James Dunphy (1857-1887)

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 5^th place in Ireland and 16^th 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