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Glenmore in the News: May 1924
In May 1924 Glenmore GAA hurling and football were prominent in the local newspapers. Due to the volume of information we shall supply the May 1924 hurling and football information in our next post. Today, we feature other news items from local newspapers that were probably discussed at lenth in Glenmore.
The Free State continued to wrestle with the legacies of the War of Independence as well as the Civil War. Unemployment and in particular resistance of the citizens to taxes including rates on land made it difficult to deliver services and repair damages. During April 1924 unemployment in the country fell from 28,391 (persons registered for employment) to 27,947, showing a decrease of 444 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 2). The emigration flow of young people out of Ireland also slowed due to U.S. restrictions. However, by the end of May 1924 bookings to the United States were resumed by the Cunard and White Star line subject to passengers obtaining visa immigration certificates from the U.S Consul (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 30 May 1924, p. 8).
Civil War Internees
Although the Free State continued to release people arrested during the Civil War the leaders, such as Eamonn de Valera (1882-1975) continued to be incarcerated. It was reported in early May that De Valera’s mother, Mrs. Catherine de Valera Wheelwright, travelled from her home in Rochester, New York, to Washington D.C. where she plead before the U.S. Congress for de Valera’s release. She based her plea on the US action in 1923 on behalf of the Russian Archbishop the Soviets sentenced to death (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 2 May 1924, p. 5). Later in the month, the Supreme Court of New York ruled that de Valera and O’Mara were entitled to a reasonable part of the two and a half million dollars of the Irish Republic Fund deposited in New York. A Commission was to be appointed to determine what constituted a reasonable part (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 May 1924, p. 5).
Rates & Rent Arrears
Every local newspaper carried articles regarding the newly established rates. The chart below covered Glenmore.
| IDA District (in £) | (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8) | ||
| Agricultural Land | Sums Deducted for Agricultural Grant | Other Hereditaments | |
| County Charges | 32 ½ | 3 | 35 ½ |
| Board of Health Charges | 6 | 10 ½ | 16 ½ |
| District Charges | 27 | 7 ½ | 34 ½ |
| TOTAL RATES FOR YEAR | 65 ½ | 21 | 87 ½ |
Notwithstanding the difficult financial circumstances most Councils and other public bodies encountered appointments to posts continued. For example, Mr. James Farrell, Ballynock, Tullogher, a member of the Ida District Council, was appointed Peace Commissioner (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 5).
Taxes
Citizens had been urged during the War of Independence not to pay rates or other taxes to the British authorities. Some citizens critical of the Free State continued this practice. Over 100 rate defaulters were summoned to the New Ross Court in mid-May. The cases were from the New Ross Urban area and some were from South Kilkenny districts. It was noted that several defaulters had paid before the court date. The justice said that out of 68 cases there were only 9 decrees given (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 May 1924, p. 2).
All Councils were seeking methods to increase their revenues, and the Waterford County Council placed a £3 tax on petrol pumps erected on the roads of Co. Waterford during its May meeting (Munster Express, Sat. 24 May 1924, p. 4)
Wexford Rate Collectors’ Case
Wexford Rate Collectors who were not retained after the establishment of the Free State made a claim. Mr. Justice Wylie was appointed in October 1923 to conduct the inquiry. Justice Wylie awarded pensions in six cases for rate collectors with over ten years’ service, and gratuities in six other cases when the rate collectors had less than 10 years’ service. The Wexford County Council refused to pay any of the awarded compensation and it was noted that there was a rightf appeal to the Minister for Local Government.
Captain W. Redmond raised the failure to pay the rate collectors in the Dáil to Seamus Burke the then Minister for Local Government. Captain Redman—Was not this tribunal set up by Government, and have not awards been made by this tribunal, and is it not the Government’s duty to insist on these awards being executed?
Mr. Burke—”That is not altogether true. The matter should have come before me in a different way as a matter of fact” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 2).
[Minister Burke’s approach appears to still serve as a method of answering questions by politicians today.]
Rent Arrears
In May 1924, the thorny issue of the evicted tenants under British rule continued to evade settlement, and the various Councils that provided housing had to deal with current tenant defaulters.
The editor of the New Ross Standard recalled that two or three years before a number of evicted tenants took possession of their former holdings, some of them using violence to “gain their object.” They were prosecuted for taking forcible possession and the holdings given back to the people in possession. The evicted tenants were told that courts would be established immediately to hear their claims and that they should wait and lay their cases before these courts. The promised courts were never established and the evicted tenants under the Free State were still required to “grin and bear their unhappy lot” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 30 May 1924, p. 4).
Glenmore Rent Defaulter
The Waterford No. 2 R.D. Council met and after considering a number of rent arrears made the following order regarding Richard Young of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. If the arrears of £3 6s were not paid to Mr. Fitzpatrick, collector, before the next meeting of the Council, the Council solicitors would be instructed to proceed against him. Young was also told that he should apologise to the collector for his behaviour toward the collector (Munster Express, Sat. 3 May 1924, p. 5). In the last Munster Express published in May 1924 it was reported that Richard Young tendered “his regret if he used offensive words towards the collector, and also paid up the arrears of £3 6s (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 6).
Public Works
The question of rebuilding the old GPO in Dublin destroyed in 1916 was being debated in May 1924. The British intended to re-build it and obtained several adjacent sites on Henry St., but when it became evident that an Irish Government would be coming into power the work on re-building ceased. The British never got beyond clearing the debris. Each side wanted the other to pay for the re-building (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 May 1923, p. 5).
The work of repainting the New Ross bridge began in mid-May 1924. It was reported that it would take two or three months at a minimum to complete the job (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5).
The Waterford RD 2 Council awarded a contract to James Butler of Moulerstown, Glenmore “to maintain 173 perches of road between the main road at Moulerstown and the district bounds at Guilcogh, for one year; cost not to exceed 1s per perch–£4” (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1924, p. 6).
Similar to today one hundred years ago when funding was tight rural services were cut. It was stated in the New Ross Standard, “For some considerable time alarm has been caused and indignation has been expressed in a great many of the rural districts in consequence of the curtailment of the postal facilities they used to enjoy” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 2).
Farming and Fishing
Farm Prices
The highest price realised for hay during the past winter and spring was that paid for a quantity in New Ross in the last week in April at the rate of £6 per ton. The average price was £5 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8).
There was an improvement in demand and prices for stock at Campile monthly fair at the end of April. Fat lambs sold particularly well, some cases reaching 57s. each (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 May 1923, p. 8). The price of wool at New Ross was 1s 3d or 1s 9d for washed wool (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). Calves realized from £2 to £4 at New Ross on the 10th of May. Some calves made £4 10s according to their age, quality and condition (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). Fat pigs sold at New Ross on the 12th from 50s to 54s per cwt, live weight (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). The following prices were published for the New Ross Market: eggs 1s per dozen; chickens (young)1s 2d per lb; hens 3s per pair; butter 1s 2d fresh and 1s 3d salted; potatoes 1s 3d per stone; salmon 2s 3d per lb. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 23 May 1924, p. 8).
Fishing
Salmon fishing on the Barrow and Nore continued to be poor in May. “There was scarcely one good week of fishing since the season opened” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 5). However, during the second week of May a glut of herrings were found off of Dunmore. So great were the catches that hands engaged in the kippering sheds of Mr. Arthur Miller were employed throughout Saturday dealing with the catches from Thursday and Friday. A fleet of Irish, English and Scotch steam and motor boats engaged in the herring fishing. It was stated that there was not such an abundance of fish in local waters for a quarter of a century. The shoal was predicted to remain off the coast until July (Munster Express, Sat. 17 May 1924).
Two fish dealers from New Ross named Mrs. Harney and Michael Cotton, were driving along the Quay in a pony cart when the pony became frightened. When the frightened pony headed for the river, Mrs. Harney threw herself from the cart and had a “miraculous escape from serious injury.” “Cotton, however, pluckily held on to the reins, and retained his position in the cart until the pony, came into contact with the chains opposite the Graving Bank, came to a temporary standstill.” The backband broke, and the cart fell on to the quayside. Cotton was not injured. Released from the cart the pony turned round and careered madly along the quay heading toward the bridge. A young man caught the pony after going 200 yards. The animal suffered minor injuries to one of his hind legs (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 9 May 1924, p. 8).
Commemorating the Kilkenny Fallen
Large numbers from Co. Kilkenny and adjoining counties took part in the commemoration ceremony at Thomastown on Sunday the 11th of May to honour the memory of the men who sacrificed their lives for Ireland during the fight with the British and of other men who died since the evacuation of the British forces.
The different Sinn Fein Clubs, and Cumman na mBán in the County took part in the procession which formed at Jerpoint Abbey at 2. The bands that took part included: Waterford Fianna Pipers (headed the procession), Kells Pipers, Inistioge, Kilkenny City, Thomastown, Ballyhale, the O’Hanrahan Pipers, New Ross, and the Callan Brass Band. The route of the procession was Mill St., Low St., Logn St., Chapel St., the Quay, Market St., and Church St. Passing the graveyard where the remains of the late Mr. N. Mullins, Thomastown, who was killed by British soldiers in the Coolbawn ambush, and the late Mr. Peter Frehne, Kilcullen, who lost his life in the attack on the North Star Hotel (Auxilary Headquaarters) Dublin, are interred.
The procession, on the Quay, under the cemetery halted and the “Last Post” was played. The procession marched on to the field on the Station Road, where the cenotaph, the work of James Kelly, of Oldtown was admired. Thirty-one names were inscribed on the cenotaph including: Nicholas Mullins, Thomastown; Peter Freyne, Kilcullen; and John Hartley, Glenmore. Both Nicholas Mullins and Peter Freyne were the sons of Glenmore men and John Hartley was born, raised, and buried in Glenmore (Kilkenny People, Sat. 17 May 1924, p. 5).
The Waterford News & Star provided some additional information. The cenotaph, was in the shape of a large Celtic Cross and it was inscribed “In Proud and Loving Memory of the Faithful Soldiers of the Republic.” No trains were running to Thomastown that day. “Despite restricted travelling facilities available, at least 10,00 people attended” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 6).
For further information on Peter Freyne (1903-1921) see our post 5 April 2021. For further information on John “Jack” Hartley (1897-1921) and Nicholas Mullins (1893-1921) see our post of 20 June 2021.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured drawing above is the Triumphant Studebaker found in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 16 May 1924, p. 7). It was stated that over 154,000 people bought Studebaker Automobiles during 1923.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: September 1923
Today, we are featuring some news that appeared in local newspapers in September 1923.
1923 General Election
A general election was held on Monday the 27th of August 1923. This was the first general election held since the establishment of the Free State in December 1922 and it was held shortly after the end of the Civil War. Before radio the results were distributed by newspapers and the earliest reports of results in local newspapers occurred on the first of September.
Canvassing in Glenmore
On Sunday the 26th of August 8 meetings were held in the Southwest (sic) of Kilkenny County, President Cosgrave and Sean Gibbons, accompanied by Judge Cohalan and Senator P. De Loughry wound up their election campaign. Beginning at Callan (the native place of Mr. Shelly, principal anti-Treaty candidate, and regarded as an anti-Treaty stronghold) they received a great welcome…Earlier in the morning, Mr. Gibbons, Senator De Loughry and Mr. R. Purcell, organiser, addressed meetings after Masses in Glenmore, Tullogher and Tullahought (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) stated that politicians delivered speeches in Glenmore at the “stage” that was on the front of the storehouse next to the Village Stream. This storehouse was removed when the Sallies houses were built.
President Cosgrave, said that Ireland experienced the same sort of history that every country just coming into its own had experienced. There was no reason to be disheartened or despondent. “The people should remember that on one side in this election they had real sound evidence of solid work for the nation, and on the other side practically every act made for disorder and destruction and belittling the name of the country that gave them birth.”… “He compared the work of the opposition for the past year to that of Cromwell…” ”The list of destruction performed by these people for 12 months. Were it not for that we would not be spending seven million on an army and we would have wound up last year with something in hand instead of being on the wrong side” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
Election Results
President Cosgrave had a triumphant return in Carlow/Kilkenny with 17,709 first preferences which was 11,015 more than the quota required. Election day passed off quietly in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency. The ballot boxes were delivered to the various centres during Sunday night by the military. The boxes were collected on Monday night by the military and deposited in the Courthouse with a military guard. It was not until 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night when the result of the first count was made known (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat 1 Sept. 1923, p. 6).
Cumann na nGaedheal 63 seats; Anti-Treaty 44 seats; Independents 17 seats; Farmers 15 seats; and Labour 14 seats.
Wexford Corp adopted a resolution calling on the Government, in the interest of peace, to release De Valera, Dr. Ryan, and give Bob Lambert his freedom to take up his duties as T.D. It was then added that the Government should release all the political prisoners (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
Although local newspapers mentioned Ireland joining the League of Nations in September 1923, there was very little coverage of the event in the local newspapers. For further information see, RTE‘s recent coverage.
Civil Strife
Although the Civil War was officially over, many people continued to attack others or their property. Early on the 3rd of September an extensive fire occurred at the printing works of the Waterford News. The office, editorial department and paper stores were completely destroyed, but the machinery escaped fire damage. “Strenuous exertions” by the fire brigade stopped the spread of the fire to the machinery department although extensive water damage did occur to the machinery.
The damage was estimated at several thousand pounds and was not wholly covered by insurance. Edmund Downey, the managing editor had recently taken a “decided attitude in favour of the Republican candidate Mrs. Cathal Brughu” (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 4). A £17,000 claim was made by the Waterford News for the alleged malicious burning of their commercial and editorial offices (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6)
A threshing set, the property of P. Galavan, The Rower, was burned. Galavan had presided at a meeting addressed by President Cosgrave in the run up to the general elections (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6).
Industrial Strife
Still no signs of a settlement of the County Waterford farm labourers’ strike. The farmers were co-operating among themselves and harvesting proceeded without much interruption. Pigs continue to be shipped from Dunmore the last shipment was sent to Bristol. Most ports continued to be out of commission due to striking workers (Munster Express, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 5). It was estimated that about 3,000 men, directly or indirectly, were unemployed in Waterford due to the agricultural labourers’ strike in Eastern Waterford and the dockers’ strike in Waterford City (Munster Express, Sat. 22 Sept. 1923, p. 7).
Food Prices
According to the New Ross Standard, it was apparent to everyone that retail food prices in Ireland were unjustifiably high. The farmer knew that he did not get the full value of his produce; the consumer knew that he paid over the shop counter double or treble the price which was originally handed to the farmer (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Thomastown Fair
The monthly fair was held on the 4th of September and showed no improvement on previous fairs due to the continuing docker’s strike. The supply of cattle was small and few buyers attended. The business done was purely local and a small number of cattle changed hands. There was a large supply of sheep and the majority were sold at remunerative prices. There was also a large supply of young pigs with the greater number were taken home unsold (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 7).
Kilkenny Potatoes
In Co. Kilkenny early sown barley turned out good although the yield was under average due to poor weather. Most of the early and mid-early potatoes were dug and used. Prices in Dublin at the beginning of September were 9s. to 10s. per cwt. (112 lbs.) for British Queens and 8s. to 9s. per cwt for other types (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 15, Sept. 1923, p. 11).
Two Glenmore Firsts at Kilkenny Agricultural Society Show
At the annual Autumn Show of the Kilkenny Agricultural Society, held in St. James Park, Kilkenny there were a record number of entries. In class 73 for best 56 lbs. box of unsalted butter, Glenmore Co-operative Agricultural and Dairy Society, Ltd. of Glenmore tied for first with Castlecomer Co-op. In Class 80 for the best three sections of honey exhibited by a cottager in the County or City of Kilkenny, John Cody of Glenmore was first (Kilkenny People, Sat. 29 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
T.B. Cures in the News
T.B., or consumption as it was called in 1923, caused great suffering and pre-mature deaths. Consumption Cure—French scientists were investigating the claim of Rafael Santos, a 25 year old medical student at the University of Paris. Santos claimed to have discovered of an infallible cure for tuberculosis in 30 minutes. Santos constructed a set of lens instruments for introducing sunrays and ultra-violet rays into human lungs (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 8).
At the same time another medical student was working on a T.B. cure. Waterford researcher, J.V. Walsh (son of John Walsh, The Mall, Waterford City) carried out research at Oxford under Professor Deyer. Walsh was awarded the resesearch scholarship of the British Medical Associations for his work on serological variability amongst micro-organisms. (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
Some people appeared to be immune to the disease. For example, the Very Rev. John J. Roche. O.F.M., Wexford entered his 99th year in 1923. Born on 30 August 1825, Father Roche was reported to enjoy excellent health. He was uncle of Most Rev. Dr. Brownrigg, Bishop of Ossory, and had two bothers who were also priests in Wexford (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 6). Per the death register, Fr. John James Roche died on 26 November 1924 at the Franciscan Convent, Wexford, just 9 months short of his 100th birthday.
Adverse Weather
A circus tent at Towyn, Mercionethshire, Wales, packed with nearly 2,000 people, partly collapsed during a violent gale. A number of people fought their way out by slashing the tent open with knives. Tents where three big elephants were kept were also blown down. The gale caused widespread havoc all over Great Britain (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 2).
New Ross Bridge
At the meeting of the New Ross Urban Council, John Hand, said that they paid a lot of money to the Wexford County Council, but the bridge at New Ross was in a disgraceful state. The upper portion was covered with rust and the underneath part was in a bad state. Others agreed and stated it was a pity that there was no New Ross representative on the County Council (New Ross Standard, Fri. 7 Sept. 1923, p. 3).
Glenmore Sports
On the last Sunday in August at Mullinavat, Glenmore scored an easy victory over Hugginstown in the second round of the South Kilkenny Junior hurling championship. The winners had a strong selection, and judging by their displays in their two games, The Munster Express said they should give a good account of themselves in the further round of the championship(Munster Express, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 5).
The Kilkenny Senior Hurling team beat Tipperary for the All Ireland Senior Hurling title. Local newspapers did not list any of the Kilkenny team members, so it is doubtful that any Glenmore players were on that team.
1923 Recipes
The Kilkenny Moderator printed a few “new” recipes in September 1923.
Tipsy Cake Recipe
Ingredients—
A stale sponge cake
½ pint of orange wine or sherry
1 pint custard
½ lb. of blanched sweet almonds
Method—Make holes in the sponge cake with a clean steel skewer. Pour the wine over it and leave it to soak till the wine is absorbed by the cake. Stick the almonds in the cake and then pour the custard over it and leave to set (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Apple Snow Recipe
A Pretty Supper Dish—peel and core some apples and stew them gently until they are quite soft. Beat them lightly and place in a glass dish. Make a thick custard, using the yokes of two eggs to a pint of milk and pour it over the apple. Beat the whites to a stiff froth with a little fine sugar and arrange in a heap on top of the dish. A few crystallised cherries and strips of angelica can be added to adorn the sweet for festive occasions (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Sept. 1923, p. 4).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo above is from the Freeman’s Journal (Tues. Sept. 1923, p. 11) and was taken at the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship game held in Croke Park between Kilkenny and Tipperary. Kilkenny won.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh