Peter Gahan (1888-1958)
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A Photo of JFK’s 1963 New Ross Visit
On 19 March 2023 we published a post concerning the Gahan family of Newtown, Glenmore and featured Peter Gahan (1888-1958) who left Glenmore to work in New Ross. Eventually, Peter Gahan established two businesses in New Ross, married and raised a family. This week we received an email from Peter Gahan’s grandson, who is also named Peter Gahan. Peter corrected a few errors in our original post and forwarded the iconic photo that hung in the Gahan pub on Priory Steet, New Ross. Here is a link to the updated original post of 19 March 2023.
The Iconic Photo
There were a lot of photos taken of President John F. Kennedy (1919-1963) in New Ross during his 1963 visit. The photo forwarded by Peter depicts the easily recognisable JFK standing in his car. Over his right shoulder, looking down on the presidential motorcade from her premises on Priory St., New Ross, is Peter’s grandmother, Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy (c. 1887-1963). We were unable to find the photo in the New Ross Standard. However, we know that JFK visited New Ross on 27 June 1963.
The Presidential Schedule
Sixty years ago, the presidential schedule was published prior to his visit to Ireland. Per the Irish Independent (Thur. 17 June 1963, p. 16) the presidential schedule for New Ross was:
9:30 Meets the Taoiseah (Dublin)
10:30 Departs by helicopter for New Ross
11:15 Arrives O’Kennedy Park, New Ross. Leaves Park by Car for New Ross Quay.
11:30 Addresses crowd at New Ross Quay. [For a 3 minute audio of JFK’s remarks courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum click here.
12:00 Leaves by car for Dunganstown (For further information & photos of JFK’s visit to his ancestoral home visit the Kennedy Homestead site).
12:15 Arrives Dunganstown for visit to house of great-grandfather and meeting with cousins.
Time & Place of Photo
President Kennedy was 15 minutes late in arriving at the GAA’s O’Kennedy Park, New Ross. On the pitch was painted the word FAILTE (welcome) in 20 foot white letters. The President travelled in “his own special car through the gaily decorated streets” of New Ross. After addressing the crowds on the Quay, President Kennedy upset his schedule further by walking around and speaking with people in the large crowd. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 28 June 1963, p. 10).
Thus, given the presidential schedule, the location of the various places referenced and the roads of that time, we know that the presidential motorcade left the New Ross Quay sometime after noon on the 27th of June 1963 and proceeded down Priory St. toward Dunganstown. The photo was taken as the motorcade passed Gahan’s pub on Priory St.
Deaths
Tragically, JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on 22 November 1963. Less than a month later, on 16 December 1963, the lady photographed over his right shoulder, Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan, also died tragically in a fire on Priory St., New Ross.
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Special thanks to Peter Gahan for sending on the photograph and correcting the original post.
Does anyone know the identity of the child and woman photographed in the window above JFK’s left shoulder?
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: May 1923
Although the Civil War ended on 24 May 1923 after the IRA Chief of staff issued a ceasefire order. However, after the arrest of several leaders and the apparent futility of the struggle the IRA suspended military actions. Local newspapers surprisingly carried very little on the subject. An editorial in the New Ross Standard summed up as follows:
“The country is very relieved that there is practically a cessation of the foolish but criminal conduct that has been devastating the land for some time. We are thankful that our newspapers are not now reeking of murder and destruction of property, as they were for the past year, that number of young fellows are not hurled into eternity day after day without warning, and without being given even a few minutes to prepare for death. In a few isolated instances there are still some hostilities…” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11, May 1923, p. 4).
On the other hand, newspapers began to mark the changes that reinforced Ireland as a Free State.
The Cunard line, Carmania, called at Cobh on the morning of the 6th of May “to embark passengers for New York. The Carmania was the first British liner to pay the courtesy of flying the Irish tricolour from its foremast. This courtesy was done by ships entering foreign ports.
Later that evening the White Star line, Baltic, landed 326 sacks of American mail at Cohb. For the first time a Free State immigration officer. R.E. Larkin, officiated under the Aliens Act. British officials performed this duty heretofore” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Arrests Continued
Although the Civil War ended arrests of local men continued. On the 22nd of May, Thomas Hartley, Weatherstown, Glenmore, and James Hoyne, Coolroebeg, Thomastown, were arrested by the military. An irregular, Martin Hartley, Ballalog, Tulloghor, was arrested the same week by National Troops at Glenmore. Two Irregulars named Patrick Walsh and Richard Brennan, both of whom escaped from Kilkenny Military Barracks, earlier in the year were captured at Mooncoin on the 22nd (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 12).
Impact
The newspapers in May began to transition from reporting on the horrors of the Civil War to reporting on its impact on the economy of the fledgling Free State.
“Unemployment was at an abnormal level…At the end of March there were 33,000—twice the normal number… At the start of May 1923 the Dail began debating an emergency £250,000 to extend the benefits period. The Unemployment Fund of £550,000 and exhausted (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Damaged Rail Lines
In several areas the rail infrastructure remained severely damaged and this had a knock on effect. At the beginning of May 1923, after the 30 April ceasefire was declared by the IRA, the military reported to the Dail that “they are now ready to protect all the railway lines, and the companies have been so notified and urged to re-open closed lines.”
Deputy R. Corish argued in the Dail that the Great Southern & Western Railway had neglected their interests and those of the people they served. In July 1922 the line between Wexford town and Waterford was damaged and remained unrepaired.
Their boats were withdrawn that plied between Fishguard and Rosslare. The effect of their decisions reduced the Wexford Meat Supply Co. to half staff because there was no outlet for their “dead meat.” This in turn impacted on local farmers and the wages they could pay. “Ireland is suffering, and suffering badly, as a result of their laxiety” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Obviously missing from Deputy Corish’s speech was the fact that the Irregulars destroyed rail lines as fast as they were repaired, and National Troops had been unable to stop the attacks on the lines or rolling stock. Also repairs were not always easy to perform. For example, at the end of May it was reported that divers were attempting to locate the apparatus which opened the draw arch in the Barrow bridge on the G.S. and W.R. between Campile and Waterford.
The apparatus was thrown apparently into the river. Consequently, the arch could not be closed. It was hoped that if the apparatus could be located the arch could be closed, and thus allow trains to run as far as Ballycullane (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 4).
Industrial Strife
Jim Larkin returned to Ireland at the end of April 1923 after an absence of 8 years. Larken said he found the rich richer and the poor poorer than when he left. “He might have added, and industry much less evident. It has been all but killed by profiteering and doles to workers “(New Ross Standard, Fri. 4 May 1923, p. 4).
Waterford Agricultural Labourers Dispute
A dispute erupted between agricultural labourers and farmers in East Waterford in mid-May. Several incidents were reported in the Munster Express including the stealing of engine bearings at the Kilmeaden creamery which brought work to a halt and the burning of hay. Farmers moved to protect the creameries until a military party relieved them.
Farmers attempting to move goods had them seized by large groups. Mrs. Rickards, of Rossduff, was on her way home with provisions when her provisions were seized. She returned to Waterford and the military recovered her provisions in Ballygunner. Rickards was a sister of J.J. Walsh, Postmaster General and her husband was interned in 1920-1921.
The dispute soon escalated impacting on other industries. J & S Phelan, Waterford, closed “owing to” its employees refusing to handle goods purchased by farmers. “The latter preceded to another Waterford house where their requirements were supplied.”
Gaultier Creamery sent 14 tons of butter to the Great Western depot at Waterford for shipment. Agricultural labourers were picketing the depot and the dockers refused to handle the butter. The two carriers from the Creamery loaded the butter on the steamer. The picket attempted to stop them loading onto the ship, but the military intervened with bayonets.
When the butter was loaded the sailors and firemen left the ship. Passengers were on board as well as a large quantity of livestock. The Captain suggested that the butter be taken back to the creamery which was done to the cheers of the agricultural labourers, the dockers, the sailors and firemen (Munster Express, Sat. 26 May 1923, p. 5).
Postal Dispute
Postal difficulties showed no sign of improving in Dublin. The Postmaster-General stated that Sunday collections and delivery would not be restored and bank holidays were to be observed as Sundays. To the dismay of Dublin businesses, the last delivery of letters was three o’clock.
Midnight and 5 a.m. collections were also abandoned. Businesses also reported long delays in letter delivery and a huge increase in lost letters. It was estimated that the post office “means a loss of over a million pounds a year to the Free State taxpayer” who pays more for letters and telephones than citizens in the Six Counties and Britain (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 5).
Housing & Cost of Food Inflation
Ironically the Government one hundred years ago was wrestling with two issues that face the Government today, housing and inflation.
In May 1923 discussions took place in the Dail regarding the provision of more houses in Ireland. The price of new materials in Ireland was much higher than in England, and tradesmen’s wages were higher in Ireland than England. It was argued that the tradesmen were idle for so long that when work came their way wages were higher to allow the tradesmen to live. It was argued that continuous employment would reduce high wages (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4)
It was estimated that at least 40,000 to 45,000 houses were required. Under the Labourers Act 47,965 and of these 41,851 were built in rural areas. Much was required for urban housing. The Minister for Local Government put aside £700,000 for housing in the estimates for the year. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 5).
The high cost of food was regularly aired in the local newspapers. For example, it was noted in mid-May “there is a great glut of potatoes this season, but the prices charged to consumers are very high and unfair” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 May 1923, p. 4).
Glenmore People in the News
Publican Peter Gahan
Glenmore native Peter Gahan (1888-1958) appeared in the New Ross District Court on Thursday the 17th of May 1923. Gahan was charged with two cases of breaching the Licensing Act. See our post of 19 March 2023 for further details concerning Gahan who operated a pub and funeral business in New Ross.
Case 1
The first case charged Gahan with on the 17th of April 1923 having on his premises James Martin, of William St., and Thomas Furlong, of High Street. Thomas A. Colfer, solicitor, appeared for the defendant and said, “on a former occasion he occupied a similar position and the court was kind enough to express appreciation of his action in not taking up time with a fictitious defence. In the same way he now entered a plea of guilty, and in fairness to the defendant he wished to clear up one or two matters…
Sergeant Haugh of the New Ross Civic Guards testified that at 11:22 on the 17th of April he found two men drinking on the premises and several soldiers. The defendant alleged that one man had come for a coffin and the other, Martin, was Gahan’s employee. Four national soldiers were billeted on the premises and 11 belonged to a column.
“His Worship” referred to the warning he gave New Ross publicans and expressed surprise that Mr. Gahan was again before him. “Mr. Colfer put the circumstances of the case very fully and very sensibly before him. He was glad to say that the public houses were now put out of bounds as regards the military. A public house seemed to be a snug billet for some of them, and he thoroughly appreciated Mr. Gahan’s difficulty. There was a technical offence…” He fined Gahan £1 and costs and defendant Furlong 5s. and costs. He dismissed the case against Martin.
Case 2
At 6 p.m. on Sunday the 6th of May 1923, Guard Kelly found five men in Gahan’s premises. One was a soldier from Waterford, another a traveller, and the other a wireless operator who left on Tuesday. Two of the men, James Gordon of South St. and Patrick Hunt of William St. were not travellers and should not have been served on a Sunday. Mr. Colfer again pleaded guilty for Gahan and said that Gahan invited the men in for a drink as they were personal friends of his and no money was paid.
“His Worship” told Gahan that if he “persisted in this kind of work he would lose his license eventually.” He fined Gahan €5 and costs. “He was thinking of endorsing his license, but he would give him another chance. If anything occurred between now and next September nothing would save him from losing his license.” Gordan and Hunt were fined 40s. and costs. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 May 1923, p. 8).
For further details regarding Sunday licensing requirements see our post of 21 May 2023.
Glenmore GAA Players Selected
An emergency meeting of the Kilkenny County GAA Committee was held on Sunday the 6th of May 1923. “The principal business of the meeting was the consideration of invitations to the senior hurling team, who were the Leinster champions, to play matches. “Since the defeat of Dublin in the Leinster final the county board has been deluged with invitations from various places in Leinster and Munster to allow the champions to play exhibition games against other prominent teams. It was impossible to accept all invitations, but it was agreed to field the championship team in some prominent matches.
The selection committee was held and two Glenmore players were selected for the Kilkenny Junior Football team, E. Freyne and M. Cody (believed to be Edward “Ned” Freyne and Michael Cody) (Munster Express, Sat. 12 May 1923, p. 5).
Apologies for the delay in posting this but our home internet and phone went out. Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Native: Peter Gahan (1888-1958) New Ross Publican and Undertaker [updated]
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) spent a lot of time recording information concerning what he termed extinct Glenmore families. These were families who left the parish through emigration, or who did not have children etc. One family that Danny recorded was the Gahan family of Newtown, Kilmakevoge. In 1973, Danny interviewed Nicky “the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) who provided an account of five of the six sons of Laurence “Larry” Gahan and his wife Bridget Doherty.
In his notebook Danny had a notation “murder?” that caused a bit of searching. Ultimately after reviewing the deaths of Peter Gahan (1888-1958), his siblings, and his wife Mary Teresa “Tess” Sheehy (c.1887-1963), it was discovered that Peter Gahan’s brother-in-law, Sir John Sheehy, was murdered in 1949. Details concerning the murder are at the end as well as some of Peter Gahan’s Glenmore grandparents.
The Gahan’s of Newtown, Glenmore
Laurence “Larry” Gahan (1848-1907) of Newtown, married Bridget Doherty (c. 1848 -1924) of Coolnaleen, on 28 January 1875 at Glenmore. The groom was a 26 year old farmer and the bride was aged 28. The groom’s father was recorded as Michael Gahan (deceased farmer) and the bride’s father was recorded as Richard Doherty (farmer). Witnesses to the wedding were Felix Mullins and Bridget Mullins.
Laurence and Bridget Gahan had six sons:
[1] Michael Gahan (12 June 1876-8 Jan. 1931) was described as “delicate” by Nicky the Miller. Michael Gahan never married. When Michael died in 1931 his brother Peter, of Priory St. New Ross was present. Michael’s death was due to myocardial degeneration.
[2] Richard Gahan (16 Sept. 1877-12 July 1895) was just 16 when he died of consumption or “TB”. This is the son that Nicky the Miller failed to tell Danny about in his 1973 interview.
[3] John Gahan (b. 6 Dec. 1879-2 Oct. 1962); known as Jack, married Mary Haberlin (b.c. 1884) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore on 21 August 1911. John and Mary Gahan, had a farm at Kilurney, Ballpatrick, Tipperary. See our post of 13 Feb. 2023 regarding a threshing accident in 1899.
[4] Patrick Gahan (16 Jan. 1882- 4 May 1929) married Mary Grant of Robinstown, Glenmore. They farmed the home place in Newtown, Glenmore. They had no family and Pat died young of cancer. The farm was later farmed by Pat Grant, of Robinstown, Mary Grant’s nephew. Pat Grant was known as “Cushey”.
[5] James Gahan (12 June 1884-3 June 1904). Jim Gahan drowned at New Ross. According to “Nicky the Miller” Jim worked as a clerk in a shop on North St. New Ross where Flemings were later located. See our G family surname page for further details regarding his death.
[6] Peter Gahan (1 Apr.1888-24 Dec. 1958) was born the same year as Nicky the Miller Forristal. According to Peter’s obit he moved to New Ross about 1908. “In his early youth he played in many inter-county football games with his native Kilkenny. He was also a prominent oarsman, and a valued member of the New Ross Boat Club.”
Early Years in New Ross
In 1911, Peter was residing in New Ross at 11 North Street. James Fleming, aged 26, was a single grocer and Peter’s employer. Mary Grace, married and aged 62 was the domestic servant and cook. Peter was 22 and the eldest of the three assistant grocers. Sylvester Maddock and John Ryan were the other two assistant grocers and were both 18 years of age. Everyone except John Ryan were born in Co. Kilkenny. John Ryan was born in Carlow. Although the household return records that Fleming is a grocer employing assistant grocers the House & Building Return provides that Fleming’s building is a public house.
In the 1901 Census Peter was living at home with his parents and two of his brothers, Michael and John. Sylverster Maddocks was living in Listerin with his parents and 10 siblings. Interestingly James Fleming in 1901 was residing and working as a shop boy at 11 North Street, New Ross. He was working for a couple named Grace.
Earliest Businesses
It isn’t known exactly when Peter Gahan began his own businesses, but we know from Nicky the Miller that he was an undertaker as well as a publican. We also know that it was in 1915 that Peter applied for his first liquor license and had a premise on Priory Street. “Peter Gahan, shopkeeper, of New Ross sought to transfer a liquor license from Bernard Kinsella to sell beer, cider, spirits, wine etc. by retail at his house on Priory St., New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Sept. 1915, p. 1).
Newspaper articles from that era also suggest that Peter operated a car hire business. For example in 1916, Peter was charged in Waterford for knocking down a labourer named Browne. Peter had been hired to transport a prisoner named Simon Murphy from the Waterford Jail to New Ross Petty Sessions to stand trial for the theft of a gold ring. Browne who worked for the corporation stepped out from the footpath a few yards in front of the vehicle. Quickly reacting Peter swerved and stuck the man with the mud guard of the vehicle. Amazingly the prisoner Murphy, Sergeant O’Sullivan, of New Ross R.I.C. and a Waterford constable on duty in the street at the time all testified for Peter (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 Dec. 1916, p. 12).
In 1917, Peter Gahan was one of the persons charged with supplying a vehicle for a Glenmore wedding and the case was later dismissed (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 Dec. 1917, p. 7). See our previous post of 27 Sept. 2020 for details of the infamous case against drivers who attended a 1917 Glenmore wedding.
Similarly, in 1932 Peter lent a lorry to John Quinn. Quinn was responsible for conveying a tug-of-war team from Campile to the Rower Sports Day. The driver did not have a valid license and Peter was fined 10 s. for employing an unlicensed driver and £100 for lending a lorry without a tax for passengers. The judge because Peter had lent the vehicle free of charge reduced the tax fine to £2 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 2 Sept. 1932, p. 6).
Wedding Bells: Peter Gahan and Mary Teresa “Tess” Sheehy
Peter Gahan, merchant, of New Ross, Co. Wexford, married Mary Teresa Sheehy on 24 April 1917. The couple were married at Westport, Mayo by her maternal uncle, Rev. Fr. Edward J. Higgins. At the time of the marriage Peter Gahan was 29 years of age and his bride was 28. They both were residing in New Ross, but it is not known how or why Tess came to live in New Ross. Peter’s father was listed as Laurence Gahan (farmer) and his bride’s father was listed as Thomas Sheehy (Clerk of Petty Sessions, pensioner).
Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy (c. 1887-1963)
Mary Teresa Sheehy was known as Tessie. The 1901 Census reveals that she was living at home with her parents and siblings. There were 14 children born to Sgt. Thomas Sheehy, R.I.C. (1859- 1918) and his wife Mary Sheehy née Higgins (1865 -1912). Sgt. Sheehy was a native of Kerry and the son of a farmer. Mary Sheehy was a native of Co. Mayo. The following children were born to this marriage: [1] Kathleen Sheehy (b.c. 1885, Co. Mayo); [2] Tessie Sheehy (b.c. 1887, Co. Galway); [3] Evelyn Sheehy (b.c. 1888); [4] Elizabeth Sheehy (b.c. 1888); [5] John Sheehy (12 Oct. 1889-1949); [6] Bridget Sheehy (b.c.. 1893); [7] Joseph Sheehy (b.c. 1895); [8] Frances Sheehy (b.c. 1896); [9] Edward Sheehy (b.c. 1898) and [10] Thomas Sheehy (b.c. 1900).
Mary Sheehy née Higgins died on the 27th of September 1912 (Tuam Herald, Sat. 5 Oct. 1912, p. 2). The year after Peter and Tessie’s marriage in 1917 her father died on 20 July 1918. His obit noted that his brother-in-law was Most Rev. M. Higgins, D.D., Auxillary Bishop of Tuam (Tuam Herald, Sat. 27 July 1918, p. 2). Three months later Tess’s sister, Elizabeth Sheehy died of a weak heart (Tuam Herald, Sat. 9 Nov. 1918, p. 2).
On 18 April 1914, Tess’s sister, Kathleen Sheehy married Thomas Kitt the Mountbellow, Co. Galway, Workhouse Master. Kathleen was a national school teacher. Their eldest child, Michael F. Kitt (13 Sept. 1914-24 Dec. 1974) became a T.D. He was first elected in 1948. Lost his seat in 51 and was not elected again until 1957.
The New Ross Whiskey Case
Peter’s business and home were on Priory St. right around the corner from the courthouse and police station. The New Ross Standard carried several articles regarding petty cases against Peter. The most serious case occurred in 1918 and was dubbed the New Ross Whiskey Case by the New Ross Standard. William Roche, of Bewley Street; Andrew Culleton, of Wexford Street and Peter Gahan, of Priory Street, were charged in January 1918 with breaking into the bonded warehouse of Mrs. Alice Daly and Gahanstealing a hogshead and quarter cask of whiskey worth £400. A publican in Campile, Thomas Shea, and another New Ross man, John Hughes, were also charged.
At the first trial of the New Ross men the judge noted that there was no evidence against John Hughes. The case against the other three New Ross men was circumstancial They were seen in the vicinity of the warehouse on the night of the theft. The case against Thomas Shea was that the stolen whiskey was found on his land.
In the midst of this case, Patrick Gahan applied to have the seven day license held by his brother Peter Gahan, Priory St transferred. Patrick stated that he had taken over the premises and was going to carry on business there. The police did not object and the transfer was granted (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 March 1918, p. 7). It appeared that Peter who had only been married a year was attempting to protect his most valuable asset.
In a separate trial a jury found Thomas Shea not guilty apparently because the whiskey could have been placed on his land without his knowledge. When the three New Ross men were ready to stand trial the second time in July, the Crown announced that it could not proceed due to the serious illness of its witness Patrick Cousins an employee of Peter Gahan’s. The Crown entered a nolle prosequi (New Ross Standard, Fri. 5 July 1918, p. 5.)
Undertaker
In 1922 the New Ross Standard featured ads proclaiming Peter the newest New Ross undertaker. He carried on this trade from the former premises of Paatrick Power on Priory St. No mention of this business appeared in his obituary. Some of his ads are quite humorous by today’s standards such as stating he carries the latest designs in shrouds. It is not known how long Peter was an undertaker, but in 1942 he placed an ad in the New Ross Standard which stated, “Quantity of manure for sale. Apply Peter Gahan, Undertaker, New Ross” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 27 March 1942, p. 1).
Death of Peter and Tess Gahan
Peter Gahan died on Christmas Eve 1958 at the age of 70 of chronic myocarditis. His daughter Mary Teresa “Trixie” Gahan, a state registered nurse, was present when he died.
Mary Teresa “Tess” Gahan née Sheehy tragically died in a fire on 16 December 1963 at Priory Street. She was found by her son-in-law Paddy Molloy. The fire apparently commenced in the widow’s bedroom when night clothes came into contact with an electric heater (New Ross Standard, Fri. 20 Dec. 1963, p. 9).
The Children of Peter Gahan
Unfortunately, the birth records after 1916 in Ireland are not generally publicly available. From Peter’s obituary and the family marker in Glemore we believe that Peter and Tess had five children. Their daughter, [1] Bridget Mary Gahan (c. 1919-1929) died at the age of 10 of cholera.
Just four years earlier Peter had been fined 10 s. for sending a note to District Judge Fahy explaining his absence from court. Peter was prosecuted for non-compliance with the Vaccination Act, but it was noted that the child had been vaccinated. The Judge testily noted that Peter lived within 50 yards of the court and did not accept the note (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 May 1925, p. 7).
[2] Mary Teresa “Trixe” Molloy née Gahan ( ? -2009) S.R.N.; (Death notice, Munster Express, Fri. 6 March 2009, p. 15). After her father’s death Trixie married a widower, Patrick Molloy (c. 1925-2000). Paddy was a crane driver in Rosbercon, and his first wife Josephine died at the birth of their daughter Anne in 1957. Trixie is buried in Glenmore in the Gahan family grave and was survived by her son Martin and daughters Anne, Mary and Bridget.
After the death of her mother Trixie, who lived nearby on Cross St., transferred the liquor license to her name (New Ross Standard, Fri. 21 Aug. 1964, p. 2) and continued operating the pub until she transferred the license to William A. Gannon in 1979 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 31 Aug, 1979, p. 15).
[3] Mrs. F. Sayers, Bromley, Kent; Frances Rita Gahan (b. 19 Feb. 1926- ?). It is believed that her husband may have been Douglas Edward Sayers, Bromley, Greater London
[4] Mrs. G. Jones, Bournemouth; Eveleen J. Gahan married Daniel T.G. Jones in Oct. 1947 at Bournemouth, Hampshire, UK.
[5] Mr. L.P. Gahan, Guildford, Surrey; Laurence Gahan (1928-2019) married his wife Kathleen (b. 1934) in Southampton. Kathleen Ann Gahan née Ryan (b. 1934) was from Kilkee, Co. Clare Their eldest son Peter Gahan (b.1957) married Diane Gawley. Peter was a constable with the metropolitan police (Surrey Herald, Thurs. 25 Sept. 1986, p. 23).
Glenmore Connections: Peter Gahan’s Grandparents
Paternal Grandparents
Laurence “Larry” Gahan (1848-1907) was the son of Michael Gahan, of Newtown and Mary Mullins (b. 1814) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Michael Gahan and Mary Mullins were married at Glenmore on 4 February 1834. The known children of this union include: [1] Richard Gahan (b. 1835); [2] Patrick Gahan (b. 1837); [3] Mary Gahan (b. 1840-1910) married on 5 Feb. 1883, James Walsh, of Rathpatrick, Slieverue son of Simon Walsh (deceased farmer); [4] John Gahan (b. 1844); [5] Laurence Gahan (b. 1846) and [6] Laurence Gahan (b. 1848-1907). Mary Gahan née Mullins was from the Felix Mullins family of Flemingstown, Glenmore.
Maternal Grandparents
Bridget Doherty (b. 1842) was the daughter of Richard Doherty and Ellenor Mullally of Coolnaleen, Glenmore. Richard Doherty married Ellen Mullally, of Davidstown, Glenmore, on the 27th of February 1838. To this union the following known children were born: [1] Mary Doherty (b. 1839); [2] Martin Doherty (b. 1840); [3] Bridget Doherty (b. 1842); [4] John Doherty (b. 1844); [5] Ellen Doherty (b. 1846); [6] James Doherty (b. 1849); [7] Peter Doherty (b. 1852); and [8] Patrick Doherty (b. 1855).
The Murder of Sir John Sheehy (1889-1949)
Peter Gahan’s brother-in-law, John Sheehy, entered the Indian Civil Service in 1914. John’s brother M.J. Sheehy (in 1949 he was in Dublin) followed him into the Indian Civil service and was one of the chief engineers on the Burma Road during World War II. The Sheehy’s were cousins of Rev. Dr. McFadden, Bishop of Cleveland (Tuam Herald, Sat. 21 May 1949, p. 5).
On the 9th of May 1949, Lady Sheehy saw her husband shot and killed by an intruder in their home in Minder, Germany. Sir John threw his slipper at the intruder and was shot in the heart. Sir John was the Assistant Financial Adviser to the British Military Governor in Germany.
With the granting of independence for India, Sir John joined Allied Control Commission on 1 July 1947, as Director of Public Revenue. He was made assistant Financial Advisor to the Military Governor on 3 August 1948. Sir John was 59 years of age at the time of his murder and in addition to his wife he was survived by two daughters and one son who were attending school in England. (Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, Tues. 10 May 1949, p.14).
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Please send any corrections, photos or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
On a recent trip into New Ross we believe that the Bumblebee sign is on the pub that Peter Gahan operated for decades. The feaured ad above is from page 1 of the New Ross Standard, 11 April 1924.
[Update 29 Sept. 2023–Peter Gahan, grandson of Peter Gahan (1888-1958), made contact and noted that his mother Kathleen Ann Gahan née Ryan (b. 1934) of Kilkee, Co. Clare is alive and well. Peter verified that his mother and father (Laurence Gahan) married in Southhampton. Peter’s mother further confirmed that her father-in-law’s pub was later called the Bumblebee. The photo of JFK above graced the pub and Peter’s grandmother, Tess Gahan née Sheehy (c. is in the upper storey window peering down on the street. Special thanks to Peter Gahan for sharing the photo as well as information]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh