Glenmore Kilkenny
now browsing by tag
More Glenmore Fishing
Fifty years ago this past week, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Denis Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore (DD Notebook 31, Interview 6 March 1974 at Doherty’s of Milltown). Denis Murphy was a lifelong resident of Milltown, never married and worked as a labourer and fisherman. See our earlier post of 18 July 2020 for other information concerning Glenmore fishing and weirs.
Denis “Dinny” Murphy (1901-1986) of Milltown, Glenmore
Denis Murphy was the son of John Murphy (labourer) and Catherine “Kate” Merrigan (1859- ? ) who married on 21 April 1893. Kate was the daughter of Michael Merrigan (c. 1820-1891) and Mary Merrigan née Morrisey (sic) (c. 1823 -1885) of Milltown. See our M family surname page for further information on the Murphy families. See our post of 21 May 2020 regarding the Merrigan family of Milltown.
Denis Murphy was known as Dinny. During his 1974 interview Dinny recalled 26 cot crews salmon fishing on the River Barrow during one season about 58 years before his interview (i.e c. 1916). Dinny explained that there were four men in each crew, thus there were 96 men salmon fishing locally during that particular season.
The 26 cot crews fished from the following locations:
New Ross—15 crews
Ling Voor—3 crews
Gap—4 crews
Shanbogh Stocks—4 crews
Dinny reported that in the early 1930’s “he sold gilíns (pale)” to the locals at Ballygurrim cross. A gilín or pale are terms for young salmon. The price of gilíns was low. The price then went up to 6d. per pound, and Dinny bought some gilíns to sell at this price. The locals bought his supply but told him not to bring anymore at that price because the price was too high.
Local good cot makers were identified by Dinny as Ned Grace of Forristalstown and Patsy Aylward of Shanbogh.
Dissolving a Fishing Partnership
Dinny’s grandfather, Mikey Merrigan (c. 1820-1891) of Millstown, and Bill Roche ( c. 1814-1894) of Jamestown (Main Roche’s father) bought a cot together. “Bill Roche was a most contrary and cantankerous man and a bully.” On one occasion the crew in which Roche and Merrigan were members got into a dispute over a salmon they caught. Roche got contrary and told Merrigan that they would have to dissolve the partnership. As they owned the cot together Merrigan decided that either one or the other should buy out the other’s share.
The cot cost £12. This sum included the timber, fittings, and the making of it. “When it came time to pay the other off, Roche refused to agree to anything except that the cot had to be sawn in half. The cot was thereupon sawn in half.” Mikey Merrigan sold his share, or half of the cot, to “one of the Shivawns in Forristalstown who made a cattle trough out of it.” Does anyone know which family in Forristalstown had the nic-name Shivawns?
In 1979 Danny interviewed Nicky the Miller Forristal (1888-1979) who told a similar story concerning Bil Roche insisting on a jointly owned cot being cut in half. In Nicky the Miller’s version the other party was Patsy Hennebery (Mártín) of Jamestown. They fished together for at least one season and Patsy Henneberry decided to go with another crew. He asked Roche, “How will we settle about the cot? Roche replied “we can do nothing with her except cut her in halves.” No matter what Henneberry suggested, Roche would not agree, in the end Henneberry, rather than see it cut in halves, left it to Roche.
Bill Roche (c. 1814-1894) of Jamestown, Glenmore
William Roche (c. 1814-1894) of Jamestown married Mary Murphy on 27 June 1844. The couple had 8 known children. The oldest four were born at Forristalstown and the last four were born at Jamestown. [1] William Roche (b. 1845); [2] William Roche (b. 1850); [3] John Roche (b. 1854); [4] Mary or Main Roche (b. 1855); [5] Patrick Roche (b. 1858); [6] Patrick Roche (b. 1860); [7] Anastatia Roche (b. 1863) and [8] Ellen Roche (b. 1866).
Main Roche married Thomas Walsh (aged 26) of Haggard on 21 January 1886. Thomas was the son of Edmund Walsh (labourer). There is a section of a Glenmore road still known locally as Main Roche’s hill. If you exit Glenmore on the Cappagh Road the incline you encounter as you pass the turn off to the new Glenmore N25 roundabout is Main Roche’s hill. Main Roche would have travelled along this road coming and going to Glenmore. Does anyone know why this stretch of road became known as Main Roche’s hill?
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The feature print above is a cigarette card depicting a salmon. The drawing of Annagh’s Castle is courtesy of the Dublin Penny Journal (30 Jan. 1836, available at https://www.jstor)org/stable/30003343) and two cots are depicted in the drawing. Annagh’s Castle is located on the River Barrow half way between New Ross and Glenmore.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in the News: February 1924
In February 1924, the Irish Civil War was over, but the new Free State was struggling with unemployment, crime, inflation, lack of housing, prisoners, flu and finding the money to rebuild damaged or destroyed infrastructure. Only three direct Glenmore articles were located in local newspapers published in February 1924. Two were obituaries and the other concerned a Glenmore dance. Below is a sample of articles that were published in local newspapers that undoubtedly were discussed in Glenmore 100 years ago.
Criminality
The New Ross Standard editor wrote a long editorial concerning criminality with the wanton destruction of public property, looting, and robberies. Below is an excerpt from his editorial.
“The newspapers report daily murders and robberies and other incidents of a disgraceful nature having no connection with politics. It was our claim in the old days of agitation for national autonomy for Ireland, that under a home government we would not need so many police or peace guardians as under British rule, but …there is evidence that we must have even a larger police force for the maintenance of law and order than we had before…There seems to be a spirit of mischief in the air…we seem to have a penchant for destruction in Ireland…We are past masters of at pulling down, but we do little in the way of building up” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Feb. 1924, p. 4).
Balancing the Books
At the February meeting of the New Ross Urban Council, members were exercised at the Government’s cutting of the old age pension. The Chairman stated, “It is a disgrace to a Government to take off a shilling a week. The English Government whom we criticised gives 10s. a week and our own men took off a shilling. I say it is a scandal.” Mr. D. Murphy, observed, “They seem to practise economy only on the poor class. There is no economy in their own departments.” Mr Hand opined,” There will be a general election soon and they will be kicked out of office.” A unanimous resolution was passed protesting against the action of the Government in cutting the old age pension and suggested that the Government cut their own wages first (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb., 1924, p. 6).
Within a week it was announced that the anticipated cuts to pay for the Civic Guards and Dublin Metropolitan Police would commence March 1st. The cut reduced the salary of rank and file police by 10 shillings per week and the higher grades of officers would have a corresponding reduction also (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Feb. 1924, p. 4).
War Claims
Claims for destruction of property during the irregular campaign [Civil War] were adjudicating at the Quarter Sessions in Kilkenny in February 1924. The principal claimant in South Kilkenny was Lord Bessborough for the burning of his mansion, the courthouse and other valuable property he owned. (Munster Express (Fri. 29 Feb. 1924, p. 5). One of his properties damaged was the Glenmore Barracks, but this occurred in the War of Independence and he received an award in 1920. See our post of 11 April 202o regarding the burning of the barracks and our post of 26 Sept. 2021 for the re-building after the Civil War.
Prisoners
There were about 1200 prisoners still on the Curragh, 700 in Harepark and 500 in Tintown No. 2. The flu was reported as being prevalent in the camps with many prisoners being removed to hospital. It was believed that the camps would be shortly cleared and the prisoners either released or transferred to Harepark (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Feb. 1924, p. 5)
Industrial Strife
Proposed wage cuts were not limited to public service employees and the pensioners. At the end of February, a lockout took place in Waterford. Ten prominent drapery firms shut down. For our international readers these were clothing shops or businesses. The firms proposed to reduce the salaries of their employees by 12.5%. Immediately 7.5% would be cut and the remaining 5% on 1 August. Most of the employees were drapery employees and members of the Distribution Workers’ Union.
Between 80 to 90 of the drapers’ assistants left the Distributive Worker’s Union and joined the Allied & Clerical Worker’s Union. By a three to one vote the Allied & Clerical Workers rejected outright the proposed pay cuts. The employers reacted by shutting their doors and putting 200 to 250 people out of work. The firms shut included Robertson, Ledlie & Co.; Hearne & Co.; J. Carroll & Co.; Phelan Bros. George’s St.; Edward Deevy & Co.; J.J. Phelan, Gladstone St. etc. Smaller drapery establishments around Waterford City were not affected by the dispute (Munster Express (Fri. 29 Feb. 1924, p. 5).
Influenza Epidemic
While the flu was spreading quickly through the prison camps, it was also reported that the New Ross Union Hospital “was practically filled with patients, principally from the country districts; many of whom were ill from the flu” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Feb. 1924, p. 5). It was reported in Waterford that, “a mild form of the flu has struck down many persons throughout the South Kilkenny districts. Happily, there were no fatal results reported” (Munster Express, 9 Feb. 924, p. 4).
Out of Quarantine
As we reported last month a childhood disease postponed the society wedding of the year when the bride contracted chicken pox. “Captain Lord Arthur Butler, M.C. 17th Lancers, son of the Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond, was married on Saturday at the Summerhill parish church, Ascot, to Miss Jessie Carlos Clark, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chares Carlos Clarke of Woodlands, Summerhill. The wedding was postponed on 3 January due to the bride falling ill” (The Kilkenny People, Sat. 2 Feb. 1924, p. 6).
Glenmore Obituaries
KEEGAN
William Keegan was the first stationmaster at the Alywardstown, Glenmore railway station. His widow died in February 1924. See our post of 29 July 2020 and our post of 15 Feb. 2020, regarding her son Lt. Michael Keegan.
“Mrs. Sarah Keegan—The death occurred on the 9th, at Bray, of Mrs. Sarah Keegan, relict of the late Mr. William Keegan, stationmaster, Aylwardstown, and previously at Rathgarogue, Co. Wexford. The deceased having passed away fortified by the rites of the Catholic Church. She was held in great esteem and belonged to a very respectable family. One of her sons fills a position in the offices of the D. and S.E. Railway, at Bray, and another in the air force, and is stationed presently in Palestine. The remains were brought to Rathgarogue and interred with those of her husband. The chief mourner was Mr. Wm. Keegan (son). R.I.P.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb.1924, p.1).
GAHAN
The second Glenmore obituary was for Mrs. Brigid Gahan née Doherty (c. 1846-1924), of Newtown, Glenmore. See our post of 19 March 2023 for further information on the Gahan’s of Newtown.
MRS. GAHAN, GLENMORE—The death took place on the 30th of Mrs. Brigid Gahan, Newtown, Glenmore. The deceased lady had reached a good age, and had been ailing for some months. Thoroughly resigned to the will of her Creator she peacefully passed away after receiving the last rites of the Catholic Church. She belonged to a very respectable and popular family and was held in great esteem in the district. The funeral at Glenmore after Office and High Mass was of huge dimensions and testified to the great popularity of the deceased and her family. There was a large attendance of priests at the Office and High Mass. R.I.P. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Feb. 1924, p. 8).
The death register (No. 262) provides that Brigid Gahan, a farmer’s widow, died at Newtown, Glenmore aged 78, on the 28th of Jan. 1924. Her son Patrick Gahan was present at her death. Strangely the next death recorded (No. 263) is Bridget Gahan of Weatherstown, Glenmore, who died 6 Sept. 1923, aged 66. Her nephew, James Roche, was present when she died. Her death was recorded on the 16th of Feb. 1924.
Tullogher Obituary
Death of Well-Known Public Man—The death occurred at the end of last week of Mr. Andrew Walsh, Glenballyvalley, Tullogher, who was for a number of years a member of New Ross Board of Guardians and Ida District Council. Deceased was held in great esteem by his colleagues on these boards and by the general public. He contracted a cold which developed into pneumonia. His death has occasioned the deepest public regret. The funeral was of huge dimensions (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb., 1924, p. 5.)
Fishing & Farming
On the 8th of February it was reported that salmon fishing was poor on the Barrow. Prices opened at 3s. per pound at New Ross (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Feb. 1924, p. 7). The following week fishing on the Barrow and Nore was poor. However, “whilst the number of catches was small, the sizes of the fish were good, a number being 30 lbs. each. The price about 2s. 10d. per lb. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb., 1924, p. 5).
There was a considerable increase in the number of rabbits plaguing Irish farms, and there was a keen demand for Irish rabbits in the British markets. Prices ranged up to 1s. 3d per rabbit with the highest prices paid for those shipped in fresh conditions (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Feb. 1924, p. 4). See our post of 27 Dec. 2020 regarding Glenmore rabbit trapping.
Due to ongoing robberies, “the banks in New Ross were guarded by military on Saturday and fair day. There was a big supply of fat pigs at New Ross fair Monday. Top prices were 47s. and 48s., average 46s. per cwt (i.e. 51 kilos) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb., 1924, p. 5).
Entertainment
“Dr. Frank Powell, the famous entertainer and well known visitor to South Kilkenny was fined £50 at the New Ross District Court, “remitted to £12 10s., under the Amusement Tax Act, in respect of two tickets” (Munster Express, Sat. 9 Feb. 1924, p. 4). The Amazing Dr. Powell (c. 1861-1939) is buried in Glenmore. For details concerning his interesting life see our post of 11 April 2021 and his more famous son-in-law Edward Fossett.
Football Excitement
Many people enjoy being entertained by a good football match, but in February 1924 two sudden deaths were attributed to football excitement.
“Towards the close of the Scottish Cup tied football match between Falkirk and East Fife, played at Edinburgh, on Saturday, William Nicol, manager of Falkirk team, dropped dead from excitement. Another sudden death, due to football excitement was reported from Ayr, where a man named Thomas Kelly collapsed while watching the Cup tied match between Ayr and Kilmarnock. He died from hear failure shortly after reaching hospital” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Feb., 1924, p. 6).
First Wireless in New Ross
For our international readers wireless sets were radios. In February 1924, it was reported that “quite a number of people in New Ross are preparing to get in wireless sets. Some of the clubs are, contemplating the installation of sets. Mr. Daniels, dentist, who is the first in town to get in a set got in touch with London, Cardiff, and other places and the reproductions (sic) were perfect.”
To help local people use the new technology, “in the Technical School a wireless set is being installed and when completed a series of lectures and demonstrations will be given. This will be welcomed by people interested and especially by those thinking of installing a set” (New Ross Standard (Fri. 29 Feb. 1924, p. 5).
The Dance Craze
Waterford
The Munster Express noted in early February that a dance craze had swept the area. In town or country where ever a “passable floor” was found, it was “subjected to the demands of fox trotters and the like.” It was also noted that there were “an unusual number of all night dances and Cinderellas” being held in Waterford. “Many feet are feeling ticklish in anticipation of trying the light fantastic on the new floor of the Town Hall. This latter is expected to be ready in a few weeks’ time (Munster Express, Fri. 2 Feb. 1924, p. 5).
Glenmore
“A successful dance was held at Glenmore on Sunday night, the 19th, in aid of the IRPD Fund. Upwards of 130 couples were present. The music was provided by a band of local instrumentalists under the direction of Mr. T. Sullivan. The dance was considered the most successful and the best attended held in Glenmore for many years. Mr. J. Hartley acted as MC” (Munster Express Fri. 2 Feb. 1924, p. 5).
New Ross
However, not everyone was happy with the dance craze. One person identified as PP sent a letter to the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Feb. 1924, p. 4) blaming the lack of supervision at modern public dances for the decline of Christian modesty with deplorable consequences. He also blamed the increase of personal debt on this expensive past time.
PP stated that it was “…high time to cry halt to the dancing campaign which has been running riot in town and country for the past month. In olden days when the moral law was regarded with a reverence which has unhappily ceased to be fashionable, public dances were never tolerated except under careful supervision. It was sometimes difficult enough, even with supervision, to confine certain individuals within the bounds of Christian modesty, especially when liquor was lavishly and indiscriminately supplied to the assembled guests.”
“Today the Christian practice of supervision is regarded as too old fashioned for an enlightened age and hence we need not be surprised to learn that the absence of this desirable precaution has resulted sometimes in sad and deplorable consequences. Another point associated with these expensive entertainments is especially pertinent at the present time. ..It is an open secret that traders and shopkeepers never experienced so much difficulty in collecting debts as at the present time…”
**************
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above is courtesy of the Freeman’s Journal (29 Feb. 1924, p. 10) and depicts an unemployment protest held in Dublin.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore History Update
Thanks to the tireless work of Pat and Orla Dowling, we are happy to report that another box of our founder Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks have been located. We are beginning the process of transcribing and recording the information on the Glenmore History webpage. Today, DD Notebook 29 containing the inscriptions Danny recorded in the 1960’s of the headstones in Kilcolumb graveyard has been added to our Roots page. You can access the inscriptions by clicking here.
The earliest date of death recorded is 1711 and the most recent is 1929. The inscriptions feature common local names including Aylward and Mullally and some unusual names for Glenmore such as Myler and Archdeacon. Danny noted some of the headstones were common quarry slabs with homemade inscriptions and some were from O’Keefes stone masons. Simple prayers are reflected as well as “Do Thou Her Soul From Sins Deliver Who Art The Only Pardon Giver. Amen.”
Over the past month we have also been adding to information and obituaries contained in the Glenmore Family pages.
Dr Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore in Carrigan’s History & Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory
In 1905, Rev. William Carrigan (1860-1924) published his authoritative history of the Diocese of Ossory. This four-volume work is entitled, The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory.
Ossory
Prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Ossory there was an ancient kingdom of Ossory. The diocese was established in 549 and uniquely has nearly the same borders as the ancient Kingdom of Ossory. Today, the diocese serves over 85,000 people, is comprised of 42 parishes in Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly and covers 1,972 square kilometers. For a brief history of the diocese see, the webpage of the Diocese.
Rev. Fr. William Carrigan (1860-1924)
Although Fr. Carrigan and his four-volume work have been heralded for recording the past before the Gelic oral tradition was lost (Brendan Ó Cathaoir, “An Irishman’s Diary,” The Irish Times, 14 Nov. 2005) and is often cited making it a valuable resource, very little has been published concerning Fr. Carrigan himself.
Shortly after Fr. Carrigan’s death another clergyman Rev. Ambrose Coleman, O.P., wrote a biography of Fr. Carrigan, but it was published in the Irish Ecclesiastical Record in 1927 and 1928 in seven instalments. More available is a lecture delivered in 1973 by Margaret M. Phelan outlining Fr. Carrigan’s early life, the writing of his treatise and the publication challenges (Margaret M. Phelan, Old Kilkenny Review (1976) (pp. 148-157) (lecture 9 Nov. 1973) p. 154.)
Native of Co. Kilkenny
William Carrigan was the youngest of 13 children comprised of 11 boys and two girls. He was born in 1860 at Ruthstown, Ballyfoyle, Kilkenny. He was described as a delicate boy “much given to his father’s company. Together they roamed the country looking at graveyard and reading the stones” (Phelan; p. 148). William began his education at the Natioinal School in Ballyfoyle. At 11 years of age he went to a day school in Wellington Square in Kilkenny city and later to St. Kieran’s College where one of his brothers also attended. They both “went over to the ecclesiastical side of the college and from there to Maynooth” (Phelan; p. 149).
Within a year of ordination “he faltered” (Phelan; p. 149). Unsure of his ability he went to stay with his brother, who was then a curate in Callan.” After reflection William asked to continue and was ordained in 1884 at the Presentation Convent. For a couple of years he taught at St. Kieran’s College and in 1888 he was sent as curate to Ballyragget. “He always carried in one pocket a stole, ritual and holy oils and in another a pencil and notebook to jot down what he heard or saw without delay” (Phelan; p. 150).
Writing and Publishing
The actual writing of the four-volume work took Fr. Carrigan six years from 1897 to 1903. He produced a first draft and unhappy with it revised the entire four volumes twice. Fr. Carrigan did this all by hand with no mechanical aid such as a typewriter. It took two years for the publishers to edit and publish the work in 1905. During this period the author advertised, issued circulars, and wrote to individuals seeking subscribers for his work.
Glenmore Subscribers
Through his efforts Fr. Carrigan garnered 738 subscribers. At the end of Volume 1 is a list of the subscribers and two Glenmore men are among the list: William Walsh, C.C. of Glenmore, Waterford (sic); and Rev. Thomas Phelan, P.P. Glenmore, Waterford (sic). Glenmore due to its proximity to Waterford had a Waterford postal address notwithstanding the fact Glenmore parish is in Kilkenny. Given the number of subscribers in the US it is likely that natives of Glenmore abroad may be also on the subscriber list.
Printing Costs
The bill for printing 1,000 copies of History and Antiquities of Ossory with illustrations and binding 750 copies came to £1,248-16-4. Postage to subscribers amounted to £52. Up to the end of 1906, 46 more copies were sold bringing the total sales to 784. “In February 1906, Fr. Carrigan owed £249 and at the end of 1906, £130. He was still only a curate on £80 a year and it took him five years to clear the debt and he had become a Parish Priest.” No further sales took place and in March 1911 he cleared the last £7 he owed for the publishing (Phelan; p. 154.)
By 1916, 840 copies had been sold and 160 copies were with the publishers, Sealy, Bryer and Walker. These copies with the plates illustrating the history burned during the Easter Rebellion. The Losses Commission compensated Fr. Carrigan and “at last the poor author was paid in part for his studies and his troubles.” (Phelan; p. 154.)
Although early sales were not brisk, on the centenary of the publication, Helen Litton compiled a comprehensive index, with over 20,000 entries, to Fr. Carrigan’s four volume work. This index in invaluable to students of history, archaeology and genealogy in the Diocese of Ossory and reflects the continued importance of Fr. Carrigan’s work (Ó Cathaoir/2005).
For further information see, Rev. James Brennan, “Canon Carrigan: Historian,” Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Old Kilkenny Review (1953) p. 1-8).
Presenting to Glenmore Readers
During the Irish Civil War, the Munster Express printed excerpts of Carrigan’s work in the newspaper. The first of 4 excerpts about Glenmore was published on 5 May 1923, p. 6. It is likely that the newspaper’s interest in Kilkenny history stemmed from the owner’s family connections. See our post of 24 January 2022 regarding the editor and proprieter of the Munster Express, Edward Walsh (1862-1946). More recently, when Fr. Barron was P.P. of Glenmore in the 1990’s he often placed short excerpts from Carrigan’s work in the Parish Bulletin.
Although the Munster Express excerpts exclude interesting information and contain a number of typographical errors, they did introduce the learned work to the Munster Express readers as did Fr. Barron’s later efforts. Luckily the four volumes have been digitalized, and are available on line. (We have linked to the New York Public Library as its digitalized copy and supports work best.) Chapter 4 in Volume 4 (p. 88-102) is the chapter dedicated to the Parish of Glenmore. Below is the unabridged beginning of the chapter. Any explanations or information not part of the original text have been placed in [ ].
Parish of Glenmore
It formed one parochial union with Slieverue down to 1846, when it became a separate parish. It takes in the entire of the civil parishes of Ballygurrim, Kilcoan, Kilbride, and Kilmakevoge, and more than half of the civil parish of Kilcolumb. Its area is 13,529 statute acres.
Ballygurrim
In ancient documents Ballygurrim appears as Ballywolgom, Ballymolgorine, Ballymolgorme, Balimolgurn etc. The name signifies O’Mugurrim’s Town. In Irish it would be written Baile Ui Maoit-guirm. [Helpfully Fr. Carrigan then provided how the Balygurrim was pronounced in Glenmore]. The local pronunciation is Bolle-ghizzhm, which is a slight corruption of Bolleel-ghizzhm.
The name Maolgorm does not occur in the Ossorian pedigrees in the Book of Leinster and Book of Lecain; it was in use, however, among the Deisi of the Co. Waterford; for, under the year 890 the Four Masters record that “Maelgorm, Tanist of the Deisi, was slain.” [A Tanist is the successor apparent to a Celtic chief, chosen by election among the clan during the chief’s lifetime.]
Ballygurrim was one of the parishes appropriated to the Nunnery of Kilkilliheen by David Fitz Milo, Baron of Overke, about the year 1240. The parish church, traditionally said to have been at one time of considerably ecclesiastical importance, consisted of nave and chancel, and was 60 feet long internally. The walls were 2 ft. 9 ins. thick, and are all levelled within one yard of the ground, except the west gable of the nave, which is about 22 feet high. A baptismal font, square and unornamented, on the outside, lies within the ruins.
There is but one ancient monument, viz., a large floor slab, lying in the corner of the chancel; it has a large cross, in relief down the centre, at each side of which are carvings of the emblems of our Lord’s Passion. On the edge is the following inscription in raised Roman capitals:
HIC JACET ROBERTVS DEN DE BALLYBVSSHER GENEROSVS QVIOBIT 23 MAI 1626 ET VXOR EIVS 10[AN]NA AELWARD QVI [rest uncut].
Translation–“Here lie Robert Den of Ballybusher (Busherstown), gentleman, who died May 23rd, 1626, and Johanna Aylward, his wife, who…”
William Den, probably a son of Robert, forfeited Busherstown, under Cromwell, and was transplanted to Connaught in 1653.
A little to the north of the churchyard is a well called Tubberathoggarth, or the priest’s well, which some consider to have been holy. There is no tradition regarding it.
St. Colman is patron saint of Ballygurrim. Bishop Phelan’s List assigns his feast to May 21st. He is presumably identical with St. Colman Lobhar (i.e., the Leper) of Mayo, in the territory of the Dalcasiaus, commemorated on the same day in the Martyrology of Donegal. (Carrigan (1905) The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory, vol. IX, p. 88). [For further information concerning St. Colman Lobhar see, the Omnium Sanctorum Hiberniae website.]
XXXXX
As time and space allows we will continue posting this work concerning Glenmore.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured drawing above is the Moat at Borris-on-Ossory and in the illustration at the commencement of the Glenmore section (Chapter 4, Vol. 4.) of Carrigan’s work. The photo of the gable end of the Ballygurrin church ruins was taken on 7 June 2020 during a COVID outing.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Murder Trial of Patrick Donovan, of Ballyveria, Glenmore
In our last blog post we outlined the information that Danny Dowling recorded regarding the murder of Michael Rigby in Kilbride, Glenmore on 14 May 1841. In addition to the oral tradition that passed from one generation to the next, we are very fortunate that the details of the murder trial held in August of 1841 were reported extensively in the Kilkenny Moderator on 11 August 1841 (p. 2-3). From a legal history standpoint, one aspect of the reported trial that is interesting is the extensive exchange the judge had with the accused Patrick Donovan prior to sentencing. It was not until 1898, that an accused was allowed to testify in his criminal trial. It was believed that whether the accused was guilty or innocent, the fear of punishment would cause an accused to commit perjury, so no criminal defendant was allowed to testify. In Patrick Donovan’s trial for the murder of Micheal Rigby the judge was Baron Richard Pennefather (1773-1859). The prosecutor was Mr. Scott, Q.C. It is not stated that Patrick Donovan was represented by counsel, but there is a reference to Mr. Rolleston, cross-examining Crown witnesses. Excerpts of the newspaper account are provided below and where possible the actual language reported is utilized. The account was provided by a newspaper reporter and is not a verbatim transcript of the testimony.
Mr. Scott, Q.C. gave the jury a brief outline of the case. He contended that Patrick Donovan, aged 28, wilfully murdered Michael Rigby, aged 50, by “giving him a mortal wound on the head with a stone.” “The case was one which could only be presented as one of murder, and the only question was as to the identity of the perpetrator.” He set forth the motive, opportunity, dying declaration of the victim naming his killer, an eyewitness, as well as “so many circumstances…as to leave no doubt of the result.”
The first witness to testify was Captain Benjamin Bunbury who was the agent for Mrs. Caulfield the landlord of Ballyvara (sic). Captain Bunbury revealed to the jury the motive for the murder. “The prisoner married a widow woman, and so became tenant of four acres of the land; he was removed in June, 1840, for non-payment of rent, and for alienating two of them by sale…” In other words, Patrick Donovan as a tenant failed to pay the rent on the land and then alienated, or induced others to take part of the land, collected rent and kept the rent or rent in kind he collected. Before Captain Bunbury learned of the alienation of the two acres he had agreed that Donovan could return if he paid part of the rent owed. When Captain Bunbury found out about the “alienation” of the two acres he refused to allow Donovan to return to the land. Donovan then asked, “who will you get to take it?” Banbury replied, “many, no doubt.”
The next witness was Thomas Rigby one of the sons of the murder victim. He provided the jury among other things, that the defendant had opportunity. Although it was not reported in the newspaper account the age of this witness, (thanks to the Rigby research of Patty Brown & Ann Fitzgerald) we know that Thomas was 19 years of age. Thomas testified, “my father is dead; I remember the day he died; we left home that morning in company at about the hour of eight o’clock; I was going to the land which Donovan formerly held; my father had been about eight months in possession of the land; the prisoner asked me would we give up possession of the ground if Captain Bunbury allowed him, and I said we would; on the morning of the murder I saw the prisoner coming up a lane from the village of Ballyvara; he was about a perch (16.5 feet) off; he shook his head at me, and I was alarmed and told my father what had been done by the prisoner; I looked back once more, and the prisoner again shook his head; I and my father then went on our land, and my father parted me and went off along a path in the direction of Glenmore, a man named Hanrahan was ploughing about three fields off, and my father stopped to speak to him; I here observed the prisoner and a man named Walsh coming from a lane and making towards the path on which my father was; they got on the path and went off in the direction of Glenmore; the deceased had only gone a few yards out of Hanrahan’s field when the prisoner and Walsh left it too, going the same way; after this I saw the three in company going off, and this was about four perches from the place where I lost sight of them; the next time I saw my father was about one o’clock; he was then beaten; I and two of my brothers and two girls remained working in the field, when Hanrahan brought the news that the deceased was killed; my brothers ran before me, and I knew where the deceased lay by hearing their cries; when I came up he was lying in my brother’s arms, and moaning; he died in an hour.”
The cross examination of Thomas Rigby was by Mr. Rolleston. From the answers reported in the newspaper it appears that the counsel was attempting to show that Walsh also had motive and opportunity to commit the murder. Thomas Rigby stated, “l knew Walsh’s brother; he held one of the four acres from which Donovan had been ejected.” He was also questioned about the distance from which he observed his father near Donovan and Walsh, “there were eleven stone fences between me and Hanrahan’s field, and four ditches between me and the place where I saw my father last.” It also appears that he was challenged regarding the alleged head shaking by the accused and replied, “I stated to several persons and to the coroner, that the prisoner shook his head at me that morning.”
The next to testify was another son of the victim 25 year-old James Rigby. He provided further information regarding the land and his father’s dying declaration. “I know the four acres of ground which Donovan held, and my father got it about last Christmas; I was on the ground in last Spring digging potatoes, when the prisoner came up, and holding a little bit of earth in his hand, said, ‘I know that I will be burning in hell, where brimstone will be going through my nose and my belly, and I don’t care as much for my soul as for this bit of clay, and the first of you I catch on my ground I will settle him…’”
James Rigby went on to testify that on the day his father was murdered he saw his father going towards Hanrahan’s field and later “about one or two o’clock” Hanrahan came and told him that his father was at the top of Kilbride. “I ran off and found him lying partly in the ditch, and snorting, he was in very poor state; I asked him was he killed, and he replied ‘I am not killed, but as all as one’; I asked who killed him, and he said ‘Paddy Donovan.’” James Rigby then “threw off” his coat, and ran to the village of Glenmore for the priest, but by the time he returned his father was dead. As he was running for the priest, he met Richard Grace and Denis Lacy; on the path. “Grace asked me what happened.”
At this point the newspaper reported that accused Donovan interjected, “My Lord, if you won’t hang me he will go mad.”
During the cross-examination of James Rigby, he admitted that he had been in jail, “I was in the county gaol about “arguing” with some boys from Kilbrahan; I hit some of them; I cannot tell when it was I was in goal; one night in Ross they put me in gaol.” He denied that his father “turned him out of the house, but I used to go away for work and returned when wanted.” Rigby was apparently questioned about making a statement to John Walsh on the evening of the murder that his father was not able to speak when he found him. James Rigby acknowledged seeing John Walsh, but stated, “my father spoke quite plain when I raised him up; … I never said to any person that my father was not able to speak when I came up to him.”
“Baron Pennefather—When you came up to your father did he seem very much hurt?
Witness—He did.
[Baron Pennefather]—What was the first word you said to him?
[Witness]—I asked him was he killed, and he said ‘I am not, but am all as one;’ I then asked him who killed him, and he said, ‘Paddy Donovan.’
[Baron Pennefather]—Did he speak distinctly?
[Witness]—Not very, but I could swear to those words.”
The next two witnesses were Mary Brophy, of Ballyveria and Edward Hanrahan. Mary Brophy testified that on the day of the murder she went to Stations in Glenmore. She was returning to Ballyveria about dinner time by the pathway when she saw the body of a man lying in the ditch. He was “snorting and lay stretched out; I left him and told Ned Hanrahan, who was ploughing, about the finding of the body.” Edward Hanrahan testified that on the day of the murder at about eight that morning he was plowing and the murder victim came into his field and they had a conversation. Hanrahan observed John Walsh and “another man” come into the field. The victim left and went toward the path and the other two men were about eight perches from the path. “I was afterwards told by Mrs. Brophy that a man was lying stretched, and I went off and found the deceased about three fields off, lying on the other side of the ditch farthest from the path.”
When cross-examined Edward Hanrahan admitted that he told the children of the victim that their father was killed. “When I came up the second time the eldest son had his father in his arms. To Baron Pennefather—When I first saw the body I cannot tell if the man was alive.” He stated that it was Dan [Rigby] (b. 1811) who he saw holding his father in his arms. Hanrahan stated that he knew Donovan, but did not identify him because he did not have “as good an opportunity of seeing the man with Walsh as he [Walsh] came in first.”
The sixth witness was the eye witness John Walsh. He testified that he had lived in Ballyveria for thirty years and he knew the victim Michael Rigby and the accused Patrick Donovan. On the day of the murder, he met Donovan in the village of Ballyveria and they were walking to Glenmore for Stations. “We went by a path towards Glenmore, and the path went by Hanrahan’s field; I saw Hanrahan in the field sowing potatoes; I saw the deceased speaking to Hanrahan, and he then went on the path towards the chapel; I went on a little in advance of the prisoner, and when in Collattin’s field I heard a cry, “Oh don’t Paddy,” and turned round, when I saw Rigby lying on the ground in a corner of the field; I saw the prisoner strike him down on the head with a stone, and then I ran off for fear of my life; the prisoner overtook me some time afterwards, and told me he had thrown Rigby over the ditch; he came with me to the chapel, where we remained a good while; Donovan told me not to swear against him; I left the chapel first, and the prisoner followed me; I came to my own house at Ballyvara, and the prisoner went by the road; the same evening I told my neighbours what occurred.”
On cross-examination Walsh admitted that his brother “had a crop off of one acre of the four acres from which Donovan had been ejected.” In other words, Walsh’s brother was one of the men who alienated or rented part of the property from Donovan. Walsh stated that he was afraid to call out to Hanrahan when he saw Donovan striking the victim. Walsh stated that he was arrested in his own garden, and “told in one day what I knew.” He asserted that he was only arrested because he was with Donovan when the murder took place.
The next two witnesses were Denis Lacey and Richard Grace. Denis Lacey testified that Hanrahan’s house is situated between the Villages of Ballyveria and Glenmore and his own house was close to the pathway. He saw Walsh and Donovan together in the morning and after dinner returning from Glenmore. “James Rigby passed me during the day going for the priest, and he called out aloud to Richard Grace that his father was killed; in about five minutes after this the prisoner came up; I told him that Rigby was struck, and he made no reply.” Richard Grace corroborated that Walsh and Donovan were together in the morning and after dinner “saw the prisoner in Lacey’s house.”
The last two witnesses in the newspaper coverage were Mr. George White, Inspector of Police and Dr. Cummins. White testified that he went to the murder scene and found blood on the ground. He found a stone near the spot with blood and human hair on it. On the night after the murder he arrested Donovan between 11 and 12 o’clock, “at the distance of about two miles from his residence; he was in bed in a barn with two men, and a man who was dressed appeared acting as a sentry.” Dr. Cummins testified that he examined the victim’s body and found twelve wounds and contusions on his head. Two stones were shown to the doctor and he identified that one corresponded with several of the bruises. In his opinion the victim’s death was “produced by these wounds and bruises.” On cross examination he stated that it was possible a man might, “although thus injured, speak some intelligible words.”
“Baron Pennefather charged the jury in a most lucid address, and remarked on the many dreadful crimes that disgraced the country, in connection with the taking of land. The jury, however, were not, because the crime was great, to impute guilt to any individual, unless the evidence established his crimination ‘beyond any rational doubt.’ The learned judge, then, with extreme care, recapitulated the evidence. The jury retired at half past eight o’clock, and at half past ten brought in a verdict of guilty. The foreman said some of the jury wished to recommend the prisoner to mercy. Baron Pennyfather—On what ground? The jury could not assign a reason, and his lordship said he saw no ground for extending mercy. The prisoner, who was rather unmoved, was then taken back to prison.” It is assumed that the entire trial was heard in one day and the jury deliberated from 8:30 to 10:30 that night.
In our next blog we will provide details of the sentencing and Patrick Donovan’s exchange with the judge, as well as personal details concerning Patrick Donovan and Michael Rigby.
Special thanks to Patty Brown and Ann Fitzgerald for sharing their Rigby family research and to all who helped us today in locating some of the 1841 murder related landmarks. Any and all corrections greatly appreciated. Please send any information, corrections, etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above is the old Hogan house in Haggard, Glenmore identified by James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald as the place were Patrick Donovan was arrested on 15 May 1841. The old stone gate pillars are still standing as well as the house behind the trees.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore and the Tithe Tax [Updated]
It is difficult to believe today, that taxes were imposed to support the clergy of the Established Church, the Church of Ireland. Thus, other protestants and Catholics were taxed to support a religion to which they did not belong. To address the resentment of the people toward the tithes, the authorities offered to share the collected tithes with the Irish Catholic Church. The Irish Catholic Church refused the offer fearing that it would lead the Church to come under the control of the Government. In order to evade the tax some Catholic priests encouraged their parishioners to place their livestock in the ownership of the parish priests to keep the animals from being seized by authorities attempting to collect the hated tax.
Not all Catholic Priests sided with the people against the tax. It was reported in January 1831 that threatening notices, against tithes and tithe-payers were posted on the Chapel doors of Kilmacow and Glenmore Catholic Churches. (Kerry Evening Post, Sat. 8 Jan 1831). In both places the clergy expressed disproval for the notices from the altar. In Danny Dowling’s notes an article in the Waterford Chronicle on the 7th of August 1830 reported that there was great “public distress” in the parish of Glenmore. Rev. Fr. Foran, the Curate, obtained a ton of oatmeal from the corporation of Waterford valued at £20; Lady Esmond donated £5 and several other individuals including Mr. Wallis, the Church of Ireland Rector, of Rosbercon, donated £1. The money was used to improve the high road and provide wages to the labourers to enable them to feed their families. It was noted that “during this time of general distress,” Lady Esmonde relieved or fed at least thirty poor people per day. Priests like Father Foran, who sought the aid of the authorities to feed starving parishioners, may have felt unable to support the objectors and risk the withholding of aid.
In March 1831 at Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny, 120 troops tried to enforce seizure orders on cattle the local priest “owned” and clashed with locals. In June 1831, in Newtownbarry, Wexforrd (since 1952 the town is now called Bunclody) locals again resisted the seizure of cattle, and The Royal Irish Constabulary killed 12 and wounded 20. Thus began what is often referred to as the Tithe War.
Objectors to the tax began to organise and employed church bells in the Catholic Churches to warn the local people to hide livestock and gather to resist the armed collectors. In December 1831 a detachment of about 40 Royal Irish Constables served notices and seized animals around the Carrickshock, Kilkenny area. On the third day objectors answered the call of the church bells. In 1977, Danny Dowling interviewed James Bookle, of Grennan, Thomastown who was aged 83. James recalled that as a lad he was told that a lot of people from various Kilkenny areas, went to Carrickshock. Two brothers named Shea from Coolhill, in the Rower, walked to Carrickshock with two sprongs (pitch forks) on their shoulders. They crossed Ida and travelled via Tullogher and Ballyhale.
On the third day, the detachment of Constables collecting animals in the Carrickshock area was ambushed in a boreen flanked by stone walls. Armed with only sticks, stones, hurleys and farm implements such as sprongs the gathered objectors surrounded the Constables. The Constables were able to fire upon the objectors once, but due to the rain of stones from the assembled protestors the Constables were unable to re-load their muskets. It is believed that 13 of the Constables and 3 local objectors were killed at Carrickshock. Danny in July 1962 interviewed Nicky Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore who reported that Pand Irish of Carrigcloney, Glenmore stated that when they were fighting that day in Carrickshock the battle cry was “Remember Newtownbarry.”
Nicky Forristal also provided the lyrics to a song sung in Glenmore regarding Carrickshock. He also reported that he heard his father say that Sergeant Wylie, who was referred to as “The Orange Traitor” in the song, was at Carrickshock and was later stationed in the Glenmore RIC barracks, as a sergeant.
“Sergt. Wylie the Orange Traitor, that day he ran With great force and speed, And well he knew if he was overtaken his body, Like the rest would be left to bleed.”
Carrickshock appears to have had a long term effect on Sergeant Wylie according to Nicky Forristal. Years after Carrickshock the Glenmore Chapel bell began to ring suddenly and Wylie took fright. He ran down to Gaffney’s yard and “got in under a barrell to hide.” Danny explained that Gaffney was in with the landlord, Lord Bessborough, and Wylie thought he would be safe at Gaffney’s.
Immediately after Carrickshock local men were charged with murder, and in 1832 about 200,000 people gathered in Ballyhale, Kilkenny to support the men. The large crowd was addressed by Daniel O’Connell. The men were not convicted.
The following list of persons tried and acquitted in the Kilkenny Assizes 1832 was provided to the House of Commons and included: [1] John Kennedy (murder, Carrickshock case); (the remaining defendants had the same notation “Carrickshock case, no proseution;” [2] John Ryan; [4] Thomas Ryan; [5] Patrick Carty; [6] John Daly; [7] Richard Grennan; [8] Patrik Dwyer; [9] Edmond Duggan; [10] William Walsh; and [11] Thomas Egan. It was noted that the defendant John Ryan on two consecutive days was tried before two different juries and both juries were discharged after they could not agree to a verdict (Return of Number of Persons tried found Guilty or acquitted in Counties of Kilkenny, Mayo and Queen’s). digitalized by the University of Southamptom available at www.jstor.org/stable/community.29946989).
After continued violence when authorities attempted to collect the tithes, parliament enacted the Church Temporalities Act in 1833 and thereby reduced the size of the Church of Ireland hierarchy and abolished the parish cess or church rate which was a separate but also resented tax. Resistance to the tithes continued and it became increasingly difficult for the authorities to find and collect livestock. Often the cost of attempting to collect far exceeded the value of the property seized. The government in the face of continued violence and strained police relations suspended collections.
Shortly after the first anniversary of Carrickshock a proclamation was published in the Dublin Gazette (3 Jan. 1834) stating that several houses in the village of Ballyhale, on the high road between Waterford and Thomastown, were illuminated and bonfires lighted to “celebrate the murder of the police at Carrickshock” on the 14th of December 1831. A reward of 50 pounds was offered to any person who could within 6 months provide information that would lead to the apprehension and conviction of all or any of the persons involved in the celebrations.
The Waterford Chronicle, of the 19th of March 1836 provides an interesting account of an Anti-Tithe meeting held in Glenmore. The article not only provides the names of several Glenmore men, but also provides a different non-violent approach some took to protest the tithes.
“At a numerous and highly respectable meeting of the above Parish, held in the Chapel-yard, on SUNDAY, the 13th Instant, LAURENCE STRANGE, Esq., Aylwardstown, was unanimouslv called to the chair. Mr. JOHN BOLGER, acted as Secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to :
Moved Mr. Andrew PheIan—seconded by Mr. Richard Fitzgerald. Resolved—That as we view the compulsive payment of Tithes by the professors of one religion, to the support of a different creed, unjust in principle as it is pressive and vexatious in its operation, and that so anomalous an impost, in the estimation of an enlightened world, reflect immeasurable discredit on the legislative, and on its passive victims.
Moved by Mr. Richard Phelan—seconded Mr. Robert Grant. Resolved—That the unrighteous system last yielding to the progress of intelligence, and a sense of right among all classes of people, we, the Inhabitants of this Parish, in common with every friend of human happiness, feel ourselves imperatively bound to resist, by every legal and constitutional means, the payment of so iniquitous an impost.
Moved by Mr. Mark Walsh— seconded Mr. Nicholas Gaffney. Resolved—That as we view the blessing of peace and preservation of life of paramount importance among all grades of society, we cannot but cry aloud against that system which so heavily pressed on the industry of the people, and was, alas the prolific cause of so many revolting scenes too shocking for human nature to contemplate; and no modification whatever of tithes short their entire annihilation both in name and substance, can satisfy the country or consistent be with justice.
Moved Mr. James Holden—seconded by Mr. Silvester Murphy. Resolved—Should any attempt be made levy the payment of that iniquitous impost, Tithes, in this Palish, we, one and all, pledge ourselves to resist it every legal means in our power, and do hereby promise to indemnify such person or persons persecuted.
Moved Mr. Thomas Heneberry—seconded Mr, Michael Freney. Resolved —That Petition presented to Parliament grounded on the foregoing resolutions, to be presented by our County Members, the Hon. Colonel Pierse Butler, and W.F. Finn, Esq.
Moved Mr. Michael Gahan—seconded Mr. Andrew Phelan. Resolved —That the foregoing resolutions be published in the Waterford and Weekly Waterford Chronicles. LAURENCE STRANGE, Chairman. JOHN BOLGER, Secretary.
Laurence Strange, Esq., having left the Chair, Mr. Andrew Phelan being called thereto, the thanks the Meeting were given to Mr. Strange for his very dignified and proper conduct in the Chair. ANDREW PHELAN, Chairman. John BOLGER, Secretary. “To the Right Honourable and Honorable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Parliament assembled. The humble Petition of the inhabitants of the Parish of Glenmore, in the county of Kilkenny, Humbly Shewether, That your petitioners, in approaching your honorable House, beg to state their unqualified loyalty and attachment to his Majesty’s person, and their entire confidence in his Majesty’s Government, and constitutional advisers. Your petitioners, persuaded of the kind and benevolent disposition of your honorable house, redress the grievances which affect the people of Ireland. Among their grievances the Tithe system holds a prominent portion, it has uniformly been the source of dissatisfaction and jealousy, and has in very many instances caused the shedding of the blood of several of his Majesty’s subjects in Ireland. Your Petitioners humbly submit your Honourable House, that it is not consonant with the principles of justice, that six millions of his Majesty’s loyal and dutiful Roman Catholic subjects in Ireland, should be taxed for the spiritual instruction of half a million members of the Established Church–a tax, from which the said Roman Catholics derive no benefit, and from which they receive no equivalent. Your petitioners further beg to state to your Honourable House, that as the amount of Tithes in Ireland is far above the want of the Established Church and more than adequate renumeration for its Ministers, it would as unjust as it would he impolitic continue it. Your Petitioners therefore pray your Honourable House, so to modify the Tithe system in Ireland, that it may be no longer a burden on those who receive no benefit. And your Petitioners will ever pray, etc, etc.”
In 1838, parliament enacted the Tithe Commutation Act for Ireland. This reduced the amount payable directly by about a quarter and made the remainder payable in rent to landlords. The landlords were required to collect the tithe as part of the rent and send it on to the authorities. Two Glenmore landlords, Sir John Newport and Major Gahan, of the lands of Kilmakevogue, Graigunakill and Carrigcloney were heralded as patriots when they publicly agreed not to demand the tithe as a rent charge (Dublin Morning Register, 14 September 1838).
Full relief from the tax was not achieved until the Irish Church Act 1869. One of the local events that may have helped bring about the Act was the highly publicised case of Elizabeth Simpson v. Reverald Henry Helsham. For several months in 1864 notices appeared in the Kilkenny Moderator advising people in Ballygurrim and Kilmakevogue, Glenmore not to pay their tithe rent to Reverend Henry Helsham. Under a court order a plaintiff owed moneys could appeal to the bishop of the releant diocese to execute on the goods and chattles (personal property) of the debtor in his diocese. In an article in the Saunder’s News-Letter on Thursday the 14th of May 1868 (in another case where Reverend Helsham was being sued) it was noted that in 1861 he “became embarrassed by his circumstances and had to leave the parish [Rosbercon] for awhile.” The tithe rent charges were collected by a sequestrator who paid the judgments against the Reverend from the rents collected. The tithe rents collected amounted to about £220 a year and clearly illustrates that the tithes which were levied against all holdings in the Union of Rosbercon, to support the Church of Ireland, were directed to support the lifestyle and debts of the Vicar even when he was not working as the Vicar of the parish.
For further details concerning Carrickshock see, http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/101014/101014.pdf Richard Lahert, The Mayor and the Outlaw: A Postscript to the Carrickshock Affray 1831 (Decies, spring 1994).
The featured drawing is from sheet music, The Irish Peasant (Ireland 1800-1870) © Trustees Indiana University http://purl.dlib.indiana.edu/iudl/lilly/starr/LL-SSM-2-136-0014.
Updated 1 Dec. 2021. The Return of Number of Persons Tried Found Guilty or Acquitted in Counties of Kilkenny, Mayo and Queen’s was digitalized by the University of Southamptom is available at www.jstor.org/stable/community.29946989.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh