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From Danny’s Files: The Obituary of Richard “Dick” Dunphy (1878-1908)
Today, we feature a young Glenmore man whose untimely death resulted in a long, passionate, and detailed obituary in the Munster Express. This long obituary was found in Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) large collection of obituaries of Glenmore people. The obituary is below in italics. The sub-headings were added and did not appear in the original published obituary.
Background
Richard Dunphy was born on the 26th of March 1878 in Ballyverneen, Glenmore. He was baptized the following day and his parents were James Dunphy (farmer) (1857-1887) and his wife Ellen Malone (1857-1941). James Dunphy of Ballyverneen married Ellen Malone, of Weatherstown, on 9 May 1877 at Glenmore. The groom was the son of Richard Dunphy (farmer) and the bride was the daughter of James Malone (farmer). Another child, John Dunphy (1880-1956) was born on 22 February 1880 to James Dunphy and his wife, Ellen Malone.
James Dunphy (1857-1887) died of pleurisy on 20 February 1887. He was a farmer, and his 10 year old son, Richard Dunphy, was listed in the death register as being present at his death. His, wife, Ellen Dunphy née Malone (1857-1941) died on 1 July 1941 of shock after suffering a burn. She was 85 years of age at the time of her death per the death register. Her son John Dunphy was present at her death. Richard “Dick” Dunphy (1878-1908) died on the first of April 1908 at his home in Ballyverneen, Glenmore, of acute atrophy of the liver. His brother, John Dunphy, was present at his death.
The Obituary
Richard Dunphy’s obituary appeared in the Munster Express (Fri. 18 April 1908, p. 2 ). It is extremely long and appears to have been written by a friend rather than the newspaper.
The Late Mr. Richard Dunphy, Glenmore: A Companion’s Appreciation
“Invidious grave! How dost thou rend in sunder
Whom love has knit and sympathy made one.”
A great gloom hangs heavily on Glenmore. A grand personality has ceased to exist and brighten the big glen. A young, noble, and cheerful heart has ceased to share our joys. The lights have been extinguished from the kindest, merriest eyes. The able scholar, the shapely athlete, the brilliant conversationalist, the big faithful heart, the soul of honour, the tongue of truth, lies among the quiet dead. Glenmore weeps–the glen he loved so well, the people he delighted so often. There is a mournful sadness over all things in his native parish, for our absent one loved the hills and the fields and the flowers. All mourn for him now, for there is none so beautiful to take his place.
It was necessary to spend but one hour in Mr. Dunphy’s company to discover his wonderful abilities and virtues. It was immaterial what topic was discussed–he was the master. The subject may be a subtle theological one; it may be a disputed fact in history; it may be on the drama, a social problem, or a political question; or perhaps on the fine point of a football contest–all were easily and efficiently diagnosed by “Dick.” One marvels at the great memory, the extensive reading, and the vast experience which generated such varied knowledge.
Enjoyed a Good Yarn
He had ever at hand a large supply of the most interesting antidotes, which he told with such with such expression and humour that the dullest loved to hear him. How often we “held our sides” when he passed witty remark or told what he liked to term a good “yarn.” Few possessed to such a degree the power power of creating around him an atmosphere of good cheer and happiness. His bright, happy, easy manner became reflected on all around him, and all were happy.
Unlike many other brilliant conversationalists, he was never offensive but always edifying. His views on all questions ever bespoke an honourable and virtuous soul; his “yarns” ever portrayed intelligent wit and modest simplicity. Seldom have intelligence, wit, virtue and simplicity been so happily blended in one man. He was just the personality we wanted, and his loss is an irreparable one to society.
Love of Glenmore
Our dear departed one loved the place of his birth in an uncommon degree. Nothing could give him greater delight then to spend a holiday roaming round the hills and dales of his native Glenmore. How we shall miss that bright cheering smile, that gay, lightsome, athletic form swinging along over the roads and through the fields.
As himself would say–he loved the simple life. Simplicity in every form attended him, simplicity in amusement (I saw him recently enjoying a game of marbles)–simplicity in manner, simplicity in all things. This is all the more remarkable when we remember his duties as an Excise Officer brought him in touch with many pretentious people and cities in the United Kingdom. He always came back to us the same happy-going, modest, merry soul.
Glenmore Football
His prowess in the football field is known in many an Irish county, but nowhere so well as his native parish. Where ever he happened to be stationed he sought the best Gaelic Club , and immediately became its guide, philosopher, and friend. When the Glenmore Football Club needed help he was home like a streak of lightening. He several times travelled home from England to help the Glenmore boys win the 1906 Championship. He was our guiding star and our idol. It was a sad moment when the captain placed a beautiful wreath on his grave.
Education
The late Mr. Dunphy sowed the first seeds of his learning and great virtue in Glenmore National School, where he was the delight of his teacher Mr. Curran.He next spent some years in Good Counsel College, New Ross. Here his exceptional abilities marked him for many favours. He graduated to Blackrock College, Dublin, where he had a distinguished course. Deciding to become a Civil Servant he next entered the Civil Service Institute, Dublin, where after a few months special tuition he secured fourth place in the dUnited Kingdom at the Excise examinations in 1899. He had recently been promoted to Second Class Officer of Excise in Kilkenny.
Last Illness
Not feeling well for some time past he returned home, and after a few weeks’ illness he died most happily. The last Sacraments were administered by the Rev. Father Crotty, C.C. whose zeal for his spiritual welfare, both before and after death, could not be greater. Deceased was interred on Friday, the 3rd of April and the funeral was of Immense proportions. Requiem Office and High Mass were celebrated for the repose of his soul.
Often in future years when discussing the incidents of our career, out thought will revert to that green spot in Glenmore Cemetery, beneath which lies the truest and noblest comrade we have ever known. To his sorrowing family we offer our deepest sympathy.
Success of a Glenmore Student
We located a 1900 article entitled “Success of a Glenmore Student,” that gives further details regarding Richard “Dick” Dunphy’s success with the Excise exam.
“At the examination held last November for situations in the Excise Department of the Inland Revenue, Richard Dunphy, of Glenmore, obtained 5th place in Ireland and 16th in the United Kingdom, with highest marks, 94 per cent in English Composition. Originally, he was a pupil of Mr. Curran, whose sons gained success lately, he was for some years a student of the College of Good Counsel, New Ross, which he went to University College Blackrock, familiarly known as the “Castle,” to whose fine training his success is so largely due. His final preparation was made at the Civil Service Institute, Rutland Square, Dublin, to the staff of which he is indebted for their careful attention and great knowledge of examinations. 940 candidates competed for 80 vacancies in the examination in which he was successful” (New Ross Standard, Sat, 23 June 1900, p. 4).
We found a head stone in St. James’s Cemetery in Glenmore Village that had inscriptions for Ellen Dunphy née Malone and her youngest son, John Dunphy. We could not locate an inscription for Richard “Dick” Dunphy (1878-1908).
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For information on the 1906 Glenmore Champion Football Team see our post of 30 August 2020. For a brief history of Blackrock College see the Blackrock College webpage.
Please send any additional information, corrections or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com . The featured photo above is Ballyverneen, Glenmore looking out onto the Barrow River.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Master and Mrs. Murphy, of Glenmore National School
Today, we are going to highlight two National School Teachers who with their service combined taught for 90 years in local schools educating and influencing hundreds of students. Danny Dowling in his vast Glenmore files, had a copy of the newspaper article covering their joint retirement from Glenmore National School in 1964 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5). Michael Murphy retired after 45 years of teaching (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5) as did his wife Ellen Murphy (New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 June 1971, p. 3).
Master Michael Murphy (c. 1896-1988)
Michael Murphy was a native of the Co. Cork Gaeltacht area of Inchigeela. According to his obituary he was a native Irish speaker and was active in the Cork/Kerry region during the War of Independence and later took the Republican side with de Valera in the Irish Civil War. He qualified as a national teacher in his mid-twenties (Munster Express, Fri. 12 Aug. 1988, p. 16).
Master Murphy was first appointed to teach at Listerlin, Tullogher, in 1919. After being appointed to Listerlin National School, Michael married Ellen Kavanagh of Glenpipe, Tullogher. For 28 years Michael remained at Listerlin then taught for 7 years at Ballyfacey National School. Among other activities Michael was involved with the Tullogher Athletic Club and was the Chairman in 1938 when his father died (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Dec. 1938, p. 8). Unfortunately his father’s name is not recorded in the article and efforts to locate Master Murphy’s birth records were not successful.
In 1954, Master Murphy was appointed principal of Glenmore National School (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5). In 1958, under Master Murphy the new Glenmore National School was opened. A remarkable feature of Michael Murphy’s career was that during his 45 years’ service he never missed one day of work through illness (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5).
Mrs. Ellen Murphy née Kavanagh (1896 -1971)
Ellen Murphy née Kavanagh was born on 10 October 1896 in Glenpipe to Patrick Kavanagh (farmer) and his wife Mary Quinn. Ellen’s parents were married on 2 May 1879 at Rosbercon. Patrick Kavanagh was from Tinnicarry, Borris, and Mary Quinn was from Glenpipe. Information recorded on the marriage record reveals that the bride’s father was James Quinn (deceased farmer) and the father of the groom was Arthur Kavanagh (farmer).
The known children born to Patrick Kavanagh and Mary Kavanagh née Quinn included:
[1] Arthur Kavanagh (b. 20 May 1882); [2] Anne Kavanagh (b. 10 July 1884); [3] Catherine Kavanagh (b. 1 May 1886); [4] Bridget Kavanagh (b. 1 Jan. 1889); [5] James Kavanagh (27 Nov. 1890); [6] Johanna Kavanagh (b. 1 Aug. 1893) and [7] Ellen Kavanagh (b.10 Oct. 1896). According to Ellen’s obituary she was the last surviving member of her family. Her brother James became the “Very Rev. James Kavanagh, P.P. Leeds, who helped in Eamonn de Valera’s release from Lincoln prison by sending messages in Latin” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 June 1971, p. 3).
Ellen Murphy née Kavanagh began her teaching career in Listerlin and Tullogher. She was appointed to Glenmore National School in 1947. “During her association with Glenmore her pupils won the Ossory Plain Chant Cup on two occasions, and also took a prominent part in the Feile na Scoil annual programme in Waterford city. She also conducted the local parish choir in an outstanding manner, which earned for her the appreciation of the priests and people of the parish” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5).
When the couple retired, gifts were presented, and “Very Rev. William Brennan, P.P. manager of the school paid a glowing tribute to Master and Mrs. Murphy for their excellent work in education and social spheres in the parish, and wished them many happy years to enjoy their well-earned retirement. Mr Murphy thanked Father Brennan for his kind remarks regarding the couple’s long association with Glenmore, of which they had many happy memories. They had always the happiest relations between the reverend manager, teachers and pupils of the parish, and thanked all concerned for their generous gesture to make their retirement” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5).
In the retirement article it was recorded that the couple had five children who all became professionals. Two of their sons, Michael and Timothy were doctors, a third son, Patrick was a vet and both their daughters, Maureen and Peggy became National Teachers. At the time of their retirement in 1964, Dr. Michael Murphy, was in Northern Rhodesia; Patrick Murphy, was a VS in New Ross; Timothy Murphy, was at University College Dublin; Mrs. Peggy O’Dwyer, N.T. at Carlow and Mrs. Maureen Kervick, N.T. at Enniscorthy (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 July 1964, p. 5).
Top or Fifth Row (left to right): Kathleen Roche, May Cashin, Alice Aylward, Betty Walsh, Kitty Kirwin, Jimmy Kirwin, Willie Green, Peter Doran, Neddie O Keefe, Mikey Power, John McDonald, John Ennett.
Fourth Row: Kathleen Ryan, Mary O Connor, Mary O Keefe, Mary Ryan, Nellie Dowling, Eily Doolin, Eily Ready, Mary Kirwin (Robinstown), Marguerite Ennett, Mary Kirwin (Gaulestown), Kathleen Linegar, Anna Kirwin, Kathleen Kirwin, Master Murphy.
Third Row: Bridget Hoynes, Breda Hartley, Eily Kirwin, Peter O Connor, John Murphy, Micheal Hoynes, Tom Dunphy, Michael Green, Willie Walsh, Tom Kirwin, Mary O Hanlon, Pat Walsh, Willie Ennett, Teachers- Mrs. Murphy, Miss Eileen Kearney.
Second Row: Johnny Halligan, James Ennett, Mary Hoynes, Alice Kirwin, Michael Ryan, Michael McDonald, Neddie Long, Noel Kehoe, John Walsh, Neddie Roche, Billy Boland, Eamon Walsh.
Front Row: Ann Linegar & Pat McDonald. (10 year old Billy Boland (bottom row) caught a wild hare on his way to school)
After Retirement
In 1971 while Dr. Michael Murphy and Dr. Tim Murphy were home on holiday from Zambia they were with their parents visiting Inchigeela, County Cork when Ellen became ill and suddenly died. She was noted as a talented musician and many of her former pupils had found their places in key positions in church and lay professions and trades in Ireland and abroad. She was survived by her husband and five children and interment took place in Mullinarrigle cemetery after Requiem Mass in the adjoining church (New Ross Standard, Sat. 19 June 1971, p. 3).
Michael Murphy survived his wife by 17 years. He died at the age of 92 on 19 July 1988. His retirement interests included history and his obituary noted that he weekly met with friends in Mullinavat to play cards. One former student now in his late 60’s recalled that Master Murphy wasn’t excitable and spent a lot of time trying to explain vowels to his young students. Mrs. Murphy could make the old piano sing and the children loved it when she sat down to play.
In addition to the years of service Master Murphy and Mrs. Murphy provided in educating local children they reared a distinguished and accomplished family. [1] Dr. Michael Murphy at that time of his father’s death was living in Saudi Arabia; [2] Dr. Tim Murphy (c. 1939-1999) died in London at the age of 60 (New Ross Standard, Wed. 2 June 1999, p. 90); [3] Patrick Murphy died in late 1989. He attended St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny and qualified as a veterinary surgeon from U.C.D. He practiced with Tony Murphy, New Ross then went on to work for the Dept. of Agriculture. He was the veterinary inspector at Callan Bacon Factory, Clover Meats, Waterford and later at Dawn Pork and Bacon complex at Granagh, Kilmacow (Munster Express, Fri. 5 January 1990, p. 14). [4] Maureen Murphy N.T. in 1961, married William Kervick (c. 1920-1976) of Enniscorthy, Wexford (New Ross Standard, Fri 11 Aug 1961, p. 2). William died suddenly at the age of 56 in 1976 (Munster Express, Fri. 23 April 1976, p. 7) and Maureen died just last year on the 29th of April 2020. [5] Peggy Murphy N.T. married Jack O’Dwyer of Drumdowney, Slieverue and for many years they lived in Derry.
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The featured photo above is the old Glenmore Boys’ National School. The photo was taken in 2019.
Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sharing the photos of the 1952 Glenmore Plain Chant Group. The photo of Master Murphy was cropped from a larger photo taken at Glenmore in 1954 or 1955.
Please send any corrections or further information, photos you would like to share to glenmore.history@gmail. com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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Glenmore and the Irish Language
Last week issues were raised concerning how much English the executed Glenmore man, Henry “Bounce” Walsh, understood and spoke in 1847 during the investigation, incarceration, and his trial for murder. According to Danny Dowling, the Irish language survived and flourished in Glenmore during and after the dark days of the Penal Laws. In 1844, during the surveying of the railway line that was to link New Ross and Waterford, Thomas Lacey, of Wexford, noted that Irish was spoken in Glenmore and neighbouring parishes along the proposed route.
The Decline of the Language
Glenmore people continued to speak Irish into the 1870’s and 1880’s although most younger people could also read and write in English. In the 1890’s the Irish language was in decline locally, but shops in New Ross continued to have at least one Irish speaker on staff to deal with the elderly farmers of Glenmore, Tullogher and Rosbercon who continued to speak Irish. By the turn of the twentieth century, when the long awaited railway linking New Ross and Waterford was being built, outside of pockets in the west of Ireland, and a few small rural areas, the Irish language was in a terrible state of decline. Although there was no penalty for utilizing Irish there was little support for it in Ireland.
Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language
In 1877, the Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language was founded in Dublin. This society was concerned that the Irish language was dying and issued three small books for the teaching of Irish. By 1897, over 128,521 copies of the books had been sold. Uniquely this Society was comprised by a number of non-Irish scholars from universities in Paris, Copenhagen, Prussia, England and the United States. While the books issued by the Society allowed Irish to be learned it did not enable the speaking of the language. The Society members were very interested in the old Gaelic literature and manuscripts. It was noted by these scholars that “Gaelic speakers were rare, and when found they were too shy or too ignorant to be of much service…and few could read or write in Irish.” (Monaghan, 1899)
The Gaelic League
In 1893, Conradh na Gaelige (the Gaelic League) formed. The League objected to the scholarly approach to the Irish language. The League sought to preserve and advance Irish as the national language. It also supported the study and preservation of the old literature, but importantly supported modern Irish literature. It sought to engage the population and advance the language through classes, plays, songs, recitations, debates and speeches in Irish.
The group that founded the League included Douglas Hyde (1860-1949) who insisted that the League should be free of politics and open to all. Interestingly Hyde, a Protestant, resigned from the League in 1915 because he contended it had become political. Later Hyde was elected the first president of Ireland serving from 1938-1945.
Another founder was Fr. Eugene O’Growney, who at the suggestion of the Archbishop of Dublin began publishing in the Freeman newspaper “Simple Lessons in Irish.” These articles were later published as a popular book. Other newspapers were asked to provide space for news and articles written in Irish.
The Irish Language Under Attack in Glenmore
The first Branch to be established in the Kilkenny was in Kilkenny City in 1897. To advance Irish the League provided small sums to National School Teachers to induce them to teach Irish to their students outside of the regular school classes. Danny Dowling has stated that his mother, Hannie Dowling née Murphy (1903-1989) told her children that when she attended the Glenmore National School students wore a small stick on a cord around their necks. When a student spoke in Irish a notch would be placed on the stick and punishment inflicted when the recorded notches reached a certain number. Ironically a decade after the League was established and flourishing across the country, in Glenmore, where the Irish language had survived, during the Irish language revival, it was under attack.
The Glenmore Branch of the Gaelic League
It was not until 1910 that a Branch of the Gaelic League was established in Glenmore. The Munster Express on Saturday the 16th of February 1910 announced that nation building was being conducted in Glenmore by this “function which will doubtless prove of historic interest.” Mr. Brett, of the Waterford Branch called on Fr. T. Phelan for his consent and blessing. Fr. Phelan, “ever willing to welcome any movement for the moral, social and educational uplifting of his flock…” gave his consent and blessing to the project.
At nine o’clock the Glenmore meeting was called to order by Nicholas Curran, National Teacher of the Glenmore Boy’s School. He proposed that “A Branch of the Gaelic League be established in Glenmore.” Mr. J. Dunphy seconded the resolution which was unanimously passed. The following officers were elected for the coming year—President, Very Rev. T. Phelan, P.P.; Vice-president, Rev. M. Crotty, C.C.; Secretary, N. Curran, N.T.; J.P. O’Donovan; Committee—Messrs. J. Dunphy, P. Hanrahan, M. Murphy, T. Fluskey, T. Heffernan; Delegates to Waterford District Organising Conference— N. Curran and J. Dunphy.
The meeting concluded in a little “sgoraigheact.” Mr. Foley rendered beautifully two Irish songs and Brian O’Higgins’ Irish comic “Caherciveen.” Mr J. Hanrahan sang ” Skibbereen,” his beautiful clear tenor voice making a marked impression on the visitors. It was said to be a most interesting, and, it is to be hoped, historic night in the “Big Glen.”
School Irish vs. Irish Spoken in Glenmore Homes
Eventually, through the work of the League, Irish became a subject studied in National Schools. Jo Doyle née Mernagh (1932-2021) of Weatherstown, Glenmore, noted that when she was a girl attending Glenmore National School in the 1930’s she was not aware initially that her mother “had a lot of Irish.” The Irish being taught in the National School was different than the Irish words she heard at home. See our post of May 2022 for further information on Jo Doyle née Mernagh.
In 1938, the Folklore Commission recorded Patrick Power (c. 1856-1942) of Jamestown, the last known native speaker of South Kilkenny Irish. The National Folklore Collection, is housed at UCD and has the recording of Pádraig de Paor, from Jamestown, Glenmore (archival reference NFC 323: 174-183) who was 85 at the time of the recording. It is available to read online, most of the 9 pages are in Irish. Danny has explained that one of the unique features of the local dialect of Irish was that the “r” was pronounced as a soft “z” or “s”. Thus Maura was pronounced Ma-zsa (like Zsa Zsa Gabor) a boirín was a boo-sín.
While many people remarked that their parents or grandparents would speak Irish when they did not want the children to understand the conversation an unusual story was recorded by Danny in 1975. Danny interviewed Mai Roche (c. 1918-2001) of Scart, Glenmore. Mai stated that the Michilín Kennedy’s of Rathinure, Glenmore had a young workman for a season. There were three brothers in the house at the time, Michilín, Ristardín, and Phaidín. When the workman arrived he was asked if he spoke Irish. He said that he did not. Every evening the three brothers would “cut the backs off” the neighbours in Irish to ensure that the workman did not know what they were saying. When the season ended, and the young workman was taking his leave, he spoke to the three brothers in Irish, to their horror, letting them know he was a fluent Irish speaker.
Irish Inscriptions on Glenmore Headstones
During the recent survey of the Glenmore cemetery adjoining St. James Catholic Church, there were Irish phrases found on some stones, but only the Edmond Aylward (c. 1835-1908) of Ballinclare, stone has an extensive inscription in Irish. We believe this stone reflects the Irish language revival. The earliest inscription at the top of the stone in 1890 is in English. The inscription covering deaths from 1908 to 1922 are in old Irish and the inscription covering deaths from 1956 to 1996 is in English.
Unfortunately my Irish is limited to a few curse words. Please send any corrections etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Liam Ó Bolguidhir (1992) “The Early Years of the Gaelic League in Kilkenny 1897-1910,” Old Kilkenny Review, p. 1014-1026 [Danny Dowling is acknowledged by the author in footnote 1 of this article].
R.A. Breatnach (1992) “Iargaí de Ghaeilig Chontae Chill Choinnigh,” Éige (1992) vol. 26, p. 21-42.
C. Monaghan (1899) “The Revival of the Gaelic Language,” Proceedings of the Modern Language Association, vol. 14, p. Xxxi-Xxxix. doi:10.2307/456448 available at open access https://www.jstor.org/stable/456448
The featured picture above is the “Symbols of the Evangalists.” The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1868). Symbols of the evangelists, 8th-9th cen. library of St. Gall, codex 51.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Memories of Glenmore: Late 1960’s Through 1970’s
Danny Dowling over the years corresponded with a great number of people all over the world with Glenmore connections. One of his correspondents was Margurerite Ennett, of Cappagh who now lives in Perth, Australia. Danny still loves to hear from people, and this week we received an email from Margurerite’s brother, Jimmy Ennett, who shared a number of his memories of being brought up in Glenmore in the late 1960’s through 1970’s. With Jimmy’s permission we are going to share his memories and ask others to help record information concerning Glenmore in the 1960’s and 1970’s by commenting, providing dates, names, and sharing their memories of Glenmore at that time.
Margurerite and Jimmy were two of the six children of Pat and Mai Ennett, of Cappagh, Glenmore. After Jimmy left Glenmore he taught at Beneavin College in Dublin from 1973 to 1980. Jimmy migrated to Australia with his wife and family to undertake a PhD scholarship in Chemistry at the Australian National University in Canberra. The family settled in Canberra, Jimmy worked in Government science areas, and he retired a few years back. Jimmy wrote that he is very interested in the parish history and has great memories of Glenmore.
School
Jimmy started in the Glenmore National School in 1954, and actually moved to the new school in 1958, when he was in 3rd class. Teachers in his time were Master Murphy, Mrs Murphy, Miss Cunningham, and later Miss Kearney. There was a heavy emphasis on religion – which Jimmy notes, at the time, we thought was normal for a state funded school. Jimmy still has an old school photo taken around 1958 -59.
Altar Boys
When Fr W. Brennan was Parish Priest and Fr Murphy was Curate (late 1950s early 1960s). Jimmy recalled, “How we loved getting out of school to serve at funeral Masses and Weddings (gave us time out of class)!”
Travelling Shows
Travelling shows that came to Glenmore during this time, generally followed a music hall format, one notable one was Vic Loving’s ‘Talk of the Town.’ Jimmy believes it came over from the UK. The travelling shows set up in the village, and concerts were held in the village hall. There was also a local dramatic arts group who put on plays from time to time. Jimmy in trying to recall some of the people involved in the local drama group came up with some names: Mick Mac? one of the Halligans (Mickey?), a Murray ? who taught at Ballyfacy school.
Cinema
Bill Walsh (Village, Cappagh) used to show movies also at the village hall (cinema) next door to Danny Dowling’s house. In those days, there were lots of cowboy movies, including some good ones such as ‘High Noon’. However, one winter the roof collapsed after a heavy snowfall (no one inside!). Bill moved his movies to the ‘new’ hall (old school). However, the movies petered out around the early 1960s.
Fete
The Glenmore Fete was an annual event over a few weeks at the Scough Bridge up to early 1960s(?). The Fete had entertainment such as merry-go-rounds, swing-boats, raffles etc, and even an illegal shebeen – which was raided one night by Garda. [This raid was mentioned in an earlier post https://glenmore-history.com/whats-a-shebeen/ and is believed to have occured in 1961 or 1962.]
During Jimmy’s time Glenmore also had a hurling tournament involving other parishes – including Wexford parish. Jimmy recalls, “As far as I’m aware, there were good rewards, such as set of watches, for the winners. I suspect the GAA authorities were not totally enamoured by this, as it smacked of professionalism!”
Creamery
Jimmy remembers farmers queued to deliver milk in milk cans or churns to Glenmore creamery. Bill Walsh and ? Forrestal often took in the milk at the stage, marked the creamery book etc. Glenmore had its own brand of butter. Jimmy believes the creamery at Lochcullen (near Kilmacow) was also part of the same cooperative.
Other Recollections
The Hunt (both Mullinavat Harriers and McCalmont’s Mt. Juliet)
Church attendance – different sides for men and women; plus reading from the altar each parishioner’s contribution to Easter and Christmas dues!
Shops – Eily Heffernan’s, Fluskey’s and Hanrahan’s. Flusky’s had the Post Office and phone exchange in the shop. Phone exchange operator knew all that was happening in the parish!
If you would like to comment, add to, provide names, dates etc. or just say hello to Danny or Jimmy, please insert the comment or information into the comment box at the bottom of this post. If you don’t see the comment box at the bottom of this page, please scroll up to the list of recent posts and click on this post. The post will open in a new page and you will find the comment box at the bottom. Or please feel free to send us an email at glenmore.history@gmail.com and we can post for you.
The featured photo of the VW Bug at the beach was taken by Tom Arrowsmith (London) and is available on “Unsplashed.”
Kathleen Moore Walsh