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 20^th 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 6^th 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.