Glenmore Co. Kilkenny
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From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Criminal Injuries Claims 1924
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) copied a large number of newspaper articles into small notebooks. Today we are going to feature an article Danny copied regarding property claims heard in December 1924 involving two Glenmore residents and a New Ross man who tracked his stolen automobile to Glenmore.
The Damage to Property (Compensation) Act 1923
The Damage to Property (Compensation) Act 1923 applied to “injuries” to property committed on or before the 11th day of July 1921. Section 8 excluded Railway companies from applying for compensation. This was probably due to the extensive damage inflicted on the railways during the War of Independence and subsequent Civil War.
Section 7 excluded losses for (i) watches, jewellery or articles of personal ornament kept by the owner otherwise than as part of his stock in trade; (ii) Coins, bank or Government notes or currency of any country; (iii) postage or other adhesive stamps and (iv) postal orders or post office money orders. In other words the things of value most often stolen were not covered.
Section 9 excluded applicants who “connived, assisted in or actively facilitated” the injury. Section 9 also excluded applicants who associated or “were in league” with the person(s) who committed the injury or the applicant was “a member or helper of or active sympathiser with any organisation engaged in armed opposition to the late Provisional Government of Ireland or the Government of Saorstát Eireann.
The Glenmore Related Claims
The Kilkenny People (6 Dec. 1924, p. 9) published a long list of claims heard in Kilkenny by Judge Scally or Sealy. (The name is spelled differently in each article.) The actual wording of the article is in italics.
Claim by Patrick Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore
Patrick Hanrahan, Glenmore, claimed £36 5s for goods taken. Capt. W.A. Redmond, BL, T.D. (instructed by Mr. Kelly, solicitor, New Ross), for applicant. James Hanrahan, brother of the applicant, gave evidence as to the goods being taken by armed Irregulars. Judge Scally reported for £24 6s. Captain William Archer Redmond (1886-1932) was the only son of John Redmond (1856-1918). For information concerning Glenmore support for John Redmond see our post of 4 January 2020.
Claim by Thomas Mullins of Flemingstown, Glenmore
Thomas Mullins claimed £7 17s. 6d. for clothes taken. Same counsel was engaged. Applicant Mullins stated the clothes were taken by armed Irregulars. Judge Scaly said he would report for £5.
Claim by Charles Kavanagh of New Ross
Charles Kavanagh, New Ross, claimed £608 for a motor car. Mr. Matheson, BL (instructed by Mr. Kelly, solicitor) for the applicant. Applicant’s motor driver stated he drove the car with passengers to Kilkenny Feis in 1921. When he went to the yard where he left the car, it was gone and a note was left saying, “Taken by the I.R.A.” The Kilkenny Feis of 1921 was held on Sunday the 9th of October( New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Oct. 1921, 4). We could not locate any newspaper article regarding the car being taken in Kilkenny in October 1921.
Witness got to know that the car was in Glenmore and he went there and saw the car with the I.R.A. He asked for the return of the car but this was refused.
Applicant stated that the motor car was used by the I.R.A. to drive around a commandant named McDonald, who afterwards became an Irregular. Witness had not got back the car. The Judge reported for £50 for the car; £5 for two overcoats; and £2 for a rug taken away with the car.
There was no McDonald listed in the volunteers of the Glenmore Old IRA see our list including ranks and dates of service.
Appeals
The Kilkenny People (Sat. 27 Dec. 1924, p. 5) reported that the state appealed two of Judge Sealy’s (sic) judgments at the recent special sitting of the criminal injury to property. The State was relying on Section 9 of the Act which barred people who gave active assistance to the enemies of the duly constituted Government from any right to compensation to which they would otherwise be entitled. None of the cases above were reported as appealed.
The newspaper concluded with “it is only fair to say that Mr. Justice Sealy patiently investigated the circumstances of the cases, and his judgments in both cases seemed to be models of fairness, common sense and judicial impartiality.”
The Glenmore Claimants
Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) was the eldest child of Michael Hanrahan (1848 -1898) (farmer) of Powerswood, Thomastown and his wife, Hanoria Mullins (1854-1902) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Patrick was born in Gaulestown, Glenmore. The family moved to Waterford City where they ran a business. Tragedy struck when the parents both died leaving their young sons orphaned. For information on the orphaned Hanrahan Brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020.
Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) (shop keeper) of Robintown, Glenmore married Mary Duggan of Flemingtown, Glenmore on 12 February 1924. Thus the couple were married 10 months before his claim was heard. For further information on Pat Hanrahan during the War of Independence see our post of 20 June 2021.
Thomas Mullins (1873-1936) of Flemingstown was the son of John Mullins and Mary Mullins née McDonald. Thomas Mullins married Mary Mullins née Walsh (1873 -1948) of Davidstown on 2 March 1897. Mary was the daughter of Patrick Walsh and his wife Margaret “Peggy” Walsh née Kennedy. Thomas Mullin’s funeral in 1936 was the last horse drawn funeral in Glenmore according to Danny Dowling. An inquest was held on 22 August 1936 where his death from a gunshot was ruled an accident.
Charles Kavanagh (b. 1890) of New Ross
There were two men named Charles Kavanagh living in New Ross in 1924 per a newspaper search. One was a Civil Guard and the other was a publican/undertaker. We do not believe that the claimant was a Civil Guard.
On the 15th of September 1922, Charles J. Kavanagh of Cross Lane, New Ross, applied to have a liquor license transferred from Mary Anne Kavanagh to himself (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1922, p. 1). The 1911 Census shows only one Charles Kavanagh in New Ross. He is 21 and a grocer’s assistant living with his 48 year old widowed mother, Mary Anne Kavanagh, publican and grocer. Interestingly, a boarder in the house is Austin A. Butler, aged 22, a newspaper reporter.
In 1913 Charles Kavanagh began an undertaking business at “Kelly’s (old posting establishment) Cross Lane, New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 June 1913, p. 7). In searching for a birth record we found a Charles Kavanagh, born 25 March 1890 at Balynamcont (?), Wexford to James Kavanagh (farmer) and his wife Marianne Butler.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The photo of Capt. W.A. Redmond (1886-1932) is courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, part of the First World War Portrait Collection, Catalogue number: HU 124788. The featured photo above is the Kilkenny Courthouse.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Trial for the Killing of Catherine Hanrahan (c. 1798-1822) of Rochestown,Glenmore
On 6 November 2022 we published newspaper accounts of the manslaughter of Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822 at her home in Rochestown, Glenmore. While transcribing another Danny Dowling (1927-2021) notebook we discovered that Danny recorded articles from the Waterford Mirror that outline the testimony presented during the murder trial. These newspaper accounts provide more detail including the testimony of the landlord Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. and conflicting testimony of other witnesses. It appears that the testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. influenced the jury that only considered the case for a few minutes before returning its manslaughter verdict.
The Arrest
Danny recorded the following from the Waterford Mirror (Sat.20 Aug. 1822). Thomas Marks was charged with the murder of Catherine Hanrahan, at Rochesstown, in Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Marks was taken without resistance at a house in Kilmacthomas. Marks when arrested stated that he was on his way to surrender. He was transmitted to the County Kilkenny gaol.
The Waterford Mail on Wednesday the 14th of August 1822 provided an account of day three of the Kilkenny Assizes. In this account Thomas Marks was indicted for the murder of Catherine Hanrahan and the assault of Luke Power “by presenting a pistol at him.” Hereafter Marks is described as the prisoner.
The Testimony of Luke Power
Luke Power was sworn and testified. Unfortunately, the newspaper account does not provide his relationship, if any, to the deceased Catherine Hanrahan née Power, his occupation or residence. Later in defence testimony it appears that Luke and Thomas Power are brothers. Luke Power testified that he knows Rochestown and was there the Monday after the fair of Thomastown. He knows Thomas Power who lives at Rochestown. On that Monday, very early in the morning, he saw the prisoner at Rochestown.
Luke Power testified that the dog barked at the prisoner. Luke Power got up and asked who was there. The prisoner responded that he was distraining for Mr. Forristal. Luke Power testified that the prisoner was armed. Witness shut the door and would not let the prisoner in. Luke Power then went down to where the cows were and saw three bailiffs there, but the prisoner was not with them.
Luke Power heard a shot and returned to the house and saw Catherine Hanrahan “kilt” on the floor. She died six days after being shot. Luke Power went out to the road where some of the neighbours were gathered. The prisoner said “here’s the man was going to kill me,” and cocked his pistol at Luke Power. It was an hour before sunrise when the prisoner came with six men.
Cross-Examination of Luke Power
Luke Power testified that Mr. Forristal was his landlord. He stated that he paid some rent to Mr. Sherlock and owed Mr. Forristal one hundred pounds “or that way rent.” His brother was his partner in the land. He first saw the prisoner and his assistants in the yard, it was not then 3 o’clock.
Sherlock distrained Luke Power four weeks earlier, but he did not think there was a reason at that time. He did testify that a horse had been taken away to the bog at that time. The prisoner distrained Luke Power before for Mr. Forristal, but could not say how long before. At the time the shot was fired Luke Power was four or five fields away and had not walked a step with the prisoner that morning.
The Testimony of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Power testified that she was the daughter of Thomas Power and the sister of the deceased Catherine Hanrahan. She remembered people coming to her father’s on the first of July last before sunrise. She saw the prisoner there. She testified that her sister was driving pigs out of the bawn. The prisoner desired that her sister leave them there. When she refused Alicia Power testified that the prisoner ran over and caught her sister by the neck and “squeezed her.” Her neck was cut by his “iron hand.”
Alicia Power stated that she could hear “all that occurred” between the deceased and the prisoner. The prisoner said, “Come leave the pigs there.” Deceased answered, “How do you know who owns them?” Prisoner then struck the deceased and was choking her. Prisoner lifted his foot on a stone and saying, “by G-d I’ll shoot you,” and then fired his pistol. Deceased was then running away and was shot 6 yards from the prisoner. She fell at the door, the ball entered her back. There was another man there minding the pigs where the deceased left them.
Her sister was “shot on Monday morning and died the Sunday following.”
Cross Examination of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Powers was driving the pigs with her sister the deceased. “They had been in the cabin and were driving them out of the bawn.” Deceased had a stick in her hand. She usually brought a stick to drive the pigs. The deceased did not strike the prisoner and Alicia Power never saw a stone in the deceased’s hand. Alicia Power testified that she never saw the prisoner fall or see any stone thrown at him. She testified that the deceased could not have thrown a stone without her seeing it. Alicia Power was at the prisoner’s side when he fired.
Alicia Power said that the prisoner had only one pistol. She saw Luke Power come up. But never saw the prisoner “present a pistol at him.” Alicia Power swore information against prisoner before Mr. Snow. She did not swear against any other person except the prisoner. She did not hear the deceased, or any other person calling out, “kill the black protestant,” and firmly stated that she did not say it either.
Examined by the Bench—Alicia Power clarified to the judge that the prisoner had six or seven men in his party, one of whom was present when the shot was fired. Bridget Cashin was present but no boys or men. They were down on the land where the cows were.
The Testimony of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin was present when Catherine Hanrahan was shot. She saw the prisoner that morning and saw him fire a shot at Catherine Hanrahan. The deceased was Bridget Cashin’s cousin. She observed the deceased driving the pigs out of the bawn. Only her sister was with the deceased. None of the men of the house were present. She testified that the prisoner had two men with him. She denied that the deceased struck the prisoner or threw stones at him. “He cursed G-d, he would fire at her in a minute.”
Bridget Cashin testified that the prisoner caught the deceased by her neck and choked her. The prisoner laid the pistol on his left knee and fired. The deceased walked four steps and fell. “She did not get up since.” Deceased was 24 years of age, was married 2.5 years, and had one child. Interestingly the Waterford newspaper did not acknowledge that the deceased was pregnant when she was shot in the back.
Cross Examination of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin could not identify the two men with the prisoner. The house was distrained for Mr. Forristal’s rent, but she could not say whether the men were “keepers.” Deceased refused to leave the pigs and was driving them away. The deceased said she would drive them in spite of the prisoner. Bridget Cashin stated that she did not say anything, and the deceased did not say “kill the bloody or the black protestant.” She did not see Luke Power come up. She went to Mr. Snow’s and swore information about six days after “the business occurred.”
The Testimony of Dr. John Briscoe of Waterford
Dr. Briscoe testified that he attended Catherine Hanrahan at Rochestown on the second of July. She had received a gunshot wound in the lower part of the back “of which she afterwards died.”
Cross Examination of Dr. John Briscoe
The wound was horizontal in the lower part of the spine on the right side near the hip. The doctor did not see a mark of bruises or a cut on the deceased’s neck.
The Crown rested and the defence began.
The Testimony of William Cooney
William Cooney testified that he knew the prisoner and went with him to Rochestown on the first of July to distrain for Mr. Forristal. The distraining party consisted of: Thoman and John Marks; William and Richard Jeffers; —Lonergan and himself. They first went to the fields where they collected three horses and some cows. Three men were left in the field to guard the animals. Prisoner then brought Lonergan and William Cooney to the house and told them to take charge of all the property there both inside and outside. He testified that they never entered the house. The pigs were seized in the lane. Prisoner brought William Cooney down towards the fields and they met Luke Power and his brother Thomas.
Prisoner advised the Powers to get bail to release the cattle. Thomas Power had a wattle and struck at Lonergan. The blow was prevented by Luke Power. Prisoner went down to Mr. Forristal’s which was about a field away. Lonergan and Cooney were left in charge of the house. Whilst prisoner was away the two Powers and a woman (not the deceased) pushed Lonergan out of the yard. Lonergan left to tell the prisoner. Cooney was alone and went out onto the road.
Power’s two daughters and another girl were driving the pigs out of the bawn. Deceased had a wattle in her hand. When Lonergan returned one of the girls said, “Mr. Forristal knew nothing of the pigs and for God’s sake let them go.” Lonergan and Cooney refused and the deceased then said, “she would have them (the pigs) or she would knock one of their brains out sideways with the wattle.”
Cooney testified that the wattle was heavy and two and a half yards in length. Prisoner returned and upon hearing the deceased told her, “for God’s sake go in and be quiet and all will be well.” Cooney stated that deceased advanced toward prisoner and said, “you black protestant are you come again to rob us?” She made a blow of the wattle at him. She said the words in Irish. Prisoner gave the deceased a shove and said, “go in God’s name and don’t be aggravating me.”
The deceased raised the wattle and struck the prisoner two or three times. She called out for someone to come “knock the black protestant’s brains out.” The deceased then took up a stone according to Cooney and struck the prisoner in the knee. The other two women were running with stones in their hands. Cooney and Lonergan went between the women and the prisoner. Cooney saw and heard the shot fired. The deceased when shot was stooping for a stone.
The prisoner when he fired was down, “having dropped down sideways when hit on the knee with the stone.” The prisoner was not flat on the ground. He was supported by his elbow. A quarter of an hour later Luke Power came up. The prisoner only had one pistol and it was re-loaded. Luke Power was very angry and was according to Coney going to injure them if he could. Luke Power called the prisoner a “bloody rogue” and “all of them robbers.”
Cross Examination of William Cooney
Cooney was asked to repeat what the deceased had said in Irish and he did. No men of the Power family were present from the time the pigs were driven out first until after the shot was fired. Cooney admitted that he and Lonergan had sticks, but were not otherwise armed. He continued to assert that the three women were very violent, but admitted that the three men could have defended themselves without a shot.
It was daylight when they came on the ground. They left Waterford at 11 o’clock at night. They stopped at Mackey’s on the way and too refreshment. They remained at Mackey’s until “clear daylight.” Cooney described Mackey’s as 4 or 5 miles from Rochestown. Deceased had not run from the prisoner she was sideways, stooping for a stone, about 6 or 8 yards from prisoner.
When the prisoner fell his pistol went off. Cooney stated that the prisoner had not aimed at the deceased. Cooney stated his belief that the prisoner did not intend to fire at the deceased or to pull the trigger. About an hour after the shooting the prisoner said that the pistol went off by accident. Although Cooney stated that the prisoner’s life was in danger, if Cooney was in the same situation he would not have fired at the deceased. Cooney could not say how the pistol went off.
Dr. Briscoe Recalled
Dr. Briscoe was asked about the wound. He testified that it was horizontal. He stated that if the deceased was stooping he could not conceive how she received such a wound unless she and the shooter were both kneeling. Thus Dr. Briscoe did not find injuries on the deceased’s neck and ruled out that the deceased was stooping when shot.
The Testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. of Rochestown, Glenmore
“Recollected the morning when this transaction happened.” He saw the prisoner 6 or 8 minutes after the shooting. Prisoner was distraining for Forristal and had frequently before acted as bailiff on his lands. He had distrained them a short time before. The prisoner had “always behaved himself well, and if he had a bad character, he would not have employed him.” Forristal stated that the prisoner is a pensioner and lost his hand “on service.” He went on to testify that the prisoner “frequently interfered” with Forristal in favour of the tenants by always speaking kindly of them and “procured time for them.”
Cross Examination of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq.
Forristal testified that he sent for the prisoner to act as bailiff and bring 5 men with him. He also instructed that they should be very early on the land “as the Powers had removed their cattle on a former occasion.” Prisoner called to Forristal about 3 o’clock in the morning and told Forristal he had affected the distress. Forristal ordered his horse to be got ready. Jeffers arrived and said that the Powers had taken away horses and cows. The prisoner returned to Power’s. When Forristal arrived he learned of the shooting.
Forristal asked the prisoner why he fired. Prisoner responded that “he’d rather he had wounded himself than the girl.” Forristal testified that Tom Power said to the prisoner, “you have murdered my daughter.” The prisoner replied, “I did not intend to shoot her, but if I did it was her own fault.” The prisoner then unbuttoned the knee of his breeches and showed a large mark on his knee saying, “See Mr. Forristal, how I have been used.” [Of course he could have injured his knee at any time stumbling around in the dark after leaving Mackey’s where they had “refreshments.”]
The prisoner did not tell Mr. Forristal that the pistol went off by accident and Forristal never heard that it did.
The last witness called was Rev. Francis Reynett who testified that he knew the prisoner for about 18 years. He considered him a well conducted man and never heard anything against his character.
Jury Decision
The Lord Chief Justice charged the jury and they retired, “and in a few minutes they returned with a verdict, acquitting the prisoner of murder, but finding him guilty of manslaughter. They also acquitted the prisoner of presenting the pistol at Luke Power.”
The Chief justice sentenced the prisoner to be burned on the hand and imprisoned for 6 months.
What Happened to the Power Family of Rochestown, Glenmore?
We know that no one by the name of Power or Hanrahan were listed as tenants in Rochestown in the 1829 Tithe Lists. We are currently searching Prof. Mannion’s Newfoundland records of Irish emigrants 1750 to 1850 because several Rochestown families moved there in the early 19th century.
For some information on Rochestown see our post of 3 December 2023.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s Championship Senior Football County Final 1938
Last week Pat Coady, a native of Tullogher, shared a copy of a newspaper clipping from 1938. Unfortunately the newspaper clipping does not reveal which newspaper published the article entitled “Glenmore Take Football Title,” but the advertisements on the back of the clipping are all for Kilkenny City businesses. We were able to locate a number of newspapers that did cover the championship game and these are listed below. Most of the following account is from the old clipping and additional facts gleaned from other newspapers are included. For ease in the account below a [G] had been added to identify Glenmore players. It appears that it was quite common during the 1930’s with mass emigration for teams to be made up of players living in other parishes. Thus several of the Glenmore players were from Mullinavat. A list of players for both teams is at the end. We are trying to identify all the players, so we would appreciate any help readers can render particularly with Tullogher and Mullinavat players.
First Match in Thomastown Abandoned
The first County senior football championship match between Glenmore and Tullogher took place at Thomastown on Sunday, 12 September 1938. The two adjoining parishes were old rivals. In fact, Pat Coady recalled today that at another match in Thomastown a Tullogher player when facing the prospect of a loss to Glenmore kicked the ball into the river and there was just the one ball causing that match to be abandoned.
The referee of the 1938 Championship game played in Thomastown was Sergt. S. Kerr, of Ballyhale (Munster Express, Fri. 28 Oct. 1938, p. 8). [Sergt. Kerr was father of Eddie Kerr of Kilkenny hurling fame.] At halftime the scores were level. Then about ten minutes before full time a dispute arose between two opposing players. Glenmore was leading Tullogher, 2-1 to 0-3. The spectators encroached on the playing pitch, and the match had to be abandoned. Notwithstanding the referee was a Sergt. no arrests were reported in the newspapers. The re-match was fixed for Nowlan Park on Sunday, October 30th.
The Final—Sunday 30 October 1938
In the final at Nowlan Park there was keenest rivalry, and the referee was again Sgt Kerr. It was stated that nearly 1,000 spectators were in attendance (Munster Express, Fri. 4 Nov. 1938, p. 7) . What the game lacked in the way of spectacular football was made up for by the earnestness with which each of the 30 players set about his task. Close scoring, and the play traveling from end to end, kept interest alive all through Tullogher were in arrears almost from the start, a goal at any time would put the team on level terms.
The game opened with some spirited exchanges, the ball traveling from end to end without result for about ten minutes. [Glenmore began playing against the wind and sun (Irish Independent, Mon. 31 Oct. 1938, p. 20)]. Glenmore were the more forceful and were rewarded with a goal. Tullogher made raid after raid to draw level, but weak finishing left them without the score required. Glenmore raised a white flag, [for our international readers a white flag signifies a point was scored] and shortly before the half time whistle Tullogher had a like score, leaving three points dividing.
Glenmore defence put up a great show in the second half, and some great rallies by Tullogher were stemmed almost in the Glenmore goal mouth. The forwards on both sides were kept well in check, while at centre field honours were about even. Only two points were registered in the second half, each side registering one, and the final scores left Glenmore champions by 1-2 to 0-2.
The Play: First Half
Holden [G] put P. Fitzgerald [G] in possession on the right wing in a Glenmore attack but T. Malone cleared. J. Walsh [G] centred from a free but Heffernan [G] shot wide. Tullogher attacked when Roche sent well, but a free resulted. Glenmore got moving again per Heffernan [G] who received from Connors [G] and sent a nice pass to the right wing. P. Fitzgerald [G] dropped to the goalmouth and J. Fitzgerald [G] finished to the net. Tullogher took up the running and forced play to the Glenmore end. A hot attack brought a 50 which Bird sent well in for Gaule to send wide. Two frees to Tullogher brought no score and W. Lalor lost a great chance in the goal mouth. Heffernan [G] fielded near half way and after a good movement shot wide. A free to Glenmore reached the goal area but Barron cleared. From another free on the left wing J. Walsh [G] centred to L. Roche [G] who passed to Holden [G] for the later to shoot a point.
Tullogher went away in spirited fashion and Lalor was almost through for a score when he was fouled. Bird placed the ball in the goal mouth from the free and there was a great tussle before it was fisted over the bar when a goal seemed likely. The halftime scores were: Glenmore, 1-1; Tullogher, 0-1.
The Play: Second Half
On the change over both sides attacked in vain. The defenders on both sides giving a great display and the forwards could make little headway. Tullogher missed a great chance when Roche put Lalor in possession. Bird was the mainstay in the Tullogher defence and was responsible for abating several attacks. M. Morrissey was playing a grand game at left half forward for Tullogher while the two Fitzgeralds [G] and P. Gaule did great work in the Glenmore attack. T. Malone cleared from a Tullogher attack and Holden [G] sent Glenmore away quickly. J. Wall [Walsh, G] gathered and shot a grand point. Glenmore led by four points.
A Final Rally
Malone saved a penalty kick and Tullogher were away in a great dash. They kept the Glenmore defences busy, but they were equal to the occasion and beat off all attacks. Tullogher made determined efforts to draw level at the beginning of the second half, but Duggan [G], Butler [G], and Grace [G] presented a stout last line of defence (Irish Independent). Again and again Tullogher attacked only to be driven off. With only a few minutes remaining the forwards swept through in a grand movement and Dwyer had a point. Pressure was continued, but the Glenmore defence prevailed and the final whistle sounded with scores: Glenmore, 1-2; Tullogher 0-2.
Match Commentary
The Munster Express (Fri. 4 Nov. 1938, p. 7) opined that there was nothing classic about Sunday’s display, but plenty of dash and spirit held the interest of the onlookers. Both teams had big followings, and with never much between them in the matter of scores, excitement at times was intense. Glenmore established an early lead of a goal, and all efforts of Tullogher to equalise were frustrated. It was a dour struggle in which the finer points were disregarded in favour of more direct tactics and the result hung in the balance to the final whistle. Glenmore were worthy winners, but on the run of the play Tullogher were worth more scores.
Glenmore: [Most of the first names were gleaned from Bill Grace’s obituary (link available at end of post).
[1] P. Roche (goal); [Paddy Roche, of Mullinavat]
[2] J. Duggan; [Jack Dugan, of Farnogue, Mullinavat]
[3] M. Butler; [Martin Butler (c. 1904-1976) of Moulerstown, Glenmore]
[4] M. Grace; [Should be W. for Wm. “Bill” Grace (c. 1918-1991) of Kilbride, Glenmore]
[5] P. Holden; [Pat Holden, of Mullinavat]
[6] P. Aylward; [Pat Aylward, of Mullinavat]
[7] Larry Roche; [(c. 1910-1965) of Haggard, Glenmore?]
[8] J. Freyney; [Jim Freyne of Kilbride?, Glenmore]
[9] E. Connors; [Neddie O’Connor (c. 1919 -2002) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore]
[10] P. Fitzgerald; [Paul Fitzgerald? of Moulerstown, Glenmore]
[11] M. Heffernan; [Mick Heffernan, (c. 1920-2019) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore]
[12] J. Walsh; [John Walsh? of Mullinavat]
[13] J. Fitzpatrick; [John Fitzgerald?—Irish Independent wrote about Fitzgerald brothers. ]
[14] M. Cody and [Martin Cody? of Weatherstown, Glenmore]
[15] N . Mullins. [Nicky Mullins (c. 1913-1989) of Flemingstown, Glenmore]
Tullogher:
[1] M. Malone (goal);
[2] James Malone
[3] T. Malone
[4] P. Barron
[5] M. Purcell
[6] T. Bird [Tom Bird (c. 1911-2003) of Hoodsgrove, winner of 7 Kilkenny Senior Championship medals.]
[7] J. Dwyer
[8] L. Roche
[9] E. Moore
[10] L. Gaule
[11] M. Morrissey
[12] W. Lalor
[13] M. Malone
[14] M.J. Malone
Some of the other newspapers that covered the games: Kilkenny People, Sat. 5 Nov 1938, p. 9; The Post, Wed. 2 Nov. 1938, p. 1; Irish Independent, Mon. 31 Oct. 1938, p. 20; New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 Sept. 1938, p. 12.
Please send any corrections or additional information, particularly the first names of the Tullogher players, to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
For obituaries of the following players click on the links provided then scroll the obituaries. The obituaries are in alphabetical order.
Martin Butler (c. 1904-1976) of Weatherstown; Nicholas Mullins (c. 1913-1989) of Flemingstown; Wm. “Bill” Grace (c. 1918-1991) of Kilbride. As men are identified we shall attempt to provide information on them all.
The featured photo above of Glenmore Village was published in the Irish Independent (25 Oct. 1938, p. 3). The caption: Nestling in the valley—the picturesque little village of Glenmore, on the road from Waterford to New Ross.
Special thanks to Pat Coady for sharing his newspaper clipping.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977), Part II
Last week we highlighted the early life and Glenmore kin of Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. See our post of 11 November 2024. Today, we are going to feature Tom’s war years as a POW of the Japanese for 3.5 years. Most of the information regarding Tom’s service was graciously provided by Tom’s nephew Leo Walsh. Leo has written a wonderful tribute to his Uncle Tom, entitled Rough Justice (Dec. 2023).
Enlistment
When Tom arrived in London in 1936 the country was still in the depths of the depression which made jobs scarce. Additionally, King George V. died early in the year and his eldest son caused a constitutional crisis when he abdicated the throne in December 1936. Just two months earlier, on 13 October 1936, Tom enlisted as a labourer with the Royal Engineers. He passed his physical although he was 6 feet tall and only weighed 136 pounds (Walsh, p. 24). We were not able to find much information regarding Tom’s maternal grandfather, John Dooley (c.1839 -1889), and his military service. Thus, it is not known if Tom’s enlistment was influenced by a grandfather he never met.
Less than a year later Tom was a certified Search |Light Operator for the 54th Field Company. In early 1938 Tom was ordered to British Malaya (Walsh, p. 24). Tom arrived on St. Patrick’s Day 1938 and found the heat very oppressive. He was sent by train to Penang on the northwest coast (Walsh, p. 26-27). Tom marvelled at the lush green of the countryside, pineapple fields and what he would later learn were rice paddy fields (Walsh, p. 27)
The Fall of Singapore 1942
Although WWII was raging in Europe, Tom was engaged in a peacetime active duty while enjoying the colonial life. The military and civilians of Malay and Singapore knew that the Japanese were interested in Singapore, but they wrongly believed that the British army’s strength discouraged an attack (Walsh, p. 29).
On the 7th of December 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The following day the Japanese attacked Malay. Tom was still in Penang, and his regiment were ordered to prepare to evacuate 600 miles south to defend Singapore. Preparations included destroying anything the enemy might find useful. Civilians also headed to Singapore believing it a safer place. At this early stage the Japanese were not taking prisoners instead executing anyone in their path (Walsh p. 30).
The battle for Singapore commenced 8 February 1942 and the city fell on 15 February. During the battle for Singapore war atrocities were committed such as the wanton execution of wounded British soldiers and the medical personnel at the Alexandra Medical Hospital (Walsh, p. 31). With the surrender of Singapore, 35,000 British soldiers became POW’s and in total 80,000 military and civilians including women and children were taken prisoner (Walsh, p. 35).
Life as a POW
Tom like the other 35,000 POW’s faced barbaric treatment. They were subjected to long periods without food or water, standing in the hot sun awaiting roll calls and orders. Eventually he was marched to a squalid River Valley Camp. On this march they were greeted by the impaled heads of the civilian Chinese victims of the Japanese army (Walsh, p. 36). Tom remained in the filthy River Valley Camp until December 1942.
Tom’s days were tedious and consisted of: tenko (roll call); work; rice; work; tenko; and sleep. Other than beating the prisoners the guards tended to ignore them. With up to 5,000 prisoners and one water tap prisoners used all their spare time queuing for water (Walsh, p. 38).
Changi Camp
In December 1942, Tom was transferred to Changi Camp which was on the mainland to work to repair bomb damaged towns. Discipline was much more severe. Before Tom arrived a POW tried to escape. He was summarily executed along with a few others who did not attempt to escape. All 20,000 POW’s at the camp were ordered into a square that could accommodate 1,000 men. Although only provided a small cup of water a day the British Officer in charge refused to sign a pledge against escaping. After several days POW’s were falling from dysentery and malaria. The Japanese Commander threatened to place 2,000 healthy POW’s in with the sick POW’s. Under duress the commanding British officer finally signed the pledge, and this led to harsher treatment by the Japanese guards (Walsh, p. 40).
Tom shared a 1 man cell with 5 or 6 others. He worked on the docks unloading ships which provided opportunities to acquire food and medicines. His worst job was burying the Chinese civilians that were bound in barbed wire, shot and dumped on the beach. The only day of rest was Sunday. It was at Changi that Tom first heard rumours that the Japanese were building a railway from Burma to Thailand (Walsh, p. 41).
Building the Burma to Thailand Railway
Tom was selected to join the Kanu Camp to build the railway. His transportation to the Camp was a closed railway car that was packed with POW’s only allowing them to stand. There was no water, food or sanitation. The following day they were provided with a small bowl of rice, a cup of water and the dead POW’s were dumped out of the car. Tom lost track of how long he was in the railway car (Walsh, p. 43). After arriving at the new railway Tom was marched 60 miles north to “Hell Fire Pass” a massive rock face along the river (Walsh, p. 44).
Camp Kanu was a living hell for Tom. Guards beat prisoners with wire whips or canes, not just to discipline, but also to push them to exhaustion and death. Not only did the POWs work long days, they were forced to work in the dark. The lanterns used attracted insects that spread malaria among the POW’s.
Guards were free to act in any way they wished with POW’s being beaten to death for being too slow or not bowing low enough etc. Often the heads of the victims would be impaled on poles in the camp to serve as a warning to others. Food was minimal and contaminated. The POW’s before setting off for work would gather firewood and whatever food they could find in the jungle near the camp like bananas and yams (Walsh, p. 50).
POW’s starved to death and died from cholera, dysentery, malaria and infections. Malaria and dysentery were Tom’s constant companions, but he avoided cholera because he was vaccinated for it when he enlisted. Tom’s uniform had fallen apart and he wore a “Jap Happy” loin cloth. In some ways Tom felt cleaner because there were less places for the lice to hide. He was also barefoot and knew that cuts from the sharp rock fragments could cut his feet and lead to an infection and death (Walsh, p. 51). At one point Tom collapsed from malaria and the guards didn’t even waste a bullet. They walked off and left him. A native came out of the jungle and nursed him for a few days. Her act of kindness restored his faith in humanity (Walsh, p. 52). At Hell Fire Pass over 700 POW’s died (Walsh, p. 54).
Camp Hintok
Tom walked a couple of miles and rejoined his crew. In September 1943 he was moved to Hintok where he remained until the Death Railway was completed in October 1943. He was unofficially promoted to Lance Corporal. This camp had a large fence around it, not to keep the POW’s in but to keep tigers out of the camp. “Tom had survived and beaten the odds despite slaving through mud and virgin jungle across deep gorges and mountainous country, sweltering heat and cold weather, torrential rains, paltry nutrition, and no shoes or access to medical supplies” (Walsh, p. 53).
Camp Tarsao
In January 1944 Tom was transferred to a hospital camp 15 kilometres south. He remained there until June 1944. While he was there in February 1944 Tom was officially declared missing by the army and his father William Walsh (1892-1971) was formally notified by the British Army. In the report that Tom made after the War (Medical Report of Repatriated POWs) he was in a bad way when he got to Camp Tarsao with an abscess on his right buttock (Walsh, p. 57). Over 806 POW’s are buried in 3 cemeteries of the camp (Walsh, p. 58). Infections without medicines and sanitary conditions were a death sentence, yet somehow Tom survived.
The Last Two Camps
In June 1944, Tom was moved to a relatively new camp called Tamuang, a former tobacco plantation. To reach it Tom travelled on the railway he helped to build with misgivings. He knew that it was weak in spots due to poor construction. Compared to previous camps Tamuang was well laid out and clean. The Japanese army was in retreat and a lot of wounded Japanese soldiers were abandoned there for the POW’s to take care of them (Walsh, p. 59).
In December 1944, Tom was assigned to a labour group that carried war supplies and rations to nearby Japanese troops. Tom would carry on his back sacks of rice weighing 120 pounds. He carried the sack for over a mile and pass it to the next man. Beatings were common and Allied aircraft bombed the area leading to more injuries and deaths (Walsh, p. 61).
Tom was transferred to his last camp, Nakom Hyok, in April 1945. Tom and others were put to work digging trenches and tunnels into the hills surrounding the camp for storing supplies and aviation fuel for the Japanese defence (Walsh, p. 62).
End of the War
The end of the war came quickly after nuclear weapons were used on two Japanese cities in August 1945. After 3.5 years as a POW, Tom was 28.5 years old and free. The 15th of August the Japanese Emperor announced the country was surrendering and it became official on 2 September 1945. Shortly thereafter Tom was on a ship heading back to England. He landed at Liverpool on 12 October 1945. Tom had a medical which noted he needed dental care. He was found not to need hospitalisation or specialist care. The Medical Officer noted that he was “somewhat subdued” (Walsh, p. 64).
Back to Ballinlammy, Glenmore
Tom was placed on leave until the end of November 1945. He went home to Glenmore to see his parents and family. Just the year before his family was told he was missing and presumed dead. One can only imagine their relief when he returned home. Tom decided to return to London and make it his home. He left the army and eventually in 1948 he landed a job at Ronson as a technical supervisor and remained with that company.
Civilian Life
While a POW Tom’s pay accumulated. He had over £400. In 1948 he met a petite and beautiful woman named Daphne Jarvis ( c. 1922-2007). They married in 1953 and bought a house in Chessington, Surrey, on Hook Road (Walsh, p. 65). Tom never spoke about his experiences as a POW to anyone but Daphne. Daphne spoke about the scars Tom carried on his neck from beatings etc. Tom died at 59 years of age in 1977. He is buried in Glenmore. His beloved wife Daphne died in 2007 at the age of 85. What is interesting is the fact that even 32 years after the end of the war no mention of his military service or his internment as a Japanese POW was in his obituary in the Munster Express.
Obituary
Munster Express, Fri. 25 Feb. 1977, p. 12
Died in England—Mr. Thomas Kieran Walsh, Chessington, Surrey, Who has died in Epsom, do. was son of the late William and Mrs. Bridget Walsh, Ballinlammy, Glenmore, whence he emigrated forty years ago. He had been on the staff of Ronson Products Ltd., Leatherhead, Surrey, since 1948, and for the past 15 years had been Assistant Manager of the Engraving Department. His demise at the early age of 59 is deeply regretted. He spent his holidays in Ireland every year with his wife at the home of his brother in Ballinlammy.
He was husband of Mrs. Daphne Walsh, Chessington; brother of Jack Walsh, Ballyeden, Rosbercon; Patrick Walsh, Airmount Slieverue; Bill Walsh, Poleberry, Waterford; Joe Walsh, Ballinlammy, Glenmore and uncle of Kevin, Noel and Carmel Walsh, Ballyeden; Leo Walsh, Dublin; Patrick, Edward and Thomas Walsh, Airmount, Slieverue; Mrs. Breda Dalton, Birmingham Bill Walsh, Poleberry; Gerard, Brendan and Vera Walsh, Ballinlammy, and Bernadette Walsh, University College, Galway. He was also son-in-law of Mrs. Daisy Jarvis, London Road, Kingston-on-Thames, Surry. The remains left Dublin Airport on Tuesday of last week for Glenmore Parish Church, and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Wednesday morning after Requiem Mass. Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, was celebrant and also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P., do. The large attendance included many relatives, friends and sympathisers from South Kilkenny and from Surrey.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.historygmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is Thomas Kieran Walsh from the front cover of Rough Justice. The photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh after his release and looking haunted is from page 74 of Rough Justice. The wedding photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh and Daphne Walsh née Jarvis is from page 68 of Rough Justice.
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) of Ballinlammy
Today, we are going to feature the early life and family of a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977). His nephew, Leo Walsh wrote a book called “Rough Justice” (Dec. 2023) “which is an account of how a simple mistake led to a near death sentence for Uncle Tom on the Burma-Siam railway.” (p. 7.) Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) was a WWII prisoner of war held by the Japanese. In our next post we will highlight his military service, internment and life after the war. Ironically, another man with Glenmore connections, also named Thomas Walsh (1911-1945) was a Japanese POW in Burma. See our post of 25 July 2020. Both men survived their internments.
Thomas Kieran Walsh, Tom, as he was called, was born 11 July 1917. He was the eldest child of William Walsh (1892-1971) and his wife, Bridget Dooley (1884-1958). Walsh is a common name in Glenmore and this family was nick-named the “Game Keeper Walsh’s” because William worked part time as a game keeper (Walsh, p. 14) around Davidstown, Ballinlammy, and Ballinclare. The farmers in the area clubbed together to create “a preserve” to stop people from hunting, and they hired William Walsh (1892-1971) as their gamekeeper.
Parents
William Walsh (1892-1971) of Jamestown, Glenmore married Bridget Dooley (1884-1958) of Ballylammy (sic) on 9 October 1916 at Glenmore. William was the son of Thomas Walsh (labourer) and Bridget was the daughter of John Dooley (labourer). According to the civil records William Walsh was born 1 September 1892 at Jamestown to Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) (labourer) and his wife Mary Roche. According to the Glenmore baptismal records he was born 23 August 1892 and baptized the following day.
Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) was born 11 October 1884 at Ballinlammy the daughter of John Dooley (labourer) and his wife Anne Kennedy. Per the death register Brigid Walsh née Dooley died in 1958 of a cerebral thrombosis, her husband, William Walsh, was present when she died at home in Ballinlammy.
Siblings of Thomas Kieran Walsh
In his book, Leo Walsh noted there were five brothers and two unnamed siblings who died in infancy. The five brothers were Tom, Jack, Patrick, Bill and Joe (p. 13). From the Dooley Glenmore headstone were found the names of the children who died in infancy, Mary and Edward Walsh.
Mary Walsh (9 Nov. 1919-4 March 1924) died on 4 March 1924 at the age of 4. Her death cert noted that she was delicate from birth. Her father William Walsh was present at her death in Ballylammy (sic). Edward Walsh (c. 1924-22 July 1928) died on 22 July 1928 aged 4, of suspected sunstroke. His father William Walsh was present at his death in Ballinlammy.
Glenmore Ancestors: Walsh, Dooley, Roche and Kennedy
Paternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) and his wife Mary Roche (b. 1856 ). Thomas Walsh, aged 26, of Haggard and Mary Roche, of Jamestown, were married at Glenmore on 21 January 1886. Thomas was a labourer and son of Edmund Walsh. Mary Roche was a 29 year old servant and the daughter of William Roche (labourer). Known children born to this union include: [1] Mary Walsh (b. 2 Nov. 1886); [2] Ellen Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1888); [3] Hannah Walsh (b. 9 March 1889); [4] Edward Walsh (29 Dec. 1890); and [5] William Walsh (b. 23 August 1892). The father, Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) died a year after William’s birth leaving his wife of 7 years with five young children.
A newer headstone in Glenmore recites that Thomas Walsh died in 1894 at the age of 38. According to the death register a Thomas Walsh died on 22 October 1893 of bronchitis at Haggard, Glenmore. He was 32 years of age and his father Edmond Walsh was present at his death.
Mary Walsh née Roche (1856- ?) was baptized at Forristalstown on 9 July 1856 the daughter of William Roche and his wife Mary Murphy. Two years later her brother Patrick Roche was born at Jamestown. Today, there are still Roches in Jamestown.
Maternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s maternal grandparents were John Dooley (c.1839 -1889) and his wife Anne Kennedy (c. 1843-1913). The couple were married at Glenmore on 7 February 1881. John was the son of Michael Dooley (labourer) and Anne was the daughter of William Kennedy (mason). At the time of the wedding both fathers were deceased, and John’s profession was “pensioner.” The couple were only married 8 years before his death.
Anne Dooley née Kennedy died, widowed, aged 70, on 2 January 1913 at Ballinlammy. Her son Michael Moore (?) was present at her death. John Dooley died on the 28th of December 1889 at Ballinlammy. He was 50 years of age, and his profession was listed as “Army Pensioner.” It was noted he died of natural causes “probably heart disease.” His widow, Anne Dooley was present at his death.
From the Dooley Glenmore Headstone in addition to Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884 -1958) there were at least two other children of John Dooley and his wife Anne Dooley née Kennedy: Patrick Dooley (c. 1882- 1956) died 9 October 1956, aged 74; William Dooley (?-1963) died 10 March 1963, aged 63?, in Santa Barbara California.
In the 1911 Census Anne Dooley was aged 68 and farming in Ballinlammy. Her son William was aged 24 and working as an agricultural labourer and her daughter Bridget was 26. We believe that William Walsh married into the Dooley holding in Ballinlammy.
Tough Times in Ballinlammy
Leo Walsh described the cottage where Thomas Kieran Walsh was raised in Ballinlammy as isolated with no running water, no electricity and no sanitation. The cottage had a thatched roof that was leaky and it was upgraded to a slate roof. There were no ceilings, just the rafters and at night stars could be seen. The floors were concrete with no luxuries such as carpeting or a rug. There were no windows just window openings fitted with removeable wooden panels to help keep the cold out. The front door was called a half door. The bottom could be closed to keep out animals while the top half could be opened to let in light and air (Walsh, p. 14-15).
As was the custom of the time the family kept a cow, some goats, chickens and a pig. The cows and goats provided milk and cream and a pig was slaughtered every year with some meat being kept back for the family to consume. Although they produced eggs they were not usually consumed. Only at Easter they would each be given a boiled egg (Walsh, p. 15). It appears that most of what was produced on the small holding was sold.
Their father William Walsh (1892-1971) worked elsewhere as a farm labourer and thought his sons would also become farm labourers. Their mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) recognised her children’s intellectual potential and encouraged them to do well in school. The school they attended was a good few miles away. After doing their chores they would walk to school in bare feet in warm weather.
“The Walsh boys were a humble bunch without an aggressive bone in their bodies, but their frugal and challenging up-bringing may have given Tom the fortitude and skills necessary to walk away alive from the jungles of Thailand, after three and a half years of imprisonment as a POW. He was born to survive” (Walsh, p. 16).
The Sugar Beet Factory Opportunity & Disappointment
Early in the 1930’s Tom went to a vocational school and earned a trade certificate. He applied for 1 of 3 apprenticeships offered by the newly nationalised sugar beet factories. The whole world was impacted by the Great Depression and jobs were scarce. Tom was awarded one of the five-year apprenticeships to train to become an electrician. Tom was assigned to the Tuam factory. He worked 9 hour days and earned a quarter of what electricians made. In his second year, in 1935, he bought a bicycle for 5 shillings.
Unfortunately, the bicycle had been stolen, and Tom’s protests of innocence were ignored by the arresting officer and the judge who found him guilty. The verdict was published in the local newspaper and Tom’s apprenticeship was terminated. Mortified he decided to go to London rather than return home (Walsh, p. 20-21). In 1936, at the age of 19 Tom said goodbye to his apprehensive family and sailed from Rosslare to Fishguard (Walsh, p. 21).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Leo Walsh for writing “Rough Justice” and to Martin Gahan for sharing his copy of the excellent book. The photos are from the book. The featured photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh in uniform is from the front cover. The photo of his mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley is from page 18.
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Parish Death Records 1975
In a blue binder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) kept a copy of the Glenmore parish burial records from 1927-2013. While it was initially thought that the records would provide information as to when most deaths occurred in a given year, unfortunately, the records are not as complete as the parish records for baptisms and marriages. Today, we publish the parish burial records for 1975. See our previous post of 23 September 2024 for information regarding available on-line records and 1974 parish death records.
Glenmore Deaths 1975
Sixteen deaths are recorded in the 1975 parish records. For the most part the only information recorded is the deceased’s name, age, and date of death as well as the date of burial. All other information below was been found in newspaper obituaries, census records, Danny’s notes or from asking local residents. If an obituary of a deceased was already on our Glenmore surname pages an abridged obituary is provided below with a link to the surname page.
Average Age at Death
Of the sixteen deaths recorded two were young boys tragically killed in a farmhouse fire. Excluding the two boys 9 men died and 5 women. The average age for the 9 men was 66.6, while the average age for the 5 women was 65.4. In most developed countries 50 years ago the life expectancy for women was greater than that for men. However, this is one year in isolation. This list also contains another set of brothers who died within a few months of each other.
Married Glenmore People Lived Longer
The other interesting fact concerns the marital status of the deceased. Excluding the children, information was found for 8 of the men. Five had been married and 3 never married. The average age of death for the married men was 72.8 and for the never married men 62.3. Information was found for all 5 women. The average age of death for the 2 married women was 69. The average age of death for the three women who never married was 53.
The Glenmore List
[1] Thomas Walsh, aged 47, died 1 March 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 14 March 1975, p. 20. The death occurred in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford of Mr. Thomas Walsh (c. 1928-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore at the comparatively early age of 46. A well-known figure in farming circles, he was the husband of Mrs. Maureen Walsh, who is a member of the Hartley family Half-way House, Co. Waterford; father of Eleanore, Edmund and Marie. The full obituary can be found on our W Surname page.
[2] Michael Tobin, aged 49, died 12 March 1975, Mullinaharigle [no further information could be located]
[3] Rev. M. Brennan, aged 80, died 23 March 1975.
Rev. Michael Brennan was the Parish Priest of Glenmore in 1975. He lived in the Parochial House on Priest Lane, Robinstown, Glenmore and kept greyhounds. He also hunted pheasants. A nice, humble, gentleman. He was only in Glenmore for a short time, but was missed when he died. Shortly before his death he was asked to say a few words at a Creamery Dance. He said that the creameries were set up in hard times by people who did not have much and were stretched. He hoped that they now were getting the benefit of the business they created.
[4] Patrick Jones, aged 78, died 9 April 1975.
Patrick Jones (1897-1975) was born 29 January 1897 at Moulerstown the son of George Jones (c. 1866-1945) and his wife Bridget Murphy (c. 1869-1945). Patrick Jones married Alice Dunne (c.1890-1967) and was the father of Seamus (c. 1932-2016) and Pakie (c. 1932-1006) Jones. The family lived in Glenmore Village near Eily Heffernan’s shop and in 1961 Patrick’s profession was listed as a road worker in Danny Dowling’s list of residents. See our post of 25 April 2021 regarding the “Gallant Glenmore Brothers.”
[5] Ellen Purcell, aged 54, died 6 June 1975.
Kilkenny People, Fri. 20 June 1975, p. 10. Miss E. Purcell—the death took place in the Auxiliary Hospital, Kilkenny, of Miss Ellen Purcell (53) [c. 1921-1975] Moulerstown, Glenmore. A well-known and respected inhabitant of the district, she had been unwell for some time past. She was sister of Mrs. Margaret Greene (c. 1918 -2013) Moulerstown, and the late Mrs. M. Maher, Derrylackey, Ballyhale. Interment took place at Glenmore after Mass celebrated by Rev. P. Madigan, C.C., do.
Luckily her older sister Margaret was born on 22 December 1919, and we were able to obtain information from Margaret’s birth registration. Their father was Peter Purcell (farmer) of Moulerstown, Glenmore. Their mother was Anne Purcell née Long.
[6] Mrs. Mary Dunphy, aged 92, died 18 June 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 27 June 1975, 6. Mrs. Mary Dunphy (c. 1883-1975), Ballyfacey Upper Glenmore, died at her residence at the age of 92 one of the oldest inhabitants of the parish. She was the last surviving member of the Gorey family, Ballyconnacht, Tullogher, and had been residing in Ballyfacey since her marriage over sixty years ago. Her husband, the late Michael Dunphy (c. 1881-1941) died in 1941, and she was the mother of Richard Dunphy, Miss Nora Dunphy, Ballyfacey; the late Eily Dunpphy, do: mother-in-law of Mrs. Eileen Dunphy, and grandmother of Mary, Noreen, Michael, Seamus, Richard, Billy, and twin boys, John and Patrick Dunphy. She was also sister of the late Ellie and Annie Gorey, Ballyconnacht, and the late Mrs. Bridie Walsh, do, and aunt of Denis Walsh, do. and Mrs. Stasia Ryan, do. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening, and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. William Dalton, Chaplain, Holy Faith Convent, Killester, Dublin (a native of Ballinaraha, Mullinavat) relative of deceased, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P., Glenmore.
[7] Mary Forristal, aged 52, died 19 July 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 18 July 1975, p. 5. Death of Miss M. Forristal (c. 1923-175) The death took place in St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Thursday last of Miss Mary Forristal, Robinstown, Glenmore, at the age of 52. Deceased, who had been out of her health for some time past, was in her youth, a shop assistant at McKeon’s, South Street, New Ross, for some years.
She was sister of Messrs. Michael, John and Martin Forristal, Robinstown; Sister M. Bernadette, Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Montebello, California; Sr. Paschal of the same order Tarrytown, New York; Mrs. Nancy O’Brien, Robinstown; Mrs. Catherine Phelan, Ballyveria, Glenmore; and aunt of Francis O’Brien, Robinstown. The remains were removed to St.. James Parish Church, Glenmore, on Friday evening, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Saturday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. Madigan, C.C., Glenmore, and the final prayers at the graveside were recited by Very Rev. J. O’Shea, P.P. do. See our post of 13 May 2020 regarding the tragic death of her father Martin Forristal (1879-1931) when she was about eight years old.
[8] Richard Cody, aged 55, died 7 Sept. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Sept. 1975, p. 20. Richard Cody (c. 1921-1975) of Ballycroney, Glenmore died at Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford, following a brief illness, at the age of 54. Deceased, who well known in farming circles in the district, was unmarried, and brother of Messrs. John, Walter, and Michael Cody of Ballycroney. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev.. Thomas Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
Their father was Michael Cody (c. 1878-1947) who married their mother Bridget Aylward of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 4 February 1920. Michael was a farmer and the son of Otho Cody (farmer) of Ballycroney. Bridget was the daughter of John Aylward (farmer) of Ballyfacey. The witnesses to the wedding were James Cody of Ballycroney and Maggie Aylward of Ballyfacey.
[9] Andrew Heffernan, aged 82, died 7 Sept. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 19 Spt. 1975, p. 20. Death of Mr. A. Heffernan—Mr. Andrew (Andy) Heffernan (1893 -1975) who died suddenly at his daughter’s residence, Rochestown, Glenmore, was a native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, and a well known figure in farming and sporting circles in the parish. He was captain for some years of the Glenmore team which won a record of nine county senior championships between 1915 and 1924, all in succession with the exception of 1920, when Coolagh were awarded the title as Glenmore took the field after the appointed time.
He also played with Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Championships in 1915, 1920 and 1922, with a number of colleagues of the Glenmore team. When he was married in 1919, to the former Miss Bridget Roche, of Rathinure Glenmore, he was presented with a Testimonial by the local football club in appreciation for his services and leadership which were an inspiration to the players and club members.
Aged 82, he was husband of Mrs. Bridget Heffernan, and father of Messrs. Mick Hefernan, Maypark, Waterford; Jimmy Heffernan, Ballyneale, Tullogher (former Kilkenny All-Ireland hurlers); Paddy Heffernan, Rockenham, Ferryban; John Hefernan, Aylwardstown; William Heffernan, Newcastle Road, Galway; Peter Heffernan, London; Mrs. Mary Aylward, Rochestown; Mrs. Nellie Doherty, Ballinlammy; and Mrs. Biddy Myles, London.
He was brother of Mr. Nicholas Heffernan, London; Mr. Stephen Heffernan, Chicaggo, and is also survived by over 50 grandchildren. Interment took place at Glenmore on Tuesday of last week after Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside, assisted by Very Rev. Delaney, Adm. Tullogher; Rev. Richard Phelan, Castletown, Laois, and Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, Director of Social Services, Kilkenny, and Rev. P. Dalton, C.C. Ferrybank.
The large attendance, both at the removal of the remains and burial, included representatives f Kilkenny County Board GAA, Kilkenny Souther Board, Glenmore Hurling and Football Club, Mount Sion and Tullogher GAA Clubs, Clover Meats Ltd., Ferrybank, a number o surviving members o the old Glenmore and Kilkenny Football teams, as well as many relatives, friends, and sympathisers from Countiies Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. His six sons acted as pall bearers. Funeral arrangements were by T. Power and Sons Ferrybank.
Andy was the son of Michael Heffernan (c. 1847-1924) of Aylwardstown and his wife Bridget Kennedy (c. 1854-1947) of Rathinure. Interestingly Andy married his sister Alice Roche’s (née Heffernan) sister-in-law Bridget Roche.
[10] Gerard Kehoe, aged 11, died 1 Oct. 1975 and
[11] Richard Kehoe, aged 7 ½, died 1 Oct. 1975
Munster Express, Fri. 3 Oct. 1975, p. 1—Two young brothers, Gerard and Richard Kehoe lost their lives when fire swept through their home shortly before midnight. They got trapped on a landing in the two-storey old mansion type farmhouse [Mount Ida] at Rochestown, and their badly charred bodies were later found on the ground floor by firemen, both having been thrown down when part of the ceiling collapsed.
Gerard and Richard were the sons of John Kehoe (c. 1916-1991) and Peggy Kehoe née Aylward (c. 1935-2023) of Rochestown. Peggy was Paddy “the Barrister” Walsh’s granddaughter. Peggy’s photo and obituary is available on RIP.ie.
[12] Michael Cody, aged 79, died 29 Oct. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 7 Nov. 1975, p. 6 of Weatherstown. Michael Cody’s (c. 1896-1975) full obituary is on our C Glenmore family page.
A former well-known footballer, with his brothers Martin and Paddy won a number of senior County championships with his parish during the period from 1915 to 1924, when with the one exception in 1920, Glenmore took all the titles. He was married to Anne Cody (c. 1909-1989 née Woods) who was a native of Ballymartin, Tullogher and father of Messrs Paddy and Donal Cody, Weatherstown; Michael Cody, Athlone, Co. Westmeath; Nicholas Cody, Ballyveria, Glennmore; and Mrs. Mary Dowling, Tara, Co. Meath.
Michael Cody (1896-1975) was born on 1 April 1896 at Weatherstown to Patrick Cody and his wife Mary Knox. One elderly Glenmore resident today stated that Michael Cody sang in the Glenmore Choir for years until he was an old man.
[13] Catherine Murphy, aged 76, died 2 Nov. 1975
Catherine “Kate” Murphy née Irish (1891-1975) of Davidstown, Glenmore died at Rosario Nursing Home. Her obituary lists her age as 84. She was widow of William Murphy of Davidstown who died in 1954 and mother of Edward Murphy of Davidstown.
Catherine was born 14 August 1891 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore, the daughter of James Irish and his wife Mary Heneberry. It is believed (from Danny Dowling (1927-2021) that James Irish bought the farm where Michael Walsh poisoned two bailiffs. See our post of 6 October 2024. Catherine’s complete obituary can be read on our M Glenmore surname page.
[14] John Cody, aged 52, died 12 Nov. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri. 21 Nov. 1975, p. 19. Death of Mr. J. Cody—Mr. John Cody (c. 1923-1975) Ballycroney, Glenmore, who has died in St. Canice’s Hospital Kilkenny, was a member of a well-known farming Families. Deceased, who has been out of his health for some time past, was brother of Messrs Walter and Michael of Ballycroney, and the late Richard Cody, do, who died last September. The remains were removed to Glenmore Parish Church on Thursday evening last, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Friday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C. Glenmore, who also officiated at the graveside.
[15] Mary Moran, aged 53, died 7 Dec. 1975
Mary Moran proved impossible to locate in newspaper searches etc. The Moran headstone in cemetery attached to St. James provides that Mary may have been called Bridget Moran (4 Nov. 1916—6 Dec. 1975).
Mary/Bridget was the daughter of Hubert Moran (25 April 1886-10 May 1951) and his wife Mary Kate Moran née Irish (15 Aug. 1888-12 Dec. 1935). It is believed that Mary/Bridget resided and worked on a farm in Co. Waterford.
[16] Nicholas Mernagh, aged 78, died 9 Dec. 1975.
Munster Express, Fri.19 Dec. 1975, p. 19—Death of Mr. N. Mernagh—the death occurred at Arkeen Hospital, Waterford, of Mr Nicholas Mernagh (c. 1897-1975), Jamestown, Glenmore. Deceased, who was a well-known and esteemed personality in the district and was husband of Mrs. Margaret Mernagh, do., and father of Mrs. Johanna Doyle and Mrs. Bridie Murphy. He is also survived by a number of grandchildren and other relatives. The remains were removed to St. James’s Parish Church, Glenmore on Wednesday evening of last week an interment took place in the adjoining cemetery on Thursday morning after Requiem Mass. Celebrant was Rev. T. Heneberry, C.C., Glenmore who also recited the prayers at the graveside.
Nicholas Mernagh was born in Wexford. His father, John (Jack) Mernagh (c. 1855-1911) worked for the railway and moved his family to Ballyverneen, Glenmore circa 1906. The 1911 Census reveals that Jack was 53 years of age and had been married to Mary (aged 42) for 26 years. They were both born in Wexford and were the parents of 16 children, but only 12 of the children were alive in 1911. The ten children living with them in 1911 included: Patrick, aged 23; John, aged 21; James, aged 19; Stephen, aged 17; Bartholomew, aged 13; Thomas, aged 10; Adain, aged 8; Nicholas, aged 6; Mary, aged 5 and Lizzie, aged 3. All the children except Mary and Lizzie were born in Wexford. The 1911 census records that there were 12 members of this family living in a three room house owned by the Dublin and South East Railway.
Nicholas married Margaret Mackey (c. 1905-1978) of Weatherstown, Glenmore.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh