Waterford City
now browsing by tag
The Aylward Siblings of Arundel Square
In our post of 9 October 2022 we featured John Aylward (1870-1929) who left Rochestown, Glenmore and became a successful businessman in Waterford. In researching John’s business, Aylward’s on the Square (located at 1 Arundal Square, Waterford) we came across some interesting articles after his death regarding his business and orphaned children. We also had the pleasure of speaking with John’s grandson and namesake, John Aylward, who graciously shared information concerning his family and family photos. Today, we are going to feature the early business trials and tribulations overcome by James Aylward (1907-1990) after taking over his father’s business and provide brief biographies of his siblings. This generation of siblings and their spouses reflect some of the most prominant business people in Waterford in the 20th century. This generation of siblings also reflects the harsh reality of early 20th century childhood diseases and epidemics such as TB that swept the country. Thanks to recent interest in the 1916 Rising we know that almost 10,000 people died in Ireland of TB in that year (See, RTE Century Ireland, “Almost 10,000 People Died from TB in Ireland in 1916”).
The Children of John and Margaret Aylward of Arundel Square
John Aylward (1870-1929) and his wife Margaret Aylward née Raftice (1877-1922) had 14 children (Munster Express, 28 Dec. 1990, p.8).
(1) James Joseph Aylward (1902-1904) Died of scarlatina (scarlet fever) at the age of 17 months. Scarlet fever generally develops from strep throat and before antibiotics were available often led to death or serious complications of the heart or other vital organs.
(2) Nicholas Aylward (1904-1964) was born at 2 Peter St., Waterford City. After Nicholas completed his education at Waterpark College, he went to Dublin where he qualified as an electrical engineer. After his mother’s death he emigrated to Australia in 1922 where he took up an engineering appointment with the Kalgolie Gold Mines. In 1930 Nicholas married Rose McArthur (c. 1909-1981) and the couple had two children. At the outbreak of World War II he joined the Australian Army. At the time of his death in Australia in 1964 he was survived by 6 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 17 March 1964, p. 13).
(3) Mary Josephine “Mai” Aylward (1905-1978) was the first child of the family born at 1 Arundel Square. Mai was a bookkeeper and in September 1930 married William “Billy” Kervick (1910-1988). Billy and Mai had one daughter, Mrs. Ita Shipsey. The Munster Express article regarding the wedding provides some interesting details regarding the bride’s family connections in South Kilkenny.
“On Tuesday morning Mai Aylward, eldest daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. John Aylward, Arundel Square, Waterford and Wm. Kervick, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kervick, Gracedieu, Waterford. The bride was given away by her brother, James Aylward. Her sister Kathleen Aylward was one of the bridesmaids. A reception was held at her brother James’ residence at Arundel Square. The bride is well connected in South Kilkenny being granddaughter of the late James Aylward, Rochestown, Glenmore, and niece of Rev. Bro. Aylward, superior, Christian Brothers, Sydney, who it will be remembered, spent many months here on holidays last year. She is also on the maternal side, grandniece of the late William Fitzpatrick, T.C., formerly of Acres, Mullinavat. The groom belonged to one of the oldest Ballybricken families, well known in the livestock trade for generations” (Munster Express, Fri. 19 Sept. 1930, p. 5).
Billy founded “one of the country’s best known and successful bookies, with a chain of 26 branches around the country” (Munster Express, Fri. 25 March 1988, p. 2). Mai was active in voluntary social services. She was a founding member of the Ladies Voluntary Aid Committee that raised funds for the County and City Infirmary and was one of the early volunteers in the provision of services for handicapped children. In the early 1960’s she worked to inaugurate Meals on Wheels for the elderly. Her favourite pastime was Bridge and she was a founding member of the 68 Bridge Club as well as the Tramore Bridge Club. She loved to travel and with her husband Billy visited five continents (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Dec. 1978, p. 14).
(4) Johanna “Josephine” Aylward (1906-1940) also emigrated to Australia and lived in Melbourne. She married George W. Hamm (motor mechanic) who was born on 1 July 1906 on Barrack Street, Waterford. George was the son of “Richard” Hamm (butcher) and Mary Shaw. The couple had two children George Hamm and Patricia Hamm. Josephine came home to Waterford to visit in 1936 and tragically died in Australia in June 1940 of TB. Her family in Waterford were told of “Josie’s” demise via cable on 18 June 1940 four days after her death (Munster Express, Fri. 21 June 1940, p. 1). George’s father Richard Hamm died in Dec. 1952. Richard was a native of Germany and he had a thriving business in processing casings for the sausage making industry. His daughter was married to James Molloy, victualler, of Michael Street (Munster Express, 12 Dec. 1952, p. 10).
(5) James Joseph “Jimmy” Aylward (1907-1990) married Johanna “Hanna” Walsh (1914-1996) at Mullinavat on 11 September 1940. Hanna was the daughter of Thomas Walsh (farmer) and Mary Ann Dermody. Jimmy and Hanna had two children. Jimmy took over his father’s business which is discussed below. In July 1945 while Jimmy and his family were enjoying a holiday at Dunmore East he heard a woman’s cries for help and rescued Miss Goodchild, of Waterford from drowning (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 July 1945, p. 3). Jimmy was a publican and was involved in the wholesale wine and spirit business. For many years he bottled his own Guinness and blended his own whiskey. When he died in 1990 he was survived by only two of his siblings Nellie and Johnny (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 21 Dec. 1990, p. 20).
(6) Michael “Mick” Aylward (1908-1937) emigrated to Australia and worked as a motor mechanic. He returned to Waterford around 1935 and died at 1 Arundel Square of TB on 20 Sept, 1937. He was 29 years of age. According to his obituary in the Munster Express he returned to Waterford due to ill health and was survived by 9 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 24 Sept. 1937, p. 6).
(7) Ellen “Nellie” Aylward (1909-1992) married William Cummins in 1930. William (1905-1991) was the son of Nicholas Cummins (Sea Capt.) and Brigid Rockett of 5 Ballybricken, Waterford. William and Ellen had 5 children and lived at 6 Barker St., Waterford. William after being educated at De La Salle (Waterford) began working at Robertson, Ledlie, Ferguson and Co. as a draper. When he retired in 1975 he was a department manager of the company now known as Shaws and had been a member of staff for 54 years (Munster Express, Fri. 5 April 1991, p. 22).
(8) Margaret Mary Aylward (1911-1911) was born on 31 May 1911 at 1 Arundel Square and died almost 4 months later on 4 September 1911 of enteritis. Enteritis is an infection of the small intestine.
(9) Catherine “Kitty” Aylward (1912-1944) was the first of the siblings born at Kilcop, parish of Killea, Waterford. Kitty was a hairdresser and married Richard “Dick” Boland (b. 1908) in June 1933 at Butlerstown. The couple had four children. Just 11 years after her marriage, Kitty died of TB in 1944 at the age of 31. Dick Boland was the son of Henry P. Boland (Civil Servant) and Charlotte Taylor née Nolan. The death register records Kitty’s name as “Kathleen Attracta Boland.” She died at the Newtown Building and her husband was present at her death. Dick Boland in 1944 was employed as a commercial traveller (traveling salesman).
(10) Brigid Aylward (1914-1922) was born and died of Kilcop of TB at the age of 8.
(11) John “Johnny” Aylward (1915-1995) was educated at Mount Sion and worked at Hearne & Co, the Quay (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Jan. 1995, p. 12). He emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1936 and returned to Waterford in 1937. While in Australia he engaged in several occupations including fruit picking and book-keeping. Upon returning to Waterford he took up his mother’s former profession of confectionary. With his brother Patrick “Bernard” they set up a successful wholesale confectionary business that was operated from 1 Arundel Square. In 1943, in Waterford, Johnny married Margaret Hodge (1915-2002) the daughter of James Hodge (carpenter) and Margaret Doyle of “Avonlea,” Ballytruckle (Munster Express, Fri. 8 Jan. 1943, p. 5). A month after the marriage Johnny’s partner and brother, Patrick “Bernard” died. Johnny and Margaret Aylward had six children and lived at “Clooneen,” Passage Road Waterford. After returning to Waterford from Australia Johnny “conceived, promoted and established 17 companies, industries and business concerns…His first venture was in the wholesale distribution of groceries, confectionaery, fruit etc. from premises at the corner of Thomas’ Hill & O’Connell St.. He also went into the wholesale cash and carry business in Waterford and expanded to Clomel, Thurles amd Kilkenny. In 1952 with Kurt Kraus he launched Southern Refridgeration and later established Snowcream Ltd. John Aylward revealed that the original name of the business was Snow White and after a letter from Walt Disney’s lawyers the name of the business became Snowcream. In 1961 Johnny formed Arcade Ltd. dealing in the sale of furniture, TV sets, toys etc. Johnny was the last of the siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 20 Jan. 1995, p. 12).
(12) Patrick Bernard Aylward; (1916-1943) was known by his middle name Bernard within his family. Bernard was only a little over 2 weeks past his 6th birthday when his mother died in 1922 and 12 ½ years old when his father died in 1929. Nine months after becoming an orphan he emigrated to Australia.
“Presentation to Cathedral Altar Boy—A delightful and touching little ceremony was held at the Sacristy of the Cathedral last night when the altar boys assembled to make a presentation to Master Bernard Aylward, son of the late John Aylward, Arundel Square, who is leaving Waterford tonight by the Rosslare Express, for Australia. He has been for some years one of the most regular attendants of the altar boys attached to the Cathedral, and his willingness on all occasions, coupled with a charming disposition, made him a great favourite with the priests and the boys there. In presenting him with a watch last night, the gift of his companions, Father O’Connor referred feelingly of the great grief they all felt at his departure, and express the hope the future would hold for him a bright and successful career in the new world. Master Aylward, who is only 13 years of age, will join other members of his family already settled in Australia” (Irish Examiner, Fri. 22 Nov.1929, p. 5).
Bernard remained in Melbourne, Australia until 1938 when he returned with his brother Johnny to Waterford. Bernard was a confectioner and as stated above he and Johnny set up a wholesale confectionary business. On 9 July 1942, during the Waterford Regatta, Bernard dived into the River Suir to save a young girl. He received a commendation posthumously for saving the child’s life (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 July 1945, p. 3). According to his nephew John Aylward he never fully recovered from the event and died on 21 February 1943 at the age of 26 from TB. On the death register it provides that he died at 43 St. Ursula’s Terrace and his brother Jimmy was present when he died. It is also noted that he had the TB for 3 months. The Waterford News & Star reported that the child he saved was May Drohan, of Lower Yellow Road, Waterford, a granddaughter of Col. P. Caulfield, Mayor. The child lost her footing on the Ferry hulk and toppled into the water. “Patrick Aylward, O’Connell St….plunged, fully clothed, into the river and succeeded in keeping the girl’s head above the water until she was taken into a boat…” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 10 July 1942, p. 4).
(13) Teresa Aylward (1917- 1985) married Michael O’Toole (farmer) in 1948 in Waterford. Michael O’Toole (b. 1917) was from Killea, Dunmore East, Waterford. The couple had 4 children.
The Waterford News & Star noted its regret to learn of the illness of Mrs. Teresa O’Toole, Liccawn, Dunmore East. She is wife of “a well known farmer in the area and before marriage was Miss Heeresa (sic) Boland (sic) of Waterford (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 1 Feb. 1985, p. 17). Her maiden name was of course Miss Teresa Aylward.
(14) Bartholomew “Bart” Aylward (1919 -1939) was the baby of the family and was only 3 when his mother died and 10 when his father died. He joined the Irish Air Corp in 1937 and was stationed at Baldonnell Aerodrone in Co. Dublin. He died at St. Bricin’s Military Hospital. He was survived by 7 of his siblings (Munster Express, Fri. 3 Nov. 1939, p. 6) Per the death register Bart died from heart failure on 13 October 1939 at the age of 19 due to embryonal carcinoma of the testis. It is the most common form of cancer in young men aged 15-35.
No. 1 Arundel Square: The Arundel Inn
In 1952 Jimmy applied to the Waterford Circuit Court for an extension of his liquor license to change the premises to make it more suitable for the license trade. At the time of the application Jimmy was a publican and wholesaler in Arundel Square. Garda Sergt. Sammon testified that the authorities had no objection to the application and stated that the premises were congested. He opined that the new license would make the premises more suitable. However, it was Jimmy’s testimony in the case that provides insight to the business after his father’s death. Jimmy testified that his family had been in the licensing trade all of his life. He took over in 1928, but his old license lapsed in 1933 through mismanagement of business. Jimmy candidly stated, “I was young at the time and I gave out a lot of credit” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 March, 1945, p. 1). At the time Jimmy began to run the business in 1928 he was only 21 years of age and his father died early in 1929.
After Jimmy’s license lapsed Thomas Jackman held it. In 1945 an article in the Munster Express noted the “re-opening of licensed premises under the management of James J. Aylward. The proprietor has been attached to the staff of John Egan and Sons, Barronstrand St. for a number of years, and the experience gained was said to be an added advantage to the services. Mr. Aylward’s late father conducted a flourishing business in the same premises for many years” (Munster Express, Fri. 2 March, 1945, p. 1).
In 1945 Jimmy applied to the court and a new license was granted. In 1950 he took out a wholesale license, as a result of which his shop became congested with cases and barrels. In the night time he usually had to put four or five people in the small office on the Arundel Square side, but if his application for an extension was granted, he would turn it into a small snug (Munster Express, Fri. 12 Feb. 1954, p. 2). The extension of the license was granted and Jimmy secured a lease from the corporation for No. 2 Arundel Square. Part of the premises at No. 1 Arundel Square became the Arundel Inn. In 1960 Jimmy “blazed a trail at Johnstown [Waterford] by opening the Wander Inn, Waterford’s first bar-restaurant (Munster Express, Fri. 8 July 1960, p. 1).
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to John Aylward for sharing family information and photos of his fascinating family.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For a short article on life expectancy in Ireland see, Brendan Walsh, “Life Expectancy in Ireland Since the 1870s,” 48(2) The Economic and Social Review (2017) pp.127-143.
One Hundred Years Ago: February 1922
In February 1922 all the national and local newspapers were full of coverage of pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty stances being taken across the country by various politicians and groups. Today, we are going to focus on more local events or events that directly impacted on Glenmore residents just after the signing of the Treaty and before the Civil War commenced.
British Troops Withdrawn
The process of withdrawing British troops from the military barracks began in early February. On the 8th the Kilkenny military barracks were formally handed over to representatives of the Irish Provisional Government (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5.) The Ferrybank barracks were evacuated by the R.I.C. nine months previously and on 10 February the Ferrybank Company of the Waterford City I.R.A. Battalion flew the Tri-colour from the building. Other local barracks taken over by the I.R.A recorded in the Munster Express included Dunmore, Portlaw and Tramore (Sat. 18 Feb. 1922, p. 5). In some areas, the local economy suffered with the withdrawal of the British troops. For example, in one week 400 men were thrown out of employment in the Curragh area (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
The Glenmore Barracks could not be taken over because it was burned in April 1920 by the Glenmore Company of the I.R.A. as were several other local rural R.I.C. barracks during the War of Independence. The Glenmore Barracks was rebuilt in 1925. For more information concerning the burning of the barracks see our post of 11 April 1920. For more information concerning the re-building of the barracks see our post of 26 September 2021.
Crime
Although crime had been a feature during the War of Independence it continued and appeared to flourish as the Free State began planning for taking over the running of the country. The I.R.A. on the 30th of January 1922 proclaimed martial law in five parishes in the Dundrum area of South Tipperary “in consequence of a number of hold ups, robberies, and in one case murder, by armed desperadoes” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Feb. 1922, p. 5). A similar martial law proclamation was issued in County Kilkenny on the 9th of February “…owing to grave disorders and serious injury to property, resulting in throwing a large number of men out of employment…regulations will be rigorously enforced…in the Parish of Glogh, Parish of Doonane and that portion of Castlecomer Parish lying to the north of the town of Castlecomer…signed George O’Dwyer, commandant, Kilkenny Brigade I.R.A.” (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
The Co. Kilkenny proclamation appears to have been made following an attack on coal mines near Castlecomer. On 9 February 1922 a large body of men, estimated to be 80 or more, went to the Rock Bog and Vera Pits and caused £15,000 of damage to the mines and mining equipment. The Vera Pit immediately closed throwing 250 men out of employment. It was estimated that it would take five months to get the other mine back to its normal production (Kilkenny People, Sat. 11 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
However, in the policing vacuum it wasn’t just groups of men attacking various business, that caused unemployment. Sometimes it was direct action against businesses by the I.R.A., or members of the I.R.A., that caused businesses to threaten to close. The Munster Express published an article that the Going and Smith Mills of Cahir were to close their large mills after the 25th of February. Prior to the end of hostilities several motor cars, each worth £800, belonging to the owners of the mills were seized in lieu of levies by the I.R.A. Decrees of compensation were obtained by the owners against the British authorities. Subsequently another I.R.A. levy of £100 was made on the mills, but the owners, because of the previous seizures declined to pay. In response a load of materials sent out from the mills was seized in Cahir, but the representatives of the labourers of the Mill caused the materials to be returned to the Mill. On the 17th of February materials were again seized along with a motor lorry. The owners then gave notice of their intent to close the mills. Commandant Robinson sent a notice to the firm that there would be no more commandeering and the owners agreed to continue operating the mills (Munster Express, Sat. 25 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
Closer to Glenmore, lawlessness in New Ross became such an issue that the I.R.A. directed that the electric and gas lamps in New Ross were to remain on all night (New Ross Standard, Fri. 10 Feb. 1922, p. 7). In Waterford City, toward the end of February, a man named Conway, described as being of the “tramp class,” smashed a large plate glass window valued at £70 of the Phelan Brothers, drapery shop on George’s street. It was stated that there was no known reason for the damage. Conway was immediately apprehended by the staff and held until the I.R.A. arrived and placed him under arrest. He was brought before the local Sinn Fein magistrates and remanded in custody to the Ballybricken jail (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 24 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
During this period two “catch and release kidnappings” were reported. On the 31st of January two men, who were not disguised, entered the offices of Colfer and Sons, Solicitors, New Ross, and asked for Mr. Colfer. When he came out of his office, he was placed in a motor car and driven across the bridge and up through Co. Kilkenny. After crossing the bridge Mr. Colfer was blindfolded and he heard shots being fired. When the car stopped he was placed in an outhouse and kept there until about 1 o’clock the following morning He was given some tea, blindfolded, put back into the motor car and driven to the Mile Bush and released. He walked from the Mile Bush to Rosbercon and was at his office at ten that morning (New Ross Standard, Fri. 3 Feb. 1922, p. 4). The newspaper gave no indication why Solicitor Colfer was kidnapped.
In February the courts continued to operate alongside the newly formed I.R.A. courts. In February, three railways officials from Aylwardstown, Glenmore, on their way to the Rosbercon petty sessions court were kidnapped by three or four men and held until the petty session court was over. One of the men kidnapped was Michael Fleming, a signalman, who was the complainant against Glenmore native Thomas Morrissey for assault. It was alleged that on the 23rd of January Thomas Morrissey assaulted Michael Fleming at Aylwardstown. Another signalman and the stationmaster were summoned as witnesses and were also kidnapped. When the case was called before Col. R. Tyndall, it was noted that Denis Daly had left the summons with the wife of the defendant Thomas Morrissey. The defendant did not turn up either. The railway sent Solicitor James J. O’Connor to the proceedings who reported to the court that he was instructed by the railway company to appear on behalf of the prosecution. When queried why the complainant was not prosecuting Solicitor O’Connor stated that he was and asked for the case to be adjourned. Col. Tyndall adjourned the case for a fortnight (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
The New Ross Standard published the following editorial calling on citizens to help put down crime and restore social order.
“A National Duty—In every community the criminal is ever on the alert watching his opportunity to perpetrate crime. Pending the setting up of a regular police force in this country during the transition stage there are offences committed against persons and property, mainly against the latter, and all of a more or less serious character. Robberies and minor thefts are terribly prevalent. Under our own Government, therefore, which is functioning under very great difficulties, it is the obvious duty of our people—irrespective of political views—to help to put down crime. That is the first essential of good Government, and no good citizen will hesitate to co-operate with the existing authority to restore social order. These are not the days of foreign rule when assistance in this direction would be regarded as the action of a loyalist. Our temporary police force are displaying much activity, and it is a national duty to assist them in protecting our people from opportunist criminals who are becoming so numerous” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 4).
Football, Fishing and a Runaway Deer in Glenmore
In February 2022 Glenmore played Cloneen for the senior Co. Kilkenny football final and won by a large margin. It was described by the New Ross Standard (20 Feb. 1922, p. 7) as a “splendidly contested match” which we will feature in a forthcoming blog post. For information on the 1920-1921 Glenmore football seasons see our previous post of 9 August 2021.
Although it was reported that the salmon fishing season had started off well by mid-February it was reported that it “…had become rather poor primarily because the weather was against fishing” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
Lastly, events described in a small article in the New Ross Standard may have rivalled the football title as a conversation topic when Glenmore people met each other. It was reported that a “runaway deer” caused excitement as it “careened through parts of the South Kilkenny districts.” Unfortunately, the article does not indicate where the deer escaped, but it did note “that near Glenmore it jumped a gate eight feet high, dashed through the village and headed towards Coolnashaw.” A dog then began to chase it and “it jumped clean over a donkey and cart with a woman in it. The cart was drawn across the road whilst the woman was speaking to a neighbour. The dog soon lost sight of the antlered monarch” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
The advertisement for Barry and Butler dressmaking Carrigcloney, Glenmore appeared in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 17 Feb. 1922, p. 8). More Glenmore related advertisements may be found in our post dated 19 December 2020.
The drawing of the deer is courtesy of the New York City Public Library digital collection. (The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1849). Common deer Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-4213-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.)
If anyone has any further information or corrections please send them to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Edward Walsh (1862-1946)Proprietor & Editor of The Munster Express
In August 2020 while we were researching the Champion 1906 Glenmore Football Team a sports journalist that wrote, under the nom de plume Ned of the Hill, for the Munster Express wrote several articles objecting to the unfair treatment of the Glenmore Football team (click here for the football article). In August 2020 Danny Dowling (1927-2021) stated that he thought that Ned of the Hill may have been Edward Walsh (1862 -1946) the proprietor and editor of The Munster Express in 1907. Glenmore and other areas of South Kilkenny featured heavily in The Munster Express in the early years of the twentieth century under Edward Walsh. A column entitled “Glenmore Notes” appeared regularly in the first decade of the century to be eventually replaced by “Echoes from South Kilkenny.” Ned of the Hill, disappeared and returned, in 1922, when Ned of the Hill authored a column entitled “Summer Rambles in the Walsh Mountains” which are located in South Kilkenny. Today, we are going to feature Edward Walsh (1862-1946), his newspaper, and Ned of the Hill
Ned of the Hill
In August 2020 we contacted John O’Connor of The Munster Express who stated that The Munster Express was originally launched as a farmers’ paper and was particularly popular in South Kilkenny. Its founding editor, Joseph Fisher, was very active in the Land League and was a leading member of the Farmers’ Club. Joseph Fisher died in 1882 and his sons took over the business. In 1889, Joseph’s son William, as editor of The Munster Express was jailed for the newspaper’s support for the Land League and its opposition to rack rents. Edward Walsh (1862-1946) purchased the newspaper from the Fisher family.
John O’Connor identified two individuals who may have been Ned of the Hill at various times during the early twentieth century. The first ‘Ned’ identified by John O’Connor was a schoolteacher or school principal, named Edward Walsh, from the Carrickshock and Hugginstown area. John did not know if the schoolteacher, Edward Walsh, was related to the proprietor, Edward Walsh.
The second ‘Ned’ identified by John O’Connor was a Mr. E.V. Drea, a town councilor in Waterford. E.V. Drea’s daughter in the early 1950’s was the subject of a news item in The Munster Express and within there was reference to her deceased father having been ‘Ned.’ (Email from John O’Connor dated 31 Aug. 2020).
For a tradition of Ned of the Hill see Duchas, Éamonn an Chnoic.
For the Pogue’s rendition of see their You Tube, Young Ned of the Hill.
Glenmore Connection
Danny Dowling recalled that Edward Walsh (1862-1946), although born in Waterford City was related to one or more Glenmore families, but Danny could not recall the details. This past week while going through some of Danny’s voluminous files a copy of an obituary provided one link between Glenmore and Edward Walsh (1862-1946). The Munster Express on 8 February 1908 published an obituary for Mrs. Mary Aylward (c. 1838-1908) of Rochestown, Glenmore. It was reported that in addition to being the wife of James Aylward (c. 1831-1916) “she was the mother to Mr. John Aylward, Arundal Square and to Mr. Bartholmew Aylward, Peter Street, and Michael Street, Waterford, and cousin to Mr. E. Walsh, T.C., Editor and proprietor Munster Express.” Other cousins of the deceased lady listed in her obituary include: John Holden, Edward Cody, John Cody, Thomas Neville, Michael Neville, Thomas O’Meara, Joseph Croke and William O’Neill. “Amongst those who attended the funeral from Waterford included…E.V. Drea…”
It is not known if Edward Walsh (1862-1946) and Mrs. Mary Aylward (1838-1908) were first or more distant cousins, but it appears from the obituary that the proprietor and editor was making a point including their relationship and other cousins that they presumably shared. Mary Aylward married James Aylward on 12 Feb. 1857 at Rosbercon. The only information that is listed is his address is listed as Ballynock. It is assumed that Mary Aylward née Aylward was from Rosbercon or Glenmore parish very near its border with Rosbercon parish. James Aylward and his wife, Mary Aylward née Aylward had at least twelve known children:
[1] Patrick Aylward (bapt. 24 Jan. 1858); [2] Ellen Aylward (b. 22 June 1859) ; [3] Tobias Aylward (b. 30 Nov. 1860); [4] Catherine Aylward (b. 7 May 1862); [5] John Aylward (b. 10 Feb. 1863); [6] Thomas Aylward (b. 25 May 1865); [7] Bridget Aylward (b. 16 Jan. 1867); [8] James Aylward, (b. 25 Oct. 1868); [9] John Aylward (b. 16 Feb. 1870); [10] James Aylward (bapt. 4 Aug 1872; [11] Michael Aylward (14 April 1874); and [12] Bartholomew Aylward (b. 19 April 1876). Four of the Aylward children had Holden godparents including: Bartholomew Holden, Mary Holden, Catherine Holden and John Holden.
Edward Walsh’s (1862-1946) obituary in The Munster Express (Fri. 12 July 1946, p. 4) provides that he was “…born in Waterford on the 23rd November 1862, he had reached the ripe age of over 83 years. He was quite active up to a few months ago and enjoyed perfect health throughout his long and eventful public and business life. The youngest of a large family, in the natural sequence of events, he survived them all. Sprung from good old County Kilkenny business, professional and farming stock on both paternal and maternal sides, he was connected with many of the oldest families in the South of Ireland, extending right down to the confluence of the Suir, Nore and Barrow to within a couple miles of, and in view of, his native City of Waterford.”
Parents & Siblings
Edward Walsh (1862-1946) was the son of Patrick Walsh and Catherine Doherty. His parents were married on 6 March 1848 at Trinity Within, Cathedral, Waterford. Unfortunately, the parish records do not provide any information as to the location of their births, the names of their fathers, or their ages. However, the records do reveal that the couple had at least seven children all baptized at Trinity Within, Cathedral, Waterford including: [1] John Walsh (bapt. 28 May 1850); [2] Joseph Walsh (bapt. 22 Aug. 1851); [3] Joseph Walsh (bapt. 27 Feb. 1853); [4] Ann Walsh (bapt 6 Nov. 1854); [5] Joanna Walsh (bapt. 3 March 1856); [6] Brigid Walsh (bapt. 7 Feb. 1858) and [7] Edward Walsh (bapt. 23 Nov. 1862). In 1854, Ann’s godfather was Joseph Doherty which may aid in discovering the location of Catherine Walsh née Doherty’s birth.
Edward Walsh (1862-1946)
Although his obituary takes up nearly a page of The Munster Express ( Fri. 12 July 1946, p. 4) very little is revealed concerning his early life in Waterford City. From the 1901 Census it is known that he was married to Margaret (c. 1865-1935) (née Power). The couple were living at 15 Peter Street, Waterford in a class 2 house comprised of 9 rooms with 5 windows across the front and one outbuilding. Edward’s profession is listed as Master Cork Manufacturer. It is assumed that he plied his trade from the outbuilding. Edward could read and write Irish. The census records that six children are in the household from 9 to 2 months of age. Also present in the home is his brother-in-law William Power, aged 45, who is married and employed as the clerk of the R.C. Cathedral. All the family except Margaret and her brother William Power were born in Waterford City. Margaret and William Power were born in Co. Waterford. By 1911 the family had moved to 6 Hanover Street, Waterford. Edward is 48 year of age and the proprietor of a newspaper. He and Margaret had been married for 21 years and had 10 children but only 8 were living in 1911. William Power, aged 59 is still with the family and still employed at the Cathedral. Two sons were employed at the newspaper, Patrick (aged 19) as a journalist and Edward (aged 16) as a printer. The house was a 12 room first class house occupied by 10 people.
In addition to losing two children under the age of 2, Edward and Margaret lost two adult sons within a period of three months. William “Willie” Walsh, aged 21, died on 26 October 1921 at 37 The Quay, Waterford of TB. He was under medical care for 18 months and his profession was listed as printer (Waterford Death Register). Three months later on 27 January 1922, John Walsh, aged 22, died of meningitis after a severe attack of influenza. At the time of his death John was employed at the National Bank of Cahir and previously had been in their Wexford Branch (New Ross Standard, 3 Feb. 1922, p. 5).
In addition to running and editing The Munster Express, Edward Walsh was also involved in Waterford politics, was a staunch Nationalist and supported a number of charities. He twice served as Mayor of Waterford and also served as the High Sheriff. It was reported that 30 years prior to his death (c. 1916) he was offered a knighthood, but he declined it because there was not an All Ireland Parliament functioning in Dublin. He was a life master of the Holy Ghost Hospital, Waterford; President of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society, Waterford and President of the Cathedral Confraternity; Director of the Tourist Association; and served on the Waterford Corporation for 40 years. He also served as a member of the governing bodies of Dublin and Cork University Colleges. In recognition for his services in the cause of Irish Nationalism he was presented with a plaque of Daniel O’Connell by Isaac Butt (Irish Press, Wed. 10 July 1946, p. 4). Resolutions of Sympathy were extended after his death to his family by Glenmore Comhaire Ceanntair, Fianna Fáil (Irish Press, Thurs. 1 Aug. 1946, p. 9.)
We hope that one or more readers may be able to shed some more light on the connections between Edward Walsh and his Glenmore and South Kilkenny connections.
Special thanks to John O’Connor and Liam Murphy for information they provided.
Please send any correction or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh