore with a Carlow man dreaming about its location. See our 2020 post Glenmore Gold. Interestingly Barrys are still in Carrigcloney and Hoynes originally from Carrigcloney are still found in Glenmore. We were not able to find any information that linked Tom Meany to ownership of the brick yard or a pub in Waterford.
The Castle/Tower Houses of Glenmore
Generally, speaking the remnants of the building referred to as Carrigcloney Castle is more in keeping with a medieval tower house rather than a castle. A tower house was usually the fortified home of a wealthy landowner and these occupants considered their fortified residence a castle. A tower house was made of stone and usually was four or more stories in height. Originally tower houses were built by the Normans, but some Gaelic families also began to build them.
Tower Houses were built from about 1400 to 1650. One historian reckoned that there were around 2,900 castles across Ireland, and the majority of these were tower houses. “Tower houses came into existence by the early fifteenth century, when a 1429 statute allowed the counties of the Pale to grant £10 to landowners towards their construction” (Colm Donnelly (1996) “Frowning Ruins: The Tower Houses of Medieval Ireland,” 4 (1) History Ireland is available online. )
In attempting to locate information regarding the Carrigcloney Castle references to several other castles or tower houses around Glenmore were found. Most of the known castles or tower houses that were located in Glenmore were near the River Barrow. This was primarily due to the fact that the rivers were the earliest highways and inhabitants tended to settle along the rivers. Further up the River Barrow from Glenmore there is an early 19th century drawing of Castle Annaghs and it provides an example of a tower house that was still inhabited.
[1] The Carrigclooney (sic) Castle was destroyed around 1800. It and a hamlet bearing the same name are near the River Barrow, in the townland of Carrigclooney, in the old civil parish of Kilmakevoge. ( Historic Castles of Kilkenny available online.) Contrary to the information provided on the webpage, Carrigcloney Castle was not totally destroyed. One room of the castle/tower house remains standing today with an impressive vaulted ceiling.
Other Glenmore Castles/Tower Houses
The Historic Castle website list for Glenmore also includes:
[2] Aylwardstown House was built about 1609 in Aylwardstown townland. According to some of Danny’s notes it is believed that the house may be on the site of a previous tower house or have parts of a tower house incorporated into it.
[3] Rochestown Castle once stood in Rochestown townland, in the Civil Parish of Kilcolumb overlooking the River Barrow. It is described as being near the south road of the village.
[4] Forrestalstown Castle which belonged to the Forrestal family once stood in the old civil parish of Ballygurrim. The Forristal family lost their lands under Cromwell and were transplanted to Connaught. This castle was demolished also around 1800.
[5] Mullennahone “sic” Castle once stood in the townland of Mullinahone, in the old civil parish of Kilmakevoge. This castle was “levelled” around 1800. A field called the “Castle field” is described as being a few fields west of the chapel in Glenmore. This is the only known castle/tower house far removed from the River Barrow.
Impact of the 1798 Rebellion?
Nowhere was an explanation provided as to why so many of these castles/tower houses were demolished or destroyed in about 1800. We suspect that the 1798 Rebellion centred predominately in Wexford, on the east side of the River Barrow, may have caused or impacted on the decisions to demolish the Glenmore castles/tower houses. Sometimes taxes caused castles to become derelict. For example, it is said that Blarney Castle and Ross Castles had their roofs removed because of taxes. Carrigcloney Castle currently has a slate roof, but it is not known when it was installed.
To view historical monuments in the area see the National Monuments Service, the Historic Environment Viewer. The Viewer is a free digital service to facilitate access to the National Monument Sites and Monument Record databases available by clicking here. For further reading see, Tadhg O’Keefe, “Halls, ‘Hall-Houses’ and Tower-Houses in Medieval Ireland: Disentangling the Needlessly Entangled” (2013/2014) 27 The Castle Studies Group Journal p. 252 available online via academia.edu.
Special thanks to Neddy and Eileen Aylward for providing access and information on Carrigcloney Castle. The featured photo above is of Carrigcloney Castle taken in June 2021.
The photo on the left depicts a small stone face that is thought to have been found in Glenmore.
If anyone knows of any other castles or tower houses that were located in Glenmore parish, or has further information or corrections, please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: July 1921
On the 11th of July 1921 a truce was agreed that ended the Irish War of Independence. It is generally acknowledged that both sides thought that the truce would not hold, but it did. The following highlights the local events and news contained in local newspapers 100 years ago. The month of July began with the usual reports of the disruptions to transportation and communication carried out by local I.R.A. volunteers and the impact of the continued marital law that gagged the press, closed fairs, markets and creameries, restricted the use of bicycles as well as the activities of the Crown forces in searching, detaining and forcing civilians to repair damaged infrastructure.
Trenches
Just before the first of July another trench was opened in the Ballyanne road, and a notice posted by the “I.R.A.” warning people not to fill it or they would face a penalty. Further, reports were received that a trench was opened midway between New Ross and Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). In Kilkenny the road was blocked between the Rower and Graiguenamanagh with a barricade of stones built across the road (p. 5).
Bridge Destroyed
The big wooden bridge which crosses the Barrow at the Ferry Mountgarrett, about two miles from New Ross, was set on fire in late June. Petrol or paraffin was sprinkled on some of the planks on the Wexford side. The fire was noticed and was put out by an unknown individual before it did serious damage. A number of the wooden planks were blackened and partially charred (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). On the 3rd of July the bridge was set on fire again. Nearly all of the structure for about 60 feet from the Wexford side to the drawbridge was destroyed. While the bridge was on fire persons going towards it were warned frrm a distance not to attempt to put it out. It was reported that a man from County Wexford arrived at the Kilkenny side with a horse and trap. He did not wish to go back to Graiguenamanagh and round by Carlow to get home, so he whipped his horse and with the flames rising dashed across the burning bridge. He was the last person to cross the bridge; crossings thereafter were done by boat (New Ross Standard, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Commandeering of Civilians
The military continued to commandeer men. Sometimes these men were taken from their place of employment and town or city and transported to fill trenches. Mr. Gardiner, the Postmaster of Waterford, and his assistant Mr. Rafter were commandeered and taken to Glenmore to fill trenches (Waterford News and Star, 1 July 1921, p. 5). The military rounded up a number of New Ross men to fill a trench that obstructed the road between the mudhouse and the lower part of Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4) as well as making ten to twelve new men join in the saturation of the New Ross bridge with water as the weather was dry (p. 5). In Thomastown, men, their horses and carts were commandeered by Black and Tans as they brought milk to the creamery. They were compelled to cut up the trees felled on the Coolmore and Ballyduff roads and cart the wood 4 miles to Woodstock. “The men were required to work until six o’clock in the afternoon without food or refreshments” (p. 5). Some Wexford men refused to obey orders in connection with commandeered labour, were taken into custody, arrested and taken under military escort to Waterford to stand trial (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Wires Cut
No telegraph or telephone messages could be sent from New Ross on the first of July because all wires were cut and damaged in all direction from New Ross (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). It was several days before service was partially restored.
Mail Raids
On the 25th of June at 2 p.m. a party of ten armed men raided the General Post Office in Waterford city. They took £140 in cash and an undisclosed amount of stamps (Munster Express, 2 July 1921, p. 6). On the evening of the 29th of June masked armed men boarded the mail train at Aylwardstown, Glenmore and took some bags of mails from the “up train.” Male passengers were ordered out of the train onto the platform where they were searched and questioned by the armed men (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). On the 7th of July, at 1 pm twelve men raided the New Ross post office. It was reported that £1,000 was stolen in the raid, and the payment of the old age pension on Friday was cancelled because there was no money to pay the pensioners. One raider was arrested (New Ross Standard, 15 July 1921, p. 8).
Miscellaneous Activities
Whiskey consigned to Crown forces in the Thomastown district was destroyed at the Thomastown railway station. The newspaper reported that “there was some activity on the part of the forces afterward” (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5).
About a mile from Callen in Coleshall Lower, in County Kilkenny, eight men appeared at the home of Peter Kinsella at 1 a.m. on the 8th of July and dragged his daughter outside and cut off her hair for being with the Black and Tans “all the time.” At gunpoint she was then told to kneel and was forced to swear that she would give them up (New Ross Standard, Fri 15 July 1921, p. 7). The age and name of the daughter was not reported in the newspaper.
The Truce
Irish peace discussions commenced on Monday the fourth of July, and a great crowd waited for hours for news. It was reported that after the peace discussions began the list of events issued by Dublin Castle was the smallest it had been for years with only one attack on the police chronicled. The weekly summary, however, recorded 14 police killed; 20 wounded; 1 military killed, 5 wounded and 25 ambushes were recorded. Readers were reminded that the number of Irishmen interned was still increasing and was now well over 3,000 (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5). It was not until the 15th of July that a local paper reported on the truce, “All Ireland rejoiced at the intelligence the [Dublin] newspapers contained on Saturday morning that a truce to the unfortunate conditions of affairs in Ireland had been called by Mr. de Valera on the one side and the Crown authorities on the other” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 4).
It was reported that except in Lurgan, the last shot in the land was fired at 11:55 on Monday the 11th of July at police in Kingscourt. In the twelve hours immediately preceding the truce there were numerous attacks on Crown forces. In accordance with the truce all activities ceased in New Ross and districts at Noon on Monday. On Monday afternoon the military and police carried no firearms when going about. On the succeeding days the military went in processional order through the town to bath in the river, taking bath towels with them. A number of I.R.A. men came into town and moved about freely. On Monday night people moved about the streets until midnight singing patriotic songs. At the churches on Sunday the people were asked to pray for the success of the peace negotiations. Since Monday people could be seen going about on bicycles. During the week people who were afraid to come to town on business came in large numbers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 7). Within a week it was reported that the martial law restrictions were lifted on motor vehicles and bicycles. The bans on fairs and markets were removed and all creameries ordered closed by the military were allowed to re-open. The ban on the tri-colour flag was lifted in Dublin but was reported as still being in place in Cork, (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 July 1921, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the fact that press censorship continued (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 4) the military allowed the newspapers to report on a demonstration organised and held in New York city by the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic. The organisation was formed by de Valera when he previously visited the U.S. It was estimated that 25,000 people participated and it took 2 ½ hours for the procession to pass (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
The Rest of the Story
Following up on events we highlighted in previous posts, in July the following items were published:
Three men arrested at the funeral of Nicholas Mullins were released from Woodstock. The released men were John Voss, of Jerpoint; Andrew Walsh, of Kiltorcane, and John Kearns, of Coolmeen (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). James McKenna and Patrick Luttrel who were convicted in the Waterford military court on the 15th of June 1921 for levying war against the King at Garryricken, near Callan, Co. Kilkenny and being in possession of arms and ammunition, were sentenced to penal servitude for life (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 8). For further details see the blog post of 30 May 2021.
In the New Ross Standard of 15 July 1921 (p. 5) the following poem, “To the memory of Jack Hartley, Fifth Battalion I.R.A.” was published. Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins were killed in action on 18 June 1921 at the Coolbarn ambush. For further details see the blog post of 20 June 2021.
He’s gone—he’s dead, A noble hero for his country’s bled, A rebel’s grave ever was his doom, But, ah alas! He fills it all too soon. No more his stalwart form we’ll see, Until we meet him in eternity; No more that loving smile we’ll greet, Or hear those tones and accent sweet. But why lament for such as he, Whose early wish to die for thee and Eire? He’s gained and tasted sweet, And gone with glory to his Saviour’s feet. And many a youth will yet lie low, For ideals which from heaven glow, For Faith and Love and Liberty, For thee oh down trodden country. And then at least the light will speed, Which glimmers now in Eastern skies, And by that light we’ll all be free, And shout from hill and vale resound, Of Lliberty—glorious Liberty. M. C. McP.
Other Local Matters
All the local newspapers reported that unemployment was increasing across both Britain and Ireland. In July 1921 it was also reported that the old fishermen had declared that the number of salmon caught in the Barrow and Nore in that season was the largest for any season during the previous 40 to 50 years (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). Additionally, at a joint meeting of Slieverue and Glenmore branch of the transport union a harvest bonus was agreed. Men over 18 years were to receive £2 10s; men under 18 years to receive £1 10s. The harvest bonus was to be paid before 1 October, or before the threshing. Men who had been in the same employment for at least 12 weeks prior to harvest were entitled to the harvest bonus. A threshing allowance to 3s. was to be given in lieu of drink. The men at threshing would be allowed overtime pay at the rate of 1s. per hour. Casual harvest worker to be paid 7s per day, “with diet” during harvest period; this included binding corn. In consideration of the fact that Glenmore and Slieverue were largely a dairy part of the county, and it was necessary to extend milking periods to as near as possible to twelve hours between each milking, the hours during the harvest period were set at ten hours per days (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the photo of the Aylwardstown railway station. The feature photo was published in the Illustrated London News (c) Illustrated New Group on 16 July 1921, p. 4. The caption under the photo provides: “With Camera Instead of Machine Gun and Revolver–Cadets Fraternising with Crowd Outside Dublin Castle.”
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Brother Peter Haberlin, O.F.M. (1845-1934): The Last Franciscan Grey Friar
Last summer Danny Dowling asked me if I could locate information regarding Brother Haberlin, of Rochestown, Glenmore. A death announcement was located in the Munster Express (23 March 1934, p. 8) which revealed that Brother “Peter” Haberlin, a native of Rochestown, South Kilkenny, “the last of the Franciscan Grey Friars who had charge of the mission at Santa Barbara, California,” died at the age of 90. When I told Danny I found “Peter” Haberlin, Danny told me that was not the name of the man.
Marks Haberlin
After further research, Danny was indeed correct. Brother Peter Haberlin was baptized “Marks” Haberlin on 1 June 1845 at Rochestown, the son of John Haberlin and Hanora Laracy. According to Danny the Haberlins were blacksmiths and various generations of Haberlins had forges in Cat’s Rock, Aylwardstown, Rochestown, Rathinure and there was a Laracy forge in Robinstown. Danny noted that Haberlins have been in Rochestown from before the mid-eighteenth century. (Irish scholar John O’Donovan’s mother, Eleanor Haberlin hailed from Rochestown and married his father in 1788.) Danny Dowling recalled that the Laracy’s originated from Slieverue and that is where Brother Haberlin’s parents, John Haberlin, of Rochestown, Glenmore and Catherine Laracy were married on 2 November 1838.
In the pre-famine parish marriage records the fathers’ of the couple were not recorded. At least four children were born to the marriage: [1] Catherine Haberlin, bapt. 8 Jan. 1840; [2] John Haberlin, bapt. 11 March 1842; [3] Marks Haberlin, bapt. 1 June 1845 and [4] Michael Haberlin, bapt. 1849. It is not known when Brother Peter took the name Peter, but the name Marks is found in parish baptismal records going back to the 18th century. For example, a Marks Haberlin was baptized at Rochestown on 2 March 1797 the son of John Haberlin and Mary Forstal.
According to an obituary that appeared in the Santa Barbara newspaper (23 Feb. 1934) Brother Peter Haberlin joined the Franciscans at Santa Barbara, California in January 1870, and was “clothed in the grey habit in 1872.” On census records Brother Haberlin recorded that he emigrated in 1868 (1920 & 1930 Census). New York passenger lists reveal that “Mark” Haberlin entered the US on 28 October 1868 and travelled on a ship named “Nebraska.” Excerpts from various interviews that Brother Peter Haberlin provided have been posted and provide some interesting details of his early years in the US.
Brother Peter Haberlin
According to Brother Haberlin he emigrated to America to work with his brother, John, in California. Both brothers were blacksmiths. While working in his brother’s shop in San Francisco, he met two Franciscans from Cork, Ireland, who had been at the Santa Barbara Mission. Brother Haberlin had been thinking about joining the order. He said that he came from very plain people. He said that he knew he could not become a priest because he did not have sufficient education, but he thought he could serve in other ways as a brother in the order. The two Franciscans encouraged him to join the order. He stated that he was afraid that his brother would discourage him so on the first day of January 1870 he “stole away” to the Franciscan Mission at Santa Barbara.
As a novice he carried water from Mission creek in buckets dangling from a yoke on his shoulders. He also worked as a blacksmith making a lot of the wrought iron work that was used around the Mission and was still present when he died. (Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 1934, p. 23). In an interview he admitted that several times during the first few months he was tempted to leave, but old Fr. Sanchez encouraged him to stay. He was told that if he left he would regret it all the rest of his days. As an elderly man looking back Brother Haberlin stated that had he left he would have regretted it.
When Brother Haberlin entered the order, he was a mechanic and blacksmith. As he grew older, he switched to cooking and baking. At various times he also served as porter. One Saturday evening, returning from his garden to the house, he admitted to a colleague that the three hardest things about being a friar were just ahead of him, “A bath, a shave, and Confession.”
Brother Haberlin entered the Mission of Santa Barbara in 1870 and received the grey Franciscan habit in 1872. Thus, he became a member of the Apostolic College of Our Lady of Sorrows which had been founded to accept Franciscan novices to be schooled under Spanish Professors and theologians. Mexico had secularized the mission properties in 1837 with the exception of Mission Santa Barbara. Missionaries no longer came from Spain and Mexico and in time the lack of vocations and death of the aged friars threatened the Franciscan Order in California with extermination. During this period Santa Barbara Mission was isolated and independent of every other convent and province of the order. A small group kept the Santa Barbara Mission open. The Bishops in California needed clergy to care for the spiritual needs of German immigrants. They turned to the Franciscan Province of St. Louis for help. The St. Louis Franciscans had fled to St. Louis to escape the harsh anti-clerical laws of Bismark. In 1885 the remaining Spanish and German friars merged as the Province of the Sacred Heart. The Santa Barbara Mission was finally attached to the Sacred Heart Province of St. Louis in 1885 (Oakland Tribune, 19 May 1965, p. 78).
Brother Haberlin spent over 30 years at the Mission of Santa Barbara. He died at the Mission San Luis Rey (Oceanside, Calif.) on 23 February 1934. He was 88 years of age when he died and had been a friar for 62 years. Brother Haberlin was the last surviving member of the small group that kept the Mission open prior to the merger and his death generated newspaper coverage dubbing him the last “grey friar.”
Brother Haberlin’s Family
Brother Haberlin’s father, John Haberlin died at the age of 87 in Rochestown on 16 November 1887. His widow Honoria Haberlin née Laracy was present when he died. Five months later, Hanoria Haberlin née Laracy died on 6 April 1888 at Graiguenakill, Glenmore at the age of 85. Patrick Walsh was listed as being present when she died, however no relationship was provided. It is not known whether Patrick Walsh was a nephew or son-in-law etc.
It is believed that John Haberlan (1842-1906) went to California and sent for his brother Mark Haberlin. In the 1870 San Francisco census John was 28 years of age and married to Margaret and they had an 8 month old daughter, Anorah Haberlan. Margaret Haberlan née Burke (1845-1899) was a native of County Clare. John and Margaret Haberlan went on to have at least 7 children (5 girls and two boys) including: [1] Anorah F. Gilmartin née Haberlan (1869-1948); [2] Rose Marie Lyons née Haberlan (1871-1959); [3] John Haberlan, Jr. (c. 1873); [4] George Thomas Haberlan (1875-1968); [5] Katty Haberlan (c. 1878); [6] Margaret Haberlan (c. 1880); [7] Alice May Haberlan (1881-1935). (St. Mary’s Cemetery markers).
At some point John Haberlan gave up blacksmithing, became a shipwright for the Harbor Commissioners and moved his family 13 miles from San Francisco to Berkley, Calif. His wife Margaret Theresa Haberlan née Burke died on 11 November 1899. In April 1906 the San Francisco earthquake and resulting fire destroyed 80% of the city and over 3,000 people were killed.
John Haberlan (1842-1906) survived the earthquake but drowned on 11 December 1906 while walking home in a storm. He was living at the family home at 1410 Fifth Street, West Berkley, with his youngest daughter Alice. When he didn’t come home she raised the alarm and his body was not found until the following morning. He had just received a month’s wages and it was thought initially that he met foul play, yet over sixty dollars and a silver watch were found on his person. One newspaper reported that he was drinking heavily, but the others reported that in the heavy rain he fell striking his head and drowned in the storm water which filled the street gutter. John Haberlan was survived by one son and three daughters (Berkley Daily Gazette, 11 Dec. 1906, p. 1 and 12 Dec. 1906, p. 12).
These children of the Great Famine era grew up and emigrated to California, shortly after the American Civil War and began new lives far from Rochestown. They not only witnessed but were involved in California history from the Missions to the San Francisco earthquake.
For anyone attempting to unravel the Haberlin lines, in undated correspondence, Sister Margaret Mary Laughrey, of the Incarnate Word Convent, of San Antonio, Texas noted that her great-grandfather Patrick Haberlin was a brother to John Haberlin (father of Bros. Peter Haberlin). Her grandfather was Thomas Haberlin who married Bridget Murphy and they had 5 girls and 1 boy. One of the daughters of Thomas and Bridget Haberlin, Kate Haberlin, married on 29 August 1905 at Glenmore, Terence Fluskey age 27 of Mile Bush, Rosbercon. The bride was from Forristalstown, Glenmore.
The featured photo above is the chapel of the Santa Barbara Mission taken by Kevin Coles (c) 2009. The photo of Brother Haberlin is courtesy of Eman Bonnic.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh