Irish Civil War
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One Hundred Years Ago: February 1923
Today, we are going to feature local events as recorded in newspapers local to Glenmore. After years of turmoil and violence, Glenmore residents had to be frustrated. The Irish Civil War entered its 8th month and the death and destruction showed no signs of dissipating. Just taking produce or animals to market was difficult and dangerous. Even fishing brought risks.
Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure
Roads
In February 1923 the Irregulars or Republicans continued to attack, damage and often destroy civilian infrastructure. At the end of January and continuing throughout February there was extensive felling of trees to block roads in both Kilkenny and Wexford. Telegraph wires were also cut in some places. People traveling to New Ross in February often had to pass through fields to avoid blocked roads. Trenches were re-opened in places between New Ross, Campile and Ballycullane (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5). Several New Ross buyers traveling to Thomastown fair had to return home because the roads between New Ross and Thomastown were blocked (New Ross Standard, 9 February 1923, p. 8).
Kilkenny County Council gave £150 toward temporary repairs to the destroyed timber bridge at the Ferry, Mountgarrett. The bridge was targeted and destroyed in the War of Independence as well as the Civil War (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Trains
Trains continued to be targeted. The up train to Macmine was delayed nearly two hours because rail chairs were broken between Waterford and Glenmore. The down passenger and goods train was derailed on Wednesday the 31st of January between Glenmore and New Ross. It was run off the line out onto a public road and was badly damaged (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Water Works
Armed men wrecked the Youghal waterworks, at Boula, Co. Waterford, in reprisal for the execution of two men captured in Co. Waterford. The Council complied with the order of the Irregulars to petition the Government for clemency for the captured men. The Council also passed a resolution condemning the executions, yet the waterworks were destroyed. A limited supply of water was in the Cork Hill reservoir but there were hundreds of patients in St. Raphael Mental Home, the Workhouse and other Institutions. It was predicted that the water supply would only last two days and steps were taken to get some of the old pumps, long disused, in working order (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Violence Continued
Battles
At the end of January a large force of Republicans were active on the Walsh Mountains, between the villages of Hugginstown and Templeorum. A “sharp engagement,” took place on Thursday of last week between Republican forces and the National garrison from Mooncoin and Mullinavat. A running fight took place on the hills near Templorum. No casualties were reported from either side (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 6).
Civilian Killed
Miss Cissie Ryan, aged 16 of William St., Waterford was walking home with her sister and accompanied by two lieutenants of the National Army on the 23rd of January. Armed men attacked the soldiers on Wilkin St. Cissie who was behind her escorts was shot in the abdomen by the attackers. Although “little hope was entertained for her recovery she rallied for more than a week” before she died of her injuries (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Threats
Five well known Carrick-on-Suir residents received threatening notices. The notices were allegedly sent by the I.R.A. ordering the men to leave town because the men had allegedly made “statements prejudiced to the Republic and its citizens.” The local National Army authorities notified some leading Republicans that if any harm befell the recipients of the notices there would be serious consequences (Munster Express, Sat. 17 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Snipers
Firing which became intense took place in Waterford on the night of the 18th. The sniping was directed toward the post office from points on the Kilkenny side of the River Suir. The replying fire of National troops silenced the attackers after about twenty minutes. No casualties were reported (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Prisoners
Richard Burke, a prisoner in Kilkenny goal was slightly wounded when he refused to withdraw from his cell window. A shot was fired by a guard and a splinter struck the prisoner (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Criminality Continued
As highlighted in previous months, from the newspaper accounts, it is often difficult to determine if reported activities were done to further the Republican agenda or if people were just taking advantage of the lack of police and the turmoil.
Kilmacow Raid
For example, on 20 February 1923, Ryan’s public house in Kilmacow was raided by armed men and a considerable amount of goods were taken. “The premises, have on many occasions recently received these unwelcome attentions.” The only occupants of the premises were two ladies (Kilkenny People, Wed. 21 Feb. 1923, p. 4).
Civic Guards for New Ross
In early February 1923, it was announced that Civic Guards were coming to New Ross. The National Troops vacated the Tholsel and have taken up residence in the old police barracks (New Ross Standard, 9 February 1923, p. 8).
The Murder of Mrs. Annie Devereaux, in Waterford City
Mrs. Devereaux was killed on the 15th in her home at 28 Slievekeale, Waterford City. At the time of her death, between 1 and 2 p.m., only two of her five children were in the home. Five year old Michael Devereaux ran from the home screaming that his mother was dead and that his uncle Willie killed her with a hatchet. Eleven-month-old Kathleen Devereaux was on the floor beside her mother.
Mrs. Devereaux had a deep wound on her neck that stretched from ear to ear as well as other gashes and died before help arrived. The infant was removed to the County and City Infirmary, but her condition was “nigh hopeless.” The deceased was the wife of James Devereaux, who was away working at the time of the murder. Kathleen Devereaux also died from her wounds (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 16 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
William Devereaux, the deceased’s brother-in-law, was arrested for her murder. At the inquest the doctor who was summoned to the scene believed that Mrs. Devereaux was holding Kathleen when she was attacked by her brother-in-law with a hatchet (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 23 Feb. 1923, p. 2). The death register records Mrs. Devereaux’s first name as Annie and she was 38 when she was killed.
Fishing
It was reported with the opening of the fishing season on 1 February 1923 that “due to flagrant and extensive violation of the laws by professional fishermen the Suir was very poorly stocked with fish.” Major General Proust, when informed of the illegal operations of cot men and others, issued a notice that pending revision by the Dail the existing fishery laws would be strictly enforced.
Major General Proust noted that illegal fishing would result in forfeiture of nets and other equipment and that cot men who refused to come to the bank when summoned by the authorities would be fired upon. It was immediately reported that two or three Clonmel fishermen had their nets seized, but because the fishing season was open the men would have their nets returned when they procured licenses.
While fishing for pike in the Slaney, near Enniscorthy, a local fisherman, named Butler, had his line fouled. When he was attempting to clear the line he found that it was caught in the ring of a Mills bomb, which had apparently been thrown into the river. An ex-British solider, also fishing in the vicinity, removed the grenade (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Postal News
Not all news regarding the postal service involved shooting or raids in February 1923. J.J. Walsh, the Postmaster General, issued a press release that the building of a G.P.O. on the ruins in O’Connell Street, Dublin, would start as soon as possible. The large ground at the back of Henry Street would be included in the new layout. He stated that work was being done from 20 to 30 out-offices instead of two or three. A new 1 ½ d. stamp was issued on 2 February. The new stamp “was an artistic one of maroon, with a blank map of Ireland in the centre” (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 3).
Economic Woes
The “old established jute factory” of Denny & Sons, of Waterford, closed because of a shortage of work due to a reduction in “killings in Irish bacon curing establishments.” The jute factory was engaged in making bacon wrappers (Munster Express, Sa. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 6).
Wages
Fifty shillings per week for a 48 hour week was agreed as the standard wage for labourers by Walsh and Dowley, Carrick-on-Suir and by the Carrick Urban Council for its employees (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Feb. 1923, p. 4). What the Munster Express failed to mention was the fact that the 50 shillings per week agreement represented a 4 s. reduction in wages. This reduction was to remain in place until June. The boatmen’s wages were settled by the men accepting the 4 s per week reduction, but getting a penny per ton extra for goods transported in the boats (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Recruiting
The National Army made an appeal for recruits in February 1923. Allowances were advertised “in respect of dependents on a liberal scale.” A wife would receive 4s per day; a wife and child, 5s 6d; wife and two children, 6s 6d; and 9d per day extra for every other child under 14 years of age (Munster Express, Sat. 10 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Glenmore in the News
Death of Mr. Paul Fitzgerald of Knockbrack, Glenmore
“The death of the above highly respected and popular gentleman, which took place on 20th, January at his residence, Knockbrack, is very deeply regretted. The deceased was a member of one of the most respected families in South Kilkenny. He was a man of splendid physique, a fine athlete n his time, a good and generous supporter of every charitable and patriotic movement for the past 30 years, a fond husband and father, and was liked by all with whom he was known for his good qualities of mind and heart, and to his neighbours especially, for his social and hospitable manner. “
“To know Paul was to love him, and his death on the above mentioned date is deeply mourned by his widow and family, relatives, and a large circle of friends. His funeral bore striking testimony to the esteem in which deceased was held, and was the largest seen in Glenmore within living memory. Solemn High Mass was offered up for deceased’s soul at the Parish Church after which the remains were conveyed to the family burial ground for interments. R.I.P.”
Chief Mourners
The chief mourners were—Mrs. Fitzgerald (widow); sons: Michael Fitzgerald; James Fitzgerald; Paul Fitzgerald; Thomas Fitzgerald; John Fitzgerald; daughters: Bridget Fitzgerald ; Ellie Fitzgerald; Mrs. Crowley, Mooncoin; Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mowlerstown; brothers: John Fitzgerald; Patrick Fitzgerald, Raheen; Edward Fitzgerald (do); brothers-in-law: Rev. Thomas Freaney, C.C. Gauthabawn; Rev. Patrick Freaney, C.C., Callan; James Freaney, Kilbride; John Feaney, Cullen Castle, Inistioge; Patrick Byrne, Brownsford, Tullogher ; and nieces: Mrs. O’Brien, New Ross; and Ellen Nolan, Raheen (Munster Express, Sat. 3 Feb. 1923, p. 7).
Vote of Sympathy
At a meeting of the Glenmore Football Club a vote of sympathy was passed for the Fitzgerald brothers, Knockbrack, prominent members of the club, on the death of their father (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 Feb. 1923, p. 5).
Wife & Parents
Paul Fitzgerald (1854-1923), of Knockbrack, Glenmore, married Johanna Freany (1857-1945) of Kilbride, Glenmore on 14 November 1883 at Glenmore. The witnesses to the wedding were John Murphy and Johanna Knox. We believe that Paul Fitzgerald was born in 1854 to Michael Fitzgerald and his wife Anne Murphy. Johanna Freany Fitzgerald (1857-1945) was the daughter of James Freany, of Kilbride, and his wife Bridget Knox. See our post of 5 April 1921 regarding Johanna’s nephews James Francis “Frank” Freyne (1902-1974) and Peter David Freyne (1903-1921) and their service in the War of Independence.
Arrests at Ballyvaring, Glenmore
Two men named E. Dowley and J. Ryan were arrested on the 23rd of February by National Forces at Ballyvaring, near Ringville, Glenmore. A fully loaded revolver was found close by (Munster Express, Sat. 24 Feb. 1923, p. 2).
Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.historu@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: January 1923
January 1923
Glenmore did not feature in any of the local newspapers in January 1923. Although the Civil War continued January was a quieter month. Fewer clashes were reported between the Free State Army and the Irregulars. The worst phase of the war against the railways had passed with only isolated reports of attacks on the lines or rolling stock (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
However, the damage to infrastructure continued to cause misery and even death. During January the bodies of four young men were pulled from the Suir. On Christmas night they drowned at Kilsheelan while attempting to cross the river to the Waterford side in a cot because the bridge at Kilsheelan was destroyed (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 26 Jan. 1923, p. 8). Today, we will present some of the local Civil War activities as recorded in local newspapers as well as some of the economic difficulties faced locally 100 years ago.
Fighting in Waterford
On Saturday the 30th of December at 10:30 p.m. Irregulars were attacking across Waterford City from “Waterford Jail and the North Station to the Workhouse.” The battle commenced when two bombs were lobbed at the Infantry Barracks, Barrack St., resulting in loud explosions but no material damage. At the same time a “determined” attack took place on the jail, the local headquarters of the National troops, the railway station, and other national posts in the city.
Snipers were directing fire on the jail and the guard room at the railway station. Some snipers were on Mount Misery overlooking the city from the Kilkenny side of the river. Windows in the GPO and the shop, Ledlie, Ferguson & Co. (now Shaw’s) on the quay were shattered by stray bullets. Houses in Ballybricken near the jail also suffered broken windows.
The national troops did not return fire until they located the positions of the Irregulars. Machine guns could be heard across the city. The shooting lasted about 30 minutes. Citizens returning home from the cinema ran for cover. Kilkenny residents who were in the city found themselves marooned. When the firing died down, some took the chance and crossed the river. Others did not attempt to leave the city until Sunday morning. There were no casualties reported (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
New Year’s Eve
It was reported that New Year’s Eve was quiet in Waterford City. The City was devoid of the usual din of ship and rail whistles, sirens, bands etc. Only the church bells rang in the New Year. One young man was shot dead in the city and another was fatally wounded (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 5).
Murder of Pierce Murphy
Pierce Murphy, a mason, aged 33, of 70 Barrack Street, was shot and killed as he walked home with friends from a New Year’s Eve dance. Three men in National troop uniforms stopped and searched the deceased and his friends. After the men were released and told to go home; deceased was walking toward his home when he was shot in the back and killed. At his inquest a military officer testified that no National Army patrols were operating in the city at that time. All men were accounted for in the barracks, the jail and the railway station.
Killing of Thomas Cullen
The second man that was shot on New Year’s Eve at about 9 p.m. was Thomas Cullen, aged 33, a married, carpenter. Thomas died the 2nd of January 1923 in the County & City Infirmary from his gunshot wound. From the inquest it appears that Thomas was shot by a stray bullet while he walked with a friend on Barrack’s Hill (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 6).
The New Ross Standard reported that Thomas was a native of Irishtown, New Ross, and was employed at the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Waterford. He had only been married a short time before his death. Thomas was shot in the abdomen. At his funeral in New Ross, the New Ross Total Abstinence Band attended and played the Dead March. Thomas was a member of the Band (New Ross Standard, Fri, 12 January 1923, p. 7).
Activities near Glenmore
On the night of the 1st of January, at about 8:30 p.m., six or eight shots were fired in New Ross. The shots came from across the river and were apparently directed toward the Tholsel where national troops were quartered. A window frame on the house of Mr. Schekby, jeweller, on the Quay was pierced and his plate glass window cracked. People who were on the streets at the time quickly took shelter (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 5).
Mullinavat
Early in the New Year, National troops arrested four Irregulars named Egan, Mackey, Morrissey and Curran who were from the Mile Bush. The arrests took place in Mullinavat, and the men were armed. Egan escaped from Kilkenny Prison last year (Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 6). Mullinavat was also the place where three other Irregulars were captured about the same time. They included: Richard Brennan, a leader of the Irregulars in the Kilkenny area, together with Patrick and James Walshe, of Kilmacow (Waterford News & Star, Fri 5 Jan. 1923, p. 5).
Road Blocked at Tinneranny
On the 2nd of January a trench was dug across the road leading from New Ross to Tullogher at Tinneranny. A few trees were also cut down. On that morning Father Coughlan and Father Greene, C.C. Rosbercon, were traveling by car when they came to the blockade. They filled part of the trench and removed some of the trees to allow the car to pass (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Mooncoin
A battle took place on 18th of January near Mooncoin between a column of National troops from Kilkenny and about fifty armed men. Fourteen of the armed men were captured and brought to Kilkenny. The following day in the same area a small party of armed men were fired upon. Two were found and arrested in a farmhouse. One had a wound on his hand that appeared to be a bullet wound (New Ross Standard, Fri, 19 January 1923, p. 6).
Slieverue
On the morning of the 11th the Slieverue sub-post office was visited by armed men who demanded the old age pension money. Not getting the money, they threatened the postmistress and intimated that they were about to damage the premises. The only money they secured was a solitary sixpence, which they contemptuously threw back at the postmistress. Also raided was the Kilmeaden post office where stamps and cash with a value of £25 was stolen and the Kill where £12 was stolen (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 12 Jan. 1923, p. 4). [Any readers know the name of the Slieverue postmistress?]
[Update–6 Feb. 2023–Eilish Sommers immediately identified Statia Aylward as the plucky postmistress. To verify we turned to the 1911 Census and found an Aylward family in Kilmurry, Rathpatrick. Statia Aylward was 42 and the asst. postmistress. She lived with her sister Catherine Aylward who was 50 and listed as a farmer & postmistress. Their brother James Aylward, aged 48 was also in the household. Additionally two servants were present: Eliz. Henneby (aged 40) and Richard Moore (aged 60) was the farm servant.]
Executions in Kilkenny City
Two men were executed in Kilkenny on Friday morning the 5th of January. John Phelan, Thomastown, and John Murphy, of Bishopslough, Co. Kilkenny were arrested on the 13th of December. They were charged with possession of arms and ammunition. They were also charged with raiding Sheastown House, where £180 worth of property was stolen. Both were found guilty of the charges in a military tribunal and sentenced to death Munster Express, Sat. 6 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
The total number of executions by the Free State Government to the 19th of January 1923 was 29 (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 19 Jan. 1923, p. 3).
Economic Difficulties
Unpaid Rates
The Wexford County Council reported that the chaotic state of the country meant the finances of the county were “far from encouraging.” The county required £26,000 to meet commitments, yet £90,000 rates were outstanding. Amazingly knowing that produce prices were quite low, that violence, blocked roads and destroyed bridges made it difficult to sell farm produce, the County Council blamed Wexford farmers for the hole in the County finances. It claimed many farmers did not pay their annuities to the Land Commission, “availing of the condition of the country as an excuse to evade their responsibilities.” This resulted in the Government retaining grant money meant for the county until the farmers redeemed their liabilities (New Ross Standard, Fri. 12 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Labour Unrest
January 1923 was a time of labour unrest. The grain mill workers were threatening to strike because the mill owners sought to reduce the wages of the workforce. Printers in Kilkenny went on strike the 1st of January to protest against a proposed cut of 5/- a week in their wages. The cut was to take effect the 6th of January. The strike involved the three Kilkenny newspapers (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 5 Jan. 1923, p. 5). The Kilkenny Moderator and the Kilkenny People were not published in January 1923.
It was also reported that Irish publishers in Dublin were operating at a loss. The only profitable book printing was for text books (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 4).
Why Beer is Dear
Toward the end of January as Civil War activities lessened the Munster Express published an interesting article entitled, “Why beer is dear.” In 1913, the British public consumed 36,000,000 barrels of beer, and the combined profits of nine of the most important breweries amounted to £2,200,000. In 1922, the consumption of beer fell to 18,000,000 barrels, but the profits of the nine breweries were £5,280,000 more than double the 1913 figure.
It was explained that while the price of beer remained high the costs of production fell enormously. One of the driving forces behind the high price of beer was the “absurd tax” that made it impossible to lower the price of beer without making a loss. However, the Brewer’s Society themselves benefited from the arrangement, so there was no lobby to alter the tax (Munster Express, Sat. 20 Jan. 1923, p. 4).
Long French Roots
The French Ministry of Agriculture sought to reward families who cultivated the same land for over 100 years. This inquiry led to the discovery that one family had been in continuity of tenure for 800 years. A deed bearing the date 1074 referred to a dispute regarding a right of way, and both the families mentioned in the dispute were still present at the same location in 1922 (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 January 1923, p. 4).
New Political Party
A new political party formed named Cumann na nGaedheal by pro-treaty supporters to support the Free State Government (New Ross Standard, Fri, 12 January 1923, p. 4). This party was the forerunner of Fine Gael.
The feature photo above is the filling in of a ditch dug across a roadway to stop traffic. Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Eilish Sommers for identifying the Slieverue postmistress in January 1923 as Statia Aylward.
For December 1922 see our post of 31 December 2022.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: December 1922
What were our Glenmore ancestors talking about or experiencing 100 years ago? We cannot know for certain but local newspapers can provide some insight. Today, we are going to ignore the big events that happened in Dublin that are covered in most history books, such as the assassination of Dáil members and the State Executions. We will focus on more local events reported in local newspapers concerning the Civil War, crime and Christmas in December 1922.
Attacks on Railways
The Civil War continued and railroads continued to be a favoured target of the Irregulars.
Monday the Waterford up train (GSWR) was held up by armed men in the vicinity of Snowhill. All mail was removed, then passengers were ordered off. A length of track had been removed from the line almost at the mouth of the tunnel. When the driver refused to start the engine the raiders did it causing a derailment. The wrecked train was then burned. The engine, two carriages and the guard’s van were destroyed. The passengers walked the five miles back to Waterford (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
It was reported on the 15th of December that four New Ross men were arrested for holding up a train of the D & SE Railway at Palace East armed with rifles and revolvers. They allegedly stole stamps worth £2500. Michael Allen, the guard, reported that when the train got to Palace East the armed men ordered him to the far end of the platform. When he was allowed back to the train, he found the mail bags bound for Waterford lying open on the platform. He made it to New Ross but was not able to travel to Waterford until the following day as a bridge between Glenmore and Waterford had been blown up (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Dec. 1922, p. 5).
On the morning of the 16th of December, the passenger train from Waterford to New Ross was held up by armed men between Waterford and Glenmore. Five or six bags of mail bound for Glenmore and New Ross were stolen (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Dec. 1922, p. 5).
As the damage to infrastructure increased some lines shut down. The G.S.&W. line between Waterford and Wexford was one of the lines to shut down. Lorries were used to bring goods from Wexford and from Waterford via New Ross to Ballycullane. Boats were used to bring goods from Waterford to Campile, Ballyhack, Arthurstown and Duncannon. Just prior to Christmas it was not known when the rail line would be operating again (New Ross Standard, 22 Dec. 1922, p. 5).
On the Kilkenny to Waterford line the Ballyhale goods station was raided at the beginning of the month and a large quantity of goods taken. A goods train was raided and looted between Mullinavat and Ballyhale (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5). In Waterford the central cabin at the Great Southern and Western Station at Waterford North was burned by armed men. The 65 lever cabin was considered one of the finest of the system (Munster Express, Sat. 9 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
Attacks in Waterford
On Saturday the 25th of November at 10:45 p.m. shooting commenced in Waterford. It started at the Waterford North Station with shots being fired from the other side of the river and from Larry’s Knock. An attack then took place at the Ballybricken Prison. A bomb also was thrown into the Infantry Barracks in Barracks street. The explosion shattered the Barracks windows as well as private homes in the area. Several people were standing in the street at the time but all escaped injury (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
When the Waterford Corporation met on the night of the 5th of December precautions were taken. A military guard, consisting of an officer and nine men, with rifles and fixed bayonets, took up positions at the entrances and within Town Hall (Munster Express, Sat. 9 Dec. 1922, p. 2). On the night of the 13th at 8 p.m. a bomb was thrown at the GPO from Keyzier Street. A man and a girl walking on the Quay were hit by splinters of the bomb, but they were not injured (Munster Express, Sat. 16 Dec. 1922, p. 5).
Battle Near Carrickshock
At the end of November a large scale battle which lasted for several hours took place near Carrickshock, Kilkenny. “The intense machine gun fire and rifle fire could be heard for miles around.” Capt. Walsh, of the National Army and one volunteer were wounded. Three Irregulars were wounded and left behind. Capt. Walsh was a native of Hugginstown district and was in command of the National troops in Thomastown. His wounds were described as serious” (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
Ferry Mountgarret Bridge
The damaged Ferry Mountgarret Bridge continued to provide difficulties for persons attempting to cross it. As the brewery car was crossing the broken bridge on Saturday the 25th of November the planks gave way, and the horse’s legs went down. This caused the car to tilt and two barrels of beer toppled into the river and floated. “The horse was got free” from the broken planks, and a man pursued the barrels in a cot or small, shallow fishing boat. He brought them to land. The barrels were not damaged (New Ross Standard, 1 Dec. 1922, p. 8). Unfortunately, the newspaper did not indicate what happened to the beer after it was rescued.
Criminality & Policing
As in previous months it is often difficult to distinguish between actions of the Irregulars and those of armed criminals.
At the end of November, shortly after the conclusion of the performance, five masked and armed men entered the “Coliseum picture house,” of Waterford. The armed men forced the manager to open the safe. They left with the night’s takings which was between £40 to £50 (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
As the Cleristown (Wexford) parishioners left Mass they found four young men tied to their church gates. The young men were not natives of the parish, and they wore signs that read “Robbers beware. The I.R.A. are on your track.” The men were captured and court martialled by the local I.R.A. for having robbed several people and having burgled several homes in the Kilmannon district near Cleristown. In addition to being tied to the church gates the young men were ordered to leave the county within 24 hours (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Dec. 1922, p. 4).
The unarmed Civic Guards, the forerunner of the Garda Síochána, sent a sergeant and four men to Mullinavat, to be stationed in the old RIC barracks (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5). Just before Christmas a small detachment of the Civic Guard also went on duty in Tramore (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Dec. 1922, p. 6).
At the beginning of December the Dublin Metropolitan Police began to advertise in local newspapers for recruits. Here is the information provided:
“Min. Height, 5ft. 10ins.; Min. Chest Measurement 36ins.; Min. Weight 11 stone. Age 20 to 26 Years. A constable on joining will receive 70s. a week, rising to 95s. a week with pay of higher ranks in proportion. Single men provided with Barrack Accommodation, fuel and light free. A rent allowance, up to £30 per annum, payable to men not accommodated in barracks. All appointments to the higher ranks of the Force, up to that of Chief Superintendent (£700 to £800 per annum) filled by promotion of Members of the Force” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 Dec. 1922, p. 7).
Glenmore in the News: A Wedding, a Funeral & a Memorial
Capt. W.F. Carrigan, son of the late Nicholas and Mrs. Carrigan, of Clara, Kilkenny married on 2 November 1922, at St. John’s (Kilkenny) Nora Veronica Barron, daughter of William and Mrs. Baron, of Brownstown, Kilkenny. The groom’s brother Rev. N. Carrigan, C.C. officiated assisted by their uncle the Very Rev. Canon W. Carrigan, P.P. Durrow.
The groom in addition to being a member of “one of the best known and most respect families in Co. Kilkenny” was actively connected with the Volunteer movement since 1916. He received a commission on the establishment of the National Army. The bride “a charming young lady,” was a granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cashin, of Shanbogh, New Ross.” The best man was Capt. Hayes, Military Barracks, Kilkenny. The bridesmaid was Miss Mary Butler, of Moulerstown, Glenmore (Kilkenny People, Sat. 9 Dec. 1922, p. 5). Mary Butler (b.c. 1902) was the daughter of James Butler (farmer, Moulerstown) and his wife Bridget Cashin (Shanbogh).
The Rev. Edward Hartley, of New Ross, died on the 27th of November at the age of 57. He was a brother of the late Rev, James Hartley, P.P. Cushingstown and had a sister also in the religious life. At his funeral there were 27 priests in the choir. “The interment took place in Glenmore where his parents are buried” (New Ross Standard, 1 December 1922, p. 5). Rev. Edward Hartley (c. 1865-1922), Rev. James Hartley and Sr. M. Patrick (Presentation Convent, Mooncoin) were some of the children of Philip Hartley (c. 1830-1918) a native of Glenmore. See our post of 18 Oct. 2020 for information regarding Philip’s kin Edmund Hartley (1836-1915) who visited Glenmore and New Ross in 1913.
In a column entitled Fifty Years Ago—the Death of Mr. Peter Strange, of Aylwardstown was recalled from the Waterford News of 28th December 1872. “Mr. Strange was a man of profound learning, and was greatly respected for his genial disposition and his many high qualities of heart and head. At an early age he was called to the Irish Bar, and as a speaker and a writer he displayed remarkable ability. He was a near relative of the late Cardinal Wiseman…His remains were interred on Christmas Day in the family burial place in Kilmacevogue” (sic) (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 29 Dec. 1922, p. 14). The Strange grave marker is in the gable wall of the Kilivory church ruins.
Glenmore GAA
The Southern Branch of the Kilkenny County GAA committee met at Knocktopher on Sunday the 26th of November to discuss restarting games. Only eleven clubs were represented. “There was a difference of opinion as to the advisability of restarting the games in disturbed areas,” but it was decided to proceed with the fixtures. The only Glenmore fixture agreed was Hugginstown v. Glenmore (Junior Football, 2nd round) at Mullinavat on 7 January 1923 (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5).
Glenmore Football Club (the 1922 Co. Kilkenny Senior Football Champions) held their annual dance in the Creamery on Sunday night last. There was a large attendance, and the event was most enjoyable and successful ((Munster Express, Sat. 23 Dec. 1922, p. 6).
On Sunday the 10th of December, the Barrow Rovers and Nore Rangers met in the opening round of the Junior Football Co. Kilkenny Championship. The teams did not line up for play until close to five O’clock. Mr. James Hanrahan, Glenmore, (a member of the Glenmore Senior Football Team) was asked at the last moment to referee. He had no option but to stop the match after half time. It was so dark that the ball could only be seen for a few yards. Hanrahan reported that he did not want to be responsible for any accident that might occur if he allowed the play to proceed in the darkness. The Barrow Rovers proved the superior team. The final score when the game was stopped: Rovers 2 goals, 2 points; Rangers NIL (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Dec. 1922, p. 6).
Unemployment
Unemployment was serious in Waterford. One building yard paid off 25 men in the first week of December (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Dec., 1922, p. 5). Railway employees that were unemployed due to the Rosslare line being closed left for Dublin the first week of December to take up work with the Labour Corps under the Railway Repair and Maintenance Department. These men were unemployed for sixteen weeks and were not eligible for any relief or assistance from any source (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Dec. 1922, p. 8).
Christmas 1922
Christmas shopping in New Ross was brisk particularly on Saturday the 23rd. “Every street was filled with people and cars, and on the whole shops of every kind did a good trade” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1922, p. 4). Notwithstanding the brisk Christmas trade, the St. Vincent de Paul Society assisted people in New Ross over Christmas (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1922, p. 4). Another New Ross comment concerned emigrants. “The love of homeland and the relatives left behind…was exemplified by the large number of American letters, many of them containing cheques; …arrived this Christmas” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1922, p. 4).
The Munster Express did not comment on Christmas shopping in Waterford City. However, it did state that Christmas “passed off quietly and uneventful, and the weather during the holidays was excellent for the time of year” (Munster Express, Sat. 30 Dec. 1922, p. 4). No midnight Mass was held in any of the Waterford City Churches on Christmas Eve (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Dec. 1922, p. 4) evidently there were fears of people being on the streets if another attack took place.
Christmas Advertisements
A couple of interesting advertisement were on the front page of the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 Dec. 1922, p. 1). The first concerned a pawnbroker offering his services for Christmas money and the second advertises a photographic chemist shop.
“Do you want money for Xmas? Would you like to be happy in dull times? We buy anything in furniture or clothing, miscellaneous goods of every description jewellery and cycles. Highest advances. From 20/ to £1,000 on demand. (A postcard brings our representative) Fireproof safes for the protection of valuables. Write, call or wire John Boyce (Est. 1826) Pawnbroker, Jeweller, and Musical Instrument Importer, 85-25 Michael St., Waterford.” Last month we highlighted the murder of pawnbroker Charles Reginald Boyce see our post of 20 November 2022 for further details.
“A large assortment of cameras, mounts, photographic chemicals and appliances kept in stock. Dark room free to customers. George White and Sons, Ltd. Photographic Chemists.”
Shaw’s Department Store (then known as Robertson Ledlie’s) advertised their “Great Christmas Bazaar and Toy Fair filled with hundreds of pounds worth of dolls, toys, games, scooters, prams, rifles, motor cars and every description of goods for useful Xmas presents. Matchless variety and at easy prices. 53 to 59 Quay, Waterford” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 8 Dec. 1922, p. 4).
Farming
Just prior to Christmas Mr. M. Russell, of Carrick-on-Suir, slaughtered one of his bullocks and found a sovereign in the animal’s stomach (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Dec. 1922, p. 5).
Turkeys featured heavily in the newspapers. Practically all the turkeys in Thomastown district were purchased by Mr. Wm. Hoyne and were delivered on Monday & Tuesday. He bought hundreds of pairs and paid 1s. per lb. Other Thomastown prices included: butter 2s. per lb and eggs 9d. per dozen (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Dec. 1922, p. 8).
The largest turkey brought into New Ross for the Christmas market weighed 25 ½ pounds and several other birds “tipped the scales at 24 and 24 ½ pounds (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Dec. 1922, p. 4). In Clonroche and Adamstown districts of Wexford turkeys were stolen from several farms. One farmer had 17 birds stolen (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Dec. 1922, p. 8.)
Waterford Glass Sold at Sothby’s
Waterford and other Irish manufactured cut glass was sold at Sotheby’s of London “with no diminution of prices.” Notwithstanding the recent War of Independence. Examples included: A rare large Irish water jug, engraved with crown and Irish harp, dated 1782, sold for £34. A rare pair of Waterford candlesticks (amber coloured) sold for £43 (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 Dec. 1922, p. 4).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above was found in Danny Dowling’s voluminous files and depicts how Christmas trees were delivered in 1922 by ass and cart in small barrels. The photo is from the Freeman’s Journal (21 Dec. 1922, p. 3).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: November 1922
The Civil War continued in November 1922 with intended and unintended consequences. In Dublin four men were executed by the Irish Free State for being in possession of handguns, but the most famous execution that month was Erskine Childers. Today, we are going to feature local events that were published in local newspapers in November 1922. In addition to the usual Glenmore train robberies, Hanrahan’s “grocery establishment” in Glenmore Village was raided by Irregulars. It was reported that the value of the items stolen was £10 (Kilkenny People, Sat. 4 Nov. 1922, p. 7).
The Civil War Locally
In general, there were less reported attacks on barracks during the month of November. However, the attacks on infrastructure such as bridges and railways continued. On Saturday the 28th of October at about 8 p.m. the National Troops stationed at Thomastown were attacked by a party of Irregulars. The shots appeared to be coming from all directions. A large number of people were on the streets at the time and fled into shops and private homes The garrison vigorously returned fire which continued for about twenty minutes. “While the firing lasted there was much consternation amongst women and children, many had to walk two miles to their homes.” On Sunday night at about 11 p.m. the garrison was again attacked from the heights overlooking the town. The shooting continued for about 10 minutes. “Beyond a few bullet marks on some of the houses there was no harm done” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
There were also less reports of arrests, however two boys were arrested in New Ross. A boy named Brady of Cross Lane, was arrested by National Troops in North street. It was reported that when Brady was searched despatches were found inside his shirt. He was detained. On the same day a boy named Dougherty, of Rosbercon, was arrested, and the troops searched his house and found, it is alleged, some uniforms belonging to the Fianna. He was released that evening (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 5). There were some escapes reported. Locally, Thomas Ryan, Bonnybrook, Thomastown, escaped from the Kilkenny Military Barracks on Sunday night and was recaptured by National troops at Gowran (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov 1922, p. 7). Accidents also continued. Volunteer Michael Bowe of the Irish National Army accidently shot himself through his big toe on his right foot. He was on sentry duty at the Waterford bridge at the time of the shooting. He was taken to Ballybricken prison hospital for treatment (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Not only did attacks on railways continue the methods of attacks became more dangerous and disruptive. For example, on the morning of the 2nd of November a special coal train from Waterford to Limerick was derailed between Ballyhale and Mullinavat. One rail was removed; the fireman, driver and guard were taken off the train, and the steam engine and waggons were driven off the line. The derailed train landed on the embankment. The removal of a rail to cause detailments were reported widely. Also on the 2nd of November the Newrath signal cabin was set on fire. Portions of the building were destroyed and the “cabin instruments were considerably damaged” (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
Roads and bridges continued to be attacked. Forty-six bridges were destroyed in North Tipperary with an estimated cost of repair of £12,000 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 3). In Wexford a group of local farmers and labourers fed up with a tree that was blocking the road from Enniscorthy to Adamstown, at Stone’s Park, Wilton removed the tree. While they were clearing the road two armed men appeared and threatened them. It was reported that the farmers and labourers paid no attention to the threats. During the night two new trees were felled in the same vicinity again blocking the road (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
From some newspaper accounts it is difficult to discern whether the actions were the activities of the Civil War or mere criminality. Railway wires were cut between Waterford and New Ross on the morning of Friday the 3rd of November. The up-mail train was held up on Friday evening between Glenmore and Waterford by twelve armed men at a steep embankment 5 miles from Waterford near the Glenmore station. The men ordered the passengers to remain seated and not to look out the windows. The armed men entered the guard’s van and searched it. After a prolonged search they removed some parcels and bicycles. On the following Monday a group of Oriel House Officers while returning to Dublin from New Ross arrested two men on bicycles. One of the men admitted that the new bicycle in his possession was stolen in a train robbery. On the evening of the 8th the up goods train was held up by armed men between Glenmore and Waterford. Although it was delayed a good while, it is not known what if anything was stolen (New Ross Standard, Fri, 10 Nov. 1922, p. 8; Waterford News & Star, Fri 10 Nov. 1922 p. 9).
Even river boats were targeted by armed men. The river barges carrying goods from Waterford to Carrick-on-Suir were raided on the 3rd of November between Fiddown and Carrick by armed men. Bacon, tea and sugar were stolen (Munster Express, Sat. 11 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Two licensed premises were raided in New Ross in late October or early November. Michael Corcoran, Irishtown, New Ross reported that masked men entered his premises after he had closed on the 27th of October and seized the cash box. Corcoran resisted and was pistol whipped. On an undisclosed date Miss Redmond, of Irishtown, just before closing reported that armed men entered her premises and took money (New Ross Standard, Fri.3 Nov. 1922, p. 5). While a dance was in progress in Stonyford on Sunday the 12th, armed men entered and ordered the dancers to disperse. The dancers quickly complied (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 7).
On the 13th of November three men entered a pawnshop at 35 Michael Street, Waterford and requested to see some field glasses. The owner of the pawnshop, Charles Reginald Boyce, aged 24, attempted to stop the men from stealing his property. Boyce was shot and killed. An inquest was held the following day and various witnesses reported different aspects of the murder. Phillip Fanning, of 37 Thomas’s Hill, testified that he was an assistant in the shop and ran for help as soon as he heard a scuffle and one of the men would not let him back into the pawnshop. Anne Boyce, the murder victim’s sister, worked in an adjoining shop and testified that when one of the men entered her portion of the premises she attempted to grab the field glasses from him. He pushed her into her counter and ran back into the pawnshop. A shot was then heard, and she found her brother dying. When the foreman of the inquest jury stated to Miss Boyce that she showed great courage in grappling with the robber she sadly commented, “if I had let him get away then he could not have shot my brother” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 2).
The following receipt was found at the scene of the Boyce murder “Oghlaigh Na h-Eireann. Received from Messrs. Boyce, Michael Street, six pairs of field glasses on this date. (Signed) Battalion Brigade, Adjunct” (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 6). The Munster Express published that the murder victim’s mother received the following note “Irish Republican Defence Force, H.Q., Waterford, Nov. 14th, 1922. Dear Madam, on behalf of the officers and men of the above force, respectfully bid to tender sincere sympathy to you on the death of your son, Charles. We trust that you in no way connect the above force with this raid, and I can assure you that this matter is receiving thorough investigation. Signed, Adjt. IRDF.” The deceased was laid to rest in the Protestant cemetery (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4)
Economic Impact
The New Ross Standard noted that cash was scarce. The high prices obtained for all produce and abundance of money poured into the country during the war (WW I) naturally made people extravagant, and nearly all sections of the public are better clothed and fed than they were prior to the war. With the high cost of living there was a gradual falling off in cash, and the editor proclaimed “the lean years are now upon many sections of the public.” Merchants complained that there was little business except by credit. People who borrowed from the banks at a high rate of interest to purchase land, business and stocks at very highly inflated prices were able to meet repayments during the war, but subsequently prices dropped and many “find themselves in unenviable positions.” With the disturbed state of the country, the dislocation of traffic by steamboat, railways and road, made it impossible to make money. There was little or no employment in the country. “Instead of being better now that we have got the management of our own affairs the condition of Ireland is much worse than it has been for some years. Money earmarked for reforms and reconstruction is devoted to restore order. Dis-improvement and deterioration appear to be the order of the day. Business is held up everywhere…there is no money stirring, and the country has become demoralised.” “We have not the British Government to contend with now” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
In November 1922, after thanking local Waterford businesses for their generosity in the past, the committee that raised funds for the poor cancelled their usual Christmas Bazaar. Although it is not explicitly stated in the article the poor economy in which businesses were struggling was probably the cause of the cancellation. It was decided that the committee would arrange for a number of different entertainments to be held in Town Hall during Christmas week (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
On the other hand, the barley farmers thought international forces such as Prohibition in the U.S. was the cause of the depressed barley markets. At the November meeting of the Kilkenny Farmers’ Union the attendees discussed what should be done about the surplus of barley. The secretary of the organisation stated that he had received replies from a few creameries in the south of the county prepared to buy kiln-dried barley or barley for malting at £10 per ton delivered. “Glenmore was a barley growing district…and…there were people who had got only 15s. per barrel and they had to pay carriage.” In Carlow town barley had been sold for 8s. and 9s. per barrel for feeding. It was argued that Prohibition in the U.S. was responsible for holding down the price of barley in Ireland. Prices before Prohibition were 45s. per barrel. South Kilkenny was the biggest pig feeding district in Ireland. After much arguing about whether to start piggeries for the feeding of barley the meeting broke up without reaching a decision (Kilkenny People, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 3).
An unusual commentary on farmers and their economic guiding principles was printed in the Munster Express. The editor opined that “As long as there are rural districts in Ireland, there will be farmers, and as long as there are farmers the science of thrift will not pass away…the pony and trap will continue to travel the road to infinity. The average farmer views with suspicion all moving things not classified as livestock, and saleable at the Christmas fair (Munster Express, Sat. 18 Nov. 1922, p. 6).
Schools
It was reported that the recent spell of harsh weather caused a “series of epidemics” in the way of colds, measles etc. In several places in the country districts children have been laid up with measles (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8).
In early November the results of students in the Christian Brothers of New Ross were published. Two Glenmore scholars were mentioned.
“Junior Grade—Florence Ivory of Glenmore—passes Irish, English, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Commerce, Physics and Chemistry, Second Year’s Course.” [Florence Ivory was born 4 January 1906 the son of John Ivory (farmer) and his wife, Mary née McCarthy. Florence went on to become a National Teacher, married and died on 12 November 1969 and was residing in Stonyford, Kilkenny at the time of his death.]
“William Murphy (Glenmore)—Passes—Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Commerce, Physics and Chemistry, Second Year’s Course.” A note at the end of the article details that commerce in each Grade includes the following branches—book-keeping, business methods, copying manuscript, commercial geography and writing (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
Life Went On
One of the more interesting news items not related to the Civil War concerned the electrification of Thomastown. After the elected lights were installed in Thomastown, the oil lamps formerly used there were transferred to Inistioge and Bennetsbridge (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Nov 1922, p. 7).
Anyone passing the railway station in Ferrybank recently may have observed the current work on securing the cliff face behind the station. The Munster Express reported 100 years ago that “A portion of the rock face at Mount Misery, opposite the arrival platform at Waterford North station detached from the face of the cliff.” The large boulders smashed one of the wooden protection culverts. The weather was blamed. “Workmen have regularly been engaged in paring the rock face at various points” (Munster Express, Sat. 4 Nov. 1922, p. 4).
On the 29th of October Glenmore played De La Salle, of Waterford City. They played in Slieverue in a field kindly provided to them by “Mr. Rockett, Slieverue.” Glenmore won the match with a score of 3 goals, 7 points to 1 goal, 3 points (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Nov. 1922, p. 8). We have further football matches to report in a separate post.
No Glenmore deaths were reported in the November local papers.
The advertisement above from November 1922, for Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, was owned by two Glenmore men, Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (1892-1975) and Walter Holden of Clune, Glenmore. Dick Hanrahan’s (1892-1975) brother Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan (1886-1957) owned and operated the “grocery establishment” robbed in November 1922. For more information on the Hanrahan brothers, of Glenmore, see our post of 6 December 2020.
The feature photo above is courtesty of the Freeman’s Journal (2 Dec. 1922, p. 3) and depicts a cyclist having his documents examined by an Irish National soldier.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: September 1922
By the end of August 1922, the Free State troops firmly controlled New Ross and Waterford. However anti-Treaty troops or Irregulars continued to attack the troops in New Ross and Waterford. Additionally, the Irregulars continued to employ disruption tactics honed during the War of Independence. Telegraph and telephone wires were repeatedly cut or damaged, roads were blocked, and bridges destroyed. Ambushes of mail and goods trains were prevalent and ambushes of Free State troops became a common feature around the country. Newspapers had difficulties communicating during this month because the postal workers went on strike which restricted or stopped the delivery of mail and the use of telegraphs and telephones by the general public. Today, we shall highlight what happened locally and what Glenmore people were reading in local newspapers 100 years ago.
The Civil War
The month of September commenced with reports in local newspapers of heavy fighting elsewhere around the country. Deadly ambushes were reported in Kerry, Cork, Offaly, Mayo, Tipperary, and Sligo. It was reported that a railway repairer engaged in repair work near Mallow was killed by Irregular forces who warned other railway employees that they would “meet the same fate if they took up sjmilar work.” Due to the attacks on bridges, roads and railways in some areas of the west food became scarce. “All fairs and markets have been stopped for some time and the people are in a deplorable way. They are faced with starvation…” Rev. Father Hayes, of Labasheeds, appealed to his parishioners, and 100 men turned up and repaired all the destroyed bridges in their locality. In response the Irregulars threatened to set barricades with bombs, with the lever pins of the bombs removed (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 5).
Rumours began to surface that peace talks were taking place. However, all efforts to arrange negotiations failed. After a lull of almost week in early September ambushes in Dublin resumed. Four attacks on Free State troops took place in a single day in four different parts of Dublin. This led to “the civilian populace…[receiving] more than its share of the casualties” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 4). Newspapers also reported that a female courier was apprehended on her way to Mountjoy. It was reported that in her possession were confidential communications from de Valera to Liam Mellowes. The Daily Express of London reported “the communications reveal the hopelessly chaotic state of the entire Republican organisation. More significant still are the confessions by de Valera of his personal errors in judgment which led up to the beginning of the civil war…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1922, p. 5).
Reminiscent of the War of Independence, 39 prisoners escaped from the Cork jail on Friday the 22nd by tunnelling from a cell to a ventilation shaft that led to a manhole in the centre of the footpath in front of the jail (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1922, p. 7).
At the end of September the threat of starvation from the Civil War continued. With no train service for several weeks and roads and bridges damaged and blocked, serious shortages of food were reported in Killarney. On the 16th fifteen cartloads of food being conveyed were seized by the Irregulars at Brennan’s Glen. The people of Tralee were said to be facing starvation. People attempting to travel through Kerry were warned that “the jaunting car …offers virtually the only means of getting about with any degree of safety. It may be that it is more innocent looking that a motor car in the eyes of armed men…and road obstructions are more easily negotiated…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 September 1922, p. 3).
Locally, mail and goods trains were targeted by Irregulars and others. On the 28th of August armed men between Waterford and Glenmore took mail from the up mail train, including mail for New Ross (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 7). Due to the continued attack on trains the railway suspended some services. Locally, this meant that the last mail leaving New Ross was at 4:20 p.m. instead of 9:15 p.m. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 4). Twice during the week of the 4th of September goods trains from Waterford were held up by a party of Irregulars between Mullinavat and Ballyhale. Goods consisting of bacon sugar, tobacco and cigarettes were stolen (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 8). On Saturday the 15th in the evening the up mail train between Waterford and Glenmore was help up by a number of men. “A quantity of stuff was taken including some drapery. Some of the articles were subsequently returned. The passengers were ordered not to look out of the windows” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Sept. 1922, p. 7). On Friday the 22nd the up train from Waterford to New Ross was held up in the Slieverue area. “Stuff was taken away” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1922, p. 7).
Armed Attacks on Waterford & New Ross
On Sunday the 26th of August about 10:30 p.m. “another attack” was made on the Free State troops at the Waterford railway station. Six men opened fire on the soldiers from behind a wall running up from the railway on the Ferrybank side. A bomb was flung into the station from the cliff above the station resulting in glass shattering. The Free State soldiers returned fire and brought out a machine gun which drove the attackers out. On investigating the place where the attacking irregulars had been a handkerchief saturated with blood was found as well as fifty rounds of ammunition. The wall behind the irregulars was also splattered with blood. There were no casualties among the Free State soldiers (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 2). Private George Lackey, a native of Glenmore, was not so lucky. On the 2nd of September while stationed at Thomastown with other Free State troops he and another private named Martin Brennan, of Castlecomer, were serious injured by the accidental discharge of a rifle (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Sept. 1922, p. 8).
Notwithstanding the attack on Sunday the 26th of August, the curfew on Waterford was removed on the following Tuesday (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 5). On the night of the 5th of September heavy firing took place in Waterford when bands of Irregulars attacked different places in the city. Shortly before dusk a flying column of Irregulars was spotted on the heights overlooking the city, on the Ferrybank side of the Suir. A second band of Irregulars began shooting near Grace Dieu. A third band took up sniping positions behind Larry’s Knock. Once the shooting began it continued until a lull occurred when the cinema was being emptied. Two unarmed Free State soldiers were shot at just outside the Coliseum Theatre, but both avoided being injured while the woman behind them was shot. By 11 p.m. at Newtown the Irregulars began firing a Thompson machine gun. “Fortunately, at this period virtually all pedestrians had left the thoroughfares.” In the city centre most of the shooting took place in the vicinity of George’s Street, Peter Street, Broad Street and High St. Less intensive firing took place on the Quay, the Mall and Parnell Street (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Sept. 1922, p. 6).
The Irregulars attacked the Manor St. Police barracks. Shots were also fired at Lady Lane Barracks, but the garrison did not respond. It was reported that six or seven Irregulars were wounded in the attacks. Other casualties included an elderly lady named Katie Walsh who was shot and killed while reading in her sitting room in Bakehouse Lane near the Lady Lane Barracks. The bodies of two Irregular who were believed to have been killed in the attack on the train station a week earlier were discovered and dug out of a field in Ferrybank (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Sept. 1922, p. 6).
Further details were gleaned from the Munster Express such as the fact that the Irregulars’ position on Larry’s Knock was on Mount Misery and provided a commanding view of the city. It was also reported that 15 to 20 Irregulars within the city were using a weapon known as “Peter the Painter.” This weapon was a German automatic pistol that converted into a short rifle. It was reported that the Irregulars mixed among the crowds leaving the local picture shows. Kate Walsh who was shot and killed while reading a book in her sitting room at 13 Bakehouse Lane was 66 years of age. She was shot in the arm and called out to her upstairs neighbour. The neighbour rushed for help and sent neighbours scurrying for the priest, doctor, police and the widow’s son. A few minutes after the priest and doctor arrived, she died (Munster Express, Sat. 9 Sept. 1922, p. 6).
As the Irregulars continued to re-destroy bridges near New Ross, the town reintroduced bicycle permits (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 7). Thus while the Irregulars continued to use the guerrilla tactics of the War of Independence the Free State Forces exercised some of the same unpopular control tactics as the British. For example, the Munster Express reported on a raid in Ferrybank conducted by Free State troops. These troops seized a duplicator, typewriter and a huge quantity of Irregular propaganda. Patrick Murphy, a prominent Irregular, was taken into custody (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 40). At the beginning of the article a little notice stated that the article was “passed by military censor.”
Between one and two a.m. on Sunday the 11th the people of New Ross were awakened by brisk rifle fire. Shots were coming from Rosbercon and also from places in the upper streets of the town. Just before the shooting began a sentry at the Tholsel stopped a man who was staggering as if drunk. The sentry began to search the man. Suddenly three or four men in their stocking feet rushed the sentry and took his weapons and fled (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 5).
Post Offices
Post offices featured heavily in the news articles in local papers. At the end of August, the Rower was the scene of “An exciting affair.” Near midnight eight to ten men broke into the post-office. The men demanded the old age pension money. When told that the pension had been distributed, they searched the office but did not find any money. They then went to the shop of an elderly man in the village and took away his goods. Next they broke into the shop of Mr. Butler. While in the Butler’s shop a group of Irregulars arrived having been summoned by a resident. The Irregulars surrounded the Butler shop and although the raiders were armed with a shot gun and a couple of revolvers they were disarmed by the Irregulars. The raiders were compelled to return everything that they had stolen and they were paraded in front of the villagers for identification. The raiders were found to be civilian who lived nearby. “After getting a severe threshing they were allowed to go” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 8).
The Munster Express at the beginning of September published articles regarding the threatened postal strike. The New Free State government proposed to cut the wages of the workers because the “cost of living had decreased.” The workers disputed that the cost of living had decreased and thus began a war of words. In the same edition the Munster also published the story of a post card that took was in transit for six years. “On Saturday the 26th of August Wm. Morrissey, a draper, on the Main St. of Carrick-on-Suir received a postcard that had been posted in Clonmel on 6 November 1916. The card was legible and in good condition. It related to the purchase of wool from the War Office” (Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 6).
The Irish Postal Service workers went on strike at 6 p.m. on Sunday the 10th of September (Munster Express, Sat. 16 Sept. 1922, p. 3). In Dublin the services were almost at a standstill. The public had neither letters or telegrams during the strike. As the strike was nearing two weeks, a frustrated New Ross Standard editor wrote, “One of the most regrettable features of the struggle is the nature of the propaganda supplied to the Press…It is time the public made itself felt in this matter, otherwise both the strikers and the Postmaster-General may continue to think that the Irish people want columns of propaganda instead of a postal service” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Sept. 1922, p. 4). A notice appeared on the back page of the edition that the New Ross post office remained open for the paying of the old age and army pensions. It was also noted that some letters arrived by armed guard from Dublin but had to be collected at the post office (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 Sept. 1922, p. 8).
As outlined in our previous blog posts the Glenmore post office in 1922 was in Fluskey’s. In addition to collecting and distributing mail the post office had a telegraph as well as telephone and telephone exchange. On Friday the 22nd of September “a number of men” under the cover of darkness visited the post office and dismantled the telephone (Wicklow People, Sat. 23 Sept. 1922, p. 8). It is not clear from the article whether the dismantling was the work of Irregulars or striking postal workers. (To read our previous blog post on the history of the Glenmore Post Offices click here.)
Resident Magistrates Terminated
During the later part of the War of Independence some areas or parishes set up IRA or parish courts to hear minor criminal cases. It is believed that an IRA court or parish court was established in Glenmore, and this court sat in the Glenmore Creamery. At the same time the former Royal Petty Sessions courts in Rosbercon and Kilmacow etc. continued to operate with Resident Magistrates sitting as judges.
On the first of September local papers advised the citizens that all resident magistrates in Ireland were notified by the Irish Free State Government that their services were terminated. Pending the expiration of their notices the resident magistrates were placed on leave. The decision to terminate the resident magistrates was part of a general scheme of reconstruction of Irish Legal machinery (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 5). Under this scheme the parish courts developed in some areas were also to be terminated and district courts establish with trained lawyers to be appointed as judges.
Life Went On
Notwithstanding the ambushes in Dublin and attacks on trains etc. the Glenmore area appeared to remain calm. For example, a two week Mission was conducted by the Vincentian Fathers and opened in Glenmore on the 3rd of September. Also, the employees of the malt stores of P.J. Roche & Sons, New Ross went on their annual excursion to Duncannon (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 Sept. 1922, p. 7). Other areas were not so fortunate. Boarding house keepers and hotels in Tramore reported that 1922 was one of the leanest years on record (Munster Express, Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the difficulties of travel the fairs and markets continued to operate in New Ross, Waterford and Thomastown. Good supplies of stock and buyers were reported although prices were down. The potato crop around Waterford was reported as being the best for many years both in quality and quantity. Farmers were perturbed at the bad weather, but the heat wave compensated for everything (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 7).
The New Ross Show was held mid-month and some competitors traveling by train encountered a recently repaired railway bridge was again destroyed. These competitors unloaded their horses and walked them to the Show. There were also two reports of women with pony and carts attempting to cross damaged bridges on their way to New Ross and they and/or their animals ended up in waterways and required rescue (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 September 1922, p. 5). At the New Ross Show John Hartley, of Ballincrea, Slieverue, was awarded first prize in the class for the best sire, other than thoroughbred, calculated to get good hunter and harness horses. T. Freaney, Glenmore and Dick Doherty, Mooncoin were awarded first and second awards for the best untrained 4 year old gelding and filly (Munster Express, Sat. 23 Sept. 1922, p. 5).
It was reported that the [grain] harvest in 1922 was a month later than in 1921. In some local places barley was not ripe (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 8). The Agricultural Gazette published that R.B. Matthews developed a method of harvesting with the aid of electricity. His sheaves of corn were stacked as soon as they were cut. Traditionally, farmers allowed the corn to mature in the field. Through his stack he passed a current of air driven by an electric Sirocco fan. It was proclaimed that all risks of weather or bird damage to the stocks in the field were eliminated and his ground cleared for ploughing as soon as the corn was cut (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922). Unfortunately, electricity was not available in all areas of Glenmore parish for almost 40 years.
A woman from Shanbogh died at the remarkable age of 103 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922, p. 8). Unfortunately, no further information such as the centenarian’s name was provided. The elderly also featured in an article about a sports carnival to be held in Ballycullane on the 17th where “old man’s races and challenges” was advertised. One man aged 70 wagered that he could beat anyone of the same age in a half mile flat race or over the hurdles in a 120 yards race. He was staking two weeks of his old age pension on the races (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 Sept. 1922).
At the quarterly meeting of the Kilkenny Co. Council on the 17th the Council set about appointing rate collectors based upon tenders received. For the vacant collectorship in Ida district six tenders were received. Each candidate for the post submitted a tender indicating how much of each pound of the rates collected they would keep for their services in collecting the rates. The six persons seeking the post included: Richard Duggan, Flemingstown, Glenmore, 2 ¾d in the £ (d is one pence in a pound made up of 240 pence); P. Walsh, Inistioge, 3½d; Peter Kirwan, do. 4 ½d; E. J. Murphy, New Ross, 4d; Martin McGrath, Listerlin, Tullogher, 4d; and Richard O’Keefe, Coolull, 4d. Richard Duggan, of Flemingsown, Glenmore was unanimously elected (Kilkenny People, Sat. 23 Sept. 1922, p. 2).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
The featured photo above is from Freemans Journal, Thurs. 14 Sept. 1922, p. 3. The caption: Farmer carrying a bag of flour on his back across a destroyed bridge following a narrow footpath in the centre of the bridge.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: August 1922
As the month of August 1922 unfolded the local newspapers seemed to have settled on names for the two warring sides. The troops of the pro-treaty, Free State were generally referred to as the Irish Army or National troops, and the troops of the anti-treaty Republicans were generally referred to as Irregulars. Glenmore did not feature in any local newspapers in August 1922, so today we will highlight various local events our ancestors read about in local newspapers. In August 1922, Waterford City was under the control of the Irish Army which continued to push south and west to capture other cities and towns. As the Irish Army advanced the Irregulars relied more on guerilla activities, honed during the War of Independence, such as blocking roads, destroying bridges, laying ambushes and disrupting communications. Although the National Troops during the month appeared to have driven the Irregulars out of various districts, towns and cities the Irregulars continued to operate in these areas. Notwithstanding the strife events such as the Tramore Races proceeded although the railway link to Tramore was not operating due to the activities of the Irregulars.
Disruption of Communications
A notice was posted on the 2nd of August in the window of the Waterford GPO advising the public that the arrival of mails was uncertain. Telegram communication was open via Dublin for Great Britain and the greater portion of Ireland. Waterford was in communication with Kilkenny, Abbeyleix, New Ross, Wexford, Passage East, Dunmore and Tramore. Telegrams could not be accepted for Counties Cork and Kerry, Limerick and district, places round Waterford, Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary, Dungarvan, Fermoy, and Kilmacthomas (Munster Express, Sat. 5 Aug. 1922, p. 6).
The Palace railway bridge was blown up on the night of the 31st of July. A train went up from New Ross to bring down the passengers and mails from the down mail train on Tuesday the 1st of August, and during the day the trains proceeded to the broken bridge and passengers transferred at the bridge. When the down mail was unable to proceed to Waterford on Tuesday morning news agents in Waterford, accompanied by a number of newsboys, drove to New Ross, and on to Palace to get the newspapers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 5).
As the Irish army pushed west toward Carrrick-on-Suir arrests were made in Mullinavat in the course of a search. Roving bans of Irregulars had been operating in the district blocking and trenching roads and cutting the railway communications between Waterford and Kilkenny. A bridge on this line was blown up at the end of July. The damage was more extensive than at any previous time. The line remained closed for several days. The mails from Dublin coming over this line on Saturday had not reached Waterford by Friday (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 3).
Cost of the Siege of Waterford
It was noted at a meeting of the Waterford No. 2 District Council, chaired by R. Delahunty, that losses sustained prior to and during the recent armed conflict in Waterford totalled over £25,000 in claims submitted by the clerk to the Council (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 3).
In addition to property loss people injured during the siege of Waterford continued to die in August. For example, John Doyle, aged 22, a member of the Irregular forces, died on the 10th of August from injuries he sustained during the siege at the GPO (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 Aug. 1922, p. 4). See our previous blog of 17 July 2022, regarding the Siege of Waterford.
The National Troops continued to arrest suspected Irregulars in Waterford City, and on Monday the 13th of August “a large batch of prisoners arrived in Kilkenny by train from Waterford.” They had a strong military escort and were marched from the railway station to Kilkenny prison (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 Aug. 1922, p. 8). On the same day, Daniel McDonald, Tullogher, the well known weight thrower, and P. Fleming, the Swan, escaped from Kilkenny Prison at 1:30 a.m. on Monday the 13th. The circumstances of McDonald’s arrest and escape were not disclosed (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 Aug. 1922, p. 4).
Carrick-on-Suir & Dungarvan
On Thursday the 10th of August in an official bulletin from the Irish Army it was reported that troops occupied Carrick-on-Suir. On the way to Carrick-on-Suir, Comdt. McCarthy’s forces cleared Callan, Mullinahone, Nine Mile House, Kilmogany and Winegap of Irregulars. The Irregulars in Carrick-on-Suir, estimated at about 300 crossed the river and retreated. They blew up the bridges as they retreated. One of the bridges, the John Dillon Bridge was built in the 1880’s and named after a prominent member of the old Irish Parliamentary Party. Its erection cost several thousand pounds. The other bridge dated back to the 14th century, and was regarded by the inhabitants as one of the town’s historic landmarks. Efforts by the townspeople to save the old bridge, that had been spared by Cromwell, fell on deaf ears. De Valera arrived in town and remained for a few days before the town was abandoned by Irregular forces (Munster Express, Sat. 12 Aug. 1922, p. 4).
Also, on the 10th a gentleman who arrived in Waterford from Dungarvan stated that the Irregulars cleared out of Dungarvan on the evening of the 8th. The barracks were destroyed. Some Cork Irregulars, who constituted the major portion of the garrison, left the town by two trains which they seized at the Dungarvan railway station. They travelled in the direction of Cork, and when they had passed through Capoquin another party of Irregulars arrived in the town by motor and blew up the rail and road bridges (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 Aug. 1922, p. 7).
Although the Irish Army had reported that it had cleared Mullinahone, an 18-year-old Free State Volunteer was shot in the head and killed while he was visiting his uncle’s home in Mullinahone on the 19th of August. An Irregular named Patrick Egan “rushed into the house and shot him through the head at point blank range. Egan was about to fire a second time when a lady intervened.” Egan was the leader of the Irregulars of the area. Volunteer Grace was with the Mullinahone Company of Volunteers (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Aug. 1922, p. 6).
Another young man was fatally shot during a raid on a pub owned by Mrs. Maria Dowling of Blackmill Street, Kilkenny. National troops were carrying out a number of raids in the vicinity of the Kilkenny City prison. While passing Mrs. Dowling’s premises at about 1 a.m. they heard activity in the pub. The troops surrounded the building and after about ten minutes the door was opened to their knocking. Eleven young men were arrested. Shots were fired to frighten the young men who were trying to escape. Samuel Oakes, aged 17, was later discovered in the garden. He had been shot in the head and died in the pub’s kitchen (Dublin Evening Telegraph, Tues. 1 Aug. 1922, 5).
Fatal Ambush Near Mullinavat
A party of eleven National troops traveling by lorry from Carrick-on-Suir to Waterford with supplies were ambushed about a mile and a half on the Carrick side of Mullinavat on the 16th. Trees had been felled and were blocking the road. When the troops reached the obstruction Irregular forces opened fire on the lorry. The Irregulars repeatedly called upon the National troops to surrender, but they refused. When the Irregulars attempted to rush the lorry “they were beaten back.” Eventually more National troops arrived from Waterford and Kilkenny. John O’Keefe, a married Waterford man, and the father of six children was shot dead. He was a civilian traveling with the troops from Carrick back to Waterford. The newspaper noted that he was the brother of James O’Keefe, manager of the Waterford offices of the “Independent” newspapers. Volunteer Hogan of the National forces was wounded in the leg and arm (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 18 Aug. 1922, p. 5). Before the end of the month a public subscription fund was opened to aid the widow and six children of the late John O’Keefe (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Aug. 1922, p. 6).
The Kilkenny Moderator reported that the National troops from Kilkenny succeeded in capturing five of the Irregulars, all from Thomastown and district. The captured five included: James Mullins, Thomastown (brother of the late Nicholas Mullins, shot and killed by British forces at Coolbawn, Castlecomer, last year); James Bookle, Brownsbarn; Thomas Bourke, the Rower; ___ Hennessy, Kilmurry; and __ Whelan. At the time they were arrested they were in possession of five rifles, about twenty bombs, and large quantity of ammunition. It was also stated that the group had been involved in two other local ambushes (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 Aug. 1922, p. 4).
“Time for Silence Gone”
August saw the death of Arthur Griffith, the founder of Sinn Féin, followed by the killing of Michael Collins in an ambush on the 22nd near Bandon, Co. Cork. In a New Ross Standard editorial, it was stated “In the hour of her greatest trial Ireland has lost the man whose services she most needs. The death of Arthur Griffith was a heavy blow, but the nation consoled itself that Michael Collins was left to guide the destiny of the new Ireland. Michael Collins is dead, his fellow countrymen having struck the blow that two years ago might have earned forty thousand pounds for an agent of England…” (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Aug. 1922, p. 6).
One local killing in August caused the Bishop of Waterford to speak out. On the 15th Lt. Comdt. Eamon O’Brien responded to an alarm raised by two young girls around midnight regarding a fire. He rushed into Barrack street and was shot and killed by a waiting sniper. He was 21 years of age. The Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Hackett, in the week following the killing, in the Waterford Cathedral, announceed that the time for silence was gone. He condemned the killing particularly as the victim had no time to prepare for meeting his Maker. He stated that the present Irish government was established by the will of the people. To the persons who participated in the killing he stated, “You cannot maintain that because you think a thing is right that it is” (Munster Express, Sat. 26 August 1922, p. 2).
Local Criminality
It is difficult to know whether certain crimes reported in the local newspapers were associated with the Civil War or were the result of criminals taking advantage of the unrest. For example, on the 2nd of August between 11:30 and midnight shots were fired in new Ross. They came from Jones’ Hill, Mary Street and Rosbercon. The firing lasted about ten minutes (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 5). The following week one of the carters employed by Cherry’s Brewery, New Ross, was held up on the Enniscorthy-New Ross road. Thirteen pounds were taken during the robbery (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 Aug. 1922, p. 8).
In the early hours of the 12th the bonded store known as Hutchinson’s, The Quay, New Ross was entered and seven cases of spirits, comprised of whiskey and brandy were taken. The locks of the store had been wrenched off. The military guard stopped two men who were carrying boxes at the time and questioned the men. The men stated that they were moving drink for their employer who was a publican. They were released, but later returned and one of the men “tendered a bottle of whiskey to the guard asking him to join them in a drink.” In the morning when the military learned the bond store had been burgled, they went to the house of brothers Edward and Arthur O’Connor of Mary Street, New Ross and recovered three unbroken cases. Also arrested were John O’Neill, Chapel Lane and Patrick Doyle of Lady Lane. On Sundar the O’Connor’s were allowed out on bail. The value of the drink not recovered was valued at £40 to £50 including the duty (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 Aug. 1922, p. 5). Before the end of the month the four men were on trial before the New Ross magistrates. It was held that there was not enough evidence to convict the O’Connor brothers. O’Neill and Doyle were convicted. O’Neil was sentence to 6 months and Doyle to one month. The magistrates made a point of noting that the sentences were without hard labour (New Ross Standard, Fri, 25 Aug. 1922, p. 8).
Dr. M. Walsh, New Ross, while returning from a distant call in county Kilkenny was held up about nine miles from his home by armed men (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 5), and masked men held up the mail train on the Waterford and New Ross line near Slieverue on the 16th. In addition to stealing the mail the men took tobacco and cycle parts (New Ross Standard, Fri, 18 Aug. 1922, p. 5).
Local Life Went On
Notwithstanding the strife, trenched roads, destroyed bridges and violence, local people attempted to get on with their lives. Mrs. M’Kee was appointed midwife of the Mullinavat dispensary district at a salary of £45 per annum (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 3). The monthly Thomastown fair was held on the 2nd of August. There was a large supply of cattle and sheep offered for sale and a fair attendance of buyers. It was noted that prices were better than the previous fair and a large number of cattle and sheep changed hands. Cattle in good condition were sought. Fat sheep and lambs also found a ready sale. Although there was a large supply of young pigs, there was little demand for them. Pigs that did sell were £5 18s. per cwt (per 100 weight which actually was 112 pounds in weight) (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 Aug. 1922, p. 3). The New Ross Fair was held on the 9th and it was described as dull. There was a large supply of stock, and prices in general were down. For some classes of cattle, the prices were down a couple of pounds per head (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 Aug. 1922, p. 5).
It was announced that the delayed New Ross Agricultural Show would be held on Wednesday the 13th of September and entries poured in (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Aug. 1922, p. 5). Although there was no train service for Tramore, due to the tracks being damaged by the Irregulars, the Tramore Races were held. Ironically while it was published that the unrest caused the demise of tourism in Ireland the Cook’s office in Dublin reported that their offices were crowded and a brisk business was done. The travel agency was busy arranging holidays for Irish citizens outside of Ireland (Munster Express, Sat. 12 Aug. 1922, p. 6).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmil.com.
The featured photo above is Lt. Comdt. Eamon O’Brien (c. 1901-1922) (Freeman’s Journal, Thur. 24 Aug. 1922, p. 3).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh