Rochestown Glenmore
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James O’Neill (1857-1933) native of Rochestown, Glenmore [Updated]
The National Archives has the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922 and the index is available on line. The list has the names of two sailors who listed Glenmore as their place of birth. Today, we are going to highlight James O’Neill who provided to the authorities that he was born in Rochestown, Kilkenny in 1853 or 1858 depending on the various crew lists for ships upon which he worked. James O’Neill provides a perfect example of Glenmore people moving to an urban area for more opportunities.
The O’Neill Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
The name Neil/Neill (locally pronounced nail) or O’Neill was not a common name in Rochestown in the mid to late 19th century. Bridget Walsh of Rochestown on 20 August 1855 at Glenmore, married Richard Neil. The witnesses to the marriage were James Murphy and Mary Ryan. This marriage produced seven sons. Their baptisms allow us to track the family from Rochestown Glenmore to Ferrybank. The family moved sometime between 1869 and 1873 to Ferrybank.
[Update–Per the 1957 obituary (below) of James’s son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) his father and grandfather worked on the Suir Ferry that plied between Ferrybank and Waterford City. Thus it appears that his grandfather moved the family to Ferrybank between 1869 and 1873 to take up a job as a ferryman.]
Their eldest child, [1] James Neil was baptized on 15 January 1857 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Neil and Margaret Maher.
[2] John Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 11 October 1859 at Rochestown. His Godparents were John Doyle and Margaret Kennedy.
[3] Michael Neill was baptized at Rochestown on 22 June 1862. His Godparents were John Haberlin and Mary Gahan. Michael O’Neill (labouer) married Margaret Burns on 6 September 1903 at Trinity Without, Waterford.
[4] Daniel Neill was baptized on 18 May 1865. His Godparents were William Walsh and Judith Malone. Daniel Neill (labourer) married Joanna Power on 10 May 1890 at Trinity Within Waterford. Her father was John Power (labourer).
[5] Richard Neil was baptized on 11 August 1867. His Godparents were Thomas Connolly and Maria Gahan. Richard Neil married Ellen Frisby at Ferrybank on 23 October 1894. At the time of the wedding Richard was employed as a sailor. A Richard Neil was located on the Irish Merchant Navy Crew Lists 1857-1922, however this Richard Neil stated in December 1885 that he was born in Waterford in 1863.
[6] Laurence Neill was born on 25 June 1869 at Rochestown. His Godparents were James Walsh and Mary Hennebery.
[7] Thomas Neill was born on 15 April 1873 at Ferrybank per the Civil Birth Register. His mother, Brigid Neil née Walsh registered his birth and made “her mark” on the Register rather than signing it. The Slieverue Church records reveal that Thomas was born on 29 January 1873 and was baptised on 31 January 1873. His Godparents were Michael Walsh and Ellen Dargan. Thomas Neill, of Ferrybank, married Bridget Sutton on 27 June 1900. The bride’s father was John Sutton (labourer).
Richard Neil and Bridget Neil née Walsh
It was difficult to locate birth or death records for Richard Neil and his wife Bridget Walsh. A Richard Neil was baptized 23 September 1832 at Ballahabuck (sic) Glenmore to Daniel Neil and his wife Mary Warran. A Richard Neil was baptized 24 March 1840 at Rahanure (sic) Glenmore the son of Laurence Neil and Ellen Kennedy. Rathinure is adjacent to Rochestown, but given Richard married Bridget in 1855 it is unlikely he was born in 1840.
In terms of Bridget Neil née Walsh a death record was found for a Bridget Neil who died 24 August 1888 at Kilmurry, Slieverue. She was a 74 year old widow of farm a labourer. Her son James Neil was present at her death. This may be Bridget Neil née Walsh except her age would be incorrect. Bridget Neil née Walsh had her last son in 1873. If she were 74 in 1888, she was born about 1814 and she would have been 59 when she gave birth to Thomas in 1873.
A Richard Neill died 29 January 1873 at the Waterford workhouse hospital. He was a married labourer 60 years of age. He died of chronic bronchitis. If this is Bridget Neil née Walsh’s husband he was born about 1813 and died the day their youngest son Thomas was born.
James O’Neill (1857-1933) Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
As stated above James O’Neill was born in Rochestown in 1857 per his baptismal record. When signing on as a crew member James gave different years of birth. For example, in 1881 he gave his birth year as 1853, yet the previous year he gave his birth year as 1858. What is consistent in the records is his place of birth, Rochestown, Kilkenny.
Able Seaman
James O’Neill (b. 1853 at Rochestown, Kilkenny) signed onto the Geraldine at Waterford on 9 May 1881 as an able seaman. He was required to be on board at 6 a.m. It was agreed that he would be paid £3 per month and was given an advance of 1/10. There was no agreed weekly or monthly allotment to be paid. He was discharged at Waterford on 3 September 1881. He was paid the balance of his wages or £9 10d at his discharge (Ireland, Crew Lists & Shipping Agreements, 1863-1920).
James O’Neill (b. 1852, Kilkenny) joined the Lynwood (Vessel Number 73993) on 4 July 1888 at Waterford as an able seaman and reported his age as 36. He left the ship on 15 October 1888 (Aberystwyth, Wales, Index to Crew Lists, 1850-1914).
James O’Neill & Annie O’Neill née Butler
On June 23, 1886 James O’Neil (sailor) married Anne Butler, of the Mall, Waterford. The couple were married in Trinity Within, of Waterford City. The bride’s father was John Butler, the Mall, Waterford City.
The 1901 Census provides that James had given up being a sailor and was employed as a general labourer. The family was residing on the Lower Yellow Road, Waterford City. James and Annie were both 40 years of age, and they had 7 children. Helpfully Annie’s surname was recorded as Butler in the census. In 1901 the couple had five boys and two girls. Their son John O’Neill was 13; Richard O’Neill was 12; Mary O’Neill was 10; Thomas O’Neill was 7; Laurence O’Neill was 5; George O’Neill was 3 and Annie O’Neill was 1.
The 1911 Census finds the family living at 23 New Ports Lane, Waterford City. James O’Neill reported his profession as “boatman.” He was 49, but his wife Annie was only 46. Their children who were still at home included: John O’Neill, aged 23 was employed as a van man; Richard O’Neill was 21 and was a van man; Thomas O’Neill was 18 and also a van man; Laurence O’Neill was 15 and employed as a messenger; George O’Neill was 13 and still at school; as were Annie O’Neill, aged 11 and Bridget O’Neill aged 8.
We believe in 1911 their daughter Mary O’Neill was working as a domestic servant for Alderman Richard Hearne, J.P. and family at 5 William St., Waterford City. She gave her age as 17 and recorded that she had been born in County Kilkenny. We know from her father’s obituary below that he was employed by the Waterford Corporation as a ferryman for over 40 years at the time of his death in 1933.
[Update–Their son Richard O’Neill (1890-1957) also worked on the Suir Ferry until it stopped operating. Obituaries for Richard (1890-1957) and his brother Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980) are below.]
Deaths
James O’Neill, of Newport Lane, Waterford died 11 July 1933, aged 70 years at the County Hospital. His profession was listed as labourer, he was married and died of bronchitis and senility. His widow, Anne O’Neill died 15 November 1940 at 24 Newport Lane, aged 70. Their son Richard O’Neill, of 19 Morrison’s Road, was present when she died of cardiac failure.
James and Annie O’Neill must have lived a quiet life as no local newspaper articles could be located regarding them. A short obituary was located for James O’Neill.
“FERRYMAN’S DEMISE—The death occurred on Wednesday morning at St. Patrick’s Hospital, of Mr. James O’Neill, Newport’s Lane, who had been ferryman at the Corporation ferry for over forty years. The late Mr. O’Neill was well known among a wide circle, particularly devotees of boating, and although 70 years of age, he was working as usual up to nine months ago, when he was first stricken with illness” (Munster Express, Fri. 14 July 1933, p. 2). According to my calculations James O’Neill was 77 years of age when he died in 1933.
From a quick review of local newspapers it appears that the Waterford Ferry was in operation since ancient times. At some point the ferry service was purchased by the Waterford Bridge Committee. By 1920 it was reported that the service needed an update to meet the needs of the new meat factory being built at Cromwell’s Rock (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 19 March 1920, p. 2). In 1925 it was reported that the Sunday Service was operating at a loss. The receipts on the Sunday Ferry Service for the 4 weeks ending 8 February were £4 19/3 and wages £5 12/-, leaving a loss of 12/9 (Munster Express, Fri. 13 Feb. 1925, p. 5).
For a fascinating short article on the Waterford Ferry see, P.J. Ryan (1997) “Memories of the Old Waterford Ferry” Old Kilkenny Review 1997, p. 163-165. Interestingly, two cousins named John and Dick O’Neill worked as Waterford ferrymen in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Hopefully further research can confirm if they were sons or nephews of James O’Neill (1857-1933).
Further Research
[Thanks to a Waterford reader who was a neighbour we learned that Dick O’Neill was the son of James O’Neill and Dick died about 1955 at his home on Morrisson’s Road, Waterford. Two obituaries were located for 1957.]
Obituary for Richard “Dick” O’Neill (1890-1957) Suir Ferryman
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2) provided, MR. RICHARD O’NEILL—a retired Corporation worker, of Morrisson’s Road, Waterford, who fell down the stairs in his home yesterday (Thursday) fortnight, and sustained severe head injuries, died at St. Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, on Tuesday. He was removed to the hospital in an unconscious condition and passed away without regaining consciousness.
Husband of the late Mrs. Ellen O’Neill (nee O’Riordan), deceased was for a long number of years employed on the Waterford Corporation ferry service before it was discontinued some years ago. Mr. O’Neill’s father and grandfather before him were also employed in a similar capacity. On the dissolution of the ferry service, Mr. O’Neill was appointed caretaker of the John’s Lane Park, and subsequently was employed in different capacities by the Corporation. He retired last September.
Father of Messrs. James O’Neill, Morrisson’s Road, attached ot the Waterford G.P.O.; Sean O’Neill, Convent Hill, Waterford-Massey Ironfounders, Ltd.; Thomas O’Neill, Armatage Staffs, England and Mrs. Kathleen Walsh, The Aviary, Marian Park. He was brother of Mr. Thomas O’Neill, Newport St., Waterford Accompanied by a large and representative cortege the remains were conveyed to the Church of the Holy Faith on Tuesday. (Munster Express, Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 2).
The Waterford News & Star, (Fri. 17 May 1957, p. 3) provided further information, “The name of O’Neill in Waterford was synonymous with the Suir ferry, which was operated by the Corporation up to some years ago. Richard O’Neill, his father, and his grandfather, each in turn, ran the ferry service.”
Obituary for Thomas O’Neill (c. 1893-1980)
While looking for the ferryman John O’Neill we came across the obituary for James’s son Thomas (c. 1893-1980).
The Munster Express (Fri. 17 Oct. 1980, p. 2) published, “Mr. Thomas O’Neill, of 24 Newport’s Terrace, Waterford, whose death took place recently in Ardkeen Hospital, was in his earlier years employed by Messrs. M. O’Sullivan and Sons Ltd. Ballinaneeshagh and formerly of High St., Waterford. He was aged87 and was pre-deceased by hi wife, Mrs. Agness O’Neill. He was father of Mr. Martin O’Neil, Gracedieu Road, Waterford and Mrs. Nan Power, Doyle Street, do. His remains were removed to Ballybricken Church ad following Requiem Mass, the funeral took place for interment in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.” The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 3 Oct. 1980, p. 19) listed a second son Mr. Thomas O’Neill, England and noted that his daughter Mrs. Nan Power, Shopkeeper, Doyle Street. He left 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
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The featured drawing above is “The Ferry Boat,” an engraving from Lady’s Own Paper, Sat. 8 October 1870, p. 4.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Thatched Houses in Glenmore at the End of WWII [Updated]
Danny Dowling (1929-2021) made lists of various local things including: local Irish words, Mass Paths, elderly parish residents and thatched houses in Glenmore at the end of WWII. Thatch was the traditional roof in Glenmore prior to the twentieth century. The Second World War ended in 1945, and it appears that thatch roofs were then in the minority. Below is Danny’s list of the 35 houses identified and their respective townlands. The list is not dated. We note that several townlands are not included. The entire original list with notes from Danny is included. Any comments or additional houses that have been added are is square brackets [ ].
- Jack Forristal, of Cappagh (Bolger’s) [today Frankie Kirwan’s].
- Greene’s, of Jamestown
- Wattie Power, of Jamestown
- Anne Gaule, of Busherstown
- Johanna Closh Walsh, of Busherstown
- Main Gaule, of Busherstown
- Neddie Power, of Busherstown
- Anne Doherty, of Busherstown
- Doherty’s, of Milltown (part of)
- Haberlin’s, of Forristalstown
- Grace’s, of Forristalstown
- Jimmy Doherty’s, of Forristalstown
- Statia Butler, of Ballycroney
- Seamus Fitzgerald, of Ballycroney
- Luke Murphy, of Ballybrahee [See our post of 15 Aug. 2021 for more information on Luke Murphy]
- Dick Power, of Ballybrahee
- Dick Murphy, of Robinstown
- Pat Grant, of Robinstown
- Reddy’s, of Robinstown
- Neddie (Watts) Fitzgerald, of Ballinaraha
- Brophy’s, of Ballinaraha
- Moran’s, of Ballinlammy
- Doherty’s, of Ballinlammy
- Gahan’s, of Rochestown
- Shawn’s, of Rochestown [nickname for 1 of the Forristal families of Rochestown. We believe that this was the home of John Forristal (c. 1838-1915) and his wife Mary née Reddy (c.1851-1917). The couple were married at Glenmore on 31 Aug. 1880 and had five children; Bridget, James, John, Thomas and Patrick.]
- James “Browley” Walsh, of Rochestown
- Larry Walsh, of Rochestown
- Foran’s, of Kearney Bay
- James Phelan “The Walker”, of Ballyhobuck
- Larry Kirwan, of the Shanty [Scartnamore]
- John Kennedy, of Rathinure [Sean Óg where Johnny Garvey lives today]
- Pat Kennedy, of Rathinure [The Faddies]
- John Haberlin, of Aylwardstown
- Jim “Brien” Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown
- Ryan’s, of Kearney Bay
- Pat Ryan, of Kearney Bay (Cousin of Mike Ryan, went to Ringville)
The following not on Danny’s original list
[37] [Johnny “Billy” Roche, of Rathinure] [Thatched house remained until 1972]
[38] [Holden’s, of Clune, Jamestown]
[39] [Paddy Kennedy, of Newtown]
[40] [John Power, of Newtown]
[41] [Martin Forristal, of Rochestown]
[42] [Paddy Mullally, of Ballyhobuck] [Later Walsh’s of Ballyhobuck]
[43] [Condon’s of Mullinahone (part thatched)]
[44] [Pat & Jimmy McDonald of Ballyfacey]
[45] [Kitty Murphy of Mill Road, Mullinahone (part thatched)]
[46] [John Power, of Newtown, lived in until the mid-1970’s; last coat of thatch by Murty Kearney with rushes.]
[Update of 9 Oct. 2025–Jimmy Roche (1927-2018) of Rathinure often told the story of when he was a young fellow helping to rid the Faddie’s of rats in their thatch roof. A ferret was placed on the roof, and soon rats were attempting to escape by leaping from the roof. Jimmy and a number of young men armed with hurley’s dispatched the rats as they leaped from the thatch.]
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Trial for the Killing of Catherine Hanrahan (c. 1798-1822) of Rochestown,Glenmore
On 6 November 2022 we published newspaper accounts of the manslaughter of Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822 at her home in Rochestown, Glenmore. While transcribing another Danny Dowling (1927-2021) notebook we discovered that Danny recorded articles from the Waterford Mirror that outline the testimony presented during the murder trial. These newspaper accounts provide more detail including the testimony of the landlord Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. and conflicting testimony of other witnesses. It appears that the testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. influenced the jury that only considered the case for a few minutes before returning its manslaughter verdict.
The Arrest
Danny recorded the following from the Waterford Mirror (Sat.20 Aug. 1822). Thomas Marks was charged with the murder of Catherine Hanrahan, at Rochesstown, in Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Marks was taken without resistance at a house in Kilmacthomas. Marks when arrested stated that he was on his way to surrender. He was transmitted to the County Kilkenny gaol.
The Waterford Mail on Wednesday the 14th of August 1822 provided an account of day three of the Kilkenny Assizes. In this account Thomas Marks was indicted for the murder of Catherine Hanrahan and the assault of Luke Power “by presenting a pistol at him.” Hereafter Marks is described as the prisoner.
The Testimony of Luke Power
Luke Power was sworn and testified. Unfortunately, the newspaper account does not provide his relationship, if any, to the deceased Catherine Hanrahan née Power, his occupation or residence. Later in defence testimony it appears that Luke and Thomas Power are brothers. Luke Power testified that he knows Rochestown and was there the Monday after the fair of Thomastown. He knows Thomas Power who lives at Rochestown. On that Monday, very early in the morning, he saw the prisoner at Rochestown.
Luke Power testified that the dog barked at the prisoner. Luke Power got up and asked who was there. The prisoner responded that he was distraining for Mr. Forristal. Luke Power testified that the prisoner was armed. Witness shut the door and would not let the prisoner in. Luke Power then went down to where the cows were and saw three bailiffs there, but the prisoner was not with them.
Luke Power heard a shot and returned to the house and saw Catherine Hanrahan “kilt” on the floor. She died six days after being shot. Luke Power went out to the road where some of the neighbours were gathered. The prisoner said “here’s the man was going to kill me,” and cocked his pistol at Luke Power. It was an hour before sunrise when the prisoner came with six men.
Cross-Examination of Luke Power
Luke Power testified that Mr. Forristal was his landlord. He stated that he paid some rent to Mr. Sherlock and owed Mr. Forristal one hundred pounds “or that way rent.” His brother was his partner in the land. He first saw the prisoner and his assistants in the yard, it was not then 3 o’clock.
Sherlock distrained Luke Power four weeks earlier, but he did not think there was a reason at that time. He did testify that a horse had been taken away to the bog at that time. The prisoner distrained Luke Power before for Mr. Forristal, but could not say how long before. At the time the shot was fired Luke Power was four or five fields away and had not walked a step with the prisoner that morning.
The Testimony of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Power testified that she was the daughter of Thomas Power and the sister of the deceased Catherine Hanrahan. She remembered people coming to her father’s on the first of July last before sunrise. She saw the prisoner there. She testified that her sister was driving pigs out of the bawn. The prisoner desired that her sister leave them there. When she refused Alicia Power testified that the prisoner ran over and caught her sister by the neck and “squeezed her.” Her neck was cut by his “iron hand.”
Alicia Power stated that she could hear “all that occurred” between the deceased and the prisoner. The prisoner said, “Come leave the pigs there.” Deceased answered, “How do you know who owns them?” Prisoner then struck the deceased and was choking her. Prisoner lifted his foot on a stone and saying, “by G-d I’ll shoot you,” and then fired his pistol. Deceased was then running away and was shot 6 yards from the prisoner. She fell at the door, the ball entered her back. There was another man there minding the pigs where the deceased left them.
Her sister was “shot on Monday morning and died the Sunday following.”
Cross Examination of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Powers was driving the pigs with her sister the deceased. “They had been in the cabin and were driving them out of the bawn.” Deceased had a stick in her hand. She usually brought a stick to drive the pigs. The deceased did not strike the prisoner and Alicia Power never saw a stone in the deceased’s hand. Alicia Power testified that she never saw the prisoner fall or see any stone thrown at him. She testified that the deceased could not have thrown a stone without her seeing it. Alicia Power was at the prisoner’s side when he fired.
Alicia Power said that the prisoner had only one pistol. She saw Luke Power come up. But never saw the prisoner “present a pistol at him.” Alicia Power swore information against prisoner before Mr. Snow. She did not swear against any other person except the prisoner. She did not hear the deceased, or any other person calling out, “kill the black protestant,” and firmly stated that she did not say it either.
Examined by the Bench—Alicia Power clarified to the judge that the prisoner had six or seven men in his party, one of whom was present when the shot was fired. Bridget Cashin was present but no boys or men. They were down on the land where the cows were.
The Testimony of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin was present when Catherine Hanrahan was shot. She saw the prisoner that morning and saw him fire a shot at Catherine Hanrahan. The deceased was Bridget Cashin’s cousin. She observed the deceased driving the pigs out of the bawn. Only her sister was with the deceased. None of the men of the house were present. She testified that the prisoner had two men with him. She denied that the deceased struck the prisoner or threw stones at him. “He cursed G-d, he would fire at her in a minute.”
Bridget Cashin testified that the prisoner caught the deceased by her neck and choked her. The prisoner laid the pistol on his left knee and fired. The deceased walked four steps and fell. “She did not get up since.” Deceased was 24 years of age, was married 2.5 years, and had one child. Interestingly the Waterford newspaper did not acknowledge that the deceased was pregnant when she was shot in the back.
Cross Examination of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin could not identify the two men with the prisoner. The house was distrained for Mr. Forristal’s rent, but she could not say whether the men were “keepers.” Deceased refused to leave the pigs and was driving them away. The deceased said she would drive them in spite of the prisoner. Bridget Cashin stated that she did not say anything, and the deceased did not say “kill the bloody or the black protestant.” She did not see Luke Power come up. She went to Mr. Snow’s and swore information about six days after “the business occurred.”
The Testimony of Dr. John Briscoe of Waterford
Dr. Briscoe testified that he attended Catherine Hanrahan at Rochestown on the second of July. She had received a gunshot wound in the lower part of the back “of which she afterwards died.”
Cross Examination of Dr. John Briscoe
The wound was horizontal in the lower part of the spine on the right side near the hip. The doctor did not see a mark of bruises or a cut on the deceased’s neck.
The Crown rested and the defence began.
The Testimony of William Cooney
William Cooney testified that he knew the prisoner and went with him to Rochestown on the first of July to distrain for Mr. Forristal. The distraining party consisted of: Thoman and John Marks; William and Richard Jeffers; —Lonergan and himself. They first went to the fields where they collected three horses and some cows. Three men were left in the field to guard the animals. Prisoner then brought Lonergan and William Cooney to the house and told them to take charge of all the property there both inside and outside. He testified that they never entered the house. The pigs were seized in the lane. Prisoner brought William Cooney down towards the fields and they met Luke Power and his brother Thomas.
Prisoner advised the Powers to get bail to release the cattle. Thomas Power had a wattle and struck at Lonergan. The blow was prevented by Luke Power. Prisoner went down to Mr. Forristal’s which was about a field away. Lonergan and Cooney were left in charge of the house. Whilst prisoner was away the two Powers and a woman (not the deceased) pushed Lonergan out of the yard. Lonergan left to tell the prisoner. Cooney was alone and went out onto the road.
Power’s two daughters and another girl were driving the pigs out of the bawn. Deceased had a wattle in her hand. When Lonergan returned one of the girls said, “Mr. Forristal knew nothing of the pigs and for God’s sake let them go.” Lonergan and Cooney refused and the deceased then said, “she would have them (the pigs) or she would knock one of their brains out sideways with the wattle.”
Cooney testified that the wattle was heavy and two and a half yards in length. Prisoner returned and upon hearing the deceased told her, “for God’s sake go in and be quiet and all will be well.” Cooney stated that deceased advanced toward prisoner and said, “you black protestant are you come again to rob us?” She made a blow of the wattle at him. She said the words in Irish. Prisoner gave the deceased a shove and said, “go in God’s name and don’t be aggravating me.”
The deceased raised the wattle and struck the prisoner two or three times. She called out for someone to come “knock the black protestant’s brains out.” The deceased then took up a stone according to Cooney and struck the prisoner in the knee. The other two women were running with stones in their hands. Cooney and Lonergan went between the women and the prisoner. Cooney saw and heard the shot fired. The deceased when shot was stooping for a stone.
The prisoner when he fired was down, “having dropped down sideways when hit on the knee with the stone.” The prisoner was not flat on the ground. He was supported by his elbow. A quarter of an hour later Luke Power came up. The prisoner only had one pistol and it was re-loaded. Luke Power was very angry and was according to Coney going to injure them if he could. Luke Power called the prisoner a “bloody rogue” and “all of them robbers.”
Cross Examination of William Cooney
Cooney was asked to repeat what the deceased had said in Irish and he did. No men of the Power family were present from the time the pigs were driven out first until after the shot was fired. Cooney admitted that he and Lonergan had sticks, but were not otherwise armed. He continued to assert that the three women were very violent, but admitted that the three men could have defended themselves without a shot.
It was daylight when they came on the ground. They left Waterford at 11 o’clock at night. They stopped at Mackey’s on the way and too refreshment. They remained at Mackey’s until “clear daylight.” Cooney described Mackey’s as 4 or 5 miles from Rochestown. Deceased had not run from the prisoner she was sideways, stooping for a stone, about 6 or 8 yards from prisoner.
When the prisoner fell his pistol went off. Cooney stated that the prisoner had not aimed at the deceased. Cooney stated his belief that the prisoner did not intend to fire at the deceased or to pull the trigger. About an hour after the shooting the prisoner said that the pistol went off by accident. Although Cooney stated that the prisoner’s life was in danger, if Cooney was in the same situation he would not have fired at the deceased. Cooney could not say how the pistol went off.
Dr. Briscoe Recalled
Dr. Briscoe was asked about the wound. He testified that it was horizontal. He stated that if the deceased was stooping he could not conceive how she received such a wound unless she and the shooter were both kneeling. Thus Dr. Briscoe did not find injuries on the deceased’s neck and ruled out that the deceased was stooping when shot.
The Testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. of Rochestown, Glenmore
“Recollected the morning when this transaction happened.” He saw the prisoner 6 or 8 minutes after the shooting. Prisoner was distraining for Forristal and had frequently before acted as bailiff on his lands. He had distrained them a short time before. The prisoner had “always behaved himself well, and if he had a bad character, he would not have employed him.” Forristal stated that the prisoner is a pensioner and lost his hand “on service.” He went on to testify that the prisoner “frequently interfered” with Forristal in favour of the tenants by always speaking kindly of them and “procured time for them.”
Cross Examination of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq.
Forristal testified that he sent for the prisoner to act as bailiff and bring 5 men with him. He also instructed that they should be very early on the land “as the Powers had removed their cattle on a former occasion.” Prisoner called to Forristal about 3 o’clock in the morning and told Forristal he had affected the distress. Forristal ordered his horse to be got ready. Jeffers arrived and said that the Powers had taken away horses and cows. The prisoner returned to Power’s. When Forristal arrived he learned of the shooting.
Forristal asked the prisoner why he fired. Prisoner responded that “he’d rather he had wounded himself than the girl.” Forristal testified that Tom Power said to the prisoner, “you have murdered my daughter.” The prisoner replied, “I did not intend to shoot her, but if I did it was her own fault.” The prisoner then unbuttoned the knee of his breeches and showed a large mark on his knee saying, “See Mr. Forristal, how I have been used.” [Of course he could have injured his knee at any time stumbling around in the dark after leaving Mackey’s where they had “refreshments.”]
The prisoner did not tell Mr. Forristal that the pistol went off by accident and Forristal never heard that it did.
The last witness called was Rev. Francis Reynett who testified that he knew the prisoner for about 18 years. He considered him a well conducted man and never heard anything against his character.
Jury Decision
The Lord Chief Justice charged the jury and they retired, “and in a few minutes they returned with a verdict, acquitting the prisoner of murder, but finding him guilty of manslaughter. They also acquitted the prisoner of presenting the pistol at Luke Power.”
The Chief justice sentenced the prisoner to be burned on the hand and imprisoned for 6 months.
What Happened to the Power Family of Rochestown, Glenmore?
We know that no one by the name of Power or Hanrahan were listed as tenants in Rochestown in the 1829 Tithe Lists. We are currently searching Prof. Mannion’s Newfoundland records of Irish emigrants 1750 to 1850 because several Rochestown families moved there in the early 19th century.
For some information on Rochestown see our post of 3 December 2023.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Photo of the Tom & Eliz. Gahan Family of Rochestown, Glenmore
Thanks to Martin Gahan of Ballinamona, Slieverue for sharing this lovely photo of his grandparents and their children.
For further information concerning Elizabeth Gahan née Forristal (1875-1929) and the Forristal family see our last post.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
A Glenmore Malnutrition Death in 1938
Last week while helping a student complete a history project we came across a Glenmore woman who died of malnutrition in 1938. Seven decades after the Great Famine, on the cusp of World War II, it is difficult to understand how anyone could die of malnutrition in 1938. Further research revealed that her husband died of a hernia a couple years earlier.
Bridget Nolan née Delahunty (1899-1938)
Today, we are going to feature this tragic couple. Bridget Nolan, the widow of John Nolan, died on the 6th of July 1938 at the Central Hospital of Kilkenny. The death register provides that Bridget was 49 when she died and a resident of Rochestown, Glenmore. Her obituary in the Munster Express (Fri. 8 July 1938, p. 8) states that she was 35 when she died, and the daughter of Mr. and Mr. Patrick Delahunty of Rochestown, Glenmore.
A review of the Glenmore baptismal records revealed that Bridget Delahunty was born on 3 July 1899, the daughter of Patrick Delahunty (labourer) and his wife, Lizzie Hawe. Thus, Bridget died just 3 days after her 39th birthday. Brigid had been a patient in the Central Hospital of Kilkenny for two weeks before her death (Munster Express, Fri. 8 July 1938, p. 8). The death register states that Brigid died of malnutrition.
Bridget’s Parents & Siblings of Rochestown, Glenmore
Bridget’s parents, Patrick Delahunty (1878-1945) and Elizabeth Hawe (1877-1951) were married on 14 September 1898 at Glenmore. Patrick was a labourer and the son of John Delahunty and his wife Mary Walsh. At the time of his birth the family was living in Ballyconnaght, Tullogher. Elizabeth was the daughter of Michael Hawe (boatman) and Catherine Malone of Rochetown. The 1911 Census for Rochestown, Glenmore provides that Patrick was 32 and working as a fisherman. Lizzie was 33 and there were 7 children in the family at that time, but a family obituary revealed another two daughters born after 1911.
Bridget Delahunty and her siblings were a typical Glenmore family in the first half of the 20th Century. Some stayed in Glenmore, some emigrated to England for work and some emigrated to the United States. They were also typical in that some of the siblings died young and some lived into their 70’s and 80’s.
[1] Bridget Delahunty (3 July 1899-6 July 1938) was the eldest. She married John Nolan (labourer) of Ballincreigh (Ballincre) on 30 January 1918 at Glenmore. John was the son of Martin Nolan (labourer).
[2] Catherine Delahunty (b. 21 Dec. 1900) arrived at Ellis Island on 19 July 1920. She had $25 and was going to her aunt Mrs. Mary Farnham at 40 Washburn Ave, Boston. She was described as being 5 feet, 1 inch tall, with dark hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion. She married a man named G. Ryan. In 1979 per her brother Bill’s obituary she was residing in New York.
[3] William “Bill” Delahunty (16 June 1902-5 January 1979) worked at Loughcullen Creamery, Kilmacow and later worked for Kilkenny Co. Council. He married Josephine Roche of Ballymountain, Kilmacow and the couple had 9 known children. Bill died 5 January 1979 (Munster Express, 12 January 1979, p. 17).
[4] Michael Delahunty (b. 29 Dec. 1903—30 April 1974 ) never married and worked for years for Mai Roche of Scartnamore, Glenmore. He was a nice, jolly man. (Danny Dowling, Notebook 13).
[5] Richard Delahunty (4 Dec. 1905-13 July 1973) emigrated to Boston circa 1923, married, served in the US Army during WWII, and became an electrician. Richard died while home visiting Ireland on his way back to Shannon Airport in 1973 leaving his widow and children to mourn him.
[6] Mary “Molly” Delahunty (14 May 1908—1 Jan. 1990) married John Halligan (c. 1908-1983). The couple had four known children and the family resided in Aylwardstown. John worked for years for Kelly’s of Aylwardstown “looking after the cows.”.
[7] Patrick Delahunty (4 June 1910–?) never married and remained in Rochestown.
[8] Elizabeth Delahunty (10 Nov. 1913–22 Jan. 1982) married Patrick Carey ( ? -16 March 1976) in Waterford in 1935. The couple with their children resided in Ballindud, Waterford on the road to Tramore.
[9] Margaret Delahunty (8 July 1916- ? ) per her father’s obituary she died in England years before he died in 1945.
Several of the Delahunty obituaries may be read on our Glenmore H Surname page.
Bridget’s Husband, John Nolan (1878-1935)
As previously stated, Bridget Delahunty married John Nolan (labourer) of Ballincreigh (Ballincre) Slieverue on 30 January 1918, at Glenmore. John was the son of Martin Nolan (labourer). Witnesses to the wedding were William Atkins and Lizzie Hawe. John Nolan was 21 years older than his wife Bridget. After the famine well into the twentieth century marriage patterns changed in Ireland. People married later, and it was not unusual for men to marry much younger women.
John Nolan (1878-1935) of Ballincrea, Slieverue
John Nolan was born on 2 September 1878, to Martin Nolan (farm labourer) and his wife Catherine Power of Ballincrea, Slieverue. A review of birth records revealed that John Nolan had at least 5 sisters: [1] Mary Nolan (b. 16 Nov. 1871); [2] Ellen Nolan (b. 26 Aug. 1873); [3] Anne Nolan (b.12 April 1875) and [4] Catherine Nolan (b. 27 Feb. 1881).
In the 1901 Census of Ballincrea, Slieverue, John Nolan (aged 20) was living with his mother Catherine Nolan (widow) aged 40 and his sister [5] Bridget Nolan, aged 13 (b.c. 1888). John was employed as a farm labourer and was actually 24 years of age. His mother, Catherine Nolan, could not read or write. This could explain why Catherine incorrectly gave her age as 40. Her daughter Mary was born in 1871, thus her daughter Mary was 30 in 1901. The Census notes that John could read and only his sister Bridget, still at school, could read and write.
John and Bridget lived in Ballincrea, Slieverue. It does not appear that the couple had any children. John died 3 July 1935 in their home in Ballincrea, Slieverue. His widow, Bridget, was present when he died. From the death register it appears that he suffered a cardiac event after “hernia retention” (the handwriting is difficult to read).
Obituary of John Nolan (1878-1935)
The following obituary was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 5 July 1935, p. 8).
We regret to record the demise of Mr. John Nolan, which sad and unexpected event occurred at his residence at Ballincrea on Wednesday morning. Though not in entirely robust health for some time past, deceased retired to bed as usual on Tuesday night, but early the following morning complained of feeling unwell and expired in a short time afterwards.
Aged about 60 years, the late Mr. Nolan was a very popular and esteemed inhabitant of the district, where his demise, coming as it did with such tragic suddenness, evoked feelings of sincere regret. Much sympathy will be extended to the widow on the sad bereavement she has sustained. The interment takes place today (Friday) at Slieverue. R.I.P.
A shorter article appeared the following week in the Munster Express (Fri.12 July 1935, p. 8).
Requiem Office and High Mass were offered up at Bigwood Church on Friday morning for the repose of the soul of the late Mr. John Nolan, Ballincrea (whose demise we announced last week). The celebrant of the Mass was Rev. M. Doyle, C.C., Slieverue, and the other clergy present were: Rev. Hally, .C.C, do; Rev. M. Gibbons, D.D. C.C., do; and Rev. P. Darcey, C.C. Mullinavat. The interment took place subsequently in the adjoining cemetery in the presence of a large attendance. Deceased was brother of Mrs. Martin, Knockbrack, Glenmore, and Miss Bridget Nolan, U.S.A.
Strangely none of his other sisters were mentioned. Three years later his wife Bridget died.
The Obituary of Bridget Nolan née Delahunty (1899-1938)
Bridget’s short obituary follows:
We regret to record the death of Mrs. B. Nolan, widow of the late Mr. John Nolan, Ballincrea, in which sad event occurred in hospital in Kilkenny on Wednesday last.
Deceased, who was aged 35 years, was daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Delahunty, Rochestown, Glenmore, and sister of Messrs J. and M. Delahunty, do.; William Delahunty, Ballincrea, and Mrs. Carew, Ballindud, to all of whom sincere sympathy will be extended on their sad bereavement. She had been in failing health for some time, and was in hospital for the past fortnight. Her passing was learned of with regret in her native district, where she was well known and widely esteemed. R.I.P. (Munster Express, Fri. 8 July 1938, p. 8).
Malnutrition in Glenmore in 1938
According to medical websites there are several ways in which a person can become malnourished and die. The elderly and young children are in the highest risk groups. The first way malnutrition occurs, that often springs to mind particularly in Ireland, is due to a lack of food, or famine. There were tough times in the 1930’s for many families in Glenmore, but there was no famine. There was also little processed food, thus the most common problem today was not present.
Another reason a person may become malnourished is because their body cannot process the food eaten and use it. This is generally due to disease (e.g. Crohan’s) or injury. Nothing was recorded on the death registry concerning any disease or injury that may have caused Bridget’s malnutrition in 1938. A third possible cause of malnutrition is an eating disorder. Again there is nothing recorded regarding this, however, it would decades before eating disorders were widely recognised and understood by the medical community.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. The feature photo above is of the Waterford City Infirmary, John’s Hill.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
An Old Anglo-Norman Glenmore Family: The Forrestalls
Today, our second installment of part of Chapter 4, Vol. 4 of Carrigan’s History & Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory (1906) (p. 89-91) is presented below and features the four main branches of the Glenmore Forrestall families. The spelling of the surname varied as much a the spellings of Glenmore townlands and areas. Any editorial commentary has been placed in square brackets [ ].
The Forrestalls
“The Forrestalls, an Anglo-Norman stock were landed proprietors in Glenmore parish from an early date. They were divided into four main branches or families, one of which was seated at Forrestallstown; another at Kilbride; a third at Carrickcloney, and the fourth at Mullinahone. John Forstall M’Walter of Forristalstown, gent” had a pardon 5th June 1566. Walter and Gibbon Forstall, of the same place, gents, were pardoned, the former in 1571 and the latter in 1572. By Inquisition of 5 April 1658, it was found that Gibbon Forstall, late of Forstallstowne, was seised of Forstallstown, Ballymolgorme and Ballycroney; he died so seised thirty years before; and that his son and heir Walter Forstall, was at the time of full age and married.”
Forrestall’s Town
“By another inquisition of 12 October 1640, it was found that Walter Forstall, late of Forstall’s towne, was seised of the castle, town and lands of Forstall’s town, otherwise Ballynkenny, Ballymvegarran (Ballygurrin), Ballyheamocke, (now called Jamestown, still called in Irish Boilia-hee-omúch—the town of Séumoc or little James), Newfoer and Ballycroney, otherwise Rusheldstown; that he died 1st March 1639-40, and that his son James was then full of age and married. Under the Cromwellian regime, James Forstall, with Thomas Den, forfeited Forrestallstown, Milltown and Ballygurrim, and was transplanted to Connaght. The castle of Forrestallstown was “thrown down about the year 1800.”
“In Irish Forrestall is pronounced Furristhawl and Forrestallstown is called Bollinurristhawla.”
Kilbride, Glenmore
“Kilbride—Redmund more Forstall, of Kilbride, was pardoned Dec. 28th, 1571. Walter Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., pardoned in 1602 and 1603, was Constable of the Barony of Ida, in 1608. Edmund Forstall, of Kilbrydy, gent., was one of the jurymen at an Inquisitioin held Aug. 18th, 1623. Richard Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., and Katherine, wife of Redmond Forstall, of Kilbride, gent., are mentioned by one John Kearney as taking part in the alleged plundering of the Protestants, at the beginning of the Outbreak of 1641. Redmund Forstall, of Kilbride, gent. Appears as a juror in 1636; he forfeited Kilbride in 1653, and, with Walter Forstall, of Kilbride, was transplanted to Connaught the same year.”
Carrickloney, Glenmore
“Carrickloney—Edmund Forstall m’Thomas m’ Redmund of Karrcknelonyne, horseman, was pardoned iin 1548-9, and Walter Forstal fitz Edmund, of the same place, horseman, probably his son, was pardoned in 1566. Richard Forstall, of the same place, was Constable of the Barony of Ida, in 1608, and received a pardon in 1612. In 1639 Thomas Forstall gent., had a grant, under the Commission of Grace, of the townlands of Carrigneglonyne, Kilmakevoe and Knockbrack and ½ of Ballynerahie. Peter Forstall forfeited Carricknegloning, Kilmackvoge, Knockbrack and Rathsallagh, in 1653, but his name does not appear on the list of the transplanted.”
“The castle of Carrickloney was taken down in the memory of the people still living.” [See our post of 8 July 2021. One room of Carrigcloney Castle still stands complete with a vaulted ceiling.]
“In Irish Carrickloney is called Corrig-na-glooin-eeny, the rock of the little lawns, meadows, or insulated bog islands.” (Referenced O’Donovan).
Mullinahone, Glenmore
“Mullinahone—Walter Forstall of Monhowen, gent., had a pardon, in 1571-2, Richard Forstall, of Monynehoen, Gent, appears as a juror, Sept. 22nd, 1636. In 1653, Edmund Forstall forfeited Munmonewhone, Jamestown, Parkstown, and Ballybraghy. He is, very probably, the ‘Edmund Forstall, of Monyhoare,’ who was banished beyond the Shannan in the same year, and who was assigned lands in the Barony of Island, in the Co. Clare, amounting to 392 stat. acres, which after his death, were confirmed to his son, ‘Peter Forstall, gent., son of Edmund Forstall, deceased,’ by a royal grant of June 26th, 1677.”
“Mullinahone castle shared the fate of the other Forrestall castles, having been razed to the ground many years ago. Its site is pointed out in Mr. Richard Phelan’s ‘castle field,’ a few fields west of Glenmore chapel.” [Per Danny’s son, Pat Dowling, the stone head in Danny’s collection was found in the castle field of Mullinahone.]
“In Irish, Mullinahone is called Mullanahooan. This, too, is the local Irish for Mullinahone, in the Co. Tipperary. In both cases we have an instance of the corruption, or substitution, of the liquid ‘l’ for the liquid ‘n’—a very usual occurrence in the spoken Irish. The correct Irish sound of Mullinahone is Munnanahooan, the shrubbery of the lamb.”
Rochestown, Glenmore
“The Forrestalls of Rochestown, lately extinct, are traced by O’Donovan, in a pedigree to be quoted before the end of this Chapter, to a Captain Edmund Duff Forrestall, who fought at Limerick, in 1690, and who most probably belonged to the Mullinahone or Carrickloney branch of the family. The Forrestall name is still well represented in this parish.” [The photo to the right is the Forrestal Coat of arms on the family vault in Kilivory Church Yard, Glenmore. For further information concerning this coat of arms see the Kilivory section at the end of our headstone page.]
O’Donovan’s Letter (1839)
On pages 98-100 Carrigan inserted the entire letter O’Donovan wrote on 30 September 1839 concerning the parish of Kilcollumb [today Kilcollumb is divided between Slieverue and Glenmore]. The following extract from the letter concerns the Forstall Family of Rochestown.
“That part of Rochestown on which Lady Esmond’s house stands is now called Ringville, but in the title deeds ‘the Ring of Rochestown,’ It was purchased by Mr. Devereux, the uncle of Lady Esmond, from the father of Pierce Edmond Forstal Esqr.”
“The family of Forstal have been a long time located in the county of Kilkenny, but I have no historical account of them. The tradition among themselves is that they came to Ireland with the Earl Strongbow, and were located in the counties of Clare and Kilkenny. Pierce Edmond Forstal of Rochestown, Esqr., has a piece of copper with the arms of the family and the following inscription engraved on it :
Insignia veteris familiae Fosterorum alias Forstallorum comitatus Kilkenniensis in Regno Hibemiae, authentice et ex officio exiradita Dublinii, ultimo die Novembris 1674, anno Regni Caroli Secundi Regis vigesimo secundo, per Richardum St. George Ulster Regem Armorum.
[Translation: The coat of arms of the ancient family of Foster, alias Forstall, of the county of Kilkenny, in the Kingdom of Ireland, authentically and ex officio struck at Dublin, on the last day of November, 1674, in the twenty-second year of the reign of Charles the Second, by Richard St. George Ulster King of Arms.]
” Three pheons in sable, a helmett on the wreath, greyhound’s head, coop argent, collar and chain.”
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To view some local medieval inscriptions see, Fearghus Ó Fearghail, Old Kilkenny Review (1996) “Some Ossory Medieval Inscriptions Revisited,” p. 94-105. The featured photo above is the ancient Celtic Cross of Dunnamaggan, Co. Kilkenny (Carrigan, v. 4., p. 36). For further information see the Kilkenny Graveyards blog (post 3 July 2016).
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh