Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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A Glenmore Landlord: Dr. Mackesy [Updated]
We are teaming up with Glenmore Tidy Towns to develop small informational signs for historical buildings/areas around Glenmore parish. One of the buildings identified for a sign is the coach house. From Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks we know that the coach house was owned by the landlord of Graiguenakill and Cappagh, Dr. Mackesy who lived at 22 Lady Lane, Waterford. However, there were several Dr, Mackesy’s who were related and resided on Lady Lane in Waterford.
We know that 13 houses were built on both sides of the Village Stream by “Dr. Mackesy” circa 1855. It is not known when the coach house was constructed. We could find no contemporary newspaper articles regarding the building of the houses in Glenmore Village. However, we did find an interesting letter to the editor in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 June 1854, p. 4) concerning some political issue or appointment at that time. “We find Dr. Mackesy and his party going to Glenmore, on a shocking wet day that would drown an alligator…not of course to vote against Dr. Denn, but to vote for a highly accomplished and qualified young gentleman.” Unfortunately the first name of the doctor is not printed.
Going back to Griffith’s Valuation (1833) it was recorded that George Toie/Ivie(?) of Waterford was the landlord of Cappagh. Sir John Gahan was the landlord of Graiguenakill. Thus, “Dr. Mackesy” obtained the townlands sometime after Griffith’s Valuation.
The First Mackesy Landlord of Glenmore
There are two Dr. Mackesy’s who were alive in the 1850’s and could have been the first of a line of Dr. Mackesy’s who were landlords in Glenmore. The two men were father and son. The father was Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869). The son was Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackessy (1815-1866).
Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869)
Thomas Lewis Mackesy was born in Waterford to an apothecary [chemist/pharmacist]. It is believed that his father was William Mackesy who had his shop at 4 the Mall. Thomas apprenticed under his father, then in 1809 successfully took the London College of Surgeons. Thomas trained as an assistant surgeon before joining the Royal Artillery. In some accounts of his life it is alleged that he was at the Battle of Waterloo. After approximately 7 years he returned to Waterford and became the surgeon for the Fanning Hospital and Leper Hospital. He married his first wife Mary Poulter (1777–1818) in 1813. She was 13 years older than Thomas.
Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy became interested in civic life. In 1826 he became a Freeman of Waterford City, served as a Poor Law Guardian, a Magistrate and became Mayor in 1841/2. Although other Presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland were from outside Dublin, Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy, in 1862, was the first President who practiced outside of Dublin. For further information concerning his military and medical work that includes his photo see, Journal of Medical Biography (2025) “Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869): Eminent Surgeon of Waterford.” In 2018, the Waterford Civic Trust placed a blue plaque at 22 Lady Lane to honour him. For further details see, The Irish Times .
Landlord of Dunkitt
Dunkitt is located about 12 kilometres southwest of Glenmore near Grannagh on the old Waterford to Limerick railway line. Dr. T.L. Mackesy was one of a group of three who owned 79 acres. The other two owners was Joseph Poulter Budd, Esq. [assumed to be nephew] and Rev. William Mackesy [his son].
In September 1850 newspapers across the country reported that “Dr. T. L. Mackesy has, within the last few days, given all his tenants on his Dunkitt estate clear receipts up to the 1st of May last, wiping off all arrears, some of his tenants owing upwards of sixty pounds—Waterford Mail (Cork Examiner, Fri. 27 Sept. 1850, p. 2).
Then in 1855, T.L. Mackesy, Esq., Joseph Poulter Budd, Esq. and the Rev. William Mackesy as owners of a 79 acre estate in Dunkitt petitioned for partition. The solicitor for the Mackesy’s was Henry V. Mackesy, Esq. of 126 Grafton St. Dublin and Waterford (Waterford Mail, Sat. 6 Oct. 1855, p. 7). Henry Vincent Mackesy (c. 1826–1889) was from Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy’s second marriage.
In 1864 the Dublin Evening Mail. (Mon. 4 Jan. 1864, p. 2) reported that His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant presented the Rev. William P. Mackesy, A.M. , eldest son of Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy, of Waterford, to the living of Dunkitt, in the diocese of Ossory, vacated by the death of the late Rev. Patrick Rennie with a value of £450 per annum. The Waterford Mirror (Wed. 6 Jan. 1864, p. 2) gave further details. The Reverand’s father, Alderman Mackesy, recently held the honourable position of President of the College of Surgeons, and his brother, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy, inherited the extensive estates of the Poulter family. Rev. Mackesy’s “appointment to this incumbency must be most gratifying to the family generally.”
Notwithstanding Dr. T.L. Mackesy’s long list of achievements and ownership of lands in Dunkitt there is nothing found in his obituary or other sources to suggest that he was a landlord in Glenmore.
Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackesy (1815-1866)
Joseph was the eldest child of T.L. Mackesy and his first wife Mary Poulter. We did find a published link to Joseph who was also a doctor holding land in Glenmore. For example, in 1863 it was reported in the Dublin Daily Express identified that Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy, Esq. was the landlord of the Ballyverneen or Pink Rock weir. For further details see our post of 18 July 2020. It is not clear if Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackesy acquired lands in Glenmore as part of the Poulter family estates he inherited or whether some of the land was part of his wife’s dowry or more likely an inheritance.
In 1843, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy married Frances Rosetta Ivie (1816-1891), the daughter of George Ivie, Esq. a Waterford solicitor. The couple had four children, two sons and two daughters. Both daughters died in April 1860 (Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1860, p. 3). Below is Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy’s obituary which provides details concerning his injury, medical care and death.
Death of Joseph P. Mackesy, Esq, M.D. (The Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1866, p. 3).
Seldom has it fallen to our lot as journalists to record an event so unexpected, and producing in its train feelings of deeper regret and commiseration, then the demise of Dr. Joseph Poulter, Mackesy, son of Dr. T.L. Mackesy, J.P., which sad event occurred on Tuesday afternoon, whilst he was yet unmissed by any in that community, to almost every one of who he was well known by his personal appearance, kind disposition, and affable demeanour. The few facts which immediately preceded the termination of his useful earthly career, at the age of 51 years, when he appeared only entering late the zenith of his profession, are as follow:–On Monday night, the lamented gentleman having paid his customary evening visit to his father, retired to rest apparently in his usual good health, but had been only one hour asleep when he awoke with a suffusion about the chest, and otherwise feeling so ill that he deemed it advisable to send for his father, who immediately applied the usual remedies in such cases.
The deceased gentleman continued in almost the same state until about ten o’clock on the fatal morning, at which hour a consultation and an examination took place between Dr. W. Carroll and Dr. T.L. Mackesy, when for the first time it became apparent that the deceased was suffering from disease of the heart, but no immediate termination of life was anticipated. He was visited by his uncle, Dr. John Mackesy, and other medical gentlemen, and continued in an unaltered state sitting at a fire in his bedroom until about half past two o’clock, when no one being present but Mrs. J.P. Mackesy, and whilst making some trifling exertion about his toilette, he suddenly dropped upon the hearth rug.
Dr. Carroll, who resides next door, and happened to be within at the moment, was almost instantly upon the spot, but found medical aid of no avail. He applied water to his face, which had the effect of producing the last sigh from his apparently motionless body, and thus the spirit fled from earth.
The immediate cause of Dr. Mackesy’s decease is ascertained to have been disease of the heart which, however, never developed itself until this fatal attack, owing possibly to the even tenor of his life, but was probably Accelerated by unusual exertion which he subjected himself to on the previous day in rendering assistance with his coachman to a horse which had fallen under his carriage, whilst paying a visit to the country. A post mortem examination on yesterday by several medical gentlemen of this city, revealed the facts that the heart of deceased was of usual size but of a very fatty nature, and that death had been caused, by the rupture of the left ventricle, and coating of which, to the extent of about one square inch, had been tenuated (sic) to the finest degree.
When the sad intelligence was first announced, It seemed to be credited by few only, but when the dread reality could no longer be doubted, it cast a gloom over the entire city and brought forth many a tear from the eyes of the poor who knew him well, as their benefactor in the hour of sickness, when either in his capacity as physician and surgeon to that valuable institution, the Leper Hospital, or as the private practitioner, he freely administered to them medical advice; or if the case were beyond his reach, the courteous, kind-hearted manner in which he reluctantly set aside the suppliant, was more calculated to create a feeling of love and veneration than relentlessness or ill will. As a physician and surgeon of about 26 years’ practice in this neighbourhood, he had been successful, and enjoyed a very large practice, from which he derived a handsome income.
To the whole population, it may be said, he was personally known, and by his affability and urbanity he was esteemed and respected by all who enjoyed his acquaintance, and who now deplore his sad and unexpected demise. Dr. Mackesy, apart from his large income from his practice, was possessed of considerable landed property and securities, and died a wealthy man.
He was married to a daughter of the late George Ivey, Esq. a well known solicitor in this city, by whom he had four children—two sons and two daughter—of whom the sons alone survive. One of these young gentlemen has nearly completed his studies for the medical profession, but has, by the will of Providence, been thus bereft of the sure guide in the paths of the profession, in which his father attained so high a standard. [His two daughters died in April 1860, Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1860, p. 3.]
Much genuine sympathy is felt for his afflicted family, as also his respected father, in their sad bereavement, which again should bring to the mind of all alike—the rich, the poor, the sick man and the robust constitution—the wisdom of remembering the words of solemn caution contained in Holy Writ, that “in the midst of life we are in death.” The remains of deceased will be conveyed from Lady Lane at ten o’clock tomorrow (Saturday) morning, for interment in the family burial ground at Dunkitt, County Kilkenny.
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The citation for the Journal of Medical Biography article on Dr. T.L. Mackesy, see, van Riel-Jameson R, Cooper M., “Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790–1869): Eminent Surgeon of Waterford”, Journal of Medical Biography (2025) doi:10.1177/09677720241311205.
Special thanks to Veronica who forwarded information on the Dr. T.L. Mackesy as well as other Mackesy’s in 2021 and provided updates in 2025..
The featured photo above is the blue plaque placed on 22 Lady Lane, Waterford commemorating Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy (1790-1869). A portrait of his son, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy is hanging in the Waterford City and County Offices, and we hope to add a photo of the painting to this post.
[Updated 15 April 2025–the bust of Dr. J.P. Mackesy was originally in the entrance to the Infirmary and now is found in University Hospital Waterford.]
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) a Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1 March 1804-12 Feb. 1868) a native of Rochestown, Glenmore. Patrick was the younger brother of John Dollard (1801-1888) who was featured last week as the man who named Glenmore, Wisconsin. Fr. Patrick Dollard built St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada and became its first rector. The painting to the left of Fr. Dollard hangs in the Cathedral’s Rectory and was graciously sent to us by Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s.
Unfortunately, the Arch-Diocese of Kingston closed its archives in 2023 as a new building to house the collection was planned. When we queried when the archives will re-open we were informed that the new building has not yet commenced. Undoubtedly at some point in the future we will update this post and share whatever other information we can find regarding Fr. Dollard. Until then we have relied heavily on newspaper searches that revealed a detailed obituary and interesting description of his funeral.
Early Life
According to his obituary, Fr. Dollard was born in Glaumore (sic) County Kilkenny, Ireland, in March 1804. Over the years Glenmore has been spelled in a variety ways, but Glaumore is most unusual. Fr. Dollard was educated at an ecclesiastical seminary in Waterford. We believe that Fr. Dollard probably attended St. John’s Seminary in Waterford City. St. John’s was established c. 1807 for the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. Per Danny’s notes St. John’s was established from the merger of a classical school and an academy. St. John’s was originally on Manor Hill and in 1868 relocated to John’s Hill. In the 1830’s, St. John’s established a mission to Newfoundland, Canada.
Emigration to Canada
After “finishing his collegiate course” Fr. Dollard sailed to Canada. “having from an early period of his life devoted himself to the Church, began and completed his theological studies at Montreal.” Fr. Dollard was ordained by Bishop Lartique, on the Feast of the Ascension, 1836. Fr. Dollard was appointed to the Diocese of Kingston. Montreal is about 800 miles southwest of Newfoundland. Kingston is about 280 miles further west and almost half way between Montreal and Toronto (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1). It is not clear why Fr. Dollard went further west than Newfoundland if he was sent by the seminary in Waterford.
At Kingston Fr. Dollard cared for his brother John’s young family when they emigrated around 1850. John Dollard left his wife and children in Kingston while he crossed into the United States and travelled west to Wisconsin where he obtained land and cleared the wilderness to establish a farm. See our post of 17 February 2025 for further details of John Dollard’s trip and life in Wisconsin.
Although a great distance separated the Dollard brothers, we were able to ascertain that they kept in contact. In fact, Fr. Dollard, in September 1863 was the Vicar General of Kingston. It was reported that he was in Brown County, Wisconsin “visiting relatives.” He celebrated the last Mass at St. Ignatius. A week or so later the church was destroyed by fire. See, Mary Kay & Dan Milquet (2006) De Pere of Yesteryear, vol. 1, Zander Press, Brillion (Wisconsin) p. 43.
Priest of the People
According to contemporary newspaper accounts Fr. Dollard often rolled up his sleeves to help care for the sick and dying particularly during epidemics that swept through Canada in the 19th century. “He was instrumental in caring for typhus victims when they arrived after the Famine,” (Angela Gambin, email of 18 Feb. 2025). Fr. Dollard served in Kingston for 32 years and is credited with building St. Mary’s Cathedral , being its first rector, becoming the Vicar General and working tirelessly on improving education.
The Kingston Whig-Standard (Mon. 10 Feb. 1868, p. 3) reported two days before his death, “We regret to say that the Very Revd. Mr. Dollard, so long Vicar General and Parish Priest of Kingston, is very ill, and may probably be no more when this sees the eye of the reader. Father Dollard is truly a good man.” For a concise biography of Fr. Patrick Dollard see, B. J. Price, “DOLLARD, PATRICK,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed February 15, 2025. .
The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published the following editorial after his death.
Kingston has lost in the death of Very Rev. Father Dollard one of the best men that ever lived in it. For a long time (upwards of thirty years) he was Parish Priest, and in the performance of that arduous duty gained the love and good will of all his many Parishioners. On two occasions he administered the affairs of the Diocese when the See became vacant, to the great satisfaction of his superiors, and it was at the time greatly regretted that he had not been promoted to the vacancy. He was in every sense of the word an exemplary priest.
However, it is from his obituary that we found the most details regarding Fr. Dollard’s work. The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published a lengthy detailed obituary that was republished in the Weekly Register & Catholic Standard (London) (Sat. 14 March 1868, p. 5). The obituary is below and the sub-headings are not part of the original obituary.
Obituary of the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868)
It is with profound regret we record the death of the Very Rev. P. Dollard, V.G., at the Bishop’s residence, after a severe illness of four weeks. He was a truly good and pious Priest, and dies deeply lamented by all classes of the community.
Zealous Priest
How many varied acts of kindness he performed in that long period are known only to those for whom they were done. During the trying scenes of the Rebellion—the epidemics of cholera and typhus fever, he laboured unceasingly for the benefit of the people, and nobly performed the part of zealous priest, a loyal subject, and a good and charitable citizen. In alluding to his conduct during the dread ship fever, Mr. Maguire, in his recent book on “The Irish in America,” pays the following tribute to him:
‘Father Dollard, an Irish Clergyman, had to bear the chief share of the priestly duty, and from the first moment that the fever broke out, until the earth was beaten down on top of the grave mound, he was in the midst of the danger.’
Building of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
He was entrusted with the entire management of the building of the Cathedral, a task, it is needless to say, he performed with singular prudence and economy. He also laboured strenuously in the struggle of Roman Catholics of Upper Canada for their educational rights begun in 1841. He took the liveliest interest in the working of the schools, and for the last year and several years previous was chairman of the Catholic School Board.
By the amiability of his character, but above all, by the purity of his life, he won the esteem and admiration of his fellow citizens of all denominations—and they particularly the old ones, will regret the departure from amongst them of one, whoa after so long a residence, leaves a record unsullied by the slightest suspicion. To almost every Catholic family he was endeared by the strongest ties, and they regarded him with most filial affection. His loss leaves a large blank in their ranks, and one very difficult to fill.
Death
His death was befitting his character—calm and tranquil—and his last days on earth were made as pleasing as possible by the unvaried kindness of the Bishop and the unceasing attention of his many friends (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1).
Funeral Services
The following interesting article describes in detail the funeral services for Fr. Dollard (The Kingston-Whig Standard, Mon 17 Feb. 1868, p. 2).
On Saturday morning the last rights of the Catholic Church were accorded to the remains of the late Father Dollard. St. Mary’s Cathedral was tastefully draped, the altars, pulpit, ornaments, windows, pillars, etc. being covered with black, festoons and draperies falling from the roof.
The chancel window was hidden by a black curtain, bearing on it a large white cross. The whole Church bore a sombre appearance. The body was laying on a platform erected within the rails of the Sanctuary while the ceremony was being performed. A Grand Requiem Mass was sung by the Right Rev. Bishop Horan, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Rooney, of Toronto, as Archdeacon, with the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Napanee, as Deacon, and the Rev. Mr. O’Kean, of Port Hope, as Sub-deacon, the Rev. Mr. Gothier, of Regiopolis College officiating as Master of Ceremonies.
The funeral sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Dr. Farrell, Bishop of Hamilton, who from the time of his ordination as a Priest until his elevation to the Bishoprie (sic), served under the direction of Father Dollard. During the Mass the Choir, mostly composed of male voices, sung the solemn music incident to the service in a very fine style.
After Mass a procession was formed, headed by the crucifix and censor bearers, composed of the students of Regiopolis College, wearing surplices and soutanes, and all the clergy present, each person carrying in his hand a lighted candle and being bare-headed, preceding the body, which was borne on the shoulders of Messrs. James Harty, Michael Flanagan, Michal Macnamara, James Bermingham, Maurice Dinn and Wm. Hartey, four aged Priests acting as pall bearers.
The procession proceeded from the Sanctuary out of the Cathredral, and passed around to the side of the building, where it entered the passage leading to the vault underneath. Here the ceremony was brought to a close by a reading of prayers for the dead and sprinkling the coffin with Holy Water and incensing it. The vault is built immediately under the grand altar, and directly opposite that contains the remains of the late Bishops McDonell, Goulin and Phalin.
To say that the Cathedral was crowded throughout the ceremony would give no adequate idea of the numbers present, and the many tears shed by both Priests and people, as they followed his remains to their last resting place, spoke most eloquently of the worth of the late Father Dollard. He is gone from among us, and it is much to be hoped that whoever succeeds him as a Parish Priest of Kingston, will exhibit that same spirit of religious toleration and uprightness of character that have won for him the high esteem of all good men. [The article ends with a long list of priests who attended the funeral.]
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The photo of Fr. Dollard’s tomb was provided by Angela Gambin. For further photos of the tomb and nearby tombs in the crypt see Find a Grave. The photos on Find a Grave were taken by Callan Murphy.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, for sharing a photo of Fr. Dollard’s portrait, the photo of his tomb and other information.
The photos of St. Mary’s Cathedral exterior and interior are from old post cards.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Heffernan (1825-1891) from Aylwardstown, Glenmore to Glenmore, Wisconsin
Recently a reader in the US, Lucy Neale Duke, found glenmore-history.com and we were able to provide some information on her ancestor’s family the Heffernan’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore and she shared an amazing letter that was written on 1 February 1874 to her ancestor James Heffernan. James Heffernan emigrated to Glenmore, Wisconsin in 1850. We have attempted to determine whether James had a hand in the naming of Glenmore, Wisconsin or whether he was attracted to the name and settled there. We reached out to the city clerk as well as the local Brown County library but are still searching for an answer to that question. We were provided with a copy of a photo on the left of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin that James Heffernan helped to establish.
James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
It was difficult to find a baptismal record for James Heffernan. However, his death cert in 1891 (information was usually provided by the widow) provided several important facts and dates. James Heffernan was the son of Mary Delaney and John Heffernan. He was a farmer with a date of birth listed as 20 March 1829. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Bridget O’Leary. He died on 14 November 1891 at his home in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin and was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. (Wisconsin US Death Records, 1872-2004 for James Heffernan, Brown Co. , Vol 1-Vol 2 NO. 1744). See, Find Grave to view his headstone.
Slieverue/Glenmore Parish Records
For whatever reason no Heffernan baptism could be located in 1829 for James. However, utilizing his mother’s name on 13 September 1825 at Aylwardstown, Glenmore, a James was baptized the son of Mary Delaney and John //. The sponsors were Michael Delany and Ellen//.
John Heffernan and his wife Mary Delaney married 17 February 1808. Their eldest child was Patrick Heffernan was baptized 1 April 1809. Thus, at the time of his birth James’s eldest brother was 16 years older than James.
Aylwardstown Glenmore Farm
Patrick Heffernan married Alicia “Ally” Irish on 7 February 1842. Alicia “Ally” was from Nicholastown, Slieverue. The witnesses were Patrick Delaney and Catherine Hickey. The couple had at least 5 children. [1] John Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1842); [2] Mary Heffernan (bapt 23 Nov. 1844); [3] Michael Heffernan (bapt. 2 Sept. 1847); [4] James Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1852); and [5] Thomas Heffernan (bapt 1855).
It is not clear what happened to John Heffernan (bapt 1842), but Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) got the Aylwardstown farm. He married on 13 February 1879, Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of the Pierce Kennedy family of Rathinure, Glenmore. The couple had at least 14 children. There was an awful blizzard that winter of ‘47 when Bridgie died. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2021) Bridgie was the last deceased person in Glenmore carried across the fields to the Church in Glenmore for Mass and burial. The trek was over 2 miles and she was carried by her sons, grandsons and neighbours through the drifted fields.
The Children of Michael Heffernan and Bridgie Kennedy
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt 18 Jan. 1880) (Lived in London when his mother died in 1947).
[2] John Heffernan (b. 13 June 1881) married and moved to Chicago. His wife tragically died and he brought his two small children home. His parents reared them until they were teenagers and he remarried and brought them back to Chicago. His son Raymond was shortly after returning to Chicago hit and killed by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (b. 10 July 1882)
[4] Peter Heffernan (b. 31 Dec. 1883-1966) was Garda Superintendent
[5] Mary Heffernan (b. 10 May 1855] married an O’Connor from Ballyfacey.
[6] Alice Heffernan (bapt. 21 Nov. 1886) married Ned Roche of Rathinure.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (b. 28 March 1888) married into a farm in Kearneybay, Glenmore.
[8] Richard Heffernan (b. 12 June 1889)
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890-1974) lived in Kilkenny City. See our post of 22 October 2023.
[10] Bridget Heffernan (22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893-1975) married Bridget Roche (1896-1987). He farmed
the Aylwardstown farm.
[12] Nicholas Heffernan (b. 27 June 1896) (lived in Dublin when his mother died in 1947).
[13] Mon. William Heffernan (1893-1973) ministered and died in Australia. See our post of 15 October 2023 and family photo at his ordination.
[14] Stephan Heffernan (b. 15 Jan. 1898) Baby of the family. After the War of Independence, Stephen moved to Chicago, married and had two daughters. See guest author Brian Forristal, “A Place to Hide” & “The Tans are Coming.“
Quite a lot of information can be found on our H Glenmore Surnames regarding the Heffernan’s https://glenmore-history.com/families/h-surnames/
The Early Years of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin
From a brief history provided by Glenmore, Wisconsin it appears that forests originally covered Glenmore. As the forests were removed the land was sold to settlers who established farms. James Heffernan was one of the early settlers who established a farm. See, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976). We know from James Heffernan’s 1891 obituaries that he emigrated in 1850 and settled in Glenmore on a farm he farmed for the rest of his life.
“The first settlers to come to Glenmore, or in that vicinity, are said to have located there as early as 1850. Those who were Catholic among that number were provided with no particular place of worship at that time, but were attended by visiting priests.” Mass was said in private homes The first Mass is said to have been held in the residence of Mr. O’Leary. [We believe this was James’s father-in-law’s home]. This continued until 1874 when a church was erected. It was torn down in 1886 and entirely rebuilt (The Catholic Church in Wisconsin: A History of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin from the Earliest Time to the Present Day, Catholic Historical Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. (1895-1898) p. 640).
The 1873 Letter
On 1 February 1873, Thomas Heffernan (1856-1876) of Aylwardstown wrote to his Uncle James Heffernan in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin. The letter is below and provides some fascinating details regarding the death of Peter Strange as well as the terrible weather. Tragically, Thomas died of TB at Aylwardstown at the age of 21 of TB. The death register (online) provides Thomas died 29 Oct. 1876 and his brother, James Heffernan (bapt. 1852) was present when he died. Thomas was employed as a draper’s assistant.
Aylwardstown Glenmore
Ferrybank
Ireland
February 1st, 1873
My dear uncle James,
It is under my fathers fond directions and kind permission I now take the opportunity of sending to you this little messenger of inquiry hoping to learn by it that you and all your family and friends are in quite as perfect a state of health as this leaves me and all our family in at present thank God.
Though there are numbers of people here in Ireland dying around us with all sorts of sickness in consequence of the most unwholesome air which nearly overspread the whole land all caused by a continual fall of rain for the past two years without scarcely getting one month together fine. You may easily guess how the people stand here and what a position they hold when you hear that there is no less than Nine families living in one of our neighboring Parish Chapels all driven from their homes by the immence torrents of rain and floods of water that knocked and swept away their houses and far worse still, there is no prospect of cultivation whatsoever.
It is thought by all here that there will be a famine amongst us and even the priests are of the same opinion though they are nearly tired from praying for fine weather but now we have nothing more to do than to hope for better days to come which I am personally looking out for in my new career of life which I must suppose it is totally unknown to you as there was no communication between you and my father for the past few years with the exception of a few words The Rev. P. Dollan told of you and also a newspaper came from your sister Mary immediately after the burning of Chicago [the Great Chicago fire burned 8-10 October 1871] and even then she but merely wrote her name without any address then we could even return thanks for her persevering remembrance of the dear people and land that gave her birth. We would have written to you long before this time but for anxiously waiting daily for a letter from some of you as an answer to one my father sent some time long previous to this and then by not receiving it we were more than astonished why you could be so ungreatful (sic) as not even to drop us a line no matter how trifeling the news may be anything from you is interesting to us.
I am the youngest of the family and I am serving my Apprenticeship in one of the oldest and largest Drapery houses in Waterford Walter O’Donnell and company Quay and have about eighteen months more to serve. There is three more brothers in Aylwardstown still and one sister all of which are too old to fill any situation respectable enough to live in Ireland. Some of them say they will follow your footsteps and fly to that land where there is freedom and plenty for all.
I am sorry for having to relate to you a sad tale of Mr. Peter Strange who was interred in Kilmacavogue on Christmas day last and deplorable it is, to explain that he did not receive the blessed Sacraments since his confirmation and for the past six years did not even go to Church or Chapel but used to ride on one of his horses off to Rochestown on Sundays when the public join in union to go to Mass so that Rochestown proved fatal to him in the end and Mr. Conn invited. him to Supper on the very Sunday night before Christmas and at ten O’clock that night he walked out of Mr. Conn’s parlour and breathed his last in the Hall. The inquest was held in his own house and the verdict was he died with the disease of the heart some of his own friends begged of the Parish priest to pray for him but the application was in vain the priest’s reply was, he was a man that broke the Commandments and died as he lived and it was not his duty to pray or even bless the clay for such a man!
Dear uncle James I suppose you will think it very strange when you get this letter from me, a person that you never saw and though I never saw you there is still within me a fatherly love for you in consequence of hearing you so often praised and spoken of among all our friends and surrounding neighbors. Here as a small token of my affection I enclose my likeness which I hope you will accept not for its value but as a memorial of your own boyhood among all your dearly loved friends here in Ireland though I may be somewhat changed contrary to the picture as it is more than two years taken but in any case it will give you an idea of the person who is now communicating with you and sincerely hoping you will send your likeness also at your earliest convenience and you will bring much happiness to the mind of my father not alone to him but all the members of the family.
Dear Uncle – my father and mother are quite as strong as ever and met with but very little sickness I may say while I remember and we are fighting hard through life which is very difficult on account of the climate being so very much changed so much so that if you were to return here again I don’t suppose you would know the dear old spot, as for the people there is none of them here to be found unless a few that would be no good elsewhere. They are leaving this country in thousands daily and now wonder when they would not get freedom which is so long due to them, but left in Slavery that which the Christ Heart could not go through.
Dear Uncle – I have nothing more of any importance to communicate at present as it is my first time in addressing you but that my father and all the family join me in sending their tenderest love to you and wishing you all the compliments the present season can afford. Sincerely hoping will send a letter soon and let us know all particulars of yourself and my Aunts position in life you and state of health.
I am
Yours Sincerely affectionate Nephew
Thomas Heffernan
Obituaries of James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
We have included two obituaries for James Heffernan as they provide additional information including that James was 6 feet 3 inches tall considered a very tall height in the 19th century.
Death of Another Old Settler–De Pere News, 21 Nov. 1891, p. 1
James Heffernan died at his home in Glenmore Saturday, the outcome of a severe attack of grip last winter. He was 63 years of age. James Heffernan was born in Ireland, and removed to this country in 1850, making his home at Glenmore, in this country, up to the time of his death. He was a public spirited citizen, and a good neighhour and a man not found wanting in any of the relations of life. His wife and eight children are left to mourn his loss. The funeral was held at the Glenmore Catholic Church, Monday morning, Rev Pellegrin, assisted by Revs. Rice and Masschelein, officiating.
An Old Settler Gone–Green Bay Advocate, 26 Nov. 1891, p. 3
An Old Settler Gone—On Saturday, November 14th, Mr. James Heffernan passed away at his home in the town of Glenmore after an illness of several months duration, his suffering having caused by a complication of diseases.
Mr. Heffernan was an Irishman by birth, and at death was about sixty-five years of age. He left his native land in 1850 and came to the United States. Soon after arriving in America, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of Glenmore, Brown Co. where he has since resided. He was a splendid specimen of old Irish stock, standing about 6 ft. 3 inches in height, and fashioned in a strong and robust mould. He was a man of broad character and in all walks of life was a true type of manhood. He was a very popular man and took deep interest in the affairs of his town.
The funeral occurred from the Glenmore Catholic Church Monday and was a very large one. Deceased leaves a wife, six daughters and two sons to mourn the demise of a kind and indulgent husband and parent. One of his daughters, Miss Stella Heffernan, is a teacher in one of the public schools of this city.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Lucy Neale Duke for reaching out and sharing the 1873 letter.
We also would like to thank Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, Local History Specialist of the Brown County Library for locating and sending on the obituaries as well as the excerpt regarding the church and photo of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Also thanks to Cindy Ossmann, Glenmore, WI. City Clerk for forwarding, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976).
Two More Glenmore Post Office Postcards
Last Wednesday we posted a postcard of the second Glenmore Post Office in Fluskey’s shop. Two more similar but different postcards of the second Glenmore Post office in Fluskey’s shop were shared this past week. We were very excited to receive postcard 2 below because it is not within Danny’s collection and Pat Dowling noted that he has never seen it before.
Postcard 1– Posted 29 January 2025
The post card above features Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) mother Hannah Dowling née Murphy (1903-1989) carrying a bucket to the Village pump. The Village pump was removed in 1931, thus we know that the photo was taken before 1931. For information on the Village pump see our post of 23 May 2020. The Village pump was located where the Glenbar is located today.
The house to the left of Fluskey’s is the house where Danny was born in 1927. Previously Mary Hanrahan, née Murphy (1863-1938) (Danny’s great-aunt) married James Hanrahan of Glenmore Village in 1905. They owned the house along with a farm of nearly forty acres. Her husband, Jimmy Hanrahan (c.1876-1920) died aged 44 of TB in 1920. Ten months later her son, John Hanrahan (1906-1921) died of appendicitis at 15 years of age. Mary Hanrahan née Murphy asked her niece Hannah Murphy to come to live with her. Mary Hanrahan née Murphy died in 1938 and Pat Dowling was present when she died. She gave the house and land to her niece Hannie Murphy, who was married to Pat Dowling, of Jamestown.
Special thanks to Mick Breen for sending on these two postcards and providing some close ups. This closeup of the postcard with Danny’s mother is very similar to the postcard we posted last Wednesday. There are three people who appear to be the same 3 people as last week, namely: Maggie Holden (b. 1911) of Weatherstown; James “Jim” Power (1884-1947) postman and Jim Walsh (1898-1958). for further details on these individuals see our post of 22 January 2025.
The graffiti behind the two men depicted looks the same as what was depicted on the postcard we posted on 22 January 2025. The difference between the photos is that the bicycle is gone from in front of the shop; the two men have moved away from the door and Hannah Murphy and the Village pump are visible as well as what appears to be a Model T automobile. Model T Fords were made in England from 1911 to 1927.
Given the three people depicted at Fluskey’s appear to be the same three people, dressed the same we believe that the postcard posted the 22nd of January and this one were taken the same day. It is not clear who owned the depicted automobile. It could have been a patron of Fluskey’s, or belonged or was being used by Jim Walsh or perhaps it belonged to the photographer.
Postcard 2– posted 29 January 2025
To the left is a head on shot of Fluskey’s without other buildings being depicted. There are 3 individuals depicted but all three are men. The post office and telegraph are present, but there is no graffiti on the walls. There is no bicycle leaned against the wall. There are window boxes in the windows and a sign over the door states C? Fluskey. A pony or cob is pulling a two wheel farm cart. The man to the right appears to be a farmer, and we wonder if the man to the left is Robert Fluskey based upon his dress and stance. The younger man in the centre we believe may be Jim Fluskey but this is a guess. We believe that this postcard is older than the postcard above and the postcard posted last Wednesday, 22 January 2025.
Unfortunately, the postcard was not mailed it has no stamp, postmark or written date. Mick Breen acquired it from a man in Scotland who collected post office postcards. The collector did not appear to realize the post card was from Ireland. It appears that Beatrice’s father once lived in Glenmore.
Have you seen this postcard before? Do you have other postcards of Glenmore that you will share? Please comment below or send corrections, thoughts, other postcards to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore
The Boyle Family of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Last week we posted a post card of the Glenmore Post Office when it was in Fluskey’s shop. This generated an effort to identify people who worked in the second Glenmore post office. One employee I met in the Hanrahan Post office of Glenmore told me that she worked in Fluskey’s. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking several times to Gaulstown native Eily Durney née Boyle (c. 1937-2011).
Eily worked in Fluskey’s as a postal worker and operated the Glenmore telephone exchange. Eily told me that her mother died when she was an infant and she loved to visit neighbour’s houses. One house she particularly liked to visit as a child was Walsh’s of Davidstown. Mrs. Walsh wore long skirts and Eily was always afraid that Mrs Walsh would fall down her circular iron staircase. Mrs. Walsh always seemed to have sweets waiting for Eily to visit. Today, we are going to feature Eily’s dedicated father, Jim Boyle of Gaulstown.
James Boyle (1888-1958) of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Eily’s father was James Boyle. He was born on 24 April 1888 at Gaulstown to Patrick Boyle (farm labourer) and his wife Ellen Hall. (Civil record records her maiden name as Hawe). His sponsors or godparents were Kyran Mullins and Bridget Mullins. A bizarre note on James’s baptismal record states that Patrick (sic) Boyle married Ellen Hall (Slieverue) on 19 February 1936. We believe the note should read that James Boyle married Ellen “Nellie” Phelan, of Ballinamona, Slieverue at Slieverue on 19 February 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 21 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
James Boyle’s Parents & Sibling
Patrick Boyle (c. 1853-1927) and his wife Ellen née Hall/Hulle/ Hawe/Hanly (c. 1849-1937) were married on 17 October 1887 at Glenmore. The parish marriage record provides Ellen’s surname as Hanly. Both Patrick and Ellen were from Gaulstown. Both said they were 30. Patrick was employed as a laborer, and Ellen was employed as a servant. Per the civil record, Patrick’s father was James Boyle and Ellen’s father was James Hawl.
Given the name Hanly was used in the parish records where the parties were best known we believe that Patrick’s wife was Ellen Boyle née Hanly the daughter of James Hanly and his wife Catherine Walsh. If this is true Ellen was born in 1848 rather than 1857. Given that there were only two children from this union it seems likely that Ellen was older than 30 when she married.
In addition to their son James the couple had a daughter Mary Boyle (1890-1961). Mary Boyle was born 27 September 1890 at Gaulstown and her mother’s maiden name is listed as Halle. Her father, Patrick registered her birth on the 9th of December and told the authorities Mary was born 3 November 1890. He obviously wanted to avoid any fines for the late registration, however, her baptismal record reveals she was baptised on the 29th of September.
Very little could be found about Patrick Boyle in local newspapers except the editor of the Munster Express thought he had talent picking winners or perhaps it was a joke. “Paddy Boyle, anyone wanting a straight tip on a horserace cannot do better than have a chat with Mr. Paddy Boyle of Gaulstown, He will set you straight all right. Take my tip for it” (Munster Express, 15 Sept. 1900).
The 1911 census provides that Patrick Butler was 57 and employed as an agricultural labourer. He and his wife reported being married for 24 years. His wife, Ellen’s age was given as 66 they were residing in Gaulstown with their single, 21 year-old, daughter Mary. Their son James was 23, and he was living and working for their neighbour James Kirwan (farmer) aged 55 of Ballyrahan, Glenmore.
Patrick Boyle (c.1853-1927) died aged 74 in 1927. His niece Ellen Power, of Robinstown, was present when he died. Ellen Boyle née Hanly(? ) died 9 February 1937 at the age of 77. Her son James Boyle was present when she died.
James Boyle Member of the Old IRA
Although it is not mentioned in his obituary, nor on his headstone, James was an officer in Co. C the Glenmore Company of the 6th Battalion of the Kilkenny Brigade of the Irish Republican Army. James or Jim, as he was known, served as the Quarter Master from May 1919 to June 1922. During his years in the Old IRA Jim was observed at Kirwan’s threshing where the outline of a revolver was observed under his coat (Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) native of Davidstown, Glenmore). Jim was a well liked and respected person. For further information on Co. C see our list of officers and men.
After independence Jim joined the Irish Free State Army. It is not clear when he left the army, but per the Co. C. records in 1935 he was back in Gaulstown. From his obituary we know that James also worked for D.J. Gorey, T.D., of Burnchurch after leaving the National Army. Ultimately, he secured employment at Clover Meats where he stayed until his retirement (Munster Express, Fri. 13 June 1958, p. 8).
James’s son Paddy was interviewed in 1994 and stated that his father was one of three men selected by the manager of Clover Meats when it was being set up and sent the three to Wall’s bacon factory in London to be trained in bacon curing. After his training in London James returned to Clover Meats. In addition to his work at Clover Meats he also butchered pigs for local farmers. He was paid in meat which he often traded for other needed groceries. (Newark Advertiser, Fri. 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90).
Marriage & Tragedy
In 1936, after all his adventures, Jim got married at the age of 48. John Kirwan was his best man. He married Ellen “Nellie” Phelan (c. 1906 -1938) of Ballinamona at Slieverue.
An article in the Munster Express in addition to providing details of the wedding noted that “the bridegroom is a popular member of the staff of Waterford Meat Factory since its inception, and was the recipient of a valuable presentation from his colleagues on the auspicious occasion. He has been also frequently seen on the concert stage with the Slieverue Dramatic Class of which he is a popular member. Their numerous friends wish Jim and his bride many years of connubial bliss” (Fri. 21 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
The couple had Eileen or Eily in 1937 and Patrick or Paddy in 1938. A short time later tragedy struck. On 6 July 1938 Nellie died from influenza and a pulmonary embolism. Jim was in disbelief as he had believed that God would save his wife (Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) native of Davidstown, Glenmore).
Jim had two infants to care for on his own. His parents were both dead, and his sister Mary was in Waterford working. The neighbours helped, and Mary came back to live in Gaulstown and opened a small shop in their Gaulstown cottage. Somewhere along the line the Boyle cottage also became a polling place where locals cast their ballots. The Boyle cottage continued to be a polling place until at least 1977 (Peter Walsh of Rathinure, Glenmore).
Brushes With the Law
By all accounts Jim was a dedicated father and worked at the factory and after work on local farms. However, Jim had a couple of minor brushes with the law that ended up in the newspapers.
Jim Boyle was convicted in 1944 of cycling without due care and attention, at Rocklands, on the way from his work at Clover Meats Factory. Jim was fined 2/6. “The prosecution resulted from a collision between the defendant and a motor car driven by Dr. Myles Shelly, Waterford. Dr. Shelly said that although he pulled up the car, Boyle struck the headlamp which was smashed, and went spinning off his bicycle, turning practically a compete somersault on the green margin.”
Boyle was represented by Mr. F.H. Hutchinson, solr. In the course of the statement Garda Sergeant Dalton, said that just before the accident Jim was holding onto a companion’s shoulder, as Jim’s brakes were not good (Munster Express, Fri. 26 May 1944, p. 4.) Jim was 55 years of age when he went spinning off his faulty bicycle.
Five years’ later, Jim, was summoned for being in possession of a single barrelled shotgun and one 12 bore cartridge on 5 February1949, without having a firearms certificate. Jim admitted the charge, and explained there was a fox covert at the back of his place. A few times he hung up a lantern at night to frighten away the fox. This failed, so he got the gun from a man named Kirwan, for whom he had worked from the year 1904 until 1921, and for whom he used to do any kind of work in Spring or the Summer time.
“Supt. Slavin, Thomastown, who prosecuted, said the defendant was a most excellently well conducted man. The Judge said he would mark the case P.O.A. Supt. Slavin intimated that he did not want any order in respect of the gun” (Munster Express, Fri. 4 March 1949, p. 8).
The End of Boyle’s in Gaulstown, Glenmore
James Boyle (1888-1958) died on 5 June 1958, his son Paddy was with him when he died at home. Paddy was 20 when his father died and his sister Eily was 21. Three years later Jim’s sister Mary died on 10 November 1961, aged 71 years.
Patrick “Paddy” Boyle (1938-2014)
Jim’s son Paddy at the age of 16 signed up for the building construction course at the technical college in Slieverue. “They got the pupils to build an extension to the college—we cut out the roof timbers and did some of the bricklaying”. After successfully completing the four year course, Paddy found there were no building jobs. Through his father’s connections, Paddy got a job at Clover Meat (Newark Advertiser, Friday 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90).
After a few years Paddy took the boat from Rosslare on a cold January evening in 1961. He said he carried two empty suitcases. Later that year his Aunt Mary Boyle died. Paddy with the help of a friend of his father obtained a construction job. For 3 years he worked all over London and the South East of England. Then in 1965 he attended an Irish dance in London and met his future wife Breda also a native of Ireland. By 1994 the couple were running Boyle Construction for over 3 decades and had two raised married daughters. (Newark Advertiser, Friday 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90). We believe Paddy died in 2014.
Eileen “Eily” Durney née Boyle (c. 1937-2011)
Eily appears to have been the last of the Boyles to reside in Gaulstown. From the newspaper account of her wedding we know that Eily worked four years in the Glenmore post office and afterwards two years in the Graiguenamanagh post office. Eily married Tim Durney in September 1962 at Glenmore. She was given away by her brother Paddy. Tim Durney was a farmer from Jamestown, Piltown and that is where they lived and raised their family. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 21 Sept. 1962, p. 7).
Although in 1962 Eily had to give up work she later returned to the post office and in her later years filled in for people on holidays etc. Eily was involved in the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and held county and national offices.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is Clover Meats Factory in 1941. (Irish Independent, Fri. 24 Jan. 1941, p. 8)
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Glenmore Postcard [Updated]
In the early 20th century cameras became smaller and were more affordable. Film was purchased in chemist shops and the exposed film returned to be processed because few people had the chemicals, facilities or training to develop their own photographs. Often photos or copies of photos would be placed on thin cardboard postcards for customers by the chemist with the subject of the photo hand printed on the postcard. These post cards were very popular. However, the Glenmore post card above has “Post Office Glenmore” professionally printed (not hand printed) on the bottom left. Post cards of all descriptions were very popular in the early twentieth century as advertising of businesses or beauty spots and as a means of cheap communication.
Dating the Glenmore Postcard
The exact date of the photo is unknown. However, the photo is of the second Glenmore Post Office at Fluskey’s shop. We believe that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) enlarged the postcard and was able to identify the three people standing in front of the Post Office. Danny identified them as Maggie Holden of Weatherstown; Jim Power, the Postman; and Jim Walsh, Glenmore (uncle of Eamon Walsh). Special thanks to Martin Gahan for sharing the photo and the identification provided to him by Danny.
Dating the photo postcard is difficult because we just have a copy. We can not view the stamp affixed if any, the postmark if any, the other information on the back such as the producer’s name or, whether it was linen etc. The best clues come from what is depicted in the photo.
For example, one of the signs on Fluskey’s references a telegraph. The telegraph came when the railway link from Waterford to New Ross was being built through Glenmore in the first years of the twentieth century. Thus we know it was not taken before circa 1902. There also appears to have been graffiti on the walls of Fluskey’s on both sides of the door. Some of the letters that are still visible when the photo is enlarged appear to be “REPU” perhaps for republic or republican? (None of the other buildings appear to have graffiti.) From 1916 to the mid-1920’s the country was fighting for independence and then engaged in a civil war.
The dress of the people photographed appears to be after the First World War because Maggie Holden’s skirt is knee length. The two standing near the entrance to the other shop appear to be a girl and woman, but unfortunately they are too out of focus to be of much use in terms of their hair and dress. Two chickens in the road were also photographed, but wandering fowl in the Village continued well into the mid-twentieth century.
Glenmore Persons Depicted
The easiest to obtain information on was Jim Power, the postman. James “Jim” Power (1884-1947) was the son of Tommy & Mary “Main” Power née Walsh of Robinstown, Glenmore. James was born on 19 December 1884. In the Robinstown,1911 Census James is 24, single, living at home and employed as a postman. James Power never married and died 1 June 1947 in the County Home at Thomastown.
The man to the far right of the photo was identified as Jim Walsh (uncle of Eamon Walsh). The Eamon Walsh that springs to mind is the son of Bill Walsh (1912-1985) and his wife Peg Roche (c.1918- 2012). Bill Walsh (1912-1985) indeed had a brother Jim Walsh (1898-1958). Jim Walsh was Captain of the Glenmore Company of the old IRA during the War of Independence and was imprisoned. After Independence he joined Garda Siochana and married a Rosbercon Doherty and had several children. Jim Walsh died on 22 February 1958.
Unfortunately, we could not locate a Maggie Holden in Weatherstown. We do not know if Holden was her maiden or married name. If anyone has any information on Maggie Holden of Weatherstown please send it to us.
[Update 25 Jan. 2025: We were provided the following information. Maggie Holden was born on 13 August 1911 to Thomas Holden (c. 1870-1948) and his wife Hannie Duggan (c. 1877-1953). Thomas and Hannie were married in 1895 Thomas was from Gaulestown and Hannie was from Weatherstown. After they married they lived in Weatherstown in the house now occupied by John Murphy. Maggie Holden (b. 1911) was the youngest of the family, she married on 10 June 1942, Patrick Keogh who was from Wexford. Patrick and Maggie had two daughters Mary and Johanna and they both went to school in Ballyfacey. Patrick went to England and sometime later Maggie and the girls followed.]
Glenmore Buildings Depicted
The post office and telegraph were in Fluskey’s shop. This two storey building is now a home in Glenmore. To the left, Danny Dowling’s original and last home is mostly hidden by Fluskey’s. This house was a traditional two up and two down which later was extensively extended.
The next building to the left, which hosts a sign over the door, we believe was the Glenmore Dispensary. The store front to the left was up until circa 1904 Gaffney’s shop. Behind the shop was their mill. After the last Gaffney left Glenmore the premises were bought by P.N. O’Gorman. Eventually the Heffernan’s acquired it and Lizzie Heffernan married James K. Walsh of Ballybrahee. Lizzy JK as they were known built in 1937 a dance hall behind their shop. The Mill, dance hall, the shop and the attached house no longer stand.
Our best guess is that this photo was taken in the turbulent 1920’s.
Update: 23 Jan. 2025 Special thanks to Mick Breen for sending a clearer closeup of the group of three.
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Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
To learn more about Fluskey’s see our post of 28 May 2020.
See our post of 25 April 2020 for further information on the Glenmore Dispensary.
For further information on Glenmore Post Offices see our post of 24 Nov. 2019.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh